The Moms Magazine, Fall 2014

the

moms m om MAGAZINE

keeping you current with all things mom

how to be a

FAN for your MAN ONLINE RELATIONSHIPS

?

is the grass really greener

tackling bedtime with toddlers

t c a r t n o C

Fall 2014

signing a cell phone

m

having a

family game plan

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Join thousands of other moms online for stories, advice, recipes and resources at www.TheMomsMagazine.com.

the

moms fall 2014

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Special Features

Central Florida Fall Festivities

9 – Having a Family Game Plan – Tips to help your family win in the game of life

12 – Signing a Cell Phone Contract – Stay involved in your tween and teenager’s life by setting rules for their cell phone

16 – Fan for my Man – How one wife joins her husband in his love for football, ultimately strengthening their marriage

18 – Real Grass vs. Artificial Turf – Is the grass really

12

greener on the other side? Strengthening your marriage through love and respect

Signing a CELL PHONE contract

23 – Recipes – Sweet and savory football favorites 28 – Central Florida Fall Festivities – Discover the

Fall festivals, pumpkin patches, Trick-or-Treat and Halloween events in Central Florida

Expert Advice

14 – How to Get That TIGHT END – Four fitness moves that will help shape your booty

14 How to get that TIGHT END

20 – Ask the Pediatrician – Dr.

Gordon gives advice on how to tackle bedtime issues with toddlers

27 – The Offense and Defense of Skincare – Breaking down the basics of skincare, football-style

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ON THE COVER Heather Naples, an Orlando momma, knew nothing about football. But her husband? Major Bills fan! She decided she would become a “Fan for her Man” and join him in his passion for his team.

LIKE US ON facebook.com/TheMomsMagazine

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23 Is the grass really greener on the other side?

18 FOLLOW US ON twitter @TheMomsMagazine

the

moms

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Fall, my favorite time of year!

Growing up in the Midwest cultivated my love for fall time. There was something about the first crisp week of cooler weather that would make me dig into my closet for my jackets, jeans and fuzzy sweaters! It meant that football season was here and I could join my dad while cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes. It meant bonfires and hay rides, pumpkin patches and haunted houses.

When I moved to Florida 13 years ago, an awful reality sunk in. Fall in Florida is entirely different than Fall in Iowa. In Florida, the first sign of Fall is the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. That’s it. Yes, football season starts up at the same time as always, but it’s almost like a dirty trick.

My Iowa sweatshirt sits on the closet shelf, collecting lint, assuming that I have abandoned it for a Florida team.

Over the years, I’ve come to the accept Fall in Florida. We do our best to celebrate despite the high temps. We put out the painted pumpkins and the apple-spice candles. We celebrate game day football activities and visit the local pumpkin patches.

Eventually the temperatures come down and we get to enjoy the weather that makes the rest of the country envious – the 70 degree temperatures until Spring.

Volume 5, Issue 5 ~

Fall 2014

www.TheMomsMagazine.com www.OrlandoMomsBlog.com www.facebook.com/TheMomsMagazine www.twitter.com/TheMomsMagazine

EDITOR IN CHIEF kristi corley

EDITOR shirley neff

MARKETING kristi corley eryn vargo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS victoria armijo mindy black julie coombs kirsten evans greg gordon, m.d. heather naples

PHOTOGRAPHY sari underwood photography

WEB AND DESIGN andy corley

This issue is obviously football themed. But dig a little deeper and you’ll see that the core of this issue is for you, Mom. It takes you to a place of managing your family team (family); you’ll learn how to tackle bedtime with your toddler (children); you’ll discover what skincare products are the key players in offense and defense (beauty); this issue will prepare you for the tough choices your teen will make when left to their own free-will with their cell phone, and the contract you can have them sign (teens); and you’ll see how being a fan for your man is a key play to strengthen your marriage (marriage).

Fall will always be my favorite time of year, whether in Iowa or Florida. It might just mean a few more lattes and apple ciders to put me in the mood!

To advertise in The MOMS Magazine (both magazine and online)

advertise@theMOMSmagazine.com

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE: theMOMSmagazine.com

Kristi Corley

editor in chief kristi@TheMomsMagazine.com

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The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

BLOG: OrlandoMomsBlog.com

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Having a

family

Game Plan

By Julie Coombs

Coaches don’t go into a season without spending time and energy coming up with what they believe will be a winning GAME PLAN. They’ll review footage, consult with experts, and have white boards all marked up with various plays and strategies.

What’s your game plan for parenting? Do you have one? Are you intentional about what you are doing? Having a family game plan is vital to maintain a winning season. Here are some tips that you may find helpful.

1. Help your children feel like they are a part of a TEAM. Include them in decisions that will affect the family – like helping to plan the next family vacation! Also, be excited about the things that interest them. If they are not an active part of your TEAM right now, they may start looking to become a FREE AGENT, to find a new team where their talents and abilities are more valued and appreciated.

2. Use the OFF SEASON – times when there seems to be no immediate crisis – to work on strengthening and stretching areas that may encounter extra stress during the regular season. Spend time talking about issues before your children actually have to face them, because they will need the muscle memory to know instinctively what to do when a that TRICK PLAY is called.

3. Listen to each other. There is seldom one coach for a football team. The HEAD COACH needs input from others on his coaching staff that have different specialties.

And coaches also benefit from the cheers and excitement of the crowd. Who in your life do you have as your SPECIAL TEAMS COACHES? Who are your FANS? Who are the people in your life that will encourage, challenge, and help build you up?

4. Life is difficult. There are times when an INTERCEPTION will get us down. Or maybe we are pinned back on the TWO-YARD-LINE with very few options. It’s not over. Don’t loose hope. These are the times when a big COME-BACK can save the day.

