April 2020

ST. JOHNS Northern St. Johns Family Lifestyle Monthly

magazine

Local Realtors Lisa Menton and George L. Ballou, II and their Team Make a Big Move by Joining Engel & VÖlkers Real Estate in Northeast Florida

Photo by Mindy Kerr of Nature’s Child Photography

ENGEL & VÖLKERS MENTON & BALLOU GROUP

www.stjohnsmag.com

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Call 904-290-5781 GriffinService.com/IAQ

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S T. JOHNS magazine

inside

Visit us online to read our content and hear community updates as they become available.

APRIL 2020

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Cover story/Exclusive

MENTON AND BALLOU GROUP… ON THE MOVE!

Photography by Mindy Kerr Nature's Child Photography Exclusively for St. Johns Magazine

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TRAVELING IN TODAY'S WORLD

What to expect in a Corona-centric world

by Jeanne Hernandez, Travel Expert

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Community Profile

DR. ERICK AGUILAR

Learn more about the Republican Candidate for the US House, FL 4th District

On the Cover: Local Realtors Lisa Menton & George L. Ballou, II, and their Team Make a Big Move by Joining Engel & VÖlkers Real Estate in Northeast Florida

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Creative Endeavors

ST. AUGUSTINE FASHION WEEK BT STUDENT SHOWCASE

Photos by Mindy Kerr, Nature's Child Photography

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Wellness

STAYING GROUNDED IN A WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

Dr. Erick Aguilar runs for US House in the 2020 election learn his story.

by Diana Brummer, Mental Health Expert

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Beauty

View our photo essay featuring the creative designs of the Bartram Trail Fashion Academy in their SAFW Show. (above design by Chloe Hill)

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WEDDING DAY SKIN PREP

by Kristy Robinson

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Pet Health

COVID-19 & YOUR PET

Dr. Kathleen Deckard, DVM

14 BOOK REVIEW Catch up on your reading or escape from reality with our curated book list.

www.stjohnsmag.com

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MENTON AND BALLOU GROUP… On The Move!

Mega team Menton and Ballou Group recently shocked the local real estate community when they moved their entire operation to global real estate giant and luxury icon Engel and VÖlkers. Their first local office is based in Jacksonville Beach and they have recently announced another new office opening in the next few months in St. Johns on the 210 corridor… with more offices to follow.

The Menton and Ballou Group, led by Lisa Menton & George L. Ballou, II will be based at the new 210 office once it opens. The typical real estate advisor or team at Engel and VÖlkers is extremely experienced and typically produces at significantly higher levels than their competition at other companies. E&V “advisors” typically rank in the top 1% of the industry! Average agent sales exceeded $9M per advisor/Team in 2019. This kind of success has led the local office to be nominated in 2019 as one of the finalists in E&V’s most outstand-

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Photos by Mindy Kerr, Nature’s Child Photography

ing office performances in the North Americas.

The motivation for the Menton and Ballou Group’s move was their desire to continue to evolve their business by learning about and having access to cutting edge technology. Menton and Ballou felt that E&V’s knowledge of what is going on in the real estate industry, not just in their local market place but national and international trends, helped to convince them Engel and VÖlkers would be the right culture for them going forward. They have found that even top producing advisors need to be challenged and certainly encouraged to learn new methods and marketing tools to enable them to be the best advisor possible! Put simply…what better environment can you be in than to learn from and exchange ideas with the best global networking agent base available. This is how you learn to deliver luxury service to every property you list and sell!

For more information visit mentonandballougroup.evrealestate.com

Lisa Menton and George L. Ballou II, team founders of the Menton and Ballou Group, have also been inducted into the elite Private Office Advisor membership of Engel and VÖlkers. This invitation only organization within Engel and VÖlkers recognizes the company’s individuals with extremely high volume and production over a sustained number of years. Of the nearly 13,000 global advisors at E&V, only 250 advisors currently qualify for such recognition. The Jacksonville Beach office is very proud that they have 3 Private Office Advisors which is highly unusual for an office its size.

In Lisa’s previous corporate career, she was with the stock brokerage firm of Merrill Lynch for 17 years. George was previously in the banking and financial services industry before spending the last 35 years in the real estate business. They both attribute their previous corporate backgrounds to helping them create a solid foundation for their real estate endeavors.

