Giggle Magazine- February/March 2016-Tallahassee

GREATER

TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

happy family • happy communityTM FEB/MAR 2016 • Volume 2 • Issue 4

Chill Out, Mama,

It Will Be OK! pg. 12

Stop the Emojis

Send This Instead pg. 36

How to Make

Your Own Butter pg. 18

s u l p

How to

plan for

A+

an

Summer pg. 29

!

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gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicole Irving ART DIRECTOR Allison Raber COPY Editor Colleen McTiernan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tanya Consaul, Claire Stortz Vice president of sales Shane Irving ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kerr executive assistant Sayeh Farah Contributing Writers Selena Garrison, Kelly Goede, Jen Hillan, Nicole Irving, Lisa Katz, Danielle Pastula, Olivia Pitkethly, Taryn Tacher, April Tisher, Rebecca Vitkus Contributing Photographers Ashley Daniell Photography Interns Patty Hart, Malena Summers

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

gigglemag.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 2015

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

ADVERTISING

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

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from the publisher

strawberry fields My youngest son has to be the pickiest eater alive. Ice cream… No thanks.

Macaroni and cheese… No thanks. Ketchup, pudding, oatmeal, yogurt, turkey, cheese sticks and the list goes on and on of the food items that get a “No thanks, mom. I will have a peanut butter sandwich,” response.

However, if there is one thing he will risk his food-induced allergic reaction of itchy eczema for, it is strawberries!

Yes, those little red balls of sweetness get him every time. He can devour cups full and not even blink. He knows the itchy repercussions of his actions, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

MEET OUR

Picking strawberries with the boys has been a family tradition since Josh could walk and carry his own bucket. We venture to the local fields in Gainesville, grab a bucket, or 10, and walk up and down the rows searching for the perfect berries to plop into our bucket.

On page 21 we introduce you to all things strawberry to kick off your spring! So, venture out in the sun with your kiddos and fill up those buckets! Just leave some for Josh!

COVER CUTIE What's your name?:

Brian

How old are you?: My sweet boy picking out his strawberries.

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What is your favorite book to read?

Magic Treehouse: A Perfect Time For Pandas

Nicole Irving, Publisher nicole@irvingpublications.com

What is your favorite Valentine's day candy:

A box of chocolates that my mom gets for me.

Do you have a favorite sport?

I love to play football in afterschool!

Like us on Facebook /GIGGLEMAGTALLAHASSEE

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follow us on Twitter @GIGGLEMAGTALLY

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Visit us on Pinterest /GIGGLEMAGAZINE

Follow us on Instagram @GIGGLEMAGTALLY

Photo of Brian by Ashley Daniell Photography.

It's our tradition to go berrypicking every year.

February * March 2016 happy family • happy community

TM

life 8

Financial Downsizing: Thinking Outside of the Box

11 power parent

Kristin Whitaker

12 Chill Out, Mama!

Read all about sweet strawberries!

14 HAPPY FAMILY

32

The Hughes Family

16 GRANDPARENTS

Having Your Own Space When Sharing

pg. 21

Theirs

forks & spoons

14

conception 2✱ college™

18 Bye, Bye Boring Butter

health

41 expecting

24 Blend, Blend, Blend!

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

26 Keeping Your Ticker in Tip Top Shape

42 infant

Baby's First Vacation

Tallahassee

45 TODDLER

"There's a Monster Under My Bed!"

46 early years

happy home

Kids in the Kitchen

47 kids

34 Keeping Safe Around the Fire Pit

Keeping Your Tween Healthy

49 teens

38 The Importance of Preschool

happy community

GREATER

50 February/March calendar

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

happy family • happy communityT M DEC/JAN 2016 • Volume 2 • Issue 3

53 11 38

SAY GOODBYE TO PLAYDATE DRAMA

15

Meet Aubrey, One of our Casting Call Cuties!

GRANDPARENTS' THEME PARK SURVIVAL GUIDE ICE CUBE INNOVATIONS

r

ou

The Season for Strawberries It's Summer Camp Time!

Design by the Dozen Love Letters

TALLAHASSEE'S

i d ay h ol EASY DIY ORNAMENTS

! sue is

21 29 32 36

Here X__________________

GIFT GUIDE | HOT CHOCOLATE BAR | HOMEMADE HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS

features

Beyond the Paper Route: Helping Your Teen Get Their First Job

39 If You Want to Chaperone, Please Sign

18

Child’s Potty Mouth

48 tweens

learn

What the Bleep! Cleaning Up Your

GIGGLE MAGAZINE

Happy Family photo by Ashley Daniell Photography. Egg, butter and strawberry photos by Giggle Magazine.

28 5 of the Best Places to Get Fresh Air Near

OUR FESTIVE BAR E HOT CHOCOLAT 31 DAYS OF INESS HOLIDAY HAPP

and more!

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Photo by Ashley Daniell Photography gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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life

Financial Downsizing: Thinking Outside the Box

BY SELENA GARRISON

Over the past few years, my husband and I have been in a gradual financial downsizing process, necessitated by our desire for me to be home with our kids. When our first baby was about 10 months old, I started a home-based business to supplement our income, and one year later, I left my full-time job. We have since had baby No. 2 and my husband has started graduate school. With all of the ups and downs of life, we wanted to streamline our spending as much as possible. It is definitely still a work in progress, but we have found some things that work for us.

The main purpose of financial downsizing for us was reducing debt, and there are only two ways to do that: reduce your spending or increase your income. We will start with five main areas for reducing expenses:

1 » Food

Prior to having kids, my hubby and I got into the habit of eating out often. We both worked full time and eating out was convenient. When it came time to cutback, though, this is the first place we looked. You can easily save several hundred dollars a month by cooking at home and packing a lunch instead of eating out for lunch and/or dinner. You can also save a lot of money on food and household items by using coupons for things that you were already going to buy.

2 » Cable/Satellite

Our satellite TV bill was over $90 a month. We cut out satellite and switched to Netflix and Hulu, which saved us about $70 a month. Hulu generally has current shows available the day after they air, so we still get to watch everything that we want. We also got Sling TV for football season, which is an online streaming option that gives you access to many premium channels for around $30 a month, with no contract. For the few months that we use Sling TV, we still save $40 a month compared to what we paid for satellite.

3»

Memberships/Subscriptions

Look at all the memberships you have and see which ones are not adding as much value to your life as you spend. Maybe you have a gym membership, a professional association membership, a few magazine subscriptions, and a “surprise thing that comes in a cute box for $10 a month” subscription. All of those little fees can add up to well over $100 or more per month. Cut out the ones that you do not need.

Refinancing/Moving

If you own a home and haven’t looked into refinancing to lower your payments, it may be worth it to do so. Depending on your loan amount, interest rate and credit, you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. While it is a bit more drastic, you may also consider moving to a smaller or less expensive house.

5 » Going to One Car

If it is feasible for your family, you may also consider going down to one car.

While it would take some adjusting, this would save on gas, insurance and car repairs. You would also have a nice chunk of money from selling the other car to put towards debt payments or savings.

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1 » Start a Home-Based

Business

This has been huge for us. When I was still working full time, the income from my home-based business went straight to paying off my husband’s truck. We paid off two years of loan payments in nine months and immediately freed up $300 a month in car payments. We then put the money toward credit cards and paid off almost $10,000 in debt, saving several hundred dollars in interest. There are many home-based businesses to choose from, but you want to make sure to do your research and pick one that pays well and does not require you to tie up your resources (and all your storage space) in inventory.

You should also look for one that is flexible enough to be worked alongside your job (if applicable) and allows time for family and other activities.

2 » Sell Unused Items

While this is not a long-term solution, you can downsize by selling items that you aren’t using. You might do this online or through a yard sale. If you really need to pay down debt, this can give you a good jumpstart.

While financial downsizing may feel uncomfortable in the short term, it will set you up for a much better financial future in the long run.

3»

Offer Services

Think about what services you can provide that other people need. Maybe it is occasional child care, elder care, cutting grass, running errands, or even writing blog posts. All of these are things that people are willing to pay for. Offer your services as often as you would like depending on your need.

By doing some or all of these things, you will be saving (and earning) money that you can put toward paying off credit cards, car payments, student loans and any other debt you may have. When you pay off debt, that frees up all the money that you have been spending on monthly payments and interest and allows you to save, plan for retirement, or just have fun! ]

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

4»

The other way to reduce debt is to increase your income. While this is a bit more challenging than decreasing your expenses, it has been a huge help for my family. Here are some ideas on how to do it:

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life

p o w e r pa r e n t

Meet Kristin Whitaker

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My parents. My dad had a long career in Florida politics, including serving in the House of Representatives and being elected Senate President and Commissioner of Agriculture. He also ran a successful company and was a licensed pilot. While doing all this he was a loving father and husband and always supported my love of horses!

My mom never missed a horse show or dance recital. She is a lot of the reason I want to be involved in everything my kids do, and my dad is the reason I want to do great things for the state of Florida. Mom inspired me to become an educator, as she taught children with special needs, and my dad inspired me to intern at the Governor’s office in college and major in international affairs and economics. They definitely made a huge impact in my life!

