Giggle Magazine - December/January 2017 - Tallahassee

GREATER

TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

DEC/JAN 2017 • Volume 3 • Issue 3

ever Our first y o t d n a Gr away! giveee inside s il s f o r d e ta

It's the

Holiday Season!

GIVE BACK IN TALLAHASSEE | EASY STUFFING RECIPES | CARING FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE & more!

www.gigglemagazinetallahassee.com

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from the publisher

MEET OUR

COVER CUTIE!

on the road again I think we can all agree that this past year has been filled to the brim with more things than normal, all of which have taken their toll on us mentally and physically. I know that between traveling, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, trips to Jamaica and Dallas and our first trip to the ER (all in the same week) on top of a crazy election season, I am personally ready to say goodbye to 2016.

But, before we can scream “Happy New Year 2017!” there are the holidays to celebrate, and there is nothing like saying goodbye to the old and hello to the new surrounded by food, friends, family and festivities galore! As tradition has it, we are traveling up north once again to celebrate in the snow with my family! It is something my children look forward to, and although it’s hard to believe, my husband and I do look forward to the 20hour traditional car ride north.

Yes, you can gasp, call us crazy and the like. Go ahead. It’s OK!

How old are you?

Every year we pack the kids (three young boys), luggage and sometimes our dog into the trusty Expedition and drive straight through to the snowy northeast tundra. Some might ask, “Why do you do that when you could fly?” The answer is simple — control. The very first time we did this trip via plane with two kids, we ended up stuck in Atlanta with no luggage. They were trying to put Shane and one baby on one plane, and me and our other son on another! They also wanted to have us take planes to arrive in two different cities, neither of which was our home city or the city where our car was. So, that was that! I now have complete control of the children, the luggage, the food, the climate, sleep patterns, destination and the like. I also have my car and my kids’ car seats when I get there.

Mommy win!

But, aside from my own control issues, it is a time when all five of us are in the car. Alone.

No activities or meetings to jet off to. Just us. As the kids have gotten older, we have been able to stop along the way to visit different cities and family members. We’ve added stops in North Carolina and DC, and we are able to do things together as a family.

Many times on the drives I find myself looking back at my boys with a full heart and reflecting on how they have grown. I am also reminded that this too might end one day.

All too soon they will have their own cars full of families, and I will have little control over how much time they spend with me. But, until then, I will continue to savor these crazy, fun-filled trips.

From my family to yours, we wish you a very merry holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

Like us on Facebook /GIGGLEMAGTALLAHASSEE

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

What is your favorite movie?

Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors

("It was an ABC Christmas special last year and it has been her favorite ever since!" - Mom)

What are you asking for this Christmas? A

Puppy!

What is your favorite

"Smile" by Raina Telgemeier

book?

What is your favorite holiday treat? Hot

chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream

THANK YOU!

Nicole Irving, Publisher nicole@irvingpublications.com

follow us on Twitter @GIGGLEMAGTALLY

7 1/2

We'd like to extend a special thank you to Mr. Brent Griffin for graciously allowing us to photograph in his cotton field!

Visit us on Pinterest /GIGGLEMAGAZINE

Follow us on Instagram @GIGGLEMAGTALLY

Photo by Ashley Daniell Photography

During this holiday season I hope that you are able to find time to celebrate as a family, to enjoy each other and spend quality time connecting, no matter where you are!

Emory

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicole Irving CREATIVE DIRECTOR Allison Raber ASSOCIATE DEPUTY EDITOR Colleen McTiernan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Claire Stortz Vice president of sales Shane Irving production coordinator Alison Walker marketing assistant Delia Albert ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kerr executive assistant Sayeh Farah ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Ashleigh Braun distribution coordinator Kyle Williamson Contributing Writers Rizwana Fareeduddin, MD, FACOG, Nicole Germany, Nicole Irving, Selena Garrison, Kelly Goede, Tiffany Doerr Guerzon, Helen Kornblum, Colleen McTiernan, Danielle Pastula, Olivia Pitkethly, MA, LMHC, Taryn Tacher, April Tisher, Kara Winslow Contributing Photographers Ashley Daniell Photography, Sincerely Gone Photography

Mailing address

headquarters address

5745 SW 75th Street 101 SW 140th Terrace Unit 286 Suite C Gainesville, FL 32608 Jonesville, FL 32669 Gainesville Office: p. 352.505.5821 Tallahassee Office: p. 850.254.9704 Fax: 877.857.5140

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | giggle@irvingpublications.com Giggle Magazine is a registered trademark property of Irving Publications, LLC. All rights reserved.

Giggle Magazine is published by Irving Publications, LLC. © 2016

Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Irving Publications, LLC is not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Nothing that appears in Giggle Magazine may be reproduced in any way, without written permission.

Opinions expressed by Giggle Magazine writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. Giggle Magazine will consider all never before published outside editorial submissions. Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

ADVERTISING

For more information on advertising, contact Jessica Kerr at (850) 543-4328 or email Jessica@irvingpublications.com

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DEC · JAN 2017 happy family • happy community

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TM

51 WIN ME! life

learn

10 Choosing Your Grandparent Name 11

POWER PARENT Laurie Hartsfield

14 Flying With Kids: A Headache-Free Way

Children Math Without Them Knowing

50 Don't Cross the Line

to Travel

17 Turning Your Trash into Treasure 18

conception 2✱ college™

48 Beyond the Numbers: Teaching Your

happy family Drawdy Family

56 expecting

happy community

Sleeping for Two 57 infant

64 DEC/JAN Calendar

forks & spoons 20 The Right Stuff: Holiday Stuffing for Every Taste

health

Is It Time to Ditch the Baby Food?

67 corkboard

58 TODDLER

When to Break the Thumb-Sucking Habit

59 early years

38

How to Enforce the P's & Q's

60 kids

62 tweens

22 Achieving Your Best Brows

Why Do They Have to Move?

25 Staying Healthy Up in the Air

63 teens

26 Proper Posture: Not a Thing of the Past!

What Did She Say? Defining Teen Slang

happy home GREATER

28 5 Easy-Peasy Gifts Little Kids Can Make

TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

GIGGLE MAGAZINE

for the Holidays

30 Queries from the Curious DEC/JAN 2017 • Volume 3 • Issue 3

fe a t u res 15 33 40 51

Counting on Cotton It's the Holiday Season!

2016 Grand Toy Giveaway Happy Birthday to You!

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HOLIDAY SEASON | COTTON | GRAND TOY GIVEAWAY

Menorah photo by Allison Raber. Scooter photo courtesy of manufacturer.

Playing It Safe on the Playground

EVER OUR FIRST D TOY! GRANAW AY GIVE SEE INSI DE FOR DETAILS

It's the

Holiday Season!

GIVE BACK IN TALLAHASSEE | EASY STUFFING RECIPES | CARING FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE & more!

www.gigglemagazinetallahassee.com

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Photo by Ashley Daniell Photography gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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contributors

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Kelly Goede

Helen Kornblum

Danielle Pastula

Taryn Tacher

➜ Kelly Goede has

➜ Helen used her

➜ Danielle is a

➜ Taryn studied

spent the past 12 years trying to figure out who she will be when she grows up. Wife to Todd and mom to four children (including a child with a limb difference and a set of twins), Kelly has a master’s in education from the University of Florida and has dabbled in preschool teaching, musical theater, photography and, of course, writing.

If she goes missing, try finding her in her kids' school PTA closet or at home in her own closet sneak-eating Oreos.

M.A. in English in her first career as Director of Publications for an international education association. Since 2004, she has helped business and residential clients find organizing patterns that make sense to them. She is also a Life Coach, specially trained to work with teens and adults who have ADHD or other forms of chronic disorganization.

graduate of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications and is the founder of Punch Key Media, a copywriting and content strategy studio for businesses that seek to empower people to live more impactful, healthy and intentional lives.

Danielle can be found hiking new trails, testing out new recipes and packing up all her things as she lives the life of a digital nomad with her husband.

journalism at the University of Florida from 2011 until 2015.

After graduation, she moved back home to Parkland, Florida and has since recently moved to New York City to work as a content operations associate for Condé Nast. When she's not writing, she loves to do yoga, cook, travel and bingewatch way too much television.

Nicole Germany

April Tisher

Olivia Pitkethly

Kara Winslow

➜ Nicole Germany

➜ April Tisher

➜ Olivia Pitkethly is a

➜ Kara Winslow has

started as an intern with Irving Publications and has worked her way up to contributing writer. She received her Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Florida.

She enjoys a perfectly frothy latte, cooking new recipes and frolicking through new cities.

graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a degree in Psychology. She has worked for Giggle Magazine since 2013 as a writer and sales executive. April enjoys volunteering with the Junior League and her children's schools.

licensed mental health counselor and mom of two. She combines her professional expertise and her background in journalism to bring educational and entertaining articles to the Giggle audience.

She and her little family of four enjoy exploring nature trails, going to the beach and visiting with family.

20 years of experience in the beauty, entertainment and wedding industries and a degree in theater from Rollins College.

She is an on-location makeup artist who has worked for MTV, AXE, UPS, Speedo, AT&T, Gatorade, Proctor and Gamble and more. Her celebrity clients have included politicians, actors and athletes.

She spent eight years on TV representing ybf Beauty on HSN.

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

Selena Garrison ➜ Selena has a master's degree from the University of Florida in family, youth and community sciences with a specialization in family financial management. She is a wife, mother and small business owner who loves to share what she has learned with others.

Tiffany Doerr Guerzon ➜ Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is a freelance writer and the mother of three creative and messy children.

When she's not at home taking care of her husband and kids, you can find her at her office — a local coffee shop — sitting back and writing about home and family life.

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life

g r a n d pa r e n t s

Choosing Your Grandparent Name

BY TARYN TACHER

It is said that bringing a child into the world is the greatest moment of your life — a moment so overwhelmingly emotional that only one other milestone can top it: welcoming your first grandchild. Witnessing your baby, who you birthed, raised, loved and let flourish, follow in your footsteps by becoming a parent is a whole other level of joy — one you did not even realize was possible until you experienced the bliss of new parenthood through the eyes of your own child.

With grandparenthood comes a significantly different experience. You are able to enjoy the cuddles, the giggles and the highlights without having to endure the diaper changes and the sleepless nights — and then there’s that “grand” title that goes along with it. Once that baby starts talking, you will be addressed by yet another name.

Some people prefer the traditional grandma or grandpa, while others opt for the more formal grandmother or grandfather. Some people choose the term for grandparent in their native language,

like abuela or abuelo in Spanish, or nonna or nonno in Italian. Some people like nana or papa — even grammy or granny for grandmothers and poppy or gramps for grandfathers. And some people let their grandchildren select a name that rolls off their tongues as they learn to speak.

Grandparents Linda and Dennis Rocha opted for the typical Grandma and the notso-typical DooDah for their grandparent names.

Linda says she did not have a close relationship with her grandmother on her father’s side, whom she called Nanny. Her mother’s mother passed away before she was born, and it saddened her mother that they never got to meet.

“She always told me how warm she was and that she would have been such a loving grandmother,” said Linda. “So I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a grandma, not a nanny or nana.”

Dennis arrived at DooDah after he heard it in a movie two years before he became a grandfather.

“He said that someday he wanted his grandchildren to get that look in their eye and call him DooDah,” said Linda, “and… they do!”

If you’re having trouble picking your grandparent name, think about your relationship with your own grandparents.

Were you close? Were they warm and endearing? Do you aspire to have a

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OTHER COMMON GRANDPARENT NAMES FROM AROUND THE WORLD 1.

Ukrainian: Baba and Gigi

2.

Greek: Yaya and Pappoús

3.

Hebrew: Savta and Saba

4.

French: Mémé and Pépé

5.

German/Dutch: Oma and Opa

6.

Flemish: Bomma and Bonpa

7.

Cajun: Mawmaw and Pawpaw

8.

Icelandic: Amma and Afi

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Filipino: Lola and Lolo

10.

Hawaiian: Kuku and Kane

similar relationship with your own grandchildren? Think about your personality and your character. Are you conventional or creative? Usual or unique? What type of grandparent do you envision yourself being?

Whether you choose a classic moniker like Linda or a unique one like Dennis, grandparenthood will undoubtedly be some of the best years of your life. ✽

p o w e r pa r e n t

life

Her life took a different path than originally planned, but that has not stopped Laurie Hartstfield from living a full life. While doing the things that make her happy and being with the people she loves most, Laurie draws inspiration from her sons and has mastered balancing time spent with her family and working full time.

What does your typical workday look like?

Laurie Hartsfield

Vice President of Business Development for Florida Medical Association mom of Trapp (13) and George (8) PHOTOS BY ASHLEY DANIELL PHOTOGRAPHY

My weekdays are pretty structured. I’m up by 6:15 a.m. to let the dog out and get myself ready before waking the boys at 7 a.m. We leave for school about 7:50 and I’m at the office by 8:30. I generally go home for lunch to let out our 2-year-old German shepherd and then run a few errands. A couple of days each week, I try to attend a yoga class during my lunch break, and then it’s back to work.

