April/May 2014 Tallahassee Woman

How to Avoid Money Arguments Celebrate EASTER!

Homemade Fun for Kids of All Ages

Mother May I?

Navigating Mother/ Daughter Relationships Create Your Very Own MOM CAVE

Emergency Center – Northeast

Staffed by all board-certified emergency medicine physicians, the Emergency Center – Northeast is a nontrauma, full-service emergency center. With special features like separate entrances for children and adults, an iPad bar, and light dimmers in each room, this center was created with your comfort in mind.

Since 1982, I have purchased an (embarrassing) number of cars from Prestige; it’s always a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this honest and responsible automobile dealer to everyone.

Dr. Louis Beall

Dentist | Professional Tennis Player | Car Enthusiast

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Sharing the Flame

If anyone has told you recently to “mind your business” you may have responded quite enthusiastically with “I am!” I’m happy to say that I have, in that I am one of the many women in Tallahassee that became a small business owner when I began Tallahassee Woman eight years ago. It hasn’t always been an easy journey, but I can honestly say that it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

People often ask me if I was afraid when I decided to start a business. Honestly, I was a little uncertain—whose heart doesn’t pound a few beats faster when you are diving into uncertainty? However, I was more afraid of NOT pursuing my dream and one day looking back wondering what would have happened if I had only tried. So, try I did, and with the incredible TWM team that I get to work with every day, it has been a treasured and blessed journey for the last eight years growing this business together, one issue at a time.

And we are not the only women in Tallahassee making our way in the business community. As of the 2007 U.S. Census, women-owned business firms comprised over 30 percent of the businesses in Tallahassee. That is quite an impressive number, which has more than likely increased since that last official calculation. Starting and running a business is not for the faint of heart—there are good times and lean times, but the experience of seeing your dream come to fruition is exhilarating.

In Tallahassee, not only do we have remarkable women as business owners, but also an incredible workforce of intelligent, creative, and dedicated women in the business world who work tirelessly as employees in organizations around the capital city. After years of hearing story after story of all the incredible endeavors women in our area were accomplishing, we felt that it was high time that we recognized these women. This led us to organize the inaugural Women Who Mean Business Awards, with the theme of, “Women on Fire,” which will be held April 30th at the Woman’s Club of Tallahassee. We are looking forward to recognizing these women and bringing you their stories in the next issue and sharing the flame of their passion, leadership, and innovation for Tallahassee’s business future.

As I have read over the nominations submitted for the Women Who Mean Business Awards, I have seen a common thread—women who dedicate themselves tirelessly, not only to their work, but also to their families and to their community. Their dedication is commendable, to be admired and respected. And so, we thought it fitting that Florida’s First Lady, Ann Scott, would be our cover woman this issue, as her life has mirrored so much of what many women experience in their everyday lives with balancing family, work, and a commitment to the community. A charming woman with a down-to-earth demeanor, Mrs. Scott’s life story is one that many women can relate to.

We hope you all love this issue as much as we loved putting it together for you. As always, we appreciate your comments and suggestions for what you want to see in the magazine in the future because we know that we could not do this without all of you.

Until next time.

Kim Rosier

Well and Loving Life! April/May 2014 Volume 9 | Issue 2

PUBLISHER

Kim Rosier

EDITOR

Heather Thomas

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR

Lynn Solomon

ADVERTISING SALES

Jennifer Stinson

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Christy Jennings Miqueli

TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR

Sheena Ducharme

INTERNS

Azya Benjamin • Christina Morgan • Kaitlyn Pesquera • Kayla Sim • Keasi Smith

Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC Post Office Box 13401

Tallahassee, FL 32317-3401

Phone (850) 893-9624 Fax (850) 254 -7038 info@TalWoman.com

Tallahassee Woman is published six times per year and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. Subscriptions are available for $15 for one year (six issues).

The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions.

ADVERTISING

For more information on advertising, call (850) 893-9624 or e-mail ads@TalWoman.com

Copyright ©2014 Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.

age with confidence

GIRL TALK

WELLNESS | FASHION | KNOWLEDGE | TRENDS | SHOPPING

Fun, Fresh & Fabulous Colors for Springtime!

(Pantone Spring 2014 Color Report)

SpringColor

WHAT HUE ARE YOU?

While each color on the Pantone palette suggests a different look, it also offers us a different persona this year. Placid Blue is the initial color on the spectrum and is for those who are cool, calm and collected. This pastel is influenced by the sky and the peace it brings. Dazzling Blue is the more vibrant blue and is for those with a sparkling charisma. Daydreamers wear Violet Tulip, a classic purple. Hemlock is a shade of green inspired by the spring leaves. Sand is one of the two neutrals on the palette and will remind you of the times of summer. Match Sand with another pastel for a springtime ensemble. The other neutral is Paloma—a shade of grey. Sophistication is key for the lady who wears Paloma. Cayenne, a beautiful red tone, is worn by the woman who loves action. Freesia, a vivid yellow, and Celosia Orange are our tropical colors for 2014. These are for the free spirits who seek adventure. Lastly, Radiant Orchid is a deeper shade of purple and a bold complement to the Violet Tulip. What color will you wear this season?

—Kayla Sim

Want to learn your color personality? Scan page now! (See page 6 to learn how.)

Hello, neighbor!

Please stop by and say, “Hi!” I’m looking forward to serving your needs for insurance and financial services. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.

6265 Old Water Oak Road Suite 105

Tallahassee, FL 32312

Bus: 850-385-2165 brigit.houk.k55l@statefarm.com

Brigit Drawdy Houk, Agent

Smart Women Work Here

FIVE TIPS FOR A LIFETIME OF HEALTHY VISION

Forty percent of Americans worry more about losing their eyesight than their ability to walk or hear, according to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) annual American Eye-Q survey. To protect your eyesight, the AOA (www.aoa.org) recommends these tips:

1. Schedule yearly comprehensive exams.

2. Protect against UV rays by wearing sunglasses year-round. Choose a pair that blocks more than 95 percent of UVA and more than 99 percent of UVB radiation.

3. Give your eyes a break from digital device use. The AOA recommends that people practice the 20/20/20 rule (every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away).

4. Eat your greens. Six nutrients—antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, essential fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and the mineral zinc—have been identified as helping to protect eyesight and promote eye health.

5. Practice safe wear and care of contact lenses. Contact lens wearers who don’t follow their optometrist’s recommendations for use and wear can experience symptoms such as blurred or fuzzy vision, red or irritated eyes, pain in and around the eyes or, a more serious condition in which the cornea becomes inflamed, also known as keratitis.

ARE YOU A Candy Crusher?

If you don’t already play Candy Crush, then you’ve probably seen at least one Facebook status or request about it. Candy Crush Saga is a game that was released a few years ago and quickly became one of the most addictive Facebook apps. You can play Candy Crush on your computer, smartphone or tablet, which has made it easily accessible and easy to get addicted to because you can play it almost anywhere. Playing Candy Crush might seem like fun and games right now but could your Candy Crush addiction be having negative health effects on you?

VISION Staring at a screen is bad for your eyes and even worse when it’s the tiny screen on your smartphone. Looking at a small screen for too long can cause eye problems that typically occur in the elderly.

NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN Bending your neck to look at the screen for too long can start to cause a stiff neck and shoulders, which can be easily avoided by playing at shorter intervals.

LIVING A STATIONARY LIFESTYLE If you are always busy playing Candy Crush, then you aren’t getting up and moving around. Playing games on your phone is just fine in moderation, but be sure to make time for physical activities as well.

KEEP A BALANCE Constantly playing Candy Crush can distract you from doing other important things at work and at home. If you are in denial about how often you play Candy Crush, then you may want to consider how distracting it really is and how it affects those around you as well.

SOCIAL LIFE Playing Candy Crush could be preventing you from your social life. Try putting your phone down more often when you are around other people and engage with others in social interactions instead. Christina Morgan

8 HUGS A DAY Keeps the Doctor Away

Howmany hugs do you receive and/or give throughout the day? Recent studies have shown that hugging has many mental and physical health benefits. Being hugged by a loved one increases the “love hormone” oxytocin, which is a powerful health-giving hormone that is released in response to physical touch. The more oxytocin released, the better we are able to handle life’s stressors. Hugging helps reduce blood pressure and improve your immune system. It only takes a 10-second hug a day to fight infections, lower the risk of heart disease and fight fatigue.

Hugging has many emotional benefits as well. A hug builds trust and a sense of safety. A hug can heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger. Hugs have a powerful impact on the human psyche, strengthening bonds between people and acting as a way of showing appreciation and love with no words at all. It has also been said that children who grow up in more affectionate households have a stronger self-worth and a greater ability to self-love and are better at communicating with loved ones.

