Giggle Magazine April 2009

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happy family • happy community

green issue

PREMIERE ISSUE • APRIL 2009

going

green

easter egg

funa

alachua county recycling tips

diaper dilema

cloth vs disposable diapers

eco-friendly

homes

by Carter Construction

benefits of laughter

earth day celebration

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Stronger, healthier babies.

Every day, we do all we can to make sure every baby is born healthy.

Find out how we’re helping a baby you love at marchofdimes.com.

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magazine

giggl e

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green issue

happy family • happy community

Nicole Irving President

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Shane Irving Vice President Managing Editor Chris Wilson

Art Director Leslie Vega

Contributing Writers Wendy Joysen, Alison Walker, Mary Reichardt, Sara Powell, Alyssa Larenzie Jillian Rogers, Michelle Ashworth, Rachael Pino, Tiffani Amo, Dana Kamp Photographers Laurel Housden Photography, Alyson Landry, Kelsey Gordon, Steven Keys

giggle is a modern and refreshing magazine for the families and communities of Alachua County, Florida. With our sole purpose of keeping families and communities connected, giggle will keep readers intrigued, informed, and inspired with up to date information and heartwarming stories.

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every month 8 Craft Corner Easter Egg Fun

10 Joys of Parenthood The funny moments...

11 Why I Love Raising My Family In Gainesville

Local families share why they love this community

16 Charity of the Month Irving Publications reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising.

Irving Publications is not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Nothing that appears in giggle may be reproduced in any way, without written permission. Opinions expressed by giggle writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. giggle will consider all never-before-published outside editorial submissions. Irving Publications reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

The Keep America Beautiful Organization

21 In the Kitchen Local family recipes

7 Working With Mom

12 Legal Side of Things

Dana Kamp and her boys at Miracles Maternity

Informing families of the important legal issues that effect them.

14 Earth Day

History of Earth Day and local events

22 All Kidding Aside

Tough questions answered about kids, family, school, parenting, and everything in between.

24 Alachua County Goes Green 31 Family Spotlight The Carters of Carter Construction

36 Diaper Dilema

Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers

38 Chocolate Fever

Exploring The Benefits of Laughter

29 giggle grub

Restaurant Spotlight: Blue Highway Gainesville moms take a break

34 giggle dollars Tax Time!

40 Shop Til’ You Drop 41 Calendar of Events 42 gigglescope

Fun and lighthearted horoscopes

43 Day Trips

on the cover Easter Egg Fun Earth Day Celebration Going Green Benefits of Laughter Eco-Friendly Homes Diaper Dilema

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Cover photo courtesy of Istock.com, Catherine Yeulet

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Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka

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5745 SW 75th Street #286 Gainesville, FL 32608 p. 352.505.5821 f. 352.240.6499

columns

26 Health & Wellness 30 Ladies’ Night Out

irvingpublications

features

If you are interested in receiving giggle magazine free and delivered to your door send us an email with your information to: subscriptions@irvingpublications.com premiere issue

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Farmer’s

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letter from the publisher W

elcome to the first issue of giggle, a monthly magazine for the families and communities of Alachua County, Florida. Our purpose is to keep the families and communities of Alachua County connected, so that we can all help make our area a wonderful place to live and to raise a family.

It took me 32 years, a college education, a seven-year marriage, three beautiful sons and a new magazine under my wing to figure out my passion. Deep down I just want to be ME, a name which cannot be defined only by a profession, but as a person who wants to make a difference. I’m a Mom, who reads bedtime stories, wipes runny noses, kisses boo-boos, signs up for Soccer Mom, classroom mom and play group scheduler; a wife, who can’t cook and hates laundry, balancing checkbooks and changing kitty litter; a friend who will always make time for shopping, eating, gossiping and will always be here when you need me; a member of society who tries to “treat others as you would want to be treated.” giggle magazine is for the “me” in everyone. But, I am part of a larger family picture, which to me is this wonderful community I call, “Home!”

Alachua County has been my home for the past 11 years and it has so much to offer families that I wanted to share what I love most about it with you. giggle magazine will include stories about local families, such as The Carter family who builds “green homes,” stories about charities, such as the Keep Alachua County Beautiful, and shopping spotlights, like the one about Miracles Maternity Boutique. Even our “Local Lifesavers” article isn’t about candy, but where to take your three-year-old to be a three-year-old.

Each month, we will fill giggle with stories that we hope inspire, intrigue and inform you about what is going on in the community. We have developed this magazine to offer you the freshest ideas and advice from people and families, just like you. The results will surprise, delight, inform and even make you giggle, too!

We hope you enjoy the magazine and let us know what you are thinking. Your readership and interest in our magazine and the work we do is appreciated. Please feel free to submit article ideas and share your thoughts with me at nicole@irvingpublications.com.

aNicole President

For great deals...

on organic vegetables, plants and other items, visit one of our area’s wonderful farmer’s markets.

Check out the markets at: Tioga Town Center Mondays, 4 p.m.-7 p.m Haile Plantation Village Center Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Intersection of U.S. 441 and NW 34th St. in Gainesville 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays

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shopping spotlight p advertise with giggle.

Irving Publications is proud to publish giggle magazine, a modern and refreshing magazine for the families of Alachua county, Florida.

If you’re interested in reaching the families of Alachua County without blowing your annual budget, choose us. We have ad rates that will make you giggle. advertising@irvingpublications.com

irvingpublications 5745 SW 75th Street #286 Gainesville, FL 32608 p. 352.505.5821 f. 352.240.6499

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working

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organic clothing. Miracles also offers a variety of local products, including maternity Gator shirts and hand-made diaper cakes (carefully rolled diapers assembled in the shape of a layer cake, held together with ribbon and stuffed with baby accessories).

While Kamp understands the need to keep her store’s items affordable, she also understands the struggle every working woman faces by having children, including the choice to either forfeit a career to stay home or to re-enter the work force hoping not to miss a childhood milestone.

BY MARY REICHARDT, Photos by Alyson Landry

As I walked into Miracles Maternity Boutique in beautiful Thornebrook Village, I immediately felt the instant charm of the small specialty store.

Despite the fact that owner Dana Kamp was busy untangling herself from her sons Carson (age 2) and Miles (age 4), she managed to greet me with a warm smile and a welcoming wave.

The store was conceived in 2002, during a conversation among girlfriends regarding the need for cute maternity and nursing clothes in Gainesville.

“It began with the celebrities starting to wear trendy, cute clothes that showed off their pregnancy in a fashionable way,” said Kamp, who wanted to bring this idea to local women.

It didn’t take long for her trendy clothes to catch on. Customers soon began asking for more specialty items and Kamp added infant wear and shower gifts.

“Customers were asking me for sweeter, more unique children’s clothing than they were finding at mall and department stores,” said Kamp.

“They wanted something different — something not every kid in the playgroup was wearing.”

She challenges herself to find unique, beautiful items at an affordable cost, but still manages to carry almost 40 different lines of products. Her favorite and most popular lines are Robeez and pediped footwear for children and nursing and maternity lines, like Japanese Weekend. She recently has added an entire section devoted to

“I knew I needed my kids with me, but I also needed the professional outlet,” she explained. Between a play corner for all kids, the kid-oriented back room and computer games, Kamp’s sons feel like the store is their second home.

