Mugs Café & Bakery

Serving Roanoke and the surrounding communities since 1996, Mugs Café and Bakery provides beautiful and sinfully sweet desserts at an affordable price. From custom made wedding cakes to perfectly flaky éclairs, Kim Chabot and her delicious treats satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

In addition to desserts and pastries, Mugs Café also serves breakfast and lunch. Morning favorites include quiches, croissants, and muffins. Mugs Café also serves artisan coffees, lattes, and teas. For lunch, patrons enjoy sandwiches, chicken and pasta salads, and homemade soups. This local eatery also caters for parties, events, and work functions.

Mugs Café and Bakery is named after Kim Chabot’s collection of 500 mugs adorns the shelves, counter tops, and walls of the bakery.

If you’re in need of a relaxing lunch with friends or a sugary concoction for your best friend’s birthday, we suggest paying a visit to Mugs Café & Bakery. Located right off 377, this bakery is close to Keller, Southlake, Argyle, Justin, Grapevine, and Trophy Club.

Do you have any favorite local bakeries? Feel free to share your referrals in the comments section below!

DFW Adventure Park

Located in Roanoke off Cleveland Gibbs Road, DFW Adventure Park hosts extreme sports and events for individuals and groups. For companies looking to foster team bonding, parents seeking a fun birthday for their child, or church groups looking for a fun outing, DFW Adventure Park offers something fun for everyone. Groups may also camp overnight at primitive camp sites with access to showers and restrooms. This park hosts paintball tournaments for all skill levels, airsoft games, and laser combat. DFW Adventure Park also provides team-building wilderness challenges customized to the specific needs of each group. The park currently possesses four zip lines with plans to add eight more. Zip line tours last about two hours and reservations are strongly encouraged because zip line activities are extremely popular.

Facilities

DFW Adventure Park has a pavilion, game room, meeting room, showers, and a concession stand. The pavilion is perfect for groups, reunions, and parties and is centrally located in the park. For parties, the game room is a fun spot for groups to mingle while they play pool, ping pong, or board games. Cold beverages, snacks, candy bars, and hamburgers are sold at DFW Adventure Park’s concession stand.

DFW Adventure Park is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To view a complete list of services and activities, visit www.dfwap.com.

Do you have any fun ideas for adventurous activities in our area? Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments section below.

Twisted Root

Twisted Root boasts seven locations throughout the DFW Metroplex but don’t worry, this burger joint wasn’t conceptualized by a corporate think tank from the West Coast. In fact, Twisted Root was founded right in here DFW by three chefs who were sick of cubicles, ties, and Dockers. Although Twisted Root’s founders are excellent, classically trained chefs, they still know what makes a great burger. Every burger is cooked to order with freshly ground beef. Wild game burgers are also available including buffalo, emu, venison, and lamb. Patrons who love eccentric toppings may build their own burger or choose a gourmet favorite from the menu.

Milkshakes, Beers, & More

Want some fresh ice cream in a root beer float? How about a milkshake with a little liquor in it? From buckets of beers to “adult milkshakes”, Twisted Root puts a fun spin on your classic drive-in food. Nothing says Texas like a nice fried side dish, too. This burger joint serves French fries, sweet potato fries, fried green beans, and fried pickles.

To view Twisted Root’s menu, click here. Twisted Root is located at 101 S. Oak Street.

What are some of your favorite local joints for great food? Feel free to share your recommendations below!

Pollinators: More than Meets the Eye

This Sunday April 29^th, the Bob Jones Nature Center will host an event dedicated to educating the public on the importance of pollinator insects and their impact on nature and our local ecosystem. Unfortunately, pollinators, particularly Native Sweet Bees and Honey Bees, are losing their habitats and dying off from disease and pesticides. Children and adults alike can learn how important Honey Bees and Native Sweet Bees are to our local ecosystems. Guests at this event will also learn interesting facts about pollinator’s anatomy, behaviors, and ways to help reverse the negative impacts of pollinator insects’ population decline. Troy and Martha Mullens, Master Naturalists, will host this information-packed seminar. Troy Mullens, a retired chemical and medical research scientist and Martha, a retired science teacher, both volunteer at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge.

