We have moved over to www.thelaketravismoms.com
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
iGnite Your Life Now @ Bee Cave Central Park
Yesterday we headed to Bee Cave Central Park to see what iGnite was all about. Today we are sore, very sore...but inspired and ready to go back next week! We learned that iGnite is much more than JUST a work out- it is about women helping, supporting and inspiring other women to live their best life. It's a pretty cool concept and what we like best is that there is a variety of classes to choose from in different locations around Austin. They offer swimming, yoga, cross training, pilates, and more. Most classes are offered outdoors, which is a refreshing change of pace than working out in a gym. Of course, we were excited that they were offering the new cross training class here at Bee Cave since that is convenient for us after we drop off our kids at school. People just started joining the new Bee Cave class, so they are flexible on changing the time up a bit depending on what works for all of us ladies out in the Lakeway area. So, are you ready to come out and try it with us? We will be there again on Monday. You can even try it for free. They offer a 2 week trial (details are on their website.)
Ok, don't laugh at us! Here is a video of us and the iGnite ladies.
Filmed by our good friend and videographer Mitch Bergsma.
Ok, don't laugh at us! Here is a video of us and the iGnite ladies.
Filmed by our good friend and videographer Mitch Bergsma.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Snarky Skewers
I am excited to write not only my first blog post for Lake Travis Moms, but my first post ever!
Go easy on me people.
So here is my story...
I am a stay at home mom of a 5 yr old adorable, passionate, loving, rule-following little fascist. (totally kidding... sort of) She loves to 'help' me as much as she can in our every day routine. Well, I love to cook. I typically cook 5-6 days out of every week. For Christmas my best friend who I have known since I was 6 sent her this in the mail.
This is an adorable pink princess cookbook along with an apron and her very own cooking utensils. Monkey girl instantly loved it all. And of course, it made me cringe inside and silently curse my dear friend.
However, along with the cookbook she sent me this incredibly tacky and awesome wine glass!
Obviously, she was forgiven. Is it not the coolest?!
I made a deal with monkey and told her she could pick out one recipe for the week and we would add it to the grocery list, shop for ingredients, and make it together. Now let me tell you what a concession this was on my part. I am very particular about my menu and my grocery list. Mr. Man has not set foot in the grocery store since the dawn of time, or at least since I started staying home. (My time frames get confused.) Anyway, I have system. I make my menu, then list everything I need for my meals in order of grocery isle (because I am just that crazy). Then after dropping her off at preschool I set off to the grocery store. With all of that being said, you can see that I am fun and compromising mom. All of this for a princess book!
Now, I know most of you are not going to believe this, especially those of you who have seen my child throw down 2 cupcakes with out blinking an eye, but she looked through the book and actually chose to make the vegetable skewers.
So we set off to HEB and after a finding a car basket, a balloon with an attached lollipop, stickers from the cashier, and a buddy buck game we had all of our ingredients. Does anyone else find it crazy that our grocery stores are now like amusement parks for kids? We made it home she got out her apron, her utensils, and the recipe book. Surprisingly, once we got the hang of it we had a great time. I put some chicken in the oven to bake while we worked on the skewers. Each skewer had 2 mushrooms, 1/4 red and 1/4 yellow bell peppers, and 1/2 of zucchini. The best part... when we sat down to eat not only were they really tasty the girl ate the whole thing! She loved every bite and was so proud that she made dinner for me and daddy.
A couple of side notes or tips to help. I had all the vegetables cut up and washed for her to prevent any arguments over who gets to use the sharp knife. She also wanted to skewer all the vegetables herself so make sure you jump in before anyone pokes their eye out.
I know the food network and all those lovey dovey shows tell you 'cook with your kids it's a great experience!'. Well, I was more than skeptical and felt that she was totally encroaching on my territory but it turned out to be really great and very exciting that she will eat what she cooks!
Here is the recipe we made:
Veggie skewers
Ingredients:
1 yellow bell pepper & 1 red bell pepper seeded and cut into small chunks
1 zucchini sliced
1 1/2 cups of cleaned and halved button mushrooms
BBQ sauce (optional for dipping)
Marinade:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp ketchup
1 clove of garlic crushed
1/2 tsp dried mixed herbs
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Place vegetables in a clean plastic food bag and pour marinade. Seal bag and turn over to coat all the vegetables. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Thread vegetable onto skewers alternating the different colors and vegetables.
