SAVVY | March 2018

THE LIFESTYLE MANUAL FOR THE MODERN MOM

MARCH 2018 · THESAVVYMOMS.COM

NURTURING FAMILY & ARTISTIC VISION

us p lBINGE DRINKING CULTURE WHY ARE MORE MOMS REACHING FOR THE BOTTLE?

SPRING BREAK

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Yes, recovery may take 12 steps…

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Under the care of a certified addictionologist, The BridgeWay was the first to offer multiple individualized treatment options: n Abstinence-based treatment n Medication-assisted outpatient treatment with Suboxone n Individualized goal-based recovery Whether you need inpatient care or outpatient treatment, The BridgeWay has always been the first place to call. We provide evidence-based services that treat addictions for adults, ages 18 and older, within a structured setting: n Pet-assisted therapy n Medical detoxification n Art therapy n Intensive Outpatient Treatment n Yoga n Support by AA and Al-Anon n Nutritional guidance n Computer access n Visitation

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The BridgeWay is an in-network provider for Medicaid, up to 21 years of age, and all other insurance companies in Arkansas including Medicare and Tricare.

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MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

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MARCH 2018 MODERN MOM 16 MAMA SAID WHOSE KIDS ARE THESE?

18 MIND, BODY & SOUL MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPER

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SAVVY FAMILY

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20 PINCH-PROOF DINNER CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S DAY WITH FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECIPES

23 CREATIVE MOMS THREE LOCAL MOMS RAISE FAMILIES WHILE HONING THEIR CREATIVE CRAFTS

31 LEADING LADIES MOMS DISH ABOUT LEADING THE WORKFORCE WHILE FINDING BALANCE AT HOME

34 GET OUTTA TOWN FIND A SPRING BREAK ITINERARY THAT WORKS FOR YOU!

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 EDITOR’S NOTE

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10 NEWS & NOTES CALENDAR, CRAFTS & MORE!

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38 MOM APPROVED AMY GARLAND ANGEL

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MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

ON THE COVER: (FROM LEFT) CREATIVE MOMS KYRAN PITTMAN, GENINE PEREZ AND EMILY WOOD. PHOTO BY KATIE CHILDS.

discover spring break !

Super Why and Wonder Red from “Super Why” Tuesday, March 20 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Buddy from “Dinosaur Train” Monday, March 19 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

in partnership with

500 President Clinton Ave, Ste 150

Little Rock, AR 72201

www.museumofdiscovery.org

501.396.7050

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

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Photo by Stacy Kinzler

HERE COMES THE SUN! It’s finally here after waiting so (im)patiently through a brutal winter. There’s something about the daffodils blooming and the tulip leaves starting to peek up from the ground in early spring that lets me breathe a sigh of relief, and start planning a spring break getaway!

If you can’t get away for a whole week, luckily there are many great vacation spots in Arkansas. We take a look at kid-friendly options in Central Arkansas, Hot Springs and Northwest Arkansas in this March issue of Savvy. If you have a little more time, there are also some fantastic options in nearby cities like San Antonio and Nashville.

See what we planned for you on page 34!

When the weather warms up, there’s nothing like hitting the beach. With the Gulf Coast so close, tons of Arkansas families flock to its white, sandy beaches each year. If you’re heading south, don’t forget to pack a few good books! Laman Library offers a spring break reading list for moms and kids on page 13. And don’t forget your craft supplies! Keep the kids busy at the beach for hours with a few fun seashell craft ideas on page 14.

We all know that being a mom and balancing a career is hard, and this month we put the spotlight on three moms who are pursuing careers in the creative arts.

Emily Wood, Genine Perez and Kryan Pittman dish on how they manage raising their kids and still find time and energy to pick up the paintbrush, microphone and pen to hone their crafts. Meet these creative moms and read their inspiring stories beginning on page 23.

The pressure to do it all—be a good parent and spouse, and advance your career—can take a toll on moms. On page 18, we examine the rising statistics of women who are turning to alcohol to ease their stress. Experts at Methodist Family Health and Chenal Family Therapy weigh in on the dangers and warning signs of alcoholism, and a local mom who’s in recovery speaks about the importance of getting help for yourself and your family.

As always, this issue of Savvy is full of inspiring local mom stories, important info for your kids and family, and fun ideas to keep things interesting and young minds engaged at home. Don't forget to take us in your beach bag, and enjoy soaking up that beautiful spring weather!

Amy Gordy Editor, Savvy amy@arktimes.com

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MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

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Laman Library Lucky Baby Fair Free Spring Break Art Workshops

PUBLISHER BLAKE HANNAHS | blake@arktimes.com EDITOR AMY GORDY | amy@arktimes.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANDY KEENER | mandy@arktimes.com

501-315-4414

ART DIRECTOR KATIE HASSELL | katie@arktimes.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE LESA THOMAS | lesa@arktimes.com ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER ROLAND R. GLADDEN | roland@arktimes.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR LARISSA GUDINO | larissa@arktimes.com

Visit our website for information on services, upcoming events, and access to our resources!

Kidsourcetherapy.com Services We Provide: •First Connections Early Intervention •Therapy Evaluations •Speech/Language Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Physical Therapy

Supportive Programs: •Sensory Integration •Feeding & Swallowing •Hippotherapy •Aquatics •Special Olympics

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MIKE SPAIN | JASON HO PRODUCTION MANAGER | CONTROLLER WELDON WILSON IT DIRECTOR ROBERT CURFMAN ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/OFFICE MANAGER KELLY JONES BILLING/COLLECTIONS LINDA PHILLIPS CIRCULATION DIRECTOR ANITRA HICKMAN

Benton • Little Rock • North Little Rock • Arkadelphia Malvern • Hot Springs

STAY IN THE LOOP sign up for our enewsletter.

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MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

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O N

FIND US ON

contributors KERRY GUICE is a writer, recipe developer and photographer living in Little Rock with her husband and two busy kids. When she's not working or driving kids from one activity to the next, she's planning her family's next outdoor adventure.

ANGELA E. THOMAS is a proud University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate and a member of its Alumni Board.

For 11 years, she served Central Arkansas as editor for a locally owned magazine.

Thomas is founder and owner of the greeting card company GODsent Greetings.

DWAIN HEBDA is a writer and editor living in Little Rock. He and his wife, Darlene, are the parents of four grown children. The empty-nesters spend their time traveling, working out and spoiling their two dogs.

KATIE CHILDS is a wedding, lifestyle and commercial photographer based in North Little Rock. When she's not behind the camera, Katie and her husband, Jon, can be found rock climbing with their two pups in Northwest Arkansas and listening to embarrassing rap music.

Beautiful smiles, happy children ... that is our goal.

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March

3-4 & 10-11

MARCH WYE MOUNTAIN DAFFODIL FESTIVAL

CALENDAR

Stroll through a field of flowers at the 39th annual Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival. It's seven acres filled with more than 20 varieties of daffodils, jonquils and narcissus, which makes for a perfect springtime family photo op! You'll also find arts and crafts, concessions and barbecue. Admission is free.

