littleDallas - The Definitive Guide to Life With Little Ones in the Dallas Area

Schools & Classes

Art Stop 6031 Berkshire Lane Dallas 75225 214-265-8334	Web: www.artstopinc.com Creative learning and art are truly a hands-on experience at Art Stop. It is an amazing place to let children not only explore their artistic side, but to learn about different cultures, art mediums and make new friends. Summer camps fill up fast, as do classes. We love the holiday craft classes! Courses are offered Monday through Thursday. Each one-hour class is 15 weeks and supplies are included ($285.00). Saturday courses run for 6 weeks and are also one-hour ($110.00). Ages: 3 1/2 years to teens.

Cooper Swim Academy 12100 Preston Road Dallas 75230 972-233-4832	Web: www.cooperaerobics.com While The Cooper Clinic may be the next best thing to The Mayo Clinic right here in our own town, this is a great place for children's swimming lessons. We like that the pools are clean, the staff is highly motivating, compassionate and professional. Lessons are organized by different skill levels (they have color names, such as white, yellow and so on), so there are courses for the 4-year-olds that can't swim and for ones who can swim 30 to 50 feet. Children learn to overcome their fears of the water, or even overcome "no fear" to learn pool safety! They are also taught survival skills so they know what to do if they fall in. New as of June 2006 is the Parent and Child (or Baby Blue) Class for 1-year-olds. It introduces basic water safety to both parent and child and focuses on forming a comfort level in the water. Floating and getting out of the pool are also taught. The courses start in mid-May and continue throughout the summer. Private lessons are also a great alternative. Ford and a buddy have truly overcome their fears of the water! Ages: 1 year to 12 years

Dallas Zoo	Web: www.dallaszoo.org Now offering Stroller Buddies for infants to four years and one parent. Bring your children and join in on the adventure of seeing exciting animals and nature. This is a short guided hike in a section of the Zoo, followed by organized playtime and light refreshments. Check their Web site for further details and dates.

Dancing Angels Ministry 3402 Cole Avenue, #143 Dallas 75204 214-953-0332 972-741-0091	Web: www.dancingangelsdallas.com Dancing Angels now offers tap, jazz and hip-hop classes starting at 2 1/2 years old. Classes are held at Park Cities Baptist Church and Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas. All students have the opportunity to take part in a Nutcracker production and a spring recital. Adult ballet and Pilates classes are now available.

Emler Swim School 11909 Preston Road (at Forest Lane) Suite #1422 972-851-SWIM	Preston/Forest location now open

Freddie Poole's Martial Arts 5757 West Lovers Lane, Suite 213 Dallas 75209 214-352-5425	Web: www.freddiepoole.com Freddie Poole's is a favorite among parents and the kids; they come from all over town and for several classes a week to experience the Little Dragons martial arts program, a structured class that incorporates life skills such as patience, respect and focus. With over 24 years of martial arts experience and a 6th degree Black Belt, founder Freddie Poole is a father or two who strives to teach each of his students self respect, discipline and leadership. They also offer adult classes such as the Desperate House Wives kickboxing cardio class and programs. All instructors are highly trained. Parents get to watch the 30-minute class. It is so fun to see your little one dressed in the traditional white uniform, working towards a stripe on their belt, and using memorization and physical skills in a fun, yet structured manner. Summer camps and birthday parties are also available. Sawyer has been taking karate during the summer and asks everyday if it is a "karate day." Her attention and listening skills have matured - all while having fun and making new friends! Tuition: Monthly tuition is $80 for an unlimited number of classes. Ages: 4 years to adult

Kid Art 3407 Milton Avenue Dallas 75225 214-750-7118	Web: www.kidartdallas.com Founded in 1994, Kid Art is legendary as one of Dallas' premier art spots for children. Classes focus on art appreciation, history and culture as well as introducing children to a variety of mediums. The art the children produce is worthy of a spot over the fireplace and the best part is that the kids LOVE coming here.

J's Art 17630 Davenport Road, Suite 102 Dallas 75252 972-931-1933	Web: www.jsartstudio.com The adventure of art has never been so fun at J's Art Studio. Classes are offered for children (starting at age four) to adults at various times throughout the week. Conventional and alternative mediums are used to explore the world of art. All supplies are provided by the studio. Sawyer and her friends loved creating their own doll during a birthday party. From painting to beads, the girls had a ball. There are several birthday party opportunities and the staff is fabulous. Tuition: Classes meet once a week and are paid by semester. A full semester is $306.00 for a one-hour course.

