Giggle Magazine October/November 2021

ALACHUA

COUNTY’S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 Volume 13 • Issue 5

THE

ISSUE TRICK OR TREAT

TIPS FOR A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN

GIGGLE MAGAZINE’S 2021 FALL ROUNDUP ALACHUA COUNTY'S GO-TO GUIDE FOR FALL FESTIVITIES

CLOSET CLUTTER CLEANING THE HANGER HACK

LOCAL TEEN EXCELS IN ATHLETICS, ACADEMICS AND ATTITUDE

HOW FULL IS YOUR BUCKET? SNUGGLE UP AND WATCH OUR FAVORITE BOOK FOR A MOVIE FROM THE TEACHING KINDNESS COMFORT OF YOURGIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM CAR | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 1

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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GIVE YOUR TEEN SOMETHING TO smile ABOUT WITH

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicole Irving ASSISTANT EDITOR Lindsey Johnson, MS, MCHES, CF-L1 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Aníbal Rodríguez, Megan Sapelak VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Shane Irving ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Betsy Langan, April Tisher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nicole Irving, Lindsey Johnson, Crystal Ladwig, PhD, Amanda Roland, Tracy Wright

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2020

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publisher's letter

MEET OUR

COVER MODEL!

What grade are you in?

I’m a senior this year!

What are your plans for college?

I’m applying in-state and planning to major in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology.

into the season

What is your favorite Halloween costume that you have worn?

Inflatable dinosaur

I don’t know about you, but I believe that there is something magical about the fall. As soon as September hits and the pumpkin spice lattes brew, it’s kickoff to the holiday season! It’s a time to embrace your inner Martha Stewart and lean into doing all the crafts with your kiddos until your glue gun runs dry and when you can wear spandex and stretchy clothes galore with no judgment.

Ahh the fall, it’s a magical time indeed.

This issue is all about embracing the fall season. And what better way for us to celebrate the fall with our children, families and friends than by partaking in the amazing fall festivals and celebrations around Alachua County that are coming back in full force this year. While we continue to slide into our new reality, our community is embracing this fall season and will be celebrating with an amazing array of fall festivals and events! We have you covered with our Fall Festival guide on page 70.

What is your favorite Halloween candy?

100 Grand What is your favorite Halloween movie?

Hotel Transylvania (I don’t like scary movies)

As a kiddo growing up in New York, the beginning of fall also would spark the hunt for the perfect Halloween costume, that, ultimately would be ruined by the need to wear tights, gloves and a hat because the fall nights would get too chilly. Thankfully in Gainesville, our little ones can adorn just about any costume and not be worried they will catch frostbite. Halloween is nearly here so we put together a list of Halloween Safety Tips to glide you into a safe night of trick-ortreating. And, if you are curious as to what to do with all that candy that they get after hours of trick-or-treating, take some cues for our parents on page 18! They are so very wise!

So, whether your fall season is all about the candy, costumes, pumpkin carving, turkey baking or pumpkin spice latte drinking, I hope you are able to embrace the days spent with family and friends and be in the moment. As we all know, they go by all too quickly.

Nicole Irving, Publisher nbirving@irvingpublications.com

From our family to yours, we hope that your fall season is full of love and laughter!

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Visit us on Pinterest /GIGGLEMAGAZINE

Follow us on Instagram @GIGGLEMAGAZINE

Cover photo by Verve Studio. Current photo of Abbie courtesy of Wendy Eckhardt

Abbie

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Transfer money anytime with CAMPUS ONLINE & MOBILE BANKING NO FEES or MINIMUM BALANCE REQUIRED Track spending with TEXT ALERTS Lock or unlock their debit card if it’s lost or stolen

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OCT NOV 2021

happy family • happy community™

●

conception 2 college™

64

76 EXPECTING

Birthing Baby at Home: A Tale of Two Moms 78 INFANT

What is Newborn Jaundice?

And Should I be Worried?

80 TODDLER

90

25 mom's corner 16 #BOSSMOM Jessica Smith 18 #MOMHACKS Let’s Play Halloween Candy Hide and Not Seek!

forks & spoons

32 GET HEALTHY Take a Hike!

happy home 44 2 CENTS Understanding Inflation and What It Means for You 46 MAKE IT Pumpkin Patch 48 FIX IT 6 Subtle Signs of Major Problems 50 CLEAN IT Closet Clutter Cleaning: The Hanger Hack

54 FAMILY LEARNING Snuggle Up and Watch a Movie From the Comfort of Your Car 56 FEATURED TEACHER Mimi Huynh 58 BACK TO SCHOOL Our Community Goes Back to School

84 KIDS

The Art of Saying Thank You 86 TWEENS

High School Here We Come!

88 TEENS

Understanding the NCAA Recruitment Process

ALACHUA

COUNTY’S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 Volume 13 • Issue 5

THE

ISSUE TRICK OR TREAT A SAFE

happy community 91 YOUR COMMUNITY Local Teen Excels in Athletics, Academics and Attitude 94 CALENDAR October/November 2021

fe a tu res 64

Trick or Treat

Tips for a Safe and Happy Halloween

70

Giggle Magazine's 2021 Fall Roundup

TIPS FOR AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN

GIGGLE MAGAZINE’S 2021 FALL ROUNDUP

ALACHUA COUNTY'S GO-TO GUIDE FOR FALL FESTIVITIES

• VOLUME 13 • ISSUE 5 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

health

42 GIGGLE STAMP Fall Products: 7 Fabulous Fall Finds

52 HOMESCHOOL CORNER Nature Notebooks: Combining Science, Art and Writing

How Full is Your Bucket?

Our Favorite Boook for Teaching Kindness

FALL ISSUE

25 IN THE KITCHEN Minus the Meat: Comparing Pescatarian, Vegetarian and Vegan Lifestyles

38 GET PRETTY Prevent the Prickle

learn

82 EARLY YEARS

GIGGLE MAGAZINE

22 DELISH 8 Must-Have Healthy Pantry Staples

36 GET HEALTHY Snot Cheat Sheet: Understanding What Your Child’s Mucus Means

The Montessori Method: – Toys that Teach: Foster Creativity and Independence with Montessori-Style Toys

CLOSET CLUTTER CLEANING

THE HANGER HACK

LOCAL TEEN EXCELS IN ATHLETICS, ACADEMICS AND ATTITUDE

SNUGGLE UP AND WATCH A MOVIE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR CAR

HOW FULL IS YOUR BUCKET? OUR FAVORITE BOOK FOR TEACHING KINDNESS

On the Cover: Closet Clutter Cleaning: The Hanger Hack PAGE 50 Trick of Treat: Tips for a Safe and Happy Halloween PAGE 64 Giggle Magazine's 2021 Fall Roundup PAGE 70 ...AND MORE!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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# bossmom

mom's corner | #bossmom

As a parent, you do it all! Between packing lunches, chauffeuring to extracurriculars, helping with homework and trying to squeeze in that thing called work, life is busy! Our Giggle Magazine readers have shared what makes them a #BossMom and we are all for it!

Jessica Smith Mom to Hailey, age 8

Live in the moment and soak it all in...

Watching my daughter navigate life utilizing the tools she learned along the way. I’m raising a tiny human! It’s a huge task and throughout the uncertainties, it is reassuring to see her overcome obstacles and know that I am teaching her well.

What is the hardest part of being a mom?

The most difficult part of being a mom is forgetting that there is not one correct way to parent. No matter what, you get scrutinized by others and it can make you feel like a failure. There is always new advice on which sun protection is best, how early or late to put your kids to bed, which type of milk they should consume. It can get exhausting if you try to please everyone. You have to decide what works best for your family and sanity.

What gets you up in the morning?

Where do you work and what do you do? Tell us a bit about it.

What are some of your goals with it?

I am a Visual Rehabilitation Therapist at Hadley Institute based out of Chicago, IL. Hadley is a nonprofit organization that offers help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families and professionals supporting them. I telecommute from my home office and offer support to the Rehab Team at Hadley. The goal of the Rehab Team is to create workshops, guide discussion groups and support learners worldwide.

Breakfast and the guide dog we are raising, Gabe. Gabe is an early riser and he lets me know when it’s time for his morning walk and breakfast.

What makes you laugh?

We are a silly family. We are always looking for ways to make each other laugh. There is never a shortage of reasons

to laugh at ourselves or pull pranks on each other.

What has been the biggest life lesson that you have learned being a parent?

Being a parent takes exercising patience daily.

It can be painful to watch your child make their own sandwich the first few times.

They may get more jelly on the counter than on the bread.

I’ve learned to have patience and allow my daughter room to learn and grow. In the end, the counter can be cleaned up but nothing can replace the proud look on your child’s face when they accomplish a new skill.

What is your parenting mantra?

Let that s**t go!

How do you balance it all?

Organization and efficiency is my key to accomplishing it all. I am very goal-oriented and focus on completing tasks in a timely manner in order to balance work and home life.

Once my goals for the day are reached, I can turn work off and be in the moment to enjoy free time.

How do you relate to other #bossmoms?

I have support from other #bossmoms. We share our struggles and celebrate one another's strengths.

Are you a #BossMom or do you know one?

Do you work hard at home and at work? Giggle Magazine wants to hear your story!

Visit Gigglemagazine.com to submit your #BossMom for a chance to be featured in one of our upcoming issues.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Photo by Lori Hill Wiggins

Not every meal needs to be Pinterest worthy and not every photo needs to be taken for Instagram.

What is your favorite part / most rewarding part of being a mom?

Share a funny parenting story that all moms/parents can relate to: One night I woke up in the middle of the night to the light on in the kitchen. I walked in the kitchen to find Hailey sitting on the floor with the refrigerator door wide open eating strawberries and putting the green tops back in the refrigerator.

What is some advice you have for other #bossmoms trying to balance it all?

Not every meal needs to be Pinterest worthy and not every photo needs to be taken for Instagram. Live in the moment and soak it all in because your kids pick your nursing home in the end. Just kidding, they grow up fast and all that is left is the memories.

If you could have any superpower to help parent your kids, what would it be?

The ability to be two places at once.

What is your go-to meal at home that you cook? Can you share the recipe?

Hailey’s favorite meal is egg burritos. We scramble eggs and then put out an array of ingredients we have on hand to accompany them in a burrito: black beans, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream and avocado to name a few.

What are some fun fall activities you like to do?

Fall is the perfect time to go camping and enjoy a weekend away watching movies off a projector screen and sitting around a campfire roasting s’mores.

What do you do for YOU on a weekly basis?

Jessica's

FAVO RITE S

FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK Iced Dirty Chai Tea Latte FAVORITE GAINESVILLE RESTAURANT Breakfast: Karma Cream and Alpin Bistro FAVORITE MOVIE The Help FANTASY DINNER PARTY GUESTS Helen Keller FAVORITE TYPE OF WINE Cabernet Sauvignon FAVORITE THING TO EAT Tacos FAVORITE STORE Life Unplastic GO-TO FRAGRANCE Bergamot-lime (if this means home scent) Skylar Wanderlust (Perfume) SOUNDTRACK PLAYING AT HOME Moana FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS Bike riding and picnics

I take time to go trail running.

Running boosts my energy and being in nature is a quick escape to reboot and gain focus.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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# momhacks

mom's corner | #momhacks

The hardest job you'll ever have is being a parent! The days are long but the years are short. We asked Giggle Magazine parents to chime in on their best hacks to make everyday tasks easier and here's what they had to say!

Let’s Play Halloween Candy Hide and Not Seek!

Trick-or-treating is a favorite annual activity for many children. Dressing up in costume and going door-to-door asking for treats is fun and entertaining. At the end of the night, the candy bounty is heavy and the kids want to eat every last piece! We asked local parents how they help their children enjoy the candy without overindulging and here’s what they had to say!