“I want to give the best customer service I can, but with potty breaks, the need for mommy’s help and two kids who don’t nap, it can be overwhelming,” said Kamp.

As I pushed my own son in his stroller around the store, I knew the peaceful, laid-back atmosphere was a testament to Kamp’s desire for her patrons to feel at ease. At Miracles Maternity Boutique, shoppers can enjoy a variety of clothes and gift items under dim lights, pale blue walls, soft music and the occasional Tonka truck pushed by a two-year-old.

I remembered how beautiful I felt in my cream colored, 100 percent cotton tunic at my baby shower. I bought it from one of the many great sale racks at Miracles when I was eight months pregnant. b Pictured above: Dana, owner of Miracles Maternity, at work with her sons Carson and Miles

2441 NW 43rd St. 352-338-2040 premiere issue

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craft corner p

Why Eggs?

Easter Bunny Egg Project materials

needed

BY JILLIAN ROGERS

Photos left to right, Left photo Istock.com, Leigh Schindler, project photo Istock.com, Sean Locke, last photo provided by author

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ifferent cultures have developed their own symbolism of the egg, including that of new life, fertility, and springtime just to name a few. While the egg’s precise symbolic origin is unknown, the egg can be traced back as symbol of resurrection and god from ancient Greek festivals, a popular gift of exchange in medieval times. Eggs may possibly have become a canvas when eggs were in surplus during Lent, because it was forbidden to eat them. Over thousands of years, the egg has evolved into a decorative symbol of Easter and springtime play.

-Hard boiled egg(s) -food coloring -vinegar -bowl(s) -paintbrushes -crayons -paper towels/bath towel -cotton balls -glue

what todo!

1. Place 1/2 to 1 tbsp. of food coloring with 2 tsp. vinegar into a bowl. (Make sure the bowl is deep enough, so the egg can submerge completely.)

2. Using crayons, draw on the hardboiled eggs a set of bunny ears, eyes, a triangle shaped nose, whiskers and a mouth.

3. Submerge the egg gently into the bowl with the colored mixture. Let the egg sit for at least a minute. Use a soup spoon or tongs to retrieve the egg from the bowl. Let the egg dry on paper towels, a bath towel or in the styrofoam egg tray.

The crayon should not be absorbed by the dye and you should be able to see the face of your Easter bunny.

4. Using glue apply a piece of the cotton ball onto the back of the egg for the tail.

• Older children can apply googley eyes, triangle-shaped felt ears, a felt nose and mouth and string for whiskers, instead of using a crayon.

get in on the easter fun! premiere issue

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why i love raising my children in

joys of parenthood

the funny

moments...

gainesville

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s I was doing the dishes one afternoon, I realized that I hadn’t heard the boys since they passed by me on the way to their room about 10 minutes earlier. When there is silence from a 3-year-old and 2-yearold for more than 5 minutes, you know something is going on. As I turned off the water and dried my hands, all I could hear were the giggles of mischievous little boys!

Nickie, mom of three

share your funny moment with us! send it to:

giggle@irvingpublications.com you may just see your story here!

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When you keep your tire pressure at the optimal level, you save gas. And, if everyone participated, we would save a lot of gas. When you under-inflate tires, it adds rolling resistance, which causes the engine to work harder and use more gas.

(Info from www.Treehugger.com) According to reusablebags.com, the United States goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags each year. And, plastics do not biodegrade. Instead, plastic bags break down into smaller and smaller pieces when exposed to sunlight in a process known as photodegrade.

Amy, Zachary, and Shayla Burke (Not Pictured: Jimmy Burke)

Photos left to right, Illustration courtesy of Istockphoto.com, family photo by Kelsey Gordon

Sally, mother of Seth, 4

As I round the corner, all I could see was a cloud of white powder and my 2-year-old covered from head-to-toe in baby powder.

He giggled, as his brother tapped his head hard enough to form a cloud of white! As if that wasn’t bad enough, I noticed that there was a creamy white substance all over the rug and an empty tube of something. I am sure in the mind of my three-year-old he was thinking, “Mom, we had to cover him with Desitin first,” the oil-based diaper rash cream commonly found in all nurseries! I have come to the horrifying conclusion that underneath all that white baby powder, both on my son and on the rug, is a thick layer of Desitin! It took an entire bottle of dish soap to cut through the oily cream on my son and an hour of steaming the rug to bring both back to normal. Lesson learned: lock up the Desitin and the powder!

Check your tire pressure.

Use Re-useable bags

“wow. being a mom is priceless!”

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oday, as Steven and I were having a conversation in the front seat of the car, Seth, in the back seat, politely interrupted us to ask us to unlock the window, so that he could throw something out. Being the conscientious protectors of nature that we are, Steven responded, “No, we don’t throw stuff out the window, Buddy.” I said, “Here, Seth, just give it to me,” and I blindly reached my hand behind me to retrieve the “trash” he wanted to throw out. I felt a very small particle of matter being placed in my hand.

As I bring my hand back around in front of me, I realize that I should have allowed him to roll down the window and deposit his “trash” outside. I now could see clearly the booger that he has placed in the palm of my hand. What a treat! Wow, being a mom is priceless!

the burkes

eco-smarttips

Gainesville is a small, close-knit community at its core. There is a mix of country, city, and international diversity, which is something I enjoy. But, Gainesville still has that hometown feeling. I love raising my family in a city with so much diversity in such a small package. Our family has many entertainment choices and numerous activities we can participate in all within a short drive. There are a large assortment of sporting events and programs for school-aged children, cultural programs, school choices, city and state parks and indoor and outdoor activities.

There really is something for everyone in Gainesville. Plus, we’ve had the opportunity to know other families who live in all parts of Alachua County, not just on our side of town. When I meet new people, I often find we already have a common connection. Gainesville is a great place to call “home.”

The Gainesville area also has an amazing spirit of giving. I have come to realize and experience so many opportunities to serve our community, both with time and money. The community reaches out and that’s an awesome thing to experience.

Today, it is both easy and inexpensive to participate in using reusable bags. Next time you visit your favorite store, check to see if they carry their own reusable bags.

Target, Walmart, Publix and Fresh Market are just a few stores that carry their own bags for sale.

Change your lightbulbs

By using compact flouresent light bulbs, you receive the same amount of light that you did from your incandescent bulb, but you use 75-80 percent less electricity. (www.fastcompany.com)

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the legal side of things informing parents of the legal issues that affect them.

Prepared Parents

By attorney Alison Walker

Photo by Kesley Gordon

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ave you given thought to who will care for

your children in the event you are unable to do so? If your answer is “no,” then you are not alone. Many parents have not planned for the care of their children, ensured that their finances and business matters are in order or made certain that their property will be transferred according to their desires. Some of the most important planning tools for parents include a Last Will and Testament (Will), including the designation of guardian for minor children (both temporary and permanent) and a Health Care Power of Attorney for Children.

“who will care for your children?”

When a person dies without a Will, their estate will be distributed according to the laws of their particular state. The intestacy laws will dictate how your property will be distributed between a surviving spouse, children from a prior relationship, mutual children or stepchildren, which may or may not be most desirable for every family situation.