I generally leave the office by 4:30 or 5 p.m. If I haven’t been to yoga, then I go to a class at the gym or walk 4–5 miles and then pick up the boys for their sports practices or games. It’s important to me that we all eat dinner together, even if it means after practice. While I don’t always have time to cook dinner, we avoid fast food as much as possible.

I often warm freshly prepared items from Black Fig or Simply Entertaining, or grab prepared entrees from our supermarkets to put in the oven while we finish homework, and then I try to make a salad and fresh vegetable sides. It’s very important to me that we sit down as a family to talk about our days, avoid eating in the car and eat healthy dinners.

The boys are in bed by 9 and then I enjoy a little time to decompress.

What advice would you give other working parents?

When I first became a single mom, I was completely overwhelmed — still am sometimes — and there were many people with lots of advice. In the beginning, I tried to implement as much of their advice as I could and then I realized that I couldn’t keep going like that. People had advice on where the boys should go to school, whether or not I should sell my house, what I should do with my late husband’s belongings, where we should live, whether or not I should work and how much, if I should date, when I should date and who I should date, and on and on.

It was exhausting and I didn’t feel like I was doing very much right at all because someone was seemingly always unhappy with my choices. I remember talking with a good friend and his wife and he asked what I wanted. They said to follow my heart and to focus on that and not what other people thought. Then they said to let them know how they could help me because they were cheering for me. So, that’s my advice to working parents — decide what YOU believe is best for you and your children and then take steps to make it a reality.

What sacrifices/compromises have you had to make?

How do you balance work life and family life?

Honestly, I’m still trying to figure out a good balance. Our lives now are very different than they were. I now work full time and have the boys in after school care. With their activities and placing a high priority on eating dinner together as a family, it’s hard to figure out that balance and not be a robot constantly checking my to-do list. Exercising, even if it means just walking in the neighborhood for 30 minutes, is a big part of my mental and emotional health. I know that the boys count on me to be there for them for a very long time and I have to take care of myself. I’ve spoken with other moms and we often put

everyone else first, but we really need to do a better job finding time for ourselves, even it means scheduling a walk or exercise class as a “meeting” on our calendars. Also, I have some terrific girlfriends who I love having lunch and dinner with as frequently as I can. I try to have a sitter keep the boys one evening each week to allow for a little grown-up time. We have good friends who we often trade kids with — keeping the kids at one house one night and the other house another night. Sharing “spend the nights” keeps the kids more entertained and also saves money on sitters! On the weekends we’re often grilling with friends and watching sports, especially during college football season.

What are 5 items you must have at work?

1. iPhone 2. My journal — ­ helps me track of who I’ve spoken with, the context of our conversations, my to-do lists and deadlines 3. Computer 4. Yeti filled with ice water 5. Space heater at my feet ­

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For a while I gave up two of my favorite activities — girls’ nights and volunteering — because I just couldn’t figure out how to do it all. Over time and after adjusting to a full-time job, juggling the kids’ activities and running our home, I’ve figured out how to let some things go so that I can volunteer for local nonprofits again because it brings more peace of mind to me to help others and take my mind off my concerns. My girlfriends and I also schedule dinners out, but we’ve also learned to compromise with chats at the ball fields. More than anything else, I’ve had to learn to let go of others’ expectations of me and even learn how to let go of expectations that I used to have of myself, such as having dinner on the table each night at 6:30 that I prepared myself, having an immaculate home, and not having anyone over to visit unless my home was in perfect shape. I’ve learned that it’s more fun just to have people over, and if they’re judging everything about the stemware and the décor then they might not get to come back ☺. Some of our most fun times often occur when having an impromptu glass of wine with friends while in running clothes and letting the kids throw a football in the yard. It’s easy to get caught up with our to-do lists and wanting to craft a certain image of

our lives, but it’s not real. Kids keep life real and they help me keep it in perspective. I’m learning to let things go and to play more, which makes life with kids much more fun.

A compromise I’ve had to make is that I’ve had to learn to ask for help. I’ve always been one to volunteer to help others but over the last few years, I’ve had to ask for help because it’s impossible for me to do it all.

When and how do you make time for yourself?

I’m still learning, but I love to walk in our neighborhood. That’s something I can do often, especially while the boys are at their sports practices. Sharing sitting services or having friends’ children over to spend the night one week and then swapping the next week provides us all with a muchappreciated break. Occasionally I take time off work while the kids are in school so that I can enjoy that exercise class, lunch with friends or a quick run to Thomasville for the afternoon. I sometimes feel guilty about using time off without my children, but I find that I’m much more relaxed, which makes me a more patient and better parent for my children.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My children are my greatest inspiration and motivation. While our life hasn’t necessarily turned out as I had hoped and dreamed, the boys and I are family. I’m the only parent they have and this is the only childhood they have. It’s an enormous responsibility and ambitious to try to fill the roles of both mom and dad, but what happens during these years shapes their perceptions of hard work, of family, of relationships and of home. I want them to look back and to be proud of what I provided for them and to feel like even though they didn’t have everything the world offers, they knew they were cared for and loved more than anything else.

Who are your biggest supporters?

I have said many times that so many people in our community rallied around the boys and me following my husband’s death that for the first time, Tallahassee really felt like home to me. I have had so many cheerleaders encouraging me on this journey who have helped me find jobs, child care, helped get the boys to/ from their activities, sent a sweet note, or dropped by with a bottle of wine or flowers that were unexpected and much

appreciated. My employer and my boss have been tremendously supportive and offered flexibility when I’ve needed it. My fatherin-law and my parents have helped with the boys when I’ve taken trips for work and fun.

I have an extraordinary babysitter who has made my life so much easier and made me feel much less guilty, as I know the boys are in good hands. And I have a terrific guy in my life who understands the demands of a single parent, and he continues to support and encourage me in everything I want to do. I feel very blessed.

What is your coffee order?

I’m not a coffee drinker but I love a nonfat chai latte. It’s like Christmas in a cup!

Finish this sentence: I hope that I have taught my children that we

are not defined by bad things that happen in our lives and to have the utmost respect for women and their abilities. I want them to look back and be proud of what I provided for them on my own and to remember their childhood as having more happy days than sad days.

If you could have one super power, what would it be? Why?

That’s an easy one — superhuman endurance! I really just need to require less sleep, but it seems to be one of those things I can’t go without.

Which TV character most resembles you? Why?

I don’t think there’s one character that most resembles me. Unfortunately, I have a few Monica Geller tendencies (“Friends”) as I have a hard time sleeping with dishes in the sink or a messy kitchen, and I have to make my bed every morning before leaving the house. I’m sure it’s because I still hear my mom’s voice every day asking about it.

I’m also a bit like Tami Taylor from “Friday Night Lights.” Telling people what I really think hasn’t ever been a problem, and I definitely have a Texas twang and quite a few flaws, but I have a strong desire to help others and I genuinely love my family.

Having said that, I try to be the best me I can be. I am thankful for each day and for all of the blessings we have in our lives. I hope to model that for my children, give back and encourage others as a way of saying thanks for all of our blessings. ✽

A Home for the Hartsfields Since my husband's death, I sold our home and bought a fixer upper in Betton Hills. That was the first time that I had ever sold and bought a home by myself. I also came up with a vision for the renovations and subcontracted out all of the work myself. The process took about five months, and while it was challenging and I would do some things differently if I were to do it over again, it was very much a healing process for all of us. In the beginning, the boys said that they wouldn't move into the house — that it was the ugliest house in the neighborhood.

When it was finished, my younger son, George, said, "Mom, I really like our new house. It's not the ugliest in the neighborhood anymore. It's one of the best!" I've taken that as one of the best compliments I've ever received.

We all love our new home, and I feel like I've accomplished something positive for all of us.

before

after

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13

life

Flying With Kids: A Headache-Free Way to Travel

BY NICOLE GERMANY

Flying can be exhausting for just about anyone, and when you’re traveling with a little one the last thing you want is all eyes on your child when she decides to go into full meltdown mode. However, with a few tips and tricks to keep your kids content while flying, traveling can go from rough riding to smooth sailing.

Airports can be an atmosphere for great chaos, which is why it’s important to prepare well ahead of time. Pack right, plan ahead and make sure your child knows what’s expected of her during the trip.

PREPARE

When preparing beforehand, make sure to take into account all aspects of being at the airport, including lengthy security times, flight durations and any expected layovers you intend to make before reaching your final destination. This will give you a better idea of exactly what you need to pack to make sure everyone is happy. Try sticking with healthy snacks such as dried fruit or veggies, and save some sweets as a treat.

DISTRACT

If it will distract them, pack it. Consider the types of items your kiddo enjoys playing with and pack a personalized treasure trove with their favorites. If you can, bring along a tablet with preloaded apps and shows. You may also pack a few little wrapped presents that you can give to them as a reward for good behavior.

• Diaper wipes/ disinfecting wipes • Changing pad • Sippy cup • Blanket/pillow

COMMUNICATE

For first-time travelers, flying can be a little overwhelming to deal with, so help ease their fears by making sure they understand what’s going on before and during the flight. Try your best to keep calm and do what you can to help them feel as comfortable as possible while still setting proper expectations for behavior.

Advice From the Mamas Whitney Russell, mommy to 2-year-old Henley, said that depending on the age, you might want to travel during nap time or bedtime.

We usually try to do early flights so she wakes up, eats, we get to the airport and by the time we take off, she’s ready for a nap.

Megan Martin, mommy to 8-month-old Madelyn and 3-year-old Margaux said that she practices staying calm on long flights so the girls don’t get upset.

“I think the biggest way for me to keep the girls calm is for myself to stay calm, and even if I get frazzled, [I try] not to let them see it.” ✽

CHECKLIST: • Snacks

Products Great For Air Travel:

• Change of clothes

Kid Friendly Apps For Tablets:

• Extra diapers

• AppyKids Play School

• Hand sanitizer

• Hopster

• Stroller

• Grandma’s Preschool

• Pacifier/gum

• GazziliScience • Pancake Maker - Kids Cooking Game

• Trunki — These riding suitcases are a great way to keep track of kids and give them a great airport experience.

• Alex Toys My Giant Busy Box — With plenty of arts and crafts to entertain them, this box will keep them busy the whole flight.

• Klutz Short Stuffs No-Sew Stuffed Animal Kit — Ideal for travel, this craft has easy-to-follow instructions that kids ages 4 and up can understand.

• Wikki Stix — Created from wax and yarn, this fun on-the-go craft is perfect for engaging any child.

• Bentgo Lunchbox — Made with a variety of compartments, this lunchbox is great for a mid-flight snack.

• Gel Window Clings — Perfect as an easy, no cleanup distraction.

Counting on

Cot ton

BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN

Fluffy and white, cotton has been grown in the American South for over 400 years, and now we’re never too far from a product made from cotton! But how much do we really know about this beautiful cash crop that has so infiltrated our lives? Here are some fun facts about one of our favorite fibers!

• Cotton is grown in 17 states in the southern U.S., including Florida, New Mexico and Texas, which grows more cotton than any other state.

• China and India lead the U.S. in cotton production.

• Cotton is a fiber and a food crop. The seeds are used to make cottonseed oil.

• It is illegal to grow cotton on your own in states where cotton is a cash crop due to the Boll Weevil Eradication Program.

• Boll weevils are insects that feed on cotton buds and flowers, and they can destroy a cotton crop.

• Cotton is not naturally absorbent. It is coated in oils and waxes so that it can’t get wet and rot in the field. These oils and waxes are removed during processing.

• Cotton is stronger when it is wet and can absorb up to 27 times its own weight.

• The most commonly grown cotton varieties are Upland, Egyptian, Sea Island, Tanguis and Pima.

• One bale of cotton can produce 215 pairs of jeans or 313,600 $100 bills.

• Cotton seeds have been found in Peru that date all the way back to 450 BC. SOURCES Gardensalive.com Icac.org (International Cotton Committee) Barnhardtcotton.net Americasfarmers.com

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life

Turning Your Trash Into

Treasure

BY SELENA GARRISON

It’s that time of year again. Christmas trees and sparkly decorations are filling up the display windows of every store, and you’re trying to figure out how on earth Santa is going to pay for all those presents that make your kiddo’s heart pitter patter.

Before turning to your credit card for assistance, take a look around and see what you might be able to unload to earn some cash for this holiday season. Depending on what you have, there are many ways to turn your unwanted items into treasure!

Of course, if you have a lot of items that aren’t super valuable but are taking up space, you may just want to have a good old-fashioned yard sale or post your items on one of the many Facebook sales groups. If you have items that are more valuable or collectible, however, there may be better options for you.

➜ Furniture

valio84sl/depositphotos.com

Perhaps it is time to update a bedroom set or unload an old sofa. Craigslist or a similar local “for sale” website may be your best option. If your furniture is in really great condition, a local furniture consignment store may be able to get you more money for your items. Antiques can be sold on consignment, as well. Check with local antique dealers to find out if they offer this service. You may also check out Chairish.com to sell your furniture and home décor online.