Both the receiver of the hug and the hugger receive benefits from hugging. It is important to note that the hugs which produce the most oxytocin come from people you most trust, not necessarily from a stranger holding a “Free Hugs” sign. Other methods of touch also produce the oxytocin hormone, including holding hands, kissing and getting a massage.

Studies show that today many people are touch-deprived. One study found that one-third of people receive no hugs on a daily basis, while 75 percent said they wanted more hugs. Neuroeconomist Paul Zak, also known as “Dr. Love,” recommends at least eight hugs a day to be happier and to enjoy better relationships. Get to hugging! Keasi Smith

Make Your Move Less Stressful

April and May are prime real estate listing and selling months. A lot of people choose to take advantage of this time of year to move as the summer begins. We all know how hectic moving can be, but here are a few tips you can follow to avoid some of the stress.

Make a to-do list. Before you start your move, get organized. Make a list of everything you need to do to make your move successful. This includes putting together boxes and tape, planning help for your move, and creating a system to methodically pack up all of your belongings.

Be prepared. Before you start packing, make sure you have plenty of boxes, tape, and markers for labeling. Purchasing enough boxes for your move can get expensive so make your move a little cheaper by collecting boxes from local stores.

Downsize. Letting go of your belongings can be really difficult, but moving is a great time to sort through everything and decide what you don’t need to keep. It will make unpacking easier and prevent clutter in your new location.

Get help. Whether getting help involves hiring professional movers or asking friends and family to give up a weekend to help you pack, you will be glad that you had the help during your move. Be sure to plan ahead so that your helpers will be available.

Start early and stay organized. Don’t wait until the last minute to start making your move. By planning ahead, you will save yourself the trouble of cramming everything into boxes the night before your move. Staying organized will make the move and the unpacking process go much more smoothly.

—Christina Morgan

Reading Between The Lines

Reading is often said to be to the mind what exercise is to the body. However, there is more to the written word than just escaping to another world. These beneficial factors will convince you to read more.

Your vocabulary can take a boost from reading. It isn’t much of a surprise that writers could use more creative words. However, writers are not the only ones who need an enhanced vocabulary. We can communicate our feelings more easily when we have a wider vocabulary. Speaking clearly and precisely exhibits intelligence and confidence. According to the Scholastic Report, about 5 to 15 percent of the words in our vocabulary are discovered through reading.

Reading offers different perspectives on people, places and things. Every book, magazine or newspaper can connect to you in some way. An article may shed new light on realizing your own personal strengths and weaknesses. A character in a novel may help you understand a particular personality you have been dealing with. In addition, reading can be beneficial in accepting other cultures too.

The brightness of laptops and other technology doesn’t contribute to an excellent night’s sleep. Reading is an alternative option before bedtime that alleviates stress and doesn’t stimulate your mind with lights. The quiet space needed to read a book is relaxing and a nice distraction from your day. Kayla Sim

WOMEN’S FASHION AND ACCESSORIES FOR ALL SHAPES, SIZES AND STYLES

Smarter Choices for a Healthier Lifestyle

TRENDING NOW: FASHION

White-Out

Scan this page with your smartphone to see videos now. (See page 6 to learn how.)

This year is not about the bold color on your fingertips. Instead, paint your nails a subtle white. The monochromatic trend is getting embellished with sparkles and stripes also. Play up the shape of your nail with different edges, such as round or pointy. This nail will look classic, with a modern twist. Try Essie’s “Marshmallow” for the perfect white. Kayla Sim

A Decade of Facebook

Well + Good Website

The wellness scene is nothing short of trending right now and the women behind the website Well + Good are giving you everything you need to live well. Founders Alexia Brue and Melisse Gelula started their wellness blog by focusing just on the community in New York City in 2010. Four years later, the site has grown rapidly and now they are expanding their focus nationally. You can find anything and everything here to support a wholesome lifestyle from their different pages: Good Sweat, Good Food, Good Advice, and Good Looks. With cheat sheets on exercise to the best smoothie recipes you are bound to discover something that suits your healthy habits. Find all the Good information at wellandgoodnyc.com. Kayla Sim

To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, Facebook has created a short, personalized video with highlights such as your most liked posts, shared pictures, and other seemingly random photos you’ve posted throughout the years. This 62-second clip, set with instrumental music, shows us just how documented our lives have been since this specific social media craze began 10 years ago.

Some may find their videos embarrassing, showing questionable choices of clothing or “too much information” status updates. Luckily, we have the ability to edit our video and choose from certain popular statuses and pictures.

Your video will remind you just how much your life, friends, and wardrobe have changed in the last decade. It will also remind you that while Facebook may have become a habitual activity and a seemingly normal way to document our lives, it is in fact our own chosen community that we share happy, sad, and even mundane moments with.

To watch your video, go to facebook.com/lookback and laugh, cry or cringe. —Keasi Smith

Start a Neighborhood Lending Library

Waverly Hills is a picturesque family neighborhood located near downtown Tallahassee. One of the neighborhood’s many efforts for its community includes a lending library.

It all began just this past fall when a member of the Waverly Hills neighborhood decided to build one for their community and it was placed on the corner of Kenilworth and Sterling. The popularity of the minilibrary grew fast with many residents eagerly borrowing and contributing to the collection of books. The Neighborhood Lending Library is free to anyone in the neighborhood and has two sides, one for children and young adult books, and another for adult books.

As the Waverly Hills neighborhood was named after the famous Sir Walter Scott Waverly novels, these books have received a spotlight in this neighborhood’s lending library. Everyone is free to take or leave a book as they please to contribute to the neighborhood.

Lending libraries are becoming increasingly popular and are popping up all over the country not only in neighborhoods but also outside of shopping areas, parks, and other locations for anyone to take or leave a book to be shared with their community. Ready to start a Lending Library in your own community? Ideas and other information can be viewed online at the website littlefreelibrary.com. —Christina Morgan

FAVES &RAVES

Flora and Fauna That Say We “Heart” Mom

These local finds of springtime flora and fauna will help you to thank the mothers and the women in your life who hold your heart.

Dragon Pillow $125

Tea Leaf Topiary Tree $39.99

Decorative Iron Bird $24.99

Tallahassee Nurseries (850) 385-2162

Tallahasseenurseries.com

Sonoma Lavender Bubble Bath $20

Heart Sachet $16

Flower Sachet $18

Kanvas (850) 224-7467

Kanvasbeauty.com

Nice Rack Pearl Necklace $64

Sweet Patina (850) 727-4834

Facebook.com/Sweet Patina

Chrysalis (850) 224-2924

Chrysalisfabric.com

Hand Beaded Bracelet by Chan Luu $198

Cole Couture (850) 553-3327

ColeCouture.com

Flower Market Tea Kettle by MacKenzie-Childs $125

My Favorite Things (850) 681-2824

ShopMFT.com

Schumacher Chiang Mai

Avian Branches Stool $49

Hand crafted in El Salvador Ten Thousand Villages (850) 906-9010

Flower Scarf $24

Spriggs (850) 765-0630

Spriggslaidbackluxe.com

Peach

Abby & Taylor Boutique (850) 765-6402

AbbyandTaylorBoutique.com

tenthousandvillages.com/tallahassee

30” Silk Magnolia Wreath $375 Design & More (850) 893-9486 designandmore.com

Ashley Furniture Home Store (850) 878-3095

Ashleyfurniturehomestore.com

Plush Bunnies $30 each Vintique (850) 577-1162

Facebook.com/VintiqueHomeFurnishings&Decor

haute HAPPENINGS

Women Who Mean Business Awards

April 30, 2014, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tallahassee Woman’s Club

Come to Tallahassee Woman Magazine’s first annual Women Who Mean Business Awards where excellent business women in the community will be recognized. The theme of the event is “Women on Fire!” A portion of the net proceeds from the event will be used to establish a scholarship fund for young women in our community who are pursuing a business or similar degree in college. For sponsoring information and to purchase tickets visit the Events page at talwoman.com, send an e-mail to info@talwoman.com or call (850) 893-9624. See you there!

Dance for Spring Tea Party

April 6, 2014

Dorothy B. Oven Park

The Tallahassee Ballet will be hosting its annual tea party from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children will be invited to participate in a variety of activities including arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and a sneak performance of an upcoming show. For more information and registration, visit tallahasseeballet.org/events.

Jazz for Justice

April 6, 2014

Adams Street Commons, Downtown

Come out to Jazz for Justice 2014 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for live performers and a silent auction. General admission tickets are $20/person or $25 at the door and children under 12 are free. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit jazzforjustice.org.

