All the colors of the world – Discussing race and culture with your kids
By Laura Regan-Porras Regardless of your politics on the issues of the day, race is often front-and-center on the evening news, and our children are often exposed to very adult conversations about race. This reality may beg the question, “How do I talk about...
Q&A with Chet Garner
By Melanie Dunham It’s all too common for folks to overlook the treasures in their hometown in favor of a big vacation to an exotic locale, but Chet Garner hopes to change all that. Chet, A.K.A. The Daytripper, takes PBS viewers on daylong field trips around the great...
Marriage meltdown – 5 ways to keep your cool
By Laurie Zottmann “What planet are you from?!?” My voice took on a shrill pitch that even I couldn’t stand, and everything important I had to say burst out of my mouth slimed with criticism. My husband and I were at it again. t seemed like we had been...
Q&A with Nitro Swimming’s Mike Koleber
It takes more than just a love for sports to go from elementary swim team to aquatics mogul. Nitro Swimming owner Mike Koleber did just that, utilizing his impressive competitive swimming history as the foundation for building Austin’s two largest swim centers and a...
Lucky you! Ten ways to find more good fortune
Sometimes it feels like the universe is against you. The baby isn’t sleeping. You didn’t get the promotion at work. Car repairs cost more than the estimate. Then the water heater exploded, flooding your house again. If a string of bad luck has you singing the blues,...
Making the grade – The camp-to-classroom connection
According to a recent Huffington Post article, author Todd Kestin claims that summer camp is one of the most important life experiences a child can have, as he or she learns to choose good friends and make decisions for his or her life. In addition, Kestin argues that...
The perfect plate – Natural remedies for common pregnancy ailments
Glowing skin, doubled cup-size and shiny hair are all commonly touted as positive side effects of pregnancy. But other pregnancy symptoms are usually kept quiet, like hemorrhoids, yeast infections and constipation. You know, the things no one ever really talks about...
All around the world Christmas edition
By Jan Pierce, M.Ed. Christmas is a holiday celebrated from sea to shining sea, and while there are commonalities surrounding the festivities no matter where you go, the unique customs of each locale make Christmas different from place to place. In every...
Q&A with Kendra Scott
By Melanie Dunham You’ve seen her jewelry on celebrities and in magazines; you’ve heard her name mentioned in business circles and non-profit giving; and her rags-to-riches story has been reported time and time again. An Austinite for nearly 20 years, Kendra...
Germ warfare at the grocery store
By Alma Moussa Grocery shopping is a basic part of life for moms and dads; going to the store for nutritious foods to keep the family healthy is a simple fact. But what many parents don’t realize is that supermarkets are not the cleanest places, and shopping carts in...
Q & A with Dr. Ari Brown
By Melanie Dunham Ari Brown has been practicing pediatrics in Austin for nearly 20 years, has authored three books and several articles and has appeared as a medical expert on NBC's "Today" show among other national programs. But to hear her speak about...
CASA volunteers help children find hope
By CASA of Travis County November is National Adoption Month; Austin will be celebrating with an Adoption Day event where numerous children will officially become part of their “forever families.” One of the groups speaking up in the courtroom on behalf of...