Emerald Coast Parent Magazine November+December 2015

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November+December 2015

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contents

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FAMILY BUILDERS

7

25

to Beat the Back-to-School 9 How Clutter:

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

Helping Your Forgetful Child Remember: Helpful suggestions

on how to teach your child valuable remembering and organizational skills What to do when your best intentions get buried under kids’ backpacks, homework assignments and letters from administrators

10

Ten Tips for a Debt-Free Holiday:

Advice on how to protect your family’s budget from over-spending this year

17

Gifts Money Can’t Buy: Providing

children with more than just their material wish list

42

Teen Talk: Helpful Advice from

One Teen to Another

Spark up some lively conversation with your kids. Take the FamilyChatter Challenge.

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Family Chatter..................................................................... 26 That’s Good to Know!....................................................... 28 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care........ 29-30 Teach Your Kids Something New..................................32 Snacks—Recipes for tasty get-togethers................. 37 Crafts—Get creative with your kids..............................41

19

Living life to its fullest begins with staying healthy, fit and safe.

The Differencse Between a Cold and the Flu.........21 How to Beat the Winter Blues.......................................22

Family FUN GUIDE

43

Get to know the people, places and things that make this coast special!

Seasonal Events..................................................................44 The Arts...................................................................................45 Sounds Fun........................................................................... 46 Runs, Walks & More.......................................................... 46 Recurring Local.................................................................... 47 Volunteer................................................................................. 47

26 FamilyChatter 11/1/15 3:11 PM

parent Emerald Coast It’s Your MagazineTM

Welcome to Emerald Coast Parent magazine. We like to consider this your magazine. We look forward to hearing from local readers like you on a regular basis. Let us know how we might be able to participate in the continued improvement of this beautiful area where we all live and work.

As busy parents ourselves, we place a high value on spending quality time with our children and are always looking for fun crafts, recipes, events and outing opportunities to add to our family calendars.

If you have fun, easy and cost-effective ideas that you'd like to share with our community of readers, please feel free to email them to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com. Your ideas might just end up being featured in an upcoming issue!

Here's a list of things we'd love to receive from you: • Personal stories and pictures of you and your family out and about, enjoying a favorite local attraction, restaurant or event • Recommendations and endorsements of local stores, services and restaurants • Ideas for fun crafts • Your family’s favorite recipes Let’s make this a great local magazine, together!

Thanks, The EC Parent Team

To advertise in Emerald Coast Parent, contact Nathan Wilson: nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 503-710-1720

Publisher Nathan Wilson Creative Director Rob Williams Snacks & Crafts Editor Tasha Williams Contributing Writer Myrna Beth Haskell Contributing Writer Heidi Smith Luedtke © 2015 It’s Your Magazine. All rights reserved.

Emerald Coast Parent content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. Emerald Coast Parent is not responsible for the loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned.

It’s Your Magazine and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors and publisher accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. It’s Your Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. It’s Your Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by the advertisers.

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HELPING YOUR

By Myrna Beth Haskell

FORGETFUL CHILD REMEMBER “Mom! I can’t find my . . . ” You fill in the blank. My daughter used to lose or forget something several times a day since she was able to pick things up and carry them off. It began when she was a toddler.

Toddlers are always leaving things in strange places, so I wasn’t worried at that point. When she first entered school, I assumed her forgetful tendencies were due to the fact that she was a kindergartner who was overwhelmed with new responsibilities. However, when she entered second grade, then third, I was still hearing the exasperated call, “Mom! I can’t find my . . . ” much more often than I cared to. I was beginning to envision more serious problems down the road—pleas to find her social studies report . . . her college applications . . . her engagement ring.

Continued on page 8 ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • Nov+Dec 2015 • 7

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Continued from page 7

Do you have a child who can’t hold on to her scarf, book bag, or take-home papers? Does she forget to bring half of her belongings to school? There are many ways that parents can help their children get a handle on forgetfulness.

The Parents’ Role Parents who consistently forget things are not setting the best example for their kids. On the other hand, parents who are obsessively organized (I fit into this category) and, therefore, always organize for their kids, are not doing them any favors either. Both parents and children can benefit from establishing consistent organization, planning and memory skills.

Gradually allow your children to take responsibility for their own remembering. In their book Good Behavior (St. Martin’s Paperbacks), Stephen W. Garber, Ph.D., Marianne D. Garber, Ph.D., and Robyn Spizman explain, “Parents usually remember everything for their youngsters before they reach seven. After that, they assume they can accept increasing responsibility.” However, parents should not assume that when their children reach the age of reasoning (age 7) they magically turn into organized, responsible human beings.

Children need guidance from their parents to adopt strategies that will help them remember. There are specific skills parents can teach their kids in order to encourage responsibility and ownership of possessions and schedules. These same skills can help parents with their own harried and sometimes chaotic schedules.

Organize to Remember Children who are organized don’t tend to misplace their belongings.

Purchase a calendar with columns for individual schedules or assign different colors for each family member. Have your child write their activities on the calendar. Children should also have a calendar in their bedroom. Use a variety of markers for different types of events (e.g., red for sporting events, green for major school projects). The key is to remember to check the calendar at the start of each day. Remind your children to check the calendar, just as you would remind them to brush their teeth, until it becomes part of the morning routine.

Robert Epstein, Ph.D., a well-known psychologist and author of several parenting books, including TEEN 2.0: Saving Our Children Continued on page 15

hould Parents s at when h t e m u s s not a reach the n e r d il h c their ning they o s a e r f o age turn into magically sponsible e r , d e iz n orga ings. human be

8 • Nov+Dec 2015 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Just when you thought you were doing so well . . . life gets crazy . . .

Rewind, Start Over

How to Beat Backto-School Clutter

By Heidi Smith Luedtke

In the back-to-school rush, parents’ best intentions may be buried under kids’ backpacks, homework assignments and letters from administrators. The best offense against back-to-school overwhelm is a strong zone defense at home. With this three-zone approach to organization, your family can keep everything under control this year.

Zone 1: The Launch Pad If your mornings often include a large-scale search for shoes or sports equipment, then you need a family staging spot. Former teacher turned professional organizer Debby Lea of White Rock, British Columbia, recommends designating a place near the door for hanging coats and backpacks. Install hooks on the wall and use bins or cubbies to corral kids’ shoes. Label hooks and bins to clarify whose items belong where.

Make the launch area part of your family routine. Encourage kids to hang their coats and backpacks as soon as they enter the house after school, and to leave their shoes in the entry area. Items may be taken out for sports’ practice or homework time, but they should be returned after each use.

Give kids responsibility for making sure they have what they need for school by adding a preflight check to their bedtime routine. Post a checklist of must-have items for each child to make it easy. Laminate the list so that your child can check off items with a dry erase pen.

“If you have very busy children, multiple checklists may save you a lot of headaches,” Lea says. Label them clearly with “What I need for school,” “What I need for piano,” and “What I need for soccer.”

Putting everything in the launch pad at bedtime ensures that your family can blast off fast after breakfast.

Zone 2: The Homework Station “Not all children enjoy working at a desk,” says New York area professional organizer Seana Turner. Work with your student to design Continued on page 14

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • Nov+Dec 2015 • 9

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By Heidi Smith Luedtke

Ten Tips for a Despite your best intentions, you’re likely to overspend (again) this holiday season. You probably know you should set a holiday budget, and you may have written expected costs next to each item on your shopping list. But even those who enter the season with a budget in mind rarely stick to it. The pressure to demonstrate love through gift-giving is real and intense. Marketing ploys and promotions only increase the pressure we already feel.

In most cases, overspending isn’t accidental, it’s more likely to be rationalized. Shoppers can talk themselves into blowing the budget

by convincing themselves they got a great deal or that the smile on the recipient’s face will be worth the extra expense. Although these may be true, they aren’t worth risking your financial future.

Spending Beliefs You know that money is no substitute for love, but you may feel you need to spend equal amounts on each recipient to avoid the impression of favoritism. Or you may feel pressured to spend a certain amount of money because of your gift-giving—and receiving—history, says certified public accountant and financial coach Kelley Long. “Don’t feel trapped because you were especially generous last year,” Long says. Start fresh, taking your current financial situation into account.

Continued on page 12

10 • Nov+Dec 2015 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Continued from page 10

Don’t give in to social pressure, either. Holiday spending gets out of control when you try to keep up with the Joneses or the kids’ expectations, says Katherine Liola, an Ameriprise financial advisor in Vienna, Virginia. If you worry the kids will feel left out because they receive less than their peers or don’t get the latest gadgets, you’re more likely to buy what you can’t afford. A 2009 survey conducted

by Capital One found that 55% of people did not discuss a holiday budget with their partner or spouse. Before you start shopping, have a family meeting. Everyone should know what to expect.

