Giggle Magazine-Tallahassee Oct/Nov2016

GREATER

TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

OCT/NOV 2016 • Volume 3 • Issue 2

DIY Door Decor for Fall Don't let politics get between you and your friends!

KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE Protecting yourself and your family from zika

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must-see museums

(all in florida!)

s u l p

Happy

HALLOW

EEN! TIPS AND TREATS TO MAKE yo ur SPOOK Y CELEBRAT ION SWEET!

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gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | OCT/NOV 2016

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from the publisher

always a mama bear From the moment my babies were born, my number one job has been, and always will be, to protect them. Protect them from boo-boos and bullying.

Protect them from strangers and speeding cars and from cyber space and things that I can’t see. My job is to protect them. Period.

MEET OUR

COVER CUTIE!

We strive to keep our children happy and healthy every single day. But, we all know, sometimes even as much as we try to protect them, we can’t every step of the way.

In this issue, we hear the touching story of a child named Bo, and his new friend Travis, whose story spurred one mama to rethink her parenting tactics.

We also explore the very serious and important topic of gun safety and our children. It is important to note, that no matter what side we are on, keeping our children safe around guns is never a side, but a responsibility. We lay out how to talk to, and teach, your young children about guns and the safety and responsibility that goes along with them.

How old are you? 6 and a 1/2 What is your favorite movie? The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Protecting our children is our number one job. I hope that this issue inspires you to look beyond the dangers you can see to the dangers that you can’t, so you can protect your family and others before an accident occurs.

What are you going to be for Halloween? Sleeping Beauty

Like us on Facebook

What is your favorite stuffed animal? My lovey named Bunny

Nicole Irving, Publisher nicole@irvingpublications.com

What is your favorite fall snack? Candy Corn follow us on Twitter @GIGGLEMAGTALLY

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Visit us on Pinterest /GIGGLEMAGAZINE

Follow us on Instagram @GIGGLEMAGTALLY

Photo by Ashley Daniell Photography

One of our biggest assets is our home and the people who are in it. The thought of someone breaking into it and potentially taking all your material possessions or worse, hurting someone inside, is something very hard to imagine or deal with. We explore how to protect your home, so that when and if someone tries to break in, you are prepared and protected!

/GIGGLEMAGTALLAHASSEE

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Ainsley

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicole Irving CREATIVE DIRECTOR Allison Raber copy editor Colleen McTiernan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tanya Consaul, Claire Stortz Vice president of sales Shane Irving production coordinator Alison Walker marketing assistant Delia Albert ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kerr WEB DESIGNER Tanya Consaul executive assistant Sayeh Farah ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Ashleigh Braun Contributing Writers Carmen Basile, Ashleigh Braun, Devin Bustin, MD, Claire Carlton, MS, RD, LD/N, Rizwana Fareeduddin, MD, FACOG, Nicole Germany, Nicole Irving, Jessica Kerr, Helen Kornblum, Paige Benton McKee, Danielle Pastula, Olivia Pitkethly, MA, LMHC, April Tisher Contributing Photographers Ashley Daniell Photography, Langley Kate Photography, Linley Paske Photography

Mailing address

headquarters address

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

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

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

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

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

ADVERTISING

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

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FSU Childcare & Early Learning Programs High Quality Childcare and Early Learning Programs for Children For additional information please visit our website at

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License # C02LEO260 C02LEO519

www.childcare.fsu.edu

oct · Nov 2016 happy family • happy community

TM

happy home 36 Bye, Bye Bathroom Germs 38 Queries from the Curious 40 GIGGLE STAMP Turkey Decor For Your

Home

43

learn

16

46 A Lesson Tackled 47 The Write Stuff: How to Encourage Good

life 8

Talking to Your Kids About Gun Safety

10 POWER PARENT Eddie Bass

Season

happy community

When Your Kids Delay Parenthood

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happy family Whitfield Family

54 expecting

64 OCT/Nov Calendar

Stay Informed About Zika

67 corkboard

57 infant

Dapper in Diapers: The Evolving Cloth

15 Getting Better with Age: What to Do

conception 2✱ college™

Diaper

58 TODDLER

18 of Our Favorite Toddler Books!

59 early years

How Mobile Devices Affect Movement

forks & spoons

Milestones

18 On Top of Spaghetti...

60 kids

20 In the Kitchen: Popular Spices for Your

Holiday Recipes

62 tweens

Party On! Birthday Celebration Ideas for

health 28 Childhood Obesity: Supporting Healthy

Eating Patterns in Children 31

Understanding Pediatric Fevers

32 Blushing Beauty 34 Oh, Poop! What Your Child's No. 2 Means

Tweens

63 teens

Volunteering Past Elementary School:

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TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

OCT/NOV 2016 • Volume 3 • Issue 2

43 14

HALLOWEEN | GUN SAFETY | FLORIDA'S BEST MUSEUMS

Spooky & Sweet Halloween Protecting Your Home Naturally Beautiful: DIY Wreaths 14 of the Best Florida Museums

How to Stay Involved in Your Child’s Academic Career GREATER

fe a t u res 23 26 43 48

Do That For Yourself: The Top 10 Before 10

GIGGLE MAGAZINE

Happy Family photo by Ashley Daniell Photography. Plate image courtesy of Pier1. Wreath photo by Langley Kate Photography.

14 Avoid Being "Unfriended" During Election

Handwriting

DIY DOOR DECOR FOR FALL DON'T LET POLITICS GET BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS!

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KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE

54

PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM ZIKA

14

MUST-SEE MUSEUMS

48

(ALL IN FLORIDA!)

plus

HAPP

HALLOWEY

EN! TIPS AND TRE MAKE YOU ATS TO R SPO CELEBRATI OKY ON SWEET!

www.gigglemagazinetallahassee.com

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Photo by Ashley Daniell Photography gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | OCT/NOV 2016

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life

Talking to Your Kids About

Gun Safety

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

One in three American homes with children has a firearm in the house, according to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center. Even if you don’t have a gun in your home, chances are your neighbor does. Teaching your children about gun safety is important, regardless of your ideology about guns themselves.

locks so her son wouldn’t be able to fire it until he was bigger. They taught him about gun responsibility and let him see the gun and touch it to avoid curiosity.

“It’s not a novelty,” she said. “I think that is the best way to not have to worry about accidental shootings. If they aren’t

Teaching gun safety to your children is important, even if your family does not keep guns in the house. Unfortunately, Anna Henderson* had a young cousin who played with a gun at a friend’s house and accidentally shot and killed himself. She agreed with Wohl that children need to be educated so they won’t be tempted to play with a gun should the opportunity present itself.

“We have unloaded guns locked in a safe in our house,” said Henderson. “They know never to touch guns in our home or anyone else’s. Ever. They understand guns can hurt or kill people and are not toys.”

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

“I was totally against having a gun in my house until my son was old enough to respect it,” said Laurie Wohl, mother of one. She waited until her son, who is a Boy Scout, completed his first gun safety course before they discussed gun ownership as a family. She and her husband purchased a gun with pressure

curious, they won’t sneak it. Don’t make it a novelty, but a tool.”

We have unloaded guns locked in a safe in our house,” said Henderson. “They know never to touch guns in our home or anyone else’s. Ever. They understand guns can hurt or kill people and are not toys.

Sheriff Mike Wood of Leon County said the No. 1 mistake that parents make is not securing the guns properly, which can lead to the gun getting into the wrong hands. “[A parent’s] decision to introduce a child to firearms and the safe practices which accompany the introduction is an individual decision,” said Wood.

“It is vitally important to have open conversations with your children relating to the dangers associated with guns and how to respond when they recognize a dangerous circumstance.”

Lee Mason is a combat veteran, father of four and owner of ArchAngel Gunsmithing Outfitters. He, along with Wood, advised parents to keep firearms unloaded and locked in a safe with the ammunition locked up in a separate location. Mason said children should be aware of the gun’s location, and parents should teach their children the same safety issues they themselves have learned.

a hammer or a knife, and to use safety precautions.”

The Tallahassee Police Department offers RadKIDS, a 10-hour family centered safety education program that emphasizes essential decision-making skills as well as physical resistance options to escape violence. It also includes a segment that teaches children what to do when they see a gun (don’t touch it, run and tell an adult).

The program enhances a child’s natural instincts and increases resilience as well.

The RadKIDS class is offered through the Tallahassee Police Department Crime Prevention Unit for children ages 7–12.

“At age 8 a child accepts accountability, understands responsibility, respect and awareness,” said Mason. “They can begin to understand the complex functions of each part of a firearm. Children should be taught that guns are a harmful tool, like

“I don’t have a gun in my home, but my kids like to play with the neighbor’s kids. How do I ask my neighbor if they have guns in the home without offending them?”

A.

Mason is teaching his children gun safety and had a great teacher himself. “My father wouldn’t allow me to shoot a gun until I knew every part of a gun,” he said. “I had to identify every piece, put it together and take it apart by myself.”

In addition to teaching children each part of the gun and its uses, he suggested having a child complete his first gun safety course at age 8 and then having him continue to attend several courses over the coming years. He said reiteration and practice is best, so if a child is in the presence of a gun without an adult, he or she will have an automatic response and know exactly what to do.

Q.

Another important component of gun safety is being aware of a person’s surroundings. “You have to teach kids how to read emotions and moods,” said Mason.

“Figure out the intentions and mood of the person holding a weapon. Don’t engage with someone with heightened anger or sensitivity. Our stress levels automatically rise when someone is nervous. Teach your children through your own actions.” ✽

“Start the conversation by asking, ‘How does your family feel about guns?’ This will open the door and facilitate communication about previous and current experiences with guns,” advised Mason, who admits this can be a touchy subject.

“If a person has a concealed carry license, they probably have safeguards in place.

Many families use shotguns for personal protection or for hunting.

If they hunt, they might take the kids hunting, too.”

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life

p o w e r pa r e n t

eddie bass Partner, Moore Bass Consulting, Inc., a civil engineering, land planning, surveying and landscape architecture firm dad to kinleigh, 10 and E.N., 8

As a divorced father of two, Eddie Bass doesn’t always get to spend as much time with his children as he would like. But when he does, he is sure to leave his hectic work life behind and focus on being the best father he can to his two children. Whether that means taking E.N. to practice, Kinleigh to a performance or just spending time with the two of them on his boat, Eddie always makes sure that the time he gets with his children is spent together.

What does your typical workday look like? The night prior to the next workday I review my calendar to see how hectic of a day I have ahead of me. Early in the week the workday is typically much faster paced than the end of the week, due to the submittal deadlines of the various regulatory agencies we work with. Most days I am in the office, however sometimes meetings within the field at the construction sites are required. My job requires a good bit of coordination and working together as a design team to ensure we are providing our clients with the best professional services possible. The folks I work with on a daily basis at Moore Bass make my workday much less hectic than it could be. We truly do have the best of the best.

How do you balance work life and family life? It is oftentimes very difficult to do.

What I have learned to do is simply block out the known “family” times, whether it be Petite Player lessons and performances for Kinleigh, or sports practices for E.N., so that those times simply are not available to administrative staff PHOTOS BY ASHLEY DANIELL PHOTOGRAPHY

to schedule work-related items. Also, as the more time has passed and the children have grown up, I realize just how special the time I get with them individually is. I try really hard to make my days that include the children wrap up at the needed time, so the remainder of the day can be dedicated to us, as a family. Being divorced I don’t get to see them nearly as much as I would like, so I make the best of our time together. Conflicts do still arise, but planning ahead of time is what I have found best to balance out work and family.