Kids Cooking Company 6025 Royal Lane at Preston Road Suite 225 Dallas 75230 214-265-9949	Web: www.kidscookingcompany.com Candace Williams and Michelle Goldsmith, moms, best friends and former teachers, bring cooking, basic etiquette, kitchen math and safety to budding gourmets. Cooking with Mommy and Growing Gourmets are hands-on courses that give young chefs a chance to develop their cooking skills. Star in Your Own Cooking Show (ages 6 to 12 years) culminates in taping a cooking show that the children plan and implement. The adults are not forgotten. They offer Back to School Boot Camp for parents that help answer the age-old question of what to fix your kids for breakfast, lunch or an after-school snack. A variety of birthday party themes are also offered. Ages: 2 1/2 to adult. Tuition: The annual registration fee is $25 and includes an apron and personalized recipe box. A six-week series of classes (classes meet for 1 1/2 hours) is $180. Back to School Boot Camp for adults is $45 a class or $120 for the series.

My Gym 3033 West Parker Road, Suite 103 (NE corner of Parker and Independence) Plano 75023 972-964-3600	Web: www.my-gym.com Under the new ownership of Tracey La Never, the former My Gym at Alma and Parker is closed and a new My Gym has opened up. On the day we visited, kids were grinning from ear to ear so they are obviously doing something right. Could it be the rock climbing wall and other innovative play equipment? Very likely, and we think moms are grinning ear to ear because of the Mom's Day Out program on Tuesdays from 12:45 to 3:15. A birthday facility is also available. An 8 week session starts at $130 and sibling discounts are offered. Ages: 3 months to 9 years.

Scott Eder Sports 214-912-9231	Web: www.scottedersports.com Not only has Scott Eder completed 145 triathlons and 18 marathons, but this certified sports trainer has taught Kim's 3-year-old son to love swimming. From coaching him off of the steps to placing his head in the water like a "big boy swimmer", he gives kids confidence, all while having fun! He works with the older sets too, to improve stroke and breathing techniques. Mr. Scott will come to your home for private lessons and is worth every penny. He is a busy man, but you would never know it, as his demeanor is calm and his patience for summer schedules and kiddos is fabulous. If you want to train for an event, improve your skills or learn how to swim, bike or run, he is the guy. Scott is a certified Water Safety Instructor and certified in C.P.R. through the American Red Cross, as well as in several other areas. Please visit his Web site for further information.

Signing Tots: Sign Language for Hearing Infants and Toddlers Contact: Amy Lothringer 713-859-6766	Web: www.signingtotstexas.com Signing Tots Baby Sign Language is founded on the research-based approach to signing with hearing infants and toddlers that is fun, simple, and successful. By using their family-friendly techniques, you will find that you do not have to sign all day long, or sign every time you say the words to experience success! Signing Tots strategies enhance and facilitate speaking, conceptual development, and long-term learning which can benefit both you and your child emotionally, cognitively, and linguistically from early infancy into the preschool years. Amy Lothringer, who learned sign language when it was discovered that her younger sister was deaf, taught her son Grant sign language and had such success she decided to teach Signing Tots in Kingwood where she lives. The response has been so overwhelming that Amy is now teaching Signing Tots in Rockwall during workshops held four times a year. Cost: A two hour workshop is $45 per person, $65 per couple and materials cost $15.95 plus tax.

The Studio Trainers: Michael Scaccia and Mark Madole 13344 Preston Road Dallas 75240 972-503-3225	Pre- and postnatal workouts at The Studio will leave you feeling like you've conquered your fitness goals and more. Michael Scaccia and Mark Madole have over 20 years of combined experience with pre- and postnatal fitness and they train dads too. Cowboy and Stars players (as well as their wives) are just some of their regular clients, but don't let that intimidate you — it is their knowledge and personal attention that will hook you!