5. Don’t give in to the temptation to sit on the SIDELINES. Always be ready for what’s next. The game of life is constantly changing. If you normally play OFFENSE but something unexpected happens, be ready and willing to jump in and play some DEFENSE. Today there was a FLAG ON THE PLAY in my house; someone got BENCHED as a result of the PENALTY they caused. In a similar way, discipline should be done with the purpose of teaching. Sometimes just running the play again is all that is needed. But make sure to eventually put that player back in the game as a member of the team.

So what does my winning team look like? Is it that the kids are happy and I’m happy and life is going smoothly? Is it that beds are made and chores are done? No. My team is winning when life is happening. Maybe I have to call an AUDIBLE and still don’t get that FIRST DOWN right away, but we will always return to the HUDDLE as a TEAM! The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

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11

signing a

By Kristi Corley

Photography by Sari Underwood Photography

Since when did it become the norm that our children need cell phones? They walk around the mall with their cell phone tucked in their back pocket, or sit around a table snapping a photo of their food, then sending it off to their friends to like and share.

Handing over a mini-computer that is worth hundreds of dollars can send most parents into a mini panic attack. Will they break it? Will they make wrong choices when texting?

Will they search the internet for inappropriate content?

Left to their own free will, the answer to all of the above questions is YES. Yes, they will make poor choices, unless we give them boundaries.

Kids, like athletes need to sign a contract!

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The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

cell phone

Contract

I understand :  that having a cell phone is a privilege, and that if I fail to adhere to this contract, my cell phone privilege

may be revoked.  that my cell phone may be taken away if I talk back to my parents, if I fail to do my chores, or if I fail to keep my grades up.  that I am responsible to know where my phone is located at all times.  if I damage my phone – whether intentionally or accidentally, or by my neglect – I am responsible to fix it.

The device :  I will charge my phone every night.  I will keep track of my phone charger.  I will use a screen protector at all times.  I will keep a protective case on my phone at all times.

Texting rules :  I will not send rude, mean or threatening texts to others.  I will not text or place phone calls after ____ p.m.  I will not delete any messages or photos without permission.

Photos :  I will not send embarrassing photos of my family or friends to others. In addition, I will not use my phone’s

camera to take embarrassing photos of others.  I will keep my private parts private. I will not take photos of any body part that is normally covered by clothing.  I will not ask for another person to take photos of their body for me to see.

Other general rules :  I will share all passwords and login information with my parent(s), and will notify them of any changes.  I will readily hand over my phone at any time for parent(s) to monitor my activity.  I will not bring my cell phone to the family dinner table.  I will ask permission before downloading apps.  I will not go over my plan’s monthly limit of minutes or text messages. If this rule is broken, I agree to pay any and all additional charges and understand that I may lose cell phone privileges.

 I will make sure my phone is turned off when at church, in restaurants, or at other quiet settings.  I will obey all cell phone rules imposed by my school, such as turning it off during class or keeping it on vibrate while riding the school bus.

 I promise I will alert my parents when I receive suspicious or alarming phone calls or text messages from people I don’t know.

Signed ______________________________ (son/daughter) Signed ______________________________ (parents) The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

www.TheMomsMagazine.com

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HOW TO GET THAT TIGHT END! It’s football season, so what’s better than a few exercises to change up your workout routine and get that booty feeling a little tighter?

by Kirsten Evans

Franchise Owner & Fitness Instructor Baby Boot Camp ® Bring your baby. Get fit ®

Quick-Knee Repeaters Target Zones: Quadriceps, hips, hamstrings, glutes, abductors (aka outer thighs), saddle bags (booty dimples), and thighs – all while getting a great cardio burst to burn lots of extra calories. Increase the speed to really get the heart pumping!

How to perform: Plant your entire left foot on top of the bleacher, curb, step or just slightly in front of you on the ground, with good posture and balance. Brace your core while the right foot is on the ground or just behind you, resting on the ball of your foot. Lean torso forward. Reach arms up and overhead. As you pull elbows back towards your back pockets, squeeze your shoulder blades and simultaneously drive your back knee (right) up toward your chest, tucking and squeezing your core and left glute (foot that is pressed into step). Return leg to starting position and repeat on the same leg for 60 seconds before switching to the other leg.

Intensity and Modifications: To really increasing the intensity, just tap the back foot quickly to the ground before driving it back up.

Alternatively, to take the intensity down, reduce the time per leg, starting with 20 seconds, and increase your timing by intervals (20s, 30s, 40s) as you progress. Always brace, pulling core in tight and controlled and pressing 14

through the entire foot on the bench. Spread the toes and push through the heel to really drive that knee up towards the chest.

Lateral Step Up with Side Abduction and Lift Target Zones: GLUTES, GLUTES and did I mention GLUTES? This is a booty kicker – and JLo does this one!

How to perform: Lift leg (left) and place foot on the bleacher, step or curb and just an inch forward of straight leg (right) that is on the ground.

Power through the entire (left) foot on the bench, pushing body upward with the left glute and leg muscles, pressing up to a straightened leg. When you are up, raise the (right) leg back, squeezing the top of the glutes. Slowly lower and return to start position. The next time you come up, lift the (right) leg out, squeezing side glute.

Then step down, returning feet to original position. Repeat with opposite leg, alternating between legs – 15 reps each side, REPEAT 3x. Lifting leg outward and leg lift backward equals 1 rep!

Intensity and Modifications: If modified on a curb or step, begin to bend the leg that is on the step to increase length of how much you are pressing your body upwards.

Don’t go super low, just add a little bend in the knees to increase the intensity.

The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

contact with floor. If you are on curb or step, the knee may touch. Return to original standing position by extending hip and knee of forward leg. Repeat on same leg for 15 repetitions, then switch to opposite leg.

