Shopbrazos08152013

AUGUST 2013

Finding the perfect family dog Quick recipes to get the most out of breakfast Utility vehicles make your terrain easier

WHAT’S INSIDE

Thursday, August 15, 2013____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

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Kyrstie Cox (979) 731-4665

Internet Sales Director

Internet Marketing Consultant

jenny.downing@theeagle.com

kyrstie.cox@theeagle.com

Shauna Lewis Editorial shauna.lewis@theeagle.com Eric Aguirre Layout & Design eric.aguirre@eveningpostinteractive.com ON THE WEB

/shopbrazos Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication. ©2013 GATEHOUSE MEDIA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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While it’s hard to overcome the appeal of an adorable puppy, a young adult dog is a good match for a busy family.

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Aim im for breakfasts that are rich in protein, drates. ates. fiber and complex carbohydrates.

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FINANCE

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Simplify and

Save Tips for living on a single paycheck Special to The Eagle

While supporting a family on one paycheck can be difficult, there are ways to do it without making significant cutbacks in your lifestyle.

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1.

Make as many minor cuts in your monthly bills as you can.

Take a look at your cable and cellphone bills and get rid of any services you don’t use. Reduce your minutes, and eliminate services such as your home phone, if it’s more expensive or less used than your cellphone plan.

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2.

Refinance your loans to extend their terms and lower the monthly payments. While this might cost you a little more in interest, if you can’t make ends meet each month, it is a way to free up some cash.

As soon as you find a new job, pay the loan off.

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Barter for as many services and items that you can. Having one paycheck means that you might not have a lot of money, but you probably have some spare time. Trade the skills you had at your old job for services you need. if you’re at home with small children, trade babysitting services.

This will allow you to get what you need without paying cash for it.

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Cut your utility bills drastically. Staying at home during the day can increase your utility bills since you will use more electricity and water. look for a way to decrease these bills. for example, stop using your clothes dryer and hang clothes outside.

Collect rainwater from your gutters to use for gardens and lawns. use ceiling fans instead of your air con-

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grow a garden. Converting a small patch of your backyard into a vegetable, fruit and/or herb garden will save you money at the grocery store, and it can improve the value of your home. if you have extra produce, sell it at a local farmers market, trade it for things you need, or donate it to a

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PARENTING

3 tips for better co-parenting Special to The Eagle

W

hen children spend their time split between parents’ houses, there are several issues that may

arise.

One of the benefits that co-parenting provides is supplying children with a close and fair relationship with both parties. Even though the parents may have their disagreements and different views, for the sake of the children, it is imperative that they put all issues aside and set some uniform rules that must be followed within both households.

1. One of the most important rules in coparenting is to never talk badly about the other parent to the children. When children witness this behavior, they will think it is OK for them to do the same. Children should not view their parents as enemies, but rather as a team, even though they may not live together anymore. When children realize that their parents are a team, the child will no longer choose a favorite or take sides in disagreements between the parents.

2. There should be a uniform set of rules that is enforced in each household. If children notice that they are able to get away with more at one house versus the other,

One of the most important rules in co-parenting is to never talk badly about the other parent to the children. that will cause the children to develop a favorite household for the wrong reasons.

Some of the rules that should be the same in both households include: n Bedtime n Amount of TV or screen time n Amount of snacks and sweets allowed n The amount of time put aside for homework n The type of language and manners that are used Parents should come up with these rules together and work on making sure that they are equally enforced.

3. If a child misbehaves and is punished, the punishment should follow them to the other parent’s house as well. Children should not think they are off the hook once they go to visit the other parent. This will teach them that no matter what household they are in, they cannot get away with misbehaving.

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PETS

How to pick the best dog for your family

By Melissa Erickson Special to The eagle

Whether it’s a golden to play catch with, a beagle to snuggle with or a Labrador to run with, a dog is often one of a child’s first and best friends.

If your family is considering making a new friend, there are plenty of things to think about before you get a dog.

The special bond between dogs and their owners is based on “pure, unconditional love,” said Katenna Jones, director of educational programs with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. “For children, the benefit of dogs is immeasurable, but the key to the most beneficial relationships is the right match.”

“Dogs make great pets because they are naturally social animals that typically crave human companionship,” said Jenna Stregowski of Guide to Dogs on About.com. Dogs “encourage responsibility in kids as well as adults, and they can boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem.”

Family decision Before buying or adopting a dog, sit down as a family and make the decision together, Jones said. What are your priorities or deal-breakers in terms of size, age, maintenance? Do you want a runner or a lap dog? How about drooling or barking?

