2098 Thomasville Road | (850) 576-0002 Shop online at MyWBU.com/Tallahassee
learn more about becoming a SouthWood Advisor, contact Laura Kalinoski at laura@SouthWoodlivingmag.com or Matt Oestreich at matt@SouthWoodlivingmag.com
Handling Holiday Stress
by Janet Swanson
You probably realized on your own that the Christmas holiday is officially the most stressful holiday of the year. By the time you read this article, you are in the thick of it all. You are attempting to pick up those last gift items, last-minute groceries, and coordinating this final lap of preparation as you also juggle holiday parties, school plays, and musical performances. Regardless of how we are spending our holiday, we all feel the pressure. Let’s see how we can make it a little easier on ourselves and our families.
The very first thing you must do is set realistic expectations and write out your plan. Remember, the holiday won’t ever be perfect, so knowing that out of the gate helps. There will always be those unexpected changes to our plan. That is how the stress can sneak in. However, knowing your timeframe and your limitations and being honest with yourself from the beginning can create a path for accommodating those unexpected changes and keep you moving forward
with your plans. In addition, make a plan for your spending and keep to the budget you set. This includes gifts, any special holiday clothing needs, decorations, and groceries.
When you begin to feel stressed, take long, deep cleansing breaths. Go outside, walk in nature,e or just sit out in your backyard and give yourself a few minutes. It is important to practice self-care and take time for yourself. Be good to yourself and make sure your needs are being met. Further, you need to make sure you are also getting enough sleep. This can be really hard because we can usually get a lot of tasks completed once the children are off to sleep. But proper sleep will reward you with the mental and physical requirements you will depend on for the next day.
Along with self-care, ask for help. You do not have to handle everything yourself. You can still be an independent wonder woman or man while getting help with holiday tasks. And even more importantly, it
is not only empowering but healthy to politely say “No” to someone adding more to your task list. Setting boundaries and respecting differences regarding family dynamics is important for everyone.
In conclusion, be sure to practice gratitude. The past year may not have turned out the way you had hoped or you thought it would. Regardless of what this past year has given and/or taken away from you, there is always something to be grateful for. Take time to reflect and list those things that you are grateful for. Don’t forget they can be as simple as having food in the pantry, the love of friends and family, or a pet that adores you. As you make this list in your mind, I promise you, it will be abundantly full by the time you are finished and you will find you truly have so much more to be thankful for than you initially thought.
12/20 End of 2nd 9 Weeks
12/23-1/7 Winter Break
1/8 Students Return
12/17-20 Mid Term Exams Half Days
12/21-1/6 Winter Break
1/7 Students Return 1/17 Half Day
12/20 End of 2nd 9 Weeks
12/23- 1/7 Winter Break
1/8 Students Return
12/3 Winter Extravaganza
12/5 Winter Chorus Concert
12/6 Elementary Winter Assembly
Middle School Mini Dance
Marathon
12/7 Elementary Jingle Bell Run
12/12 4th Grade STEM Skate World Trip Coloring Book Launching
1/10- Skate World Back to School Bash (advance tickets required)
No-Bake Reindeer Bites
Get the little ones involved in the holiday festivities by letting them help decorate these reindeer bites. It’s a fun and creative activity that doubles as a delicious treat. Plus, they’re perfect in a holiday themed lunch box too!
Ingredients
• old fashioned oats
• smooth peanut butter (should be thick, no stir peanut butter)
• honey
• small pretzels
• red chocolate candy coated pieces
Instructions
1. Start by placing the old-fashioned oats in a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely ground, creating a smooth texture for the reindeer bites.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter with honey. Stir the mixture until it reaches a smooth and consistent texture.
3. Introduce the ground oats to the peanut butter and honey mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
4. Using approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture (consider using a mini ice cream scooper for ease), roll into compact balls. This step sets the foundation for your adorable reindeer treats!
5. Cut small pretzels in half to form antlers. Decorate each reindeer bite with candy eyes, a red candy piece for the nose, and the pretzel antlers. For an extra cute touch, place the eyes close together to give your reindeer a super adorable face!
Creative & Affordable Ideas for a Magical Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us, and for many families, that means the return of everyone’s favorite mischievous holiday helper: the Elf on the Shelf! While it’s fun to see your kids' faces light up each morning, coming up with fresh ideas for your elf can be a challenge—especially when time and budgets are tight. Don’t worry! We’ve rounded up some practical, inexpensive, and super-easy ideas to keep the magic alive without adding to your holiday stress.
The Bookworm Elf
What You’ll Need:
• A stack of your child’s favorite holiday books
• A cozy blanket or scarf for the elf Set up your elf in a little "reading nook" with books stacked around them. This is a great way to encourage reading during the holiday season.