“I hide it in the pantry. After a month or so, it’s completely forgotten about and I take it to work.”

- BRANDI PARKER

“I just hide it after they go to bed and eat it myself.

Don’t judge!”

“I let Reagan pick her favorites only, then Dad and I pick our faves. Toss the rest.”

- VICTOR BORRERO

- JILL TINNEY

“I help him eat it, so he can’t eat it all.

And I’m not kidding we each have 2 pieces per day.”

- SUSANNAH PEDDIE

“I give them a quart size ziplock.

They can fill it with all their favorites, then the rest gets donated to the school for their candy buy back.”

“We have a ‘candy box’ that it goes into. If they eat all their dinner, they can pick something from the candy box. Sometimes it lasts up to 6 months!”

- AMIE ADAMS-SPOONER

- ELAINE ALMOND

“We divide it up into groups.

Mom eats all of the chocolate and they can have all the “yucky” candy...lollipops, sweet tarts, candy corn (nonchocolate)! I try to eat all of the chocolate candy right away...don’t want to tempt them!”

“I let my kids eat as much as they want (not before dinner) but by day three, they are usually sick of it. Then we throw a piece of it in their lunch for a few weeks and eventually we just throw the rest away. I’m probably in the minority and I’m sure my kids get way more ‘treats’ than most, but I want them to learn how to self-regulate what they eat.”

“My kids pick a small stash of favorites that they get to eat as treats for about a week. The rest is donated the day after to the school candy drives for troops.”

- MICHELLE GRABOW

- JENN GARRETT

- ALISON CANNON

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

19

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forks and spoons | delish

8 Must-Have Healthy Pantry Staples

BY AMANDA ROLAND

It is always a good idea to have a wellstocked pantry full of versatile, healthy foods. These staples will help you plan easy meals throughout the week, and you won’t have to worry about foods going bad. Next time you are at the store, stock up on these healthy pantry staples.

1

Chickpea Pasta

This gluten-free pasta alternative can be used in all of your favorite pasta recipes! Without gluten, this pasta can save your family from any potential digestion problems, and the chickpeas provide twice the amount of protein found in regular pasta, according to Banza’s website, a chickpea pasta brand. Chickpea pasta will last in your pantry for two years after the printed production date.

2

Nutritional Yeast

If you’ve never heard of nutritional yeast, you are missing out.

This ingredient is used in a lot of vegan dishes to add extra nutrients, aka protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, according to Healthline, an online health resource. This ingredient has a mild, savory flavor and can be added to any dish to boost the nutritional payoff! Add it in your spaghetti sauce, stir it into soups, sprinkle it over roasted nuts or blend it into salad dressings. Nutritional yeast will stay good in your pantry for two years after opening.

3

Canned Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is another versatile ingredient that can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. This creamy milk alternative can be added to soups and sauces, or it can be blended with frozen bananas to make “nice” cream. It is a staple in many cuisines and can be used in a pinch when you run out of milk in the fridge. Canned coconut milk can last in your pantry for about three years, and an opened can will last in the refrigerator for about a week.

4

La Croix Sparkling Water

One of the most popular brands of sparkling water, La Croix is a great soda alternative to keep stocked in your pantry. According to the La Croix website, it has zero sugars, calories, sodium and artificial ingredients and it’s naturally essenced with different flavors. It is also gluten-free and kosher. This canned beverage is perfect for the nights when you want something other than plain water but you don’t want the sugar from soda. La Croix can last a little over a year when stored in your pantry.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

5

Dried Mango

6

Pure Maple Syrup

7

Onions

8

Chicken or Beef Bone Broth

Perfect for on-the-go snacking, dried mango is healthy, sweet and typically doesn’t contain any added sugar (just check the labels). All dried fruits are great for baking or making homemade trail mix. Dried mango is especially delicious because of its sweet and sour flavor. It will last up to a year in your pantry unopened.

If you are going to eat sugar, go for naturally derived options like pure maple syrup. Add it on your favorite breakfast foods, in your coffee or in baked goods. Pure maple syrup will last indefinitely in your pantry if it is unopened.

Onions are packed with flavor, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Having onions on hand will always be a good idea, as you can add them into almost any savory recipe to make it better (ie. meatloaf, soups, spaghetti, curries, casseroles, roasts and so on). Onions will last up to three months in a cool, dark place in your pantry, and cut onions should be refrigerated.

Canned or boxed bone broth is a very versatile ingredient to have stocked in your pantry. Similar to stock, bone broth is made by boiling down bones to extract the flavor and nutrients from the bones and connective tissue.

Some nutrients that you can enjoy from bone broth include collagen, minerals and amino acids. If you or a little one are sick, sipping on bone broth can settle your stomach and help replenish nutrients. You can also use it as a base for soups and stews to add flavor. The shelf life of bone broth will depend on the manufacturer, but on average, it will last for one to two years in your pantry.

If any of these causes your eyes to water or your skin to itch, we can help.

Brian Reed, MD Board Certified Allergy & Immunology

Jordan Heath, MD Board Certified Internal Medicine

Allergy & Asthma

Providing evaluations and treatments for allergy, asthma & immunologic conditions: • • • • • • • • •

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

forks and spoons | in the kitchen

Minus the Meat: Comparing Pescatarian, Vegetarian and Vegan Lifestyles

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L1

For one reason or another, maybe you have considered giving up meat. You’ve heard of various ways you could eliminate pork, beef and poultry from your normal meal rotation but how do you know what method and lifestyle would work best for you and/or your family?

There are many reasons people consider a life without meat.

Some are driven by ethical considerations for animals and concerns over how agribusiness treats animals raised for food. Others are driven by health concerns as plant-based diets have been shown to decrease the risk of inflammation and various chronic diseases. A study by Barnard and Leroy published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that those with an omnivorous diet are at an increased risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes.

Many people rely on meat as their primary source of protein. By eliminating meat from your diet, you will need to find other ways to ensure your body is getting the protein it needs for muscle growth and development as well as energy and satiety.

Good protein sources include nuts and seeds, grains such as quinoa, soy products, legumes and chia seeds. For vegetarian diets, additional options include eggs and dairy products. Pescatarian diets also include fish and shellfish.

PE SC ATA R IA N

V EG E TA R IA N

For those looking to eliminate meat from their diet, pescetarianism may be a good first step. Pescatarians eat fish and seafood, eggs and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. The only restricted foods are meat products that come from animal sources that live on land. If you like seafood, this can be a good way to slowly transition away from eating animal meat.

Pescatarian Shopping List Almond milk Avocado Basil Blueberries Broccoli Butter Carrots Cashews Cheddar Cheese Chickpeas Chocolate Chips Eggs Feta Garlic Ginger Green Beans Honey Hummus Kidney Beans Lemon Lime

Vegetarians eat a primarily plantbased diet but besides eliminating meat from land animals, they also exclude seafood. In general, vegetarians still eat some products derived from animals such as eggs, cheese, milk, honey and ice cream.

Because vegetarians do not exclude eggs, they are also able to eat traditional baked goods, which often include eggs and/or milk.

Vegetarian Shopping List

Mahi Mahi Milk Mushrooms Onion Parmesan Peanut Butter Pinto Beans Potatoes Protein Powder Raisins Red Lentils Rolled Oats Salmon Spinach Sweet Potato Teriyaki Sauce Tilapia Tomatoes Tuna Zucchini

Almond Butter Apples Arugula Asparagus Black Beans Brown Rice Brussels Sprouts Butter Carrots Celery Chickpeas Cherries Corn Cucumber Edamame Flax Seeds Kale Kiwi Lentils Lima Beans

Meat Substitute Milk Mushrooms Oats Olives Onions Peaches Peas Pinto Beans Plums Pomegranate Quinoa Romaine Lettuce Shallots String Cheese Sugar Snap Peas Tempeh Tomatoes Walnuts

*Before engaging in any new eating lifestyle, always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician"

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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forks and spoons | in the kitchen

Regardless of which path you choose, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will give you a variety of nutrients to help with cell growth and repair. Even if you decide not to completely change the way you eat, incorporating more meatless meals throughout the week can still have health benefits for you and your family.

V EGAN

A vegan’s diet is similar to a vegetarian’s meal except that vegans exclude all products derived from animals. Vegans do not eat eggs, dairy and in some cases, honey. Unlike the vegetarian versions of staples like yogurt, cheese or baked goods, vegan eaters choose dairy alternatives and baked products prepared without milk, butter or eggs. Those opting for a vegan lifestyle sometimes do so for ethical reasons so it can extend beyond the diet to household and clothing products. For example, some vegans would not wear leather shoes or use cosmetics that may have been tested on animals.

Vegan Shopping List Almonds Avocado Bananas Brazil Nuts Cantaloupe Cashew Milk Chia Seeds Coconut Yogurt Collard Greens Cucumber Edamame Eggplant Farro Garlic Granola Bars Green Beans Kidney Beans Lentils Mango Meat Alternatives Mushrooms

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Nutritional Yeast Onions Peas Peanut Butter Pecans Pistachios Potatoes Quinoa Rolled Oats Rosemary Sesame Seeds Strawberries Sunflower Seeds Tofu Tortillas Vegan Butter Vegan Cheese Vegan Cream Cheese Veggie Burgers

t ry i t !

Try this vegan take on Spaghetti Bolognese.

You may just find that skipping the meat doesn’t mean sacrificing taste!

S PAG H E T TI B O LO G N E S E 1 small yellow onion, chopped

1 cup fresh basil, chopped

3 cups cremini mushrooms, chopped

3/4 cup walnuts, crushed

1 large carrot, finely chopped

3/4 cup chopped cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 can brown lentils

1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes

1 box spaghetti

3/4 cup toasted pine nuts 3 tablespoons olive oil Sea salt

Black pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped

2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the onions and carrots with salt and pepper and cook until they begin to soften, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until they soften, approximately 6-8 more minutes. Stir in the rosemary. Pushing all ingredients to one side of the pan, add the crushed walnuts and toast for about 30 seconds, then combine all ingredients. Stir in the garlic. Add the tomato paste, fresh and canned tomatoes, half the basil, sage and lentils and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for approximately 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, prepare pasta according to package directions.

Serving: Dish pasta onto plates and add sauce directly on top of the pasta. Top with basil and toasted pine nuts and voilà, the vegan dinner is done!

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31

health | get healthy

Take a Hike!

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L1

November 17 is National Take a Hike Day. What better excuse can you have to hit the trail and soak up the great outdoors with the whole family?

The American Psychological Association (APA) states that time spent in nature can reduce stress, restore attention and improve mental health. While these effects can be felt in urban green spaces, the greatest benefit comes from more remote green and blue (aquatic) areas.

Besides quality family time, exploring the outdoors can be a learning opportunity. Using the great outdoors to help children identify plants and wildlife that you encounter is a great way to have them appreciate the world around them. Use it as a conversation starter on different habitats and environments and the features of various ecosystems. This also provides the opportunity to discuss what plants and animals to admire only from a distance.

Hiking is a great form of exercise and combines the benefit of varied terrain with exposure to natural elements. For children who are more likely to play video games than ride a bike, hiking can be a great way to get them moving. Hiking also allows children the opportunity to talk more openly without having to make eye contact, which can make them more comfortable sharing personal details.

Grab the kids, water, a hat, sunscreen and bug repellent and get outside! You will likely return refreshed and connected, both to nature and your family.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.

- JOHN MUIR

To learn more about local wildlife and plant life, visit www.wildflorida.com/map_north_florida.php.

If traveling out of the immediate area, change the location to explore your local discoveries!

