Here’s the deal.

Starting this Sunday, June 23 through August 18, The Lumen is hosting a family-friendly pool party from noon to 6 p.m. for, wait for it…locals. The weekly event includes fun water toys for the kiddos, eats, music, and (the best part) cold cocktails.

The cost for all this goodness is a mere $8 per person and includes valet parking, pool entry, water, lemonade, and passed poolside snacks. They’ll also have a walk-up cash bar and cocktail service as well as a  special al la carte poolside menu from The Front Room: A Park Cities Diner. Space is limited, and reservations are required in advance, so get on it. You can nab your spots by calling The Front Room: A Park Cities Diner at 214-219-8282.

Happy swimming!

My kiddos are crazy about any and all manner of fruit. Veggies, on the other hand, are largely “no bueno.” So I was pretty jazzed when one of D Magazine’s (rather genius) summer interns, Tegan Burkhard, sent the following post my way. Tegan, I have a bunch of beets in my fridge just begging to be the focus of a spousal “duke it out.” I’ll let you know how it goes.

*******

By Tegan Burkhard

It’s summer, and that means more time with the kiddos, trips to the Farmer’s Market, and ample fresh fruits and veggies. Now for the million dollar question: How do you convince your kids gobble up these nutrition-packed seasonal treats instead of sneaking them under the table for your pet to enjoy?

Never fear, we’re here to help. Herewith five ways to get your little ones as jazzed about sweet tomatoes (and ripe berries and juicy ears of corn) as you are:

1. Dress them up. Your kids can’t resist chowing down on these natural nutrients if they actually look fun to eat. Let your kids channel their creative side and play with their food. Create silly faces out of various fruit and vegetables or piece together full-meal portraits. Break out the toothpicks and attach blueberries to melons for eyes, blackberries for a nose, and apple slices as a mouth.
2. Spice it up. Nominate a fruit and veggie of the month. Then, spend time as a family concocting different ways to prepare them. Throw veggies in a crockpot, season, stew, chop, bake, fry, roast, or sauté. Add fruits to a dessert, dash with cinnamon, or whip up a yogurt fruit salad. You can also freeze softer fruits like grapes and cherries for a healthy alternative to popsicles. Your kids will have fun in the kitchen while learning that perhaps some veggies aren’t bad after all if prepared a new way. And you can never go wrong with a freshly baked fruit pie.
3. Play games. Duke it out in the kitchen with your spouse. Compete to see who can prepare the chosen fruit or veggie best. After scouring Pinterest boards for inspiration and hitting the Farmers Market to stock up on the goods, set the timer and get to work preparing your delicious dish. Have the kids cheer you on while you cook. Once the timer rings and the dishes have cooled, let the kids vote on which parent prepared the fruit or veggie better. Make it interesting and help the kids make the winner breakfast in bed the next morning.
4. Kids’ choice. Kids love nothing more than making their own contributions to your grocery list. Let your kids be in charge of the produce section of your list. Set some ground rules first, like deciding on the minimum (and maximum) amount of fruits and veggies they should select. Maybe you’ll have to spend more time on prep work when the kids chose eggplant or pomegranates. But, if they’re willing to give the unfamiliar produce a chance, isn’t it worth it?
5. Berry picking. Pack up the car and hit the road for a day of fruit and berry picking. Decide how far you’re willing to travel before searching the web for farms across Texas. Then narrow it down by the type of fruit your kids are most interested in picking and snacking on at home. Be sure to remind your kids only to pick as much as they are likely to eat. And don’t forget to grab your own basket or two. Turn the second basket into a home-baked pie to trick your kids into eating an additional portion of fruit.

Whattya say we talk a few loves on this slightly overcast Tuesday morning? A little something to brighten things up if you will…

Here goes.

