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

What to Do Today: Sept. 1

DALLAS
Got a little Lego maniac? Check out the Lego Store Mini Model Build from 5-7pm today at the brand-spanking-new Lego Store at Dallas' NorthPark Center. Children ages 6-14 will make their own Lego model to take home, but get there early — the event has limited supplies! Free.



FORT WORTH
Artistic kids won't want to miss Pictures and Pages from 10:30-11:15am today at Fort Worth's Kimbell Art Museum. Kids ages 4-6 will hear the story The Pet Dragon: A Story About Adventure, Friendship and Chinese Characters before making a cool craft to take home. Call ahead to pre-register (required)! Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Looking for a group of other moms you can hang out with? Check out the First Baptist Church of Lewisville MOPS meeting from 9am-12pm today (and every first and third Tuesday of the month, September through May) at Lewisville's First Baptist Church. Mothers of Preschoolers meetings include crafts and fun for kids (through kindergarten age), plus grownup conversation for moms. Free.

What to Do Today: Aug. 31

DALLAS
Take your little dino lovers to the exhibit Treasures From the Earth: Diamonds, Gold and Dinos from 9am-5pm today at McKinney's Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. This super-cool collection includes rare fossils (there's even a T-Rex skull!), a piece of silver salvaged from a sunken Spanish ship and more. $8 adults; $5 seniors and children ages 3-12; children younger than 3 free.


FORT WORTH
Spend an evening at the ballpark with the Texas Rangers Home Game at 7:05pm today in Arlington. The hometown team will take on the Toronto Blue Jays — and you can enjoy ballpark treats, fireworks and the chance to catch your own fly ball! Tickets start at $3.



NORTH TEXAS
Bring your young reader (kindergarten through third grade) to Prime Time at 4pm today (and every Mon through Nov 30) at the Lewisville Public Library. There will be stories, games, crafts and more, all aimed at helping kids sharpen their reading skills. Free.

Friday is Special Pie Day

It’s finally Friday (hooray!) and you don’t feel like cooking tonight. So what’s for dinner?

Swing by eatZi’s Market & Bakery between 4-9pm, and pick up one of their four new oven-baked pizzas (available for take-out only).

The available flavors are margherita (extra virgin olive oil, eatZi’s sun dried tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil), mushroom (pesto, a blend of shredded cheeses, roasted Portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions and goat cheese), multi cheese (a “white style” pizza made with gorgonzola, mozzarella, parmesan, pecorino roman and ricotta cheese) and hot copa (pepperoni, fresh tomato sauce, a blend of cheeses, oregano and slices of hot cappacolla ham).

The pies sell for $10 each (plus tax) on Fridays only. EatZi’s is located at 3403 Oak Lawn Ave. in Dallas.

– Mari Park

Adoption Diaries

Grab a box of tissues.

WE tv’s new series, Adoption Diaries, is an emotional program that follows stories of open adoptions, which guarantees the birth mom a role in her baby’s life. With the help of Dr. Jennifer Bliss and the Independent Adoption Center, a nationwide nonprofit agency who specializes in open adoptions, the moms get to select a couple who will adopt and care for their newborn baby. Watch each birth mother and couple’s unique stories (like that of Janelle and Mimi, pictured at right), and learn more about the processes of open adoption as the families experience a roller coaster of emotions during the process.

Adoption Diaries premieres on Saturday, September 12 at 10pm ET/PT (9pm). The show will then air three half-hour programs every Saturday. For more information, visit WE tv online.

– Mari Park

What to Do Today: Aug. 27

DALLAS
Hear some great country and bluegrass music at the Big D Opry at 8 tonight at Fellowship Dallas Church. Sydney Brannan, winner of the recent Big D Opry Talent Contest, will sing, along with plenty of other talented Texans! $18 adults; $11 children younger than 11.



FORT WORTH
The busy week is nearly over (yeah!), so why not unwind a bit early with the MasterWorks Concert Series at 7 tonight at the Hurst Public Library. Guitarist Rhett Butler will perform his jazz-inspired tunes so music fans of all ages can groove along. Free.





NORTH TEXAS Children of all ages will enjoy stories and socializing at the Raising Readers Storytime at 10:30am today and Friday at Denton's Barnes and Noble Booksellers. After the stories are over, check out the children's area's cool train table! Free.

Foodie Fun

Parents, call the baby-sitter or leave your kiddos with grandma and grandpa and take a date night for yourselves. Visit the swanky Nana Restaurant for its monthly Friday Night Flights on September 4, between 6-8pm. Try three food samplings created by executive chef Anthony Bombaci and three accompanying wines for a mere $20 (plus tax and gratuity).

The menu includes prosciutto wrapped dates and mascarpone, crab croquettes, Thai cucumber salad, and cavatelli and lamb bolognaise.

Friday Night Flights are available on the first Friday of every month. Call Nana at 214/761-7470 for reservations, or make reservations online.

– Mari Park

What to Do Today: Aug. 26

DALLAS
Bring your pint-sized Picasso to the Dallas Museum of Art's Sketching in the Galleries for Kids from 2-3pm today. Kids will get to create their own masterpieces, drawing inspiration from the galleries' beautiful works. $10 adults; $7 seniors; children younger than 12 free.