23300 Hwy 113 South, Wye. wyemountain.org.

MARCH

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MARCH - APRIL JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK

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MARCH ANNUAL SPRING BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Take in the crisp spring weather and lively music at the 16th Annual Spring Bluegrass Festival in Mountain View. Enjoy live bluegrass and gospel music all weekend long in the large auditorium at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Admission is $25 per day. mountainview-bluegrass.com.

Loveable Junie B. Jones struggles with right and wrong in "Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook" at the Arkansas Arts Center's Children's Theater. Learn and laugh as someone takes Junie's gorgeous new furry mittens and didn’t put them in the lost and found. Finders keepers, losers weepers! Right? arkansasartscenter.org.

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MARCH BIZARRE BAZAAR Find a delightful, unique collection of items at this off-thewall shopping extravaganza from 2-6 p.m. in the River Market Pavilions. Beer, wine and mimosas will be available for purchase to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas. rivermarket.info.

Twang, Mountain View's all-girl string band!

10 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

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DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS

MARCH 19TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Celebrate Irish heritage at the 19th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade; the fun begins at 1 p.m. at the corner of Sixth and Main streets in North Little Rock and ends at Third and Cumberland streets in Little Rock. The parade route is new this year and will feature decorative floats, Irish dancing, Irish Wolfhounds, candy, music and more. irisharkansas.org.

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MARCH GO WILD AT HEIFER VILLAGE'S ALPACAPALOOZA!

MARCH WORLD'S SHORTEST ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Join the celebration of urban and rural farming and bring the family for a day of local food trucks, artisanal food and goods, crafts for all ages and, of course, alpacas! heifer.org.

This tiny parade packs a powerful Irish punch. Don't miss the First Ever 15th Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade that makes a brief trek across the infamous 98-foot-long Bridge Street in Hot Springs. Wave to celebrity grand marshall Joey Fatone, and stay for a live performance by Morris Day and the Time. shorteststpats.com

discover spring break !

Buddy from “Dinosaur Train” Monday, March 19 10 a.m. - 4 p.m

SUNDAY, APRIL

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Super Why and Wonder Red from “Super Why” Tuesday, March 20 10 a.m. - 4 p.m

19-20

MARCH FAMILY FUN DAYS

Bring the kids for a meet-and-greet with some beloved characters at the Museum of Discovery. Family Fun Days with AETN presents Buddy the Dinosaur from “Dinosaur Train” on March 19 and Super Why and Wonder Red from “Super Why” on March 20. Snap some pictures with the characters from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and enjoy a day at the museum. All activities are included in the price of regular museum admission and are free for members. museumofdiscovery.org.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

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PLAYGROUND WITHOUT LIMITS Another inclusive playground is coming to Central Arkansas! Cabot Parks and Recreation Commission begins construction on “Playground Without Limits” this month with the goal to complete the project by the end of April. The playground, located at Richie Road Park, will feature 28 different play elements, 12 of which will be at ground level atop a soft, rubber flooring.

The sizeable playground will accommodate up to 200 individuals at a time, and its design will include sensory-rich structures to encourage play for children and adults of all abilities. cabotparks.com.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Erin Go Bragh!

INVITATIONS • DECORATIONS • PARTY FAVORS • BALLOONS • PIÑATAS • CAKE SUPPLIES 12 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

Spring Break

Book Club

For Mom Adult Classic

“Outlander” by Diane Gabaldon Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire’s destiny is soon intertwined with a dashing warrior and his clan in 18th-century Scotland.

Whether you’re hitting the beach or hanging around the house over spring break, you’ll need a few good books to get by.

When you hear those dreaded words, “I’m bored,” use the opportunity to turn off the screens and have everyone pull out a good book. Here are a few recommendations for readers of all ages from William F. Laman Public Library.

For the Kids Children’s New Release

“The Metropolitans” by Carol Goodman The day Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, four 13-year-olds converge at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where an eccentric curator is seeking brave souls to track down the hidden pages of a time-bending, ancient book that holds the key to preventing a second attack. (Ages 10+)

Adult New Release

“Exit West” by Mohsin Hamid With their country in civil war, Nadia and Saeed find a door said to whisk people far away, if perilously and for a price.

Children’s Classic

“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle Thirteen-year-old Meg Murry, her little brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin are guided by unearthly strangers as they go on a journey through space and time to search for Meg and Charles’ scientist father who disappeared while experimenting with a new form of space travel. (Ages 8+)

y

11218 N. RODNEY PARHAM RD. / LITTLE ROCK 501.223.4929

4822 N. HILLS BLVD. / NORTH LITTLE ROCK 501.978.3154

• INVITATIONS • DECORATIONS • PARTY FAVORS • BALLOONS • PIÑATAS • CAKE SUPPLIES THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

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savvy craft

CRAFT WITH SEASHELLS

BY THE SEASHORE

After a beach vacation, you're bound to bring home a bounty of seashells and other shoreline treasures. Hunting for unique shells is a great way to keep little ones occupied, and transforming their treasures into beachy crafts turns them into keepsakes!

Treasured Trinkets You’ll Need

• Crayola Air-Dry Clay • A favorite seashell • String • Crayola Model Magic Glossy Glaze • Beads • Acrylic paint and glitter (optional) • Paintbrush

How To

Grab a hunk of clay and mold it into a pendant. Be sure to keep the pendant at least ½-inch thick so it won’t crack when it dries. Poke a hole with the tip of a paintbrush or pen, where you will attach the string later. Press a beautiful seashell firmly into the clay and either dip it in glitter, paint it after it dries, or leave it a natural color. Let it dry for 24 hours then brush a layer of Glossy Glaze to preserve it. Pull a string through the hole and add a bead or two to create a beachy-keen pendant necklace or keychain.

Fishing Net Jar You’ll Need

• A large, blue Mason jar • Twine of medium thickness • Scissors • Sand • Seashells

How To

DISPLAY YOUR BURIED TREASURE!

Tie a loose string around the neck of the Mason jar. Cut seven lengths of twine, each one six times the height of the jar. Double them over and attach them, evenly spaced, around the string on the neck of the jar. Connect each string to the one to the left and right of it with a simple knot. Repeat this diamond pattern until you reach the bottom of the jar. Cut a length of rope slightly smaller than the diameter of the bottom of the jar. Attach the woven strings to the bottom circle, securing the jar’s netting. Wrap extra twine around the neck of the jar. Fill the jar with your favorite beach finds. Start with a layer of sand, and add all the shells you like!

14 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

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mama said...

Whose Kids are These?

I

’ve tried to be more conscious lately of the ‘highlight reel’ I post to social media. Life, and especially parenting, is not all lemonade and rainbows, despite the Southernfried cuteness I tend to show the world.

My youngest may be adorably sassy, but she also threw a screaming fit last month because she’s a human. Yesterday, she threatened to “break” my house if I didn’t let her play longer.

