A Free-Fair-All

So thanks to one of our most anti-lame Campaign members, Sarah, we got free tickets to the Oak Mountain State Fair in Pelham, Alabama this past weekend. Allow us to share with you some thoughts on the whole deal...

Sunscreen. Never leave home without it. Carnival rides not only hoist you up much closer to the sun, but they generally take place during the peak sun hours of the day, so take heed and don't look like a lobster by the end of the day.

Appropriate clothes. Wear something you can sweat in, but also something that protects the parts of your body that will come into contact with carnival rides, because, well, we're just not sure about those surfaces. Also an extra dose of deodorant wouldn't hurt. This is the day to forgo the Toms and lather on that antiperspirant. You need chemicals.

Make new friends! Especially with Carnies. Because the last person you want on your bad side is someone controlling the metal cage of death you are strapped to.

To-go plates? Could we get some?? Since I'm always on the more nauseous end of the stomach spectrum when I'm at a fair, I am never able to fully enjoy the food offerings of such an event. However, several hours after I've been home, nothing sounds more appetizing than a deep-fried oreo and fried alligator on a stick.

Be sure to catch a show! Whether it's monkeys riding dogs or racing pigs, no carnival experience is complete without seeing animals doing cute things. While we're not sure how PETA feels about it, us at the Anti-Lame Camp believe that these animals are just living out their childhood fantasies of being a carnival act.

Bethany would like you to pardon her sweat stains. But we're just bein' real.

You know it's an intense ride when you can take a photo while you're mid-air.

Go Ride a Bike

Enjoy this post from guest blogger and from Anti-Lame friend, Hunter Van Wagenen!

Last Saturday, April 21st, was the day of the annual Old Howard bike ride. The race is named for the fact that the course takes riders past the original site of Howard College (so technically it’s in Marion, AL and not Birmingham), which moved locations twice and then changed its name to Samford University. Participants have a choice of taking a 30-, 45-, 75-, or 100-mile course, and it is a beautiful ride. That’s enough history. I, Hunter (or Veedubs if I get to choose my own nickname), decided that one of the best ways to make my final semester as an undergraduate at Samford NOT lame would be to ride in this race. At first, naïve young fellow that I was, I thought I would do the 100-mile ride. Reality quickly set in, however, that riding 100 miles on a bike is roughly equivalent to running a marathon, so I set my sights at the more achievable 45 miles, which had the added bonus of convincing a friend of mine to do it with me.

Training was fun, because we both have old Craig’s List types of bikes that are reliable but that no “real” biker would ever use. It allowed for a lot of male bonding and feeling extremely professional once we got to the point where we were pretty good. Then came race day.

45 miles sounds pretty easy. It’s a short drive, right? Those hills aren’t that steep. Wrong. I’d say that ride ranks as the most physically difficult thing I’ve ever done. The rest of the day my legs felt like jelly and this entire week my metabolism has been in overdrive with the side-effect that I’ve been hungry all the time. But the excitement of our achievement kept my friend and me smiling despite the fatigue, because we FREAKING BIKED 45 MILES! Plus we got tshirts to proclaim our greatness to the world.

So here are some tips for when you decide to up your anti-lame factor by riding in a race:

Train – however in shape you are, however long the ride is, make sure you have actually ridden a real bike a few times before you get into it. It will lead to much less pain for your experience.

Get bike shorts – up until last Saturday I was among those who make fun of people who wear spandex. No more. Sitting on a bike seat for 45 miles was roughly equivalent to getting kicked in the bum in slow motion for 3 hours. The spandex may be silly-looking, but the padding to support your southern areas is worth
swallowing your pride. Pride is lame anyway.

Do it with a friend – there were at least a couple dozen times that I was about ready to die on an uphill or my posterior was throbbing, but every time I groaned my friend had an encouraging word to cheer me on, as I did for him. We could not have done it without each other. Also, it’s way more fun to give victory high fives to friends than strangers.

Get Sponsored? – Get friends and family to pitch in a dime or a quarter for every mile you ride and you could be able to raise a fair amount of money for your favorite charity or organization (e.g. www.mpowerministries.org). I was too busy with senior stuff to figure this one out in time, but next race I do, I’m definitely going to try to make it about more than just my awesomeness.

Wear a cape – because no amount of charitable feeling completely rules out wanting to look awesome. Just make sure it doesn’t get caught in your chain.

Lessons in Blogging

Since starting this blog more than one year ago, we have experienced the highs and lows of sharing in the blogosphere. Not really. That's mostly an exaggeration. What's more true is that we've learned a couple of things in the past year. And we want to share those lessons with you.

Lesson #1: This advice came from a good friend when we first launched the Anti-Lame Campaign. He said, "Starting a blog is easy. Maintaining it is the hard part." So true, Rick. We've learned that blogging frequently doesn't always happen. And when you don't post frequently, it's hard to create a revolution. Which, as you know, is our goal.

