Fall Clothes Swap!!

We had so much fun with the girlz Monday, Sept 13th! Its so simple you can DIY!!

Step #1- gather up all the clothes, shoes, accessories that is ready for a new proud owner...
Step #2- Call your besties and tell them to do the same...
Step #3- Everybody bring your fav snack or beverage and have a blast swapping, snacking and chatting!!

How long have you been eyeing your besties beautiful Chanel sweater or a cutsie lil Old Navy cotton dress?

You very well may find it here!

With a little shifting of furniture and a portable clothes rack we were browsing in style!

There were several trendy and fashionable finds!

No outfit is complete without ACCESSORIZING!

And of course don't forget fall beauty tips and trendy make-up applications!

We had a small shopper in the crowd who found some fun diva inspired ensembles!

All in all... SUCCESS!!

Host a clothes swap with your girlfriends to spruce up your wardrobe in a fun social budget-friendly way!

Becca Bell

"Rocky Goes to the Vet"

So, that wasn't so bad...

Turns out those ladies over there at the vet were very sweet to me.

And now they will stop calling me a boy!

Can you believe it?? Me look like a boy?? With all these pretty colors...

and tell me a boy has a sweet face like this... I don't think so!

Everyone was very nice to me I almost didn't want to leave.

All that petting and grooming and special attention...

I could get used to this!

But then is was time to go home.

If you want to give me a good home and love me...

I'm free to a loving human.

I already have all my shots including rabies, de-wormed and spayed!

All you have to do is come pick me up and promise to

love me forever!

Look at me... that'll be easy ;)

Email Becca at
beccabell@2bevents.biz
for more information and adoption!

I can't wait to be the new lil addition to your family...

YOU determine how MY story ends.

"Rocky's Big Adventure"

Rocky is a small lil guy.

He was born outside and has lived there his whole life

with his mother and brother and sister.

That's all he's ever known.

He always wondered what those funny looking things

were that walked around on two legs

and rolled around in those big loud scary things with wheels.

...since he didn't know he just assumed to stay as far away as

possible!

So one day Rocky was searching for food

with his mother at their favorite dining area. It was a big green metal box filled

with all kinds of goodies that a little kitty like him could have a feast in!

That's when he smelled something...

...very different...but VERY GOOD!

"What is that amazing smell?" He thought.

It smells somewhat familiar... but SOOOOO much better.

He sniffed and sniffed and then... Jackpot!!

Rocky gobbled it up with one bite!

He licked his lips in satisfaction... YUM-MY!

But wait... "It smells like there's more"... Rocky searched and sniffed

until he found another mouth watering morsel and gobbled it up as well!

Then Rocky found another and another and all the while thinking,

"This must be my lucky day"!!

Then he came to a little metal box... much smaller than the

ir typical dining place.

Rocky sniffed the bars... there seemed to be something funny about it

but then he realized there was a whole plate of the delicious entree he'd been enjoying

so he thought, surely it must be ok. But just to be on the safe side

he stuck his head in as far as he could reach just far enough to grab a

little bite and then took it to the trees to enjoy.

Rocky knew there was more where that came from and even tho his instincts were

telling him to be cautious he really didn't see the harm in finishing off the plate.

After all, He wouldn't want to be responsible for letting something so delicious go to waste!

So Rocky ventured back to the small black box and stepped one paw in slowly...

then another paw in very slowly... then his two back

paws...

"See this isn't so bad" Rocky thought as he crouched down comfortably ready to enjoy this

wonderful meal all laid out just for him.

Then... BAM!!!! the loud noise scarred Rocky out of his skin!

He jumped up so high that he hit his back on the top of the box!!

"What just happened?!?! What's going on?!?!

and why can't I get out of here?!?!"

Rocky jumped, climbed, clawed and kicked as hard as he could.

But he realized there was no getting out of there. After what seemed like hours

Rocky was exhausted, and very frightened. He didn't see his mom anymore, and...

oh no! one of those weird looking creatures was headed straight for him and there

was no where for him to hide!