Hulk Smash isn’t the only problem. Whenever it’s time for chores or bed, suddenly, like magic, my 6-year-old’s legs no longer work. He wriggles on the floor saying “help me” over and over. And over. Noodle Man has a pre-teen sister whose life is so hard. I mean, we make her clean her room and put up her own laundry and pack her own lunch three times a week.

We’re the worst!

From looking at Instagram, I thought my kids were the only turds in a pond full of lily pads. Turns out, they’re fairly normal. And I never would’ve known it if not for time spent commiserating with parent friends. The camaraderie, the normalcy I feel when airing my struggles to other parents, is not only enlightening, but empowering. “Your kid set fireworks off in the house, too? Awesome! We can handle this!”

(Not a real example, but close enough.)

The biggest problem in my house right now is arguments among siblings. Do other people’s kids fight like this? I mean, it’s like there’s not a type B personality in the bunch. I remind them to be kind to each other, to talk civilly, but if they’re not arguing over a TV show, they’re fighting over the bathroom— and we have more than one. I kid you not, the youngest two even argue over who’s dumber. When I caught them, I walked away and let them work it out. I mean, is there a winner?

Who raised these kids, anyway? That guy from “Animal House,” apparently. I swear they would be fine if I never cleaned the house again and fed them chicken nuggets for

every meal. This got me down until I realized…job security!

They actually need me to rear them, to gently show them the way toward broccoli and the second bathroom.

Another struggle you won’t find on my social media feed is the kids’ addiction to technology. More specifically, iPads. We know from brain imaging research that gaming and tablets affect the brain the same way cocaine does, damaging impulse control and decision-making. And when you take the tech away, look out! Grouchy little terrorists—like they’re suffering withdrawals. I read that many in the tech industry are the most tech-cautious because they know its effects. Steve Jobs was a notoriously low-tech parent. Silicon Valley execs enroll their kids in no-tech schools. Nearly a year ago, we made a rule that iPads are only allowed on weekends. It went far better than we anticipated, actually, after some initial grumbling.

Now, do their eyes practically suction to the screens when they know it’s Saturday? Yes. But, we still have time limits that seem to work and keep everyone relatively safe and happy.

The thing that makes the struggles of parenting bearable is the knowledge that we’re not alone. The issues in our family are probably being felt by others at that very moment. In fact, I know they are because I’ve commiserated about them with parent friends.

Studies show that parents who have regular nights out and strong support systems are happier and deal better with stress. So... there’s one excuse to schedule a girls’ night out ASAP. Here’s another: Did you know cheese dip was invented in North Little Rock in the 1930s? It’s true! Celebrate the culinary innovations of our great state with like-minded parent friends over cheese dip and margaritas. You may just learn that their kids sleep as terribly as yours, and you’ll all go home feeling a bit more confident. But still dog tired. Sorry; I can’t do anything about that.

HULK SMASH, NOODLE MAN AND THE PRE-TEEN!

Jen Holman is determined to be a voice of reason amongst reality TV and momjudgment-gone-wild. Her newest novel (as yet unpublished) won the 2017 Rosemary award for excellence in young adult fiction. She lives in Little Rock with her husband and three (im)perfect children.

16 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

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THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

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mind, body & soul

MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPER

Binge drinking is on the rise—especially in women. A mom in recovery and local experts weigh in on the signs and dangers of alcohol addiction, and how to know when to seek help.

BY DWAIN HEBDA

A

mber Holland Duch sits forward earnestly in her chair, hands rhythmically folding and unfolding on the table in front of her, eyes piercing the listener. The mother of two is here by will as much as want.

“Did I ever think that when I took that first drink of alcohol when I was a teenager that I was going to become addicted, that it was going to affect me differently, that I was going to end up a 40-yearold woman and be where I’m at?” she posits hypothetically.

She lets the question hang there a second then shakes herself out from under its shadow.

“I got the quote somewhere, ‘Sobriety is never owned, it’s rented and rent’s due everyday,’” she continued. “So you have to work. It’s a constant everyday struggle.”

Duch’s hands are still, but the muscles of her neck flex and her eyes take on a faraway, smoldering hue. She doesn’t necessarily like talking about her demons, on the record no less, but finds the process freeing.

“I hate addiction,” she said, softly.

It’s hardly news that America has a drinking problem, but studies are showing that our thirst for excess is getting deeper, fueled by the availability and the social acceptance of consuming more and more copious amounts of alcohol.

18 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

The most alarming thing about America’s favorite vice is that while the percentage of the population who drink has remained constant, consumption is going up—thanks to a spike in binge drinking. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics reveal more than 38 million American adults reported binge drinking— four or more drinks per hour for women and five for men—an average of four times per month, consuming an average of eight drinks per binge.

Women are squarely in the middle of this trend; binge drinking rates among women rose 17.5 percent between 2005 and 2012, compared to just 4.9 percent growth for men. Experts point to several factors leading more women to match their male counterparts, shot for shot.

“We’re seeing a whole culturation of ‘mommy deserves to tie one on,’” said Ken Clark, founder of Chenal Family Therapy. “I think the old mindset is men need to go out and blow off steam and I think there is definitely a female version of that, which is ‘Back off, mommy’s doing mommy time right now.’”

Women aren’t just claiming the space formerly reserved for men; they’re taking in everything that space has to offer, including its pitfalls, Clark said. As women gain ground in the professional world, they’re turning to the same things to take off the edge that men have.

“In the last 40 years, women have really fought for equal footing,” Clark said. “A lot of the women that I’m seeing are not just women who are drinking after tennis lessons. They are doctors and lawyers, and they have some hard days and going home and pouring two or three is legit. They’re managing their stress with that.”

Duch started like a lot people, getting tipsy in high school and attending frat parties in college as a rite of passage. And while consumption became more regular in her adult years, the fact that she could stop for prolonged periods of time showed she was in control.

At least that’s what she liked to tell herself, even in the later stages of her addiction where she’d plant alcohol all over the house—hiding mini bottles in her shoes was a favorite tactic—or manipulating the levels in open wine bottles to mask how much she’d downed that day.

“I could do like a 21-day vegan cleanse where there’s no alcohol, no caffeine and I would survive it and it was great,” she said. “But I still thought about [alcohol] almost every day.

“You don’t ever think that’s going to eventually become where you physically need it.

And that’s pretty scary.”

The yeast of Duch’s addiction had other things helping it rise, including a history of alcohol abuse in her family and her job as a personal trainer, which made her the last person most would suspect of putting anything damaging into her body. Little did anyone know that the confident front she portrayed was merely a construct of her disease.

“Going to different events and stuff, people didn’t see it because they saw Amber, and she’s so fit and she does these things and I’m still helping people being a health and fitness coach,” she said. “But it was almost like a double life. And there are so many other women, so many other mothers out there doing the same thing.”

“It’s an everyday conversation; it’s like, ‘Oh, go get a bottle of wine for the school function and this and that.’ It’s hard with alcohol just being everywhere and being legal and being OK because that’s what moms do. That’s how it started off with me.

Then it just manifested.”

Duch doesn’t blame society for her drinking—part of getting sober is to accept accountability for one’s actions—but Kate Hardage, Methodist Children’s Home outpatient administrator doesn’t mince words about marketing at least contributing to the problem.