➜ Clothing

If you are like me and have little kids, you know that they can grow out of half their clothes before they get to wear them twice.

You also may or may not have a wide array of clothing sizes cluttering up your own closet. Brick and mortar consignment stores will go through your clothing and sell it for you, keeping back a portion of the profit and paying you in cash or store credit.

There are also many online consignment sites such as Thredup.com, Swap.com and Poshmark.com that will do the same thing for you with a broader audience.

➜ Electronics

If you have used smartphones, tablets, MP3 players or computers that are lying around, you may be able to get good money for them using services like Gazelle.com. With Gazelle, you answer a few questions about your item, ship it to them in a prepaid box and get paid by check, Amazon gift card or PayPal. Similar services like Decluttr.com and CashForGamers.com will do the same for your used video games and consoles.

➜ Jewelry

Your best bet for selling old, broken or unwanted jewelry is to consign it with a jeweler or jewelry-focused pawn shop. Often, if the piece if too damaged or out-of-style to be consigned, the shop will pay you for the value of the precious metals or stones in the piece.

➜ Collectibles

From baseball cards to figurines to stamps, there are all sorts of collectibles and just as many avenues for selling them. eBay is still a great option for the sale of these types of items, but you may want to cross-list them on Craigslist and Facebook sales pages. Also check around for local stores that may buy your items outright or consign them for you.

Regardless of how you choose to sell your unused or unwanted items, the main thing to remember is that your trash is someone else’s treasure. This is a great time of year to put a little extra money in your pocket, so why not clear out the old and bring in the new? Or skip bringing in the new and use your extra chaching to pay off last year’s debt or save for a rainy day. ✽

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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life

h a p p y f a m i ly

Meet t he

Drawdy Family

Brian, Jennifer, Kaley (8), Avery Anne (4) and Christian (3) Occupation(s): Brian is in hospital administration with HCA as a physician recruiter. Jennifer is a dance instructor at Artistry Dance Alliance and Young Actors Theatre. She is also the dance team coach at Lawton Chiles High School. But her most important job is being a mom of three.

Favorite family meal: Taco Tuesday! The kids love getting a chance to participate in making dinner. We set up an assembly line. They have the biggest smiles as they go down and load up their plates with their choice of toppings.

Favorite date spot: Anywhere that has delicious sushi followed by after dinner drinks in Midtown or the new Bradfordville Plaza.

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY DANIELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Our family is most like: The Dunphys from “Modern Family.” We joke all the time about how that is what we will look like in the future. Silly carefree dad, super organized and structured mom with three very different kids.

Movie in our DVD player right now: Would either be “Zootopia,” “The Lego Movie” or “Frozen.”

The kids’ favorite books: “Owl Diaries,” “Pinkalicious,” “Fancy Nancy,” “Mix It Up!” “Little Blue Truck” and everyone’s favorite “Goodnight Moon.”

Mommy and Daddy’s favorite TV shows: “Life in Pieces,” “Modern Family,” “The Goldbergs” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”

Thirty minute sitcoms are about all we have time for.

Websites we love: ESPN and news for Brian. I love shopping sites, but Amazon and Nordstrom are my very favorites.

Favorite sports/extracurriculars to do: Brian enjoys golf and my favorite is dance (no surprise!). We both enjoy being active so exercise is a big part of our lives. We instill this in the kids too with walks, bike rides, etc. Kaley loves acting at Young Actors Theatre. She takes dance at Artistry Dance Alliance and is a part of their competitive company. Avery Anne likes dancing and gymnastics. Christian just started Warner soccer.

Why we love living in Tallahassee: Growing up here with so many fond memories, I always knew I wanted my kids to grow up here, too.

It’s a good, wholesome southern community with so many great things to offer. And we have lots of family and friends around us.

Something that we want our children to have that we didn’t have growing up: Hands down a pool!

Must-have item(s): A planner! It’s the only way we can stay sane in order to keep up with everyone’s schedules. I can’t imagine the size I will need when the kids are bigger!

First word you think of when we say “family”: Love Three words that describe our family: Close, loving and silly Anything else you want us to know about your family? We like to stay active and keep that “yes” mentality by going to as many friend, family and community events as possible. Even though life can be so busy and hectic, we try to enjoy each day and not get too caught up in the daily routine. But a day staying in PJs is always nice, too! ✽

Favorite sports to watch: The boys enjoy anything ESPN has to offer. The girls are more artsy and prefer Broadway musicals, ballets, etc. However, we all can agree on College Football. Especially when it comes to tailgating and watching our Noles!

Favorite family activity: Playing in the yard while grilling out.

Followed by snuggling on the couch with popcorn and a movie.

Favorite local picnic spot: Lake Ella, where the kids like to walk around the lake and see the ducks.

Then we like to grab a coffee at Black Dog and snowballs for the kids at Big Easy Snowballs.

Cascades Park is another favorite.

Pets: A black and gray tabby cat, Tux. Favorite day trip: Thomasville.

There is something for everyone from The Bookshelf, Leap Frogz, great food and, of course, shopping.

Favorite family vacation destination: The beach. Either going to the Gulf to stay with family and friends or the Atlantic, specifically Amelia Island where Brian is from.

What makes my kids laugh: Dance parties, wrestling with daddy or making silly faces.

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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The Right Stuff:

Holiday Stuffing for Every Taste

BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN | PHOTOS BY SINCERELY GONE PHOTOGRAPHY

While stuffing may be a popular holiday side dish across the board, the way it is prepared differs from kitchen to kitchen.

Whether you prefer your stuffing sweet or savory, meatheavy or vegetarian friendly, we have a recipe for you!

Pick up your favorite boxed stuffing mix (we like Pepperidge Farm’s Herb Seasoned Stuffing) as your base. Then, depending on your taste, add some of the mix ins below!

If you prefer for your stuffing to have a nice crunch, follow directions for your chosen recipe and then bake in the oven according to package directions.

Sausage-Onion

• 1 pound crumbled Italian sausage • 1 cup yellow onion, diced • 1 cup celery, diced • 4 tablespoons butter

Mushroom-Leek

• 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced • 1 cup leeks, sliced thin and rinsed well • 1 cup celery, diced • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 tablespoons butter • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian) Place oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid from the mushrooms evaporates. Stir in leeks and celery and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until softened.

Pour in broth and heat to a boil.

Remove from heat and stir in packaged stuffing mixture. Let stand and thicken for five minutes before serving.

• 2 cups chicken broth Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Once cooked through, transfer the sausage to a plate. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery and onions and cook for 8 minutes, or until onions are softened.

Pour in broth and heat to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in packaged stuffing mixture. Let mixture stand and thicken for five minutes. Mix in sausage and serve.

forks & spoons Onion Stuffin g ge

Sau s

a

ng

A

Onion Stuf e l fi pp

chopped

g

M

• 1 cup Granny Smith apples,

fin

Apple-Onion

m-Leek S o o r tu h f us

• 1 cup yellow onion, diced • 1 cup celery, diced • 4 tablespoons butter • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian) Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook for about 8 minutes, or until tender. Add apples and celery and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until apples are softened.

Pour in broth and heat to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in packaged stuffing mixture. Let stand and thicken for five minutes before serving.

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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health

Achieving Your Best Brows

Brow Products:

BY KARA WINSLOW, Makeup Artist

Your eyebrows are the frame of your face; they provide structure and strength. Making sure your brows are "on fleek" as the kids say is actually one of the most important things you can do when doing your makeup. It can affect how everything else on your face will end up looking. Understanding the proper structure of your brows and using the correct products are key to creating your perfect look.

1

Your brow should start straight up from your nose. If it starts too far in, it’ll make your eyes look close set.

And if your brows are too far apart, your eyes will look too wide set. If your brows start straight up from the nose your eyes will look properly proportioned.

2

The arch of the brow should be at the line from your nose to the outside of the iris of the eye. If the arch is in the wrong place it’ll cause you to look permanently scared or mad. Having the proper arch is what gives your face strength.

Don’t get too dramatic with your arch because again it can make you look perpetually shocked or fake.

3

The tail of the eyebrow should end close to the end of the eye. If you let the tail go below that (or even your eye shadow) it’ll make your eye look droopy.

1. Urban Decay Brow Beater Microfine Brow Pencil and Brush: $20, Urbandecay.com, Sephora, Ulta and select Macy’s 2. Laura Geller Brow Gel Pencil: $24, Laurageller.com and Ulta 3. Circa Beauty Face Framing Brow Pencil: $10, Walgreens 4. Jane Iredale Retractable Brow Pencil: $20, Janeiredale.com 5. FLOWER Draw the Line Eyebrow Pencil: $6.98, Walmart/Walmart.com 6. ybf Beauty Automatic Eyebrow Pencil: $12, Ybfbeauty.com 7. Urban Decay Brow Box: $30, Urbandecay.com, Sephora, Ulta and select Macy’s 8. FLOWER Brow Master All-in-1 Brow Mascara: $6.98, Walmart/Walmart.com 9. Peter Thomas Roth Brows To Die For Turbo: $85, Peterthomasroth.com and Sephora 10. L’Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Prep & Shape Pro Kit: $14.99, Lorealparisusa.com and drugstores nationwide 11. L’Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer: $8.99, Lorealparisusa.com and drugstores nationwide

Things to Avoid • Don’t go too dark or too light. Match the product to the root of your hair color for the most natural look.

• Don’t create crazy shapes with your arch.

• Don’t use a solid line when filling in your brows.

Use feathery strokes so that it looks like real hair.

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Inner Eyebrow Styles • Trendy — Squared off with ombre coloring • Classic — More of a rounded (but not fully circled) look that is one constant color

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

12. Urban Decay Brow Tamer Flexible Hold Brow Gel: $20, Urbandecay.com, Sephora, Ulta and select Macy’s

1 2 3 4 5

6 My favorite is ybf beauty’s universal taupe pencil. It does 22 shades depending on the pressure and has a spoolie brush at the end to brush through your brows to make the product look more like natural hair.

8

7

9

10

11

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The primary goal of Cayer Behavioral Group is to provide data driven therapy based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to children and adolescents with Autism and related developmental disabilities.

• Early Intervention • IEP Consultation • Individualized Verbal Behavioral Plans • Individualized Behavioral Support Plans • Individualized Feeding Programs • Individualized Daily Living Skills Programs • Academic Tutoring • Operation Babysitter

In-Network with most major healthcare companies.

Krista Stinson Cayer, CEO and FOUNDER

Autism Awareness Everyday 2218 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308 | Office: 850-320-6555 Toll Free/Fax: 888-873-4610 | www.cayerbehavioral.com 24

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

health

Staying Healthy Up in The Air

BY DANIELLE PASTULA

Pop an Airborne

Emergen-C, Airborne, it doesn’t matter what brand it is, any immune system support supplement will help with bolstering your germ protection when up in the air. Remember to always check with your doctor before taking any new supplements!

In addition to vitamin C, the most popular and well-known vitamin for boosting your immune system, these chewable or dissolving tablets also can contain minerals such as zinc, selenium and manganese, all of which perform a variety of immune boosting tasks in the body.

Make friends with hand sanitizer

Although you don’t want to overuse hand sanitizer in your day-to-day life as it can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistant superbugs and can weaken your immune system’s ability to ward off germs on its own, those tidbits don’t apply when you’re flying.

Traveling via airplane is always a chore no matter what your circumstance. Between packing all your liquids into travel-size containers and fitting all your essentials in a carry-on in case your plans go awry, plane travel is all about preparing for any and every situation, including getting sick.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 billion people travel by commercial aircraft every year, and that number is only expected to rise. And, as you would expect, the more people that travel, the more health-harming germs you’ll encounter.

Here are some steps you can take and places you can avoid on the plane to guard your immune system and arrive at your end destination just as healthy as you were at takeoff.

Guzzle your H2O

Staying hydrated is easily one of the best preventative measures you can take to avoid cold and flu germs when flying. That’s because the pressurized cabin contributes to diminished humidity, which then causes dried out mucous membranes. Those dried out membranes make it tougher for your system to adequately ward off and flush out germs.

So, either bring a big empty water bottle through security or stock up on a few bottles before boarding the plane. Whatever you do, don’t rely on the one or two airplane beverage services to keep you adequately hydrated. It’s best to stay away from dehydrating coffee and alcohol before and during flight, too.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the rhinoviruses that cause the common cold are able to live for up to three hours on shared surfaces such as armrests, tray tables and bathroom door handles.

It’s up to you to make sure that you have the ability to keep your hands clean no matter where you’re moving about the cabin. In addition to using your hand sanitizer, it’s also a good practice to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as an added precaution.

Pack some handy wipes

As previously mentioned, surfaces in your immediate surroundings can have tons of germs on them. In fact, according to lab results from a test conducted by Travelmath.com, the dirtiest surface on a plane is most often the tray table, which had the highest count of colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch compared to drinking fountain buttons, overhead air vents, lavatory flush buttons, seatbelt buckles and bathroom stall locks.

Rather than smearing around your hand sanitizer, bring a small baggie of disinfecting wipes that you can use to clean off the hardware surrounding your seat.