Don’t give in to social pressure.

Holiday spending gets out of control when you try to keep up with the Joneses or the kids’ expectations.

Debt-busting Behavior “Finances contribute significantly to holiday stress,” says consumer finance expert Kevin Gallegos of Freedom Debt Relief. “Take a step back, take a deep breath, and remember that it is insane to get caught up in the mad hype of consumerism.” If you want more joy and less stress this holiday season, safeguard your budget. Nothing you could buy feels as good as starting the New Year in the black.

Here’s how to do it.

Budget everything. Include decorations, cards and stamps, food for parties, holiday clothing and dry cleaning costs, babysitting, teachers’ gifts and year-end tips for service people. Gifts are only one line-item, and they may not be your biggest expense.

Shop sales. “But only for items you already planned to pur-

chase,” says Long. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it’s a good value and it definitely doesn’t mean you need it. Make only planned purchases.

Spend time. Parents make costly decisions when they’re rushed, Liola says. Plan a family trip instead of buying gadgets. You’ll treasure shared memories long after today’s technology is obsolete.

Be card smart. Leave credit cards at home to avoid overspend-

ing. Studies show that people spend about 15% more when they pay with credit cards, Gallegos says. If you must use a card, carry just one. You’ll be less likely to lose sight of your spending.

Cash out. Maximize savings by carrying large bills, not a pile of

ones, fives and tens, Gallegos advises. You’ll be less likely to break a $50 bill to buy a latte or a silly stocking stuffer.

12 • Nov+Dec 2015 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Go big. Buy one significant gift for each recipient, not several

smaller ones. When you buy a $12 trinket for one child, you’ll feel pressured to buy the other kids trinkets, too, says Long. Soon, you will have spent $40 on “nothing.”

Trade up. Purchasing decisions are trade-offs: money spent on ornaments isn’t going to your retirement account or your kids’ college funds, Liola says. Focus on long-term wealth and well-being, not short-term satisfaction.

Bottom line: Focus on having more fun or making fonder memories, not on buying more stuff this season. When you do, you’ll make your family rich in the ways that

really count. “Your loved ones wouldn’t want you to suffer financially in order to give them a bigger gift,” Gallegos says. “Give reasonably, with a generous smile.” True abundance is in your heart and your home, not at the mall. v

Keep track. Overspending doesn’t happen by accident, says Liola, but people often don’t realize how much they’re spending.

Writing down each expenditure as you make it will force you to think before buying.

Just do it. Give gifts of giving instead of material goods, Gallegos

says. Work late so that a co-worker can attend her child’s holiday party or take her packages to the post office. She’ll appreciate your gift of service more than any token you could buy.

Skip yourself. Avoid “to me, from me” gifts, says Long. Accord-

ing to the National Retail Federation, shoppers spent an average of $108 on themselves last year. When you see something you like, write it on a wish list. You’ll be ready when your spouse and kids ask what you want and they will be happy to buy something you’ll really enjoy.

TAME YOUR HOLIDAY SPENDING WITH THESE COOL TOOLS Compare prices www.pricegrabber.com Track expenses on your phone (iPhone www.budgetcare.com, or Android www.handy-apps.com ) Learn the cost of credit www.practicalmoneyskills.com/wizards/ credit/index.php Score travel discounts www.travelzoo.com Get budget-friendly advice www.notmadeofmoney.com Consult a coach www.kclmoneycoach.com Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two.

Learn more at www.HeidiLuedtke.com.

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a desirable homework space. Some kids prefer to do homework at the kitchen table where they can see what else is going on. Others might prefer a stand-up workstation or a quiet corner in the bedroom. “If your child has trouble concentrating for long periods of time, consider doing different kinds of homework in different spaces,” Turner says. A change of scenery can renew kids’ energy.

“If your child has trouble concentrating for long periods of time, consider doing different kinds of homework in different spaces.”

Gather homework supplies into a portable caddy. This might be a rolling cart or a lidded plastic bin. Stow scissors, tape, pencils, markers, glue sticks, erasers, rulers, a stapler and a calculator in the homework station. This keeps your child from wasting time searching for supplies in kitchen drawers, and minimizes the chance that the stapler off your desk will be missing when you need it.

“Many children and teens are afraid to throw anything away during the school year,” says Mary Ann Lowry, M.Ed., an educator and certified coach in Mesquite, Texas. Invest in a file system your child can use to store old notes and assignments. On a monthly basis, encourage kids to excavate their backpacks, sort through binders and move materials from completed units into the home archive. This keeps materials handy for final exam study sessions and prevents backpacks from growing too heavy.

Your information center should include a master calendar everyone can see at all times.

Zone 3: Information Central

Keep tabs on what’s happening with a centralized information station. “This should be the single location for all the details family members need to know at any given time,” says professional organizer Katherine Trezise of Flanders, New Jersey. A commonly used, easily accessible part of your home, such as the kitchen or family room, is ideal.

Your information center should include a master calendar everyone can see at all times. It can be either paper or electronic. The format is less important than the calendar’s comprehensiveness.

“Transfer all scheduled activities, both school and recreational, onto the master calendar, then toss the paper reminders,” Trezise says.

This decreases paper clutter and puts everything in one place so that you avoid scheduling conflicts.

Create a simple inbox/outbox system for each child in the information station. Teach your children to put any papers they bring home in the IN tray after school. Sort through the inboxes each evening.

Write events on the master calendar, and sign papers as needed.

Place items that need to go back to school in the child’s OUT tray.

Before bedtime, each child should check his outbox and put papers into his backpack to return to school. At the end of the day, all the trays should be empty.

File kids’ art projects, essays and grade reports in expandable folders—one for each child each year. At year’s end, sort through papers with your child and toss unwanted items. Store the rest for safekeeping. “When your child graduates, you’ll have 12 or more neatly labeled folders containing his or her school memorabilia,” Trezise says. Grown-up kids love to look back at old school work when they’re feeling nostalgic. v

ONLINE TOOLS F O R S C H O O L- L I F E O R G A N I Z AT I O N Cozi Calendar www.Cozi.com Allows you to color code each member of the family and syncs with other calendars automatically to ensure you’re all on the same page. An online grocery list ensures you always know what you need from the store. And it’s accessible on your smart phone.

Soshiku Soshiku.com Provides a color-coded to-do list of homework tasks and assignments, organized by due date. Allows kids to link up with classmates for collaborative projects, and sends text message reminders about tests and deadlines.

Grade Fix www.GradeFix.com Allows kids to enter the details of a class project and schedule steps to get it done on time. This is a great tool for breaking big assignments into manageable chunks.

EverNote www.EverNote.com An electronic system for collecting links, images, notes and quotes and keeping them all in one place. Overachievers can use the Peek app to turn class notes into self-quiz questions. How smart is that?

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two.

Learn more at www.HeidiLuedtke.com.

14 • Nov+Dec 2015 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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and Families from the Torment of Adolescence (Quill Driver Books), says, “Be a great role model. Show them how to do it. Sometimes it’s helpful to take them shopping for organizational aids, such as storage cubes or shelves.”

Use these organizational aids to keep their rooms organized. Dolls, books and Legos should all have a specific place in a child’s room.

Your children will get used to the fact that items have a proper place, and that when they do, they are easy to find.

Teach Remembering Strategies Parents should also teach their children “remembering strategies.”

These should include a body scan and an environment scan. Garber, Garber and Spizman recommend teaching children to stop at the door and say, “Did I forget anything?” Children should then scan themselves for bags and other items they should be carrying or wearing. Parents should do this with their children at first. One might say, “I have my briefcase, my cell phone, and my grocery list.” Then, ask your children to repeat the items they need to have for the day.

Check the environment next. Look on the kitchen counter and the floor to see if you’ve left anything behind. Children will respond to this strategy, just as they learn to “stop, look and listen” before crossing the street.

Ideally, children will begin to come up with remembering strategies of their own. For example, if one of your children finds it hard to remember an instrument on lesson days, she might want to put a neon sticker on the family calendar, or she might leave her instrument at her bedroom door the night before a lesson day. The key is to allow your children to take ownership of their remembering strategies because they will be easier to adopt.

A child will feel more in control of his life when he has his own to-do lists as well. This can be something simple, such as a dry-erase board hung on a closet door that can be wiped clean at the end of the day. Children begin to learn good time-management skills when they see—on a daily basis—how much can or cannot be accomplished.

Before School Has an extra trip to your children’s school become commonplace for you? A frenzied morning atmosphere will exacerbate forgetful tendencies with all family members. You may want to reexamine your morning ritual so that it works to everyone’s advantage.

