Websites for Moms in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
June 30, 2010 by Texasholly
Filed under cheap, free & easy, feature, mommy tech 101
One of the things I LOVE about being a mom in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is that there are tons of things happening. There are places to go and people to see. This is not limited to in real life (IRL) experiences . There is an ever-growing list of online resources for moms in North Texas. These are websites tailored for what moms want and need here in DFW.
Of course…
*drum roll*
*rim shot*
*deep announcer voice*
We will begin with BURB MOM!
really, what did ya expect?
What is inside: Burb Mom is a website that has new daily content for moms in the Dallas-Fort Worth ‘burbs. It is like that that girlfriend that everyone needs that knows stuff – you know the friend you call when you need an electrician, a hair dresser, or a night out. She may not know the answer to your question, but she will definitely have a contact name for you. She is also the kind of friend that totally understands being hung up in the middle of a conversation because a child in the background yelled, “Mom, I just pooped!”
Stuff I like: Beyond the daily informational stories about mommy stuff in DFW, there is silliness. Funny stories about moms and families that happened right here in North Texas. Burb Mom is a great way to connect with your Dallas-Fort Worth ‘burb on a mom’s schedule…2 minutes here, 7 minutes there…even at 1 am.
What is inside: Around Town Kids is a website with a calendar of activities for kids in Plano, Frisco, McKinney and Allen. There is also information about each city, resources for parents, coupons and a directory.
What I like: The calendar at Around Town Kids is super easy to use. Each city has it’s own calendar so the information isn’t overwhelming.
What is inside: Daily Candy Kids – Dallas is part of the Daily Candy family of websites/e-newsletters for 5 major world cities. The Daily Candy Kids – Dallas is updated weekly with something unique for kids.
What I like: I love Daily Candy and receive all the daily email articles for Dallas. The look of the website is great and there is always something funky and off the beaten track featured. It isn’t really for kids…it is for the moms.
What is inside: Dallas Child is a part of the family of websites that include Fort Worth Child, North Texas Child and DFW Everything Family. Each website features the latest Child magazine plus website-only stories.
What I like: I love the look of the Dallas Child website. I also like that the stories are written by experts right here in Dallas-Fort Worth.
What is inside: DFW Area Moms is a forum-based website. Members sign up to participate in discussions of just about anything related to mom, family, work and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Regular membership is free, but members may upgrade for $20 a year after a trial period.
What I like: I am a member of DFW Area Moms under the name Texasholly. I like that it is an active forum with quite a few members participating on a daily basis.
What is inside: Moms Like Me is a discussion site for moms. I first heard about it when vacationing in Colorado where they were doing a lot of TV and newspaper advertising. There have over 100 local sites within the US and one of them is here in DFW.
What I like: I am a member of Moms Like Me under the name Texasholly. I like how easy it is to navigate the site and find what discussions interest me.
What is inside: The Fort Worth Mommies website is part of the Mommies Network of 95 websites nationwide. The site has news and mom-related stories on the front page and a discussion community where members can participate.
What I like: I am a member of Fort Worth Mommies under the name Texasholly. The website is a non-profit organization “dedicated to helping parents find support and friendship in their local community”.
What is inside: Family eGuide is an extremely comprehensive calendar of family events for the North side of the DFW metroplex. At the website you can sign up for a weekly e-newsletter which is an organized overview of what is happening close to home.
What I like: I love the Family eGuide. So much so that we are coordinating some future content exchange with Family eGuide in the near future! YEAH. If you are not on their email list…go now and sign up!
What is inside: Go City Kids is part of Nickelodeon’s Parents Connect Network of almost 50 local websites. The website has information about local activities, events and a directory of services. There is also a parent discussion forum.
What I like: I am a member of the Parents Connect network under the name Texasholly. Besides the discussion groups, there is a lot of local information on this site about things happening in the metroplex.
What is inside: In the Loop has been in the loop via email for over a year. July 2009 they launched their first website. The website provides general information about all things Dallas Mommy plus upcoming events.