The creature picked up the box with Rocky trembling inside. After a lot of shaking and

swaying they entered some kind of cave. The cave had a soft floor and some

strange objects inside. Some of the objects were similar to things he'd seen at his

favorite dining place with his mother. She had told him that those things were "human"

stuff. He remembered climbing around on some of the objects outside and thinking

how soft and comfy they were. Rocky figured this must be one of those humans his mother told him about and maybe... just maybe these "human's" weren't so bad after all if they

have nice fluffy things like this. But Rocky was still very scared.

Well, the human fed Rocky and always spoke to him in soft soothing tones. The human always

moved slowly so as to try not to scare Rocky more than he already was.

After a day or two Rocky began to relax and he realized he wasn't scared as much.

One day he even let the human rub his head after it had given him some food.

It felt so good on his ears and chin that he let the human pet him from then on.

Then something was different... the human picked up the box with Rocky in it

and carried it down to one of those loud metal boxes with wheels and put him inside.

Rocky tried to get out of the box... he could see his old dining area just acrossed the way

and he loooonged to go home.

As Rocky rode along the human spoke in soft soothing tones which always helped

Rocky feel more at ease. Then they came to another cave type place. Inside there were

lots more humans waiting to take Rocky in to a room with lots of other kitties like him.

The human said "This is the vet and they will take very good care of you."

Rocky wasn't so sure...

To Be Continued...

Alabama State Fair- 2010

DON'T MISS IT!!

Always a blast for the family or take your honey and laugh & smooch over cotton candy and giant teddy bears!

We went last year and the kids had a ball bottle feeding the baby cows and goats!

Of course the food is always amazing and the Peach Sweet Tea for 75 cents per 20oz. cup was unbeatable for Alabama heat!

Pelham, Al
Verizon Wireless Music Center

$8 adults

$5 kids

Free (4 & under)

Volunteer for FREE entry + unlimited ride wristband for you AND a friend

$10 VIP unlimited entry/exit all 11 days

$20 unlimited rides wristband

Visit the website for a full list of Events & Attractions that kids of all ages 4 to 84 are sure to love!!!

Have a great time!

Becca Bell

Operation SAK! SUCCESS!!!

WOW! I am just so excited about the success of Operation SAK!!

We reached the goal!!

Thank you so much, Shannon Dunn, Amanda Rupp & Nicholl Brown, who so graciously gave and EXCEEDED the goal!! Please do not worry... every penny will go toward these babes. (Shots and food were not included in the goal amount) These caring individuals have gone above and beyond what was asked and I am so very thankful as well as super excited about what this will mean for these precious lil guys. Lil Moma and Rocky will soon be off to the vet for a clean bill of health, required med procedures and then back to their home. Don't worry! As part of the TNR program encouraged by Moma Kat Rescue, we will be putting food out for them on a regular basis so that Lil Moma and Rocky will always have a "warm" meal and bed outside our front door if they would like.

Can you see the stunned excitement on their faces!

WHAT?!?!?! WOW... you guys are awesome!!

Now me and my lil one can go back home to live a happy,

healthy, free life!!

Thank you,

Lil' Moma

WOOO HOOO! I'm still so young and lovable...

perfect age to save from the wild...

take me home and I'll thank you everyday!

purrr-fect Love,

Rocky

If you would like more information on things that you can do to help stop the epidemic of unwanted strays in YOUR neighborhood please go to http://mommakat.org as a place to start.

So many of us WANT to help but either don't know how, don't know where to start, or don't have the resources to provide for the needs of these angels. Please do NOT let that stop you... all you really need is an open heart and a little effort. Please go to the website above for MANY answers to your questions.

Sometimes it can be scary not knowing who you'll talk to or what kind of guilt trip you'll under-go... Please do not hesitate to give me a call and I will help to guide you to the best resource available in Birmingham!

We CAN together!

You can follow the Lil Moma & Rocky story, as they visit the vet, thru 2B Events Facebook Fan Page.
"Like" and Follow!

Becca Bell

Operation SAK!!

Operation SAK (Save A Kitty)!!

Help me purrrr-ty please!

Rocky

Please help my baby and I return to our home with a clean bill of health and free to enjoy life.

With Love,
Lil' Momma

Just $1 could make the difference!

