SouthWood Living Magazine Dec 2023

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Slow Down and Savor the Holiday Season

by Janet Swanson

Well here we are in December. Do you feel as though your todo list is out of control? Are you overwhelmed and going in fifty different directions all at the same time? Take a deep breath and let’s get your expectations and priorities in order. What can you do to intentionally slow down and savor what's important this holiday season? We can get through it all and eliminate that last minute stress and be kind to ourselves in the process.

First, why not pull the family together and bring out a calendar. Discuss and prioritize those holiday events that are most important to your family. Let’s be realistic, there will be gatherings you really must attend. For those few gatherings, it is ok to set limits for the amount of time you want to devote to them. Be realistic, but don’t overextend yourself. There is a freedom and peace in politely saying no where you can.

Once you have those few must commitments on the calendar, ask your partner and the children what events and family traditions during the Christmas holiday are most important to them. When your family reflects on their memories from holidays past, what are the special things they enjoyed the most? Those are the

things you want to make sure you leave time for. Commit to only what is important to you and your family. Each time you are together in celebration, place a basket on the counter or table for all the phones in the house to be placed, (yes those adult phones too!) This way you and your family can be intentional about being home together and cherish that special time. Time together can be watching holiday movies, playing board games, a family drive to see all the holiday lights in the neighborhood or baking cookies and treats. Whatever family activity you choose, remember you are making lasting memories with your family.

Be diligent about keeping a careful eye on gift giving to prevent post holiday stress. Plan menus in advance and meal prep ahead wherever possible. Don’t leave for the grocery store without a list and take advantage of conveniences such as grocery delivery or store curbside pickup. These conveniences can really save you time and additional stress.

May I also suggest you stay off Pinterest! You will drive yourself over the edge as you discover endless ideas for your holiday table, tree decorations or fancy

appetizers that you have no time to try and complete. Remember, your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers will never remember your holiday decorations or centerpieces. What everyone will remember is the laughter, shared memories of holidays past, and just all the love your house was filled with. Remember what really counts is being together with the people we love and are so grateful to have.

Remember to extend kindness not only this holiday season, but every chance you can. I wish you and your family a wonderful, peaceful holiday.

12/6 Picture ReTakes

12/14 5th Grade Music Performance

12/19 End of 2nd 9 weeks/1st Semester

12/20 Winter Break Starts

1/8 Students Return to School

1/15 MLK Holiday

1/17 Report Cards

12/6 Feast of St. Nicholas

12/15-20 Mid Term Exams – Half Days

12/20 End of Semester

12/21-1/4 Winter Break

1/5 Students Return

1/12 Teacher In-Service- Half Day

1/15 MLK Holiday

1/16 Senior Cap & Gown Photos

12/19 End of 2nd 9 weeks and 1st Semester

12/20 Winter Break Starts

1/8 Students Return to School

1/15 MLK Holiday

1/17 Report Cards

12/5 Winter Extravaganza

12/5-6 FAST & STAR Testing

12/7 Fourth Grade Fieldtrip to STEM w/Seminoles

Chorus Winter Concert

12/8 EDEP’s Parent’s Night Out

12/12 DARE Graduation

12/13 Exams

Early Release Days 11:45

Animal Safari Day

12/14 3rd Grade Nutcracker

Field Trip

Exams

Early Release Days 11:45

Winter Showcase

12/15 Exams

Early Release Days 11:45

Movie Day

12/18- 1/3 Winter Break- No School

1/4 Students Return to School

12/13 Chorus & Guitar Winter Concert

12/14 Band Concert

12/19 End of 2nd 9 weeks and 1st Semester

12/20 Winter Break Starts

1/8 Students Return to School

1/15 MLK Holiday

1/17 Report Cards

Homemade Marshmallow Snowflakes

1/2 cup cold water

3 envelopes unflavored gelatin

2 cups sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup water

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, divided Lollipop sticks

In a large bowl, combine cold water and gelatin; set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for 2 minutes to dissolve sugar crystals; uncover and cook on medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 240° (soft-ball stage).

Remove from the heat and gradually add to gelatin. Beat on medium speed for 14 minutes. Add extract; beat 1 minute longer. Meanwhile, sprinkle 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar into a greased 13x9-in. pan.

With greased hands, spread marshmallow mixture into prepared pan. Top with 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar. Cover and cool at room temperature for 6 hours or overnight.

