Adoption: Love From the Heart

If photos of children in need melt your heart, you'll need to bring a bucket to Heart Gallery of North Texas photo exhibit at Fort Worth's Gladney Center for Adoption. These heart-warming photos of children who are in foster care and awaiting adoption is on display at the Gladney Center for Adoption from Nov. 27-Dec. 31 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.

The Gladney Center is partnering with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to bring foster kids closer to their dream of becoming part of a loving family. Professional photographers volunteer their time and talents to produce beautiful portraits for the Heart Gallery. The traveling exhibit provides a photographic journey into the souls of children in foster care, capturing their spirit of hope and courage.

The Heart Gallery originated in Santa Fe, New Mexico, providing a visual medium for raising community awareness about the need for adoptive families for children awaiting adoption.

~ Lisa

Log in! DallasChild.com and FortWorthChild.com

We're live! Click over to our redesigned Web sites at DallasChild.com and FortWorthChild.com. We've got all the features you love on our pages (check out what's new for November right now) plus a growing menu of Web-only features.

• Articles and features from our magazines
• Exclusive online features, available only on the Web
• Reader polls
• Local parenting resources
• Searchable calendar of local family-friendly events
• Dining reviews, with a focus on family-friendly eateries
• Movie reviews
• Getaways
• Top local attractions

... and so much more! Check back regularly, because we add fresh, new content every week, all month long. We're so excited to connect with you online -- come see us today!

Dallas on $1 a Day

I won't be sailing through the tollbooths on the way home from the office in a few hours as light-heartedly as usual -- not since the holiday awareness materials from the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) scrolled onto my screen. A lot of scary statistics about hunger for an upcoming news piece are accumulating on one side of my desk, but the sobering fact that sliced through all the holiday hubbub was this one: For the cost of my next toll, the NTFB can feed five children. That's right -- five hungry children.

The North Texas Food Bank definitely puts its money where its mouth is, literally and figuratively. The NTFB's Food 4 Kids and Kids Café programs both specifically benefit local children. And the need is stronger than ever: new figures released this month by America’s Second Harvest: The Nation’s Food Bank Network show that Texas is now tied with New Mexico to have the highest rate of childhood hunger in the nation.

Already working under a 17% increase in demand over the same time period last year, the NTFB needs our help stocking its shelves for the upcoming cold and holiday season. Learn more, donate or get involved today!

~ Lisa

Photo Stamp Your Way to Smiles

If you're one of those prolific family photographers who has way more photographs than you'll ever be able to use in holiday greeting cards, newsletters and gifts, then you need PhotoStamps! PhotoStamps will transform your photo into a custom, U.S. Post Office-approved postage stamp that you can use to enliven your holiday correspondence.

The soft-hearted types at our office were sweet on PhotoStamps' new Anne Geddes stamps, shown above. Who can resist an Anne Geddes image? Now there's no reason not to put a pretty face on your mail all year long! For more information, head to PhotoStamps.

~ Lisa

Behind the Scenes: Holiday Trivia

Information overload is a way of life today -- and sitting at at editor's desk is no exception! In the interest of filing tantalizing tidbits of knowledge somewhere, we thought we'd share with you some of the interesting holiday-related facts that slipped across our desks this week during the first crush of pre-holiday publicity (all things that nudged my Mommy Brain into thinking, "Hmm, maybe I should take care of this now ...").

• 20 billion The number of letters, packages and cards the U.S. Postal Service delivered between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2006. The busiest mailing day last year was Dec. 18, with more than twice as many cards and letters being processed as the average on any given day. (Source: U.S. Postal Service)
• 12 million The number of packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service every day during the holiday season last year through Christmas Eve. the busiest delivery day: Dec. 20. (Source: U.S. Postal Service)
  
• $21 billion The value of retail sales by electronic shopping and mail-order houses in December 2006 -- the highest total for any month last year. (Source: Service Sector Statistics)
• Holiday names Places whose names are associated with the holiday season include North Pole, Alaska (population 1,828 in 2006); Santa Claus, Ga. (245); Noel, Mo. (1,555); and for those reindeer fans among you, Rudolph, Wis. (419) and Dasher, Ga. (803).

~ Lisa

Report Card for the Schools

Want an early peek at how our schools are doing? The 2007 Gold Performance Acknowledgments have been released at Texas Education Agency's Web site. Spotted among the exemplary listings: Arlington Classics Academy, Harmony Science Academy, Highland Park ISD, Richland Collegiate High School of Math and Sunnyvale ISD.

Word is that the 2006-07 Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) Reports will be publicly released the week of November 26, 2007.

~ Lisa

Bull's-Eye for Education

Skeptical shoppers may raise an eyebrow at programs that claim to donate a part of purchase totals to local causes -- but here's one that pays off. Target's Take Charge of Education program recently paid out a whopping $221,844.95 to Dallas/Fort Worth-area schools. To date, Metroplex schools have received more than $3 million through this school fundraiser. The funds are given to participating schools for anything they need — technology, books, school supplies and more.

If you're as big an addict of this superstore as I am (because who can resist browsing hip designer duds while enjoying a fountain drink and getting ready to pick up the weekly groceries?), you'll want to make sure your purchases benefit local schoolkids. Designate an eligible K-12 school of your choice, and Target will donate an amount equal to one percent of your REDcardSM (Target® Visa® Credit Card and Target Credit CardSM) purchases made at Target. Target also donates 0.5 percent of Target Visa Credit Card purchases made everywhere else Visa credit cards are accepted.

I'd say those are some educational benefits that are right on target!