T Bar M Racquet Club 6060 Dilbeck Lane Dallas 75240 972-233-4444	Web: www.tbarmtennis.com T Bar M is a great private facility where you don't have to be a member for your children to take tennis lessons, starting at 3 years old. Geared towards fun, fitness and sportsmanship, kids can try tennis in a friendly and professional atmosphere, all while developing hand-eye coordination and meeting new friends. The clinics typically run four weeks at a time and are offered year-round for children of all ages to adults. Sawyer and Ford have really enjoyed watching each other's classes and it is easy on mom to fit them both into an afternoon. Pee Wees (ages 3 to 4) and Tiny Tots (ages 5 to 6) are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting with the younger set at 4:30 p.m. to 5:05 p.m. and the older crew at 5:05 p.m. to 5:55 p.m. You can choose to attend both days or just one day a week. The teachers are fabulous and even make picking up the balls fun! Tuition: Starts at $40 for one day a week for a non-member, and $65 for two days a week.

Velocity Sports Performance 7830 North Central Expressway Dallas 75206 214-739-1122	Web: www.velocitysp.com/highlandpark Velocity Sports has introduced a new program called the V-Mom. Every Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Velocity will have a workout class for both mom and kids. Mom will attend an adult workout while your child goes through a workout designed specifically for children ages 2 to 6. The workout for the child will consist of various warm-up movements and motor skill actions, such as soccer drills, footwork and hand-eye coordination drills. Prices: For both mom and child the cost is $150 per month. To enroll only your child, it is $80 per month.

Shopping

baby bliss 6719 Snider Plaza Dallas 75205 214-823-3948	This new and hip baby store has all of the latest trends and more. You will find strollers, Nurseryworks' handcrafted baby furniture and bedding, great gifts, books, cards and so much more. Owner and mom, Carrie Barnard, opened baby bliss after moving here from Seattle to create the "not your traditional baby store." Clothing sizes range from newborn to toddlers.

Chiffoniers 3905 West Vickery Fort Worth 76107 817-731-8545	This Fort Worth store is one of our favorites with unique items filling each room. ZaZa Couture clothing for children, unlimited children's party accessories including Maraca Mania's character maracas...dogs, cats and clown maracas on a stick, felt party hats, old-time red and white striped popcorn bags (great for popcorn or to use as gift bags). Also, Blouquets which are adorable party blowers made to look like a flower bouquet. Party Balls are on their way...great for birthday parties and filled with treats for the kids. Chiffoniers is also the exclusive Ft. Worth distributor of Laila perfume....found in the Academy Award gift baskets and is heavenly. They also carry jewelry, artwork, handbags, shoes and gift items that aren't to be missed!!

Dragonfly Dreams	Web: www.dfdreams.com Whimsical personalized note cards or calling cards by Dragonfly Dreams are sassy designs that might put a little rustle in Emily Post's skirt. From gift enclosure cards to custom invitations, their customer service and quality stands out. How to order? Visit their Web site and choose from numerous designs and fonts to make your one-of-a-kind creations. You may also choose from their numerous sales representatives to come to your home; have a little "show" and invite your friends. Kim did, and everyone stocked up on gifts and family note cards. Allison Speer is a great contact and she can help with orders or set you up with someone near you. Call Allison at 817-858-9870.

HobbyTown USA 8041 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 870 (next to Dave & Busters) Dallas 75231 214-987-4744	We are not ones for putting together model airplanes so we avoided HobbyTown USA. What a huge mistake that was. This store has an incredible selection of yes, model trains, planes and cars, but also telescopes, kites, puzzles, remote control cars and airplanes, games, books, Legos, wooden toys, Thomas the Train and Brio trane sets. You name it and they very likely have it. Owners Cindy and Ted Sparrow have already expanded twice in three years and their enthusiasm for the merchandise is infectious. This is our new favorite destination for unique presents for both boys and girls. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Keedo USA Beverley Rosenthal 5303 Channelbrook Court Dallas 75287 214-682-1120 beverley.rosenthal@keedousa.com	Web: www.keedousa.com These designs are the cutest and softest playwear we have seen and we love the fact that it is not seen on every child. Keedo is was started by a mom of twins in Cape Town, South Africa and has been available to our area in the past at a location in Plano (pg. 126). However, it has closed and Beverley Rosenthal is now the local agent. She will bring the collection to you or have you over to choose from the vast selection of bold prints with flair and fun. Kim's daughter Sawyer loves Keedo clothing because the skirts are long and let her "twirl!" Another important note, the bright colors don't fade even after dozens and dozens of washes. Clothing sizes range from infants to adults.