Keep your torso tall, core braced, shoulders back and down. Forward knee should point in the same direction as the foot throughout the movement, and the knee should be directly over the ankle and behind the toes.

Also, if you’re a Power Mom wanting to increase intensity even more, check it! Go quick with just a tap on the ground and no out or behind lift for 30s then slow it down to add lift and then go again with quick taps. Power through the leg and glute that is lifting your body to a straight leg.

Single Leg Bleacher Lunge Target Zones: Quads and hammies (aka hamstrings), glutes and abductors / adductors. This one will burn, but it’s best to go slow and controlled, with great form!

How to perform: Begin by facing away from bleacher, step or curb. Extend leg back and place top of foot on bench.

Squat down by flexing knee and hip of front leg until knee of rear leg is almost in

Intensity and Modifications: If the bleacher, curb or step is too much, come into a static lunge, with no incline for back foot. Simply step forward with both knees at a 90° angle, squat down, bending both knees to a comfortable level. Back knee does not need to touch ground.

Continue in the stance and repeat. To increase the intensity, as you lower on your 15th rep, hold and pulse for 15 seconds.

Bench Pistol Squat or Squad Hover Target Zones: Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Glutes, and Core.

How to perform: Begin by facing away from the bleacher or bench. This exercise is not meant for curb or step

unless you are a Power Mom already trained to go all the way down into a full pistol squat. With left foot flat on the ground, press through the entire foot while extending the right leg, engaging your quads, hamstrings and core.

Reach your arms out in front for balance and control.

Slowly lower your booty to the bench. You will likely lose control during the lowering phase and wind up plopping down onto the bench at the bottom. That’s fine for now.

In time your control will improve to the point where you no longer need to sit on the bench.

Keeping your arms up and reaching forward, simultaneously press your left foot again into the ground while tightening your abs.

Don’t let your heel come off the ground. If you’re strong enough, you should be able to lift yourself off the bench.

Once you get to a standing position, again lower yourself slowly to repeat again for 15x before switching legs.

Intensity and Modifications: Not everyone is ready to extend their leg and work to perform a single leg pistol squat and that’s OK! Let’s strengthen those legs, booty and core to build up to the point when we are able to perform the pistol squat.

Also, I recommend the squat hover. This will build your endurance, concentration and strength. Standing with feet just hip-width apart.

Extend your arms again, but instead of lifting that left leg, simply lower your booty to hover over the bench and hold for 15 seconds. Increase your hold time after every 10 seconds of rest. Next, with abs pulled in, arms extended, flatten your back and stand right back up, pulling hands toward your hips.

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The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

FAN for my

MAN

By Heather Naples

Photography by Sari Underwood Photography

There was no pre-nup when my husband and I got married. But there were rules. Certain, specific rules that, according to my husband, were absolute deal breakers. Actually, there was really only one rule. I had to become a football fan. And not just any football fan; I had to become a Buffalo Bills fan.

I don't know how much you know about the NFL (I knew next to nothing), but here's something you should know about the Buffalo Bills. Being a Bills' fan is painful. Really painful.

They are the only team to go to the Super Bowl four years in a row and lose every time. Yes. Every. Single. Year.

Luckily, I wasn't around back then to be coerced into becoming a fan during those especially painful years. But let me tell you, these last 3 years haven't quite been a walk in the park either.

Let's take, for example, our wedding day, which I had planned on a Sunday to save us a few thousand dollars. At the time I didn't take into account that the Bills would be playing one of their division rivals. So what did that mean for my wedding day? It meant the entire male side of my bridal party was at a sports bar before arriving at the wedding venue, and they all arrived in jerseys. Oh, and they blamed that day's loss on our impending nuptials. Awesome.

But, I digress; this article isn’t about the Buffalo Bills. What it is about is the things we do for love, be they big or small. For me, I became a fan for my man.

My husband supports everything I do. Whether it's taking me to the midnight movie premier of my favorite young adult series (yes, he went to a few Twilight premiers, God bless him), helping me launch a baking career from our home kitchen, or just bringing me an extra cup of coffee in the morning after he knows I’ve been up all night with our daughter, he is my biggest fan. So for him, if becoming a football fan and sharing his passion is the least I can do, I will always happily do it.

So every September I wake up early on Sundays and put on a jersey with the name of a player I don’t know and I head to a local bar with my husband an hour before the game starts just so we can reserve our table. And I happily throw my diet out the window and consume my weight in chicken wings.

I order beers and scream angrily at the television at what seems like appropriate times and yell about flags and holding and other things that I hear people say but that I have no idea what they mean. And my husband beams with pride. He absolutely loves it.

And you know what, I love it too. What started out as a “him” thing has turned into an “us” thing. And honestly, it is something that I now look forward to every year. Becoming a fan for my man brought my marriage closer, and I’m so thankful for that.

And I’m also thankful that he wasn’t a Patriots fan. Our marriage might not have worked out as well if that would have been the case. Just kidding. But seriously, Go Bills!

(We’re coming for you Pats!)

The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

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Real Grass vs. Artificial Turf Is the grass really greener on the other side?

About 8 years ago, I entered the imaginary world called the Internet. I could sit in my living room in my pajamas, with my 2 year old playing by my feet, sign into the online gaming world, and then whoosh, my real world disappeared.

It started out harmless. A game of Hearts or Backgammon, and then I discovered my favorite, Texas Hold'em. Hours would whiz by, and my daily chores were forgotten. My toddler was entertained in 30 minute increments of Dora the Explorer and The Backyardagains.

Occasionally I would dart into the kitchen to refill my coffee mug and grab some Cheerios and a sippy of milk for my forgiving little girl.

This became my new reality.