At what age are your children ready?

“I think growing up with dogs can be a great experience for a child of any age,” Stregowski said.

“I am no parenting expert, but I would say it all depends on the parent and the home situation. Until a child is grown, the parent is the one ultimately responsible for the family dog.

The child’s involvement in handling and training a dog depends on the individual child’s

maturity and ability in the eyes of the parent.”

Dogs can knock over toddlers or crawlers, but kids ages 5 to 10 are ideal owners “because they tend to have the ability to understand some degree of responsibility but are not old enough to be so distracted by their social lives that they forget about their dogs,” Stregowski said.

While it’s hard to overcome the appeal of an adorable puppy, a young adult dog is a good match for a busy family, Jones said. “You will skip the difficult and time-consuming house-training, manners training and teething phases,” Jones said. Those burdensome tasks are the reasons why adolescent dogs are the most likely to be relinquished to an animal shelter, Jones said. “Plus, you will see right away the final size, shedding amount, exercise needs and other characteristics such as personality that may not be anticipated from a puppy.”

Breed all about it Stregowski typically doesn’t recommend one dog breed over another.

“While breed plays a large role in the personality of a dog, all dogs are different,” Stregowski said. “One golden retriever might be the best family dog ever, while another might have fear issues.”

Stregowski did suggest some of “the commonly agreed upon breeds that go well with families.” For medium to large dogs: golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, standard poodles and collies. For small to medium dogs: beagles, shelties, bichons and Havanese.

Jones likes to recommend mixed breeds, “as they tend to have fewer health and behavioral concerns that pure breeds.

Designer breeds (such as a labradoodle, a Labrador and poo-

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dle hybrid) are, in fact, mixed breeds with catchy names.”

Stregowski had one more piece of advice: “If you ask me, I will recommend a mutt every

time. I recommend telling families to visit a local reputable pet adoption group that places their adoptable dogs in foster homes.”

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BREAKFAST IDEAS

Day starters

A waffle with peanut butter is a yummy and quick way to enjoy breakfast.

CouRTeSy of SAndRA fRAnk

Breakfast can be healthy, tasty and fast develop nutritional deficiencies,” said Frank.

Also, “those who don’t eat You know you’re supposed to eat breakfast are more likely to eat more food at the next meal bea healthy breakfast, so why aren’t cause they are more hungry,” Laryou doing it? sen said.

September is Better Breakfast Month, so let’s kick-start the conversation with some expert advice. What to eat “Children who eat breakfast So what constitutes a healthy are less likely to be overweight,” breakfast? said registered dietitian Sandra “Aim for breakfasts that are rich Frank. Breakfast eaters “have in protein, fiber and complex carmore energy, concentrate better, bohydrates,” registered dietitian have higher grades in school and and food and nutrition consultant are alert, energized and ready for Rachel Begun said. a new day,” said Frank, who is Protein and fiber help to slow also the social media chair for the digestion and keep you full for Florida Dietetic Association. many hours. Eggs, milk, yogurt — Conversely, “People who skip particularly Greek yogurt — nut breakfast tend to weigh more and butters and seeds are good examdo more poorly on different types ples of protein-filled foods. Fruits, of mental and physical tests,” said vegetables, whole grains, nuts and Linda Larsen, Busy Cooks Guide seeds are loaded with fibers. Try for About.com. to get in at least one serving of “Non-breakfast eaters may also fruits and vegetables, but preferhave behavior problems and may ably two, at breakfast, Begun said.

By Melissa Erickson Special to The eagle

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Tired of cereal? Breakfast doesn’t have to include typical breakfast foods, Larsen said.

“Eat some leftover salmon with a slice of whole grain toast and orange juice. A chicken salad with pasta and veggies can be a great breakfast, or a breakfast burrito with eggs, cheese and veggies is a good choice,” Larsen said. “You can eat the same thing every day or vary your breakfast choices; eat what is most appealing to you.”

While “generally something is better than nothing” when it comes to eating breakfast, don’t make that an excuse to reach for sugary doughnuts,” Begun said.

“Try to make choices that contain lean sources of protein and fiber, and don’t forget the fruits and veggies.”

Sugary cereals and sweet rolls “will leave you hungry mid-morning because your blood sugar will skyrocket, then crash,” Larsen said.

Make it easy The most common excuse for not eating breakfast is there’s not enough time, said Begun, who is also the national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Like anything in life, we make time for what we want to make time for,” Begun said. “All it takes is 15 minutes to sit down to a wholesome breakfast. If you can’t sit down, then set aside five minutes to prepare something to take with you.”