Cut 15 snowflakes with a greased 2-1/2-in. snowflake-shaped cookie cutter; toss in remaining confectioners' sugar. If desired, gently press lollipop stick into each snowflake. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

by Katie Reeves | ktcreative

by Katie Reeves | ktcreative

/ MEET THE SOUTHWOOD LIVING TEAM /

FROM OUR PUBLISHER When completing our September issue a few months ago and starting to plan the rest of the fall issues Katie, (our Creative Director) let me know we are reaching our 5th anniversary this December I was astounded. 5 Years! I am so proud of our team. The road to starting this magazine started in the summer of 2018 when I was working for the community planning events and finding creative ways to continue bringing the SouthWood community together. Over the past ten years, SouthWood has expanded exponentially, and with so many people moving into the area, it is now more difficult then it was years before to establish genuine ties. Featuring families and telling their stories was one of the top priorities. When we tell the stories of residents within our community, we find common backgrounds, interests, and professions. We learn about the families our kids go to school with, the families we see on the trails, the families we see at community events, and the local business owners we work with each day. They are not strangers; they are our neighbors.

What is the most valuable thing in life? It is not money or success, but the relationships we build with others. The power of a strong community cannot be overstated. It is the foundation that supports our personal and professional growth. Community provides all of us with a sense of belonging and offers us a support system during tough times.

When Charlie Ward and his family moved to the community

I was over the moon and honored that he would be our first Featured Family. I remember standing in a much older stadium as a much younger freshman girl cheering for him and our Seminole team. And then not only on the field but on the court as well. Returning to FSUS to coach our young Seminoles in our community reminded me of my own homecoming to the area.

I was born and raised in Tallahassee. After school, I traveled all over the country working in hospitality which eventually led to a concentration in event planning. I found a passion for coordinating events that brought people together. Whether it was celebrating holidays, planning association conferences, weddings and other large celebrations. After living in Orlando, New York, Chicago, and Birmingham to name a few, it was time for me to find a community to be my home. I missed the warm weather, sunshine, being close to the Gulf, and my family. I was starting my own family, and it was time to decide where to lay my roots. Where I wanted to raise my son. Tallahassee became an obvious choice after living in so many different communities across the nation. I could not think of a better community to raise my son in than my hometown.

We moved back to Tallahassee in 2009. I spent most of the first few years devoting my time to raising my young son. He attended preschool in Southwood, Where I began developing friendships with other SouthWood mothers. Once he started elementary school, I started spending more energy on building my career in Tallahassee. From opening a local hotel with event & conference space to becoming the Catering & Event Director

Above: Laura Kalinoski, Publisher

Below: Matt Oestrich, Account Executive

at The Governors Club. This club offered a chance to reconnect with my community. I became highly active within the Chamber and other local business & association groups. Proud member of the Leadership Tallahassee Class of 37. Tallahassee's local businesses run differently than any other community I had lived in. It was familiar to my heart as Tallahassee businesses are all about community. Our networking and spread of commerce are truly based on word of mouth. The real relationships we build with friends and neighbors.

I was honored to come on board the SouthWood Community in 2018. The HOA Board, St. Joe, and the CDD had a clear goal of bringing the SouthWood Community together and getting

FROM OUR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Matt graduated from the S.I. Newhouse school at Syracuse University with a B.A. in Telecommunications Management.

Matt was a sales research assistant and research manager at 2 television rep firms in New York City. He moved to Connecticut for his first local sales position at the NBC affiliate in HartfordNew Haven, where he managed an existing list of local/regional accounts and developed localdirect business with various clients. Matt’s next opportunities took him back to New York where he spent 7 years representing television stations across the US to

FROM OUR CREATIVE DIRECTOR

residents around the Big Bend to understand why this community was different than other neighborhoods. My time as your event planner is still remembered as one of the most rewarding times of my career.

When I am not working as your publisher, I assist local elders in rebuilding and sustaining their sense of community within senior living. I continue to plan local community events in Tallahassee bringing neighbors together. I love spending my time with my family. Jonah is now 17 and a junior in high school. He loves playing in the school band. His current goal is to gain admission to FSU where he aspires to become a Marching Chief while pursuing his education locally. Needless to say, I support this goal 100%! My

advertising agencies in New York City.