It’s easy! There's nothing overly complicated or bulky to pack, just a few key items to keep you guarded while you’re up in the air. ✽

health POSTURE AND SCREEN TIME

Although Cricchio didn't promote screen time per say, she did recommend that if children are watching TV, they should lie down on their stomachs with their head supported by their hands on bent elbows. Much like tummy time for infants, this position strengthens head and neck muscles. Sitting crossed legged can lead to slouching over and actually cause posture problems.

Proper Posture: Not a Thing of the Past!

BY APRIL TISHER

Did you know that improper posture can lead to poor handwriting and inattentiveness in school? It can affect fine motor skills and pencil grip. According to Occupationaltherapy.com it can also cause strain on your body, fatigue, achy muscles and joint stiffness. Educators, care takers and parents can look for these signs (as provided by occupational therapists) of poor posture or poor core strength in their children.

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Slouching back in their chair Leaning forward, close to their paper Constantly moving or shifting positions Resting head in non-dominant hand or on the table Dangling non-dominant arm/hand beside body instead of using it to stabilize the paper Poor balance in their chair Fatigue or complaints of tiredness Sitting with good posture in the classroom as well as during homework time is integral to success. One thing to consider is to make sure your child is sitting with his feet flat on the ground. This helps to ensure that his knees, ankles and elbows are at a 90-degree angle with his thighs parallel to the floor. If feet are dangling or crossed, it changes the alignment of the body. There is even some

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

Stacey Cricchio, MS, OTR-L, a pediatric occupational therapist, explained that good posture in school-age children begins prior to them ever entering a classroom and impacts them throughout their entire lives.

“The biggest thing to teach to a child is to be aware of their bodies,” said Cricchio.

“In a lot of cases they aren’t even aware of their own space.” This is why you often see children running and bumping into other students or slouching over and impeding others’ work areas. She feels that while it is helpful to give verbal cues to remind children of their posture, it is much more important to show them how so that they are able to exhibit good posture independently. Just five minutes of exercise can help children to build core strength and improve body awareness.

“Your posture sets your frame of mind,” said Cricchio, and if you are sloppy and lazy, it will show in your performance. ✽

Television image designed by Freepik

“Sit up straight!” I’m sure you heard these words from your mom all the time while growing up. In my case, it was my grandmother who was the stickler for good posture when I was young. It may seem that things like proper posture went out the window with the “children should be seen and not heard” era, but that is not necessarily the case. What has changed is why posture is important. Society may be less concerned with it from a manners standpoint, but we are more in tune with how posture affects daily life, especially for children. Posture is simply described as the way in which your body is positioned; this can be while sitting, standing or lying down. Having good posture is a key component to a healthy child and to a successful student.

connection to ensuring proper footwear so that his feet are properly supported. If the student’s legs are too short to reach the floor comfortably, consider a stool or foot prop to assist him. Make sure that your child is sitting with a straight back, slightly inclined toward the desk. Paper positioning is also a factor. The non-dominant hand should stabilize the paper, and the paper should be slightly tilted up toward the direction of the dominant hand. We may assume these things come naturally, but that may not be the case, and bad habits that are developed early are hard to correct.

Photos you’ll love...... with memories for life JENNIFER POWELL PHOTOGRAPHY JenniferPowellPhtography.com

850.933.6033 gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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happy home

5

EASY-PEASY GIFTS LITTLE KIDS CAN MAKE TO GIVE FOR THE

Holidays

Kids love to participate in gift giving during the holiday season, and anyone who loves your kids will appreciate a homemade gift. But it can be hard to find projects that little hands can handle.

Here are five super easy gifts kids can make with just a little help from mom and dad.

by TIFFANY DOERR GUERZON

Tile Coasters and Trivets Drink coasters and trivets are a practical way to keep kids’ art on display year-round. Purchase plain ceramic tiles at a home improvement store — buy small tiles to create drink coasters and larger sized tiles for trivets. Turn the kids loose with permanent markers and let them draw, write or scribble directly on the shiny side of the ceramic tiles. To set the drawings, either spray with a clear sealer or bake at 350 F for 30 minutes. Allow the tiles to cool completely in the oven before removing them.

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

Coffee Cozies For a coffee-loving grandparent or parent, decorate reusable coffee cozies from felt. Next time you get a cup of joe from your local coffee shop, keep the paper sleeve that goes around the cup. Take the sleeve apart at the point where the two edges are glued together and lay flat; this will be your pattern. Trace the shape onto the felt and cut out. Older kids can stitch designs with embroidery thread onto the felt cutouts, and younger kids can draw with permanent markers. A parent can then sew the ends together for a thoughtful and eco-friendly gift.

Magnetic Frames Family members love to receive current pictures of the kids. Make the photo extra special with a personalized frame. Cut a piece of cardboard to a size that is one inch larger than the picture on all sides. Glue the picture in the center of the cardboard cutout. Adhere construction paper strips or Popsicle sticks to the periphery of the “frame.” Protect the picture by covering it with a piece of scrap paper and painter’s tape, then let your kids decorate the frame with paint, markers, glitter, buttons or stickers. When completely dry, remove the scrap paper and add an adhesive-back magnet to the masterpiece for displaying on the fridge.

Art Book Kids love to show off their handmade creations! Purchase a 1-inch binder with a clear pocket on the front, and fill the binder with top loading page protectors. Have your kid choose five to 10 of his favorite works of art and insert into the page protectors. Create a cover by dipping his hand in paint and making a handprint on an 8.5 by 11-inch piece of paper. When dry, label with the child’s name and age, and then insert into the front pocket cover. This makes for a perfect coffee table book!

Steppingstones Make a permanent memory with concrete steppingstones. This is a project best done outside. You can purchase a steppingstone mold at a craft store or use a disposable cake pan. Mix up a batch of fast-setting concrete and pour into the mold. Decorate the stone by making hand or footprints, or pressing in mosaic tiles/ pretty stones. Write in the child’s name and age with a sharp stick. Allow the stone to dry 24–48 hours before removing it from the mold.

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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happy home reminiscing. Only you can decide how many cards or holiday letters you have the room to store. If the ghosts of holidays past start to overwhelm your space, purge the collection. ●●

Put away gifts after purging one or even two items from the same category. New mugs? Recycle old ones. A new sweater? Sorry, but you have to remove one or two worn models. You can start a box for items to regift, being careful to note who gave you the item originally, or a bag for donations as a tribute to your holiday spirit. You also might want to set aside inventory for a yard sale.

●●

To avoid having the kiddos feel overwhelmed by the new toys, set up a rotation plan. Some folks call this a toy library. An old favorite that has been shelved for a while and then pulled out on a rainy day can spark hours of happy play. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, indeed.

Formal toy drives may be ending, but many agencies around town still need donated toys for their young clients.

●●

The kitchen usually takes a beating during the holidays because of the unrelenting emphasis on food. If you don’t have the time or energy to tackle those messy oven racks or sticky refrigerator shelves, invest in paid help, a practical present for yourself.

●●

Unless you’re filling the accumulated empty mailing boxes with donations, recycle them. Now, take out that fresh 2017 calendar or use your favorite calendar app to schedule time for these organizing activities.

Meet with the family to gather ideas for who wants to do what and when. All of you will transition out of holiday mode feeling nicely organized, just in time for Valentine’s Day! ✽

ASK HELEN

Queries from the Curious Q

I love the holidays because the activities stimulate my creativity and bring my family close together.

I’m not so inspired by the thought of dealing with the aftermath — stuff that turns into clutter. Any chance you could give me a game plan to deal with, well, the mess?

So you relate well to the Elf on the Shelf, but what you really want is guidance from the Mess Fairy? It’s ironic that one of the top five New Year’s resolutions is the vow that “this year, I’ll get organized.” OK, ease up on the consumption of sugar cookies so you avoid feeling lethargic and sink your teeth into these guidelines

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for making a graceful transition from December into January. ●●

●●

Have a de-trimming party to involve the family with the packing.

Put the decorations away carefully so they are clean and ready to be enjoyed again next year. Trees, wreaths, lights and all of your decorative trinkets probably have plastic or durable corrugated boxes.

Buy whatever you need to house your collection and then label the contents or affix photos for easy identification.

Put any extra lights into the boxes with the light strands.

Use the holiday cards you received to update your contact lists. Cut out the return address labels and tape them to the front of the cards.

Put these into a holiday box for “processing” later. Some of us like to save cards until the next holiday season, although few of us ever take the time to pull them out for

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

 Helen Kornblum is a life coach and organizer in Gainesville, Florida. Find her at www.CoachOrganizer.com. Her specialty is coaching teens and young adults who have ADHD.

Bradfordville Kiwanis | Boys Town of North Florida | Florida Children’s Baptist Home | Second Harvest | Leon County Schools | Habitat for Humanity

Thank you for allowing us to give back!

Elizabeth EKK, Realtor®/Broker Associate | ElizabethEkk.com | 850.895.1355 R e s i d e n t i a l | C o m m e r c i a l | I n v e s t m e n t P r gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com o p e r t i e s | Va c a t i o n P r o p e r t i2017 es | DEC/JAN

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

I t's the

Holiday Season!

Make this holiday season one for the books! From giving back to the community and celebrating in a more eco-friendly way to finding the perfect Christmas tree and getting creative with DIY menorahs, we have everything you need to make the holidays special. gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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After the pumpkin patches disappear and the Thanksgiving china is put away, shiny garland and brightbulbed strings of light begin to show their faces once more. They cling to evergreen pine branches and transform blank canvases into art. These works of art sparkle through windows and make the holidays complete, but what makes just the right Christmas tree twinkle for you?

S A M IST

CHR

tree

101 by nicole

german

When deciding on just the right tree, it’s important to know the signs of a healthy tree.

Picking a ripe tree has a lot to do with smell and touch.

Make sure it not only smells fresh, but looks fresh, too.

Y

What to look for

• When choosing a tree, grab a handful of needles — do they smell like Christmas? If so, it’s a keeper! If there’s no scent, move on to the next one.

• Test branches by holding them in your hand and pulling them slightly forward. If needles fall all around you, the tree’s life is almost up.

• Another way to test the freshness of a tree is by taking a needle and snapping it in half. If it snaps, it’s fresh. If it bends, it was cut sometime ago.

Depending on what you’re looking for, you can pick the right tree after reaching three conclusions:

❶ Height — From floor to ceiling, what’s the height of the room the tree will be displayed in? Are you adding a topper?

❷ Type — Fresh cut or fake? Fraser fir or balsam fir? ❸ Shape — Short or tall? Skinny or bushy?

Keeping trees fresh • Get the base of the tree cut by about an inch so the tree is able to easily take in water.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Just like us, trees need water to stay at their very best. Letting the water level fall below the base could prevent further water intake.

• Don’t add anything to the water; straight H20 is all that the tree needs.

Safety tips for trees

!

• Check strands of lights for any frayed or bare wires, and always make sure to unplug any lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.

• Place tree away from fireplaces, heaters, radiators and entertainment centers.

• Never use electric lights on a metal tree.

• Be cautious of children and animals getting too close to the tree. Always make sure little ones are supervised when playing around the Christmas tree.

• Don't try to burn trees in fireplaces or wood stoves.

Burning them could cause flames and sparks due to the sap from the tree.

Fake I t or Go F resh?

FAKE TREES

VS.

FRESH TREES

PROS Buying real trees can support small, local farmers.

It can be used over and over.

It saves money.

You don’t have to worry about keeping the tree watered.

Cleanup is less messy — no needles!

Picking a new tree every year is a great activity to bring the family together.

You get the fresh Christmas tree scent!

They’re much easier to recycle and easily turned into mulch or fertilizer.

CONS You don’t get that fresh Christmas tree scent.

Pieces go missing.

Fake trees are made from plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and sometimes can be contaminated with lead.

They’re harder to recycle and made of non-biodegradable material that becomes an environmental issue.

Picking out a Christmas tree can sometimes be a bit costly.

Upkeep includes continuously watering and vacuuming pine needles.

Transporting the tree can sometimes be a hassle.

Most real trees are grown with pesticides that can be become harmful in certain situations.

With award-winning design and valuable parenting information, we will get your business in front of those who make the purchasing decisions for the family ... women.

Upcoming issues Feb/Mar..................................Reservation Date 12/16 April/May..............................Reservation Date 2/24

What happens to fresh trees after the holidays?

Christmas trees are considered yard waste and will be collected on your scheduled yard waste collection day from the curb. If you live in an apartment or are otherwise unable to leave the tree at the curb, there are several drop-off locations available that will recycle the trees into mulch. Visit Talgov.com to find a location near you. ✽

want to learn more about how to get involved?

Jessica Kerr

Account Executive 850.543.4328 jessica@irvingpublications.com

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

35

VOLUNTEERING

Dur ing the Holidays

BY TARYN TACHER

T

he holiday season is here. Neighbors are decking out their front yards with string lights and plastic figurines. Moms are baking gingerbread cookies and frying up latkes. The smell of pine needles is lingering from the ornately adorned tree in the living room, and the candles on the menorah are illuminating the windows. The remnants of wrapping paper rolls are coiled haphazardly in the closet, and loose ribbons are trailing out from beneath the door.