~ Lisa

Fort Worth Kindergarteners Win National Contest

Chalk one up for the class of 2020 at Fort Worth's Sycamore Elementary, where kindergarteners were winners in VTech’s Whiz Kid™ Class of 2020 contest -- because they are "full of inspiration, yet short on technology resources."

VTech® donated a $1,000 college savings bonds to each student, a Whiz Kid Learning Center to their classroom and a celebration with Erin Sanders of Nickelodeon’s® “Zoey 101.”

The Whiz Kid Learning Center comes complete with new PCs, printers and VTech’s Whiz Kid PC Learning Systems, a new interactive learning system.

“For the past 30 years, VTech has been committed to providing children with electronic learning toys that that enrich their development through fun and smart play,” said Samara Tuchband, senior marketing director with VTech Electronics North America. “We’re proud to extend our commitment through investing in the class of 2020 at Sycamore as they embark on their education."

Kudos to all of Sycamore's kindergarten whiz kids as they embark upon a lifetime of education!

~ Lisa

Drink up!

Is organic food healthier than the stuff with all the pesticides? Preliminary results from a four-year study funded by the European Union point to yes. Research uncovered more antioxidants and fewer fatty acids in organic food. Organic milk scored big, with up to 80 percent more antioxidants and more Vitamin E than conventional milk.

Final results from the study won't be out for another year, but Grist reports that advocates hope the research will sway Britain's Food Standards Agency to change its current advisory that "the balance of current scientific evidence does not support" the contention that organic food is more nutritious than conventional.

~ Lisa

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?

If you're like me and still scrambling through the stores to get your candy stash in place for trick-or-treating tonight (although my daughter has had her fabulous woodland fairy costume in hand for a couple of weeks now -- she's going to be a hit!), you may want to pick up this cute read as a last-minute gift for your kids. How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? combines a festive holiday theme with a timeless counting lesson.

Author Margaret McNamara (winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award) and illustrator G. Brian Karas (recipient of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book award) offer an endearing tale of children working toward a common goal, happily learning about pumpkins -- and the risk of making assumptions.

Speaking of assumptions, I just remembered that my laundry is not clean and I'll need to go wash the green pants my daughter will wear underneath her gauzy fairy skirt -- I'm off! Have a wonderful and safe Halloween.

~ Lisa

Staying in the Pink

It's not too late to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by shopping pink! Looking for ideas? Check out a few more of the items that have passed through our offices this month.

Pink Pony is Ralph Lauren's initiative in the fight against cancer.

Get into the swing of things with Golf Pride's limited-edition golf grip supporting Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

Girls4Sport's Pink Store features active swimwear and sportswear benefiting Boarding for Breast Cancer.

And my personal family favorite: Munchkin.com's Project Pink ducky raises money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Buy a pink rubber ducky; dress up your own computerized ducky and e-mail it to your friends or enter it in a contest; or bid on a celebrity-decorated quacker.

Your purchases help women everywhere enjoy a few more moments. For the cure!

~ Lisa

Superbug Strategies

Drug-resistant staph infections -- methicillin-resistant S. aureus, or MRSA -- have struck local schools, from Southlake to Flower Mound. The new strain of bacteria can cause severe infections that can send even the healthiest kids to the hospital. Breaks in the skin are the most common entry point for MRSA, making contact sports -- and contaminated locker rooms -- a frequent source of infection.

Carroll ISD, which has confirmed two cases of MRSA among secondary-level students, has posted a staph fact sheet and action report on its web site, in addition to taking a number of steps to combat the problem:

• Disinfecting locker rooms, dressing areas and restrooms regularly.
• Asking students/athletes to keep cuts and lesions covered.
• Requesting parents/students report possible staph infections and/or confirmed cases to athletic trainers, nurses and principals.
• Fogging locker rooms weekly with an industrial fogger designed to kill staph.
• Requesting athletes/students empty PE/athletic lockers every Wednesday evening for a more thorough cleaning.
• Having all coaches meet with their athletes about washing their towels, socks, uniforms, pads, etc., regularly.
• Discouraging the sharing of clothing, equipment, towels, razors or soaps, etc.
• Providing Clorox wipes to coaches/PE teachers to wipe down weight rooms, etc.
  

Parents should encourage frequent hand washing at home and school, instruct young athletes to avoid sharing personal items such as soap and towels, encourage showers after PE and athletic practices, wash sports clothes in hot water and teach kids to avoid contact with other children's open wounds.

~ Lisa

Jerry Seinfeld Buzzes About Bee Movie

Jerry Seinfeld hits the big screens this weekend (Nov 2) in his new animated feature Bee Movie. Seinfeld lends his voice to Barry B. Benson - a bee who leaves his hive and explores the human world.

DallasChild got to ask Seinfeld a few questions about the movie, what it's like to be a bee, and his real life as a dad.

DallasChild: What message should kids take away from Bee Movie?
Jerry Seinfeld: That everything in nature is related is one lesson that comes out of the movie. And they [bees] never realize that that little job that they’re doing has this huge effect on nature and biology and the world of pollination and produce, and it affects all these other things because they take their little job so seriously. And that’s the other message that I like in the film - take a little job seriously.

DC: Did your children influence your decision to make this movie?
JS: No, not really. I really kind of thought that this just would be a really funny movie, and it would be fun to make. But now as I’m finishing it, I’m thinking more that this is going to be a wonderful gift to children of the world, just a funny little movie about a subject that no one has ever made a movie about before. So now I’m really excited about it as a gift to children.

DC: How do you balance work and family?
JS: Oh, that’s a good question. Well, the answer for me is I am unable to. And, as a result, I’m not going to work as much after this because I have worked a lot in my life, and now I want to make my family more important. So after this movie, I don’t know if I’m going to do anything for a while besides perform stand-up which doesn’t require that much time. You know you can go out for a night or two and come home.