In the event that parents have not executed an appropriate Will and the minor children inherit property, establishing a guardianship will be necessary in most situations. Guardianships require court supervision and the guardians of the property have limited authority to decide how 12

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the property should be managed. Guardianships can be costly. One way a Guardianship can be avoided is by establishing a trust. You can designate who will handle the children’s property until an age that you deem suitable, rather than the court appointing someone to handle your children’s financial matters.

When one parent dies, generally, the other parent will become the natural guardian and the children will go to live with the surviving parent.

But, what happens when both parents have died prematurely and neither the mother nor the father has designated a person to care for the children?

In that case, a court must make a decision based upon applicable law and what is in the best interests of the children. Parents should make the choice by taking into account a preference for caregivers, who will foster their personal family values and encourage other important lifestyle choices they want for their children. Without careful planning, a court may have to make this decision without any information from the parents. You can provide for the important designation of a guardian for your children in your Will.

However, a Will doesn’t come into effect until a person dies. It is important that parents have authorized a third party, whom they trust, to have a temporary guardianship of the children when one or both parents are unable to take care of their children. For example, you should name a competent guardian for your children in situations when your child is traveling without you, your children are staying with another adult while you are away or when parents are faced with an unplanned emergency or temporary incapacity. Parents can authorize this type of guardianship themselves and it is essentially a power of attorney that a parent gives to another adult for the temporary guardianship over a minor child or children for a specific length of time. In Florida, and almost every other state, you are considered a minor until you are age 18.

Parents can authorize a temporary guardianship without the necessity of court approval, which

may be required if the parents have not planned ahead and designated a temporary guardian before it is necessary.

Another similar document is a form of a power of attorney, where parents can authorize another adult to provide for the medical treatment of their minor child or children. This type of form is often referred to as a Health Care Power of Attorney

352-505-5440

www.greatsouthernmusic.net

“Parents should make the choice...” for Children or Minors. This may also be important if your children spend significant time with a regular caregiver or a relative.

Although you should consult an attorney to discuss the right estate plan for you, it may not necessarily be complicated. The right estate plan for parents may simply be two Wills and a testamentary trust.

Each planning tool can and should be customized to serve particular individual and family needs. Remember, each individual’s estate planning needs to be changed as their family grows or ages.

Families should review their estate planning documents every several years or upon a significant change to ensure that their plans are appropriate for their family and financial situations. b ****This information should not be used as a substitute for seeking needed advice from an attorney or other qualified adviser regarding your individual needs.

have a legal question?

Send in your question to Alison at advice@irvingpublications.com You may just see the answer here!

Owned by Tom and Robin Llinas,

Great Southern Music prides itself on being different from the other studios.

From Instrument repairs, rentals and purchases to music lessons, Great Southern Music has everything you need to become a great musician.

They have recently added morning and evening Kindermusik classes, taught by Lacey Cupp and Celeste Cragun. Let your little ones learn the joy of music and dance in a fun environment.

This summer is a great time to get your youngster started in music. Call Great Southern Music to find out about summer music camps for preschoolers!

Great Southern Music offers large, quiet lesson rooms in a family-friendly atmosphere. Their instructors are highly-qualified and professional, giving lessons on 14 different instruments, including group violin lessons. Great Southern Music teaches voice lessons and has a fun guitar club. Their students range from 5-85!

Family-oriented and conveniently located in the Oaks Mall Plaza issue 13 Contact Tompremiere and Robin Llinas.

earth day celebration

earth day p

By michelle ashworth

Earth Day has been an important part of the Gainesville community, and this year will be no different. Organizations all over Gainesville will be participating in events throughout April to celebrate the national holiday.

According to an article (at www.envirolink.org) by former U.S. Senator and Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, the evolution of the holiday took more than seven years. Nelson had planned a five-day, 11-state national conservation tour in September 1963 on behalf of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Although it didn’t happen until years later, the tour sparked the idea that eventually became Earth Day. The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970.

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Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com, Anette Romanenko

Earth Day is not just a holiday for adults. There are many fun ways for kids to get involved in going green.

There will be an early Earth Day celebration Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Harn Museum of Art. The festivities will include live performances, games and ecofriendly crafts. Participants also will have the opportunity to learn about local conservation efforts and find out how to get involved. The event is free.

Join UF’s Habitat for Humanity group for a 5K (3.1-mile) walk/run on Sunday, April 19, 8 a.m. at the Reitz Union Colonnade on UF’s campus. The event is being held to bring attention to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a set of standards for sustainable construction that were developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The University of Florida’s Office of Sustainability will host an Earth Day event on Wednesday, April 22, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Plaza of the Americas on the UF campus.

The fun-filled celebration will begin with a speech by UF president Bernie Machen.

Although the event is affiliated with UF student organizations, it is open to the public.b

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors:

we borrow it from our children.”

Native American Proverb premiere issue

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Photos courtesy of Istockphoto.com, Carmen Martinez Banus

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eastside (of Gainesville),” said MacKenzie. “Most of the creeks and lakes that we like to focus on are on the eastside, so we thought it would be easier for people to register and travel from there.”

The family-oriented event also will focus on educating the public about the environment.

There already has been a T-shirt design contest for Alachua County students. In addition, the post-cleanup party will feature booths and tables with information about clean-up efforts and local environmental organizations.

“I think the numbers (of pounds of trash that is picked up during the event) have gone down in recent years and that’s a good thing,” says MacKenzie. “That means there is less trash out there. People are becoming more aware of litter and they’re becoming more conscientious about recycling.”

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the cleaning will start at 9 a.m. Tool drop-off, the after-cleanup celebration party, which includes a Domino’s Pizzasponsored lunch for all volunteers, and the Great American Cleanup Fair will be held at the MLK Center at noon.

You can pre-register by calling Keep Alachua County Beautiful at 352-371-9444. You also can register the morning of the event at one of the two registration sites. You will be allowed to choose your cleanup site.

For more information, visit www.kacb.org.

eco sippy cup!

OGGI BPA free 12 oz stainless steel sippy cup Found locally at Kitchen and Spice Green and Black’s Organic Chocholate Organic lemonade by Belvoir Fruit Farms Left photo by Laurel Housden Photography, product photos by Kelsey Gordon

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Michael Recycle by: Elle Bethel

eco-friendly

BY Jillian Rogers & Chris Wilson

hat if every individual donated a couple days, a few hours or even a few minutes of their time to the Earth? That could mean that there would be one more plastic bottle recycled, another tree planted and one more community beautified.

Every year, the Keep America Beautiful Organization, which is the nation’s largest community improvement organization, sponsors the Great American Cleanup. The organization’s regional affiliate Keep Alachua County Beautiful hosts the local version of the Great American Clean-Up, which draws hundreds of volunteers countywide to events held March 1 through May 31.

“A lot of the smaller municipalities hold their own events, but it all counts toward the Great American Cleanup if it’s done during those two months,” said Keep Alachua County Beautiful executive director Mickie MacKenzie.

However, Gainesville will hold the biggest event on Saturday, April 11. This year, the cleanup is expanding to two Gainesville headquarters, including Westside Park (NW 34th St.) and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center (behind Citizen’s Field in northeast Gainesville) to accommodate volunteers from all areas of Gainesville and Alachua County. From there, volunteers will cleanup various community worksites throughout the county. Most of the work will be done in local neighborhoods or along Gainesville’s creeks.