Most of us have experienced dashing out of the house in a panic to catch the bus. Shortly afterward, that unwanted nagging feeling begins to surface telling us that something has been forgotten. Planning the night before will cut down on morning chaos. Decide on a

special place to store things that are needed for school the following day. This might be an area in a mudroom or entryway. Children should pack their own book bag and check their assignment notebooks to make sure they haven’t forgotten anything. It is also a good idea to choose clothing the night before (especially if you have a child who invariably starts an argument the minute her clothes are laid out).

“Rescui

ng child ren robs the m of the opportu nity to l earn lessons at emot ional times w hen the lessons will be b est rememb ered.”

Consequences Letting our children suffer the consequences for their actions is imperative. It is also one of the hardest choices we make as parents because our instincts tell us to help our kids when they are in distress. In their book Parenting with Love and Logic, Foster Cline, M.D., and Jim Fay advise parents to use caution when choosing to rescue their children when they’ve forgotten something. “Rescuing children robs them of the opportunity to learn lessons at emotional times when the lessons will be best remembered.” You should think twice before you race off to your children’s school with forgotten book fair money or sneakers for soccer practice. If children are forced to suffer the consequences for their forgetfulness, they will learn strategies quickly.

Once your children have had ample time to practice remembering strategies and adopt organizational skills, let them be. It may be difficult at first, but you must learn to trust them to handle responsibility on their own.

My story ends on a positive note. After a lot of practice, my daughter started to catch on. I recall one day when I started to ask, “Do you have your . . . ?” But there it was, lunch check in hand, along with a huge smile on her face! v

Myrna Beth Haskell is an award-winning author, columnist, and feature writer. For more about her book LIONS and TIGERS and TEENS: Expert Advice and Support for the Conscientious Parent Just Like You (Unlimited Publishing LLC, 2012) and other works, please visit www.myrnahaskell.com.

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Premature birth is the #1 cause of death in children under 5.

World Prematurity Day | November 17 In support of Every Woman Every Child Every year, 15 million babies are born too soon, and more than a million die. Let’s work together to improve care and find ways to prevent premature birth.

facebook.com/worldprematurityday

© 2015 March of Dimes Foundation

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By Heidi Smith Luedtke

Gifts Money Can’t Buy In the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, it’s easy to feel pressured by your kids’ latest material wants.

Store displays and commercials have even the youngest kids clambering for bright and shiny new toys.

If your child’s wish list adds up to more than you can afford and you’re tempted to spend money you Continued on page 18 don’t have, give yourself a timeout.

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“Our kids do want more than material things,” says Betsy Taylor, founder and president of the Center for a New American Dream, in her book What Kids Really Want that Money Can’t Buy. Taylor encourages parents to focus on meeting kids’ deeper wants and needs, instead of getting caught up in the “more is more” consumer culture. Give your kids these gifts money can’t buy—they’ll grow with your kids for a lifetime:

Listening. Kids have a lot to share with the world, but our busy

Nature. Kids love the natural world and connect deeply with fields, forests and animals. As we spend more and more time indoors at school, daycare and home, kids lose touch with the special magic of the earth. Help your kids reconnect through outdoor play. Visit wild places close to home—lakes and streams, parks and meadows. Build snow forts or collect pinecones together. Watch squirrels scamper.

The gift of nature isn’t fancy or expensive, but your children will treasure it just the same.

work-school routines make meaningful conversations difficult. Talk with your kids about their lives (school, friends, interests, dreams).

Invite kids to share their ideas by asking good questions. “What do you think we should do about…?” or “If you could change one thing…?” are helpful conversation starters. Then, listen deeply. Make eye contact with your child. Take it all in without interrupting. Ask follow-up questions and share your ideas, too. Kids love to feel important and respected in conversation.

Opportunities to Change the World. Kids dream of

Friendship. Kids want friends and have a need for acceptance.

Love and Affection. More than anything else, kids want

Help your child make new friends or strengthen existing friendships.

Welcome your child’s friends into your home by hosting informal play dates or sleepovers. Kids build relationships by sharing experiences, so include kids’ friends in fun family activities, such as baking cookies, playing games, or staging a talent show. There’s no need to entertain your kids and their friends every minute; they’ll treasure time to themselves and appreciate your respect for their privacy.

Family Connections. Kids need to feel a part of an extended

family network. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings are important figures in kids’ lives. Help your kids connect with faraway family members through phone calls or email. Allow kids to make cards or gifts for special relatives. Encourage grandparents, aunts and uncles to spend time with your kids (and without you).

Kids’ confidence and self-esteem grow in proportion to the number of caring adults in their lives. Arrange activities to share with cousins and siblings. Family members are friends, too.

Kid Time. Kids want free time not cluttered by school, home-

work, have-to-do activities and programs. Help your kids unwind, learn and grow by protecting precious kid time. If their schedules are crowded by extracurricular activities, consider cutting back.

Review the amount of homework expected of your child, and be his advocate if necessary. Too much work makes kids tired, cranky and unmotivated. Give kids ample time to play or putter without specific tasks to accomplish.

a world where people get along in harmony, everyone has enough to eat, and each unique individual is valued. Help your kids practice service and compassion. Work together to sort used toys or clothing and donate them to charity. Collect canned goods in your neighborhood and deliver them to a food bank. Rake leaves or mow lawns for elderly neighbors. Keep track of kids’ contributions so that they see the big impact they have on others’ lives.

to feel loved. They thrive on parents’ undivided attention. Hugs and kisses, tickles and tousles, and pats on the back are especially valued. Don’t wait for a special occasion to show your child how much she’s loved and how proud you are. Slip a special note in your child’s lunchbox or backpack. Ask for one of his very special hugs when you are feeling down. Small and big kids alike want to see and feel love in tangible ways.

As you take time to meet kids’ psychological needs, you’ll build stronger, more resilient family relationships. But kids’ material wants won’t disappear over night. Letters to Santa and other gift-giving traditions focus kids’ attention on material things.

“In the end, we need to help our kids regularly consider if they really want or need any given item—and why,” Taylor concludes. “Perhaps the most fundamental question to instill in your kids is this one: How much is enough?” Be a good role model—don’t buy what you don’t need. Slow down and rediscover life’s simple pleasures with your kids. After all, in the ways that matter, you’re already wealthy beyond measure. v

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two.

Learn more at www.HeidiLuedtke.com

18 • Nov+Dec 2015 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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YOUR FAMILY’S

Live li

fe its fullest evteo ry day!

Stay hea lt fit and safhey, .

People who are both physically and mentally fit are less prone to medical conditions and are more likely to enjoy life and all it has to offer.

Celebrate life daily—live it!

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Here to help kids get back to being kids.

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These caring physicians recently joined North Okaloosa Physician Group. They provide preventive care, treatment of illnesses, and will work with you to help your kids establish healthy habits from the start. Dr. Kubly and Dr. Manuel are now accepting new patients.

Same-day appointments are often available. For more information or to schedule an Keely Kubly, M.D. Mervin Manuel, M.D. appointment, call 850-398-8725.

Pediatrician

Pediatrician

130 E. Redstone Avenue, Crestview

Members of the Medical Staff at North Okaloosa Medical Center.

North Okaloosa Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

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.

How to Tell the Difference Between

a Cold and the Flu

Colds and the flu often occur around the same time of year and both have similar, unpleasant symptoms.

While it can be hard to differentiate between the two, it’s important to distinguish the cause of your symptoms to determine the best course of treatment.

The common cold The most common symptoms of a cold are within the respiratory system and include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, cough or chest discomfort. Treatment for these symptoms is available through over-the-counter medication designed to target the various symptoms. For example: • Antihistamines can help control a runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes.

• Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion.

• Acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation.

• Expectorants loosen mucus from the respiratory tract, alleviating chest congestion and discomfort.

The best way to treat a cold is to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, use over-the-counter medication and monitor for symptoms that last longer than five to seven days. If symptoms persist, your cold may have developed into an advanced respiratory illness in the form of an ear infection, sinus infection or bronchitis. If this occurs, you should seek treatment from your doctor.

Distinguishing between a cold and the flu can be difficult because many of the symptoms overlap. A fever is one of the most common differentiators, although not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Getting to your doctor for testing within a few days of experiencing

To find a doctor or to schedule a same-day appointment for your flu shot, visit northokaloosaphysiciangroup.com or call 850-398-8725.

symptoms can help, as there are medications that can minimize the symptoms of flu when action is taken quickly.

The flu While both a cold and the flu generally attack the respiratory system, producing many or all of the same symptoms, flu can affect the entire body. Additional symptoms associated with flu include a fever between 100˚ F and 104˚ F, headache, body aches, fatigue, exhaustion and nausea.

To confirm a diagnosis of flu, your doctor will swab your nose or throat to test for the virus. Test results are usually available within 30 minutes. For the most accurate results, the test should be performed within four to five days of onset of symptoms. The tests are fairly accurate and can give a positive diagnosis about 50-70 percent of the time. If the test indicates you don’t have the flu, it’s even more accurate, at a 90-95 percent rate.