What advice would you give other working parents? I don’t know that I am qualified to give any other parents advice, honestly. I guess I would say to always choose wisely in doing what is in the best interest of your children. Sometimes those decisions may not be what the children necessarily want, but if it’s what you as the parent feels is best, stick to your guns.

What sacrifices/compromises have you had to make? As a single dad, simply making certain that the days I do get the children are well spent — meaning doing things together — is most important. These days that happens easily as it typically involves some sort of sports practice, or social activity we do together, the three of us. I also try to do more things that they do not typically get to do otherwise, maybe things that are more “Dad” events. I wouldn’t say I have sacrificed anything as much as I have compromised my schedule to include all of the activities we sign up for.

We are constantly on the go!

When and how do you make time for yourself? I get a decent amount of time to myself, and I am not afraid to cut out early on a Friday afternoon, after grinding out a few sets of plans earlier in the week. I cannot complain about the amount of time I get to myself, that’s for sure. I do a good job of keeping things progressing at the office, and also getting time to do the things I enjoy outside of the office.

Who is your greatest inspiration? I’d say my greatest inspiration, or perhaps better stated, my motivation, is my two children.

I want to make certain that they readily know right from wrong and that working hard for yourself and your family is not just appropriate, but expected. Providing for their

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future would be my greatest inspiration and motivation, I would say. But at the same time I want them to understand that they have to work for it, just as my parents taught me.

Who are your biggest supporters? I would say my family, specifically my parents, and then my close friends. They all readily know what demands I have upon me at any given time, and they are always there to support me, however I may ask. I am very thankful for the family and friends that I have.

What is your go-to breakfast? I do not eat breakfast very often, but every morning I cannot go without a Dunkin Donuts coffee.

I either brew a fresh cup at the house, or I swing through quickly on the way into the office. If I truly am able to sit down for breakfast, which very rarely happens, scrambled eggs and bacon with a side English muffin does the trick for me — straightforward and simple.

What is your coffee order? Large hot, cream and sugar from Dunkin Donuts. $2.35, every morning!

Finish this sentence…

I hope that I have taught my child/children... to live life to the fullest, try their absolute best and approach every day as if it were going to be the best day ever.

What is your go-to playlist? I don’t have a go-to per say, it just depends on what mood I am in, and also if the kids are with me. If Kinleigh is in the truck or boat I typically just relinquish the DJ role to her, as she does a much better job than her “old” Dad does.

About the only things you will never hear coming from my speakers are techno and opera. Everything else is likely to be played.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Passionate, determined and competitive.

What do you do in your downtime from the office? I thoroughly enjoy Alligator Point, getting out on the boat to wet a fishing line or simply hanging out, enjoying the salt air. I also enjoy coaching my son’s various athletic teams as I get fulfillment out of watching children learn a sport and better themselves along the way.

Then of course there is hunting, too. So, I don’t think the word “downtime” applies in my household! ✽

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What are 5 items you must have at work?

1. & 2. Cellphone — ­ would have to count for at least the first two items, between all the emails, texts and calls from clients, co-workers and the permitting regulatory folks. They literally start every morning around 7, and go well beyond “normal” quitting time.

3. Engineer’s scale 4. Red pen — ­ for marking up plans.

5. Calculator ­

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life D

r

Rp b

Unfollow, don’t unfriend In the months surrounding a presidential election, you find out how your friends really feel about the candidates. You might also discover you share differing views on some controversial topics. If it’s a topic you feel very passionate about, you may even wonder how you can be friends with them. Your friendships can survive this, if you want them to.

If their posts are making you cringe or groan every time you see them, you can temporarily unfollow them on Facebook.

You will still be friends with them, and after a few months, start following them again when topics aren’t so heated.

Avoid Being “Unfriended” During Election Season

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

My husband and I learned early on how to protect our marriage: we avoid politics. As two opinionated people on opposite sides of the spectrum, we became frustrated with each other during our first presidential election as a dating couple. Had we been on Facebook at the time, I’m sure I would have unfriended him and vice versa. Fortunately, we soon realized that we were not going to change the other’s beliefs and our relationship is not based on whom we vote for. Now, when he posts a political article, I happily scroll past.

However, I’ve seen many people get into heated debates online and wonder how their relationships survive, or if they survive. Here are some tips for online etiquette during this election season.

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Say it to their face, not their Facebook

Even when conversing with family members online, there’s still a sense of anonymity in an online world. This false sense of security can lower your inhibitions, and you may end up saying something you will later regret. Be respectful in your interactions. Avoid name-calling. Remember, when you have a debate online, you have an audience, and there are some people who just enjoy instigating arguments. Don’t write anything you wouldn’t be comfortable saying to them in person. Take the high road and say, “I’d be happy to discuss this further with you. Want to do lunch?”

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | OCT/NOV 2016

Don’t make promises you can’t keep

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard someone say, “If so-and-so wins this election, I’m moving to Canada!” So far, I have no friends who have actually followed through with this. Yes, you feel passionately about your political beliefs, but think before you speak. Otherwise, you just sound dramatic and no one will take you seriously anyway.

Consider the source

If you find yourself getting really upset at someone else’s post, and it’s someone with whom you have a close relationship, evaluate how much this person means to you, and how much politics play a role in your relationship. Is an argument worth jeopardizing your relationship? Or is it best to agree to disagree? Like my husband and I realized, our relationship is based on trust, love, fun and mutual respect. Don’t let your political ego get in the way. ✽

Yes, you feel passionately about your political beliefs, but think before you speak.

g r a nd p a r e n t s

life

Getting Better With Age: What to Do When Your Kids Delay Parenthood

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

The girls and I will choose to do things with her that won’t require much physical activity or cause her too much soreness,” she said. “We used to invite her on road trips with us, but she can’t tolerate sitting for too long. I’m sure she feels she’s missing out as she gets older.

Many women are waiting until their late 20s to have their first child, according to The National Center for Health Statistics, and we are seeing more and more parents having children in their 30s and 40s. With older parents comes older grandparents, and those few years in age really make an impact.

“I was 69 years old before my first grandchild was born,” said Rose Pitkethly, my mother-in-law. “It’s harder being an older grandparent. You don’t have the stamina, flexibility or energy that you did 20 years ago.”

Many of her friends became grandparents long before she did, and they didn’t have to deal with the many medical issues associated with aging, such as arthritis, heart disease or high blood pressure.

Ivette Maldonado agreed. The mother of two notices how her mother struggles with aches and pains and tries to make accommodations for her.

So, why are people waiting longer to become parents? One of the reasons people are putting off having children is to pursue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree. In 2014, nearly 2 million students were enrolled in a master’s, specialist or doctorate program. A large investment in education typically leads to dedication to one’s career. Couples may opt to become more established in their professions before deciding to grow their family.

The past 10 years have also shown a steady decline in births, correlating with the economic recession. Perhaps many are afraid they can’t afford to have children. According to the Pew Research Center, the typical cost to raise a child from age 0 to 18 is $245,430.

Contraception has become much more effective and available in recent years, resulting in fewer “surprise” babies.

Additionally, a woman’s chance of being infertile increases after her mid-

Alternative

30s. So, if she is waiting until then to have a baby, she may have some difficulty conceiving and may need to pursue fertility treatments or other options such as surrogacy or adoption.

Marcia Ise and her husband were married 10 years before they felt they were ready to have children. She was 37 and her husband was 47. "I think waiting really makes us appreciate them and our time with them more," she said.

"We did so much in our 10 years of marriage before them that I've never felt like I've had to sacrifice anything in my life for them."

Naturally, their parents were ecstatic when they announced their first pregnancy, and they were supportive throughout their marriage. "I was lucky our parents never pressured us," said Ise. "Actually, when we told them they were so shocked since they assumed we just weren't going to have kids."

Whatever the reason your children have waited to have kids of their own, remember your value. Being an older grandparent doesn’t mean you can’t do anything with the kids; it just means doing different things. Ask the parents to reserve certain activities just for you: painting pictures, playing board games, teaching them how to cook, etc. Make meaningful memories with your grandchildren by adding your own special touch. ✽

Activities

Instead of:

Try this:

▶ Taking a long walk ▶ Racing around the yard ▶ Playing on the floor ▶ Being in the hot weather

▶ Going for a car ride ▶ Taking a dip in the pool ▶ Going fishing in your favorite creek ▶ Snuggling up with a book ▶ Finding an indoor playground or going to a movie

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life

h a p p y f a m i ly

Meet t he

Whitfield Family

Jake and Ashley, Drew (12), Lark (10) and Wynn (8)

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY DANIELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Occupation(s): Jake is a real estate developer and managing member of Red Hills Wireless. Ashley is a pharmaceutical sales representative and proud mom.

Favorite family meal: Our favorite

family meal would have to be breakfast.

We all have very different palates, but the kids all agree on a big breakfast of pancakes, bacon and eggs.

Favorite date spot: Masa or Bella Bella, followed by a movie.

Favorite family restaurant:

Carrabba’s, Coosh’s and Momo’s Pizza

Our family is: SUPER BUSY! Movie in our DVD player right now: We just watched “The Goonies” again. It never gets old.

Mommy and Daddy’s favorite TV shows: “Shark Tank” and anything

HGTV when the kids are up. “Homeland” and “Bloodline” when they are asleep.

Websites we love: Our schools’ — Killearn Lakes and Maclay! I login daily to try to keep up with our schedules and homework (LOTS of homework). I love technology and being able to stay informed on their daily activities.

Favorite sports/extracurriculars to do: We spend a lot of time with Drew

at the baseball field with the Powermill Stingers. He is a sixth-grader at Maclay and has recently taken up cross-country.

He also plays basketball in the winter. Lark and Wynn are both on competitive dance teams at Tallahassee Dance Academy, so we spend a lot of time there, too! Lark takes acro from Coach Marty at MMATC, Wynn is a Girl Scout and they also do drama at Petite Players. They both began playing softball last spring and loved it, so we will add that again to the schedule early next year.

Favorite sports to watch: College

football. This is a house divided! The boys are Gators and the girls are Seminoles. We are united with the St. Louis Cardinals for baseball.

Do you have any pets? We have a

precious 2-year-old Labradoodle named Rugby.

Favorite family activity: Family movie night. These are few and far between now, but they are so enjoyable when they happen! We also try to not miss each other’s events so we are constantly in motion at a game or a performance.

Favorite local picnic spot: Depends

on the time of year. In the summer it is at the beach. The rest of the year it is our backyard. It is relaxed and low key like our family! A paper plate and some good, quality time with just the five of us to catch up is the best!

Why do you love raising your family in Tallahassee? It seems like a small town with a bigger city feel. We feel like this is a great place to raise our children, as it is so family oriented. Families here enjoy sports and family-centered activities. We also have wonderful schools and teachers that add so much to our children’s lives.

Ashley grew up in Panama City Beach, so any time we can get to a beach location she is happy. Our favorite is a day spent on Shell Island in Panama City Beach.