• Bonus: Your elf can “gift” a new book to your child for an added surprise!
Marshmallow Bubble Bath
What You’ll Need:
• A bowl or small container
• Mini marshmallows
• A rubber ducky (optional) Fill the bowl with mini marshmallows to create a “bubble bath” for your elf. Position them in a relaxing pose and maybe throw in a doll-sized towel or bathrobe if you have one.
Toilet Paper Snowman
What You’ll Need:
• A roll of toilet paper
• Black construction paper or a marker for buttons and eyes
• A scrap of fabric for a scarf Wrap the toilet paper around the elf to make them look like a snowman. Use the construction paper to create buttons, eyes, and a carrot nose. It’s a quick setup with things you already have at home!
Cookie Capers
What You’ll Need:
• Cookie cutters
• A rolling pin
• A sprinkle of flour Dust the counter with a little flour and pose your elf like they’ve been baking cookies all night! Scatter some cookie cutters and maybe a few crumbs to complete the look.
Crafty Christmas Artist
What You’ll Need:
• Paper or a small chalkboard
• Markers, crayons, or chalk
• Tiny holiday doodles Set your elf up as an artist by giving them a small drawing pad or chalkboard. Have them create a holiday masterpiece like a Christmas tree or a snowman. Kids will love seeing their elf’s “artistic skills!”
Movie Night Elf
What You’ll Need:
• Popcorn or a small bowl of cereal
• A small screen or a printed image of a holiday movie
• Mini figures or dolls for an audience Set up a mini “movie night” scene with the elf as the star viewer. A simple printed screenshot of a holiday classic like Elf or Home Alone makes it extra festive.
Candy Cane Hunt
What You’ll Need:
• Candy canes
• A handwritten note Hide candy canes around the house and position your elf with a note announcing a candy cane scavenger hunt for the kids. It’s interactive fun and comes with a sweet treat!
Wrapped Up in Fun
What You’ll Need:
• Wrapping paper scraps
• Tape
• Small toys or household items
Pretend your elf got into the wrapping paper and went overboard! Wrap up small objects or toys and leave the elf tangled in the scraps.
Christmas Countdown
What You’ll Need:
• Sticky notes or paper strips
• A marker
• A countdown number Have your elf start a fun countdown to Christmas by creating a festive display with numbered sticky notes. Each day, they can update the countdown with something fun or silly.
Game Night Elf
What You’ll Need:
• Board game pieces (like Scrabble tiles or cards)
• A small board game setup Stage your elf mid-game with other toys or dolls as their opponents. Scrabble tiles spelling out “Merry Christmas” or “Ho Ho Ho” make it extra special.
Pro Tips for Easy Elf Fun:
• Reuse what you have. Everyday household items make great props. Think cups, cotton balls, or even your kids’ toys.
• Plan ahead. Spend a few minutes brainstorming ideas for the week and jot them down. It’ll save you time during busy mornings.
• Keep it simple. Remember, kids don’t need elaborate setups— just a touch of magic to spark their imaginations.
This holiday season, let your elf bring smiles to your family with creative, low-cost ideas that keep the holiday spirit alive without the hassle. Happy holidays!
by Katie Truelove | ktcreative
/ MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS /
Butterflies, Baseball, and Building Community in SouthWood
An Interview with the Jones-Quiñonez Family
Nestled in the Oak Run subdivision of Southwood, the Jones-Quiñonez family has called this vibrant neighborhood home since 2018. MaryCatherine, Owen, and their daughter, Hannah (11), have embraced the community with open arms, enriching it with their passions, talents, and a shared love for nature and connection.
A Dynamic Professional Duo
MaryCatherine’s professional journey began in Massachusetts, where she graduated from Smith College with a degree in Sociology, later earning her Master’s in Public Health in Utah. After 15 years in government, she founded MaryCatherine Jones Consulting, LLC, specializing in supporting healthcare
organizations across the nation in serving underserved communities. She’s a trailblazer in her field, thriving from her Southwood home office long before remote work became commonplace.
Owen, with three decades of experience in hospitals and public health, is equally dedicated to creating healthier communities. His expertise lies in forging partnerships that innovate and improve public health, a mission that has defined his impactful career.
A Love for Life in Southwood
For the Jones-Quiñonez family, Southwood offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and modern convenience. “We love the strong sense of community here,” says MaryCatherine. “The
green spaces, the HOA events, and the people make it an ideal place to raise a family.”
Their neighborhood connections run deep, thanks in part to Owen’s father, Pablo, who was a beloved figure in Oak Run before his passing in 2023. Pablo’s cheerful presence while gardening or chatting with neighbors left a lasting impression, and the family fondly remembers how he brought people together.