Enjoy the movie!
-Jessica

No Leads on Lead

In the face of unrelenting recalls for lead-contaminated children's toys and products, you may have been tempted to run to the hardware store for a home lead-testing kit. The latest recommendation from the Consumer Product Safety Commission: don't bother. The home testing kits, which were designed to test paint, are not reliable for children's products, the CPSC said this week.

The CPSC tested more than 100 home kits on toys and found that 56 failed to detect lead, while two others warned of lead where it didn't exist. "Based on the study, consumers should not use lead test kits to evaluate consumer products for potential lead hazards," concluded the CPSC.

~ Lisa

What's Your Treat?

You want to give out treats the neighborhood kids will love -- but you don't want to fill them up with sugar and candy, set off an allergic reaction with nuts or risk contaminating kids with lead from toxic Chinese-made trinkets. What's a thoughtful neighbor to do?

Many parents are getting creative, filling their goody trays with holiday pencils, markers and other crafty tidbits. Stickers and temporary tattoos are another safe and popular standby. Other parents have had success breaking up decks of trading cards and allowing children to take their pick.

Are you changing your tactics on what will be in your goody stash this Halloween? What will you be giving away to trick-or-treaters who come to your door this year?

~ Lisa

Bully, Bully

This week is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, and the folks at Hazelden Publishing have put together a free, downloadable toolkit for parents to help end bullying. Topics include defining bullying, what to do if your child is being bullied, what to do if your child bullies others, and how to help if your child witnesses bullying.

The kit also offers information about online bullying ("cyber-bullying"), talking with school staffers and developing a bullying prevention program at your child's school. Download the kit now and learn how to help your child deal with this all-too-common problem.

~ Lisa

Soles for Souls

Cheers to General Growth Properties, which collected 3,583 pairs of shoes -- yes, that's nearly 4,000 pairs of shoes! -- for charity at Collin Creek Mall, Hulen Mall, Stonebriar Centre, The Parks at Arlington, Town East Mall and Vista Ridge Mall. The shoes went to Soles4Souls, which aims to impact as many lives as possible worldwide with the gift of shoes.

That's walking the walk, indeed!

~ Lisa

Think You Know the Facts?

Despite the relative success of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in getting Americans to “think pink,” a new survey from the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) reveals potentially critical knowledge gaps among American women. Despite the fact that 61 percent of those surveyed reported having recently heard or read something about breast cancer and 76 percent consider themselves knowledgeable about breast cancer, the survey shows that awareness is not translating into knowledge.

A majority of respondents (56%) believe that most breast cancers occur among women with a family history or a genetic predisposition to the disease. The reality is that over two-thirds of women diagnosed have no known risk factor. Even though having an inherited mutation in certain genes is the most potent risk factor, the National Cancer Institute states that these genes are rare in the general population and are estimated to account for no more than 5 to 10 percent of breast and ovarian cancer cases overall." Breast cancer is expected to claim the lives of some 40,000 women in the United States this year.

Want more facts? Visit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's fact page.

~ Lisa

A Step at a Time

Just one bite of an allergy-causing food can trigger a life-threatening reaction in a child with food allergies. Strict avoidance of allergy-causing ingredients is the only way to prevent a reaction. There is no cure in sight -- but you can help scientists work toward solutions.

Lace up your walking shoes this weekend at the local Walk for Food Allergy, sponsored by the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. The 2.2-mile walk begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at Bob Woodruff Park in Plano. Help raise funds for allergy research, learn more about food allergies and connect with others who are living with food allergies. Be sure to stay and play after the event at the after-walk carnival. Click here for more local event information.

In three years, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network has raised more than $2 million from walk events and hopes to raise another $2 million in 2007. When you contribute to FAAN you are helping us further our mission. Eighty-one cents of every dollar is spent on innovative research and programs that help give families struggling with food allergies a fighting chance.

See you at the park!

~ Lisa

Take Time for the Cure

It's raining pink at our offices, as companies continue sending tips and teasers for all sorts of Breast Cancer Awareness Month goodies. From pink vacuum cleaners to pink surfing shorts, it seems that virtually everyone has a spin on Pink Ribbon Month this year.

Every now and then, a product will rise above the rest to make an especially chic impression. Here's something every time-pressed mom can get behind: a Coach Bridle Classic Watch. A full $100 of your purchase for one of these rosy-hued classics goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. So take a Swarovski-crystal shining to pink this year, and be fashionably on time.

~ Lisa

Bookmark This!

Impress with the best as you pull up in a Dana Buchman-designed custom 2008 Cadillac SRX, now up for raffle at NorthPark Center. Proceeds of this unique fundraiser will benefit Bookmarks, a new Dallas Public Library opening soon in NorthPark Center.

The new library opening in NorthPark Center is a one-of-kind creation designed by award-winning Dallas architects design associates. Bookmarks: A Dallas Public Library will be a “kid-friendly” space, with an abundance of bright colors, plenty of places to curl up with a book, and unique artwork. The 1,993 square-foot library is for children through age 12 and will be located on the first floor.

“I am thrilled to have designed this Cadillac SRX,” said Dana Buchman, “It’s a beautiful piece of machinery. It is my hope that donating the car to Bookmarks will raise sufficient funds to keep reading at the forefront of our children’s education.”

Tickets to win the Dana Buchman 2008 Cadillac SRX are available at the NorthPark Center Concierge through Oct. 31. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Tickets will be limited to the first 1,000 sold and are available for $100 per ticket. All proceeds from the sale of the tickets will benefit Bookmarks. The winning ticket will be drawn on Friday, November 2 at NorthPark Center; you need not be present to win.