1. Hatch Collection — First up, there’s the genius that is Hatch Collection’s chic, simple pieces designed to be worn before, during, and after pregnancy. I would normally call bull on this claim — I mean who wants to wear maternity clothes when they aren’t pregnant?? But I personally own two Hatch frocks (a short striped t-shirt dress and a long silky grey number) that I wear all the time, and I am most definitely not with child. It’s a very good possibility that the gauzy (read: perfect for the sweltering summer heat) Tahiti dress above will be taking up residence in my closet soon.
2. EltaMD Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF – I snapped this up at the suggestion of dermatologist extraordinaire and mom of five(!) Dr. Mary Hurley who, before handing it to me, looked me straight in the eyes and said, “if I could recommend one thing to totally transform your skin for the long haul it would be sunscreen. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.” Sold. I wear it every day. It’s super lightweight, doesn’t leave any sort of residue or chalky business on my face, and is (apparently) aging me backward à la Benjamin Button.
3. Lanvin Croc Wedge Sandal – The perfect summer shoe. Full stop. And they’re currently on sale at Forty Five Ten…
4. Dear Clark Summer Braid Bar – My hair is not long enough for braids. If it were, however, I would wear braids like it was my job. (I’m a hippie at heart friends + look at the goodness that hair guru Rubi Jones is working above). For those of you lucky gals that do boast long locks, I would highly recommend making a beeline for Dear Clark to take advantage of their Summer Braid Bar. For $20, the lovely Dear Clark stylists will do your braid bidding — whether you’re looking for basic, french, fishtail, four strand, or waterfall, they’ve got you covered. Need a wash and blow-dry first? For $30 more they can do that too (they’ll even throw in a 5 minute scalp and neck massage). Go. I’ll live vicariously through you.
5. Read Between The Lines – Last but not least, there’s the matter of the fantastic “XOXO To You” print by local stationery gurus (and supremely cool chicks) Melinda Jones and Tammy Shugart of Read Between The Lines. How cute would this be above a crib or your little’s bed?

By Monica Lake

*******

Between nailing down plans, finding a babysitter, and, then, once you find one, having said babysitter take, “Call us if you have any questions” way too seriously (calling to ask how to work the remote or if she can have her boyfriend over), getting out of the house on a Saturday night can be more trouble than it’s worth.

Luckily there are family alternatives to all the hassle…

Enter The Dallas Zoo’s Safari Nights event series. Each Saturday through June 29, the zoo’s will stay open until 9 p.m. to feature live music, food and beverages (adult ones, too!), animal encounters, and a few surprises.

The concerts start Saturdays at 7 p.m. and are free with park admission. Throughout the series, there will be some tribute bands that will make you feel young again, a folk rock band Trout Fishing in America that will make you feel even younger, and a few other artists.

And you can say you left the house Saturday night.

(Dreamy laundry toys for the littles via Jenni Kayne’s genius blog. You can also buy lovely grown up laundry supplies at Jenni’s shop.)

By Kay Wyma

*******

Recently we moved. With seven bodies in our house, boxes are not our friend. So, like the Tasmanian Devil, I (and my forced labor) tore into those things and put everything away in three days. Still, a few straggling issues remain. And a few unexpected issues arose.

Like our sweet wonderful dryer. Our faithful friend for well over ten years has accompanied us through two moves (please let this be the LAST!) and dried well over … okay, I can’t begin to imagine how many loads of wet laundry. Somewhere in this move, our drier must of misunderstood its unplugging as a get-out-of-jail-free card. I think it’s gone on to a happier, less strenuous place.

Maybe not. Maybe there’s still a little life in our friend. The repairman has been summoned, but our clothes continue to dirty. And, what’s a large family to do?

Thank goodness for the Spin Cycle.

The Laundromat is your friend. You can get done in an hour what normally takes all day. And rather than wash, let sit, wash again (because the clothes have mildewed … please tell me I’m not the only one), dry, wait, fluff, wait, fluff, wait, fluff, fold because another load needs the drier – you can get it all done at once. The Laundromat removes tasks from the to-do. Rather than have the home machines loaded every day. We pile the clothes, which apparently my kids prefer to do anyway, and gather a week’s worth to clean in one fail swoop.

It’s amazing.

I can run four washing machines and six driers together and complete what seems to be a never-ending task in less than two hours. With helpers, an hour and thirty.

