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The post TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS, AND FAMILY, HEALTHY THIS SPRING appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.
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If you’ve got kids, of course you want to make sure they grow up fit and healthy. But you also know it’s hard to juggle work, family, and physical activity. We’re here to help!
With all the great weather that we annual enjoy in and around the Cantara Apartments in El Paso, we thought we’d share a few tips to keep us healthy inside and out of our community this spring and throughout the balance of 2017.
Here’s #1: “Unplug and Plug-in to the Great Outdoors”. There’s no better way to set a healthy example than to lead the pack. Gather the whole family and get outside for fresh air and a good old fashioned hike or bike around the block, unplugged.
Tip #2 “Plan Outdoor Activities” This one could not come at a better time! The Humane Society of El Paso is seeking volunteers to walk their dogs or take their dogs on your own field trips. Take a look at this link and then plan some special time with your family to enjoy a short walk around the block or weekend with a new furry friend.
Tip #3: Take a Fitness Class Together There are more gyms and parks and recreation programs that we have room for on this blog so click on this link to check out all the options that await you and your kids for keeping fit this spring. If your little ones are too little to participate, a beautiful walk in the spring with a stroller by your side is always a good workout as well.
Tip #4: Set Up A “Skinny Gym”
Make a bad weather day good with a family fun workout inside your apartment in ElPaso. You don’t need much to have all the equipment stored in a small spot to get big results. Here’s a quick list of some of the fitness items we keep around when the outdoors keeps us in:
- Resistance bands
- Dumbbells
- A yoga mat
- A jump rope
- Wii Fit for the Nintendo Wii
Tip #5 Turn Indoor Chores into Indoor Fun!
No one every likes to do chores by the themselves so we’re recommending a few tips to turn everyday tasks into a game you can all do together. We like to ask our kids what music they want to hear when doing the dishes or sorting laundry. Before you know it, you may find all of you singing and dancing around the house while tidying up.
Tip #6 Plan Healthy Meals, Together
Springtime is a great time to familiarize your family with all the fabulous Farmer’s Markets that are popping up this time of the year in and around El Paso. Plan an outing every week and then sit down and plan your weekly meals. When you have healthy food in the fridge, it’s a lot easier to enjoy your family feasts with fresh goods from our local farms. For a complete list of El Paso Farmers Markets, click here, and happy, healthy shopping!
Tip #7 Empower Your Kids to Be the Food Police!
There’s something to be said about giving your children the opportunity to police what you eat, and what they consume as well. Have a chat about ‘smart-eating’ habits, then take a tour through your cupboards and see how well your house is stocked for the upcoming spring and summer months.
Tip #8 Bring Back the Bedtime Stories
With all the noise and technology that wraps around our family’s everyday life, we try our best to shut it all down just after the sun sets. Take time to find some quiet time and bring back the tradition of curling up and reading a good book or sharing a bedtime story every night.
Sleep tight!
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Springtime is one of the best times to head outdoors from your apartment in El Paso to enjoy all the local color and lovely events that flourish this time of the year. To help you enjoy all that there is to do in your back yard, we’ve picked a few of our favorites to share with you now!
Michael McDonald Performs at The Plaza Theatre in El Paso
April 4 – 7:30 pm
Plaza Theatre
1 Civic Center Plaza
El Paso, TX
A great family-friendly concert is coming to El Paso when Michael McDonald take the stage at the Plaza Theatre. A legend of the top music chart hits for four decades, Michael is well know for his career with the Doobie Brothers when hits like “What a Fool Believes” and solo hits like “I Keep Forgettin” were playing on radio stations throughout the world. Get the family together, get your tickets, and go enjoy an evening of timeless music for a great night on the town.
21st Annual Veterans Parade in San Elizario
April 5
San Elizario Historic District
The 21th Annual Veterans Parade & Celebration is coming our way in El Paso. It starts starts at 9 a.m. at Thompson Rd and Socorro Rd and heads east on Socorro Road to Main Street in San Elizario and ends at Veterans Memorial Plaza in front of the San Elizario Church. Stay to watch the Veteran presentations, annual Lighting of the Candels and POW-MIA festivities.
Arts in the Parks Workshop Series: Photography
April 15
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
1700 McKinley Ave, El Paso, TX 79930
Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park
There’s always something to do in and around our apartments in El Paso and this spring is no exception. Get your calendar, pull out your camera, and head to the Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park to enjoy a fun and educational day with famed photographer David Quintanilla. With his personal guidance, you will have the opportunity to practice your photography skills and enjoy the views at the park. A special note: If you participate in this workshop you will be able to participate on our Arts in the Parks exhibition at the International Museum of Art in El Paso.