LO C A L T R A I L S San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park sanfelasco.org Located off Millhopper Road, San Felasco offers dirt trails suitable for walking or jogging. Some trails have elevation changes.

Another entrance off 441 in Alachua also offers equestrian and bike trails.

Barr Hammock Preserve floridahikes.com/barr-hammock-preserve Entrance off Wacahoota Road is a 6.8 mile flat loop (mostly sunny) around Levy Prairie. The South entrance off Route 234 in Micanopy has 13 miles of intersecting trails and includes woods and shade.

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Loblolly Woods Nature Park floridahikes.com/loblolly-woods-nature-park Located near Westside Park in Gainesville, this trail meanders around Hogtown Creek and contains up to 3 miles of trails.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park sweetwaterwetlands.org Located off Williston Road in Gainesville, this park offers open spaces and lots of water along the edge of the prairie. This is a great place to view birds and alligators. There are several connecting trails, all are sunny. Pets are not allowed due to the presence of gators.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Prefer to carry a pocket-sized guide to identify along the trail?

Try the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Florida to reference insects, wildlife, plants, trees, ecosystems and more.

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35

health | get healthy

Snot Cheat Sheet: Understanding What Your Child’s Mucus Means

BY AMANDA ROLAND

Clear or Colorless

If your child’s sneeze looks colorless, you are in the clear. This mucus is healthy and normal. If you notice that your child is producing more mucus than normal, they may just be experiencing seasonal allergies or a mild cold.

White When it comes to raising children, parents wear many hats. On any given day, you can be a chef, chauffeur, maid, therapist, nurse, teacher and last but not least, snot checker. That’s right, one of the many joys of parenting is being able to know if your kiddo’s snot (or mucus) looks normal – lucky you! The good thing is that knowing how to identify the state of your child’s mucus can be very beneficial for knowing how to help them. Here is a snot cheat sheet to have handy during the coming flu season!

White mucus is a good indicator that your child might be getting a mild cold, according to a University of Utah Health article.

“If your child has white mucus for more than two weeks, is a teenager, develops sinus pain, fever or other symptoms, they could be getting an infection.”

Yellow or Green

This color of snot typically means that an infection is being fought.

It is actually good to see this color mucus when you are sick because it means that your body is doing its job. After your white blood cells are done fighting off and killing any unwanted germs, they are discarded through your mucus, leaving it a yellow-ish or green color, according to Healthline, an online health resource.

Also, many times, a bacterial sinus infection can be identified through green, thick mucus. So if you see yellow or green in your child’s mucus, contact your child’s doctor for next steps.

Red

When mucus is red or pink, this means that there is blood in it.

This can happen if your child experiences some kind of trauma to their nose, like if they hit their nose or scratched the inside.

Bloody snot could also be from excessive blowing of the nose or just your average nose bleed.

For younger children, if you notice bloody snot, it is always best to call your child’s doctor to be on the safe side.

!

Take Note:

36

If you notice your child getting a lot of cuts on the inside of their nose, it could be caused by their nails when they pick their nose. Keeping their nails trimmed can cut down on the cuts and scrapes in their nose and on their face.

While checking your child’s snot isn’t the most glamorous task, it is very helpful for understanding what is going on in their body. Remembering these color indicators can help you stay one step ahead of any potential health problems in your little one.

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37

health | get pretty

Prevent the Prickle

BY NICOLE IRVING

Getting rid of unwanted hair can be time consuming, painful and well, downright a nuisance. Just when you think it is gone, it can come right back. Luckily, there are many at-home remedies that can help calm those pesky hairs! From legs to eyebrows...here are 8 easy at-home hair removal remedies and products to try!

*Always talk to your doctor about hair removal remedies before starting any new regimes/products/services.

38

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Rifle Paper Co. + Venus Deluxe Smooth Sensitive Razor and 2 pack Shave in style with Venus’ wateractivated ribbon of moisture adorned with a hand painted Rifle Paper Co. floral design. $14.99 / Target Nair Leg Mask with Charcoal Say goodbye to hair and stubble with this moisturizing leg mask. $12.99 / Walgreens Flamingo Face Waxing Kit This non-heating gel waxing kit boasts results lasting for up to 4 weeks! $9.99 / Target Veet Gel Cream Hair Remover Don’t let sensitive skin get you down. This gentle remover is long lasting and formulated for sensitive skin. $10.69 / Target Showerspecs Need to shave, but can’t see in the shower? Showerspecs are fog-proof readers crafted with hydrophobic lenses & an anti-fog coating to repel water droplets!

(Available in +2.0, +2.5, and +3.0) $65 / showerspecs.com Hydro Silk Touch Up Removes fine hairs and gently exfoliates while shaping eyebrows. $6.57 / Walmart IPL Laser Hair Removal Handset This IPL (intense pulsed light) device works by emitting a wavelength that targets the pigment in the hair. $129.95 / roseskinco.com Smooth Legend Shave Kit Inside a fuzzy heart pouch, you will find a trio of products formulated for a silky smooth shave! $85 / trulybeauty.com

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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41

7

giggle stamp | fall products

Fabulous Fall Finds

BY NICOLE IRVING

Fall Votive Gift Set by Mixture $29.99 madebymixture.com Photo courtesy of the manufacturers

Time to embrace the fall season as the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to change with these delicious and cozy fall inspired products!

A versatile tray ready to make a statement with your favorite inserts

Clear Acrylic Tray

Sweater Weather Lotion 4oz

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Hey Y'all it’s Fall Mug $ 22.00 | chalkfulloflove.com

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Creamer $4.69 | Target

Lavley’s “I’m Just Here For The Boos” Socks $9.95 | Amazon

At Home With Ray’s Bandit Scarf $190.00 athomewithray.com

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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43

happy home | 2 cents

Understanding Inflation and What It Means for You

BY TRACY WRIGHT

Back in 1985, gas cost about $1.21 on average per gallon, a car would run about $8000 and you could procure a movie ticket for about $3.55, according to AARP. Now over 30 years later, we know that those costs have dramatically increased. The cause of this is inflation, a steady increase in prices and the reduction of the “purchasing power of your dollars,” said Forbes Advisor.

Inflation impacts not just the price of items but affects the entire economy. But what causes it? To explain this, you have to understand the different types of inflation which are basically the effects of supply and demand in the economy, said Forbes Advisor.

DEMAND-PULL The first type of inflation is demand-pull inflation. This is when the demand for an item increases but supply remains the same, pulling prices up. When the economy recently started to open up again after the onset of the pandemic and people started driving back to work daily, demand for gasoline pulled up prices to adjust for that. Rising house prices can also affect demand-pull inflation.

COST-PUSH The second type of inflation is cost-push inflation. This happens when supply decreases but demand remains the same, which then pushes prices up. A recent example of this was the computer chip shortage needed to produce most cars. As the supply for new cars slowed, prices rose.

If you think you’ve been seeing less car advertisements and special deals, it’s because many car companies can’t keep up with demand.

For the past decade, inflation has averaged under 2 PERCENT A YEAR for the typical American.

However, inflation rose to 5 PERCENT between May 2020 and May 2021 due to the lockdown.

- THE WASHINGTON POST, JUNE 2021

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Inflation is measured through a variety of sources, including the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation from the consumer standpoint, the Producer Price Index, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), which “measures price changes for household goods and services based on GDP data from producers.”

HOW DO WE CONTROL INFLATION? Many experts agree that a low level of inflation is a signal of a healthy economy.

But an unyielding and rapidly increasing level of inflation can be very bad for the economy’s health. It can eventually lead to an economic recession. Remember that money is just ink and paper—it’s the inherent value of money that means something.

“One of the primary jobs of the Federal Reserve is to control inflation to an optimum level to encourage spending and investing instead of saving, thereby encouraging economic growth,” said Business Insider.

Governments control inflation by using measures like increasing interest rates, ordering banks to put more money in reserves so there is less to lend and spend, and reducing the supply of money.

Unfortunately, many categories of items have been dramatically increasing in price recently such as food (dairy, eggs, meat, poultry and fish), gas and travel. Much of this has been a result of the economy recovering from the pandemic.

To help combat the effects of inflation on your family’s financial health, visit a trusted financial advisor who can give you sound advice on the best ways to save your money and invest in what is most stable in the current economy.

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45

happy home | make it

Pumpkin Patch

BY NICOLE IRVING

These easy to create fall pumpkins are a perfect way to add festive fall decor to any room in the house this season. And, the best part about them is that you can keep them for years to come!

Materials: Crafting Styrofoam Balls – Variety of Sizes (we got ours at Hobby Lobby)

Yarn (recommend using thicker yarn)

Twine

Glue gun

Apple Corer

Sticks from yard

Crochet hook

Directions: Cut the tops and bottoms off of the ball.

It doesn’t have to be perfect, as real pumpkins aren’t!

Use the apple corer to create a hole in the center, going all the way through the ball.

Use the crochet hook to weave the yarn or twine through the hole and around the pumpkin, until the whole pumpkin is covered.

Secure with hot glue when done.

Insert stick into the top hole and attach with hot glue.

Place in a festive basket or around the house.

These adorable pumpkins were crafted by Tanya Banks!

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Main Photo by Megan Sapelak

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3

happy home | fix it

6 Subtle Signs of Major Problems

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

Have you ever noticed small imperfections around your house but let them go until it's too late? Check out these six subtle signs you should not ignore!

1

Routine Maintenance You can avoid many home emergencies with routine maintenance. Mark your calendar and complete this checklist regularly.

Flush the Air Conditioner Drain Line A clog in the drain line that carries condensation outside can cause the system to stop working. To prevent this, pour 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar into the drain line monthly. This breaks down clogs by killing algae and bacteria before they plug the system.

Vacuum Fridge Coils The condenser coils underneath the refrigerator push out heat from the refrigerator. Vacuum and clean these twice annually to keep the refrigerator running smoothly and cooling foods appropriately.

Change Air Filters Each air conditioning unit has a filter that needs regular replacement. FIberglass filters typically need replacing monthly.

Pleated filters last from three to six months, depending on type. Consult manufacturer recommendations for suggested frequency. Write the date of your last change on the air filter and mark your calendar for the next one.

Bulging or Peeling Paint - If interior paint starts to show bulges, cracks or peeling, it’s possible there’s a leak behind the wall that needs to be addressed.

Tiny Holes in Wood or Drywall - Finding a cluster of very small holes in wood paneling or drywall could indicate the presence of termites.

Call the exterminator immediately for evaluation.

2

Clean Dryer Exhaust Vents The exhaust vent pushes air from the dryer outside the house. These vents get clogged with lint from clothing.

Dryer vents should be fully cleaned and inspected every 6-12 months (depending on usage) to avoid fire hazards.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Slow Drains -If you notice a slow drain, try unclogging it with a plumbing snake to remove hair and buildup. If this doesn’t solve the problem, there might be a bigger issue. If you have multiple slow drains throughout the house, contact a plumber.

There could be a backup in the main sewer line. This is a plumbing emergency and needs immediate attention.

4 Water Stains - If you notice water stains on the ceiling, there potentially may be a leak somewhere. If you are unsure if it’s a new or old stain, mark the edges with a pencil and keep an eye on it to see if it grows. If you’re certain it’s a new stain, evaluate it for a leak.

5 Smelly Electrical Outlets - If you notice a funny odor coming from any outlet, unplug everything in that area. Carefully smell individual outlets and light switches. If you can identify that one is producing the scent, turn off the breaker and call an electrician immediately. Faulty wiring could be the cause.

Flickering Lights - If you notice a flickering light, determine whether the light bulb is screwed in fully and that it’s the proper type of bulb for the fixture.

If flickering continues or you have multiple lights flickering, call an electrician immediately. Your home could have faulty wiring.