Months floated by and my harmless internet daytime hobby soon crept into the evening hours. I pretended that it wasn't that big of a deal. I convinced my husband that I was present in our family life, but in the back of my mind, I had already orchestrated the evening play-by-play. I would step away to make dinner, quickly do bedtime routines ... a rapid dip in the tub for our three children, a half-heartedeffort at a bedtime story, a song or two, then whoosh, back to the computer.

become a person that looks amazing online.

But eventually, the mud hit me in the face. I couldn't pretend anymore that this Astroturf lifestyle was my real life. However, two years of playing on artificial turf had taken its toll on my body. I didn't know how to play on a grass field anymore. I didn't know how to be real.

The next year I had a decision to make.

Would I walk off the field? Was it worth the effort to learn how to play on this grass field?

I could quit. People quit all the time.

I decided to give it a try. I decided to meet with a "coach" (aka counselor). I was cold. I was broken. But there was this tiny part inside me that knew I couldn't continue on in this lonely internet world anymore.

The next year was full of eye-opening revelations about me, and surprisingly not full of finger-pointing at how I'm a bad wife and mom. I learned how I tick.

I learned why I react the way I do to circumstances. I was beginning to understand the real me.

My husband – what husband??

I soon discovered you could search for online gamers by their user names, and through harmless chat, I got to know players and their "life story." We would exchange pleasantries, and day by day, this group of gamers became my "friends." FRIENDS. Soon these friendships took priority over my REAL relationships. You know ... the REAL people in my life. People like my husband – what husband??

The life that I took on became like artificial turf. It looked good, but it wasn't real. I didn't want my real life anymore. My real life was messy. My real life required daily maintenance that I really didn't like doing. I definitely didn't want to get muddy. I preferred the imaginary, easy-to-care-for artificial turf.

The people in my imaginary world were WAY more interesting than my real world. It's amazing the kind of life you can pretend you have when you don't have to be accountable to anyone. You can hide behind a keyboard.

You can fib about your age, fib about your weight, fib about your income. You know, 18

Now don't get me wrong. It was hard. I was faced with the fact that I had abandoned my real friends and family for my internet friends, and now, those real friends weren't there with open arms to accept me back.

I can't tell you how thankful I am that my husband was still there. He could have walked off the field a LONG time ago. But he didn't.

He had the patience to see that this thing called marriage is never perfect. We all have issues. And he learned that he had some issues too. Now we are now entering the 2nd half.

A second half on a real grass field. And we've learned a key play called Love and Respect. It's one of the vital strategies to our winning game.

In closing, I could try to convince you that I've got it together. That I'm now the perfect role model and my problems are a thing of the past. I could tell you that I'm a perfect wife with a perfect life. Not even. Greener grass will always be tempting. We live in a real world with real people. Social media will have us pretend that our lives are picture-perfect.

But then we realize that we don't have to be perfect.

The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

We just need to be real.

By Kristi Corley

Photography by Sari Underwood Photography

Love Her Respect Him

When my husband and I realized that an artificial-turf marriage wouldn't last, we learned a key strategy: Love and Respect.

It's a simple concept, yet people tilt their head in confusion when they see my tattoo and learn that the phrase, "Respect Him" is intended for my husband. My 20-second answer is simple. "This concept was integral part of saving our marriage. Quite simply, we needed to understand how to communicate with each other. Once we discovered that love most motivates a woman, and respect most powerfully motivates a man, a light bulb turned on relationally.”

Love notes and cards most commonly say the words "I love you," and we are all supposed to get it. But imagine if you were to send a note or text to your man that says, "I respect you." I did this out of curiosity.

It felt awkward. But then, he replied, "How so?" As I went on to explain how much I appreciated his hard work to provide for our family, and how he takes care of the basic needs around the house (much of which requires heavy lifting and his strength), he began to puff up with pride and satisfaction.

We first learned of this concept from the author Emerson Eggrich. He shares, "We asked 7,000 people this question: when you are in a conflict with your spouse or significant other, do you feel unloved or disrespected? 83% of the men said ‘disrespected.’ 72% of the women said, ‘unloved.’ Though we all need love and respect equally, the felt need differs during conflict, and this difference is as different as pink is from blue!"

the

moms ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN

Tackling Bedtime with Toddlers

By Dr. Gregory Gordon gregorygordonmd.com Author of Raising Good Parents – A Guide to Your Baby’s First Year

Toddler’s are notoriously difficult at bedtime. They often throw fits when bedtime is announced or quickly get out of bed after being tucked in. But most bedtime problems can be addressed through a consistent bedtime routine.

Children thrive on well defined rules and consistent routines.

Routines provide children with an expected, eventually accepted transition from daytime to bedtime.

Our family bedtime routine (for younger children)

We begin bedtime with younger children (1 to 6 years old) between 7:45 and 8pm.

Our bedtime routine usually lasts 30 minutes (40 minutes on bath nights).

8. Place in beds. We simply ask our older children (3 year and up) to get in their beds. Our younger kids are placed in their cribs.

1. Go potty (We ask our boys to sit on the potty at bedtime and this helps them completely empty their bladders.)

2. Bath (not every night) 3. Get dressed in pajamas 4. Brush teeth 5. Read books - We usually do two short books. Often picked out by two different children. Our children who are learning to read often read an early reading book or potions of the main bedtime book.

6. Say Prayers 7. Potty again - Second time to potty for those working on staying dry at night

9. Turn on night light and turn off overhead light 10. Cover them with their blankets - kiss, hug, and “I love you” When children resist the bedtime routine When our children refuse to behave during their bedtime routine we simply put them in their beds and end the routine. The lights are turned off and they must settle themselves down. This is the natural consequence for not behaving at bedtime. Practically speaking, this rarely happens as our children seem to enjoy the individual attention and have learned to expect their bedtime routine.

