Pumpkin Palooza!

It's back - and this year it's bigger than ever! Autumn at The Arboretum presents The Great Pumpkin Festival kicking off this Saturday, September 19th. Bring the whole family and see over 40,000 decorative pumpkins and gourds! Always a favorite spot for the family photo, the festival also features over 150,000 fall blooming flowers including chrysanthemums, salvia, coleus, ornamental grasses and impatiens. But don't worry kiddos - if chrysanthemums don't wow you like they do Mom, you can romp around and wear yourself out in the 15-foot pumpkin house and kids hay bale maze!

The festival runs through November 1. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the Southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX, 75218. The Arboretum is open daily from 9am until 5pm. For more information and other events, call (214) 515-6500 or visit the Arboretum's website at www.dallasarboretum.org.

-Jenny

What to Do Today: Sept. 18

DALLAS
Everyone's favorite feisty grade schooler will take the stage in Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, premiering at 7:30pm today (and continuing every Friday-Sunday through Nov. 1) at the Dallas Children's Theater. Junie's got a brand-new brother, and she's not too happy about it — until she figures out a way to turn the situation into a positive! Tickets start at $14.



FORT WORTH
Have some old-fashioned fun at Timber Tales Storytime from 10-11am today at Fort Worth's Log Cabin Village. Children ages 3-5 will hear the stories Tortillas and Lullabies and The Copper Tin Cup before making a cool craft. Call ahead to make reservations (required). $4.




NORTH TEXAS
Hear some beautiful classical music at the Lewisville Lake Symphony: The Symphony Series concert at 7:30pm today at Lewisville's Lakeland Baptist Church. Cellist Eugene Osadchy of the Plano Symphony and the Dallas Chamber Orchestra will perform. $25 adults; $20 seniors; $10 students.

What to Do Today: Sept. 17

DALLAS
Take a mini-trip to Munich at the 22nd-Annual Addison Oktoberfest, kicking off at 5pm today (and it's free until 11pm today!) at Addison Circle Park. This fun festival will feature a whole tent just for kids, with dancers, puppets, magic and more. Add in live music, authentic foods and drinks and cool carnival rides and you've got fun for the whole fam! Free on Thursday; $5 for ages 4 and older Friday-Sunday.


FORT WORTH
Have a grooving good time at the Twilight Thursdays concert at 7pm today on the Old Bedford School South Lawn in Bedford. This week's band is King Creole, who will play classic hits the whole family will enjoy! Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Get ready to have some serious festival fun as GrapeFest kicks off at 10am today in downtown Grapevine. Kids will flip for carnival rides and games, a petting zoo, squishy grape stomps and more. Admission is free today and from 10am-5pm Friday; regular admission is $8 adults; $5 seniors and children ages 6-12.

IMAXimum Entertainment!

Your future's so bright...you gotta wear - umm, 3D glasses? Fall movie watching in Collin County just got brighter with Frisco’s AMC Stonebriar 24 set to debut its new IMAX theatre with the September 18 feature film release of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” in 3D! Based on the beloved children’s story featuring flying flapjacks, plummeting pasta, and meatball meteors, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” has been digitally re-mastered into IMAX’s format to capture the imagination and satisfy your entertainment fix. The IMAX experience combines crystal-clear images and powerful digital sound, making your trip to the theater unforgettable!

Want more family friendly films? Coming right up! Parents hungry for wholesome entertainment will flip over their fall lineup! Opening October 16 is “Where the Wild Things Are” immediately followed by “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” in IMAX 3D opening November 16th.

Call 1-888-AMC-4FUN (1-888-262-4386) or visit AMCTheatres.com for listings and showtimes.

-Jenny

Sugary Prediction!

For all you expectant mothers out there who have yet to find out whether you'll be having a girl or a boy - Sprinkles might be trying to tell you something!

Much to our pleasant surprise, this special delivery arrived at our office this morning, compliments of one of our favorite cupcake shops, Sprinkles! A. There is not so much as a peep around here - I suspect our mouths are full. B. This might be the best breakfast I've had - ever. C. You can custom order cupcakes just like these and send them to our office too!! Just kidding. But you can order them for that upcoming baby shower, birthday party or soiree you're hosting! We highly recommend them. We'd tell you ourselves but our mouths are full.