Worth bookmarking, indeed!

Not Just Any Manic Monday...

It's Monday...and that means...It's Dancing With the Stars night, and also the night where your attention and fingers count the most. By now, I'm sure no one needs a reminder, but I'll say it anyway...vote for Dallas' Mark Cuban at 1-800-VOTE-411 or 3411 by text for AT&T Customers as many times as possible. He needs Dallas' (and Fort Worth's) votes!

Now what can be more entertaining than Mark in round 5...vote tonight!

Fun at the Fair

I stopped by the State Fair this weekend, just to check in on the big guy (Tex) and grab a funnel cake. Having not been to the fair in several years, though, I wasn’t sure what it might hold for a city girl who does not like heat or crowds. To my delight, I had a wonderful time! The weather was perfect, the grounds were pristine, the exhibits were fabulous, and the fried foods were just to my liking.

My family particularly enjoyed the Texas Skyway. It’s a welcome addition to the fair, and really, an unexpected treat. The ride is short, but the view is spectacular.

Also spectacular: The Neiman Marcus Fortnight exhibit in the Hall of State. Photos and memorabilia from the downtown store’s famed fortnight celebrations are on display here, and if anyone knows how to throw a party, it’s Neiman’s. A 1969 note from Stanley Marcus to the store’s visual director at the time strongly instructed him to keep within the $70-80,000 budget in the future. That’s about a $400,000 party, by today’s standards.

Only six more days to experience this year’s fair! Because, like Stanley Marcus, Dallas knows how to put on a show.

liz

Who's Your "Number One?"

Once again this year, we’ll be tallying up the crème of the crop for the best all over Dallas and Fort Worth. The results will appear in our December issue of each respective magazine letting you know who’s on top for 2007. Make your opinions count…vote now at dallaschild.com and fortworthchild.com to get your voice heard!

Voting ends Nov 1!

Lauren

Manufacturers Pull Infant Cough and Cold Meds

If you have any over-the-counter cough or cold medicine for infants lurking in your medicine cabinet -- throw them out! The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) announced voluntary market withdrawals today on behalf of the leading makers of over-the-counter infant cough and cold medicines. The withdrawal affects only "infant" oral medicines, not those intended and labeled for use in children age 2 and up.

At issue is concern that consumers could misuse the medicines in infants, causing a serious or even deadly overdose. Government scientists have said that there is little evidence the medicines actually relieve cough and cold symptoms in infants. The FDA will meet next week to consider adding the words "do not use in children under two years" to product labels.

Your best strategy for giving relief to the very youngest cough and cold sufferers are the old-fashioned remedies you've always relied on: humidifiers, nasal bulb syringes or saline nose spray -- and lots of hugs and kisses along with some tincture of time!

Off the Page: Raising Athletes for Life

North Texas families are crazy about competition and team sports -- so it can be easy to overlook the rainbow of "lifetime sports" and recreation available in our area. But kids are more likely to continue sports like rock climbing, swimming, walking ... running, fishing ... racquetball and hiking after their school years.

"Certainly organized sports provide children with a sense of team and a sense of belonging, but they can find that in other activities and hobbies like riding a bike or rollerblading, too." -- Dr. Pete Stavinoha, child psychologist, Children's Medical Center Dallas

Read more about what the experts think -- and what the kids think! -- about finding the right sport, and check our list of 8 Questions to Find the Right Sport, in "Raising Athetes" from the October 2007 issue of DallasChild and FortWorthChild. Be a good sport and pick up a copy today!

Dance Dance Mark Cuban

Don’t forget to vote for Mark and Kym as they tackle the jive on tonight’s Dancing with the Stars. On his blog, Cuban expresses concern that we Dallasites will forget about him tonight, while the Cowboys are battling the Bills on Monday Night Football. So, call 1 800/VOTE-411 to help them stay in the game; or, AT&T customers can text “VOTE” to 3411---as many as 11 times.

No excuses for stopping at seven votes, either.

-Liz

Care About "the Cure?" Take a (Pink) Seat...

When the pink ribbons come out, it can only mean one thing…it must be October, breast cancer awareness month. There are hundreds and hundreds of pink products advertised everywhere this month, but one caught my eye in particular – the Florence Knoll bench at Design Within Reach (DWR). Their company, like many others around the world, have been “severely impacted,” says a statement on their website, and would like to give back. An online auction of the bench will begin Oct 16 and go through Oct 25; the in-studio auctions will be held in 9 studios (including Dallas) across the country on Oct 25. All proceeds from the auctions will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.
Visit www.dwr.com to get the details.

Lauren

Off the Page: Surviving Childhood Cancer

Jennifer Hardy was only 2 when she was diagnosed with Wilms' Tumor; through treatments and time, the tumor disappeared (she's now 24), but she and her mother still carry the battle wounds on their hearts.

"(Jennifer) became a model patient, offering her hand and taking her treatment like an adult. I discovered then, and throughout the treatments, that children have a profound way of protecting their parents." -- Mary Ann Hardy

Read these reflections of a mother and daughter on a journey marked with hope and haunted by fear, in "Surviving Childhood Cancer" from the latest issue (October 2007) of DallasChild and FortWorthChild.

What would you do for love?

The October issue of Babytalk magazine features a poignant page of quotes from parents whose children have lost their loveys -- blankies, teddies and all manner of beloved items. My family's keepsake chest contains an entire section especially for retired loveys. Doggums, my own patched grey poodle from what my kids call Ancient Times, holds court over an assortment of dingy, patched seals, bears and other barely identifiable creatures. When I open the chest to take out a new season's worth of hand-me-downs, the whole family inevitably gathers around to greet and pay homage to our dearly departed loveys.