“We wanted to have a registration center for the

eco-reads Book found at local bookstores!

C harity of the M onth

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If we use it, love it, and would recommend it. We stamp it.

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Found at Fresh Market

eco-clean

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Counter top Spray All Biodegradeable Seventh Generation non-toxic, bio-degradeable natural dish soap Energy saving light bulb Found at your local grocery store Find the giggle stamp all throughout the magazine! We spotlight all the fun stuff that makes life easier and adds a little giggle to our day with our giggle stamp of approval.

If you have something you think deserves the giggle stamp, send us an email at giggle@irvingpublications.com! premiere issue

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our community’s life-saving answers for every age!

local life-savers p

He’s funny, witty, charming and adventurous.

And he’s three!

BY DANA KAMP

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Our area has a plethora of great parks to help your three-yearold release all that energy in a safe, fun setting. We really enjoy Possum Creek Park on NW 53rd Ave., because it has a huge open field and playground equipment. We also love feeding ducks at North Florida Regional Medical Center’s pond. While not technically a park, there is a walking trail around the pond that we can run around while visiting the resident ducks. With Westside Park, Coffrin Park, Kanapaha Park and several smaller parks throughout the city, there is always a great park nearby.

Photos courtesy of Istockphoto.com, Jaime d. Travis

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We have a number of kid-friendly restaurants that make it possible to enjoy a dinner out with a toddler at the table. Those highest on our list are Gator’s Dockside, McAlister’s Deli, Roly Poly, Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders, Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub and Kazbors Grille. All of these have terrific kids’ menus and the waiters have never rolled their eyes at us when grapes are smashed on the floor, a little person with a loud voice is singing “Itsy Bitsy Spider” or the 4 crayons they gave us become 8 mini-crayons. Each of these restaurants serves scrumptious food in an everyone-is-welcome setting.

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We can’t say enough about our experience with Kindermusik -- a music class held at Great Southern Music in the Oaks Mall Plaza. A 10class session is divided into 2-week themes, which is perfect for both a three year old’s need for repetition and the stimulus of new songs and movements.

Instructor Lacey Cupp is an elementary music teacher, who is kind, loving and the most patient person I’ve ever met. She genuinely loves sharing her knowledge of music and how it can enrich your child’s everyday life. giggle@irvingpublications.com

Send us Your life-savers!

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Books are a wonderful gift for your threeyear-old, but they can be expensive. At Gainesville Book Company, all children’s books are only 50 cents. So, the $12.99 book that your little Picasso “decorated” with his 8 mini-crayons at Gator’s Dockside can now be replaced premiere issue

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Mommy giggles.Tummies tickle!

local life-savers

for 50 cents. The staff at this awesome newand-used book shop is cheerful and helpful.

Your child will love exploring the children’s room, with wall-to-wall books on his favorite characters.

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Chicken Poppy Seed Casserole Recipe submitted by Mary Reichardt Photo by Steven Keys

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on!

Ingredients: 4-5 large boneless chicken breasts, cubed 1 small onion, diced 1 cup diced celery 8 oz. sour cream 1 can cream of chicken/mushroom soup ½ cup butter 1 roll Ritz crackers Poppy seed Boil chicken, onion and celery (salt and pepper to taste) for 5-7 minutes—drain. Mix sour cream and soup in a separate bowl. Pour into bottom of 9x10 in. pan or casserole dish. Add chicken and veggies. Melt butter in microwavable dish. Crush crackers and add to butter.

Mix thoroughly and spread on top of chicken dish. Sprinkle top with poppy seed. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Crackers should brown nicely and add great crunch to your casserole. Feeds 3-5 hungry mouths.

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My sister-in-law Jane Reichardt made this chicken poppy seed casserole for me when I was pregnant with my son. I’ve been craving it ever since. It’s easy and economical to make.

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Three years old is a magic age for our little ones. And with the help of these Lifesavers, your life with your little person can be enchanting, too. b

quick recipes the family will love.

Photos courtesy of Istockphoto.com, Felix Thiang

Three years old is not too young to start instilling good sportsmanship and letting your little one gain the friendships that will arise from playing team sports. The YMCA has a number of sports for this age group. We have played t-ball (Hoppin’ Hitters) and soccer (Kangaroo Kickers) through the Y and love the concept of friendly play. There is no scorekeeping and everyone high-fives the opposing team members and runs through a parent-made “tunnel” at the end of the game. Even if your child doesn’t know all the rules of the game, he’ll enjoy being outside, laughing and playing with friends.

Have a fun recipe?

Send in your original family recipe for your chance to win a giggle apron!

Send all recipes to: giggle@irvingpublications.com

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all kiddingaside

in our next issue!

Retired elementary school counselor Wendy Joysen answers tough questions about kids, schools, parenting & everything in between.

Birthday Party ideas

Mother’s Day Shopping Gardening with your kids Grocery Shopping on a Budget

Q: I am a mother of two children,

A: I can only imagine the fear of your kids’ reac-

tion. Experiencing a separation or divorce affects a child in many ways. Some children are able to experience the effects of divorce without significant emotional problems. Other children may feel the effects of divorce as extremely traumatic.

Their emotions may lead to anger, withdrawal, guilt or depression. If your children are affected in any way, you may want to turn to their school guidance counselor for some help. School guidance counselors are valuable resources who can help your children understand their emotions and how they can express them appropriately. School counselors also can help parents understand the reactions and feelings your children are having and how to help your children at home.

You have to consider what is going to best for all of you. If your relationship with your husband is unhealthy and is something that your children do

and more....

If you are unable to find the love that you and your husband once shared, then you have a hard choice to make. What you should always consider is seeking marriage counseling to see if you can salvage your relationship. Marriage and family counselors can give you and your husband the open forum you may need to address your feelings. When looking for a professional counselor in your area, ask friends or doctors for a reference. Or, you can go to the website for the National Board of Certified Counselors and follow the links to “Counselor Find.”

Realize that your kids see more than you think they do. If you are unhappy in your relationship with your husband, they probably see that. If your relationship with your husband can be salvaged, you need to try. Your husband may want to try, too. Otherwise, your misery isn’t going to make the family any happier and waiting a couple of years isn’t going to make it any easier on them.

advice@irvingpublications.com you may just see your story here!

giggle

May Issue!

not enjoy, it would be in everyone’s best interest for you and your husband to consider your options. But, if this is something that only you are feeling, you really need to consider what it is that you feel you are missing in your relationship. Is it something that you and your husband can improve? You married your husband for something that made you smile and love. That something may still be there. I hope you are able to find it.

have a parenting question?

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Be sure to get your hands on our

Photos courtesy of Istockphoto.com, Tatiana Gladskikn

ages 8 and 4. I am very close to separating or divorcing my husband, but I can’t seem to file the papers due to the look I know I’ll see in my kids’ eyes when I tell them. I’m just not happy anymore and I don’t know what would be best for my children.

Should I wait until they are older and continue to be unhappy or should I make a decision based upon my own happiness?

what is

recyclable?

Composting with Kids

Once you have decided where you can recycle, you must determine what is recyclable.