They also feel that a part of the team’s success is also due to the fact that their advisors live in key and diverse areas of St. Johns and Duval counties which has helped the Team understand the challenges and opportunities of the entire marketplace they service. Lisa lives in St Johns Golf & Country Club and George has lived in Nocatee in the Del Webb Ponte Vedra development for over 10 years. Other advisors on their team live on the 210 Corridor, Nocatee, Palencia, World Golf Village, Vilano/St Augustine area, St Johns and Julington Creek Plantation.

Our Team believes that leveraging our company’s global brand provides our customers a serious advantage over our competitors. George shared a situation he experienced shortly after he arrived at Engel and VÖlkers. He got an email from an E&V broker in their Beverly Hills office in California. The broker wanted to know if it was okay to put a listing of George’s in the front window of their “shop” in Beverly Hills! This is just an example of how important and what an asset the Menton and Ballou Group feels their global network is going to play in their future. It is a different way to approach our real estate goals when we are encouraged to reach out beyond our previous comfort zone!

George & Lisa with Corey Hasting, Broker/Owner of Engel and Voelkers: Jacksonville in the Jacksonville Beach Office.

Engel and VÖlkers is based in Hamburg, Germany. E&V is known globally as the leading luxury brand in real estate, encompassing nearly 900 “shops” located in 33 countries on 5 continents! The company also has divisions involved in private aviation and yachting brokerage in order to service all their client’s needs.

Luxury is a service level, not a price point. While we feel our new brand will certainly appeal to a higher price point seller, the core of the businesses Lisa and George and the team have always represented will simpy benefit from a more refined marketing standard.

Rendering of the new Engel and VÖlker office coming to the CR 210 Corridor.

MENTON AND BALLOU GROUP TEAM MEMBERS

Jamie Ballou Dave Kenyon John McClure Melissa Naldzin

Jody Steele

Stella Alexander Alexis McDaniel Lesley Barlow www.stjohnsmag.com

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Publisher & Creative Director Debbie Gaylord debbie@stjohnsmag.com

S T. JOHNS magazine

Photographer Mindy Kerr Nature's Child Photography

Debbie Gaylord

Contributors Dr. Kathleen Deckard, DVM Kristy Robinson Diana Brummer EDITORIAL • STORY IDEAS We are always looking for articles about local people, businesses, places & events. If you would like to share a story about something interesting happening in our community, we would love to hear from you today!

Pitch a Story: Debbie@stjohnsmag.com

Creative Director/ Publisher debbie@stjohnsmag.com ● 904-687-8538

Good Vibrations April, 2020

"These are surreal times," is something I keep saying to family and friends I commuHYPERLOCAL St. Johns Magazine is your fun & friendly local resource, connecting the growing communities of northern St. Johns, including Durbin, Aberdeen, Julington Creek, CR210 Corridor & Nocatee Local businesses interested in advertising with us please contact Debbie@stjohnsmag.com Contact 904-687-8538 debbie@stjohnsmag.com www.stjohnsmag.com All rights reserved ©2012-2020 St. Johns Magazine LLC.

St. Johns Magazine is published monthly and distributed by US postal Service to select homes in Northern St. Johns. It is free of charge to consumers receiving it in the mail. It is also availalble at many drop points in Northern St. Johns and by subscription. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and published without responsibility for errors and ommissions.

Printed by The Hartley Press, Jacksonville, FL

nicate with via social distancing channels. We are experiencing uncharted territory as we navigate home schooling, entire families working from home, empty grocery shelves, workers losing jobs, businesses folding. My heart especially goes out to the local businesses in our community, many of whom we serve in St. Johns Magazine, who are struggling to bridge this challenge. Their creativity and passion amazes me and as a community I hope we all recognize how much we are in this together and any support of our local businesses now and in the coming months is going to be crucial in helping them survive.

This pandemic will change us forever in a way similar to 9/11. From here on out, there will be before the COVID pandemic and after. We can only hope to learn from it enough to know what to do better the next time. We can also choose to look at the positives; time for us to be calm, spend hours with family, finish long overdue projects, clean out, enjoy creative endeavors, read more, take quiet walks, and drink in the sunshine we are so blessed to have in St. Johns.

What the world needs now is ideas, stories and people that make us feel good and uplift our hearts and minds. Keeping in line with our St. Johns Magazine mission, we will continue to connect our local communities, and remain hopeful and helpful at all times in our efforts to spread good vibrations.