SportsAbility

April 10–12, 2014

This event is hosted by the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by promoting active living. Events will include baseball, Indoor Day and EXPO, a banquet and Outdoor Day. The event is hosted at no charge due, to generous sponsors. Visit fdoa.org/Tallahassee to register and information on event locations.

A Chocolate Affair

April 11, 2014

Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

The 5th Annual A Chocolate Affair to benefit Covenant Hospice will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sample signature desserts from local bakeries and restaurants and then vote on your favorite dessert. There will also be a silent auction, dinner, live music, and dancing with a cash bar. For more information, visit eventsatcovenant.org/chocolateaffair.

Rock the Pink Lip Sync & Silent Auction

April 13, 2014

American Legion Hall at Lake Ella

The Third Annual Rock the Pink Lip Sync & Silent Auction is hosted by the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation in support of the Tallahassee Memorial Sharon Ewing Walker Breast Health Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. and lip sync performances begin at 6 p.m. This is a family-friendly event and will also include a silent auction and pizza. For more information, visit rockthepinklipsync.com.

15th Annual Easter Walkabout

April 16–19, 2014

Piedmont Park Alliance Church

The Easter Walkabout is an outdoor drama highlighting the life and ministry

of Jesus Christ including his miracles, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. Each tour takes about 30 minutes to walk through. Tours run continuously from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tours are free and everyone is welcome.

3rd Annual Red Shoe Run 2014

April 19, 2014

Southwood

Come out to the 3rd Annual Red Shoe Run for a 1-mile Fun Run and 5k and 10k runs. All proceeds will be used for the program services to pediatric patients and their families at the Tallahassee Ronald McDonald House. For more information and registration, visit rmhctallahassee.org/events.

Lemoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival

April 19–20, 2014

Downtown Chain of Parks

Visitors can view and purchase amazing one-of-a-kind works of art from over 150 fine artists from all over the United States while enjoying a weekend of fun, fine art, culinary delights, children’s art activities and live entertainment. The event is free and will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit chainofparks.com.

Spring Fling Under a Manhattan Moon

April 24, 2014

Tallahassee Nurseries

Join Big Bend Hospice and Tallahassee Nurseries for their Spring Fling 2014. The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and all proceeds will benefit Big Bend Hospice programs. For more information, call Connie Palmer at (850) 701-1341.

March for Babies

April 26, 2014

Tom Brown Park

Thousands are expected to participate in the 1- and 3-mile walks. This family-fun-filled morning includes live entertainment, free food and food trucks, kids activities, team photos and more. For more information, visit MarchForBabies.org or call (850) 422-3152. Sign up your team today at marchforbabies.org.

11th Annual Spirit of Youth Gala

April 25, 2014

University Center Club

Come out to support the “Swing it for Boys Town” to benefit Boys Town of North Florida and honor the boys and girls who have overcome difficulties in their young lives. There will be a silent auction with more than 100 items for bid, with a following celebration and dinner. For sponsoring and registration, visit boystown.org.

6th Annual Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

Pops in the Park

April 26, 2014

Southwood

The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Pops in the Park at Southwood is a magical evening of outdoor music overlooking Central Park Lake. Thousands of concert-goers of all ages bring picnics and blankets and smiles to this wonderful community event. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10; children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit tallahasseesymphony.org or call (850) 224-0461.

Midtown: 1100 N. Monroe St. 850-577-1162

M-F 10-6, Sat. 10-4 /VintiqueHomeFurnishingsDecor

15th Annual USTA

Tallahassee Tennis Challenger

April 26 – May 3, 2014

Forestmeadows Tennis Center

Come out to the 15th Annual USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger to benefit the D. Mark Vogter, M.D. Memorial Endowment for the NeuroIntensive Care at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. The match will be held at the Forestmeadows Tennis Center. For more information or to become a sponsor, visit tallahasseechallenger.com.

29th Annual Chefs' Sampler

April 27, 2014

Tallahassee Mall

The 29th Annual Chefs’ Sampler to benefit the Children’s Home Society of Florida will be held at the Tallahassee Mall. This culinary event will feature more than 40 restaurants and caterers serving up samples of their tasty specialties. For more information, visit chsfl.org.

Put on Your Pink Bra Golf Tournament

April 28, 2014

Golden Eagle Country Club

Celebrating its second year, the Put on Your Pink Bra Classic is a golf tournament to raise money for fighting breast cancer. Come out and honor those who have lost their fight with cancer and celebrate survivors. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Leon. Register online at pinkbragolf.com.

Kentucky Derby Gala 2014

May 3, 2014

Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

Raffle prizes, a silent auction, a buffet, and dancing for all to enjoy. There is a minimum donation requirement of $50 per person benefitting the Leon Advocacy and Resource Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. For tickets and event information, visit leonarc.com.

Sleeping Beauty

May 10–11, 2014

Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, FSU

The Tallahassee Ballet will be performing the fairy tale favorite SleepingBeauty at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall on FSU campus. For more information and tickets, visit tallahaseeballet.org.

20th Annual Garden Tour

May 17, 2014

Maclay Gardens

The annual tour of privately owned gardens will begin with breakfast at Maclay Gardens at 9 a.m., along with a silent auction and plant sale. Participants are then given maps and invited to enjoy a self-paced tour of participating gardens. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event. The tickets may be purchased in advance at the park, Tallahassee Nurseries, Wild Birds Unlimited and Native Nurseries.

By Nancy Cohen

It was once said, “The journey of 1000 miles begins with one step.” In the journey that was Spring 2014 runway fashion, one cannot take that first step without having the right shoes. This season’s trends promises to start you off on a most stylish foot.

Photography by Adam Cohen

Kate Spade Pink Bag

Lilly Pulitzer Pop Pink Slingback Pump

STYLE & GRACE

However, how can you speak the word shoes without imagining the perfect bag to accompany it? Found hanging off the models shoulders and tucked under their arms didn’t make the Spring 2014 bags any less noticeable. If congruity is part of your style ethos, you won’t be disappointed. Satchels, backpacks, clutches and totes seem to be available in the same candy colors, metallics and neutrals.

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR PINTEREST SPRING FASHION SHOW!

Tallahassee Woman Magazine has invited local fashion retailers as guest pinners on our Pinterest Spring Fashion Show board. Their latest fashion arrivals will be featured with prices and available sizes. Shop directly from Pinterest! To check out these fabulous Spring fashions, visit the Spring Fashion Show board on Tallahassee Woman’s Pinterest Site at Pinterest.com/TalWomanMag or scan this page with your smartphone. (See page 6 to learn how.)

Share your fashion sense. Tweet your favorite spring fashion look #TWMStyle.

Turquoise Tote

Tory Burch Sandals (shown in Blue Orchid and Tiger Lily)

METALLICS

Take your pick—sandals, pumps, flats, and mules, in an assortment of candy colors, metallics, and neutrals. They stand on chunky heels and wedges, with ankle straps, but never left out are the comfortable flats.

In the guilty pleasure that is fashion, this is a no calorie candy we can all enjoy.

Protein Is Springing up in Unexpected Places

By Keasi Smith

Protein is a “macronutrient,” which means your body needs a large amount of it to help benefit your bones, your skin and your muscles and to make many of the chemicals your body needs to run smoothly. If you’re not a big meat-eater, don’t worry— vegetables, beans and greens also contain protein your body needs to stay healthy. With spring’s arrival, these foods will be fresh in supermarkets or you can grow them in your own backyard.

Spinach, when cooked, contains about 5.3 grams of protein per cup. When frozen or canned, spinach contains about 6 grams of protein per cup. Add spinach to your casseroles or opt for a spinach salad.

Asparagus delivers over 3 grams of protein per serving. Have this spring vegetable baked, grilled, with pasta, or as a side dish.

Broccoli when cooked contains 5.3 grams of protein per cup. Its cousin, cauliflower, has about 3 grams per cup.

A medium artichoke packs about 4.2 grams of protein per cup. Try adding artichoke to your soups, pasta or salad.

Beans are packed with protein. White beans and lentils contain 19 grams per cup and also contain essential amino acids. Black beans contain 15.2 grams per cup, while kidney, lima, black-eyed and pinto beans contain 14 grams of protein per cup.

We’re taking care of the hearts of Tallahassee better than ever before.

Capital Regional Cardiology Associates and Capital Regional Medical Center offer a comprehensive range of cardiovascular treatments to patients in the Big Bend area. Now, with more doctors, new technology and expanded services, we’re taking care of the hearts of Tallahassee better than ever before.