But the cheeriest time of year is not all about presents, pine trees, Santa Claus and sweets. What makes the holiday season so wonderful is the giving spirit so many people exemplify. This year, embrace the holidays by enriching the lives of others in your community and all over the world. Below are some ways to can give back here in Tallahassee.

Christmas Connection

Toys for Tots

Tallahassee's Christmas Connection is an initiative of Catholic Charities that brings every aspect of the holidays to hundreds of needy families regardless of religion, race and ethnicity. This organization provides presents for children and holiday meals the whole family can enjoy. You can help out by volunteering your time, donating money, food, clothes or toys, or by adopting a family. If you choose to adopt a family, you can even opt to hand-deliver your gifts to them. For more information, visit Thechristmasconnection.org.

During the holiday season, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve collects new and unwrapped toys for children in need. You can help by donating toys to spread joy to underprivileged children. For more information and to find the drop-off location closest to you, visit Toysfortots.org.

Looking to volunteer your time or make a donation to a food pantry? Check out some of the below!

Angel Tree

• Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO)

Holiday Angels Big Bend Cares, headquartered in Tallahassee, services people who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. You can participate in the Holiday Angels program by donating gifts for children of Big Bend Cares clients, as well as by attending the wrapping day event on Dec. 17. For more information, visit Bigbendcares.org.

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The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program provides holiday gifts to children in need. You can help by sponsoring a child and donating the items on his/her wish list. For more information, visit Salvationarmyflorida.org.

Operation Christmas Child This seasonal project, run by the Samaritan’s Purse, fills shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and toiletries to send to children around the world who are in need. You can help out by donating shoeboxes and/or items and by volunteering to fill boxes. For more information and to find the drop-off location closest to you, visit Samaritanspurse.org. ✽

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

• America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend

• Manna on Meridian • Project Annie, Inc. • Good News Outreach • Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Food Pantry • Our Father’s Storehouse at Wildwood Church • Salvation Army Food Pantry • Tallahassee Life Source Food Pantry

Making Your Winter

Wonderland

Eco-Friendly

BY DANIELLE PASTULA

Did you know that from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, household waste increases by more than 25 percent?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons all add up to an additional 1 million tons a week to our landfills.

That’s a ton of trash, no pun intended. Thankfully, there are plenty of things we can do to help minimize our holiday environmental impact.

Cut the lights

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle! We’re not saying you shouldn’t put up your favorite holiday lights. Going green for the holidays isn’t about stripping away all of the seasonal splendor, just being more mindful about it.

So, instead of keeping your lights on all night ’til morning, turn them off when you go to bed.

And instead of turning on the lights for the tree the minute you get home, wait until you’re settled into the room where you’ll actually enjoy the lights to turn them on. Not only will you use less energy, you’ll also save on your holiday electric bill, too. Win-win.

Regift your gift wrap

According to The Recycler's Handbook, half of the paper America consumes is used to wrap and decorate consumer products.

That’s a massive amount of paper, but the silver lining is that all this paper doesn’t need to go to waste. Rather than tearing it to shreds or crumpling it up and throwing it into the trash, just neatly fold the wrapping paper left over and stash it away to use for next year.

Party pool

Headed to your company’s holiday party or a friend’s annual shindig? Pair up with some other attendees in your neighborhood and carpool.

Not only will this help to save the environment from emissions, but you might save on parking fees, too.

And if you think a silly carpool wouldn’t really make that much of a difference, The Use Less Stuff Report said that if each family reduced holiday gasoline consumption by one gallon (about 20 miles), we'd reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million tons.

As you can see, small individual changes can add up to a big collective impact. And if the holidays are all about giving, shouldn’t we give the gift of going green to Mother Earth?

Repurpose your tree What with the smell of pine wafting through the house and the family memories made while trimming the tree, it’s a shame that at the end of the season your tree simply gets discarded at the curb or in a nearby dumpster.

Give your tree a second life by making sure it doesn’t end up in a landfill, but instead goes to a center where it’ll be recycled into mulch or other recycled products.

Send season’s green-ings

According to CalRecycle, an estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold each year in the United States. That’s enough to fill a football field 10 stories high.

Now, we already know buying, writing and getting your cards in the mail is a chore, so why not make it easier for yourself and the planet by going digital with your season’s greetings? There are some beautiful digital card options you can find from Paperless Post, JibJab and American Greetings.

If you really can’t let go of the idea of sending a good, old-fashioned card, opt for ones made from recycled or reused paper.

Handmade

Hanukkah!

MAKE YO U R OWN MENORA H !

BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN | CREATIVE BY ASHLEIGH BRAUN AND DELIA ALBERT

Get crafty this holiday season with DIY menorahs! Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly version or something more understated, these menorahs are sure to please this Hanukkah!

Wood Block Menorah Supplies • Ten 2-inch wood blocks (found at Hobby Lobby) • Drill • Paint • Paintbrushes • Hot glue gun • Hanukkah candles • Safety goggles

Instructions Have a parent drill a hole about a half an inch deep in the center of nine of the blocks; this will be used to hold the candles in place. Be sure to use a drill bit that corresponds to the width of your candles.

Remember to wear your safety goggles!

Use the paint to decorate each of the blocks as you like. Keep in mind that the block without a hole will be stacked below another block, so the patterns should match.

Once the paint has dried, use the hot glue gun to glue one of the drilled blocks on top of the block with no hole; this will create your shamash.

Once dry, glue four blocks on one side and four on the other side of the shamash.

Let glue set and then insert candles into the drilled holes.

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

The Menorahsaur Supplies • 9 small dinosaur toys • 9 birthday candle holders • One 4-inch by 16-inch routered

signboard (Found at Hobby Lobby)

• One 2-inch wood block (Found at

Hobby Lobby)

• Hammer • Nails • Spray paint (We used silver, dark blue,

blue and light blue)

• Hot glue gun • Hanukkah candles • Safety goggles

Instructions Have a parent create a small hole for the candle holders on the top of each dinosaur by puncturing through the plastic using the nail. Hold the dinosaur steady and tap the nail into the back using the hammer.

Remember to wear your safety goggles!

Remove nail so that hole is visible.

Place hot glue on the bottoms of the candle holders and insert into the holes, being sure to hold each candle holder straight until the glue is dried.

Once the glue sets, spray paint the dinosaurs, the wood base and the wood block (be sure to do this step outdoors!).

We used silver spray paint for the base and the block and dark blue, blue and light blue for the dinosaurs to create an ombre effect.

Let the spray paint dry and apply a second coat if needed.

Once dry, hot glue the wood block to the middle of the wood base.

Use your hot glue gun to glue eight of the dinosaurs to the wood base (four on each side of the wood block) making sure to maintain even spacing throughout.

Glue the ninth dinosaur on top of the wood block; this one will serve as the shamash.

Place the candles into the candle holders and enjoy!

(For ours, our shamash dinosaur held the candle in his arms.)

Remember to always supervise children while crafting! gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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SPONSORED BY

Grand Toy

Giveaway!

WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY ASHLEIGH BRAUN, DELIA ALBERT AND COLLEEN MCTIERNAN

Welcome to Giggle Magazine’s first ever Grand Toy Giveaway, sponsored by CAMPUS USA Credit Union!

From December 1 through December 10, visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/gigglemagtallahassee to enter to win. Simply “Like” our page and follow our feed for the daily toy giveaways.

plus

CAMPUS USA Credit Union is giving you the chance to win a $500 gift certificate to Target! To enter to win the grand prize in our 2016 Grand Toy Giveaway, visit fac ebook.com/ CAMPUSUSACreditU nion and "Like" the page. Then, stay tun ed for further instructions on how to enter!

The following guide features all of the products that will be up for grabs. You can enter once a day, so make sure you find the gifts you want to win!

Giggle Magazine and CAMPUS USA Credit Union do not endorse or warrant any product given away as part of the Grand Toy Giveaway, nor are they responsible for any malfunction or injury associated with the use of any product contained herein. When deciding to give a toy to a child, please be sure that the product is age-appropriate and used in a safe manner with parental supervision. Some items featured here may be grouped during giveaway into larger gift packages. The following guide is to be used as a reference only.

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SPONSORED BY

{Grand Toy Giveaway} Constructive Eating Set of Construction Utensils

Make dinnertime fun for picky eaters with a fork lift fork, front loader spoon and bull dozer pusher. $17.49, Amazon.com

Constructive Eating Construction Plate

LeapFrog Word Whammer

Feed your kiddo’s creativity with this construction-zone inspired plate. $14.95, Amazon.com

Get your child ready for kindergarten while having fun with the Word Whammer’s word-building games. $15, Walmart/Walmart.com

Lassig Wildlife Turtle Mini Backpack

This sweet turtle backpack features a roomy main pocket and is perfectly sized for your toddler. $26.99, Habausa.com

Melissa & Doug Multi-Craft Weaving Loom This oversized, adjustable loom allows kids to create whatever they like, from a scarf to a tapestry. $23.99, Melissaanddoug.com

Super Impulse 3-D Motokits Military Series

Let your child simply punch out the pieces of this tank, assemble, wind up and enjoy! $4.99, Specialty Retailers

Radio Flyer Cyclone

Fun 2 Play Toys Emojiez Plushiez

Get your child a huggable, plush version of one of these popular emojis. $14.99, Specialty Retailers

Make math and reasoning more fun for your kiddos with this seesaw logic game. $17.99, Amazon.com

Feltman Brothers’ 100-Year Anniversary Limited Edition Collectors Doll

Finn + Emma Play Gym

Melissa and Doug Turtle Ball Pit

Your little one will have fun zooming around on this arm-powered ride. $49, Walmart/Walmart.com

With soft skin, real eyelashes and hand-made clothing, this baby doll is incredibly lifelike. $149, Feltmanbrothers.com

Made from 100 percent birch wood and organic cotton, this play gym is made with non-toxic and eco-friendly materials. $135, Finnandemma.com

ThinkFun Balance Beans

This multi-textured ball pit comes with 60 squeezable balls, a teething ring and a soft ball rattle. $79.99, Melissaanddoug.com

SPONSORED BY

{Grand Toy Giveaway}

DockATot Baby Lounger

This baby lounger gives parents a safe spot for little ones to comfortably relax, play, get in tummy time and sleep. $185, Dockatot.com

The Patchwork Bear Memory Clothes Bear Gift Kit

Give clothes that bring back good memories new life with this keepsake bear. $110, Thepatchworkbear.com

Melissa and Doug Nesting & Sorting Garages & Cars Each of the seven graduated garages comes with a car that matches in both size and color so that your child can exercise her counting and matching skill. $24.99, Melissaanddoug.com

Fun 2 Play Toys Emojiez Eraserz

Make homework all the more fun for your kiddos with funny emoji erasers. $3.99, Specialty Retailers

Radio Flyer Classic Glide and Go Balance Bike

This pedal-free bike with adjustable seat is perfect for teaching beginners how to balance. $57.85, Walmart/ Walmart.com

Leapfrog Number Lovin’ Oven This singing oven introduces children to temperature as well as counting, sharing and vocabulary skills. $18.97, Walmart/Walmart.com

“Lily the Fancipoo” by Rebekah Phillips & Sharon Gonyaw Teach your child the importance of love and friendship with this book about an adorable pooch. $29.99, Amazon.com

HearthSong Connectagons Deluxe Set

These wooden geometric pieces allow your kids to design and build their very own artwork. $45, Hearthsong.com

Alex Brands Scientific Explorer Geo Smash Mining

Paper Punk Graffiti Stickers

World’s Smallest Fisher-Price Sock Monkey

ThinkFun Clue Master

Perfect for kiddos interested in geology, this kit includes a block with four types of minerals for your child to find. $14.99, Target/Target.com

This little sock monkey features the same red lips, white feet and woven material as the original. $4.99, Specialty Retailers

Let your kids decorate their prized possessions with modern graphics, patterns and letters. $4.99, Specialty Retailers

Teach your child about deductive reasoning, an important skill in math and science, with this fun logic game. $12.99, Target/Target.com

SPONSORED BY

{Grand Toy Giveaway}

Alex Brands Shrinky Dinks 3D Flower Jewelry Shape your shrinky dinks into flowers with this new silicone mold and make your own bracelets, necklaces and earrings. $24.99, Amazon.com

Kids Preferred Bioserie Toys Round Rattler

This easy-to-clean rattle is USDA Certified 100 percent biobased and helps your kiddo develop hand-eye coordination. $9.99, Amazon.com

Super Impulse 3-D Motokits Dinosaur Series

With this easy-to-assemble wind-up toy, your kiddo can create his own Brachiosaurus. $4.99, Specialty Retailers

Melissa and Doug Tabletop Puppet Theater

Let your children’s imaginations take charge as they design their own puppet play using one of two backdrops. $49.99, Melissaanddoug.com