Government Consultant at Sachs Sax Caplan, Education Instructor at Tallahassee Community College and Member Liaison at Professional Educators Network of Florida (PEN) Wife to Wilson Whitaker, Mommy to Hudson (6), and Katie-Grace (4)

What does your typical work day look like?

Photos by Ashley Daniell Photography.

It depends what time of year it is.

Currently legislative session is in, so my days are much busier! I start my day by making the kids breakfast and dropping Katie-Grace off at school. Once I get my latte from Starbucks, I head to the office or the capitol. Some of my tasks consist of monitoring committee meetings, drafting amendments, reviewing and analyzing bills, working on client relations with legislators, drafting reports for clients and organizing social events, such as campaign fundraisers.

When legislative session is out I usually work from home around Hudson and Katie-Grace’s schedule.

During this time I get to go back to teaching classes in the Early Childhood Education program at TCC, which are all online courses.

I also work a few hours a day as a member liaison for PEN, an education organization that protects the employee rights of teachers in Florida. I talk to our members about any issue they are having at school, ranging from employment questions to professional certification issues.

PEN and TCC are flexible and allow me to work from home with my beagle at my feet!

What advice would you give to other working parents?

MY GO-TO BREAKFAST I have always been a big breakfast eater. My husband and I love making grit bowls with scrambled eggs and Bradley’s sausage. But when I’m short on time (which is often) I make a protein smoothie (berries, banana, baby spinach, Greek yogurt, honey, coconut water & whey protein).

Make your home life a priority. Learn how to delegate and ask for help. You can’t do it all! I used to be the queen of multitasking, but now I have realized that if I plan my day with blocks of time exclusively for a certain task, I am able to be more effective at work and at home. If it’s a block of time that I am spending with my children, I turn the cellphone to silent. It can wait! Some days are just plain hard and that’s when you've got to give yourself a break. One of my favorite quotes to remember is “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life!”

5 THINGS YOU MUST HAVE AT WORK? My phone, laptop, iPad, coffee and textbooks for the classes I’m teaching.

how do you make time for yourself?

My parents have a small horse farm and whenever I am overwhelmed with work or life in general I head out there to ride my horse.

Being with my horse in the woods really relieves stress; it’s so peaceful. I don’t get to ride near as much as before kids, but I hope one day they will enjoy trail riding with me. gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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life

Chill Out, Mama!

BY KELLY GOEDE

As modern mothers, we tend to hold ourselves to some impossible standards. If we had a touch of perfectionism before having a child, it can rear its head with a vengeance after we have a tiny human to raise, and our children have the propensity to set us off like no one else. Here are some tips to help you keep perspective in the moment so you can lighten up and enjoy the ride.

1 Examine what is making you so uptight. Are you

feeling pressure to be perfect because of your past?

Understanding why you do the things you do can go a long way toward making you a more fulfilled mama.

2 Do something to pamper yourself — a hot bath, a mani/pedi, or even a fresh haircut. Feeling as refreshed and recharged as possible will give you extra energy to deal with the million-crisis march that is parenting.

3 Schedule some girl time and swap stories over a cup of coffee with your fellow mamas. Chances are they have similar frustrations and can share some strategies that have worked for them. Plus, laughter helps lighten any mama’s load.

4 Find the positive. Do your kids’ crazy outfits set you off? Hooray! They dressed themselves! Are they bickering amongst themselves? Awesome! They are learning negotiating skills. There’s always something to praise and be thankful for.

5 Intentionally lower your voice when you feel your

blood start to boil. You will still be angry, but at least you won’t be adding yelling to the mix.

6 Smile at your children. Hug them. You might realize that you’ve been scowling or frowning even when you haven’t meant to. A constant low boil of anger can make it hard to show love toward your children. Cup their little chins in your hands, look them in the eyes and smile.

7 Put on some music. This can have a soothing effect on both you and your children. kiddo’s. Has everyone eaten? Hunger and low blood sugar can make even chill mamas cranky. Drink water and make sure to sleep! If basic needs aren’t met, you can count on special meltdowns.

9 Try to view things through your child’s eyes. Are you crushing him with the burden of perfection? Kids will not (I repeat, WILL NOT) get it right all the time. They need space to make mistakes and even fail, especially when the stakes are low.

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10 feet away. Sometimes a little distance between you and the perceived problem will offer fresh insight into how to proceed.

11 Keep a journal. It can be paper or electronic, whatever

you like. Spending time reflecting on your days helps you to spot areas of strength and weakness and can potentially help you to keep your cool moving forward.

12 Examine the family schedule — anything causing more stress than it’s worth? You have my permission to give your family a break on activities that only seem to drain energy and resources.

13 Prevention is key. Before heading into a potentially stressful situation, go over your expectations with your kids — but set realistic and attainable ones. Shopping, sitting still, waiting in line and smiling for family pictures for an hour straight are all going to be challenging for children to accomplish perfectly.

14 Channel your inner Elsa and “let it go.” Easier said

than done, I know. Figure out the behaviors in your kids that are non-negotiable and then lighten up on everything else.

Quiet your mind from the tyranny of the urgent.

15 Finally, cut yourself some slack. Ask yourself, “Will this matter in five years?” Chances are that answer is “no” and you can afford to ease off the throttle. ]

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

8 Make sure basic needs are met — yours and your

10 Relocate. Go outside and take a drive, or just walk

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life

h a p p y f a m ily

photos by ashley daniell photography

The Hughes Family { Tremaine, Sr., Jessica, Tremaine, Jr. (10), & Jessalyn (7) }

Has your family done anything exciting recently? We planned a Disney cruise for Christmas!

Favorite date spot: The Cottage Bed and Breakfast in Monticello, Florida.

Mommy and Daddy’s favorite TV shows: “Blackish.”

Occupation(s): Tremaine is an equity workforce specialist for the City of Tallahassee and Jessica is an auditor for Florida A&M University.

Favorite local restaurants: Z. Bardhi’s Italian Cuisine.

What are your children’s favorite meals that you cook? Fried fish and cheese grits.

What is your family’s favorite holiday?

Mother’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving and any family member’s birthday.

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Describe your family in 3 words: Loving, hardworking and competitive.

Favorite games to play as a family?

Uno. Why do you love raising your family in Tallahassee? It is the best combination of urban living and country leisure. Our family is here and there is a great school system.

What makes your kiddos laugh?

Everything.

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Favorite family activity: We enjoy riding our bikes as a family, hosting bonfires and going to the movies.

Family favorite community events: My family and I feel very strongly about community involvement. Our annual community events include fundraisers for the American Cancer Society (Divas for Life team), the American Heart Association and coaching Big Bend Pop Warner. The one most dear to us is the March of Dimes (team Blessed Beyond Belief) because both of our children were born prematurely. ✽

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life

G RAN D PAREN T S Keep your own schedule

Just because your living arrangements are changing, doesn’t mean your life has to.

Continue to attend to your commitments, such as volunteer work, church, exercise groups, etc. Having your own schedule will help you maintain your independence and individuality.

Continue to connect socially

Meeting friends for coffee or dinner, chatting with your new neighbors and engaging in new activities should still be on your social calendar. Let your family know that sometimes you’d like to have a friend or two over for dinner.

Having Your Own Space When Sharing Theirs

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

Grandparents living with grandchildren is becoming more and more common due to financial strain, health issues and the desire for closeness. From 1980 to 2008, the number of U.S. households with at least two adult generations increased from 12 to 16 percent.

Discuss your expectations

Have an open and frank discussion with your children. Will you be expected to contribute to the household bills? If so, how much? What about cleaning, cooking and child care? By communicating your expectations, you help avoid any future confusion or awkwardness.

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Your space is your own

Most likely, when you move in with your children, you are downsizing from a larger space and won’t be able to take much with you. However, it’s important that you identify your space as yours alone. Let your children and grandchildren know that this is your private room and to respect your belongings.

Decorate your room to make it feel like yours, especially if the rest of the house isn’t to your taste. We all need a place to bring us comfort and security — let your personality dictate the décor.

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Respect boundaries

There may be some parenting techniques that your children use that you think is offthe-wall, but remember that parenthood was new to you at some point, too. Just like you did, your children are navigating their way through this parenting thing. Use your role as the grandparent to provide support and love to all family members.

Cherish family moments

Take advantage of the closeness and continue to make happy memories with your loved ones. Focus on the advantages of all of you living under one roof. “Although it was a transition, we all have benefited from my mom living with us,” said Turner. “And she has benefited by feeling included, safe and taken care of.” ✽

Looking for more info?

For personal stories, case studies, and expert quotes, check out “When Your Parent Moves In: Every Adult Child’s Guide to Living with an Aging Parent”

by David Horgan and Shira Block.

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

The decision to move in with your children and grandchildren may or may not be in your control. It may have been financially impossible for you to live on your own, or you may want to be closer to your family.

Whatever the case may be, it’s important for all of you to live in harmony.