6 *Always use caution when evaluating home appliances, outlets and electrical wiring.

Call professionals for help.

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49

happy home | clean it

Closet Clutter Cleaning: The Hanger Hack

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

Is your closet in need of a clean-up but you don’t know where to start? We have a simple solution for you! Set aside a few minutes and get your closet on the track to clean in no time!

Rather than spending hours pulling out every single item from the closet, consider this experiment as a long-term solution to your closet woes.

STEP 1: Turn all of your hangers around to face the opposite direction of what you normally do. For most people, this means that the hook on the top now faces you instead of away from you.

STEP 2: As you wear clothes, return them to the closet after washing with the hangers facing the “right” way. *Note: this means that you will have a mixture of the way clothes are hanging in the closet.

STEP 3: At the end of the season, set aside 30-60 minutes to go through and remove all the seasonal clothing that you never wore. This visual trick will make it easy to see what hasn’t been touched all season.

STEP 4: Sort unworn clothing into three piles: Sell It, Donate It and Toss It. Discard clothing according to the method you selected for the next step.

! Pro Tip:

If you have special event clothing such as formal wear or costumes, you can separate that from regular clothes and extend the time frame to 1-2 years, depending on occasion.

This trick can also be applied to folded clothing by facing clothes in the opposite direction. As they are returned to the drawer, replace them the “right” way. Shoes may be placed in the closet facing the opposite direction and returned after wear to the standard position.

What to Do With Unwanted Clothes, Shoes and Other Items:

50

SELL IT If the item is in good shape (and you have the time and patience), you can sell used items and recover some of your investment. Be realistic - just because you paid $50 for a new item doesn’t mean someone else is willing to pay the same price for it in used condition.

Options: Online at Poshmark, eBay, Facebook Marketplace. Locally at Plato’s Closet, Sandy’s Consignment.

DONATE IT If an item is still in usable condition and you don’t have the time or energy to sell it (or you have a ton of stuff you want to unload at once), consider donation. Whether to a friend or agency, there are many others in need who would love that old 80’s hair band t-shirt! If you donate to a charitable organization, be sure to get a tax form for your deduction.

Options: Online at Buy Nothing Gainesville Facebook groups. Locally at Salvation Army, Haven Hospice Attic, Goodwill, St. Francis House, local churches.

TOSS IT If an item is in need of repair (and you’re not interested in fixing it) or is generally not in reusable condition, throw it in the trash or recycle if available.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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learn | homeschool corner

Nature Notebooks:

Combining Science, Art and Writing

BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.

One of the joys of homeschooling is the luxury of extra time to spend with your children during the day. This includes getting to enjoy all that the Gainesville area has to offer each and every day. We are blessed with many parks, trails, and even our backyards that provide us with fun, engaging, and educational opportunities in the outdoors. Some parents may feel guilty about spending so much time out of the “classroom,” but the truth is that kids can learn much about art, science and writing through these non-traditional learning opportunities. So, bring some supplies with you the next time you head out and see what you can learn.

SCIENCE Science is an obvious subject to teach outdoors. Visit Devil’s Millhopper and learn about sinkholes and how they form. Visit the trails behind the Florida Museum of Natural History to see different Florida ecosystems. Make sure to notice the labels around the trails that identify specific plants and trees. Visit Sweetwater Wetlands Park to identify even more flora while you look for different bird species, insects, and of course, alligators. Simply talking about what you see and read is a great way to teach your kids and learn a bit yourself, too.

ART Whether you have a budding artist or just want to encourage your kids to express their creativity, art and nature are a great combination. Bring paper, regular pencils, colored pencils and even watercolors with you when you head out. Teach your kids to create leaf rubbings then label the parts of the leaf. Prompt them to draw pictures of plants, trees and animals they see while they label their names and parts. Look for footprints, take photos and try to identify them. Share your phone with your kids and ask them to create a photo collage of your outdoor adventure. You may even stop and set up a space to paint or draw pictures of what they see. Create your own versions, too, and point out how people sometimes see and interpret things differently.

WRITING Give your child the freedom to express themselves in writing about what they’ve seen and experienced. Kids may keep a journal with an entry for each outing. Ask them to write a narrative about their experiences on a trail or in a park. Your kids can even write stories or poems about what they’ve seen.

Imagine the story your child may come up with about two squirrels chasing each other around a tree, a spider slowly building its web, or a flock of birds flying overhead.

Combine all three subjects into a scavenger hunt for your kids. Give them a bingo-style paper with specific plants, animals or footprints they should look for. As they find each one, they should write its name or a sentence about a feature that stands out and draw a picture of it.

So, what will you do? The next time we have one of those beautiful fall mornings, take the kids out, visit one of our county or state parks, and learn more about and in our beautiful community.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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learn | family learning

Snuggle Up and Watch a Movie From the Comfort of Your Car

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

Remember the scene in Grease where the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies meet up at the drive-in for a night out on the town? Now you and your friends (and family) can too!

FLORIDA IS HOME TO SEVEN DRIVE-IN THEATERS, WITH AN EIGHTH ONE SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN THE SUMMER OF 2022.

Drive-in theaters officially opened for business in 1933 in New Jersey, where Richard Hollingshead created a drive-in as an option for his mother and others who couldn’t comfortably fit in the standard theater seats. Drive-ins reached their peak in the 1950’s and 1960’s, when more American families owned cars.

As the novelty of automobile ownership wore off and suburban sprawl moved more people away from city centers, the drive-in business faded.

Drive-ins hold a nostalgic feeling as families bring their pillows and blankets to curl up in the car and watch the movie from their favorite car seat. Many driveins also allow patrons to bring folding chairs and set up outside the vehicle for an outdoor experience.

While some theaters show older or B-rated movies, others show the latest films at a fraction of the cost. A standard movie ticket costs $12 or more per adult, whereas drive-in tickets are about half the price.

Drive-in theaters make their money from the concession stands and therefore do not typically allow outside food and drink.

While standard theaters were closed during COVID, drive-in theaters provided an alternative to allow people the opportunity to safely socialize from a distance while still enjoying a night at the movies. People discovered it was a great way to do family night!

Of the seven theaters in Florida, we are fortunate enough to have one in our (almost) backyard. Located in Marion County, the Ocala Drive-In offers two screens, each showing a double feature nightly. These are typically movies that are concurrently playing in the standard theaters so that discounted ticket just did double time! Parking in a grassy lot, patrons tune their radios to the station playing the movie they are watching and relax with their popcorn.

Next time you are looking for a date night or family night, check out a drivein theater and keep the old American pastime alive!

FLORIDA DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATERS Ocala Drive-in Theatre - 4850 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, 352-629-1325 Joy-Lan Drive-in Theatre - 16414 U.S. Highway 301, Dade City, 352-567-5085 Fun Lan Drive-in Theatre - 2302 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 813-234-2311 Silver Moon Drive-in Theatre - 4100 New Tampa Highway, Lakeland, 863-682-0849 Ruskin Family Drive-in Theatre - 5011 N. U.S. Highway 41, Ruskin, 813-645-1455 Lake Worth Drive-in and Swap Shop - 3438 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, 561-965-3624 Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop - 3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-791-7927

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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learn | featured teacher

Mimi Huynh Why were you inspired to teach?

I am inspired to teach because I grew up in a household of educators. My grandmother, Marilyn Wetherington, taught English and was a huge influence in my goal of pursuing a career in teaching.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

My favorite part of the school day is lunch because I am always hungry by 1:05 pm. I get cranky if I skip breakfast!

WHERE DO YOU TEACH? I currently teach at Kanapaha Middle School.

Go Coyotes!

WHAT GRADE/AGE DO YOU TEACH? I teach 8th grade.

Do you have a favorite assignment/ project that you typically assign your students?

I typically assign my students a “Six Word Memoir” assignment. They must describe a significant life event in just six words. I love learning about my students. I am always impressed by their experiences and creativity executing the assignment.

How do you wind down from a long day of teaching?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER? This is my eighth year teaching.

I love to wind down on the couch in front of the tv cuddling my dog.

WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH? I teach language arts.

I love to escape into other worlds through books! I also love watching anime and eating fried foods.

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What inspires you to keep going on tough days?

My students inspire me to keep teaching on the tough days. Many of my students have endured tough obstacles and have continued to persevere. They also inspire me with their desire to change the future and their love of knowledge. My students, both past and present, make this the most fulfilling career I could ask for.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

"As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has – or ever will have – something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression." –Mister Rogers

Everyday has funny moments, but one that stands out involves me rushing out of my classroom to a disturbance only to have my shoes fly off, causing me to trip and fall headfirst into the concrete wall, giving me a concussion and six weeks of physical therapy!

What is your favorite book?

My favorite piece of classical literature would be To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee. Contemporary novels would be The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas or The House in The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Photo courtesy of Mimi Huynh

Visit gigglemagazine.com to submit your favorite educator for a chance for him or her to be featured in one of our upcoming issues.

Not a superhero, but I would be a Jedi! I am a big Star Wars fan. I would be Ahsoka Tano.

“May the Force be with you."

What do you like to do outside of teaching?

Share a funny teaching moment/day.

Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for his students?

An administrator who is truly devoted to making her school a better place? Giggle Magazine wants to know!

If you were a superhero, who would you be?

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learn | back to school

O 2 B

K I D S

P R O U D L Y

P R E S E N T S

Our community goes ABBY, PK2 ZACH, 2ND GRADE LUKE, 5TH GRADE

ADISON, 4TH GRADE HEZEKIAH, 1ST GRADE

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ANDREW 12TH GRADE

ARIA VPK

BRIANA, 6TH GRADE EMILIA, 3RD GRADE

BRIELLA, K4

ARIANA PRE-K

BROCK, 2ND GRADE CHARLOTTE, 4TH GRADE

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

ASHER KINDERGARTEN

BRADLEY K2

CAMDEN, 7TH GRADE GRACELYN, 3RD GRADE ELLISON, 2ND GRADE

CAMYRN 8TH GRADE

Photos submitted by local families.

Thank you to our Giggle magazine readers who shared their first-day-of-school photos with us! We hope you all have a great school year!

learn | back to school

Photos submitted by local families.

PRESENTED BY

CONNOR KINDERGARTEN

CLAIRE, 2ND GRADE EMMETT, KINDERGARTEN

DAKOTA, 10TH GRADE MASON, 9TH GRADE

DYLAN 6TH GRADE

ELIZABETH 2-YEAR-OLD CLASS

ELLA VPK

ELLE FRESHMAN (COLLEGE)

EMERSON 9TH GRADE

EMILY, 10TH GRADE CAITLIN, 7TH GRADE

EMILY PK1

EMMA GRACE, 4TH GRADE NIKOLAOS, 2ND GRADE LOUKAS, KINDERGARTEN

GRACE, 8TH GRADE MICHAEL, 4TH GRADE

GREER 4TH GRADE

HARPER, 2ND GRADE AUSTEN, KINDERGARTEN

HAYLEIGH 4TH GRADE

JAIDEN 3RD GRADE

JAKE PRE-K

JAMES 1ST GRADE

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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learn | back to school

DANIEL 1ST GRADE

JB 5TH GRADE

JEB PRE-K

JOSIE 1ST GRADE

JOSLYN 2ND GRADE

KAILEIGH KINDERGARTEN

KALI VPK

KLARA, 4TH GRADE AND WALLY

LANDYN VPK

LANGLEY KINDERGARTEN

LEIGHTON KINDERGARTEN

LUCAS, 3RD GRADE OLIVIA, KINDERGARTEN

MADISON, 8TH GRADE FINLEY, 3RD GRADE

JESSE, 1ST GRADE CHASE, PK3

KILEE, 5TH GRADE BRANTLEE, 4TH GRADE

LIAM 5TH GRADE

PRESENTED BY

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

MEGAN 10TH GRADE

Photos submitted by local families.

