The MOMS Magazine, Summer 2014 by The Moms Magazine

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moms om keeping you current with all things mom

MAGAZINE

Lemonade Party! Tips and ideas to throw the sweetest party this summer!

House Hunting What you should and shouldn’t do

10 Most Common Skin Care Mistakes MOVE OF THE MONTH

Don’t take a vacation

Summer 2014

from exercise!

Babyourself Magazine is now The MOMS Magazine! Join the discussion online at www.TheMomsMagazine.com

You focus on the moment.

The arrival of your newborn is a moment to be

cherished. We understand your birth wishes are as unique as your baby’s footprint, so our obstetricians, neonatologists and experienced nurses take a tailored approach to your delivery. Should the need arise, our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is here for babies who require a helping hand. From labor and pain management decisions to must-have meals, our Birth Design Team cares for you and dad’s needs, too. So you can focus on your baby,

We’ll focus on everything else.

For a personalized tour or to learn more about our physicians, contact the Birth Design Team by calling (407) 646-7200, or visit BabyPlaceWinterPark.com.

Amy Smith Photography

WPMH-14-18716

Central Florida’s Only Boutique Hospital For Women and Babies.

the

moms summer 2014

ASK THE DOC; How do I get my child to share?

Special Features 10 – The Daily Mom – Create a flexible summer schedule for your family

12 – On the Blog – Five tips for a fun beach day with your kids

14 – Lemonade Party – Everything you need to throw a sweet party

18 – Sweet Treats – Personalize your next party with these easy meringues and polvorones

22 – The Best Nest - Find out what you should and shouldn’t do when house hunting

LEMONADE PARTY! Tips and ideas to throw the sweetest party!

The Moms Give Back Guide

25 – Miracle Miles Network and Give Kids the World – A guide to giving back to our community

MOVE OF THE MONTH Don’t take a vacation from exercise!

Expert Advice

20 – 10 Most common Skin Care Mistakes – What are they?

24 – Ask the Pediatrician –

How do I encourage my child to share?

28 – Move of the Month – Don’t take a vacation from your exercise routine

ON THE COVER

East Orlando resident Natasha Flores has a passion for creating designer birthday parties! In her blog, ohmysophia.com, she not only shares her love of birthdays, but also family milestones and life lessons of a momma in training

LIKE US ON facebook.com/TheMomsMagazine

babyourself is now The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Summer 2014

PLANNING A MOVE? Find out what you should and shouldn’t do when house hunting!

SWEET TREATS! Personalize your next party with these easy meringues and polvorones!

the

moms

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

from

baby(yourself) to moms That’s right! That’s no typo on our cover! Babyourself Magazine is now the MOMS Magazine! Were we bought out? No. Change in staff ? No. I guess the simplest way to explain it is ... well, before growing any larger, we wanted to be clear that our focus is aimed at moms of all stages – not a publication focusing only on pregnancy, new moms and babies. Does that mean everything starts over? Nope! Facebook, twitter and all the other ways we reach you and share conversations will stay the same. You’ll just see the name changes happening soon on babyourself.com and on each of our social media pages. Now that the housekeeping is taken care of, let’s talk Summer. For me and my family, the season is already in full swing. School just got out, and the kids are already sleeping in ‘til noon. We recently moved from our beautiful townhome to a dreamy home with a pool. I foresee many evenings on the patio this summer making s’mores by the fire pit that I got for Mother’s Day.

Volume 5, Issue 2 ~

Summer 2014

www.theMOMSmagazine.com www.OrlandoMomsBlog.com www.facebook.com/theMOMSmagazine www.twitter.com/theMOMSmagazine

EDITOR IN CHIEF kristi corley

EDITOR shirley neff

MARKETING eryn vargo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS mindy black kristen burden natasha flores greg gordon, m.d. sarah libera kristen scruggs eryn vargo

PHOTOGRAPHY sarah lerdo photography

WEB AND DESIGN andy corley

Speaking of our recent move – whew! What an ordeal that was! I really don’t want to do that again for a LONG time. I still have boxes in the garage that need to be unpacked. But there are some great tips included in this issue highlighting moving with your family. Believe me, it’s a must-read if you’re considering a move in the near future! this issue also has great articles about creating a family-friendly summer schedule to keep some order in your daily routine, and great tips to keep yourself active and fit no matter if you’re on vacation or visiting family. We’d love to hear from you! Join us on Facebook, twitter, Instagram and theMOMSmagazine.com! Let us know what you think of our new look, and tell us topics you want to learn more about! Enjoy your summer! To advertise in The MOMS Magazine (both magazine and online)

advertise@theMOMSmagazine.com

Kristi Corley editor in chief kristi@theMOMSmagazine.com

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE: theMOMSmagazine.com BLOG: OrlandoMomsBlog.com

babyourself is now The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Summer 2014

DUE!