Lesson #2: When you post videos, not everyone will appreciate their ridiculousness. But post them anyway.

Lesson #3: The more obscure references used in posts and post titles, the better. Because if someone recognizes it you give them a sense of belonging.

Lesson #4: We haven't employed this lesson yet, but rest assured we will soon. If you can't think of a clever reference, make one up and pretend it came from somewhere.

Lesson #5: Get other people to give you material. We want to have more guest posts. More people involved = more people who are invested in the cause.

Lesson #6: Photos make posts more fun.

Lesson #7: Don't take your blog too seriously. Sure, we've passed out our blog's business cards on cruises and at church, but we recognize it's all in good fun. Some people may want to stay lame. Our job is only to present the opportunity for change.

We hope these suggestions have been informative and helpful. And if not, at least it's another post from us!

How to Camp (like a boss)

Camping has been a pastime for centuries. Heck, it used to be a way of life. These days, though, life has gotten a little cushy. So, the Anti-Lame Campaign decided a trek in the wilderness was just the dose of reality needed once springtime weather reached Birmingham.

Tips for planning your next camping trip:
1. Don't do it last minute. Unfortunately, people are busy these days. Well, some people are.
2. Buy the proper gear instead of relying on others. You'll be happier and less stressed. And maybe your air mattress will actually inflate.
3. Invest in kindling.
4. Invest in hot dogs with fat in them. The fat free kind roasted over an open flame are insufficient.
5. Wear appropriate attire. See video below for suggestions.
6. Have more than two people. Even if the two people are awesome. Have more than two people.
7. Brace yourself beforehand for a rough night's sleep. Oak Mountain State Park's wilderness is not the Marriott. Roots and leaves are not nature's own pillowtop mattress.

All in all, our adventure was fun. There was mystery - will we actually succeed in pitching our tent? Intrigue - what is this bingo at campsite B we see signs for? And danger - will we injure ourselves opening a bottle sans bottle opener? For answers to theses questions, and much more, see our instructional video below.

Thank you for following the Anti-Lame Campaign, and happy camping!
Bethany and Erin

Smoke-free, way to be!

Healthy Lung Club



Breathing easy at Shelby's in Pelham!

 

My younger birthday parties would have themes like Barbie, Cinderella, and spend-the-night fun, but now that I am in my twenties my parties have taken on different themes. This year's theme being SMOKE-FREE! While I love going out, dancing, listening to music, etc., a fun night on the town can be easily ruined by having to inhale a bunch of smoke. Usually in the summer you have the choice of being outside, which helps with the air quality. Sadly, when it is in the 30's outside, you don't have that option. Therefore, being born in February, I decided to choose some of my favorite smoke-free spots at which to celebrate my 27th birthday. Is this a sign of maturity? I think so!  Let's face it, I don't clean with vinegar and baking soda and use aluminum-free deodorant during the week just to fill my body with carcinogens on the weekend!

Here is a list of some of Birmingham's smoke-free facilities for a night out that does not require a shower before you climb into bed!

Birmingham's Best for Smoke-free Entertainment:

Bottletree—There may be some weird stuff going on here, but you won’t find anyone flicking their Bic.

Comedy Club Stardome: I laugh much harder now that I know my favorite comedians are working in a safe environment!

Grey Bar—Excellent outdoor seating & no smoking inside either!

Shelby's –Another home run from the Grey Bar owners, who know what works…smoke-free facilities & clean bathrooms!

Birmingham's Worst Offenders:

Back 9—More like “I’ve had to go BACK to the doctor NINE times because there’s tar in my lungs!”

Starz Karaoke--Because the smoke really damages my singing ability. Yeah, THAT'S why I sound terrible...--

Barrister’s Tavern—You can pretty much smell the smoke from 31.

Fox and the Hound—This place is just not cool enough to warrant fumigating my purse after a visit.

 Anti-lamers, we want to know what spots you hit when you want to breathe easy! Also, please give us a heads-up of the spots in Birmingham where we need to bring along our oxygen tank!

Sunday Fun Day

Note: Erin is much less blurry in real life.

A note to our fan base: We promise that the Anti-Lame Campaign has been doing a whole lot of anti-lame things. Unfortunately, when you're so busy being anti-lame, it becomes difficult to find the time to write about your anti-lame adventures. We do, however, promise to do better in the coming months to let you all know about upcoming area events and anti-lame ideas.

____________________________________________________________

After several weeks of after hours meetings, out of town trips, and very little down time, I deemed yesterday “Sunday Fun Day.” And what does such a day look like to this Anti-Lame blogger? Well, I’m glad you asked.

1. Worship with my community of faith (that has become a whole lot like family)

2. Brunch at Bottletree Café

3. Exploring the city

4. Perusing discounted books

5. Frozen yogurt

6. Matinee movie

Sunday began as any Sunday should, in my opinion, with worship.