JASMINE 6TH GRADE

learn | back to school

Photos submitted by local families.

PRESENTED BY

MELODY PRE-K

MIRA 9TH GRADE

MOXIE 1ST GRADE

NICOLE 12TH GRADE

NYLAH 4TH GRADE

OCEAN, 5TH GRADE CAMILA, 4TH GRADE

OLIVER, 5TH GRADE EZRA, 1ST GRADE JUDE, 5TH GRADE

OLIVIA KINDERGARTEN

REAGAN 2ND GRADE

SAMANTHA 5TH GRADE

LONDON 5TH GRADE

TENUKA KINDERGARTEN

VANESSA 5TH GRADE

VERONICA 2ND GRADE

VIOLET 5TH GRADE

SARAH, 9TH GRADE EVAN, 7TH GRADE

TALON 6TH GRADE

WYATT 3RD GRADE

learn | back to school

ANABELLA 11TH GRADE

ANALIA KINDERGARTEN

ANDERSON 3RD GRADE

ANDRES, 6TH GRADE NOAH, 3RD GRADE

YALEINA, 3RD GRADE YASELIZ, 1ST GRADE

JD 5TH GRADE

LYLA 2ND GRADE

SALEH 1ST GRADE

MAXYNNE, 7TH GRADE LUISSA, 2ND GRADE

NICHOLAS 9TH GRADE

ADLEY 8TH GRADE

NATHANAEL KINDERGARTEN

P R E S E N T E D

DENVER KINDERGARTEN

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LILY, 4TH GRADE DELILAH, 1ST GRADE

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

B Y

Photos submitted by local families.

ALEXIS 3RD GRADE

ALACHUA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

ENSURING A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

Every October, children and adults alike feel the spooky excitement in the air as Halloween approaches. Schools, homes and offices put out pumpkins, ghosts, witches, skeletons and more. We dress in costumes, eat candy, carve pumpkins and maybe attend a fall festival or two. Follow these tips to make sure the only frightening part this Halloween season is the neighbor’s decorations!

CANDY Candy is one of the best parts of Halloween! If you opt for traditional trick-or-treating, make sure your child knows you must inspect all candy before they eat it for safety reasons.

Never eat anything homemade or not individually wrapped.

Talk to your children beforehand about any types of candy they are not allowed to have. This may include candies that are choking hazards, contain certain ingredients or dyes or any other reason you deem important.

Children with allergies should be well-versed in the candies that are off-limits.

Many parents decide what their candy limit is for their children beforehand.

Whether it’s a free for all or a few pieces per day, set expectations with your children about how much candy they are allowed to eat and when.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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COSTUMES Picking the perfect costume is the annual debate! Some schools allow children to wear costumes to school. If this is the case, ensure the costume is appropriate for school and not too scary or revealing.

For trick-or-treating and other community activities, ensure the costume fits appropriately. Kids tend to get excited and run from house to house so you don’t want them tripping and ruining the night. Costumes with heels or unusual shoes look great for photo opportunities but can be limiting during the fun.

For costumes with makeup, buy non-toxic options and do your best to keep it off clothing!

COVID-19 COVID has thrown a new spin on holiday celebrations. This year’s Delta variant has been shown to be a highly transmissible virus and is infecting children more often than earlier strains. Use your best judgment when planning Halloween activities to ensure a healthy holiday.

Unvaccinated children are at greater risk so you may opt for smaller, outdoor celebrations. If wearing a costume with a mask, ensure it provides the same level of protection as masks worn daily. Celebrations like the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Trunk or Treat Drive Through offer a contactless option to score candy delivered by a team in full PPE protective gear. All the fun, none of the worry!

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

SAFETY Many neighborhoods have a police presence on Halloween night to ensure the safety of trick-or-treaters and their families so opting for a neighborhood where police will be present can be an added safety element.

This can help deter criminals as well as provide immediate intervention in the case of an emergency. Visit a neighborhood that both the parents and children know well.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office also recommends doing a review of the sex offender website to identify the location of nearby child predators. This public information is available online at http:// offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/Search.jsp.

VEHICLES According to the Gainesville Police Department, vehicles are one of the most dangerous parts of Halloween. Since children are running around in the dark, cars may not see them and drivers may be distracted. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year. Have children stop and look both ways before crossing streets or driveways and discuss the dangers of vehicles beforehand.

Parent Tip: Put glow sticks in children’s candy bucket or add glow bracelets/ necklaces to their costumes for added safety.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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GIGGLE M AGA ZINE'S 2 021

FA LL

Roundup

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

With cooler weather comes an abundance of activities to get outside and enjoy fall fun! Mark your calendar and enjoy North Florida festivals.

Newberry Cornfield Maze Maze and hayride. Laugh by day, scream by night.

WHEN: Friday, September 24 - Saturday, October 30 (Fridays and Saturdays) 5 – 11 p.m. Friday 3 – 11 p.m. Saturday WHERE: 20015

West Newberry Road Newberry, FL 32669 COST: Adults and Children 10 and Older $20, Children Under 10 Years $15 (includes Corn Maze and Haunted House ticket) Hayride Tickets $5 Bull Ride $5 Hamster Balls $5 Additional Haunted House Tickets $5

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Red White and Blues Farm Fall Festival

Peanut Patch and Corn Maze

Spend a day at the farm and enjoy fresh air, farm feels and food trucks! Pumpkins, sunflowers and family games will be available. Festival runs September 25 through October 31 and continues on November 6th for Pumpkin Destruction Day to demolish the pumpkins of the season!

Check out this family fun time at the peanut patch and corn maze. Kids will enjoy hayrides, barrel trains, a bouncy house with an obstacle course, a kids play area, a campfire and the corn maze!

There’s also a chance for spookiness after the sun goes down and the maze has a different flavor! You can also test your bravery in the haunted house.

WHEN: Saturday, September 25 Saturday, November 6 (Friday - Sunday)

WHEN: October 2 - October 30 (Fridays and Saturdays) 5 – 11 p.m. Friday 3 – 11 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Red White and Blues Farm 3250 NE 140th Avenue Williston, FL 32696

WHERE: 8656 SW 75th Street, Gainesville, FL 32608

COST: Ages 4 and up: $12.95 on Friday and $14.95 on Saturday and Sunday. Free for children 0-3 years of age.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

COST: Adults $15, Kids (4-10) $10, Kids (3 years & under) Free

Roger’s Farm Fall Festival

Coon Hollo Fall Festival

Get ready to tackle the corn maze, browse the pumpkin patch, jump on the bounce pad, devour lunch from the food trucks and participate in some punkin’ chunkin’!

Great family event during the daytime. In the evening, the spooks come out!

The best fall has to offer in one place!

Multiple activities for the whole family including a hayride to feed cows, pony rides, crop maze, pig races, 50 foot sack slide, country carousel, archery, pasture putt-putt golf, farm animals, corn crib, hay fort, old fashioned games, farm animal visits and much more!

WHEN: Saturday, October 2 - Sunday, October 31 (Friday - Sunday) Friday 6 - 10 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.

WHERE: 3831

NW 156th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609 COST: $10 admission (ages 3 and up) Pumpkin Chunkin' $5 Hayride $5

Central Florida Peanut Festival For more than 30 years, the Central Florida Peanut Festival celebrates the area's largest commercial crop - the peanut. Vendors, crafters and civic groups will line Heritage Park for a fun-filled day.

WHEN: Friday, October 8 - Sunday, November 7 (Friday - Sunday) Fridays 4 - 7 p.m.

Saturdays 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sundays 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

WHERE: 22480 N Hwy 441,

Micanopy, FL 32667 COST: $12.50 admission (ages 4 and up) Kids (3 years and under) Free

Drive-in Spooky Movie Night Hosted by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, this family-friendly event will be a chance to watch a holiday drive-in movie.

Campus Credit Union will provide free prepackaged popcorn, candy and drinks.

36th Annual Art Festival at Thornebrook Our annual art festival is back! Fine artists and craftsmen will be exhibiting throughout the park-like setting of Thornebrook Village Center. Show is laid out to take advantage of the ambiance and convenience of Thornebrook Village Square and its stores, restaurants and other amenities.

WHEN: Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WHERE: Thornebrook Village Center, 2441 NW 43rd Street Gainesville, FL 32606 COST: Free

17th Annual Florida Bat Festival Enjoy the Kid Zone, shop from local artisans, eat from local food trucks, enjoy the World's LARGEST bats and listen to live music while enjoying unlimited samples in the beer garden.

WHEN: Saturday, October 23 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WHEN: Saturday, October 2 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

WHEN: Saturday, October 16 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Williston Heritage Park

100 Block North Main Street, Williston, FL 32696

WHERE: Rotary Park at Jonesville 14100 NW 32nd Avenue Jonesville, FL 32669

COST: Free

COST: Free

COST: Adults $8, Kids (5-12) $5, Kids (4 years and under) Free

37th Annual Windsor Zucchini Fall Festival

51st Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival

First Responder Trunk or Treat Drive-Through

This year’s event benefits both the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department and the Melrose Volunteer Fire Department. With over 100 arts and craft vendors, barbecue and all your favorite zucchini foods (including ice cream!), this event is sure to be satisfying in more ways than one!

This festival celebrates the area’s fishing heritage with a Seafood Festival parade, delicious eats, live local music and arts and crafts vendors galore. Enjoy a fun family fall day!

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a contactless trunk-or-treat event. Everyone will be wearing PPE gear incorporated in their costumes.

Participants will drive through while being “protected” from the zombies. At the end, they will receive bags of candy from the “Decontamination team.”

WHEN: Saturday, October 2 Sunday, October 3 WHERE: Windsor Volunteer Fire Department 1401 SE County Road 234, Gainesville, FL 32641 COST: Free

WHEN: Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WHERE: City Park

188 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625 COST: Free

WHERE: Lubee

Bat Conservancy 1309 NW 192nd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609

WHEN: Saturday, October 23 from 6 - 8 p.m.

WHERE: A lachua County Sheriff’s Office 2621 SE Hawthorne Road Gainesville, FL 32641 COST: Free

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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Swamp City Fitness Safe Halloween Trunk or Treat

47th Annual McIntosh 1890’s Art Festival

Alachua Main Street Harvest Festival

Grab your costume and your kids and join Swamp City Fitness for their second annual Trunk or Treat event. Enjoy music, candy and fun!

WHEN: Friday, October 29 from 6 - 8 p.m.

This annual festival draws in anywhere from 25,000 - 35,000 visitors to enjoy the beauty and activities in this small town. With over 280 arts and crafts and antique vendors, there is certainly something for everyone!

WHERE: Swamp City Fitness 4315 SW 29th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32608

WHEN: Saturday, November 6 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

COST: Free

WHERE: Macintosh Civic Center, 5835 Avenue G, McIntosh, FL 32664

Main Street will once again be lined with over 200 unique vendors and thousands of guests looking for that one special gift or piece of art for their home, or just a delicious treat that is not always available throughout the year. The intent of the festival is to showcase local businesses and talent, with proceeds going towards the two scholarships the Alachua Business League offers to local students.

46th Annual Micanopy Fall Festival Take a step back in time to visit this quaint town as it bustles with vendors during this weekend-long event. Artisans from throughout the Southeast will be in attendance as well as local food vendors, live music and an auction!

WHEN: Saturday, October 30 Sunday, October 31 WHERE: 202 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667 COST: Free

Halloween at Haile Equestrian Celebrate Halloween at the Haile Equestrian Center with FREE pony rides, horses in costume, horse grooming and feeding stations, games, trick or treating and more! $1 concessions to benefit farm programs for the kids!