In general, we prefer to have our toddlers in a crib, and we keep them in their cribs as long as possible. Sometime between 2 to 3 years old we are forced to move them to a regular bed. The driving force for this move is either the toddler has learned to climb out of their crib, or (more often at the Gordon home) a new sibling needs the crib.

When you begin the transition, to a “big boy” (or girl) bed, do not teach them to climb in and out of their bed. If instead you continue to place a toddler in their bed, you will often have a couple of days or weeks where they do not know they can climb out.

With our first toddler, we got run over and squashed. She would get out of her bed, run around in the middle of the night and generally occupy our evenings with poor behavior. Simply by returning her to her room each time, she eventually got the message. Unfortunately, it took great effort and caused unneeded stress.

Our second time around, we did much better. When our second toddler was moved to a “big boy bed” we used a two gate system. When he left his room the first time we put up a baby gate. When he climbed over the first gate we put a second baby gate on top of the first gate (completely blocking the doorway). He would then cry and eventually fall asleep.

He quickly learned that he did not want the gates put up. He would stand at his door and call for us, and when we left him on his own, he would eventually fall asleep. The rules were clear and it worked well.

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.

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The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

It’s a Book!

Dr Gregory Gordon is proud to announce the completion of:

Raising Good Parents (A Guide to Your Baby’s First Year)

Length: 143 pages Weight: 11 ounces Available on Amazon or gregorygordonmd.com

HOW MANY MORE REASONS DO YOU NEED TO STAY HEALTHY? 2 WEEKS

ON US AVALON YMCA 407-381-2512

AVALON PARK

JOIN BY NOV. 30

OFFERING THIS AND SO MUCH MORE: > TWO-HOURS OF FREE child care while you work out > FREE group exercise classes > Designated area for Free Weights / Circuit weights > FREE WIFI > Access to all 25 Ys in Central Florida > Coach Approach program to keep you engaged > OPEN 7 days a week 363 days a year > Safe environment and excellent programs for your children > Fitness schedules / programs that obtain and maintain good health > Kid’s classes/programs, sports AND swim lessons

FOR YOUR FAMILY’S SAKE STOP BY AND JOIN TODAY AVALON PARK YMCA 12001 AVALON LAKE DR., STE M-P | ORLANDO, FL 32828 407-381-2512 | choffman@cfymca.org www.ymcacentralflorida.com

The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

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Recipes on! next page

recipes Chocolate Glaze

Chocolate Buttercream

Ingredients: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 4 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon light corn syrup ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients: 1 ½ cups butter (3 sticks) softened 1 cup unsweetened cocoa 4 cups confectioner’s sugar ½ cup milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

(for Bundt cake)

Directions: 1. In double boiler over hot, but not boiling, water combine chocolate chips, butter and corn syrup. Stir until chips have melted and mixture is smooth.

2. Stir in vanilla.

3. Pour glaze over cooled cake, allowing to drip down the sides.

by Heather Naples

Chocolaty Chocolate Cake Recipe

sweet!

Simple, easy, semi-homemade

(Makes 1 Bundt cake or 24 cupcakes)

Ingredients: 1 pkg Devil's Food Cake mix 1 pkg instant chocolate pudding mix 4 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup hot coffee Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients.

3. Pour the batter into a greased Bundt cake pan or into lined cupcake pan.

Cake: Bake 50-55 minutes.

Cook cake until top is springy and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool for two hours before removing from pan.

Dust with powdered sugar (or drizzle with Chocolate Glaze, recipe included).

Cupcakes: Bake 20-25 minutes.

Frost with Chocolate Buttercream frosting, recipe included.

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The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

(for cupcakes)

Directions: 1. Sift cocoa to remove any lumps.

2. Cream together butter and cocoa powder.

3. Slowly add sugar and milk to the cocoa and butter mixture.

4. Add vanilla extract.

If frosting is too dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time to the mixture. If frosting is too wet, add confectioner’s sugar.

Cucumber Salad or Dip

Look like a Master Chef at the Next Football Party!

Recipes on! next page

Cauliower Jumbo Tots

Black Bean Quinoa Sliders Yield: 12-14 sliders Prep Time: 20 min.

Cook Time: 15-20 min.

Ingredients: Slider: 1 can black beans, drained 1 cup quinoa (tri-color makes for a nice looking slider, but any will do) 1 cup water 1 cup chicken broth 2 cups bread crumbs (I use whole wheat bread crumbs, seasoned) ½ cup chopped green onions ½ cup chopped culantro (very similar to cilantro, but a little stronger) 1 large egg 1 large egg white 1 bag of arugula Whole-wheat rolls or slider buns Sauce: Sriracha Yogurt Sauce: 6 oz. plain low fat Greek yogurt ½ cup sour cream ¼ lemon wedge for flavor (or one tablespoon lemon juice) ½ cup sriracha

Preparation: 1. Boil water and chicken broth together. Rinse quinoa and add to boiling broth. Reduce to a simmer until water and chicken broth is absorbed; quinoa will be tender. Set aside and let cool.

2. Meanwhile, in large bowl, add drained beans. Lightly mash. Add cooled quinoa and bread crumbs (if unseasoned bread crumbs, season mixture with garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste). Mix. 3. Sauté chopped green onions and culantro with olive oil in a nonstick, 8–12 inch pan over medium heat. Add to mixture, with egg and egg white. Mix well.

Let rest until mixture is moist, not runny.

4. Place ¼ cup sliders about one inch apart on a non-stick cookie sheet. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slightly golden.

5. While burgers are cooking, prepare yogurt sauce. In small bowl combine yogurt, lemon juice, sour cream and sriracha. Makes about 1 ¼ cups.

with cooking spray and set aside.

Rinse peppers, cut tops and then cut lengthwise down the center removing all seeds.