Kiehl's 80 Highland Park Village Dallas 75205 214-559-0700	Web: www.kiehls.com Kiehl's Baby products are here! This line of mild, pediatrician-tested products is natural and reasonably priced. Products include Diaper Rash Ointment, Body and Face Cream, Foaming Hair and Body Wash, Gentle Cleansing Milk and Baby Lip Balm. Kiehl's offers generous samples of all their products to test before you buy.

La Bella Belly Maternity Village on the Green (across from the Galleria) 5301 Alpha Road Dallas 75240 972-385-4022	Web: www.labellabellymaternity.com We wish Tamara Billings' new maternity store had been around when we were expecting. She has combined a shopping and pampering experience in her inviting new store. La Bella Belly offers cutting edge maternity clothes and accessories as well as a "spa" area catering to the pregnant mom-to-be. Tamara's expertise and warm personality are an added bonus to shopping at this wonderful new store.

momAgenda	Web: www.momagenda.com We pray to the organization gods to bring order to our chaotic lives and thankfully, there is a product (We love, love, love it!) that has answered our prayers. momAgenda lets you record a weekly schedule alongside those of up to four kids and a place for dinner planning. There is also an address book, space for medical information, vacation and party planning, and more. The cover is stain-resistant shantung which comes in seven colors. The Desktop version is $42 and can be ordered online or picked up at Preston Road Pharmacy, Paperie, Hip Hip Hooray, Hearts Desire and Socially Write.

Play@Planet Funk NorthPark Center 8687 N. Central Expressway Space 778 Dallas, TX 75225 214-692-1133	This is the kids clothing store we have been waiting for. Based out of Los Angeles, they have the hippest clothes we have seen for infants to size 14. Some of the brands they carry are: Paul Frank, Puma, True Religion, Juicy, Ed Hary, Diesel, Le Tigre, Miss Sixty, da Nang, Fowers by Zoe, Frankie B, Hurley and Haute Stuff t-shirts. Besides the clothes you can find shoes, diaper bags, kids backpacks and bibs. Run, don't walk, to this new NorthPark addition.

The Pup Store-St Bernard Sports Inwood Village Shopping Center 5660 West Lovers Lane, Suite 234 Dallas 75209 214-366-3398	Web: www.stbernardsports.com St. Bernard Sports has opened up a new store for kids called The Pup. It's stocked with Paul Frank, a great selection of Crocs, Uggs, sweats and seasonal clothes. If you love St. Bernard Sports, you can't go wrong by shopping here for the little ones.

Toy Works 6100 Camp Bowie Boulevard Fort Worth 76116 817-737-8697	Nancy and Art Hay have been carefully selecting toys for their store for over 18 years. They strive to find unique items that can’t be found in mass market stores. You can arrange to have your purchases delivered or someone will even bring them out to your car for the ultimate convenience. We love that they will assemble anything — we witnessed them putting last minute touches on a large train and table set. This is all for a fee of course, as is delivery, which includes the Dallas area!

Unbuttoned Contemporary Maternity 800-691-6269	Web: www.unbuttonedmaternity.com The brainchild of Jennifer St. John, unbuttoned maternity is contemporary clothing for women with a little edgier and funkier taste in clothing. Rock Me Mama t-shirts, beautiful dresses, hip skirts and jeans, skincare products and nursing tops make unbuttonedmaternity.com a necessary pregnancy clothing pit-stop.

Write On Time Designs Contact: Mica Petersen 972-392-4686 Hours: by appointment	We like that ordering announcements, invitations or holiday cards can be done at your own home. Mica will bring her vast collection of designer cards to you! Now that is hard to find these days. You may choose from Checkerboard, 2 Skirts, Julia D. Azar, Tree House Deigns and many more. Delivery is free in Dallas and Mica offers 10% off retail prices. Stationery, calling cards and personalized tags are also available.