• Plastic recyclables include all containers numbered 1-7, yogurt cups, margarine tubs and empty household bleach bottles. Be sure to rinse out containers and remove plastic caps and lids, which are made from a different type of plastic.

alachua county goes

BY RACHAEL PINO

By recycling 32 percent of all waste, Alachua County residents are proving that going green matters just as much as rooting for the orange and blue.

Becoming part of the green team depends upon where you live. Residents living within Gainesville city limits can take part in the Big Blue and Big Orange curbside recycling program, where blue bins hold plastic, metal and glass recyclables and orange 24

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Green

bins hold paper recyclables. Those residing on-campus at the University of Florida can participate in the UF Office of Sustainability’s program, and residents of the county’s smaller municipalities can work toward small city recycling. People living in the unincorporated area of Alachua County have the option of recycling at Rural Collections Centers, Environmental Park or Big Blue and Big Orange curbside. Pick-up days will correspond with your garbage day.

Photos left to right, left photo Istock.com, Carmen Martinez Banus , right photo Istock.com, Jenny Horne

• Recyclable metals consist of all metal food and drink containers, including aerosol cans.

• All clear, green or brown glass bottles and jars are recyclable.

• Recyclable paper goods include newspapers, magazines, catalogues, phone books, junk mail, office paper and corrugated cardboard. Wet paper goods and shredded paper will not be collected.

The City of Gainesville also provides on-call collection service for bulk trash items and hazardous waste disposal.

For more information, visit the Alachua County Web site at www.alachuacounty.us or the City of Gainesville’s Web site at www.thecityofgainesville.org. b

Information for this article was found on the following websites: www.ehow.com, www.howtocompost.org and the Environmental Protection Agency’s website at www.epa.gov. u

BY RACHAEL PINO

Composting, a natural form of recycling, is a great way to avoid wasting natural resources, while producing a high-quality soil amendment.

By transforming organic material through decomposition, composting does not create environmental problems. Fast composting requires aeration, moisture and the proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.

After finding a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost pile or bin, begin by adding brown and green materials. “Browns” make up the carbon source within a compost pile and include leaves, branches, twigs, chipped brush and sawdust. You should moisten brown materials before adding them to the pile. The nitrogen source comes from “greens,” including vegetables, fruits, egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags and grass clippings. Adding too many greens can make the pile smell bad, so be sure to stick to a 25 percent green and 75 percent brown ratio.

In order to prevent attracting rodents and contaminating your pile, do not add meat, fish, bones, dairy products, pet waste, oils, diseased plants or seeded weeds to the compost. Aerate the pile by turning it every two weeks and test the moisture levels by squeezing a handful of material. Compost with a proper moisture level should feel like a well-wrung sponge. If the pile is too wet, add more brown materials to absorb the extra moisture.

After about a month or when your compost becomes dark and rich in color, it is ready to be 2009 • giggle magazine added to april your garden’s soil. Happy gardening!25

the psychology of

BY SARA POWELL

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laughter

ith the amount of stress in the world today, it can be hard to remember to enjoy a good laugh sometimes.

But, it may not be too hard to find a good chuckle. University of Florida professor Brian Mistler, who has taught the Psychology of Humor course, explains that the best way to find laughter and humor is simply to talk to family or friends.

“One study found that 72 percent of laughter spontaneously arose from social interaction,” he said. “In other words, turn off the TV, put away the comic book and start telling each other about funny things that happened to you during the day.”

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Chris Borzell, a UF law student, likes to go to the Swamp Restaurant on University Ave. with classmates and friends on Friday afternoons.

“After a stressful week, we like to just sit there and laugh about the crazy things we’ve read about or studied in law,” he said.

But, those who don’t have a funny story to tell should not worry. In the Gainesville area, residents can find laughter by going to one of the local movie theaters, attending a comedy club (such as Coconuts on Newberry Rd.), or, in a more budgetfriendly activity, hosting a game night.

Photos left to right, left photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com, digitalskillet, Professor photo, University of Florida, bottom right photo, Istock.com, Andresr

health & wellness p

Professor Brian Mistler of UF

“I’m a huge fan of the game Taboo,” Gainesville resident Brian Poehler said.

“Sometimes you just don’t have the energy for a huge night out, but you want to destress, so playing that game always works for me.”

Relieving stress isn’t the only benefit of humor and laughter. A good giggle may actually improve your health. While Mistler said the study of physiological benefits of laughter and humor still are relatively new, there is some evidence that laughter increases salivary immunoglobulin A, which fights upper respiratory infections.

“Also, some studies suggest that humor and laugher are related to increases in immune system function, including natural killer-cell activity,” he said.

Laughter also can provide psychological and social benefits.

need a giggle?

Try these sure fire ways to add laughter in your life…

•

Toys aren’t just for children… keep one at arms reach

• Watch how children laugh throughout the day. Imitate their behavior!

•

Just smile… it’s contagious

• Watch comedy shows and attend comedy clubs •

Laugh at yourself!

• Try wearing casual wear more often.

• Develop your own sense

of humor!

“Beginning as early as four months, and for the rest of our life, humor plays an important role in bonding,” Mistler said.

Laughter and humor also serve as a way to improve social relationships, he said. Humor also can be used as a less-intimidating way to express an opinion or comment on a subject.

“Truth-telling comedians from Mullah Nassrudin to Mark Twain to Jon Stewart are masters of this sort of teaching humor,” he said.

As for possible negative effects of laughter, Mistler said, “Don’t do it in the wrong place or you’ll get in trouble.” b

Share your own secrets of finding ways to giggle at giggle@irvingpublications.com!

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eco-friendly

ladies’

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2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid 48/45 mpg city/highway Starting at only $22,000 AL

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According to Kelley Blue Book , the 2008 Toyota Prius is the best selling hybrid car that is on the market today!

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If you need the space of an SUV

Voted Car of the Year by Cars.com

2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid

your ad here.

advertise with giggle.

reach the families of your community

contact us today! advertising@irvingpublications.com

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BY SARA POWELL

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according to hybridsuv.com

Photos left to right, Left car photo couresty of Istock.com, Tim McCaig , article Photos by Kelsey Gordon

Istockphoto.com

a pizzeria in micanopy

and want to go GREEN, try one of the following green SUV’s.

Ford Escape, Toyota Highlander, Mercury Mariner, Lexus RX 400h, Mazda Tribute, Saturn Vue Green Line, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade

rank Ruffino, owner and chef of Blue Highway: A Pizzeria in Micanopy, said the secret to success of the family-owned restaurant is simplegood food.

“When you pay attention to detail and you use good quality ingredients, you can’t go wrong,” Ruffino said.

The blink-and-you-might-miss-it Blue Highway (352-466-0062, www.bluehighwaypizza.com) is located about 12 miles from Gainesville on Hwy. 441. Though the pizzeria only has 10 tables and booths inside and some outside on the lawn, the bright yellow walls, year-round Christmas lights on the windows and funky décor (there’s a stoplight hanging in front of the kitchen) definitely leave an impression.

Ruffino, who has worked in the food industry for 25 years, opened his first restaurant -- a seafood place called Pirates Galley in Sarasota -- in 1978. He opened Blue Highway in 2004 and Ruffino said he is happy with the decision to live in Micanopy.

“We’ve always wanted to be part of a community and we definitely are here,” he said. “It’s about more than the money. Why else would you open a restaurant in the middle of nowhere? You have to really love the place.”