A group of Anti-Lamers then traveled to the Avondale area of Birmingham for brunch at Bottletree Café. Bottletree is a fun, quirky restaurant and music venue with kind employees, delicious food, and an atmosphere unlike any other.

I had the BLTree, a sandwich on focaccia bread with avocado, egg, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. It came with a side of fruit and I ordered a cup of coffee. The next time I visit Bottletree I will have to ask what kind of coffee they brew, because it was fantastic. The sandwich was pretty tasty, as well.

The BLTree

The Sombrero

Other friends tried The Standard and the The Sombrero. With good friends, good food, and a unique ambiance, Sunday Brunch at Bottletree is something every Birmingham-er/ian must experience.

Next, we explored some areas of Birmingham that we don’t frequent often – Crestwood and East Lake. There are so many different Birmingham neighborhoods, each with distinct personalities, and it’s so much fun to get to know the interesting shops, parks, and restaurants in the different areas.

Enjoying the finer things in life

The weather yesterday was amazing, so no Fun Day would be complete without a nice stroll outdoors and some frozen yogurt. Thankfully, there are outdoor shopping centers to accommodate those whose walking wishes are less…aerobic in nature. Patton Creek has a Yogurt Mountain, so after some walking and bookstore perusing, we popped in for a sweet treat.

Most of my movie-watching these days is made possible by Red Box rentals or Dollar movies, but every now and then I like to treat my self to plush stadium seats and new releases. A ticket to a matinee cost $7.50, and since I snuck in my Dr. Pepper 10 soda, I wasn’t tempted to spend my life-savings on popcorn and a fountain drink.

All in all, this Sunday Fun Day was a smashing success. What are your favorite Sunday activities?

Have yourself a tacky little Christmas!

In the spirit of Christmas, well…not really the spirit of Christmas, but the spirit of excess and pageantry that generally comes with Christmas, many people host or attend a Tacky Christmas party. These are a great way to have an excuse to see friends, make good use of your mom’s old Christmas jewelry, and have a night off from looking cool to indulge your hideous side.

Maybe you’re already invited to a Tacky Christmas Party, or maybe you want to host one this season. Either way, here are some tips for a memorable Tacky Christmas Party!

1.      Make sure the guys dress up! For whatever reason, guys in Christmas vests & turtlenecks are 10x funnier than a girl in the same get-up. Don’t let those “too cool for school” guys get off the hook! Have a great incentive for the best dressed girl AND guy!

2.      This party is casual (tacky), so don’t serve food and drinks that are too classy. Pabst Blue Ribbon and some sliders are great for a gathering like this, because people will get enough homemade confections in the coming weeks.

3.      If you’re a girl, don’t try to look cute. Cute does not equal funny. Everyone can see you look gorgeous on New Year’s, but this night is about being ridiculous!

4.      Get a group photo. You want this night’s hilarity to be documented!

5.      Have a fun activity that allows guests to mingle/get to know each other. This could be tackily decorating cookies, having a White Elephant gift exchange, or caroling in your tacky gear.

So go hunt through your local thrift store, Christmas decorations box, or mom’s closet and spread Christmas cheer by dressing loudly for all to hear (or see!)

Merry Christmas from The Anti-Lame Campaign!

B-ball in the Ham

This is not a football post. Why? Well, does Birmingham need any additional reminders to be excited for football? Absolutely not. This post is a reminder that the State of Alabama and, more specifically, Birmingham, has got another sport to be excited about: basketball.  For the past couple of years I’ve attended (almost) all of the UAB Men’s Basketball games with my dad and brother.  I never went to school at UAB, but they hooked me with their “fastest 40 minutes in basketball” style, charismatic players, and exciting atmosphere.

UAB is the reigning C-USA regular season champions. Although the loss of guards Aaron Johnson and Jamarr Sanders will no doubt sting a little, I am optimistic about seeing what Ovie Soko and Cameron Moore have in store this year.  The Blazers have a way of playing that makes coming to the games, win or lose, extremely exciting and worth the trip to Bartow Arena. 

I never thought I’d enjoy going to these games as much as I do. If you think you’re too girly to care too much about basketball, allow me to give you some additional reasons to attend a Blazer’s game this year:

1.      People watching. You’ll see some characters, no doubt. Check the student section for some really awful/awesome moves during the “dance cam”.

2.      Good popcorn and Cokes. I am never without either one in the second half!

3.      Guys in basketball shorts. I pretend they’re not, like, 18…

4.      Hip hop. New and classic jams. 

5.      Climate-controlled sports viewing. Football can be MISERABLE. Why get sunburned or frost-bitten if you don’t have to?!

6.      Better halftime shows. I’ve never been big into band music…here you may see an elementary school hula-hooping team, dance contest, or guys doing tricks on bikes. I’d pay just to see that!

I’m sure by now you’re convinced that UAB Basketball is definitely NOT lame. J Go ahead and get your tickets to see them play their biggest rival, Memphis, on January 7^th! This is a game that any sports fan in Birmingham wouldn’t want to miss!

