Florida Creative Living Magazine - #8 Issue by Florida Creative Living Magazine

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Creative Living Florida

November - December 2012 8th ISSUE

Sections

47 62

Front Cover Topics

38-39

Featured Business: DeeShee’s Scandic Catering

Celebrating the Holidays Can Be Difficult: When You Are the Primary Caregiver

49-50 Home Remedies: Acne, Arthritis, Backache, Cold, Constipation, & Obesity

62 65

Boogie Woogie With Jerry Lee Lewis: A John Guthrie Story Veterans Suicide’s: What Is the Solution?

In Every Issue

Artist Corner Artwork created by artist - pg 54 Band Directory List of Florida Bands - pg 54 Business Directory List of Florida Businesses - pg 55 Chef’s Delight Low-fat, Gluten Free, Diabetic, easy to make friendly recipes - pg 56

Community Spotlight Florida businesses news - pg 57 Va Memoirs Featured stories of Veterans - pg 65 4

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November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Kids & Teens November - December 2012 8th ISSUE

12 19 News Seasonal Affective Disorder Tips for Beating the Blues| pg 12-14 Priceless Holiday Gifts More Than Presents | pgs 15-17 Gift Giving Gift Ideas | pgs 17-19 A Teenage Mother’s Story A Story of Not Giving Up! | pgs 19-20 Healthy Habits Chilling Out With Colds Being Good to My Body | pgs 20-21

Sports What Happens If You Keep Playing Sports When You’re Injured? Expert Advice | pgs 25-26 Techno & Science Meingitis Bacterial & Viral Infections | pgs 26-27 Staying Safe What If a Parent Won’t Stop Texting While Driving? Voicing Your Mind | pgs 28-29 Doodle Corner Word Ladder, Crossword Puzzle, and More... Activity Center | pgs 29-32

5 Ways to Shake Shyness Tips for Life | pg 22 The 5-Second Rule Health Basics | pg 23 Hand Washing Defense Against Germs | pgs 24-25

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Florida Creative Living

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living November - December 2012

8th ISSUE

58 45

40 News Find Love, Happiness, and Even Find Your Soulmate! Using an Online Dating Coach| pg 37

Sports How to Get Nice Muscle Tone Building An Attractive Muscular Body | pg 51

DeeShee’s Scandic Catering Catering Scandinavian Cuisine | pg 38

Crossword & Sudoku Fun Time for a Break! | pgs 52-53

Accessoreez Classy, Stylish, Art-to-wear | pgs 40, 42-43

Community Spotlight Set Sail With Majical Miniatures | pg 57

Home After The Great Recession Rebuilding America | pg 44

Technology Start Up Weekend of Tampa Tampa to Host Third Startup Weekend | pg 58

Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2012 | pg 45

Technology of Tomorrow | pg 60

Easy Dinner Ideas For Thanksgiving | pg 46 Celebrating the Holidays Can Be Difficult When You Are the Primary Caregiver | pg 47 Christmas Decorations Easy and Simple Ideas | pg 48

Entertainment Boogie Woogie with Jerry Lee Lewis A John Guthrie Story| pg 62 VA Memoirs Veteran Suicide’s What Is the Solutionn? | pg 64

Health Home Remedies Acne, Arthritis, Backache, Cold, Constipation, Obesity | pgs 49-50 8

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Florida Creative Living

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Creative Living Florida

A BRIEF WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER

re you ready for the Holidays? Like many the answer would be no. It was just yesterday that it was the beginning of summer, but in the blink of an eye the holiday season is upon us. It is normal to feel overwhelmed during the holiday season. The pressure to have the perfect holiday can be extraordinary, please view pages 46 & 48 for some holiday ideas. Stress from the ailing economy and the increasing costs of gas, housing and healthcare can leave you especially vulnerable to increased anxiety during the holidays. It is important to put things in perspective and realize that the materialism of the holidays isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the real spirit of the season. The holidays are about family and togetherness, not tinsel and presents. Please join Florida Creative Living in donating money for the Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how you can help those in need: Donate to the organizations that are mobilizing relief efforts in the region, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army USA, ASPCA, HSUS.

TEAM

Wishing all our readers a safe and Happy Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and a Merry Christmas.

Terry Foster | Advertising Sales terry@floridacreativeliving.com Susan Gulash | susan@floridacreativeliving.com Florida Creative Living is a full-size, full-color, bi-monthly, online interactive magazine published six times a year by Gulash Graphics. It is distributed free of charge and no content is allowed to be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from Florida Creative Living. This publication is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers and is not necessarily the opinion of Florida Creative Living. Typographical errors, and the accuracy of information supplied by advertisers, or the action of the advertisers are not the publication and its publisher responsibility. Editorial submissions are welcome. Publisher reserves the right to reject or edit for length and clarity all submissions.

Charles Johnson | Contributing Writer VA Memoir, Entertainment, & Community Spotlight Sections branchwoodvideo@hotmail.com Lisa Burns | Contributing Writer Home & Garden Section lisa@backyardgetaway.net

Florida Creative Living

PO Box 2735, Lutz, FL 33548

O: 813.994.5110 C: 813.458.1098 F: 813.200.1002

susan@FloridaCreativeLiving.com

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Issues January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December

Deadlines Dec 1, 2012 Feb 1, 2013 April 1, 2013 June 1,2013 Aug 1, 2013 Oct 1, 2013

s d i K

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Section Section

Kids & Teens | NEWS

Seasonal Affective Disorder Tips for beating the blues

Reviewed by: D’Arcy Lyness, PhD aggie started off her junior year of high school with great energy. She had no trouble keeping up with her schoolwork and was involved in several after-school activities. But after the Thanksgiving break, she began to have difficulty getting through her assigned reading and had to work harder to apply herself. She couldn’t concentrate in class, and after school all she wanted to do was sleep.

person typically has symptoms of depression and unexplained fatigue as winter approaches and daylight hours become shorter. When spring returns and days become longer again, people with SAD experience relief from their symptoms, returning to their usual mood and energy level. What Causes SAD? Experts believe that, with SAD, depression is somehow triggered by the brain’s response to decreased daylight exposure. No one really understands how and why this happens. Current theories about what causes SAD focus on the role that sunlight might play in the brain’s production of key chemicals.

Experts think that two specific chemicals in the brain, melatonin and serotonin may be involved in SAD. These two chemicals help regulate a person’s sleep-wake cycles, energy, and mood. Shorter days and longer hours of darkness in fall and winter may cause increased levels of melatonin and decreased levels of serotonin, Maggie’s grades began to drop and she creating the biological conditions for depression. rarely felt like socializing. Even though Maggie was always punctual before, Melatonin is linked to sleep. The body produces it in greater quantities when it’s she began to have trouble getting up dark or when days are shorter. This increased production of melatonin can cause on time and was absent or late from a person to feel sleepy and lethargic. school many days during the winter. With serotonin, it’s the reverse — serotonin production goes up when a person is At first, Maggie’s parents thought she exposed to sunlight, so it’s likely that a person will have lower levels of serotonin was slacking off. They were upset with during the winter when the days are shorter. Low levels of serotonin are associated her, but figured it was just a phase with depression, whereas increasing the availability of serotonin helps to combat — especially since her energy finally depression. seemed to return in the spring. But when the same thing happened the What Are the Symptoms of SAD? following November, they took Maggie Someone with SAD will show several particular changes from the way he or she to the doctor, who diagnosed her with normally feels and acts. These changes occur in a predictable seasonal pattern. a type of depression called seasonal The symptoms of SAD are the same as symptoms of depression, and a person affective disorder. with SAD may notice several or all of these symptoms: What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? • Changes in mood. A person may feel sad or be in an irritable mood most Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is of the time for at least 2 weeks during a specific time of year. During that a form of depression that appears at CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE the same time each year. With SAD, a

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November - December 2012

time, a guy or girl may feel a sense of hopelessness or worthlessness. As part of the mood change that goes with SAD, people can be self-critical; they may also be more sensitive than usual to criticism and cry or get upset more often or more easily. • Lack of enjoyment. Someone with SAD may lose interest in things he or she normally likes to do and may seem unable to enjoy things as before. People with SAD can also feel like they no longer do certain tasks as well as they used to, and they may have feelings of dissatisfaction or guilt. A person with SAD may seem to lose interest in friends and may stop participating in social activities. • Low energy. Unusual tiredness or unexplained fatigue is also part of SAD and can cause people to feel low on energy. • Changes in sleep. A person may sleep much more than usual. Excessive sleeping can make it impossible for a student to get up and get ready for school in the morning. • Changes in eating. Changes in eating and appetite related to SAD may include cravings for simple carbohydrates (think comfort foods and sugary foods) and the tendency to overeat. Because of this change in eating, SAD can result in weight gain during the winter months. • Difficulty concentrating. SAD can affect concentration, too, interfering with a person’s school performance and grades. A student may have more trouble than usual completing assignments on time or seem to lack his or her usual motivation. Someone with SAD may notice that his or her grades may drop, and teachers may comment that the student seems less motivated or is making less effort in school. • Less time socializing. People with SAD may spend less time with friends, in social activities, or in extracurricular activities. • The problems caused by SAD, such as lower-than-usual grades or less energy for socializing with friends, can affect self-esteem and leave a person feeling disappointed, isolated, and lonely — especially if he or she doesn’t realize what’s causing the changes in energy, mood, and motivation. Like other forms of depression, the symptoms of SAD can be mild, severe, or anywhere in between. Milder symptoms interfere less with someone’s ability to participate in everyday activities, but stronger symptoms can interfere much more. It’s the seasonal pattern of SAD — the fact that symptoms occur only for a few months each winter (for at least 2 years in a row) but not during other seasons — that distinguishes SAD from other forms of depression.

