Author: Site Staff

Get Your Kid a Mentor

Every child has gifts in different areas. It may be an intuitive knack for engineering and math, or abilities in music, art or athletics. As a child, I loved to read, write and perform. I've wanted to be the host…

Week One: Goal Setting And Moving Forward

This was the official kick off week for the Fit Family Challenge and both families have done a great job.We worked together to clarify each person's goals in the previous week and took time to work on two topics with…

Gender Neutral Decorating

There was a time when boys and girls were placed in very constricting roles. Blue was for boys, pink was for girls, trucks were for boys and dolls were for girls.  Today roles are much more fluid and I'd like…

Roasted Ratatouille

When life seems crazy busy and time is at a premium, don't succumb to the drive thru. Instead cook ahead and then use a master recipe to create several meals. Ratatouille is more than a classic movie about a gourmet…

Color Class 101

Now that the kids are back to school I thought you might like to learn something new, too. So many people are puzzled by colors,  here is a quick lesson on the Psychology of Color. Maybe it will inspire you…

Do YOU Make These Manner Mistakes?

Please tell me you don't! I am really beginning to wonder if some people just don't know better, or if they just don't care. In the last week, I've experienced these 3 manner mistakes and I'm getting annoyed.  Please let…

What’s the Story with Selfies?

I have an issue with selfies. They drive me insane.As a single mom, you would think I wouldn't mind the occasional selfie. I am a prime candidate to take them all the time, really.First, I am the only adult running…

Grape, Feta and Mint Quinoa Salad

From the juicy burst of flavor to the vibrant array of beautiful reds, greens and blacks — fresh grapes are a top choice for home cooks and health-conscious eaters alike. While shoppers often choose this tasty fruit for in-between meal…

Harris Teeter Super Doubles & $10+ off your total bill

The coupon goddesses seem to all be in agreement that Harris Teeter will once again have Super Doubles starting this Wednesday, June 4. Coupons with a face value up to and including $2.00 will be doubled at checkout. Maximum 20…

It’s EOG Time

Students throughout North Carolina are taking end-of-grade tests this week. Aligned with the Common Core standards, students will need to be on their A game to make their best scores, especially third graders who are up against the latest standards…

Color for Kids’ Rooms

Kids are full of personality and energy and their bedrooms should reflect that. Just as every child is different, each child's bedroom should be different, too. Not to encourage stereotypes or gender identity, but rarely have I met a little…

Time to Share Some Strategies!

Wow!  The Family Fit Challenge is already half way over!  The time is flying by!  Through trial and error we have developed some great strategies to stay on track with both healthy eating and fitness.  Time to share some of…

Charlotte Kicks Off Coca-Cola Fit Family Challenge

For more information, contact:Lauren C. Steele, Coca-Cola Consolidated704-557-4551, lauren.steele@ccbcc.com• Program provides incentives for families to get moving• Partners include Charlotte Parent Magazine and CVS• Participants can win prizes for healthier lifestylesCharlotte, NC (April 11, 2014) - In an effort to…

Cheese Fondue

Tons of family fun is in store when a cheese fondue dinner is on the menu. Don't have a fondue pot? Don't worry — a chafing dish warmed by sterno or a candle works just as well. Either way, start by preparing  the fondue…

Mango Smoothie

Ingredients6 ounces silken tofu, drained1 medium banana, peeled and cut in half 1 mango1 cup milk (your preference)1 handful spinach 1 handful ice cubesToolsCutting boardKnifeMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsFine graterBlenderTall drinking glassesInstructions1. Cut the mango by placing one flat side resting on…

Apple-licious Taquitos

Prepare these the night before and heat before school, and practice learning a bit of Spanish while you prepare (see Spanish word in parentheses in list of ingredients).IngredientsSix 8- or 10-inch whole-wheat tortillas1 large apple (manzana)1 cup applesauce1/4 cup vegetable…

Breakfast Paninis

Ingredients3 Italian bread rolls (pane)Slices of your favorite cheese (mozzarella, parmigiano or fontina)6 eggs Favorite veggies (basil, tomatoes)1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil (olio) ToolsSkillet Cutting boardKnife2 oven mitts1 pastry brush2 saucepans (1 medium and 1 small)TongsInstructions Pour 1 tablespoon of…

Lasagna Into Chilaquiles

This is a great weekend breakfast for the family.Ingredients4 cups corn tortilla chips6 eggs (huevos) 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (queso)1 small white onion (cebolla)1½ cup salsa (green or red)2 tablespoons vegetable oil (aceite)Salsa Sour creamSalt and pepperToolsCutting boardKnifeLarge skilletMeasuring…

Three Peas in a Tiny Pod

My kids share a room in our little condo. It's two bedrooms with one bathroom and luckily it's two floors. They are 12 and 9, a boy and a girl.Most of the time they want to kill each other. Living…

Are ‘Selfies’ to Blame for Spread of Lice?