Karen Hoffman Turner is a licensed psychologist, wife and mother of three teenage daughters. Her mother moved in two years ago and although she is not required to pay any bills or do any chores, she chooses to do so because she wants to contribute to the family. “My mom cooks and cleans for us, her choice,” said Turner. “She feels like she needs to do something to help us. We all are working and going to school, so her presence helps our household function better.”

“My mom lives her own life and we live ours,” said Turner. “She does not expect us to be with her during every single outing, and she also invites us to her things too. It’s a great balance.”

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forks & spoons

Bye, Bye

Boring Butter

BY REBECCA VITKUS

Long gone are the boring old days of standard butter and peanut butter spreads! We have emerged into the age of the alternative butters, and with so many options to choose from, there is no end to the culinary possibilities. Whether you're using a substitute to avoid allergic reactions, gain health benefits or just try a new food, there is definitely a new butter for you.

Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter may be the very item that launched alternative butters into recent popularity. With the increase in Trader Joe’s stores around the nation, cookie butter is becoming more easily available to adults and kids everywhere.

Cookie butter is made of crushed cookies mixed with vegetable oils to form a peanut butter-like consistency and a sweet taste, with almost a gingerbread flavor. There is even a seasonal Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookie Butter! Although it definitely seems like dessert, many people spread cookie butter on bagels or waffles, use it as a dip for pretzels or veggies, or melt and drizzle it as an ice cream topping. Once you taste it, though, you won’t have any problem devouring it alone.

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Apple butter is known as a Southern breakfast staple, and once you’ve tried it, there will be no question as to why it is so popular. This special butter is made by slow cooking apples with cider or water until they caramelize, almost like applesauce with extra sugar. Though not as healthful as organic applesauce, apple butter is a great source of iron, and it has a much longer shelf life as a preserve. It is usually used like a jam on toast and biscuits or as an ingredient in baked goods.

Whipped butter is a more traditional way of enjoying your dairy goodness.

Although it doesn’t have any fun or exciting flavors added to it, many people do not realize how useful it is. The texture of whipped butter is light and fluffy, making it ideal for spreading on toast or crackers. It is not recommended for cooking

or baking, but it does have fewer calories than standard butter, so it makes a great alternative when used as a substitute.

Sesame seed butter, more commonly known as tahini, is made from finely ground, toasted sesame seeds. It is popular in many Middle Eastern cuisines, and its smooth, thin texture makes it the perfect sauce or salad dressing. Studies have shown that tahini reduces total cholesterol levels, and it contains a healthy amount of fats needed. Tahini is usually free of additional ingredients, so there are no trans fats or hidden sugars to be found.

Almond butter is one of the new, trendy health foods on everyone’s grocery list, and it’s for a good reason. It

contains about seven times as much calcium as peanut butter does, plus around 50 percent more magnesium. Almond butter can be used as a direct peanut butter substitute on sandwiches, with apple slices or even in cooking and baking. However, like peanut butter, almond butter is often made with additives and sweeteners, so check the label before you make your purchase.

Coconut butter, which is not the same as coconut oil, includes coconut meat as its main ingredient. It can be used to make fudge and peppermint bark, and it provides a richer texture than coconut oil does. The best part of coconut butter is that it’s fairly simple to make at home, so it’s easy to try it out for yourself!

Sunflower seed butter is made exactly how you would think — by grinding sunflower seeds into a paste. One tablespoon of sunflower seed butter has 99 calories and contains lots of vitamin E. Add it to toast for a nutritious breakfast, use it as a sandwich condiment or even add some vanilla to make a sweet dessert spread.

It seems we can never get enough of pumpkin flavoring, so pumpkin butter is the perfect seasonal snack. It can be made from scratch with fresh pumpkin puree and a few additional ingredients, so make as many jars as you can eat! Try mixing it into oatmeal, blending it into smoothies or even using it as a pie filling.

Pistachio butter is a great way to enjoy your pistachios without having to go through the hassle of cracking them open.

This butter may not be beautiful, but it sure is delicious. Try using unsalted pistachios and substitute the butter for peanut butter in sandwiches or dips while enjoying its unique, buttery consistency. ]

Love the yellow stuff?

Make Your Own Butter!

YOU’LL NEE

D: • Glass J ar with lid • Heavy Cream • Cold w ater

Step 1: Pour the cream into your jar. You

want enough cream to fill it about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way full. Make sure to secure the lid tightly on your jar and start shaking! After a minute, you’ll notice the sloshing noise stops as the cream begins to thicken.

Giggle Tip: Enlist the help of a friend so you can each take turns shaking the jar for two-minute intervals. It's a workout!

Step 2: After about 7-10 minutes,

open your jar and check your results. If the contents look like whipped cream, it's because it is! Shaking the cream causes a chemical reaction that results in whipped cream. Grab a spoon and have a taste! Keep shaking; you’re halfway there!

Step 3:

Within another 5-7 minutes, you will hear liquid sloshing again in you jar.

No worries; that’s the buttermilk separating from the solids. Keep shaking and once your butter starts to solidify into a single mass, you can open your jar and pour off the liquid buttermilk. Strain it and save it for cooking! To finish, you will need to rinse your butter under cold water, kneading it as you do so. This will remove the last of the buttermilk and prevent your butter from going rancid quickly.

Step 4:

Slather your homemade butter on some bread and enjoy! Store your butter in a covered container or wrapped in wax paper in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Check out the science behind what happens to cream at www.seriouseats.com/2014/10/ the-science-of-whipped-creambutter-creme-fraiche.html gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

THE SEASON FOR

Strawberries ‘Tis the season for sweet, juicy strawberries! With the winter months subsiding and spring approaching, everyone’s favorite fruit is ripe for the picking – so bring the kids along and pick some yourself! Strawberries are actually the first fruit to ripen in the spring, so they truly are the first sign of sunny days ahead. Whether you indulge in a delicious strawberry shortcake, blend some into a refreshing fruit smoothie, or enjoy the berries by themselves, make sure to take advantage of this nutritious springtime treat.

BY REBECCA VITKUS

DID YOU KNOW? California produces the most strawberries, totaling an incredible one billion pounds each year. If you laid the berries side by side, they would wrap around the world 15 times! gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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Delicious & Nutritious Aside from being one of the tastiest snacks, strawberries also have numerous health benefits for kids and adults alike, and one cup of strawberries is only around 55 calories. They serve as a powerful antioxidant, and they are also effective in fighting cancer as well as neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. Just eight strawberries provide 140 percent of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C for kids, which helps boost immunity and fight off sickness. Strawberries are also high in fiber, potassium and folic acid.

weight loss. Some people even use strawberries as an ingredient in foot scrubs!

In addition to their high content of vitamins and nutrients, strawberries can also help clear skin, fight dandruff and assist in

There are many ways to enjoy strawberries, but to receive the maximum health benefit, she suggests eating them fresh.

Jen Hillan, MSH, RD, LD/N, an outpatient dietitian at UF Health, agrees that strawberries are an excellent source of nutrition.

“Did you know that eight strawberries have more vitamin C than an orange? Strawberries are full of phytonutrients, compounds in foods that may help protect us from diseases such as heart disease and cancer,” Hillan said.

+=+ Allergy

“Try adding them to smoothies or incorporating sliced strawberries in a salad.

Add pureed strawberries to lemonade. Sliced strawberries are a great topping for low-fat yogurt, ice cream, pancakes, French toast, cereal, angel food cake and so much more! And of course, don’t forget strawberries dipped in dark chocolate!”

Awareness

Saddened by an allergy to this fabulous fruit?

Try white strawberries instead! Though they may not be as flavorful as the red variety, biochemists from Sweden’s Lund University determined that those with a strawberry allergy did not show the same symptoms after consuming white strawberries, which contain little to no allergens.

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© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Though the strawberry is one of the most popular fruits, it is also one of the most common allergens. An allergy to strawberries can produce tightness in the throat, itching, swelling, hives inside the cheeks and a prickling or burning sensation on the tongue, gums or lips. This allergy can usually be treated by an antihistamine or an over-thecounter medication for temporary relief. It is always best to notify a doctor if you suspect a strawberry allergy in yourself or your kids, especially because this allergy may indicate an allergy to similar fruits.

Save Some for Later!!

When you go strawberry picking, odds are you will grab more than you can eat in one sitting! Storing strawberries is simple, and frozen strawberries can last six to eight months.

Don’t wash the strawberries until you are ready to eat them. Strawberries act like sponges in that when they are wet, they soak in the moisture, making them more susceptible to spoiling or getting soft. Wet berries also invite mold, so make sure to hold off on the rinsing until it’s time for a snack.

If you’d like to freeze the strawberries, wash them and cut the stems and leaves off before placing them in a freezer bag, removing as much excess air from the bag as possible.

Don’t cut off the stems. Leaving the stems on the strawberries until you are ready to eat them will also prolong their shelf life.

Don’t let a bad berry spoil the bunch. If you see any moldy berries in the container, take them out immediately. Mold spreads quickly, so removing spoiled berries can save your whole batch.