And the people at the Laundromat are terrific. On the whole. There was one guy who tried to sell me used television parts, then shot me the standard “Can you spare $2 for my bus ride.” I’m not saying he was lying, but he had been sitting and chatting with everyone until he saw me (and any other fresh meat that walked in the door.) But even in his press for cash, he was still so nice. When I honestly told him I had nothing (because I forgot my wallet and couldn’t stomach driving back home. So while sitting in the parking lot, I dug through and under every space in the car to find quarters, ever grateful for my Future Hoarder of America and his baggie full of coins tucked nicely behind his carseat.) he asked me how my day was going and shot me several genuine smiles.

The Laundromat is like Cheers. A guy just walked in and as if on cue, the core group seated at the tables lining the front of the Spin Cycle chimed in together, “Pepito!!!” Pleasantries, winks, and back-slap embraces were exchanged as he grabbed a cart and started to sort.

People.

All ages, all colors, all socioeconomic backgrounds (one guy is reading his Economist, sipping a Starbucks). TVs blaring Spanish and English. Dora winning out on volume. No once cares because we all appreciate the moms needing a little distraction for little ones that can only take so much watching driers spin.

People.

With dirty clothes. Because everyone has them. Everyone has to wash them. Everyone dries. Everyone sorts and folds. Everyone searches for matching socks.

Which is a great life lesson. When we get caught up in life’s hectic racing and competition, wouldn’t it be nice to slow down every so often and look around at the people who are just like us. Wonderful people who go through challenges. People who celebrate successes … just like the clothes.

As I stand next to a man ten years my senior with a differing job description, I’m moved by the way he carefully cares for and folds his clothes. His stack of khaki work pants and white shirts looks a bit different than my pile of varying-sized t-shirts that I sort into seven different stacks. He smiles at me. I smile back. And I relish the fact that at the core, we’re all the same.

Here’s hoping I remember that someone regular and pretty special, is standing next to me in the grocery store line … or folding clothes at the Spin Cycle. And maybe I will remember that we’re never in this thing alone.

People … arguably the best thing about the world.

Kay Wyma is the author of  Cleaning House: A Mom’s Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement. She shares the hilarity and the tears that  come with raising adolescents & teens on her blog The Moat … because who wants to walk that road alone. 

(Our D Moms Editor Joslyn Taylor’s Summer Passport list. Send yours along with a photo to Monica Lake for a chance to be featured on a D Moms “Passport to Dallas” blog post.)

By Monica Lake

*******

Every summer, I have such high hopes of copious fun adventures, in and out of Dallas. Unfortunately, it’s usually much easier to stay home and watch Real Housewives of New Jersey (I already know way too much about that show) in the comfort of my air conditioned house than to go for a bike ride around White Rock Lake or jet off to Italy for the summer (my sister is there right now, and I’m slightly jealous).

If an extravagant trip just isn’t in the cards for you and the kiddos this summer, create and plan out your own adventures with our “Summer Passport to Dallas.” Just print out our handy template below, fill it with activities you want to accomplish and destinations you’d like to visit, and get going. (Need inspiration? check out Joslyn’s passport above.)

Now whenever the babes start lamenting that they’re bored, you’ll have something fun to do at the ready!

Click here to view and download our Summer Passport Template

(Weekend goodness: 1. Deep Ellum Outdoor Market 2. The Dallas Zoo 3. Fabric Dying at Oil and Cotton)

My crew is getting out of dodge later today to partake in a little Father’s Day celebrating in Austin (think: tacos, Barton Springs, perhaps some live music, Amy’s Mexican Vanilla…you get the idea).

However, if we were staying in town, there would be no shortage of fab activities to keep us busy. Herewith a few of our picks for weekend fun in Dallas.

The Shops at Park Lane Movies Under the Moon — The Lorax
Pack up some eats and take your crew to catch a free 8 p.m. screening of The Lorax tonight at The shops at Park Lane. Then pay homage to the Dr. Seuss classic by heading to North Haven Gardens tomorrow and snapping up a few lovely green things to plant in your yard.

Dr. Kate Naumes Holistic Wellness Walking Group
But before you hit North Haven (and before the temps hit 95) on Saturday, grab the littles (or a girlfriend) and get thee to Dr. Kate Naumes, ND’s Holistic Wellness office (3110 Webb Ave) at 8 a.m. to join in on her new complimentary, weekly walking group as they hoof it on the Katy Trail. It’s the prefect chance to do a little socializing while you knock out your workout. Drop an e-mail to frontdesk.naumes.nd@gmail.com to sign up!