The Reading Game

Pressman Toys Topple Chrome

Auldey Toys Super Wings World Airport Playset

World’s Smallest Fisher-Price Little People School Bus

Fast-paced memory cards, picture flashcards and storybooks combine in this game to teach children how to read in a fun way! $35, Toys“R”Us/Toysrus.com

Featuring electronic sounds, lights, mini-transforming characters, and an elevator, this set is perfect for “Super Wings” fans. $44.99, Specialty Retailers

ThinkFun Yoga Spinner

Encourage your child to be more physically active with this game that tests flexibility and balance. $14.99, Amazon.com

Fun 2 Play Toys Emojiez Plushi Palz

Your child’s favorite emojis, like the winky tongue emoji, now come as 3-inch plush keychains.. $3.99, Specialty Retailers

Sharpen STEM skills such as spatial reasoning and analytical thought with this balancing game. $17.99, Toys“R”Us/Toysrus.com

This tiny school bus features moving eyes, an adjustable stop sign and iconic Little People characters. $6.99, Specialty Retailers

Yvolution Y Flyer Scooter

This innovative scooter features a steel frame and super grip foot plates for increased stability and control. $149.99, Toys“R”Us/Toysrus.com

SPONSORED BY

{Grand Toy Giveaway}

The Bridge Direct Shopkins Kinstructions Deluxe Set Food Court

Sky Viper Hover Racer

Each of the four “spices” contains a unique game that takes only 10 minutes to play. $24.99, Amazon..com

This play set completes the world of Shopkins and features a pizza parlor along with a sushi restaurant. $34.97, Walmart/Walmart.com

These drones race at up to 20 MPH and connect to your smart device to complete time trials or track races against up to four other drones. $88, Walmart/Walmart.com

Melissa and Doug Set of Fairy Tale Time Hand Puppets

ThinkFun Escape the Room: Mystery at Stargazer’s Manor

Goliath Games Aladdin’s Flying Carpet Game

The Bridge Direct Space Invaders Mini Arcade Game

Pressman Toys SMATH

LeapFrog Count & Crawl Number Kitty

Goliath Games Spicy Games

Kids can act out a scene from Little Red Riding Hood with these four simple glove puppets. $19.99, Melissaanddoug.com

Take on waves of aliens with your laser gun (controlled by the mini joy stick) and enjoy authentic arcade sounds as you play. $19.99, Walmart/Walmart.com

Fun 2 Play Toys Emojiez SlapBandz

This wearable slapband features the kissy face emoji. $2.99, Specialty Retailers

Solve the mystery of Stargazer’s Manor before time runs out in this multi-player detective-style game. $22, Barnes & Noble/Barnesandnoble.com

This game makes learning math skills like multiplication, subtraction, division and addition fun for everyone! $17.99, Amazon.com

Paper Punk Make Your Own Paper Gorilla

This kit provides everything your kids need to build their own colorful paper gorilla — no scissors or glue required! $14.99, Specialty Retailers

Challenge your kiddos to place as many objects onto Aladdin’s magic carpet without making it fall in this balancing game. $24.99, Toys“R”Us/Toysrus.com

Get your child started on learning number skills early with this musical counting cat. $19.99, Leapfrog.com

Melissa and Doug Suspend Family Game

Try your hand at hanging 24 wire pieces without making the tabletop stand fall in this tricky balance game. $16.99, Melissaanddoug.com

SPONSORED BY

{Grand Toy Giveaway}

Melissa and Doug Tips Ahoy!

This pirate-themed balancing game is perfect for children between the ages of 5 and 8. $19.99, Melissaanddoug.com

The Bridge Direct C3 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Recreate the action of the NBA Slam Dunk contest with this set that includes five figures, five basketballs and one half-court build. $37.99, Walmart/Walmart.com

ThinkFun Escape the Room: Secret of Dr. Gravely’s Retreat Find clues and solve puzzles to unravel the secret of Dr. Gravely’s Retreat in this mystery game. $22, Target/Target.com

2016 Hess Toy Truck and Dragster

With over 50 lights and drag-racing inspired sounds, these this duo is a sleek addition to your kiddo’s toy car collection. $31.99, Hesstoytruck.com

Alex Brands Lil’ Lockitz Memory Studio

Let your kids use gems, charms and backgrounds to create their own lockets! The lockets can be used as necklaces, bracelets or keychain clasps. $29.99, Toys“R”Us/Toysrus.com

Fun 2 Play Toys Emojiez Buddiez

Your emoji-loving kid is sure to enjoy these mini collectible characters and trading cards. $3.99, Specialty Retailers

Paper Punk Make Your Own Paper Robot

Auldey Toys Sky Rover Voice Command Missile Launcher

Goliath Games Giggle Wiggle Game

Pressman Toys Powerpuff Girls Saving Townsville Before Bedtime Game

Melissa and Doug Anteater Antics

Super Impulse 3-D Motokits Animals Series

Your kids can create their own geometric paper robot with just a few simple folds — no need for scissors or messy glue! $14.99, Specialty Retailers

The Powerpuff Girl fans in your family will love playing as the Powerpuff Girls to defeat Mojo Jojo in this cooperative board game. $19.99, Amazon.com

This remote control helicopter comes with a headset so your kiddo can give commands like “Missile Fire” and “Enemy Scan.” $45, Specialty Retailers

Not just a memory test, this game challenges children’s dexterity as well as they collect as many ants as possible. $29.99, Melissaanddoug.com

Race to get your marbles to the top first, but watch out!

The caterpillar wiggles around and may knock off your marbles. $24.99, Toys“R”Us/Toysrus.com

With this kit, your child can create his own 3D, wind-up toy elephant. $4.99, Specialty Retailers

SPONSORED BY

{Grand Toy Giveaway}

Glide Bikes, Inc. Mini Glider

Introduce your child to cycling with this pedal-free balance bike, complete with hand brakes and foot pegs. $89.99, Kohl’s/Kohls.com

Shape Mags Magnetic Stick N Stack 154 pc’s Engineer Set Let your child’s imagination run wild with this 154-piece set of colored magnetic tiles. $109.99, Shapemags.com

LeapFrog Count Along Register

This cute cash register sings, counts and talks as your child pretends to check out shoppers. $24.99, Leapfrog.com

The Bridge Direct Strawberry Shortcake Retro House Playset & Dolls

Super Impulse 3-D Motokits Construction Series

Pressman Toys Make 7

Let your kids build their own 3D, wind-up loader. $4.99, Specialty Retailers

This game will challenge your child’s brain as he tries to place his number tiles so they add up to seven first. $17.99, Amazon.com

Melissa and Doug Don’t Be Greedy Game

HearthSong Set of Two BBOP Balls

Just Play Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Hot Diggity Dancing Mickey

Just Play Lion Guard Training Lair

XShot Bug Attack Eliminator & 2 Predator TK-3 Combo

Kleynimals Clean Key Animals

This game of risk and reward challenges kids to strategize in order to collect the most jewels and win. $19.99, Melissaanddoug.com

This 3-foot tall play set features a light up waterfall, a bungee launcher and a zip line as well as Kion and Janja figures to play with. $39.82, Walmart/Walmart.com

Let your kiddos gear up in these translucent blue balls and then bounce and bump their way around for a fun-filled day. $69.98, Hearthsong.com

With five Creepeez Bug targets and three blasters, your kiddos can team up to go on a bug hunt. $24.99, Toys“R”Us/Toysrus.com

These sweet-smelling, 6-inch dolls are authentic reproductions of the original characters that your kids will enjoy playing with. $31.99, Walmart/Walmart.com

Your kids can dance alongside this Mickey with five interactive sequences, including jokes from Mickey! $29.99, Walmart/Walmart.com

This set of stainless steel toy keys allows your child to play with keys without the risk of sharp edges. $28, Kleynimals.com

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

47

learn

Beyond the Numbers: Teaching Your Children Math Without Them Knowing

BY KELLY GOEDE

Long before your little peanut will be required to demonstrate algebra proficiency on an exam, she will look to you — her parent — to help her lay the foundations of her math knowledge and understanding.

Starting when she is a baby, her brain is buzzing with activity, making sense of the world around her and learning the beginnings of math concepts just by interacting with you and her environment. And even before she enters preschool, you can help her learn concepts beyond counting and number recognition by occupying her in fun activities where she won’t even know she’s learning math.

Water might just be the key to preschool happiness, and the water table invites children to explore concepts like volume and measurement. According to Carol M. Gross, at Southernearlychildhood.org, “Recurring water play with varying tools and materials is certainly a natural venue through which to support beginning and ongoing science learning.” As children pour, predict and watch objects float, they are observing scientific and mathematical principles in action. And as the parent, you should engage them in meaningful conversation to help them make sense of their observations. Gross went on to say that, “at strategic moments, during play with water and tools, [parents] typically ask intentional questions to extend children’s

››

Using cookie cutters introduces shapes, and laying out the shapes on a cookie sheet in a pattern primes their brains for geometry.

Using measuring cups and spoons introduces fractions!

thinking.” Asking questions that go beyond yes or no answers will make your child’s play as meaningful as it is fun.

cooking and baking experience will help him connect the math concepts he’s observing to something yummy he gets to eat.

Beyond the water table, the allure of food can entice your child to learn math concepts by helping you cook and bake. Using measuring cups introduces fractions. Using the oven launches the notion of temperature. Setting the timer invites a discussion of time. Using cookie cutters introduces shapes, and laying out the shapes on a cookie sheet in a pattern primes their brains for geometry. Engaging your child in discussion throughout the

Using math language in everyday conversation is another simple way to help your child understand ideas that she will be using daily as she enters school and beyond.

Kristin Stanberry, at Getreadytoread.org suggests having your child name numbers and shapes and “help him understand concepts like more than/less than, bigger/ smaller, and near/far.” By age 3 or 4, she states that children should “correctly count at least five objects, put written numbers from 1 to 5 in the correct order, and understand concepts of quantity … and size.”

Math — despite what you may have told your parents in the middle of fifth grade — is something we use every day and can actually be fun! Helping your child enjoy math concepts is a gift you give them that will benefit them throughout their entire lives.

Look for opportunities to connect real life activities to math concepts and someday your child might just thank you. ✽

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

49

learn

Don't Cross the Line

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

Children do not come with an instruction manual. For some parents, not having a formula or a guidebook to teach them how to manage their children causes a lot of anxiety and thus causes parents to create their own manual. There are people who need the manuals, routines, step-by-step instructions, and that is OK. However, while children thrive on regular routines, they also require some flexibility. And if a parent insists on having a harsh approach when it comes to these routines, the children will be the ones to suffer.

Strict vs Harsh

Let’s start with a couple of definitions.

The dictionary defines strict as “closely or rigorously enforced or maintained.” So a strict parent has rules and doesn’t typically stray from these rules. Harsh is defined as “grim or unpleasantly severe.” An example of harsh parenting would include verbally abusing your child for making a mistake. It is important to understand the line between being a strict parent and a harsh parent to avoid having a negative effect on your child.

Anxiety

So, a parent’s anxiety about parenting can lead him to be a harsh parent, which can then lead to an anxious child. And the cycle goes round and round. A 2014 study of adult children of authoritarian parents indicated these individuals had difficulty facing adversity as a result of harsh parenting.

Another study conducted at Stony Brook University had similar results. Clinical psychologist Greg Proudfit studied 3-yearolds and their parents as the children worked

on a puzzle. He analyzed the parents’ behaviors, noting how controlling and/or encouraging they were. Proudfit studied the same families three years later and the rate of anxiety disorders were higher in children with punitive parents. He explained that error-related negativity, which is a pattern in our brain that helps us become cautious of repeating mistakes, is impacted by parents who are quick to criticize. These children have learned to internalize parents’ feedback and respond to any challenge with anxiety.

Obesity

Who knew that rigid rules in the home could lead to childhood obesity?

Children of stern parents who refused to communicate with them regarding rules and their behavior are 30 percent more likely to be obese than their peers whose parents were affectionate and open to discussion.

This suggests that children may overeat or use increased screen time to manage their symptoms. This doesn’t suggest that we should be relaxed and not set rules with our children to avoid health problems. But, in conjunction with the rules, there also needs to be a dialogue between parents and

As with everything in life, there needs to be a balance in your parenting, between control and warmth, between rules and freedom.

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

children. Communication is important in any relationship, and it conveys affection and respect when used effectively.

Self esteem

Punitive parenting can lead to a child having low self-esteem and make him more likely to experience symptoms of depression.

Children need to be allowed to make simple mistakes in a safe environment. For example, if your child spills a cup of milk, instead of yelling at him, approach it with, “oh well, accidents happen.” When parents overly monitor their children, this behavior can contribute to a child’s delinquency. A parent’s controlling behavior does not give the child freedom to explore life on their own. So, when they do get a taste of freedom as adults, they may rebel in very negative ways.