A typical weekend is spent: Enjoying time with our friends (who are like family). We almost always have a sporting event and the girls’ dance to attend. We go to church, catch up on schoolwork and rest for the upcoming week.

Favorite family vacation destination:

Must-have item(s): A car to shuttle

Favorite day trip: Always the beach!

We have many, but we spent a week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee this summer and enjoyed ourselves so much. It was great to experience the mountains and all they have to offer.

What makes your kids laugh? They

laugh at each other!

First word you think of when we say “family”: Love

kids back and forth!

Describe your family in three words: Energetic, supportive and loving.

Anything else you want us to know about your family? We have been

extremely blessed with our three children.

We thoroughly enjoy being together and supporting each other’s interests. In a world that is so busy, it is wonderful to be together at home. ✽

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forks & spoons

On Top of Spaghetti…

BY CARMEN BASILE

MEATBALLS 1 pound lean ground beef (addition of lean Italian sausage meat optional) 1 large egg 1–2 slices water-soaked white bread M cup prepared Italian breadcrumbs* Salt and pepper to taste

IT’S NOT YOUR BISCUIT’S GRAVY “Gravy” is what Italians call the sauce within which meat has been cooked. More elaborate meals were usually prepared on Sundays. Meatballs, sausages and other pieces of either pork and/or beef were simmered in the sauce. That sauce was mixed into the pasta course, the "primo piatto" or first dish. The meat, accompanied with salad and/or vegetables, was then served as the "secondo piatto" or second dish.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and shape into patties about the size of an egg. Add some water if mixture is too dry, or some extra breadcrumbs if too moist.

Over medium to medium-high heat, fry meatballs until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Add meatballs to freshly made tomato sauce and simmer on low heat for ½ to ¾ hour. Do not allow sauce to boil. *ITALIAN BREADCRUMBS 1 cup freshly grated breadcrumbs ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese ¼ cup fresh minced Italian (flat-leaf) parsley 1 clove garlic, minced ½ teaspoon dried oregano Freshly ground pepper to taste

WHY SHOULD I SALT THE WATER

As a sauce simmers and develops character, it will naturally evaporate water. It's always a good idea to reserve some of the salted pasta water. It's perfect (better than plain water) for thinning out any pasta sauce that gets too thick. ✽

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | OCT/NOV 2016

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Salt is put into the pasta water to flavor the pasta. Without it, the pasta itself tastes bland, no matter what the sauce. There is no hard-and-fast rule about how much salt to put in your water, but most cooks suggest adding no less than 1 ½ tablespoons of salt for every pound of pasta.

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forks & spoons

In the Kitchen:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Making memories, seeing family from far and wide and, one of the most important aspects of the holidays, baking delicious holiday treats.

Your Holiday Recipes

In this kitchen spotlight, we’re taking a look at a few of the top spices used in holiday cooking and baking so you can kick your holiday menu up a notch.

Popular Spices for

BY DANIELLE PASTULA

N U TM EG

CINNAMON

Where it’s from: Native to the Indonesian Moluccas Islands, also known as the Spice Islands, nutmeg comes from the Myristica fragrans tree. Nutmeg is the seed of the tree, and mace, another less common spice, is derived from the dried shell of the seed. The Myristica fragrans is the only tree in the world that acts as the source for two distinct spices.

Where it’s from: Cinnamon is a spice sourced from the inner bark of several trees of the genus Cinnamomum in the family Lauraceae.

Roughly 80 percent of the world's supply of Ceylon cinnamon, or true cinnamon, comes from Sri Lanka and South India, but it is also sourced from the Seychelles and Madagascar.

Harvesting cinnamon requires a process of cutting, peeling away the outer bark and drying the inner bark.

Nutritional benefits: With its own unique flavor, nutmeg is mildly earthy and nutty with just a hint of sweetness. Although this spice is typically used sparingly, it’s also a rich source of vital B-complex vitamins, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A and many flavonoid antioxidants like beta-carotene.

Twist on the traditional: Although nutmeg is mostly a dessert spice, its nutty flavor also nicely complements savory dishes featuring potatoes, eggs or meats.

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Popular holiday recipes: Considered one of the most popular spices second only to black pepper in the U.S. and Europe, cinnamon is used year-round, but it’s especially popular in holiday cookies, breads and candied nuts.

Twist on the traditional: If you want to try something new this holiday season, try using cinnamon as a sweet accent for roasted butternut squash, braised short ribs, or in a hearty Bolognese sauce.

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | OCT/NOV 2016

Where it’s from: Allspice, also called Jamaica pepper and myrtle pepper due to its peppercorn appearance, is the dried unripe fruit of the Pimenta dioica tree. This tree is native to the Greater Antilles, southern Mexico and Central America, but allspice is now grown and harvested all over the globe in warm, tropical climates. The name “allspice” is thought to have come from the English, who thought allspice had a combined flavor of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

Nutritional benefits: While allspice is believed to have anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits, allspice’s best nutritional asset is its high vitamin C content. This high vitamin C content provides allspice with antioxidant properties that could aid in developing resistance against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Popular holiday recipes: When it comes to popular holiday dishes, allspice is used similarly to cinnamon and nutmeg in that it can be used in cookies, cakes and breads, but its biggest claim to holiday fame is being a popular ingredient in gingerbread.

Twist on the traditional: Allspice adds a deep, warm flavor to savory dishes, which is why it’s the primary spice used in jerk seasoning.

This flavor makes it delicious for popular holiday dinner dishes including pork loin, spiced butternut squash soup or sweet potato casserole. ✽

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Popular holiday recipes: Most commonly used in desserts, pies (specifically apple and pumpkin), muffins, custards, cookies and cakes, nutmeg is also a popular spice for sprinkling on holiday beverages. Whether it’s in eggnog, Masala chai, mulled wine, or used as a garnish over foamy coffee drinks, you can’t go wrong with a dash of nutmeg to spice up your seasonal drink.

Nutritional benefits: High in powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, cinnamon has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

In fact, in a research study published in the Diabetes Care journal, findings showed that inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with Type 2 diabetes reduces risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

A LL S P I C E

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Make Our No-Sew

Witch Tutu (and

Broomstick!)

What You'll need: TUtu

• Crochet elastic ribbon or a premade crochet headband • Four to five spools of Black 3" Matte Tulle, 25 feet each Broom

• Large stick for handle; we found ours at Hobby Lobby • Smaller sticks/twigs for brush; found at Hobby Lobby • Faux lavender • Twine • Glue gun How to make: TUtu • Cut and secure your waistband. Elastic ribbon is very stretchy, so you won't need as much as you think! Use an extra piece of tulle to secure the pieces in the back.

• Cut your strips of tulle. Each strip will need to be double the length you want for the skirt.

• Wrap your elastic around something big, such as a

chair back. Starting at one end of the elastic, fold your tulle in half and pull the folded end through the first gap in the elastic. Pull the end of the tulle through itself into a lark's head knot. Repeat around the entire bottom row of the elastic. If you want the tutu to be fuller, repeat the process on the next row above.

• When the tutu is complete, place around the waist

Eye See You! Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients: • 6 cups Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal

• 3 tablespoons butter • 4 cups mini marshmallows • Candy eye sprinkles (found at craft stores) • Chocolate chips (optional) Directions: • Prepare treats according to Rice Krispies package directions. For a chocolate drizzle, melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 10 second intervals. When fully melted, carefully drizzle chocolate over cooled treats.

Gently press in candy eye sprinkles.

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and use the extra piece of tulle to tie the back closed.

You can also use a piece of ribbon.

Broom

• Determine the length you'd like the broom to be;

you may have to saw off a portion of the stick if you would like it shorter.

• Bunch the smaller sticks and twigs around the end of the handle. Let some of the handle go down into the smaller twigs for stability. Use twine or rubber bands to secure the sticks in place.

• Pull the lavender apart into individual stems. From the bottom, work each piece up into the brush portion of the broom.

• Wrap a large piece of twine around the top of the

brush portion, and use a glue gun periodically to secure the twine. Once it is fully wrapped, glue the end of the twine down.

safety tips for Trick-or-Treating • Remember, there is safety in numbers! Kids should

ALWAYS travel with a parent or in groups and NEVER alone.

• Keep pathways clean. Remove anything that children might break, crack or get caught on their costume.

• If you are handing out candy, be sure to leave any sidewalk lights on to light the path.

• Have children wear sneakers or comfortable shoes.

Blisters, tripping and falling are not fun.

• Keep pets at home. It can be too much for Fido! Save his costume debut for handing out candy or a private party.

• Avoid making homemade treats to hand out.

• Give each child a glow stick to make them easier to spot in a crowd. Parents, bring flashlights.

our top

• Watch traffic patterns. Even though you may think

certain neighborhoods' internal roads are closed, many are open. Stay out of the road and use walkways.

Halloween Movies 1. “Hocus Pocus” (1993)

2. “Beetle Juice” (1988)

3. “The Nightmare

Before Christmas” (1993)

5. “It’s the Great

Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966)

6. “Monster House” (2006)

7. “The Addams

Family” (1991)

4. “Casper” (1995)

• Do not push your child. Listen to them if they are tired or cranky. There is no reason to push the envelope when it comes to candy collecting.

• If your child is timid or afraid of certain things, take that into account when venturing out.

• Stay hydrated. Florida Halloweens are still hot, so it is important to bring water along.

• Be sure to bring along insect repellant. Bites are no fun! Spray them down.

• Do not allow your children to eat ANY candy while

trick-or-treating. Be sure to check your children's candy for anything suspicious before allowing them to eat it.

freaky fingers Get into the Halloween spirit with these spooky shades.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Sun Kissed

Essie Petal Pushers

sinful Colors Professional Frenzy

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear pixel perfect

sinful Colors Professionals mint apple

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | OCT/NOV 2016

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Keeping Your Home

S FE

From the Outside In

BY DANIELLE PASTULA

“You never know what you’ll do until it happens to you.”

While this sentiment might be true for some scenarios, when it comes to keeping your home safe from burglary, there’s plenty you can do to prevent a home invasion.

According to the FBI, a household burglary happens every 14.4 seconds for a total of 3.7 million per year in the United States.

You just can’t afford to not play it safe.

Here are some of the top ways to keep your home guarded from the outside in, whether your family is away for vacation or tucked quietly in their beds.

GET THE RIGHT REINFORCEMENTS

Burglars need an entry point, so the better your doors and windows, the more of a deterrent it will be for potential robbers.

The most common door type used in homes and apartments is the hinge door. These exterior doors should be solid wood core or steel clad in order to ensure optimum security. Avoid lightgauge aluminum, hollow core or composition board doors, which can be easily battered or bored through. These doors essentially deem your deadbolt useless, no matter how strong it is.

Sliding glass doors are also attractive for burglars since they can be easily removed from their tracks. The best way to make them safe is to install an auxiliary lock, such as a deadbolt or pin mechanism, as well as a Charley bar, which can be used to prevent the door from sliding open.

For windows of any design, the main thing to consider is getting additional reinforcements in the form of pins through the frame, screws in the track or keyed locks.

FOLLOW STRONG PREVENTION HABITS

According to research conducted

by SecurAmerica, most home burglaries occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when people are most likely to not be home. The average time it takes for homes to be burglarized is just 10 minutes.

