652-C Capital Circle NE
Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 942-1400 VectorSecurity.com
2184 Lake Hall Rd Tallahassee, FL 32309 (850) 297-1882 SuperiorPainting.net
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2098 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 576-0002 MyWBU.com/Tallahassee
2098 Thomasville Road | (850) 576-0002 Shop online at MyWBU.com/Tallahassee
To learn more about becoming a SouthWood Advisor, contact Laura Kalinoski at laura@SouthWoodlivingmag.com or Matt Oestreich at matt@SouthWoodlivingmag.com
by Janet Swanson
Here we are in August, summer has ended and our family life is slowly adjusting to our school year routine. This is the time of year when routines determine how easy or stressful our day will be. Being consistent with afterschool playtime/screen time, homework, mealtime, and bedtime can help with levels of anxiety for not only the children but the adults as well. Having a daily routine provides everyone with guidelines as to what is expected of each family member and hopefully helps with time management.
For those of you who have children starting school for the first time, a new school, or middle and high school, the challenges your child may face can be overwhelming. Changing classrooms, different teachers for each subject, increasing assignments and homework, and then you add in the social aspect. Some kids may worry about fitting in and they can be critical of themselves. There is not an adult among us who does not remember a challenge or two in our own lives as we learned
to navigate through the middle and high school years.
Regardless of what grade your child has entered this year, giving him or her individual time and attention, away from the TV and computer, away from other children or distractions, hopefully, provides them with a one-onone safe zone to open up and talk to you about how they are feeling. Maybe you could establish a “connect time” by creating special time together every day, such as while making after-school snacks, during mealtime together, or during the quiet time before bedtime. My favorite time to have that special one-on-one time with my children was that quiet time as they were snuggling down in their beds for the night. As my children grew older, I still continued to keep that special time with them open. There was just something sweet about that time of the evening and I found that during that quiet, relaxed time together, they were more open to talk and express their feelings.
Ask your child what they like about school so far and what, if any, challenges they are facing. Ask if anything is worrying them about school so far. Above all, you want to be a good listener. You want to make eye contact because it shows them they have your attention. Do not talk while walking away from them or when your back is turned. Do not have your phone with you during this time. Be patient and don’t interrupt. Show them that you care about their feelings and opinions. Ask questions that allow them to stretch and expand their thoughts and ideas. Don’t downplay the challenges they are feeling. Remind them of their strengths and give them praise to help build their confidence. Maybe you could even share some of the challenges you had during your time in school and how you navigated them. Most of all, remind them how much they are loved.
8/9 Orientation
8/12 First Day of School
9/2 Labor Day- No School
9/5 Middle School Open House
9/11 Interim Reports
8/7
Kindergarten Orientation & Meet the Teacher
Grades 1-5 Meet the Teacher
8/12 Students 1st Day of School
8/20 PM1 Grades 1-10 Reading
8/21 PM1 Grades 1-10 Math
9/1 Labor Day- No School
9/4 STEMNola Learning Event
9/5 Elementary Picture Day
8/7 New Student Orientation
Laptop Pick Up and School
Start Day
8/22 Curriculum Night
9/2 Labor Day- No School
9/13 ½ Day School Release at Noon
8/9 Orientation
8/12 First Day of School
9/2 Labor Day- No School
9/11 Interim Reports
9/16 High School Open House
9/5 Secondary Picture Day
9/10 Senior Picture Retake
Grades 11-12 FAST Retake
9/11 Algebra & Geometry Retakes
9/17 All-State Orchestra Auditions
9/18 Club Rush
Early Release Day 11:30a
9/20 Middle School “Back to School Glow Dance”
8/8 Orientation
8/12 First Day of School
8/29 Middle School Open House
9/2 Labor Day- No School
9/11 Interim Reports
Move over, fudgsicles! These homemade popsicles are just as easy to make as they are extremely delicious to eat. If you're a Nutella fan, then these 3-ingredient pops will be your new fave easy afterschool treat.
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together Cool Whip, ½ c milk, and ¼ c Nutella until combined. In a separate small bowl, mix the 2 tbsp of Nutella and 1 tsp of milk until combined. (This is the Nutella swirl.)
Step 2
Spread a heaping 1 teaspoon Nutella in bottom of 6 (3-ounce) Dixie cups in an even layer. Divide cool whip mixture into each cup.
Step 3
Top each cup with a small square of aluminum foil. Using a paring knife, slice a small slit in the middle of each cup. Place a wooden popsicle stick in each slit. Freeze for 3 hours or until firm.
