Category Archives: Did You Know?

Pastor’s Corner: To Tell or Not To Tell

Mark Hopper

Many years ago we took our children on a trip to California. We spent two days at Disneyland and then drove north to visit my brother and his family in Grass Valley. Our kids enjoyed time with their cousins and we enjoyed catching up with my brother and his wife.


One day we went to a pumpkin patch and each of our kids and the cousins selected their own pumpkin. They looked forward to carving and decorating their own pumpkins for Halloween when we got home. On our way back to Arizona we realized we would need to stop at the border for an agricultural inspection. We knew we would be asked by the border agent if we had any agricultural products that we were bringing into Arizona from California.

My wife and I had a lively discussion about what we should say to the agriculture inspector. If we said that we did not have any agricultural items – our children would get to keep their precious pumpkins. But, our children would also know we did not tell the truth. On the other hand, if we did tell the border agent that we did have some agricultural items – their personal pumpkins might be confiscated at the border and they would have nothing to carve for Halloween.


What would you say if you were faced with a similar situation? Do you tell or not tell? Do you disclose or conceal. Do you tell the truth and risk the loss of the precious pumpkins? Or to you tell a lie and hope you don’t get caught?


A man named Abraham faced a similar test. His wife was beautiful. He told her to lie and tell people she was his sister. He told the same lie when he was asked about her. Abraham was afraid someone might kill him and take his wife (Genesis 20). Years later his own son Isaac did the same thing following of his father’s example (Genesis 26)!


I know people are more important than pumpkins. I believe it is better to tell the truth and face the consequences than to tell a lie. There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Put aside falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25). Your reputation is on the line and your children may follow your example. When we got to the border we decided to tell the inspector about our precious pumpkins. We held our breath – then he said no problem. Pumpkins are permitted! Let me encourage you to tell the truth. We were glad we did and you will be too.

You can find more stories and articles by Mark Hopper at his web site – letmarkencourageyou.com. His book with 365 stories and articles (one for each day of the year) is available for $25 which includes postage – contact him at markh@efreedb.org.

Autism Mom: School Lunches

Melody Kraemer

Philippians 2:4 NKJV.

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”

My boys and I go out almost every day to pick up school lunches. If anything, it gets us out of the house for a bit and gives us a break from on-line school.

On this one particular day, as I turned down the school street, there was a car in front of me that was going very slow. It was obvious this person was looking for something or someone. I just drove around them and proceeded into the school.

I was anxious to get the school lunches and get home before school started again. I still had to drop off something to a friend of mine, but she lived just right behind where the school was. 

As I left my friend’s house, I got in my car as a car pulled up beside me. They rolled down their window ( it was that same car in front of me at the school going slowly). She asked if I knew how to get to the school. ( I was confused a bit since she was right in front of the school.) I started to explain to her to go down the street, turn right, turn right again, and go to… I could see her face was saying, “what?” 

At that moment, I said, follow me. So I had her follow me to the front of the school. I pointed to the open driveway to get in, and I made a U-turn to go home. My son asked what I was doing, and did I know her? I said, no, I don’t know her, but whenever you can help someone do it. He said, I bet she appreciates you getting her to the school. I replied, Well, we may just have answered her prayer. 

“Remember, whenever you’re in a position to help someone, be glad and always do it because that’s God answering someone else’s prayers through you.”

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Diamond Bar Restaurant Week 2020

City of Diamond Bar

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar.

Diamond bar – Diamond Bar Restaurant Week returns next month, October 2-18, bringing with it even more reasons to dine out, pick up curbside, or get takeout meals from any local restaurant.


In light of the pandemic, this year’s promotion has been adapted to make it easier for restaurants and diners to participate. For restaurants, these adaptations include automatic inclusion, no participation fee, and waiving of discount or special offer requirement. For diners, it means they can order breakfast, lunch and dinner from any Diamond Bar restaurants of their choice and enter their receipts or share their photos on social media for a chance to win a number of prizes.


Launched in 2016, Diamond Bar Restaurant Week (DBRW) is a special campaign aimed at supporting local restaurants while highlighting the diverse and quality dining choices in town. It is co-sponsored by the City and the Regional Chamber of Commerce-San Gabriel Valley.


Dine and Win! Through our sponsorships, the “Dine and Win!” contest will have some very exciting prizes to be awarded at the conclusion of Restaurant Week.


How to Participate:
Simply dine out during Diamond Bar Restaurant Week at any eatery in Diamond Bar, and save your receipts!
How to Submit Receipts:
Enter Your Receipts for the Dine and Win Contest:
Email: dbrw@diamondbarca.gov
Mail: 21810 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
See flyer on page 8.

Autism Mom:Frustration

Melody Kraemer

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I’m frustrated, are you frustrated?  I wake up, click my heels together, and say, “I wish we had  school on campus.” Though nothing happens, maybe it’s because I’m not wearing ruby red slippers. Does anyone know the way to “OZ?” 

Distant learning is not something my kids are not getting adjusted to at home.  I know it’s hard for the teachers and staff as well. The principle of their school stated this is all uncharted waters, but everyone is doing their best. 

Some children are probably doing wonderfully, though not the case in many families. I know how these parents feel, I am one of them. Have we looked at the impact of how it’s affecting our children, on the spectrum or not? 

Many children I have interviewed have expressed that they are angry, sad, bored, miss their friends, and are scared. 

There are so many emotions flying around for our little ones.  

We always think our children are resilient and happy in their childhood. But on the contrary, they are experiences far more than they may be showing. Kids may not be open to how they are feeling, for not wanting to disappoint mom or dad. 

Kids may think they don’t want to share their feelings since mom and/or dad may already be upset over this pandemic. 

Some kids can’t even express what they are feeling.  As parents, we need to hug our children more, reassure them they are awesome, and we will get through this. It’s time to remind them they will see their friends again and never give up hope. It’s a time to remind them God is in control and won’t leave us. We have to remember kids may not share their feelings fully, so sit down and have a heart to heart with them, if that’s feasible. If not just stay as positive as you can.