Event Details

Time – 2:00 p.m.

Date – April 29^th

Location – Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve

355 E. Bob Jones Road

Southlake, TX  76092

Cost – Members, Free

Adults, $8

Children, $3

R.S.V.P. – director@bjnc.org

Do you have any great ideas for helping educate children on biodiversity and our environment? Feel free to share your ideas and suggestions in the comments section below!

Flexibility

Flexibility is an important component of movement. Many people may mistakenly believe only flexible people can practice yoga; however, flexibility actually improves with regular yoga practice. Yoga provides practitioners with full range of motion exercise that stretches more than just muscles. Over time, yoga practice will gently stretch connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments, too. By releasing lactic acid, yoga lubricates joints and relieves pain and stiffness.

Lung Capacity

In addition to improved flexibility, yoga also promotes deep breathing that improves lung capacity. By boosting lung capacity, yoga can improve stamina and relieve fatigue. Deep breathing also conditions the body to enter a relaxed state. Many yogis use deep breathing techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.

Heart Health

Medical professionals and scientists have found that yoga promotes a healthier cardiovascular system. Yoga asanas and deep breathing exercises lower heart rate and blood pressure. Some people at risk for heart disease or those with high blood pressure are encouraged to practice yoga.

Stress Reduction

Yoga poses and controlled breathing exercises reduce hormonal fluctuations and neurotransmitter levels that contribute to stress and anxiety. Excessive stress and anxiety raise blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and affect a person’s overall mood.  Controlled breathing and range of motion exercise reduces the biochemical responses that contribute to stress and tension.

Fortunately, residents of Roanoke, Keller, Southlake, Trophy Club, and Grapevine can discover the benefits of yoga locally. My Happy Place Yoga in Roanoke offers Americanized yoga classes in a calm and peaceful setting. If you’re looking to give yoga a try, feel free to visit this new yoga studio in Downtown Roanoke.

Do you have any tips for healthy living and stress reduction? Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section below.

Hidden Door Spa Services

Massages – With licensed massage therapists, Hidden Door Spa offers a variety of massages that promote relaxation and relief from stress and pain in a comfortable, serene environment.

Facials – From teenagers to men, Roanoke’s day spa provides facials that benefit any skin type. Facials thoroughly clean the skin and exfoliate dead skin cells. Guests may also opt for moisturizing paraffin treatments and therapeutic facials to relieve migraine symptoms.

Hair Removal – Available to women and men, Hidden Door Spa offers waxing treatments and laser hair removal. Waxing results typically last weeks longer than shaving and laser hair removal can reduce unwanted hair growth in a targeted area.

Weight Loss – Hidden Door Spa provides liposuction with less-invasive methods than traditional cellulite removal procedures along with nutritional counseling services.

If you’re in need of a relaxing day of pampering or want to get your mom something special for Mother’s Day, consider purchasing a spa package from Hidden Door Spa. Packages include a variety of facials and massages plus additional add-ons such as eyelash extensions, reflexology treatments, and aromatherapy. To learn more, contact Hidden Door Spa at (682) 831-1400. Feel free to connect with Hidden Door Spa on Facebook and Twitter; we did!

Do you have a favorite spa in our area? Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments section below! Happy Mother’s Day!

Ray Roberts State Park

Near Denton, Ray Roberts State Park is a favorite local campground with picturesque lake views. With an abundance of trails for biking, rollerblading, and horse riding, this local treat is sure to keep your family active and busy. Visitors may plan day trips or stay overnight. Campsites with electricity, picnic tables, and grills are available for $25 a night. For campers looking for a more rustic experience, basic campsites cost $12 per night.

The Vineyard Campground and Cabins

Located on Grapevine Lake, the Vineyard Campground and Cabins is not a far trip for anyone in the Metroplex. This campground offers RV hookups and furnished cabins. Families may choose from kayaking, boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking nature trails. Pavilions and picnic areas are available for large families, reunions, and parties. For rates, visit the Vineyard Campground’s website.