Kids & Teens | NEWS Who Gets SAD? SAD can affect adults, teens, and children. It’s estimated that about 6 in every 100 people (6%) experience SAD. The number of people with SAD varies from region to region. One study of SAD in the United States found the rates of SAD were seven times higher among people in New Hampshire than in Florida, suggesting that the farther people live from the equator, the more likely they are to develop SAD. Interestingly, when people who get SAD travel to areas far south of the equator that have longer daylight hours during winter months, they do not get their seasonal symptoms. This supports the theory that SAD is related to light exposure. Most people don’t get seasonal depression, even if they live in areas where days are shorter during winter months. Experts don’t fully understand why certain people are more likely to experience SAD than others. It may be that they’re more sensitive than others to variations in light, and therefore may experience more dramatic shifts in hormone production according to their exposure to light. Like other forms of depression, females are about four times more likely than males to develop SAD. People with relatives who have experienced depression are also more likely to develop it. Individual biology, brain chemistry, family history, environment, and life experiences may also make certain individuals more prone to SAD and other forms of depression. Researchers are continuing to investigate what leads to SAD, as well as why some people are more likely than others to experience it. How Is SAD Diagnosed and Treated? Doctors and mental health professionals make a diagnosis of SAD after a careful evaluation. A medical checkup is also important to make sure that symptoms aren’t due to a medical condition that needs treatment. Tiredness, fatigue, and low energy could be a sign of another medical condition such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or mononucleosis. Other medical conditions can cause appetite changes, sleep changes, or extreme fatigue. Once a person’s been diagnosed with SAD, doctors may recommend one of several treatments: CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

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Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

use light therapy with caution. The lights that are used for SAD phototherapy must filter out harmful UV rays. Tanning beds or booths should not be used to alleviate symptoms of SAD. Some mild side effects of phototherapy might include headache or eyestrain.

Kids & Teens | NEWS Increased Light Exposure. Because the symptoms of SAD are triggered by lack of exposure to light, and they tend to go away on their own when available light increases, treatment for SAD often involves increased exposure to light during winter months. For someone with mild symptoms, it may be enough to spend more time outside during the daylight hours, perhaps by exercising outdoors or taking a daily walk. Full spectrum (daylight) lightbulbs that fit in regular lamps can help bring a bit more daylight into your home in winter months and might help with mild symptoms.

Talk Therapy. Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is also used to treat people with SAD. Talk therapy focuses on revising the negative thoughts and feelings associated with depression and helps ease the sense of isolation or loneliness that people with depression often feel. The support and guidance of a professional therapist can be helpful for someone experiencing SAD. Talk therapy can also help someone to learn about and understand their condition as well as learn what to do to prevent or minimize future bouts of seasonal depression.

Medication. Doctors may also prescribe medications for teens with SAD. Antidepressant medications help to regulate the balance of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood and energy. Medications need to be prescribed and monitored by a doctor. If your doctor prescribes medication for SAD or another form of depression, be sure to let him or her know about any other medications or remedies you Light Therapy. Stronger symptoms of SAD may be taking, including over-the-counter or herbal medicines. These can may be treated with light therapy (also called interfere with prescription medications. phototherapy). Light therapy involves the use of a special light that simulates daylight. Dealing With SAD A special light box or panel is placed on a When symptoms of SAD first develop, it can be confusing, both for the tabletop or desk, and the person sits in front person with SAD and family and friends. Some parents or teachers may of the light for a short period of time every mistakenly think that teens with SAD are slacking off or not trying their day (45 minutes a day or so, usually in the best. If you think you’re experiencing some of the symptoms of SAD, talk to a parent, guidance counselor, or other trusted adult about what you’re feeling. If you’ve been diagnosed with SAD, there are a few things you can do to help: • Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment. • Learn all you can about SAD and explain the condition to others so they can work with you. • Get plenty of exercise, especially outdoors. Exercise can be a mood lifter. • Spend time with friends and loved ones who understand what you’re going through — they can help provide you with personal contact and a sense of connection. • Be patient. Don’t expect your symptoms to go away immediately. morning). The person should occasionally glance at the light (the light has to be • Ask for help with homework and other assignments if you need it. If you feel you can’t concentrate on things, remember that it’s part of the absorbed through the retinas in order to disorder and that things will get better again. Talk to your teachers and work), but not stare into it for long periods. work out a plan to get your assignments done. Symptoms tend to improve within a few days in some cases or within a few weeks in others. Generally, doctors recommend the • Eat right. It may be hard, but avoiding simple carbohydrates and sugary snacks and concentrating on plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and use of light therapy until enough sunlight is fruits can help you feel better in the long term. available outdoors. Like any medical treatment, light treatment • Develop a sleep routine. Regular bedtimes can help you reap the mental health benefits of daytime light. should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. People who have another type of depressive disorder, skin that’s sensitive Depression in any form can be serious. If you think you have symptoms of to light, or medical conditions that may make any type of depression, talk to someone who can help you get treatment. ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. the eyes vulnerable to light damage should

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November - December 2012

Reprinted with permission

Kids & Teens | NEWS

Priceless

Holiday

Gifts

More Than Presents

f you had to guess what kids love most about the holidays, what would it be? Lots of people - kids and grownups alike - would probably say getting presents. Just look at those crowded shopping malls and all those catalogs that come in the mail! As the winter holidays draw near, kids are thinking only about what they will get, right?

Wrong. More Than Presents Based on some research we did last holiday season, we happily report that kids look forward to a lot more than just presents. About 300 kids answered our 2004 email survey about the holidays. Here’s what they told us:

“we’re all together.” Christmas may be the first holiday that comes to mind this time of year, but kids are celebrating other special days, too. Ten-year-old Hallie celebrates Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday. She said she likes when her family reads a prayer from the Torah. Harley, 11, celebrates Hanukkah, too. She likes lighting the candles on the menorah. Others kids are celebrating Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan, a month of daytime fasting for those who are Muslim. Hiba, 12, said she likes celebrating Eid by going on family trips to far-off places like the United Arab Emirates. For the holiday, Hiba likes to wear traditional clothes and put henna (a kind of dye) on her hands and legs. “I like wearing traditional clothes because everyone says I look so much like a nice village girl living in my country.” Families Rule No matter which holiday kids were celebrating, many said spending time with family was special to them. Jolene, 12, likes having dinner, opening presents, and going snowboarding with her family.

Nine-year-old Preshious said: “You Nine-year-old Michelle likes singing “Holy One” in Spanish. And being around the celebrate family and friends and it is Christmas tree “gives me time to tell my family I love them.” NOT just about presents!” Georgia, 10, likes just being with family, especially her dad. “My dad works day Jordan, 10, likes to sing and help with and night working his bum off and in the holidays we get to see him.” the Christmas tree. Erika, 8, likes going to her grandparents’ house. Lindsay, 8, also likes visiting her Fourteen-year-old Peter said his grandma, who she describes as “really fun!” favorite part of the holidays is that CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

November - Decemember 2012 Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

snow: They jump into the hot tub. “You get all cold and wet and then you warm up your whole body from head to toe. It’s really fun!”

Kids & Teens | NEWS Shakara, 14, likes “sitting with family and talking about the good old days” at holiday time. Fabulous Food When you get families together, good food often follows. And lots of kids told us they have fun making holiday foods and eating them. Eleven-year-old Alexa and her mom make chocolate-covered spoons and pretzels. Alanna, 9, likes to eat flaming Christmas cake. At Sara’s house, they have a party with lobster, but her mom won’t let her see the lobster until it’s cooked. “She doesn’t want me to treat it like a pet. I won’t eat it then!” All this food isn’t just delicious. It’s another chance to spend time with family. Lizzie, 9, said she loves building a gingerbread house and baking cookies because “it’s fun to cook with my mom.” And at Analyse’s house, they bring food and family together in an unusual way: with a mashed potatoeating contest! To us, that sounds like a recipe for a stomachache, but Analyse disagrees. “It is fun and competitive ... and the potatoes are tasty!” Playing Together Besides eating, what else are kids doing at holiday time? Decorating the house, of course. Ryan, 9, likes setting up the Christmas tree because “it’s fun and you can’t really get into trouble.” Molly, 11, likes decorating and putting up the lights outside. In those well-decorated houses, families are singing and dancing. Yurat, 13, sent his comments to us in Spanish. Translated, we learned that his family does Mexican dances at holiday time. Marianne, 13, likes doing Christmas karaoke with her family. (Karaoke is when people sing into a microphone along with the music - and they don’t always sound good!) At Abbie’s house, they dance to Irish music because her family is part Irish. “The Irish songs are jolly and bouncy.” Nikki, 10, said she likes visiting a family friend’s farm. They ride through the fields on a tractor to see dozens of decorated Christmas trees. Lots of kids said they liked being out in the snow, throwing snowballs, skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling. Grace, 11, said her family has a splashing way to warm up after playing in the

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Giving Feels Good Speaking of warm holiday feelings, many kids also told us how they help others at holiday time. They help by supporting food banks, soup kitchens, shelters, and groups such as the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Operation Christmas Child. Kids said giving was the right thing to do, but many also told us how it made them feel. In a word, it makes them feel good. Gina, 13, gives traditional holiday foods to the elderly. Morgan, 13, donates food to the food pantry at her church. The food goes into baskets that are delivered to needy people. Morgan said, “I like to see the joy on their faces.” Nine-year-old Kari said her family donates toys and presents to needy children. “I always feel great when I get presents. So when I give them, I am almost sure that the person who received it is very happy.” Sammy, 13, helps others by feeding the homeless and spending time with them. “It might sound creepy, but it’s really not that bad. It’s nice to see them smile.” So kids are donating money, toys, clothes, and food, but they’re also sharing something that doesn’t cost any money. What is it? Their kindness and good cheer. Eight-year-old Deena visits relatives “so they won’t feel lonely.” Valerie, 12, also visits the elderly at the holidays. And Jary, 11, helps others by sending letters to a soldier serving in Iraq. “It makes his days in Iraq a little more better.” Marissa, 7, said she helps others this way: “I have a good prayer for everyone in the world so I know they’re OK and safe as can be.” Kids Can Lead the Way You might not know it, but a lot of grownups are wondering how to celebrate the holidays in a more meaningful way. To grownups, more meaningful means slowing down, spending less money, and worrying less about buying tons of expensive gifts for everyone. To kids, this might sound like bad news. Does that mean you might get fewer computer games, clothes, and other cool stuff? It might. But by the sound of it, a ton of presents isn’t as important as the great family times and holiday traditions kids love sharing with the people they care about. And we’re not talking about no presents at all. That would be awful - for kids and adults alike! The good news is that families can start small. Here are some ideas that you might want to share with your parents. The goal is to slow down and enjoy the holidays together. Start putting names in a hat Maybe you’ve done this at school before? You put everyone’s name on a little piece of paper and put all the slips in a hat or a shoebox. Then each person pulls out a name and buys a gift for just this person. Using this method, everyone gets a present, but each person only has to buy one gift. You can set a spending limit, too, to make it easier to decide what you should buy.