Left to Right: Niraj Pandit, MD, Carey Dellock, MD, Sai Konduru, MD, Ajay Mhatre, MD, Michelle Bachtel, MD, Ernesto Umana, MD, and Joseph Baker, MD.

ANN SCOTT

FLORIDA’S FIRST LADY

Speaking From the Heart

By Heather Thomas | Photography by Adam Cohen

The truth is in the touches. Florida’s First Lady Ann Scott speaks with her hands and, ultimately, her heart showing her genuine caring of people. The way she doesn’t hesitate to reach out and bring you into the embrace of a hug or a hand squeeze communicates more than words ever could.

As First Lady Ann Scott talks with passion, her hands mimic her heart and seem to direct the symphony of her words, which have a southern, harmonic cadence indicative of her regional roots. This is a woman with natural warmth and poise, who seems at home in the role of the matriarch of Florida’s First Family. You would never know she struggles to be the effective communicator that she seems so naturally to be. Her honesty in this is as poignant as her touches, and her journey as a daughter, sister, wife, businesswoman, mother and grandmother connects her to all women who struggle to define themselves in changing roles that have their joys and their challenges.

For most of her formative years, Mrs. Scott, the second-oldest of four siblings, lived a life of constant change as her father’s career path took the family to numerous states. It is from her father that Mrs. Scott learned the importance of a hard-work ethic, and from her mother, empathy for others. “My father would always say, ‘a job worth doing is worth doing well,’ and my mother always reminded us of the Golden Rule; I’ve endeavored to pass on the same values to my daughters.” Mrs. Scott’s love for children and reading had early roots. Called “the little mother” by her peers, Mrs. Scott took children to her heart and was “always taking care of everyone.” Shy, but an avid reader, she read all the biographies in her school library in the fourth grade.

It was in the sixth grade that Mrs. Scott experienced an event that would forever change her. A seemingly innocuous speech assignment turned traumatic when she went up to the front of the class to deliver her speech. “I remember just standing there quivering, my hands, legs and voice shaking. The other students started laughing at me, and the teacher did nothing to stop it.” The physicality of her fear continued each week, since every Monday of that month she was required to give a report.

After the third Monday of being too sick to go to school, Mrs. Scott’s mother had a heart-to-heart with her. “She put two and two together as to what was happening, so she admitted to me her own fear of public speaking and talked me through it.” The vulnerability that her mother exposed and the connectivity it created gave Mrs. Scott the strength to deliver the speech, but the wound remained open.

Her father eventually moved the family to Kansas City, Missouri, which was a particularly tough transition since it came in the middle of her senior year of high school. It resulted in one of the best changes of her life, however, since she met her husband, Governor Rick Scott, at her new school. She finds it symbolic that she would glance up from a book and meet eyes with a handsome boy in the school library, her sanctuary, and it was a glance that was returned frequently. They married soon after high school and moved immediately to Newport, Rhode Island, where Governor Scott was stationed in the Navy.

With their forty-second anniversary fast approaching, Mrs. Scott muses on those early months as a newlywed. The mansion they now inhabit is a far cry from the days of living in a tiny apartment with sleeping bags for beds and a Coleman cooler for a dining table for the first six months of their marriage. “It was tough at first, especially when Rick was out to sea with the Navy and I did not have family around to help. I had to learn how to make do.”

Moving around as much as she did served her well in adapting to the changes that come with the role of a military wife and the internal struggles of loneliness and being separated from a husband whose deployments often placed him in danger. They went without a lot in those early years, but what they never went without was a dedication to communication. They both wrote daily to one another, which became a steady source of comfort and love. This set the tone for their partnership and is one of the main components that has made their marriage a lifelong love letter and keeps it strong. “We start and end each day talking to one another and make an extra effort to stay in touch when we are apart. Some of our best conversations happen during these times.”

“One of the most valuable things I learned from being a business woman is the importance of setting goals and staying focused. I would write down my goals and stick with them, even when things got hard. Giving up wasn’t an option.”

Applying her father’s hardwork ethic, Mrs. Scott took a job as a legal secretary while Governor Scott was in the Navy, then worked as a secretary to seven real estate executives and went to college at night. She then went to school

First Lady Ann Scott with her husband Governor Rick Scott and their grandchild, Sebastian.

full-time to complete her business degree. Her first job out of college was as a corporate tax accountant at an oil and gas concern. “One of the most valuable things I learned from being a business woman is the importance of setting goals and staying focused. I would write down my goals and stick with them, even when things got hard. Giving up wasn’t an option.”

When their first daughter, Allison, was born, Mrs. Scott decided to become a stay-at-home mother. Their second daughter, Jordan, became part of the family soon after. “I wanted to be my children’s first teacher, but it’s a tough choice, either way, to stay in the workplace or stay at home with your children.” Mrs. Scott applied her diligence for

Mrs. Scott couldn’t be prouder of him. However, she also couldn’t help but feel anxious about assuming the public role of First Lady, and her sixth grade experience came rushing back. “What helped is that Rick believed in me and was confident that I would do well.” She assumed his confidence until she built up her own.

giving her all to motherhood and sewed her daughters’ clothes and became the classroom mom. Passing along a love of reading to Allison and Jordan was an indescribable gift. “I realized the power that reading can have and how it can connect you to other places and perspectives and also to each other. Teaching my daughters to read and now watching them read to my grandchildren is a legacy of love.”

Interweaving strands of hardships and the personal joys of being a mother and now a grandmother to three boys, Mrs. Scott’s path eventually led to the culmination of stepping into shoes that, at first, seemed too daunting to fill. When it was clear that her husband would run in Florida’s political race and then became Governor of Florida in 2011,

What is little known about the role of a First Lady of Florida is that it’s a volunteer position and the job has no set duties. Mrs. Scott was determined to push back fear in order to make a difference during her First Lady tenure. Like treasures carefully guarded, Mrs. Scott realized that she needed to share her passions to better connect with others. She used them as pillars for her courage to speak in public gatherings, small and large, since she was speaking with authenticity. “I’m passionate about getting Florida’s children excited about reading. I believe that if you can read, you can do anything.” She welcomed opportunities to speak in schools all over the state and has traveled extensively in the past four years in order to spread the hope to be found in literacy.

“I’m passionate about getting Florida’s children excited about reading. I believe that if you can read you can do anything.”

Mrs. Scott’s oldest daughter, Allison Guimard, with her husband Pierre and their two children, Auguste and Quinton.

Mrs. Scott with her youngest daughter, Jordan Kandah, Jordan’s husband Jeremy and their son, Sebastian.

In one particular classroom, Mrs. Scott’s past and present came full circle. She was speaking to students from a sixth-grade speech and debate class and shared with them her own fear of public speaking and the life-changing event that took place when she was in the sixth grade. “It was the first time I had shared about my experience in a public setting, and I think it really resonated with the kids that day. I know it did for me. I told them that if I could do it, they could do anything they set their minds to.”

Focusing her efforts on literacy expanded to bringing awareness to children in foster care and helping Florida families succeed. She reconnected to children’s homes across the state that she and Governor Scott had previously worked with and made connections to new ones, such as Boys Town of North Florida here in Tallahassee. She also helped to create a book called Love. Read. Learn! It is a journal for families to record their child’s special bloom, Tallahassee season. We have to your home

moments, gives suggestions for books to read to them at every age and stage and contains artwork submitted by children all over the state. Mrs. Scott enjoys visiting new mothers in hospitals to gift them with a copy of the book. “I adore being a mother and a grandmother, and I enjoy welcoming mothers to this special calling in life.”

Not only is she welcoming in demeanor, she also encourages opportunities that will help her to grow so that she can better serve Florida’s people. “I don’t have everything figured out, and I’m open to learning as much as I can and what I need to do to improve. I also surround myself with a great team of people who have expertise in areas I don’t.” She is blooming where she has been planted, and has come into her own in a role that has challenged her but has also blessed her. “Everything’s a process, and I feel that I’ve aged well in this position. I love people and I love children. My job is what I make of it, and I’m committed to helping others. I’m incredibly thankful.”

Whenever her daughters questioned where home was, Mrs. Scott would always answer with, “Home is where we are.” The palette of Tallahassee springtime is bursting in color on the grounds of the Governor’s mansion, the home that Mrs. Scott has made more personal through touches of framed family photos, her openhearted nature and the authenticity of sharing the life events that connect people on a deeper level. Her ongoing courage to communicate her passion for the future of Florida—its children—speaks a legacy of resiliency, hope and love all on its own.

Use your smartphone to scan page for a FLIPBOOK featuring behind-the scenes images of the cover photoshoot with Mrs. Scott. (See page 6 to learn how.)