4. Turn the broiler on high. Add the skewers and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning regularly, until vegetables soften.
5. Serve the skewers with BBQ sauce.
Stay tuned to Lake Travis Moms blog! It's fun, useful, and I might pop up here again with some more recipes and snarky attitude!
Go easy on me people.
So here is my story...
I am a stay at home mom of a 5 yr old adorable, passionate, loving, rule-following little fascist. (totally kidding... sort of) She loves to 'help' me as much as she can in our every day routine. Well, I love to cook. I typically cook 5-6 days out of every week. For Christmas my best friend who I have known since I was 6 sent her this in the mail.
This is an adorable pink princess cookbook along with an apron and her very own cooking utensils. Monkey girl instantly loved it all. And of course, it made me cringe inside and silently curse my dear friend.
However, along with the cookbook she sent me this incredibly tacky and awesome wine glass!
Obviously, she was forgiven. Is it not the coolest?!
I made a deal with monkey and told her she could pick out one recipe for the week and we would add it to the grocery list, shop for ingredients, and make it together. Now let me tell you what a concession this was on my part. I am very particular about my menu and my grocery list. Mr. Man has not set foot in the grocery store since the dawn of time, or at least since I started staying home. (My time frames get confused.) Anyway, I have system. I make my menu, then list everything I need for my meals in order of grocery isle (because I am just that crazy). Then after dropping her off at preschool I set off to the grocery store. With all of that being said, you can see that I am fun and compromising mom. All of this for a princess book!
Now, I know most of you are not going to believe this, especially those of you who have seen my child throw down 2 cupcakes with out blinking an eye, but she looked through the book and actually chose to make the vegetable skewers.
So we set off to HEB and after a finding a car basket, a balloon with an attached lollipop, stickers from the cashier, and a buddy buck game we had all of our ingredients. Does anyone else find it crazy that our grocery stores are now like amusement parks for kids? We made it home she got out her apron, her utensils, and the recipe book. Surprisingly, once we got the hang of it we had a great time. I put some chicken in the oven to bake while we worked on the skewers. Each skewer had 2 mushrooms, 1/4 red and 1/4 yellow bell peppers, and 1/2 of zucchini. The best part... when we sat down to eat not only were they really tasty the girl ate the whole thing! She loved every bite and was so proud that she made dinner for me and daddy.
A couple of side notes or tips to help. I had all the vegetables cut up and washed for her to prevent any arguments over who gets to use the sharp knife. She also wanted to skewer all the vegetables herself so make sure you jump in before anyone pokes their eye out.
I know the food network and all those lovey dovey shows tell you 'cook with your kids it's a great experience!'. Well, I was more than skeptical and felt that she was totally encroaching on my territory but it turned out to be really great and very exciting that she will eat what she cooks!
Here is the recipe we made:
Veggie skewers
Ingredients:
1 yellow bell pepper & 1 red bell pepper seeded and cut into small chunks
1 zucchini sliced
1 1/2 cups of cleaned and halved button mushrooms
BBQ sauce (optional for dipping)
Marinade:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp ketchup
1 clove of garlic crushed
1/2 tsp dried mixed herbs
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Place vegetables in a clean plastic food bag and pour marinade. Seal bag and turn over to coat all the vegetables. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Thread vegetable onto skewers alternating the different colors and vegetables.
4. Turn the broiler on high. Add the skewers and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning regularly, until vegetables soften.
5. Serve the skewers with BBQ sauce.
Stay tuned to Lake Travis Moms blog! It's fun, useful, and I might pop up here again with some more recipes and snarky attitude!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Flowers by Nancy, too!
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
We love flowers by Donna
from Flowers by Nancy, too!
Meet Donna Parker- owner of Flowers by Nancy, too! She is our featured business owner for the romantic month of February.
So, Donna, why the name Flowers by Nancy, too?
Why not flowers by Donna?