“If you’ve noticed, within the last five years, the ads are becoming more about feminism,” she said. “Alcohol and smoking ads were always with a man, and now I feel like they’re being more posed towards women saying, ‘Hey, just go grab that glass of wine at the end of the day.’”

“I went to a baby shower this past weekend at a restaurant and they asked if I wanted a glass of wine. The waiter said, ‘Do you want the three-ounce or the nine-ounce? It’s only a dollar difference.’ In my mind I was like, ‘Oh I’ll take the nine-ounce.’

And I know that’s just an upsell, but it’s cheaper; you got it in a glass like a mini carafe. That’s another thing society does to kind of reiterate binge drinking indirectly, to say, ‘Oh you’re getting that great deal.’”

For Duch, a series of deaths among family and close friends over the summer three years ago sent her drinking into overdrive. With the support of her husband, she finally decided to get help and in the five months since, she’s discovered the profound difference between quitting drinking and getting sober.

“They say ‘One day at a time,’ and ‘Just for today,’ but it’s true,” she said. “[Rehab] worked well for about 90 days, but I became too complacent and I slipped. I went to a close friend’s wedding and I thought I could have just a couple of glasses of champagne. The next day I didn’t drink, but it quickly led back to binge drinking, drinking daily.”

Even a trip to the emergency room last November with alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis doesn’t keep the “devil” from lurking in her mind.

“I go to the emergency room because I’m vomiting and I can barely walk. Obviously, I stopped drinking alcohol,” she said.

“Then what we do is, we forget. We forget the bad things. We forget I had pancreatitis and this is what caused it, because that’s what the addiction does. It tells you you don’t have an addiction.”

Both Clark and Hadage say the binge drinker is the new, and in some ways more concerning, of addicts they treat.

“We’re concerned about people who can’t function without drinking, which is your classic alcoholic,” Clark said. “But the ones we’re more worried about are the ones that sit down, tell themselves they’re going to have two drinks and five drinks later they’re not sure how they got there.

“That’s the more alarming one, and we see that a lot with moms.

A lot of the shame we see walk in our door as therapists is, ‘I went to this BBQ and I told myself I was going to have two drinks and that’s the last thing I remember.’”

“Women who binge drink more often are less likely to receive help or reach out for help, because there is not a whole lot of programs out there for a woman to work and be a mother and what are they going to do with their kids to seek this treatment?”

Hardage added.

“I also think women have a stigma of, ‘You’re a mom; you should have all of your shit together with your kids and your job and this and that.’ That’s stress; they don’t want society necessarily to know that they’re crumbling.”

These days Duch is a lot wiser about the facts of her life, what she can and cannot do. Sharing her experiences online resulted in overwhelmingly positive responses from others, and while she likes her sober self, she doesn’t kid herself as to how easily she could get lost again. Faith, routine and a sponsor help, but ultimately, it’s up to her.

“Having a plan, having somebody to call, having support— eventually handling those cravings and the triggers becomes a little bit easier,” she said. “It doesn’t ever go away. I think about it, maybe not thinking about it every day or even from week to week.”

“I’m very fortunate; I’m grateful. I’ve learned so much in a short amount of time. It’s taught me a lot.”

“I WENT TO THIS BBQ AND I TOLD MYSELF I WAS GOING TO HAVE TWO DRINKS AND THAT’S THE LAST THING I REMEMBER.”

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

19

good eats

Shepherd's Tater Tot Pie 20 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

Pinch-Proof Dinner St. Patrick’s Day is a fun, festive holiday. Share some Irish history with the family and invite everyone to help prepare this delicious, lucky feast!

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY GUICE

H

ave you ever wondered why we “go green” on St. Patrick’s Day? The history of the color green and Ireland started over 600 years ago. In the 15th century, Henry VIII claimed to be king of Ireland and actually flew a blue flag. However, during the Great Irish Rebellion of 1641, the Catholic rebels flew a green flag while trying to defeat the authority of the English crown. The color associated with the English protestants was orange (today, the Irish flag is comprised of both green and orange stripes, with a white stripe in the middle symbolizing peace between these two groups). In the 18th century the progressives (Society of United Irishmen) wore green coats, green and white striped trousers, and green felt hats to promote their republican ideas. The shamrock is another Irish symbol, and it’s said that St. Patrick himself used the three leaves on the shamrock to teach about the holy trinity. In the 1850s in the United States, Irish immigrants wore green as a symbol of pride for their home country and thus started the tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day. If one didn’t wear green, others would pinch them and say they should be ashamed.

Today that tradition continues, but instead it is now associated with the Irish legend that tiny mischievous fairies called leprechauns like to pinch people, and wearing green makes you invisible to them.

Side note: If you happen to see one, you should catch him, because leprechauns are the only ones who can lead you to the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Learning the history behind the holiday makes dinner on St. Patrick’s Day even more fun! In honor of Ireland, I wanted to make Shepherd’s Pie. In honor of the fact that I have two kids, I decided to replace the mashed potato topping with tater tots! I chose the kids’ favorite green veggies (I say favorite, but I really mean the only ones they’ll eat) and made an all-green salad (the Irish rebels would be proud!).

Green ice cubes are an easy way to feel festive, and for dessert I’m ditching the food coloring and going for a naturally green(ish) key lime pie popsicle. These are so creamy, sweet and tart that you’ll feel like you've found the pot of gold! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Shepherd's Tater Tot Pie

1 pound ground beef 1 cup corn ½ cup peas ½ cup chopped carrots 2 cloves garlic 3 tablespoons flour 1½ cups beef broth ½ cup half and half 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon each salt and pepper ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon oregano ½ cup shredded cheese 1 bag frozen tater tots (I prefer Alexia tater tots)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large pan on medium high, brown the ground beef and garlic. Without draining the meat, lower heat to medium add 3 tablespoons of flour, stirring to combine. When flour is dissolved into the fat from the meat, add the vegetables, beef broth and half and half. Add all seasonings and stir to combine.

Bring mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat and pour into either a pie pan or square 9-by-9-inch glass baking dish (do not use a dark pan—clear or white works best). Sprinkle the cheese on top. Arrange tater tots on top of the cheese in a single layer. You won’t use all the tater tots. Place in preheated oven and bake 30 minutes, until tater tots are browned. Serve hot.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

21

Key Lime Piescicle For the popsicle: 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 cup Greek yogurt Zest of 2 limes Juice of 6 limes (about 7 ounces) ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon almond extract ¼ teaspoon orange extract Pinch sea salt For the Crumble: ⅔ cup crumbled/crushed shortbread cookies 2 tablespoons melted butter Zest of 1 lime In small bowl, combine crushed cookies, melted butter and the zest of 1 lime. Stir to coat evenly and set aside. In a blender, add all ingredients for the popsicle and blend until thoroughly combined. Sprinkle a little of the crumble mixture in each mold, then pour popsicle mix, finishing with another sprinkle of crumble mixture, pressing down gently so it sticks to the popsicle as it freezes. Freeze overnight or at least 8 hours.