Plant a Rainbow of Color

With thousands of bedding plants and perennials in full bloom. We have everything you need to bring a wealth of color to your home.

Rosewater Pink Lemonade (pictured on page 33) is a recipe from the cookbook Viva La Florida. The cookbook includes a collection of favorite recipes of former first ladies of Florida, along with photos and biographies of each of them. All proceeds from the book benefit the Mansion Foundation to preserve state history.

Rosewater Pink Lemonade*

2 cups sugar

2 cups fresh lemon juice

2 cups water

1/2 tsp rose water

1/2 cup blackberries

2 lemons, cut into 1/4” thick rounds

12 edible pink rose petals

1. In a 2 quart saucepan over high heat, bring lemon juice, sugar and water to a boil, whisking occasionally to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat; add rose water and whisk briefly until incorporated.

2. Place blackberries and sugar mixture into a 1 gallon container. Pour in 2 quarts of cold water and whisk until incorporated. Using an immersion blender, mix lemonade until pink color emerges from pulverized blackberries. Strain lemonade through a find mesh sieve to remove black berry seeds. Top with 1 quart of ice and season to taste with sugar and lemon juice.

*For more information on the cookbook, Viva La Florida, contact the Mansion Foundation, (850) 717-9345.

Johnny Was San Diego Hat Company

Create the Perfect Hideaway!

YOUR VERY OWN MOM CAVE

By Kayla Sim

Everyone needs a moment to breathe—especially mothers. The man cave is no longer new in our vocabulary. I now introduce to you your oasis—the mom cave. Whatever your hobbies, you can establish a sanctuary that is all your own. This refuge provides a place to get away and to do what you love. So, take a breath and get ready to design a hideaway in your own home. Follow these tips to create the most important room in your house.

Location, Location, Location. First things first—locate an area in your home for your sanctuary. Whether your mom cave is nestled in a closet or outside on the back porch, the space doesn’t have to be large, just as long as you can fit a comfy chair or bean bag for relaxation. Get creative with your placement, such as adding a desk in a spare closet or constructing nooks in crannies of your house—for example, under a staircase.

Personalization. space is all about you. Don’t labor over what others might think—hang the mirror or picture where you want to. Let’s face it—your personal touches are on the rest of the house, but with many added opinions. The only perspective needed in this territory is yours. Painting the walls a color you love or adding fun wallpaper is the simplest way to add a special flair. If this is too drastic a step, think fresh flowers and quirky picture frames for inspiration.

Scan page to view creative and inspiring Mom Caves. (See page 6 to learn how.)

Social Butterflies. As women, we need to be social. Blocking yourself off in a room to be alone sounds great—some of the time. If we think of a man cave, it includes multiple men gathering around a television, so why shouldn’t women? Your mom cave can be a social gathering spot. Throw in an extra chair or luxurious ottoman for friends to feel the ambience the mom cave brings too. Include a stylish tray for a cocktail bar or tea.

Do Not Disturb. Just like other zones in the house, rules need to be declared. Your mom cave should be separated physically and not be trespassed so that you feel like you are in a retreat. For example, a closed partition says that this space is completely offlimits. Doors, dividers, curtains or screens can all be great options for having the privacy you need as well as touches of décor.

Think Outside the Box. You are going to need to store all the items that you love in this cramped space. Think of footstools that have storage for extra blankets and pillows. Hang a shelf that can hold your books, magazines and movies so that they don’t take up any floor room.

MOTHER MAY I?

6 coping

considerations

for complicated feelings this Mother’s Day

By Summer Brooke Gómez

Outdoor

brunch tables are full across Tallahassee, and Mother Nature in all her splendor is offering us her finest annual reminder of rebirth and the circle of life. It’s only natural that we celebrate motherhood in spring, and whether we are thinking of our own mothers or other life experiences, is there anything else so frequently tied in with our ideas of what it means to be a woman?

Our mothers or the mother figures in our lives set the standard. They socialize us and influence our ideas about what we are capable of. They are our inspirations and our strongest supporters. But for some of us, they were, or are, the source of some of our most difficult moments as well.

LESS THAN PRECIOUS MEMORIES

If Mother’s Day stirs conflicted feelings or painful memories, you should know that you’re not alone. Effective coping is a matter of achieving and maintaining a careful balance.

HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED:

Assess the situation. Is your mother living or deceased? Is she near or far? Is she involved or distant with regard to your daily life? Ask yourself what you expect today from this relationship, why you expect it and what your top current needs are. Reconcile your expectations with what you believe to be a realistic vision for a healthier tomorrow.

Acknowledge your role. Assuming there are healthy components of the relationship to build upon, it can be all too easy to overlook the moments when we ourselves throw gasoline on a fire. Look

for maladaptive patterns, and ask yourself where you have the potential to change them by changing your own behavior.

Say it out loud. Give yourself permission to refrain from excessive second guessing. If possible, avoid rehashes of draining exchanges in favor of a simple acknowledgement that you’ve thought about it, it is not you and the relationship in question is, or was, particularly difficult.

Set your intention. Sometimes a relationship, even with a parent, can be so toxic that distance is truly the wisest option. However, complicated relationships, such as the kind women so often have with their mothers, can mean making the equally valid choice to commit to do more than your fair share of the work to keep things manageable. If this sounds familiar, accepting and anticipating this reality may bring you some peace going forward.

Consider compassion. Remember that there is a difference between your forgiveness and your approval of bad behavior. This is a tricky but often worthwhile realization that takes time, and you may wish to seek the guidance of a spiritual leader, a mental health professional or a wise friend to help facilitate the process.

Build boundaries. Imagine a dam. In working with a difficult parent, one goal can be to gain control over the amount of excessive emotional demands that you

allow to flow into your life. A day that you’re feeling strong and compassionate may be a day that you are more reasonably able to offer a high level of support than a day that already has you at the breaking point. Consider the individual situation in the larger context of keeping the overall relationship feasible, and you may find a new comfort level with letting that latenight call go to voicemail or declining that unreasonable favor request.

WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN?

Mother’s Day can be a difficult time of year if it leaves you contemplating an idyllic supportive relationship that you can’t actually relate to. Want the cycle to end with you? Learn that you still absolutely deserve to be the woman you wish you had to lean on for your children, your friends, your husband and your community. Draw strength and inspiration from being someone else’s.

Healing often begins with moving away from asking questions such as, “Mother, may I?” and giving yourself power and permission to begin our renewal. Whether you’re carefully forging a path away from a past influenced by trauma and abuse or negotiating a sometimes toxic pattern with ups you relish and downs you dread, never underestimate love’s restorative power. Here’s to spring renewals!

Summer Brooke Gómez, MSW is the Social Media Director for the Florida Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a doctoral candidate in Marriage & Family Therapy at Florida State University. She can be reached at (850) 421-1260.

It’sthe big day. You’ve been planning it for months or even years and putting every dollar you have into making this once-in-a-lifetime moment a real-life dream. But what happens after the wedding? When the honeymoon is over, sitting in the house watching reruns gets old, especially when money is tight or when your spending habits don’t align. Perhaps your financial frustrations flare up later in life when the kids have graduated from college and it’s time to think about retirement. Without proper planning and communication, your dream of a perfect partnership may transform into a stressful situation, resulting in mistrust, worry, resentment and sometimes divorce. How can couples prevent this financial fight?

Barbara Pople, a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, has worked with couples for more than 20 years. She says, “Planning, communication and execution are the key elements for success.”

Money is mentioned regularly among couples as a source of arguments. Have you ever hid a purchase from your spouse? Or felt angry that your partner purchased a 70-inch TV without consulting you? Did you know how much debt your spouse had before the marriage? Did you share your financial history? Are you saving? What bills do you have? Are you prepared for emergencies or the loss of an income? Do you ever feel financially bullied by your partner? Knowing the answers is important for securing your financial future and your relationship.

Often one partner takes on the responsibility for paying the bills and managing the money, leaving the other partner unaware. Even though it might feel like a relief that your spouse has taken on this tough job, it can cause major issues. Knowledge is power. When you don’t know, you become vulnerable.

Problems may also surface based on your upbringings. Families have unique money management styles, behaviors, attitudes and spending patterns. It’s better to understand that you are frugal and he’s a spendthrift early on. Finances can create power struggles, resulting in psychological abuse and emotional trauma. Financial bullying ranges from withholding money to asking to see receipts for purchases. Sometimes, excessive spending is a result of an underlying condition. As seen with hoarders, if the problem is extreme, consider seeking professional help.

Clash of the Cash Are finances impacting your relationship?