Lice. Nobody wants it, but seems like this winter I heard more and more about Charlotte families getting the dreaded head-scratching infestation.A new theory is floating out there that kids taking selfies together may be one way that lice is…

Extra Curricular Craziness

Interesting topic... Kids extra curricular activities and the single mom. How do you balance it?My ex and I truly have a joint custody arrangement. It's 50/50 as far as time is split. My kids are always with me on Monday…

Snow Day!

There is nothing like living in the South when it snows. Adults turn into kids. Kids are happier than you've ever seen them. It's better than any holiday...for kids and adults.I believe it's an actual law here that you have…

Are Your Kids Ruining the Rugs?

Do you know this story: straw goes into juice box, juice squirts out on rug? Or maybe this one, Mini-Michaelangelo colors with markers, but the rug gets in on the coloring action? Or the worst one of all, the stomach…

Baby Greens with Pine Nuts

Salad:6 cups Fresh Spring Greens½ cup Shredded carrots¼ cup Pine nuts, toastedDressing:¼ cup Walnut Oil1 Tbs Balsamic vinegar1 Tbs Dijon mustard1 tsp Honey Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.  In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients…

Grilled Corn on the Cob

While this is a great summer side dish, it can really be made on any day of the year. Corn is loaded with nutrients and is extremely high in fiber, making it a filling food that's naturally low in fat…

One Place I Urge You Not to Bring Babies/Toddlers

When you become a parent you also become an apologist for your kids. Odds are you've had to apologize on their behalf when they've acted out, thrown a loud tantrum, been rude or bitten another kid. I don't recommend attempting…

Camper’s Chicago Style Pizza

Grilling over the open campfire is a rich tradition. Maybe it's a combination of how the wood brings out food's natural flavor and the ambiance of being outdoors. Whether camping with the family, hunting with friends or simply achieving that…

Quick Candy Bar Brownies

Ingredients: 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons water1/3 cup vegetable oil2 large eggs2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)1 (19.8-ounce) your favorite box brownie mix1 cup your favorite candy bar, broken into small pieces1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 1/2 cups powdered…

Could snoring be a sign of a more serious health problem?

Q. Could snoring be a sign of a more serious health problem?A. Most children seldom snore, so loud and regular snoring is unusual in otherwise healthy children. ReaMost children seldomsnore, so loud and regularsnoring is unusual in otherwisehealthy children. It…

Celebrate Adoption

Families come in all sizes, shapes and configurations. This month we recognize one particular type of family, with National Adoption Month. From interracial to international adoptions, families who adopt children face unique challenges. They also experience incredible joy. If you…

'Tis the Season to Adopt a Pet

For many children, a new puppy or kitten under the tree is tops on their Christmas wish lists. But is it a good idea to adopt a pet for the holidays? Many animal shelters and organizations will not release pets…

Raising Awareness About Adoption

"Giving a child a strong foundation; a home, a family to love, and a safe place to grow is one of life's greatest and most generous gifts."

Turkey Wrap

Try this tasty Turkey Wrap for an easy-to-make lunchtime meal. Ingredients:1 medium tortilla (flour or whole wheat)2 slices of turkey lunchmeat1 slice of cheese1 tablespoon ranch dressing1 piece of cooked bacon1 lettuce leaf2 slices of tomatoPreparation:Spread ranch dressing in center of…

Black Bean Chili Burgers

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoons chili powder3 medium-size jalapenos, roasted, peeled, seeded and chopped11/2 tablespoons ground cumin1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves1 tablespoon salt1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with…

Chicken Wing Sate

Ingredients: 20-24 chicken wings, split in halfFor the marinade:2 teaspoons garlic paste1 tablespoon brown sugar1/4 cup lime juice1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oilFor the peanut sauce:1 cup plain or crunchy peanut butter1 tablespoon red chili flakesZest…

Spanish Rice

Prepare your favorite rice according to package directions, substituting one can of Ro-tel tomatoes, including the liquid in the can, for 1 cup of the water. Spoon the cooked rice into a casserole dish and top with the prepared taquitos.Contributed…

Earth-Friendly Garden

An empty egg carton is the perfect place to plant flowers. Once they start to bloom, they can brighten up a windowsill or make a lovely, green gift.