These statistics mean that it’s important to practice good habits all the time. Especially during broad daylight, when you may think it’s OK to leave a back door unlocked while you run up the street to grab something from the store.

“

Every individual is different and every situation is different,” Jordan said. “We know that when stressful situations happen, people will revert to what they have planned.

”

When you regularly practice strong prevention habits such as consistently locking your doors, closing your garage door, setting your alarm and not posting your

whereabouts on social media, you’re helping to lower the likelihood that a burglar would see your home as an easy target. Even if burglars do attempt to break into your home, they’ll give up quickly if they’re unable to gain entry and move on to their next target to avoid drawing attention to their activities.

KEEP YOUR FAMILY INFORMED AND STAY ALERT

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to plan and discuss what you would do in the event of a break-in while you’re in your home, said Lieutenant Grady Jordan, public information officer for the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

“Every individual is different and every situation is different,” Jordan said. “We know that when stressful situations happen, people will revert to what they have planned.”

In most cases, rather than fleeing the home, the best thing you can do is make noise and turn on lights and or set off alarms in the home to let the would-be perpetrator know that there is someone home.

However, you should have a plan for escape and a hiding spot in your home, Jordan said.

If you decide to flee your own home, you should consider these questions: To where am I running?

Do I have the physical ability to avoid the confrontation? Am I in good enough shape to run? How far away is help (friends, law enforcement, neighbors) if I need it?

If you want to be sure that your residence is safe, Jordan said the Leon County Sheriff's Office has deputies that will come to your residence and complete a residential assessment to discuss any issues you’re concerned about with your home’s safety. ✽

health

Childhood Obesity:

Supporting Healthy Eating Patterns in Children

By CLAIRE CARLTON, MS, RD, LD/N

Childhood obesity has become a highly discussed topic in recent decades, as its prevalence has increased at a worrisome rate. According to the CDC, about 17 percent of children aged 2–19 are considered obese. Obesity in children can be defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile in gender-specific, BMI-for-age growth charts.

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More concerning than obesity itself are the long-term health consequences attached, such as increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This can be a very sensitive issue, but there are several lifestyle and nutrition interventions that can be implemented to prevent and reverse obesity in children. In addition to visiting the pediatrician, check out some of the following ways to improve negative childhood eating behaviors and my recommendations for supporting healthy eating in your children.

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | OCT/NOV 2016

BE AWARE Children are naturally drawn to sweet and slightly salty tastes. Unfortunately, the food industry has taken advantage of this by placing hundreds of hyper-palatable foods and beverages on grocery store shelves. In particular, consumption of juice and sugar sweetened beverages such as soda, sweet tea and fruit-flavored drinks are common in children. The problem is that the body does not easily recognize calories from beverages. Regardless of whether the sugar is natural in juice

Š 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

I

t’s easy to make the assumption that childhood obesity is directly caused by an excess intake of calories, but the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) I, II and III show no corresponding increase in calorie intake as obesity rates have climbed. Nutrition and food choices certainly play a role in weight and growth patterns in children, but they are not the only reasons children are becoming obese. Also at play are socioeconomic factors, physical inactivity, ethnicity and genetics, to name a few.

or from high fructose corn syrup in soda, these beverages are an extremely concentrated source of sugar. For example, a 12-ounce Coke contains 140 calories and 39 grams of sugar. However, when a child drinks a soda, the brain does not register that calories have been consumed.

Children are actually very good at regulating their food intake (they eat when hungry and stop when full), but when the body and brain are “fooled” so to speak, the child may end up eating more calories from food to feel physically full. Over the long term, the excess calories could play a role in becoming overweight and eventually obese.

SUGARY SNACKS Sugar consumption can be a vicious cycle. Snacks and beverages that are

entirely composed of sugar (a quickly metabolized form of carbohydrate) do not satisfy hunger. Often, these foods provide a quick burst of energy, then leave kids feeling tried and irritable.

They certainly don’t support good energy levels to stay physically active.

For example, parents may give their children fruit snacks. Oftentimes they are made with "real fruit,” or 100 percent juice, but this snack is still composed entirely of carbohydrates. A child who eats this snack will quickly feel hungry again and likely end up asking for another snack. Switching the snack to something with some protein, complex carbohydrates and fats, such as an apple with peanut butter or a fruit and yogurt, would be more satisfying and nutritious.

Quick tips to support healthy eating patterns in children ››

While parents may feel an obligation to restrict unhealthy foods, it is important to avoid doing so. This can actually increase a child’s desire for those foods. Food restriction at home can lead to overeating when a child finally has access, such as at a friend’s house. Alternatively, children may feel the need to eat those forbidden foods in secret.

›› Remember that children may not always like a new food the first time they try it. Continue to expose children to new foods; it can take repeated exposures before they accept a new food. If your child dislikes a new food, never force her to eat it, as this creates a negative connotation with that food and may discourage her from trying it again.

›› Parental eating patterns have a

great influence on a child’s food preferences, so make sure you are also eating a varied diet. Make healthy eating fun for your kids with a trip to the farmers market where you let each child choose a new fruit or vegetable. The kids can search online for a new recipe using that food and then help to prepare the dish.

MEALTIME It has become quite common for children and families to eat in front of the TV or with other distractions. Family mealtime has a great influence on the development of healthy eating patterns in children.

This can be difficult when children have busy schedules filled with extracurricular activities, however, when feasible, family meals should be made a priority. Studies have shown positive relationships between family mealtime and the overall quality of children’s diets. Specifically, children who eat with their families tend to have higher intakes of nutrients such as fiber, calcium, iron, folate and vitamins B6, B12, C and E, as well as higher intakes of fruits and vegetables. ✽

Experiment with these nutritious swaps for kids of all ages!

Instead of fruit snacks, try “Ants On a Log” — celery sticks filled with a spread of natural peanut butter and topped with raisins. This classic childhood snack is perfect for after school, before sports practices or at any time of day! It provides protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates to keep kids full of energy.

Make snack time fun and allow the kids to help assemble this easy, healthy snack!

Instead of ice cream try a yogurt parfait. Let the kids build their own yogurt parfait for a healthy afternoon snack. Check your labels as lots of yogurt brands sneak in excess sugar, artificial colors and flavors. Skip the “diet” yogurts, too; they can be filled with artificial sweeteners, coloring, thickeners and gums to compensate for the lack of fat and sugar. Choose a plain, whole milk yogurt and let the kids customize it themselves with assorted toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts and a drizzle of honey. Whole milk yogurt is creamier, and the fat keeps children satisfied. Yogurt parfaits are a perfect breakfast or snack full of calcium, vitamin D, protein, probiotics, fiber and healthy fats.

Instead of Goldfish crackers try roasted chickpeas. A few years ago, roasted chickpeas became trendy in the nutrition world. Both children and adults enjoy this snack, which can be prepared savory or slightly sweet. Chickpeas are chock full of fiber, complex carbohydrates, manganese and iron.

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health

Understanding Pediatric Fevers

BY DEVIN BUSTIN, MD

One of the most common pediatric complaints that we see in the Emergency Department is fever. Despite being a very common occurrence, it can be really confusing for parents who are trying to do what is best for their child. There are a lot of misconceptions about fevers in the community, which only lead to further confusion.

Myth 1

"Fever is a bad thing" Although the cause of the fever may or may not be serious, the fever itself is a good thing. Fever is one of the ways that your body combats viral and bacterial illnesses. By resetting your body’s thermostat, your brain is making it harder for the virus or bacteria that is causing the illness to grow and multiply. This makes it easier for your immune system to defeat the invading illness.

Myth 2

"The higher the fever, the sicker the child" Fever is defined as any temperature greater then 100.4 F. Although it would seem to make sense that a child with a fever of 103 is sicker than one with a temperature of 100.4, there is no research to support this assumption.

Myth 3

"If the fever gets too high it will hurt your child" Although your child will feel worse with a high fever, the brain will regulate the temperature naturally in a way that will not lead to any damage. The exception is heat stroke, in which the brain loses control due to external heat and bodily harm is possible.

So what should you do if your child develops a fever?

First of all, don’t panic! Try to keep your child as well hydrated as possible. Usually this is best achieved by using fluids that have a mix of salt, sugar and water, which helps the absorption of more fluids. Examples include Gatorade, Pedialyte or fruit juice. For comfort, you can treat the fever with Tylenol, and if the child is above the age of six months you can add Ibuprofen. The easiest thing to do is alternate these medications every four hours so that there is always something in the child's system. Make sure that you use the appropriate weightbased dose, which should be on the medication bottle.

When in doubt, call your child’s doctor’s office to talk with on-call personnel about the situation.

So when should you bring your child to the ER for a fever?

It’s really up to you. As an ER doctor, however, there are a few things in particular that worry me when a child has a fever.

• Not acting normally when her fever resolves.

•

Becoming dehydrated. Decreased wet diapers, frequency of urination or losing fluids from diarrhea and vomiting that are not being replaced orally.

• Complaining of abdominal pain, headache or stiff neck.

• Not up to date on his vaccinations.

• Less than four months old. Newborns and infants should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

To learn more about emergency services at Tallahassee Memorial, visit TMH.ORG/ Emergency. ✽

Devin Bustin, MD is an Emergency Medicine Specialist at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

health

Blushing Beauty BY ashleigh braun

1

2

Steps to Your Best Blush

With summer fading, chances are your sunkissed glow is too. Using blush can brighten up your face, add color to your cheeks and give you a fresh, healthy-looking flush that will leave people wondering if you just spent a weekend at the beach. Here are some tips for achieving your best blush this season.

1. Choose the best blush color for you

There are perfect hues of blush for every skin tone. When selecting a shade of blush, choose a color that is close to the color your cheeks turn when you’re naturally flushed.

5

For lighter complexions, use pale pinks, peaches and apricots that will bring out warm tones in the skin, adding a healthy glow.

4

For darker complexions, stick to plum shades, rosewoods or burnt oranges that will enhance your rich complexion and add a pop of color.

If those don’t work for you, you can always try warm, natural shades of nude, beige or light brown to give your face that effortlessly flushed appearance.

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7

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9 1. e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette in Light (CVS, $6) 2. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Sheer Highlighting Blush in Pure #20 (CVS, $13.99) 3. By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Blush #5 Sexy Pink (Fragrancenet.com, $79.99) 4. Jane Iredale Quad Bronzer in Rose Dawn (Janeiredale.com, $48) 5. Yves Saint Laurent Blush Radiance #6 (Fragrancenet.com, $61.99) 6. Youngblood Crushed Loose Mineral Blush in Coral Reef (Fragrancenet.com, $25.99) 7. L’oreal True Match Super Blendable Blush in Apricot Kiss (CVS, $10.99) Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty Brushes (Walmart/Walmart.com) 8. Flower Ultimate Blush & Contour Brush ($12.98) 9.

Flower Ultimate Retractable Brush ($11.98)

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2. Get the right brush

Having the right brush is critical to making sure your blush is applied evenly, without streaking or looking unnatural. A wide, angled brush or a wide-headed loose powder brush is best for applying powder blush. An angled head is ideal for creating a sculpted, contoured look, while a wide head is better for a seamless application over the entire cheekbone.

3. Apply your blush

Apply your blush in a sweeping upward motion from the apple of the cheek outward and upward toward the temples. Concentrate your brush on your cheeks before moving it up your face. Be sure to blend to get rid of any potential streaks and to make your cheeks look naturally flushed.