JUNE

cared for

as the woman you are and the mother you want to be Our state-of-the-art practice is dedicated to providing the highest quality of comprehensive and individualized obstetrics care for women and their families— when they are expecting a baby and deserving the best. Always honoring the woman’s wishes—every day, each wonderful week of pregnancy. A cornerstone of our practice is providing safe, sensitive and quality midwifery care in the supportive hospital setting of The Baby Place at Florida Hospital Altamonte. It’s your time to expect great things.

Like your happy place— it exists both in a physical and emotional state

407.329.3385 | www.FloridaWomensCenterAltamonte.com www.facebook.com/FloridaWomensCenter FHMG-14-17492

I strolled into summer last June all dreamy-eyed and blissful. I could hardly wait for lazy days spent curled up in a hammock, feeling the lake breeze blow across my tan skin – kids snuggled at my feet, their noses in a Newberry Award Winning classics. The cabinets were stocked with sunscreen and fresh Crayolas, and we were committed to absolutely nothing. I had visions of lemonade stands, Lego towers and lightening bugs. Summer was going to be divine. Then reality set in. By day four, I'd heard "when is lunch" about 22 times. Those new crayons hit the floor and most of them snapped in half (triggering tears from the 4-year-old who had knocked the box off the table). Between the constant "can I watch a cartoon?" and "do I have to make my bed?", I was ready to sign them up for every camp in town by the end of week one. Frustrated and frazzled, I had taken on the kind of attitude that I didn't want to rub off on anyone – much less my kids – and I was desperate for a solution that would help me make the most of these summer months with my four kids (then age 8 and under). Something had to change. Thankfully, I have a handful of very wise friends – women with older kids (so they've already weathered these years) and patience galore (which they swear is an acquired skill, not an innate trait – which gives me hope). I picked up the phone and dialed the number of a trusted friend, hopeful that she'd offer to email me her tried and true list of 200 things to do with kids during the summer months. I sat at my kitchen table, phone to my ear and a sharpened pencil in hand, eager to hear what she had to say about how to manage these monkeys with joy from now until the end August. As I had hoped, she had a solution, but it wasn't one that I expected to hear. ”Make a daily schedule.” WAS ShE KIDDING? I had just sworn off alarm clocks and bought a few new pairs of cozy PJ’s. Summer is made for lounging, right? Besides, I wanted my kids to be free – free to explore their world, learning to manage boredom and find their own fun from sunup to sundown without adult direction – to climb trees and shoot baskets and blow bubbles all day. Schedules were for the school year, right? But then I felt that pang of desperation in my stomach, reminding me that my vision for summertime bliss hadn't exactly come to fruition so far. I decided to give the schedule thing a fair shot. She elaborated on the things she could remember doing with her kids when they were younger. Their days seemed fun and balanced, but I was still skeptical; every hour was accounted for and it looked more like a busy businessman's calendar

than summer vacation to me. Nevertheless, I was willing. Within 15 minutes we had created a working draft of my family's summer schedule. Now before you draft a letter to the editor telling her I'm a drill sergeant who is creating little type-A monsters, here are the things you need to know! • Write the schedule with your kids' help. Start by brainstorming all the things you might want to do each day, then agree on a time slot for each. • Times are 100% fluid. They're just a rough guideline. • The schedule is null and void if you go on vacation. • Post the schedule on your fridge so the whole family can look at it as needed. • Start a summer journal to keep writing skills sharp (we write and illustrate between 2 sentences and 2 paragraphs per day, depending on each child's age and ability, using a composition book). • Do workbooks and journals right after breakfast, when everyone is well-rested and cheerful. try the Lollipop Logic series if you’re looking for a workbook beyond the typical grade-level skill books. • Change the daily jobs every week. Pick 10 basic household chores (dusting, vacuuming, laundry, etc.), because there are 10 weeks in the summer. At the beginning of each week the kids draw a chore from a jar, and that's their assignment for the week. This sort of rotation exposes them to several basic skills, something that will help them tremendously as adults. Moreover, it enables them to be active helpers in our home, which I believe fosters a sense of belonging and value. The kids have never complained about this schedule, and I am 400 times less stressed than I was without it! I see summer as a hugely wonderful time of year to teach my kids the skills and habits that are too tedious to teach them during the school year, so the schedule incorporates time for this. Think home maintenance, basic housework, exploring the arts, and honing in on academic skills that need fine-tuning based on year-end report cards.