Children's Parties

It's a Girl Thing 5450 West Lovers Lane, Suite 229 (Behind the Inwood Theatre) Dallas 75209 214-357-4475	Web: www.itsagirlthingparties.com We love what owners Bruce and Jennifer Pivnick have created - the hottest new place to host your little girl's birthday party. Future ladies who lunch can have their hair and make-up done, make a craft, play with do-it-yourself nail art, sing karaoke, and learn a dance in their own hot pink and black party space. It's a Girl Thing has teamed up with Milwaukee Joe's Ice Cream, Subway, Campisi's and Tart pastry boutique to ease the party planning effort for the hosts. Parties are for girls ages five to fifteen. More than just a "party place", they also have a unique boutique with brands such as Kelly Kouture plush sleeping bags, clothing by Cach Cach and Little Mass, Seven jeans for girls, Little Giraffe mother and daughter matching robes and many other gifts that are one-of-a-kind in Dallas. Parties are already being booked eight months in advance, so waiting until last minute to book a party will probably leave your little girl disappointed. Hours: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 pm. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Kidz Science 972-347-1989	Web: www.kidzscience.com Finding a new and unique idea for a birthday party can cause many parents a sleepless night. For the budding geologist, chemist or mad scientist, Kidz Science is worth a look. Kelli and Josh attended a birthday party put on by Kidz Science which had the kiddos making their own slime, dinosaur fossil and panning for minerals. The parents sat in amazement as the instructors held the kids' attention for over an hour.

Mr. Willy 214-328-2223	Web: www.misterwilly.com For songs, stories, giggles and more, let Mr. Willy and his guitar mesmerize your child and friends. A great birthday party addition, Mr. Willy is a down-to-earth entertainer with no tricks or gimmicks -- back to the old fashioned party we like so much!

My Enchanted Brush 972-840-8441 or 214-802-3904	Web: www.myenchantedbrush.com We met Kathy Ann at the Dallas Zoo one afternoon as our children stopped in amazement, not at the lion's cage, but at Kathy while she was turning a little girl into a lion. Glitter and all, this lady is one talented gal and very sweet too. Her face painting is the best we've seen, as is her demeanor. She will also create fun and fabulous airbrush tattoos that are great for the older set as well, and they are waterproof, so if you are having a pool party, she would be a fun addition! Her minimum is two hours at $75 an hour.

Pump It Up 972-820-0777	Web: www.pumpitupparty.com/dallas.html Pump It Up has added another location. 3632 Frankford Road at Marsh, Suite 180 Dallas 75287

Quiggly's Clayhouse 1344 E. Beltline Road Richardson 75081 972-234-2644	Web: www.quigglys.com This new addition to the Plano area is more than just a "paint your pottery" type locale. The owners, a young husband and wife duo, designed the 3,000 square foot space to allow plenty of table space for kids to experiment with clay. Pottery making and painting is available as well. We love that you can choose from a vast collection of stickers, stencils and stamps to embellish your work. $8 per adult and $6 for children- and you can create all day if you want, but there is an additional charge for each piece (price range is $4 to $54) ! This is a fun place for a preschooler's birthday party or a mom's night out! Party packages start at $12 per person in which they choose one item to create and take home. If you go for the Platinum package, they will do the invites, cake and more.

Spellbinding Entertainment 972-222-7926	Web: www.spellbindingentertainment.net We have had several people mention that we had to include Spellbinding Entertainment...so here it is. Magic shows for adults and children and other entertainment like juggling, balloon sculpture, children's face painting and fire eating are first-rate.

Wiggly Play Center 4944 Preston Road, Suite 100 Frisco 75034 469-633-0676	Web: www.wigglyplaycenter.com The Wiggles are invading the U.S with their first Wiggles Play Center. 9,000 square feet filled with a multi-level adventure playground, plasma televisions playing Wiggles movies, Big Red Cars for the kids to drive, a play area for little ones, a Yummy Yummy Café and birthday rooms galore! Prices: Entry into the play center is $6.95 per child for unlimited play time per day! Children under 12 months and adults are for free! They also have special deals for playgroups of 10+. (Don't forget to bring a pair of socks for each child!) Parties: Parties start at $179.95 for up to 10 children ($18.00 per child), and each additional child is $12.95 each. It includes 1.5 hour party room rental with interactive Wiggles video and private host, all food and beverage for children, Wiggles birthday cake, all paper goods, T-Shirt for Birthday child, and unlimited play time in the center!