The two sweeties that you see here are just two adorable faces representing the hundreds of homeless kitties that are born and live in the wild...and then when they are of age... they start having litters of their own and the vicious cycle not only continues but MULTIPLIES!

It is very important that if your heart is telling you to take action that you do what you can to help reduce this problem. There are many organizations out there to help you along step by step...and with your help, ARE making a noticeable difference.

Cat Haven, who I recently featured on my blog, is a veterinary clinic in Birmingham that also provides a shelter for many strays and drop-offs. Dr. Linda Henckell and her staff are currently full to capacity with 10 adoptable kitties and 8 permanent residents. Please visit them and take one of their lil angels home with you... you won't regret it.

Talk to your neighbors about what you are doing to gain some neighborhood support.

Alabama Animal Adoption Society (AAAS) is another organization who's mission is to save stray animals, place in loving homes and reduce the number of unwanted and homeless animals in Alabama. AAAS will work with your current situation and income to provide you with a discounted certificate that is honored at participating clinics to help you responsibly spay and neuter your pet.

I was able to capture Lil' Momma and her baby Rocky this morning in hopes to give them a better future.

Moma Kat Rescue is an organization that supports a method called TNR to reduce the rising number of stray cats. TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Return which is a process that can be deduced by its name. Moma Kat staff has a system in place where they will come a trap the stray feline, test and neuter, and then return it to its original habitat. BUT you have to do your part too! Have a plan in place where you commit to feeding the animal even if that just means leaving food outside in a location that the kitty will know where to find it. These steps help to ensure that the animal will not reproduce as well as be given the opportunity to live out a full, healthy, free life for very little cost to yourself. It can even be a neighborhood effort! Talk to your neighbors about what you are doing to gain some neighborhood support. Most of your neighbors will be thrilled to hear that the reproduction process will stop and that no harm will actually come to the animal!

Did you know that a female cat can have up to 5 litters each year, 3-6 kittens per litter?

I am taking donations in order to see Lil' Momma and Rocky become graduates of the TNR program! With your help we can assure that these two sweethearts will be given a clean bill of health, fixed and released back to their home happy and healthy!

Lil' Momma and Rocky only need $60 to be returned back to their home happy and healthy.

Please see the link below to contribute any amount that you feel led to give to this cause. I think $1 is a reasonable donation although please feel free to give as your heart and wallet are so inclined. I know everyone is penny pinching these days but this is a small amount to see big results for your gift.

I'm speaking for the ones who can't speak for themselves when I say, thank you so much for your gift. I will be posting updates as the journey continues so that you can see their progress and reap the joys of your donation.

Thanks to AAAS they will give a "rescue" discount so all we need is $60!!

Goal: $60 by Saturday, August 28

Just $1 could make the difference!

Becca Bell

The "Scoop" on Cat Haven

I had the honor of meeting the team at Cat Haven last week, located downtown Birmingham

2100 8th Court South
Birmingham, AL 35205

It was the best time just hangin' out and playin' with the kitties. I can't believe I made it out without a new family member... Lord knows I could've used the company on the drive home after the heart-melting experience. Of course they are adorable but once you hear each individual story... then that's the deal clincher.

Izzi works the front desk and greets incoming guests

A few of these precious faces were already at the refuge when Linda Henkell, Owner and Veterinarian, took over Cat Haven, January 2009. Every single one of these lil guys has a story and a personality uniquely their own.

Blue (gray, far left) is the Cat Haven mascot. He was caught in a door as a kitten which caused paralysis. After alot of love and rehabilitation his motor skills were recovered in his upper body but hind legs were never functional again. They were later amputated so that he could get around more easily. He is a happy lil kitty and gets around just fine. He often cuddles with the other kitties and enjoys his cozy life at the Cat Haven.
Milkshake (black, above right) came to the shelter as a little baby after him and his brother,Simba, fell from an office space ceiling right onto a workers desk!

Pam is Dexter's human (below). Dexter came to Cat Haven very sick but after ALOT of TLC by the amazing crew, he is happy, healthy and loving as ever! He'll nuzzle you to say thank you for loving me and then curl up on your lap for a snooze. Linda says Dexter is available for adoption to a loving home... but Pam says he's a permanent member of the Cat Haven family.