By Michelle R. Nickens

Society also makes it hard. Every day, households receive credit card offers. Cashiers tout, “Save 15 percent if you apply today.” We live in a world of instant gratification— buy now, pay later. Before laying down the credit card, take a moment to talk. Consider whether you can afford that 70-inch TV before it’s sitting in the console.

Barbara explains, “It is important to start the conversation before the marriage if possible. You have to talk to know where you should be going. Financial decisions should not be made in a vacuum. Identify and share information about each other’s assets, liabilities, dreams, priorities and behaviors. Think beyond the wedding. Finances are a natural progression in life. If you’re already married, start the conversation now. The earlier you are aware, the better. Don’t wait until kids are out of the house. Communication should be ongoing.”

Tax time can be a good time to talk. Whenever you decide to discuss money, make sure the setting is calm. Don’t spring the conversation on each other. Respect each other and be honest. Lying or keeping purchases from one another only fuels mistrust and makes things worse. Keep your emotions in check. You will disagree. It’s how you handle those disagreements that will impact your relationship.

One of the most important steps a couple can make is to develop a budget. “People think budgets aren’t fun,” Barbara says, “but it can be if you do it the right way. You are designing your future.” When developing a budget, write down and compare your short and long-term goals. Consider methods to achieve common goals and compromise on differences. Think outside the box. If your budget is tight, seek out free or reduced-cost activities at local universities, community arts centers and parks. The opportunities are endless. Pay yourself first, but pay your savings account too. If your household has two incomes, have at least three months of funds available in case of an emergency. If there is one income, plan for six months. Don’t try to keep up with neighbors. They will not help you pay your debt or salvage your marriage.

If you aren’t sure where to start or need help, bring in a third party, but make sure he or she is a Certified Financial Planner. Remember, you are in this together. Working as a team will make your relationship stronger and help reduce financial woes while enabling you to develop a successful path for your future.

Your Match

PERSONAL INFORMATICS Changing How We Think About Fitness

By Christina Morgan

Inour new technology-run world, it often seems as if we are becoming dependent on our electronics, but what if we could use electronics to keep us motivated to improve our health and fitness? A new technological wave called “personal informatics” is making this possible. “Personal informatics” are personal data systems that track our exercise, sleep, steps, diet and more to show us where we can begin making improvements toward a healthier lifestyle.

There are several types of tracking devices available, including Fitbit, BodyMedia FIT Armband, Zeo Sleep Coach, DirectLife and Gruve. Each of these devices is an armband that is worn throughout the day and allows you to track your data to determine where you can make healthier changes in your daily routine.

A segment from HereandNow interviewed Gary Wolf, cofounder of the Quantified Self, which helps people use personal data systems. Jeremy Hobson, one of the interviewers, mentions that most people want to take 10,000 steps a day, and

tracking your steps allows you to monitor whether you have reached this goal. During the average work day, most people do not make it even close to 10,000 steps, but being aware allows you to make up for it later in the day at the gym or with a walk after dinner.

So how many people are using these devices? This is hard to determine, as this data also includes mobile app users. The use of mobile apps is varied, but Wolf estimates that tens of millions of people are using some form of personal informatics in their day-to-day lives. An article from NBCNewstells us market research data suggests that every tenth person may be wearing a fitness wristband, and this number is expected to keep growing.

It is possible to stay healthy and fit without being constantly plugged into our electronics. However, using personal informatics can also be beneficial in keeping us motivated. Staying connected allows us to communicate and express ourselves, which we can also do by

tracking our fitness stats and sharing them with friends and family via social media.

While “personal informatics” provides us with emotional feedback as we reach goals, things like tracking the number of steps we take in a day may not be the best form of exercise. We all seek immediate gratification, which you receive when you’ve reached your 10,000 steps for the day, but we don’t immediately see the changes in body image that we are looking for. This is relevant to all forms of exercise, so we shouldn’t let it be discouraging when using personal informatics either.

It is important to set reasonable goals and work toward achieving these goals at a healthy pace. A Pew Research Center study shows that 46 percent of people using selftrackers say that it has changed their overall approach to sustaining health. If we can avoid becoming data-obsessed and continue to use personal informatics simply to maintain health, they may lead us to becoming healthier people.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Women in the Business World Are on Fire

By Kayla Sim

Thebusiness landscape has changed quite dramatically over the years. Women are quickly prospering in all parts of the country in terms of being business leaders. No longer are we seeing an increase in the employed mom, but rather an increase in entrepreneurial women. According to the State of Women-Owned Businesses Report 2013 by American Express OPEN, in the United States 8.6 million females were entrepreneurs. These firms generate $1.3 trillion in revenue. Women are single-handedly owning and operating 29 percent of companies in the United States, with a 59 percent increase since 2007. They are also starting young in taking over the professional world. As of 2013, approximately 8 percent of women who own an enterprise are under the age of 34. Women are also becoming self-employed before they are 34, creating near to 18 percent of women-led businesses. When discussing the reasons why women purchase establishments, 55 percent that it is to be their own boss. Because of this motivation, more women are expected to be at the top by 2020.

The Florida environment seems to be optimal for flourishing female corporations. As of 2014, Florida is considered to be the sixth fastestgrowing state for women entrepreneurs. Florida women-owned businesses are on the rise, not only contributing to the success of the economy but to the small business sector as well. In the past 15 years, 74 percent of an increase in women-owned companies has been seen.

With many local organizations and events, such as the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce’s Professional Women’s Forum and Women Who Mean Business Awards, it is no wonder that recognition for women’s contributions are on fire. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2007, Tallahassee women owned 30 percent of the local companies. With many more women being head of enterprises across the nation, we can predict seeing more local women in Tallahassee taking charge.

COME TO THE 2014 Women Who Mean Business Awards

Join Tallahassee Woman for the first annual Women Who Mean Business Awards luncheon, where excellent business women in the community will be recognized. The theme of the event is “Women on Fire!” A portion of the net proceeds from the event will be used to establish a scholarship fund for young women in our community who are pursuing a business or similar degree in college. For more information and to purchase tickets visit talwoman.com.

WHEN:

April 30, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE:

Woman’s Club of Tallahassee 1513 Cristobal Drive, Tallahassee

Tickets are $50 each. Sponsorships are still available. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Events tab at TalWoman.com, email info@ talwoman.com or call our office at (850) 893-9624.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

EASTER Celebrate

By Sheena Ducharme | Photography by Kira Derryberry

Anoutdoor Easter celebration is a perfect match for our delightful springtime weather. Celebrate this special time by hosting an outdoor gathering for family and friends featuring a budget and child friendly menu.

Bunny shaped finger sandwiches complimented with slushy pink lemonade provides a refreshing snack. Please the sweet tooth in the family with a freshly baked batch of the delicious buttercream filled sugar cookie sandwiches. For an easy treat, prepare Jello-O in small cups. These can be made the night before and provide an inexpensive and child-friendly snack. Complete your budget friendly tablescape with a festive and scrumptious french vanilla cake topped with candy or buttercream frosting stripes.

To create lasting memories of your special Easter gathering, invite guests to share their photos on Instagram. Display a pretty frame with instructions and assigned hashtag and your special day will be captured in photos and videos for everyone to enjoy. Provide a creative and fun photo backdrop for young and old alike to share in the fun. Use Easter-themed props such as flower pots, decorative picture frames, or bunny ears to liven up the scene.

To celebrate Easter with our viewers, we invite you to share your special day with us on Instagram or Twitter. Use #TWMCelebrate as the hashtag and show us your best outdoor tablescape, beautiful Easter dress, delicious budget-friendly menu item or fun photo backdrop. Have fun!

FROZEN LEMONADE

This is a fun way to serve an ice cold drink. Simply prepare lemonade ahead of time and freeze in individual cups. Allow frozen lemonade to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to reach a slushy consistency. Add lemon, lime or strawberry fruit wedges right

SUGAR COOKIES WITH BUTTERCREAM

This is an easy treat for kids to help make. Purchase two packages of the ready-to-bake 24 count sugar cookies. Bake per package instructions. Half way through the baking process, add colorful sprinkles. Allow cookies to cool for 30 minutes. Add ready-made frosting of choice to bottom side of a sugar cookie. Top with another sugar cookie to create a sandwich effect. Enjoy!

BE SOCIAL! Invite guests to share photos on Instagram. Display a pretty frame with instructions and assigned hashtag.

PARTY FAVORS

Embellish decorative bags with ribbon and flowers for a quick and fun presentation for guest treat bags.

PHOTO BACKDROP

Provide a fun and creative backdrop for family and friends to capture the special day in pictures and videos. Use decorative props such as picture frames, photo props, decorative paper banner, and flower pots.