As with a cold, if symptoms persist longer than three to five days, or become increasingly severe, see your doctor. The flu can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in patients who are older or have compromised immune systems, and may require more intense medical treatment or even hospitalization.

Flu can be particularly dangerous for infants, pregnant women, older persons or anyone with chronic medical conditions, so they need to be evaluated quickly to be considered for antiviral medication. Preventive measures, such as getting a flu shot for everyone in the household, washing your hands and staying home when you are ill, will help to reduce the spread of flu.

The best way to avoid contracting the flu is to get an annual flu shot. Unfortunately, there is no immunization against the cold, but washing your hands frequently, not touching your face with your hands, and avoiding contact with people who have a cold can be a strong defense. v

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ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • Nov+Dec 2015 • 21

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YOUR FAMILY’S

How to Beat the Winter Blues

By Heidi Smith Luedtke, PhD

As the cold, dark days of winter settle in, you may feel sad and slowed down. Depression is more common this time of year. Dr. Norman Rosenthal, MD, psychiatrist and author of Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder, estimates that 4% of adults experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a debilitating depression that arrives and departs with the changing seasons. As many as 16% suffer from milder winter blues, he says.

If you lose interest in activities you enjoy, including social relationships and hobbies, or you just want to stay in bed and snooze all winter, read on. The more you know about seasonal depression, the better prepared you will be to address it. Don’t go gently into another sad season. You can counteract seasonal depression in several ways.

A Range of Reactions Symptoms of seasonal depression aren’t the same for everyone, but they can include: loss of energy and oversleeping; carbohydrate cravings; increased feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and despair; social withdrawal; loss of libido; and difficulty concentrating. People who suffer from SAD experience these symptoms at the same time each year, typically in the winter.

Children are less likely to get SAD, Rosenthal says, but by high school 3% to 5% are affected. Kids’ symptoms may be harder to interpret than adults’. “Children tend less to complain about sadness

and depression and are often more irritable and disgruntled,” Rosenthal says. “They don’t generally understand the problem as coming from within, but rather see others as being too strict and unfair.”

Note whether your child’s moods shift with the seasons; if so, address them. Kids benefit from the same strategies as adults, says Rosenthal.

Why You’re SAD It’s not entirely clear what causes winter depression, but light deprivation contributes. Short, dark days and frigid temperatures keep us indoors, where we don’t get enough environmental light. Insufficient vitamin D—which our bodies make in response to sunlight—may also play a role.

Psychological depression is also more common in winter, according to Joe James, PhD, a Bethesda, Maryland, psychologist. Loneliness, family tension and financial pressures can make the holidays unhappy for some people. Comparing your holiday experiences to idealized images of cozy family celebrations can also leave you feeling low. If your depression is related to holiday hassles, it should lift after a few weeks, James says. SAD is more generalized and longer lasting.

How to Fight Back Bring some light to the fight. Take a walk in the morning sunshine and sit near a window if possible. Don’t close the curtains to keep out the cold. Light is instrumental in setting your body’s circadian rhythm, which will help you to feel alert during the day and sleepy at night. Raise the level of ambient lighting in your house as much

22 • Nov+Dec 2015 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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as possible. If that’s not enough, purchase a therapeutic light box from a reputable source, Rosenthal says. Models with intensities from 2,500 to 10,000 lux are considered effective. Higher-intensity lights require shorter treatment times.

Eat a lower-carbohydrate diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids to combat depression, Rosenthal says. Meals that feature lean protein and limit starchy carbohydrates—including bread, pasta and potatoes—are best. High-fat, sweet treats will deplete your energy after the sugar rush wears off. Focus on foods that sustain your energy rather than offering a quick fix. Vitamin supplements can help, too. James recommends increasing your intake of vitamin D to as much as 5,000 milligrams per day. Studies show B vitamins alleviate some depressive symptoms as well.

When it comes to seasonal depression, you may be your own worst enemy. “People slow down and hibernate during winter,” James says.

Too much sleep and too little exercise leave you lethargic. Withdrawal from social relationships takes away an important source of joy and support. Stay active and involved in social networks, using the phone or Internet to connect if necessary. Also, keep moving.

Pop in a fitness DVD or do a Wii workout with the kids. Exercise is a sure-fire mood booster.

If you feel tired and uninspired this winter, take action. “Your mood should lift after a couple of weeks with increased light and vitamin D,” says James. “If not, get help.” You deserve to delight in the wonders of winter. v

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FIGHT SEASONAL SADNESS WITH THESE RESOURCES Comprehensive information Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder (Guilford Press, 2006) by Norman Rosenthal, MD 30 practical, expert tips http://winterbluescoach.com/blog Buy a light box http://sunbox.com Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two.

Learn more at www.HeidiLuedtke.com

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FamilyChatter GE CHALLEN ILY YOUR FAM

ER TO A N S W E ST I O N! EVERY QU

Do you prefer to work within a group of people or individually? Why?

How is school going for you so far? What would you change about your school if you could?

Should high school students have part-time jobs or focus on school and other activities?

What are some pros and cons of working during the school year?

What’s one thing you’d change about yourself if you could?

Who do you look forward to seeing at Thanksgiving? Why?

What are some projects around the house that really need to get done?

What can you do to help out?

How healthy do you feel your family’s diet is?

• Very Healthy • Somewhat Healthy • Not Very Healthy

What’s your favorite turkey-day tradition?

26 • Nov+Dec 2015 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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What’s the most important life lesson you’ve ever learned by making a mistake?

What’s your favorite reality show? Why? If you had to move to a different state, which state would you choose? Why?

What are your favorite Christmas holiday traditions?

Who started them?

What’s your dream job?

Why?

What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Explain why.

If you were given a life achievement award, what would you want it to say about you?

If you could go anywhere in a private jet for one day, where would you go?

Why did you choose this location?

What is the most important “hot topic” outside the United States?

How does it affect you?

Chatter Challenge Tips:

Here are a number of places you can use these questions to spur on great conversations with your family!

At the Kitchen Table In the Family Room During Commercials In the Back Yard On Road Trips in the Car Yell them out loud—out of the blue—just for fun!

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • Nov+Dec 2015 • 27

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That’s Good to Know!

InformationYou Can Use!

t to n i r p S t ’ n o D chedule S : s y a d i l o the H k Day a e r B y a d li a Ho ll H a s ke M y rn a B e th

Don’t believe those stories you hear about Black Friday. The retail stores may have their busiest day right after Thanksgiving, but the frenzy has already begun weeks before for most families. I know that the madness for my family begins the day after Halloween. This is when I take a deep breath and prepare for the sprint—the continuous dash straight into the holiday season. The problem with this sprint is that it is not performed in typical sprint fashion—at

full speed for a short distance. Instead, it goes on and on, similar to a marathon. Most athletes who have mastered long-distance running know that you have to pace yourself or you’ll lose the race in the end. However, pacing yourself at this time of year is easier said than done. If you were to ask most bleary-eyed and frazzled shoppers if they’re pacing themselves, you will most likely get a glance that screams, “What planet are you from?”

Continued on page 31

28 • Nov+Dec 2015 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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10 WAYS to sh w Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump-start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

R E H y u care Brighten up her day and family table with a bouquet of flowers.

Surprise her by washing, folding and putting away the laundry.

Go grocery shopping with her just to spend time together.

Compliment her often about what she does for the family.

Add a little color to your home— paint a room together.

Clean up right away after a do-ityourself project that gets messy.

Buy stationery, write a hand-written letter and send it to her by mail.

Clean all the dirt marks off the wall, and the spiderwebs from the ceiling.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas each issue.

Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Tell her she’s pretty—and mean it!

Spend more time with her and the kids and less time working.

Date her. Dress up, take her out to dinner and don’t talk about anything stressful; just enjoy each other.

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10 WAYS to sh w Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump-start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

M I H y u care Help him with one of his homeimprovement projects.

Bake him whatever his favorite treat is. Have the kids help.

Take kids out of school for an hour and take him to lunch.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas each issue.

Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Surprise him with his favorite coffee drink at work.

Have him invite some friends over to watch the game or play poker.

Organize a game of hide-and-seek.

Get out of the house and have fun.

Send him a text, once every hour, telling him something you really appreciate about him.

Decorate the refrigerator with pictures of him and his children.

Help him with the yard work.

Make him a surprise breakfast.

Offer to help him in some unexpected way.

30 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Continued from page 28

Maybe if folks weren’t caught up in the usual flurry of activities that most modern-day families deal with every day, things would be more manageable. However, along with the regular work day and inevitable extracurricular activities—karate, gymnastics, clarinet lessons, and the like—most are also attending holiday concerts, holiday plays and holiday parties. Once one figures in time to shop, wrap, bake, clean, and send holiday cards (oh…you’re not doing that?), there are approximately two hours left in the day for sleep— brushing teeth not included.