Matt and his family moved to Florida in 1997 and they have been in the Sunshine State ever since. He has held management positions at television stations in Miami, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Tampa and here in Tallahassee. His greatest business joy is designing creative campaigns and marketing materials that give clients ownership of certain elements and products he represents. After Feb 2020 when Covid affected so many businesses, Matt took a break and worked at home for a while. A mutual friend referred him to Laura Kalinoski,

Katie Truelove is founder of ktcreative, a full-service boutique marketing agency with a unique approach. As head creative guru and solutions hero, Truelove is an award-winning graphic designer and has over 20 years experience in marketing, promotional products and design. She loves solving communication challenges for big and small brands through collaborative insights, award-winning creative and (some would say) insane diligence. As a mother and business owner, she is a huge giver and once she dedicates herself to a project, she gives it her all.

husband Jason owns his own video production company and is an Emmy-winning editor. I spend my time gardening, as it affords me the tranquility and good physical workout I crave. We love spending weekends in Panama City Beach fishing, playing, and floating in the emerald green waters of our Gulf Coast.

This magazine continues to thrive as it brings the highest-rated local businesses of the area home to you each month, highlights families you will see at the grocery store that are no longer unfamiliar faces, and stories that bring it all together. Thank you for allowing me in your homes each month over the past 5 years and here’s to the next 5 years. Cheers (champagne glasses)

Publisher of SouthWood Living magazine and he joined the magazine in March of 2022 as the Account Manager. His passion for helping local business grow has led to many new & prosperous client relationships. He looks forward to continuing to help local clients grow and flourish in Tallahassee.

Matt and his wife, Shira have called Tallahassee home for 8 years now and they have 1 daughter who lives in Tampa. Outside of work, Matt enjoys cruises with his family, cooking, sports and discovering new restaurants while vacationing.

Katie has immensely enjoyed meeting all of the cover families over the last 5 years and capturing their beatiful faces- and can't wait to meet even more! She has always admired the SouthWood community and loves being such an integral part of producing this magazine.

Katie and her daughters live in the Tallahassee area. Her furry family members include a 17-year-old pitbull named Chewbacca and a 9-month-old American Bulldog puppy named ObiWan. She loves spending time with her family and traveling to the beach whenever possible!

Unwrap Memories with the Gift of Travel

by Veronica Wold | Effortless Travel

When my children were young, they always received too many Christmas gifts. They would play with their new toys for a few hours and then complain that they were bored. It was a vicious cycle of running around to find that one must-have item and waking up to the feeling that I’d gone too far again. So, one year, I decided to spend the money on experiences. I started small, buying High School Musical tickets for the next year, then Disney tickets the following year, and then a Disney cruise, a trip to NYC, and a trip to Belize. Can you guess which gifts they remember and still talk about as adults?

Travel experiences, on the other hand, are the gift that keeps on giving. They're the stories you'll be telling for years, filled with adventure, laughs, and those "remember when" moments. They’re not just a gift but a ticket to creating memories, personal growth, and true family bonding.

The best part about gifting travel experiences? You can tailor them to fit the person like a glove. Whether they're thrill-seekers, culture vultures, luxury travelers, or daydreamers, there's a travel adventure for everyone. It's all about giving them an experience that speaks to their soul.

Sure, the Eiffel Tower is impressive, and the Grand Canyon is breathtaking, but the real beauty of travel is in the shared moments. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a multigenerational family trip, or a solo expedition, these shared adventures create unbreakable bonds and stories that become family legends.

In a world drowning in stuff, minimalism is having a moment. Travel experiences fit right into this lifestyle. They offer the joy of exploration without adding to the clutter. The memories become your most cherished possessions, taking up space in your heart, not on a shelf.

Tips for Gifting Adventures

Check their Bucket List: Dive into what makes the person tick. Find their dream destinations or activities, and tailor the gift to their wildest dreams.

Flexibility is Key: opt for flexible travel experiences. No one needs the added stress of a gift with a tight schedule. Let them choose when to embark on their adventure.

Sprinkle Some Personalization: Make the presentation as exciting as the gift itself. Write a sweet note, create a killer itinerary, or wrap it up in a way that screams, "Get ready for an epic time!"

Think Beyond the Norm: Why settle for the usual travel spots? Explore unique experiences like food tours, wildlife safaris, or wellness retreats. Surprise them with something they never saw coming.

Group Gifts For-The-Win: For big adventures, consider rallying the squad for a group gift. It's not just a budget-friendly move; it adds a communal vibe to the whole experience.