Step 4
When ready to serve, snip off a bit of the cup and peel off pop.
by Katie Truelove | ktcreative
Meet the George family, Dietrich and his sons, Carter, age 9, and Jayce, age 11.
Dietrich received his Bachelors of Science in Information Technology from Florida State University in 2013. He is the CEO of Suite, LLC, a programming company. "I am a proud Tallahassee native, having graduated from FSUS in 2008. I continued my education at Florida State University and have been passionate about the IT profession since I was 12 years old, thanks to my dad introducing me to the world of software and website development. My career has taken me through local positions at Infinity Software Development, Image API, and Zimmerman Agency. For the past seven years, I have successfully run my own business in the same field. I am incredibly grateful to have been born and raised here, and I look forward to passing down the rich heritage I have experienced with my parents to my boys. Go Noles!"
The George boys have a lot of fun hobbies. Dietrichs hobbies include cars,
trucks, programming, design, Photography, videography, longboarding, biking, motorcycles, DIY work, painting, drawing, dogs, exercise, cooking, guitar, piano, and bass. He is fluent in Spanish and knows just enough Chinese to be dangerous. Jayce enjoys soccer, tennis, gaming, swimming, movies and programming. Carter enjoys tennis, gaming, movies and swimming.
Dietrich tells us, "I have lived in SouthWood since I was a kid. My parents live here and then I moved away to Tampa for a
contract with the government. I moved back to be closer to family In 2015, and finally back to SouthWood in 2020."
"I love the tranquility SouthWood offers, and the beautiful views and landscaping. The neighbors are very friendly and I love our social media presence in terms of community support. The schools are bar- none and both my sons will be going to FSUS next year! I love going on walks around sunset and will now enjoy golf carting as I recently bit the bullet and got one," he tells us.
Dietrich and his sons love game nights and games in general. "I am a very creative type in terms of my talents. And I have been a lead UI designer, and Project Architect for programming projects. My sons both follow suit and Jayce has picked up programming this year," he says.
"We love to socialize! If you have any kids ages 7-14 that want to get together for a game night let us know. Also, if anyone Is good at golf, let me know. I'd like to start playing!" Dietrich says.
Whether you’re looking to add value for potential sale or simply create a more comfortable living space, now is the perfect time to breathe new life into your home with projects that provide a high return on investment (ROI).
Consider these top home renovation projects from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products – a leader in innovation, design and production of exterior and interior building products including siding, trim, mouldings, roofing, stone, windows, outdoor living and more – based on the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report from “Remodeling Magazine.”
Remodel the Kitchen and Bathroom
The average seller can expect an 96.1% return on a light touch to the kitchen, according to the report, and 73.7% on a modest bathroom renovation. Because personal preferences can vary widely among buyers, minor upgrades can provide a higher ROI than large, upscale remodels. A few easy ways to refresh your kitchen or bathroom include updating shelving or adding new hardware. Decorative trim and mouldings are also cost-effective ways to add visual interest.
As natural and textured home trends continue, homeowners are gravitating toward stone veneer,
or manufactured stone, as it can replicate the look of real stone, adding comfort, character and beauty to homes. An option like Versetta Stone from Westlake Royal Building Products offers the authentic, handcrafted look of stone in a panelized format that’s easy to install with nails and screws. There’s also no need to paint, coat or seal once installed. Ideal for its ability to add texture and dimension throughout both home interior (accent walls and fireplaces) and exterior applications (siding, entryways and walkways), stone veneer –which comes with a 153.2% ROI –can influence mood, emotion and energy levels while serving as a focal point of your home’s design.
Depending on the harshness of winter in your area and the age of your home, you may notice certain windows have developed drafts, allowing cold air to enter and heat to escape. Replacing drafty or outdated windows with modern, energy-efficient models is one of the most effective ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Additionally, a vinyl window replacement brings approximately 67.1% ROI.
In some cases, applying a fresh coat of paint is enough to refresh your home. However, if you’re looking to enhance your home’s
curb appeal while making a long-term impact, consider installing new siding or replacing existing siding. Because vinyl siding serves as an additional layer of insulation, improving the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, it offers a 80.2% ROI. Weather-resistant, low-maintenance siding like Celect Cellular Composite Siding, which is now available in ontrend colors including Imperial Red, a robust shade of red; Deep Pewter, a compellingly modern forest green; and Timberland, a rich, natural brown, won’t warp, sag or buckle and is built to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. Its patented interlocking joints provide a seamless look and it’s easy to install in small spaces, like along a knee or pony wall.