Photos courtesy of manufacturer/photographed by Giggle Magazine.

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FROM GIGGLE MAGAZINE

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | OCT/NOV 2016

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health slightly brownish look. According to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, bright red or black stools are ones to be concerned about because they can indicate a problem in the gastrointestinal tract. Also, in infants white, chalky or gray stools can be an indication of a liver blockage. In either instance, be sure to see your child’s pediatrician right away.

➜ texture

Oh, Poop! What Your

Child’s No. 2 Means by april tisher

I have to admit, until I became a mom, I never gave excrement much thought. As soon as your first baby is born though, it becomes super important. The first one! Did they go?

How many times a day? What did it look like? You find yourself discussing your child’s poop with your husband, mother and friends like it’s normal conversation. Why? It turns out that what is in your child’s diaper can tell you a lot about his or her overall health.

➜ Color

Stool can vary widely in color. One thing to note is that certain colored foods, drinks and even medications contain artificial or natural colorings that can and do change the color of poop. If you’ve ever changed your child’s diaper after she’s eaten John Deere green icing, you know what I’m talking about. Some color is normal; for example, the first few poops, referred to as meconium, are black and tarry in color.

Also, breastfed babies have a mustard yellow, seedy look to their poop, while formula-fed ones have a more normal

The bristol stool scale (illustrated below) is a medical research tool used to determine and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for different diseases of the bowel. Consult your doctor regarding diagnosing and treating any conditions for your family.

Type

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Shape

Description

Most Likely Cause

1

Separate hard lumps

Very constipated

2

Lumpy and sausage like

Slightly constipated

3

A sausage shape with cracks in the surface

Normal

4

Like a smooth, soft sausage or snake

Normal

5

Soft blobs with clear-cut edges

Lacking fiber

6

Mushy consistency with ragged edges

Inflammation

7

Liquid consistency with no solid pieces

Inflammation

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | OCT/NOV 2016

The texture of poop can give you a whole host of information. Normal consistency should be like soft serve ice cream or mushy snakes. If you consistently see hard pellets, large bumpy sausages or liquidly stool with ragged edges, things are not as they should be. You can reference the Bristol stool scale, an official medical chart that classifies feces into seven categories to give you a more detailed account of what to look for.

Many parents make the mistake of thinking if their child goes every day they are not constipated. This can be misleading; large or hard-formed stools are a much better indicator of constipation. If you notice frequent or large amounts of mucus in your child’s stool, this can be a sign of an intolerance or infection as well. Your child should not have painful, hard-to-pass bowel movements.

➜ smell

I know, all poop smells bad, but really putrid, unusually foul or fishy smelling No. 2 can signal a problem. It can be just from a certain food or from bacteria in the colon, but if it is present frequently or accompanied by diarrhea or a large amount of it, it could be something else. Very stinky poop can be an indicator of indigestion, lactose intolerance or celiac disease. More commonly it can be caused by a food allergy or intolerance, or some kind of organism that doesn’t belong in the intestinal tract, like Giardia. Something to remember is that babies who are not eating solid food yet do not have much smell to their dirty diapers, but once the real food comes on board, so does the smell. Don’t be surprised by this change, it is normal.

Just like with adults, things like travel, antibiotics and acute stomach bugs can cause changes in your child’s bowel habits.

If something doesn’t seem normal, contact your child’s pediatrician for advice. Making sure that your child is getting age-appropriate nutrition and is staying hydrated will keep things moving in the right direction. ✽

gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | OCT/NOV 2016

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happy home amount of bacteria depending on factors such as cleaning habits and traffic. Reduce dampness by drying off in the shower and wipe down the floor at least once a week.

Make Your Own! Searching for a safe and effective way to banish mold and mildew in the bathroom? Mix two teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups of water and pour into a spray bottle.

Spray area and let sit!

Toilet

What makes a toilet so dirty isn’t necessarily what’s always in it, but more or less what comes out of it. When we flush the bowl, the swirling water creates aerosols and germs that disperse onto the floor, sink, walls and even towels. By simply cleaning the bowl weekly and flushing with the lid down, you’re greatly reducing the spread of bacteria.

Faucet/Faucet Handles

As the most touched area in a bathroom, it’s important to wipe down faucets and faucet handles daily. Using disinfectant wipes and solutions will cut the buildup in half.

Bye, Bye Bathroom Germs

Razors

Leaving razors in wet conditions can cause them to become rusty and attract old hair and dead skin, which can then lead to irritation when used. Keeping razors in dry places and swiping them with alcohol every few days can ensure a longer life and less bumps. ✽

BY NICOLE GERMANY

On the surface your bathroom might look clean and polished, but you’d be amazed at how many germs are hiding just out of sight. From the toothbrush holder to the bathmat, mildew and bacteria cling to just about everything. While the bathroom might not win for the dirtiest room in the house (the kitchen takes that top honor) there are multiple spots we often forget about altogether.

Toothbrush/Toothbrush holder

Bathtub

Every time we use the shower or bathtub, the bacteria we’re washing away finds shelter on every inch of the tub. It’s best to look for a “tough on scum” cleaner and really scrub with a sponge rather than just wipe clean.

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Anything that is constantly damp is the perfect hotbed for bacteria and mold. It’s best to switch out anything used to clean your body and wash weekly.

Bathmat

Your bathmat is a breeding ground for mold because it is constantly wet. Try cleaning it in the dishwasher or washing machine about once a week to keep mold at bay.

›› Green Works Compostable Cleaning Wipes

›› Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Lavender Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner

›› Vaska Spotoff Spot Remover ›› Grab Green Countertop Cleaner ›› ECOS Toilet Bowl Cleaner ›› Babyganics Floor Cleaner Concentrate

Bathroom floor

Crowned the dirtiest surface in the bathroom, the bathroom floor can have a very high

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | OCT/NOV 2016

›› Ecover Zero Non-Chlorine Bleach

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Ever look inside your toothbrush holder?

If you haven’t, you’ll be amazed to see the amount of gunk situated right next to your toothbrush. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months because of bacteria buildup, and tossing a toothbrush holder in the dishwasher every other week will make it as good as new.

Loofa/Washcloth

Kid-Friendly Cleaning Products

Slipcover Furniture • Home Decor • Art • rugS Tallahassee, Florida (850) 536-6046 Mon-Sat 10-6 1350 Market St. 32312

Havana, Florida (850) 539-9001 Wed-Sun 11-5 201 NW 1st St. 32333

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happy home to besiege ourselves with the busyness of life. We bemoan not having enough time, energy or money to get it all done — a mindset that demoralizes and overwhelms us. Some of us take an odd pride in having so much to do. Our culture makes us feel important if we’re busy and in demand. Or maybe that’s our own interpretation of modern life. The more texts and emails, the better!

All of our frantic activity looks like productivity, but is it bringing us closer to what we truly want? People who seek out coaching often ask for help because they want to change something that has eluded them. What we do shapes who we are or who we will become. A good coach always listens for the client’s underlying agenda. How will changing what she does affect who she is or wants to become?

A s k H e l en

Queries from the Curious by helen kornblum

It’s happening again. Before every holiday season I promise myself that I’m going to keep things simple and not work myself into a frenzy over an impossible to-do list that stresses me and everyone around me. I already feel myself losing my balance with the demands of work, special plans for the kids and too many family expectations.

How do I stop this?

What we choose to do is also a reflection of our priorities. If you don’t impose your priorities on your to-do list, the list will hijack your life. You have to make choices to exert control. Must you accept every holiday invitation you receive? What’s your family’s favorite activity? How many holiday cards and homemade cookies are you determined to produce and at what emotional cost?

What effect does all that shopping have on your annual budget for other family goals? What can you do to resist the consumerism that surrounds you? The answers to these questions are different for every person.

Wow! Look at the vocabulary you used in that question: frenzy, stress, losing, demands and expectations. Although none of these words suggest a happy holiday, you understand the most important concept, that YOU can stop the impending overwhelm.

You can have leisure and calm all year long if you’re willing to pause long enough to sort out your priorities, make conscious decisions and manage your expectations.

Most of us have already turned our lives into a never-ending to-do list, no matter the season. We use scrap paper lists, clever paper templates or electronic apps

At its heart, taking this approach is a spiritual exercise, nicely suited to the November through January season. ✽

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

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happy home

g i g g l e s ta m p

Turkey Décor

for Your Home Turkey is of course the quintessential mascot of Thanksgiving. It provides for a tasty meal, but it is also ever present in home and table décor for the fall season. Whether they’re hanging on a door welcoming friends in or sitting ready to serve at the next feast, these friendly birds are all the rage this fall!

Thanksgiving Melamine Personalized Plate Purpleberrygifts.etsy.com $22

Heritage Turkey Salad Plate Pottery Barn $12.50

Autumn Oak Turkey Serving Platter Pier One/Pier1.com $34.95

perfect for Gold Turkey Figurine mantles!

Target $12.99

Wood Turkey Monogram Slinkslinks.Etsy.com $20

Celebrate Fall Together Turkey Pillow Kohls $35.99

Images provided by manufacturer/photographed by Giggle Magazine.

Turkey Salt and Pepper Shakers Kirklands.com, Online Only! $7.99

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Traditional Fall Wreath Magnolia leaves Nandina leaves Japanese maple leaves Crepe myrtle seedpods

naturally beautiful The end of summer and beginning of fall is the perfect time to hunt for interesting and unique wreath components. Gorgeous natural pieces can be found in your yard, in the woods or anywhere around you! written and styled by Paige Benton McKee | photos by langley KATE PHOTOGRAPHY

Materials • Wreath base • Floral wire (to securely attach all pieces to the wreath) • Clippers • Plant material ideas: dried blooms, berries, seedpods, foliage (dried or live), sticks, moss, grasses, weeds, wildflowers, etc.

Paige says: "Purple is a favorite fall color for me. It's a refreshing contrast to the commercialized orange that surrounds us all season."

The beginning of fall is the time of year to deadhead all of your spent summer blooms. But before you take them to the curb, give them a second look — they could be perfect in a wreath! All varieties of hydrangeas are wonderful options, as are spent agapanthus blooms, seeding plants and dried foliage.

"Hydrangea blooms aren't just for summer," said Paige. "I love the dusty and muted shades that they acquire this time of year. Pair them with fall elements such as leaves, seed stalks and a rustic wreath, and they'll transition right into fall."

Fall in Florida Wreath (above) Palmetto leaves Bamboo leaves Pinecone lilies Foxtail fern Wandering Jew Air plants

Hydrangea Wreath (right) Dried hydrangea blooms Sycamore tree leaves Vitex dried blooms/seeds

Your wreath can be as intricate or simple as you like. Once you've collected your materials, let your imagination go wild! Use floral tape to securely fasten all pieces to your wreath base and don't be afraid to cut live greenery and let it dry on your wreath.

Wildflower Wreath I found all of these wildflowers along a lakeshore. I always have a pair of clippers in my car and love to have them at the ready when I come across something to clip — whether it's gorgeous blooms at their peak, pretty foliage or dried seed pods. Sometimes weeds can make the unexpected finishing touch.