There's nothing sweeter than a reunion with a lost lovey. Have your children ever lost a lovey? What did you do to get it back? Leave us a comment and share your sweetest lost-lovey reunions!

~ Lisa

The Good Book

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was unveiled yesterday, which, for some of us, means the holiday season starts NOW! It also means my Christmas (and birthday) lists just got a little bit longer.

One of this year’s ultimate fantasy gifts is a private concert by Russia’s famed Kirov Orchestra ($1.59 million). Or, there’s the Montana Wilderness Package ($2.3 million). Both unforgettable experiences, I am sure, but if you are looking into purchasing either of these options for me, please understand that I will need something to wear!

See page 11 of The Book for a frock suitable for the Kirov concert. Alexander McQueen’s red silk dress with pleated insert just begs for a night of music and culture. The dress looks superluxe, and McQueen’s exquisite, Savile Row tailoring takes center stage.

And, Manolo Blahnik’s black, sequined Carolyne sling back (named for designer Carolyne Roehm) is a perfect complement, seen on page 10.

For staying warm in the Montana wilderness, I think the Pologeorgis Lippi cat fur coat (see page 8) would do the trick.

Happy browsing and fantasy list-making!

-liz

Hometown (Dancing) Hero

It’s showtime again tonight for Mark Cuban and his dancing partner, Kym, tonight as they tackle the Mambo. They were in the bottom two, barely missing the boot last week, so call to vote at 1.800.VOTE.411 tonight after what is sure to be another entertaining performance by the duo. On that note, want to hear Cuban’s thoughts on being a dancing daddy? Read his latest post on www.blogmaverick.com…it’s a softer side of the “bouncing bionic billionaire” that the media doesn’t tend to capture. It’s also cool to read about a dancer’s thoughts/emotions from that show…it’s a rollercoaster ride for us viewers at home, and now we know for the dancers too.... Blog or no blog, one thing is apparent...they're all having fun out there!

Lauren

Time goes by so slowly ...

Time is a recurring theme throughout our October issue. To give you some perspective on how precious it is, you’ll want to read our very special story written by a local mother/daughter about their journey with childhood cancer. Jennifer Hardy was only 2 when she was diagnosed with Wilms’ Tumor; through treatments and time, the tumor disappeared (she’s now 24), but she and her mother still carry the battle wounds on their hearts.

The family who sweats together stays together! Competitive sports are great, but check out our ideas for engaging your kids in fitness activities that they can enjoy (and crave) long after their glory days fade.

Also in this issue, Lauren Niebes sits down for a rare interview with Tiffany Cuban, the wife of Dallas Mavericks owner and mega-entrepreneur Mark Cuban. And of course, it’s the month of all things orange and chocolate! We’ve culled all the best harvest events and (non-scary) Halloween activities in town.

Read it all in our October issue, on the newstands now.

~ Shelley

Have pump, will travel

Nursing moms, take to the skies! If you’ve been holding back on traveling (or even hesitating to begin plotting out holiday plans) for fear of difficulties getting pumped breast milk through airport security – worry no more. The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) now permits breast milk to be carried in any quantity, as long as you declare it for inspection at airport security checkpoints.

Moms who’ve traveled since the change of policy in August warn that not all security agents have caught up on the relatively new policy. Be prepared! Make visual inspections easier by using clear containers, which may help prevent agents from pouring breast milk into another container in order to inspect it. The milk may also be X-rayed. Print out a copy of the TSA's information on traveling with breast milk, formula or juice and be prepared to show the policy to agents or ask for a supervisor if you run into any difficulties.

Bon voyage!

~ Lisa

No More 3x5s

Last month, we shared with you some websites for building the ultimate digital scrapbook. But, if you’re like me, you probably have some older snapshots (Polaroids…slides, maybe?) from your disposable camera days collecting dust.

Now, I don’t need to display the 47 shots of the Eiffel Tower I took when I was 16 on my Shutterfly. That moment has long since passed. But it would be nice to preserve those memories in a digital way and add them to my personal photo library.

This is where ScanDigital can help. Just sign up on their site, print out a UPS shipping label and send them your pics of Christmas 1998, your first car, etc. They’ll scan your photos and return your originals, along with a CD/DVD, within a week. It also provides an online gallery, should you choose to share these treasures. Prices start at about 50 cents per photo, but as we all know, aren’t they all priceless?

-liz

Dancing With...DallasChild?

I have to say that I’m very excited about the debut of one of the top shows in America tonight…Dancing With the Stars!! This season, Mark Cuban, Dallas’ sole representation this time around, has big shoes to fill since Emmitt won over America (as a dancer), winning the Championship with partner, Cheryl Burk. Beloved and embraced in Dallas for elevating our Mavs from worst to best, the dynamic Cuban is up for the job…so says his wife, Tiffany, when I chatted with her about motherhood, the public eye and of course, Mark on Dancing With the Stars. See what else she has to say about being a mommy of two, philanthropist, and wife to such a high-profile “maverick,” and why he decided to Dance in front of America in October’s issue of DallasChild and FortWorthChild magazines (out on streets today).

Don’t forget to watch our Dallas “maverick” tear up the dancefloor tonight on ABC at 7pm!

Cheers –
Lauren

Swing into consignment season

If your wallet is just beginning to perk up again after the initial onslaught of back-to-school purchases, you'll be thrilled to know that fall consignment season is here! Pass off last winter's outgrown kid duds and pick up some gently used, new-to-you items at bargain prices.