A Budding Scientist and Artist
Hannah, a middle schooler at FSUS, is an enthusiastic learner whose favorite subjects are Science and STEM. She’s also musically inclined, playing the clarinet at school. When not studying, Hannah channels her creativity through arts, crafts, embroidery, and sewing—a passion she’s eagerly developing.
Nature Enthusiasts with a Passion for Pollinators
During the pandemic, the family transformed their backyard
into a sanctuary for monarch butterflies, gulf fritillaries, and swallowtails. With host and nectar plants, they’ve nurtured hundreds of caterpillars and butterflies, deepening their connection to the natural world. Additionally, they enjoy visiting the Fat Cat Café on Park Avenue, a space that fosters young cats seeking their forever homes—a cause close to their hearts.
Adventures in Travel
The Jones-Quiñonez family loves exploring the Caribbean, with St. Maarten and Barbados among their favorite destinations. Their most recent adventure took them to St. Kitts and the Dominican Republic, expanding their travel map.
A true geography enthusiast, Hannah can identify all the countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa—a skill that enhances the family’s global adventures.
A Family Motto
The family’s guiding principle could be described as: “Nurture nature, connect with community, and always keep
learning.” This philosophy shines through in their daily lives, whether it’s caring for butterflies, making memories through travel, or fostering meaningful connections in their neighborhood.
Message to the Neighbors
The Jones-Quiñonez family is grateful for the warm and welcoming Southwood community. “If you see us strolling through the neighborhood or tending to our butterfly garden, feel free to stop and say hello. We’re always happy to connect and share stories.”
The Jones-Quiñonez family brings joy, creativity, and a deep commitment to community to Southwood, embodying the neighborhood's spirit of connection and care.
Bringing Pilates to the Neighborhood
Club Pilates SouthWood, located across from the SouthWood neighborhood at 2176 Capital Circle SE, Suite 302, has quickly become a staple in the local fitness community since opening in late April. Offering instructorled Reformer Pilates classes and private training, the studio provides an opportunity for individuals of all ages and fitness levels to experience the unique benefits of Pilates.
A Look into the Pilates Method and Its Reformer Roots Pilates has a unique history rooted in rehabilitation. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, the system was designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Central to this method is the Reformer, a specialized apparatus using adjustable springs to create resistance, allowing for a low impact, fullbody workout. This combination of resistance and control makes Reformer Pilates ideal for all fitness levels, helping to strengthen the body and improve posture.
Full-Body Benefits for All Fitness Levels
Reformer Pilates offers something for everyone— whether you’re new to exercise, managing an injury, or enhancing sports performance. It’s popular with professional athletes, individuals recovering
from surgery, and those seeking low-impact fitness. Proven benefits include:
• Improved Posture: Aligns the spine and relieves tension from daily activities.
• Stronger Core: Builds foundational strength to protect the back.
• Flexibility & Balance: Improves coordination through controlled, wholebody movements.
• Mind-Body Connection: Encourages focused breathing to reduce stress and boost energy.
Reformer Pilates is especially valuable for pregnant and postpartum individuals, strengthening the core and pelvic floor muscles to support pregnancy and recovery.
As Joseph Pilates famously said, “In 10 sessions, you’ll feel the difference. In 20 sessions, you’ll see the difference. In 30 sessions, you’ll have a whole new body.” This promise inspires members at Club Pilates, where certified instructors guide sessions using the Reformer and equipment like the Springboard, TRX, Barre, and Exo Chair.
A Community of Support and Wellness
Club Pilates SouthWood has cultivated a welcoming community where members find motivation and camaraderie. Many members had little to no
experience with Pilates before joining but have become enthusiastic regulars, finding both the classes and the community rewarding.
Member Janelle shared, “I was skeptical at first because I didn’t think I would get a ‘real’ workout; boy was I wrong. There are levels for everyone, and the instructors are amazing. If you have any injuries, they will make sure they adjust the workout to fit you.” Another member, Lauren, noted, “I love that every workout is different. It keeps me interested, and the instructors are always supportive and attentive.”
For those curious about Pilates, Club Pilates SouthWood offers free 30-minute Intro classes several times a week. With around 65 classes weekly, from early morning to evening, there’s a class for every schedule. The studio is also available for private events like bridal showers and team-building activities, offering a unique venue for wellness-focused gatherings.
For residents of SouthWood and nearby areas, Club Pilates Southwood provides an accessible, supportive environment to begin or continue a Pilates journey.
