From the June 2008 issue, our guide to eating out that's enjoyable for all

Baby Food Recipes
Cooked up by Alisa Gaylord, Gaia Baby Food, www.gaiababyfood.com

Chunky: Thyme Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
1 chicken breast
3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 sprigs thyme
water, to smooth out puree  read more »

Airplay Café, opening June 23 in Portland’s Lower Burnside district, will cater to music lovers of every age.

Owner Andy Simon, a local musician and an audio engineer, saw a need for live music venues that catered to people of all ages, not just young adults. “Many of the adults we know grew up loving rock and pop music, and still enjoy the experience of discovering new music, but few places offer them that experience in a way that fits their schedules or their tastes.” He became determined to create a new kind of venue.  read more »

The other day, my next-door neighbor’s three-year-old daughter, Sophia, was over for a visit. I kept offering her leaves out of my garden. She enthusiastically sampled the mizuna, spinach, arugula, tat soi, speckled lettuce, non-speckled lettuce, kale, beet greens, and chard.  read more »

Make Your Own Sun-Seeing Sparkle-Glitter Bottle
Now that the sun is out in full force, what better way to see its hot rays than through a cool sparkle-glitter bottle?! Hold the bottle up to the sky, shake it up and watch the sparkle swirl and float through the sunlight. This month’s craft is super easy and hassle free, plus it’s beauuuutiful.

Steps
• Fill your bottle halfway with water
• Add a few pinches of sequins and glitter
• If you have food coloring, squirt in a couple of drops
• Fill the bottle the rest of the way with corn syrup  read more »

Part 2: How to Make Money & The Value of Money
By Diane Sague Ehnes

If your children are old enough, I’m sure you can relate to this story: One day, my son wanted me to buy him a specific “cool car” at the store. After explaining that I did not have the money for it, he simply said, “Well mom, just open your wallet and get some out.” Oh how I wish it were so simple, my dear.

How Money is Earned:  read more »

The phrase “farm-to-school” has been in use for more than a decade. Farm-to-school programs connect schools with local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing health and nutrition education opportunities, and supporting local farmers.  read more »

What's the best way to get your kids to eat a variety of foods? Teach them to cook! This month the good folks at Powell's Books offer up a few scrumptious selections for your little chef.

Look and Cook: A Cookbook for Children
By Tina Davis  read more »

On a sunny day, Willamette Park offers a variety of activities for the whole family. It’s one of the best spots for enjoying the Willamette river (unless you are on a boat on the river, of course). Located at the Southern end of the city on the west side of the river , the park has paved paths with connections all the way to the south waterfront area. My son just started riding his bike without training wheels, and before we knew it, we were halfway to the Aerial Tram!

What you’ll find here:
• an off-leash area for dogs
• a nice small beach area  read more »

Every parent wants their children to grow up healthy and happy, with sound eating habits. How to encourage positive food habits is a problem unto itself, especially when your children have their own definite opinions. Many, if not most, picky-eater, slow-eater, or no-eater situations can be turn into frustrating experiences and stand-offs.  read more »