Check out our list of some of the most well-known sales. If you know of others, please leave us a comment and share the scoop!

Divine Consign Grapevine, Sept. 25-26; Arlington, Oct. 5-6

Outgrown Treasures Plano, Sept. 26-28

Rocking Horse Children's Consignment Sale Coppell, Sept. 27-29

Just Between Friends McKinney, Sept. 28-29

Sweet Repeats McKinney, Sept. 29

Lil' Lambs Allen, Oct. 18-20

Carousel Children's Consignment North Dallas/Farmer's Branch, Oct. 18-20

Happy bargain-hunting!

~ Lisa

Pinwheels for Peace

If you're driving down Camp Bowie in Fort Worth this evening on your way to treat your family to dinner after a long, hard week, you may notice a field full of ... is that pinwheels? Science students at the International Newcomer Academy planted approximately 300 pinwheels on the school soccer field earlier today in recognition of World Peace Day and inspired by the Pinwheels for Peace event.

INA staffers say the pinwheel event not only helps student work through various math and science exercises but serves as a pointer toward the importance of all cultures working together to achieve a common goal. The INA is an intensive English language immersion school for new immigrants ages 12 to 19.

To make your own pinwheel this weekend, visit Pinwheels for Peace for a pattern and Quick-Time how-to movie.

Have a peaceful weekend!

~ Lisa

Got milk?

The Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas (one of only 11 U.S. donor banks certified by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America) supplied nearly 75,000 ounces of breast milk to local babies last year. How do they do it? Donations from moms like you!

Got milk? You may be able to donate unused breast milk from your freezer or fresh milk if you're still pumping. When talking to mothers who call to see if they can donate frozen milk, MMBNT volunteer Lysta Haynes adds, "Don't stop pumping! Call the Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas!"

MMBNT makes it easy to deliver donated milk to their facility, with nine drop-off locations scattered throughout the Metroplex.

* MMBNT, Fort Worth
* Harris HEB, Bedford
* Dallas Co. Health and Human Services, Dallas
* Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas
* Presbyterian Plano Hospital, Plano
* Richardson Regional Medical Center, Richardson
* Denton Co. Health Department, Denton
* Outreach Health Services, Waxahachie

To be screened as a potential milk donor or to learn more about donor breast milk, visit the Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas or call 817/810-0071.

~ Lisa

It's sniffles season again

If you’re one of the thousands of North Texans who suffers through the misery of fall allergies, hold on to your handkerchief: Allergy researchers at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas say the upcoming ragweed season could be the worst in decades.

“The unusually wet weather this summer means ragweed plants are big and healthy, and that’s bad news for a lot people in the local area,” says allergist Gary Gross, M.D. “Ragweed tends to be one of the worst pollens in North Texas, and I think this fall could be the worst in recent memory.”

Dallas-Fort Worth is annually ranked among the worst cities in the United States for allergies by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

So are your little snifflers suffering from allergies – or could they have a cold or virus? Here are some pointers from Presbyterian Hospital on how to tell the difference:

* Colds usually go away within a week. Allergies can persist for days, weeks, even months.
* Persistent sneezing usually signals allergies, not a cold.
* Allergies symptoms do not include fever initially, which is common with a cold.
* Itchy eyes, nose and even ears are signs of allergies.

Finally, if you’ve narrowed it down to the ragweed sniffles, try these tips:

* Keep kids indoors during the early-morning hours, when pollen counts are highest.
* After they play outside, give your child a bath or shower to wash off pollen that accumulates on her hair and skin.
* Use saline nasal sprays to wash pollen out of your child's nose.
* For mild symptoms, over-the-counter medications can be effective. If your child appears to be having a particularly troublesome reaction, see your physician.

Here's hoping your fall isn't filled with red eyes and noses!


~ Lisa

Putting math skills to the test

Last year, we told you about a new program called "Math Can Take You Places" that’s helping North Texas grade-schoolers target the five most common problem areas in fundamental math concepts. Designed by KERA with support from Travelocity, the program tackles low TAKS scores and arms fourth- through sixth-graders with the math tools they’ll need for middle school and beyond.

This year, KERA is ready to see who was paying attention! "Do the Math" is a new contest that puts both math teachers and students to the test. Formal, professional math teachers and students in grades 3 through 6 are invited to submit math words problems and original activities that illustrate how math is used in the real world. It all adds up to a chance to win cash and prizes!

The deadline for Do the Math entries is Nov. 2, 2007. Submissions will be judged by a jury of educators, and winners will be named by Nov. 30. For complete contest details and downloading entry forms, visit Do the Math.

~ Lisa

Fort Worth schools star on TV

Tune in this Labor Day weekend to Reading Rockets, a public TV show featuring a segment with two Fort Worth ISD elementary schools. A Chance to Read is hosted by actress Molly Ringwald (Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club) and is part of the award-winning series Reading Rockets: Launching Young Readers. Produced by WETA in Washington, D.C, the series looks at how children learn to read, why so many struggle and what we can do to help.

Watch our local kids and teachers in the "Untapped Potential" segment, airing on KERA on Sunday, Sept. 2 at 8:30 a.m. It examines students at Versia Williams ES and Westcliff ES. The “Untapped Potential” section of the program highlights how the study approaches teaching cognitively disabled students and shows how the students respond to the instruction.

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

Lisa

Boys' and Girls' Clubs

Now that you’ve gotten the kids back to school, you may have a little more time on you hands, but you’ll still need to figure out what you’ll do with them after school.