If you’re not a breakfast eater, “start small, as small changes add up to big effects,” Begun said.

Start with a piece of fruit or a cup of yogurt and build from there to a breakfast that contains enough fiber, protein and calories to keep you satisfied throughout the day.

“Eating a solid breakfast is what prevents late-afternoon and evening crashes and consequently eating too much empty-calorie

BREAKFAST IDEAS

Raspberry and Banana Slices with Almond Butter on Whole Wheat Bun 1 whole wheat hot dog bun 2 t almond butter 1/2 banana, sliced 10 raspberries Spread almond butter on hot dog bun. Place banana slices alternating with raspberries in the bun. Garnish with raspberry shapes, cut from small molds.

– Sandra Frank n n n n

Waffle with Peanut Butter 1 whole grain waffle 1 T crunchy peanut butter 7 strawberries 1/3 cup blueberries Prepare waffle per manufacturer’s directions. Spread peanut butter on waffle. Slice strawberries. Garnish with strawberries and blueberries.

– Sandra Frank n n n n

Skip the fast food and make your own healthy version of a bacon and egg sandwich.

CouRTeSy of SAndRA fRAnk

Egg Bacon Muffin n

fin

1 whole wheat English muf-

1 medium egg 3 strips turkey or soy bacon 1/3 cup cantaloupe 2 grapes Prepare egg scrambled or sunny-side up. Follow package directions for preparing bacon.

Cut cantaloupe in heart shapes, using pastry mold. Garnish with cantaloupe hearts with a grape in the center.

– Sandra Frank n n n n

Banana Nut Spice Smoothie 1/2 cup ice, chopped 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 frozen banana, chopped into large chunks n 1 t vanilla extract n 1 t honey n 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped n 2 Medjool dates, pitted and torn into pieces n 1/2 t ground cinnamon Place all ingredients in a blender in the order listed.

Blend until smooth. Serve cold.

Makes 2 servings.

– Rachel Begun n n n

Overnight Oatmeal 6 1/2 cups water n 2 cups steel-cut oats (for those with celiac disease, choose certified gluten-free) n 1/4 t salt, or to taste n 1/3 cup raisins n 1/3 cup apples, diced n 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped n Honey (optional) Combine the water, oats, salt and raisins in a slow cooker.

Cover with the lid and cook until the oats are tender and creamy and the raisins hydrated, about 7 to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high, adding the diced apples either 5 hours (high) or 3 hours (low) through.

When fully cooked, stir the oatmeal mixture well and drain any excess water. Add in the chopped walnuts. Mix until distributed.

If desired, drizzle with honey to sweeten. Makes 8 servings.

– Rachel Begun n

Thursday, August 15, 2013____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

foods,” Begun said.

Breakfast recipes can be easy and inexpensive, such as a toasted English muffin topped with peanut butter and thinly sliced apple.

“I like to have whole-grain toast or muffins with a bit of butter and cream cheese, some fresh fruit such as strawberries or a clementine and orange juice,” said Larsen. “Freezer recipes are good too; you can make waffles or French toast and freeze them, then thaw and toast in the toaster.”

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NEW BOOKS

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12

art & life Books can help teenagers figure out new experiences

By Melissa Erickson Special to The eagle

B

roken hearts, burgeoning sex lives, changing bodies, bullying, alienation and conflict galore. The gap between tweens and teens is a minefield of challenges and struggles.

How can parents help kids navigate the tricky transition from c hildhood to young adult? One way to safely and openly experience coming of age is through the pages of a good book.

“Any difficult situation a tween will encounter — peer pressure, sexual awakening, trauma, divorce, the desire for independence — there’s been a book written about it,” said parenting expert Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solu-

tions and author of “If I Have to Tell You One More Time.”

Growing up is not easy, and parents and children encounter plenty of touchy topics that are difficult to talk about or even bring up.

“It would be tremendously helpful to be able to talk about these tough topics in a less threatening way,” McCready said.

The key is starting a conversation, said Susan Neuman, social psychologist, parenting expert and author.

“Coming-of-age books read with preteens and teens often open doors to topics that might otherwise go undiscussed. For many parents, talking about a character’s experiences can be easier than approaching the topic head-on with a son or daughter,” Neuman said.

NEW BOOKS ‘A dry run’

Where to start Book lovers will attest to the power of reading and the importance of the right book at the

“A TREE GROWS iN BROOklyN,” By BETTy SMiTh “A Tree grows in Brooklyn” is a timeless classic. Set in the early 20th century, the book follows the nolan family’s struggles and accomplishments. They are a family that has learned to do without, but still manage to hold strong to their values and dignity. The characters’ strengths and weaknesses along with the good and bad choices they make in everyday circumstances make them real and unforgettable.