If you are ready to provide a safe loving home to one of these deserving lil angels...there are just a few simple oh-so-worth-it steps:

1. Meet with Linda (owner) and Pam (office mgr./ lead vet tech) for a basic introduction and info review
2. Provide Vet references of past pets (if available)
3. Adoption fee $75 includes shots and preliminary tests

Playing with my swinging camera lens cover

Cat Haven does not support declawing because of the instinctive effects on the felines, however, spay/neuter is a MUST. Please do your part to reduce the number of stray and neglected animals by making the responsible decision...spay and neutering. There are locations in the greater Birmingham area that will work with your income to help you protect your pet from unwanted litters. Cat Haven also told me that anyone who adopts one of their sweethearts will receive the discounted spay/neuter rate.

Taking one or two of these furry friends home is a decision that will personally thank you every day. All you have to do is look in their eyes to realize that they need you.

I've always had a soft heart for abandoned and neglected animals. Coming up on one year ago we found a week old litter of kittens that had been abandoned by their mother after she had been frightened away by neighborhood kids. We took in one of the kittens and the other went to live with a neighboring apartment resident. Between myself, my husband and two children, we bottle fed the lil guy, weened him, and taught him to eat kitty food in the first couple months of his life. Oreo grew into a beautiful, silky soft tom cat and is a beloved member of our family. He has a personality all of his own. Despite his "I don't need anybody persona" we know he loves and needs us just as much as we love and need him.

Let me encourage you to open your heart and consider adopting one of these babes. Just like any relationship... It is not always easy, but it is definitely a worthy investment. The number of smiles and laughs more than compensates for the challenges.

"Our Oreo" (above)

Please visit Linda and the crew at Cat Haven. Spend a few minutes with these cuties... they're expecting you!




Becca Bell

GiveAways! Good, Bad or ...RUN!!

So if you're like me you're trying to decide... with all the giveways and promos going on constantly as america is ever trying to grow their biz... WHICH ONES ARE WORTH MY TIME!?!?



Like me, I'm sure you are asking yourself...
1. Is the offer worth my effort... or should i just buy the "pack of gum" myself?
2. What are my chances of actually being the lucky winner?
3. What is the catch... because let's face it... NOTHING is free these days?

Well this is my take on the matter...


1. Is the offer worth my effort... or should I just buy the "pack of gum" myself?

We are all in a rat race world these days, time is a rare and valuable commodity and one that we are not going to give up thoughtlessly. Believe me I know... if I have an extra 30 min... even 15 min... there are a million and a half ways I can think to spend it besides throwing them away on some chance of winning a $10 item or lame experience. BUT... there are alot of opportunities out there that ARE valuable and worth while. Opportunities that can benefit your family, help ease some financial stresses and give you one of those "life is beautiful" experiences. Look for these clues to a "worthwhile" giveaway:
a. What is the $$ value?
...If it is less than $10 then it's probably not worth it... even if all you have to do is sneeze to qualify.
b. What is the moral, ethical, or charitable value?
...There are several giveaways out there that benefit the greater good of your community, a charitable organization whose cause is close to your heart, or even a good friend or deserving person to be nominated. There are lots of people out there who need help and that is always worth a few minutes of your time.
c. How much time are we looking at here?
...Depending on the personal value to you... 15 minutes is a good average starting point. If you have to put in more than 15 min. collectively and throw in some manual labor then the pay off really needs to be worth it to you personally. (i.e. I REALLY need some mascara... I just don't have the money to spare right now...But my husband and I haven't been on a date in like 3 months... and he's taking me out this weekend ...and he LOVES my eyes... and I really want to look good for him... so... I may not have $15 but i have 30 min. to listen to a survey call and that is really worth it to me right now.)



2. What are my chances of actually being the lucky winner?

a. Some Giveaways are DIRECT TRANSACTION... meaning some kind of action on your part guarantees a product or reward~ these are obviously the best kind because you're guaranteed a physical reward for your time.

b. Then there's the 1:100 type... meaning your name goes into the pot along with all the other participants and a drawing is held on a certain date to determine the winner ~ the odds go down with the increased number of entries...
c. Always consider the source...is the "giver" a big national corp or a small local biz. There's alot better odds and follow thru with small local businesses because they are trying to build relationships and customer base. Can't beat the personal interest and efforts made to meet your specific needs.