How then does one actually enjoy the upcoming holiday season?

How then does one actually enjoy the upcoming holiday season?

How does one experience one of those charming Norman Rockwell paintings in real life? There is one solution: Take a real break. This break must last longer than twenty minutes. Power naps, although invigorating, do not restore enough energy for the bone-tired, holiday-weary sprinter.

Instead, plan a break for an entire day. Don’t cringe. This should benefit everyone in the family and help to recharge energy and enthusiasm. Chances are that you are not the only one stressed out in your family. Children feel their parents’ stress and take it on as their own. If you find that your answer to “What’s for breakfast?” is “Breakfast? Who has time for breakfast?” then you are probably in dire need of a day off. This must be scheduled into the holiday madness calendar and cannot entail anything that has to do with shopping, cooking, planning, hauling or sprinting. Instead, think talking, playing, relaxing, and take-out food. The following is a list of ideas for a Holiday Break Day with your family: • Go to a matinee and hit the diner afterward. Then go ahead and give your kids a quarter for one of those ridiculous plastic dome things!

• Play video games with your kids—when is the last time you did that?

• Plan a day of board games and take-out food— delivered, of course!

• Spend a day making crafts that have nothing to do with the holidays and everything to do with justbecause-we-feel-like-it. Papier mâché anyone?

• Go to a local farm to drink hot cider and eat donuts—not to shop.

• Take a stroll through your neighborhood and down to that pond you told your kids to stay away from because they’ll come home covered with leeches.

• Stay in pajamas until noon and curl up with a good book—all six of you!

• You’ve got toddlers? Follow their schedule. Take a nap when they take a nap, then get up and play for the rest of the day.

• Everyone over the age of 6 pretends to be six again. Build a sleeping-bag fort, break out the finger paint, or play an old-fashioned game of hide-and-seek.

In other words, do anything that has nothing to do with getting things done and everything to do with just having fun! Most important, remember to laugh when you feel the stress building. After all, things could be worse. Your dog could attack your tree and eat all the candy canes off of it like mine did six years ago! v

Do anything that has nothing to do with getting things done and everything to do with just having fun!

Myrna Beth Haskell is an award-winning author, columnist, and feature writer. For more about her book LIONS and TIGERS and TEENS: Expert Advice and Support for the Conscientious Parent Just Like You (Unlimited Publishing LLC, 2012) and other works, please visit www.myrnahaskell.com.

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Teach Your Kids Something New!

Steps: 3 n i s s e L Worry nd a o d o t t a A wh uide. g it o d o t when Everybody worries. Grown-ups do it and kids do it, too. But what should you do about it? Whether your worries are big or small, you can take these 3 steps: 1. Try to figure out what you’re worried about.

2. Think about ways to make the situation better.

3. Ask for help.

1. Figure it out.

Sometimes, you will know exactly what you’re worried about. Other times, you might not know exactly what’s bugging you. Let’s say you’re worried about a teacher who seems mean. But maybe what’s really bothering you is that you’re having trouble with math. If you get some help with math, that teacher might seem just fine.

Some problems, like family problems, are big and have a lot of parts. That can make it tough to zero in on what the problem is or to pick one part of the problem to try to solve. But being able to focus on your problem—or at least part of it—is the first step to taking action. If you’re having trouble figuring out what worries you, skip to Step 3 and get some help from a parent or another person you trust.

There is almost always something you can do to help you feel less worried.

2. Think of ways to make it better.

There is almost always something you can do to help you feel less worried. Sitting there worrying is no fun and it probably won’t solve your problem. But switching to action mode can help you feel more hopeful.

Grades at school are often a top worry for kids. If that’s your concern, ask yourself these questions: • Why are grades important? What do they mean to me?

• How do I prepare for class? Do I review my notes even when there isn’t a test the next day?

• Do I have a good place to do my homework?

• Have I tried different ways of studying, such as rewriting notes, using flashcards, and working with a study buddy?

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If your worry is about a fight you had with a friend, you might write down all the actions you could take—from writing the friend a note to inviting him or her over for a game of basketball. Should you apologize for whatever happened between the two of you? Once you have a list of possible actions, you can select the one you think is most likely to get your friendship back on track.

But what if you can’t think of anything to do to make your particular problem better? Then it’s time to jump to Step 3 (it’s the next step anyway) and ask someone for help.

Just the act of telling someone what’s bothering you can make you feel a little better.

3. Ask for help.

Worrying can make you feel lonely. When you’re worried, it can help to find someone to talk to. Sometimes people say, “Why should I bother? He/she can’t do anything about it.” But here are two reasons to give it a shot anyway: 1. You don’t know for sure that no one can help until you share your feelings and let the person try to help.

2. Just the act of telling someone what’s bothering you can make you feel a little better. Afterward, you are no longer alone with your worries and whoever you told (parent, sister, brother, friend, counselor) is now thinking about ways to help you.

A Final Word About Worry

Did you know worry is not all bad? If you weren’t worried (at least a little) about that test, you might not study for it. And if you weren’t worried about getting sunburned, you might not wear your sunscreen.

But some kids worry so much that it keeps them from doing the stuff they need and want to do. If that sounds like you, you know what to do by now: Turn to good old Step 3 and ask someone for help. v © 1995- 2015. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. Reviewed by: D’Arcy Lyness, PhD. Date reviewed: August 2013 ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • Nov+Dec 2015 • 33

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SNACKS & CRAFTS This year, durring the holidays, set aside a little time for some good, old-fashioned, family fun.

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Thanksgiving Teepee Cupcakes INGREDIENTS Compliments of stiesthoughts.com

• Box of cake mix • Disposable pie pan • Sugar cones • Pretzel sticks

• Chocolate chips • Autumn leaf sprinkles • Ziploc bag—sandwich size • Scissors

DIRECTIONS

Tip: Snip off the tip of the cones immediately after removing from the oven or the cone will crumble when you try to do this later.

• Prepare cake mix according to the directions on the box.

• Turn your pie pan upside down and poke a few small holes in it, approximately a half-inch wide each.

• Fill your sugar cones two-thirds full of batter and stand them up in your pan, each one in a hole.

• Place cones in the oven on the lowest shelf possible.

• Bake at 350* for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on the cones as they tend to tip while cooking. Use your oven mitt and carefully right the toppled ones.

• Cones will look very brown on the tip. After baking, immediately snip off the point of the sugar cone. If your cupcake protrudes from the large end, slice it off so the teepee will sit flat.

• Break pretzel in half. Stick 3 pretzel sticks into the top of each.

• Melt chocolate chips in a bowl in the microwave.

• Dip the bottom of your teepee in the chocolate. This seals the bottom of the cupcake. Then roll the wet chocolate in your autumn leaf sprinkles.

• Place a little bit of the melted chocolate in a Ziploc bag. Snip off the end to make an icing bag. Squeeze a little bit of chocolate at the spot where the pretzels enter the top of the teepee, to hold them in place.

Chocolate Turkey Fondue INGREDIENTS

Compliments off cleanandscentsible.com

• Fondue pot and skewers • Fondue chocolate • Grapes • Bananas • Strawberries

• Pears • Cheese • Square waffle pretzels • Black frosting (or chocolate sprinkles)

DIRECTIONS

• Cut fruits in half or chunks and arrange on a platter in the shape of a turkey.

• Use piped black frosting for eyes, or chocolate sprinkles.

• Cut cheese into the shape of beak and feet and place on turkey.

Additional cheese can be cubed and placed in a nearby bowl.

• Arrange waffle pretzels along the bottom of the platter.

• Warm the chocolate fondue in fondue pot.

Put a little twist in your turkey this year!

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • Nov+Dec 2015 • 37

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Christmas Cupcakes INGREDIENTS

• Vanilla marshmallow buttercream icing • 1 jar (7oz.) marshmallow cream (fluff) • 1 cup powdered sugar • 1 tsp. vanilla

Compliments of sugarswings.com

• Boxed cake mix • Red food gel • Green food gel • One extra egg • 1 cup buttermilk • Green and red sprinkles • 1 cup unsalted butter DIRECTIONS

• Take a boxed cake mix. Make according to the directions on the box, except add an extra egg and use 1 cup of buttermilk instead of water.

• Divide cake batter into two bowls. Add green food gel to one bowl and red food gel to the other and mix well.

• Place cupcake wrappers in a cupcake pan. Pour each two-thirds of the way full. Bake cupcakes according to the directions on the package.

• Allow cupcakes to cool, then place in the freezer.

• Once frozen, remove the cupcakes from the freezer. Slice each cupcake into three horizontal layers.