Go Blazers!!

Artwalk, BP, and Free Internet

Here is our ranking on tonight's activities ranked from most to least lame:

1. Artwalk - Sorry guys. I know 99% of the attendees for tonight's Artwalk just loved it. Unfortunately, my art depth is pretty shallow, so most of the creativity was lost on me. I did, however, enjoy coming across many a hipster male with a good beard. On the downside, each bearded man was attached...and not to me.
:( I love that area of town, but I think I may need to take a contemporary art appreciation class to fully enjoy the Artwalk experience.

2. BP - It may sound lame to you, but a convenience store with beverages for less than $2 a piece, after walking down hipster lane where coffee costs twice that (not knocking it...if you checked my bank statement you'd see the Red Cat on there more times than I'd like to admit) it's refreshing to go to a place more my speed. Plus, you always run into interesting folk there. And honestly, those people probably have more in common with me than the hipsters I encountered earlier.

3. Free Internet - Shout out to my alma mater: Samford University. Samford has free internet, upon which I am writing this lovely little blog entry with two fellow Anti-Lamers. After a nice walk around the campus on this gorgeous almost-fall evening, we retired to the food court area and are taking advantage of their awesome free internet. In addition, we are leaving this blog up on four computers when we walk away. Why? Anti-Lame proselytization? Perhaps. Is this the correct usage of that word? Perhaps not.

Moral: Try new things. Sometimes they'll be your cup o' tea...sometimes not.

All in a Saturday

Hello blog-following friends!

If you're less into football than the average Alabamian, have no fear! Saturday in the Ham offers many fun opportunities that do not revolve around "Roll Tide" or "War Eagle" exclamations.

On this particular Saturday, a few Anti-Lamers hit the town and made some new friends in this lovely city of ours.

First, we hit up Pepper Place Market, located in the Lakeview District. We were hoping to come across the Limin Lady, a sweet lady who sells the best mustard ever. Unfortunately, she was not present at this week's market. We did, however, meet some very nice folks at Three Knot Shop who make amazing frames out of reclaimed barn wood. Their products are BEAUTIFUL and pretty reasonable, especially considering their quality. For those of you who are not familiar with barn wood, it is wood that has been exposed to the elements and weathered, giving it a grayish hue. The wood used at the Three Knot Shop is between 70 and 90 years old and is mostly from Wilcox County, Alabama. This is a new business, so be sure to support them!

While at Pepper Place, we grabbed some food from the always delicious Red Cat Coffee Shop. I highly recommend the Burmese Frappe (a blended coffee drink flavored with coconut and vanilla) and the Almond Croissant. Sooooooooo good!

Now, I'm not a huge football fan (please, don't throw stones!), but we decided to "watch the game" and grab lunch at the same time. Slice Pizza & Brew in Lakeview just opened this July, so we headed down the street to try out this new local establishment. It wasn't as busy as I'm sure some suburban sports bars were, but there were several people there enjoying the game(s) and some delicious pizza. We tried the Super Cheese Pizza (which two people could NOT finish) and a Yellowhammer Saison. The pizza was awesome and the beer wasn't too bad either. They'll soon be carrying beer from the Avondale Brewing Company, and I look forward to having their Spring Street Saison with my pizza on my next visit. All in all, Slice was great and we're planning on making it our game-day venue...and you should, too!

Next, what Saturday is complete without a bit of shopping! We stopped by two places today - Mia Moda Boutique and the Clotheshorse, both in Vestavia. Mia Moda has tons of funky, trendy, and unique clothing and jewelery. Their staff are really friendly and will give you honest opinions on whether something looks good (or not!). The Clotheshorse is an upscale consignment shop for clothing, shoes, and accessories. One thing we recommend is that you pay attention to the tag colors. Similar to DWS, the Clotheshorse rotates their merchandise by offering sales based on the tag color. New items have a certain-colored tag and are not on sale, but there are normally items marked 25%, 50% and 75% off.

We got some great deals on items for our fall wardrobe! All the items below cost us $59. (One of the cashiers said that she paid over $100 just for a pair of shoes very similar to the ones on the left.)

The Clotheshorse puts out new merchandise every day, so be sure to check them out!

The moral of today's story is...while we appreciate football Saturdays in Alabama, there's so much more out there. Although, we're sure some of you may disagree:)

Bethdog (and Webbie)

Here at the Anti-Lame Camp, we appreciate just about anything that makes life more fun, less mundane, or somehow more interesting. The topic of nicknames came up the other day (a topic of which I have strong feelings toward) and we decided I should do a blog entry about just that. So, here are some of my thoughts on this, in my opinion, lost art. At least it's lost among my friends...hint hint...

Why are nicknames cool?
1. They create a special bond with people: Somehow you feel more of a kinship toward a person when you call them by their nickname. Like they've allowed you to be in their secret club and you've accepted by speaking the "password".