Leprechaun Salad 1 head butter lettuce, torn ½ cucumber, sliced 1 stalk celery, sliced 4 broccoli florets, chopped ¼ cup shelled pistachios ½ avocado

1 tablespoon olive oil Juice from ½ lemon Pinch salt and pepper Toss all ingredients in medium bowl.

Green Ice Water Mint Lime Green grapes Tear mint leaves, and slice limes. Add to ice cube tray with green grapes and cover with water. Let freeze. Add to water, club soda or lemonade!

(FROM LEFT) KYRAN PITTMAN, GENINE PEREZ AND EMILY WOOD. SHOT ON LOCATION AT SOUTH ON MAIN RESTAURANT.

Emily Wood, Kyran Pittman and Genine Perez are three moms in very different creative careers who all have one major thing in common—their journey to find balance. Read how this painter, writer and singer made their way in the arts, how they work to balance their family life, and find time to hone their creativity.

BY AMY GORDY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CHILDS

cover story

Soul Singer

A self-proclaimed introvert, Genine LaTrice Perez has a commanding presence on stage and an ability to leave audiences captivated. This single mom to four uses singing as a creative outlet, a source of therapy for herself, and as an inspiration to her children.

G

enine Perez’s relationship with singing began when she was “discovered” for the first time at age 12. She grew up in Fort Smith, singing in her church choir. She had signed up to participate in a local pageant and was too nervous to sing, so she danced to “Let’s Hear it for the Boys,” and won second runner up.

“I was cheesing from ear to ear! The first runner up had an attitude because she thought she should have won, so she told the coordinator she didn’t want to go to the state pageant in Little Rock. I got to move up,” Perez said.

She had a month to perfect her routine, which took a drastic turn when her mother overheard her singing to herself while she washed dishes after dinner one evening. “I was playing around pretending I was Julia Childs, and I had a guest on her show to sing ‘Amazing Grace’ and I was doing the whole show—all the parts. I sang it and my mama heard me, and said ‘Girlfriend, you are not going to dance at this pageant, you are going to sing.’”

Genine sang “If You Believe,” from “The Whiz,” and placed fourth out of 20 girls at the state competition. It was her first time singing solo in public, and she credits that experience as a 12-year-old girl for igniting her passion for singing.

Genine returned to singing in 2000, when she moved to Little Rock. She attended college in Fort Smith, after serving in the Air Force, and transferred to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she achieved a master’s degree in technical writing while raising three young children.

24 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

She was working at her full time job at Arkansas for Drug Free Youth when her boss and local drummer David Hoffpauir overheard her signing in the office. “He heard me and said, ‘Oh my God, you sing!

Let’s start a band.’ He’s my boss, so I’m like OK!,” she said.

Genine is now the vocalist for this band, Lagniappe, which performs classic soul and R&B songs. The strength and confidence she gained from singing with Lagniappe would serve to elevate her to the next level of her singing career, and carry her through the hardest phase of her life.

On Nov. 3, 2016 Genine lost her daughter Olivia in a car accident the day before her 20th birthday. In the midst of her grieving, and barely a month after her daughter’s passing, Genine was offered the opportunity to sing at Robinson Center as an opening act for Grammy-Award nominated R&B singer Will Downing.

“I didn’t know if I would have enough energy to do the show. I called another friend of mine, Paul E. Campbell, and asked if he would be willing to put a band together just for that occasion. The Robinson show was absolutely amazing. I was very nervous—I’m nervous every time I get on stage. When I watch the video of myself singing I’m trying to figure out where I was at that time. It was so emotional.

It was my first opportunity to sing in front of so many people, and I just think the experience was an amazing, spiritual moment and it gave me the opportunity to connect with my daughter. I felt her in every note.”

The group, organized for that one event, named themselves “The Sound” and stayed together. The Sound, with Genine, performs contemporary R&B and is working on original music as well.

Throughout her professional and music career—as a single mom Genine also works full time and is an adjunct professional and technical writing instructor at UALR—her kids have been her biggest supporters, and she makes it a point to encourage their creative endeavors as well.

All of Genine’s children have shown interest in the arts. Olivia played drums and piano; Emmanuel, 26, plays piano; Sophia, 16, sings; and Isabella, 8, sings and plays piano as well.

“The arts are a huge part of our lives. I’m an artist, poet and writer. Any exposure young people can have to the arts, it makes them better people. You never know what their gift is unless you give them the opportunity to explore.”

The Inside Scoop with Genine What helps keep you centered/ grounded?

Oh, that’s easy. My children keep me centered, grounded, focused!

Name three things that are essential to your day-to-day life.

Waking up and giving thanks, knowing my children are safe, and being able to be me without reservation.

What’s a creative medium you’ve always wanted to explore?

Oh, wow! Music is MY THING. I’ve always wanted to play an instrument. My all-time favorite instrument is the bass guitar. Oh, my word! I love the sounds that it makes.

What time of the day do you thrive creatively?

In the late hours of the evening is when I explode with creativity.

What/who/where inspires you?

In this season, I dedicate every last performance to my biggest fan in heaven, my daughter Olivia. She, along with her siblings, give me the desire to move #FaithForward #Unapologetically.

What are you working on/focusing creative energy on now?

My music. My brand. My sound. My original music.

How have your children shifted your creative career path?

I want them with me MORE is the short answer. I’ve always kept them engaged, but now, more than anything, I want them with me. I don’t want to limit what they see, so I want to make sure there is opportunity for my biggest fans to see their momma in action.

Which local resources/galleries/ classes/organizations have helped you on your creative path?

All the people and organizations that have invited me to perform have helped me on my creative path. I’m grateful for every opportunity afforded to me. I believe my greatest resources are the people who believe in me and have encouraged me along the way—my mom, family, friends and my amazing fans.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

25

A Saga of Motherhood

From blogging to publishing a hardcover memoir, Kyran Pittman has made her way as an author by tapping into the realness of motherhood

K

yran Pittman hails from Canada, where she grew up in a highly creative family. “My dad was an author, my grandmother was a published author, there were filmmakers and painters in my family—it was very normal to be in the arts,” she said.

She knew she wanted to be a writer from a very young age. “I remember having various publishing ventures when I was little—I would decide to put out a newspaper one weekend and a play the next.”

For a brief moment she considered changing her course and pursued a public relations degree in college. After deciding it felt “too corporate” she left college and tried her hand at writing.

“I fell into prose writing. I had always identified as a poet, but that never really got off the ground. I was published in a few anthologies and journals—then I had babies.

Once that happened, it wasn’t conducive to being alone and having time to look inward.

Fortunately, I stumbled into blogging in 2004, and it came very naturally for me to write about motherhood.”

Kyran had been in Arkansas for less than 10 years at that point, and found that blogging was a great outlet for her to explore her experience as an immigrant and a new mom. Her blog collected quite a following and caught the eye of Good Housekeeping, where she was invited to become a contributor. After those successes, the next natural step was a memoir, and in 2011 Kyran published “Planting Dandelions: Field Notes From a Semi-Domesticated Life,” which chronicled her family, life beginning with the decision to settle down, get married and start a family, and ending with the oldest of her three sons hitting puberty.