Kristen Burden (kristen@thedailymom.com) is the founder of The Daily Mom app, the ﬁrst news aggregator for busy moms. You can download her app by visiting www.thedailymom.com.

babyourself is now The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Summer 2014

on the blog... BY

MARY EDWARDS

School’s out, and for many families that means vacation time! We head to the beach every Wednesday during the summer to break up the week. If your vacation includes time at the beach, you’ll want to check out this list of tips for a fun day in the sun.

- Sun Safety Living in Florida, we know that sunscreen is very important. There are other precautions we can also take for added protection. Invest in a beach umbrella. If you’re at the beach as much as our family, an umbrella or a small canopy tent can really come in handy. Also, invest in surf shirts with UV protection. My boys always wear swim shirts when at the pool or beach. And when they’re out of the water, consider using a hat. And definitely don’t forget your eyes! Bring everyone a pair of sunglasses.

- Hydration Staying hydrated is key. Pack a cooler with ice, water and Gatorade, along with fresh fruits and snacks. It will save you money and keep everyone happy and hydrated.

- Make Rules When we arrive at the beach, we immediately sit the kids down and explain a few simple rules. Everyone, even our oldest who is 13, must let an adult know when they are heading down to the water. If you have multiple children, this is extremely important. Point out the lifeguard stations. Let everyone know how far they are allowed to go into the water. Find a landmark near where you are on the beach. 12

It’s easy for the waves and undertow to move kids (and adults) down the beach. It’s scary for kids when they get out of the water only to notice they are lost. Point out a large landmark they can look for so they don’t lose you. Obviously, this would be for older children who can safely be in the water without an adult.

4 - Have fun The beach is so much fun for kids. I

remember quite a few last minute trips to the beach where we forgot sand toys and water toys. This was never an issue because we always found so many things to keep the kids busy. hunt for shells, dig holes, look for sand fleas, try to catch minnows, get buried up to your neck (make sure you are far from the waves), use shells to dig, and of course swim. Those are just a few of the many things you can do without ever pulling out a toy!

5 - Unplug Moms and dads can have fun too. Bring your

favorite book and read while the kids play in the sand next to you. If you must bring your cell phone, put it at the bottom of your beach bag so you’re not tempted to check emails or work! Be there and cherish every moment with the kiddos.

Do you have any tips to share? Follow us on OrlandoMomsBlog.com and join the conversation!

babyourself is now The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Summer 2014

Mini-Manicures Manicures • Makeup

Themed Birthday Parties Book your party package today and get one additional guest free!* *Valid thru August

Mini-Pedicures icures • Mini-Facials Facials 457 Avalon Park S. Blvd • Suite 200 • Orlando, FL 32828 407.277.2184 • info@sparkledpink.com www.sparkledpink.com

Nothing says summertime like a good ol’ fashioned lemonade stand! This summer, don’t let the hot days get you sticky! Make the best of lemons by throwing a lemonade party for your little one! Whether it’s a birthday party or just a celebration of summer, you’re sure to be the party that everyone remembers! by NATASHA FLORES photography by Sarah B Lerdo Photography

Recipes on page 18!

color wood to make them look rustic, then sand them and later beat them with a hammer and nails. With a quick application of dark wood stain, all the imperfections will come out and make them look like they belong in an old rustic barn. Of course, you can’t have a lemonade party without lemonade, so fill a large glass pitcher with fresh lemonade and sprinkle in fresh-cut lemons. You can find French bottles, straws and cupcake cups from thetomkatstudio.com. All party printables were designed by Stockberrystudio on Etsy.

Create centerpieces from large mason jars, filled with fresh flowers from the back yard. And wood buckets from hobby Lobby can be filled with lemons and topped off with a custom plant stake to achieve that homemade feel. For more photos and ideas, visit theMOMSmagazine.com. For event designs, email Natasha at ohmysophia@hotmail.com.