Services

Andie Hamilton Photography 469-951-5119	Web: www.andiehamilton.com Andie Hamilton began seriously studying photography after she won her first print competition at the age of thirteen. When she became a mom, her focus turned to the fascinating world of children. "They have all the same emotions as adults, and that is what I strive to capture," says Andie. Her signature service is the hospital session, really the first local photographer to make hospital calls to capture the innocence of your child's first hours. She also offers unique products, handmade albums and gallery wrapped canvas prints. Andie's studio sessions start at $90 and print prices start at $35 for a 5x7. Hospital sessions start at $375.

Babysitter Exchange	Web: www.babysitterexchange.com Have you ever cringed when you have paid the babysitter at the end of a job? It can add up quickly, but here is an alternative for industrious parents. Babysitter Exchange is an online way to trade babysitting with other parents you know and trust. Babysitter Exchange manages all the administration of your groups-member profiles, credit accounting, email communication and more. Instead of paying one another you exchange time in a credit-based exchange. You get to choose when you want to babysit and which children you want to watch. Best of all, there are no monthly fees to use the base system!

Ciao Bambino 866-802-0300	Web: www.ciaobambino.com Want to go on a European vacation with tots in tow? While this may sound crazy, it doesn't have to be. Kim remembers all of her family vacations abroad and travels with her children quite often and they love it! Ciao Bambino specializes in planning family trips to Italy and offers practical traveling tips, places to dine, shop for staples and more. Founder and mom, Amie O'Shaughnessy hand selects each property, offers contacts for quality childcare, and equipment rental services. So don't just dream about the Italian Riviera, take advantage of this mom's knowledge and expertise to create a vacation of a lifetime.

Extreme Pizza 6112 Luther Lane Dallas 75225 214-363-2464	Web: www.extremepizza.com Pizzas, calzones, salads and monster subs are delicious at this Preston Center restaurant. While it's great they deliver to surrounding areas, our kids love the playroom in the back of the restaurant and we love the closed circuit televisions which allow us to watch junior while relaxing from our comfy table. Anybody we know who has eaten here, raves about it. Hours: Everyday 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Hour House Fun Care 6424 East Mockingbird Lane at Abrams Road Dallas 75214 214-370-HOUR	Web: www.hourhousefuncare.com Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m to Midnight. Cost: $40 annual fee, $9 an hour per child under 18 months, $8 an hour per child over 18 months, and $4 an hour per sibling. Hour House Fun Care offers hourly childcare services.

InfantHouse.com 972-989-8032	Web: www.infanthouse.com You can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of a child, which is why Jack Smith started InfantHouse.com. To provide parents peace of mind, each expert is highly trained and has undergone an extensive background check. The process works like this: You call to set up a time for a home consultation. Once there, the expert will go from room to room to determine the visible and hidden dangers lurking in your home and suggest various options you may have for each item of concern. A quote based on materials and labor is then given to you. You can also take the do-it-yourself approach and order products from their Web site.

Jet Set Babies 866-990-1811	Web: www.jetsetbabies.com Traveling with kids can be a delight, but being bogged down with all necessities they need to leave home is not so much fun. Thank goodness for Jet Set Babies. Place orders at least ten days out for domestic travel and 18-21 days ahead for destinations outside of the continental U.S. They carry everything from swim diapers, formula, and bath supplies to toddler meals for the picky eaters in the family. Also check out Baby's Away on page 31 of littleDallas.

Jumpin Jax Grill & Pizza 7114 Campell Road, Suite 102 Dallas 972-380-1010	Jumpin Jax is a great answer to a restaurant with good burgers, pizza, salads and quesadillas and a play area for kids. This big open space is always buzzing, so be sure to get there early and let the kiddos play on the indoor maze of tubes, nets and a slide, before lunch or dinner. An after school playdate works here too as they have an assortment of over 20 shaved ice flavors to choose from as well as build your own floats. BYOB (beer and wine only) is great for parents as is the time to catch up with friends while the little ones play! Class or team parties are a hit here too! Kids meals are only $3.95 and come with fries or mixed fruit, which we love, and a drink. Basic adult burgers are also reasonable starting at $3.95 and $5.95 for the double meat "No Buns Allowed." Veggie burgers or chicken sandwiches are flavorful too.