Nancy is actually my mother in law. She is retired now. She owned Flowers by Nancy for years down near Oak Hill. I used to help her out with weddings and events on the weekends and when ever I had extra time. When I retired from 31 years of teaching, I began to run the business. We moved it to the Lakeway location in 1998, next door to our other family run business Austin Boats and Motors.
What makes running a business special in the Lakeway area?
The amount of community support is fantastic. The chamber really gets involved in supporting all of the local business owners. They are so wonderful! It is an exciting time here in Lakeway too with the opening of the new hospital which will really help our economic growth. Even with all the growth, the sense of local community continues to hold strong.
Wow. 31 years of teaching, operating businesses, and raising 5 kids, right?
Yes! And now I have 5 grandkids! (The joy in her voice speaks volumes here)
On the Flowers by Nancy, too website it says: Because we are family operated, when you choose us, you can expect to be treated more like a family member, rather than "just another customer." We think that really sums up what they are all about. And we think that is what Lakeway is all about too, families supporting other families!
Remember Flowers by Nancy, too! on Valentines Day or the other special occassions in your life. Their website is easy to navigate... and another major plus, there are no service fees like there would be if you went to FTD or other floral sites. AND if you order online there is free local delivery. What's not to love?!
Violets are blue,
We love flowers by Donna
from Flowers by Nancy, too!
Meet Donna Parker- owner of Flowers by Nancy, too! She is our featured business owner for the romantic month of February.
So, Donna, why the name Flowers by Nancy, too?
Why not flowers by Donna?
Nancy is actually my mother in law. She is retired now. She owned Flowers by Nancy for years down near Oak Hill. I used to help her out with weddings and events on the weekends and when ever I had extra time. When I retired from 31 years of teaching, I began to run the business. We moved it to the Lakeway location in 1998, next door to our other family run business Austin Boats and Motors.
What makes running a business special in the Lakeway area?
The amount of community support is fantastic. The chamber really gets involved in supporting all of the local business owners. They are so wonderful! It is an exciting time here in Lakeway too with the opening of the new hospital which will really help our economic growth. Even with all the growth, the sense of local community continues to hold strong.
Wow. 31 years of teaching, operating businesses, and raising 5 kids, right?
Yes! And now I have 5 grandkids! (The joy in her voice speaks volumes here)
On the Flowers by Nancy, too website it says: Because we are family operated, when you choose us, you can expect to be treated more like a family member, rather than "just another customer." We think that really sums up what they are all about. And we think that is what Lakeway is all about too, families supporting other families!
Remember Flowers by Nancy, too! on Valentines Day or the other special occassions in your life. Their website is easy to navigate... and another major plus, there are no service fees like there would be if you went to FTD or other floral sites. AND if you order online there is free local delivery. What's not to love?!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Home Goods Excitement!!
In case you have not seen the signs going up, we have a Home Goods store going in at the Shops at the Galleria! I hope you are as excited as we are!! More information to follow when we find out when they are opening.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Suelo Nuevo: A Lake Travis Dad's Take
Full disclosure: I'm not a mom. I'm also pretty sure I'm not a woman. However, I am a Lake Travis area resident, and I am a dad, so hopefully I bring enough in the way of shared perspectives and common experiences--you know, changing diapers, reading to the children most nights, telling the kids to stop it, I mean it, stop whacking the blankity blank dog with the fly swatter this very instant--to justify my guest appearance on Lake Travis Moms today.
How this dad came to post here is best left unuttered. Said dad may or may not have run into Kim, the co-founder of Lake Travis Moms, at a neighborhood gathering. Said dad also may--or may not--have claimed that particular evening that he was a better writer than Joseph Heller, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Billy Shakespeare, and that deceased hack who wrote about the girl and the dragon tattoo. And it's possible, but not probable, that this same dad, several cocktails into the night, first asked, then whimpered and whined, and finally implored Kim to let him, pretty pretty pretty please, write a restaurant review for Lake Travis Moms, a blog he visits daily. "Fine," Kim may or may not have said, sighing deeply. "You can write a restaurant review. Just please stop crying and get up off the floor."
However it happened, I'm here, and I'm honored to be so. Lake Travis Moms is the coolest and best resource for family goings on in the Lakeway/Bee Cave/Hudson Bend area. But you know that already. You're smart people, you Lake Travis Moms' readers. You know what's going on.