• Make Your Icing - Beat butter in a medium bowl with mixer on medium speed until creamy. Beat in marshmallow cream. When well blended, beat in powdered sugar and vanilla.

Increase speed to high and beat 3-4 minutes until fluffy.

• Alternate cupcake slice, frosting, cupcake slice, frosting, cupcake slice. Pipe icing in a decorative swoosh on top and add red and green sprinkles.

The perfect Christmas cupcakes!

These tasty treats make a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert table.

Santa Bananas INGREDIENTS

• Orange Juice • M&Ms • Chocolate Sprinkles • Bamboo Skewers

Compliments of cleanandscentsible.com

• Bananas • Strawberries • Large Marshmallows • Miniature Marshmallows DIRECTIONS

• Cut bananas into chunks.

• Dip bananas in orange juice to avoid browning.

• Slice the tops off the strawberries.

• Cut the large marshmallows in half.

• Take the skewer and push it up through the pieces in order – banana, large marshmallow, strawberry, and mini marshmallow.

• Place on a serving tray.

• Press sprinkle eyes and M&M nose into the banana.

These Santa Bananas are easy to make, taste great and are the perfect treat for your next holiday get-together!

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Thanksgiving Treat Bags M AT E R I A L S

• Permanent black marker • Masking tape • 1” Flat brush • Google eyes • Scrap pieces of red and yellow felt • Medium flat brush

Compliments of plaidonline.com

• Apple Barrel ® Colors, 2 oz: Melted Chocolate, Red Apple, Spiced Carrot, Palm Leaf • Mod Podge® Mod MeltsClear Sea Glass • Mod Podge® Mod Melter • Burlap small bags DIRECTIONS

• Tape off top 1.5” of each bag as shown. Paint bags with Palm Leaf, Spiced Carrot and King’s Gold as shown. Let dry.

• Basecoat child’s hand as shown: palm and thumb with Melted Chocolate and each finger a different color as shown in photo, making sure to apply a thick coat. Help child to place hand on bag and press down to create handprint. Let bag dry.

• Cut small triangles from yellow felt for nose; cut gobbler from red felt as shown. Glue to turkey face/thumb as shown.

• Glue eyes with Hot Glue.

• Use permanent black marker to add legs and dashes.

Kids will love having these goodie bags to bring home treats from their next harvest party.

be easily these craft can The materials for d less en Sp . online.com ordered at Plaid ft supplies cra for g kin und loo time driving aro fting! and more time cra

Paper Mâché Christmas Tree Ornament M AT E R I A L S

• 1” Flat brush • Google eyes • Scrap pieces of red and yellow felt • Medium flat brush

Compliments of plaidonline.com

• Mod Podge ® Collage Clay Vanilla White • Burlap small bags • Permanent black marker • Masking tape DIRECTIONS

• Cut papers to fit onto the tree using the tree as a pattern for each layer of branches.

• Mod Podge the paper to the tree. Allow to dry.

• Squeeze some of the Collage Clay out onto a foam plate. Use the stencil brush to add the snow to the tree branches. Allow to dry completely.

• Brush the Mod Podge over the entire tree except for the trunk.

• Glue the buttons into place.

• Cut 2” pieces of blue thread and tie into a knot. Glue to the center of the buttons and then trim with scissors.

Ornaments like these make great family heirlooms that will bring back memories for years to come.

40 • Nov+Dec 2015 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Christmas Countdown Plaque M AT E R I A L S

Compliments of plaidonline.com

• 2 oz. FolkArt® Acrylic Colors: Light Blue, Lipstick Red, Evergreen, Wicker White, Licorice, Fresh Foliage • 8 oz. FolkArt Chalkboard Paint • Wood Plaque • Polka dot ribbon

• Large flat brush • #10 Flat brush • Painters tape • Ruler • pencil • Hot glue

DIRECTIONS

Children will look forward to erasing each day as you count down towards Christmas!

• Paint entire plaque with Fresh Foliage and let dry.

• Measure and tape off a 4” square 1-1/4” down from top of plaque. Paint square with Chalkboard paint, following the instructions for proper application on the bottle label.

• Measure a 1/2” border around the edge of the square. Paint the border Wicker White and let it dry.

• Paint candy stripes with Lipstick Red. • Side load a #10 flat brush with Light Blue and shade either side of the border.

• Use a dry brush with a hint of Wicker White on it for highlights on the candy stripe.

• With a pencil, trace around the outside edge of a paint bottle, using the photo for placement .

• Use the inside of the ribbon roll, or other small round object to make smaller circles on the plaque. Paint as shown. Let dry.

• Transfer word pattern to the plaque and paint with a Liner Brush in Licorice.

• Paint the outer edge of the plaque with Evergreen and, when dry, dot with Wicker White.

• Hot glue ribbon to the back of the plaque and tie in a bow at the top to hang.

Candy-Striped Christmas Ornaments M AT E R I A L S Compliments of plaidonline.com

• Gallery Glass® Window Colors™ 2 0z. each: Snow White, Kelly Green, Ruby Red • Gallery Glass® Surfaces Leading Blanks

• Three round glass ornaments • Lined paper • Craft knife • Clear tape

DIRECTIONS

• Place Leading Blank over lined paper and tape it securely.

• Trace lines with Window Color. To keep the lines of paint from getting too wide, lightly squeeze the bottles of Window Color as you move it along the lines. Let dry overnight.

• Remove the ornament hanger. Carefully peel dry lines of Window Color from the Leading Blank.

• Starting at the top of the ornament, wrap lines of Window Color around it as shown.

• Use your craft knife to cut the strips of Window Color as needed.

These ornaments make great do-it-yourself gifts to hand out to your family members at Christmas!

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TEEN Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another!

TALK

“ FAM I LY ”

Between football games, exams, nights with friends, and occasional Netflix binges, it can be difficult to manage our time. Unfortunately, our loved ones often end up being shortchanged on quality time, or they end up being ignored altogether. I love the holidays because they make me pause, look around and remember the people who stand beside me despite my hectic schedule.

Family is the most important thing we are blessed with in life. Whether or not they’re blood relatives, they’re the people closest to us and the ones we would never want to let go of. It’s important not to forget how much they really mean to us and to show our appreciation for the way they care for us—especially all the little things that sometimes end up making the biggest impact on our lives.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to show your appreciation or to tell them that you love them, because life moves so fast;

hours can seem like seconds in our memories and moments can easily fade as new things arise. Your family loves you even when you are at your worst and they make sacrifices for you in order to help you achieve your very best in life. Family accepts you even with all the tears and screams. We need to always remember to appreciate and cherish these people.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to show your appreciation or to tell them that you love them.

Here are some suggestions for how we can show our families that we are grateful for them: • Give each member of your family a compliment every day.

• Draw a picture for them or make them a card.

• Find time to include them in the things you enjoy doing; it’ll make them feel important.

• Make them a surprise breakfast or dinner.

• Reduce the time you spend outside the house and spend more time with your family.

Our families will always be our families, but the time we have to spend with them will greatly diminish as we get older. Soon enough, we will be leaving for college or moving out on our own. We will start careers and establish lives independent of our family. It will be at this point that we may wish that we had spent less time watching Netflix and more time with our favorite people. v

Shailey J U N I O R, AG E 16

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FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Enjoy the Holidays Together!

For some people, the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is the highlight of their year. On the Emerald Coast, we have so much to look forward to. Be sure you don’t miss out on life—mark up your calendars and enjoy life to the fullest—together!

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Toys for Tots Ride

Sun, Nov 15 – Fort Walton Beach (8:00a.m.)

The Emerald Coast Harley Owners Group is sponsoring the Toys for Tots Run benefiting Children in Crisis and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Registration begins at 8:00a.m. at the Sam’s Club parking lot, and the ride will be to the Mullet Festival grounds in Niceville. For more information, please call 850-864-4242.

Santa’s Arrival at the Destin Commons Fri, Nov 20 – Destin (5:00p.m.)

Destin Commons and Bass Pro Shops will welcome Santa to light the holiday tree! Bring the family out for holiday projects, character photo opportunities and live entertainment!

After the tree is lit, there will be a fireworks finale! For more information, visit www. destinchamber.com/events.

St. Mary’s Winter Arts and Crafts Show Sat, Nov 21 – Milton (10:00a.m.)

Oak Street in Milton will transform into an arts and crafts showcase, where locals will showcase their custom jewelry, art, candles, baked goods, and more. For more information, please call 850-623-2905.

Thanksgiving Potluck

Thurs, Nov 26 – Perdido Key (12:00p.m.)

Seasonal Events Baytowne on Ice

Sun, Nov 1 – Sun, Jan 31 – Baytowne Wharf Baytowne on Ice is back, and the ice skating rink is the best way to get into the winter spirit! It is only $11 to skate for 90 minutes, and $2 to rent skates. The first hour on most days is reserved for “kids skate” for anyone 12 and under. For more information, please call 850-714-7614.