2. In a medium mixing bowl combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped scallions and bread crumbs.

Mix and let sit.

Here is a healthy spin on your favorite Game Day foods!

These football season inspired recipes are WAISTLINE friendly and husband APPROVED!

BY KIRSTEN EVANS

6. To serve, add a small handful of arugula to bottom bun, place slider patty on top, add dollop of sauce and top with bun. Lastly, toothpick bun and slider together.

Fabulously Light & Tasty Jalapeño Poppers Yield: 18-24 poppers Prep Time: 20 min.

Cook Time: 20 min.

Ingredients: 12 medium jalapeños 8-oz. pkg light cream cheese (soft) 8-oz. bag of shredded cheddar cheese (2% milk) ½ cup chopped scallions 4 large eggs 2 large egg whites 8 oz. bread crumbs (I use whole wheat bread crumbs, seasoned), or panko crumbs 12 slices turkey bacon, cooked Note: Create a spicier crunch by adding red pepper powder, black pepper and paprika to bread crumb or panko mixture.

Preparation: 1. Preheat oven 400° F. Spray a nonstick cookie sheet

3. Cook turkey bacon until crisp. Chop into pieces or crush with hands. Add turkey bacon to mixture.

4. Fill pepper with cheese, packing each tightly.

Combine eggs and egg whites, mixing well. Dip peppers in eggs, thoroughly coat peppers, and toss with bread crumbs or panko.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and cheese is slightly oozing out. Serve hot with sour cream for dipping.

Cauliflower Jumbo Tots Yield: 24 tots Prep Time: 25 min.

Cook Time: 30 min.

Ingredients:

tough stems or cauliflower ends, mainly using floret portion.

4. In a large bowl, combine with all other ingredients. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Scoop a teaspoon size mixture and shape in your hands. Place on nonstick cookie sheet about ½ inch apart and cook for 15-25 minutes at 400°, turning halfway through cooking until golden brown.

Refreshing Avocado Cucumber Salad or Dip Yield: 10-12 servings Prep Time: 10 min.

Cook Time: 0 min.

Ingredients:

1 large cauliflower, roasted or steamed to chop into florets, or two 16-oz. fresh bags to steam or roast 2 cups of bread crumbs (I use whole wheat bread crumbs, seasoned) 1 cup of fresh, chopped parsley ½ - 1 lemon for flavor 4 large eggs 2 large egg whites

4 medium, soft but not mushy, Hass avocados ½ cup culantro 2 medium cucumbers ½ package of cherry tomatoes 2 limes ½ cup chopped shallots or red onion Salt and pepper Garlic powder Olive oil

Preparation:

Preparation:

1. Steam raw cauliflower 4 – 5 minutes until tender but not mushy. Pour 2 cups of water and 1 cup of chicken broth directly over top of cauliflower.

1. Slice and pit avocados, cut into square chunks and scoop into bowl.

2. Season with a little salt and pepper, cover with tin foil and place in oven at 375° for 20-30 minutes, until tender.

3. Remove from oven, chop cauliflower into small chunks, not too fine. Be sure to remove any

2. Slice cucumbers, into 4 long quarters. Remove seeds.

3. Dice tomatoes, culantro, and onion. Mix well. Squeeze lime juice over top, drizzle olive oil, and add salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.

4. Serve as a side item, burger topping or with tortilla chips.

THE OFFENSE AND DEFENSE OF SKINCARE It’s Time to Tackle Your Skin Care Routine

By Mindy Black Licensed Esthetician and CEO of Feisty Girl

Fall means many things for a mother. It’s a time of play-dates, pumpkin spice lattes, cardigans, school board meetings and of course ... football season.

The long days spent outdoors tailgating, grilling and in the stadium also mean harsh weather conditions and neglecting your skin. It’s time for your skin care routine to be kicked up a notch! We’re breaking down the basics of skin care – football style – so you’ll be prepped and ready for game day.

1. The Quarterback Facial cleanser is the quarterback of skin care!

The quarterback is the most important player on a football team’s offensive side and needs to constantly prepare and be proactive in order to be successful. In skin care, there are certain “plays” you must do to keep your skin healthy.

Cleansing is the first play of the game! Washing off

makeup, dirt and germs is the first step towards scoring that touchdown.

Choose the best cleanser for your skin type, and for best results cleanse your face twice daily.

2. The Defensive Nose Guard

When it comes to your skin, just like in football, never underestimate your competition. One of the skin’s biggest opponents is the sun, which means that

SPF is the #1 defense of skin care! It’s proven that

the majority of premature aging is caused by sun damage. Therefore, wearing sunscreen every day is a non-negotiable when it comes to preserving your skin’s health. Try a product like BB cream,

which is a sunscreen and a tinted moisturizer blended together for convenient daily use. Score extra points by reapplying often. The SPF number only represents the amount of time you have until you need to reapply. Pro tip: An SPF of 45 is only good for about 45 minutes.

3. The Offensive Lineman

The offensive lineman is in charge of blocking! In the same way, moisturizer

helps block the harmful affects of the environment

and fights free radicals, while hydrating and repairing the skin.

Regardless of your skin type – oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin and even acne-prone skin – there’s always a moisturizer option out there for you.

4. The Kicker

Kick those dead skin cells away with an exfoliant! A football team relies heavily on a good kicker for his very specialized role, but not on every play! In a similar way, your skin

relies on a good exfoliant to boost collagen. Regular

exfoliation – about two

to three times a week – is essential for eliminating dead skin cells that clog pores and inhibit optimal product absorption and skin respiration. Exfoliation will also help your skin keep some sort of cell turnover going on a regular basis.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that some exfoliants can do more harm than good; grainy is not always better! You know you’re doing well if the exfoliant contains antioxidants, green tea extract and vitamins C & E. Your skin will thank you, and you will love the way you look!