Cedar Hill State Park

A short drive near Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park boasts 7,500 acres on the Joe Pool Reservoir. Park visitors enjoy camping, bird watching, picnicking, fishing, and swimming. With over 350 campsites to choose from, Cedar Hill Park provides restrooms and shower facilities throughout the campgrounds.  Campsites feature electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Be sure to plan your camping trip before the oppressive summer heat arrives. Remember to pack insect repellant and a first aid kit, too. Do you have any favorite camping spots in our area? Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments section below!

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Pour 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy, large saucepan on a medium heat.
2. Sauté chopped onion, celery stalks, and carrots in oil on medium heat for 15 minutes.
3. Add chopped garlic cloves to the mixture. Remember to stir frequently as garlic turns bitter when it burns.
4. Season vegetables with salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, and oregano. Sauté for another 10-12 minutes.
5. Pour San Marzano tomato purée and tomato paste into the mixture.
6. Bring marinara to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
7. Simmer marinara uncovered for at least 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in finely chopped basil and Italian parsley right before serving with a pasta of your choice.

Tips

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.
• Add chopped olives or capers to incorporate more flavors.
• Avoid overcooking pasta

Do you have any great recipes that you would like to share? Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section below. Buon appetito!

Great Wolf Lodge

Boasting an indoor water park and family-friendly fun such as story times and arcades, the Great Wolf Lodge is a hit among children and adults alike. For an escape from the hustle and bustle of Metroplex living, parents and children can choose to stay overnight, too.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Take a trip back in time by booking tickets on this vintage steam-powered rail line. With special events throughout spring and summer, parents and children can enjoy a riding from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards in air conditioned coaches. Daily train rides last about an hour.

Lake Grapevine

Splashing around in the water is a perfect way to tolerate the sweltering Texas heat. Lake Grapevine features over 7000 acres of water in a picturesque setting. Many families enjoy boating, water skiing, and wind surfing. Lake Grapevine also hosts beaches and picnic areas.

Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park

The Botanical Gardens in Grapevine are perfect for short day trips in our area. Open to the public since 2000, this family friendly park is serene and beautiful. With over 250 species of plants and a large water garden, children can view beautiful perennials and waterfalls along with goldfish and koi.

Grapevine Historical Society Museum

If you’re looking for a great way to keep your kids’ minds active, look no further than the Grapevine History Society Museum. This museum strives to develop an appreciation of history by preserving artifacts and historical documents of Grapevine’s early settlers dating all the way back to Pre-Columbian settlements in our area.

What are some of your favorite spots for staycations in DFW? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments section below!

iLIVE Community’s Favorite Superfoods

Blueberries – This fruit is full of vitamins and antioxidants. Containing polyphenols and phytoflavinoids, a steady diet of blueberries is believed to reduce risks for heart disease and cancer. Blueberries also reduce inflammation in the body.

Salmon – Fatty, wild fish such as salmon and mackerel contain Omega 3s. As a healthy source of fat, Omega 3s promote heart and brain health.

Tea – Both green and black teas contain antioxidants. Drinking tea may reduce risks for developing cancer and high cholesterol.

Dark Chocolate – Surprisingly, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. Medical professionals recommend that people consume dark chocolate that contains at least 60% cocoa.

Kale – This leafy green is loaded with vitamins A and C along with antioxidants, calcium, and iron. Many people add kale to smoothies and soups to increase vegetable intake.

Oats – Unrefined oats provide an excellent source of fiber and heart-healthy whole grains. The American Heart Association recommends regularly consuming whole grains and fiber to promote cardiovascular health.

Pumpkin – A superfood that should be consumed year round, pumpkin contains potent levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and carotenoids. Studies show that people who incorporate pumpkin into their diets on a regular basis have lower incidence of heart disease and cancer.

As a general rule of thumb, dieticians and nutritionists recommend that people choose natural, unprocessed foods over refined food products. What are some of your favorite superfoods? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!