26 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

“That had been kind of my beat, writing about raising kids; then we turned the corner into adolescence and that changed.

I felt intuitively it was time for them to have their own identity, and it wasn’t my territory anymore.”

She decided not to write another memoir, but found the blogging landscape had changed in a way that made the platform unappealing to her. “Facebook and social media was growing, and the atmosphere of blogging changed—there were more trolls, and I just don’t think the current social media structure is conducive to people being vulnerable.”

Kyran describes the current stage of her career as being in the middle of part two of a trilogy. “ My writing is defined by ages and stages of where my family has been, they have been the source of a lot of my material.

Someday I’ll be able to write about these years—in some ways it’s a more intense parenting experience. Not physically, but mentally you have to be on it. I have loved raising teenagers, and I have a lot to say about the way society sets us up to dread those years,” she said.

In addition to her part-time work for her church, Kyran sets aside an hour a day to work on her next project, a novel. She finds her biggest challenge professionally is being her own boss. “With the blog, I had people expecting to hear from me. My book contract forced me to focus. When it’s just up to me, for moms in particular, we tend to put ourselves at the bottom of the to-do list. My first book was published when I was 40, and that was something big to check off my life list. I’d like to publish the novel by the time I’m 50, which is in two years.”

She’s found midlife to be an interesting time of questioning, and as her kids have grown up, more time has become available to put the focus back on her career. “For younger moms there’s that feeling that ‘Oh my God, there’s no time for me,’ you get in survival mode. Time does open up again, and you’ll find other excuses to fill it up, but you will get the opportunity to reclaim more of your mental real estate.”

The Inside Scoop with Kyran What helps keep you centered/ grounded?

My part-time “day” job. It brings structure and routine to my life, which I really need, but am not great at creating for myself. A regular paycheck is pretty nice, too!

Name three things that are essential to your day-to-day life. A black Bic Flair pen.

Blank paper. Caffeine.

What’s a creative medium you’ve always wanted to explore?

Songwriting. I’m fascinated how the right words paired with the right music add up to something so much more expressive than the sum of their parts. Sadly, I don’t play any instruments.

What time of the day do you thrive creatively?

Whatever time of day it is when I’ve got a deadline hanging over me. Without that pressure, it’s hard to rein in my focus.

What/who/where inspires you?

The place I’m most often inspired is in nature.

If I’m having trouble shifting into creative gear, I go walking, preferably in the woods or near water. I feel very fortunate to live in a city with an abundance of both.

What are you working on/focusing creative energy on now?

I’m learning to write fiction. It’s hard. I’m a perfectionist and it’s excruciating to spend time doing something I’m not very good at yet, so I avoid it a lot.

How have your children shifted your creative career path?

I can’t imagine how my writing career would have ever gotten off the ground without my kids.

Obviously, they gave me a lot of source material.

But, more than that, they make it all matter. They provide the drive. I want to be my very best self for them, a woman who has accomplished things.

Which local resources/galleries/classes/ organizations have helped you on your creative path?

I owe a great debt to the local poetry slam scene back in the 90s. It taught me a lot about word craft and how to connect with people through storytelling. I’ve recently become a fan of the Argenta Reading Series, and am trying to make it a monthly date with myself. I also lean heavily on our wonderful Central Arkansas Library system—for research, for quiet space, for literary events and for endless distraction!

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

27

Teach, Paint, Parent

Emily Wood had to find the perfect balance between working on her own art and teaching to get into a creative groove that works for her as a soon-to-be mother of two.

E

mily Wood has always had a creative mind. She focused on graphic design in college until she realized she wasn’t made to sit in front of a computer all day.

She felt a connection to her painting and drawing classes, and after graduation, got a non-traditional teaching license to teach in the Little Rock School District for a couple of years.

Her husband’s job moved the couple to New York for a year; there Emily decided to take advantage of her time away and take classes at Art Students League of New York. When she returned to Arkansas, she found herself at a crossroads with some big decisions to make.

“When we moved back to Little Rock, I was tempted to go back and teach and get a steady paycheck and benefits, but I decided to take a year and see how much I can make doing my own art. My goal was to make as much as I did on my teacher’s salary. It took about two years to get there,” she said.

Emily has established herself as a visual artist; her paintings can be found at Gallery 26 in Little Rock, Justus Fine Art in Hot Springs, and Frame of Mind in Camden, her hometown. She paints mostly people, whether it’s formal portraiture or casual people in their day-to-day lives. She’s known for her acrylic paintings on wood panel, and has recently moved into watercolor, as it's proven to be more time efficient since she had her son, Hugo, three years ago.

“Becoming a mom not only changed the medium I worked in, but it changed the

28 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

subject matter of my work as well. Before I had Hugo, I practically swore I wouldn’t paint a bunch of babies and kids, but pretty much the opposite of that happened. For the past eight years or so, I have painted people I see, whether I know them well or just see them from a distance. When Hugo was born, he and my husband, J.D., became the main people I saw and thought about the majority of the time—they consumed my thoughts, so I should have known that’s what would come out on the canvas. But it’s been good because it’s led to getting quite a few commissions of other people’s kids and families!”

In addition to child raising and painting, Emily also teaches art classes at the Arkansas Arts Center, where she’s worked for 10 years and previously served as the Painting and Drawing Department Chair. “I still really like teaching. I need to be out and around people—I can’t be huddled up in my studio all the time. Teaching helps me stay on top of things and encourages me to try new things,” she said.

She still strives to find that balance between family time, teaching and her own work (which will become harder when she welcomes her second child, due in July)— something she feels is especially hard for moms in the arts.

“I’m sure all moms struggle with the balance thing, but one thing I found particularly frustrating was how to make it work with a creative profession that doesn’t look like a ‘normal, nine-to-five job. People ask me all the time if I’m still painting, and I want to say, ‘Of course I’m still painting— it’s my job! It’s not just a passing hobby; it’s what I do!’ Some people assumed I would just quit, I guess. I can’t imagine not painting and making art, even if it isn’t for as many hours of the day as it once was.”

The Inside Scoop with Emily What helps keep you centered/ grounded?

My husband, J.D., and yoga.

Name three things that are essential to your day-to-day life.

A decent night’s sleep, breakfast and, unfortunately, my phone.

What’s a creative medium you’ve always wanted to explore?

I have explored a lot of creative media I thought I might like—I think painting just suits me best. I love music, but I’m best at just listening to it. It would be fun to be able to dance.

What time of the day do you thrive creatively?

Not too early and not too late, so the middle-ish part of the day.

What/who/where inspires you?

People in general—lots of different and interesting ones.

What are you focusing creative energy on now?

Mastering watercolor, painting more simplified portraits, and finding new and interesting ways to combine the two.

How have your children shifted your creative career path?