5. The Running Back

In football, the running back is responsible for receiving handoffs from the quarterback to execute a rushing play. In skin care, your cleanser hands off the

ball to the serum, which completes the play by penetrating deep into your skin. Serums are specifically

formulated to treat, protect and nourish your skin.

Adding this treatment step to your skin care routine will protect your skin from the visible signs of aging.

The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

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Fun Fall Central Florida Family Events Compiled by Victoria Armijo

I don’t know about you, but I’m so excited for Fall to arrive so I can take my family to all the fun Fall local family events that Central Florida has to offer!

not a problem, our face painter will help you fit right in. Walk on Water Balls will also be available for an additional charge. Also, learn about the myths and realities of some misunderstood animals. Event is included in general Zoo admission.

Big Red Ranch and Rescue Fall Fundraiser in Osteen

Saturday, Nov. 15, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Bring your family and friends out to the horse rescue for pony rides, face painting, hay rides, concessions and more! Admission will be $3 for children 2 and older. Adults are free!

That will include the pony rides, hay ride and petting area. We will have face painting and balloons for a fee. Kona Ice will be here as well as other vendors offering you a chance to start your holiday shopping and purchase yummy treats!

Sponsors in the Spotlight!

Spooktacular in Downtown Avalon Park Saturday, Oct. 25 5 - 9 p.m.

Enjoy a costume parade, haunted house, and trick or treating!

Zoo Boo Bash

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford Oct. 18-19 and 25-26 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

It’s safe, fun, and not-too-scary event for young and old alike. Kids are invited to bring goodie bags and wear costumes for trick or treat stations. If you forget your costume,

Trick or Treat Safe Zone Orange County Regional History Center

October 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween at the History Center at our sixth annual Trick or Treat Safe Zone!

Children and parents will enjoy four floors of trick or treating, crafts, games, lessons in ghost-hunting practices, and a scavenger hunt. Halloween costumes are encouraged for children and their parents alike!

Fall Festivals: Southwest Fall Festival in Orlando

Thursday, Oct. 23 – Sunday, Oct. 26 FREE ADMISSION - FREE PARKING - FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE, VIP on-site parking,

professional carnival rides and Midway games, daily cash bingo, raffles/prizes & drawings, nightly music & entertainment, beer & wine garden, delicious food including a multi-ethnic food court & plenty of cotton candy, funnel cakes and other old carnival favorites.

Winter Garden Corn Harvest Festival Saturday, Nov. 8, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join us when the farmers market is transformed into a good ole fashioned corn harvest festival. Bring the whole family for hay rides, mini pumpkins for the kids to decorate, delicious freshly roasted corn and lots more.

Old Town’s Fall Festival Kissimmee

Sept. 21, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Join Old Town for arts & crafts, food, carnival games, pumpkin painting and much more!

Fall Fiesta in the Park Lake Eola, Orlando

Nov. 2 – 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Kids zone includes face painting, bounce houses, live music and more!

Club Lake Plantation Fall Festival Apopka

Oct. 1 – 31, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Visit the website for weekday and weekend activities like exploring the maze, hayrides, play on 4 playground areas, visit Tink the white tail deer, duck racing games, horse swings, air cannon launcher ($1/shot), pumpkin chunkin’ ($1/ shot), face painting and many more!

Deltona Lakes Elementary School

Oct. 17, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Free admission. Lots of games and activities such as bounce houses, obstacle courses, food, professional family portrait offers and much more! All proceeds benefit the classrooms.

the falling leaves of the season drop on Market Street in the Fall Festival known as Oktoberfest. Listen for the rustling of leaves, relax by the lakeside and rock your troubles away, and enjoy the live music with family and friends in this one-of-akind themed extravaganza.

Hop on a hayride, dance to terrific live music, paint a pumpkin, or just stroll and enjoy the crisp fall air and enjoy the great savings at the lakeside promenade. Leaves fall daily at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM. Parking and Admission are FREE!

Pumpkin Patches and Fall Activities: The Stanley Pond Adventure Farm Pumpkin Patch Astatula

Oct. 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 25 & 26 This fall, join us at Stanley Pond Adventure Farm as we celebrate diversity with our silly pumpkin friend, Spookley! October is National Bullying Prevention Month and Spookley the Square Pumpkin is the “Official Spokes-Pumpkin” for Bullying Prevention!

Spookley is out on a mission to spread the word that hurting people’s feelings is a bad thing to do! This season there will be tons of fall fun including Uncle Jack’s Jumping Pillow, Skippy the Airboat, and other farm fun activities, included with farm admission.

Long & Scott Farms Corn Maze Mount Dora

October 4, 2014 through December 14, 2014 (Saturdays and Sundays) Scott’s Maze Adventures is open for the general public on Saturdays from 10 a.m.

– 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Last admission is sold at 3 p.m. both days.

Tuesdays and Fridays are reserved for groups of 20 or more. Reservations are required.

Octoberfest in Kissimmee

Friday October 17th- 5:30 PM-10:00 PM and Saturday October 18th 5:00 PM-10:30 PM On October 17th and 18th , Celebration Town Center transforms before your very eyes as

Pumpkin & Pony Festival Orlando

Uncle Donald's Farm in Leesburg

Oct. 17 & 18, 24 & 25, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Enjoy night hayrides and take a "Walk on the Wildside", where you will see panthers, owls, and other nocturnal animals. Visit the "Creepy Crawly Barn" for a close encounter with reptilian wonders. Find your way through the hay maze if you can, and definitely visit the "Pumpkin Patch."

Hometown Harvest in Winter Springs Oct. 11, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Fall-themed event capturing the essence of a small town, with free pumpkin painting and hayrides, live music and dancing. Free and open to the public.