Pink Lemonade Party by Natasha Flores – ohmysophia.com Perfect for summer, create a sweet party to suit the season with a “pink lemonade” birthday. Your two main goals for the party: bright and fun! Use the color palette to inspire you, and use a variety of other elements to bring the look together.

For a whimsical look, hand-cut and glue unique decals.

Focus on three themes: • Pink + Yellow • Burlap • Wood the cake (above) was an inspiration found on Pinterest and designed by the amazing Diana, Baker/Owner of Cupcakehearts. You can visit her website at cupcakehearts.net. Cake stand, cupcake stand and French bottle stands are wooden boxes that come in different sizes from Michael’s craft store. Choose a natural blonde 16

babyourself is now The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Summer 2014

mini meringues

polvorones (almond cookies)

Ingredients: 3 egg whites 3/4 cup sugar food coloring to match your theme Directions: 1. Beat egg whites until very stiﬀ. 2. Gradually add sugar and keep beating until mixture forms peaks. 3. Grease or spray a large cookie sheet with cooking oil and put teaspoon amounts onto the sheet about 2 inches apart. 4. Place in preheated, 225-degree oven on the middle rack and bake for 30 minutes. Cookies are done when the centers are dry. Note: Do not brown! 5. Once dry, remove cookies from oven and bang the sheet – the cookies should jump oﬀ the sheet!

Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup shortening 1/4 cup butter 2 1/4 cup flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 3/4 tsp almond extract Directions: 1. Cream together butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluﬀy. Add salt and extracts. Mix until combined. 2. Add the flour slowly and mix until incorporated. The dough must be thick and manageable. 3. With a scoop or your hands, form small balls (about 1 tbs each). Place on a cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. 4. Press your thumb to make an indent in each cookie before baking them, and fill with any fruit jam or sprinkle of choice. 5. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 375 for 15 to 20 minutes, or until bottoms are golden and tops are still pale). Let them cool at least 10 minutes.

babyourself is now The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Summer 2014

Passionate about our community and the moms who live here! Connect with your local Moms Blog!

Not a Momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blog in your city? Start one! Visit CityMomsBlogNetwork.com

Most Common Beauty Mistakes

10 By Mindy Black Licensed esthetician and CEO of Inner Beauty Skin Care

Sleeping with makeup on.

Touching your face.

Not washing your brushes.

Lining your entire eye.

Over-doing it with makeup.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but so many people skip this step because they get too tired. The trick? Wash your face before you even think about getting into bed. Don’t just opt for a makeup wipe. take the extra minute to properly wash your face. A few extra minutes of sleep isn’t worth sleeping in a days worth of makeup, dirt and bacteria – and then having to deal with the invader: the dreaded pimple.

The next time you think about putting those paws on your face, think about everything you touch throughout the day – door knobs, gas pumps, keyboards, your cell phone ... and all the germs your kids carry home. Now think about all of that bacteria transferring to your face. Cringe-worthy, right? Make a point to keep your hands oﬀ your face, or at the very least, try washing them more often.

Although it’s a wellknown fact that brushes need to be cleaned, we rarely follow through. When we go months without washing them, the build-up of dirt, oil and bacteria can cause clogged pores and breakouts. We recommend washing your brushes once a week with a sulfate-free baby shampoo, then laying them flat to dry to avoid damaging the bristles.

Many people think that applying eyeliner around the whole eye will make their eyes appear larger. Instead, it actually makes them look smaller. Enhance your eyes by simply lining the outer corners. Another tip to make your eyes appear larger is to line them with a white or nude liner. Then, let your mascara do the rest of the work!

Cake belongs on your plate, not on your face! Unless you’re headed to a big event, less is always more. The goal of skin care is to correct, not cover up. BB crème, mineral powder, mascara and lip gloss are all you really need for a nice, put-together look – plus, it will save you plenty of time and money!

4 5

For daily skin tips, “like” Inner Beauty SkinCare on Facebook and follow Inner Beauty Skin Care on twitter. Also, stay up to date with weekly blog posts at http://innerbeautysc.com/skin-tips. Contact the Skin Gym for your complimentary consultation at (407)-878-7680. As they say, “We can’t wait to get you glowing!”

babyourself is now The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Summer 2014

6 7 Reapplying makeup throughout the day. When you reapply makeup all day, your pores become enlarged making your skin more prone to breakouts and signs of aging, especially if you aren’t using a mineral makeup. If you’re on the oily side, use blotting papers or coﬀee filters mid-day. And remember, a little shine is healthy!