If you want to entertain guests outside, it’s a perfect time to get your patio or deck ready. While a new coat of stain can update your existing deck’s appearance and help protect it, now is also an ideal time to build a deck if your home doesn’t currently have one. When choosing a decking material, cost and maintenance are two factors to consider.
Composite decking offers a 68.2% ROI and is low maintenance as it’s not susceptible to cracking, warping and weather damage.
While most dog owners need little reason to celebrate their furry family members, National Dog Month provides a perfect opportunity to show pets a little extra love.
Established in 2004 by the Animal Miracle Network and International Association of Pet Sitters, the monthlong celebration promotes responsible pet ownership and honors dogs of all breeds and sizes. Consider these ways you can get involved:
• Adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization
• Organize a dog-friendly event in your community, such as a dog walk or pet parade
• Donate dog food, toys or supplies to a local animal shelter
• Volunteer at a rescue organization or shelter
• Host a dog-themed party or gathering with your friends and their furry companions
• Share photos and stories of your dogs on social media
To take it one step further and help dogs in need in your community, reach out to local pet-focused organizations and see how you can help.
Supporting local shelters by donating money, supplies or your time can aid in the well-being of dogs in your community. Consider organizing a fundraising event or a donation drive to collect essential items for the shelter, such as food, bedding or toys. You can also help spread the word about the importance of adopting dogs from shelters and encourage others to do the same.
Lead by example by being a responsible dog owner yourself through showing love, care and respect for your furry companion. Encourage spaying and neutering to prevent shelter overpopulation and educate yourself and others about the responsibilities that come with dog ownership, such
as providing proper nutrition, regular veterinary care and training.
There are many ways to help dogs in need, such as volunteering your time at a local animal shelter or rescue organization, assisting adoption events, walking dogs, cleaning kennels or helping with other essential tasks. If you have specific skills or expertise, you may also consider volunteering as a dog trainer, groomer or foster pet parent.
Find more tips for caring for your pet at eLivingtoday.com.
Getting kids up and out the door is a challenge all on its own, and on those busy school mornings when nothing seems to run smoothly, healthy breakfasts can go by the wayside. While it’s widely recognized as the most important meal of the day, that doesn’t always mean you have time to sit down and enjoy it.
Solving your morning rush with grab-and-go breakfasts you can make ahead of time accomplishes both goals at once: staying on schedule and fueling your kiddos (and yourself) for the day ahead. These delicious and nutritious recipes come from Healthy Family Project’s 2024 Back to School Campaign, which is raising $12,000 for the Foundation for Fresh Produce to support children’s accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables.
These Mixed Berry WholeWheat Muffins are a perfect solution when you need to hustle out the door. As a healthy, delicious treat kids can take with them to school or eat during the commute,
they’re quick and easy to make. Loaded with blueberries – a bona fide superfood that’s high in fiber, low in calories and high in vitamin C, potassium and vitamin K – you may even need to make a double batch so you have plenty for breakfasts and after-school snacks.
With a simple graham cracker crust and creamy Greek yogurt filling, Mandarin Orange No-Bake Tarts offer another refreshing, kid-friendly morning meal. They can help you start your day on the right foot whether you’re short on time or able to eat a quick bite together as a family.
Discover more ways to manage school-day schedules with easy, nutritious recipes at healthyfamilyproject.com.
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family
Project
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12
1 1/4 cups white whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease muffin pan and set aside.
In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In separate large bowl, mix egg, maple syrup, vanilla, yogurt and applesauce.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in strawberries and blueberries.
Pour batter into prepared muffin tin, filling cups about 3/4 full.
Bake 15 minutes, or until tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool in muffin tin 5 minutes before removing.
Mandarin Orange No-Bake Tarts
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Freeze time: 1 hour
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
4 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
In bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press mixture into bottom of individual mini tart pans or mini muffin tin. Refrigerate crusts to set while preparing filling.
In bowl, combine Greek yogurt,
vanilla and honey or maple syrup. Mix well.
Spoon yogurt mixture into chilled crusts.
Freeze tarts at least 1 hour. Top with mandarin segments.
About Family Features Editorial Syndicate A leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at Culinary.net and eLivingToday.com. Source: Healthy Family Project #16894