November - December 2012

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Make presents instead of buying them Lots of grownups like receiving homemade gifts. Here are some ideas: • Decorate a photo frame and include a special photo. You also might frame some tickets from a special occasion, like a great football game or a concert you attended with the person. • Learn to knit or do a needle craft, such as cross-stitching. Make small gifts showing off your new talent. • Bake cookies or other holiday treats and package them in pretty holiday boxes or baskets. You also can put dry cookie ingredients in a glass jar as a gift. You layer the ingredients (such as sugar, oats, chocolate chips) like sand art. It looks pretty and the person can whip up a batch of delicious cookies. Don’t put eggs or butter in the jar, though, and be sure to include the recipe! • Write a poem, letter, or song to the person, explaining why he or she is special to you. You could also draw a picture or do a painting, if you like that better. Framing it would add a special touch. • Plant flowers that will start blooming around the holidays. You

can plant “paper whites,” which are tall, white flowers. Decorate the pot for the plant or wrap a bow around it.

Kids & Teens | NEWS

the homeless shelter, says they even • Give the person a packet of play cards with the people who come homemade coupons for stuff he or to eat. That’s really spreading holiday she likes. You might give your little cheer! brother a free pass to borrow one of your toys or a coupon that would How to Begin “buy” your willingness to play a If you’re interested in trying some of these new family traditions, the first game of his choice with him. step is to have a family talk to see what everyone thinks. If you can’t get Give gifts that benefit charities Another twist on gift-giving is to give everyone to agree on one idea, look a gift in someone’s name to a charity. for other ideas that might have more For instance, you might donate money support. It may be too late to make to your grandmother’s favorite charity. changes this year. If so, maybe start Maybe she loves animals and would be early next year. thrilled if you donated money to the local animal shelter. Hey, animals need As a first step, you might want to tell your mom and dad what is most a little holiday cheer, too! important to you about the holidays. Sometimes groups have fund-raisers, We certainly liked hearing what kids where they sell bricks or stepping stones had to say about the holidays. Your as part of a project. If your Aunt Lilly comments were the best kind of loves reading, wouldn’t she love a brick holiday gift. They didn’t cost a thing, that says her name in front of the new they were from the heart, and they made us feel warm and happy inside, library? like a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy winter’s night. Give gifts of time Some families decide to give their time by serving people who eat at soup Happy Holidays! kitchens or live in homeless shelters. ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/ It’s a good way to learn, up close and KidsHealth®. personal, about people who are needy. Reprinted with permission Sammy, whose family serves food at

Gift

Giving Gift Ideas

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD

ou’ve probably seen the TV commercials even have jobs. So what do you do if you want to give gifts to the about holiday gifts: Mom loves that important people in your life? diamond necklace and Dad flips for the sports car in the driveway with a big bow The good news is that kids shouldn’t feel pressure to spend a lot on top. But wait a minute! Kids can’t afford CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE to buy such expensive gifts. Most kids don’t

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Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

• Put names in a hat: Put everyone’s name on a little piece of paper and put all the slips in a hat or a shoebox. Then each person pulls out a name and buys a gift for just this person. You can set a spending limit, too, to make it easier to decide what you should buy. It’s sometimes fun to be a Secret Santa and keep it a secret who will be buying gifts for whom.

Kids & Teens | NEWS

of money on holiday gifts. The best gifts show the person that you know them well • Give together: Instead of buying gifts for each other, you could decide to and like them a lot. Thankfully, there are pool your money with your friends or siblings and make a donation to a many low-cost ways to do that. charity. From animals to needy kids, there are thousands of organizations that would love to receive a donation from you. If you don’t have much Mom, Dad, and Grandparents money, you might donate clothing, food, or other basics that charity Let’s start with Mom and Dad. Here are groups distribute. two people who will love homemade gifts. The only people who might like them • Do lunch, or any other meal: Sharing a meal is a fun holiday tradition. You more are grandparents. could go to an inexpensive restaurant with friends and split the bill. Or you could decide to make a big pancake brunch at your house for friends or Here are some make-it-yourself gift ideas family. Either way, it won’t cost too much and you’ll share good times and to try: good food. • Decorate a photo frame and include a special photo. You also might frame some tickets from a special occasion, like a great football game or a concert you attended with the person.

Your Crush? Girls and guys have been asking themselves this question for years and years: Should I buy a gift for my crush? You kind of want to, but there are so many what ifs: What if your crush doesn’t get you anything? What if he or she doesn’t like the gift? What if your crush doesn’t know who you are?

• Learn to knit or do a needle craft, such as cross-stitching. Nothing too complex — you don’t have much time! Make small gifts showing off your new talent.

Personal gifts like jewelry, teddy bears, clothes, or perfume can seem romantic, so you might want to avoid those. Non-mushy cards are pretty safe. So are small gifts like cookies or other sweets. If someone gives you a few cookies or a candy cane, you’re thinking “Yum!” not “Hey, that boy/girl wants to be my boyfriend/girlfriend.”

• With help from an adult, bake cookies or other holiday treats and package them in pretty holiday boxes or baskets. You also can put dry cookie ingredients in a glass jar as a gift. You layer the ingredients (such as sugar, oats, chocolate chips) like sand art. It looks pretty and the person can whip up a batch of delicious cookies. Don’t put eggs or butter in the jar, though, and be sure to include the recipe!

Your Teacher Sometimes, students put their money together and buy the teacher a holiday gift. Some kids give individual gifts, too. But you can show you appreciate your teacher with a simple card that has a note of thanks inside. You might even mention the favorite thing you’ve learned in the teacher’s class so far this year. It makes teachers feel good to know that some of the important stuff they teach is sinking in!

The Kid Who Needs a Friend The holidays are a good time to think about people who are lonely. Maybe there is someone in your class or school who doesn’t seem to have many friends. The person might get teased or have troubles, such as a mental or • Write a poem, letter, or song to the physical handicap. person, explaining why he or she is special to you. You could also draw Consider doing one small kindness for this person. It could be giving a Christmas a picture or do a painting, if you like card or just having a small conversation. You could say, “Hey, I like your Santa that better. Framing it adds a special hat” or “Would you like a cookie? My mom made them.” Even inviting someone touch. who’s lonely to join your lunch table can make them feel better. Such a small, small thing, but it could mean a lot to someone who feels a little shy or sad at • Plant flowers that will start blooming school. around the holidays. You can try “paperwhites,” which are tall, white Easy Printable Gifts! flowers that don’t even need dirt! If you’re still in need of a gift idea, we have a few for you. We’ve created Decorate the pot for the plant or wrap coupons and bookmarks you can personalize and give to family or friends. If a bow around it. you already have a gift, these are great little add-on presents to attach to the package. Brothers, Sisters, and Friends It can be expensive and time-consuming With the coupons, you can give your little brother something he really wants to buy gifts for a bunch of friends or — like some of your time to play a board game. Or you can give your mom or siblings. dad something really priceless: a coupon redeemable for one clean room — yours! Here are some strategies to simplify giftgiving: CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

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November - December 2012

But our favorites are bookmarks you can personalize. On one of the bookmarks, you can write down what you like best about the holidays. A few years ago, we asked kids to answer that question and hardly anyone said presents. Instead, kids told us how much they love seeing relatives (especially cousins) and sharing special family times cooking, singing, and even having mashed potato- Let’s see ...what’s the No. 1 reason we like you? eating contests! Your mom, dad, or grandparents would love to You’re such a thoughtful gift-giver that you read all know what you like about the holidays, especially if it involves family the way to the end of this article! fun and holiday traditions. Print the Christmas Coupons on page 30. The other bookmarks also make good gifts because you can write in the top 3 reasons you like or love the person who you’re giving it to. ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/ So for your dad, you might say it’s the way he makes up silly songs, KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. cooks cheesy eggs for breakfast, and taught you how to rollerblade. Now, that’s a present he can enjoy every time he opens his book.

Kids & Teens | NEWS

A Teenage Mother’s Story

A Story Of Not Giving Up! By Susan Gulash ccording to a survey seven hundred and fifty thousand teen girls get pregnant each year and thirty one percent young women get pregnant before 20. Of those seven hundred and fifty thousand teenage pregnancy’s more then half don’t finish High School or plan on going to College.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Naomi Raymond, a young teenage mother of an 18 month old little girl name, “Hope”. Even though the statics are high in not finishing High School, Naomi put all her odds aside and finished and now is on her way to becoming a Medical Assistant. To read about Naomi, please view below:

Naomi: Because I was only 16 I was still attending school so my schooling schedule had to change and my graduation too. I went into a home schooling program to finish school half year early to take kind of my daughter. Many other things weren’t very hard for me because I was so liking forward to having my daughter that other things weren’t important to me anymore. My daughter Hope was my most important thing. How have your friends treated you since you had Hope? Naomi: My friends have been supportive of me with my pregnancy and now that Hope is born. I had very little at the end of my pregnancy and at the last minute all my friends jumped in and bought a lot for her and helped me emotionally and all the things I had going on. What sacrifices did you to make before and after Hope was born? Naomi: I wouldn’t call them sacrifices. I didn’t give up much because I was very mature already so the thing I would of been normally doing at my age was not what my main choice now or then.

What decisions did you have to make before Hope was born and after?

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November - December 2012

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Kids & Teens | NEWS

How has being a mother at a young age changed your perspective on life?

Naomi: Being a mother at such a young age, I had to change my lifestyle Is your boyfriend helping you with the baby, and and plans for my future. I had to make my life very flexible with work has it brought you closer together since having and schooling. I now work as a IHSS nurse for my finance’s father. Hope? Making these choices for myself and our family pulled us together and made us very close. All of these things have made a big impacted on Naomi: We were very close to start off with but our lives. Having a child at a young age is hard, but “with a big heart now we all as a family are as close as ever. With and loving arms you will be and are already an amazing parent.” My everything he of all my friends and family was the Mother-in- law told me that right before I had my beautiful daughter most supportive of us. as words to encourage me. I told those to heart and every remind myself everything how blessed I am. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? If you could give any advice to teenagers that are thinking of becoming Naomi: I will be happily married and with two pregnant what would you tell them? children. This was just the start of my life. Though it was a early start I would do it differently if I was Naomi: Becoming a teen parent is a lot responsibility. I give advice to giving an other chance. teens a lot in that spot in their lives where they start wanting babies, and families. My best advice to give them is, “Finish with yourself What would you like wish for your daughter in first. Get your diploma!! Once you finish that you will go far and know life? that you can build on that forever with or without kids.” Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. I went through good and bad times Naomi: To always be happy! Truly Happy!!! To like everyone else. I did it! You can too! Just focus and remember you know that her family will always be there for her made that little one and they rely on you. So be the best you can be. through thick and thin. That she will always been our little angel! I always say, “When life hands you lemons, make the best of it”. Regardless of why, the important thing is what you do next. And no Have you applied to go to college, and what do amount of clichéd phrases and ambiguous advice will help you. It you plan on studying? could take days, weeks, or months. But you will do something about it. Because life goes on. Because lemons on their own are bitter. Life Naomi: I start College Monday actually at Ultimate has a way of figuring things out, and as long as you’re in touch with Medical Academy to become Medical Assistant. I reality (for the most part) and honest with yourself and others, you choose to do online because I do have Hope, and can overcome your confusing lemon predicament. Your lemonade seeing how she is only 19 months I’m not ready to may even taste completely different than you predicted. Clearly that put her in daycare. is what Naomi is doing, living life and not giving up.

Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS

Out With Colds Being Good to My Body Reviewed by: Kevin P. Sheahan, MD

For All Ages! |

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ou wake up in a cranky mood. Your head hurts. You don’t have the energy to even get out of bed. And you can’t breathe out of your nose. What’s wrong? You have a cold!

Having a cold is the #1 reason kids visit the doctor and stay home from school. Kids get up to eight colds per year with each cold lasting an average of 5 to 7 days. Let’s find out more about them. CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

November - December 2012

Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS

What Is a Cold? A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory system. This just means it affects the nose, throat, and ears. A cold virus gets inside your body and makes you sick. The rhinovirus (say: rye-no-vye-rus) • Bring on the heat. Hot drinks soothe coughs and sore throats while also clearing mucus. So is the most common cold virus, but more than 200 viruses can cause eat (or drink) your chicken soup! colds. Because there are so many, there isn’t a vaccination, or shot, to prevent you from getting colds. • Get steamed up. A steamy shower helps stuffy or irritated noses. Or run a humidifier (a small, Fortunately, your body already has the best cold cure — your immune quiet machine that sprays fine cool mist in system. The immune system defends your body against illness. White the air) to relieve your scratchy throat, stuffy blood cells are the immune system’s main warriors. They’re your own nose, and itchy eyes. Humidifiers make room private army working to help you feel better. Take that, cold viruses! air moist, which loosens mucus. How Kids Catch Colds Mucus (say: myoo-kus) is the wet, slimy stuff inside the nose. When • Practice healthy habits. Your immune system will be ready to fight colds if you eat a balanced someone sneezes or coughs, mucus drops float in the air. Breathing in diet, get plenty of sleep, and keep your body these droplets can spread a cold from one person to another. fit through regular exercise. You also can catch a cold if you touch your eyes or nose after handling something with cold viruses on it. Video games, the doors at the mall, • Blow your horn. Blowing your nose is the best way to get rid of mucus. and your school desk are all hot spots for viruses. So be sure to wash your hands regularly. • Rest. Take a nap or go to bed a little earlier for a few nights. Getting a cold works like space travel: The virus actually has docking points that stick to the inside of your nose — just like a small spaceship attaching to a mother ship! The virus takes over the cells lining the • De-stress. Kids who are stressed out feel worse when they have colds. Relax and use the time nose and begins creating more viruses. to read, listen to music, or watch a movie. In other words, chill out and you might prevent a White blood cells charge to the nose’s rescue and cause cold cold! symptoms, while also killing the virus that caused the cold. Runny noses and sneezing actually help to prevent viruses from invading other parts of your body. ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/ You sneeze because your nerves detect the irritation in your nose and get the lungs to push a blast of air out through your nose and mouth. A sneeze can travel at more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) an hour — faster than a car travels on the road, unless you’re at a racetrack!

KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

Cold Clues Symptoms (say: simp-tumz) are signs or clues that tell doctors you’re sick. Once you’ve been in contact with a cold virus, it takes 2 to 3 days for cold symptoms to begin. If you have some of the following symptoms, you probably have a cold: • low fever (100-101° F or 37.2-37.8° C) • body chills • itchy or sore throat • sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes • coughing • feeling tired and not hungry • congestion (when your nose is stuffy and it’s hard to breathe) • Helping Kids Feel Better Here are some feel-better tips:

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Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS

5 Ways to Shake Shyness tips for life Reviewed by: D’Arcy Lyness, PhD aving a shy style isn’t necessarily with a conversation starter (or a a problem. It’s perfectly OK to few) makes it easier to approach take time to warm up to new someone. people and situations. But shyness blocks some people 3. Rehearse what to say. When you’re from being as comfortable or ready to try something you’ve been sociable as they’d like to be. avoiding because of shyness — like a phone call or a conversation — Some people want to feel less shy so they write down what you want to say can have more fun socializing and being beforehand. Rehearse it out loud, themselves around others. Here are maybe even in front of the mirror. some tips for overcoming shy feelings: Then just do it. Don’t worry if it’s not exactly like you practiced or if 1. Start small with people you know. it’s not perfect. Few of the things Practice social behaviors like eye more confident-seeming people do contact, confident body language, are perfect either. Be proud that you introductions, small talk, asking gave it a go. Next time, it’ll be even questions, and invitations with the better because it will be easier. people you feel most comfortable around. Smile. Build your confidence 4. Give yourself a chance. Find group this way. Then branch out to do this activities where you can be with with new friends, too. people who share your interests. Give yourself a chance to practice 2. Think of some conversation starters. socializing with these new people, Often, the hardest part of talking and get to know them slowly. to someone new is getting started. People who are shy often worry Think of conversation openers, like about failing or how others will introducing yourself (“Hi, I’m Chris, judge them. Worries and feelings we’re in the same English class”), like these can keep you from trying. giving a compliment (“That jacket If self-criticism plays a role for you, looks great on you”), or asking ask yourself whether you’d be this a question (“Do you know when critical of your best friend. Chances our report is due?”). Being ready are you’d be much more accepting.

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So treat yourself like your own best friend. Encourage yourself instead of expecting to fail. 5. Develop your assertiveness. Because shy people can be overly concerned with other peoples’ reactions, they don’t want to rock the boat. That doesn’t mean they’re wimpy or cowardly. But it can mean they are less likely to be assertive. Being assertive means speaking up for yourself when you should, asking for what you want or need, or telling other people when they’re stepping on your toes. Most of all, be yourself. It’s OK to try out different conversational approaches you see others using. But say and do what fits your style. Being the real you — and daring to let yourself be noticed — is what attracts friends. ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/ KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS

The 5Second Rule Health Basics

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD in the cafeteria if you need a visual). Even with a brand-new mop or lmost everyone has dropped food sponge, stubborn germs can still remain on the floor after cleaning. on the floor and still wanted to eat it. Some people apply the “5-second rule” — that random saying about how 2. Fast is better — but it may not be fast enough. Although a piece of food does pick up more bacteria the longer it’s on the floor, bacteria food won’t become contaminated can attach to it instantly. So any food that makes contact with the with bacteria if you pick it up off the floor can get contaminated if conditions are right. And foods with floor in 5 seconds or less. wet surfaces, like an apple slice, pick up bacteria easily. The 5-second rule has become such a part of our culture that scientists actually tested it. As you When in Doubt, Toss It Out can probably guess, they found that the “rule” is Some bacteria are not harmful. But others can torture you with miserable mostly myth: Bacteria can attach to food even if stuff like diarrhea. Even if there’s no visible dirt on your food, you can you pick it up super fast. So, depending on which still get sick. You just can’t tell what kinds of bacteria may be lurking on types of bacteria happen to climb on board, you the floor. could still get sick. So what are you to do with the piece of watermelon that just slipped Here are two facts to consider whenever you from your grip? The safest choice is to throw it out. Or let the dog have it. (And there’s another thing to consider — even the 5-second rule can’t feel tempted by the 5-second rule: get around the fact that your food may have landed right in a spot where 1. A clean-looking floor isn’t necessarily clean. Fido parked his butt.) A shiny linoleum floor is probably cleaner than a 1970s-era carpet. But even clean, dry ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. floors can harbor bacteria. Newly washed floors are only as clean as the tools used to wash them (picture eating food off the mop

November - December 2012

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Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS

Hand

Washing

Defense Against Germs Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD

ash your hands!" How many times have you heard that from your parents? You might think they're • People don’t always wash their hands after using just nagging you, but actually the most important the bathroom — 91% of adults say they always thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash their hands after using public restrooms, but wash your hands. just 83% were seen doing so.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), • People wash their hands less at home — 83% say if you don’t wash your hands frequently, you can pick up germs they wash their hands after using the bathroom from other sources and then infect yourself. You’re at risk every at home. Germs are germs, and a bathroom is a time you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. In fact, one of the most bathroom. common ways people catch colds is by rubbing their nose or their eyes after the cold virus has gotten on their hands. • Only 32% of people in the survey said they wash their hands after coughing or sneezing. So it’s nice If people don’t wash their hands frequently (especially when that you protect the people around you by coverthey’re sick), they can spread germs directly to other people or ing your mouth with your hand when you cough. onto surfaces that others touch. And before you know it, everyBut if you then reach for your friend’s pizza, you one around you is coming down with something! might as well not have bothered. The First Line of Defense Against Germs • Just 21% wash their hands after handling money. Think about all of the things that you touched today — from the telephone to the toilet. Maybe you blew your nose and played with • Only 42% of the people in the survey washed up your dog. Whatever you did, you came into contact with germs. So after petting a dog or cat. You’ve seen your dog it’s easy for germs on your hand to end up in your mouth (maybe roll in that mystery smell in the park or your cat when you scarfed that handful of popcorn with your teammates rub against you after using the litter pan. Fido and right after soccer practice). Fluffy are dirtier than you think. By frequently washing your hands the right way, you’ll wash away germs — such as bacteria and viruses — that you have picked up from other people, through contaminated water and food, from tainted surfaces, or from animals and animal waste.

And even if you’re a good hand-washer, your friends may be harboring some dirty little secrets: Students don’t wash their hands often or well. In one study, only 58% of female and 48% of male middle- and highschool students washed their hands after using the bathroom. Yuck!

Defensive Hand Washing Did you know that an estimated 1 out of 5 people don’t wash their hands after using the restroom? In 2005 the American Society for How to Wash Your Hands Correctly Microbiology did a survey of hand washing. They asked people There’s a right way to wash your hands. Follow these questions about their hand-washing habits and also watched peo- simple steps to keep your hands clean: ple in public restrooms. The results were kind of gross. For example:

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• Use warm water (not cold or hot).

Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS

• Use whatever soap you like. Antibacterial soaps are popular but regular soap works fine. If you suspect that your hands have come To prevent chapping or dry skin, use a mild soap into contact with someone with an infection, think about using an with warm water, pat rather than rub hands dry, alcohol hand sanitizer. and apply a moisturizing lotion liberally afterward. • Rub your hands together vigorously and scrub When there is no soap or all surfaces: Lather up water available, waterless on both sides of your hand soaps or scrubs are a hands, your wrists, good alternative. They’re between your fingers, usually available as a liquid, and around your nails. wipes, or towelettes, and ofWash for 15 seconds ten come in small travel sizes — about how long it that are perfect for keeping takes to sing “Happy in your book bag, car, locker, Birthday.” purse, or sports bag. • Rinse well under warm running water and pat dry with a clean towel. • In public restrooms, consider using a paper towel to flush the toilet and open the door because toilet and door handles harbor germs. Throw the towel away after you leave.

Remember, proper and frequent hand washing is the key to preventing the spread of many common infections. So hum a few verses of “Happy Birthday” and lather up! ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

Kids & Teens | SPORTS

What Happens If You Keep

Playing Sports When You're

Injured? Expert advice Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

What if you keep playing when you the pain” are over. Doctors, trainers, and most coaches now know that playing have a sports injury? What are the through a sports injury can cause damage that keeps you on the bench longer. Playing through an injury may even end your sports career entirely. effects? - Ryan* When it comes to sports injuries, the old days of “just suck it up” or “play through

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November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Kids & Teens | SPORTS Continuing to play if you have an injury can make that injury worse. A small stress fracture that might have healed quickly can grow into a more serious, more painful fracture that will take longer to heal. Returning to play too soon after a concussion increases your risk of serious brain injury. But, in addition to worsening an existing injury, playing when you’re already injured means you also can get hurt someplace else. That’s because you may be playing in a way that’s not natural for your body — it protects the injured area but puts other areas at risk.

So what should athletes do? First, stop playing as soon as you notice an injury and talk to your coach or doctor. Then keep resting until you are fully healed and your doctor gives the go ahead (even if you feel sort of OK and there’s a big game coming up, don’t play unless your doctor says you can). Second, condition your body. Sports medicine experts recommend training and conditioning as a way to prevent injuries from happening in the first place. Talk to your coach, trainer, or visit a sports medicine center for an evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and some of them are things you might not be aware of or expect. A good athletic trainer or coach can evaluate you and then give you workouts and conditioning exercises that are targeted to your individual needs. These help you build up the weaker areas of your body so there’s less risk of overall injury. Sports medicine centers in children’s hospitals are a good bet. Trainers and therapists who work with young athletes know more about developing bodies and the kinds of injuries teens can get than trainers who work with adults. If you already have an injury, these experts can give you conditioning exercises targeted to your body so that it both heals and grows stronger. ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

Kids & Teens | TECHNO & SCIENCE

bacterial & viral infections

Reviewed by: Joel Klein, MD eningitis can be a serious infection, and it can be in and around the brain and spinal cord). People can contagious — which is why outbreaks make the get meningitis at any age. news. However, it’s also pretty rare. There are several types of meningitis, and their What Is Meningitis? severity and treatment can vary depending on which Meningitis means inflammation of the membranes type a person has. Most cases of meningitis are caused surrounding the brain and spinal cord called the by viruses (viral meningitis) or bacteria (bacterial meninges (pronounced: muh-nin-jeez). It often occurs when an meningitis), but fungi and other organisms can also infection elsewhere in the body spreads through the blood and CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE into the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that circulates in the spaces

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November - December 2012

cause infectious meningitis. Some cases of meningitis result from head injuries, certain cancers or other diseases, or reactions to medications. Viral meningitis is caused by such viruses as enteroviruses, which are very common in summer and early fall. These viruses can spread through contact with saliva, mucus, or feces (poop). That doesn’t mean that people need to kiss or share a sandwich to catch the virus, though. People can spread the infection when they touch surfaces that others will touch or when they sneeze without covering their mouths. Enteroviruses begin to multiply in the digestive tract and can spread through the body to cause meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a more severe form of the infection. If it isn’t treated promptly, it can cause brain damage and, in some circumstances, even death. The most common bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis in teens are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. People can spread them through throat and respiratory secretions — for example, by coughing or kissing. After a person is started on antibiotic treatment for meningitis, the infection can still be spread to others for at least 24 hours. One form of bacterial meningitis is related to Lyme disease. Lyme meningitis is generally less severe than other forms of bacterial meningitis and is not fatal. What Are the Signs and Symptoms? Viral and bacterial meningitis can cause similar symptoms. Although it may be difficult to identify which type a person has, a doctor can often find out by doing tests. Some symptoms of both viral and bacterial meningitis are: • fever • stiff neck • severe headache • sensitivity to light • vomiting • nausea • extreme sleepiness • confusion • seizure If you or someone you know has these symptoms — especially if you’ve been around someone with meningitis — be sure to talk to a doctor. Treating the infection early is very important. Can It Be Prevented? Washing your hands really well and often is one way to defend against meningitis and other infections. Although bacterial meningitis can seem scary, the chance of getting it is quite low. However, because it can be so serious, doctors now recommend that all teens get vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis (the type caused by Neisseria meningitides bacteria). Many colleges actually require their students to get meningitis vaccines. There are also vaccines for some other types of meningitis. If you have a medical condition that affects your immune system, for example, a doctor may also recommend a vaccination against the S. pneumoniae type of bacteria. But vaccines don’t exist for all types of bacterial meningitis.

Kids & Teens | TECHNO & SCIENCE When to Call the Doctor If you have meningitis symptoms, call your doctor right away. Early detection and treatment of meningitis are very important to avoid serious health problems. If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has bacterial meningitis, see your doctor, even if you have no symptoms. The doctor might prescribe antibiotics to help prevent you from getting the infection. A fast diagnosis can also keep the infection from spreading to others. What Do Doctors Do? To diagnose meningitis, a doctor may do a spinal tap, in which a small amount of the cerebrospinal fluid is removed and tested in a lab. If the meningitis is bacterial, this can help the doctor decide which type of antibiotic to prescribe. To find out more about the infection, sometimes the doctor will also do a brain scan (called a CT scan). Bacterial meningitis is treated in the hospital with intravenous antibiotics (through an IV — a drip that delivers the medication directly into a person’s vein). Antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis may last for a couple of weeks, although a person may not need to spend the full time in a hospital. Lyme meningitis is also treated with IV antibiotics. Doctors may also prescribe corticosteroids to protect a person from hearing damage as a result of bacterial meningitis. If there are problems caused by the infection, the doctor will need to treat those problems, too. Sometimes people can have permanent brain damage from the disease — especially if it is not diagnosed and treated quickly — so if you have symptoms, it’s important to get checked out and treated right away. If the meningitis is viral, it usually goes away on its own (antibiotics are not effective in treating this type of meningitis because it’s not caused by bacteria). The doctor will recommend as much rest as possible to help the recovery, and also may also recommend medication to help relieve any headaches or body aches.

November - December 2012

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Kids & Teens | STAYING SAFE

Parents,

What If a Parent Won’t Stop Texting While Driving?

Voicing Your Mind Reviewed by: D’Arcy Lyness, PhD

hat can I do if I’ve asked my mom to stop texting and driving and made it clear that it makes my friends and me feel uncomfortable and that I worry about her even when I’m not in the car — and she insists it’s no big deal and blows it off? - Giselle*

like you blow me off. It makes me sad and scared that you still text and drive, even though I’ve told you how I feel. I am afraid in the car with you, and I am afraid for your safety when I’m not in the car. I love you too much to lose you.”

• Say that others have noticed it too. “My friends are uncomfortable riding with you. If their parents knew that you text and drive, they wouldn’t let them in the car with you. Some of them already turn down rides with me because of it, and I think they’re right. Just like with drinking and driving, You’ve probably already made comments to your mom in the we’re all being told not to drive with friends who car about her texting (like, “C’mon, Mom, put that thing down. text while driving.” The light’s green!”). Now it’s time for a really serious, sit-down heart-to-heart. Pick a time when you know your mom isn’t • Say what you’ve learned about texting and driving. rushing off somewhere and will have time to talk — that way she If you have articles or research about it, mention can’t wriggle out of the conversation by saying she needs to go that. You could say: “I learn every day that texting do something! and driving is risky, dangerous, and causes accidents, but it’s like you don’t think all the information • Start by letting your mom know you need her full attention. about safety applies to you. I’ve also learned that Say: “Mom, I need to talk to you about something important distracted drivers never think they’re distracted — to me, and I need you to hear me out without interrupting, everyone thinks they’re able to multitask. But it just OK?” takes a second for something awful to happen. Not only can people get hurt, but we’ve learned how • Deliver the message calmly and kindly. For example, you police will use texting records to see who is at fault, might say: “It’s about your texting and driving. I’ve mentioned since texting while driving is against the law in most it to you in the car about five times now, and each time I feel CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE We’re so sorry you’re in this situation. But well done for thinking about your safety, your friends’ safety — and your mom’s. You’re doing the right thing. Texting while driving is a big deal, no matter who does it (dads text and drive too!).

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places. So I’m scared you could get fined or sued.”

Kids & Teens | STAYING SAFE

• Mention that you look to her as a role model. Say: “Mom, how can you expect me not to do things you tell me are risky when you do them? I need you to set a good example. It hurts me that you won’t stop texting in the car for me. What text is so important that it’s worth risking your assertive and mature. You need to manage your emotions and stay calm if you want your life or mine?” mom to hear what you think, feel, and want. • Say what you want her to do: “I love you, Mom, so here’s what I’m asking. I’m asking you to think about what I just said without getting But what if your mom doesn’t hear you out mad and defending yourself, and without blowing me off and ignoring or doesn’t change her behavior? Try again, the problem. I’m asking that from now on, you zip your phone into your this time writing it in a letter. If she doesn’t purse — or better yet, turn it off when you get in the car. A habit, just change her mind, ask a relative or adult like buckling your seat belt. If you must keep your phone on, I want you friend to help you convince her. And, until to keep it out of reach. If you hear the tone that says you got a message she changes her habits, try to get rides with or if your phone rings, I want you to ignore it. If I’m with you, you can friends’ parents (or other responsible drivers) give your phone to me — I’ll do whatever I can to help. I want you to whenever you can. check your messages and voicemail only when you’re parked. That’s what I’m asking you to do. And I’m asking because I love you and I care ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. about your safety and mine.” • Give your mom time to think and get back to you. A conversation like this isn’t easy, and it will call on all your skills in being

Kids & Teens | DOODLE CORNER

Gift to Tree Word Ladder

Directions: Make your way from GIFT to TREE by changing just one letter on each step to make a new word!