Ruffino believes Blue Highway keeps customers coming back with its quality food and outstanding service.

Though the restaurant is certainly off the beaten path, it has built a loyal following. Blue Highway offers a loyalty program for its customers, who receive a punch-card and get a free 10-inch pizza every 12 visits.

Though the restaurant offers a variety of salads, calzones and sandwiches, Ruffino said the pizza is undoubtedly the most popular item on the menu.

Customers can order thin-crust or Sicilian-style pizza with a choice of toppings, including sundried tomato, pineapple, meatballs and artichoke hearts. Blue Highway also offers specialty pizzas,

including BBQ chicken and margherita.

The piping-hot pizza is heavy on sauce and cheese.

It has a hint of a spice, but nothing too overwhelming.

The crust is crunchy.

“When people try our pizza, they’re not sure what it is,” he said. “But, they know it when they see it. People just recognize and appreciate quality.”

Ruffino said he tries to buy most of his ingredients from local farmers.

“All of my salad greens come from a local organic farm down the road,” he said. “It costs about two, three times the price, but it’s just that much better.”

Amy Ritter, a UF student and frequent customer, said the salad always tastes fresh.

“The salad is probably my favorite part about coming here,” she said. “They also make all their own salad dressing and it’s just so good.”

Ruffino said he also makes the bread fresh every day.

“It’s worth it just to go that extra mile,” he said.

Sara Recommends!

While Blue Highway offers a huge variety of toppings, my favorite pizza there is simple - thin-crust pepperoni. The chefs put plenty of pepperoni on the pizza, but not so much that they overwhelm the great taste. One of my favorite things about the pizza is how the crust and the pepperoni get crunchy. Blue Highway also serves delicious homemade brownies, which I also recommend.

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ladies’ N ight Out

the Carters

of Carter Construction

gainesville moms take a break.

BY WENDY JOYSEN, Photos by Kelsey Gordon

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fter a month of being a chef, chauffeur, mediator, dry cleaner, maid, mother, hair dresser, event planner, coach, etiquette guru, drill sergeant, class mother, nutritionist, friend, nurse, personal shopper, stylist, referee and much more, Moms need a night to enjoy themselves. This month, a group of 12 local women, some long time friends and others who became friends when they met at the Tuesday luncheons at North Florida Regional Medical Center after their children were

Sally Jones and a friend share a giggle before getting their pedicures.

born in 2004, got together for a pampered night of good food, pedicures, manicures and relaxation. It is important for us Moms to take care of ourselves mentally, physically and socially, so that we can be better parents. Watch for our next Ladies’ Night Out spotlight of events planned and celebrated by mothers, with mothers.

High school sweethearts Susan and Ira “Juddy” Carter are

changing the way we view building construction in Gainesville and across the nation.

Anne Aulisio and Karen Perrin share a care-free moment at LNO.

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With more than 2 million acres of open land being developed in the U.S. each year, buildings are accounting for more energy consumption and carbon dioxide pollution than ever before. The Carters understand the importance of green building and the family has built an impressive business called Carter Construction. premiere issue

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family spotlight

The Carters’ oldest son, Jud, joined the business in 2002. Despite the difficulties that come with calling the boss “dad,” and relinquishing the final say on most decisions, Jud recommends working with family if you have the right relationship.

“If you are close enough and can handle working together, living together and playing together, then the relationship is strong enough to do business together,” said Jud. Despite having different personalities that often clash, never being able to eat a dinner without discussing work and the stress of being self-employed in a down-turned economy, the Carters still feel that owning a business is a huge gift.

the Carter family

“It’s a tough business and people come and go,” explained Susan. “But, we know what we are doing is right. It just makes sense.”

BY MARY REICHARDT, Photography by Laurel Housden Photography

“In the islands, we had no well,” Juddy explained.

“We used roof runoff for our water supply and, when we ran out, we were out.”

Both Susan and Juddy have a deep love for nature and adventure. As deep-sea SCUBA divers and avid kayakers, they knew they needed to find a way to help maintain the environment for the generations that would follow them.

“We wanted to find a way to build homes that use energy, but don’t harm the environment,” said Susan.

One finished building project and one baby later, 32

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Susan also had the added responsibilities that come with motherhood. With two young sons in the house, she found it both difficult and exhausting to work from home and raise a family.

the Carters decided it was time to come home.

They settled in Gainesville to continue to build their family and their dream of an earth-friendly construction company. Soon, they teamed up with the University of Florida for a research project to build an entire “green” home neighborhood. These homes would be energy efficient, sustainable and have the highest indoor air quality.

“For years, I would get up and work through the night,” said Susan. “I also would go back to the office late at night when the kids were in bed.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/greenbuilding), U.S. buildings account for “sixty-eight percent of total electricity consumption and 38 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions.”

Green building strategies seek to reduce these and other environmental hazards by using safe building materials that are not treated with chemicals that can “off-gas” into the home, installing more efficient water delivery systems indoors and other upgrades to reduce homeowner operating costs. Carter Construction specializes in insulated concrete form (ICF) exteriors that are virtually hurricane-proof and according to their company’s website (www.floridagreenbuilder.com), provide energy savings of up to 50 percent.

Despite feeling like work is never finished, she still believes that working and staying at home with her children was the best of both worlds.

Home photos supplied by Carter Construction

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uddy had been in construction his whole life working on building crews every summer and while on breaks from school. In 1981, Susan and Juddy followed a friend and a lucrative construction contract to the Virgin Islands to begin their new lives in construction, as small business owners. It was there that the Carters began to develop a true appreciation for the environment and its natural resources. They also learned how difficult it can be without basic necessities.

“Working out of the home is probably harder on the mom mentally, but easier on her heart,” Susan explained.

Now, the Carter team also includes Susan’s father, Esper Black, who is 90 years old and still going strong — and going green. This is not a passing trend. It’s a new way of life taking over the way we think, the way we live and the way we build.

For more information on building your own completely custom qualified green home, contact the Carter family 352-377-5682

visit www.floridagreenbuilder.com.

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giggle dollars

Tax time!

$$

everything it can to help [taxpayers] during these tough times.” IRS employees have greater flexibility to assist taxpayers who are dealing with financial hardships and owe money this year. The IRS offers a postponement of collection action, payment programs and added flexibility for missed payments and much more. Taxpayers also are reminded to take advantage of every available tax break, credit, reduction and exemption available. Research is important when filing your own taxes.

our family and the world

BY MARY REICHARDT

It’s that time of year and if you haven’t already filed your 2008 return, here are some important dates and information you may need to know:

Visit www.IRS.gov for more tax tips, deadlines and important information.

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However, tax payment is still due by April 15 and late payments can be subject to penalties and interest.

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mailing your return, the Gainesville area has more than ten local post office locations, many with different hours of operation. You can find out these hours, and locate the office nearest you on the Web at usps.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS. An on-time return must be postmarked by April 15.

E-filing: This is a quick and easy way to

file your return. Benefits of e-filing include free 34

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filing for qualified participants, confirmation of receipt by the IRS in 48 hours or less, simple instructions and guaranteed privacy and security. You also can check the status of your return at any time. E-filers can receive their refund in as little as 10 days with direct deposit. Expect your refund in three weeks via mail. You can find more information about filing online with companies, including taxactonline.com, turbotax.intuit.com and many more, at www.IRS.gov.