Paige says:

"The air plants were the only plants that I purchased to make these wreaths. However, they are native in Florida, and some may be lucky enough to have them growing on trees in their yards. They need watering once or twice a week." âœ˝

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learn

A Lesson

Tackled

BY JESSICA KERR | photo by linley paske photography

Bo Paske with mom, Leah at Montford Middle School

It started out innocently enough.

A group of Florida State football players, including junior standout wide receiver Travis Rudolph, visiting local schools. A boy, Bo Paske, eating alone in the lunchroom. And a deputy who happened to snap a quick photograph. The rest altered the structure of my parenting forever.

When I consider the characteristics I pray my children possess as adults, words like successful, kind, strong and empathetic come to mind. It is impossible to count the number of times I have uttered, "that is not the kind of young man/lady we are raising

The Photo Seen Round the World: This photo of Travis

Rudolph and Bo Paske was snapped by Michael Halligan, a deputy at Montford Middle School.

Paske's mother, Leah, shared the photo in a Facebook post that has been shared by more than 8,000 people.

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in this house! In this house, we..." fill in the blank with a narrative of phrases such as "respect one another," "use kind words," "do not leave each other out" and "do not smack each other in the face with my good Tupperware," etc. when my children have acted out. You know, normal stuff. Because let's be honest, mothers do not take well to their children actin' like a fool. I hold my children to a very high standard of knowing what is right and wrong in our home. And then, semi-confidently, I send them off into “The World,” which in their case is school.

And what do I tell them as they are pouring out of my SUV in the drop-off line (other than “tuck and roll” on occasion as the bell is ringing)? I tell them have a great day. Do your best. Wipe the doughnut crumbs off of your mouth. I love you.

As parents, we internalize our children's emotions sometimes more than they may feel them. When they are hurt, especially emotionally, it can feel like a nostalgic fist to the gut. A feeling of knowing the pain that we felt as children in similar situations (I'm talking to you, girl who made a public mockery of me for wearing the same dress two days in a row in sixth grade. That dress was insanely awesome and deserved a two-day repeat), combined with an intense feeling of helplessness for not being able to shield them from the pain.

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | OCT/NOV 2016

When I read Bo’s mother, Leah Paske's eloquently written (and now very viral) Facebook post, a panic came over me and a sickening wave of perceived parental failure washed through my heart. After reading her words, I broke into the ugly cry. And then staring at the photo, my eye was drawn to the group of students at the table beyond the focus. The table where impressionable boys and girls sat — where my children would have likely been sitting. And my heart sank.

I knew in that moment that I had never addressed this real-life situation. Yes, I teach kindness and inclusion and acceptance. But I had never had the hard conversation with my kids about choosing to do the right thing, even when the right thing may not flow with the masses. When Travis Rudolph sat down to share lunch with the isolated young boy, he did so because he knew it was the right thing to do. And if I were a betting woman, I would bet that it was taught to him, repeatedly. It was expected behavior by his mama, who raised him right.

I will continue to raise my children with the same keywords that have always come to mind — successful, kind, strong and empathetic. Only now? Now, I will strive to raise my children with the successful determination and empathetic heart of Travis Rudolph mixed and the innate kindness and strong heart of Bo Paske. And I will do so with intent. ✽

learn

sive? r u c t u o b a Curious

The Write Stuff: How to Encourage Good Handwriting

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Learning how to write is a struggle, for both the kids and the parents! Kids have to learn to hold a pencil with “pinchy fingers,” keep their hands and shoulders steady and leave spaces between words. Parents have to learn how to have patience with beginning writers, avoid placing pressure on or rushing their children, and help them develop their skills.

One common program that simplifies the learning process is the “Handwriting Without Tears” program. “There are only four strokes the kids have to learn: big line, little line, big curve and little curve,” said preschool teacher Brittany Clark, who has been teaching for five years. “Every letter, number and shape has a combination of those four. It makes it fun, kind of like a puzzle.”

Developing hand strength is also important. Having children manipulate Play-Doh, pick up grains of rice or alphabet macaroni and practice simple finger exercises will help them develop fine motor skills.

Children who are a little older may have some difficulty keeping their sentences in a straight line. I’ve seen many kids use a

chalkboard to write, and the sentence either goes uphill or downhill! Use lined paper to help guide their hands. Remind children that capital letters should stretch from the top line to the bottom line, and lowercase letters should be half the size of uppercase. To separate words in a sentence, have your child place his index finger between words.

Cursive writing was not included in Common Core and has therefore rarely been seen in public schools over the past few years. Jessica Titze, Elementary ELA Curriculum Coordinator, said that Leon County Schools implements the Florida Language Arts Standards, which became effective in 2014. The new standards include “demonstrate beginning cursive skills.”

Encourage your children to practice cursive writing beyond their lessons — they will appreciate the ability to read grandma’s handwritten notes when they are older!

➜ Practicing at Home

Have your child write a letter to a friend, a grandparent or even Santa Claus. Talk to your child about what she wants to be when she grows up and then discuss how good handwriting is important in that profession. Games, such as tic-tac-toe or hangman, can also help improve writing skills, and it won’t feel so much like homework if you make it fun!

Some kids may need some extra help, and you can consult with your child’s teacher to see if they recommend occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can evaluate a child’s muscle strength, endurance, coordination and muscle control. They can help your child develop proper posture for handwriting, such as the proper use of the arms, hands, head and eyes. They can also develop handwriting curriculum and suggest effective strategies to you and your child’s teacher. ✽

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14

OF THE BEST FLORIDA MUSEUMS

BY NICOLE GERMANY

While most tourists come to the Sunshine State to get away from the snow and indulge in the beautiful sandy beaches, there’s actually more to Florida than just our infinite sunny days. With endless history, some of the best-kept secrets are the spots that many seem to skip over altogether.

So next time the clouds open up and the rain starts falling, escape the present and enjoy the past with some of these must-see museums around Florida.

#3 SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM

#1 LIGHTNER MUSEUM

St. Augustine In 1947, Otto Lightner purchased what used to be the Alcazar Hotel and transformed it into a living, breathing space for his eclectic and diverse collection of artwork, antiques and collections that once belonged to millionaires. Lightner makes it fun to get the kids involved and offers a scavenger hunt that gets them up close and personal with everything from shrunken heads to human hair art.

Lightnermuseum.org Adults $10, Children (12-18) $5, Under 12 Free

#2 MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Jacksonville The Museum of Science & History, otherwise known as MOSH, aims to bring the community an atmosphere where learning is fun. With everything from a planetarium to an exhibit on the science of energy, MOSH sheds light on an innovative way to understand the unknown for all ages.

Themosh.org Adult $12.50, Children $10, 2 and under Free

West Palm Beach The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium provides visitors with an engaging experience thanks to its approach of making science education so hands on. Exhibits such as Nano give visitors the opportunity to build models while the Aquariums of the Atlantic offer daily touch tank demonstrations and live feedings.

Sfsciencecenter.org Adults $15, Children (3-12) $11

#4 FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Gainesville As Florida’s official state natural history museum, the Florida Museum of Natural History is constantly expanding with one-of-a-kind exhibits not seen anywhere else. While there you can choose to get up close and personal at a butterfly release in the Butterfly Rainforest, encourage your child’s curiosity inside the discovery room or come face to face with shark jaws ranging in height from 2–9 feet.

Flmnh.ufl.edu General Admission: Free; Butterfly Rainforest: Adults $13, Children (3-17) $6

#5 MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY & SCIENCE

Fort Lauderdale Ever find yourself wanting to hang out with bats, pet iguanas or take a simulated trip to Mars? The Museum of Discovery & Science gives you the opportunity to do all of these in the same day with exhibits to satisfy the whole family.

Mods.org Adults $15, Children (2-12) $13.00

#6 JOHN & MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART Sarasota Situated in Sarasota, The Ringling combines unique performances, special events and artistic exhibitions to give insight into John and Mable Ringling’s quest to find European art and spectacular circus acts. Exhibits include paintings, acrobatic acts, sculptures and decorative arts from around the world.

The Ringling also offers art making classes and story time just for the little ones!

Ringling.org Adults $25, Children (6-17) $5, 5 and under Free

#7 MORIKAMI MUSEUM &

Photos courtesy of individual museums.

JAPANESE GARDENS

Delray Beach With 16 acres of picnic areas, strolling paths and serene surroundings, the Morikami Museum is one of Palm Beach County’s most treasured cultural attractions because of its ability to intertwine a beautiful connection between Japan and South Florida. Morikami also offers month-by-month programs that encourage the whole family to enjoy Japanese culture.

Morikami.org Adults $15, Children (6-17) $9, 5 and under Free

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{

THIS YEAR, GIGGLE MAGAZINE IS HOSTING ITS VERY FIRST

}

Grand Toy Giveaway!

SPONSORED PROUDLY BY: CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION

How: Like our Facebook Page @gigglemagazinetallahassee When: Dec. 1 — Dec. 10, 2016

We will be posting toys that we are giving away on our page. Follow the directions on the page to enter the drawing.

Why: Because who doesn’t like a holiday giveaway!

For a complete list of toys, don’t forget to pick up your copy of the December/January issue!

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gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | OCT/NOV 2016

#8 DON GARLITS MUSEUM OF DRAG RACING

Ocala Have a little one (or maybe even a hubby) who loves fast and shiny things? With over 300 cars, the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing houses one of the largest collections of Fords in the state. The museum opened in 1984 and since has become home to the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

Garlits.com Adults $25, Teenagers (Ages 13-18) $15, Children (Ages 5-12) $10

#9 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

North Miami The Museum of Contemporary Art looks to combine a mixture of programs such as live jazz concerts, creative classes for teens and children, and lectures to ensure that the community always has access to the best of contemporary art and its historical influences. Artists such as Gianni Versace, Pablo Cano and Salvador Dali have all had work displayed at the museum, as well as local emerging artists looking to get their foot in the door.

Mocanomi.org Adults $5, Children under 12 Free

#11 SKELETONS: ANIMALS UNVEILED!

Orlando As one of the only two skeleton museums in America, Skeletons: Animals Unveiled! features over 40 exhibits and more than 500 real animal skeletons. With everything from an African Safari exhibit that features massive elephant and giraffe skeletons, to the creepy flesh-eating beetles that help clean the bones, this place will keep the kiddos exploring all day.

Skeletonmuseum.com Adults $19.99, Children (3-11) $12.99, 2 and under Free

#12 TALLAHASSEE MUSEUM

Tallahassee Established in 1957, the Tallahassee Museum intertwines North Florida’s history, nature and wildlife through exhibits, special events and more. The Tallahassee Museum offers about 30 permanent exhibits and a wide range of opportunities to see native animals, such as the Florida panther or the red wolf, in their natural settings. The museum also offers zip-lining courses designed for the whole family.

Tallahasseemuseum.org Adults $10.50, Children (4-15) $7.50, 3 and under Free

#13 FANTASY OF FLIGHT

Photos courtesy of individual museums.

#10 SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM

St. Petersburg Founded with the works collected by Reynolds and Eleanor Morse, the Dali Museum brings together a collection of over 2,100 breathtaking pieces that include 96 oil paintings, original drawings, photos and of course that famous portrait of Abraham Lincoln that makes you look twice. The Dali’s calendar of events showcases daily story times and creative activities to engage and educate children while at the museum.