Capturing Hoilday Magic
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are swept up in the magic of the moment— decorating, planning gatherings, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. Amid the festive hustle, there's one tradition that stands the test of time: taking family photos. These snapshots, seemingly simple, hold a profound significance, especially during the holidays.
Family photos are more than just pictures. They freeze moments in time—your toddler’s mischievous grin, your teenager’s reluctant but loving smile, or your grandparents’ warm embrace. As the years pass, these images become cherished treasures that evoke laughter, love, and sometimes a few happy tears.
Tips for Creating Memorable Family Photos
1. Plan Ahead: Decide on the setting, whether it’s a cozy living room, your favorite park, or even a meaningful location like a family farm. Early planning ensures everyone is ready and relaxed.
2. Dress for Comfort: While coordinated outfits can look
polished, dressing in what makes you feel comfortable ensures genuine smiles. Your confidence and ease will shine through in the photos.
3. Coordinate Colors, Not Outfits: Pick a color palette rather than matching outfits. Shades like neutrals, jewel tones, or seasonal hues like deep greens and reds create a cohesive look while allowing individuality.
4. Include Multiple Generations: Family photos are a beautiful opportunity to celebrate your legacy. Invite grandparents and even great-grandparents to join—these moments are priceless and bridge generations.
5. Embrace Candids: Some of the most heartwarming photos are unplanned—kids laughing, a shared glance between loved ones, or even a silly moment. These candid shots often hold the most authentic memories.
6. Use Props: Incorporate meaningful or festive items such as ornaments, a favorite family quilt, or even your pets to add personality and charm to the photos.
7. Capture Unique Traditions: Highlight what makes your family special—whether it’s baking cookies, trimming the tree, or a favorite holiday activity. These personalized moments add depth to your photo collection.
8. Incorporate Movement: Encourage your family to walk, play, or interact naturally during the shoot. Movement can bring a lively, dynamic feel to your photos, making them more engaging.
9. Make It a Celebration: Treat your photo session like a mini event! Play music, bring snacks, and keep the mood light so everyone enjoys the experience.
Once you’ve captured your family photos, use them to spread joy. Create custom holiday cards, frame them as gifts, or compile them into a yearly album. In a world that moves so fast, taking the time to pause and document your family is a gift in itself. This holiday season, gather your loved ones, smile big, and capture the magic. Your future self—and future generations—will thank you.
by Katie Truelove | ktcreative
by Katie Truelove | ktcreative
Pop Your Way to a Cozy Holiday Party
Holiday celebrations tend to bring out everyone’s best and brightest, and this year you can pair the sparkle and magic of the season with the heartwarming comfort of cozy foods. Eye-catching decor boasting holiday reds, greens and golds becomes even more inviting when complemented by favorite wintery snacks that enhance the holiday spirit.
Spend a chilly afternoon nestled in a warm kitchen with your little ones making these Festive Popcorn Trees, which offer the best of both worlds. These charming, edible trees allow you time together while encouraging creativity as your kids decorate their own popcorn masterpieces, adding a whimsical touch to your holiday table.
Popcorn, a beloved snack throughout the year, serves as a delightful and versatile addition to festive gatherings. Its irresistible flavor not only satisfies cravings but also evokes heartwarming memories of shared moments
with loved ones – whether it’s the joy of crafting popcorn garlands, creating homemade ornaments or enjoying it alongside other seasonal snacks. Embrace the traditions that bring family and friends closer, all while indulging in the wholesome goodness of popcorn.
Find more ways to pop up a cozy holiday celebration at popcorn.org.
Must-Haves for a Comforting Holiday Snack Bar
Lighten the load of holiday hosting this year with a serve-yourself snack bar that allows guests to personalize their plates with favorite cozy season hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract nonstick cooking spray green decorating sugar blue decorating sugar
1 tube white frosting with decorating tip assorted small colorful candies, such as sprinkles miniature silver dragees sugar cookies, for serving (optional)
shredded coconut, for serving (optional)
Place popcorn in large bowl.
In medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stir marshmallows and butter until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour mixture over popcorn in bowl. Toss well to coat popcorn evenly.
Line baking sheet with foil. Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray then scoop about 1 cup popcorn mixture. Shape mixture into cone, keeping base flat. This forms one tree. Sprinkle tree with green and blue decorating sugars; place tree on baking sheet. Repeat to make additional trees.
Pipe frosting on trees to make garland then decorate with colorful candies and miniature silver dragees. Serving suggestion: Place each tree on sugar cookie, if desired, and decorate serving tray with shredded coconut to resemble snow.
Tips: Start the recipe with unflavored white popcorn for best color and flavor. Make colored sugar by adding food coloring to sugar then stirring in bowl or shaking vigorously in sealed container. Add more food coloring for more intense tones.