Take Your Pick Florida is second in the nation for production of strawberries, right behind California, and the season runs from December to May, with its peak occurring during March and April. There are many options to choose from for this fun and tasty family activity, so we’ve included one of our favorite farms.

Windy Hill Vineyard

14663 Mahan Drive Tallahassee, FL 32309 850-894-1511 Open for strawberry picking from late November to April Closed Wednesdays, cash or check payment only Windyhillvineyard.com

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health

Blend, Blend, Blend!

BY KARA WINSLOW, Makeup Artist

I’ve been doing makeup for a long time, and that includes highlighting and contouring. I started highlighting and contouring 20 years ago after studying the books of legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin to perfect the technique. Back then there was no YouTube or Instagram, and the technique was not the “BIG FAD” of makeup popularized by celebrities like the Kardashians. It was something makeup artists had been doing for years, but wasn’t particularly mainstreamed.

Today, you can find different techniques splashed all over social media, ranging from the simple to the extra intense. Why should you be doing it? How do you do it?

And how can you use it on a daily basis to enhance your look?

Why should you highlight and contour?

Look at your face in the mirror and imagine that you are looking at your skull, void of skin and tissue — just the bones and the empty space between them. This sounds weird, I know, but what highlighting and contouring do is enhance your bone structure. Where you want the bones to come out more you add light, just like the white of the bone. So highlight your brow bone to lift the face, the cheekbone to raise your cheek, and the center of your nose to straighten it. If you would like to give the illusion that a part of your face “goes in” where there is no bone, add a shadow.

To slim the nose, add shadow on the sides of it; to slim the face, add a shadow under the cheekbone; and to hide a double chin, add it under the jawline. See the chart to illustrate these concepts.

Once you learn your face structure and what areas need a highlight or shadow, the biggest thing is to BLEND, BLEND, BLEND! You don’t want random streaks of color on your face. That is not cute and does not enhance your face in any way.

Dramatic highlighting and contouring is trending heavily right now, but you don’t

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Make highlighting and contouring work for you and don’t be afraid of it.

These are techniques that every woman should have in her beauty arsenal.

Helpful Tips: Pick and choose the highlighting and contouring technique that best fits YOUR face.

Bronzer is a great product to use for contouring. Make sure it is matte brown WITHOUT any shimmer or glimmer.

FLOWER Glisten Up! Highlighter Chubby Price: $9.98, Available at Walmart and Walmart.com

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Contour Kit Price: $12.99, Available at Lorealparisusa.com and drugstores nationwide

need to go that heavy to make your face look amazing. As a makeup artist, I do highlighting and contouring every day that I wear makeup, and most people don’t even know. The goal of applying makeup is to allow you to look like yourself, just an enhanced version. Investing in the right colors and tools will help. And remember to BLEND!! You can use blending sponges, brushes or even your fingers, depending on what works best for you.

Use a concealer trio as your basic starting point to highlighting, concealing and contouring.

Be careful not to use too much sparkly highlighter. If overused, this can give you oily-looking skin.

After using concealers, enhance the look with matte powders. tarte Deluxe Contour Set $24 at QVC.com

Keep it simple. At night you can go more dramatic, but be careful during the day as it can look like stage makeup.

Product photos courtesy of Alison Brod PR.

It can help fix those pesky little nuances in your face that bother you. Round cheeks and crooked noses can be corrected and you can even enhance your eyebrows, giving the temporary look of a lift to your face. Highlighting and contouring is the smoke and mirrors that allow you to create your ideal look.

How do you do it?

Highlighting If you have a darker skin tone, focus on highlighting.

Contouring If you have a lighter skin tone, focus on contouring.

To make your face appear slimmer, add a shadow beneath the cheekbone.

Highlighting the center of your nose can make it appear straighter.

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Adding shadows on the side make it appear slimmer.

Contouring & Highlighting Those with medium skin tones should balance both contouring and highlighting.

É Kara Winslow is a Gainesville native who graduated Cum Laude in 2004 from Rollins college with a bachelor's in theatre. Upon returning to Gainesville she worked in theatre education, administration and production. In 2008 she was cast as a spokesmodel for ybf Beauty on Home Shopping Network. Around the same time she launched her company as an on-location makeup artist and in 2013 she was promoted to ybf’s official USA makeup artist. Her work has been seen on MTV, CNN, FOX News, and HSN, as well advertising campaigns for Gatorade, UPS, AT&T, Speedo, AXE, Procter & Gamble and more. Her celebrity clients have included Olympic swimmers Ryan Lochte and Dara Torres, football legend Harmond Wages, actress Lyndon Smith, politicians Steve Oelrich and Ted Yoho, and Miss Florida USA Ashleigh Lollie. gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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health

Keeping Your Ticker in Tip Top Shape

BY DANIELLE PASTULA

 SIMPLE STEPS FOR

HEART HEALTH

The good news about your heart health is that it is largely dependent on lifestyle factors, such as your diet and activity.

However, this may also mean you’ll have a lot of changes to make if you want to reduce your chance of having a heart attack as you get older.

• Stop smoking! According to the As we get older, more and more foods get added to the indigestion list. Our favorite indulgences or even food items that were once normal during dinner now keep us lying awake with pain, wondering if the food was really worth it.

Whether you’re someone who experiences heartburn frequently, or not all, some episodes of chest pain can be enough to set off alarm of a possible heart attack. But how do you know for sure?

Here’s the breakdown to see what your ticker is telling you:

How to Distinguish Heartburn from a Heart Attack Oddly, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart. Heartburn occurs when acids from your stomach travel up to the esophagus, which is sensitive to acid, causing pain in the chest, neck and throat.

While both heart attacks and heartburn can be characterized by pressure, squeezing and tightness of the chest, some of the distinguishing symptoms for a heart attack include dizziness, pain in the upper

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In an interview by the American Heart Association with Dr. Mary Ann Bauman, a practicing physician and medical director of women’s health at INTEGRIS Health Systems, she said, “I tell my patients that if you belch and the symptoms go away, it probably isn’t related to your heart but to your esophagus, but if you have shortness of breath or sweating, then it’s likely a heart-related issue.”

However, because heartburn and heart attacks can be difficult to distinguish, especially if you’re someone who is prone to heartburn discomfort, if you’re truly uncertain and experiencing pain that doesn’t subside within a few minutes, it’s better to be cautious and seek the immediate attention of a medical professional.

Healthy Heart Vitals The most important vital signs related to your heart health include your resting heart rate, blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol and your CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. If any of these vitals do not fall within a healthy range based on your weight, height and age, you’ll want to take some of the simple steps in addition to following the guidance provided by your physician. ]

gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

• Clean up your diet of excess salt, sugar, fat and cholesterol Eat more whole foods, less processed foods and put more vegetables on your plate than animal fats.

• Gain control of your blood pressure. This may mean taking medication if your blood pressure is hereditary or something you can’t completely control with a lifestyle change, such as lowering your stress and anxiety.

• Get your blood pumping more frequently with exercise! If you’re someone who never exercises, starting off small is the way to go. Try getting out for a short walk after dinner to get some cardiovascular activity and help with digestion, then steadily increase your distance and frequency.

Please consult your doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort you believe to be related to your heart. Please consult your doctor before you change your diet or ingest any new medications or vitamins and for updates on your vitals.

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the flow of blood is blocked off to a section of the heart muscle, causing oxygen deprivation. If blood flow isn’t restored quickly, that section of the heart muscle may die.

extremities such as your neck, back, and arms (especially your left arm), shortness of breath, nausea and sudden sweatiness or clamminess.

American Heart Association, people who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack as non-smokers.

gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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health

5

of th e Best Places to G e t F r e sh A i r n e a r

Tallahassee by danielle pastulA

Tallahassee may seem like a big city to some, considering that it is the state capital and home to several large universities, but anyone who has been in Tallahassee for a few years knows that there are some wonderful places to get a break from the city and get a breath of fresh air.

Tallahassee and its surrounding towns are home to plenty of nature destinations, from rivers and lakes to plantations and trails.

There’s no shortage of places to explore, break a sweat or just unplug from the stresses of everyday life.

Whether you’re a Tallahassee native or a newbie, here are a few of our top places to relax and become one with the great outdoors:

Walking The Florida Trail

If you head to the Florida Trail, Big Bend, you’ll walk along the gorgeous Suwannee River, but keep in mind that if you walk far enough you might hit a point that requires a boat to keep going farther.

Finally, if you hike the Florida Trail, Bradwell Bay, you’ll definitely want to wear your waterproof walking shoes. This swampy walk tends to be more difficult, so we encourage you to bring a friend or two on this adventure.

Biking Lafayette Heritage Trail If you’re looking for a challenge, head to Lafayette Heritage Trail, more commonly known as the “Tom Brown” or “Cadillac” trails, for a bike ride you won’t forget.

But be warned, this 15-mile round-trip ride is not for families with little ones as there are spots made with the purpose of making the trail tougher. This is a perfect day date for the outdoorsy couple or a fun outing with your active and thrill-seeking teenager.