Staying positive is not always easy through this pandemic. For me anyway, but I see my children and look into their eyes, and it confirms they are trusting me to protect them, love them, and stay positive. So I smile and remind them they are the absolute best, and we are in this together along with everyone else. We all need to keep praying, keep loving, and stay positive. God is good and will take care of us and we should not be anxious about anything.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Pastor’s Corner: The Man In The Mirror (Part Two)

Mark Hopper

In my previous article I shared about how we need to take a look in the mirror and see what changes we need to make in our own life. The words of the song Man in the Mirror and the story of the pastor with the rebellious daughter really drive home the principle that change needs to begin with you.

Many years ago I attended a helpful seminar on leadership. I picked up some useful ideas on how to be a more effective leader of our staff and our church. One of the speakers was Ken Blanchard, he was well known for his best-selling book – The One Minute Manager.  He shared an illustration that he often used with business leaders that has been very helpful to me as a husband, pastor and leader.

He said that when things are not going well, a foolish manager will look out his office window and place the blame on his workers. Why are sales and production declining? The employees must not be doing their jobs. On the other hand, when things are going well, a foolish manager will look in a mirror and congratulate himself for the great job he is doing.

Blanchard went on to say that when things are going well and sales are up and production is growing, a wise manager will look out the window and recognize the success is due to the hard work of his employees. And, when sales are down and production is declining, a wise manager will look in the mirror and ask himself – What am I doing wrong? What steps do I need to take to help our business improve?

There is a passage in the Bible where King David ignored the warning of his own advisors and demanded that his staff count the number of troops under his command. This action resulted in the death of a number of innocent people. David realized his mistake and asked God to forgive him and stop the devastation and destruction. He accepted responsibility for his arrogant behavior (Second Samuel chapter 24). If things aren’t going well in your life or business, let me encourage you to take a good look in the mirror. Ask yourself – what changes do you need to make in your life? Accept responsibility and change what you are doing. And if things are going well in your life or business, I hope you will give the credit to God and to the people who have made it possible. They will be glad you did and you will too.

Pastor Hopper has published a book with 365 of his articles and stories. The title is “Let Me Encourage You”. The cost is $25 which includes shipping. Order your copy at markh@efreedb.org.

Pastor’s Corner: The Man In The Mirror

Mark Hopper

Many years ago, I heard a pastor share his story about his relationship with his teenage daughter. He was discouraged and concerned that his daughter was angry and frustrated with him. One day he took his whole family to a local park. As they sat on some tree stumps, he asked his wife and each of their children this question – “What changes do I need to make in my life that can help heal our family”? He said it hurt deeply as each of them shared some of their frustrations with him. His teenage daughter was the most vocal. She told her father that he was too busy and he never listened to her.

After each of them shared, he told them he needed some time to be alone and think about what they had said. As he got up to leave, his daughter stopped him and said she needed to ask him the same question. “What changes did she need to make in her life?” This was a turning point in their strained relationship. His heart was softened and he began to make some changes in his schedule and he spent more time with his daughter. The daughter’s heart was softened and she began to make changes in her life too.

There is a passage in the Bible where Jesus said, “Before you try to remove the speck from your brother’s eye, you need to remove the log from your own eye” (Matthew 7:1-5). If there is a problem in your family, marriage or other relationship – the place to begin is in your own life. Look in a mirror and ask yourself this question – what am I doing that is causing problems in our relationship? What changes do I need to make in my life that will help heal the wounds and restore my relationship with others?

There is a song from the 1980’s written by a famous singer with the title – Man in the Mirror. Some of the words are, “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change. I’m starting with the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways”.

I love the phrase – Changed people change people. I believe that when you make positive changes in your life it will produce positive changes in others too.  Your words, attitudes and actions can have a positive or negative impact on others. Let me encourage you to look in the mirror and ask yourself – what changes do I need to make in my life. You can ask your spouse, children or a trusted friend too. Pray and ask God to reveal some things to you that you need to change in your life with His help. You will be glad you did and those around you will too.

Pastor Hopper has published a book with 365 of his articles and stories. The title is “Let Me Encourage You”. The cost is $25 which includes shipping. Order your copy at markh@efreedb.org.

Autism Mom: School

Melody Kraemer

Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths“

We had made it through March, April, May, June, and July, and we anticipated August. August was when school was going to start. It may not have been the traditional full learning days or even five days a week, but we would be back on campus.

Every day my little one asks me for school. I told him on August 10th. That was my mistake; I had high hopes. As the days got closer, the excitement got higher and I was so happy for him.

He doesn’t understand why he is home. He doesn’t understand anything about this pandemic around him. All he knows is he stopped going to school. I know he misses his daily routine, his classes, his teachers, and learning.

Every day he would tell me, “We go school August,10th!”

Then one afternoon, the governor came on and declared it was not safe to go back that only distance learning will take place until at least the end of August. Sadness filled my heart and the worrying about how I would explain this to him crossed my mind as I looked at my little boy.

Now I am all for safety and health, so when it is safe to go back, we will go back to school. Though try and explain that to an autistic child. 

I have to tell him his teacher is sick, that is why he can’t go to school. That statement does satisfy him. Thank goodness, he understands that much.

I am frustrated that distance learning will be part of our lives once again, which did not have a positive impact on our daily life back in March, April, and May. My two autistic boys had the hardest time with distant learning, but we will have to make the best of it and see where it takes us. We can only hope and pray that by the end of August, we will be able to step back on to the school campus and move forward. Though until then I have to trust God above and lean on his understanding and not mine. Better days are ahead; I do believe that. 

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Autism Mom: Patience!

Melody Kraemer

Ephesians 4:2 | NIV
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in
love”


Someone once told me that they don’t pray to God for patience because if you ask God for more patience, he will give you more things to be patient about in the day.
With my two boys, I sure don’t need that.


So how do I ask God to get me through the day? I pray for peace and
calmness within myself. My (autistic) boys will jump, climb and put anything
they find in their mouths. They will lick windows, pick up bugs, once my son
put a bee in his mouth!


Some days I feel like I’m a jumping bean watching after them. I find myself looking up to the heavens many times and saying, “I’m losing it here, help.” Usually, by noon, I am so drained, all my patience is gone. Though I know God heard my prayer because at that moment, my oldest boy will come up to me, put his arms around me and say, “Mom, I think you need a hug”. Or my little one who is not much on words will crawl up in my lap and put his head down on me, just at that moment when I feel I no longer have the patience to deal with life. I may get pushed over my limit on patience throughout the day, but I know God is there, putting calmness in my heart. Life and raising kids is all about love, understanding, grace and a whole lot of patience. I thank God daily for the patience I have.