What I like: My favorite part of the newly constructed site was the series of recipes for kids by local chefs.
What is inside: The Lila Guide is part of The Bump network of 25+ local websites for parents across the country. There are local reviews, events, groups and online message board for parents.
What I like: I am a member of this message board under the name Texasholly. I like the modern, yet retro look of the website.
Mamasource – various DFW groups
What is inside: Mamasource is the ultimate mother forum. Moms sign up at the main website, enter their zip code and each morning they receive an email of 8 selected requests from the last 24 hours. Requests are questions from local moms. All you have to do is click on whatever request you want to answer and you are transported to the website where you can add your 2 cents. Mamasource is also behind the new website Mamapedia which will be compiling popular questions and answers into an encyclopedia-like format.
What I like: Mamasource is simple. I have been a member for over 2 years – under the name Holly H. in Flower Mound. It is so simple that I was interacting online with other local moms regularly on mamasource long before I started blogging. I have answered almost 200 questions. I love that there is tons of local interaction. It is part information and part soap opera.
What is inside: Metroplex Baby & Kids is a website for “MetroMoms”. It has a calendar, list of events, area directory, and a social network where moms can connect with each other and post to forums.
What I like: I am a “Metromom” under the name Texasholly. The network has current and frequent postings. I like that on member home pages they can display RSS feeds – this is one of the few local online networks that allow this.
What is inside: The Metroplex 4 Children website is a part of the Kirace.com family of websites. They have locations in several Texas and Wyoming cities.
Modern Babies and Children – DFW
What is inside: Modern Babies and Children is the website for the complimentary local magazine by the same name. Dallas-Fort Worth is one of 6 locations that currently has Modern Babies and Children websites/magazines. The magazine is published three times a year and can be read online. There are also resources, an event calendar and articles to read.
What I like: I like that the resource directory is broken down by child age and that grandparents are one of the targeted audiences of this site.
What is inside: Mom 2 Mom – DFW is a Fort Worth Star Telegram website for moms in the metroplex. There is new daily content from 11 featured bloggers that rotate days. Members of the Mom 2 Mom online network can also post blogs which can be featured as well.
What I like: I have been a member of Mom 2 Mom for almost 6 months. They have made some changes lately that make it much easier to navigate the network and post things easily. I am Texasholly there and write under the “June Cleaver Nirvana” blog. I really like that they allow full blog posts with links which is why I contribute to this site occasionally. I also appreciate that there is new content daily that is not dependent on a parent forum.
Moms Blog – Dallas Morning News
What is inside: Dallas Moms Blog is a feature of the Dallas Morning News website. It is updated on a daily basis and has information about Dallas specific to moms.
What I like: There are interesting and informative pieces about family life in Dallas written by local reporters.
What is inside: MeetUp is a website that connects online groups to in real life groups. You enter your location and a type of groups for which you are searching and a list appears in order of how close the group is to you. The screenshot above is Mom MeetUps near Flower Mound.
What I like: I love finding out how far away something is from me. I also am impressed with the variety of groups that are available. There is everything from exercise, playgroups, supper clubs, scrapbooking, etc….kickball for moms, anyone?
What is inside: Moms Outloud is a website and online network for moms in North Texas. Moms become members and create a profile that allows them to add reviews, post to forums and share information. Moms Outloud also has an extensive calendar of events for families in DFW that is featured monthly in North Texas Kids magazine.
What I like: I was one of Moms Outloud’s first members (under the name Texasholly). The site offers a lot of good information including area business reviews that isn’t available anywhere else. The calendar is very comprehensive. Moms Outloud often features DFW moms and their inspirational stories. Rebekah, the founder of Moms Outloud also writes at My Kind of Mom.
What is inside: North Texas Kids is the website for the North Texas Kids magazine. You can read the magazine online or view their calendar of things to do in North Texas. They also list summer camps in DFW. North Texas Kids also hosts periodic events for moms in the area.
What I like: You can sign up for a monthly newsletter which will give you the inside scoop for upcoming events and contests.