2.  It's kinda like what your parents would've named you if they could see into the future. Most likely, your given name doesn't say anything about your personality, preferences, sense of humor or appearance. Nicknames are more personal, more distinctly you.

3. It is more informal. If you've known a person for years, been across the country and back together, and consider them a best friend, a "birth certificate name" somehow seems too formal. That's where a nickname comes to the rescue! It becomes a term of endearment for a true friend.

4. It helps organize your phone. Let's face it, everyone has at least two Laurens or Johns in their phone. Wouldn't it be easier to call them by a nickname? Most people don't have two friends named Koko or T-Bone.

So...how does one go about getting a nickname? Probably the most organic and lasting way to get a nickname is to have a person(s) give it to you. You don't have much control over it, but you can give your friends this helpful list to ease them along the process.

Tips for a great nickname:

1. Numbers make great nicknames. For example, I have a friend whose nickname is "100" because he doesn't do anything halfway. Another friend who got carded at at PG-13 movie might benefit from the nickname "13" (or even PG for that matter..). Sports stars can use their jersey numbers. George Costanza wanted to name his first child Seven, so there's an idea for a Seinfeld fan. Just keep the number easy to say, because no one wants to yell 1,408 across a crowded room.

2. Nicknames can say something about you as a person. Your favorite band, your favorite brand of cheese, your car model ...whatever makes you unique can be made into a nickname. Plus, it gives some insight into your preferences. 

3. Nicknames can come from existing names. What's cooler than your first name? Probably your last name used as a nickname. Maybe your nickname comes from your full initials, like LAM, or from your first and last initials, such as Edub (for EW). Maybe it's your last name, but cooler. For example, if your last name is Zimmerman, you might be called Zimmy. These are usually easy to come up with and easy to remember!

There you have it Anti-Lamers! Go grab a friend and get to nicknaming! :)
Edub. Webbie. Webster. Just don't call me Erin.

Morgan Creek Winery

"Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free" 

Bob Dylan said it best, and those words sum up a fabulous night of music and fireworks at Morgan Creek Winery. What more could one ask for...wine, picnic-ing, dancing and fireworks? Pretty spectacular. Although a little outside of Birmingham's city limits, this summer event is more than worth the drive and the $10.00 entry fee.  Have you ever tasted a muscadine off the vine? Didn't think so. Not only did we experience new things (i.e. muscadine eating), but we got to listen to some awesome music (thanks to Bonus Round this particular evening) and enjoy a fireworks show while being in a little Napa Valley! 

We started out the evening by breaking open our picnic basket & bottle of wine purchased from Morgan Creek several months ago. After taking a breather, we  tasted eleven different wines, from the aptly named Vulcan Red to a sweet, southern peach wine--delicious! After the sun went down, we decided that was our cue to start the party and break it down! Of course this made others feel comfortable in joining us on the dance floor (a.k.a. the big grassy expanse in front of the stage) and we had a regular dance-off to covers such as "Party in the U.S.A.", "Gold Digger" and "My Girl"! What better way to burn those calories you spent on wine and brownies?!

 Anti-lame tip # 236:  Start dancing if no one else is dancing. You may feel awkward for a second, but it's almost 100% guaranteed to get others involved, which can quickly turn a regular event into a partay!!

Art on the Rocks

 

And HERE it is: The long anticipated review of Art on the Rocks.

Shout out to Chris for recommending it for review. (See, we DO listen when you guys tell us about things! Keep it up!)

This past month The Anti-Lame Campaign made an appearance at Art on the Rocks at the Birmingham Museum of the Arts! There was quite a turn out. There were a lot of people in Birmingham being Anti-Lame that night. For those who couldn’t make it out on July 22, make it out next time! (Which happens to just be around the corner on August 19.)

In addition to lots of people, there were un-ending trays of food from chips and dip, to pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, and fries. For those individuals who enjoy browsing a museum, you could! And there was even a scavenger hunt utilizing the museum and the pieces in it! There was a concert going on outside, an artist doing demonstrations, and even a station where YOU could try your hand at being an artist AND take your art home. There were drinks for sale and plenty of mingling with Birmingham’s social scene. Chances are high you will run into SOMEONE you know and it is almost guaranteed that you will meet someone new.

The Anti-Lamers that made it out had a wonderful time. Next time experience it for yourselves!

-Melissa

For more information on the Birmingham Museum of the Arts, visit: http://www.artsbma.org/. 

For more information on Art on the Rocks, visit:  http://www.artsbma.org/events/artontherocks

Top 5

You’re in for a treat.  Your Anti-Lame Advocates have blogged their “Top 5” lists to help increase your Birmingham enjoyment.  Let us know what other “Top 5”s you’d like to see in the future!

