Family Fun at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

By Mina Frannea

Every time we drive by the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, I’m intrigued by the design and the building’s textured look. Coupled with the cool looking enclosed escalator on the outside of the building, the overall effect is really interesting and unusual.

We recently got a chance to visit the Perot. Up close, the building is an architectural treat!

There is so much to see and do at the Perot. Multi-level exhibits offer a chance to learn about animals, our planet, our bodies, technology, science, engineering and so much more. Those of you who visited the old Museum of Nature and Science may recall that it was split into two buildings. The new museum combines everything into one building that is convenient and easy to navigate. There’s also a children’s museum on the lower level for little ones.

How to talk to your kids about the Mayan Prophecies

How to talk to your kids about the Mayan Prophecies

Since the beginning of the year, my kids have been asking questions about December 21, 2012 and if I think the world is going to end. As the conversation has come up this week, my quip has been, “Well if it does end, at least we will be together.” Now that may seem sarcastic but this is not our first conversation. I am not an expert in the Mayan Prophecies, but I am an expert in raising my children. No one knows them as well as I do and I can tell when their questions are serious, based in fear or just curious.

In this case, there was a great deal of speculation and curiosity more than any real fear. And in all truth, if the world does end, I can honestly say I spent this week (especially after the devastating events of last Friday in Connecticut) loving my  children and my husband and being grateful for every moment we have together.

3 Recipes for a Muslim-inspired Holiday Meal

A Muslim-inspired Holiday Meal

 

I love Indian food! So I was very excited when I received a copy of the Bengali Five Spice Chronicles to review recently. This would make a great stocking stuffer or gift for the gourmet chef on your list. I didn’t know this, but apparently Bengalis are one of the most food and culture obsessed people in India. They are commonly compared to the French in that regard, as dining and entertaining are such an integral part of their culture.  What makes Bengali cuisine so unique are the variations and complexities that are a result of practice and delicate subtlety.  In The Bengali Five Spice Chronicle, author Rinku Bhattacharya explains the food and culture of her native homeland in Eastern India and showcases the recipes that are at the heart of Bengali life.

The book gets its title from the five-spice blend Bengalis call panch phoron. This spice blend consists of five whole spices in equal proportions: cumin seeds, mustard seeds, nigella seeds, fenugreek seeds, and fennel seeds and is at the heart of Bengali flavors and the individual spices form the basis of the Bengali pantry.

Being new to this cuisine, one of my favorite aspects of the cookbook were the menus for different occasions. I want to share with you today, three recipes from the Muslim-inspired holiday meal. If you are looking to add some new flavors and spice to your holidays, try these recipes for yourself.