Sprinkles Cupcakes . Plaza at Preston Center . 4020 Villanova Drive . 214 369 0004

-Jenny

What to Do Today: Sept. 16

DALLAS
Get a dollop of Southern charm with an Author Signing by Jamie and Bobby Deen at 7pm today at Dallas' Borders Bookstore Preston and Royal. The chefs and Food Network stars (sons of Southern super chef Paula Deen) will discuss and sign copies of their new family-friendly cookbook. Free.



FORT WORTH
Children ages 3-7 will come together for stories and fun activities at Listener Time Arlington Central Branch at 10 and 11am today (and every Wednesday through Nov. 25) at the George W. Hawkes Central Library. And while the kids are busy listening, you can sneak off to the periodicals section to catch up on your favorite magazines! Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Take a field trip to see a Texas Rangers Home Game at 7:05pm today at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The hometown team will take on the Seattle Mariners in exciting Major League action. Don't forget the peanuts and Cracker Jack! Tickets start at $3.

What to Do Today: Sept. 15

DALLAS
Have an artistic experience with the exhibit Dead Reckoning by Vernon Fisher from 10am-5pm today (and every Tuesday-Saturday through Dec. 19) at Dallas Contemporary. Renowned Dallas artist Fisher's work balances brightly colored paintings with excerpts of stories and is sure to get kids' imaginations flowing. Free.


FORT WORTH
Gather up your baby's gear and head to Lap-Sit Storytime at 10am today (and every Tuesday) at the Southlake Public Library. The program, which is designed for infants who are not yet walking, includes songs, rhymes and more, all designed to keep babies entertained! Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Get your groove on at the Sounds of Lewisville Music Series concert at 7pm today in Old Town Lewisville. The band Havana NRG will perform salsa and Latin music that is sure to get your feet moving! Bring a lawn chair. Free.

Guilt Free Groceries!

We typically go to the grocery store with good intentions - which quickly vanish once we see the dessert isle! Sticking to that diet or healthy lifestyle can be trying at times. If only we had more incentive to adhere to our shopping lists!

Whole Foods gives you a reason to feel good about your groceries. Shop at their Dallas, Highland Park, Plano and Richardson locations on Tuesday, September 15th and 5% of the entire day's sales will benefit Marathon Kids, a free exercise and nutrition program combating childhood obesity for elementary school children.

So go ahead and get the cauliflower - it's for a good cause!

Visit www.marathonkids.org to learn more about this cause and what you can do to help!

-Jenny

Weekend Film Find

Scrolling through the list of documentaries on my Apple TV this weekend, I find this: Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox. A documentary of Dr. Bronner, creator of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, and how the whole soap empire came to be. I didn't even know this existed when I wrote about his soap last week (A Slippery Soap). Just a warning: he's a bit out of his mind. Seriously. It's not the typical rise-to-fame story. In fact, it's not a typical story in the least - maybe because Dr. Bronner isn't a typical man. Haven't watched it yet (it's now on my list), but I can't imagine this film won't entertain, or at the very lest inform.

Find it on Amazon.

- Lauren

What to Do Today: Sept. 14

DALLAS
Learn some interesting Dallas County history with the new Your Dallas: Lancaster exhibit from 9am-5pm today (and every day through Nov. 8) at Dallas' Old Red Museum. You'll see cool artifacts, photos, films and more. $8 adults; $6 seniors; $5 children ages 3-18.

FORT WORTH
Got a toddler? Got some extra time? head over to Toddler Time Hurst from 10-10:30am today (and every Monday and Thursday) at the Hurst Public Library. Children ages 1-3 and their caregivers will share stories, songs and more each week. Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Kids in kindergarten through third grade who are looking for a bit of fun after school might like to check out Prime Time at 4pm today (and every Monday through Nov. 30) at the Lewisville Public Library. The program includes stories, games, crafts and more.

Butterfly Fever!

Want to see natural beauty up close and personal? First, we recommend a mirror. Second, we recommend you grab your family and head to this weekend's grand opening of Fair Park's Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House & Insectarium! Not only is it one of the largest year-round live butterfly exhibits in the world, but it's home to more than 100 species of free-flying tropical butterflies! Just don't run around trying to catch them like you do in your own backyard.

A ribbon cutting Saturday at 9:45 am by WFAA’s Gloria Campos will kick off the weekend and admission to the Butterfly House will open to the public soon after. The Junior League of Dallas will keep your kiddos entertained both days with crafts while James French photography helps families commemorate the occasion, selling butterfly themed portraits for $20 each.