I'm writing today to tell you about a restaurant with a play scape that you might not have heard of unless you live in Steiner Ranch. It's called Suelo Nuevo, and it's on Quinlan Park road, just off FM 620 behind the under-construction Randalls.
As a dad of two amazing and particularly active boys, I look for two things in a restaurant:
1. Space for my kids to howl and race and climb like freed monkeys.
2. Booze. Gallons and gallons of sweet, sweet booze.
The other stuff--friendly service, agreeable atmosphere, edible food, seats, forks, flush toilets--is nice, too, but as long as the boys are free to range and daddy has a cocktail, daddy is plenty pleased. Same for mommy. Serve her a margarita and the long day at the job and the toddler who keeps somehow finding the fly swatter and terrorizing the dog with it seep away.
Suelo Nuevo has both a plays cape and a bar, which means my wife and I were predisposed to approve of the joint before we slipped in there on a recent Friday. The play scape is standard--think ho-hum slide and crummy climbing wall--which does the trick, but what separates Suelo Nuevo from most other kid-catered places is the big yard that's fenced and adjoins the covered outdoor tables. When we were there, a huge game of chase erupted in that grassy yard, and my kids--ages 7 and almost 3--ran and ran and ran and didn't want to leave.
The food is typical Tex Mex, and the prices are reasonable. We were taken with the stuffed avocado, which was filled with chicken, lightly fried, and served with a choice of sauces to drip over the top. The borracho beans, flavored with an abundance of bacon, were especially flavorful, if not heart healthy, and the tacos and stuffed chile rellenos were fine but forgettable. The salsa was fresh but mild.
Our kids were pleased with their quesadillas, and my wife and I were pleased with the price: 3.99. Mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and tacos are other notable children's meal options. A drink and choice of sides is included with them all.
Suelo Nuevo boasts a full bar with respectable selection of beer on tap, including a couple of microbrews in addition to Shiner/Bud Light/Dos Equis blah blah lagers. Suelo Nuevo's large margaritas really are large--16 ounces, I'd wager. They're potent, too, and at a six bucks a pop, relatively cheap.
Suelo Nuevo doesn't offer the best Tex Mex in the Lake Travis area, but with extensive play space for children, nice prices, full bar, and good food, we'll be going back. Keep your eyes open for us. I'll be the zoned out one with the large drink and the goofy grin. My wife will be the pretty one who loves me anyway. And our kids will be the ones chasing each other with the fly swatter.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
There is a lot to be said about Craig Lesley. As a friend and neighbor, I could certainly dish up a few fun stories, but this may not be the right place for that.
Here are the basics, in his own words, taken from his blog Bad Chemicals:
We’re a family made up of two smelly dogs, one damaged cat, two good boys, one nice lady, and one goofy man. We live in Texas.
Also, if you want to read a truly moving essay that was recently published, check out his more of his writing here on Story Bleed Magazine.
How this dad came to post here is best left unuttered. Said dad may or may not have run into Kim, the co-founder of Lake Travis Moms, at a neighborhood gathering. Said dad also may--or may not--have claimed that particular evening that he was a better writer than Joseph Heller, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Billy Shakespeare, and that deceased hack who wrote about the girl and the dragon tattoo. And it's possible, but not probable, that this same dad, several cocktails into the night, first asked, then whimpered and whined, and finally implored Kim to let him, pretty pretty pretty please, write a restaurant review for Lake Travis Moms, a blog he visits daily. "Fine," Kim may or may not have said, sighing deeply. "You can write a restaurant review. Just please stop crying and get up off the floor."
However it happened, I'm here, and I'm honored to be so. Lake Travis Moms is the coolest and best resource for family goings on in the Lakeway/Bee Cave/Hudson Bend area. But you know that already. You're smart people, you Lake Travis Moms' readers. You know what's going on.
I'm writing today to tell you about a restaurant with a play scape that you might not have heard of unless you live in Steiner Ranch. It's called Suelo Nuevo, and it's on Quinlan Park road, just off FM 620 behind the under-construction Randalls.