The events that unravel in their lives are described with clarity and wisdom, making the reader feel as though they are part of the struggle.

“A NORThERN liGhT,” By JENNiFER DONNElly Mattie gokey is faced with how to live her dreams without feeling as though she is betraying her family. The death of her mother puts her in charge of the household, and with that there is a lifetime of work, little time for anything else let alone the dreams of a young girl. Mattie is torn between loyalty and longing. Her father’s perspective doesn’t make things any easier, because he believes his children should stay and work the family’s land, leaving Mattie faced with hard decisions. “yOuNG Fu OF ThE uPPER yANGTzE,” By ElizABETh FOREMAN lEWiS With the unjust death of his

father by corrupt soldiers, young fu has to grow up quickly. in the lower classes of any society, people struggle to grind out an existence. young fu rises to the occasion despite the cruelty and corruption he faces.

He carefully picks wise and kind people to befriend and learn from. This story tells of unbearable pressure and struggle but also of incredible strength of will and sound character.

“ADA, lEGEND OF A hEAlER,”

By R.A. McDONAlD Ada is a strong-willed and determined 15-year-old girl. She’s passionate about her freedom of choice and refuses to be controlled by others. She has a power that would end human suffering, but in the same breath it makes her an individual that many scrupulous and unscrupulous people would like to get their hands on.

Teetering on the edge of wanting to abandon all hope for humanity, but also beginning to realize the beauty and fragility of it, Ada decides, on her own terms, how to handle her amazing power.

“ThE GivER,” By lOiS lOWRy The community in “The giver” is free of sickness, crime, emotional pain and suffering, but at what price? eleven-year-old Jonas is slowly discovering the cost society has paid by its citizens for such security. Coming of age for Jonas may be more than he can bear when faced with his community’s history.

“ThE kiNG’S FiFTh,” By

ScOTT O’DEll o’dell eloquently portrays the time of the conquistadors. The greed for gold and complete disregard for human life are unnerving. Trapped in a cell surrounded by people trying to wheedle an important map from him, esté-

ban, the king’s fifth, has to use all his wit to stay alive. The attitude of the conquistadors was cruel and disturbing, but estéban’s story reminds us of the courage and sound values that many people maintain even when surrounded by tyranny.

“ENDER’S GAME,” By ORSON ScOTT cARD Military leaders are found young in “ender’s game,” and most are ruthless by the nature of their age. earth barely escaped the first attack by hostile aliens, so preparing aggressively for a second attack seems like the only chance for survival.

When certain destruction or enslavement is looming over humanity, old laws and rights are going to disappear in order to ensure survival. ender’s game brings to light these issues.

Thursday, August 15, 2013____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Characters in books may experience relatable situations, but can that really help children as they seek out their own independence? Parenting experts think it does.

“While they say experience is the best teacher, books offer a different kind of experience, kind of like a dry run,” McCready said. “Books allow people to experience situations through the eyes of a character.”

Reading a novel such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” together can open up conversations in an non-threatening manner, and because the stakes aren’t as high — it’s not real life — the conversation can be open, meaningful and truthful.

You also might be able to go into more detail with the book’s guidance than otherwise, Neuman said.

“You’re saying, ‘What did the character do in that situation,’ not ‘What did you do,’” McCready said. “You can talk about how the character felt, the choices he or she made and the outcomes. Was the outcome positive or negative? If it was negative, what could the character have done differently?” McCready said. “What’s important is to get kids to connect the dots between the feelings, choices and outcomes.”

Discussing a book with mature subject matter presents an opportunity “for parents to express their values and opinions and indirectly promote the value or understanding they hope their children will adopt,” Neuman said.

Reading the same book as your child can be a fun and worthwhile experience, but remember to treat kids with the same respect you expect.

“The No. 1 rule is to be aware of how you sound and the words you chose. The second you start sounding like a lecture, kids shut down,” McCready said.

right time. Coming-of-age books with their powerful stories and memorable, relatable characters can help on-the-edge-of-adulthood kids learn hard truths and help them find out what it really means to grow up and be independent, McCready said.

Author and illustrator James McDonald of Coming of Age Books offered the following suggestions:

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UTILITY VEHICLES

Sport, utility

UTvs offer new features for hunting, farming

By Melissa Erickson

Special to The eagle

High-octane, sports-specific utility terrain vehicles generate massive attention in offroad magazines, but the bread and butter of the UTV industry are four-wheelers that get the job done on the farm or ranch.