43rd Annual Doolittle Scholarship Open Golf Tournament

Thurs, Nov 5 – Eglin AFB Golf Course (7:00a.m.)

Enjoy a round of golf at our area’s oldest golf course, the Historic Eagle Course, at Eglin AFB Golf Course. Check-in is at 7:00a.m. and there is a shotgun start at 8:00a.m. All proceeds go to college scholarships at area high schools for JROTC and CAP. For more information, please call Steve Madley at 850-803-2280.

Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights

Sat, Nov 14 – Baytowne Wharf (5:00p.m.)

At the Village of Baytowne Wharf, stroll the streets lined with lights, sip champagne and sample featured menu items. Enjoy a sneak peek of the Village tree lighting and holiday entertainment throughout the Village.

Tickets and more information are available at BaytowneSparklingWineFest.com.

Every year Flora-Bama hosts a potluck lunch for locals and all people visiting to come together and celebrate Thanksgiving! The main dishes will be provided, and everyone else is encouraged to bring a covered side dish. After lunch is served, everyone celebrates together with drinks and live music! For more information, please call 850-492-0611.

Santa’s Arrival

Fri, Nov 27 – HarborWalk Village (12:00p.m.)

Santa arrives on the Destin Harbor! Kids will enjoy free activities and can visit with Santa Claus! The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www. emeraldgrande.com/events.

Visit with Santa

November and December at HarborWalk Village Bring your wish list and visit with Santa Claus on HarborWalk Village’s main stage! All of Santa’s guests receive a special treat! For more information, including dates and times, please visit www.emeraldgrande.com/events.

Here Comes Santa Claus!

Fri, Nov 27 – Sat, Nov 28 – Baytowne Wharf Ring in the holidays at Baytowne! On Friday, watch Polar Express under the stars at 6:00p.m. On Saturday starting at 6:00p.m., Santa Claus arrives and is followed by a fireworks show! There will also be plenty of kids activities and live music! For more information, please visit BaytowneWharf.com.

Wednesday Night Concert Holiday Series Wed, Dec 2 – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.)

the month of December! Over 65 third- and fourth-graders will present “Sounds of the Season” led by their director and music teacher, Rebecca Austin. For more information, visit BaytowneWharf.com.

12 Nights Of Lights

Wed, Dec 2 – Mon, Dec 28 – Baytowne Wharf For the month of December, enjoy a festive light show in the Events Plaza set to your favorite holiday music every Friday and Saturday leading up to Christmas. For more information and show dates, please visit BaytowneWharf.com.

Season Your Holidays: Lighted Boat Parade Sat, Dec 5 – Pensacola Beach (6:30p.m.)

Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce presents “Season Your Holidays,” a lighted boat parade! Make sure to look for Santa on the lead boat! Please visit www. pensacolabeachchamber.com for more information.

Annual City of Crestview and MSCA Christmas Parade

Sat, Dec 5 – Crestview (5:30p.m.)

It’s that time of year again! Main Street in Crestview will be filled with floats, lights, candy and music for the Annual City of Crestview and MSCA Christmas Parade.

For more information, please visit www. mainstreetcrestview.org.

Santa Drop

Thurs, Dec 12 – Perdido Key (12:00p.m.)

Watch Santa drop in by airplane and sky dive in to Flora-Bama! He will land on the beach to take pictures with the kids. And if sky-diving Santa isn’t enough, there will be plenty of other arts and crafts, face painting, Christmas carols, and more! This event is free. For more information, please call 850-492-0611.

Tuba Christmas and Holiday Lantern Parade Sat, Dec 12 – Baytowne Wharf

Playground Music Center presents Tuba Christmas where over 30 brass instruments will play all of the holiday classics. Their 6th Annual Holiday Lantern Parade will follow with decorated paper lanterns and golf carts.

When it’s over, visit Santa and enjoy the live music! For more information, please visit BaytowneWharf.com.

Destin Harbor Boat Parade

Sun, Dec 13 – HarborWalk Village (12:00p.m.)

Enjoy live music, performances, children’s arts and crafts, and more! Visit with Santa from

Don’t See Your Event?

Send calendar events to us at​ info@itsyourmagazine.com

Enjoy a special holiday edition of the Wednesday night concert series through

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Center Mainstage Theater in Niceville. These acrobats will delight with their artistry and original acts, including Aerial Silks, the Grand Trampoline, Chinese Magic, and more! For tickets and more information, please call 850729-6000.

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A Christmas Carol in Concert

Fri, Dec 4 – Sat, Dec 5 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)

The classic Charles Dickens tale “A Christmas Carol” takes a delightful twist in a customized adaptation by Northwest Florida State College.

For tickets and more information, please call 850-729-6000.

NFSO Concert – Holiday Pops

Fri, Dec 11 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)

12:00p.m. until 4:00p.m. on the main stage, and then catch the boat parade, which starts at 6:00p.m. For more information, please visit www.emeraldgrande.com/events.

Destin’s 10th Annual Holiday Craft Show Fri, Nov 13 – Sat, Nov 14 – Destin

The City of Destin’s Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Destin Community Center from 11:00a.m. until 4:00p.m., and on Saturday, November 14 from 9:00a.m. until 3:00p.m. There will be handcrafted jewelry, woodcarvings, watercolor paintings, and more! Admission is free. For information, please call 850-654-5184.

Chamber’s Annual Holiday Party Thurs, Dec 17 – Destin (6:00p.m.)

Celebrate the season with friends and colleagues at the Chamber’s Annual Holiday Party! Enjoy the view from 790 on the Gulf, as well as the great food, music and company!

For more information, call 850-837-2711.

Gingerbread House Decorating

Fri, Dec 18 – Baytowne Wharf (3:00p.m.)

Bring the kids over to the Events Plaza and make your own gingerbread house! For more information, please visit BaytowneWharf.com.

Christmas Potluck

Fri, Dec 25 – Perdido Key (12:00p.m.)

Flora-Bama is hosting a potluck to celebrate Christmas! The main dishes will be provided, and everyone else is encouraged to bring a covered side dish. After lunch is served, everyone celebrates together with drinks and live music!

For information, please call 850-492-0611.

New Year’s Eve | Baytowne Countdown

Thurs, Dec 31 – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.)

Don’t miss out on The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s end-of-year celebration! Enjoy breathtaking fireworks at midnight and live entertainment until 1:00a.m. For more information, please visit BaytowneWharf.com.

New Year’s Eve Bash

Thurs, Dec 31 – Perdido Key (7:00p.m.)

Ring in the New Year at Flora-Bama with champagne splits, a full food buffet, live music on all three stages, and drinks at every bar! For more information, please call 850-492-0611.

The Arts U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors

Sun, Nov 8 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (3:00p.m.)

The U.S. Army Field Band will present their renowned Jazz Ambassadors in a free concert at the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center on the Niceville campus. This 19-member ensemble was formed in 1969 and are the official touring big band of the United States Army. For more information, please call 850-729-6000.

SKIPPYJON JONES – SNOW WHAT Mon, Nov 9 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (9:45a.m. and 11:30a.m.)

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra is in its 29th year as the Emerald Coast’s premier professional orchestra. The NFSO’s popular Holiday Pops concert features more than 70 voices of the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale and Belle Voci Women’s Ensemble.

Ring in the holidays in festive style! For tickets and more information, please call 850729-6000.

Jazz Band Fall Concert

Tues, Dec 15 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)

The talented Jazz Band of Northwest Florida State College will present their annual Fall Concert at the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. The event is free, and no ticket is required. For more information, please call 850-729-5382.

The annual Children’s Series at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center presents a national touring series of live theatrical events based on best-selling children’s literature. This show is approximately one hour in length and is recommended for grades pre-k through third. For more information, please call 850-729-6004.

Piano Palooza

Sat, Nov 14 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 29th year as the region’s premier professional orchestra will continue with a “Piano Palooza” concert at the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. For more information, please call 850-729-6004.

The Nutcracker

Fri, Nov 20 – Sun, Nov 22 - Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)

The Northwest Florida Ballet will present their 36th annual performance of The Nutcracker.

The Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30p.m. and the Sunday show will begin at 2:30p.m. For tickets and more information, please call 850-729-6000.

Peking Dreams – National Acrobats & Circus of China – USA Tour

Tues, Dec 1 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)

The National Acrobats & Circus of the Peoples Republic of China will present their USA tour of Peking Dreams at the Mattie Kelly Arts

Don’t See Your Event?

Send calendar events to us at​ info@itsyourmagazine.com

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Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival

Sat, Nov 7 – HarborWalk Village (11:00a.m.)