As a dad of two amazing and particularly active boys, I look for two things in a restaurant:
1. Space for my kids to howl and race and climb like freed monkeys.
2. Booze. Gallons and gallons of sweet, sweet booze.
The other stuff--friendly service, agreeable atmosphere, edible food, seats, forks, flush toilets--is nice, too, but as long as the boys are free to range and daddy has a cocktail, daddy is plenty pleased. Same for mommy. Serve her a margarita and the long day at the job and the toddler who keeps somehow finding the fly swatter and terrorizing the dog with it seep away.
Suelo Nuevo has both a plays cape and a bar, which means my wife and I were predisposed to approve of the joint before we slipped in there on a recent Friday. The play scape is standard--think ho-hum slide and crummy climbing wall--which does the trick, but what separates Suelo Nuevo from most other kid-catered places is the big yard that's fenced and adjoins the covered outdoor tables. When we were there, a huge game of chase erupted in that grassy yard, and my kids--ages 7 and almost 3--ran and ran and ran and didn't want to leave.
The food is typical Tex Mex, and the prices are reasonable. We were taken with the stuffed avocado, which was filled with chicken, lightly fried, and served with a choice of sauces to drip over the top. The borracho beans, flavored with an abundance of bacon, were especially flavorful, if not heart healthy, and the tacos and stuffed chile rellenos were fine but forgettable. The salsa was fresh but mild.
Our kids were pleased with their quesadillas, and my wife and I were pleased with the price: 3.99. Mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and tacos are other notable children's meal options. A drink and choice of sides is included with them all.
Suelo Nuevo boasts a full bar with respectable selection of beer on tap, including a couple of microbrews in addition to Shiner/Bud Light/Dos Equis blah blah lagers. Suelo Nuevo's large margaritas really are large--16 ounces, I'd wager. They're potent, too, and at a six bucks a pop, relatively cheap.
Suelo Nuevo doesn't offer the best Tex Mex in the Lake Travis area, but with extensive play space for children, nice prices, full bar, and good food, we'll be going back. Keep your eyes open for us. I'll be the zoned out one with the large drink and the goofy grin. My wife will be the pretty one who loves me anyway. And our kids will be the ones chasing each other with the fly swatter.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
There is a lot to be said about Craig Lesley. As a friend and neighbor, I could certainly dish up a few fun stories, but this may not be the right place for that.
Here are the basics, in his own words, taken from his blog Bad Chemicals:
We’re a family made up of two smelly dogs, one damaged cat, two good boys, one nice lady, and one goofy man. We live in Texas.
Also, if you want to read a truly moving essay that was recently published, check out his more of his writing here on Story Bleed Magazine.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Halloween Events this Weekend
There are some great Halloween events going on in the Lake Travis area this weekend!
From 3PM-9PM this Saturday The Hill Country Galleria will be hosting a Trick or Treat event with performances by PAIYH Dance Studio, a bounce house, face painting, live music and trick or treating at participating stores. Check out their website for more information! (By the way- helpful hint for next Summer, when you log onto their website it will tell you if the interactive fountain is open that day!)
Also, the Lake Travis Fire and Rescue will be having their ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday from 1PM-3PM! Bring the kids in their Halloween costumes where they can enjoy the bounce house, photo booth, Res-Q the clown and tour the fire station! They'll have plenty of snacks and safe Halloween candy!
Let's see how many times we can get our kids in their Halloween costumes this year!
We're sure there are more many more events going on, so as always, please be sure to share with us. You can comment below or find us on Facebook too.
Happy Halloween!
From 3PM-9PM this Saturday The Hill Country Galleria will be hosting a Trick or Treat event with performances by PAIYH Dance Studio, a bounce house, face painting, live music and trick or treating at participating stores. Check out their website for more information! (By the way- helpful hint for next Summer, when you log onto their website it will tell you if the interactive fountain is open that day!)
Also, the Lake Travis Fire and Rescue will be having their ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday from 1PM-3PM! Bring the kids in their Halloween costumes where they can enjoy the bounce house, photo booth, Res-Q the clown and tour the fire station! They'll have plenty of snacks and safe Halloween candy!
Let's see how many times we can get our kids in their Halloween costumes this year!
We're sure there are more many more events going on, so as always, please be sure to share with us. You can comment below or find us on Facebook too.
Happy Halloween!
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