Lucky winner of the MK Satin Hands Giveaway!

3. What is the catch... because let's face it... NOTHING is free these days?

If they say its a free giveaway... then it should actually be FREE! If you have to pull out your wallet for any other reason than to admire your amazing DL picture(I do this often;) ... then don't waste your time. This is just me but...If you have to buy something then doesn't that negate the whole FREE GIVEAWAY concept? Also you should never have to give out more personal info than an email and phone#. Most shouldn't even ask for address until after you've actually won the prize (if even necessary). We live in a cyber world so lets do business there! PLUS your home address is your safe place... don't give it to just anyone...

a. The reason a business holds Giveaways is usually one of the following reasons...
#1- to promote a new product
#2- to attract new customers
#3- to show appreciation of existing customer

b. They are trying to get your information as a way of building a referral base. That's the primary way to grow a biz. Although you need to be careful that you are not putting your contact info into a data base that will be open to solicitors... most small biz giveaways will keep your info for their own use, they simply want to inform you of what they offer and will most likely NOT harass you with calls and emails because that's a BIG turn off.

c. Giveaways that benefit charity or a nominated individual are typically catch free...Biz's hold these type giveaways as a way to relate to their customers and show a "we care" side to the biz and "its not all about the money... its about you". Of course the ones that are for YOU are fun because... well, you get FREE stuff! Just be willing to uphold your part of the deal... whether its a phone call, survey, etc... typically it will be pain free ;) Small local businesses giveaways will usually be upfront with requirements and have no hidden terms and conditions... steer clear of those offers online for a free shopping spree or visa gift card IF you try a bunch of trial offers that will bankrupt you with hidden fees and charges and put up your first born... they take and hour or more to fill out... and by the end you're so deep into the site that you can't find your way out and then never even get back to the giveaway.

Check out my Giveaways & Promos! tab for some legit, pain-free, guaranteed giveaways that will help to support small local biz in Bham!!

Becca Bell

The Story Behind MaryKayMagicCty

Hello Gorgeous!

If you're like me, wife, mother and career woman , then you know what its like trying to be in 10 places at once while maintaining super woman status. Well, I'm going ask you to do something for me... BREATH! There's help out there, resources to help make your life just a little easier and a lot more beautiful. I want to tell you what I've learned about Mary Kay and what it has been in my life in the past few months.

“The success [of Mary Kay Inc.] is much, much deeper than just dollars and cents and buildings and assets. The real success of our Company is measured to me in the lives that have been touched and given hope.” ~ Mary Kay Ash

Founded by Mary Kay Ash, Mary Kay Cosmetics has gained mounds of recognition since establishment 1963, for countless achievements and revolutionary leadership in not only the cosmetics industry but the business industry of the world. Mary Kay was determined to create a better way in life for herself and her family as well as to open the door for women around the world to realize their dreams and experience success.

Mary Kay founded the company on a very basic principle that is unfortunately rarely practiced in todays business world...

The Golden Rule~ "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

All Independent Beauty Consultants who pursue their potential with the company and as an individual is encouraged to adopt a priority set that is proven to gain a higher quality of life and living...

1.God 2.Family 3.Career

(In that order;)

I know that I am not alone when I say, I have been in jobs and a career where this priority list was scrambled. The more hours I worked the more I had to work. The logic was lost at times and I was beginning to feel as though I was loosing myself and my family. I wasn't always there for the important things like school field trips, parent day, dinner with my husband and children. I felt trapped and helpless and didn't see any other options because "This is what I got a college degree for...isn't it?"..."How else will I pay the bills and provide for my family?"... "All the things I've missed will all be worth it one day...won't it?" I found myself asking these questions... the answers were a combination of the following..."No!" ... "I don't know"... "Becca, there is a better way for you. One in which you CAN find happiness and fulfillment as not only a wife and a mother, but as a career driven person!" I knew I had to find that way, not only for my sake, but for my family's well-being.

“You can do it!”