FORT WORTH
Classical music isn't just for lulling cranky toddlers to sleep! Catch a performance of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra String Quartet at 7:30 tonight at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall. Violinists Michael Shih and Adriana Voirin DeCosta, viola player Laura Bruton and cellist Karen Basrak will perform beautiful music leading up to the FWSO's Beethoven festival this weekend. $10.


NORTH TEXAS
Preschoolers will enjoy stories and socializing at the Lake Cities Library's Storytime and Craft at 10:30am today. This fun weekly event includes age-appropriate books and a craft that kids can take home. The library serves families in Coring, Hickory Creek, Lake Dallas and Shady Shores. Free.

Y Water? Give It A Try

Nix sugary juices and sodas and introduce Y Water to your kids. Packaged in fun, colorful Y-shaped containers, the flavored water is organic and low calorie. The four different types available are brain water, immune water, muscle water and bone water. Dubbed as “developmental drinks,” these beverages are jam-packed with nutrients like vitamins B, D, C and E, iron, calcium and potassium.

Not only that, but Y Water bottles double as toys. With the help of knots, little rubber connectors, kids can link the bottles together and build with them. Another option is to send the bottles back (for free!) to be recycled.

Find Y Water at Whole Foods or get it online in cases of 24 for $39.80.

– Mari Park

Back to School!

Today was the day. The first day of school for Denton ISD. My 8-year-old, Madeline, started third grade, and she is a real pro at this whole "school" thing. She was so excited to be going back; I think summer's appeal had completely worn off. My 5-year-old, Finley, was a bit less enthused about school. She has always been quite attached to her mama, and nearly every separation is very difficult for her. Kindergarten was definitely no exception.

Bright and early, we arrived in the school parking lot (at right) with smiles intact. Finley was goofing around, giving her (much) big(ger) sister bunny ears and laughing hysterically. We made our way to the front doors of the school, where we queued up with other nervous parents and kids.

Near the front of the school, I found a lovely big rock, and I asked the girls to sit on it for a photo. Finley was still all smiles, but Maddie was NOT happy about being made to pose for a photo when other kids were present. "No more photos," she growled through gritted teeth (at left).

We swung by Maddie's classroom, where she was completely mortified when I suggested taking a picture of her at her new desk (sorry, Mads!). We left her on her own and then headed down to Finley's classroom. Her wonderful new teacher greeted her - by name - at the door, and we found her seat. This is about the point when Finley's bottom lip started to quiver and protrude a bit. I knew we were in trouble. I started trying to distract her with puzzles, taking photos (at least she was willing) and giving her hugs (probably hurting more than helping, but I can't help it). Finally it was time for me to get going to work, and time for Finley to forge ahead on her new educational journey on her own. Her teacher accompanied her to the classroom door to wave goodbye to me, and by this point Fin was full-on crying. She was the only one in the class who cried. But I know for a fact she was not the only one in the school who was crying, because I was myself! I managed to dart out of her sight just before the tears started. I popped my sunglasses on as I walked down the hallway to hide my puffy eyes, but they were there.

The first day of kindergarten is surely an emotional time for all moms. Watching your little baby - who was surely just born, wasn't she?! - start an adventure that will last the next 12 years is difficult. But it's also so exciting. I can't wait for Finley to learn how to read. I can't wait to see all the neat artwork she creates. And I can't wait to meet all the new friends she'll make. It's a journey for both of us, and one that I am more than happy to take.
— Claudia

What to Do Today: Aug. 25

DALLAS
Take your little ones for a truly artistic experience at the Premier Interactive Family Tour from 2-3pm today at the Dallas Museum of Art. Kids of all ages will love getting an up-close look at the museum's beautiful works with a member of the education staff. This tour is the last in the museum's Summer Spotlight series. $10 adults; $7 seniors; children younger than 12 free.



FORT WORTH
Book lovers of all ages will revel in the Children's Storytimes Keller from 10:15am-12pm today (and every Tue and Thu) at the Keller Town Hall. Storytimes are split up by age groups so every kid gets just the right book. Registration is required. Free.




NORTH TEXAS
Attention, country music fans! Brandon Rhyder will perform at 9:30pm today at Denton's North Texas State Fairgrounds, part of the live music lineup at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo. East Texas native Rhyder, whose catchy hooks are sure to have music lovers of all ages dancing, has been performing across the state. (And before the show, take a whirl on the fair's huge Ferris wheel!) Tickets are $12 adults; $5 children.

Star Stories

Your little ones love bedtime stories, but are you getting tired of reading them every night? Let celebrity parents, including Kelly Ripa and Kevin Bacon, read to them instead through Speakaboos, an online publisher that brings classic literary stories to life.

Each story features original illustrations and music, and is narrated by a celebrity. The videos also have subtitles running along the bottom of the video, so kids can learn as they watch and enjoy some of their favorites, spanning from Aladdin to Arthur.

Watch all the videos for free or download the tracks or video online.

– Mari Park