In additon to exciting plans for the future for our featured local business, The Menton and Ballou Group, this month we offer unique articles such as how to address travel plans; how to stay positive mentally and emotionally; how the current pandemic affects our pets; and even a book list to help you stave off cabin fever. Our calendar for this month will be located online since there have been many changes and cancellations and the situation continues to be fluid.

Please enjoy this issue of St. Johns Magazine and may you and your family be healthy and well.

Peace & Love

Debbie STJOHNSMAG.COM www.stjohnsmag.com

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Traveling In Today’s World

by Jeanne Hernandez

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Local Travel Agent and Owner of Premier Travel Advisors in St. Johns answers your questions about travel in a corona-centric world

f you’re thinking about changing or canceling your vacation plans, I would advise that you change your travel dates instead of canceling your trip. Many cruise lines and airlines are allowing travelers to change dates without charging a change fee. If you’re available to change your vacation to sometime in the summer or later, consider changing your vacation instead of canceling it completely. This will help boost your mood and get rid of your “I had to cancel my vacation” blues.

and keep your fingers crossed that they do so. If you cancel it yourself, you can keep the amount of the ticket as a future credit, however, they’ll charge a change fee when you want to use it. The fees are usually $200.00 for domestic and $300.00+ for international flights. With the current Coronavirus situation, most of the airlines are allowing changes to flights at no additional charge and some (not many) are giving their customers a refund. So it’s better to change rather than cancel.

According to my favorite travel expert, Samantha Brown, “A little fact I love is that simply the act of PLANNING travel puts us in the same psychological happy place as BEING in a destination. So dream and PLAN your next trip for this (Summer/ Fall) because right now your Mental Health is just as important.

What makes us happier makes us healthier.”

Your travel agent will be able to walk you through your options to come up with the best solution for you. If you didn’t work with a travel agent for your vacation, it may be a good idea find an experienced travel agent to work with in the future. It’s their job to help you navigate this world and be your advocate.

If you wish to cancel a cruise because you’re worried about the Coronavirus it’s best that you wait until the last possible minute.

If the cruise is canceled by the cruise line you should (on most cruise-lines) receive a future cruise credit from 100% to 150% of the amount of your first cruise and no penalty will be assessed.

Depending on the cruise-line, if you cancel your cruise yourself (and you’re within the cruise-line penalty) you might only receive your taxes back.

If you are unable to change your dates, don’t stop dreaming and planning future trips, because travel will bounce back. It always does.

Jeanne Hernandez Premier Travel Advisors PremierTraveladvisors.com

The same situation applies with the airlines. If you are concerned that the airline might cancel your flight, you should wait www.stjohnsmag.com

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St. Johns Magazine. April 2020

BOOK REVIEW Ficton

Light Reading

American Dirt

by Jeanine Cummins

Winter in Paradise ✴

by Elin Hilderbrand

Forced to flee, Lydia and eight-year-old Luca soon find themselves miles and worlds away from their comfortable middle-class existence. Instantly transformed into migrants, Lydia and Luca ride la bestia—trains that make their way north toward the United States. *Gripping , eye-opening story of survival and life for Mexicans fleeing their country for America.

Little Fires Everywhere ✴

by Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood--and the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster. *An interesting exploration of an American family circa 1990s, and exploration of class disparity in late twentieth century.

In an Instant

by Suzanne Redfearn

Life is over in an instant for sixteen-year-old Finn Miller when a devastating car accident tumbles her and ten others over the side of a mountain.

Suspended between worlds, she watches helplessly as those she loves struggle to survive. *Poignant but devastating. Explores humanity, family and connections and gives a spot-on portrayal of special needs character within a family. This one WILL make you cry.

Daisy Jones & The Six ✴

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The story of sex, drugs, rock and roll in 1970's America from the perspective of band members looking back. *Some thought it was the best book of 2019 but for me t was just okay - parts dragged and I never truly loved the characters.

The Most Fun We Ever Had ✴

by Claire Lombardo

As the novel moves through the tumultuous year following the arrival of Jonah Bendt—given up by one of the daughters of a close-knit family in a closed adoption fifteen years before—we are shown the rich and varied tapestry of the Sorensons' past: years marred by adolescence, infidelity, and resentment, but also the transcendent moments of joy that make everything else worthwhile

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Irene Steele’s idyllic life-house, husband, family-is shattered when she is woken up by a late-night phone call. Her beloved husband has been found dead, but before Irene can process this tragic news, she must confront the perplexing details of her husband’s death. He was found on St. John island, a tropical paradise far removed from their suburban life. Leaving the cold winter behind, Irene flies down to the beautiful Caribbean beaches of St. John. *If you want to escape reality - this is a good one.