In addition to the fun of the ride, you’ll also have the chance to stop and rest in beautiful woodland areas as well as near the lake, where your chances of seeing quintessential members of Florida wildlife are high.

Hiking

its system that are perfect for a beginning hiker, as well as more advanced trails of varying mileage and difficulty in terrain.

One of the more popular trails within the park is Red Bug Trail, which is 4 miles long and features various changes in terrain, from hilly to sandy to swampy. Keep an eye out for the gorgeous flora and fauna along this trail.

Swimming Wakulla Springs State Park There’s no better place to take a dip in Tallahassee than Wakulla Springs!

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Natural Landmark, Wakulla Springs is home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world.

When you visit Wakulla Springs you’ll have the opportunity not only to swim in the beautiful waters, but you can also take a riverboat tour that will allow you to get an up close and personal look at Florida animals such as alligators, turtles, manatees, deer and birds.

F i sh i n g Lake Jackson Get your line and hooks ready because, come springtime, the best place to be fishing in Tallahassee is Lake Jackson.

Here you’ll get your shot at catching largemouth bass, black crappie and bluegill, and you’ll also get a relaxing day on the water to boot.

Stretching over 4,000 acres atop a prairie, Lake Jackson is shallow with an average depth of 7 feet, which makes it ideal for kayak and canoe fishing.

Elinor KlappPhipps Park For adventurers who like to keep their options open, Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is a good day trip.

Located in the northern portion of Tallahassee, just off of Meridian Road, Elinor KlappPhipps Park contains a number of trails within

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For more information about Tallahassee-area attractions, things to do and places to explore, head to VisitTallahassee.com.

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

With over 1,300 miles of trail, the Florida Trail obviously isn’t exclusive to Tallahassee, but it is absolutely one of the best nature highlights of the area.

There are a few areas you can hike the Florida Trail in the greater Tallahassee region that will give you a variety of different experiences. For example, if you head out to the Florida Trail, Apalachicola, you’ll explore one of the most untouched pieces of Florida landscape, including forests, prairies and titi swamps.

Š 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

For many kids this summer, camp is where they’re headed. It is a place to create lifelong friendships and memories that last for decades to come. There are many options and activities to choose from, so start planning now!

BY REBECCA VITKUS gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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fun facts • The tradition of summer camp dates back more than 150 years to 1861.

• Research shows that interaction with nature helps reduce stress in children and teaches them to appreciate and sustain the environment.

• There are camps available for all ages, including family camp groups, camps for single adults and camps for senior citizens.

• Research shows that 74 percent of campers tried a new activity at camp that previously scared them.

When parents have great memories of childhoods spent singing campfire songs, it’s hard to understand the reluctance their kids may have about going away for the summer. The decision of whether or not to send a kid to summer camp can be incredibly stressful and often lasts for years. So what’s a parent to do when a kid just won’t go?

• Summer camp has been beneficial in teaching manners and etiquette to children in a large group environment.

• Camps often focus on healthy eating and are continuously exploring new food options, including for those with allergyspecific or vegetarian diets.

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With all the excitement of a summer at sleep-away camp, it’s easy to forget something important! Make sure your children have all the necessities before you send them off to camp.

FF A journal and pens or pencils

FF Bedding and linens (beach and bath towels)

FF Insect repellent and sunscreen

FF Clothes for all weather (heat, cold, rain) and activities (bathing suits, pajamas)

FF Medications or other health needs

FF Plenty of stamped, addressed envelopes for writing letters home FF Sneakers, shower shoes and extra socks FF Toiletries and lip balm FF Flashlight and water bottle FF Cash, as you see fit

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

CAMP CHECKLIST

To encourage your child to try out a new camp, involve him in the selection process.

Find camp environments that will interest him, and give him power to choose his own experience. Take him shopping for new camp clothes and invite his questions, doing your best to put off any worries he may have.

You know your child best, so use your instincts to determine when, if ever, is the right time for sleepaway camp, and remember to consider day camp as an alternative route.

• Some studies show that students who attend summer camp, even those without a specific academic focus, show less of a learning loss when they begin the new school year.

OVERNIGHT

If you’re an anxious parent with an anxious child, the best bet is to wait until you’re both more comfortable. Try introducing your child to a day camp so he can meet new friends and experience what it’s like, just for a few hours. Let him know it’s fine to be nervous, but try not to let any of your own anxiety show.

+summer safety › Bug Bites

› Sunburn

Though they are annoying, most bites from mosquitoes or ants can be treated with an over-thecounter cream or ointment. The best way to prevent the bites is to wear bug spray on a daily basis. If your child is allergic to the bites, seek medical attention immediately.

Hours in the sun often cause sunburn, even when sunscreen is used. The best treatment for sunburn is an aloe gel or moisturizer applied directly to the skin. If that’s not available, use a cold, damp compress on the affected area. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water, and if the pain is severe, ibuprofen may help. Be sure to tell your child not to touch the blisters.

› Bee Stings If a bee stings your child, scrape the stinger away rather than pulling it out. Pulling out the stinger will only release more venom into the skin.

› Ticks Instead of listening to myths like using petroleum jelly or a hot match to remove a tick, use simple tweezers instead. Grasp the tick firmly and as close to the skin as possible, then pull the tick’s body back. Don’t worry if the tick’s mouthparts remain in the skin, as the infectious parts have been removed. Cleanse the area of the body with an antiseptic after the removal.

Some of the best friendships in a child’s life develop through hours spent at camp, so it’s important for campers to stay connected.

In the world of social media and instant messaging, there’s no excuse for lost friendships just because the

packing a healthy Keep kids healthy, hydrated and happy at summer camp WITH THESE YUMMY LUNCH OPTIONS. • Veggie sticks

• Chips and salsa

• Rice cakes

• Fresh fruit cups

• Apple slices

• Apple sauce

• Raisins

• Nuts

• Hummus

• Granola bars

• Bananas

• Cheese sticks

› Water Safety

• Grapes

When at the beach or pool, always have children swim under the supervision of a lifeguard, and never let a child swim alone. In Florida, water safety is extra important, so enroll your children in swim classes as early as possible so they will always be prepared in case of a water emergency. Life jackets can be helpful, but never rely on them alone for your child’s safety.

• Pretzels • Oranges • Peanut butter and apples • Graham crackers and Nutella

» Always pack an ice pack, hand wipes and disposable silverware. » Avoid mayobased foods.

If your child has any allergies or medical needs, speak to a nurse upon registration.

»

kids live far away. Connect with the other campers’ parents online to stay in contact. Even better, encourage the kids to write to each other, and help them send mail to their new pen pals. After all, everyone loves getting a letter!

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So eggs-citing!

Sponge paint, natural dyes and puffy paint!

design

dozen by the

Creating traditional Easter eggs with untraditional methods! photos by allison raber photography

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[

[

Gone are the days of dropping little dye tablets into cups of vinegar to color your Easter Eggs. We searched high and low and came up with three fun and creative ways to decorate your eggs this year.

Puffy Paint Thick puffy paint is a fun and quick way to add three dimensional texture to your design. The paint bottle, usually used for fabric, has a thin tip that makes easy painting a snap. Once you've finished painting, prop the egg up on a bottle cap to finish drying.

Natural Dyes People have been coloring eggs throughout history. Try your hand at some of the more traditional methods by using onion skins, turmeric or red cabbage to create homemade dyes.

Boil the dyeing agent of your choice to release the color, then mix the strained dye with two tablespoons of vinegar and two tablespoons of salt.

Add a hard-boiled egg and refrigerate overnight in a covered container.

Sponge Painting Cut a small piece of kitchen sponge and dab into gold paint. Lightly sponge paint all around your egg for an elegant design with minimal effort!

Tip: Paint over an already dyed egg for an even fancier look.

gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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happy home

Keeping Safe Around the Fire Pit

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

With cooler temperatures comes the desire to toast a few marshmallows and relax by a warm fire. However, make sure your safety measures aren’t too relaxed. Fire pits have caused nearly 3,700 grass and brush fires in the U.S. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your toasty evening:

Also note that it is illegal to burn pressure-treated wood because it contains toxins that are harmful to the environment. Do not use flammable liquids, like gas or lighter fluid, to light or relight fires.

Sweet treat

What to burn

Extinguish

Breathing in the smoke from a wood-burning fire pit can be dangerous, especially if you have heart or lung diseases. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns those with such illnesses to steer clear of wood smoke. Children should also keep their distance as their respiratory systems are still developing and they breathe in more air per pound of body weight than adults.

Always have a garden hose, shovel or bucket full of water ready and within reach of the fire. If you are burning coals, keep in mind that they can remain hot for two or three days if the conditions are right. Always make sure coals are completely cool before dumping them in a trash can or on the ground. Never leave a fire unattended. ]

gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Your fire pit should be at least 25 feet from your house and 25 feet from any forest, brush or wildlands. Make sure the area is clear of any debris or flammable objects. Do not set up your fire pit underneath low-hanging trees. The best surface on which to place a fire pit is hard stone, cement or tile, which are all fire proof.