Thedali.org Adults $24, Students (13-17) $17, Children (6-12) $10, 5 and younger Free

Polk City Take a stroll through one of the world’s largest private collections of vintage aircrafts and go back to the days of Orville and Wilbur Wright.

The magnificent thing about these planes is that they don’t collect dust, but instead catch air because they are flown daily. You can even snag a seat on a real biplane for a scenic tour over Central Florida for a cost of $70.

Fantasyofflight.com Adults $12, Children (6-12) $8

#14 KEY WEST SHIPWRECK MUSEUM

Key West Set sail into 1856 and experience Key West during the time of some of the most dangerous wrecks and recoveries to date. Kids of all ages will enjoy the costume-clad actors, films and artifacts that tell the story of a time when “wreck ashore!” was yelled every time a new wreck was spotted.

Keywestshipwreck.com Adults $15.04, Children $8.59, 3 and under Free ✽ gigglemagAZINETALLAHASSEE.com | OCT/NOV 2016

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conception2college™  expecting

Stay Informed About Zika

 infant | 0-1

Dapper in Diapers: The Evolving Cloth Diaper

 toddler | 2-3

18 of Our Favorite Toddler Books!

 early years | 4-5 How Mobile Devices Affect Movement Milestones

 kids | 6-9

Do That For Yourself: The Top 10 Before 10

 tweens | 10-13

Party On! Birthday Celebration Ideas for Tweens

 Teens | 14-18

Photo by Ashley Daniell Photography.

Volunteering Past Elementary School: How to Stay Involved in Your Child’s Academic Career

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c2c

expecting

pregnancy

Stay Informed About Zika

BY RIZWANA FAREEDUDDIN, MD, FACOG

What is Zika and where did it come from?

Zika (“zee-ka”) is a virus carried by the mosquito species Aedes aegypti. It was first found in Uganda in 1947 and has spread rapidly in the past decade. An outbreak in South America in 2015 found an association with a severe birth defect, calling international attention to the virus.

How do you get ZIka?

The Zika virus is transmitted through a mosquito bite. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected individual.

You are at risk if you travel to areas such as South America, Puerto Rico or the Caribbean.

How do you treat Zika?

There is no treatment or vaccine.

What are the signs of infection?

Rash, mild fever and conjunctivitis (red eyes) can last seven to 10 days.

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© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

➜ Dr. Fareeduddin is a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist in Gainesville, Florida. Follow her on Twitter at @rizwanafl

If I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant, why should I avoid Zika?

Zika is associated with microcephaly, a severe birth defect with long-term health and intellectual disabilities. Microcephaly is a very small head measurement and associated with an abnormally developed brain. It can occur if a pregnant woman gets infected during the pregnancy.

If I am pregnant how do I know if I have Zika?

If you are pregnant, have symptoms, have traveled to any known affected areas or have had sex with someone who has recently traveled there, tell your OB-GYN. You will be referred to a Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk OB) specialist for a detailed ultrasound. Blood testing will be performed through your local Health Department. Tests through other labs should eventually increase access to testing.

What is the chance my baby develops a birth defect if I am infected with Zika while pregnant?

If you get infected with Zika while you are pregnant, the risk of microcephaly ranges from 0.95–13.2 percent. This may change as we learn more about the affected babies.

What are my chances of getting infected where I live?

As of August 2016, there have been five confirmed cases of Zika infection in Alachua County, one in Marion County and two cases in Leon County.

0.9513.2%

All of these cases are travel-related and were not acquired locally. It is unlikely you will get infected unless you travel to affected areas.

If I am a man or non-pregnant female, why should I care about Zika?

Zika can be sexually transmitted. Many pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned and avoiding infection is crucial. It also affects timing of pregnancy. Women with Zika should wait eight weeks after symptoms start before trying to conceive. Men infected with Zika should wait at least six months after symptoms. Women and men who have traveled to affected areas should wait at least eight weeks before trying to get pregnant.

For latest information and list of affected areas visit Cdc.gov/zika or the Florida Department of Health Zika information hotline at 1-855-622-6735.

How do I avoid getting Zika?

Avoid mosquitos! Use EPA-registered insect repellents that contain one of these active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus (para-menthane-3,8diol). Always use as directed — they may safely be used during pregnancy.

Remove standing water, check window screens for tears and wear long-sleeve clothing and pants. If you are pregnant and your male partner has traveled to an affected area, condoms are recommended.

The CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant avoid travel to Zika affected areas. In Florida, avoid travel to Miami Beach or the Wynwood area of Miami. ✽

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c2c

ages 0-1

infant

Dapper In Diapers: The Evolving Cloth Diaper

BY NICOLE GERMANY

These days babies’ bottoms are getting an upgrade thanks to cloth diapers, and people are starting to take notice. With the increase in popularity, a debate has sparked comparing cloth diapers to disposable. The big question is, which is the better pick? For starters, always stick to what works best for you and your baby, but if you’re looking to take the plunge and try something new, cloth diapers could be your new best friends!

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Experimenting with cloth diapers starts first with understanding the basics. Test out a few options before spending a fortune on something that doesn’t end up working. When it comes to cloth diapers, there are a few different kinds: prefold,

pocket, fitted and all-in-one. Each is slightly different in terms of the benefits it offers.

•

Prefold - If you’re on a budget, these flat, rectangular cloth diapers just require you to fold, shape and add a cover over top.

•

Fitted - These diapers consist of multiple absorbent layers and fasten on with hook and loop closures.

•

Pocket - Made up of a waterproof cover, this option allows you to insert an absorbent pad or prefold into the pocket.

•

All-in-one - Consisting of a set of absorbent layers, the all-inone diaper makes quick changes more convenient and is great for overnight use.

Other factors to remember are how many diapers you’ll need to invest in and how often you’ll want to do laundry. Heather Montes, mother of three, suggested buying about a dozen diapers per size.

“I do a few loads of laundry every day with Arm & Hammer Wash or Borax and air dry the covers and throw the inserts in the dryer with no fabric softener.”

Also consider a mix of disposables and cloth when traveling, but make sure to always pack enough! Kathy Anderson took a week vacation and only packed cloth. “I brought enough to last the whole trip and did a wash before my return home. They aren't easy to pack so using space saver bags in my luggage was a lifesaver!

Companies also sell wet bags that hold dirty diapers between washes, which contain the stink.”

Anderson admitted it gets tricky, stinky and yucky at times, but it's important to her to use cloth because her mother did it for all 11 of her children! ✽

Washing process Depending on your preference for storing dirty cloth diapers, some moms start with soaking the cloth in a wet pail before throwing it in the washer, however that is not always necessary. To start a load of diapers, follow these steps:

1. Remove inserts from pocket diapers

2. Start a cold rinse with no

detergent 3. Run a load with a quarter cup of detergent

4. End with another cold rinse

» Fast facts •

A typical family can spend between $2,000 and $3,000 per baby for two years on disposable diapers, while cloth diapers and accessories run about $800 to $1,000 if you wash them yourself.

•

Each year, enough disposable diapers are thrown away to circle the globe 90 times.

•

Families switch to cloth diapers for a variety of reasons including the desire to become more eco-friendly, the savings from switching and the overall comfort cloth diapers bring for some babies.

•

Cotton Booty is a monthly cloth diaper mystery box subscription service that sends you a name brand cloth diaper each month.

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toddler

ages 2-3

18 of Our Favorite Toddler Books!

BY Nicole Irving & Nicole Germany

1 "What Do People Do All Day?" teaches

10 "The Little Engine That Could" is a tale

BY: RICHARD SCARRY

BY: WATTY PIPER

2 "Press Here" is an interactive adventure that gives kids the opportunity to press, shake and tilt their way through the pages of the book.

11 "The Rainbow Fish" colorfully shines as he

BY: HERVE TULLET

BY: MARCUS PFISTER

3 "Llama Llama Mad at Mama" takes a task like shopping and helps make it fun for llama and mama. BY: ANNA DEWDNEY

12 "The Gruffalo" is a heartwarming story about a mouse that always expects the worse from his predators, but ultimately gets the best from them. BY: JULIA DONALDSON

kiddos that everyone has their own role whether it be a firefighter, mailman or just a mommy.

4 "Green Eggs and Ham" introduces Sam-IAm and explores the age-old story of trying something before refusing it. BY: DR. SEUSS 5 "The Story of Ferdinand" tells a tale of a bull who would rather enjoy the smaller things in life than be forced to fight in bullfights.

of one little engine that surprises everyone by completing a task no one thought was possible.

learns to make friends by sharing a little piece of him with everyone he meets.

13 "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" hilariously shows that even once you get a mouse a cookie he will still need milk and a place to stay and so on. BY: LAURA JOFFE NUMEROFF 14 "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed"

BY: MUNRO LEAF

brings together five little monkeys that disobey mama and one by one fall off the bed.

6 "A Pocket for Corduroy" takes a lost bear

BY: EILEEN CHRISTELOW

named Corduroy and follows him as he searches high and low for material to make a pocket of his own. BY: DON FREEMAN

7 "Pat the Bunny" is a classic “touch and feel” book that lets children touch things like “daddy’s scratchy face” and the fur of a fake bunny. BY: DOROTHY KUNHARDT 8 "Guess How Much I Love You" lovingly

shows how much Little Nutbrown Hare loves his daddy and how far Big Nutbrown Hare's love for his son extends.

BY: SAM MCBRATNEY

9 "Madeline" shows how one redheaded girl lives life in an orphanage and finds adventure in everything she does.

BY: LUDWIG BEMELMANS

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Your 2—3-year-old will now begin to show interest in story lines and characters, rather than just drooling and eating their board books. Reading at this age is more of a bonding experience for you and your little one rather than a lesson in phonics and grammar, so have fun with it and choose titles and books that they can relate to and that also unleash their imagination. This is an important stepping stone toward a love of reading!

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | OCT/NOV 2016

15 "Make Way for Ducklings" follows Mr. and Mrs. Mallard as they scope out just the right location for their little ducklings to call home. BY: ROBERT MCCLOSKEY 16 "No, David!" lets it be known that even after all the bad things kiddos might get into, parents will still love you even if you misbehave.

BY: DAVID SHANNON

17 "Olivia" the piglet loves adventures so much that it tires her family out. She’s the perfect character to keep kids excited to try new things. BY: IAN FALCONER 18 "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" introduces the alphabet to children in a unique and colorful way. BY: BILL MARTIN JR.

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ages 4 - 5

early years

How Mobile Devices Affect Movement Milestones

by NICOLE IRVING

Movement milestones of a 4—5-year-old that CAN’T be achieved while sitting using a device

1

Standing on one foot for 10 seconds or longer

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Climbing (safely)

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Beginning stages of skipping

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Your child’s movement milestones are building blocks to his success — one can’t work without the other. These milestones that your 4—5-year-old should hit are extremely important for his development, both physically and mentally.

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Hopping

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From October to November 2015, The American Academy of Pediatrics conducted a study on children and exposure to mobile media. The results were astounding. Out of the 350 children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years old that were surveyed, 75 percent of 4 year olds owned their own cellphone.