Hugo has consumed the subject matter of my work. Funny, I just can’t stop thinking about him and my husband, so that’s what comes out. People don’t want to buy a bunch of portraits of my kid though, so that has lent itself to more commission work.

Which local resources/galleries/ classes/organizations have helped you on your creative path?

The Arkansas Arts Center, The Arkansas Arts Council, The Argenta Arts Foundation, Artist Inc., Thea Foundation, Gallery 26, Justus Fine Art, UALR and probably several others I’m not thinking of.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

29

o t n i r roa

g n i spr k! a e r b littlerockzoo.com | 501.666.2406

Choose

Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park for your next big party or field trip! Party house available for all ages!

Amazing Maze • Aerial Adventure Go-Karts•Mini Golf • Lazer Frenzy Newly Updated Arcade Bumper Boats • Batting Cages 501-455-3750 • bigrockfunpark.com 11411 Baseline Road Little Rock (near Bass Pro Shops) 30 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

Leading Ladies

Moms are leaders in the workforce for many local, family-friendly organizations.

Meet hardworking moms who contribute to the success of their company; enjoy the flexible, family-friendly work environment; and give readers the secret to how they balance family life and successful careers.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

31

ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTORIAL

KYLA REYNOLDS Kyla Reynolds entered Baptist Health College Little Rock’s Medical Laboratory Science program with a desire to chart her own professional course.

After years working in Northwest Arkansas, she followed her husband to the central part of the state where she found relevant job opportunities were not as numerous.

“The jobs that were available in my area required extreme hours,” she said. “My husband already worked a lot and I didn’t need to be away from my children. I found working in a hospital environment was good for me.”

Completing an MLS course was a means to further her career and increase her earning power. She chose Baptist Health College Little Rock’s rigorous program because of the quality of instruction and its shorter path to certification.

“I’m later on in life and wasted time just was not an option for me,” she said. “[Baptist Health College Little Rock] has given me the resources, the training and the hands-on experience to reassert my knowledge and learn new skills. That’s self-assuring that you’re going to do well once you leave.”

bhclr.ed u

Apply online at

bhclr.edu For additional information please call 501-202-6200 or 1-800-345-3046.

Practical Nursing

A two semester program for students leading to a diploma in practical nursing. No college prerequisites required!

Applications Due June 1 and December 1 Classes begin in January and July

Sleep Technology

An allied health specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. No college prerequisites required!

Applications Due April 15 Classes begin in July

2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM 321 FEBRUARY NURSING

HISTOTECHNOLOGY

M EDIC A L L A B O R ATO RY SCIENCE

ADVERTORIAL

JENNIE MANEES As program director for the School of Medical Laboratory Science at Baptist Health College Little Rock, Jennie Manees gets to serve others daily. She relishes the opportunity to do so, providing the same kind of mentorship she's enjoyed in her career there.

"I am really proud that I am a part of the Baptist Health System and the work we do," she said. "The opportunity to be a part of our healing ministry, pray whenever I want and to work for a college that focuses on shaping the health of Arkansans through educating and mentoring health professionals is an honor."

Manees develops curriculum for the highly-selective program, as well as selects students, organizes their training schedule, teaches and coordinates the students' clinical training while in the labs. But it's the ability to instill the hospital's ethos that she regards as a key job requirement.

"Our ultimate goal each year is to prepare our students to perform laboratory testing accurately while remembering that there is a patient behind those samples," she said.

She sees a lot of herself in her students and is happy to help them earn the kinds of opportunities the health care field provided her.

"For several years, I was a single parent," she said.

"This profession provided the income, benefits and various work shift schedules I needed to balance home and work. It has been a good field for me both as a parent and as a woman."

bhclr.ed u

Apply online at

bhclr.edu For additional information please call 501-202-6200 or 1-800-345-3046.

Practical Nursing

A two semester program for students leading to a diploma in practical nursing. No college prerequisites required!

Applications Due June 1 and December 1 Classes begin in January and July

Sleep Technology

An allied health specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. No college prerequisites required!

Applications Due April 15 Classes begin in July

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018 NURSING

HISTOTECHNOLOGY

M EDIC A L L A B O R ATO RY SCIENCE

2 33

get outta town

Head for the hills or the city for spring break to shake things up and discover new, kidfriendly adventures. Here are a few ideas to inspire your wandering spirit!

BY ANGELA E. THOMAS

HEAD NORTH, FRIENDS, TO EXPLORE

FAYETTEVILLE!

One of the city’s treasures (and best kept secrets) Terra Studios offers several art-centered activities, and during spring break, they’ll host classes as well as an Art Lab. Call to schedule a group tour or art party today; call 479-643-3185 or visit terrastudios.com.

It’s hard to beat local favorite Wilson Park for fun. Fayetteville’s oldest park is the place to be on a sunny day. Explore the castle, shoot some hoops and enjoy a picnic. You’ll be in good company. Find it at Prospect and Louise streets and Park and Wilson avenues.

If you live with an aspiring pilot, a visit to the Arkansas Air & Military Museum—home to small aircraft, replicas and military memorabilia—is fitting. It’s just large enough to capture the imagination and small enough for young attention spans; call 479-521-4947 or visit arkansasairandmilitary.com.

Of course, no trip with the kids to the northern region of our state is complete without a visit to the Scott Family Amazeum for hands-on fun in the Hershey Lab, the 3M Tinkering Hub and more. Be sure to check the calendar for special activities; 479-696-9280 or visit amazeum.org.

Parents, if all these activities leave you parched for an adult beverage, stop in JBGB Brewery for a brew while the kids enjoy games set out just for them; call 479-435-6502 or visit thejbgb.com.

TERRA STUDIOS

ARKANSAS AIR & MILITARY MUSEUM

SCOTT FAMILY AMAZEUM

34 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

CENTRAL ARKANSAS IS GREAT PLACE TO TAKE A VACATION OR

STAYCATION.

Adventures in science await at Little Rock’s Museum of Discovery. Come see more of what has captured the admiration and fascination of many, including Jimmy Fallon, host of “The Tonight Show.” You and your children will enjoy the hands-on activities; call 501-396-7050 or visit museumofdiscovery.org.

Take a walk on the wild side at the Little Rock Zoo. More than 700 animals live there and provide an opportunity for lessons in conservation. Children also learn about agriculture while feeding and grooming animals at the Zoo’s Arkansas Heritage Farm; 501-666-2406 or visit littlerockzoo.com.

No trip to the capital city is complete without a tour of the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, which is a treat for adults and children alike. Explore from the first floor, where a presidential limo takes center stage, to the top floor, where exhibits highlight the Clintons’ White House years; call 501-372-4242 or visit clintonlibrary.gov.

Looking for kid-friendly dining options? Check out All Aboard Restaurant & Grill, where trains are the thrill; call 501-975-7401 or visit all-aboardrestaurant.com.

The ever-popular The Purple Cow, where purple ice cream is all the rage. Parents, there are treats for you as well: adult shakes with Kahlua, vodka or locally distilled bourbon and more; visit purplecowlr.com.

HOT SPRINGS IS KNOWN AS THE SPA CITY, BUT YOU’LL ALSO FIND FAMILYCENTERED ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS.