When toasting marshmallows, be sure to use a long enough branch so that the kids don’t get too close to the flame. Because they are made of sugar, marshmallows can act like little bits of fuel. You want to hold the marshmallow to the side of the flame, in an area of glowing coals. If you hold it above the flame, the marshmallows can catch on fire. Once the marshmallow is toasted to your liking, wait at least 30 seconds for it to cool before eating it. You don’t want to burn your tongue!

Distance

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Avoid burning paper and don’t burn on a windy evening. If your fire pit has a wire mesh covering, use it. It will prevent sparks from flying and causing additional fires. You should also avoid using soft woods like pine or cedar because they tend to “pop” and throw sparks.

gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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Love Letters

BY TARYN TACHER

Love letters date back centuries — back to ancient Egypt just after King Tutankhamen’s untimely death. His widow, Ankhesenamun, wrote to a Hittite King asking for one of his son’s hands in marriage. Perhaps it wasn’t as much a gesture of love as it was an act of desperation to avert a wedding to her grandfather, but nevertheless, it’s considered one of the earliest known love letters.

The writing and sending of heartfelt letters peaked during wartime, when separation aroused longing and heightened feelings in couples distanced by combat. Something about declaring love on paper made it so concrete, and holding the very paper that had been touched by one’s lover helped momentarily bridge the physical miles between them.

As technology has hastened communication, pens and paper have been thrown to the wayside in exchange for smartphones and laptops. There is seemingly no need for snail mail when we can share our feelings in real time through a multitude of telecommunication channels. But where’s the romance in a blue speech bubble filled with size 12 Helvetica font? Where’s the emotion in a kissy-faced photo that disappears after no more than 10 seconds?

Revert back to love letters to amp up the passion in your relationship. Let your innermost thoughts and feelings ooze out of your soul and find their way to your hand as you stroke the page with elegant cursive to manifest your affection.

Whether you live states apart or in the same home, channel your inner romantic in the form of a love letter.

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gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

♥ Use decorative paper and pens for a special, added touch.

♥ Write your letter as a poem. ♥ Mist your letter with your perfume or cologne, so your loved one can carry your scent with them.

♥ Write your love letter in installments – sending

them a week or so apart to build the anticipation.

♥ Do you and your significant other have a special

song? Replace the lyrics with your loving thoughts.

♥ Include a crossword puzzle with hints and words only the two of you would understand.

♥ Write your love letter in the form of a recipe – a

hint of humor and a spoonful of spontaneity go a long way in cooking up a successful relationship.

♥ Include a bucket list of activities you’d like to do together.

♥ Make your love letter interactive by leaving blanks where keywords should go. Let your partner fill them in and send it back to you.

♥ Seal it with a kiss, literally.

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Before heart-shaped emojis and Skype video chats, before text messages, Snapchat and emails, instantaneously expressing your feelings was next to impossible unless you were standing face to face with your loved one. Long distance relationships had no option but to thrive off of handwritten sentiments that took days or even weeks to reach their recipient.

Here are some tips for love letter writing in the 21 st century:

HOTTIE

DAD 2 0 1 6 If you know a dad who is the COMPLETE package and deserves to be spotlighted, nominate your HOTTIE DAD now.

You can nominate a HOTTIE DAD by submitting up to three photos and a brief paragraph (200 words or less) about who he is and why he should be chosen to be one of Giggle Magazine’s HOTTIE DADS! Please send nominations, photos and contact information to: Nicole@irvingpublications.com.

Please include “Tallahassee” in the subject line!

gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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learn

The Importance of Preschool

BY KELLY GOEDE

Did you know that having your child attend just one year of preschool before he starts kindergarten can set him up for greater success well into his elementary years and beyond?

Even though play is the “work” of childhood, children attending a high-quality preschool are exposed to an environment filled with rich experiences, the opportunity to learn and hone their problem solving skills and, most importantly, the chance to interact with their peers.

According to education expert Barbara Callaghan of Familyeducation.com, “interacting with other children means learning how to wait, how to take turns, and how to listen. These social skills are critical to developing personality and I would not dismiss them lightly.”

Beyond social skills, young children who attend preschool are also laying the foundation for what will hopefully be a life-long love of learning, as they are exposed to pre-academic skills.

“Children who attend high-quality preschool enter kindergarten with better pre-reading skills, richer vocabularies, and stronger basic math skills than those who do not,” said W. Steven Barnett, the director of the National Institute for Early Education Research.

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children in preschool is that they don’t realize

they are involved in the critical work of developing their brains — they are just enjoying themselves. As they engage in pretending, circle time, or even learning the days of the week, they are learning how to function in a structured environment, flexing their language muscles and developing

emotionally.

gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

As a preschool director for over 35 years, Patsye Dulmer has seen her fair share of children entering her school as toddlers and leaving as children well prepared for kindergarten. She reminds parents that children experience the most brain growth from their first through their fifth year of life, and preschool provides activities “to encourage growth in all areas; social, emotional, academic, and physical.” Children cannot make up what they missed in preschool if they did not attend, as preschool happens during a critical time of brain growth. These rich experiences need to happen within a certain time frame.

Finding a high-quality preschool is not about paying exorbitant fees, as programs exist at every price point – some are even free! Whether it’s private preschool, Head Start, or VPK, options abound for parents to find a preschool program that is the right fit for their child. And when parents choose to send their children to preschool, they truly give them a gift that will keep on giving. ]

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Many other experts in early childhood development echo that sentiment, and research backs it up. According to education researcher and professor Dr. Crystal Ladwig (who is also a mom of two young boys), “children who attend high-quality preschool programs tend to outperform peers who didn’t attend such programs on achievement tests well into elementary school … a key aspect of these successful programs is that they include stimulating activities with positive, nurturing, and challenging interactions between the teachers, children, and curricula.”

The beautiful thing about

learn

If You Want to Chaperone Please Sign Here x

By April Tisher

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Your child’s class is going to the museum and they need chaperones.

Are you going to volunteer? Are there specific requirements you must meet? Does your child want you to come along? The answer is yes, on all accounts.

Spending some time with your child’s class on a field trip gives you the unique opportunity to get to know his or her classmates and teachers in a more relaxed environment. It allows you to observe your own child’s interactions with schoolmates as well as other adults and to have some fun learning and exploring new things.

Volunteering can also fill a crucial need for the teachers and the school, because without the proper amount of volunteers willing to help on these fun outings, they simply cannot do them. A ratio of one chaperone per 15 students is required, but more is ideal as it takes several adults to assist the teachers in keeping students safe and on task.

I’ll admit I am usually the first one to volunteer. While it’s true I have a hard time letting go of my kids, I also really love going on the field trips with my children. Here are some tips I’ve gathered to make sure your experience goes smoothly and is enjoyable as well.

Make the decision to go and turn in the forms and any money required as soon as possible. This is especially important for you as the volunteer. Liz Stark, the volunteer coordinator for Alachua County Public Schools, stresses that you must fill out a volunteer application form either online or on paper and have it approved prior to the day of the trip.

Please do not wait until the day of to fill out this necessary paperwork or you may not be allowed to attend. Her recommendation is to go ahead and fill out this information at the beginning of the school year so you are ready to go whenever the need arises.

Be sure you meet the minimum requirements for parent volunteers as field trip chaperones. Per the SBAC website you must: Be a responsible adult, twenty-one (21) years of age or older, unless the chaperone is the parent/ guardian of the student attending the trip.

Register as a school volunteer and complete a background check against the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s sexual predator/sex offender registry.

Be approved in advance by the Principal.

Conduct himself/herself in an exemplary manner at all times.

Be prepared! Wear appropriate attire for the trip. In other words, do not wear spike heels to walk around in nature with 8-year-olds or a string bikini to a water park with fourth graders. Bring a small backpack or fanny pack (I’ve heard they are coming back in style) with supplies such as Band-Aids, hand sanitizer, tissues and small pieces of hard candy in case you or someone else needs it. My son’s first grade teacher gave out field trip “goody bags” containing these simple items and they do come in handy!

Be on time! Follow the bus if you aren’t riding on it.

Be sure to get your group assignments and itinerary from your teacher as soon as you arrive so you can alleviate those students from her workload.

Be kind and treat the other children in your group like you would want your child treated. Some children may not be accustomed to being without their parents and may be scared or act out.

*

Most of all have fun and be a part of the out-of-the-box learning experience. It’s a day out of the classroom for the kids and a day off of work for you too! gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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conception2college™  expecting Leaving on a Jet Plane...

 infant | 0-1 Baby's First Vacation

 toddler | 2-3 "There's a Monster Under My Bed!"

 early years | 4-5 Kids in the Kitchen

 kids | 6-9 What the Bleep! Cleaning Up Your Child’s Potty Mouth

 tweens | 10-13 Keeping Your Tween Healthy

 teens | 14-18 Beyond the Paper Route: The Do’s & Don’ts of Helping Your Teen Get Their First Job

Photo by Ashley Daniell Photography.

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gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

expecting

c2c pregnancy

Leaving on a Jet Plane…

BY NICOLE IRVING

That last getaway before baby comes can be very much needed. Worrying about the birth, the nursery, breastfeeding, which pacifier he or she will want and who will be in the birthing room can be enough to make you want to run away to any hotel and stay for a while.