Finding balance

Strict, harsh, authoritarian, permissive — so many choices! As with everything in life, there needs to be a balance in your parenting, between control and warmth, between rules and freedom. The relationship between you and your child is important for your child’s development and understanding of what a healthy relationship looks like. If you’re having difficulty finding this balance (either with imposing rules or allowing freedom), seek the help of a family therapist who can provide resources to assist you on your parenting journey. ✽

HAPPY Y A D H T BIR to

YOU! by colleen mctiernan

Birthdays come but once a year, and on that day the birthday girl/boy deserves to be pampered. But sometimes pampering can get a little expensive.

Check out these free birthday goodies around town for a wallet-friendly way to be treated all day long. Most of these freebies do require prior signup, but just a little bit of work before the big day will add up to a lot of reward. gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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Harry’s

Meals Beverages

If you want to spend your birthday sipping away on a complimentary beverage, swing on over to one of the below!

Join the Harry’s mailing list and receive a coupon for a special birthday treat.

Krispy Kreme Download the Krispy Kreme Rewards app for a free birthday treat.

The Melting Pot

Dunkin Donuts

Sign up for Club Fondue for a complimentary box of their Signature Chocolate-Covered Strawberries with the purchase of $60 or more. (This is anytime you go to The Melting Pot after signing up for Club Fondue, not just your birthday!)

Get a free birthday beverage by signing up for the DDPerks Rewards Program.

Ted’s Montana Grill

Planet Smoothie

Receive a complimentary birthday dessert by signing up for Ted’s mailing list.

Sign up for Planet Smoothie’s Birthday Club for a free

smoothie.

Starbucks Sign up for My Starbucks Rewards 30 days before your birthday to receive a free beverage or treat!

Starbucks usually adds this reward two days before your birthday, so you can start your celebrations a bit early.

Sweet Treats

If you’re looking to celebrate with a sweet treat, try visiting one (or all!) of the below for complimentary desserts.

Cold Stone Creamery Sign up for the My Cold Stone Club and get a BOGO ice cream coupon along with a coupon for $3 off an ice cream cake.

Dairy Queen Become a member of the Blizzard Fan Club for a coupon on your birthday!

Genghis Grill Register for Khan’s Rewards to receive a free dessert or appetizer.

If you visit more frequently, you may be qualified for a free bowl instead!

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

Entrees

Looking for something a little more substantial?

Check out the below for a free birthday meal!

Firehouse Subs Sign up for Firehouse Rewards before your birthday to receive a free medium sub, valid once on your birthday or within the following 6 days.

Gengis Grill If you’re a regular Genghis Grill visitor (you visit four or more times in a year) and signed up for Khan’s Rewards, you will receive a free bowl.

IHOP Join IHOP’s Pancake Revolution and get a free birthday meal!

Moe’s Southwest Grill Sign up for rewards program and get free burrito on your birthday.

Red Robin Become a Red Robin Royalty member for a free burger during your birthday month

Zaxby’s Sign up for the Zax Mail Club and receive a free Nibbler on your birthday.

Goodi

es

Ace Hardware

Just for kids

Receive a $5 off coupon for your birthday after signing up for Ace Rewards.

American Eagle Outfitters Sign up for AERewards and receive 15 percent off during your birthday month when you share your email.

Toys“R”Us

Join DSW Rewards for a special birthday offer sent to your email.

Exclusively available to Rewards“R”Us members, your little one can sign up for Geoffrey’s birthday Club. Until your kiddo turns 10, he or she can receive a birthday card and special gift from Geoffrey every year.

J. Crew

Journeys

DSW

Join the Factory First email list for an extra 20 percent off plus free shipping on your birthday.

Sephora Sign up for Sephora’s Beauty Insider club for a free mini set available for pickup at checkout online or in store during the month of your birthday.

Ulta Beauty Get a free birthday gift and double points on all purchases during your birthday month with by signing up for Ultamate Rewards.

Victoria’s Secret Just by signing up for their email list, you’ll receive a coupon during your birthday month!

For kiddos 12 and under, be sure to sign up for the Journeys Kidz Birthday Club. They’ll receive a birthday card along with a special offer, like a 15 percent off gift card.

Barnes & Noble Sign your child up for the B&N Kids’ Club to receive a coupon for a free cupcake or cookie from the café to be used anytime during his or her birthday week.

Chuck E. Cheese Join the Chuck E-Club for a special gift on your child’s birthday.

Does your business have a birthday freebie not listed here?

We want to know about it! Drop us a line at Colleen@irvingpublications.com gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

conception2college™  expecting Sleeping for Two

 infant | 0-1 Is It Time to Ditch the Baby Food?

 toddler | 2-3 When to Break the Thumb-Sucking Habit

 early years | 4-5 How to Enforce the P's & Q's

 kids | 6-9 Playing It Safe on the Playground

 tweens | 10-13 Why Do They Have to Move?

 Teens | 14-18

Photo by Ashley Daniell Photography.

What Did She Say? Defining Teen Slang

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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c2c

expecting

pregnancy

Sleeping for Two

BY RIZWANA FAREEDUDDIN, MD, FACOG

Any new parent will tell you that getting sleep is almost impossible. But did you realize that sleep difficulties start during pregnancy?

A poll by the National Sleep Foundation showed that almost 80 percent of pregnant women have difficulty sleeping. New mothers and pregnant women are more likely to suffer from insomnia than at any other point in their lives.

Why is it so hard to sleep when you’re pregnant? Well, pregnancy is uncomfortable! Here are some common reasons why pregnant women lose sleep and possible remedies.

Aches Pregnancy-related physical changes and weight gain cause lots of aches and pains. Using a maternity belt during the day can decrease discomfort at night.

You should also create a sleep ritual to help you get a better night’s rest. Avoid any technology an hour prior to bed, set a comfortable temperature in the bedroom and use a supportive bed or recliner. A warm bath, yoga, meditation, stretching and deep breathing can prepare the body for rest. Many women find relief with a full body pillow or by placing a pillow between their legs to provide support. Although occasionally sleeping on your back will not harm a fetus, it is recommended to sleep on either your right or left side not only help improve blood flow, but also to help support your growing belly.

Heartburn and reflux Heartburn can also keep pregnant women awake at night. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t get heartburn because your baby has hair. Heartburn and

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reflux can occur due to a growing uterus pushing up on the stomach along with slower transit time through the G.I. tract.

This causes acid buildup and slower movement through your intestines. Treat heartburn as it happens with over-thecounter antacids and by sleeping with an additional pillow.

positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a safe and effective treatment for sleep apnea during pregnancy. ✽

did know?

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME

Nighttime bathroom trips Pregnant women urinate more frequently because their kidneys are filtering twice as fast as when they’re not pregnant. The enlarging uterus can push on the bladder and also increase the sensation of having to go. Limit the amount of fluid you drink before bed to help this.

Congestion Increased progesterone causes nasal congestion, which can disrupt sleep.

Using nasal strips to widen your nasal passages and elevating your head may help. Snoring is also common during pregnancy. Overweight or obese women who become pregnant, women who gain excessive weight and women who report heavy snoring or gasping awake should be evaluated for sleep apnea. Continuous

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

Restless leg syndrome can affect up to 30 percent of pregnant women. Although it is poorly understood, culprits may include deficiencies in iron, folate or calcium.

Walking, stretching and improving your intake of green leafy vegetables and calcium may help relieve this.

One of the best ways to improve sleep quality is exercise. Regular exercise during the week will help you sleep more soundly at night. And don’t hesitate to take a short nap! Follow these tips to help you rest and have the energy to care for your sweet newborn.

Dr. Fareeduddin is a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist in Gainesville, Florida.

Follow her on Twitter @rizwanafl

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ages 0-1

infant

Is it Time to Ditch Baby Food?

Introducing Baby-Led Weaning

BY TARYN TACHER to your meal that are suitable for your baby to eat than it is to take out the blender or food processor to create “baby food.” Baby-led weaning puts less stress on your baby because she can eat at her own pace, without feeling the pressure of a spoonful of mush zooming toward her mouth in true airplane fashion. And because your baby is feeding herself, you are free to eat at the same time.

“I was breastfeeding and planned to keep doing that for a year,” said Caitlin Maribona mother of one with another on the way.

“Baby-led weaning seemed like a natural fit for both of us. It allowed us to continue breastfeeding and [my daughter] to try out different tastes and textures.

Parenthood is new and exciting when you are experiencing it for the first time. It is full of changes, firsts and a ton of decisions. From the moment you learn you are expecting, you are faced with countless choices.

And once the baby is here, the choices only multiply. What will you name your baby? How will you and your partner divide up the roles of parenthood? What type of parent do you want to be?

When babies reach about 6 months old, it’s time for yet another decision, this time about how to incorporate food into their diets. Instead of going for the traditional baby food method, some parents are opting for baby-led weaning and providing their children with foods that they are able to eat on their own.

This means no jarred fruit purees and no canned vegetable mush. Your baby is eating real fruits, vegetables and other food items cut in to sizeable pieces that they can pick up and put in their mouths all on their own. You can steam carrots, bake apples, slice bananas — whatever your baby seems to enjoy.

Avocados, sweet potatoes, ripe peaches and melons, egg yolks and soft breads are also great options to give your little ones as they start to feed themselves.

The benefit of baby-led weaning is that it is much easier for you, as well as for your baby. It is far less time consuming for you to make adjustments

The main concern some parents have is that their babies may choke if they begin eating “table food” at such a young age. While little ones are bound to gag from time to time as they become accustomed to moving food around their mouths, babies’ gums are strong enough to break down the soft foods they are eating, so choking should not be an issue. In fact, a recent study published in Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, addressed this issue. According to Dr. Diane Howell of UFHealth Pediatrics, the study showed that while infants between 6 and 8 months of age had more instances of gagging while eating than their counterparts receiving traditional baby food, the rates of choking were not significantly different. “That being said, if parents are not careful about the foods they offer and ensuring their infants are watched closely and fed only when in an upright and seated position, the risks of choking can go up significantly,” said Dr. Howell.

Baby-led weaning exposes your child to a wide variety of healthy foods early on, which may make them more likely to enjoy these foods later on in life.

“Some observational studies would seem to suggest that baby-led weaning may lead to healthier eating habits, healthier growth and infants who will be less picky about what they eat as toddlers and beyond,” said Dr. Howell.

And while babies are feeding themselves, they are exercising their motor skills as they bring their hands back and forth from their food to their mouths.

“Right off the bat, she was exposed to various tastes and textures,” Maribona said of daughter, Cecilia. “She has never been a picky eater, and I truly think it’s because she tried such a wide range of food (that wasn’t mush) before her first birthday. We didn’t have to prepare separate foods or constantly run to the store for more baby food. She ate what we ate, and it was great! I would absolutely recommend this method to others.” ✽

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toddler

ages 2-3

When to Break the Thumb-Sucking Habit

BY DANIELLE PASTULA AND COLLEEN MCTIERNAN

When you notice your baby putting her thumb in her mouth for the first time, you pause.

“Oh no, should I pull her thumb out?”

“Is this going to become a habit?”

“What am I freaking out about, she’s only a baby! They grow out of this … right?”

Those are probably a few thoughts you’ve had flood in when seeing your baby suck her thumb, or maybe you’re in the camp of, “It’s fine, that’s how they self-soothe.”

At some point, however, if your child continues to suck her thumb, you'll have to consider how and when to break the habit.

When to quit thumb-sucking Non-nutritive thumb-sucking, or sucking that does not relate to providing nutrition to your child through breast or bottle feeding, can have adverse long-term dental and skeletal effects on your child if they continue the habit after their permanent teeth come in.

According to Dr. Shawn Hanway of Tallahassee Pediatric Dentistry, around the age of 3 is a good time to start monitoring your child’s thumb-sucking habit. However, she said that thumbsucking is not really a problem until children reach the age of 6. If children continue to suck their thumbs after their permanent teeth come in, they can experience negative effects such as the flaring out of the top teeth, the leaning back of the bottom teeth and open bite, which is when the front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. “It can also have an effect on the shape of their palate (the roof of their mouth). Whenever you have that pressure of your thumb there all the time it pushes and pushes on the palette and eventually causes a very high palette or constricted palate, which can cause a crossbite later,” said Dr. Hanway

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However, if you’re looking to get started with some simple techniques at home early into your child’s thumb-sucking habit, here are some easy tips to try. ▶ Use a reward system: Whether it’s a sticker chart or a tabbed folder, create a visual praise system and come up with some fun rewards for your child if he meets the benchmarks you’ve set for not sucking his thumb. ▶ Find new ways to comfort: Thumb-sucking is often a comforting activity for children, so try to identify those moments and ask your child why he’s sucking his thumb. Replace that comfort action with another, like hugging a stuffed animal.

Tips for stopping the thumb-sucking habit

▶ Try covering the thumb: If your child is sucking his thumb at night, try purchasing oversized pajama tops and sewing closed the cuffs to make mittens of sorts.

So, what do you do if your child is engaging in habitual thumb-sucking?

The bottom line

According to Dr. Hanway, children may naturally stop the habit when they start going to school. “They’ll be around other little kids and they may be self-conscious about thumb-sucking … and they might stop on their own that way,” she said.

“The important thing is to not try to make it a punishment [or] a bad thing that they’re sucking their thumb,” said Dr. Hanway.