La Viña Winery Spring Wine Festival
April 22 – 23
La Viña Winery
One of our favorite springtime events is on tap Saturday April 22 and Sunday April 23 2017, from noon to 7 p.m. when La Viña Winery hosts their annual Spring Wine Festival.
Over 20 wines will be available for tasting and purchase. Adult admission to the festival is $20 and includes a souvenir glass and a choice of 9 wines or a glass of wine. There is a $10 admission for 12-20 years of age and those under the age of 12 will be admitted free.
Arts in the Parks Workshop Series: Acrylic Painting
April 22 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
1700 McKinley Ave, El Paso, TX 79930
Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park
Here’s another wonderful opportunity to enhance your artistic talents! Head to the Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park on April 22 for a free Acrylic Painting session with Missy Mitchel. Be sure to bring 1 small and 1 medium sized acrylic paint brushes; the rest of the tools and paints will be supplied. If you participate in this workshop you will be able to participate on our Arts in the Parks exhibition at the International Museum of Art in El Paso.
Sun City Craft Beer Festival
April 29th
Convention Center Plaza
It’s time again for the biggest craft beer festival in El Paso! If you enjoy sipping brews in the sunshine while listing to some great bands and eating scrumptious food, make plans now to head on out to the Sun City Craft Beer Festival on April 29th. This year they will showcase over 150 different craft beers brought to you from 60 breweries from near and far. There’s plenty for kids of all ages to make this a great spring day for all involved.
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With Spring Break right around the corner, we thought we’d send along some of our favorite things to do with our kids on vacation right here in El Paso. Through a variety of resources and chats with the neighbors within our apartment community in El Paso, we’ve created this short list to fill the forthcoming long hours of daytime fun.Everyone Loves a Day at the Zoo! What’s not to enjoy and remember when you can take your kids to the El Paso Zoo to watch lion taming, animal feeding and so much more so close to home. It’s a family favorite year-round and a super family thing to do when you’re looking for an educational option that’s loaded with fun. For a complete schedule of activities, and more information, click to the El Paso Zoo website right here.
Go Downtown for Some Uptown Fun If you get a bad day of weather, head to the El Paso Museum of Art for some good times for all ages. In addition to all the exhibits, there are arts and crafts classes scheduled throughout the spring. From jewelry to ceramics, to photography and comic and character drawing classes, the museum has an excellent list of activities to keep your kids creative all spring long, and year-round. For a full list of art classes at the El Paso Museum, click here.
Get Out and Up on the Wyler Aerial Tram If you have yet to experience the views and history that comes with this breathtaking ride up to Ranger Peak, put this on your list. The four-minute ride will take you and yours over a 240-foot-deep canyon wrapped with incredible views of the city below. The adventure is as educational as it is memorable as the Wyler Aerial Tram has a host who describes the rock formations, fauna and local wildlife that exist in the terrain way below. Up top, there’s more to see and do at its 7,000-foot elevation. For hours of operation for the Wyler Aerial Tram and ticket prices, click here to their website.
Take a Picnic to the Park Some of our best memories of family time in El Paso were at Franklin Mountain State Park. It’s beautiful in the springtime when wildflowers are beginning to bloom and warmer temperatures temp one to take a long hike, get out on a mountain bike, or donate some vacation time as a Volunteer Park Ranger. It nature at its best and it’s a short scenic drive to one of our state’s most prized state parks. If your spring break plans include trying a new sport, click here to see GeoBetty Tours’ website where they offer hiking and biking tourshttp://geobettytours.com/ in the Park for the novice to the most advanced.
Love Your Library Got a rainy day or need some downtime? We always enjoy the opportunity to take our kids to the El Paso Public Library. Before you go, we highly recommend you spend some time with your children on-line to review their very helpful “Kid’s Catalog” that has categories of things that might interest your kids. One click on the catalog selection and your child can then select a book or two that he or she may enjoy on a favorite subject or two!
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With the spring season around the corner, we decided to share some of the top decorating trends for apartments and townhouses in 2017. We have scoured our favorite resources and selected ideas to bring some color and fun into your apartment in ElPaso.
House Plants are on the Rise!