WHEN: Sunday, October 31 from 1 - 4 p.m.

WHERE: Haile Equestrian Center 7680 SW 46th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608 COST: Free

COST: Free

40th Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show The streets of historic downtown Gainesville will be transformed into a celebration of art and creativity complete with live music, performing arts and a spectacular array of food. Art lovers will fill the streets to enjoy and purchase one-of-a-kind artwork.

WHEN: Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WHERE: 111 East University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 COST: Free

WHEN: Sunday, November 14 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WHERE: 14436 NW 232nd St, High Springs, FL 32643 COST: Free

Newberry Main Street Fall Festival Come enjoy a fall day full of family friendly activities! Get a jump start on holiday shopping by browsing the vendors. The kids will enjoy the activities and music as well as the food trucks.

WHEN: Saturday, November 20 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WHERE: 100 S. Seaboard Drive, Newberry, FL 32669 COST: Free

FA LL Bucket Lis t Tr y these other activities to get the full fall experience!

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Apple Picking (many orchards to choose from in Ellijay, GA)

Get Spooked at a Haunted House

Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Leaf Peeping (many locations in GA, peak times in October/November)

Make Caramel Apples

Have a Campfire

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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EXPECTING Birthing Baby at Home: A Tale of Two Moms

INFANT | 0-1 What is Newborn Jaundice?

And Should I be Worried?

TODDLER | 2-3 The Montessori Method: Toys that Teach: Foster Creativity and Independence with Montessori-Style Toys

EARLY YEARS | 4-5 How Full is Your Bucket?

Our Favorite Book for Teaching Kindness

KIDS | 6-9 The Art of Saying Thank You

TWEENS | 10-13 High School Here We Come!

TEENS | 14-18 Understanding the NCAA Recruitment Process GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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c2c | expecting

Birthing Baby at Home: A Tale of Two Moms

BY TRACY WRIGHT

When Jenny Hill was pregnant with her first daughter 12 years ago, she toured the prospective hospital where she would give birth and began to have doubts on what she wanted from her delivery experience. The setting felt too clinical and constrained for what she personally wanted for the birth of her first child.

She began doing her homework on the process, visiting different nurse midwives who could deliver her baby. She finally settled with Midwives Cooperative, “a group of midwives working together to provide family centered maternity care for birth in the comfort of your own home.”

“The practice was phenomenal and provided so much support that I needed. They were a natural and comforting presence during my pregnancy and during the birthing process,” Hill said.

“I had a music playlist tailored for what would relax me most. We kept the house lights dim,” Hill said. “I didn’t have to wait for a provider as my midwife was constantly there offering support. I was never hooked up to an IV, and I was able to move around a lot including outside for fresh air.”

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), about 0.9% of U.S. births are at home, with one-fourth of those being unplanned. Many women choose to select home births because they want to give birth as naturally as possible without medical intervention, want to be home in a comfortable setting surrounded by family or friends, or dissatisfaction with medical care.

A 2014 study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health reported that among low-risk women, planned home births result in low rates of interventions without an increase in adverse outcomes for mothers and babies. Interventions can include labor induction, pain medications and electronic fetal heart monitoring. Home births have much lower results of cesarean sections and vaginal tearing as well.

Before that moment, Jenny had been the one who wanted to opt for a hospital birth while her husband thought they should have a home birth. It was ironic because both Jenny and her brother had both been born at home. But once she toured the hospital, her opinions dramatically changed. “I really wanted to be able to move freely during my birth and not be tied to machines,” Hill said.

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For Gainesville mom Bre Gilmer, disappointment with her first child’s birthing process in a hospital setting is what prompted her to consider a home birth when she was pregnant with her second.

Since she was due in April 2021, the COVID-19 restrictions in medical facilities also played a part in her decision. “The restrictions due to COVID-19 did not make me feel comfortable, and I believe it is so important to feel comfortable especially if your goal is unmedicated,” Gilmer said.

Gilmer had both a nurse midwife and a doula— a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth, according to DONA International. After her

Photo courtesy Jenny Hill

Hill opted for a water birth, which she said really helped with managing her pain during contractions, especially with the birth of her first daughter, which took 21 hours. Benefits of a water birth include more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, said the American Pregnancy Association. Although it was a long and painful process, Hill was very glad to have had a home birth because her recovery was seamless and fast. Hill believes that had she been at a hospital, it may not have ended up being a natural birth. Hill opted for a home birth for her second daughter as well, and it was very fast and easy.

c2c | expecting

Photo by Southern Studios

Ensure that you’re working with a certified nurse midwife for your home birth with access to a local hospital and consultation from doctors or specialists at that hospital. Consider hiring a doula who can give extra care for you and your newborn. Create a specific birth plan working closely with your midwife and close family members taking special consideration with any supplies you will need at your home. Make sure that you have access to specific medical supplies onsite needed for you and your baby. Finally, make sure that you have immediate access to a hospital that can provide emergency care quickly if needed. Ideally your health care provider will already have made arrangements with a local hospital should you need to be transferred quickly.

contractions began steadily in the middle of the night, her midwife and doula headed straight to her home. As they prepared her birthing pool, Gilmer binge watched “The Office” while having contractions on a birthing ball.

Also opting for a water birth, she attests that the hot water made the contractions more bearable.

“I was 10cm by 10 a.m., but my body was not ready to push. I changed positions and rooms quite a bit. I moved from the pool, to my shower, to my bed. Around 1 p.m., my body started to push by itself,” Gilmer said. “I got back into my pool around 2 p.m., and my body pushed my baby out within five minutes by itself. I had no tearing.

It was absolutely incredible. We immediately played music by my favorite, Taylor Swift, and all cried tears of joy together.”

The Mayo Clinic has several recommendations for those considering planned home births.

“Being able to listen to your body and move freely is so important.

I could drink water and eat food as I pleased. It was just so much more enjoyable.”

–Bre Gilmer

Unfortunately, there are some instances where the ACOG does not recommend a home birth which includes being pregnant with multiples, a prior C-section or breech position of the baby (when the baby is positioned feet first). According to the ACOG, there are risks associated with not delivering at a hospital or birthing center including a slightly higher risk of infant mortality and a greater risk of neurological damage or seizures. Taking the proper steps like working with a certified health care professional and having a backup plan for hospital transfer helps to reduce these risks.

For moms who have had successful home births, the experience can be unforgettable.

“Being able to listen to your body and move freely is so important. I could drink water and eat food as I pleased. It was just so much more enjoyable,” Gilmer said. “If you’re thinking about it, and if you’re able to, absolutely do it. I would do it all over again. Find a midwife that you trust, find a doula that empowers you, and trust the process! It is so worth it!”

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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c2c | infant { 0 -1 Y E A R S }

What is Newborn Jaundice?

And Should I Be Worried?

BY AMANDA ROLAND

Jaundice is caused by an excess amount of bilirubin in the baby's blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment in red blood cells, and if your new baby’s liver can’t remove the bilirubin from the blood, the yellow pigment will present on the skin. In a newborn, jaundice will cause a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

All newborns get a thorough check at the hospital after birth, and one of the things they check for is jaundice. Most cases are mild, can be easily treated and typically last no more than two weeks. In the instance of your newborn having severe jaundice, your doctors will instruct you on the next steps, which may include a longer stay in the hospital. Infant jaundice can be treated in a few different ways: Feeding Schedule 1. Specialized Feeding your newborn eight to 12 times a day will help

them stay hydrated and able to pass the built-up bilirubin, according to Healthline, an online health resource.

Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, talk to your doctor about how often you should be feeding your newborn based on your child’s condition.

2. During phototherapy, your newborn is placed under Phototherapy

blue spectrum light with special eye coverings, and the bilirubin in your baby’s blood can be managed through photo-oxidation.

“Photo-oxidation adds oxygen to the bilirubin so it dissolves easily in water,” according to the National Health Service (NHS). “This makes it easier for your baby's liver to break down and remove the bilirubin from their blood.” Phototherapy is typically used periodically over one to two days until bilirubin levels stabilize.

3. Transfusions For severe cases of newborn jaundice, exchange

DID KNOW? 60% of babies are born with jaundice.

About 3 in 5 babies have this very common condition, according to the March of Dimes. Thankfully, because jaundice is so common in newborns, doctors know exactly what to do to keep your baby healthy, and in some cases they may not require any treatment at all.

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transfusions might be necessary, according to the Mayo Clinic. Small amounts of blood will be taken and replaced with donor blood, reducing the amount of bilirubin in the newborn’s blood. This treatment is rare and typically used as a last resort if other treatments do not work.

Immunoglobulin (IVIG) 4. Intravenous If your newborn’s jaundice is due to a blood type issue,

aka rhesus disease, this treatment might be needed.

Rhesus disease is when the mother has rhesus-negative blood and the baby has rhesus-positive blood, according to the NHS. This disease causes the baby to carry antibodies that can cause the rapid breakdown of their red blood cells. “Intravenous transfusion of an immunoglobulin — a blood protein that can reduce levels of antibodies — may decrease jaundice and lessen the need for an exchange transfusion,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

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c2c | toddler {2-3 YEARS}

The Montessori Method: Toys that Teach Foster creativity and independence with Montessoristyle toys

The Montessori method was developed in the early 1900s by an Italian scholar and scientist named Dr. Maria Montessori.

She created schools for children in Italy that fostered “rigorous, self-motivated growth for children and adolescents in all areas of their development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical,” according to the American Montessori Society. When Dr. Montessori’s method started gaining popularity, it wasn’t long before her new teachings were spread across the world, allowing Montessori schools to pop up everywhere.

The method includes letting children interact in the world independently at a young age, focusing on exploration and multi-sensory learning. One way to encourage this type of learning is with Montessori-style toys! These toys are often simple and less “eye-catching” than your classic toys, but they allow for more independent creativity instead of just entertainment. In fact, in a school setting, these hands-on Montessori-style toys are referred to as “work,” according to Christina Miller, principal and owner of Millhopper Montessori School.

“Children 18 months to 2 ½ are in a different developmental state and the materials are designed for exploration,” Miller said. “Also, in this stage of development, children are needing to build independence and concentration. Allowing them long uninterrupted periods of time to pursue areas of interest is important as well as creating activities that allow them to explore through their five senses and develop small and large muscle control.”

BY AMANDA ROLAND

Here are a few Montessori-style toys that you can introduce to your toddler:

Organic Materials Some of the best Montessori-style toys can be found right in your backyard! Rocks, leaves and sticks can all be used as building materials for towers or castles, or they can play a part in your kiddo’s makebelieve scenarios.

Let your child’s imagination run wild while connecting with their natural surroundings.

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Wooden Blocks Simple wooden blocks can be a great toy for your little ones. They can be colored, plain wood or even painted with the alphabet.

Child-Sized Tools To encourage a clear view of real-world actions and tasks, let your kiddo play with child-sized tools and equipment.

This could be a miniature kitchen set, garage set, cleaning kit (mop, broom, vacuum) or doctor set (stethoscope, Band-Aids).

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Musical Instruments Instruments like shakers, maracas, small drums or tambourines are all great interactive toys.

“Besides building fine and gross motor skills by picking up and shaking the musical instruments, studies have shown that musical instruments create more pathways in the brain and speed up brain development,” according to MontessoriMethod.com.

Sensory Bins Sensory bins can be made at home from many things you have in the house. Fill a bin with sand and other toys like rocks, dry pasta, pompom balls and yarn. Let your kiddo play with the items in the bin, feeling the different textures and taking in all the sensations. Answer any of their questions as they come up, and always supervise children playing with small objects.

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c2c | early years {4-6 YEARS}

How Full is Your Bucket?