Regular admission to the butterfly house and gardens is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and $4 for children ages 3 to 11. 


214 428 7476 • TDG@TexasDiscoveryGardens.org

3601 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd; Dallas, TX 75210

-Jenny

9.11.01

What to Do Today: Sept. 11

DALLAS
Don't miss the drama when the Garland Civic Theatre stages its performance of Phantom at 8pm today at Garland's Granville Arts Center. The musical, which has a storyline similar to Phantom of the Opera but in a more operetta-like style, is best for more mature audiences (meaning, book a babysitter!). Tickets are $25-$15.


FORT WORTH
It seems like butterflies are everywhere right now — from the grand opening of the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium Saturday in Dallas to the ongoing Native Texas Butterflies exhibit in McKinney. This weekend, Southlake gets in on the action with the annual Kiwanis Butterfly Festival, kicking off at 9am today at Southlake Town Square. Kids will get to feed the little flyers and have all their butterfly questions answered by seasoned pros. $6 adults; $3 children ages 3-12.


NORTH TEXAS
You've reached the end of yet another busy week (yay!), so relax family style with Movies in the Park at 8:30pm today at The Colony Five Star Complex. You'll see the kid-friendly film Fly Me to the Moon, and free popcorn will be provided. Just don't drop the kids off — parental supervision is required! Free.

Spa(aaaaaah) Week!

We realize that Mother's Day is quite a long ways off. But why wait till May to feel like the fabulous mom you are? We don't know either - there's simply no reason. In honor of our not-honored-nearly-enough mamas out there, we'd like to point you in the direction of indulgence. Spa Week is coming to Dallas-Fort Worth Oct. 12-18, with specials at spas across North Texas. With $50 signature services, you can pamper yourself without spending a fortune! And for all you practical moms - enjoying the "spa lifestyle" has more perks than just pleasure. The therapeutic health benefits are many and include lowering stress levels and increasing balance and peace of mind, which is good for you and your family. It's like that little birdie once told us, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

Are you ready for some much-needed mommy pampering? Visit www.spaweek.com Monday, Sept. 14, to see a list of participating spas and services.

Cat out of the bag ALERT: We've got Spa Week giveaways coming! Stay tuned for details on how to win!!

-Jenny

A Slippery Soap

On a recent long weekend in Austin, I discovered what is now one of my favorite travel companions at the Hotel San Jose (btw - an absolute must stay at while in Austin...even with kids, which we saw running around outside in the gardens). Dr. Bronner's Magic Liquid Soap was sitting on a long narrow shelf above the bathroom sink when I peeked in. Not knowing anything about it, I was curious as to what made this soap so magical. I tried it, loved it and never want to be without it. When talking to a future Nesting mom while on the shoot at her home, she gushed over it saying that she loves putting a few drops in her kitchen sink disposal to send the fresh scent throughout the kitchen. But one of the best things about this magical soap? It's fair-trade and organic. You're not putting anything on your skin (or you child's) that's undesirable. Face, body, hands or even sink disposal - no matter what you use it for...you'll get hooked.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps

Available locally at area Sprouts and Vitamin Shoppes

- Lauren

What to Do Today: Sept. 10

DALLAS

Rock out to the funky tunes of the band Dallas Unlimited at the Cool Thursdays Concert Series at 7:30pm today at the Dallas Arboretum. The stage is set up with a great view of White Rock Lake. Bring a blanket — and a picnic! $14 adults; $7 children ages 3-12; children younger than 3 free.

FORT WORTH

Had it up to here with sibling rivalry? Check out a bit of sibling revelry with a concert by The 5 Browns at 8pm at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall. The three sisters and two brothers, all Juilliard-trained pianists, will wow the crowd with their repertoire of classical beauties. Tickets start at $23.

NORTH TEXAS

Get ready for fall with Make and Take Craft Night at 7pm today at the Grapevine Public Library. Kids of all ages will make a cute scarecrow magnet to take home. Free.

What to Do Today: Sept. 9

DALLAS
Ever seen a nursery rhyme come to life? You'll get your chance when Storyteller Dorayne Breedlove performs at 10:30am today at the Bookmarks library at Dallas' NorthPark Center. Breedlove will bring the tale of Little Bo Peep to life in this interactive show, which is part of the Read and Learn program aimed at children ages birth to 6 years. Free.


FORT WORTH
Bring out your child's inner artist at Wonderful Wednesdays from 4-4:45pm today at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. This family-friendly program includes a gallery tour and a fun art project. This month, kids will learn about artist William Kentridge. Sign in at the admission desk. Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Have a fun morning outing with Toddler Time at 10:15am today (and every Tuesday-Thursday) at the Grapevine Public Library. The storytime is aimed at children ages 18 months-36 months and will include books, songs and more. The theme for this week is "Dinosaur Tales." Free.

Let Them Eat Cake!

Anyone within a 50-mile radius of the three La Duni locations knows the greatness of their Cuatro Leches cake. It's simply divine - no other way to describe it. So imagine our excitement when we ran into Dunia Borga, executive pastry chef of La Duni, setting up their back-to-school cake (and cupcake) display in the window of their Oaklawn restaurant. Little did we know that La Duni does cakes for the smaller foodie set! So the next time you're planning a fete for the little ones, now you know where to get a cake that both the parents and kids will fight to finish! Talk about a sugar rush!

La Duni Latin Kitchen and Baking Studio

4264 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas

214/520-6888

- Lauren

What to Do Today: Sept. 8

DALLAS

Have some high-flying fun with The Wright Place from 10-11:30am today at Dallas' Frontiers of Flight Museum. "Orville Wright" (or, at least, a really good impersonator!) will tell kids of all ages about the first powered flight. $8 adults; $5 children.

FORT WORTH

Got a kid who's just dying to beat dad in a game of checkers? Bring him or her to the Youth Checkers Club meeting from 4-6pm today (and every Tue) at the East Arlington Branch Library. Kids ages 5-12 will join the children's librarian for a lesson and some practice. Free.

NORTH TEXAS

Get in some extra reading time with Book Adventures at 4pm today (and every Tue through Nov 24) at the North Branch Denton Library. Kids in kindergarten through third grade will enjoy stories and activities based around a different theme each week. Free.

Moody Blues + Cary Pierce

No, the Moody Blues and Cary Pierce aren't performing together (although, what a collaboration that would be?!). But they are two musical greats - one past, one present - that have and are performing in the Dallas Arts District this week. The Moody Blues played last night at the Meyerson Symphony Center, accompanied by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. What a concert that was! I was definitely one of the youngest in the audience and probably the least familiar with their music, but it was a fantastic experience to hear rock paired with symphonic sounds. Ben Folds and John Legend are coming up in the series, and I have to say that after hearing last night's collaboration, I've already put those dates on my calendar.

As for music performer present, Cary

Pierce (one-half of Jackopierce) is performing tomorrow night at the Nasher to close out their Saturday Night in the City summer music series. It was his performance at the Nasher last year that led us to track him down as our DadNextDoor for 2009. That night he gave a great performance that was interactive and endearing to the audience. You felt like he was playing for a hundred (or more) of his closest friends in his own backyard, and I'm sure tomorrow night will be no different. Al fresco dining starts at 6p and the concert at 7p. It truly is a family affair, so even if you don't have reservations for an actual table and chairs, pack up a picnic blanket, snacks (or just buy the delicious ones there!) and the whole family and enjoy the final night of the summer music series under the stars and surrounded by world-class sculpture and sounds.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

- Lauren

What to Do Today: Sept. 4

DALLAS
Take a journey to the Emerald Isle with a performance of the Celtic Tenors (three operatic Irishmen) with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at 8pm today at Dallas' Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. You'll hear folk, pop and classical music. Additional performances are at 8pm Saturday and 2:30pm Sunday. Tickets start at $22.


FORT WORTH
See the premiere of the fun and lighthearted musical comedy The Mikado at 7:30pm today at Hurst's Artisan Center Theater. The show, written by Gilbert and Sullivan more than 100 years ago, is a tangled love story with sweet melodies that are appropriate for the whole family. Tickets start at $7.


NORTH TEXAS
Take a field trip up 380 and check out the Native Texas Butterflies exhibit from 9am-5pm today at McKinney's Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. You'll see lots of winged beauties, like zebra longwings, red admirals, monarchs and more. The exhibit is only open through Sept. 30 - don't miss it! $8 adults; $5 seniors and children ages 3-12; children younger than 3 free.

Want to Work for Us?

If your morning routine consists of sitting down to your computer first thing (and by "first thing" we mean after you get your morning cup of joe) and browsing the job postings on craigslist.com before your boss makes it into the office, maybe it's time to take some action and do more than just browse.

We're looking for an advertising account executive to add to our team! If you're reading this, then you already know that DallasChild is a well-established and recognized brand in the area that's here to help businesses reach out to local moms. Who better to help these businesses grow than a reader of the magazine! If you have print sales experience and are interested in joining our team, email a cover letter and resume to: sales@dallaschild.com. No phone calls please!

We look forward to hearing from you!

What to Do Today: Sept. 3

DALLAS
Get buzzing to the new Pollination Partnerships of Texas Exhibit from 10am-5pm today (and daily through Nov 30) at Dallas' Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park. The exhibit explores the relationship between bees (and other pollinating insects) and the world's flowering plants. $3 adults; $2 seniors; $1.50 children ages 3-11; children younger than 3 free.



FORT WORTH
Get your fix of artistic beauty at the exhibit William Kentridge: Five Themes from 10am-5pm today . The South African artist's prints, drawings, sculptures and more will be on display in this cool traveling exhibit (which is open through Sept. 27). $10 adults; $4 seniors; children younger than 12 free.




NORTH TEXAS
Spend your Thursday morning hearing fun books at the Raising Readers Storytime at 10:30am today at Denton's Barnes and Noble Booksellers. The storytime is appropriate for children of all ages. After the books, have some with the children's area's Thomas the Tank Engine table! Free.

Style to Fall For

A couple of weeks ago, we were invited to attend a fall fashion trends preview with Nancy Klompus, our former fashion columnist and local stylist extraordinaire, at the Calypso boutique in Preston Center. We truly love Calypso now after seeing all the wearable (and by wearable, I mean appropriate clothing for nearly every age, style and shape of woman) and staple pieces they carry (according to Nancy, it's the go-to shop for cardigans!). Three bits of info to pass along to you, our loyal readers:

1) Seamstresses are your friends. If something doesn't fit anymore, or even fit perfectly when purchasing (e.g., due to a short torso in my case), always alter. Altering to fit properly can make just about any ill-fitting piece of clothing one of your "favorites" again.

2) No matter what the current trend, if it doesn't look good on you, don't force it. Feel comfortable in what you wear.

3) Big color for fall? Iron. A darkish metal grey that looks fabulous with nearly everything.

A special thanks to Nancy for the insight into the not-so-future fall fashions!

Nancy Klompus Buy Request

214/725-9527

Calypso at Preston Center

214/750-0261

- Lauren

What to Do Today: Sept. 2

DALLAS
Enjoy tomes and tunes at Kindermusik Storytime With Lisa Muratore at 10:30am today at the Bookmarks library at Dallas' NorthPark Center. The program, aimed at children from birth to 6 years old, will include plenty of chances for kids to sing along! Free.




FORT WORTH
Grease is the word! See the iconic musical live on stage — with special guest and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel! — at 7:30pm today at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall. All your favorite tunes and cute 1950s-era costumes make this show a must-see! The show will continue at 8pm Sep 4-5; 2pm Sep 5-6; and 7pm Sep 6. Tickets start at $30.




NORTH TEXAS
Don't stop learning just because the school day's over! Children in fourth through sixth grade will meet for Dragon Readers at 4:30pm today (and every Wed through Dec 2) at the Lewisville Public Library. Kids will discuss a different book each week and enjoy fun activities. Call 972/219-3577 to find out each week's book. Free.

Park It!

Don't get out much anymore? (The grocery store doesn't count, ladies.) Don't worry - we can sympathize...and hopefully help. Let us introduce you to what just might be all the reason you need to call a baby sitter - brought to you compliments of Restaurateur Donald Chick. Park - his new, causally hip eatery in the lower Henderson neighborhood brings you an indoor/outdoor, fashionably laid-back scene where you can enjoy chef Marc Cassel's array of eclectic yet classic recipes. All the babysitters in Dallas booked? Now we know in your more care-free (child-less) days you'd make reservations for 9pm - but if you're dining with the kiddos, try much earlier, like 6pm. Any later than that and you'll be dining with all those young adult kiddos...


Park Restaurant & Bar
1921 Henderson Avenue | Dallas, Texas 75206 | 214.824.3343

-Jenny