9 10

Skipping moisturizer.

Overworking your hair.

Neglecting your SPF.

Popping your pimples.

Even if your skin is oily, it could still be dehydrated. Moisturizer hydrates, protects and plumps the skin to prevent signs of aging and makes makeup look smoother. For oily skin, the solution is to use a lighter moisturizer during the warmer months for comfort.

Washing and heatstyling your hair every day can cause major breakage and dullness. try going three days without washing, and invest in dry shampoo or baby powder if it begins to feel greasy. If you curl your hair one day, sleep on it and touch it up with hairspray the next morning. On the third day, pull your hair back into a chic ponytail or bun. Summer is the perfect time to experiment, so have fun with it!

Sunscreen isn’t just important for beach days. Even if you’re just outside for a short amount of time each day, all of those exposures add up. And skin cancer doesn’t discriminate! It can happen to anyone at any age. But sunscreen isn’t one size fits all like it used to be – there are so many options! From BB crèmes to lightweight, non-greasy formulas like Clear Choice Sport Shield (our clients’ favorite!), there is really no excuse not to wear sunscreen daily. Note: Remember to always look for SPF with broad spectrum UVA/ UVB coverage.

The safest way to address a blemish is through proper extractions by a licensed esthetician. however, I’m not blind to the fact that people squeeze them at home despite their better judgment. The good news? There is a proper way to pop a pimple without creating unwanted results. First, if there isn’t a whitehead, leave it alone! When you break the skin before it’s ready, you’re at high risk of scarring. If there is a whitehead, wash your hands and face, then apply a warm compress to the blemish. Next, wrap your pointer fingers in a tissue. Position your nails opposite of each other, then push underneath and up with mild pressure. Getting under the blemish is key! If nothing comes out, reposition your fingers in another angle. Still nothing? Position them at one last angle. After three strikes, you’re out! If the pimple did pop, apply an antibacterial spot treatment to eliminate further infection.

PhOtO © istockphoto.com/Olga_k_

babyourself is now The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Summer 2014

The Best Nest By Sarah Libera

You’ve been saving to buy a house; you’ve been waiting until the time is right. Now that your family and waistline are expanding, this is it. Many couples, after finding out that they are expecting, decide to make the jump into homeownership. They want to find that perfect place to settle down, a place that their baby can grow into and build memories in. Is it the best time, what with raging hormones, morning sickness and massive nesting urges? I’ll let you decide the answer to that question. Statically however, many couples do move during this time. here are some tips to help you make the most of your house hunting. Figuring out what you want can be as time-consuming as the previewing of houses. Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page before you go out. Some things to talk through are: neighborhoods, how many levels, pool, lot size, fenced, school district, hOA, starter home or long term. Prioritize these so that if you can’t aﬀord everything on your wish list, at lease you know which are most important. Pregnancy does put a time limit on your move. Plan to have your closing at least 8 weeks before your due date. While house hunting, be aware of your body. Schedule around your morning sickness, knowing when you are most energetic. Keep powered up by bringing snacks and water. Don’t over do it. If you are tired, don’t be afraid to call it a day. You can always go out again. Already have kids in tow? here are a few tips for you if they are along for the hunt.

~ Pre-shop, Pre-shop, Pre-shop. Know what you want, and only go look at those houses that are real possibilities. ~ Avoid mid-day meltdowns. With young kids, timing is everything. And even during the best times, it is very common for young children to start to melt down anywhere between the second and fourth house. ~ Come fully armed. Bring snacks, bring wipes, bring games, bring bribes, bring a friend to help. ~ Choose a realtor that is also a parent. A little experience goes a long way. Other parents have developed an innate ability to tune out whining. ~ Tag team. One of you can do a quick walk-through while the other stays in the car with the kids. ~ Keep them close. Make sure they know the rules, and always keep them in the same room as you at all times. ~ Stay objective in front of the kids. Don’t get your kids’ hopes up if they like the house; it’s possible that you may not win the bid. So don’t refer to the house as yours, etc. No matter where you are in growing your family and shopping for a new home, transitions are always exciting and adventurous. So be prepared – and be patient. The rewards are countless.