G I F T G I __ __ __ I S __ F I __ __ F __ A __ F R __ __ F R __ __ T R E E November - December 2012

A special package. The main point of an argument. A clenched hand. A decree. Slang for “fraternity”. To worry. If it costs nothing, it’s_____. We decorate these at Christmas.

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Christmas Coupons

November - December 2012

Thanksgiving

Kids & Teens | DOODLE CORNER

Crossword Puzzle

3 5

10 Word List: Autumn, Family, Feast, Gravy, Maize, Relatives, Settlers, Stuffing, Turkey, Wattle ACROSS

Down

1. People who have migrated to a different land from where they were born 5. Reddish growth that covers the throat and neck of a turkey 6. A Thanksgiving time of year 7. Fills up the bird and then fills up the people 10. Main course at Thanksgiving supper

2. Another word for family members 3. Another name for Corn 4. A celebration including large quanities of food 8. People we visit on Thanksgiving 9. Yummy sauce to pour over turkey

November - December 2012

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Kids & Teens | DOODLE CORNER

Doodle Pad

Winter Memories!

Draw your favorite part of winter in Florida. Email your pictures to doodlepad@floridacreativeliving.com to be featured in our website Kids & Teens section.

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Adult Living Section

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November - December 2012

Adult Living |NEWS

Find Love, Happiness, and Even Find Your Soulmate! Using an Online Dating Coach n this age of technology, where you find yourself faced with more time-saving devices than ever - and are simultaneously busier than ever - it is gratifying to know that you have new resources available to help you find love... happiness... and even find your Soulmate.

Internet Dating is gaining in popularity and no longer holds the stigma it did even five years ago. Online dating and matchmaking services have become highly regarded as reliable ways to take the guesswork out of dating. For those who have concentrated heavily on their careers - only to find that with success comes less time for dating - online dating services have become an invaluable tool in helping singles meet like-minded others.

Want to Find your Soulmate? The Online Dating Coach to the Rescue! As an added benefit to the convenience of online dating, clients can also receive the services of an Online Dating Coach or “Love Coach” as we’re sometimes referred to by our clients. As a professional guide and consultant, a Dating Coach is now in demand by singles who are looking for guidance.

Many professionals understand how important it is to describe the best parts of their personalities in writing - and this is where a Dating Coach can really help you shine! An Online Dating Coach is an expert and will create an outstanding Online Dating Profile for you. There aren’t many Online Dating Coaches in the world, but those who choose this profession are often talented - and even masterful - at creating a dating profile. The coach’s talent will be crucial to the client who has a lot to offer in a relationship, but who just isn’t skillful at putting his or her ideas down on paper. An Online Dating Coach will typically conduct an initial telephone interview with you, asking you lots of very interesting questions. During the first coaching session, your dating coach will take a look at your personality. By asking you a series of personal and revealing questions and paying attention to how you reply, your coach will use this information to create a dating strategy just for you. Be honest with your dating coach in expressing what you’re looking for. In addition to describing your personality in your dating profile, your coach will help you be realistic in your search for a relationship. If you’re an average-looking guy collecting unemployment benefits with three young kids at home, it’s

unlikely you’ll be dating a world-famous supermodel - no matter how much you think you might want to. But on the other hand, your coach will also help you achieve the best results possible. Often an average-looking man or woman can be made to look and sound much better than they might sound on their own, just by highlighting and accentuating their best qualities. Your coach will also help you write Letters of Introduction. This will benefit you in several ways - for one, your response rate to your dating matches will almost certainly increase, and you’ll have access to more attractive partners. As an emerging new category of personal coaching, the role of the Online Dating Coach will almost certainly expand over the next five to ten years. As Online Dating grows in popularity, so will the role of the Dating Coach in serving the needs of clients worldwide who flock to dating sites in search of their Soulmates!

Author

Jay Reiss is an Online Dating Coach who has worked with more than two thousand clients worldwide! He’ll help you design your Online Dating Profile and show you how to succeed with Online Dating! He offers a free telephone coaching session (a $100.00 value - free!) and has Free Online Dating Advice on his website www.online-dating-coach.com

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

DeeShee’s Scandic Catering | Tampa, Florida

Adult Living |NEWS

View pg 39 for DeeShee’s Scandic Catering ad.

Contact: Dean Gebelius or Rochelle Benjamin| Email: DeeSheesCafe@gmail.com Phone: 813.340.6330| Website: www.deesheescatering.com

wners, Dena Gebelius and Rochelle Benjamin met in 2008 at the University of Tampa while pursuing their degrees. Unaware at that moment in time, the two would later give life to the idea of DeeShee’s Scandic Catering – Tampa Bay’s very own Scandinavian catering company.

The “Dee” of DeeShee’s Dena can still remember growing up as a child in Sweden embracing nature as she and her friends played in the forest amongst the trees. Fluent in the Swedish language, she has a deep, profound love and respect for Sweden, the place that she refers to as her second home. Even though she is now many miles away, Dena found that going back to Sweden in 2011 still put a child-like smile on her face as she reflected upon her rich and cultured Swedish upbringing. This experience gave birth to a burning desire to thank the country of Sweden and those who played their individual part in helping her fulfill her dream: DeeShee’s Scandic Catering. The “Shee” of DeeShee’s Rochelle was born and raised on the island of St. Croix, the

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largest island of the U.S. Virgin Islands – which were once a royal Danish colony in 1754. The historical Danish mark still resonates on the island today, from the islands’ street names to Danish influenced historical buildings. On her 2011 visit to Sweden, she has found a new appreciation for the country and its people. During her stay in the outskirts of Norrtälje, she was surrounded by unscathed nature and serenity and, most importantly, she gained a deeper insight of the culture by enjoying the cuisine the country had to offer. Rochelle’s newfound passion for the Scandinavian culture and her ever developing creativity further adds to the birth and life of DeeShee’s. So when your taste buds desire a zest, a thrill, a break from the monotony; then take a plunge into the best Scandinavian experience this side of the Atlantic. We are DeeShee’s Scandic Catering, where we not only cater to you, but to your taste buds too.

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living | NEWS

Accessoreez | St. Petersburg, Florida

Contact: Leslie Belcher | Email:admin@accessoreez.com| Phone: 727.823.8885| Website: www.accessoreez.com

eslie Belcher and her sister, Shelley Harper turned adversity into prosperity and inspiration. When life dealt them a series of events beyond their control they came together to start anew and recreate careers in which they could thrive.

At 45 and 47 respectively at the time, the girls had to reinvent themselves in order to move forward and begin again. Out of the ashes, they are now following their passion and playing to their strengths with a dream business that taps their creativity and touches the lives of many in a positive way. Dear John Letter Let’s start with Leslie’s journey from the corporate world where she had a seemingly secure career as a Regional Manager in the merchandising industry. With high profile clients like American Express and Home Depot, Leslie also had the luxury of working from home most of the time managing 120 employees

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and traveling when needed to roll out customized promotional campaigns for her clients. With a background in display and merchandizing, she was very deadline oriented and took pride in the excellent service she provided for her accounts. Then one day, the wake-up call came in the form of a Dear John letter. Her bosses didn’t even have the courage to call and share the difficult news that she was being let go – they put it in a letter! Leslie always had great rapport with her clients and eventually pieced together that her lay-off was due to the fact that her company wanted her to be more loyal to them than the customers. They were threatened by her professional relationships with all the account reps and cut her out of the picture suddenly and without warning. No Time to Waste A mild panic set in since Leslie did not have the financial wherewithal to take her time figuring out her next career move. Her husband shed some refreshing light on the picture and said:

November - December 2012

“OK, don’t tell me what you don’t want to do – tell me what you do want to do and let’s make it happen!” This directive gave Leslie the courage to not get caught up in the past and to have the clarity to think about what she really wanted in order to move forward in her career. She always envisioned a family business and since her sister, Shelley was dealing with her own personal tragedy – what better time than the present to join forces. Sister Act The girl’s lost their mom in 1989 which was a transformative experience and brought the sisters even closer together. They are just 2 years apart in age and Leslie describes them as “Two bodies with one mind.” since the girls finish each other’s sentences, and serve as a support system for each other. CONTINUE TO PAGE 42

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

two bring a strong business sense to the operation.

Adult Living | NEWS

Shelley reflected fondly about their mom:

Shelley’s life was turned upside down when her husband, a high profile dentist took his own life. Dealing with the emotional tragedy of losing a spouse was hard enough but she also had to sell the dental practice to stay afloat financially even though she had a career of her own with an insurance company. She was at a breaking point and moved to a small mountain town in New Mexico to find solace and anonymity. While both sisters were dealing with their own tragic scenarios it was clear they both needed a change for the better. From the darkest place of despair came an opportunity to join forces and start over with a business that tapped their creative skills.

“Our mother would be so proud of us that we are able to create together and be successful in business. When we would fight as kids, she always told us to kiss and make up. We always begrudgingly did this, but I can see that she just wanted us to always remain friends. What I particularly enjoy working with my sister collaboratively is that we live in such diverse areas from which we draw inspiration for our designs. Les gets all the great blues from the oceans and I bring in the earth tones from my surroundings in the Southwest. That is why I love working in copper. I can bring in all the colors of a sunset by just adding some heat to the metal.” Their business is called Accessoreez and features contemporary torch worked borosilicate glass focal elements, utilizing semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, sterling silver and other fine material for each unique jewelry piece.