Our Favorite Book for Teaching Kindness

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES ILLUSTRATION BY MEGAN SAPELAK

Have you ever noticed that when you’re feeling down, every little thing starts to feel monumentally disastrous? On the flip side, when life feels good, small inconveniences seem to roll by with barely a second glance. This applies to us adults, and, while they might not express it, it applies equally to our children.

Enter the bucket metaphor.

In Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer’s book “How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids,” they introduce the concept that everyone has an invisible bucket above their heads that is either filled or emptied with the events of the day. For example, a sibling skirmish would leak drops of water while a compliment from a teacher would add to the bucket. Since we never know how full or empty someone’s bucket is at any given moment, we must do our best to positively contribute to someone else’s bucket. The fuller the bucket, the better equipped we are to handle life’s ups and downs.

In this book, we follow Felix throughout the day and his understanding of how events and comments can impact bucket levels. He understands how small, kind gestures can make a positive difference in the lives of others. He also witnesses how short, angry comments said in the heat of the moment can take away from the bucket’s level.

Introducing this concept to young children helps provide them with a visual illustration of how we impact others with our actions. Whether intentional or accidental, we are always influencing the way those around us feel. This book teaches us how to be intentional with our words and actions to create a happier environment. It also teaches children how to fill their own bucket when it starts getting low. Before reaching empty, seek out people or experiences that fill your bucket and help change the mindset to a positive place.

Teaching children kindness and empathy starts early. Instilling these habits now will allow kind gestures to be their automatic response. Also teaching children to identify when their own bucket is running low is a great skill to instill at a young age.

Help brainstorm strategies with them to help them get back to neutral. Self-care activities such as quiet time, a favorite activity, helping others, snuggling with Mom or Dad or playing with the dog will help them avoid meltdowns and teach them how to be proactive about their own needs. Now get out there and fill some buckets!

5 FILL A BUCKET S I M P L E WAY S T O

Open a door for someone

U

ds d wor se kin

S ha r e y our toy s Ask a friend if he or she is okay Invite someone to play

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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c2c | kids { 7- 9 Y E A R S }

The Art of Saying Thank You

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

‘Tis the season of giving thanks for blessings big and small. What better time to instill the practice of gratitude with your kids?

The art of writing thank you notes is teetering on the brink of extinction but this small gesture can brighten the day of its recipients. As adults we know how important it is to send a thank you when we receive gifts of any kind. Now, getting our kids to do the same can take some coaxing. Not only is this a lifelong skill that they can take along with them, teaching them that showing gratitude can make the giver feel appreciated and is a wonderful way to boost the spirits of the one saying thanks.

When is an appropriate time to write a thank you note?

5 REASONS

to encourage your children to write thank you letters:

When it comes to showing thanks, there is no such thing as too much! If there’s a question on whether or not a thank you note is warranted, err on the side of writing it.

1.

It cultivates a sense of gratitude

Harvard Health reviewed several studies in the field of positive psychology and reports that a regular gratitude practice can make you happier.

Recognizing and appreciating objects, experiences, people, nature and any number of other things can bring a feeling of happiness.

2.

It improves writing skills

Writing thank you notes is a low threat opportunity to practice writing skills such as sentence structure, capitalization, punctuation, spelling and penmanship. Many children find this much more rewarding than worksheets in grammar class!

3.

Allows them to express creativity

Even if your child isn’t quite ready to write a full thank you letter, they can draw a picture to show their appreciation. Each letter is unique and heartfelt.

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4.

Shows respect and appreciation for others

Acknowledging someone’s kindness shows respect and appreciation for their contribution. This simple act recognizes the positive impact they had, whether they knew it or not.

5.

Teaches them etiquette

While etiquette classes were popular once upon a time, these days it’s up to parents to teach their children manners. Not everyone writes handwritten notes anymore. This is an opportunity for your child to set themself apart by spending a few minutes saying thanks.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Some good opportunities for writing notes include: • Receiving birthday gifts • Receiving holiday gifts or foods • Visits from out-of-town guests • Teachers and administrators during Teacher Appreciation Week or at the end of the school year • Anytime your child feels especially grateful for someone!

• Receiving graduation gifts • Receiving gifts after a religious celebration: Confirmation, Bat Mitzvah • After being invited to spend the weekend with friends or family Dear

Thank you notes can be short and sweet. While there is no right or wrong way to express gratitude, a few sentences thanking the person for the specific kindness is a safe bet.

This year, help your children begin a new practice of gratitude with handwritten notes.

,

Thank you for

TH A N K YOU!

I love it! I’m so glad you could come to my party I had fun celeb . rating with you.

Your Friend,

Dear Thank you for

TH A N K YO U !

the

, the

It’s perfect beca

use

I’m so thankful.

Best wishes,

For more inspiration, visit our website at gigglemagazine.com for downloadable templates!

PHYSICAL

BRAIN CHARACTER

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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c2c | tweens { 1 0 -1 3 Y E A R S }

High School Here We Come!

BY NICOLE IRVING AND LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

While evaluating your options, consider what parts of the high school experience are most critical to your child’s success.

Academics are important for each student but the appropriate level of rigor or course of study will vary by child. Work with an advisor at the high school to help your child select the appropriate courses to meet requirements, achieve success and challenge the student. If your child needs an extra challenge, consider a rigorous academic curriculum like an AP or IB program. If your child already has an interest in a field of study, a magnet program that features their interests might be a good fit. Alachua County programs range from agricultural topics to culinary arts to health professions to automotive technology and everything in between!

Athletics and arts programs are a consideration for some students. If your child plays a sport that is not available at the high school they selected, consider other options for involvement in community leagues or consider a private school option. If your child is into music and/or the arts, explore options that have strong arts programs.

Different children thrive in different environments. When looking at high schools, consider the size of the school they are in now and the school they are considering. If they are at a small school and will be enrolled at high school with twice the student body, that may be overwhelming at first. Contact the school and see if shadow days are available or even a private tour. You want them to feel comfortable in their new surroundings.

At this age, a child’s social circle is their everything, for lack of better words. If their best friends will be attending a different high school then they will be because of zoning, magnet choices or sports preferences, this can put added stress on choosing a high school that best suits your child. Talk to other parents and compare notes, see who may be considering the same school as your child. Ensure your child that even if they go to different high schools, they will have an opportunity to see them outside of school.

Another option is attending an online academy such as Florida Virtual School. Some families found that their students performed better in an online format that allowed for greater flexibility. Students who attend online classes are still eligible to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities at local schools. Contact the school for specifics.

As you help your child prepare for high school, there are many things to consider in finding the perfect fit.

Fortunately, Alachua County has many options for a great education and well-rounded experience.

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Magnet programs and private schools typically start open houses and applications for enrollment around January. Do your research beforehand and make a list of what is important to you and your child. Visit schools, meet with a school representative and even have your child shadow at the school to get a feel from the student perspective. If this process is overwhelming, every family has the option of attending the high school you are zoned for based on your address. Luckily, our Alachua County options are quality schools that offer a well-rounded environment for students, regardless of their interests.

Find the right fit for your tween ACADEMIC MAGNET PROGRAMS: Eastside High School • The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Gainesville High School • The Cambridge Program

SPECIALTY MAGNET PROGRAMS: Buchholz High School • Performing Arts • Band • Drama • Chorus and Orchestra • Aviance Color Guard • Academy of Entrepreneurship • Academy of Finance

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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c2c | teens { 1 4 -1 8 Y E A R S }

Understanding the NCAA Recruitment Process

BY TRACY WRIGHT

If you are the parent of a high school student-athlete, you may be wondering what your child needs to do to play at the collegiate level.

Timing is important. While some athletes are recruited as early as middle school for high demand sports, this is not the norm.

Most students begin the recruiting process by the end of their sophomore or beginning of their junior year.

Besides sports, academics are paramount in high school.

Getting good grades and a good score on the ACT and SAT are important in the process of qualifying and maintaining eligibility.

Depending on the sport and the type of school they are applying to, a full athletic scholarship may not be possible. Many schools supplement a partial athletic scholarship with an academic scholarship, said MaxPreps.com, a high school sports website.

Honestly assessing your child’s athletic ability is important. Keep an open line of communication with your child’s high school coach to properly understand their athletic ability and potential. Ask them if they are willing to reach out to colleges on behalf of your child.

There are different types of colleges as well. In addition to the wellknown NCAA Division I schools, there are also Division II, III and

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NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) schools that can offer different types of support and experiences for your student-athlete.

It’s important to be very open with your child about their needs.

Remember this is your child’s recruiting process and they need to be happy with their decision. The right fit matters more than the level of athletic program, Field Level says.

There are several things that both parents and students can do to help the recruiting process.

The first step is to register at the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Create a certification account to make official visits to Division I and II schools or to sign a National Letter of Intent, says the NCAA Eligibility Center. If your child is undecided on whether they will be pursuing athletics at a Division I, II, III or NAIA school, create a free profile page and NCAA ID to get updates.

Once you register, make sure both of you are staying current on their eligibility.

Consider registering with a recruiting website that can give you a higher profile with coaches. Sites like BeRecruited or Field Level allow your child to create a free or paid profile. Take quality video and create a highlights package to send to coaches who request it or post to YouTube or a recruiting site. Reach out to coaches at schools of interest.

Remember that nobody receives a four-year athletic scholarship.

Scholarships are renewed annually so families should consider this when selecting schools and their financial commitment. Even full scholarships don’t typically cover all costs.

Enjoy the process and let your child take the lead. As one parent on Field Level advises, “Relax! Just take the time to enjoy this journey with your kids. Appreciate the fact that you get to spend lots of time with them figuring this stuff out. Try and create some amazing memories doing it. Let them lead the way and find their own path.”

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Local Teen Excels in Athletics, Academics and Attitude

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L1 | PHOTOS BY TANYA CONSAUL PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet Delia Moises, a 16-year-old superstar who is as humble as she is accomplished. Delia is a CrossFit athlete who has achieved great things in the few years she has been competing.

THE PATH TO FITNESS Up until sixth grade, Delia was a runner, participating in races from 5Ks to half marathons. After suffering some difficult stress fractures, her running career was sidelined and she looked to other sports to stay fit. Her mother Jennifer used CrossFIt as her athletic outlet and Delia gave it a try. While regularly attending CrossFit classes, Delia also developed an interest in Olympic weightlifting and began working with a coach to improve her weightlifting skills. In 2019, she began focusing primarily on CrossFit, which also includes a weightlifting component. In 9th grade, she joined Buchholz’s weightlifting team and will likely compete with them again this year.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS Under the tutelage of her weightlifting coach, Delia competed twice in the USA Weightlifting National Youth Championships, the pinnacle of the sport.

What is CrossFit? CrossFit is “constantly varied, high-intensity functional movement.” It is a mixture of gymnastics, weightlifting and cardiovascular training designed to mimic daily functional body movements and make athletes equipped for everyday challenges.

In CrossFit, Delia has competed in several competitions around the country. This includes local competitions like Down for Donuts, larger scale events such as the Atlantic Coast Classic (formerly known as Bacon Beatdown), events in Tennessee, Michigan, Wisconsin and more. Delia competed in the No Bull CrossFit Games in 2021, the highest level of competition. She finished Event 1 (3.75 mile run) in 5th place. In 2020, the Teen division of the CrossFit Games took place in Michigan at the U.S. Army CrossFit Elite Teen Throwdown. Delia competed there in 2020 and 2021 and says this is her favorite competition because it is all geared towards teens.

Competitors have their own athlete village away from parents and spectators and it provides a great opportunity for the athletes to form friendships.