Sarah Libera, Realtor and mother of two Sparrow Realty Group Contact Sarah to help you find your new nest: genxyzrealtor@gmail.com 321-578-0160 facebook.com/genxyzrealtor thesparrow.biz PhOtO © istockphoto.com/monkeybusinessimages

the

moms ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN

sharing By Dr. Gregory Gordon

Dr. Gregory Gordon grew up in Gainesville, Florida. He attended the University of Florida for both his undergraduate and medical degrees. After he completed his pediatric residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he joined Pediatric Associates of Orlando. Dr. Gordon is the proud father of eight children. He is the Vice President of “The Gift of Swimming” (a local charity that provides swim lessons to Orlando’s needy children). In early 2010 Dr. Gordon started gregorygordonmd.com to share his pediatric and parenting experience.

In the first few months, the technique that has served us well is “trading.” This technique only works for about 6 months (from 9 months to 15 months). trading is teaching the older child to exchange another toy for the desired toy. Giving their younger sibling a new toy allows the older sibling to obtain the desired toy without conflict (usually). This is by no means a longterm solution, but it is a good introduction to sharing for many older siblings. Through trading, older siblings are forced to recognize that the younger sibling has some rights. trading does not usually work as children get older, as eventually the little sibling won’t trade. When trading no longer works, we begin to use “counting” to teach sharing. This usually begins when the younger child is 15 to 18 months old. When two of our younger children want

babyourself is now The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Summer 2014

to play with the same toy, we use counting to take turns. While one child plays with the toy, the other counts. (Usually to ten with parent for the toddler, and to twenty for 3 and up). My wife introduced this technique to our family, and it really works. When starting this technique, often the younger child cries when you take the toy away, but they quickly learn the concept. Our older children typically “give in” since after two to three turns they “don’t want to count again”. It is always amazing to me that our 3-year-olds are happy to beat their little brother with a stick, but the toy is not worth counting. As a side benefit, our children are often some of the best counters in pre-school. PhOtO © istockphoto.com/dcdp

teaching children to share is diﬃcult. Second children are born into a competitive world where all the toys belong to their older sibling. Sharing becomes an issue when a younger sibling becomes mobile. typically, the crawling younger child finds a toy and begins to play with it. The older sibling then immediately wants the exact same toy and the struggle begins.

Guide

a busy momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to incorporating

volunteerism, healthy living, & quality time Live a more meaningful life!

Did you know there are hundreds of non-proﬁt organizations right here in Central Florida? Each one impacts our community in their own unique way. The Moms Give Back Guide is your resource to learn more about these non-proﬁt organizations and discover information on how you can get involved with your children and live a more meaningful life! “Be the change you wish to see in the world” ~Gandhi

Guide What is Miracle Miles?

Miracle Miles is one of Winnie Palmer hospital for Women & Babies’ premier fundraising events, providing an opportunity for the NICU staﬀ and neonatologists to educate and encourage the community to become “Miracle Makers” through participation in the event as runners, walkers, volunteers and financial supporters. All proceeds from the 16th Annual Miracle Miles will go toward the Alexander Center for Neonatology at Winnie Palmer hospital for Women & Babies, so they can care for even more critically ill babies each year. Currently one of the largest and most successful in the country, the NICU presently cares for more than 1,500 babies per year. With the support of our community, Miracle Miles raises critical funding year after year, ultimately saving the lives of our tiniest patients. It is the single largest fundraiser for the unit, providing much needed financial support. The fundraising goal for the event is $160,000, which will be fulfilled through sponsorships (both cash and budget‐relieving in‐kind), online fundraising, registration fees and philanthropic giving. This race is a unique way for families to get involved in the community, all the while spending quality time with family and getting outside for some healthy family fun!

How can you help?

Join Miracle Miles through fundraising, running in the race or the kids fun run! A great way to spend a beautiful morning outdoors with your family! If you would like to participate in this event, please check out www.miraclemilesrun.com for more information!

quality time

What is Give Kids The World?