Top 5 Musical Venues
By: Laura and Bradley

1. Alabama Symphony Orchestra - ASO does a spectacular job of providing a variety of musical shows in a variety of price ranges. From top-dollar performances of world-renowned musicians to the free concerts at railroad park, there is always a performance that any music lover will enjoy. http://www.alabamasymphony.org/

2. Workplay - Brings out the edgier and more popular side of music life in Birmingham, with attractions such as Galactic, Little Big Town, and MuteMath. There is also a Latin Dance Night, where guests can learn how to dance Salsa, Merengue, or the Tango and then practice their new skills until late in the evening. http://www.workplay.com/

3. SuperJazz - An ensemble affiliated with the UAB music department and has been playing in the Birmingham area for over 25 years. They now play at Samford University 4 times a year and attract locals, students, and big-name jazz lovers and performers from around the globe. Prices are $5 for adults and seniors, $3 for students with IDs, and free for Samford students, faculty and staff. http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=14386

4. Alys Robinson Stephens Center - A venue that truly celebrates multiple art forms. From film screenings, to acrobats, to various musical performances, ARSC provides opportunities for those interested in all types of art. With events ranging from triple digits to free, this venue provides a wide variety of mind-stretching activities for those on a budget or willing to pay the big bucks. http://alysstephens.uab.edu/

5. Your Shower at Home - When is the last time you really let loose and sang in your shower? Not only is this completely free, but it could also provide some amusement for your neighbors. All great musicians have to start somewhere...

Top 5 Mexican Restaurants

by Melissa

1. Habaneros Mexican Grill - Located in Hoover, this Mexican joint has a fun and festive atmosphere. It can get a little loud during the lunch or dinner hours from being so busy so it may not be the place to go for a quiet business meeting. But, the wonderful food more than makes up for the volume. 
2. Hacienda Mexican Grill - This Mexican restaurant has 3 locations in the Greater Birmingham Area: Eastwood, off Valleydale, and Chelsea. The queso is amazing and the steak quesadilla is the best I have had to date. The atmosphere is somewhat quieter than Habaneros thus making it an ideal location for a variety of dinner needs. 
3. Sabor Latino - Located of Green Springs highway in Homewood, this restaurant is something special. Not only do they have drink special's Monday through Thursday, and an all you can eat buffet Monday and Tuesday nights, but their service is hard to beat. This is a restaurant that you can come to only a couple of times and feel right at home. 
4. Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Located in Vestavia Hills, this place has a very authentic feel. It is small enough that if you blink you will drive right past it, but, the service is amazing and the food fantastic. Here you will find a link to a much better review. http://blog.al.com/scenesource/2009/06/marias_restaurant_in_vestavia.html
5. Iguana Grill - Located in Vestavia Hills, this restaurant features an impressive interior and a classy vibe. The prices are reasonable given the setting and the food is amazing. The Iguana Grill is definitely something to experience. 

Top 5 Birmingham Bakeries

by Melanie

1. Klingler’s Bakery - If you have not heard of this bakery, you must go and see. This is a family owned restaurant which serves traditional German and European desserts and pastries. Klingler’s has been named one of the "Best of Birmingham" by Birmingham Magazine, and their Black Forest Cake was chosen as one of the "100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die" by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel. After tasting their desserts, one forgets the hustle-bustle environment of Birmingham and is suddenly transported to a quaint European atmosphere.
2. Savage’s Bakery - Craving a white cake with buttercream frosting? Savage’s is your bakery for finding the perfect wedding cake. Savage’s cakes are distinctively delicious. Don’t feel like a piece a cake? You must try their iced cookies- a cookie unlike any other.
3. Edgar’s Bakery - You want a full-service bakery- you got it! Everything is delicious here- but trying the strawberry and caramel cakes are a must. Additionally, Edgar’s has been rated by the Birmingham Reader’s Poll as the Best Bakery in Birmingham from 2007 to 2010.
4. Dreamcakes Bakery - You think Gigi’s has good cupcakes? Well, you obviously have not had a Dreamcakes cupcake. Rated among the best cupcakes in the South by Southern Living, Dreamcakes has quite the selection- ranging from the simple flavored chocolate cupcake to the more exotic mango tango and caramel sea salt mocha.
5. Pastry Art Bake Shoppe - On a diet? You don’t have to feel guilty when eating one of Pastry Art’s “Baby Bites.” Gone are the days of the unidimensional and often dry petits fours, welcome to the new world of flavor and variety when tasting the Baby Bite.

Top 5 Places to have a Picnic

by Erin

1. Railroad Park - downtown Birmingham. Duh, it's a happenin' place with lots of well-manicured, flat grassy areas that are perfect for a springtime picnic. There is also a covered area with tables, so your picnic can't get rained out & there is some shade in the summertime.

2. Orr Park - Montevallo, Alabama. This unique park has plenty of areas for a picnic, but has a charming, been-there-awhile charm, a beautiful stream, and tree carvings everywhere! Enjoy the quaint town while you are there, and be sure to check out the University of Montevallo campus for even more beauty.