Recent statistics from Pinterest.com note that there has been a 200% increase in house plant purchases – and with good reason. From plants that require lots of sunshine to those who don’t, there are lots of great options, and most don’t need too much care.
Not sure which are best for your home? We found this great resource for you. Just click here to ApartmentTherapy.com for a full list of the top house plants for apartments.
“Hygge” – The New Term for Comfy
Did you know the secret to happiness is now referred to as “Hygge” décor? We didn’t either, so we had to check this new trend out. According to our resource on this subject, here’s their take on this upcoming trend for 2017: “Finding the words to convey sentimental feelings can be hard sometimes. Yet, the opposite is true when it comes to the Danish term "hygge." Although there is literally no single translation for the concept (pronounced hoo-gah or hue-gah) the Danes use hygge to describe the warm feelings of happiness, comfort, and coziness—not unlike our idea of holiday spirit—they strive to achieve during the cooler weather seasons.”
Nightstands Bring New Light to Bedroom Décor
It was a bit hard to believe, yet according to the top online décor sites, the interest in ‘nightstands’ has far exceeded any former stats. On Pinterest alone, they have seen a 721% increase in clicks to anything to do with bed stands or small table décor. If you are a DIY aficionado, here’s a good link with step by step directions on how to make your own nightstand.
Color it Copper, Poised Taupe, Pink or Byzantine Blue
Be it a blanket, throw, floor rug, pillow, purse, or a new pair of shoes, the top colors of 2017 are now in; some we are familiar with, and others have opened our eyes to new ideas. Gone are the blankets that we have stored in the closet for unknown reasons or the pillows we have had for 20 years. In are the Pink shoes for Easter celebrations with a Byzantine Blue accessory to complement our fresh look of spring!
Wicker Makes a Comeback
I can remember sitting on my Grandmother’s wicker chairs and always wondering if I would end up with their ownership? I should have nabbed them when I could as and wicker (and rattan) baskets, furniture, and home décor accents are at the top of the charts for 2017. FYI: we found a super way to add wicker into our apartment in El Paso by using wicker baskets for storage of towels and such.
Happy decorating!
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We all know there are hundreds of great reasons to live in El Paso, Texas. And that’s exactly why we like to live in and around our apartment community at Pinon Trails.
And now that school’s out and the kids are home – all summer long – we’ve dedicated this blog to help you and your family have a super summer you will never forget,
Let the list begin!
Southwest University Park
N. Santa Fe Street
Home to the Pacific Coast League’s El Paso Chihuahuas, no summer could possibly be complete without a few nights out at the local’s favorite ball park. It’s a great place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or no special day at all as you enjoy a good-old-fashioned ball game complete with a classic hot dog dinner. For something a little more special, check out their luxury suites and club seating options.
El Paso Zoo
379 S. Hammett Street
For an educational day outside, check out the El Paso Zoo that features most of the furry friends that you would expect and several species that are on the endangered lists as well. We like to take the train ride through the Africa exhibit and always make time to participate in one or more of their Educational Tours.
Bob-O's Family Fun Center
3851 Constitution Drive
Family Fun Center
Family-based recreation is provided at Bob-O's Family Fun Center through a variety of attractions. The site has a laser tag arena, miniature golf course, go karts, bumper boats, batting cages, and a large video game arcade. For new ways to save, click on this link that will take you their ‘Special’s page.
Wet n' Wild Waterworld
8804 S Desert Blvd
Contrary to its name, Wet n' Wild Waterworld, is so much more than a waterpark. This venue does feature water-based rides and attractions for all ages, but also has amenities for those who want to grill and picnic, has live entertainment, and abundant shade – which is always a great bonus during the steamy summer months.
Jungle Jaks
1700 Zaragoza
Touted as the “all you can play” experience, Jungle Jack offers interactive play that helps families get closer together. It’s the primary function of Jungle Jaks which features fun obstacle courses, bumper boats, slides, and kiddie rides. Quality foods are available for both adults and children as well.
Franklin Mountains State Park
1331 McKelligon Canyon Road
Located within the largest continuous mountain range in Texas, Franklin Mountain State Park is quickly becoming a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts. The park features some camping sites, several hiking and mountain biking trails, and rock climbing opportunities.
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With the arrival of spring comes every opportunity to celebrate the rites the season and all of its deliciously ripened goods from the garden. Take a look at this list of what’s in season now … and then try out the recipe below that overflows with springtime goodness.