If your travel plans take you on a plane, there are a few things you should consider before boarding.

Traveling via plane while pregnant is overall safe and allowed by both airlines and doctors. However, there are times when it can be potentially harmful for you or the baby. Checking with your doctor before you travel, especially before flying, is HIGHLY recommended. If your doctor clears you for travel via plane, you still may have some needed steps to take per the airlines policy before you can get on that plane.

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

For instance, Virgin Australia requires women 28 weeks pregnant or more to carry a letter from their doctor or midwife written within 10 days of traveling. The letter must include the due date, whether you are having multiples, whether you have any complications and what your fitness level for travel is.

Getting ready for the flight starts at home. When packing, make sure to pack light, especially your carry-on bag. There is no need to stress out your body. Carrying multiple bags will slowly get heavy.

Wear comfortable and weather appropriate clothes, keeping in mind how your body feels in climate changes. Ultimately, dress accordingly to sit and wait, stand in line and sit on a plane. Although stylish, heels are not recommended, especially if you have a layover and may need to walk to a different terminal. Most importantly, make sure you stay hydrated and check restrictions regarding boarding a plane with any food/drinks. Eat a healthy meal prior to departure and avoid salty snacks. If taking a longer flight, make sure to get up and stretch a few times. Prior to boarding the plane, make sure that you have your ID, passport, ticket and any other needed documentation readily available and easy to access so you don’t have to strain to find them.

Make it as easy as you can for yourself.

If you are going to fly while pregnant, here are some recommendations to follow before booking your flight: 1.

Schedule flights in your second trimester, if possible. This is the perfect time because it is after the first trimester morning sickness phase and before the “too close to due date” phase.

2.

Check the airlines policies, as each airline has their own terms for pregnant women. They also may require a letter from your doctor, which you will need to carry with you.

3.

If this is not your first pregnancy, think back to how you felt during your last and try to remember when you started to feel uncomfortable or if you had problems in a specific month.

Keep this in mind when scheduling any flights.

4. Be honest with your doctor and the airline. Don’t try to downplay any health complications or problems just to get on the flight. It isn’t worth it.

5.

Don’t travel alone. If you can, bring someone with you.

6. Keep in mind that you will be on a plane with small spaces, small seats and a small bathroom. If that will make you uncomfortable, postpone flying.

7.

Check with your doctor to see if you need any immunizations for your travel destination and if you can get them while pregnant. ✽

gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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c2c

infant Baby’s First Vacation ages 0-1

By REBECCA VITKUS

Gainesville, emphasizes the need to be patient and provide extra time in your schedule in case your traveling takes longer than expected.

• “When traveling by plane, feed the

baby (breastfeed or bottle-feed) during take off and landing to keep the pressure change from bothering the baby’s ears,” said Dr. MorosHanley. “Children over 40 pounds can use the aircraft seat belts.”

• Dr. Moros-Hanley also suggests

consulting a pediatrician if the baby has had an ear infection in the last two weeks. She recommends washing your hands frequently and suggests waiting until the baby is six weeks old before exposing him or her to crowds, and even longer for plane travel, especially during flu season.

• “Always consult with your Vacations are meant to be relaxing and enjoyable, a time away from the hassles of daily life where you and your family can make memories together that will last a lifetime. However, when you have an infant to care for, vacation may seem more daunting than delightful. With a few helpful tips, learn how to ensure that vacation is enjoyable for parents and babies alike.

Think of it this way — babies that are extra small are extra portable!

❉ TIPS FOR TOT TRAVELS • If it’s practical, take a “staycation” to a

• If you are staying with relatives or friends,

be sure to notify them in advance about baby’s nighttime routine and sleep schedule.

Also ask if they have any baby equipment

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gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

• Take a trip to the beach! Living in

Florida, beach vacation opportunities are endless, and the relaxed, low-key schedule of a weekend at the beach provides room for any bumps or surprises you may come across along the way. This kind of trip also works well with baby’s eating and sleeping schedules, as you can plan your trip to best suit the baby’s needs. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and use lots of sunscreen!

• Note that TSA restrictions are lifted for milk and breast milk held in containers that hold more than 3.4 ounces. Just make sure you notify the TSA officer at the start of the screening process.

❉ ADVICE FROM A PROFESSIONAL • Dr. Ana Moros-Hanley, a pediatrician at Healthy Steps Pediatrics in

❉ CHECK LIST • When packing medication,

bring enough for a few extra days in case your stay has to be extended unexpectedly.

• Bring plastic bags for easy and convenient diaper disposal.

• Pack outlet covers and other safety

items to make sure the hotel room is baby-safe. Some people even use blue painter’s tape as an all-purpose safety tool.

• Leave behind your nicest stroller

and bring a compact one instead — think of small hotel rooms, cruise ship staterooms and crowded streets.

• Don’t forget baby’s favorite toys, books and blankets!

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

nearby hotel or resort. This way, if you forget anything important, you can run home to grab it. By going on staycation before you take a big trip, you will be able to see how the baby responds, make a list of what you might otherwise forget and gain the confidence to know that everything will be just fine.

(cribs, high chairs, booster seats) that is up to par with the current safety standards.

pediatrician prior to a trip. Discuss where you are going, length of the trip and precautions you might have to take,” she said.

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toddler

c2c ages 2 - 3

There’s a Monster Under My Bed!

by OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

Monsters, darkness and ghosts are among the top 10 fears of children, according to “Fears Stress and Trauma: Helping Children Cope” by Edward Robinson, et. al. In his book, Robinson reports that these fears are a normal part of a child’s development. They typically start at a young age and may last until middle school. If not properly addressed, these fears can affect sleep patterns, confidence, self-esteem and daily functioning.

Parents should be aware of their own reactions to their child’s fear. Dismissing it by saying, “There’s no such thing as monsters,” may be a truthful response, but it isn’t helpful. Making fun of the fear or using it as a disciplinary tool are also big no-nos.

Talking to your child about the fear and listening intently to them will help them feel that their concerns are important to you. Ask questions, such as, “What does the monster or ghost look like?” or “What happens to your body (butterflies in tummy, headache, crying, etc.) when you feel scared?”

Helping your child develop strategies to defeat his fear will also give him a sense of control and security. Arm him with a flashlight or a bottle of monster spray made from rubbing alcohol, water and lavender oil. At bedtime, surround your child with her favorite toys to help her feel safe.

Here are two more creative strategies from Robinson’s book:

 Puppets:

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Ghosts, Goblins & Monsters

Read the book, “There’s a Nightmare in My Closet” by Mercer Mayer. Help your child identify how each character coped with their fear. Bring out materials to make puppets, such as socks, yarn, buttons, different colored felt, etc.

Have your child design a puppet that looks like the feared object and assist in

creating it. You can make more than one puppet and have them interact with each other, using different voices. Then help your child design a puppet that makes them feel safe or can rescue them. Play with your child with the hero puppets and the fear puppets and help your child come up with ways he can defeat the fear.

 SEND THE MONSTER PACKING Bring out an old pillowcase and some scraps of colorful material cut into different shapes (polka dots, squares, circles, and cut outs of pants and shirts). Have your child look through them all.

Tell your child a story about the monster that left for good: Once upon a time, there was a HUGE monster who loved the dark. He stayed in the prince’s bedroom night after night. He grew tired

of staying there because the prince was scared of how he looked. The monster really wanted to go home, but didn’t have anything he could use to pack his clothes! One night, the prince turned on the light and said, “What would it take to send you packing?” The monster said, “I was waiting for you to ask! I could use a sack to pack up my clothes!” The prince looked around, found a sack and helped the monster pack.

Then the monster said, “I’m sorry that I scared you and I’m glad to be going home to my monster family!”

Next, pull out the pillowcase and a piece of material and say, “I think the monster needs to pack this!” Encourage your child to do the same, asking, “Do you think this will help him find his way home?” Continue to place items in the sack, and ask your child “Are you afraid when the monster won’t go home?” and “What can you do? Can you send the monster packing?” ]

gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

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c2c

early years

ages 4 - 5

Kids in the Kitchen

by JEN HILLAN

Your 4- or 5-year old is at the perfect age to begin forming a love of cooking and nutrition. Here are some great ways to get them involved.

Spreading – Teach her how to make her own PB&J or spread frosting on cupcakes Peeling – He can use his fingers to peel fruits or hard boiled eggs Mashing – Give her a fork to mash soft foods or try a ricer for a different texture Juicing – He can squeeze fruit by hand first and work up to using a hand juicer Rolling – Let her try cookie dough, meatballs or cheese balls Pouring – Put a baking pan under the cups to catch any spills Tossing and tearing – Let him make the salad Adding ingredients – Teach her to make a simple trail mix with dried fruits and nuts

Having your children in the kitchen is an excellent way to teach them about healthy eating and good nutrition, not to mention help them develop a lifelong love of cooking! While cooking they will learn skills in science, math, art and reading in addition to kitchen safety and preparation skills.