3. Aldridge Gardens - Hoover, Alabama With lots of shade and coverings, this is a great place to take a date & talk about your hopes and dreams... or you could just walk the trails. Don't worry, these trails aren't too strenuous, so you our your gal can still visit even if she's chosen to wear a dress and flip flops.

4. Moss Rock Preserve - Hoover, Alabama  A little more intense hiking to get to where you're going, I haven't been to this place in the summer, but in the winter it was a great place to explore. Gigantic rocks, no, boulders, are all up in this natural area. The stream was dried up when I went, so try not to visit in a drought. Bottom line: if you like rocks, go here.

5. Oak Mountain State Park - This is a great place for a crowd. With pavilions and a "beach" there are plenty of different areas to picnic. Or take a special someone to the top of Peavine Falls for a more private place to picnic.

Top 5 Ways to Stay Lame

by Bethany

1. Don’t read our blog.
2. Don’t try new things.
3. Don’t venture downtown.
4. Don’t initiate plans (expect others to do all the work).
5. Don’t love life.

Summer Days (and Nights) - Part 1

Well friends, summer is in full swing in Birmingham.  We know that because….we have been to numerous weddings, been bitten by multiple mosquitoes, and have experienced mild heat strokes while walking to and from our vehicles.

While adults don’t get the luxury of summers off, we have found some ways to enjoy the summertime.

Last year, we created a fun tradition involving two of our favorite things: food and movies.  The Alabama Theatre offers several movie options each week during the summer.  Some are geared towards the kiddos, while others are perfect for dates and friends.

At only $7 a ticket, why would you watch a movie at a typical cinema?  These movies are classics (some cult classics, some award-winning), and always bring out a diverse crowd.  For the Ghostbusters movie, featured last year, there were many movie-goers who came decked out in costume, we discovered the Alabama Ghostbusters Community, and even saw an Ecto-1.

Refreshments are also very affordable.  Candy bars are $1, and popcorn is not much more.

Before each movie begins, you have the opportunity to listen to the Mighty Wurlitzer and participate in a sing-along.  Don’t be shy friends.  Really let it loose.  Why?  Because you’re at the dang Alabama Theatre.  A historical institution.  And because not singing is totally lame.

Before catching a flick, which normally begin at 7pm, we’ve found that enjoying a good Newk’s Q sandwich (see previous post) really helps set the mood.  Pick any other fun restaurant, and you’ve got a dinner and a movie experience perfect for a summer evening in Birmingham.

The Anti-Lame Campaign will be enjoying this Alabama landmark on July 16^th for a Hitchcock double feature, July 23^rd for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and July 31^st for Roman Holiday.  We hope to see you there!

Your Summer Fun Police

Picks by Webbie

So, I am sure that all of you were blown away by Bethany’s articulate, informative post about her favorite foods found around the city. She did a great job describing some of the life-changing eats around town, but there are just a ton more to talk about. Plus, let’s not forget that it isn’t ALL about the food…well, for some people, maybe, but it’s also about the atmosphere and experience! Indulge me for a bit as I give you MY favorites list!

Best Italian: Duh, Joe’s Italian! This casual, affordable Italian  restaurant is totally authentic and absolutely delicious when you’re in the mood for some artery-clogging, real-deal Italian! Catch them on a busy night and add to the authenticity by listening to their in-house accordion player! Tip: the stuffed shells are to die for, and watch out if you order a piece of cake--it’s about 1/4 of a dang cake!

Best Outdoor dining: Tie for Chuy’s and Flip Burger Boutique. Both are right next door to each other at the top of The Summit, and offer outdoor seating with an incredible view of the city!

Best Service: Margarita Grill in Pelham. The service is top-notch, with the owner stopping by often to mingle with guests. Caution: Their service is borderline annoying if you’re an independent gal like me…but chivalry is definitely not dead at Margarita Grill!


Best Appetizer: Sweet Potato Fries at Village Tavern. Uhmm, YES!! Crunchy, not too thin, sprinkled with cinnamon/sugary goodness and dipped in their amazing honey mustard sauce. Perfection!

Best Adult Beverage: Sol Y Luna: This tapas place has some wonderful margaritas and house drinks! Don’t expect “typical Mexican”, but get ready for some interesting dishes and quality cocktails!

Best Sandwich: Hands-down the Newk’s Q from Newk’s (downtown location, preferably). Pair this grilled-chicken with bacon, swiss, and white-BBQ sauce sandwich with their sweet pickles and Tippah County Caviar (a black-eyed pea salsa-type side) and get ready for your world to be rocked.

With a close runner-up, the Club sandwich from Ragtime Cafe. PINEAPPLE on a club? Don't knock it 'til you've tried it!

Hungry Yet? Lay off me, I'm starving!!

Peace,

Erin

Bethany's Bests

I am in no way a “foodie,” but I do love to eat! And, when I eat I like to do it without going bankrupt, thus you will not see Ocean or Satterfield’s on this list. I’m sure they are great, but until Birmingham boys start asking me out and taking me to those fancy places, this gal on a nonprofit salary will enjoy the more budget-friendly restaurants in the area.