Sport quads flying 30 feet in the air get all the looks, but “the majority of the UTV market is the working side, and the market is expanding rapidly,” said Rick Sosebee, an ATV/UTV industry editor and contributor to Outdoor Life magazine.

Yamaha did research and found that 66 percent of the side-by-side market is utilitybased, meaning farming or hunting.

While your horse will get tired, a UTV can go all day.

They’re indispensable tools for large properties.

“If you’ve got a couple hundred acres, you’ll use it to check fencing, haul food for animals, move employees around. Hunters and guides use them to transport game or get to areas where the trails are too tight for a pickup. Police use them for heavy rescue and reconnaissance and to get to hikers who get trapped up in mountain passes,” Sosebee said.

Similar to all-terrain vehicles, UTVs feature truck-like cabs that allow drivers to sit upright so you can take your spouse or dog along for the ride. There’s also enough bed space to tote a couple of chainsaws out to a work site and a load of logs back, plus generous towing capabilities.

What’s new in this everexpanding market “is a power steering craze,” Sosebee said.

Power steering may be a costly $500 to $1,000 add-on, but it’s worth it if you drive in

For 2014, yamaha has the viking, the company’s first ever multi-purpose three-seater.

Sport quads flying 30 feet in the air get all the looks, but “the majority of the uTv market is the working side, and the market is expanding rapidly.”

Rick Sosebee, ATV/uTV industry editor

treacherous terrain or if you spend hours behind the wheel and you’d rather not feel the effort in your shoulders at the end of the day.

“Power steering just makes driving so much easier because when four-wheel drive diff (differential) lock kicks in, steering becomes tiresome and difficult,” Sosebee said.

One company that specializes in aftermarket power steering kits is www.superatv.com, Sosebee said.

Another segment of the industry that’s exploding is “the plethora of accessories” available to elevate the riding experience, such as digital instrumentation clusters that display information such as operator ground speed, engine RPM and fuel level. Other upgrades include high-quality sound systems, heated cabs, 12V outlets for iPhones and MP3 players, glove boxes and storage spaces for gear. Additionally, there are winches, cab enclosures, gun mounts, drink holders, windshields and utility racks.

Here are some of Sosebee’s top picks in UTVs: n In June, Yamaha revealed its first all-new side-by-side in nearly 10 years, the 2014 Viking 700. The 686cc liquid-cooled engine is Yamaha’s most powerful yet, and because it’s placed under the cargo bed, that means improved center of gravity and better handling. Also exciting

kawasaki’s 2013 Teryx 750 EPS is a flashy but strong four-seat side-by-side.

honda’s Pioneer 700 features an innovative seating design that switches between two and four passengers.

are the three-passenger bucket seats that recline comfortably and have individual, three-point seatbelts. The steel dumping cargo bed boasts a 600-pound capacity. Available with or without electric power steering.

MSRP starts at $11,499. n The 2014 Honda Pioneer 700-4 is packed with innovation, style and performance.

The most dramatic change is the industry’s first convertible rear seating setup. “The seats fold up from the bed/hauling area so you can use it as a twoseater or a four-seater, and the way it’s configured, the rear passengers are almost at the same height as the front. It makes for

a very comfortable ride,” Sosebee said. To get the job done, it features a 1,000-pound cargo capability and a 1,500-pound towing capability. MSRP starts at $11,699. n For families who enjoy the outdoors together, there’s the 2013 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 EPS, a sport-oriented, fourseat UTV that will get the work done but is also fun to ride. The 749cc V-twin engine quickly revs up to 50 mph, and safety isn’t an issue with a wrap-around steel roll cage, grab handles and three-point safety seat belts. Electric power steering comes standard.

MSRP starting at $14,699.

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BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse 1520 Harvey Rd. College Station Tuesdays, All Day Half off all wines by the bottle or glass

Lakeside Icehouse & Grill 8200 Sandy Point Rd. Bryan Weekends, All Day Kids 12 and under eat free with purchase of adult entrée and drink

Carney’s Pub & Grill 3410 S. College Ave. Bryan Wednesdays, All Day $1.50 wells

Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant 1007 Earl Rudder Frwy.

College Station Tuesdays, All Day Kids 12 and under eat free with purchase of adult entrée

Thursday, August 15, 2013____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

FOOD

DRINKS Koppe Bridge Bar & Grill Both College Station locations Wednesdays, All Day $1.75 pints

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16 Thursday, August 15, 2013____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle