Giggle Magazine - February/March 2017 - Tallahassee

GREATER

TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

FEB/MAR 2017 • Volume 3 • Issue 4

plan the Perfect Galentine's Day!

Beaches, theme parks, nature and more!

The medicine cabinet rx Meet the mason family

us l p

, DAYCATIONS e's valentin D treats AN K SPRING BREA CAMPS!

101

Reasons

We Love

Florida! gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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from the publisher

MEET OUR

celebrating friends I have to admit, when I first heard the term “Galentine’s,” I thought someone was playing a practical joke. I had never seen the episode of “Parks and Recreation” that it debuted on, so I was confused, to say the least, regarding the term — but not to the concept of celebrating girlfriends!

Being a Gainesville transplant means I am blessed to have girlfriends here and there. All these women mean the world to me, and I would NOT be able to function without them by my side. If I could bottle up all the thanks and love I have for each of them, it would take a million years to pop each bottle.

Daily calls, texts, emails and messages are what help me get through my crazy day. They are my support system, my shoulder to lean on and, in some cases, the people who talk me down from a crazy day of adulting!

Let’s be honest. Being a mom, wife, boss, teacher, employee and kid taxi driver is hard work, and if you add all that extra mumbo jumbo on top of it, it can take everything out of you to just stay sane through one more diaper change! Having that core of girlfriends who can relate and be there to lend a hand, tissue, coffee moment or phone call can mean all the difference between keeping it together or having to scoop it off the floor after the kids fall asleep.

As Valentine’s Day draws near, we hope you take the time to celebrate each other! Take a moment to toast your friendships! We even went ahead and gave you a head start with your very own Galentine’s Day party on page 47.

Cheers to amazing friends!

COVER CUTIE!

Karoline How old is Karoline?

Just turned 3!

What is her favorite sweet treat? Ice cream What is her favorite movie?

"Frozen" What is her favorite stuffed animal? Her pink stuffed bunny, "bun-bun"

Thank you!

Nicole Irving, Publisher nicole@irvingpublications.com

Our Cover Cutie's dress and bow are from Little Jill & Co. and can be found online at Littlejillco.com .

Like us on Facebook /GIGGLEMAGTALLAHASSEE

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follow us on Twitter @GIGGLEMAGTALLY

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

Visit us on Pinterest /GIGGLEMAGAZINE

Follow us on Instagram @GIGGLEMAGTALLY

Photo by Sincerely Gone Photography

What is her favorite color?

Pink

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 executive assistant Sayeh Farah ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Ashleigh Braun Contributing Writers Rizwana Fareeduddin, MD, FACOG, Nicole Germany, Nicole Irving, Selena Garrison, Teal Garth, Kelly Goede, Helen Kornblum, Colleen McTiernan, Olivia Pitkethly, MA, LMHC, Rebecca Rubin, Taryn Tacher, April Tisher 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. Š 2017

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 Shane Irving at (850) 254-9704 or email Shane@irvingpublications.com

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is just a short drive away!

feb · mar 2017 happy family • happy community

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TM

forks & spoons 24 Three Easy DIY Valentine's

Day Treats

26 Colcannon: A Spin on an Irish Tradition

#40

health 28 Get Your Clean On 30 Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves

happy home

One of the many reasons thresatt we love Florida! See the starting on page 34!

40 It's Not Me, It's You: Time to Break Up

giggle stamp 8

Coming Up Roses

life 9

happy community

54 expecting

Simplifying Prenatal Testing 57 infant

66 FEB/MAR Calendar

Finally! Tantrum-Free Tummy Time

67 corkboarD

POWER PARENT Betsy Couch

12 Preparing for Your Grandchild to Visit 14 Where There's A Will, There's a Way:

conception 2✱ college™

with Some Common Household Items

42 Queries from the Curious

Preparing Your Will

58 TODDLER

10 of Our Favorite Children's CDs

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59 early years

Conquering Daytime Wetting

60 kids

18 happy family Mason Family

learn

62 tweens

What is With the Attitude?

65 teens

23 The Pursuit of Family Happiness

Is My Child Abusing His ADHD

fe a t u res

GREATER

Your Guide to Spring Break Camps 101 Reasons We Love Florida Sharing the Love: Valentine's Day Coupons

Planning the Perfect Galentine's Day Spring Break Daycations

TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

FEB/MAR 2017 • Volume 3 • Issue 4

47 30 18 50 24 20

Medication?

101 REASOnS WE lOVE FlORIDA | SPRIng BREAK CAMPS | gAlEnTInES'S DAY

20 34 45 47 50

Growing Up Too Soon: What is Precocious Puberty?

gIgglE MAgAzInE

Family photo by Ashley Daniell Photography. Valentine treat photo by Allison Raber. Wizarding World of Harry Potter photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort.

32 Sheet Masks: A Friend for Your Face

plan the perfect Galentine's Day! the meDicine cabinet rx meet the mason family

us pl

ions, Daycat 's valentine D treats anaK sprinG bre camps!

Beaches, theme parks, nature and more!

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101

Reasons

We Love

Florida! gigglemagaZiNeTallaHaSSee.com | feb/mar 2017

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Photo by Sincerely Gone Photography gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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giggle stamp Rose Gold Beats Solo3 Wireless $299.95, Apple.com

Flower Ultimate Travel Brush Set $16.98, Walmart/Walmart.com

Rose Gold Drusy Nail Lacquer $18, Kendrascott.com

Dolce and Gabbana Rose the One $49.99, Frangrance.com

Roses

Fitbit Flex 2 Bangle in Rose Gold $99.95, Fitbit.com

COMING UP

Traditional yellow gold gets a stylish update in these stunning rose gold products. Skin-tone neutral, rose gold looks good on just about everyone, so go forth and view the world through rose gold tinted glasses.

Michael Kors Rose Radiant $65.99 for 1.7 ounces/$89.99 for 3.4 ounces, Frangrance.com

Steve Madden Takeaway Sandals $69.95, Stevemadden.com Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette $52, Urbandecay.com, Sephora/Sephora.com

Vivian Flatware Set 5-pc. - Stainless Steel Rose Gold - Threshold™ $19.99, Target.com Jumbo Paperclip $2.99, HomeGoods

Kate Spade Gramercy Grand Rose Watch $225, Katespade.com

po w e r p a r e n t

life

BETSY COUCH

Non-Profit Executive Director for the Knight Creative Communities Institute, (KCCI) Wife to CORY, mommy to Caroline (8), Tucker (6) AND THE FAMILY cat, Oreo PHOTOS BY ASHLEY DANIELL PHOTOGRAPHY

To make time for both her dream job and her family, Betsy Couch always gives 100 percent to whatever she is involved in, whether that is attending meetings or spending quality time with her husband and children.

You will often find Betsy meeting with community leaders for KCCI's current projects.

This year's project is the installation of a life-sized, 3-D representation of the #IHeartTally hashtag. Here, Betsy discusses the 2017 initiative with executives at the Visit Tallahassee office.

What does your typical workday look like?

Every day is different, depending on the KCCI volunteer project team and action items for the month. It also depends on what’s happening volunteer-wise, at my husband’s dental office and at my kids’ school. I start the day by checking my email or going out for a sunrise run before getting the kids ready for school, then I meet community leaders or friends for coffee (Lucky Goat is my favorite spot), and then I’m off to attend various other meetings and events on the day’s schedule.

When the weather is nice, I’m known to schedule meetings that are a “walk & talk,” where we meet at Red Eye or in Cascades Park and then walk around the surrounding area for our “meeting.” And once a week Cory and I have a date night!

What advice would you give other working parents?

Be present, especially for family time.

Put the electronics away and indulge in the time you have with your spouse and kids. It is important to achieve the perfect balance between family, work, volunteer activities and something that

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makes you happy — for me that’s time with my husband and friends, and running or playing tennis. But whatever you are doing, give it your 100 percent focus.

How do you balance work life and family life?

By making time for everyone. I guard my time carefully and have learned when to say “yes,” when it’s time to pass on something and when to delegate.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My parents. They taught me to always continue learning because you can learn something from everyone you meet; to listen to all perspectives of a situation and then make your own decision; to always give back to your community and work to make it a better place; to be patient; and that it is OK to take chances and go for it,

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WHAT ARE THINGS YOU MUST HAVE AT WORK?

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

but if you make a mistake, learn from it and never repeat that mistake again.

These tips have helped me in everything I do — from being a supportive wife and mother to a businesswoman and volunteer.

What sacrifices/compromises have you had to make?

To spend more time with my family, I walked away from a great job (Communications Director at Visit Florida overseeing international and domestic public relations activities), but it was the best decision I ever made. I knew I didn’t want to travel internationally anymore with a small child at home. With no career plan for the future, I just took a leap, but God has a plan and everything magically works out. Now, I’m fortunate to be at a dream job that is perfect for this stage of life.

❶ A good attitude ❷ A professional demeanor ❸ A high professional standard ❹ The ability to bring diverse viewpoints together ❺ A great outfit!

When and how do you make time for yourself?

I’m fortunate to have flexibility with my schedule (in a way), and I make sure I organize most days to have time to accomplish key work tasks, exercise and spend time with Cory, Caroline and Tucker.

Who are your biggest supporters?

My husband, my parents, a handful of close friends and my daughter. Cory (my husband) keeps me balanced and grounded, and I couldn’t accomplish everything I do without him. At KCCI it is Mike Pate, the founder of KCCI, who offers a wealth of knowledge and perspective.

Finish this sentence: I hope that I have taught my children ... to always be respectful and welcoming of

others. And that they are part of this amazing world and each day they need to work to do their part to improve our community and take care of the environment.

What is your go-to breakfast?

A scrambled egg with homemade salsa.

What is your coffee order?

Tallyccino. At home Cory teases me that I drink “almond milk with a splash of coffee.”

What is your must-have work tech item?

My iPhone — my calendar and contacts are in there!

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

Some nights I wish I were the sandman so I could immediately make my kids drift away to sleep with sweet dreams.

Which TV character most resembles you?

A Family Affair The work Betsy does at KCCI impacts the entire local community, including her own family!

Betsy's children, Caroline and Tucker play in the Discovery playscape at Cascades Park. Cultivate Cascades is a prior initiative of KCCI.

Photos by Kay Meyer Photography (left) and Jon Edwards (right).

Alicia in “The Good Wife” (minus the scandal, ha ha). Alicia is protective of her children, smart, independent and complex. She sometimes does things that ruffle a few feathers, but it is what she believes is the best move. Yet, when I texted my friends they said “Gossip Girl” Blake Lively, which made me laugh since while I do have a carefree spirit and love fashion, I definitely didn't grow up on the upper east side. I was born in Monroe, Louisiana and grew up in Tallahassee on 60-acres out on Highway 90, where I learned everything from the art of manners to shooting and skinning a deer.

If you had a day all to yourself and money was not a factor, what would you do?

Start with a morning sunrise run through a national park that has spectacular overlook points, one at which I could have a moment of devotion and yoga.

Then, enjoy a delicious farm-to-table brunch with good company. Next, cozy up in a plush chair by a fire with a good book. Midday, I’d do something adventurous, such as white water rafting or canyoning through a gorgeous canyon. And finally, get dressed and refreshed and go to a party where we watch a stunning sunset and then dine under the stars with friends, family and a band that gets everyone out dancing, complete with a bonfire and perfectly cool evening weather. ✽

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life

g r a ndp a r e n t s

Preparing for Your Grandchild to Visit

BY KELLY GOEDE

I’ve seen the twinkle in my parents’ eyes when they find out we are coming to visit. Bringing my little people to see their grandparents always make my eyes twinkle, too, although perhaps a little less, as I am tasked with making sure they will be safely fed, put to sleep and entertained during their visit.

An ounce of planning goes a long way toward making each visit smooth and enjoyable, and you as grandparents can assist in the endeavor by making sure the basics are covered. Driving to grandma’s house may be fun, but it doesn't necessitate pulling a trailer, and grandparents can help by reducing the amount of bulk parents need to haul. Before a visit, have a solid chat with the parents of your grandchildren about where they will be sleeping, eating and playing.

When that grandbaby awakes, he will probably be ready to do what he came to do at grandma’s house — EAT! Does he normally use a high chair? No problem — and no need to purchase one unless you really want to. Many portable booster seats and feeding chairs exist, and they can be stored easily when your grandchildren return home. Child-friendly plates and utensils are also simple items to have on hand. Again, a proper discussion about what your grandchild needs and prefers will guide you in what to provide.

Once all the necessities are squared away, let play time commence! Providing age- and interest-appropriate toys and books are part of the fun of being a grandparent! Keep it simple — a trip to your house is already stimulating, and it won’t take much to keep your grandchild entertained. Be sure to provide a safe and baby/child-proofed space for play. The pack-n-play works well for babies, and if your grandbaby is still little, a jumper is a great option for a safe play space. For older grandchildren, especially those who visit for longer stretches of time, consider providing larger items that won’t travel easily, like fishing gear, scooters and bikes (with a helmet!). And if your grands are arriving via airplane, square away what their car seat needs will be. Borrow an up-todate car seat or offer to purchase one if your grandchild’s parents are unable to bring his.

Providing baby gates for stairs and other off-limits areas will ease everyone’s minds, and making sure pools are gated, locked and secure will ensure playtime is safe and fun.

After food (and before playtime) your grandchild will need a spot to change. A solid surface in a bathroom, or a bed with a changing pad should do the trick for getting your grandchild changed. If you can, find out what bath products she uses and have them ready to go. And although no one wants their grandchildren to fall ill during

With a little forethought and conversation, you can lighten the load that will accompany your grandchild and make for a fun, safe and enjoyable visit! ✽

Identifying your grandchild’s sleep needs and offering to provide the proper bed to accommodate those needs will lay a good foundation for your visit. A pack-n-play will work well for babies and toddlers, and basic versions are fairly inexpensive. If your grandchild is old enough to use a real bed, providing a bedrail (if needed) will also ease the amount of gear that must accompany your grandchild. A white noise machine would also be a boon, as unfamiliar sounds might keep your grandchild awake. Find out any other unique sleep needs and offer to provide as you can.

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a visit, planning for those “just in case” moments will set parents at ease. Keep age-appropriate Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl on hand, as well as a thermometer — hopefully you won't have to use them.

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

Borrow an up-to-date car seat or offer to purchase one.

CHANGES NEEDED

CHANGES NEEDED

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life

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: Preparing Your Will

BY SELENA GARRISON

So, you know making a will is important, but where do you start? There are two routes you can take: do it yourself or hire a lawyer. The DIY route is much cheaper, but the likelihood of mistakes is much greater. If you choose to write your own will and have a pretty uncomplicated situation, online programs like LegalZoom can give you a basic, legally sound will. If your situation is a little more complex, you might go to NOLO.com and check out their current offerings. Be sure that if you are writing your own will that you follow the execution formalities as outlined by Florida statute.

I was 25 years old when I had my first baby, who is now sitting next to me working on kindergarten math problems while my toddler sleeps. Prior to having kids, I never fully understood the absolute joy and crushing responsibility of being a parent. As my kids’ primary caregiver, kisser of boo boos, and momma extraordinaire, I never want to think about them having to navigate the world without me. Now in my early 30s, thinking about death isn’t high up on my list of things to do, but it is my job to prepare for that reality, just in case. That is why, right before heading out on a hard-earned cruise several years ago, my husband and I sat down with an attorney to hammer out our will.

For parents, making a will is arguably the most important thing you can do to ensure that your kids are cared for by the people you would want doing the job if something were to happen to you. It is the legal process for making known who you would like to serve as the guardian for your children if you die before they are adults. It also gives you the opportunity to designate someone to manage your money for your kids until they reach adulthood. Aside from making

these arrangements for your children, your will also specifies who will inherit your property (bank accounts, real estate and other belongings) when you die.

If you die without a will in the state of Florida, there is no guarantee that your money will go to the people (or organizations) that you want or that your children will be cared for by the person or people that you think would be best. Of course, if you pass away without a will, the other legal parent of your children will get custody (with some exceptions). If both parents pass away, things get really tricky and a court will decide who gets the kids and where the money goes.

If you choose to hire a lawyer, be prepared to pay a larger chunk of change, but you will have the peace of mind that it has been done correctly. Either way, you will need to make a list of all your assets, decide exactly whom you want to inherit what (and when), choose a guardian and alternate guardian for your kids, choose who you want to handle your kids’ inheritance (if different from their guardian), and choose an “executor” to carry out your wishes and handle the paperwork after you die. Regardless of the route you choose, you will also want to revisit your will every three to five years to make sure no major life events (new baby, marriage, divorce, etc.) have changed your plans.

For many families, the real hurdle in creating a will is emotional. We just don’t like to think about death. The fact is, as parents, it is our job to prepare for our kiddos both now and in the future, regardless of what that future might look like. It is so much better to be prepared than to potentially leave your kids in a situation you wouldn’t be happy with! ✽

DID YOU KNOW? If you die without a will in the state of Florida, there is no guarantee that your money will go to the people (or organizations) that you want or that your children will be cared for by the person or people that you think would be best.

Always be sure to consult your family attorney with any questions.

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6800 Thomasville Road, #104, Tallahassee, FL 32312 Conveniently located next to Hurricane’s in Bradfordville Commons

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ArtistryDanceAlliance.com | (850) 688-5921

WHY INVEST

WITH GIGGLE? 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

1 INCREASE YOUR REVENUE 2 STRENGTHEN YOUR BRAND IDENTITY

3 WE ARE TARGETED TOWARD YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMER

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April/May................................Reservation Date 2/24 June/July.................................Reservation Date 4/28 August/September................Reservation Date 6/30 October/November..................Reservation Date 9/1 December/January 2018....Reservation Date 10/29

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life

h a ppy f a mily

Meet t he

Mason Family

Stephanie, Dennis, Corbin (9), Cayden (8) and a little girl on the way!

PHOTOS BY ashley daniell photography

The kids’ favorite books: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series and “The Secret Garden.” My kids could read these books over and over!

Mommy and Daddy’s favorite TV shows: “Game of Thrones,” “48 Hours” and “Vikings.”

Websites we love: I could search through Pinterest for hours. Dennis loves Modern Luxury and Onnit.

Occupation(s): Stephanie works in medical sales with Nanosonics, and Dennis is the director of operations for The Brass Tap. Favorite family meal: This family is a lover of carbs! I’ve gotta say pasta.

Favorite date spot: Sakura — the food is always delicious and we never run into anybody we know!

Our family is most like: Probably the Griswolds.

Movie in our DVD player right now: “Star Wars."

Favorite sports/extracurriculars to do: I love my tennis league, Baby Got Backhand! Dennis plays golf, Cayden is into soccer and Young Actors, and Corbin is into guitar and playing baseball with Dad. Favorite sports to watch: Just the boys on this one — UFC and football.

Favorite family activity: Riding bikes, museums, family outings or just being together playing outside.

Favorite local picnic spot: Maclay gardens for sure! We go there every Valentine’s Day for a picnic.

Pets: : Two rescue cats — Lion-o and ChiChi (“ThunderCats” fans will get it!).

Favorite day trip: We are always looking for different things to do every weekend.

We try to stick to all the local activities.

Favorite family vacation destination: Mackinac Island.

What makes my kids laugh: Each other.

Why we love living in Gainesville: It’s a wonderful community with a lot to offer while raising a family.

Something that we want our children to have that we didn’t have growing up: This is a tough one! Not much here. We both got what we earned growing up and we stick to the same rules!

First word you think of when we say “family”: “Run!” Just kidding.

Unconditional love. That’s how our family is, and I treasure it with my entire heart and soul.

Must-have item(s): Wine, friends and family.

Three words that describe our family: Always something new. ✽

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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your guide to spring break

camps

BY REBECCA RUBIN

Spring Break for Leon County Public Schools is March 13–17!

T

he five months between winter break and summer break can seem like an endless span of time for students. Enter spring break! This is the perfect nugget of time for kids and teachers to get a little break to refresh and regroup! But not all working parents can take an entire week off to cruise the seven seas, so what are the kiddos to do? Spring break camps, of course! These local and fun-filled options are the perfect alternative to make sure kids have a safe and eventful break.

ARTS AfterSchool PRICE: $185 per week, $100 per week for half days HOURS: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

ADDRESS: 3510 Weems road, Tallahassee, Florida 32317 WEBSITE: Tallyarts.com Arts & Recreation for Tallahassee Students (ARTS) provides an all-inclusive camp where children can participate in a variety of activities. This camp offers full-day options and half-day options (7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 1–6 p.m.) with everything from karate, dance and gymnastics to cooking, Spanish and community service.

Challenger Learning Center PRICE: $40 per day HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Extended care hours available.

ADDRESS: 200 S. Duval St., Tallahassee, Florida, 32301 WEBSITE: Challengertlh.com This fun and educational camp offers space-themed projects and hands-on activities for curious students.

Your kiddos will enjoy field trips every day and other fun activities like arts and crafts and cooking projects. Registration for spring break opens first to children already enrolled in after school care, but you can put your child on the waiting list.

International Gold Gymnastics PRICE: $230 full day/ $140 half day HOURS: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Dance Fusion Studios

ADDRESS: 1390 Village Square Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida, 32312

ADDRESS: 1660 N. Monroe St., Suite 12, Tallahassee, Florida 32301

WEBSITE: Iggymnastics.com

WEBSITE: Dancefusiontallahassee.com Contact Dance Fusion Studios for more information about their performance and acro spring break camps!

Growing Room 2 Price: $190 per week Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Address: 6266 Old Water Oak road, Tallahassee, Florida, 32312 WEBSITE: Growingroomchildcare.com

17th Mason’s Arts Adventures Spring Break Camp

year of Camps!

PRICE: $150 per child, $130 per each sibling

International Gold Gymnastics provides a six-day camp that offers traditional activities along with complete gymnastics instruction.

LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts PRICE: Full session – $125 members, $140 non-members / Half session (Morning only OR two days) – $63 members, $70 non-members HOURS: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

ADDRESS: 417 E. Call St., Tallahassee, Florida, 32301 WEBSITE: Lemoyne.org Art Camp at LeMoyne allows students to explore their artistic passions in a safe and creative environment. The diverse staff lets children of all ages establish their inventive sides.

HOURS: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

ADDRESS: 3384 Capital Circle NE, Tallahassee, Florida, 32308 WEBSITE: Masonsmusic.com This musical camp picks a current movie to theme its spring break session. Students partake in a number of artistic activities, such as dance, music, drama and art. The camp culminates with a Friday production relating to the camp’s theme, where campers contribute to all aspects of the show’s creation. gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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your guide to spring break

camps MoLab Inc. HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Powermill Training Academy Spring Break Camp

ADDRESS: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1700 N. Meridian road, Tallahassee, Florida, 32303

PRICE: $165 HOURS: Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. – noon

WEBSITE: Tallymolab.org

ADDRESS: 2735 Power Mill court, Tallahassee, Florida 32301

PRICE: $45 per day

MoLab spring break sessions provide interactive and exciting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities. The camp offers age-appropriate curriculum that allows children to create and experiment.

Next Level Baseball PRICE: $175 HOURS: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

ADDRESS: 1460 Market St., Suite 4, Tallahassee, Florida, 32312 WEBSITE: Nextlevelbb.com Next Level Baseball presents baseball fanatics the opportunity to enhance their passion for the game. This camp reinforces and strengthens athletic skills with game-like situations and one-on-one drills.

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WEBSITE: Powermillsports.com For baseball fans between the ages of 6 and 12, participants will learn the fundamentals of hitting, throwing and fielding.

Spring Break Camp at The Sue

Tallahassee Museum PRICE: $45 members, $50 nonmembers per day. Extended care is $8 per day.

HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with extended care offered from 7:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m.

ADDRESS: 3945 Museum drive Tallahassee, Florida 32310 WEBSITE: Tallahasseemuseum.org Tallahassee Museum offers themed days to excite students while learning about everything from wildlife to cultural heritage. Campers engage in creative games and projects to enhance critical thinking and communication.

WEEKLY PRICE: $100

World Ballet

HOURS: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

PRICE: $150

ADDRESS: 501 Ingleside Ave., Tallahassee, Florida, 32303

HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WEBSITE: Talgov.com Spring Break Camp at The Sue offers a diverse and entertaining weeklong program run through the City of Tallahassee’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs department.

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

ADDRESS: 3840 N. Monroe St., Suite 202, Tallahassee, Florida, 32303 WEBSITE: Worldballetinc.com World Ballet is the ideal location for dancers to spend their spring break.

This camp offers a week of artistic training to performers who love to keep active. ✽

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learn

The Pursuit of Family Happiness

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

The holidays have come and gone, decorations have been put away and resolutions have been made (and maybe even broken by now!).

Before you put your feet up, another season of sports, recitals and graduations are right around the corner. Like many of you, I look forward to these milestones in my children’s lives, but I get just as excited to find a weekend on the calendar with nothing scheduled! It’s such a rare occurrence, but we try to make the most of it.

Family leisure time is recreational time between parents and children, and this time is just as important as any other event. According to a study out of Baylor University, engaging in recreation and activities at home is a more effective route to family happiness than going on an expensive vacation. Throwing a ball in the yard, playing a board game or having a family movie night further strengthens the family bond and promotes individual happiness as well.

In my practice, I once treated a child with anxiety and fears who was misbehaving at home, specifically when he was with his father, who was experiencing his own stressors. I encouraged the two of them to spend more time together, just regular father-son recreation time, without any pressures or schedules. Within a few weeks, the family was reporting increased family cohesion and improved mood from all involved!

The Baylor University study is good news to families who have a jam-packed schedule or are on a tight budget. While big trips to theme parks and ski lodges are amazing in their own

“

right, the time a father spends chasing his son around the yard is just as meaningful.

Fletcher Eaton, father of three, recognizes the magnitude of those little moments with his children. “When we don’t have sports practices or games to attend, we play with the dog, ride our bikes or watch movies,” he said.

Positive psychologist Martin Seligman introduced his Authentic Happiness theory in 2001 and later it evolved into Well Being Theory. According to Seligman, well-being consists of five elements: positive emotion, engagement, meaning, positive relationships and accomplishment. For example, my children enjoy helping me cook in the kitchen. During this time, we smile and laugh (positive emotion) and talk to each other (engagement). I also take the opportunity to teach them about healthy food choices and how to measure ingredients (meaning) and trust them to pour the ingredients into the pan (positive relationships). Soon we are sitting down enjoying a meal we made together (accomplishment)!

When you think back to your own childhood, what are the happy moments you remember most? Which memories have the most meaning? Those little moments sometimes have the greatest impact on a child. So when you are managing your family schedule next month, make sure to leave some empty spots on the calendar, just for creating those little moments.✽

IDEAS FOR FAMILY

LEISURE TIME • Cooking a meal together • Going for a bike ride • Racing around the yard • Family movie night • Baking cookies • Playing a board game or card game • Roasting marshmallows on the fire pit • Taking a nature walk • Throwing a ball outside • Drawing or painting portraits of each other • Going for a swim • Visiting a local playground • Making a Pinterest craft • Reading to each other • Working in the garden

”

I remember my dad painting my nails on my back porch in – Nicole Irving New York. It is the sweetest memory.

• Feeding the ducks at the pond • Doing a water balloon toss

forks & spoons

Three Easy DIY Valentine’s Day Treats

BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN | PHOTOS BY ALLISON RABER

From writing valentines to prepping delicious treats, getting your child ready for Valentine’s Day can be overwhelming. With class parties, doilies and cards galore, getting in the spirit to celebrate a day of “love” can be a struggle for all us parents. With Feb. 14 fast approaching, keep these recipes in your back pocket for an easy treat your kiddos can make for all their friends!

Marshmallow Pops • 10 lollipop sticks

• 10 regular sized marshmallows • 1 package red Wilton Candy Melts • 1 package pink Wilton Candy Melts • White and pink sprinkles Melt each of the candy melt colors separately according to package directions. In the meantime, prep the marshmallow pops by sticking the lollipop sticks about halfway into the marshmallows.

Once the melts have become creamy and smooth, dip the marshmallows into the mixture so that the top half is completely coated. Decorate the candy-coated marshmallows to your liking with the pink and white sprinkles, then place them on wax paper to set.

Parent Tip: Always make sure to let teachers and parents know that these are “homemade” in case there are any food allergies in the classroom.

Multi-Colored Candy Hearts • 1 package teal Wilton Candy Melts

• 1 package white Wilton Candy Melts • 1 package lavender Wilton Candy Melts • Silicone chocolate heart mold • Toothpicks Melt each of the candy melt colors separately according to package directions until melts are creamy and smooth.

For solid-colored hearts, use a spoon to fill each heart mold with the color candy melt of your choice.

To achieve a marbled look, spoon one color at a time into each mold. Starting with white, fill your mold about halfway.

Then layer the teal or lavender candy melts over the white, filling the mold to the top. Use your toothpicks to swirl the colors together thoroughly. For a slightly different marbled effect, try filling the molds first with your colored candy melt (teal or lavender) and then topping with white before swirling.

Once all of the hearts are filled, place the mold into the freezer for about 3 minutes, or until the candy has hardened.

Once the candy has set, pop the candy hearts out of the mold and enjoy!

Candy-Dipped P retzel Sticks • 10 pretzel rods

• 1 package red Wilton Candy Melts • 1 package pink Wilton Candy Melts • 1 package white Wilton Candy Melts • White and pink sprinkles • Squeeze bottle or fork Melt the each of the candy melt colors separately according to package directions. Once the melts have become creamy and smooth, dip the pretzel rods into the mixture so that the rods are covered about ¾ of the way. Depending on the size of your container, you may need to use a spoon to fully coat the pretzel rod.

Once all of the pretzels are coated in the candy melts, decorate them with the sprinkles. You may also want to add a drizzle on your pretzels in contrasting colors by using the squeeze bottle or a fork.

Once they are decorated to your liking, place the pretzel rods on wax paper to set. gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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forks & spoons

Colcannon:

A Spin on an Irish Tradition

BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN

DIRECTIONS

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Colcannon is a staple in Irish cuisine. In fact, it used to be served as a main dish instead of a side dish, as it usually is today. Depending on what county you’re from in Ireland, traditional colcannon recipes can vary slightly, but it is typically made with mashed potatoes, cabbage or kale and boiled ham. This recipe stays relatively close to the original, with just a few updates for those of you who (like me) can’t stomach the idea of eating boiled ham!

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½ SMALL HEAD OF CABBAGE, CHOPPED

2 ½ POUNDS POTATOES, PEELED AND QUARTERED

1 MEDIUM ONION, CHOPPED

¼ CUP BUTTER

5 SLICES BACON

4 CLOVES GARLIC

1 CUP MILK

SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE

Place potatoes and garlic into a large pot and cover with cold water. Salt the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook potatoes for 15–20 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Meanwhile, cut bacon into strips and cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve the bacon drippings.

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

Add cabbage and onion to the same skillet with the bacon drippings and cook over medium heat until both vegetables have become soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and garlic, and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add milk and butter, and mash with a fork (or use a hand mixer if you prefer no lumps in your mashed potatoes) until smooth. Mix in cabbage, onions and bacon, season with salt and pepper and enjoy! ✽

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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health

Get Your Clean on

BY NICOLE GERMANY

Some daily tasks we feel as though we have mastered — making just the right cup of coffee, cleaning the car from top to bottom, even setting the DVR correctly to record all of the best shows! But there’s one thing you’ve been doing wrong — taking a shower. That’s right. It seems as though many Americans are skipping some of the most important shower practices after unwinding from a long day!

Avoid using body wash or soap with harsh fragrances

Let’s start with some of the basics we’ve been getting wrong this whole time.

Temperature Although most of us look forward to a nice, hot shower, a study from the Baylor College of Medicine said that lukewarm water can be the most beneficial when it comes to protecting the outermost layer of our skin.

So What? Higher temperatures can often cause your skin to dry out because hot water strips oils from skin faster than warm water. Hot showers are also a common factor in individuals experiencing dry, itchy skin or eczema. Moderating heating can also reduce costs on energy bills.

The

Golden Rules of Showering

1. Avoid using body wash or soap with harsh fragrances; instead opt for products that are soap free. Try: Dove, Cetaphil, Olay 2. When exiting the shower, pat yourself dry instead of roughly toweling off.

Shower Length According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average shower lasts eight minutes. With a standard showerhead this equals 2.2 gallons of water used per minute.

So What? Showering is one of the biggest ways we waste water, and showers use 1.2 trillion gallons of water in the United States every year. Longer shower times can also strip your body of helpful bacteria needed to maintain skin hydration.

Consistency While it is common for most people to bathe daily, it’s only necessary for those that exercise daily or are working in the heat all day. For everyone else, it’s completely fine to shower every other day.

So What? Taking a hot, lengthy shower daily can not only have an effect on your skin, but also can dry out your scalp and leave hair more prone to breakage.

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3. Ignore the “lather, rinse, repeat” method when it comes to shampooing.

Unless you have very oily hair, you can skip the “repeat.” Focus mainly on lathering the scalp, roots and nape of neck, and avoid drying out the ends with excess shampoo.

4. Moisturize within three minutes of drying off or save time with an inshower moisturizer Try: Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion, Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer or Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula 5. When using loofahs or washcloths, be sure to remove them from shower and place them in a dry area to avoid bacteria buildup. Don’t forget to replace them every three to four weeks! Try: Salux Cloth, a Japanese washcloth that exfoliates and distributes soap more effectively.

6. Clip hair up in a loose bun when conditioning to prevent developing breakouts on the back.

7. Rinse with cool water to help tighten your cuticles and pores. Doing so can help “seal” the pores in the skin and scalp and prevent dirt from seeping in. ✽

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

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 gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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health

Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves

BY TARYN TACHER

Medicine cabinets are the handiest place to keep your family’s daily essentials. Of course, you’ll want to keep your toothpaste, dental floss and body lotion in your medicine cabinet. But depending on the ages and needs of your growing family, there are a plethora of other specific products that we consider medicine cabinet must-haves.

FOR:

BABIES Diaper rash cream This one goes without saying. Where there’s a baby, there are multiple diaper changes and the potential for diaper rash.

Nasal aspirator This tool will help your baby breathe easier by removing excess mucous from his or her nose. Chris Campbell, Pharm.D., a clinical assistant professor, also recommends keeping saline drops to use with the aspirator.

Medicine Syringe Having a medicine syringe will make it much easier to give your baby the proper amount of any liquid medications he or she may need. Syringes do not drip, and they make it easy to insert into your squirming baby’s mouth.

Digital thermometer Having a working thermometer is crucial.

Babies can run fevers for a variety of reasons, and it’s important that you

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are able to take determine your baby’s temperature if you believe it has spiked.

For babies under 3 months, use a rectal thermometer for the most accurate reading.

Simethicone Campbell recommends this OTC gas relief medication for babies.

Emergency contact phone numbers Where else would you keep a list of medical contacts? In the event of an emergency, you won’t have time to rummage through your drawers looking for phone numbers.

Antibacterial ointment As toddlers begin to walk and explore the world around them, they’re bound to rack up scratches and cuts. Applying antibacterial ointment to their “boo-boos” will sanitize any open wounds to prevent infection.

Bandages After you disinfect your toddler’s wound with antibacterial ointment, you will want to apply a bandage to promote healing.

Calamine lotion Calamine lotion helps to alleviate itchy rashes and irritated skin. Your toddler’s skin is sensitive, and calamine lotion will help soothe the itch.

Baby nail clippers You’ll want to make sure your baby’s nails are trimmed so he or she does not scratch him or herself.

Cotton balls Using cotton balls is the easiest way to apply calamine lotion. Simply dab the cotton ball with the lotion, and apply to itchy areas.

FOR:

FOR:

T ODDLERS

TWEENS

Benadryl As your toddler starts to try new foods, it is good to keep Benadryl on hand in case of any allergic reactions, said Campbell.

However, you should always consult your pediatrician first for children under 6.

Chapstick/lip balm It may be too early for girls to start wearing makeup during their tween years, but that won’t stop them from wanting to. Chapsticks and lip balms are great compromises that also nourish and hydrate their lips.

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

Deodorant As your child begins to grow up, he or she will experience the onset of puberty.

Deodorant is important for preventing unwanted body odor.

Nail Clippers Tweens are often active in sports and afterschool activities. Trimming their nails will ensure their safety as well as prevent hang nails.

diets. Taking multi-vitamins or specific vitamins will help regulate our bodies and keep us healthy.

Aspirin You never know when a headache or body ache is going to strike, so it is always a good idea to have aspirin handy.

THE WHOLE FAMILY

TEENS Face wash Many teens are plagued with acne, or at least the occasional breakout or blemish.

Washing their faces daily can help keep their skin clean and healthy.

Facial moisturizer As teens grow and mature, it is important for them to take care of their skin, so it will stay looking youthful and healthy for years to come. Applying moisturizer will nourish their skin and keep it from becoming dry and flaky.

Tweezers The teen years mean puberty, and puberty means hair growth — both wanted and unwanted. Having a pair of tweezers on hand will help your teen groom him or herself how he or she pleases.

Sanitary napkins/tampon As teenaged girls experience the onset of their menstrual cycle, it’s important that they have the necessary products to deal with their monthly periods.

FOR:

Bug spray Everyone in your family can use bug spray (except for children under 2 months of age) with a DEET concentration between 10–30 percent.

Sunscreen The Florida heat can be brutal, so it’s important to apply a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF daily to avoid sunburns and skin damage.

FOR:

FOR:

Hydrogen peroxide Minor injuries, like paper cuts, happen all the time. Keep hydrogen peroxide handy to sanitize any open wounds.

Vaseline Vaseline is a multi-purpose product that can be used for everything from chapped lips to unruly eyebrows to dry skin.

Antacids and Imodium For tummy troubles in family members older than 6, have antacids on hand to combat heartburn and Imodium for diarrhea. ✽

Tylenol/Ibuprofen Having these pain relievers/fever reducers in your medicine cabinet is a must.

!

What to Keep In Your Medicine Cabinet Ipecac Ipecac used to be used to induce vomiting if children ingested something poisonous. However, Campbell said that caustic substances can actually cause more damage on the way back up, and if the poisonous substance ingested is causing the child to have a hard time breathing, they could end up breathing in the vomit.

orajel

Previously given to soothe the sore gums of teething babies, Campbell said that Orajel is no longer recommended by the FDA.

ADULTS Natural/home remedies involving alcohol or raw honey

Makeup remover Removing makeup every night before bed will help prevent breakouts and clogged pores.

Vitamins It’s important that we supply our bodies with the necessary vitamins and minerals we may not be getting through our daily

Raw honey can cause botulism in children younger than 1, and alcohol should never be given to children.

*Always check with your doctor before giving any over-the-counter remedies. gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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health

Sheet Masks:

A Friend for Your Face

BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN

There’s a good chance you’ve seen photos posted on social media of people with these papery masks on their faces.

And although they may look a bit odd, there are plenty of benefits to using sheet masks.

Yes To Coconut Ultra Hydrating Paper Mask $2.52, Target/Target.com

WE TRIED IT: "The first thing I noticed about the mask was the fruity and refreshing scent! I thought my face felt extremely smooth and moisturized after using it.

Definitely lie down to get the total spa feeling!" -Delia

Erno Laszlo Firm & Lift Hydrogel Mask $16, Ernolaszlo.com and Nordstrom

WE TRIED IT: "This uber moisturizing mask came in two pieces for easy application. Once on, it felt comfortable and hydrating!" -Nicole

Hailing from South Korea, sheet masks are great at providing much needed hydration for dried out faces. The mask itself creates a barrier, sealing in all of the active ingredients underneath and allowing maximum penetration into your skin. As they are primarily used for skin hydration, sheet masks are different from traditional face masks, so be sure to keep your tried and true clay mask in the mix for deep pore cleanses.

There are many types of sheet masks available, from 24k gold masks to masks made with volcanic ash. While you can order a wide variety online, there are also plenty to choose from at your local beauty stores.

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle 24k Gold Intense Wrinkle Sheet Mask $68 for set of six, Peterthomasroth.com

fango ESSENZIALI Moisturize Treatment Sheet Mask $7, Macy’s and Macys.com

WE TRIED IT: "This mask felt very cooling and fit just right. It did seem like a longer process than with a clay mask, but I did feel a difference and I would do it again!" -Alison

WE TRIED IT: "This mask was harder to apply, but it smelled good and left my face feeling very smooth!" -Ashleigh

How to Apply a Facial Sheet Mask Sheet masks aren't all that hard to put on, but for a newbie, they may look intimidating. Follow these five steps for foolproof sheet mask application.

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STEP 1: Cleanse your face thoroughly. Dry completely.

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

STEP 2: Unfold the mask and place it on your face, aligning the holes with your eyes, nose and mouth.

Just for lips!

Esfolio Pure Skin Essence Mask Sheet – Volcanic Ash $1.90, Beauteque.com

WE TRIED IT: "I liked that this mask had a nice, light scent and none of the ingredients irritated my sensitive skin." -Allison

Sephora Algae Face Mask $6, Sephora/Sephora.com

WE TRIED IT: "The mask stuck on better than I thought it would and made my face feel very moisturized when I was done. I'm not sure that it detoxified anything like the package says, but I'd be willing to try it again!" -Colleen

STEP 3: Leave the mask on for about 10–15 minutes, or according to package instructions.

Karuna Anti-Oxidant+ Face Mask $8, Sephora/Sephora.com

WE TRIED IT: "Although a little slimy feeling, the mask fit my face perfectly. I also felt very relaxed while wearing it! During and after, my face felt refreshed and rejuvenated." -Brittany

Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask $2.99, Target/Target.com

WE TRIED IT: "It was easy to apply and stuck to my face very well. It made my skin tingle (as instructions indicated it would) and after washing my face, it felt very smooth." -Ashleigh

STEP 4: Remove the mask and massage any remaining serum into your face, neck and décolletage.

Sephora Shea Lip Mask $3, Sephora/Sephora.com

WE TRIED IT: "I have very dry lips, and right after using this mask, my lips felt super hydrated.

However, they were back to feeling dry and cracked by the morning." -Colleen

Annie's Way Secret Garden Black Rose Devil's Moisturizing Secret Mask $3.25, Beauteque.com

WE TRIED IT: "This mask went on easily and felt light. My face felt cool to the touch after I rinsed off." -Sayeh

STEP 5: Your face should be left feeling hydrated and smooth!

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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LIVI

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e v lo RI

101

N S WH Y O S A RE

This February, we’re showing some love to our home state!

O L F NG IN

BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN | PHOTO BY SINCERELY GONE PHOTOGRAPHY

ON S WH Y S A RE

LIV

ID

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Beach Days

I N G I N F LO

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#7 Photo courtesy of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. BEACH DAYS Photo courtesy of Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office.

1. Watching sunrises over the Atlantic.

2. Celebrating my January birthday at the beach! – Nicole 3. Not having to shovel snow in the winter months just to go to the grocery store.

#4 Fresh orange juice!

5. Beautiful, sunny days, courtesy of the Sunshine State.

6. Never having to walk the dog in -10 F.

8. Palm trees, everywhere!

9. Getting in-state tuition at Florida State University.

10. Always having a great base tan.

11. You can choose from two MLB teams to root for — The Marlins and The Rays.

12. Having an entire array of beaches to visit, mostly within a day’s drive.

13. Our lovely system of springs.

14. Disney World, of course!

15. No state income tax.

#7

16. Delicious Florida blueberry wine.

17. Living in the home of the Florida State Seminoles!

18. Manatees!

19. Tiki bars!

20. Airboat rides in the Everglades.

21. Being close to major ports for cruises.

22. Deep-sea fishing.

23. Snorkeling!

Being able to watch the rockets launch on the Space Coast.

24. Florida is the only state in the continental United States with extensive coral reefs near its coasts.

26. Exploring old shipwrecks.

27. Being able to grab a metal detector and go beach combing.

28. It’s almost always sandal weather!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is just a short drive away!

#40

29. Being just a day’s drive away from old Spanish forts in St. Augustine.

30. Our rainy days make for perfect movie marathon days.

31. All of the lush greenery.

32. Pool days!

33. Being home to Publix!

34. And of course, Publix subs.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

41. Visiting the National Naval Aviation Station in Pensacola.

42. Going dolphin watching.

43. Watching the five species of sea turtle nest on our beaches.

44. Being home to the adorably tiny Key deer.

#45

Collecting seashells on the beautiful beaches of Sanibel Island.

46. The stunning array of lighthouses along the coast.

47. Kayaking/Canoeing — Florida is home to the longest paddling trail in the continental states!

48. It is ice cream season all year round!

35. You can get fresh, delicious seafood just about anywhere!

49. The graffiti walls of Wynwood Art District in Miami.

36. Key lime pie.

50. Being able to visit the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.

37. Florida has the best Cuban sandwiches outside of Cuba.

38. Live mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

39. Seeing Hemmingway’s six-toed cats in Key West.

51. The stunning coral and seagrass communities of the Dry Tortugas National Park.

52. Hiking through over 700,000 acres of swamp in Big Cypress National Preserve, just 45 miles outside of Miami.

#38 Photo courtesy of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. #40 Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort. #58 Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. #59 Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. #61 Photo by Bill Sumner, courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Archive.

25. Scuba diving.

Busch Gardens

58. Exploring the caverns in Florida Caverns State Park.

#59

Paynes Prairie

60. Being home to the oldest city in the country — St. Augustine!

53. Watching the Blue Angels practice in Pensacola.

61. The grandeur of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami.

54. The wild rides and animal exhibits at Busch Gardens.

62. Going scalloping in Cedar Key.

55. We’re just a hop, skip and a jump away from a vacation in The Bahamas.

56. Our wealth of underwater caves.

57. Water parks … all year long! .

63. We have two great NHL teams — The Panthers and The Lightning.

#64

Visiting the Coral Castle Museum in Miami.

65. Florida has nine multiuse state trails and won the American Trails Best Trails State Award in 2008.

Florida Caverns State Park

66. Going to Daytona Beach to watch the Daytona 500.

67. The delicious food scene and nightlife of Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

68. Getting the best Grouper sandwiches in Clearwater.

69. The beautiful and relaxing Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach.

#70

Being home to the only major city in the country founded by a woman — Miami!

71. Walking along Seventh Avenue in Ybor City, named one of “10 Great Streets in America” by the American Planning Association.

77. We’re home to some of the best beaches in the country, according to Trip Advisor. Siesta Beach, Clearwater Beach, Saint Pete Beach, Pensacola Beach, St. Augustine Beach, Panama City Beach, Henderson Beach State Park, Fort Meyers Beach, Las Olas Beach and Navarre Beach all made the list!

78. The Singing Tower and gardens of Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.

79. Swimming in the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, the only pool in the country to be included in the National Register of Historic Places.

Navarre Beach

72. Visiting the Kennedy Space Center.

73. The Ringling museum in Sarasota.

74. Heading up to Pensacola for The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival in the fall.

75. Getting delicious fresh fruit and milkshakes from Robert Is Here Fruit Stand in Homestead.

76. Exploring the Timucuan Ecological/ Historic Preserve in Jacksonville, especially the Kingsley Plantation and Fort Caroline National Memorial.

Vizcaya Museum

80. Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, the only underwater hotel in the country! Guests actually have to scuba dive to get to their rooms.

81. Lizard spotting!

82. Raising kids with a love of the water.

83. Being able to appreciate snowstorms, because we don’t have to live in them!

#84

Hunting for (and finding!) shark’s teeth on Amelia Island.

R 101

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Falling Waters State Park

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#74 Photo courtesy of Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival Inc. #77 Photo courtesy of Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office. #99 Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

94. You don’t really need a separate wardrobe for winter and summer.

95. You can drink your favorite iced coffees all year long without freezing!

85. Gatorade was created here!

86. We’re home to three great NFL teams — The Dolphins, The Buccaneers and The Jaguars.

87. Our 161 state parks are perfect for hiking, running, biking, camping, geocaching, kayaking, canoeing, etc.

96. Never having to drive in the snow.

97. Kiddos under 12 get free cookies from Publix!

98. It may rain frequently, but rainstorms usually pass relatively quickly!

88. Our basketball team, the Miami Heat, has won three league championships, two back to back.

99. We may not have mountains, but we do have beautiful waterfalls at Falling Waters State Park!

89. Fewer potholes.

100. Bird watching.

90. Raking leaves isn’t the tiring chore that it is up north.

91. Florida is home to three national parks, two national monuments, two national seashores, two national memorials and two national preserves.

92. There are so many great vacation spots throughout Florida, you never have to leave the state to go on a trip.

93. You hardly ever have to parallel park.

1 0 1 #

Watching sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

happy home

It’s Not Me, It’s You: Time To Break Up With Some Common Household Items

BY KELLY GOEDE

Germs are inevitable, and try as we might, we cannot avoid them. We know that exposure to different germs can either strengthen our immune systems or make us sick, and we do our best to invite in the good ones and fight off the bad ones. Unfortunately, many of us have items in our homes that do us no favors in the germ department, as they harbor bacteria and other yucky things, and we are unwilling to part with them.

I’m talking about things like your pillow, your mascara, your toothbrush — things that become like a warm petri dish for bacteria. And much like a bad boyfriend, viruses like the flu and norovirus can stick around for weeks on objects and surfaces, according to the CDC.

Kitchen

Kitchen items are especially vulnerable to store bacteria, like E.coli, staph and salmonella, as they come into contact with food like raw meat and our mouths. The No.1 offender in the kitchen is the very sponge you use to wash your dishes — commonly reported to be dirtier than a toilet seat.

YUCK! Sponges need to be replaced at least every other week, and they need to be washed in the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle, or be washed at 150 F to kill bacteria. Have non-stick cookware with scratches in the finish? Then it’s time to toss it. Harmful chemicals, such as BPA and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), can leech into your food while you’re cooking.

Bedroom

This next item is near and dear to my heart (and head), and as much as I love it, I love living without bacteria even more. According to a study from Barts and the London NHS Trust, “up to a third of the weight of your pillow could be made of bugs, dead skin, dust

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mites and their feces.” My pillow is one of my favorite objects on earth, but just like yours, it should be replaced every 18–24 months to avoid cozying up to nastiness for years at a time. Bed sheets should also be washed on hot at least weekly, especially if you eat in bed, sweat a lot, or let your beloved animals share the bed with you.

Bathroom

Less endearing than my pillow, but infinitely more important — and dirty — is the toothbrush.

This object needs to hit the trash after three to four months, and definitely after you’ve been sick. Don't wait until the bristles resemble a porcupine — according to Registered Dental Hygienist Magazine, there are 20 billion microbes in our mouths at any given time, which means there’s plenty of bacteria on your toothbrush.

And now to hit me where it hurts. My makeup would find me guilty in germ court and lock me away forever. Even though we all know that bacteria gets transferred to our face from our makeup brushes, sponges and mascara every

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

time we use them, we seem to cling to our favorite beauty items long past their healthfulness. You do not want to artfully apply Aeromonas (a main cause of gastroenteritis) when sponging on foundation. Mascara needs to go after three months and eyeliner can last up to six months — after that they become a breeding ground for bacteria. Makeup brushes and sponges also need a thorough cleaning at least once a week. ✽

!

Some other items you may not have realized need to be changed regularly: Running shoes —Replace every 300–500 miles. After that the bend in the sole will increase your risk of injury.

Sunscreen — Replace at least once a year. If it becomes separated or clumpy it is no longer effective.

Hairbrush — If the bristles have started to separate or more than 10 percent of them are missing, it’s time to replace it.

Pacifier — Replace every two months or at the first sign of any damage.

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happy home a limited color palette that includes black, gray, white and beige. Get your “pop” and mix-and-match flexibility from costume jewelry and colorful scarves. Your classic black dress can go anywhere based on your accessories.

The downside of taking established outfits is having clashing colors or too many blazers to fit into your bag. ●●

Take one purse for daytime and one for evening (yes, black) and only comfortable shoes. You may have a fabulous shoe collection, but limit yourself to two pairs of daytime shoes — a “sensible” pair if you’re going to be touring all day and something like ballet flats if you’re attending a conference.

One pair of dressy heels adequately completes your travel shoe wardrobe.

Wear your heaviest pair of shoes while traveling, unless the weather makes that impossible.

●●

Forget the hair dryer because hotels supply them. Keep cosmetics simple.

Use travel-size toiletries or half-empty tubes of your favorite creams, and put them into a sturdy plastic bag.

Check your airline’s requirements for packing liquids. Make a separate list of medications and put them into your carryon bag.

●●

Lay out your clothing selections on your bed or on a table. The old joke says that now you should put half of it back into your closet. Maybe not, if you have chosen wisely. Protect your clothing and keep it organized by using vacuum or plastic bags for the various categories. Stuff socks into your shoes.

By wrapping shoes separately, you can snuggle each one into an open space in your suitcase.

ASK HELEN

Queries from the Curious Q I like to travel, but I

panic when it comes to deciding what to take and how to pack it all. Either I take too much or I forget the stuff I should have taken. I’m almost always cramming items into the suitcase at the last minute.

How can I make this process less stressful?

Men seem to have an easier time with packing, so let’s look at packing anxiety from a woman’s perspective.

Wanting to have just the right outfits for indeterminate activities may overtake our desire to pack “lightly.” Unless you have staff to haul a trunk, you need to rethink your priorities.

Where are you going? What’s the expected range of activities and temperatures? Do you plan to check your bag or carry it aboard? How long will you be away? With smart planning, it really is possible to pack only a carryon for a two-week trip. ●●

How old is your luggage? Does it feel heavy before you start to fill it? Modern suitcases are light and expandable; you can fill them without exceeding the baggage weight limit, so you may want to look into updating your luggage.

●●

Make a master list of the kinds of clothes needed, according to the events on your itinerary. We all need the basics — underwear, socks, pantyhose and nightwear. The “electives” include slacks, shorts, tops, jackets (sweater, blazer, sweatshirt), skirts and dresses.

Also consider the weather. Will you need a hat, scarf and gloves, or maybe a bathing suit and cover-up?

●●

Select clothing by color or outfit. Get ideas from catalogs that feature travel clothing. Neutral colors from neckline to feet do the best job on the road. Choose

If you like everything you’ve packed, it won’t matter whether you’re off for a romantic weekend with your sweetie or heading into infinity and beyond with Buzz Lightyear. You’re ready to roll. ✽

 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.

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

Sharing the Love

Valentine Coupons to Give to Your Kids

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your kiddo? Cut out these coupons for a fun alternative to the traditional chocolates!

BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN

2.

1.

GOOD FOR ONE

Good for One Trip for

Movie Night

Ice Cream

(Your Choice)

3.

4.

Good For One

DAY WITH NO CHORES

GOOD FOR ONE

Late Night (30 Minutes Past Bedtime)

6.

5.

Good for One

PILLOW FORT & PAJAMA DAY

Trip to the Park of Your Choice

7.

Good For One

8.

GOOD FOR ONE

Game Night (Your Choice)

Good for the

Home-Baked Treat of Your Choice gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

Galentine's Day is celebrated on Feb. 13!

planning the perfect

galentine's day!

by colleen mctiernan & ashleigh braun | photos by allison raber | flower arrangements by the plant shoppe

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hile Valentine’s Day is usually reserved for celebrating romantic love, Galentine’s is all about celebrating the love between friends! First introduced by Leslie Knope, the main character on “Parks and Recreation” this festive brunch, celebrated on Feb. 13, is a get together for all your female friends.

In the words of Knope, “It’s only the best day of the year … ladies celebrating ladies.” So this year, show some extra love to the most important women in your life and host your very own Galentine’s Day brunch!

Macarons These delicate French cookies are a sweet way to end a brunch with friends!

Mixed Berries Brunch can’t be all sweets!

Add a healthy element to your menu with a mix of raspberries, blackberries and blueberries.

Quiche Mini quiches are an easy way to add a savory note to the table.

Fresh Grapefruit These tart citrus fruits add a lovely pop of color to your spread!

Waffles A nod to Leslie Knope’s favorite food, waffles are the perfect main course for a Galentine’s celebration.

Bellinis This simple cocktail is just equal parts peach nectar and Prosecco!

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Songs to Kick-Start Your Galentine's Playlist

Our peach and gold color scheme makes Galentine’s Day distinct from the reds and pinks of Valentine’s Day.

“That’s My Girl” Fifth Harmony “Miss Independent” Kelly Clarkson “Wannabe” Spice Girls “New Romantics” Taylor Swift “I Knew You Were Trouble” Taylor Swift “Flawless” Beyonce

You're Invited While you can always invite people over in person, invitations will make your brunch feel like more of a party. Be sure to explain what Galentine’s Day is if your friends are unaware!

“Pretty Girl Rock” Keri Hilson

Best Friend Photo Banner

“I Feel Like a Woman” Shania Twain

Use an instant film camera to take pictures with your guests as they arrive. Attach them to a long piece of twine with miniature clothespins to create your own photo banner.

Pom Pom Wall Add some texture to your walls with these tissue paper pom poms! These can be purchased or you can go the DIY route. Visit Gigglemagazinetallahassee.com for a full video tutorial!

Fresh Flowers No table is complete without a flower arrangement! Keep your color scheme in mind when picking out your flowers, and choose a taller arrangement so that you don’t end up with leaves in your food!

“Unwritten” Natasha Bedingfield “Single Ladies” Beyonce “Girl on Fire” Alicia Keys

Growing Friendships Don’t forget to give out favors! These gold spray painted pots make the perfect companions for little succulents. gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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BY Teal garth

ith spring break coming up, it seems like everyone is planning an elaborate vacation. Sometimes this break just seems too short to go through all the effort of embarking on a tropical getaway, but staying home doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with the family. Daycations near Tallahassee can provide all the excitement and spontaneity of a real vacation, but at much less cost and travel time. Here are some ideas to help you get started on your daycation planning.

CEDAR KEY

CRYSTAL RIVER

Cedar Key is a small town on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico only about two and a half hours from Tallahassee. The town is full of rich history, quaint shops and restaurants, and beautiful scenery to explore. Stop by the Historical Society Museum or the Museum State Park for a small cost or visit the Out-Islands by boat tour ($90-$210 per tour) or boat rental ($15-$20 per person).

Just under three hours from Tallahassee, Crystal River is the perfect small town adventure with a big (literally) marine life population. See Florida’s favorite gentle giants, the manatees, before the water warms up too much. Book a swimming tour for $25 for kids and $50 for adults to get up close and personal or choose a sightseeing or guided kayak tour if wetsuits aren’t your style, all through Manateetouranddive.com.

PANAMA CITY Another coastal town about two hours away, Panama City offers more than just a nice beach to relax on. Visit Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum to “explore the odd” in the odditorium ($18 for adults and $13 for kids) or watch live dolphin, sea lion, reptile and bird shows and explore tropical gardens with animal exhibits at the Gulf World Marine Park ($24 for adults and $14 for kids).

APALACHICOLA Only an hour and a half from Tallahassee, Apalachicola has plenty of old museums and houses to visit if you want to familiarize yourself with the rich history of the town. If you want to take advantage of the coastal location, hop on a boat tour with Apalachicola Airboat Adventures for $40 per person.

Frolick with th e man the Crystal R atees on iver!

LIVE OAK This historical city, located near the Suwannee River and two quaint neighboring towns, Lake City and White Springs, is about an hour and a half from Tallahassee. Enjoy a taste of old Florida while exploring any of the three small towns or take a trip to the Suwannee River State Park where opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, boating and camping await you. General admission is $5 per vehicle.

DESTIN/SEASIDE About two and a half hours outside of Tallahassee, the cute little beach town of Seaside provides a perfect place for lounging on the beach, shopping around at local boutiques and getting a taste of some fresh Gulf seafood. Rent bikes for around $20 each to ride around town and enjoy the unique views — every beach pavilion was designed by a different architect and every house is required to have a different fence design than its neighbor.

If you’re looking for a little more excitement, head over to Destin and visit Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park!

THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA Just an hour outside of Tallahassee is the quiet town of Thomasville. Take a tour of the Pebble Hill Plantation and see the grounds, gardens, Uno Hill Barn and animals, main house, and art collections. Tour this incredible historical site Tuesdays through Saturdays for $5 for adults and $2 for kids. If you get hungry after your tour, stop in at one of the many famous southern restaurants or consider the Taste of Thomasville food tour for $40 per person.

MARIANNA About a two-hour drive away in the town of Marianna is the Florida Caverns State Park, the only state park in Florida to offer cave tours to the public. Cave tours are offered every Monday through Thursday, but the park also has areas for fishing, canoeing and boating provided by the Chipola River and Blue Hole springs. General admission is $5 per vehicle and camping is $20 per night.

Hike the Prov idence Canyon and take note of the ra re Plumleaf A zalea LUMPKIN, GEORGIA The name of the town may not be too appealing, but the attraction it offers with Providence Canyon definitely is. “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” is about two and a half hours from Tallahassee, and is perfect for hiking, picnicking, sightseeing and camping. Entrance is $5 per vehicle and camping ranges from $10–$35.

VALDOSTA, GEORGIA

zoo Explore a day for the

For a day sure to be packed with fun, make the hour and a half drive to Valdosta to visit Wild Adventures theme park. The park has all your typical thrill-seeker rides, but it also has a zoo with interactive exhibits and activities, mini golf, go-kart racing, an arcade and new water park, Ohana Bay, along with reopened water park, Splash Island. For a $50 admission price, this park has something for everyone. ✽

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

conception2college™  expecting Simplifying Prenatal Testing

 infant | 0-1 Finally! Tantrum-Free Tummy Time

 toddler | 2-3 10 of Our Favorite Children's CDs

 early years | 4-5 Conquering Daytime Wetting

 kids | 6-9 Growing Up Too Soon: What is Precocious Puberty?

 tweens | 10-13 What is With the Attitude?

 Teens | 14-18

Photo by Sincerely Gone Photography.

Is My Child Abusing His ADHD Medication?