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According to the Internal Revenue Service’s home page (www.IRS.gov), IRS commissioner Doug Shulman stated, “The IRS will do

Left photo, Istock.com, right photo Istock.com, S.D. Rayner

Post Office Information: If you are

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tance is available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., at 1-800-829-1040. Gainesville also has a local tax office for handling issues face-to-face located at 104 N. Main St. Call 352-395-6197 for directions or appointments.

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vs. cloth diapers

“I know I’m not going to save the world,” she said. “But, I saved the landfill from 1,500 (pounds) times three (children’s worth of) disposable diapers.”

The Real Diaper Association (RDA), a national non-profit organization, aims to get more babies in cloth by emphasizing the environmental impact of disposable diapers.

“It’s a very short amount of time that these billions of diapers have come into play,” said RDA board member Maya Keithly.

“it’s really not that difficult.”

But, Green was more concerned with the chemicals in disposable diapers that could potentially be harmful to her babies. Many disposables use sodium acrylate, a chemical that sucks up moisture and prevents leakage.

This chemical was taken out of tampons for causing increased incidences of toxic shock syndrome, Mayer said.

BY ALYSSA LARENZIE

tanding in an aisle at K-Mart, Leigh Green stood in front of a package of Huggies.

And, she began to cry.

Her mother cloth diapered her and Green was cloth-diapering her first baby, Ammi Green.

While on vacation with her one-year-old, Green could barely bring herself to buy the enemy — a package of disposable diapers.

For this mother, the move to cloth diapers was mostly for her baby’s health. But, she also wants to do her part to preserve the planet.

Though few American parents use cloth diapers, the number is growing. On average, most children go through about 3,000 disposable diapers and each diaper takes 100-150 years to decompose in a landfill, said environmental sociology professor at the University of Florida Brian Mayer.

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“It depends on your poison,” Mayer said. “What type of environmental pollution do you want?”

While the “green” lifestyle has certainly come to the attention of more Americans, Mayer said the U.S. is still largely a “disposable society.” The easiest way to get rid of a diaper is to roll it up and throw it in the trash. Putting the fecal matter in the toilet (which should be done with any kind of diaper), washing diapers and reusing them brings up the dreaded “yuck factor.”

UF alumna Green started a web business, BabyAssets.com, in late 2007 to complement her home child birthing classes and to make washable diapers a simple reality nationwide.

In Gainesville, Rhea Bush, a mother of three clothdiapered children, owns a different environmental diapering internet business. SunshineDiapers.com has been online since 2000 and Bush became the owner in 2006.

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com, Catherine Yeulel

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until their child is potty trained. Diapers still in good enough shape can be recycled from one child to the next, she said.

Cloth diapers have come a long way since the boring pin and white-fabric rectangle. Pins have been replaced by Velcro or snaps. The old rectangle is now a prefold, an insert that goes inside a diaper cover, which is made out of materials like cloth, wool, hemp and bamboo.

Often, only the prefold has to be changed, so the diaper works like a disposable except for washing.

“It’s really not as difficult as people think,” Bush said. “I can get my 14-year-old daughter to change a diaper.”

Both Green and Bush know that finding the right diaper for your baby can be difficult, so they have opened up their homes to locals who want to learn more. The piles of diapers — from hot pink to cow print — are available. b

Green, Keithly and Bush all reported very few incidences of diaper rash using nondisposable diapers and wipes.

But, for most new mothers, the thought of using cloth diapers seems a little overwhelming. Gainesville mother Lori Little has toddler twins and she went through about 24 disposable diapers per day.

“It was just easier (to use disposables),” she said. “I would have liked to (cloth diaper), but it just wasn’t feasible.”

A recent study found that the average disposable diaper user spends about $1,600 for two years, Keithly said. Someone cloth diapering spends $300-$1,200 for diapers, premiere issue

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Chocolate Fever

BY TIFFANI AMO

taste the

Althea a Sweet nd Stella W ils Dream s choc on enjoy a olate c one.

sweetness!

Spring gets off to a sweet start at one local ice cream shop. Stop by Sweet Dreams Homemade Ice Cream on Sunday, April 19, noon- 10 p.m., to take your pick from 36 homemade chocolaty ice cream flavors at “Spring Chocolate Night.”

Last fall, more than 1,000 patrons spent the evening eating ice cream and dancing to live music. Past entertainment has included everything from magicians to face painting, but this year’s entertainment will be a surprise.

“Vampire Chocolate”, a cabernet-infused chocolate blend of rich, blood-red raspberry swirls and shards of white chocolate, was the first flavor to sell out last fall and it will be brought back to life this spring. Store owners Michael and Lisa Manfredi also will bring back “Chocolate Blue Bee,” a unique blend of chocolate covered blueberries, local honey and a touch of lavender that you can actually taste.

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The Sweet Dreams fire truck, a full-size fire engine that was converted into a mobile ice cream parlor three years ago, will be parked in front of the shop for kids to climb on.

Sweet Dreams Homemade Ice Cream has been open for about four years and has hosted “Chocolate Night” every year.

Sweet Dreams Homemade Ice Cream 3437 W. University Avenue For more information, call 352-378-0532.

go with us.

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shop

pamper yourself

352.338.1138 2441 NW 43rd Street Suite 4B Gainesville, FL 32606

Gainesville Dermatology

Indigo Store

Ambiance

Hey Baby!

352.378.2285 322 SW Fourth Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601

Calendar of Events April 1 April Fools Day National FUN Day

352.333.3223 106-B NW 76th Drive Gainesville, FL 32607 352.380.0010 3601 SW 2nd Avenue, Suite Z, Gainesville, FL 32601

April 4th

Simply Gorgeous

352.376.3266 201 SE 2nd Place Suite 112 Gainesville, FL 32601

Miracles Maternity

352.338.2040 2441 NW 43rd St. Suite 21 Gainesville, FL 32606

eat 352.331.8900 618 NW 60th Street, Suite C Gainesville, FL 32607 352.373.6344 3262 SW 35th Blvd Gainesville, FL 32608

Blue Highway

352-466-0062 204 NE US Highway 441 Micanopy, FL 32667

Sweet Dreams Chocolate 352.378.0532 3437 W. University Ave Gainesville, FL

kids eat free!

32607

Gator’s Dockside, Tues nights Kazbor’s, Tues nights Ale House, Tues nights David’s Real Pit BBQ, Wed nights Beef o Brady’s, Tues nights Steak n Shake, Saturdays and Sundays Cici’s Pizza, every night!

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“the time to relax is when

you don’t have time for it.”

Ashleigh Brilliant

shop online

McAllister’s Deli

Tangible Karma day Do something good for others & celebrate when giving feels as good as receiving!

Sunshine Diapers www.sunshinediapers.com Quality Cloth Diapers and Accessories 352-224-8253 Green Babies www.greenbabies.com Organic Green Mommy www.organicgreenmommy.com

April 4 National Love our Children Day

Third Annual Newberry Community Unity Day Downtown Newberry 9am-4pm Information: anne@newberrymainstreet.org 352-514-4996 April 4-5 Dance Marathon at UF Stephen C. O’Connell Center An annual 26.2-hour event that raises donations benefiting the patients of Shands Children’s Hospital at the University of Florida.