Summer of 69 ✴ Elin Hilderbrand

It's 1969, and for the Levin family, the times they are a-changing. Spending the summer at their grandmother's historic home in downtown Nantucket, each character is defined by this moment in time.

Great storytelling keeps you interested If you like historical fiction but during a more recent time in America this one is enjoyable.

The High Season

by Judy Blundell

The ultimate summer (or quarantine) read, this novel of money, class, and family set in the Hamptons. *Quirky and fun but not shallow.

Thriller/ Suspence The Hunting Party ✴

by Lucy Foley

The Hunting Party is an entertaining mystery about a group of seven friends who spend New Year's Eve in the Scottish Highlands at a hunting lodge. By the end, one winds up dead changing all of their lives forever. *Good plot twists.

Death of Mrs. Westaway ✴

by Ruth Ware

On a day that begins like any other, Hal receives a mysterious letter bequeathing her a substantial inheritance. She realizes very quickly that the letter was sent to the wrong personbut also that the cold-reading skills shes honed as a tarot card reader might help her claim the money. *Masterful storytelling, Ruth Ware does not disappoint. If you love mystery this one is awesome.

Sharp Objects ✴

by Gillian Flynn

Reporter Camille Preaker returns to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. *This darkly suspenseful story is addictive and the writing is awesome. (But not an uplifting read at all).

Something in the Water ✴

by Catherine Steadman

The lives of newlyweds honeymooning in Bora Bora change dramatically when while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water.

Could the life of your dreams be the stuff of nighmares? Should they speak out or protect their secret.

After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt?

Non-Fiction Maybe You Should Talk to Someone ✴

By Lori Gottlieb

As Gottlieb explores the inner chambers of her patients' lives -- a self-absorbed Hollywood producer, a young newlywed diagnosed with a terminal illness, a senior citizen threatening to end her life on her birthday if nothing gets better, and a twenty-something who can't stop hooking up with the wrong guys -- she finds that the questions they are struggling with are the very ones she is examinging in her own life. *If you want to go deep in self-analysis in this exploration of what makes us human, this is it.

Memoir Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me

by Adrienne Brodeur

Wild Game is a brilliant, timeless memoir about how the people close to us can break our hearts simply because they have access to them, and the lies we tell in order to justify the choices we make. *The real-life characters come alive and the author's insights and writing are powerful.

Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love

by Dani Shapiro

Inheritance is a book about secrets—secrets within families, kept out of shame or self-protectiveness; secrets we keep from one another in the name of love. *Thoughtful exploration about what it means to question your identity in mid-life after a DNA search.

For current information please visit our website at stjohnsmag.com

Closures and Cancellations A Message from the Library Waves of Healing: How Surfing Changes the Lives of Children with Autism

by Cash Lambert Stand up, up, UP!” is the mantra of Surfers for Autism, an organization that runs surf events for children with autism, providing the opportunity to not only catch waves, but to become part of a supportive surfing community.

It is also a message to all those struggling with autism: a message to stand up, no matter how hard it gets. Waves of Healing collects the stories of a group of everyday families who discovered Surfers for Autism in their search for hope, answers, and healing for their children with autism.

These are stories about the struggles children with autism face—the struggle to stand on a surfboard, the struggle to communicate, the struggle to make progress in a world which accepts “normal” and rejects all else.

But they’re also stories of breakthroughs, of authentic joy and unbridled excitement as they learn to see their world from a whole new perspective— standing tall atop a surfboard, riding a wave all their own.

Exploring new avenues of therapy for those with autism, with therapeutic and extraordinary results, Waves of Healing is a snapshot of hope, courage, and human perseverance.

The health and safety of our community, volunteers and staff are a top priority. St. Johns County Public Library System Libraries and Bookmobiles are included in St. Johns County COVID-19 closures. All Libraries and Bookmobiles are closed through April 17, 2020.

AT THE LIBRARY Library materials will not be due until after we re-open sometime after April 17. The exact date is to be determined. Updates will be provided on this page and on our social media channels.