What is inside: Parent Zone is one of almost 75 local websites in cities across the United States. Dallas is one of their newest. Each site has a local tour guide who oversees the members who are invited to add listings and events. There is a calendar of event where all the added events are listed.
What I like: Parent Zone is easy to navigate and join. It appears to be a relatively new site (still listed as beta), yet has some information which is unique to its site. I am a member under the name Texasholly.
What is inside: Southlake Moms is an online forum for moms in the town of Southlake. Members post and answer questions related to family life in Southlake. There is a directory, calendar and classified area.
What I like: The website has a nice look. I am a member under the name Texasholly. I hope they don’t mind too much that I live 10 minutes out of Southlake…
What is inside: The Parent Hive is a website and online network for DFW parents. There are articles, events, a calendar, online groups and forums. The site is very new and still listed in beta form.
What I like: I am signed up as a member under the name Texasholly. I like that there are rewards for interaction in the social network that can be redeemed for prizes.
WHEW!
I think that is all of ‘em. If you know of a website specifically for moms in the DFW metroplex, please mention it in the comments below. I will check it out and add it.
4th of July Eating that Won’t Blast your Diet
If you are one of the 74 million people who took part in a barbeque sometime last year, there is a good chance it was on the 4th of July. It’s that time of year again for barbeques, cooking out and picnicking; but this year, be sure your outdoor meals don’t wreak havoc on your waistline. You can still enjoy the traditional 4th of July foods, but just a few simple changes can make the holiday much healthier!
- Burgers and steaks are favorites when it comes to grilling. Using 95% lean ground meat will significantly decrease fat and calories as compared with fattier ground beef. Serve the burger on a whole-wheat bun for added nutrition. To get the leanest steak, choose top sirloin, top round or T-bone.
- Skinless chicken breasts, seafood and vegetable kabobs can all be marinated with olive oil and citrus juices and placed on the grill for low fat alternatives.
- Substitute a mixture of light mayo and fat-free sour cream for real mayonnaise in potato, macaroni and egg salads. Get more vitamins and crunch in your deviled eggs by adding finely chopped celery, red bell pepper and green onion.
- Dress garden salads with vinaigrettes rather than creamy dressings like ranch or bleu cheese. Balsamic or wine vinegar mixed with olive oil add wonderful flavor while reducing fat and unnecessary calories.
- For dessert, head straight for the watermelon. This picnic and cookout favorite is the perfect sweet, low calorie ending to a healthy meal. Other choices might be fruit kabobs, fruit salad or angel food cake with light whipped topping and fresh berries.
- It’s very important to stay hydrated if outside in the summer heat. Using artificial sweetener in iced tea or lemonade can reduce calories in these beverages. Water is always a refreshing choice to go with any meal. Instead of regular sodas, opt for the diet or zero calorie soft drinks. If drinking alcohol, limit the amount since it provides extra calories we often forget.
These ideas will help keep your holiday meal on the path to healthy eating. And one final tip: always watch portion sizes and stop eating once you are full. Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July celebration!
Fossil Rim in Glenrose
June 29, 2010 by Candace
Filed under To Do in DFW, feature
While my in-laws were visiting we wanted to take them to do something that you don’t get to do in Virginia. We decided that heading down to Fossil Rim in Glen Rose would be fun for them and the kids.
We actually went 2 years ago and the kids loved it so we were excited to go back now that they’re all a little older. Before I get to the pictures I should explain that yes my kids were sitting in the front seat- without seat belts. The speed limit is 10 miles and hour and everyone goes in one direction so we thought that they should be okay while we were on the trail. Basically- everyone was doing it.
We started out on the trial and actually had our van doors open so that the kids could see better. After me almost having a nervous breakdown trying to drive and instruct Hubs to keep the “KIDS IN THE CAR!!!” and one of the Fossil Rim patrolers caught us- we shut the doors and put the kids in the front.
Thankfully we shut them before this guy came along. As you can see some animals are very…um….friendly.
We did run into a little bit of a traffic jam:
It takes about 3 hours to get through the whole park. There is a lodge about half way through with picnic tables, a restaurant, gift shop, and bathrooms.
The thing that we loved last time we came and this time was feeding the giraffes (feed bags can be bought when you purchase your tickets). The only animals you’re allowed to hand feed are the giraffes. The car in front of us found out why when he had fed an ostrich. OUCH!
The views are gorgeous! I can’t believe that this is only about one and a half hours from Flower Mound!
For more information on Fossil Rim you can visit their website here.
When Candace isn’t taking her kids on wildlife adventures she blogs over at Mama Mia.
Cheeseburger Runzas with BONUS cinnamon rolls
June 28, 2010 by Texasholly
Filed under eat, feature
I don’t cook. Really, I don’t.
So when I DO cook it has to be EASY and taste GOOD or else it isn’t worth the PAIN.
This is one of my favorite recipes to eat. It is something I have modified over time from the original Runza recipe I used to make as a child that was beef (in my case, veggie-beef) and cabbage. Over time it became more beef, then real beef and less cabbage, then no cabbage, and then…why not add cheese!
Wah-la! The Cheeseburger Runza. I have also seen these named cheeseburger bierocks or cheeseburger buns, but I grew up in Nebraska where these type of things are called Runzas. So that is what they are.
This recipe calls for bread dough so you can pick up some frozen/refrigerated at the grocery store OR pull out your 1991 Bread Machine that you got as a wedding present and resembles R2D2:
Here is the dough recipe – it can be thrown into the bread machine all at once without any prep:
1 1/4 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
3 cups of bread flour
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
I set my bread machine on a non-baking cycle. I start this in the morning and haven’t had trouble with it even if I don’t get to it by mid-afternoon.
The filling is simply ground beef, onions, tomato sauce and some cheese.
If you want to use all the dough then make this full recipe.*
If you want to save a portion of the dough for cinnamon rolls, then just cut this recipe in half:
2 pounds of beef
1-2 onions chopped
1 can (15 oz.) of tomato sauce
Brown the beef and add the onions. Let the onions get a bit tender and add the tomato sauce.
You are ready to fill your dough!
Out of a full recipe I usually get around 24+ runzas of various sizes. I like to make really small ones for the kids and larger ones for the adults.
Roll the dough out very thin, add the filling and then sprinkle on the cheese – my favorite is sharp cheddar.
Fold the sides in and make a little package.
Flip them over and put on greased baking sheet. If you pause for a little while and let them rise the final product will look a little better. Often I just pop them straight into the oven at this point because I am trying to get dinner on the table ASAP.
Bake them at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Now, if you only did a 1/2 recipe then it is time for cinnamon rolls. You will need lots of help.
First spread the left over dough with melted butter.
Then sprinkle sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon on top and spread it around.
Send all your helpers to the sink to clean up, roll up the dough, cut and bake at 400 for 10-18 minutes depending on your cinnamon roll size and pan density.
Alrighty people, time to eat.
Behold the Runza.
Behold the rolls of cinnamon.
*One argument against the cinnamon roll is that the left over runzas are yummy. You can heat them up in the toaster oven at 400 for about 6 minutes or eat them cold. Either way, I like mine dipped in ketchup.
Just a mom…
I have been on pretty much all sides of the Mommy Wars. You know the Mommy Wars. The constant battle over who has it harder and who is in the right. Who is raising their children the right way and who is ruining their children forever. Yes, those Mommy Wars.
I began as the young mom. I married at 18 and had my first son at age 19. Then, I was a stay at home mom for the first 11 months of my oldest son’s life. After those 11 months I went back to work full time. So I was a working mom. I was also a military wife at the time. Anyone knows that being a mom within the military life is a different world all its own. Then I was the stay at home mom to two. Then back to work. THEN the big one….I was a single, full time working, part time student mom.
Are you still with me?
Then I was the stay at home mom again. Then we added son #3 and son #4. So now I am the stay at home, homeschooling mom of four.
All this to say, I understand where almost every woman is coming from. I understand the need to feel important to yourself and to the world as something other than “just a mom”. I understand that deep down desire to be the most important person in your child’s world. I understand the wanting to stay at home and be with your children as much as possible. I understand the need to have a life of your own outside your home. I understand that sometimes being a mom can be a drag. I also understand there is no more important job in the world. I also know, that no matter what stage of motherhood I have been in I have ALWAYS had terrible guilt about something. Guilt about dropping my kids off with strangers for nine hours a day. Guilt about not feeding them enough vegetables. Guilt about yelling too much or not paying enough attention. Guilt, it’s what we moms do.
So I am here to say that I know that 99.9% of moms are good moms that only want what is best for their children. I believe in my case that is to be a stay at home, homeschooling mom. What is best for you and your kids? I don’t have a clue. I don’t pretend to know. On the same note, no one outside God, me and my husband can dictate what being a good mom to MY kids looks like.
In the end…..my name is LaShawn. I am just a mom.
LaShawn writes about being “just a mom” and shares her photography at Frazzled LaShawn
Low-Class Litter
So Munchkin and I were out in the front yard a couple of days ago. We were doing our usual…him drawing on the sidewalk with chalk and me pulling weeds….when I came across this lovely contribution.
I just have to say a couple of things. OK first, it’s not so much that you chose to throw your empty beer can on my lawn, but…..KEYSTONE LIGHT?!?!? I mean come ON. This is Texas. I honestly wouldn’t have been near as irritated had it been Shiner Bock. At least it would have been litter and not “low-class litter”. And a can. Honey, you’re drinking Keystone Light from a CAN! What, let me guess. Your name is “Bubba” or “Boyd”?
And one last suggestion. If you have to be so rude as to throw something on my lawn, could you AT LEAST make sure it’s something that will kill that damn dandelion? Actually, Keystone Light might just kill dandelions, so how ’bout this. Next time why don’t you just pop the tab (I can’t believe I just said that) and pour the nastiness out on the dandelions and go GITCHER SELF A FRICKIN’ SHINER!!! IN A BOTTLE!!! M’kay?
*****************
I create fun and colorful flashcards for children. When you do that long enough, you begin to see the world as a series of flashcards. Sometimes they are funny. Sometimes they are warm and fuzzy. Sometimes they are mildly innappropriate. Come see the snark at The Flashcard Zoo Blog.
Transform YOU!
June 25, 2010 by bianca
Filed under Inspiration, feature, self
I’ll be honest – I don’t really enjoy working out. I never have.
And leave it to the fate of my life for me to marry a military man who loves working out.
Fate is funny. But not funny enough to change my ways.
I’ve heard part of the problem is my will. I don’t want to change my ways. I’ve also heard it’s hard without accountability. In fact, that’s pretty much the only reason I think I’d ever take advantage of a paid membership to a workout facility – for the accountability. It’s obvious that when you want something and you have accountability to achieve it, amazing things are possible!
I recently had the opportunity to hear about Transform U Fitness, a community of individuals coming together in search of a way to be strong both mentally and physically. Accountability at it’s best! They are dedicated to making the world a happier healthier place AND they do it by giving you the support you need, and in the process form lasting friendships. But don’t take my word for it, take theirs:
Name: Judy R.
Age: 49
Total lbs lost: 30 (to date)
When did you realize you wanted to change your life and be healthy? I have always worked out, but could never achieve my goals. So, after years of working out at the gym and not getting the results I wanted, I decided it was time to get serious about this weight loss thing. I was going to sign up with a trainer at a local gym, but my sweet husband said “Why don’t you call Heidi? She is doing something, because she looks amazing.” So, I did and she got me started working out at T.U.F., which has transformed my life. I now eat cleaner and my workouts are more intense and consistent. It truly has been a life changing experience.
What is your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge is staying on track with my eating, but I am able to stay more consistent with the help and support of all the ladies at T.U.F.. Thanks ladies!