Measuring – Teach him how to use the side of a knife to level dry ingredients as well as how to use a clear cup to measure wet ingredients

Children who help prepare recipes tend to be more likely to eat them. Do you have a picky eater at home? Then you will definitely want to get him involved in the kitchen! Let him pick out a new fruit or vegetable at the grocery store or produce stand, find an easy recipe to prepare together and have him serve it proudly to his family. Chances are, he’ll be more likely to try it since he helped make it!

Mixing and stirring – Let her use her hands (for room-temperature ingredients) or a spoon

Let’s focus on tasks that 4- and 5-year-olds should be able to do in the kitchen. If your child is older or younger, use your judgment to find suitable activities based on her age and abilities. ]

{ 46

No matter how you slice it, getting your kids in the kitchen will help them (and maybe even you) in many ways! You can find some easy recipes online, or look for some kid-friendly cookbooks at your local library or bookstore.

Resources: Kidshealth.org/kid/recipes, Foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/recipes-for-kids.html, Fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/kid-friendly-healthy-recipes

gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

}

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

The activities your children can do in the kitchen will depend on their age and abilities. Always keep safety in mind and use your parental judgment to choose tasks that are appropriate for each child. Children as young as toddlers can manage simple tasks and will probably be excited to help out in the kitchen. Take advantage of their interest and use the opportunity to start teaching!

Cutting – Start with a plastic knife and soft foods such as hard-boiled eggs, fruit and cheese

kids

c2c ages 6-9

What the Bleep! Cleaning Up Your Child’s Potty Mouth

by OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

There’s nothing like hearing your child curse to make you cringe in horror. The first time I heard my daughter utter a four-letter word, I was in shock. Where did she learn this? It didn’t take long for me to look in the mirror, hang my head in shame, and realize I was her teacher.

Like many of you, I take pride in teaching my children the importance of sharing with others, compassion for those who are hurting, and being a good friend. But that’s not where the learning stops. Children watch us. I mean, really WATCH us, even when we don’t realize it. They are stealth super-spies, taking in our every action and reaction. And some of those aren’t pretty.

So after my shock wore off, I sat down with her and told her it was a grown-up word, not something children say. I was firm, she seemed to understand, and all was right with the world again.

Until a week, and another four-letter word, later.

So, I sat down with her again, and told her the same thing. But, this time, I promised her I wasn’t going to say those words anymore either. I told her the next time I got frustrated in traffic, I would take a deep breath and keep moving. By doing this, I showed her an appropriate way to deal with uncomfortable feelings.

Being firm, talking honestly and changing my ways helped my daughter, but it may not help every child. ]

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

*Teachable moment

If your child is older and mature enough to understand, explain the difference between someone who curses and someone who can express themself without using bad language. Discuss how one way of speaking makes a person seem angry and disrespectful, while the other makes a person sound smart, friendly and nice. Then ask them which kind of person they want to be.

*Watch how you react

Some parents think hearing their child curse is adorable and makes them laugh, but this only encourages the child to curse more. If you think your 6-yearold is cute when he curses, imagine him at age 15 doing the same thing, only worse. And directed at you. Don’t

encourage this behavior. Same goes for congratulating him when he uses it in proper context. Just don’t.

the punishment fit * Let the crime

If you have used your timeouts and talks to no avail, and your child insists on having a potty mouth, then let his ugly words match an ugly chore. Have him scrub the toilet, take out the trash, or clean out the litter box. Let him know that if he can’t clean up his mouth, then he can clean up other things in the house.

your money where your * Put mouth is Have a “swear jar” in your house.

Designate a price amount for using

different curse words, and have your child contribute to the jar whenever she slips up. For instance, 50 cents for a “mild” word, 75 cents for calling someone a curse word, and $1 for the really, really bad one. After a couple of months, count the money and donate it to charity.

c2c

tweens Keeping Your Tween Healthy ages 1 0 - 1 3

BY NICOLE IRVING

Tweens are extremely busy creatures. Between their social calendars, school, extracurricular activities, work, family and sleeping, a tween can basically be considered a live version of the Energizer Bunny. These “bunnies” burn calories like nobody’s business. But, with fast food, busy schedules and self-esteem at play, being overweight or underweight may become an issue for these growing young adults.

The average tween male needs about 2,850 calories per day to keep going, and the tween female needs to consume an average of 2,350 calories.

If your tween likes milkshakes, make him or her a protein smoothie with banana, dark cocoa powder, spinach, almond milk, Greek yogurt and acai seeds. Blend with ice and serve.

If your tween likes burgers, make homemade burgers combining lean meat, an egg and shaved carrots. Bake it in the oven instead of frying.

If you tween likes French fries, try organic sweet potato fries. Then try moving to just sweet potatoes.

If your tween likes soda, try sparkling water like LaCroix, Perrier or San Pellegrino. ]

But, it is what those calories are made up of that is most important. The Center for Disease Control states that in the United States, the number of obese children and teens has continued to rise over the past two decades. Lack of physical activity and poor eating choices are the culprits.

Tweens need a balanced diet for brainpower and growth. They should be getting a diet full of protein, healthy fats, calcium and iron. Empty calories and low-fat foods are not their friends.

Healthy fats, such as nuts, avocados and olive oil are great for them.

The CDC states that childhood obesity can lead to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, asthma and social discrimination. These serious ailments can plague a person for life, so it is important that we have our tweens get on the healthy path right from the start.

If your tween likes pizza, try making it at home instead of ordering it. Pizza dough, skim milk mozzarella and fresh tomato sauce are all you need. Add some of their favorite veggies and there you go!

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gigglemag.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

Other ways to encourage healthy calorie intake in your tweens.

• Make their lunch daily • Limit eating out • Keep fresh and in-season veggies in the fridge

• Practice what you preach • Purchase a water machine if your

fridge doesn’t have a water dispenser • Avoid bringing unhealthy items into your home.

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

So, how do we get these ever so moody and disgruntled tweens to eat right and learn good habits? By making sure their food tastes good, looks good and is simple and quick for them to digest and move on.

teens

c2c ages 14-18

Beyond the Paper Route: Helping Your Teen Get Their First Job

BY LISA KATz

With all of the over-the-top reality shows out there today, it is more important than ever to teach our children the importance of working hard for what they want in life. In fact, there are many benefits your teen can experience by having a job.

A job, whether paid or volunteer work, can instill many positive traits.

Teenagers can begin to feel a new sense of responsibility while developing time-management skills that will prove invaluable throughout life. While working, your teenager will learn skills that will help him or her become a better communicator, especially with adults.

to help your teen make a good first impression: •

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Teach them to

• • • •

Make eye contact with the person that is interviewing them Shake hands (usually at the beginning and end of the interview) Be sure to be on time.

Leave their cellphone in the car or keep it turned off Dress appropriately and professionally

A few things that your teen should avoid:

Teach them NOT to

• • • • • •

Bring a friend to the interview Fidget or slouch Chew gum Mumble when responding to a question Lie or speak negatively about anyone Use slang or curse words

Receiving a paycheck on a consistent basis will help teens grow a foundation of financial independence and teach them to save and spend wisely. Even more important, they may gain a new level of self-confidence.

The first step in attaining these important benefits is actually getting through the interview process. Generally, teenagers are insecure and quite nervous about an interview. In many cases, this will be their first one.

“Finding and obtaining your first real job is a rite of passage for most teens. It’s an exciting and scary experience, but one that will serve you well — both for the money you earn and for the lessons you learn,” explains Randall S. Hansen, CEO of Quintessential Careers.

As parents, it is our job to help guide our children to be their best selves.

Occasionally, this can include letting go, at least a little bit. Teenagers typically feel as though they are caught between childhood and adulthood. Getting a job can enable your teen to feel more independent and more grown up.

There is no doubt that your teenager is a busy one, however, making space for a part-time job can definitely be a positive addition to his or her life. ]

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February 2

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Breakfast in the Park

Groundhog Day

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February 3-6

February 14

6:30 – 10 a.m.

Lewis Park, Downtown Tallahassee Springtimetallahassee.com

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6:30 - 9:30 pm Carriage House at Goodwood 850-222-0056 ext. 240

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Baby and Family Fair 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Turnbull Conference Center Tmh.org February 7

Super Bowl Sunday February 7

42nd Annual Tallahassee Marathon and Half Marathon

February 19

Brehon’s Boots for Babies

Treehouse of Tallahassee Fast Cars & Mason Jars 5 p.m.

The Farm (Meridian Road) Treehouseflorida.org February 26- 28

The Adventures of Madeline Young Actors Theatre Youngactorstheatre.com

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Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Elcbigbend.org

Saturday Matinee of the Arts: For the Love of the Arts 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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Red Hills International Horse Trials Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park 850-580-4020 March 12

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Leon County Public School Spring Break march 17

St. Patrick's Day March 20

First Day of Spring March 20

2nd Annual North Florida VegFest 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Cascades Park Free Admission Northfloridavegfest.com March 21

Leon County Public Schools: Teacher Planning Day: NO SCHOOL

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