On track for holiday fun

On track for holiday fun

By Carrie Dunlea Whether you’re young, old or somewhere in between and craving a memorable Christmas experience that doesn’t involve hours in the car searching for lights, gather your loved ones and climb aboard one of Texas’ many holiday trains. These festive excursions combine nostalgia 

All Abilities Hub creates spectrum of friendships

All Abilities Hub creates spectrum of friendships

By Whitney Alswede Every Wednesday, kids, teens — and even adults with special needs— are invited to come as they are and join the All Abilities Hub. For some, that means sitting next to a new friend and participating in the day’s activity; for others, 

Baked & Buzzed

Baked & Buzzed

Red Wine Chocolate Cake 3 hours | One 8-inch cake RED WINE CHOCOLATE CAKE 1 cup granulated sugar ¹⁄ ³ cup light brown sugar ¹⁄ ³ cup + 2 tbsp unsweetened natural cocoa powder 1¼ cups all-purpose flour 1¼ tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking 

Stress-Less Hosting

Stress-Less Hosting

Simple tips to make Thanksgiving dinner easy, elegant — and enjoyable By Carrie Dunlea If your name is on the Thanksgiving invitation this year, take a deep breath and relax. Hosting doesn’t have to mean spending the entire week in the kitchen or maxing out 

‘Astro’-nomical Love!

‘Astro’-nomical Love!

Meet Astro, our November Pet of the Month, and a five-year-old lab mix whose heart is as big as his paws. This lovable cuddle bug is equal parts playful sprinter and snuggle champion, always ready for a game of fetch or a cozy nap by 

Spooky & Fun:

Spooky & Fun:

Halloween Crafts Kids Will Love By Carrie Dunlea Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy. For kids, it’s also a chance to get creative, let their imaginations run wild, and make something fun with their own hands. Parents and teachers know that holiday crafts do 

Slow & Southern

Slow & Southern

Cheat Day Cheesy Potatoes | Serves 4 to 6 These cheesy potatoes are a success every time I make them. They are so soft and cheesy and the perfect side dish for any meal. I remember the first time I whipped this recipe up; I 

Crafting Beyond the Clock

Crafting Beyond the Clock

Local artists prove passion projects can shine just as bright as day jobs By Sonia Duggan Creativity doesn’t always come from full-time artists. Sometimes, it’s born in garages, home studios or weekend workshops. For Jamaison Schuler, Mark Hernandez and Matt Beal, their craft began as 

Ghostly Getaways

Ghostly Getaways

By Carrie Dunlea People love to explore the uncanny and unexplained as Halloween draws near. One way to do so is by visiting some of the purportedly haunted places around the world that also happen to be spectacularly beautiful. Not only is it a great 

Wheels of Kindness

Wheels of Kindness

Lakeside Ambucs — inspiring mobility and independence By Whitney Alswede You could say Ariyan Braddy is a celebrity at her Garland ISD elementary school. The 10-year-old’s genuine warmth and contagious spirit touch the lives of everyone she meets, her mother, Nicole Braddy, said. “She just