Although the book drops are open (except at the Bartram Trail Branch Library) we encourage you to keep your materials at home.

No fines will be assessed while we are closed.

Holds and Interlibrary Loan services are unavailable until we reopen.

Our eLibrary collection is available 24/7. You can access these resources from wherever you are by visiting our eLibrary page.

Looking to keep the little ones at home entertained? We suggest the OverDrive Kids page. We especially like the Read-Alongs & picture book collection.

Have questions? Start a conversation with your librarian via chat, text, or email with our online Ask a Librarian service.

www.stjohnsmag.com

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Community Profile

Dr. Erick Aguilar Learn more about the Republican Candidate for the US House, FL 4th District

E

rick Javier Aguilar was born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in 1975. At the age of 7 (1982), he moved with his family to Brooklyn, NY in the East New York neighborhood area. It was a challenging time for him and his family growing up in the “rough” area of Brooklyn during the unwanted epidemic of drugs and crime, education and economic crisis, and lack of public trust.

Yet, he overcame the struggles and took on those lessons to pursue a better life.

Eventually, he was accepted to John Jay High School with the intention to be a lawyer in the future. Unfortunately, the pressures of his social environment overcame his goal and he barely graduated from John Jay High School. During High School, he was working part-time at a delivery service company delivering letters and packages after school from Midtown to Downtown.

After High School, he was training to be an automotive technician, and graduated from Apex Technical School in 1995. He was interviewing for many jobs in the automotive field with no luck. During his search, he worked part-time at a fast food pasta restaurant at the Manhattan Mall as a food delivery person. As he continued his job search while working, he found that the U.S. Navy was recruiting for aviation maintenance. His family was not known for any military service, but ever since Erick could understand the culture of the United States, he did not shun the idea of joining the U.S. military. He did speak about the U.S. military service openly during his High School years with his close friends to join the U.S. Army. Erick is a firm believer that God has a plan for everyone and an important direction, and in his life, the signs led to joining the U.S military, and he chose to join the U.S. Navy with no nautical experience.

On April 8, 1996, his journey in joining the MOST powerful naval force ever created had started. This journey changed his life DRAMATICALLY! He served his country proudly all over the world.

He never declined an invitation to defend his country around the world. He joined challenging deployments in the Persian Gulf during Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, encountering and deterring Somalian Pirates, protecting the sea lanes in the 5th fleet area, forward deployed in the Asia sea lanes, and other missions that are more confidential. In 2016, Chief Petty Officer (AW/SW) Erick Javier Aguilar retired after 20 years of naval service serving PROUDLY with Honor, Courage, and Commitment. While serving in the U.S. Navy, Chief Aguilar lead Sailors in aviation management, technology, logistics, and fiscal administration operations. He earned numerous military awards and decorations for his valiant and dedicated service. He is ever grateful for the opportunity to serve for the people of the United States to defend the valuable freedoms this great country continues to provide to its people.

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Dr. Erick Aguilar has been teaching in higher education for 14 years at the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels. He has taught in several concentration areas in business, technology, and history, and conducted professional development training and business enhancement workshops. He has provided subject matter expertise to develop leadership, business, project management, cybersecurity, computer technology, U.S. and World history, and marketing curriculum. He has served as a private Consultant to provide mentorship and coaching to business leaders in organizational culture, operational management, finance, investments, technology, and productivity. He is also a Stock Trader and Financial Advisor, and leads two small businesses that focus on professional development, curriculum management, and Executive Asset Management. He keeps the businesses small to be manageable in his life, as he enjoys what he does. When elected, he will suspend his roles from the businesses.

Dr. Erick Aguilar’s personal interests are research, writing, “Big” baseball fan (Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees), supports Jacksonville Jaguars and Jacksonville sports teams, also enjoys following football, soccer, tennis, golf, and basketball, and enjoys mechanical and electrical work (airplane, automobile, motorcycles, and homes).