Through an amazing and unexpected change of events, I had the "opportunity to pursue other career options". For any of you who have been there, that's just a professional way of saying "I got let go" from my job and career field of 3 years. Though there are certainly things about it that I will miss, I have gained experience and a priceless skill set that I can take with me in whatever I choose to do in the future. There are still some of those previous questions lingering in the air that jump up to discourage me and try to keep me feeling trapped and helpless but I've been given peace to combat those fears and insecurities. I can see past the questions of doubt and focus on a future of certainty!!

Event planning has become my passion. Its most definitely what I see myself doing in 5, 10, 20 years. I have met so many amazing people in Birmingham and surrounding areas already, that it just makes me more motivated to continue on! 2B Events is in the very beginning stages of a dream that is ever growing and evolving. I am blessed and honored to have the opportunities that have already been offered to me and I know that I can't even conceive of the full potential at this time.

"For me Mary Kay is a trolley that picked me up at the corner of "End-of-the Rd" & "What-do-I-do-now St." I took a leap of faith and held on..."

Mary Kay is more than a great cosmetic line that offers beauty in the mirror. Mary Kay is a fingerprint experience that offers beauty in your life. Every woman in the Mary Kay community has their own unique story(ies), most of which will make you laugh, make you cry, inspire you and drive you to success in your own life whatever your goals.

"Friendships, Inspiration, Encouragement, Tools for Success are all the things I've picked up so far and i'm only on "1st-Step Ave. But i'm on the North side... and the future looks bright."

For me Mary Kay is a trolley that picked me up at the corner of "End-of-the Rd" & "What-do-I-do-now St." I took a leap of faith and held on, I've met some great women that are on board as well and I'm looking forward to the ride. Mary Kay is a viable way for me to achieve short term goals of providing for my family to sustain our standard of living that we have been blessed with. Though its not big and flashy, its home and there's love. Mary Kay is also a way for me to pursue long term goals of growing 2B Events, a Birmingham specific event design and planning service, to be a first option to anyone seeking to host an event within the greater Birmingham area.

Friendships, Inspiration, Encouragement, Tools for Success are all the things I've picked up so far and I'm only on "1st-Step Ave. But I'm on the North side... and the future looks bright.

“I envisioned a company in which any woman could become just as successful as she wanted to be. The doors would be wide open to opportunity for women who were willing to pay the price and had the courage to dream.” ~Mary Kay Ash

If you are experiencing some of the same questions I was at one time, and you know there's got to be better way... then you're already halfway there. Feel free to contact me via email beccabell@marykay.com I would be glad to talk to you and answer any questions you have about Mary Kay and my personal experience. Or you can go to the main website http://www.marykay.com/ to type in your zipcode for a local Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant in your area.

Mary Kay is a product and a company backed by integrity. Perhaps in your personal experience at one point or another that integrity has been slightly tainted by misrepresentation. The majority of Independent Beauty Consultants care more about your satisfaction with the product than the $$. Seek out a Consultant that is there for you, who understands that you have demands and responsibilities, who respects your time and boundaries and interested in making your busy schedule and life just a little easier by taking away the stress of locating a healthy, reliable & guaranteed product for beauty and skincare.

Welcome to The Pink Side!!

Becca Bell

Valleydale Farmer's Market

Was a GREAT day for the farmer's market on this sunny HOT day in Birmingham, Alabama!
Beautiful produce, jewelry, crafts and other goodies to feast your eyes on at great prices! Your $$ go a long way here, with people who know the value of hard work and the dollar.

Humble Heart Farms of Birmingham has several delicious flavors of homemade goat cheeses. If you are like me then you will know that as I sampled these excellent blends I was in goat cheese heaven with visions of crumbled Garden herb on a fresh crisp salad, Tuscan spread on a fresh slice of Italian loaf, or Cinnamon-Raisin on a cinnamon crisp bagel... yumm-mmy!

Next Saturday from 8am-Noon Humble Heart Farm will have goat and lamb-burgers. I was surprised to learn that goat meat is lower in calories, fat and cholesterol than chicken!

When you pick up your fresh, naturally lean goat meat next Saturday, be sure to grab one of the informational pamphlets filled with nutritional values and multiple mouth-watering recipes...Goat Mahshi, Slow Goat in Curry, & Creole Cabrit to name a few!