What are some tips for others to help them stay on track? Set goals, stay positive, and never give up no matter what. If you slip up or have a bad day, just get back on track and your good to go. It doesn’t hurt to have a place like T.U.F. to come to, and a trainer like Shayla to kick your Butt three times a week either..
What is the best compliment you have received since the “new you”? My husband, Bill is always giving me compliments, even when I look my worst. So even though I appreciate his compliments, it’s my daughter Rachel who gave me the best compliment. She said “mommy you sure are looking thinner, and I am proud of you, all your workouts are paying off. Good job mommy!”
What is your favorite exercise and why? I guess I would have to say, running. The reason I like running is because I feel I lose the weight quicker and I like being outdoors. However, I am just getting into Yoga and must say that I really love it! Yoga challenges all your muscles, and helps keep you focused, which is exactly what I needed. Thanks Heidi!!!
Transform U Fitness is a private personal training and yoga studio located in Lewisville, Texas. Their motto is: Transforming Bodies…Transforming Lives. They have many success stories just like this, illustrating how a healthy lifestyle is achievable.
Name: Dee L
Age: 29
Total lbs. Lost: 50+
Throughout most of my adult life, I have struggled with diets. I did them all – Can’t eat meat, Can’t eat carbs, Can’t eat foods high in fat, Can’t eat chocolate. When the diets failed (which they always did), food became my comfort. Over the last three years, life got crazy and I pretty much accepted the fact that I would always be big. However, Shayla changed my perspective on diets, exercise, and my overall opinion of myself.
She introduced me to healthy choices and the benefits of an active lifestyle. With Shayla, it has never been about what I can’t do. Instead it has been about what I can do.
I can do 100 lunges.
I can run sprints.
I can even do boy push ups.
And yes, I can enjoy chocolate or cheesecake. Through Shayla’s constant encouragement and accountability, I have shifted from a frequent dieter and over-eater to someone who looks forward to her workouts. Thanks Shayla for all you have done to show me what I CAN do!
They work with each individual client, every step of the way, to plan lifestyle changes that bring real results. Their programs are class based, always guided by a Cooper Certified Trainer, to provide encouragement and variety as they aim to decrease workout boredom.
Name: Heidi A
Age: 42
Total lbs lost: 50
I remember the flyer you posted, “Transform your life in 4 weeks.”
I can say you deliver on your promises.
I have tried for years to lose weight and become healthier and for some reason, until I met you, I could not put all of the pieces together.
Dieting alone did not bring results.
Exercise alone did not work.
You were able to bring the eating plan, cardio and strength training together for me to achieve real results. Amazingly, it wasn’t painful and I can’t believe that I now like to run and don’t dread my cardio work. The benefits go beyond how I look though.
I feel stronger and more confident.
I am setting an example for my kids that maintaining a healthy body is important and encouraging them to try new things and set goals.
You have transformed my lifestyle in numerous ways. I want to thank you for all you have done and continue to do – you have a special gift.
Transform U Fitness is expanding quickly and they are excited to offer a full schedule of yoga, Zumba and Hoopnotica classes, in addition to their regular boot camps, starting July 5th. This expansion allows them to provide adult and kids bootcamps along with adult and kids yoga programs, running simultaneously so that families can get fit together. They also offer the services of an on-site massage therapist as well as an esthetician for their clients, by appointment.
If you are ready to try a new approach to getting fit and healthy, one that’s proven to work, then get ready to Transform YOU with Transform U Fitness!
Fuel kids for summer fun and fitness
Ads for fast foods, snack foods, sweetened cereals and sugary drinks are frequently blamed for fueling the obesity epidemic among kids in the U. S. But a Federal Trade Commission study found these might not be the culprits they’re made out to be. Using Nielsen Monitor-Plus/Nielsen Media Research data, the researchers determined children’s exposure to television advertising.