Oct. 11 – 31, Pumpkin Patch Oct. 11, 12, 18 & 19, Harvest Weekends $5 Pony & Hayrides Oct. 25 – 26, Pumpkins & Ponies Festival

Pumpkin Patch at Green Meadows Farm Kissimmee

Oct. 26 – Children's Halloween Fun Day It’s that exciting day when your little ghouls and goblins get to dress in their ookiest costume. Join us Sunday, Oct. 26 for our Trick or Treat Day at the farm!

During the month of October, everyone gets to pick a pumpkin from our pumpkin patch!

Plus, get into the Halloween spirit by enjoying our kid-friendly Ooky-Spooky Haunted House on Saturdays & Sundays in the month of October. Our Ooky-Spooky Haunted House features 13 rooms of not-so-scary fun and laughs for the whole family.

Santa’s Tree Forest – A Lot of Pumpkins Eustis Weekends through October 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Aside from loads of pumpkins, there is a maze, horse rides, hay rides, the bounce pillow & kiddie tram rides, and more!

Admission is free, some events have a fee.

Sanlando Pumpkin Patch Longwood

Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m, and Sunday, noon – 8 p.m.

Admission to the patch is free! A wonderful, large array of pumpkins, picture backdrops, and even group activities for a small fee.

Pumpkin U'Pickem Festival Geneva

Oct. 25 & 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Happy Tails guided trail tour with 30 costumed characters handing out candy and goodies, including a chance to meet the Arabian Princess at the barn and get your photos taken with her.

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Trick-or-Treating and Halloween Events: Windermere Halloween Hayride and Costume Contest Windermere Town Hall Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – noon

Ghost Stories at Leu Gardens

Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Tickets available at the door: Adults $10, Leu Member $5, Children $5 Creaky garden gates open at 6:00 pm, and at 7:30 pm a ghost host will summon the ghouls to tell you stories of wicked things lurking in the dark. Bring a blanket or chairs – this is an outdoor event, weather permitting.

Food, drinks and “treats” will be available for purchase. Stories may be frightening for young children.

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular Orlando

Spooky Skate RDV Sportsplex, Orlando

Halloween Hustle Baldwin Park

Halloween Spooktacular Central Park at Lake Mary City Hall, Lake Mary

October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Event takes place every weekend in October for silly spooky fun at SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular®. During this daytime event, children and adults alike will be immersed in an underwater "fantasea" filled with trickor-treating, dancing with sea fairies and pumpkin fish and kids can create sea-themed arts and crafts.

Thursday, Oct. 23, 5 p.m to 10 p.m.

Event features a 5K run/walk (6:30 p.m.), Kids’ Fun Run (5:45 p.m.) and Halloween party with activities for adults and children alike. From trick-or-treating and Halloweenthemed carnival games to live entertainment, food trucks and adult beverages for those

Halloweenfest in Winter Garden Friday, Oct. 31, 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Featuring live entertainment, local vendors and family activities! Enjoy a safe night of haunted happenings along downtown Plant Street.

A Petrified Forest Kid’s Day Altamonte Springs

Oct. 3 – 31, Thursdays-Saturdays Halloween festival, enjoy live bands, food, backstage tours, and other surprises.

Vintage Halloween Costumes Lake Mary

Halloween Carnival of Screams Riverside Park, Oviedo

September 20 - October 25 Take a tour through our “spooky” museum, complete with a collection of antique costumes and Halloween decorations.

Friday, Oct. 24th and Saturday, Oct. 25th, 5-10 p.m.

Costume contests, games, music, hay ride, haunted house! Friday evening event is Haunted House Only, 5-10 p.m.

Lake Mary Annual Ghost Walks Lake Mary

Old Town Halloween Kissimmee

October 18 and October 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Annual GHOST WALKS is a 45 minute walk with tour guides to visit local ghosts and storytellers in downtown Lake Mary.

Appropriate for all ages. Reservations required: 407-585-1481.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Orlando September 1 to October 31, 2014 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Dress up in your favorite costume and collect delicious candy throughout Magic Kingdom park. You’ll see many favorite Disney Characters dressed in their very own Halloween costumes!

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over 21, the frightening festivities are fit for all ages. Costumes for the evening are strongly encouraged.

October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31st from Live entertainment, costume contest, four haunt zones and much more!

Pumpkins & Munchkins Winter Park

Friday, Oct. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Children of all ages are invited to join us for Pumpkins and Munchkins in Shady Park! This free event will have activities that include games, bounce houses, costume contest, Trick-or-Treat Trail, and lots of fun for the entire family!

The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

Saturday, October 25th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Admission for this extended ice skating event is $10.75 including tax and ice skate rental.

Spooky Skate is open to everyone and skaters are encouraged to wear a costume and save $1 off admission! Spooky Skate includes ice skating, “spooky” music, a costume contest, candy, games and fun.

October 31, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Join the city of Lake Mary for a safe and Fun Trick-or-Treating, music, games, kiddie train rides, and a children's costume contest.

Halloween at Cranes Roost Park Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs

October 31st from 5:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m.

The 19th Annual Halloween event features local businesses sponsoring booths to hand out candy and trinkets to an estimated 15,000 kids. There are costume contests for all ages, inflatable games and live entertainment. Trickor-treating will be around Cranes Roost Lake and live entertainment in the Eddie Rose Amphitheater.

Forest of Fear Geneva

October 24, 25, 31 & Nov. 1 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Hawaiian Luau Show with Hawaiian dancers and fire knife performer, Happy trails (guided spook walk), Games,Feed the animals,Hawaiian Luau Dancers Hay Rides and Bounce house.

The MOMS Magazine • www.TheMomsMagazine.com • Fall 2014

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