Fabric Dying at Oil and Cotton
I’ve been itching to revamp the stack of sad white cloth napkins taking up residence in my pantry, so if I were in town this weekend, I’d definitely be attending Sarah Westrup’s natural dyeing workshop at Oil and Cotton. In the four hour class, which runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., participants will learn how to make natural dye, modify dye colors, and employ surface design techniques. The class is $45 and includes swatches and dye recipes to take home to use as a reference for future natural dyeing adventures. Get more information and register on Oil and Cotton’s website.

Deep Ellum Outdoor Market
On Saturday you can also pop down to Deep Ellum between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. for some open-air shopping goodness. The free monthly market is full of local, handmade goods ranging from soap to art, making it the perfect opportunity to nab a lovely and meaningful gift for all those summer weddings on your calendar.

Safari Nights at The Dallas Zoo
Then tomorrow night make a beeline for The Dallas Zoo for their Safari Nights event, where you can ogle the elephants, let the kiddos ride a camel, and enjoy the musical stylings of Tom Petty tribute band Petty Theft. The action goes down from 5-9 p.m., and tickets are $12 at dallaszoo.com.

Fathers Day
Last but not least on Sunday celebrate your partner/better half/love of your life/baby daddy with breakfast in bed, the gift of his choice, and letting him play guitar all day without  once asking him to “put the freakin’ thing down and help you with the kids” (that’s my plan at least).

Have a splendid weekend!

(Elle’s Favorites: 1. Rag and Bone 2. Diana Vreeland  3. Sam Edelman flats 4. Sarah Bareilles 5. Chanel makeup)

Who she is: Elle Warren Harman — co-founder of Warren Barrón Bridal, mom to Doc (2), and stepmom to Ainsley (9) and McKay (11)

Why we love her:  In addition to possessing enviable personal style, she’s outfitted scores of chic Dallas brides in equally chic gowns for their big day. Oh and she’s got that whole yin yang thing down pat, balancing days spent among seriously gorgeous frocks with weekends (when not working) at her family’s ranch fishing with her kiddos.

Herewith a peek into Elles’s world.

On heavy rotation: Sarah Bareilles – She sings Ainsley’s and Doc’s favorite songs, so we like to turn up the volume and sing loud while driving. I also LOVE Patty Griffin – her songs speak to me.

What she’s reading: Gone Girl - A good mystery is a must, and this book is fantastic.

Always in her handbag: My iPhone – I misplaced it recently and felt lost. I usually have some makeup by Chanel but really prefer a natural look. Honestly, my bag is big and holds LOTS of items for all the kiddos from meds, a spare paci, hair ties, band aids, and more.

Her uniform: Skinny jeans – I love Rag and Bone jeans. I pair them with a flowy/silky top, Sam Edelman flats (my feet cannot handle heels anymore), and a lightweight scarf.

Her go-to restaurants: Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse and Taco Diner are always hits. We also love the DCC — kids can play while mom and dad can have a glass of wine and a moment to catch up on the day. For date night Brent and I love Nonna. We were there the night we got engaged, so it will always hold a special place in our hearts!

Favorite family outing in Dallas: Doc, who is 23 months, is sort of a wild man. So, currently we do a lot of grilling in our new backyard. We just added a big covered porch, a half basketball court, and great play set. It is a lot more fun for us to invite friends over and enjoy our home. We usually have different families over every Sunday night. All of the neighborhood kids hang out at our house, which we love.

Her tip for balancing work and family: Rely on your inner circle. I am Type A so it was hard to ask for help but as long as everyone is being loved then we all benefit. I am fortunate to have a solid team which allows me to focus on work when I’m at the store and then soak up all the precious moments with my family when we’re together. I have an incredible husband and father to our kids. My mom is my rock. We have a nanny that cares for the kids like they are her own. Without those three people, it would not work. I thank God for my life every day!