That’s where scouting comes in. The Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas are enrolling girls now for this school year. Stop by a recruitment event, happening Sep 6, at various locations including Andrews Elementary, Brinker Elementary and Prince of Peace, in Plano.

Check out www.gsnetx.org for more info and for details on these, and other, recruiting events.

And for the boys, there’s the Circle Ten Council, encompassing all of Dallas and Collin Counties. The official Join Scouting Night is Sep 11, and you can read more at circle10.org.

Happy scouting!

-liz

When Life Hands You Lemons...

If it seems like we’ve been distant lately, we’re really not neglecting you! Once again, we’re just getting ready to finalize an excellent fall issue—and, we’ve got lots to say. So, stay tuned—September’s almost here.

But, for now, it’s still August, and it’s still very hot. Cool off with a glass of lemonade this Sunday (8/19) at a lemonade stand with a purpose. Dallas sisters Mackenzie and Madison Meadows (7 and 6, respectively) are hosting this summery fundraiser with the help of Half Price Books, and all proceeds will benefit the North Texas Food Bank’s Food 4 Kids program.

The Meadows girls aren’t the only ones dabbling in non-profit causes and making a difference. We’ve discovered families across North Texas are exposing their kids to philanthropy, and in some very surprising ways…and you'll read all about it next month.

Mackenzie and Friends Lemonade Stand
Sunday, August 19
2-4pm
Half Price Books
5803 E. Northwest Highway

-liz

Building Your Nest (North or South of 635)...

Our August issue is packed full of goodness this month, and in it, two new sections make their debut – Nesting and Parenting North/South of 635.

Nesting is our home + garden guide to living with kids, since we know that when they enter the picture, many things change, and your décor is one of them. We’re putting our two cents in on how to still live beautifully, peacefully and the way you’ve grown accustomed to (pre-kids), even if you do have three pairs of ketchup-covered hands running around your white-washed room.

Parenting North/South of 635 is our special zoned section, tailor made for those of you living in Dallas County (South of 635) or Collin County (North of 635). In it you’ll find “Mommies and Shakers,” “Talk” heard in the carpool line, and various other bits of information and stories that are for and about people in your neck of the woods.

We hope you enjoy these new sections as much as we’ve enjoyed putting them together for you. We’d love to get your feedback and hear your thoughts on them! Email us at editorial@dallaschild.com.

Cheers and have a great weekend!

Lauren

Trouble in Toyland

Hopefully, you saw last night's news of the massive Fisher-Price toy recall. Eighty-three different models of toys are affected, so if your little ones love Elmo, Dora or Diego, chances are you might have one of these models in the toy chest.

The toys were manufactured in China, and their paint could contain traces of lead. Most of the models affected will be those purchased after May 2007.

Follow this link to Mattel's website for a list and pictures of recalled toys. You could qualify for a voucher, but most importantly, you'll want to evict those toys from your home a.s.a.p.

-Liz

Fashion Frenzy

North-Texas’ most fashion forward teens have collaborated to put on a fashion show to get area teens prepped and ready for the new school year at 3pm, this Saturday, Aug 4 at Galleria Dallas. KISS-FM’s Billy the Kid, along with experts from Cotton Inc. and Seventeen Magazine will help get the style party started.

Lauren

A few thanks...

As my time here comes to a close and I end my short stint as an editorial intern (thanks to wisdom teeth, summer school and a university trip to Ohio) I just want to reflect for a moment and say a quick thanks to a few people who helped me grow along the way.

After spending the past year working for my university’s fast-paced newspaper, the switch to a magazine was both a sigh of relief and a much-needed chance to dabble in something a bit different. Being able to balance a variety of articles and projects while learning the ropes of a well-respected magazine was an experience I’ll never forget. Birthday party profiles, news blurbs, and “shortcuts” gave me a growing confidence in a field I now know I would like to pursue. And, luckily for me, the staff at DallasChild accepted me with open arms and gave me opportunity after opportunity to develop and strengthen my writing skills.

Elizabeth – Thanks for allowing me to flood your e-mail box and for always finding something for me to work on (fencing parties, anyone?) If I can walk away with at least ¼ of your creativeness and talent, I’ll be well off!

Lauren – Thanks for always having quick feedback and a quick smile. You have a great sense of style and great ability to write about it!

Jessica – Who am I going to share weird news stories with? Thanks for all the laughs and good luck with all that you do, I know you’ll be great!

Shelley – While I didn’t work as closely with you as I would have liked, I could tell by your staff what a great editor you are. And, your cute boys always brightened my day!

Joy – Thank you for allowing me to come into your company and work for your talented editors. Your contagious laugh and humorous outlook never failed to make me smile.

Thanks again and I can’t wait to come back and visit!

Ashley Westbrook

Potter in the House!

It’s finally here: the 7th and final Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” On July 21, at 12:01 a.m., the book will be on sale, and there are plenty of pre-sale parties going on.

McKinney Parks and Recreation is sponsoring Potter Fest this Friday, July 20, at Towne Lake Park from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. To receive the book, you had to pre-register by Monday, but you can still attend the festivities for free. There will be games, food, contests, a screening of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and much more. Participants will be sorted randomly into Hogwarts houses before receiving their books. Towne Lake Park, 1405 Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, 972/542-0045, www.mckinneytexas.org.

Stonebriar Centre will have a Wizard’s Ball, also this Friday, starting at 9 p.m. The local bands include the Political Monkeys, the XO’s and Egress. There will be face painting, wand-making, fortune-telling, sorting and more. Barnes & Noble Stonebriar, 2601 Preston Road, Frisco, 972/668-2820.

Also, check your local bookstores for their Harry Potter parties. Many Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-A-Million, and others are having release parties. Visit their Web sites to check for party locations and times. Happy reading!

