meet your host mom (and daughter) - kris and the fabulous lucy (2) share their home with petey the dog and sid the cat. they like to go to the aquarium and the park and are big fans of Sonic's happy hour. kris is an event planner who works on fundraising events for non-profit groups and runs an internet boutique, noodleloo, with her mom.

Serving iced, hot, bubble, white, green, black, and chai. tea that is. I love the cool tranquil feel of the Lovers Lane location. They also have sandwiches, cookies, scones and terrific hummus. With free wi-fi, this place is my home office away from home. Also in Uptown. more info here.

The 75/Northwest Highway store has a huge kids section, stocked full of new and gently used (half price) children’s book, games, DVDs, and music. Dora, Dr Seuss, Disney? They’ve got it.

Serving amazing organic and vegetarian options (along with meat for you carnivores), the food at Dream Café is dreamy. Great breakfast/brunch. Both locations have children’s play areas to keep the little ones busy until your food arrives.

This great store in the Lakewood Shopping Center offers goods that are good for the environment and the soul. Green cleaning products, fair trade merchandise and toys, and organic clothing: you can feel good about anything that you buy here.

Join all the other walkers, runners and cyclists on the 9.3 mile trail around the lake, take the kids to the park at Tee Pee Hill, or have a picnic. Or, just drive around the lake and marvel at the amazing homes. info here.

Moms help their little ones practice yoga postures designed especially for their developmental stages in these classes for babies (baby classes are FREE) and for tots. Classes are fun for both mom and child- and no yoga experience is required! Itsy Bitsy Yoga Classes are taught by Deana Prokos with Just Breathe Yoga.

Teach your young children the value of volunteerism and community service now! Small Change organizes service projects that you and your children can participate in- from sorting donations and putting together baskets, to doing the monthly compassionate crafts.