Three current obsessions:

1. 6 a.m. yoga class at We Yogis on Lovers Lane. I have always wanted to be the 6 a.m. exercise girl, but I have never been able to peal myself out of bed. For the past few months, I have been motivated, and it is so amazing to have that 90 minutes completely for myself. It also helps me think more positively throughout the day.
2. I recently watched a documentary on Diana Vreeland – she was truly a force of nature. She has inspired me to live my life more boldly!
3. My child’s smile and laughter is contagious so I try to bring joy to the lives of others like he gives to me.

But well-executed is key friends. The days of the pile it on, more is more “arm party” are over. Really you’re shooting for three or four pieces max (including a watch) and perhaps a little sleek metal and earthy materials mix. Beyond that, you’re trusting your intuition…or shamelessly copying those who have mastered it.

If you choose to opt for the latter, I would highly recommend lifting the expert stack action above happening on designer Lauren Renfrow’s wrist. (That’s my plan.) And to ensure we get it just right, I asked Lauren to give us a breakdown.

Here’s what’s happening on her arm (from left):

1. Henri Bendel “Screw You Baby” cuff
2. Michael Kors Chronograph watch (similar style)
3. Henri Bendel “Downtown ID” bracelet (Lauren is a big fan of Henri Bendel’s sturdy and affordable bangles and cuffs)
4. Suzana Gordon wood bead and tassel bracelet

Dr. Kate Naumes, ND

*******

Everyday the energy my (almost) 3-year-old son expels makes my jaw drop. Music is one of the tools my husband David and I often use to channel this boundless energy.

I’m lucky that said husband is a composer and plays the guitar beautifully. From the moment we found out we were pregnant – almost 4 years ago now – David has been singing to our son. Back then, at night before we went to bed, David would make “whale sounds” on my belly to calm our growing baby down so I could get some sleep.

Here are my suggestions for using music to joyfully rein in that, at times, overwhelming kid energy in a way that helps us cultivate peace and connection.

I’ve divided this up into a daily ritual because “transitions” and other stressful times during the day offer great opportunities to stop for a moment and honor the shift from one activity to another… Music could be used a background, but it’s even more effective when there is an official music break.

Morning Music:

• Some mornings we put recordings of birdsong on to help wake up – seems as though it helps us get out the door since it sounds as if we already are! Feel free to flap your wings like a bird.
• Once a week, my husband leads a drum circle at our little one’s school in Oak Cliff. An empty water cooler container makes a great makeshift hand drum – you can’t really destroy it! Drumming gives my husband time to connect with our son and watch him interact with his little friends.

Afternoon Music:

• For those days where the little guy’s activity level is simply uncontained, we go to the drum room at Guitar center and just pound on the drums. He loves to try all the different kinds and colors of drums and observe older kids and adults play. Sometimes, we spot other parents there doing the same and that knowing smile between parents is a nice little connection.
• Ms. Paula Craig’s Musikgarten class is a real treasure. Ms. Paula is a wealth of Montessori knowledge for Dallas families. I don’t know what I would do without her.
• There are a variety of summer songwriting and music recording band camps in the area. In particular, these are great creative outlets for 7-12 year olds right before they go and get self conscious at puberty.
• Simply turn on a favorite song for dancing and singing time. My personal favorite this week: Sing to the Moon, Laura Mvula “Green Garden.”

Evening Music:
We use ambient, drone or medieval music in the evening to slow down, unwind, and prepare for dinner and bedtime. I love to turn the following albums on in that late afternoon/early evening window we all know is prone to family meltdown (Ed. we call this time the witching hour)! On the occasion that I get enough cooking done to allow for a few minutes of mom/kid yoga – these records are great for that as well:

• Brian Eno - Ambient I: Music for Airports
• Stars of the Lid – And Their Refinement of the Decline
• Hildegard von Bingen – You really can’t go wrong with any of her albums.
• When my son was younger, we’d frequently go to bed with Essie Jain’s Light of Morning – an album of lullabies that get progressively more and more relaxed and spare as each track progresses. (This also makes a perfect baby shower gift for a new mom!)

Dr. Kate Naumes, ND runs a Holistic Wellness practice just off the Katy trail. She believes that healthy, happy, and fulfilled women are essential to a healthy, productive world. Learn more at naumesnd.com.