DECORATIVE BANNER

Create a fun and decorative Easter-themed banner with scrapbook paper. Cut shapes and embellish with ribbon and flowers.

Vintage bike and scalloped table available at Vintique, 1100 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee.

LET THEM EAT CAKE! You can use candy coating or buttercream icing to create the colorful pattern on this Easter cake. This is a fun and easy way to decorate a cake so let the kids help. Visit the Tallahassee Woman’s Pinterest site board “TheDish” for DIY instructions.

Grace Mission Is Helping Children Bloom

By Christina Morgan | Photography by Kira Derryberry

GraceMission Episcopal Church is a ministry run for the forgotten members of the Tallahassee community. The church is largely run by Pastor Amanda Nickles and the Director of the Children’s Program, Elizabeth Crowe. These two amazing women have been working hard to improve the lives of those in the surrounding Grace Mission area, and their efforts largely revolve around their after school program where they are making an immense impact on the children who attend the program.

Speaking about her mission to improve the lives of the homeless and of children, Pastor Amanda says, “Our goal isn’t to have a hundred members—our goal is really to go out of business.” Elizabeth Crowe, the

other hard working woman behind the force of Grace Mission, is the Director of the Children’s Program. Originally started directly at Grace Mission, they were able to expand the program to the Joe Louis community center allowing them to reach more kids in need. When speaking about the start-up of the program, Pastor Amanda said, “Why are we expecting the kids to go to us? Why not go to the kids?” So the program was officially moved to Joe Louis, the largest of the five Tallahassee Housing Authority communities allowing them to run a program of about 50 children.

At the start of this year they collected the report cards for every child and designed an individual plan for each of them, starting with the kids who had the lowest grades.

After only one semester at Joe Louis, almost every child improved their grades, showing the great success this program is having on impacting the lives of these young children.

The immense love that these two women feel for the children’s program is obvious. Pastor Amanda speaks about the limited experience that most of the children receive saying, “They have such a small thumbprint of the world. Most of these kids travel from Joe Louis to school and back and they don’t know anything else, but Grace Mission is trying to change that.” By reaching them younger, they let them know that, “This isn’t just their world, their world is big and they can achieve anything.”

MARCH FOR BABIES

FAMILIES ARE DEPENDING ON IT

Contributed by Diana Cureton

March

for Babies, the nation’s oldest walk fund-raiser, gives hope to approximately 4 million babies that are born in the United States each year, including more than 200,000 in Florida. The annual campaign builds up to the big walk day and secures funds needed for research, grants, advocacy, and community services that allow the March of Dimes to improve the health of babies.

“March for Babies is our premier annual fund-raiser, bringing together families in our community who have been touched by prematurity, birth defects, or loss,” said Tallahassee March for Babies Ambassador Mom Melissa Templar. “We encourage everyone to visit marchforbabies.org, join the campaign and come out to the walk. It will be a fun day with family and friends, supporting a great cause.”

Melissa was 23 weeks pregnant with fraternal twins during a business trip to San Francisco when her water suddenly broke. “The neonatologist told me that if I could make it through the next 48 hours, it would be possible for me to carry the twins closer to term,” she remembers. Soon she started to feel pressure, though, and realized that her daughter Avery was being

born. “She was absolutely beautiful. I held her and told her how much I loved her.”

Sadly, Avery only lived about six hours, having been born with a weight of only 1 lb., 2 oz. “Meanwhile, my uterus seemed to calm down, because Addison did not follow her sister,” Melissa says. “The doctors clamped the cord and let it retract, hoping I could carry Addison closer to term.”

Two weeks later, however, Melissa was taken in for an emergency C-section. “I started crying because I knew the odds for a 25-week baby were still not great,” she says. “The next few weeks were agonizing. Would she make it, or would I have to endure losing another baby?” After nine weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Addison was finally stable enough to be transferred to Tallahassee.

“On the day we were leaving San Francisco to be transferred to Tallahassee Memorial’s NICU, March for Babies was being held, and several of our nurses told me they were walking for Addison,” remembers Melissa. “They told me that the money raised goes toward research to prevent prematurity and to help preemies survive. I am thankful to the March of Dimes for this research.”

Addison is now almost two years old and growing strong.

The first March of Dimes walking event took place in San Antonio on October 7, 1970. “Ever since, these fund-raising walks have evolved into spirited events with millions of volunteer participants across the country that sustain important March of Dimes programs,” said Tallahassee March for Babies Chair Alan Keesee, from Capital Regional Medical Center. Last year, nearly $8.7 million was raised in Florida. Donating walkers help give more babies a healthy start in life.

March for Babies will be held on April 26th at Tom Brown Park, 1125 Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; the walk kicks off at 10 a.m. It’s a fun-packed gathering, providing a memorable experience to all walkers. Everyone’s invited to sign up today, start raising funds at marchforbabies.org, and join the fun for the benefit of all babies.

AROUND TOWN

Special

Events • Speakers • Benefits • Activities

TCC WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

At the Tallahassee Community College Women’s Leadership event women gathered to speak about women’s leadership in all aspects of life, including in the workforce and at home. Using presentations, small group activities, and group discussions the women shared ideas and experiences about gender stereotypes, self-empowerment, and how to help others and help themselves reach their full potential.

1. Heidi Otway, Raven Otway

2. Felicia Dilbert, Patricia McCray

3. Nevelda Austin, Kereen Jones, Keturah Austen NcClendon, Nancy Miller

4. Stephanie Ellar Vaughn, Linda Kleindienst

5. Brittany Tharp, Amber Washington, Kari Edwards, Shannon Boyle

6. Bonita Davis Page, Sarah Phillips, Kathy Rolfs

7. Gloria Pugh, Kenda Mitchell, Yashica Dangelo

8. Dr. Dhyana Ziegler, Samah Al Ajjawi, Kim Howes

CUFF LINKS AND PEARLS

The John G. Riley House and Museum recently held the 10th Annual Cufflinks and Pearls Applause for the Pioneers Gala at Goodwood Museum and Gardens. The purpose of the Pioneers Gala is to pay tribute to individuals who by a tangible act or creation have been community trailblazers, going before, preparing the way for others and leaving a legacy in the development of Tallahassee’s history. All proceeds from the event are used in support of the John G. Riley Internship Fund. For more information on the John G. Riley House and Museum visit online at rileymuseum.org.

by Kaitlyn Pesquera

Photography

CAREFULLY

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• Evenings and weekend appointments available. a new state of the art meet the unique . If you have been ractice, that truly eeds, please allow us to g your health needs. We ppointment request, or ine Experience. Now nings and weekend

JOANNA FRANCIS LIVING FASHIONABLY WELL FUNDRAISER

The Joanna Francis Living Well Foundation held a fashion show fundraiser. Proceeds from the event are used to help local women suffering from breast cancer assisting with the nonmedical necessities which come with living a full life. For more information on the Joanna Francis Living Well Foundation visit online at joannafrancislivingwell.org.

1 Jenny Herring, Anna Smith, Cris Fullerton, Kim Kuhn, Raeanna Williams

2. Christi Billington, Alexis Phillips, Deborah Hunt

3. Beth Asher, Susan Carnes, Joy Cross-Smith

4. Deavin Gibbs, Laura Ervin, Chollet Dunbar, Anne Springer

5. Heidi Valveri, Ashleigh Munn, Elizabeth Diehl

6. Kiersten Simpkins, Kaylee Evans, Mary-Warren Adkison

PIGMANIA

Celebrating all things porcine, such as roast pork and NYC Cronuts filled with chocolate bacon mousse, Celebrity Chef Art Smith and friends presented “Pigmania” a benefit for Goodwood Museum and Gardens. Friends gathered to honor Goodwood’s beloved supporter and Art Smith’s mentor, Nella Schomburger, who sadly lost her battle with cancer on March 1.

1. Judy McKee, Patrick McKee

2. Kenneth Walling, Jana Walling, Clydie Lou Conway

3. Caroline Conway, Ryan Poole

4. Stewart Proctor, Cissy Proctor, Jacqueline Webster, Jason Webster, Ali Kelly and Jay Kelly

WOMEN FLY IT FORWARD

The FL Aviation Center hosted the Women Fly it Forward event in celebration of Women in Aviation Worldwide Week. The event gave local women the opportunity to be exposed to other women involved in aviation, science and engineering.

1. Natonette Craig, Huan Chen, Sheryl Zavion 2. Kathy Shirley, Judi Shirley

Karyn Ruiz-Toro, Randall Rosa

Stacy Everitt, Caitlin Kuersteiner

Joseph Garcia, Chance Shutes, Lisa Shutes, Lexi Shutes

WOMEN TO WATCH

Brigit Drawdy Houk, State Farm Insurance agent, has recently opened a new office in Tallahassee. Brigit has been with State Farm for over seven years and is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Business Administration.