- Jessica

Cookie Couture

Who says that really fabulous “ritzy” restaurants don’t like kids? In Stephen Pyles’ case, it couldn’t be further from the truth. The famed restaurant is holding a “Ratatouille”-inspired cookie decorating class for kids on Saturday, August 4 from 11am – 1pm. Executive Chef Jeff Moschetti and Executive Pastry Chef Katherine Clapner will teach the aspiring chefs (ages 7 – 12) the art of decorating cookies – a favorite kiddie pastime. The $50 enrollment fee includes: breakfast for kids + adults (something to really be excited about for the adults…it will of course be fantastic!), goodie bag with recipe, apron, hat, cookie cutter and more. Contact Lisa Moore at Stephan Pyles for registration (214.580.7000). Enrollment is limited.

Stephan Pyles
1807 Ross Ave., Suite 200
Dallas, Texas

Lauren

Hot Children in the City?

Every city claims its weather is weird (don’t like it? Wait 5 minutes; it’ll change.), but I think Dallas takes the cake this summer. Alternating between high-90-degree days and flash flooding leaves little time to be outside, but when you have a window of opportunity, it’s time to seize the day.

July is Dallas Parks and Recreation Month, and it’s just a reminder to get out there and make the most of the remaining days of summer. And, if you’re running out of ways to keep the family busy, Dallas Parks and Rec has 300+ solutions for you. (300 parks, 7 spray grounds, the Dallas Zoo and the Dallas Aquarium, for starters.)

So, enjoy the rest of July. Refer to our July Family Guide for more inspiration, and look forward to August. We’ve got some exciting fall issues coming your way, so stay tuned.

-Liz

Lights, camera, auditions!

If theater is your calling, you should stop by the Rose Marine Theater and audition for the Teatro de la Rosa season opener, "Conference of the Birds." Auditions are Monday, August 6, at 7 p.m. They are casting 13-15 actors, dancers and puppeteers, so there’s a range of possibilities! The play is about a group of birds traveling through the Copan Ruins seeking a leader. It’s told with giant puppets and masks, which is the traditional Mayan style. Rehearsals begin August 13, Monday-Thursday and Sundays. The performances will be September 28-October 7 on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Rose Marine Theater
1440 N. Main St.
Fort Worth, TX 76164
817/624-8333

- Jessica

What’s hot about ice cream?

If you and yours are looking for a way to beat the summer heat, celebrate National Ice Cream month by making your own batch of the icy goodness. Dessert-lover President Ronald Regan gave July this title in 1984 as a way of celebrating America’s favorite cold confection. In honor of its long history and numerous flavors, here are a few links with recipes, facts and more.

History
How it's made
Facts and trivia
Recipes

Get the whole family in on the experience by learning about this tasty treat together. Delicious and nutritious (sometimes…hot fudge, anyone?) making ice cream is a sure-fire way to stay cool and maybe even learn something new.

-Ashley

A high performance diaper bag

Hey everyone, my name is Ashley and I’m the other editorial intern at DallasChild. While I was perusing the Internet today, I came across this cool site that sells recycled handbags for men and women. Father’s Day may be over, but if you’re looking to surprise your hubby with a masculine, family-friendly gift - look no more. The designers at Passchal have constructed the perfect dad-bag out of used truck and tractor tire inner tubes. Manly and eco-friendly, this handcrafted bag comes complete with baby bottle pouches, iPod/cell phone holders and a battery operated light that turns on when the bag is opened. With a price tag of $175 and a lifetime warranty, he’ll be safe in the fast lane. Check out the Web site to see more of the trendy tire totes.

-Ashley

Save the climate with…coffee?

Coffee and polar bears? Starting July 31, Starbucks will help educate customers about the climate crisis. Starbucks will promote the family-friendly documentary Arctic Tale with signs, cup holders and possibly plush dolls. Arctic Tale, opening July 25, is about a baby polar bear and walrus pup trying to survive as their world melts away due to climate change. Starbucks will also host a “National Day of Discussion” on August 15 with environmental leaders discussing solutions to the vital climate issue at select Starbucks.

- Jessica

Feeling Earthy?

If all this rain keeps up, the best thing to do this weekend just might be to stay inside, order pizzas and watch Live Earth concerts. Seven concerts (one on each continent) will literally rock the globe for 24 hours on 7/7/07 to raise awareness for global warming.

NBC begins its broadcast at 7pm, Saturday, and, if you can’t sleep that night, the Bravo network starts an 18-hour broadcast at 2am 7/8/07.

You’ll see KT Tunstall, Alicia Keys, Dave Matthews Band and The Police live from New York; Genesis, Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in London; Jack Johnson rocks Sydney and Joss Stone takes Johannesburg, among about 150 other bands.

And, while you’re reliving “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” with Sting and the boys, sit the kids down to check out Meet the Greens, a new site that inspires kids with big ideas to save their planet.

-Liz

Literary Arts (and some crafts)

Because we’re all trying to ward off summer brain-drain (it’s been tough today, I’ll admit it), here’s something else to keep you cool and busy this weekend…

The J.Erik Jonsson Central Library in Dallas hosts its 2nd International Book Fair, July 6-8, 10am-5pm Friday and Saturday, and 1-5pm Sunday.

60 locally, nationally and internationally renowned authors will be there to read their works and sign books, but it’s also a cultural event for the whole family.

Performing arts, poetry, theater, puppets, face painting, arts and crafts and more are on the event’s schedule to keep those little minds busy and sharp.

Find more info about activities and authors at www.dallasinternationalbookfair.com

-Liz