Play to Your Passion According to Shelley - “It is The duo first began selling their unique jewelry never too late to go after your on EBay and later expanded into the wholesale dreams. If you can create them industry. But Leslie recalls the early days of in your mind, the universe will “hemorrhaging cash” when they were trying to find do the rest. But you have to put it their niche. Eventually they found their footing and out into the universe first. Working solvency in the retail market and began selling at art shows with my sister is so much fun. We offer and via their website. In the days before collecting email from each other support both emotionally and creatively. This makes our business union even your customers to establish a marketing campaign was a given, the girls used Constant Contact to stronger.” communicate with their customers. This technique still serves them well today in addition to Facebook, Twitter, and their company Dynamic Duo website. Shelley and Leslie both have art backgrounds in weaving, fiber art, glass art, and fashion respectively. While often they took the throw the spaghetti at the wall and let’s They wanted to use their artistic talents but also see what sticks approach, the sisters now have a solid business plan wanted to create a solvent business that would be that includes a future in international sales and celebrity clients. The celebrities are already lining up to purchase their wares and sustainable financially. the website showcases a myriad of high profile clients wearing Taking a quantum leap forward, no baby steps for Accessoreez creations including Natalie Cole and Vail Bloom to these women – they decided upon a jewelry business name a few. capitalizing in Shelley’s Leslie shared: “When your passion training in glass blowing. allows you to make a difference that Their mom collected is when you are operating on all Depression glass and the cylinders. While selling a piece to a girls were surrounded celebrity gives you an instant rush, by the stuff growing up it’s the everyday customer who so it seemed fitting to owns her self confidence and walks begin their new jewelry a little taller wearing an Accessoreez line using glass to create creation that really makes it all wearable art. worthwhile.” Keep in mind the sisters don’t live in the same city, let alone the same state. Shelley is still in New Mexico and Leslie is in Florida so with one by the desert and one by the sea, they give their own CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE distinctive mark to the unique adornments created by flame and hammer. Shelley is the metal smith and glass artist and Leslie is also a glass artist and the

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November - December 2012

Adult Living | NEWS

Values Shift As entrepreneurs, life has changed from the rigid corporate culture to being totally authentic in their choices and decision making for both sisters. When you deal with tragedy it really makes you look at what is important in your life. “If you are in the workforce and unhappy – don’t think about a change - do something about it or you will remain unhappy. Get clear about your alternatives because you always have options.”- Solid advice from Leslie who never imagined that she would be so happy and fulfilled in her new career. Both sisters shared that they feel liberated in their new careers and empowered at middle age to be who they really are and comfortable in their own skin. Living an authentic life is fabulous but it is a process. “When tragedy happens, the first thing you lose is the belief in yourself.” according to Leslie. So this new business Photo Provided by Mary Ann Halpin Photography and these new lives continue to be a journey for these women but their priorities and values have shifted to reflect what is most important in their lives right now. The joy is evident in the creations they make but the sisterly bond is something that we can all learn from. Their reinventions are truly inspiring!

Leslie & Shelley’s Advice and Action Steps: • Put money aside now regularly to plan for a change you might want in the future. • Lead an authentic life. • Someday will become never if you don’t act on something you want – make it happen. • No amount of money or success can fill your life. Do what makes you happy. • It’s never too late to go after your dreams. Quote: “After a tragedy, it takes time to gain your SELF back but it will happen. Have courage.” -Leslie Belcher “It is never too late to go after your dreams. If you can create them in your mind, the universe will do the rest. But you have to put it out into the universe first.” -Shelley Harper

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living |NEWS

Peter Ferguson

After The Great Recession Rebuilding America

echnically it was said that the recent economic downturn have been announced dead in the summer of 2009. Recession is described as two consecutive quarters of negative data. And although we’ve been out of the red for almost three years now, the country is still experiencing the presence of the economic disaster. We’re actually just starting out to rise from the disarray.

institutions like pawnshops and the like are the first thing people go to when in dire need of cash. During this Great Recession, because the banks had been very free-wheeling with their loan approvals for houses before, they have begun to become very careful.

After The Great Recession But even with the death of this damaging economic collapse, with the amount of casualties it left in its wake, there is still a great deal to restore before America can return to its old form. Although employment is beginning to perk up, most have jobs below their In 2007, about nine million people have become skills or former paycheck. out of work. Three million have lost their homes to foreclosure. Informally, this latest financial Additionally, since losing a job is one of the top most tragic things crisis is called The Great Recession, also the Lesser people may go through in their life, much like losing someone to Depression as a nod to the 1929 Great Depression, death, there is a grieving method to it. As of this moment everyone along with the Long Recession, which started late in is shell-shocked by what had taken place and the level of confidence 2007 and peaked in September 2008 when it began of most people is low. Not only are they not generating what they having an effect on global financial systems. Not have been earning, but there is anxiousness of going through the only did it impact the lower class but also the upper process of losing their job again. stratums of society especially those who depend their income on real estate and, as the recession Coming Back Up began escalating, stock market. One of the ways to enhance the economy again is by boosting up the GDP. Meaning, buying local is enormously urged these days Selling Jewelry when a nation is trying to rise from a depression. “When people The very first thing people do during a tough feel good, they see the future positively, and they invest, spend economy is to fasten their belts by economizing. and take risks,” Bardwick wrote in The Psychological Recession. “In Way of life changed and luxuries both basic and contrast, when they’re frightened, and the future feels foreboding, grand were done away with. Additionally, people they develop a siege mentality and hoard what they have rather start selling their jewelry- their gold, their diamonds, than spend or invest.” and their pearls. They loan out their cars and their yachts. For the upper class, this is to be liquid as far There’s a long way to go before America can fully restore itself. As as possible. For those in the lower strata, they use one of its pet names imply, it has been a long recession and it has this money for basic expenses like food, rent, home been a great one. Restore the gleam in the country’s cheeks- buy loan payments etc. back those jewelries you sold for cash, start investing again. Nourish the economy since it’s a cycle and it’ll nourish you back. During this period stores that sell and buy jewelry are the only guaranteed businesses to thrive. Lending By Garrett Tarbell

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November - December 2012

Adult Living |HOME

Contact:Lisa Burns| Email: lisa@backyardgetaway.net | Phone: 941.752.7663 | Website: www.backyardgetaway.net

he US Department of Agriculture released he 2012 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, it is the first update provided by the USDA since 1990. According to the USDA website, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.â&#x20AC;?

Developed together with the Oregon State University, the new map has several changes including two new zones for Hawaii and Puerto Rico and many zone boundaries have shifted. There is a switch in temperature as well, with many zones reportedly 5 degrees warmer than the previous map. What is the cause for the change? No, global warming is not the cause. The new map was created using data collected from a 30 year period that spanned from 1976 to 2005. The previous map contained data from 1974-1986, a thirteen year period. Newer, more sophisticated methods of data collection were used, taking into consideration, nearness to bodies of water, position on the terrain & change in elevation. In addition, data was collected from many

more weather stations than before helping to increase the accuracy of the map. For the first time, no posters of the PHZM will be printed; instead, the map is available as an interactive GIS-based map. State, regional, and national maps can be downloaded and printed in a variety of sizes and resolutions from the USDA website. http://planthardiness. ars.usda.gov . The interactive map is easy to use, enter your zip code then click on the map to view your hardiness zone. What does this mean for gardeners? If your zone has changed, it does not mean you have to remove plants from your garden. If a specific plant is doing well in your garden, it should continue to do well. As a gardener, you should refer to the new hardiness zone when selecting new plants, shrubs and trees for their gardens. You should also keep in mind that many factors such as soil type, moisture, humidity, light, pollution and heat could all play a factor in the well-being of your garden plants. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, 2012. Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Accessed from http:// planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

By Lisa Burns, Backyard Getaway November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living |HOME

Easy Dinner Ideas for Thanksgiving hanksgiving is one of the best holidays with the family every year. It’s a great time to count your blessings, spend time with the people who matter most and relax over delicious Thanksgiving dishes. It’s a special day for most—but can be stressful for the cook! If you’re looking for easy holiday dinner ideas this Thanksgiving, Buca di Beppo can help. After all, we open at 11:00 a.m. for Thanksgiving again this year, and we’ve been preparing scrumptious family dinners for years!

party planners who can help you with Thanksgiving ideas, and many provide Thanksgiving catering that includes delivery to your door. You can always pick up your takeout order at the restaurant and bring it home for your guests. Order online to line up catering for Thanksgiving or to arrange for takeout. Send a non-cooking guest to pick up your takeout food, and one of our servers will bring your large pans to go to them curbside, where special takeout parking is available up front.

In charge of the Thanksgiving feast this year? Take a lesson from the original Pilgrims and Native Americans ― you don’t have to make every single item you serve! Trust family and friends sharing your table to bring a dish. For those Thanksgiving recipes you want to make (Thanksgiving just wouldn’t feel right without Aunt Pauline’s pomegranate punch) prepare as much as possible a day or two ahead. You can always dice veggies and put together casseroles before the big day—they taste better anyway after flavors have a chance to blend. Look for easy Thanksgiving recipes that don’t require dozens of ingredients to make shopping, storage and preparation easier.

Consider restaurants for Thanksgiving to ensure your own Thanksgiving fun! It’s important to have Thanksgiving traditions, but it’s nice to change things up too. Otherwise, your Thanksgiving dinners all run together in the memories of loved ones. Choose an eat-in Thanksgiving feast at Buca di Beppo, and we’ll help you host a warm, happy Thanksgiving dinner your gang will talk about and remember fondly for years. We offer a Thanksgiving menu featuring Thanksgiving recipes with a unique twist family and friends are sure to get a kick out of. Make your reservation at Buca, online or by phone, anytime after 11:00 a.m. this Thanksgiving. Our atmosphere is always festive (especially for food-oriented holidays!) and we have rooms for gatherings of every size and kind. Our party planners have an endless supply of great ideas for Thanksgiving, and they can help you set up a meal as traditional or one-of-a-kind as you like.

We open at 11:00 a.m. Thanksgiving day for your takeout or dine-in convenience! You can order unique, delicious holiday fare by the dish or let us provide your entire spread. All of our restaurants have

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If you’re a guest contributing to the Thanksgiving feast at someone else’s home, it’s always nice to take something everyone will be genuinely thankful for. Personally, I suggest the takeout pumpkin canolli from Buca. It’s a spectacular dessert friends will remember and ask you to bring next year too!

Whether you want to go to great lengths to plan your own Thanksgiving activities and Thanksgiving decorating ideas, or you just want to have an easy, relaxing meal where you can enjoy your dinner companions, Buca di Beppo is family friendly and offers delicious, truly special food made and served with you and yours in mind. Let our experienced staff help you plan a fabulous Thanksgiving day for your friends and family so you can relax and forget about washing the dishes!