Pure Alabama Honey is also on my grocery list for next week. With the bees buzzing around in their lil hive and the jars of fresh local ly harvested honey all lined up, available in several different sizes, my mind was buzzing with all the sweet sticky treats I could conjure up in the kitchen. Grab some market fresh peaches and beat the heat with this cool treat...

Frozen Peach Dessert:

1 qt. very ripe peaches, sliced fairly thin
1/2 c. fresh orange juice
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 c. honey
1 (8 oz.) container plain yogurt

Peel peaches and cut in slices about 1/3 inch thick. Pour over them a mixture of orange juice, lemon juice and honey. Stir gently with a long spoon, making sure slices are well coated, then place in freezer immediately to prevent darkening. Remove from freezer on the morning they are to be served. Spoon into individual dessert dishes and top with yogurt. The slices should retain some of the ice crystals. Serves 4 to 6.

Holli satisfied her craving with a

crisp cool cucumber

Dustin purchased a heaping basket of

ripe juicy peaches

And for me... I got a big beautiful
eggplant
Eggplant Parmesan, here I come!

And children will always find the cutest, most cuddly lil bundle within a 1 mile radius...
FREE KITTENS!
One left (shown in photo) to a good home~ if your interested email me!

Our basket of goodies from the Valleydale Farmer's Market!

Go get yours next weekend and let's support our local farmers and businesses.

Directions: Take I-65 to the Valleydale exit 247... head east on Valleydale Rd... cross Caldwell Mill Rd... Look for the sign on the right across from Jeff State Community College.

Becca Bell

The Alabama Theatre

The kids and I visited The Alabama Theatre to view the showing of Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". Although Holli and Dustin have this collectors item in their dvd collection, we have never had the opportunity to watch the lively music and fantasical drama light up the big screen, as many of us parents even were too young to remember when this animated classic first premiered!


It was an awwing experience even for me! This fabulously renovated Birmingham icon is magnificently breath-taking. I felt as though I had stepped back in time and into the ring of high-society entertainment and class, although severely under dressed and people would've have no doubt been pointing, staring and whispering behind their hands...

But I suddenly wanted to be wearing satin gloves, a floor length gown with a corset & bustier that vamped my womanly figure and loose curls pinned up gently framing my face as I floated thru the crowd escorted on the arm of a southern gent to my reserved box seating... then I came back to 2010 and the reality that my 6 year old son was running down the aisle with a drink, popcorn and flip flops... eeek!

Holli, my 7 year old daughter, was confused and concerned for a moment that I had opted to bring her to " this"
instead of miley cyrus's new movie, " The Last Song"...

The show opens with a fabulous organ performance and a fun little sing-a-long time. I enjoy exposing my lil ones to the cultural arts and history and providing an opportunity for their lil minds to be influenced by something other than Nintendo DS... however... Holli, my 7 year old daughter, was confused and concerned for a moment that I had opted to bring her to "this" instead of miley cyrus's new movie, "The Last Song"... but I quickly reassured her that the organ only takes the place of the previews and that the feature film would be starting shortly.

... and everyone was amused when Dustin declared rather audibly toward the end " if they start kissing, i'm closing my eyes!"


Well, I don't have to tell you that the movie was a big hit and all three of us loved every moment of the experience... and everyone was amused when Dustin declared rather audibly toward the end "if they start kissing, i'm closing my eyes!"

Please be sure to visit The Alabama Theatre located on 3rd Ave. North in Birmingham, for their summer film series of great classics and big hits perfect for all ages! Take advantage of the great membership options for singles, couples, families and businesses. I'll be taking my check tomorrow and getting my VIP membership badge so the next time I visit I'll be recognized as a contributor and really feel fancy... corset or not. If you are a Birmingham resident and appreciate the culture of this unique city, tour the facility, be a patron and contribute to this historic jewel in the Magic City.

The Alabama Theatre also opens its doors for weddings, receptions, proms, fund-raisers and more! Visit their website for tour schedules, membership info and of course Summer Film Series!

I guarantee that you and your friends, family, and children will have a blast!

Becca Bell