He is blessed to be married to the woman of his dreams! Extremely blessed to raise 5 children: 2 boys (14 yrs. and 9-month old) and 3 girls (4, 6, and 9 years old)! They enjoy being active together to enjoy the beauty of life. He really understands the value of family and wishes everyone to enjoy the value of family also, as family is the foundation of our society to make us better for each other.

www.stjohnsmag.com

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St. Augustine Fashion Week Bartram Trail FAshion Academy Showcase Bartram Trail Fashion Academy senior design groups Casual Couture Designers: Gillian Haber Tiffany Wilson and Savannah Wright

C & C Designs Designers: Camia Bentley and Ciara Jordan

Dream On Designers: Lexi Burditt, Anna Lovin, Carolina Minozzi, Carla Moceri

Dixie Kids Designers: Olivia D’Errico and Teaghan King

Renew Designer: Marta Miles

Beach Town: Sunset Designers: Riley Hardison and Grace Weithman

L.M.J Designers: Megan Acosta, Jessica Blodgett and Lauren Krejci Confidence Designers: Emma Baker and Kalyn Wellesley

3 Needles: Brain Designer: Dmitri Sieracki

Prilysemar Designers: Priscilla Adams, Tialyse Brown, and Amari Raiford

Kay & Vee Designs: About Last Night Designers: Veronica Dominguez and Kierra Ivey

J.A.S Designs Designers: Jovanna Cernatescu, Alyssa Crews and Savannah Hutton

Blue Dolphin Court Designer: Lauren Donalson

3 Needles: Brain Designers: Dmitri Sieracki

Bartram Trail Fashion Student Design Competition

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Grunge Style: Old Skool Designers: Gabby Genovese, Madison Humphreys, and Julianna Norrid

Jayful Designer: Jillian Findling

Montgomery Designs Designer: Katie Hayes

Fiona Boes Designs Designer: Fiona Yonkers

Chloe Hill Designs Designer: Chloe Hill

Maria Lopez Designs Designer: Maria Lopez Hernandez

Lola Designs Designer: Lola Bouchy

Rachel Williams Designs Designer: Rachel Williams

Itsliddystyle Designer: Liddy Dow

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Winner of the Student Competition Chloe Hill, Chloe Hill Designs

St. Augustine Fashion Week Student Showcase Featuring: Designs by Bartram Trail High School Fashion Academy Students Teacher: Rebekah Marsh, Fashion Design Academy Photos: Mindy Kerr, Nature's Child Photography

Chloe Hill Designs, Chloe Hill

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3 Needles: Brain Designers: Dmitri Sieracki

Prilysemar Designers: Priscilla Adams, Tialyse Brown, and Amari Raiford

3 Needles: Brain Designers: Dmitri Sieracki

C & C Designs Designers: Camia Bentley and Ciara Jordan

Itsliddystyle Designers: Liddy Dow www.stjohnsmag.com

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The

Wellness Expert

For more information on setting healthy boundaries, maintaining strong relationships, and keeping Good Mental Health a priority, visit our blog at GoodMentalHealthLLC.com.

by Diana Brummer, MSW, LCSW GoodMentalHealthLLC.com Office: 904-325-6105 Mobile: 904-419-7435

Staying Grounded in a World Turned Upside Down

W

e are experiencing an unprecedented global health crisis. In a world that feels largely out of control, what can we do to stay calm while facing so much uncertainty?

First and foremost, we must recognize that we are human and it is a normal human reaction to feel anxious and worried at a time like this. Whatever your style of coping, recognize that you are doing the best you can in a difficult situation.

That being said, the following are a few techniques you may also find helpful.

ing and resilient and brilliant when we work together for a common goal? Also, yes.

As quickly as a crisis can manifest, it can also resolve. When our minds drift to worry about the future and the safety of our loved ones, we can affirm that there are brilliant minds around the world pooling their talents, skills, training, and abilities to identify a solution to this

Denying difficult emotions does not prevent us from having them. Doing so, we bottle them up, stuff them down, and let them accumulate until they erupt in unhealthy ways and at inopportune times. Grounding is a skill that becomes stronger with practice. It begins when we give ourselves space and grace to feel difficult emotions.

It works by challenging our unproductive, negative thoughts and reframing them with more helpful, productive thoughts instead. What we focus on increases so let's make sure we are focusing on the magic that is possible versus the fear that it's not.

Challenge negative thinking: Our interpretation of a situation will create our experience of that situation. The reasons we are socially distancing are serious and scary, however, the experience of social distancing doesn’t have to be.

Reframe this experience by giving yourself permission to enjoy this mandatory time out. Experience being at home, spend more time with family, brainstorm creative ways to connect with others without physically meeting up. We have the option to view this situation as a crisis as well as an opportunity. I would offer that most situations in life can be viewed, and treated, as both.