1. Burger – Bottletree

Bottletree Café is a quirky restaurant/music venue in Avondale off of 3^rd Avenue South. In addition to a great lunch menu featuring many vegan-friendly options, they also make a great burger. The burger is not standard fare, so you have to catch it as a daily special, but it is by far my favorite in town.

2. Milkshake – FLIP burger boutique and Chick-fil-A

Flip is a little too trendy for my taste, but it certainly offers a unique dining experience with both traditional and gourmet burgers, tasty dipping sauces, and amazing milkshakes. My friends and I differ in opinions on which shake is supreme, but I am sticking to my guns with my ruling that the Nutella and Burnt Marshmallow Milkshake is the best gourmet milkshake, not only at Flip Burger, but in Birmingham.

We can’t always be gourmet, though, and for those days when you’re craving a milkshake but can’t make it to FLIP, I offer to you the Chick-fil-A Cookies & Cream Milkshake. My health-nut sister has even been converted. It’s that good.

3. Cupcake – dreamcakes bakery and Urban Standard

Dreamcakes is my favorite “all-around” cupcake winner. Every flavor they offer is amazing. From the Mint Chocolate Chip (my personal favorite) to the Curious George (a banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting), every cupcake offering is exquisitely beautiful and really, really good. But, the Red Velvet Cupcake at Urban is probably my absolute favorite cupcake in the city. I’ve not always been a Red Velvet girl, mostly because of the cream cheese frosting, but Urban Standard has an almond cream cheese frosting. It is divine. And, most people are aware of the awesomeness that is the Urban Standard Red Velvet Cupcake, which means there have been days when I have gone to pick up a tasty treat only to find they are sold out. Those are not good days. So go early if you want your life to be changed. And it will be. For the better.

So, the official ruling is: best all around cupcake venue – dreamcakes; best cupcake – Red Velvet Cupcake from Urban Standard.

4. Croissant – The Red Cat

Some may wonder why “croissant” is even a category. To that I say, “you obviously have not been to the Red Cat.” Their Almond Croissant is possibly the best pastry I’ve ever eaten. It is fabulous. Words don’t do it justice, so to adequately understand, you should get in your car right now, drive to the Red Cat, and order one. I just might.

5. Coffee Beverage – The Red Cat and Urban Standard (and Starbucks)

I confess, it’s only fitting for Starbucks to be on my coffee list because I get my caffeine-fix from them far too often. I blame the convenience of the drive-thru window off of Hwy 31 on my way into work. And they make my favorite drink really well – a tall sugar-free vanilla soy latte. But, buying locally is better for the Birmingham economy, and honestly the coffee tastes much fresher at the Red Cat and Urban Standard. The Red Cat roasts their coffee beans in house and Urban Standard purchases their beans from local roaster Primavera Coffee. Urban also makes their own syrups, which are delicious.

The Red Cat is my favorite out of the two local places because they have a punch card that earns you a free coffee beverage with the purchase of five drinks. And their iced coffee changed my life last summer during one of many heat waves.

6. Taco – Camp Taco

Located in 5 Points in what used to be a Subway, Camp Taco puts a unique spin on their taco creations. My suggestion – order a side of queso and a taco with white barbeque sauce.

7. Vegan Fare – Bottletree Café

I mentioned earlier that Bottletree has the best burger, when offered, but their vegan offerings are equally delicious. My favorite is the Garden Grill – steamed vegetables with rice or quinoa (choose the quinoa if you have the option) with sweet chili garlic and soy sauces. When I first ordered it I thought it would be boring, but I was told by the fellow taking my order that it was his favorite dish on the entire menu. I soon found out that he was not hyping it up…it really is awesome!

8. Sauce – Chick-fil-A

Okay, I know this is a weird category, but I feel compelled and obligated to share with you the amazingness that is Chick-fil-A sauce. Maybe you’ve tried the honey mustard and Polynesian and thought…”this is awesome!” But seriously, you have not lived until you try the Chick-fil-A sauce.

Other Favorites at Restaurants Listed Above:

Bottletree – Sweet Potato Fries (a little soggy, but amazing seasoning) and Hummus (not only is the hummus delicious, but the accompanying pita bread is really good, too)

The Red Cat – Pimento Cheese Sandwich on toasted 3 Seed Bread from Big Sky

Urban Standard – Grilled Asparagus Salad

Most of these restaurants are located very near my workplace, so I’m sure I have missed out on several awesome eateries in the city. As this is a forum to make Birmingham better, let me know what great places I’ve left off and your favorite dishes at those establishments!

Your food-loving friend,

Bethany

P.S. Also, I have noticed that my favorite go-to adjectives are amazing and awesome. Sorry about that. Maybe someone can buy me a thesaurus for my birthday:)