Come enjoy great BBQ, cold brews and rockin’ blues on the Destin Harbor! Restaurants will be firing up their grills as they compete in a spirited BBQ competition. Taste the great food and vote in the People’s Choice Award!

For more information, please visit www. emeraldgrande.com/events.

Poetry and Music Jam

Tues, Nov 10 – Crestview Public Library Poets and musicians are encouraged to bring their best work to a free-form open-mic poetry reading and jam session at the Crestview Public Library. For more information, please contact Esther at 850-682-4432 or Rick at 850-585-6399. This event is free to the public every second Tuesday of the month from 6:00p.m. – 7:45p.m.

Destin Pooch Palooza

Sat, Nov 14 – Destin (10:00a.m.)

top team, will win prizes! A perfect score will win a free one-year Chamber business membership. For more information, please email mail@DestinChamber.com.

Newsboys

Wed, Dec 11 – Pensacola (7:00p.m.)

Best-selling, Grammy-nominated mega group Newsboys will hit the road again this fall and make a stop at the Pensacola Bay Center! For more information, please call 850-432-0800.

Polar Bear Dip

Fri, Jan 1 – Perdido Key (12:00p.m.)

Ring in the New Year with the 32nd Annual Polar Bear Dip in the Gulf of Mexico behind Flora-Bama. Thousands of people will gather together to dip in the Gulf to start their new year off fresh! Shortly after, a food buffet will be provided for all “dippers,” and there will be live music and drinks all day long. For more information, please call 850-492-0611

This festival for dogs and their families and friends will have food, arts and crafts, dog demonstrations and activities, raffles, and more! Entry is free, but donations such as food, collars or leashes for the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society are encouraged. For more information, please call 850-837-4242.

The FooFoo 3 Tenors

Sun, Nov 15 – Pensacola (3:00p.m.)

Sounds Fun 4th Annual Gala Fundraiser

Thurs, Nov 5 – Fort Walton Beach (6:00p.m.)

The Ramada Plaza Beach Resort is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Fresh Start for Children and Families. Tickets are $25 a person. There will be live music, dancing, food, cash bar, raffle items and a silent auction. For more information, please call 850-243-5648.

43rd Annual Doolittle Scholarship Open Golf Tournament

Thurs, Nov 5 – Eglin AFB Golf Course (7:00a.m.)

Enjoy a round of golf at our area’s oldest golf course, the Historic Eagle Course, at Eglin AFB Golf Course. Check-in is at 7:00a.m. and there is a shotgun start at 8:00a.m. All proceeds go to college scholarships at area high schools for JROTC and CAP. For more information, please call Steve Madley at 850-803-2280.

St. Simon’s 41st Annual Arts and Crafts Fair Fri, Nov 6 – Sat, Nov 7 – Fort Walton Beach (9:00a.m.)

From 9:00a.m. until 5:00p.m. on Friday and from 9:00a.m. until 3:00p.m. on Saturday, St. Simon’s Episcopal Church will be holding their annual Arts and Crafts fair. Only homemade items are allowed, and visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods for donation. For more information, please call 850-244-8621.

Pensacola Opera recreates the excitement and spectacle of the original Three Tenors with a free concert at the Pensacola Bayfront Stadium featuring the vocals of worldrenowned tenors Arnold Rawls, Adam Diegel and David Portillo. For more information, please call 850-433-6737.

Toys for Tots Ride

Sun, Nov 15 – Fort Walton Beach (8:00a.m.)

The Emerald Coast Harley Owners Group is sponsoring the Toys for Tots Run benefiting Children in Crisis and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Registration begins at 8:00a.m. at the Sam’s Club parking lot in Fort Walton Beach, and the ride will be to the Mullet Festival grounds in Niceville. For more information, please call 850-864-4242.

3rd Annual Bourbon at the Bay Thurs, Nov 19 – Destin (5:30p.m.)

Sip on bourbon, scotch and champagne, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and start your holiday shopping early at the 3rd Annual Bourbon at the Bay! There will be a silent auction, which will include trips, gift certificates, and more! This event is open to the public, and tickets are $35. For more information, please visit www. destinchamber.com/events.

Bowling for Business Tournament and Lunch Tues, Dec 8 – Destin (11:00a.m.)

How about a mini-bowling tournament for your December 8 lunch break? The highest male and female scorers, as well as the

Runs, Walks & More I Support the Thin Blue Line 5K Sat, Nov 7 – Freeport (7:30a.m.)

Bring your friends to the Freeport Lake Club of Hammock Bay for a 5K for a good cause.

This event is dedicated to all Law Enforcement Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and to the families of the fallen.

Registration begins at 7:30a.m. All proceeds will be donated to C.O.P.S., the Northwest Florida chapter. For more information, please email Briona Butler at briona.nelson1@gmail.com.

Pensacola Marathon

Sun, Nov 8 – Pensacola (6:00a.m.)

The combination of historic Pensacola, beautiful beaches and the sunrise over Escambia Bay will make up the 2015 Pensacola Marathon. This Boston Marathon qualifier includes a 5K, full marathon, half marathon, and full marathon 4-person relay.

For more information, please visit www. pensacolasports.com.

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Monthly Wellness Talk

Mon, Nov 9 – Fort Walton Beach (6:00p.m.)

Every second Monday of each month, join HealthSource for a free wellness talk. It is a great way to stay motivated and focused on health goals. There will be delicious and healthy recipes to try, exercise for all fitness levels, and a variety of health and wellness topics covered. For more information, please call 850-424-1167.

Downtown FWB Farmer’s Market

Sat, Nov 14 – Fort Walton Beach (8:00a.m.)

Miles of Memories 5K Run/Walk Sun, Nov 15 – Niceville (8:00a.m.)

The Sunday Funday 5K Brunch and Run/Walk starts at 8:00a.m. at Highway 20 in Niceville.

All proceeds will benefit Covenant Alzheimer’s Service. For more information, please visit www.milesofmemoriesniceville.kintera.org.

Make It to the Line 4-Mile Run/Walk & 1-Mile Fun Run Sat, Dec 19 – Perdido Key (8:00a.m.)

This annual run starts at Flora-Bama, then runs to the Perdido Pass Bridge, crosses underneath the bridge and ends back at FloraBama. There will be an after-party celebration with food, drinks and live music! For more information, please call 850-492-0611.

The Downtown FWB Farmer’s Market will be open the second Saturday of every month. The market will be held at DeFrance Antiques at downtown Fort Walton Beach from 8:00a.m. until 1:00p.m. There will be a variety of vendors selling locally grown and handmade items.

ArtWalk on the Harbor

Every month at HarborWalk Village On November 15 and December 20, from 11:00a.m. until 4:00p.m., HarborWalk Village will transform into a mini art district. Dozens of artists will come out to showcase their work. You will find all kinds of art from contemporary to traditional, from paintings, to handcrafted jewelry, and more. For more information, please call 850-424-0600.

Pajama Brunch

Sun, Nov 15 – Pensacola (10:00a.m.)

If you believe brunch is an essential part of a balanced diet, then head to Pot Roast & Pinot every third Sunday in your pajamas for brunch and score a free mimosa! For more information, please call 850-607-7336.

Volunteer Opportunity Place

Contact CC Fearson at 850-659-3190.

Socks

Contact Nikole Wood at 850-863-8999.

PAWS

Planetarium Nights

Thurs, Nov 19 – Fort Walton Beach (5:00p.m.)

The Emerald Coast Science Center is hosting planetarium nights on the third Thursday of every month. Shows are about 45 minutes long and regular adult admission is $9. Space is limited. For more information, please call 850-664-1261

Contact Alicia Sikes at 850-243-1525.

Salvation Army

Contact Lisa Martinez at 850-243-4531.

Habitat for Humanity

Contact Mark McEnaney at 850-685-0686.

Florosa Fire Department

Contact Tom Peele at 850-581-2900.

VFW

Contact Harvey Eckoff at 850-244-3834.

Goodwill

Contact John at 850-837-8516.

Destin Community Center

Recurring Local

Contact Lisa Firth at 850-654-5184.

Waterfront Rescue Mission

Downtown Fort Walton Beach Art Walk

Contact Tina or Sharron at 850-244-2726.

Fri, Nov 6 – Fort Walton Beach (5:30p.m.)

This will be the last Art Walk of the year, where downtown Fort Walton Beach will turn into a mini art district. It features local art in all mediums, from paintings to jewelry and many other hand-made creations. Stroll the sidewalks and enjoy the art and live music Fort Walton Beach has to offer.

Don’t See Your Event?

Send calendar events to us at​ info@itsyourmagazine.com

Destin History & Fishing Museum Contact Kathy Blue at 850-837-6611.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Contact Susan Leivelle at 850-650-1880.

Boys & Girls Club

Contact Rita Cummins at 850-862-1332.

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