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | feb/mar 2017

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expecting

p r e gn a ncy

Simplifying Prenatal Testing

BY RIZWANA FAREEDUDDIN, MD, FACOG

Screening or any genetic testing is always a personal decision to be made by the mother and her family. However, as 72 percent of women do elect to pursue screening, it is important to know just what you have ahead of you. It is also important that the pediatrics team is aware of abnormalities at the time of delivery to help guide care.

Many women are surprised to learn that every pregnancy carries a 3–5 percent risk of having a baby with a birth defect. There is also a separate risk of having a baby with a chromosome problem.

Just because you have no family history does not mean you can’t have a baby with a birth defect or genetic disorder. The majority of chromosome

disorders including Down syndrome do not run in families. They are random and can occur in any woman at any age. Even the most detailed fetal ultrasound may not detect Down syndrome or other genetic disorders. Although these risks are small and most women will go on to have healthy babies, according to the Perinatal Quality Foundation 4 percent of babies are born with a genetic condition or congenital anomaly. Undergoing certain prenatal tests may help to determine whether or not your child may be at risk.

Although these tests are offered to all pregnant women, remember that choosing to have testing is always your decision. It is always best to consult with your OB provider and choose the option that is best for you.

Prenatal screening tests Screening tests will not tell you if your baby is normal or abnormal. They will only provide you an estimated risk for test

First trimester screen – nuchal translucency measurement (NT) plus blood test

what is screened

Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)

the specific abnormalities that are tested. A low risk result does not guarantee a normal baby, and these tests do not screen for birth defects. who is it for?

when is it performed?

All pregnant women 11–13 weeks

Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)

(ultrasound + blood test)

Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) Cell free fetal DNA (blood test)

Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)

Women > 35 years of age, prior history, abnormal ultrasound finding, abnormal early screen

After 10 weeks

Sex chromosome abnormalities

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Quad, Penta or Tetra screen

Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)

(blood test)

Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

All pregnant women (if screening was not done in the first trimester)

15–21 weeks

Prenatal diagnostic tests These tests confirm if your baby has a chromosome or genetic disorder. They do not test for the hundreds of possible genetic abnormalities — only for the most common disorders. A normal result does not guarantee a test

what is screened

normal baby, and these tests do not look for birth defects.

These are excellent tests, but they do carry a small risk for miscarriage — approximately 1/300 or 0.3 percent. Many families start with screening tests if they don’t have any other risk factors. who is it for?

when is it performed?

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) A small tube or needle is placed into the uterus either through the abdomen (transabdominal) or through the cervix (transcervical) to remove cells from the placenta.

Chromosome and genetic abnormalities

All pregnant women

Chromosome and genetic abnormalities

All pregnant women

10–14 weeks

Genetic amniocentesis A thin needle is placed through the abdomen into the uterus and a small sample of amniotic fluid (fetal urine) is removed.

15–22 weeks

For more information please visit Gem.perinatalquality.org.

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ages 0-1

infant

If your baby fusses and does not enjoy tummy time, do not worry. There is so much you can do to help your baby grow accustomed to being tummy-down.

Lie on your tummy.

Your baby will feel more comfortable being on his or her stomach if you are doing the same.

Shake rattles and toys.

Not only will toys and rattles distract babies from any discomfort they may feel when lying on their stomachs, but they will likely pick their head up to get a better look at whatever it is that you are holding.

Finally!

Tantrum-Free Tummy Time!

BY TARYN TACHER

Having a baby comes with a laundry list of questions and concerns. Should you breastfeed?

What’s the proper way to change a diaper? How often do babies need to be fed? At what age will they reach certain milestones, like rolling over, sitting up, walking and talking?

Tummy time is one of those topics that gives rise to even more questions. What is it? When should you start? How often should you do it?

Tummy time is exactly what it sounds like.

It is the time your baby spends on his or her stomach, as opposed to his or her back.

When little ones lie on their stomachs, they must use their head, neck and shoulder muscles to lift their heads up to see what

is going on around them. This promotes the strengthening of those muscles, as well as motor skills like rolling over, crawling, playing and reaching for toys and food.

Tummy time helps prevent positional plagiocephaly — flat head — because it limits the amount of time babies spend lying on their backs and the backs of their heads.

“I like to think of tummy time as one of baby’s first exercises, and [it] should be started early in the first week of life,” said pediatrician Dr. Alexandra Stern. When they are awake and alert, let them lie on their stomachs on a hard, flat surface, like the floor. Avoid placing your baby on loose blankets.

“Finding the right time is also important, such as after waking from a nap,” said Dr. Stern. You should also be sure to avoid scheduling tummy time when your baby is hungry or immediately after they have eaten. Lying on a full stomach can cause discomfort.

Dr. Stern advised engaging your baby in tummy time two to three times a day for three to five minutes at a time. As he or she grows stronger, you can increase the amount of time he or she spends tummydown. ✽

Sing songs or read stories.

Your baby will exercise his or her head, neck and shoulder muscles to lift his or her head at the sound of your voice.

Stand mirrors up on the floor.

Your baby will be curious about his or her own reflection. The mirrors serve as a distraction and as a way to coax your baby into lifting his or her head up.

Place baby on your chest or tummy.

If your baby is extra fussy, he or she may be calmed by experiencing tummy time on your chest or tummy.

Baby will have a great view of your face, and he or she will feel comforted by being close to you.

Always be sure to supervise your children during tummy time!

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toddler

10

ages 2-3

Of Our Favorite Children’s CDs

BY COLLLEEN MCTIERNAN

There’s no shortage of children’s music, that’s for sure. But sorting out the funfor-my-kid-and-bearable-me music from the stuff that’s sure to get on your nerves is tough. Below are some of our personal favorites along with some bestsellers that are sure to be hits with both you and your kiddos!

1. “The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band”

“Apples and Bananas,” “He’s Got the Whole World” and “Shake My Sillies Out.”

With silly favorites like “We are the Dinosaurs” and “I Know a Chicken,” this CD is sure to get your kiddo giggling, and you may even catch yourself singing along, too!

4. “There’s a Hippo in my Tub”

BY LAURIE BERKNER

BY ANNE MURRAY

BY RAFFI AND THE RISE AND SHINE BAND

First released in 1977, this album is an oldie, but a goodie. With tried and true favorites like “You are my Sunshine” and a lovely lullaby medley, along with more upbeat tunes like “Teddy Bears’ Picnic” this CD has a little something for everyone.

This CD not only includes “Baby Beluga” (a personal favorite), but also classics like

5. “You Are My Little Bird”

2. “Raffi in Concert”

BY ELIZABETH MITCHELL

Mellow and sweet, this CD features kidfriendly folk music that is a nice departure from the typical upbeat, repetitive tunes that often characterize children’s music.

3.

6. “Platinum All-Time Favorites” FROM SESAME STREET

“Here Come the 123s”

BY THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS

Your kiddos are sure to enjoy this quirky blend of songs about numbers. Although they are an alternative rock band, They Might Be Giants has released five children’s albums, including “Here Come the ABCs” and “Here Comes Science” that are good options as well!

What kid doesn’t like “Sesame Street”?

And let’s be honest with ourselves, you don’t have to be a kid to love Elmo and the whole gang! These classic “Sesame Street” tunes include “C Is For Cookie” and the bath time favorite “Rubber Duckie.”

7. “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” FROM DISNEY JUNIOR

A combination of music by They Might Be Giants and Mickey Mouse and pals makes this CD a fun one for both kids and parents. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I love the “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Theme,” despite being well past the appropriate age.

8. “Family Time”

BY ZIGGY MARLEY

For fans of reggae music, this CD is a must. With a focus on family, these fun, upbeat tunes feature other popular children’s artists like Laurie Berkner, Jack Johnson and Elizabeth Mitchell.

9. “Philadelphia Chickens: A Too-Illogical Zoological Revue”

BY SANDRA BOYNTON

This jazzy kid’s album features a starstudded cast of singers. From Meryl Streep singing “Nobody Understands Me” to the Bacon Brothers’ swinging “Philadelphia Chickens” this clever and humorous album is a great addition to your kiddo’s stash of CDs.

10. “Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George”

BY JACK JOHNSON AND FRIENDS

Great for parents and their kiddos alike, this CD features the smooth, whimsical vocals of Jack Johnson singing popular songs like “Upside Down” along with educational songs like “The Sharing Song.” ✽

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ages 4 - 5

Conquering Daytime Wetting

BY TARYN TACHER

Becoming potty trained is a milestone for toddlers. It is a giant step away from dependency and a leap toward self-sufficiency. Potty training is a rite of passage that shouts to the world, “this kid is growing up!”

So, why, after young children have seemingly mastered going to the bathroom on their own, do they still wet their pants from time to time?

It usually takes about three months to potty train a child. Girls often take to potty training faster than boys do, but as with any new skill, each child has his or her own path to success.

“Children are considered fully pottytrained when they are able to verbalize that they need to go to the bathroom prior to going and are able to use the toilet with little or no help from a grown up. This includes pulling down their pants, climbing onto the potty and wiping their bottoms,” said Dr. Kathryn Wheeler, a pediatrician.

“Every child potty trains on a different schedule, but many children are ready to start by the age of 2 to 2 ½ years and have achieved fully potty trained status by 2 ½ to 3 ½ years of age.”

“

Children are considered fully potty-trained when they are able to verbalizethat they need to go to the bathroom prior to going and are able to use the toilet with little or no help from a grown up.

”

- Dr. Katheryn Wheeler

But even after your child has been fully potty trained, accidental wetting can happen. If your child is wetting his or her pants during the day, it is important to figure out the cause. It may simply be a developmental stage that he or she will grow out of, or it may be an issue that needs medical attention.

Some are stressed, frustrated or facing other emotional obstacles. According to Dr. Wheeler, stressful events such as moving, a change in routine, the birth of a sibling or other family changes can cause a regression. These types of events make it difficult for their brains to focus on other tasks — like going to the bathroom when they need to.

Daytime wetting as part of normal development occurs when children are so distracted by playing, eating or other activities that they forget to use the bathroom. These children tend not to empty their bladders completely when they go, and they often skip out on going to the bathroom first thing in the morning. Other children with developmental daytime wetting try to hold their urine for too long.

They cross their legs, squirm and hold their thighs together to try to fight the urge.

If your child is peeing more than usual, experiencing pain while urinating or releasing clouded or pink urine, he or she may have a bladder or kidney infection. If your child is leaking while urinating or has a weak stream, he or she may have a defective urinary tract.