Artichokes
Asparagus
Beans
Beets
Broccoli
Chicory
Chives
Collard Greens
Fava Beans
Fennell
Green Beans
Leeks
Limes
Morels
Mustard Greens
Oranges
Papaya
Peas
Radishes
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Spinach
Sunchokes
Sweet Onion
Watercress
SPRING ONION FRITTATA
Serves: serves 2-3 as a main course, 4 as a side
*If you're non-dairy, skip the cheese
* Feel free to sub in whatever veggies you like
Ingredients ~
- 5 eggs
- ⅓ cup water or milk
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- olive oil, for the pan
- 3-4 thin spring onions, chopped small, plus slice a few into thin vertical strips
- ½ cup chopped asparagus tips
- ½ cup peas
- ¼ cup fresh mozzarella pieces*
- ¼ cup crumbled feta*
- ¼ cup chopped tarragon
- salt & pepper
- a few pinches of red pepper flakes
Instructions ~
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
- In a medium (8-inch) skillet, lightly sauté the chopped onions & asparagus pieces in a bit of olive oil, salt & pepper. Remove from the pan after just a few minutes.
- Blend eggs, water, salt and pepper in a blender until combined and lightly foamy
- Wipe out the skillet you used previously and coat it with a bit of olive oil. Pour in the eggs and add half of the veggies. Put the skillet in the oven, and bake for 15 minutes. Then (carefully, without moving the skillet around too much), add the rest of the veggies and the cheeses. Continue to bake for another 15 minutes or until the Frittata is puffed up and the eggs are set.
- Top with chopped tarragon, a grind of pepper and a few red pepper flakes. Let cool before slicing.
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Although winter is still in full swing, it’s time to make plans for that Spring Break to be sure your kids have the best one yet!
We’ve searched around the neighborhood and just outside of your apartment at Pinon Trails in El Paso to find some fun ideas to keep your kids happy and having fun throughout their entire Spring Break!
El Paso Zoo – With the grand opening of their new Foster Tree House Playground, the zoo is definitely the place to be with your kiddos this spring break. Pack a lunch, grab your camera, and enjoy the animals.
Western Playland – With 30+ rides and games for all ages, located on the intersection between New Mexico, Texas and Chihuahua, Western Playland offers unlimited family-fun and opens just in time for Spring Break!
Franklin Mountains State Park – Go on an outdoor adventure with your family!
White Sands National Monument – Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world’s great natural wonders – the glistening white sands of New Mexico.
Libraries – Many of the local libraries have special events; story time, arts and crafts for the kids during the week. Or just visit and check out some books or movies, let the kids play on the computers, and get some nice quiet time for yourself as well.
If you choose to stay right at home, here are some other ideas to keep your kids and your neighbors at Pinon Trails using their brains and brawn right inside and outdoors this spring!
- Have a scavenger hunt.
- Bake cupcakes.
- Have a water balloon fight.
- Build a fort.
- Have a campout in your backyard.
- Chalk the sidewalk.
- Have a movie night.
- Go on a nature walk in your backyard.
- Balloon volleyball.
- Night time ring-toss using glow sticks.
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As we all do our best to live a full life at our home at Pinon Trails, all around us there are non-profit organizations that would love to have your help to help their clients have a better life.
If you have some extra time in your day, or have a desire to get out to help those who need it most, perhaps one or more of the following non-profit organizations in El Paso might be of interest to you.
Thanks for getting out there if you can. If nothing else, it will make you, and those who need you, feel real good!
Candlelighters of West Texas
1400 Haraway Street
El Paso, TX 77902
Candlelighters is dedicated to enriching the lives of children who have cancer by providing hope, support, encouragement, advocacy ,and education to those children, their families, and the community at large. Throughout the organization, they have many ways for local residents to get involved to support their mission. Their website has a special section about how you may be able to help as a Summer Camp Counselor, a volunteer at their annual Golf Tournament, or as an Intern during the summer months.
For complete details, and to get involved, click here.
Children’s Grief Center of El Paso
11625 Pellicano, Ste. B
El Paso, Texas 79936
915-532-6004
This is a non-profit organization that provides healing and hope in a safe and loving environment for grieving children, teens and their families following the death of a loved one. By sharing their experiences and feelings in a peer support group, families learn that they are not alone and that there is hope for their future. Throughout this El Paso non-profit organization are many ways to get involved to help those who need it most. You can click on their website here to learn more about the following needs they have for volunteer assistance:
- Group Facilitators
- Fundraisers
- Health Fairs
- Office Assistance
- Special Events
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