In a world where time is gold, the gift of travel is pure magic. It's not just about where you go; it's about who you're with and the memories you make. So, the next time you're scratching your head over the perfect gift, think travel – a gift that's not just about the present but about creating memories that will last a lifetime. Travel on!

About Veronica Wold and Effortless Travel Effortless Travel has been helping clients fulfill all of their travel needs for almost two decades, connecting them to great deals and package values that cannot be found elsewhere. We have a passion for traveling and started Effortless Travel when we found it difficult to find travel professionals who were willing to curate travel plans suited to a particular time and financial budget. We are widely successful throughout the US and an award winner in customer service.

Veronica majored in Marketing at Florida State University and graduated in 1991. She went on to attend Travel Agent University and received her CLIA Certification providing her with the background to ensure the best service for her beloved clients. Veronica networks frequently with travel companies in order to ensure that clients receive exclusive discounts, amenities, upgrades and so much more! Her work in planning travel itineraries is completely customized to the needs of her clients and her many satisfied clients show that she is well poised to continue to be able to fulfill those needs. 850.521.5477 or email Veronica@EffortlessTravel.net

Sweet & Savory Ways to Shake Up Your Holidays

’Tis the season for sweet and savory favorites – from the mouthwatering desserts you crave each year to starters and snacks that hold over hungry guests. Elevate your holiday entertaining with the right combination of appetizers, main courses, sides, sweets and beyond that start with the same seasonal staple: pecans.

As a versatile nut that can be used throughout the holidays, pecans have you covered so you can cook and enjoy a myriad of dishes, add festive flair to decor, or provide a nutritious snack in the midst of season-long indulgences. This year, pick up an extra bag of pecans to create nutritious, delicious dishes to enjoy on-the-go or serve to guests.

To help celebrate the holiday season, the American Pecan Promotion Board introduced a digital Pe-Calendar to highlight the many ways pecans can be enjoyed in and beyond a traditional pie. From Dec. 7-18, the interactive calendar will

unveil tasty recipes for pecan fans to enjoy, along with fun games that can enter you in to win exciting prizes each day. From delicious Baked Brie with Pecans and Cranberry Orange Chutney to nutritious Pecan Snack Mix with Cranberries and Chocolate, along with prizes, the calendar provides an ultimate way to shell-ebrate with the must-have holiday nut.

To sign up for daily email reminders to open a new door for chances to win nutty prizes, or to find additional holiday recipes, visit EatPecans.com.

Baked Brie with Pecans and Cranberry Orange Chutney

Recipe courtesy of the American Pecan Promotion Board

Cook time: 24 minutes

Servings: 8

1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries

1/2 cup maple syrup, plus 1 teaspoon for garnish, divided 1/2 cup water

1 orange, zest and juice only

1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme, plus additional for garnish, divided

1 teaspoon freshly chopped rosemary

1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)

1 round brie (13.4 ounces)

1/2 cup roasted pecan pieces crackers toasted bread apple slices

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring cranberries (reserving some for garnish), 1/2 cup maple syrup and water to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and mixture thickens, 8-10 minutes.

Remove cranberry mixture from heat and stir in orange zest, orange juice, 1 teaspoon thyme, rosemary and bourbon, if desired.

Place brie on parchment-lined

baking sheet. Bake 5-7 minutes, or until inside of cheese softens while outside remains intact.

Transfer brie to serving platter and top with chutney and toasted pecans. Drizzle remaining maple syrup over brie and garnish with remaining fresh thyme and reserved cranberries. Serve with crackers, toasted bread and apple slices.

Pecan Snack Mix with Cranberries and Chocolate Recipe courtesy of Jess Larson and the American Pecan Promotion Board

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes, plus 10 minutes cooling time

1 cup pecan halves

1 cup rice squares cereal (wheat or cinnamon)

1/2 cup pretzels

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

In large, microwave-safe bowl, add pecans, rice squares cereal and pretzels. In small, microwave-safe bowl, add butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt and nutmeg. Microwave butter mixture 1-2 minutes until melted then

pour over dry mix. Toss well to combine.

Microwave snack mix in 45-second intervals, about 4-5 intervals total, until mix is fragrant, golden and toasty.

Cool mix completely then stir in cranberries and dark chocolate chips.

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. #16883

Source: American Pecan Promotion Board