Diabetes or gastrointestinal problems like constipation can put pressure on the bladder, making it more difficult for your child stay in control.

early years You can help your child by seeking medical attention to determine the root of his or her daytime wetting problem. Remember to remain even-tempered and to comfort them if they are noticeably upset. Talk to them about what they are feeling — emotionally and physically. ✽

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kids

ages 6-9 should. Their bones mature rapidly and stop growing earlier, causing them to actually be shorter than average as adults The pediatric endocrinologists evaluate all test results to determine what is causing the pubertal changes and what treatment(s) to pursue based on the child's specific diagnosis and age.

An estimated one Treatment can in 5,000 children include monthly have precocious injections of puberty. medication to delay further development until the child reaches a normal age for puberty.

Growing Up Too Soon: What is Precocious Puberty?

BY APRIL TISHER

As parents, it always seems like our children are growing up too fast — faster than we did for sure! And sometimes they really are. What if your child is actually entering puberty before he or she should? How early is too early, even by today’s standards, for their bodies to start changing?

Puberty in itself includes rapid growth of bones and muscles, changes in body shape and size, and development of the body's ability to reproduce. The Mayo Clinic defines precocious puberty as the process by which “a child's body begins changing into that of an adult (puberty) too soon.”

What age is “too soon”? We normally think of children entering puberty during middle school, although some begin toward the end of their elementary school years and some don’t start until they are in high school; both are still considered “normal.” It is when puberty starts to happen before then that you should be concerned. Puberty that begins before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys is considered precocious puberty.

“True precocious puberty is pretty rare and is estimated at about one in 5,000 children. It is about 10 times more

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common in girls than in boys. In my practice, I see no more than 1–2 cases per year,” said pediatrician Dr. Mary Grooms. Dr. Grooms said that statistics indicate that precocious puberty diagnoses are on the rise, and there is evidence that girls adopted from developing countries may be at particular risk. Any pubertal development in boys under age 9, in Caucasian girls under age 7, or in African American girls under age 6 is considered abnormal and warrants further evaluation by the child's pediatrician.

Once a child is determined to be at risk for a diagnosis of precocious puberty, they are typically referred for a pediatric endocrinology consult, lab work and a special X-ray called a "bone age" X-ray to determine skeletal age relative to chronologic age. According to the Mayo Clinic, children with precocious puberty tend to have an older bone age than they

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | feb/mar 2017

Some of the signs and symptoms that accompany early or precocious puberty can include breast growth and first period (menarche) in girls, and enlarged testicles and penis, facial hair (usually grows first on the upper lip) and a deepening voice in boys. Both can experience pubic or underarm hair, rapid growth, acne and adult body odor. Extreme selfconsciousness, especially in girls, as well as negative self body images are a concern as well. Precocious puberty can negatively affect self-esteem and increase the risk of depression and even substance abuse.

Some less concerning variants of accelerated pubertal development that Dr. Grooms tends to see more often than true precocious puberty include premature thelarche (isolated premature breast development due to intermittent estrogen secretion by ovarian cysts) and premature adrenarche (isolated premature development of pubic hair that is sometimes benign but can also sometimes be the first sign of true precocious puberty). “Oftentimes, even if we suspect that a benign process is at play, we will still recommend screening lab work and a bone age X-ray just to be sure that all is well with the child's development,” she said.

“Whenever in any doubt regarding any aspect of a child's development, I recommend a visit to the pediatrician to discuss any concerns,” said Dr. Grooms. ✽

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tweens

ages 1 0 - 1 3

What is With the Attitude?

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

Rolling eyes. Slamming doors. Deep sighs.

Welcome to the tween years.

Kids at this age are not little children anymore, but they aren’t quite teenagers either. Nevertheless, they are going through a stage of development where they are building self-confidence and running the risk of failure at the same time. They are finding new interests, developing their identities and recognizing challenges every day.

“While every child has their own temperament, with the onset of puberty comes hormonal changes that may contribute to a roller coaster of emotions some tweens experience,” said Allison McAlhany, ARNP. “Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels change as tweens develop, and each tween will handle these changes differently.”

Naturally, with every stage comes a period of change and adjustment. Kathy Richards* is a mom of a 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl. She has seen a full range of attitude in the past few years from both her kids and recognizes that it is a normal stage of development.

“They’re going through extreme changes on all levels, and it’s uncomfortable for them,” said Richards. “I think it’s a release of the tension they are feeling, but it’s also their way of fitting in with their peers.

Mom and Dad aren’t cool anymore. They are finding their own voice, having their own thoughts separate from me and my husband.”

The brain does not fully develop until a person is in their early 20s, so even though your child might be looking and acting more “adult-like,” his brain is still going to need more time to mature. The frontal lobe, which is responsible for decisionmaking, empathy and impulse control, will be the last part of the brain to fully develop. So, if your tween is quick to rebel by talking back or engaging in risky behaviors, it’s because his brain is still growing.

Other areas of a child’s body are growing, too. Enter puberty and the wealth of hormones that comes with it.

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In addition to brain growth, your tween is learning how to adjust in this world, socially and emotionally. She is beginning to figure out who she is and will often assert her independence in defiant ways, such as talking back or breaking the rules.

As the parent, you are adjusting too, and it can be frustrating and exasperating.

In my counseling practice, I validate the parents’ emotions and also teach them to see it from their child’s point of view.

Growing up is tough.

“I try to respond, not react, and to address the behavior, not the attitude,” said Richards. “I use a lot of empathy, which seems to dissipate the tension they are feeling, but sometimes it’s just better to ignore the attitude or just respond with humor, which sometimes works best.”

However, parents should recognize the difference between a typical tween attitude and blatant disrespect. Richards addresses it immediately in her own house and sets a boundary with her kids. She also sees that when her son challenges her, it’s a healthy and safe way for him to enter that transition from childhood to adulthood.

“

I try to respond, not react, and to address the behavior, not the attitude,” said Richards.

“I use a lot of empathy, which seems to dissipate the tension they are feeling, but sometimes it’s just better to ignore the attitude or just respond with humor, which sometimes works best.

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”

Using empathy with your tween is an effective tool. Tweens are entering an anxious world. They are beginning to have real fears (violence and wars) versus previous fantasy fears (monsters and witches). They want to “belong” in a group and acceptance is just as terrifying as rejection. They are being targeted by marketing gurus who want to sell them the latest gadget, brand or “look.” Add in a few hormones and the best friend is now an object of affection. Considering all of the changes occurring for your tween will help you understand her perspective and hopefully calm your own frustration level. ✽ *Name changed to protect privacy

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teens

ages 1 4 - 1 8

Is My Child Abusing His ADHD Medication?

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

More children and teens are being prescribed stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, to improve focus and enhance academic progress.

Unfortunately, with the rise in prescriptions comes also the rise in abuse. According to the American Association of Poison Control’s National Poison Data System, phone calls regarding misuse of ADHD medications rose 76 percent between 1998 and 2005. This rate is faster than any other substance abuse among teens or adults.

Michael Shapiro MD is an assistant professor of psychiatry and director of the UF Health Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic. He co-authored a study regarding the abuse of stimulants, which indicated that most teens misuse their medications for academic reasons, such as enhancing their ability to effectively study for an exam or to stay awake for social reasons. Though the child may feel more alert and confident in their academic performance, double blind scientific studies revealed stimulants have no effect on a non-ADHD child’s performance.

Typically, kids cannot get “high” from taking the medication unless they snort it, crush it or use it intravenously. Abusing the medications this way can cause euphoria and an exaggerated self-confidence.

Additionally, stimulant abusers are more likely to report cigarette smoking, binge drinking and cocaine use.

Even if your child is not prescribed medications, he may still be at risk. Thirty-

six percent of individuals share their medications with others, which is illegal.

The majority of ADHD medications, including Adderall, are considered Class II schedule drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. Other substances in this class include cocaine, opium, morphine and methadone. Possessing a controlled substance, such as Adderall, that is not prescribed to you is a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.

In addition to being against the law, these behaviors could indicate a more serious substance abuse problem.

Parents can look out for warning signs that their child is abusing ADHD medications.

“Side effects of stimulants can include increased irritability, increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping and decreased appetite or weight loss,” said Shapiro. “Those can be normal side effects, but if they seem really high or out of the norm, that could be a clue.”

Other red flags to look for are dilated pupils, increased anxiety or lack of sleep.

If you suspect that your child is abusing medications, discuss it with him directly.

Start off a conversation with, “I’ve been noticing these behaviors in you and it seems out of the norm.” Be open to listen

to him and find out what he is struggling with such as peer pressure, academic performance or adjusting to a new school or curriculum. Let him know the legal and personal consequences of his behavior and offer to get him some help if he feels it’s beyond his control. Seek guidance from your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist who can provide a full psychological evaluation.

For more information, visit Chadd.org, the national resource on ADHD. ✽

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Tips to Monitor Your Child's Medications

Keep your medications locked up and away from the children

Have the adult dispense the medication every day

Count the pills in the bottle on a regular basis

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happy community February 2

Groundhog Day

February 4

Baby & Family Fair 9 a.m. – noon Turnbull Conference Center Tmh.org

February 4

Parent/Child Birdhouse Build 2–3 p.m.

Native Nurseries Nativenurseries.com

February 4

12th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance by The Rotary Club of Tallahassee Northside 5–9:30 p.m.

The Moon Rcotn.org

February 5

Super Bowl Sunday

February 12

Share the Love Noon – 4 p.m.

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FE B R U AR Y/ M AR C H c a l e nd a r February 18

Field Day Music Fest 4–10 p.m.

Apalachee Regional Park Fielddaytallahassee.com

February 20

President’s Day

February 24 – March 5 Alice in Wonderland Young Actors Theatre Youngactorstheatre.com

February 25

Fast Cars & Mason Jars 5 p.m.

The Farm (Meridian Road) Treehouseflorida.org

March 4–5

152nd Anniversary and 40th Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

National Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park Nbhscso.com

March 5

Valentine’s Day

March of Dimes Family Teams Kick-Off 1–3 p.m.

Growing Room 3

February 17

March 11

February 14

Boots for Babies: A Night to Remember 6–9 p.m.

Shiloh Farms Boots4babies.org

17th Century Military Muster 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Mission San Luis Missionsanluis.org

March 12

Daylight Savings Time: Spring Forward!

March 13–20

Leon County Public Schools Closed

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

March 18

3rd Annual North Florida VegFest 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cascades Park Northfloridavegfest.com

March 20

First Day of Spring

March 31

Springtime Tallahassee Music Festival 6–10:30 p.m.

Kleman Plaza Springtimetallahassee.com

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