Delia also received the Spirit of the Games Award at the 2021 No Bull CrossFit Games. According to CrossFit, the “Spirit of the Games Award [is awarded] to those who embody CrossFit's values during the most difficult of

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community | your community

competitions — those who exhibit the character, commitment, and camaraderie we seek to cultivate in our training and our sport.” Receiving this award for her division spotlights that Delia is not just a fierce competitor but an outstanding representative of the sport. According to her mother Jennifer, Delia is a true leader amongst her peers.

As if all of those athletic and character awards weren’t impressive enough, Delia does all this while maintaining a straight A average in school. She is the true definition of a student-athlete.

LIFE IS ALL ABOUT BALANCE Even prior to COVID-19, Delia was interested in attending Florida Virtual School. She likes the flexibility and the ability to work at her own pace. On a standard weekday, Jennifer will drop off Delia at Risen Strength, her local gym, on the way to work. Delia will typically workout from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with her coach David Tate and spend some time doing her 10th grade school work before going home to have a nightly dinner with her family.

The Moises family (Jean - father, Jennifer - mother, Delia, and 12-year-old sister Payton) have a great system that allows them to balance family, work, school and sports. Jean and the girls take turns making dinner throughout the week and they make a point to have regular family dinners. Jean has a flexible work schedule and is able to help drive the girls to their activities.

Payton is also heavily involved in athletics as a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do as well as playing softball on a community team. This family is busy but they do it all as a team effort.

When asked what the most challenging part was about parenting an athlete with such a demanding schedule, Jennifer says, “Not making life all about her. We can’t drop everything and cater to her.” Jennifer also advises other parents: “Don’t get so lost in your child’s life that you don’t have your own identity.” According to Jennifer, Delia is very self-sufficient, which helps with family balance. In fact, there was a competition in Tennessee that Delia wanted to attend and arranged on her own

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Amazing Feats: • 75 bar muscle ups unbroken • 5th Place Event Finish on 3.75 mile run at the 2021 No Bull CrossFit Games • 36:02 Murph time ”Murph” is a CrossFit hero workout named after Lt. Mike Murphy, a Navy SEAL who died honorably in Afghanistan in 2005. The workout is a 1 mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, another 1 mile run, wearing a 20 pound weighted vest.

to get a ride there, arranged lodging and all the logistics.

Jennifer advises other parents of athletes to “Find a village! It is helpful connecting with other elite teen parents and seeing what’s normal/not normal and how they handle situations compared to their peers. It’s helpful to connect with the coaches as well.

It’s important to find a community - people who understand your children.”

While Delia and Jennifer are the primary CrossFitters in the family, Jean and Payton will participate during special events.

The whole family enjoys the competitions and the atmosphere. They are a great support team for this motivated teen who completed her rigorous workouts alone in her garage from the start of the pandemic until January 2021.

Delia advises other youth to “Prioritize your time. If it is important to you, you will make time for it.” Words of wisdom from an impressive teenager who fits in school, exercise and time with family and friends.

Jennifer says it’s important for kids to find their “thing”- the activity that lights them up. “Delia thought it was running, but through not being able to do that, she found CrossFit.” Delia is an impressive athlete and a great role model for other youth. Her commitment to school as well as her sport demonstrates a strong work ethic that will help her achieve success in school, sports and life.

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Fun Facts: Favorite School Subject: Reading Favorite Foods: Oatmeal, Bagels, Cottage Cheese, Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, Sweet Potatoes Nickname: “D” (used by her spectators) Favorite CrossFIt Movement: Devil’s Press Least Favorite CrossFit Movement: Thrusters Biggest Strength Athletically: Endurance events, Delia loves longer workouts!

Hobbies: Cooking, Meal Prepping, Energy Ball Side Hustle

Want to learn more?

Follow her athletic feats on Instagram : @_delia_elizabeth Order healthy energy balls: dishesbydelia@gmail.com or follow her Facebook page “Dishes by Delia”

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community | calendar

Check out our

FALL ROUNDUP for our season events listing

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october | november Recurring Events NOW THROUGH JANUARY 2022

Measurement Rules Exhibit Cade Museum cademuseum.org Check out this traveling exhibit from the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh all about measurement!

Stay and Play 2.0 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Fridays 3:15 - 5:30 p.m. Saturdays Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com Stay and Play 2.0 is a safe and fun environment for kids 5 and under and their parents. Kids will enjoy open play and obstacle courses. This preschool gym offers equipment especially designed for your little ones.

This event repeats weekly.

Free Friday Concert Series 8 - 10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza NOW THROUGH JANUARY 9, 2022

This event repeats every Friday in October.

Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies

Haile Farmers Market

Florida Museum of Natural History floridamuseum.ufl.edu Tiny Titans presents information about dinosaur reproduction and behavior with the help of the fascinating people and science behind these recent discoveries.

Learn about the family life of dinosaurs and their relation to birds in this captivating exhibition for all ages.

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8:30 a.m. - Noon Haile Plantation hailefarmersmarket.com Head out to Haile to enjoy fresh, local produce, meats, honey, oils and more!

This event repeats every Saturday. (Free)

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Splash Jam 11 - 11:30 a.m. | Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com Come for some extra time in the pool to improve your skills! Available for children ages 3 and up. (West location only).

This event repeats every Saturday.

Ninja Jam 12:15 - 1:10 p.m.

Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com Learn the ways of the Ninja. Available for children ages 3 and up. (West location only).

This event repeats every Saturday.

Cade Museum STEAM Activities Cade Museum | cademuseum.org • 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays Jr. Inventor Night (Grades K-2) Inventor Night (Grades 3-6) • 12:15 p.m. Thursdays | 10:15 a.m. Saturdays Little Sparks (ages 0-5) • 10:15 a.m. Sundays Little Sparks Story Time (ages 0-5) These events repeat weekly.

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Check out our

community | calendar THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

20th Annual Guest Chef Gainesville 5:30 p.m.

Gainesville Woman’s Club guestchefgainesville.com

FALL ROUNDUP for our season events listing

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

9 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church act.alz.org/gainesville

Watch as 30+ home chefs make their favorite dishes to benefit Peaceful Paths, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence.

Walk to End Alzheimer's is committed to raising funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

Walk is approximately 2 miles.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

Gator Gallop 11 a.m. | runsignup.com Gator Gallop welcomes Gator fans of all ages and athletic abilities to walk, skip, jog or roll to experience UF's commitment to tradition and to celebrate one of our favorite homecoming events. This year's race will be available virtually and in-person.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8

UF Homecoming Parade 12 - 2 p.m.

Muddy Princess Obstacle Mud Run 9 a.m.

The Grand Oaks Resort, Weirsdale eventbrite.com The Muddy Princess is an obstacle mud run for women only! Event is for Princesses of all sizes, ages and fitness levels. Run, walk, crawl, climb, slide, balance and laugh your way along our course for an amazing “girls dirty day out!”

Free

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 -

Watch the annual parade and celebrate school spirit at UF takes on Vanderbilt for Homecoming.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8

12 - 5 p.m. eventbrite.com

Gator Growl Doors open at 5 p.m.

Stephen C. O’Connell Center gatorgrowl.org The Gator Growls again! Join the annual student pep rally homecoming activities and let the gator growl!

2021 Fall Parade of Homes Tour local homes to see the latest and greatest in home design and decor with the most upto-date energy saving construction techniques and newest in land development. Hosted by the Builders Association of North Central Florida.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

UF vs. Vanderbilt Homecoming Football Game Time TBA | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

MONDAY, OCTOBER 11

The Hope Weekend http://www.tylershope.org/the-hope-weekend. html Tyler's Hope Foundation was established to advance research for a cure, discover effective treatments and to promote awareness and education of DYT1 Dystonia.

Columbus Day

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15

GCM Golf Scramble 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Mark Bostick Golf Course at the University of Florida eventbrite.com Register for this scramble online.

Individual golfers are $195 or a foursome for $780. Each participant receives a goodie bag full of great items.

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Gainesville Walk to End Alzheimer’s

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21

Gainesville Gone New Orleans 6 - 10 p.m.

Valley View at Santa Fe River Ranch Join the 13th annual signature fundraiser benefiting the Child Advocacy Center at this exciting event. Help break the cycle of child abuse by participating in this fundraising opportunity with a New Orleans flair!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23

10th Annual Wolves Golf Classic 9 a.m.

Mark Bostick Golf Course at the University of Florida sfcawolves.org The proceeds raised from this event will benefit the students of Saint Francis Catholic Academy by giving them the opportunity to participate in student activities and by continuing the growth and development of the Student Sport and Activity Programs.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23

First Annual European Car Show 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Cheesecake Factory shopatbutler.com Butler Enterprises is excited to announce the inaugural European Car Show. The show will feature over 120 cars from Mercedes to Audi, Ferraris to Lamborghinis. All European models are encouraged to come. Proceeds benefit the United Way of North Central Florida.

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Check out our

community | calendar

FALL ROUNDUP for our season events listing

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23

Farm to Table Dinner #1 The Forest 4 - 9 p.m.

Swallowtail Farm swallowtailcsa.com The Forest is the theme of the first dinner. 10% of the proceeds of each dinner will be donated to a local non-profit dedicated to stewarding a cause related to our theme. Each dinner’s menu will also emulate the theme of the evening.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4

GCM Food Festival 6 - 10 p.m.

Celebration Pointe eventbrite.com Fall is here and it's time to get outdoors and get your food on! Savor food from 30+ great restaurants, listen to live music

by Elio and have fun while playing a game of cornhole.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Krawl’n for the Fallen The FIRM, Starke eventbrite.com The 7th Annual Krawl'n for the Fallen, is an off-road event to remember, honor and respect those who lost their lives in the line of duty. On average, 140-160 officers lose their lives in the line of duty each year.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21

The Cupcake Race - 5K, 10K, 15K, Half Marathon 8 a.m.

Hawthorne Trail Runsignup.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5

28th Annual Stop Children’s Cancer Charity Golf Classic SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31

Halloween

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31

Trick or Treat Halloween Virtual Race runsignup.com Run your own 5K, 10K or Half-Marathon this Halloween! Race packets include different options including race bibs, medals, shirts and more!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Woofstock 6 - 10 p.m.

Santa Fe River Ranch humanesocietyncfl.org/event/woofstock-2021 Join the fundraiser for the Humane Society of North Central Florida at this 6th annual event! Headlined by Whiskey Jones, this year’s event takes place at Santa Fe River Ranch and features live entertainment, a silent auction and delicious food and drinks.

9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Hawkstone Country Club stopchildrenscancer.org We are very excited to see you again this year at the 28th Annual Charity Golf Classic! Join in on a fabulous golf day with a foursome team or enter as an individual to be put with a foursome.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Tom Walker Half Marathon and 5K 7 a.m.

Gainesville Hawthorne State Trail givesignup.org The iconic and always popular Tom Walker Half Marathon and 5K will return to its usual location in 2021 on the GNV/Hawthorne Trail! New this year, the Half Marathon and 5K will both feature new certified courses.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13

UF vs. Samford Football Game Time TBA Ben Hill Griffin Stadium SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Farm to Table Dinner #2 The Prairie 4 - 9 p.m.

Swallowtail Farm swallowtailcsa.com The Prairie is the theme of the second dinner.

10% of the proceeds of each dinner will be donated to a local non-profit dedicated to stewarding a cause related to our theme.

Each dinner’s menu will also emulate the theme of the evening.

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Enjoy either a 5K,10K,15K or half marathon run through the beautiful Hawthorne trail. After the race, cool off with some refreshments and delicious gourmet cupcakes. Every registrant receives a race shirt, finishers medal and a gourmet cupcake. This is an event for all ages, so bring your kids!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Thanksgiving

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27

UF vs. FSU Football Game Time TBA Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

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