Be mindful of your focus: Is a global pandemic terrifying? Yes. Is the divinely inspired human race amaz-

22

These are the things we can control. Just as we can remind ourselves that a solution is on it’s way to us, we can also remind ourselves that, by doing our part, we are helping to bring that solution more quickly into reality. We must focus on what we can control, and then commit to doing it. We move forward with faith that the rest, which is not in our control, is also in progress by others who are capable and inspired to solve this problem.

problem. By working together, we can and will overcome this problem.

Ask, what’s in my control?

We have been given a mission: practice social distancing. Limit non-essential travel. Work from home if we can. Wash our hands. Selfisolate if we experience symptoms of illness.

If you are experiencing increased anxiety during this difficult time, please visit our website at www.GoodMentalHealthLLC.com for access to relevant blog posts, local resources, or to schedule an appointment. For the safety of our community, all upcoming appointments will take place by phone or online via video chat.

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beauty

Wedding Day Skin Prep

S

o much time on your wedding day will be spent making sure the flowers arrive, the centerpieces are intact, and everyone in your bridal party is accounted for; But there is one thing you’ll know you can count on just by a little preparation and some tender love and care- flawless skin. Here are a few tips to keep your skin free of imperfections, and feeling soft and smooth all day and into the night.

Glow-Up

With all eyes on you, not to mention photos that will live on in infamy, you will want to have a flawless face, free of dry skin, blemishes, and other skin impurities.

For fabulous looking skin, you will want to start prepping months in advance.

Most experts say six months prior to your wedding day is a good place to start.

Consider seeking guidance from a skincare expert. Visiting a spa will not only keep you relaxed- it will also allow your skin to get the proper care necessary for it to look its best.

In the meantime, something that can be accomplished at home is starting a daily beauty regimen by exfoliating, cleansing, and moisturizing morning and night.

This will help make a difference in your skin’s appearance. As far as products go, everyone’s skin reacts differently. Starting your regimen this far in advance will give you the chance to test different products to see which ones work the best for you. To enhance the effects of your daily routine, you can also opt for a monthly facial. If professional facials don’t fit your budget, you can see a skincare professional who can offer tips and products for you to use on your own at home.

Smooth Skin from Head to Toe

Although your wedding gown may cover a lot of area, that’s all the more reason to highlight the visible zones like your neck, chest, back, and shoulders. You can consider the neck and chest an extension to the face-the skin is just as delicate, if not more, and requires similar maintenance. To improve your routine, try a super plumping Oxygen facial that will leave your skin glowing for weeks. BodyBrite uses vitamins and minerals to instantly diminish dull skin and any imperfections.

As for the rest of the body, consider a painless, affordable, non-invasive hair removal option, such as Intense Pulse Light Therapy. Start 6 months in advance to make sure you get all sessions in to achieve 80% permanent hair loss by the time your wedding arrives. No more razor bumps, painful waxing, or pesky plucking!

Do Not Forget Hands

If there is one day in your life that you’d want to have beautiful hands, it’s your wedding day. The face and hands are the most often exposed, which leaves them

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by Kristy Robinson Manager & Aesthetician BodyBrite – St. Johns

more vulnerable to impurities of the skin. Prepare the hands for all of those closeups and showing off your ring by getting an Intense Pulse Light Therapy session to get rid of discoloration/sun-damage, wrinkles, and sagging skin. It takes just 4-5 sessions to get flawless looking skin with IPL.

Smile!

Do not forget about your pearly whites. Teeth whitening can be expensive and painful at the dentist. Try an effortless tooth whitening treatment at BodyBrite St. Johns at an affordable price. Their formulas professionally and safely lighten your natural tooth enamel color and removes stains within an hour.

Healthy Skin that Lasts

Generally, there are a few things to keep in mind that will benefit every inch of your skin. First and absolutely foremost: Drink plenty of water. Water will flush toxins from the body, and given enough time, will aid in the fight against breakouts. Other ways to heal the skin from the inside out is to adopt a real, whole foods diet and lifestyle. To cover all of your bases, you might want to pick up a multi-vitamin, but specifically for skin, biotin, omega-3, and vitamin E supplements are all good choices. Just consult your doctor before you start any supplement intake. You know what they say: You are what you eat. When you are getting the nourishment that the body needs, you will not only look fabulous, but you will feel fabulous as well. Also, if you find yourself in the sun often, make sure you are wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and wearing appropriate clothing. Brides often want to rock a beautiful bronze, but baking in the sun or in an artificial tanning bed is not worth potential drying out, wrinkles, and age spots. If you want a great-looking tan, opt for spray or self-tanners.

