Sunday, August 21, 2011

School Lunches

School kicks off tomorrow morning, bright and early. Our kids will each be making their own lunches to take along. Thankfully, they've never been very interested in school cafeteria food.

They're big enough that they can decide for themselves what they would like to have on a given week and then contribute to that week's grocery list and shopping trip. They've also been big enough for a long time now to make and pack their lunches. Their favorites seem to rotate each year, but sometimes it's bento style boxes, lots of times it's wraps or sandwiches and frequently it's leftovers. We've always had good eaters and we do not keep junk in the house so we're usually happy with whatever they choose.

What's up with school lunches at your house?



Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Kids in the Kitchen

Feeding yourself is probably the most basic self care skill. We are constantly in amazement at just how many of our own peers "do not cook" or "don't know how to cook." Well... um, why not?

We've always felt that one of the greatest gifts we could give our kids is to send them off into the world with at least a basic understanding of where ingredients come from, how to acquire them and how to put them together into a decent meal. Since they were tiny we've always sought their input for the weekly meal plan, taken them along to do grocery shopping, involved them in caring for the family garden and kept them active in the kitchen. 

They've been preparing basic things probably since kindergarten, but having the freedom to create independently has inspired them to try new things. One of our teenage boys bakes a much sought after tres leches cake that he has been perfecting for the past couple of years. The other served our family the most beautifully complex tikka masala for dinner last night. 

Help your kids learn to be competent in their own home kitchen. It gives them confidence, it makes them proud and it's important. 

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Nammi Truck Rocks Bahn Mi

Nammi Truck delivers a mean bahn mi sandwich.

We tried both the pork and the chicken deliciousness. Our favorite part of this tasty sandwich was the homemade pickled vegetables. Actually, next time we might ask for half the meat and double veg. 

Make sure you are hungry because these sandwiches are a generous portion. This is such an amazing improvement over typical bahn mi or chain sandwich shops. It's worth every penny and then some.

Great service from really nice people. We love supporting local small business owners too.   

Check their schedule to see where you can catch your own modern version of this Vietnamese classic!

Favorite of the Week - Tyler at Plano Cycling

Tyler is our favorite guy this week. If your bike just doesn't feel right, if your ride is uncomfortable or if you're a cycling newbie, call Plano Cycling to schedule a bike fitting. In the long run, the investment will really save you a lot of time, expense and unhappiness.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Back to School Immunization

Getting shots is probably the very last thing on every family's back to school to-do list. We put it off until the very last minute every time, don't we?

The past couple of years news coverage has highlighted parents standing with their children outside health department clinic sites in long lines. The thing is, there are only so many hours in a workday. Just because you might be standing in line before they open does not guarantee the clinic will have the capacity to see you that day. And make no mistake, schools will not allow children to attend without immunization paperwork in order.

The Dallas County Health Department is urging parents to bring their children in now. Plenty of other free or low cost options are available throughout the area. If you are in need of an exemption form, be aware that you cannot get those last minute.


Monday, August 1, 2011

Another Night at Nana

Every time we visit, we leave feeling that there's just little to dislike about Nana. From the moment you walk in the door, managers Mark and Cesar treat you with care, tending to your every need. From high atop the Anatole, Nana has arguably the best view in Dallas.

Our entrees were the highlight of this delicious dinner experience. The scallops were sweet and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The huge ribeye was cooked to juicy perfection, as always, and was served with the most heavenly bearnaise you've ever tasted. A side of seared asparagus was the perfect complement.

After dinner cocktails in the bar are a fun way to wrap up the perfect date night. With live music playing and amazing artwork on display, we can't imagine anything more romantic than enjoying that fabulous view with martinis in hand.