Of the 25,600 TV ads 2 to 11 year old children see in a year, only 5,500 (22%) are food ads, 9% fewer than kids saw in 1977. The majority (78%) are for non-food products with 43% promoting sedentary activity: ads for TV programs, screen/audio entertainment, games, toys and hobbies. Ads that encourage kids to be active, like those for sports and exercise equipment, make up for less than 1% of ads kids see.
Summer can pose extra challenges for parents in encouraging healthy habits for kids. In fact, an Ohio State University found that children gain more weight in the summer than during the school year. But parents can help their children eat healthfully and burn more calories while out of school by using a few simple strategies:
Snack Smart
Stock the refrigerator and pantry with baked or low fat chips, pretzels and crackers; lower fat cookies like vanilla wafers, graham crackers and Fig Newtons; fresh, frozen or small cans of fruit; baby carrots; low fat cheese like mozzarella string cheese; low fat yogurt, pudding cups, ice cream and frozen yogurt.
Pare Portions
To keep portions under control buy the 100-calorie packages of cookies and crackers (Oreo, Chips Ahoy and Cheese Nips Thin Crisps, Ritz Snack Mix); 4-ounce pudding, ice cream and fruit cups; and 1-ounce bags of pretzels and baked chips. Or use the big packages and create your own kid-size snacks by filling small plastic zip bags with baby carrots, grapes, watermelon chunks, animal crackers, pretzels or low-fat popcorn.
Fill up on Fluid
Hot summer days make it even more important for kids to get plenty of fluid to keep hydrated, at least 8 to 10 cups a day including those at meals. Contrary to popular belief research shows that all beverages, even those with caffeine, are just as hydrating as water. Studies also find that children drink 45% to 50% more liquid when it’s flavored, so offer them beverages they enjoy. Options include small bottles of juice, soft drinks in 100-calorie cans, and low-fat plain or chocolate milk, or, for kids who need to watch calories, diet soft drinks or fruit flavored bottled water.
Add Activity
Summer is a great time to get the whole family active. Instead of watching TV or playing video games, encourage kids to get outside and play in the yard or park, swim at the pool, walk the dog, ride a bike, or play tennis, golf and baseball. When planning your vacation, consider active ones like camping, hiking, water skiing or sightseeing trips that require lots of walking.
So don’t let this summer go to your family’s “waist.” There’s no better time to be active together, plan, shop and prepare meals together and all get on track for a healthier future.
David Chicken appearing in Plano
June 24, 2010 by Amy
Filed under DFW North, To Do in DFW, feature
We’re going to see David Chicken in concert on July 1st! My kids are so excited because he filmed The Mama Chicken video for his latest DVD in my kitchen! If you are in the DFW area, be sure to check out David when he performs, he’s won two Emmys now… he’s kinda good!
David and I are both graphic designers and have worked together for many years. He designed a great web site to keep your kids entertained for a little while… check out his video page to see some fun videos. I also love Super Joanie’s Amazing Tricks.
The Shops at Willow Bend 6121 West Park Blvd. Suite 1000, Plano, TX Thursday, July 1, 2010 Show time: 2 pm
Missing the Train
June 23, 2010 by Texasholly
Filed under From the Editors
*re-edited with updated information!*
I am relieved to find out from a commenter that one of my favorite places in Fort Worth is NOT gone….we have just literally been missing the train.
The Forest Park Miniature Railroad is still in action.
Last fall, we tried to go and the parking lot was roped off and I justified that we were there at the wrong time of day.
Mid-winter, I tried again and the train station looked a little deserted, but I figured that they were now only open on weekends.
Yesterday we tried again. And it is still not open. I jumped to the conclusion that it was gone forever.
*sigh*
Let me get all mushy for a moment…
We regularly took the train ride which was a 45 minute tour of Forest Park. The boys loved it. I loved it. My in-laws often took them as well. It was just about the perfect family outing for small boys. Trains, bridges, parks, rivers, popcorn, whistles, etc. Reid even had his fourth birthday party there. It was the perfect prelude to a lunchtime breakfast at Old South Pancake House.
In today’s super high tech and noisy world, this is just good old fashioned fun…