Mid-America Science Museum features instructional, informational and entertaining indoor and outdoor exhibits that utilize light, science, gravity, kinetic energy and more. The thrilling Bob Wheeler Science Skywalk of 200 yards of forest canopy and a tree-house pavilion houses one such exhibit 40 feet in the air; call 501-767-3461 or visit midamericamuseum.org.

Speaking of “in the air,” visit Ron Coleman Mining for your next ziplining adventure. While there, dig for crystal and quartz, and take a tour of the mine; call 900-291-4484 or visit colemanquartz.com.

Top off your trip with a visit to Garvan Woodlawn Gardens. Enjoy spring’s floral symphony on Amity Daffodil Hill as well as the mazes, wading pools and elevated walkway of the Adventure Garden; call 501-262-9300 or visit garvanwoodlandgardens.org.

MID-AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM

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IT’S A WONDERFUL TIME TO VISIT

SAN ANTONIO

AS THE CITY MARKS ITS 300TH ANNIVERSARY.

The Run, Jump, Fly! interactive exhibit, complete with a yoga station, rock wall and the chance to “snowboard” at The Doseum is an ideal place to allow the kids to release some energy. They’ll also enjoy the Innovation Station and solve mysteries at the Spy Academy; call 210-212-4453 or visit thedoseum.org.

Tour an earthquake-formed cave, take a train ride through a wildlife park, defy gravity and more at Wonderworld Park; call 512-392-6711 or visit wonderworldpark.com. Get your ride on ZDT’s Amusement Park, where you’ll find water slides, roller coasters and water coasters as well as a video arcade and climbing and trampoline parks; call 830-386-0151 or visit zdtamusement.com.

For even more amusement, check out SeaWorld San Antonio, call 210-520-4732 or visit seaworld.com/san-antonio, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, call 210-697-5050 or visit sixflags.com/fiestatexas. Of course, the city’s River Walk is a great place to dine alfresco— enjoy a wide variety of delicious food while taking in the sights.

Visiting the Alamo? Don’t miss The Texas Ranger Museum and the opportunity to visit the “Wild West.” You’ll also want to check out the Bonnie and Clyde exhibit as well as the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum; call 210-247-4000 or visit buckhornmuseum.com.

Enjoy tasty sandwiches and other finger foods, like a bucket of burgers, at MoMak’s Backyard Malts & Burgers. Get some rest while the kids take advantage of their 10,000-square-foot fenced turf field; call 210-481-3600 or visit momaks.com.

THE DOSEUM

36 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

PERHAPS A SHORT TRIP TO MUSIC CITY IS IN ORDER! HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR

FAVORITE NASHVILLE ATTRACTIONS.

Inspire your young scientist with a visit to the Adventure Science Center. Kids will love the Destination Exploration and LEGO Steam Park. They’ll also learn about earthquakes, dinosaurs and airplanes.

Be sure to check out their Math Moves! exhibit where learning about ratios and proportion is fun; visit adventuresci.org.

Obsessed with all things aquatic? Dine “under da sea” at the Aquarium Restaurant, where your trip may include a chance to view their “mermaids”; call 615-514-3474 or visit aquariumrestaurants.com.

Satisfy the botanist and the train lover in your family at the Cheekwood Estates and Garden, where they feature several gardens—including water and sculpture gardens—and the Trains! outdoor exhibit; call 615-356-8000 or visit cheekwood.org.

Satisfying the dining preferences of your entire family is easy at Monell’s, where they serve southern comfort food, family style.

Breakfast cannot be beat when you’ve got all the basics as well as baked apples, fried chicken and mouthwatering biscuits and gravy; call 615-248-4747 or visit monellstn.com.

You don’t have to be Willy Wonka to own a piece of this chocolate factory. On Saturdays for just $5, children 8 and older can take a tour of Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Co. It’s a tasty treat, as you’ll enjoy a few samples here and there as you take the tour; call 615-262-3007 or visit oliveandsinclair.com.

ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER.

CHEEKWOOD ESTATES AND GARDEN

WHEN THE OZARKS ARE CALLING YOU,

Camping at Lake Wedington

.COM THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

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mom approved Amy Garland Angel

AS A BOY’S MOM, HAVING BAND-AIDS IS REQUIRED. I ALWAYS HAVE MY MINI FIRST AID KIT WITH BANDAGES FOR HIS CUTS AND SCRAPES, AND MY FRIENDS KNOW I’M GOOD FOR A BC POWDER OR TWO.

is a Louisiana-born mom, musician, songwriter and social worker. She’s been spending most of her free time of late making custom guitar and camera straps at her home in Park Hill and at her beloved cabin in the country.

I HAVE THESE LOTUS HOOP AND CHARM EARRINGS FROM BELLA VITA JEWELRY IN BRONZE AND STERLING AND LOVE THEM SO MUCH. THE CHARMS ARE REMOVABLE SO THEY ARE VERSATILE.

I LOVE THE CONVENIENCE OF FACE WIPES, WHETHER WASHING OFF MY MAKEUP AT NIGHT OR JUST FRESHENING UP DURING THE DAY. MY CURRENT FAVES ARE THE ROSE ONES FROM BOX NATURALS. I GOT THESE IN ONE OF MY BIRCH BOXES AND HAVE BEEN HOOKED EVER SINCE.

I’VE BEEN OBSESSED WITH NATORI LINGERIE FOR SOME TIME NOW. MY FAVORITE PIECES ARE THE SHANGRI LA AND THE IMPERIAL DRAGON CAFTANS. RECENTLY, I DISCOVERED THEY MAKE BLANKETS AND COMFORTERS—SO LUXURIOUS AND WORTH EVERY PENNY!

I STARTED MAKING HANDMADE GUITAR STRAPS FOR MY BAND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS, AND POSTED A COUPLE OF PICTURES ON FACEBOOK. NEXT THING I KNOW, FOLKS STARTED ASKING ME TO MAKE MORE AND MORE. EACH IS CUSTOM-DESIGNED. SO FAR, I’VE MADE THEM FOR GUITARS, MANDOLINS, BANJOS, PURSES, CAMERAS— EVEN A GUN STRAP.

GETTING MARK’S DO-NUTS IN LEVY ON SATURDAY MORNINGS—BEFORE THEY SELL OUT—HAS BEEN A FAMILY RITUAL SINCE WE MOVED TO NORTH LITTLE ROCK. IT’S A STRUGGLE SOMETIMES TO GET ELI UP ON SCHOOL MORNINGS, BUT ON SATURDAYS HE WAKES US UP BRIGHT AND EARLY SAYING, “MOM, DAD! IT’S SATURDAY! DO-NUTS!”

38 MARCH 2018 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

MY MOM TAUGHT ME TO SEW WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL. I GOT MY BROTHER SE400 FROM MY AWESOME HUSBAND A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND IT’S A DREAM MACHINE. IT HAS AN EMBROIDERY FEATURE THAT’S BEEN A BLAST TO LEARN.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | MARCH 2018

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