What is more magical than to hear the sound of your children laughing? Nothing! Yet, not every mother gets to enjoy this magical experience. Children with life-threatening illnesses are often deprived of the joys of childhood. This is where Give Kids The World Village can help. Give Kids The World Village is a 70-acre, nonprofit “storybook” resort, located near Central Florida’s most beloved attractions, where children with lifethreatening illnesses – and their families – are treated to weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacations. Children trade in hospital gowns for princess dresses and super hero capes. They say goodbye to grey waiting rooms and hello to magic, pixie dust and make believe. This wish trip is where happiness inspires hope. While at the Village the doctor appointments are long forgotten. here, all wish families are concerned about is what ice cream flavor they are having for breakfast! These moms, along with their families, worry less and smile more – they bond as a family. The joy and laughter the children experience remind them they are not just children battling a disease. They are kids.

How Can you help Give Kids The World?

to be able to give wishes to over 7,000 children every year, GKtW heavily depends on volunteers. Their volunteers, known as Angels, help fulfill approximately 1,400 volunteer shifts every week. With countless hours and generous hearts, volunteers of many ages, talents and abilities assist with resort operations, entertainment programs and completing special projects that ensure each family has a perfect guest experience. Are you a mom who loves to dance? Well sign up for one of their themed nightly parties at the Village. Maybe you are more of the Martha Stewart type. Well lend a hand to assist with assist with arts and crafts! The possibilities to lend your expertise are endless. to learn more, visit www.givekidstheworld.org/volunteer.

A unique and fun way to give back with the O-Town Mac Down

As a mom, you probably hear the words “food fight” and cringe! You imagine spaghetti on the ceiling, gravy on the floor, apple sauce spread over every wall in sight, and hours and hours of cleanup work. What if there is something that will take the work out and allow you to join in on the fun as well? Give Kids The World will be hosting the O-town MacDown on Saturday, August 23, 2014. A delicious “food fight” cooking competition featuring professional chefs and restaurants as well as home cooks and non-profit organizations who will “duke it out,” so to speak – to be named Orlando’s Mac-n-Cheese Champion. A no-holdsbarred competition where chefs face oﬀ and throw down their finest skills to see who will be the last chef standing. There will be live entertainment, cooking demonstrations with renowned chefs, a kids zone and vendor booths. Bring the whole family and be part of the action with this event of epic proportions. Perhaps your kids think you are the best cook around. Their clean plates obviously give you the seal of approval. So how about putting your mac-n-cheese to the ultimate test? Register as a hometown Cook for the O-town Mac Down! Let the judges sample your cheesiest dish and take home the title of Culinary Master Mama. Come see who gets grilled, who creates the sweet taste and who gets crowned victor – maybe even you! Join Give Kids the World at the Orange County Convention Center located at 9800 International Drive, Orlando FL, 32819, hall D2, West Concourse on Saturday August 23 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Witness firsthand what promises to be a legendary face-oﬀ. to sign up as a participant or to purchase a ticket, visit www.otownmacdown.org.

volunteerism

Don’t take a vacation from exercise! By Kristen Scruggs

Exercising while on vacation may sound crazy to you, but taking 20-30 minutes each morning to break a sweat will leave you feeling energized and will also lead to making healthier dining choices (or not feeling as guilty when you splurge).

Easy ways to exercise on vacation Do your homework ahead of time by researching the area to see if there are fitness centers, jogging trails, or even running groups nearby. try to schedule your activity first thing in the morning. You’re more likely to stick to it and you’ll feel better all day.

Things you can do anywhere A combination of squats, lunges, burpees, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups/stomach crunches and wall sits. Put together your own routine or save some images from Pinterest of exercise routines.

Things you can do with your family Running, walking, hiking, riding a bike, playing frisbee or volleyball. Remember, no one expects you to keep up with your normal routine or intensity when you’re on vacation. But squeezing in a daily activity or that 20-30 minutes each morning will make a big diﬀerence, and it’s easier to get back into your routine when vacation is over. Another tip is to research restaurants and menus ahead of time for healthy options, so you’re not as tempted to splurge! Stay in shape over the summer – we know you can do it!

Bring essentials with you: 3-5 pound dumbbells or a resistance band with your “plan of attack.”

Kristen E Scruggs is the Chapter Leader for the East Orlando chapter of Moms RUN This Town, a free local running club for Moms with over 500 members. She recently ran her first full marathon, the Space Coast Marathon! She is married with a two year old daughter and her second daughter will arrive this August! You can see what her busy group of Moms is up to at www.MomsRunThisTown.com/EastOrlando

babyourself is now The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Summer 2014

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