“Whatever way you can make it more of an encouraging positive way of trying to help the child break the habit is always better.” ✽

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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early years

ages 4 - 5

How to Enforce the P’s & Q’s

The Four Areas of Practice

BY NICOLE GERMANY

The magic words: Our children are a reflection of us, and the earlier they are taught the difference between what’s right and what’s wrong, the better. Teaching little ones manners can be tricky, and sometimes they just don’t understand that picking their nose and wiping it on their friend isn’t exactly considered polite. By helping kiddos practice their P’s and Q’s as early as possible we not only speed up the learning process, but we also help them grow to be polite and respectful.

Please Thank you Sorry Excuse me

SueAnn Brown, founder of It’s All About Etiquette, said that it’s never too early to teach your children good manners.

Appropriate dinner table behavior: Chew with your mouth closed

“Start with being diligent, patient and give gentle reminders regularly. These are the keys to teaching your child good manners. Children mirror their parent’s behavior and I strongly believe that manners start at home,” said Brown. “At the age of 3 you can begin to teach your child things such as how to wash their hands before dining and how to put their napkin on their lap when sitting down at the table.”

Keep elbows off the table Use your napkin Don’t reach Ask to be excused

Brown also said that it is important for parents to praise their child for showing good manners because it is a necessary reinforcement for them to understand what’s acceptable behavior is and what is not.

◗

Consistency is the key to getting kids to pick up on proper etiquette and stick with it. Keep in mind the following when enforcing good manners.

◗

You set the example and kids always take notice. Practice your best manners as often as possible because even when you think your children aren’t listening or watching, they are.

◗

The more you encourage them to be courteous, the more likely they are to catch on.

◗

Learning good manners doesn’t happen over night. Be patient and remember that teaching kids good manners and etiquette is a daily task.

◗

Playing nice: Be sure to share If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all

Act like a lady or gentlemen: Practice good behavior, and leave the gross stuff at home

Learning to be polite is an admirable trait. Children who demonstrate politeness are at a social advantage compared to children who don’t possess the same good-mannered qualities. ✽

Don’t say bad words Knock first before entering Hold the door for others

Activities to Encourage Good Manners Read a book “Give Please a Chance” by Bill O'Reilly and James Patterson helps children remember how important a single word can be. This book helps us all see that sometimes a polite “please” can get you just about anything.

Play a game The Mind Your Manners board game crowns the winner with the best P’s and Q’s. Playing this game encourages children to remember the correct choices as they are faced with real life situations.

“Dude, That's Rude!” by Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick is a great help in getting children to understand appropriate behavior at the dinner table, in the bathroom and at school. Kids learn to avoid the bad words and practice the good ones.

Sing it!

Anytime your kiddos forget to practice their very best manners remind them what's expected with a quick, catchy tune.

Throw a manners party Set up a family dinner and create fun little reminders to help your children want to behave in a positive way.

Craft a magic words poster Get the glitter out, set up the paint and let them create a work of art. Pick out the most important manners to learn and hang it up so they can be reminded of what's expected.

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kids

+

ages 6-9

Playing it Safe On the Playground

BY NICOLE GERMANY

Safety First • The National Program for Playground Safety estimated that 70 percent of playground injuries are related to children falling to the ground, while 10 percent involve falls onto equipment.

• Swings, monkey bars and climbing equipment have the highest number of injuries for children ages 5–9.

• It’s estimated that 40 percent of playground injuries are associated with a lack of supervision.

• After falls, the next leading cause of injuries on playgrounds is related to breakage, tipover, design and assembly of equipment.

Local Play Areas: The monkey bars were calling my name, and as my dad watched my two brothers, I climbed up the tall, metal tower. Five minutes later my arm was broken and my dad was in trouble for not watching me.

Every year in the United States over 200,000 children are admitted to the emergency room for playground-related injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 75 percent of injuries related to playground equipment occur on public playgrounds, with most occurring at a place of recreation or school. The CDC also concluded that children between the ages of 5 and 9 had higher rates of emergency room visits for playground-related injuries than any other age group. But, with just the right education, injuries can decrease significantly.

Guide children to appropriate play areas

Most parks have separate areas that cater to different ages — babies, toddlers, preschoolers and so on.

Keeping kids in the right area and ensuring little ones don’t wander off onto high platforms can protect them from potential dangerous equipment injuries.

Be aware of weather conditions

Each playground can be different from the type of equipment, to the material of the fall surfaces, but a there are few things to keep in mind when visiting any playground.

Weather can change quickly and it can a ffect equipment by making it slick from rain and even at times cause second-degree burns on hot summer days. Stay up-to-date on weather conditions before heading to the playground, and always be aware of worsening conditions.

All eyes and ears

Appropriate clothing

Supervision is the most significant role in reducing injuries. By pledging to be alert and attentive at the playground, you’re greatly reducing the chance of encountering problems.

Inspect playground surfaces and equipment Steer clear of any playgrounds with hard fall surfaces and look more for playgrounds made of

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rubber, mulch or sand. Aside from fall surfaces, playground equipment should also be examined to avoid things such as broken equipment pieces, objects that could break off and be swallowed, and any types of ropes that may cause danger.

Children should wear closed-toe shoes, and try to avoid shoes with long shoelaces that they could trip over. Long pants and T-shirts can help cover skin to protect from bug bites and scrapes, and you should tie long hair back so it doesn’t get caught in the equipment. Also, be sure to dress your children in weather-appropriate clothing before heading to the playground, such as warm jackets on cold days and rain boots if it has been rainy. ✽

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

Cascades Park - 1001 S. Gadsden St. Cascades Park features everything from an imagination fountain to a discovery play zone.

Designed with natural materials in mind, the park engages children with obstacles such as a cypress climb and a log jump.

J. Lewis Hall Sr. Park 7575 Old Woodville Highway Covered with soft flooring for safe play, J. Lewis Hall Sr. Park has separate play areas depending on age that include slides, swings and climbing structures.

Jackson View Park - 2585 Clara Kee Blvd.

Designed to include interactive play panels, Jackson View Park also offers slides, a wall climber and biking trails.

Felburn Foundation Boundless Playground 1358 Old Woodville road Set up to accommodate individuals with or without disabilities, this park includes ramps on play sets, an elevated sand table, poured-inplace rubber surface, and swings and bouncers with high-back support.

Rotary Playground at Tom Brown Park 501 Easterwood Drive Built with a handicapped accessible area as well as age-appropriate play areas, Tom Brown Park is covered in rubber tire mulching and has baby swings, a rope jungle gym and monkey bars.

Open House January 29, 2-4pm!

Community Christian sChool O UR OPEN H US FOR N I 2 9 , 2 - 4 p mOUSE! y r JO a u n a

J

!

Serving Christian Families For 40 Years Welcoming Students PreK-12 Spiritual & Leadership Development Academic Excellence | Arts - Athletics|Afterschool Program

4859 Kerry Forest Parkway 850-893-6628 | www.ccs-chargers.org

Take a tour of our beautiful 7.5 acre campus!

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | DEC/JAN 2017

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c2c

tweens

ages 1 0 - 1 3

Why Do They Have to Move?

BY APRIL TISHER

writing never goes out of style along with email and text. If feasible, set a specific date and make a plan for when you will see each other again. Then you can make a countdown calendar for the kids to follow.

Saying goodbye is hard, but that doesn't mean that friendships have to end!

Have a going away party, make a memory book or create some other personalized gift. Having a project to work on for the leaving friends will help keep you and your child focused on something positive instead of dwelling on the impending loss.

Living in a college town attracts some of the best people in the world for education and jobs. This also means that once those people graduate, finish their residency or change jobs, they move. We have experienced firsthand having great families who have become some of our best friends move away, taking their children and our children’s best friends with them.

Growing up on the same street with the same friends and neighbors for 22 years, I was ill prepared for this scenario.

The day they left town, my youngest son hid in the car so nobody would see his tears. I bawled like a baby because my daily confidant was leaving and my husband literally didn’t know what to do with himself with his buddy and our neighbors gone. This was a family we saw every day and shared meals with on a weekly basis. Our children roamed freely between our homes, and we even vacationed together. Now they were moving across the country for a new job. I knew I needed a plan to deal with this, not only for myself and the friend I was losing, but also for my children who truly didn’t understand why they had to go.

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Before the move, be sure to make a plan for how you will stay connected.

With all the technology we have today, it is easier than ever to remain connected to people that don’t live near you. Schedule regular phone or FaceTime/Skype calls, and if your children are older then they can follow each other on social media to keep up. Our boys can even play each other in video games with the help of Xbox Live. Old-fashioned letter

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

This may sound harsh, but get your child involved in new activities now and make plans with other friends, too. It will be hard to resist letting them spend every last minute with their best buddies, but it is important to show your child that they do have other friends and other interests to which they can look forward.

Allow your children to talk about their feelings and to express sadness about their friends leaving. Acknowledge that there will be changes to their normal life and that it is OK to be sad and even fearful of what that will be like. The way their day looks now may not be the same when their friend leaves town, and it is OK to talk about what they will do differently. If they ride to school with their friend every morning and go to football practice together twice a week, that is a significant change in routine that should be worked out ahead of time.

Hello!

It’s never easy to say goodbye to good friends, but it can be done in a way that fosters lifelong friendships, even from across the country! ✽

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ages 1 4 - 1 8

teens

What Did She Say? Defining Teen Slang

BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN

These days, it seems like teens have a language all their own. With shortened words, acronyms, conjoined words and words that almost seem to appear out of thin air, it can be hard for parents to keep up with the hip lingo. So, to help you out the next time you just can’t figure out what the heck your teenager is saying, here is a brief guide to some of the more common slang teens use today.

Shortened Words

Conjoined Words Teens love to play Dr. Frankenstein with words these days. They’ll mash up any number of words, and sometimes the results seem truly monstrous, especially if you’re a language lover.

Frenemy – Someone who is both a friend and enemy Tope – Totally and dope

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Graycation – Going on vacation with grandparents

Abbreviations Like the above shortened words, abbreviations often arise from texting.

But unlike shortened words, it is far less easy to figure out what exactly those abbreviations your teen is using stand for.

As someone who has seen FTW (for the win) confused for someone cursing the world at large, I know just how annoying abbreviations can be to decode.

Texting often leads teens to shorten words, and it’s when those shortened words make the jump from online to everyday language that parents can get confused. Sometimes the abbreviations are intuitive, but other times they just sound like gibberish.

Awk – Awkward Totes – Totally

Bae – Before Anyone Else. Also thought to be derivative of babe or baby.

Cray – Crazy Adorbs – Adorable

GOAT – Greatest Of All Time

Whatevs – Whatever

IKR – I Know, Right?

The feels – Feelings

AF – As, well … I’m sure you can figure out what the F is for

Ship – Relationship. Teens will often use this as a verb and say “I ship it” when they like a couple together.

OTP – One True Pairing OG – Original Gangster

Fam – Family

Words With Double Meaning You may hear your teens using words that you’re familiar with, but in a very different context.

Don’t worry, your teen hasn’t been slacking on her vocab lessons. There is some slang that gives new meaning to common words. On the other hand, you may hear your teens using words that Merriam Webster has never heard of. Again, don’t worry.

Slang is to blame for that, too.

Lit – Can be used to describe something awesome, or someone who is very intoxicated

Cyph – Smoking pot

Gucci – Good

Snatched – When something looks really good

Fleek – On point

Basic – Describes someone who likes mainstream things

Netflix and chill – Not nearly as innocent as it sounds, this is code for hooking up

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happy community

d e c e m b e r /J a n u a r y c a l e n da r

December 1–18

December 3

December 24–January 1

White Christmas Thursday: 8 p.m.

Fridays & Saturdays: 8 p.m.

Sundays: 2 p.m.

Theatre Tallahassee Theatretallahassee.org

Winter Festival 3–10 p.m.

Downtown Tallahassee Talgov.com

Hanukkah

December 3–4

January 1

December 2 Deck the Halls 6:30–8 p.m.

Tallahassee Senior Center Tallahasseeseniorfoundation.org

December 2 28th Annual Camellia Christmas 6–9 p.m.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Floridastateparks.org

December 2–3

Art and Antiques Fair and Artists’ League Crafts Expo Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Museum of Fine Arts Mofa.fsu.edu

51st Annual Market Days Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

North Florida Fairgrounds Tallahasseemuseum.org

December 10–11

“Just One More — A Holiday Art Show” Tallahassee Downtown Market Visittallahassee.com

December 10–11

Tallahassee Ballet’s The Nutcracker Saturday: 10:30 a.m. (children’s performance) & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

Ruby Diamond Concert Hall Tallahasseeballet.org

December 19–January 3 Leon County Public Schools Closed

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | DEC/JAN 2017

December 25 Christmas

New Year’s Day

January 7

Swamp Forest Trail Marathon, Half Marathon and 6.5 Mile Run 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park Eventbrite.com

January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 16 Leon County Public Schools Closed

January 28 Fitness and Food Festival 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Florida State Conference Center Tallyfitnessfest.com

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© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

happy community

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