MommyMixer	Web: www.mommymixer.com Whether you need 15 hours a week or just three, picking a babysitter has never been so easy and fun. All you have to do is attend a MommyMixer and pay $100 fee to enter the first time ($75 for each subsequent mixer your attend after). This is a unique service and one we have tried and have been very impressed with. At the "mixer" you get to meet and talk with sitter candidates - all within one hour! Upon your arrival you will receive a binder containing candidate resumes, references and their schedules. We found the majority to be college and graduate students - from theater majors to pre-med. Some even had Red Cross swimming instruction certificates. Kim used a sister duo which came in handy when one couldn't sit, and the other could. And she came home to find her children creating plays, artwork, playing games. MommyMixer does not do background checks so "interviewing" them during the mixer and having their list of references to call was helpful. MommyMixer is available in several Texas cities and in surrounding states.

Snip-its 6713 Hillcrest (Snider Plaza) Dallas 75205 214-265-0220	Another child-friendly place to take your kids for a haircut has arrived in Snider Plaza. Snip-its has television monitors, cookies, bubbles and a "mommy chair" for kids who need extra reassurance, located at each station. At the end of the haircut your little one can trade a lock of hair for a prize. There are also themed birthday party packages available. Cost: Haircuts begin at $16.95 or you can buy a prepaid book of 8 haircuts for $13.75 per haircut.

Society Bakery 3426 B Greenville Avenue (Corner of Greenville & McCommas) Dallas 75206 214-827-1411 info@societybakery.com	Web: www.societybakery.com We have fallen in love with this bakery. Run by Roshi and Steven Muns, Society Bakery serves up the most delectable sweets and it also has a heart: it pledges to donate 10 percent of its profits to a handful of charities. Birthday and wedding cakes, frosted sugar cookies, delicious brownies, to-die-for petit fours and an array of breakfast goodies to jump start your day are worth a visit. Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday. Tuesday & Wednesday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; but may vary depending upon special events such as weddings; it is best to call ahead.

Sugar Photography 214-315-9459	Web: www.sugar-photography.com sugarphotography.blogspot.com Dallas has an endless list of "children's photographers", but we can positively give our stamp of approval to Jennifer Weintraub and Sugar Photography, voted Dallas' favorite family photographer! Session fees range from $250-$350 and print prices start at $50. Services include online slideshows and DVD's, gallery-wrapped fine art canvases, modern custom-designed birth announcements and birth photography. Go to the blog to sneak a peek of Jennifer's gorgeous work.

VRBO - Vacation Rentals by Owner	Web: www.vrbo.com Do you want to find a great vacation rental in the United States or even Europe? VRBO has been recommended by several of our friends who use it for finding summer rentals in Colorado or California. It is a neat site in which you can select the area you are interested in and they offer over 54,000 rental properties to view throughout the country! These are all posted by the owners, so user beware, but from what we have heard from our parent "testers", they have been very satisfied and continue to use the site each year.

Wee Paint Mary Stuart Arrington 501-664-6363 (work) 501-352-1822 (mobile)	This Little Rock artist can create the most whimsical of scenes or custom creations that we have yet to see. Her work is fun, inviting and personal — adding the child's name makes this a great gift or addition to your family areas. From the beach to princess to cowboys on the range, you and your children will fall in love with Mary Stuart Arrington's designs and her mother (the business-savvy organizer) too!

Organizations

American Mommy Network	Web: www.americanmommynetwork.com We love this Web site which is a comprehensive reference to motherhood. Whether you are a working mom, pregnant mom-to-be or stay at home with the tots, there is an area on this Web site just for you. Message boards, financial advice, chat rooms and leads for a home-based business are all featured. Since the founders, Stephanie Gonzalez and Tanya Smith are Dallas-based moms, there is also a section for Dallas mommies. It is definitely worth bookmarking American Mommy Network.

Greater White Rock Early Childhood PTA	Web: groups.yahoo.com/group/gwra Only in existence for a few months, The GWRECPTA has already established itself as an up and coming group for parents. They have a Dads' Club, Supper Club and children's activities and playgroups. Meetings are held the third Monday of each month and meetings alternate between evening and morning meetings to include as many people (especially Dads!) as possible.