If you would like to donate, please mail donations to: Dance Marathon at the University of Florida PO BOX 118505 RM 300-26 J. Wayne Reitz Union Gainesville, FL 32611 Please make all checks payable to “Children’s Miracle Network” April 9 Passover April 12 Easter April 15 Income Tax Day

April 18-19 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts Cedar Key 10am-5pm Information: www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com

UF’s Habitat for Humanity 5K (3.1-mile) walk/run 8 a.m. at the Reitz Union Colonnade on UF’s campus Information: http://www.ufhabitat.org

April 18 Earth Day Celebration Harn Art Museum, University of Florida 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Information: 352-392-9826

April 22

Earth Day Earth Day Event Plaza of the Americas, UF Campus 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Open to the public Information: 352-392-7581 info@sustainability.ufl.edu

Earth Day Celebration Florida Museum of Natural History 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

University of Florida Cultural Plaza SW 34th St. and Hull Rd. Gainesville, FL Information: 352-846-2000 University of Florida Orange and Blue Game 1 p.m.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, “The Swamp” Information: Ticket Office 352-375-4683 April 19 Seventh Annual Alachua Springs Festival 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Information: 386-462-9552 Spring Chocolate Night Sweet Dreams Homemade Ice Cream Time: noon-10 p.m.

3437 W. University Avenue Gainesville, FL Information: 352-378-0532

April 25 25th Annual Fantasy Event for Stop!

Childrens Cancer Tickets on sale now www.stopchildrenscancer.org April 26 Trot for Tots Starts 8:00 a.m.

5k run/walk to benefit the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation Register at: www.sebastianferrero.org Information: omarrero@ufl.edu 352-281-1389 April 25-26 33rd Annual Pioneer Days Festival High Springs Information: 386-454-3120 or chamber@highsprings.com

Bob the Builder Live!

1 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.

Curtis M. Phillips Center, Univeristy of Florida Ticket information: 352-392-ARTS (2787) or Ticket Master :1-800-277-1700 www.bobthebuilder.com

April

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BY RACHAEL PINO

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 18)

You are friendly, loyal and honest, which means people are drawn to you and enjoy your company. Since you enjoy being part of a community, get out there and participate. Joining an organization, team or group activity can help you meet new people and form valuable friendships. Remember to give others time to share their opinions and don’t insist on doing things your way all the time. Enjoy your time in the spotlight, but practice being that great listener you are meant to be. Learn to compromise!

missed opportunity. An old friendship will resurface around the 10th in time to celebrate your birthday.

Make a positive birthday wish!

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Do not be afraid to dream big.

Raise your standards and others will rise to the occasion. You should embrace the change in people around you. Offer positive encouragement but resist the urge to criticize and tell others what to do. Start a new good habit!

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Take a step back and reassess what you reapril 20-may 20 ally want.

Your gentleThis is not the time to hold back. Tension between close friends will ness unfold, and people will depend on you to keep the peace. Speak presents itself up and help them keep their cool. Your level-headedness will help naturally you. Be persistent and your efforts will pay off. Give out hugs! to people, but take caution to how they respond to this. Try Pisces (Feb 19- March 20) to connect with others instead A close friend will ask you for a favor of keeping to yourself. Trust that you are more than happy to will form over time. Be a good do. Just keep in mind that people listener!

taurus

recognize your giving personality and take note of those who always come to you for help. Fair-weather friends may take advantage of your kindness and generosity. True friends will return the favor. Pay attention!

Aries (March 20- April 19)

Challenge yourself to savor every minute of this month. Look back at your past achievements and feel proud. Your go-getter attitude has brought you this far, but do not forget the help you got along the way.

Remember how fortunate you are by appreciating the loved ones in your life and keep your eyes open for a

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Leo (July 23-Aug 22)

Right now, your social energy is at its peak. There is no better time than now to try something new, so be open to almost anything.

People will begin to see you are full of great ideas and that you dare to be different and they will like that. Do not get upset if friends are weary about your new way of thinking. Lead by good example and they will soon follow. Go on an adventure!

Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22)

Think before you speak, as people around you are extra stressed and might take offense. Use this month to clear the air and settle any misunderstandings. Set aside some quality alone time. Renting a classic movie, taking a soothing bath or cozying up reading a best-selling novel are great ways to escape from all this. Relax!

Libra (Sept 23- Oct 22)

Recently, you have been cramming your schedule with appointments. It is time to prioritize and reevaluate what you are spending too much of your time doing. Understand that you cannot be in two places at once and only make commitments you can keep.

Take a deep breath!

Scorpio (Oct 23- Nov 21)

You are in danger of rushing into things. While you do things wholeheartedly, be careful not to devote too much of yourself in any pursuit. You run the risk of becoming attached to a special someone. Remember to use your head alongside your big heart. Take things slowly!

Sagittarius (Nov 22- Dec 21)

Your upbeat and positive attitude will help you handle an uncomfortable situation. Be a good sport when you are harshly criticized. Rise above the initial sting that comes with it, and focus on making self- improvements instead. Give people something to compliment you on. Work it!

Capricorn (Dec 22- Jan 20)

This month, you will step out of your comfort zone. Making small adjustments to your daily routine will let you see things you failed to notice before. Take a different route to work, or try eating out at a new restaurant instead of settling for the same old.

Be adventurous!

Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka

BY CHRIS WILSON

B

id farewell to the cold of winter and say “hello” to the blooms of spring, just a short distance from Gainesville at Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka.

The ravine was created thousands of years ago by water flowing from the sandy ridges on the shores of the St. Johns River. In 1933, the ravine was turned into a lush garden by the federal Works Progress Administration.

During spring, the park is transformed by the nearly 100,000 blooming azaleas that were planted throughout the 59-acre state park.

A popular wedding location, Ravine Gardens State Park also offers plenty of family activi-

ties, including hiking, picnicking, jogging and biking. There is a 1.8-mile paved trail around the top of the ravine, hiking trails that venture down through the ravine and suspension bridges that cross the deep crevice. There are gardens, with fieldstone terraces and fountains and picnic sites throughout the park.

Ravine Gardens State Park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is located at 1600 Twigg St. in Palatka (there are plenty of signs throughout the community to direct visitors to the park). Admission costs $4 per vehicle and $1 for pedestrians or bicyclists. b

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thank you

For those who made this first issue of giggle magazine a success...

We would like to thank all of our family and friends, both near and far, for your love and friendship.

giggle would not have been possible without

Our talented writers and photographers Wendy Joysen, Alison Walker, Mary Reichardt, Sara Powell, Alyssa Larenzie Jillian Rogers, Michelle Ashworth, Rachael Pino, Tiffani Amo, Dana Kamp Laurel Housden, Alyson Landry, Kelsey Gordon, Steven Keys This magazine is dedicated to our constant muses, Tyler, Nicholas, and Joshua

Thank you from Irving Publications

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Photo courtesy of Laurel Housden Photography

Leslie Vega of Leslie Vega Design, LLC Mr. Chris Wilson, our Editor Laurel Housden Photography David Jarnagin and Sara Ivines at StorterChilds Printing Company, INC. Charles J. Harris, Jr And, of course, the wonderful people of Alachua County

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