Beginning to master somersaults

When children are sitting and playing on a device, they are not moving their bodies. Period. As adults, we know how dangerous it can be to walk and text. Many adults have gotten hurt this way (can you say manholes?). With this being said, extended exposure to mobile media can have a negative effect on a child hitting his movement milestones, not to mention the other side effects it Out of the 350 children can cause. Certain milestones at this age are keys to future ones, and it is important to make sure your between the ages of 6 child is hitting them.

Dressing and undressing on their own

months and 4 years old that were surveyed, 75 percent of 4 year olds owned their own cellphone.

So, if you see that your preschooler has gotten into the rut of playing on his or your device more than you would like, take a step back and reevaluate when and how much time he uses it. We’ve all handed our kids the phone to keep quiet in a restaurant, but with a bit of discipline on both sides, hitting these milestones will be easy peasy! ✽

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Holding a fork and spoon, and showing signs of using a childappropriate knife. At age 5, children can begin to spread butter or jam with a knife.

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Catching a bounced ball the majority of the time

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kids

ages 6-9

Do That For Yourself: The Top 10 Before 10

BY APRIL TISHER

Being a 10-year-old today is very different than it was when I was 10, but it is still important to teach children things that give them a sense of autonomy and maturity. After talking to some experts, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things to teach your children before they turn 10.

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How to save money. This is a big one for my husband. He has always made our children put a portion of their money (birthday, allowance, etc.) in savings and keep a portion to spend and/or donate.

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How to comparison shop. This one is a big one for me. I love a deal and it physically pains me to see someone pay more for something than they have to. Show children how prices vary from one place to the next, whether you’re online shopping or looking at sales fliers.

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How to write a letter. Writing a letter is almost a lost art. I was grateful when my child’s teacher had the class practice addressing and stamping envelopes in third grade. I am a one of the holdouts, and I make my children write handwritten thank you notes to friends and family after receiving gifts.

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How to manage school responsibilities.

Children turn 10 late in their elementary school years; this means that the things they learn now prepare them for middle school. Dr. Jill Geltner, professional school counselor, sees the importance of children learning to navigate their own educational needs. They should be taught before sixth grade the organizational skills needed to keep an agenda, keep up with homework and school assignments, and how to plan ahead for tests and projects. Every child is different and requires varying levels of parental support, but the burden should start to shift in favor of the student as they move toward middle school.

How to manage their own stuff. This stuff can refer to their gym clothes, backpacks or lunchboxes. Mom of two Amy Hogue said she decided that she was no longer going to “rescue her children.”

If they forget their lunch box, they will learn their lesson the hard way. Leave their schoolwork on the table; they will suffer the natural consequences from their teachers. Hogue said past generations didn’t have parents running to the school to bring forgotten items, so they learned quickly how to be responsible!

Father of three boys and baseball coach Kevin Clarke subscribes to this same mantra with sports equipment. He stresses to his players that they “carry their own bag!” He doesn’t want to see his players’ parents schlepping bat bags to and from the fields. They are also told to “put their eyes on” their equipment and uniforms before they leave the house to ensure that everything is there; he doesn’t buy the “my mom forgot to wash my uniform” excuse.

How to perform basic personal hygiene. Dr. Elizabeth Kowalski, mom of three, said by 10 she expects her children to keep themselves clean, shower, brush their own teeth, dress and be ready for whatever they are doing next, without being reminded to do so.

How to prepare a simple meal for themselves. Dr. Kowlaski also feels it’s an important life skill for her son to be able to make himself something to eat on his own. Not necessarily to be able to cook, but fix something to eat for breakfast, lunch or snack. They can also assist adults with making larger or more complicated family meals.

How to do simple household chores. This was something that Dr. Geltner and Dr. Kowalski both felt strongly about. By 10, children should be able to take out the trash, put away clothes or empty the dishwasher. Dr. Geltner recognized that some children might prefer to work outdoors helping with yard duties or walking the family dog. Overall, the point is for children to feel a sense of duty and importance to the family group.

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How to navigate. We all have devices that use GPS these days, but you still need to teach basic navigating skills. Sometimes (gasp) you don’t have a signal or Siri takes you totally out of the way to get to an address. Your child should know how to look at a simple map and know which way is east or west. Theme park maps and geocaching are good ways to teach this skill.

How to relax. At the end of the day, Dr. Geltner emphasized the importance of teaching children how to have down time. We no longer put them down for naps, but balancing life with relaxation time with friends and leisure activities are part of what makes a productive and content child. ✽

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tweens

ages 1 0 - 1 3

Party On! Birthday Celebration Ideas for Tweens by nicole irving

Mall Scavenger Hunt This is a great party idea for young ladies. What tween girl doesn’t love a good mall trip? › What you will need • Small cash envelopes for each girl.

Consider this their party favor.

• Cellphones, one per group.

• A scavenger list of each store, item or landmark they need to visit. › How to: Create a scavenger hunt of items/ places/landmarks that the girls have to locate/find in the mall.

Break them up into groups at the mall. The first group to text all the photos of the items on the scavenger hunt, wins! Have them take photos/selfies of themselves with the items, and have them text it to you. Give them a set timeframe to get all the photos sent by.

After the scavenger hunt is complete, host a dinner party in the food court and then allow for some shopping time!

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It is wonderful that so many tweens these days are attuned to the needs of charities in their community. A wonderful way for your kiddo to celebrate another year of life is for him to give back to a charity of his choice. › How: If, for instance, your tween is especially moved by animal rights, why not host a birthday party for all his friends and have them bring their animals, if possible, to a big park or your backyard?

Here, you can host Frisbee contests, sit and stay contests and even have the kids make their own dog or bird treats.

In lieu of gifts, this is the perfect opportunity to collect canned food, leashes, dog beds and kitty litter to donate to a charity. If you aren’t sure what to get, just visit any charity website or call and ask what they need at this time.

For party favors, donate an item in each guest’s name to a local pet shelter!

Visit each store on your scavenger hunt first to give them the heads up that a party is coming through.

gigglemagazinetallahassee.com | OCT/NOV 2016

In the Kitchen!

If you have a budding Food Network’s Chopped Junior winner, a cooking party is just what the chef ordered! › How: Invite a local chef for a cooking lesson — something you know the kids will enjoy or the birthday kiddo’s favorite food.

Pizza, ziti and brownies are always winners.

Have them cook and eat the food together.

Don’t forget to sing!

› Added bonus: Have aprons and chef hats for each guest!

Take Polaroids of each guest with the birthday chef and add the photos to mini scrapbooks with recipe cards of what they made. They can now start their own cookbooks. ✽

For favors, have wooden spoons and spice jars filled with M&M’s. © 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

› Rules • Nothing leaves the store.

• Be nice and respectful to store employees and property.

• Stay with your buddy!

• Have fun!

Honoring A Charity

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ages 1 4 - 1 8

teens

Volunteering Past Elementary School: How to Stay Involved in Your Child’s Academic Career BY nicole irving

Your child enters kindergarten, and your eyes light up the moment you see the parent sign-up sheet. Your dreams have come true. Countless hours of cutting, pasting, reading, cooking, baking and field trips are just a signature away. The angels sing, hymns play and your calendar begins to overflow with dates of lunchroom volunteering and organizing box tops.

Fast-forward eight years.

Your child walks into the first day of high school, alone. You’re pretty sure there are no field trips that you could sign up for, and box top cutting is a thing of the past.

Cupcakes for birthdays garner an “Are you kidding me MOM?!” and any attempt to volunteer in the actual classroom is shut down by words like “exam,” “studying” and “thank you, but no thank you.”

As the kiddos get older, their workload gets greater and their social lives at school become more important. Having a parent around isn’t always ideal. So, the question stands, how do you keep a pulse on your children’s academic environment once they start high school? The following are some fun ways keep involved and informed without embarrassing your kid in front of his peers.

© 2016 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

PTA/PTO This is a great way to get involved and support the school. There are so many ways to be a part of it and on so many different levels.

Sporting events Friday night football is a classic family fun activity. Who doesn’t love supporting the home team? Many team parents have an opportunity to help sell tickets, as well as man concession stand sales and T-shirt sales. Away games might need

chaperones. Always contact the coaches/ schools for the correct protocol.

Dances Between homecoming and prom, there may be opportunities to chaperone or help plan school dances. Just make sure your kiddo knows you will be there. Surprises aren’t ideal at this age.

College tours Many high schools venture out on college tours. This might be a great opportunity for you to chaperone and go along for the ride. You can bear witness to the way your own child reacts to different schools in different areas. Plus, it is a great way to collect lots of materials and knowledge that might not make it back home otherwise!

Host pre-game/post-game pep rallies. If you are able, this is a great way to stay connected to your student athlete, his teammates and their parents.

Host a post-game party at your pool or a pre-game carb party for the runners! The kids will surely appreciate it, and this is a great way to talk to other parents/coaches.

Business partnership If you work for a business or own a company that could be helpful to the school, look into becoming a partner. This will allow some inner circle time with the school/kids and let you keep a hand in the game. ✽

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happy community October 1

Art and Garden Fall Family Festival 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

UF IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center Quincy, FL Nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu

October 6

o c t o b e r / n o v e m b e r c a l e nd a r

October 21

October 23

October 21–22

October 31 Halloween

18th Annual Stone Crab Fest Benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Tallahassee 6:30 – 10 p.m.

Eagle Hill at WC Dover Farm, Midway, FL Rmhctallahassee.org

Mommy and Me Class (ages 2–3) 11:15 a.m.

Holy Comforter Episcopal School Holy-comforter.org

Tallahassee Greek Festival 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church Hmog.org

October 6

October 21–22

LeMoyne Art and Soul Celebration 6 – 9 p.m.

Goodwood Museum and Gardens Lemoyne.org

October 8 Sunrise Paddle on Lake Hall 7 – 9 a.m.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Floridastateparks.org

October 8-31 (daily) Scarecrows in the Gardens Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Floridastateparks.org

October 14

Wish Upon A Star Benefiting the Children's Home Society 6 – 10 p.m.

The Carriage House in Goodwood Museum & Gardens Chsfl.org

Fifth Annual French Country Flea Market Oct. 21: Noon – 6 p.m.

Oct. 22: 9 a.m. – 4p.m.

6007 Veterans Memorial Drive Tallahassee, FL 32309 Frenchcountryfleamarket.com

October 21–22

Halloween Howl at the Tallahassee Museum 6 – 10 p.m.

Tallahassee Museum Tallahasseemuseum.org

October 22–23

Ghost Walking Tours in Downtown Tallahassee Tours depart on the half hour, starting at 6:30 p.m. with the last tour departing at 9:30 p.m.

Andrew’s Capital Grill & Bar Toursintallahassee.com

Leon County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Registration: 1 p.m.

Walk: 3 – 5 p.m.

Cascade Park Makingstrides.acsevents.org

November 3 Mommy and Me Class (ages 2–3) 11:15 a.m.

Holy Comforter Episcopal School Holy-comforter.org

November 3–13 75th Annual North Florida Fair 441 E Paul Russell Rd Tallahassee, FL 32301 Northfloridafair.com

November 11 Veterans Day

(Leon County Schools Closed)

November 11–20 Shrek The Musical Young Actors Theatre Youngactorstheatre.com

November 23–25 Leon County Schools Closed

November 24 Thanksgiving

October 16

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Moon over Maclay Jazz Concert 6 – 9 p.m.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Friendsofmaclaygardens.org

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happy community

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