Get Glowing

1. Feeling overwhelmed? Do Not Worry!

2. Here are the key things to remember: 3. Start prepping 6 months in advance with a skincare expert to help guide you.

4. Begin a daily beauty regimen that includes cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and SPF. 5. Remember to treat your entire body and consider IPL therapy to help treat unwanted hairs and help correct any skin damage.

6. You are what you eat. Drink water, eat healthy, and vitamins.

7. Practice safe sun and always wear SPF. 8. Do not pick at blemishes if they appear.

9. Stick to the routine and keep stress levels low- you’ll have a wedding glow!

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304 Corporate Way, Orange Park FL 904-278-3870 14333 Beach Blvd, Suite 42 Jacksonville, FL 904-567-7519

A Message From The Vet

by Dr. Deckard, DVM Pets R Family

COVID-19 & Your Pet COVD-19 is at the forefront of everyone’s minds right now so I want

drug companies either make

to address some common questions about whether your pet may be af-

their drugs or obtain ingre-

fected by this virus.

dients for their drugs from

What is COVID-19?

China. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) contacted

While coronaviruses are common, COVID-19 is a new strain of corona-

all of these companies, and to

virus that had previously not been identified in humans. The key features

date, none of them have re-

of COVID-19 are respiratory symptoms with a fever and cough. Like

ported drug shortages however

all new infections, understanding COVID-19 is important with details

shortages are anticipated in the

coming in rapidly.

future.

Coronaviruses in pets have been around for a very long time. It is important to know that the coronavirus of infected dogs and cats cannot af-

What should I do?

fect humans. Cats get their own coronavirus that typically causes either

Although research is underway, there is no vaccine against COVID-19

no clinical signs or very mild diarrhea. The feline coronavirus is also as-

currently available. Until we have an effective vaccine, we all need to

sociated with another disease called feline infectious peritonitis, which is

exercise some common sense, including:

very serious. Similarly, dogs have their own coronavirus that can cause

• Don’t panic!

diarrhea, lethargy, and reduced appetite, but most dogs recover unevent-

• Stay informed – read unfiltered information from veterinarians as

fully with supportive care. Simply stated, cat and dog coronaviruses are very different than COVID-19.

Can my pet get it?

On February 27, 2020, news broke of a Pomeranian in Hong Kong that tested weak positive for COVID-19 from swabs obtained from the nose

more data becomes available • Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, including after handling / petting animals. This recommendation isn’t specific for COVID-19 – hand washing helps reduce the transmission of multiple infectious diseases!

• If you have COVID-19, restrict contact with pets and other

and mouth. It is important to note that it is highly unlikely that your pet

animals. According to the American Veterinary Medical Associa-

would be able to harbor the virus on their fur since it is porous and fi-

tion (AVMA), sick individuals should “avoid contact with animals,

brous. Veterinarians and human health officials have decided after many

including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing

tests, that the affected dog had a low-level of infection that was likely to

food.” Another family member or friend should care for animals

be a case of human-to-animal transmission.

in the household whenever possible.

To be cautious, the dog was quarantined, but has never had clinical signs for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO)

The take-away message about COVID-19 and pets…

report there is no evidence cats or dogs can spread COVID-19. Further-

The novel coronavirus COVID-19 is not thought to cause clinical disease

more, there is also no evidence pets get sick from COVID-19.

in companion animals. As we learn more about this virus, you should

One of the world’s leading veterinary diagnostics firms tested thousands

keep abreast of any new information that is learned about the virus.

of dogs and cats for the new coronavirus, and not a single case came

Most veterinarians are staying open as essential providers of care for our

back positive. This backs up the theory that pets cannot catch or spread

pets and are taking proper precautions to limit person to person contact.

Covid-19.

These precautions include curbside service, shipment of medication to

of illness. Based on currently available information, both the US Centers

How Covid-19 could have an impact on available pet medications.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 32 animal

the home, delivery of food and medications, drop off appointments, telemedicine and phone consultations. Do not delay your pet’s care during this time. Contact your veterinarian for how they can help care for your pet during this challenging time. www.stjohnsmag.com

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