Melody Kraemer is the Editor
and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For
more information or general encouragement, feel free to email
her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Pastor’s Corner: Water Pressure

Mark Hopper

When was the last time you checked the water pressure in your house? Most people have never checked it. We just turn on the faucet and we are thankful to have running water in our homes. We assume the water pressure is fine until we have a problem. Recently a hose burst in our bathroom in the middle of the night. My wife heard a noise and woke me up at 3:00 AM.  The noise came from the bathroom at the other end of the house. The hose that supplied water to the toilet had burst and it looked like a fire hose was flooding the bathroom, bedroom and hallway. I quickly turned off the valve but the water damage was extensive. I wondered why the small hose had burst and flooded the rooms. The next day I checked the water pressure in our house and discovered it was 120 PSI – twice what it should be. A few weeks later I was able to replace the water pressure regulator which reduced the pressure down to a normal 60 PSI.

Just as high water pressure can damage your home and high blood pressure can damage your heart, outbursts of anger can cause serious physical and emotional damage to yourself and to others. Two different words are used to describe anger in Ephesians 4:31-32. One word is thumos which describes outbursts of anger when people lose their temper and vent their anger with words and deeds. The other word for anger is orge which is a slow, simmering temper that gradually builds up like a volcano until it finally bursts or explodes.  Both of these types of anger can be harmful and destructive just like high water pressure and high blood pressure.

In the same passage there are two different words – kindness and compassion. These are helpful and constructive. They are the antidote of anger.  Kindness and compassion seek to resolve problems and restore relationships. Words and acts of anger damage and destroy relationships. If anger is simmering beneath the surface in your heart or revealing itself in harmful words and deeds, let me encourage you to get help.  A new ministry called Domestic Kindness is equipping churches to be part of the solution to domestic abuse. Find them at domestickindness.org. Let me encourage you to ask God and ask those you have hurt to forgive you. Ask God to give you a heart of kindness and compassion that comes through faith in Christ. You will be glad you did and your family and friends will too!

Pastor Hopper has published a book with 365 of his articles and stories. The title is “Let Me Encourage You“. The cost is $25 which includes shipping. Order your copy at markh@efreedb.org.

Voortman’s Egg Ranch

By K.P. Sander

Ontario – Voortman’s Egg Ranch has been in the business of providing farm fresh eggs to friends and visitors to the local area for over 60 years. Originally from Bellflower, the Voortman family – who has always been in the egg ranching business – moved their operation to Ontario in 1951.

(Photo Courtesy: Voortman’s Egg Ranch)
The Voortman Family circa 1956. Voortman’s Egg Ranch is located at 13960 Grove Avenue in Ontario. You can reach them at (909) 465-1319. They are open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Voortman’s has a small-town farm ambiance, with the latest in technology.  Their happy chickens are enjoying their newly remodeled home; and their egg-processing machine can handle about 36,000 eggs per hour at its peak. If the average bird lays one egg about every 26 hours, that equals a lot of chickens at the Voortman ranch!

Did you know that you can tell how fresh an egg is by how high the yolk stands up in the frying pan after you crack it?  Voortman’s will have your over-easies standing tall.  Their fresh eggs are the highest in quality, with dark, nutrient-dense yolks.  You will immediately notice a difference in your cooking and baking.

Have you ever wondered how long the eggs in the grocery stores have actually been sitting around?  Despite the use-by date, there is really no way to know how long ago they were produced.  With Voortman’s, the eggs are selected daily, on site, and readied for you in their store.

Third-generation egg rancher, Eddie Voortman, says, “We are a local, family-owned business that provides fresh, quality products to the public.”

Customers of Voortman’s rave about their all natural, cage free eggs, touting the freshness, and great pricing.  One customer said, “They make the fluffiest scrambled eggs!”

The eggs come in all sizes and colors, depending on your needs.  Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed.

Voortman’s is centrally located just minutes from Chino at 13960 Grove Avenue in Ontario (just north of Edison).  You can reach Voortman’s at (909) 465-1319; and Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Voortmans-Egg-Ranch-101350886592418/

Stop by any time Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Potential 3/4-Cent Sales Tax Measure on the November 3, 2020 Ballot

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – In 30 years as an incorporated city, Diamond Bar has maintained its status as a desirable community in which to live, work and visit. Contributing to this status are the safe neighborhoods, well-maintained roads, and clean and attractive parks, trails and recreation facilities. The City has been able to do its part to keep Diamond Bar looking and operating its best and to provide the programs and services valued by the community by practicing responsible fiscal discipline and thoughtful budgeting.

Although the City’s current financial condition is strong, Diamond Bar faces long-term financial challenges that will impact the City’s ability to continue to meet the community’s needs and priorities. In 2019, the City completed an extensive effort to assess its long-term financial outlook in light of growing costs and the absence of new revenue streams. This effort concluded that Diamond Bar is approaching a financial crossroads where measures will have to be taken to align expenditures with revenues. These measures may include deferring maintenance of roads and landscaped areas, delaying or abandoning plans for new construction or renovations of parks and public facilities, or paring down municipal services to core necessities.

Potential Sales Tax Measure: With expenditures anticipated to outpace available resources in the near future, the City is taking steps to ready itself for this fiscal challenge. Identifying new locally-controlled revenue streams to ensure the City can continue to provide and improve on existing service levels is one of these steps. Placement of a three-quarter sales tax increase measure on the November ballot is still under consideration by the City Council. For more information please sign onto www.diamondbarca.gov.

Singing DBHS Counselor Sends Message of Hope in Weekly Videos

Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar High GLC Dave Desmond delivers weekly virtual sessions and music during COVID-19 quarantine.

Diamond Bar – Unprecedented times are challenging educators to go to great lengths for their students amid the global health crisis.

Take Diamond Bar High School grade level coordinator (GLC) Dave Desmond, for example.

For the past eight weeks, he has been sending video messages to homebound students using social media.

From his living room, Desmond presents counseling strategies in easily digestible bites, capped off by performing a song on his acoustic guitar.

“We’re still in coronavirus time and unfortunately it looks like we will be here a longer,” he said on April 9.

The 27-year veteran educator has literally opened up his home for the virtual sessions directed to his sophomore class and he doesn’t seem to mind.

“This isn’t something I would have done in the past,” he shared.

“I normally keep my private life to myself, but these are strange times.”

His only fear was playing and singing in front of the world.

“I thought, man, if there’s some way that me providing a little entertainment for my students will distract them from the general sadness of this time for a bit, well, that would be cool,” he said.

“And hopefully they’re listening to the counseling as well!”

His colleagues are also reaching out with regular communications via videos, newsletters, and emails.

“The other GLCs and I really miss seeing the kids and having that daily connection with our students,” he added.

Desmond said the team relies on seeing kids face-to-face and “counseling via the phone, email, or zoom is kind of tough.”

“This is just another way to let them know we care about them and are thinking about them.”

Each week, Desmond clicks through a PowerPoint presentation featuring topics normally discussed during the school year.

Themes have ranged from goal setting and college applications to financial aid and preparing for SATs.

Knowing that students are facing increased anxiety due to COVID-19, Desmond admitted that he’s also struggling while living in quarantine on the May 10 broadcast.

“Just like you, I’ve been having a tough time and I think it’s good for all of us to find ways to relieve that stress.”

With that, he began demonstrating how he’s been keeping busy around the house, beginning in the kitchen with a pink frosted cake he baked for Mother’s Day.

Next, he dashed to the dining room for a hand of gin rummy, a game he’s currently playing with his daughter.

“Break up the day by playing a game with your family,” he offered the teens.

“Hey, I just won – that was fun!”

He suggested using DBHS online mindfulness resources including meditation, listening to waterfalls, drawing, music, and even a koala cam.

“Doesn’t he look relaxed? Aren’t you more relaxed just watching this guy?”

Then Desmond pivoted to a doorway to demonstrate a few pull-ups, sprinted to the backyard to hit golf balls, and pull a few weeds.

“Maybe you can help your parents clean up the house a bit,” he suggested to the high schoolers.

Desmond even shared a weekend project he’s been working on.

“See this patch of dirt – it will soon be transformed into a putting green!”

Being sheltered-in-place is the time to set small goals each day including academic, physical and social activities, and finding a way to help the family, Desmond suggested.

“Make dinner or write a letter to grandma and grandpa.”

“But, one of my favorite things to do to manage stress is playing a tune,” he said wrapping up the segment.

And with that, he picked up his guitar and belted out “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.

Desmond coordinates his tunes with each video theme from a memorized playlist of about 50 songs, including “Where is My Mind” by the Pixies, “Midnight Special” by Credence Clearwater Revival, and “Help Me, Stranger” by Jack White of the Raconteurs.

“Hold on, Brahmas, we’re going to get through this!” he exclaimed with a fist pump to the camera.

His message during May’s Mental Health Awareness Month is for students to keep doing their best.

“Do your best to live your life with some sense of normality while staying safe, do your best to help your family and friends get through this odd, difficult time, and do your best to take care of yourself. There’s so much about this situation that is beyond our control, so focus on what you can control and be good to yourself and to everyone around you.”

On the Border To-Go Menu

STARTERS

BORDER SAMPLER [2000 CAL]

$17.49  – 

When you can’t pick just one! Chicken quesadillas, fajita steak nachos and mini chicken chimis.

STACKED NACHOS [2030 CAL]

$13.49  – 

Chips piled high with seasoned ground beef, refried beans and queso. Topped with lime crema, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños and guacamole.

EMPANADAS [1110/1170 CAL]

$10.99  – 

Handmade pastries filled with mixed cheese & chicken tinga or seasoned ground beef. Served with our signature queso.

FIRECRACKER STUFFED JALAPEÑOS [920 CAL]

$10.99  – 

Six handmade, tempura-fried jalapeños filled with mixed cheese and chicken. Served with our signature queso.

GRANDE FAJITA NACHOS

Tostada chips topped with refried beans, fajita chicken or steak and melted mixed cheese. Guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo and pickled jalapeños served on the side.

$13.99  –  Chicken [1280 CAL]

$14.99  –  Steak [1410 CAL]

GUACAMOLE [240 CAL]

$9.99  – 

Made in small batches throughout the day.

GUACAMOLE LIVE!® [750 CAL]

$11.99  – 

Made fresh at your table with whole avocados, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, red onion, lime and a pinch of salt.

GUAC/QUESO DUO [530 CAL]

$11.99  – 

The best of both worlds. Guacamole and a cup of queso.

SIGNATURE QUESO

Prepared in-house with tomatoes, green chiles, onions, cilantro, poblano & jalapeño peppers.

Make it Primo Style [add 50/100 cal]

Seasoned ground beef, guacamole and sour cream (add 2.00)

$6.99  –  Cup [300 cal]

$7.99  –  Bowl [480 cal]

BORDER QUESO

Our signature queso mixed with green chile sauce for an extra kick.

$7.99  –  Cup [170 CAL]

$8.99  –  Bowl [280 CAL]

BRISKET QUESADILLAS [1300 CAL]

$12.99  – 

Brisket with sautéed onions & pickled jalapeños. Served with jalapeño-BBQ sauce, fresh guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo.

FAJITA QUESADILLAS

Fajita chicken or steak with poblano & onion. Served with fresh guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo.

$13.49  –  Chicken [1190 CAL]

$14.49  –  Steak [1280 CAL]

TEXAS WINGS [880/810 CAL]

$13.99  – 

Breaded, crispy-fried wings tossed with jalapeño-BBQ or buffalo sauce. Served with celery sticks and ranch dressing.

SALAD & SOUP

FAJITA SALAD

Served sizzling on a fajita skillet. Mesquite-grilled chicken or steak and onions, topped tableside with a crisp blend of lettuce & shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, roasted corn, fresh avocado and queso fresco.

$13.99  –  Chicken [430 CAL]

$14.99  –  Steak [500 CAL]

TOSTADA SALAD [750-840 CAL]

$13.49  – 

Shredded or ground beef, or chicken tinga over a crisp blend of romaine, iceberg & cabbage, mixed cheese, fresh guacamole, sour cream sauce, pico de gallo and pickled jalapeños. Served in a crispy tortilla shell.

MANGO CHICKEN SALAD [380 CAL]

$13.99  – 

Mesquite-grilled chicken tossed with a crisp blend of lettuce & shredded cabbage, roasted corn, black beans, mango, jícama, pico de gallo, queso fresco and lime vinaigrette.

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

Homemade chicken broth loaded with chicken tinga, rice, zucchini and Jack cheese, topped with fresh avocado and tortilla strips.

$7.99  –  Bowl [540 CAL]

$5.99  –  Cup [330 CAL]

HOUSE SALAD [250 CAL]

$6.99  – 

Served with choice of dressing.

ENCHILADAS

RANCHILADAS [1060 CAL]

$18.99  – 

An 8 oz. mesquite-grilled steak topped with ranchero sauce and melted Jack cheese, plus two hand-rolled cheese & onion enchiladas smothered in red chile sauce.

BORDER QUESO BEEF ENCHILADAS [440/510 CAL]

$12.99  – 

Two savory shredded or ground beef enchiladas topped with our border queso.

TOMATILLO ENCHILADAS [420/460 CAL]

$12.99  – 

Two spinach & mushroom or chicken tinga enchiladas with tomatillo sauce and pico de gallo. Served with cilantro lime rice.

ENCHILADAS SUIZAS [800 CAL]

$14.99  – 

Three hand-rolled chicken tinga enchiladas with tomatillo cream sauce and melted Jack cheese inside and out.

TACOS

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN TACOS

Mesquite-grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, creamy red chile sauce and fried onion strings in warm, hand-pressed flour tortillas.

$13.99  –  Two Tacos [1090 CAL]

$14.99  –  Three Tacos [1510 CAL]

DOS XX® FISH TACOS

Warm, hand-pressed flour tortillas with Dos XX beer-battered fish, creamy red chile sauce, shredded cabbage & carrots, mixed cheese and pico de gallo.

$13.99  –  Two Tacos [1090 CAL]

$14.99  –  Three Tacos [1510 CAL]

BRISKET TACOS

Shredded beef brisket, Jack cheese, fried onion strings and jalapeño-BBQ sauce in warm, hand-pressed flour tortillas.

$13.99  –  Two Tacos [850 CAL]

$14.99  –  Three Tacos [1250 CAL]

STREET-STYLE MINI TACOS

Three mini white corn tortillas with chicken or steak, sautéed onion, Jack cheese, fresh avocado, pico de gallo and roasted red chile salsa.

$12.49  –  Chicken [670 CAL]

$13.49  –  Steak [720 CAL]

GRILLED FISH TACOS DEL MAR [340 CAL]

$14.99  – 

Seasoned, mesquite-grilled whitefish brushed with lime-cilantro chimichurri, lime cabbage-carrot slaw and pico de gallo in two white corn tortillas.

CABO GRILLED SHRIMP TACOS [240 CAL]

$14.99  – 

Two white corn tortillas filled with chimichurri-grilled shrimp and lime cabbage-carrot slaw, topped with fresh pico de gallo and avocado.

FAJITAS

THE ULTIMATE FAJITA® [1680 CAL]

$23.99  – 

The ultimate combo of mesquite-grilled steak, chicken and shrimp, carnitas and sautéed vegetables.

MONTEREY RANCH CHICKEN [1320 CAL]

$18.99  – 

Your favorite mesquite-grilled chicken smothered with melted Jack cheese, crumbled bacon and ranch dressing.

BORDER SMART℠ CHICKEN [650 CAL]

$16.99  – 

Mesquite-grilled chicken with sautéed onions and red & green bell peppers. Served with black beans, white corn tortillas, pico de gallo and guacamole.

CLASSIC FAJITAS

$16.99  –  Portobello & Vegetables [830 CAL]

$17.99  –  Carnitas [1350 CAL]

$17.99  –  Grilled Chicken [950 CAL]

$18.99  –  Grilled Shrimp [1110 CAL]

$19.99  –  Grilled Steak [1050 CAL]

$19.99  –  Mix Two

Choose any 2 Classic Fajita styles.

SHRIMP SKEWER [50 CAL]

$3.99  – 

Add a shrimp skewer straight from the mesquite-wood grill.

BURRITOS & CHIMIS

THE BIG BORDURRITO®

A HUGE serving of fajita chicken or steak wrapped in a seared flour tortilla with Mexican rice, mixed cheese, black beans, caramelized onion & red pepper, pico de gallo and sour cream sauce.

$16.99  –  Chicken [1570 CAL]

$18.99  –  Steak [1750 CAL]

THREE-SAUCE FAJITA BURRITO

Fajita chicken or steak, Jack cheese, pico de gallo, sautéed onion & poblano, topped with ranchero sauce, sour cream sauce and our signature queso.

$15.49  –  Chicken [920 CAL]

$16.49  –  Steak [1100 CAL]

CLASSIC BURRITO [740-1010 CAL]

$14.49  – 

Shredded or ground beef, chicken tinga or carnitas, pico de gallo and cheese rolled in a flour tortilla smothered with red chile sauce, sour cream sauce, green chile sauce, ranchero sauce or our signature queso.

GRILLED SHRIMP BURRITO [2170 CAL]

$17.49  – 

A grilled flour tortilla with seasoned shrimp, melted Jack cheese, pico de gallo, corn, black beans, fresh avocado and cilantro lime rice. Served with Mexican rice, refried beans and a side of avocado ranch.

CLASSIC CHIMICHANGA [880-1130 CAL]

$14.49  – 

Our Classic Burrito fried crispy and smothered with red chile sauce, sour cream sauce, green chile sauce, ranchero sauce or our signature queso.

FAVORITES

CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN & SHRIMP [620 CAL]

$18.99  – 

Mesquite-grilled chicken breast brushed with lime-cilantro chimichurri, topped with pico de gallo and melted Jack cheese. Plus, a skewer of grilled chimichurri shrimp. Served with cilantro lime rice and sautéed vegetables.

GRILLED QUESO CHICKEN [860 CAL]

$16.49  – 

Simple and delicious, this perfectly seasoned mesquite-grilled chicken breast is topped with our signature queso and fresh sliced avocado. Served with sautéed vegetables and cilantro lime rice.

MEXICAN GRILLED CHICKEN [670/620 CAL]

$16.49  – 

Mesquite-grilled chicken breast topped with pico de gallo and tomatillo sauce or spicy salsa fresca. Served with sautéed vegetables and cilantro lime rice.

CARIBBEAN MANGO GRILLED FISH [640 CAL]

$17.99  – 

A seasoned, mesquite-grilled whitefish fillet topped with warm pico-mango salsa. Served with sautéed vegetables and cilantro lime rice.

CARNE ASADA [980 CAL]

$18.99  – 

An 8oz. marinated and seasoned mesquite-grilled steak served on a skillet with seasoned butter, sautéed vegetables and Mexican rice.

COMBOS

SUPERIOR DINNER [1150 CAL]

$16.99  – 

One crispy seasoned ground beef taco, one chicken enchilada with sour cream sauce, one cheese & onion enchilada with red chile sauce and a mini chicken chimi. Served with a side of queso.

CHILE RELLENO COMBO [820 CAL]

$13.99  – 

One Jack cheese-stuffed poblano, hand-battered and fried golden, and a carnitas enchilada with green chile sauce.

CREATE YOUR OWN

Choose two, three or four of your Mexican favorites.

CLASSICS

• Beef empanadas [510 cal]
• Chicken empanadas [480 cal]
• Mini chicken chimi [320 cal]
• Cheese chile relleno [510 cal] (add 1.00)
• Chicken chile relleno [510 cal] (add 2.00)

ENCHILADAS

• Shredded or ground beef with red chile sauce [250/280 cal]
• Chicken tinga with green chile or sour cream sauce [210/250 cal]
• Cheese & onion with red chile sauce [340 cal]
• Spinach & mushroom with sour cream sauce [220 cal]
• Carnitas with green chile sauce [250 CAL]

TACOS

• Shredded or ground beef [210-260 cal]
• Chicken tinga [210/200 cal]
• Carnitas [230-240 cal]
• Dos XX® fish [420 cal] (add 2.00)
• Brisket [390 cal] (add 2.00)
• Southwest chicken [420 cal] (add 2.00)

$14.49  –  Any 2

$15.49  –  Any 3

$16.49  –  Any 4

SOUP or SALAD

• Chicken tortilla soup [330 cal]
• House salad [220 cal]

BORDER BOWLS

Grilled chicken, steak, shrimp or portobello brushed with lime-cilantro chimichurri. Served with cilantro lime rice, black beans, bell peppers, queso fresco, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo and sliced avocado.

$12.49  –  Grilled Chicken [670 CAL]

$12.49  –  Grilled Portobello [580 CAL]

$13.49  –  Grilled Shrimp [660 CAL]

$13.49  –  Grilled Steak [720 CAL]

LUNCH

BORDER’S BEST LUNCH FAJITAS

A lunch-size portion of mesquite-grilled steak or chicken brought sizzling to your table. Served with warm flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, Mexican rice and refried beans.

$12.99  –  Chicken [1330 CAL]

$13.99  –  Steak [1400 CAL]

QUESADILLA COMBO [850-1070 CAL]

$11.49  – 

A lunch-size chicken, steak, brisket or spinach & mushroom quesadilla served with pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole, plus a cup of chicken tortilla soup or house salad.

Steak Quesadilla (add .50)

CREATE YOUR OWN

Pick any two or three. Served with Mexican rice (add 220 cal) and refried beans (add 220 cal). Black beans (add 200 cal) available upon request.

CLASSICS

• Beef empanadas [510 CAL]
• Chicken empanadas [480 CAL]
• Mini chicken chimi [320 CAL]
• Cheese chile relleno [510 CAL] (add 1.00)]
• Chicken chile relleno [510 CAL] (add 2.00)

ENCHILADAS

• Shredded or ground beef with red chile sauce [250/280 CAL]
• Chicken tinga with green chile or sour cream sauce [210/250 CAL]
• Cheese & onion with red chile sauce [340 CAL]
• Spinach & mushroom with sour cream sauce [220 CAL]
• Carnitas with green chile sauce [250 CAL]

SOUP OR SALAD

• Chicken tortilla soup [330 CAL]
• House salad [240 CAL]

TACOS (SOFT/CRISPY)

• Shredded or ground beef [210-260 CAL]
• Chicken tinga [210/200 CAL]
• Carnitas [240/230 CAL]
• Dos XX ® fish [420 CAL] (add 2.00)
• Brisket [390 CAL] (add 2.00)
• Southwest Chicken [420 CAL] (add 2.00)

$11.49  –  Any two

$12.99  –  Any three

LUNCH BURRITO [850-1070 CAL]

$12.49  – 

Shredded or ground beef, chicken tinga or carnitas, pico de gallo and cheese in a flour tortilla smothered with your choice of red chile sauce, sour cream sauce, green chile sauce, ranchero sauce or our signature queso. Served with Mexican rice and choice of beans.

LUNCH CHIMICHANGA [1190-1430 CAL]

$12.49  – 

Our Lunch Burrito fried crispy. Served with Mexican rice and choice of beans.

TOSTADA SALAD [750-840 CAL]

$11.49  – 

Shredded or ground beef, or chicken tinga over a crisp blend of romaine, iceberg & cabbage, mixed cheese, fresh guacamole, sour cream sauce, pico de gallo and pickled jalapeños. Served in a crispy tortilla shell.

PARTY PLATTERS

PARTY PACK (SERVES 10-12) [14940-15060 CAL]

$89.99  – 

Includes a mini chimichanga platter, small 5-layer dip (chilled), quart of queso, quart of salsa and tortilla chips.

SUPREME PARTY PACK (SERVES 10-12) [17300-17420 CAL]

$109.99  – 

Includes a mini chimichanga platter, small 5-layer dip (chilled), Texas wings with ranch dressing, quart of queso, quart of salsa and tortilla chips.

COMBO SUPREMO (SERVES 6-8) [6440-6550 CAL]

$58.99  – 

36 pieces. Empanadas, Texas wings, chicken mini quesadillas and firecracker stuffed jalapeños. Served with queso and ranch dressing.

CREATE YOUR OWN PLATTER (SERVES 6-8) [3680-8690 CAL]

24 pieces. Pick any two, three or four: empanadas, mini chimichangas, mini quesadillas, Texas wings with ranch dressing, chicken tenders or firecracker stuffed jalapeños. Served with queso.

$48.99  –  Any 3

$49.99  –  Any 2

$49.99  –  Any 4

MEXICAN SAMPLER (SERVES 6-8) [6620-6670 CAL]

$57.99  – 

24 pieces. Empanadas, mini chimichangas and chicken mini quesadillas. Served with queso.

MINI TACO PLATTER (SERVES 6-8) [2100-2500 CAL]

$29.99  – 

18 mini crispy taco shells filled with chicken tinga or seasoned ground beef, lettuce, mixed cheese and tomato. Served with tomatillo sauce and salsa.

MINI CHIMICHANGA PLATTER (SERVES 6-8) [6100-6720 CAL]

$36.99  – 

24 seasoned ground beef, chicken tinga, black bean & corn or spinach & mushroom mini chimichangas. Served with queso.

MINI QUESADILLA PLATTER (SERVES 6-8) [7590 CAL]

$39.99  – 

24 mini chicken quesadillas. Served with sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole.

EMPANADA PLATTER (SERVES 6-8) [5210-5530 CAL]

$39.99  – 

24 handmade pasteries filled with mixed cheese and chicken tinga or seasoned ground beef. Served with queso.

5-LAYER DIP

Served chilled with layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, mixed cheese and pickled jalapeños. Served with tortilla crisps.

$49.99  –  Large (Serves 15-20) [9450 CAL]

FAJITA WRAP PLATTER (SERVES 8-12) [6020 CAL]

$59.99  – 

16 six-inch fajita wraps filled with fajita chicken, mixed greens & cabbage, mixed cheese, pico de gallo and dressing. Served chilled.

MINI SOPAPILLA PLATTER [3030 CAL]

$19.99  – 

48 mini sopapillas with honey and chocolate sauce for dipping.

MINI BURRITOS BY THE DOZEN

$21.99

Black Bean & Corn [3120 CAL]

Brisket – with or without BBQ sauce [2750/2460 CAL]

Chicken Tinga [2810 CAL]

Seasoned Ground Beef [2870 CAL]

Spinach & Mushroom [2400 CAL]

EMPANADAS BY THE DOZEN [2370/2530 CAL]

$34.99  – 

Handmade pasteries filled with mixed cheese and chicken tinga or seasoned ground beef.

ENCHILADAS BY THE DOZEN [2580-4390 CAL]

$34.99  – 

Choose from seasoned ground beef, chicken tinga, cheese & onion or spinach & mushroom.

TACOS (CRISPY OR SOFT) BY THE DOZEN [2160-3100 CAL]

$34.99  – 

Choose from seasoned ground beef or chicken tinga. Served with lettuce, tomato and mixed cheese.

DESSERTS

BORDER BROWNIE SUNDAE [1340 CAL]

$7.99  – 

Rich chocolate & walnut brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Feeds up to four.

CARAMEL CHURROS [810 CAL]

$6.99  – 

Four traditional churros filled with warm caramel and dusted with cinnamon-sugar. Served with vanilla ice cream.

$4.99  –  Two Churros [360 CAL]

Served with vanilla ice cream.

SOPAPILLAS [1330 CAL]

$6.99  – 

Five Mexican pastries coated in cinnamon-sugar. Served with honey and chocolate sauce for dipping.

$3.99  –  Two Sopapillas [620/540 CAL]

With honey or chocolate sauce.

SEASONAL CHEESECAKE

Please ask for details.

KIDS MENU

ENCHILADA PLATE [660-830 CAL]

$5.99  – 

Pick your enchilada – beef, chicken or cheese. Served with Mexican rice and refried beans.

GRILLED CHICKEN SOFT TACO [700 CAL]

$6.99  – 

Mesquite-grilled chicken in a flour tortilla. Served with mixed cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, Mexican rice and refried beans.

BIG KID NACHOS [740 CAL]

$6.29  – 

Nachos amped up! Big nacho chips topped with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, mixed cheese and our famous queso.

$0.50  –  Sub fajita chicken [minus 30 CAL]

BUILD-YOUR-OWN MINI TACOS [810 CAL]

$6.49  – 

Calling all taco chefs! Three mini crispy taco shells, seasoned ground beef, mixed cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Served with Mexican rice and refried beans.

CHEESE QUESADILLA [1210 CAL]

$5.29  – 

It’s like a grilled cheese, but with a tortilla cut into 4 triangles. Served with french fries.

$7.28  –  Add fajita chicken [add 80 CAL]

CORN DOG [580 CAL]

$5.49  – 

All of your hot dog goodness on a stick. Served with french fries.

BORDER CHICKEN STRIPS [820 CAL]

$6.99  – 

A fan favorite! Three all-white meat crispy chicken tenders. Served with french fries.

FAMILY MEALS

CLASSIC FAJITA FAMILY MEAL [7820-8220 CAL]

$61.99  – 

Mesquite-grilled chicken with onions & peppers, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream and cheese or guacamole.

TACO & CHEESE ENCHILADA FAMILY MEAL [5730-6160 CAL]

$35.99  – 

Five soft or crispy seasoned ground beef or chicken tinga tacos topped with lettuce, mixed cheese and tomato, and five cheese & onion enchiladas.

TACO FAMILY MEAL [4800-5620 CAL]

$35.99  – 

Ten soft or crispy seasoned ground beef or chicken tinga tacos topped with lettuce, mixed cheese and tomato.

ENCHILADA FAMILY MEAL [5150-6140 CAL]

$35.99  – 

Ten hand-rolled enchiladas. Choose from seasoned ground beef, chicken tinga, cheese & onion or spinach & mushroom.

KING RANCH ENCHILASAGNA FAMILY MEAL [5170-8270 CAL]

$35.99  – 

Layers of white corn tortillas, sour cream sauce, chicken tinga, poblano & onion, queso and melted mixed cheese. Served with a house salad and choice of dressing.

GREEN CHILE CARNITAS ENCHILASAGNA FAMILY MEAL [5810-8910 CAL]

$35.99  – 

Layers of white corn tortillas, green chile and sour cream sauce, carnitas and melted Jack cheese. Served with a house salad and choice of dressing.

VEGGIE ENCHILASAGNA FAMILY MEAL [4270-4960 CAL]

$35.99  – 

Layers of white corn tortillas, ranchero or tomatillo sauce, sauteéd vegetables, black beans, poblano & onion, queso and melted mixed cheese. Served with a house salad and choice of dressing.

ADD QUESO AND SOPAPILLAS TO ANY MEAL [3520 CAL]

$24.99  – 

Make it a 3 course meal and add a quart of queso and a mini sopapilla platter with honey and chocolate sauce.

BEVERAGES

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILIA

COCA-COLA® [180 CAL]

COFFEE [0 CAL]

DIET COKE® [0 CAL]

DR PEPPER® [140 CAL]

ICED TEA [0-110 CAL]

JUICE [30-150 CAL]

MILK [170 CAL]

MINUTE MAID® LEMONADE [150 CAL]

SPRITE® [150 CAL]

STRAWBERRY LEMONADE [210 CAL]

Tax Season Tips to Avoid Scammers and Robocalls

Photo Courtesy: (c) Carlos David / stock.Adobe.com

By Statepoint

It’s tax season. The time of year when phone scammers get particularly aggressive trying to trick you out of your hard-earned money. And scam calls and robocalls are a growing problem for everyone. Here are a few tricks to help you dodge scammers and give you peace of mind.

Know the Signs

Scam call technology is always changing, so it’s important to stay vigilant against scammers’ attempts to get you to answer your phone. Every year, they make millions off innocent victims with new techniques. Their latest method, known as number-spoofing technology, could fool even the savviest consumers into answering the phone. Number-spoofing makes a scammer’s number appear as either a familiar number with a local area code or even come up on Caller ID as the “IRS.” If you don’t answer, they may also leave “urgent” callback voicemails via robocalls. Recognizing these tactics can help you stay safe. If you suspect a call (or a voicemail) is a scam, hang up. If you want to be sure, don’t call back the number provided but instead, look up your local IRS Customer Service number on the Internet and call the IRS directly.

Use Protection Tools

Check out what technology your wireless company offers that can protect you from scam and spoof calls. For example, T-Mobile offers free scam and spoofing protection for customers with Scam ID and Scam Block. These tools are made available to all postpaid customers and live on the T-Mobile network, so no app is required. As soon as a call reaches the network, it’s analyzed and if it’s scam, the incoming call is tagged as Scam Likely. If customers want to stop scam calls completely, they can turn on Scam Block. With these tools in place, in the last two years, T-Mobile has alerted customers to over 10 billion Scam Likely calls. And in 2019, T-Mobile reports warning customers of 225 million Scam Likely calls each week. Others wireless providers usually also offer customers app solutions to help identify scam calls for a small monthly fee. Check with your provider to see what is available.

New standards from the Federal Communications Commission, called STIR/SHAKEN, are also helping protect consumers. T-Mobile’s implementation of STIR/SHAKEN, Caller Verified, lets you know when a call made on the T-Mobile network is authentic and not intercepted by scammers and spammers. Once other wireless providers implement STIR/SHAKEN, Caller Verified will work on calls made across networks.

Know Your Rights

While scam-blocking technology can help you filter out scam and spoof calls, it’s also important to know your rights. Many of these calls use intimidation tactics to scare consumers into divulging sensitive information over the phone. The IRS website notes that they will always make attempts to reach you via postal mail first and they will never ask you for a specific form of payment. You should know that you always have the right to formally contest the amount owed, and the IRS will not make threats against you or your family regarding arrest or deportation. If you have any elderly or susceptible family members, talk to them about how to avoid such scams and consider setting them up with the latest technology to help them stay safe.

This tax season, be wary about the calls that you receive. With up-to-date information and new technology, you can protect your pocketbook from scammers.

Did You Know?: How Parents Can Achieve Work-Life Balance

Photo Courtesy: Statepoint
Coworking spaces are providing parents with better work-life balance.

By Statepoint

In the pursuit of having more time to spend with their families, an increasing number of working parents are requesting flexible working options from their employers, suggests new research.

Often referred to as “co-working,” a flexible workspace offers individuals and employees a productive and collaborative environment to work. Co-working has risen in popularity over the past decade and new research from flexible workspace provider, Regus, found that 85 percent of working parents would forfeit other benefits to take up flexible working, with 81 percent surveyed believing the top benefit is a better work-life balance.

The growth of flexible workspace means that people increasingly have access to these locations no matter where they are, offering users the potential to skip a long commute and work closer to home. So, what would parents do with that extra time? According to the Regus survey, the number one activity parents would spend their time on, instead of commuting, is being with family (71 percent), followed by having “me-time,” like taking a long bath or meeting friends (38 percent).

Employers should take note, as flexible working options are a top priority for employed parents. Ninety-six percent of working parents say that they would work for an employer that provides flexible working as part of a benefits package and 74 percent say they are willing to take on a different job if it offered a range of working locations.

Looking to make the switch? Regus is sharing top tips to incorporate flexible working into your current employment situation:

• Negotiate: If this option is not yet offered by your employer, negotiate. See if you can swap one benefit you may not use. For example, 85 percent of working parents reported that they are willing to work through their lunchbreak, and 85 percent would forfeit other benefits, like a company gym membership, to take up flexible working.

• Think creatively about location: Commuting isn’t only about the time spent traveling from your front door to the office. It may be better for you to be near your child’s school or daycare, or near a client, rather than your main office. Flexible working can make this shift possible.

• Banish the 9 to 5: For many parents, a 9 to 5 schedule doesn’t match that of their child. To get the most of flexible working, see if you can adapt your schedule with a late start and late finish, or early start and early finish. Or, throw the schedule out the window and focus on delivering results.

• Flex your flexible working: If you can’t make the switch to full-time flexible working, see if you can have this option available in emergencies, such as a gap in childcare or a tight schedule.

“Parents especially struggle to ensure their careers and personal lives exist in harmony,” says Michael Berretta, vice president of Network Development for IWG, the parent company of Regus. “Using flexible workspace can allow for a schedule that better fits around personal commitments, and employers can expect more working parents to ask for this option.”

To learn more visit, http://www.regus.com.

Working parents have a lot to juggle and finding the right balance can be a challenge, but there are more opportunities than ever to add flexibility to their schedules.