Elizabeth Ekk is a licensed Florida realtor with the boutique brokerage firm Ekk & Hamilton Realty. She is a child advocate with Boys Town of the Big Bend, social chair of the Young Professionals Network and a member of the Tallahassee Board of Realtors and the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors.

Courtney Heidelberg recently joined On 3 Public Relations (On3PR) and will serve as Director of Accounts. Courtney comes to On3PR with over a decade of experience, including serving in agencies within the State of Florida government.

Suzanne Vitale has joined Cambria Solutions, an IT management consulting firm, as Director of Health and Human Services at Cambria’s new Tallahassee office. Suzanne is the former Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary for the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Elaine Sutter recently joined Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. in the position of Tax Staff. Elaine obtained her license to practice as a CPA in 2013. Her current responsibilities include preparation and review of corporate, trust and estates and high-net-worth individual tax returns. She is a member of AICPA and FICPA.

Lane Williams has been hired as a Senior, Assurance Services Department Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. Lane is in her fifth year as an auditor. She works primarily with governmental, not-for-profit, employee benefits and commercial clients. She is a member of the AICPA and the FICPA.

Kelly Layman has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. In this role, Kelly will be coordinating the 25th anniversary initiatives of the foundation.

Erin Ennis has been selected to the Centennial Bank North East Florida Board of Directors. Erin is Vice President of Finance & Administration at Residential Elevators and is a graduate of both Leadership Florida and Leadership Tallahassee, Erin has held leadership positions with Tallahassee.

Jen Schmidt has been hired as a Tax Services Senior at Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. Her current responsibilities include reviewing partnerships, corporate tax returns, preparing income tax provisions and working on various research projects for the insurance tax group.

Lisa Cozzocrea has recently opened up Molly Manners of Tallahassee LLC. Her new business offers enrichment programs teaching good manners, etiquette, confidence and social skills to boys and girls ages 3 to 17.

WOMEN WE ADMIRE PAULETTE EVERETT DESIGNING A DREAM

By Amy J. Hartman | Photography by Kira Derryberry

Paulette

Everett has always had a passion for fashion. As a child in Jamaica, she played dress-up and made clothes for her dolls out of scraps of old cloth. While in her early twenties, she went to college with the intent of becoming a lawyer, but she left after less than two years, opting for a career in retail management instead. She liked working the retail side of things, managing two different large retail stores over the years, but design was always what she really wanted to do. Paulette loved designing clothes and loved to sew but refused to call herself anything more than a “seamstress.” She didn’t believe she’d earned the title of “designer,” despite opening her own retail boutique, Fashion House, and sometimes going so far as to create original pieces for her clients on-demand. She knew that in order to make her dreams come true, she needed a degree in fashion design.

For many, the thought of going back to school in one’s thirties is daunting. Doing so with young children at home is even more so. For most, discovering that a four hour drive separated them from the nearest school offering their desired major would be a death knell. But Paulette says, “My way of seeing the world is completely different.” This is true in both a figurative and a literal sense. She lost sight in her left eye as a result of an innocent classroom accident at the age of nine and now wears a prosthesis. She also believes that with hard work and determination, everyone has the power to make their own dreams come true. So though she struggled with the decision to be away from her two sons, now ages four and seven, while she attended classes, she enrolled at Tampa’s International Academy of Design & Technology.

To say Paulette “went back to school” is an understatement. More accurately, she lived and breathed school for a year and a half, completing her four year degree in that short time, despite frequent exhaustion and health problems that landed her at the doctor’s office every week. Her ever-supportive husband, Matthew, and her wonderful mother, Delores, cared for the boys and kept things running smoothly at home. Paulette credits God, her family, and a handful of instructors and mentors for giving her the strength and motivation to not only keep working toward her goal but to excel. Paulette graduated with a 3.78 grade point average.

Now, with college behind her and a degree under her belt, Paulette is a designer in every sense of the word. In April, she will officially launch her Gwen Everett clothing line and reopen Fashion House Boutique LLC at its new location, along with Gwen Everett Fashion House LLC, which will sell her fashion line. The line’s moniker comes

from Paulette’s middle name, Gwendolyn, and is a nod to both her father, who named her, and her paternal grandmother, whom she was named after. The launch will take place at a full-scale fashion show, which Paulette proudly refers to as “my portfolio on the runway.” At the event, women in the military will model a collection that was military-inspired, which Paulette calls “simple but sophisticated.” Partial proceeds from the event will benefit City Walk Urban Mission.

Paulette Everett did what it took to make her dreams come true. She says, “It’s a choice, what you do. You can choose to be happy. Chase after your dreams and don’t let anything hold you back.” Paulette’s dream now is to have the Gwen Everett brand available in boutiques internationally. Her journey has just begun.

A selection of Gwen Everett pieces is currently available at Bella Blu Boutique.

FunnyGirl. THE HUNT

By Kelly Swanson

DieEaster Bunny! Die! Yes, those were the words that my son chanted as he foraged his way through the woods looking for Easter eggs. Okay, so perhaps I should not have let a five-year-old watch Braveheart. But how was I to know that he would then march through the trees with his handmade spear seeking to impale this elusive Easter Bunny? I, however, knew that Peter Cottontail was not in any real danger, remembering my five-year-old’s last encounter with the llama at the zoo. It started with him begging to pet the adorable fuzzy creature, and ended at the moment he got close enough to see the llama’s lips curl back in a wicked smile exposing big white crooked teeth and hot llama breath that put my cousin Digger’s to shame. My son had an out-of-body experience that caused flashbacks for weeks. That little zoo trip did not go well, and I still have the bite marks on my rear end to prove it. Have no fear; one little unexplained snap of a twig in those woods and you would have had to peel my son off the side of the garage.

Usually we hide eggs the night before and let the kids loose first thing in the morning (momentary shudder here, remembering the year when what Junior thought was a candy egg turned out to be the big toe Uncle Buster lost mowing the grass back in 1987) while they find all the eggs in the first thirty seconds and start asking us when the bunny is coming back again. They eat all their chocolate in one sitting and spend the rest of the day asking us what they should do now. So this year we shook things up a bit. And came up with the best Easter egg hunt idea—EVER!

for the whole day, tell them there’s a hundred dollar bill in one of the eggs. Even a couple of adults will disappear for that one.

I have to say my Easter was great. It was a special holiday for us, as we decided that instead of hovering over our five-year-old son and watching his every move, we would take a deep breath, and just let him go—let him go and experience the freedom of being a kid. I felt a twinge in my heart as I watched my precious little pale sheltered knobby-knee’d boy take off at a run at the first sight of his cousins. I barely saw him for three days. He surfaced only for meals and pee breaks and then disappeared again into the woods where they spent all weekend building a fort and pondering the mysteries of life. His face and arms got fried by the sun—his cousin taught him forty-seven new body noises—I think something bit him (other than his cousin)—his cute little head picked up a few funky new smells—and there is not a square inch of his body showing that hasn’t been scratched, plucked, picked, gashed, or impaled. He looks like he’s been put through a blender.

Here’s what you do: Don’t hide any eggs. Not one. Put the kids on the front porch Easter morning and yell “Ready, set, GO!” Watch the kids scatter. Go back inside. Have breakfast. Read a magazine. Call a friend. Every once in a while, yell out the front door, “You’re getting close.” Works like a dream. The hunt lasts about three hours. If you want it to last longer, hide one egg just to confuse them. If you want them gone

He did not get abducted. He did not find a dead body like on Law and Order (much to his dismay). And when he fell he didn’t need to come running to his mommy. We gave him freedom, and he came back in once piece. And while he slept with one arm clutching his tattered brown bear and another arm around his cousin, I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen him so happy. So, yeah, Easter was great.

Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, motivational speaker, and author of “Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale?” When she’s not out making the world laugh, she’s a frazzled wife and mother trying to convince her family that chocolate is a food group. For more about Kelly go to kellyswanson.net. Article source: Ezinearticles.com.

M OhBaby! Oh

SYMPOSIU

Whether you’re already pregnant, or thinking about having a baby, come and learn about pregnancy health and wellness, breastfeeding, life balance and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Erin Cox, life coach, mother of three, and author of One Hot Mama. Also hear from our Women’s Health physicians, mingle with community vendors, and enjoy a healthy breakfast and lunch.

Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center – 555 West Pensacola Street Free Event - To Register: (850) 325-3627 or visit