November - December 2012

Adult Living |Home Celebrating the

Holidays Can Be Difficult When You Are the Primary Caregiver

olidays are typically taxing in the best of circumstances, and coupled with being accountable for your elderly’s care at home, they have a tendency to add to the pressures. As an alternative to looking at it like a challenge to be collared, consider a brand new perspective and center the celebration round the elder who is homebound, or that is perhaps residing in an assisted living facility. By casting a confident light on your senior’s health care during the times when they are at home, you can ease the demands of caregiving while at the same time enjoying the real essence of the winter holidays. Frequently, whenever an elderly parent is in your primary care at home, the holiday seasons can become a stressful, challenging season. With presents to shop for and gift wrap, destinations to travel, and people to go to see, the patient as well as the caregiver can soon become worn-out to the point that health issues will arise and the caregiver will begin to count the days until the season is over. By casting a whole new look on the prospects a family holiday can offer, both the elderly and their primary caregiver can sit back and enjoy the real meaning of the holiday season. The key is to enlist additional family members in the planning, and hold the family gathering in the parent’s home or assisted living residence. Have a solid plan. Call siblings and family members a few weeks beforehand and then discuss with them the advantages and disadvantages of planning the gettogether at your parent’s home. Ask for volunteers that can turn up seven days ahead of time to help with the house cleaning, and other necessities, such as your parent’s need for store shopping or giftwrapping. Keep it uncomplicated. Contemplate making the most of the meal a potluck, or alternatively request every relative to bring a specific dish to share. Make sure there’s an area for small kids to play a game in without the fear of breaking a valuable treasured

gift, and afterwards remember that your mother or father will in all probability have a need of at least one nap, or as a minimum the customary rest time he or she benefits from while residing in the home. If your parent resides in an assisted living facility, check with those in charge to ensure you know precisely what is and isn’t allowed. Don’t hesitate to tell your family members exactly what will or simply is not going to work. In the event that you’re the primary caregiver, you know from practical knowledge what’s good for mom or dad and can gently illustrate the pros and cons of each plan in order to make the day proceed smoothly. Considering that those in a home frequently have few material needs, it is best if you make a list of things that would truly be treasured, whether it is a large print paperback, an exciting new bathrobe, or a pack of treats. Include practical items to the list, for example gift cards from a favorite restaurant or alternatively one from a favorite supermarket, or maybe even consider a contribution to your parent’s energy or prescription drug monthly bill as a gift. In conclusion, rather than dreading the stress that many times is associated with special events and other family get-togethers, in 2012 plan your family celebrations around your parent’s home or independent living facility. By throwing the party at home, and with contributions from other family members, you can all enjoy a stress-free affair, and both the parent, together with their caregiver, will certainly emerge unscathed by the usual holiday hassles. About the Author Published author with a degree in healthcare and over 15 years’ experience in the healthcare field. Radio show co-host for the Women are Talking show on Radio WMEL-1300 in Melbourne, FL. Columnist for the Spring Lake News and a contributing writer for The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald. Experience working in Hospice, Oncology and with the elderly. I’m an advocate for the elderly and disabled and feel they should be treated with respect and dignity, and senior abuse should never be tolerated, and should always be reported. I’m a three-time cancer survivor, and I have raised a wonderful son with Cerebral Palsy, and one with Epilepsy. I write mostly about my experiences in the healthcare field. Comfort Hands in Melbourne, FL provides professional care with a personal touch in the comfort of your loved one’s home. Call us today for your free assessment! http://www.comforthands.net

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living |Home

Christmas Decorations Easy and Simple Ideas hristmas decorations are one inseparable part of the Christmas holidays, without which Christmas would lose all its color, spirit, warmth and charm. And it’s also great to get together with all in the family or the whole gang of friends for the Christmas decorations. Isn’t it a joy untold to watch the hand-crafted stars or bells hung up on the Christmas tree or on the wreaths ? Don’t you feel the festive tickle to see Christmas-themed table-spreads, curtains, napkinholders, or carpets ? Ideas for Christmas decorations are plenty to satiate the festive craving of all and sundry. And the stores dish out a huge array of Christmas decorations too. You can either buy them home or decorate your home yourself with your own ideas and designs. Here’s enlisted a few for you to get started with your Christmas decorations and Christmas planning.

How about this ? Take a pin-up board and pin Christmas-related images or messages on them. You can also fix Christmas cards that you get for the year. This Christmas decoration would be best for your office cubicle or room. So bring your colleagues in the spirit of the holidays instantly as they step into your holiday ‘den’. Now here’s another to rev up your Christmas decorations—take a white table-spread and stick little paper or fabric pieces in shapes of stars, bells, candy canes, gift-boxes, Santa hats and more. Deck up your halls in Christmas streamers (bought or homemade) or in Christmas wreaths. You can hang a bunch of bells on the doorway too. Won’t it be sweet to hear the jingles every time anyone enters during the Christmas season ? Decorate white slender candles with red and green ribbons. Tie them into a bow or just spiral it around. They would swell for sure if placed in a cluster on your Christmas dinner table or over the mantle. Don’t forget to leave a bell carelessly at the base. Your friends, folks or sweetie pie would surely love the shine and shimmer of the bell in the candlelight and you may collect few kudos for such thoughtful Christmas decorations.For outside decorations, get some Christmas lights home. Glowing bulbs or lighted candles that run on battery would just suit fine outdoors. You can place a big cutout of Santa to welcome your dear ones too. Or you can let loose your own festive ideas.

The easiest and simplest of all Christmas decorations—get empty boxes or cartons and wrap them up in red, green, blue colored papers or colorful Christmas wrappers. Tie ribbons around some and leave them sporadically around the base of your Christmas evergreen or on the mantle. Hanging cute Christmas stockings make good decorations too for your Christmas decor. You can cut out papers or fabrics in shapes of stockings or candy canes, have them colored by the kids and stick them all around the room to Play Christmas numbers for the background scores to complement the tree, table and hall decorations. Well chosen Christmas songs are just the add that festive touch on Christmas. right fill for the holiday ambience.Create cute bows for the special day Umpteen stores sell battery-operated candles especially and have them stitched to curtains or tied to door-knobs or around the for this holiday and these look radiant in and around your glasses on the Christmas table. These Christmas decorations won’t take home as also on your Christmas tree. Anyone would like much time and would be fun to do too. So get on with these. Well then, to go for these hassle-free Christmas decorations and give welcome the season of joy and brace up to make merry with friends and their interiors a total face-lift for the occasion. A fetching family—it’s Christmastime folks ! The merriest time of the year is here. idea for your Christmas decorations would be to deck up So leave your worries behind, deck the halls with wonderful Christmas your house plants with little stars and bells and to place decorations and share the warmth and joy of the season with all far and near. them on window sills. Get holly boughs and mistletoes home. Hang them around and watch the magic of Christmas unfold before you. These Christmas decorations are traditionally passed down through ages and never fall out of the hall of fame.

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About the Author Sean Carter writes on holidays, christmas and celebrations around the world. He also writes on family, relationships,womens issues birthdays, inspiration, religion, love and friendship. He is a writer with special interest in ecard industry. He writes for 123greetings.com

November - December 2012

Adult Living |HEALTH

Home Remedies Acne, Arthritis, Backache, Cold, Constipation, Obesity Dr John Anne ed up from the side effects of the drugs, people are now shifting towards alternative therapies for the cure and treatment of common problems. Home remedies are one of the alternative methods that have been proven inexpensive and can be easily made at home without many efforts. Since ages our ancestors were using these home remedies for the treatment of diseases but the latest inventions and discoveries in the field of medicines darkened the benefits of these home made treatments. In the recent times the people have again shifted towards these home remedies.

overnight on the affected area and washed off next morning is also effective. • Mix one tablespoon of besan flour and one teaspoon of lemon juice till a smooth paste is formed. Apply on neck and face and wash off when it gets dry. Home Remedies for Acidity • Drink a glass of cold milk to get quick relief from acidity. • Drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda for immediate relief. • Chewing bubble gum will also provide relief from acidity in few minutes.

Home Remedies for Acne, Arthritis, Home Remedies for Arthritis Asthma, Anaemia, Backache, Common Cold, Constipation, Eczema, Hair Loss, • With an empty stomach take 3-4 walnuts (akhrot) or 1 fresh High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Obesity, coconut. Sore Throat, Stress • Spread warm mustard oil on a madar leaf and apply to the affected Home remedies for some of the most area for a few hours . common diseases and problems are: • Drink some radish juice with sugar added to it. Home Remedies for Acne Home Remedies for Asthma • Application of cucumber leaves or grated pieces of cucumber to the • Drink a cup of black coffee, the warmth will break up the flem affected areas. and the caffeine will help to remove tightness from the chest and throat. • Paste of fenugreek leaves applied November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

• Wash hair with white vinegar periodically to prevent falling of hair.

Adult Living |HEALTH

Home Remedies for High blood pressure

• Add 30-40 leaves of tulsi in one liter of water, strain the leaves and drink the water throughout the day. Home Remedies for Anaemia • Eat 2-3 apples daily without peeling to increase the iron stores in the body.

Mix half onion juice and half honey. Take 2 tablespoons once a day for 1-2 weeks. Eat two cloves of garlic every early morning. Eat one Papaya on an empty stomach daily for a month. Home Remedies for High blood cholesterol

• Intake of beet juice is highly beneficial for the anemic person’s.

• Drinking onion juice daily for a week will lower the blood cholesterol.

Home Remedies for Backache

• Eat a few garlic cloves every day to reduce blood cholesterol.

• Drink some hot milk or water with powdered sonth, meetha soda, and salt. • Massage the back with turpentine oil. • For temporary and quick relief heat can be applied at the back with hot water bottle. • Home Remedies for Common cold • Drink a cup of water with a few drops of garlic oil and a teaspoonful of onion juice. • Rub the chest and throat with camphor water or oil. • Drink honey and lemon juice in hot water to get relief from sore throat. Home Remedies for Constipation • Drink a tablespoon of corn syrup in a cup of water. • Drink a glass of prune juice to facilitate bowel movement.

• Home Remedies for Indigestion • Drink aloe vera juice, papaya juice, or chamomile, comfrey, red raspberry, or peppermint tea. • Drinking a glass of water with a tablespoon of baking soda will provide immediate relief. • Home Remedies for Obesity • Eat 10 fresh curry leaves in the early morning for three or four months. • Drink a cup of water with 3 teaspoons limejuice, onefourth teaspoon powdered black pepper, and a teaspoon of honey every day for three months. • Eat freshly sliced tomatoes with onion and lemon juice. • Drink lemon juice with honey and warm water every morning. Home Remedies for Sore throat • Gargle every hour with vinegar water or salt water.

• Drinking a cup of coffee will also provide relief from constipation.

• Drink hot milk with honey at bedtime for immediate relief from sore throat.

Home Remedies for Eczema

• A teaspoon of honey will provide relief from sore throat.

• Mix one teaspoon of camphor and one teaspoon of sandalwood to form a paste and apply on the affected e areas.

Home Remedies for Stress

• Drinking Aloe Vera juice will help cleanse the system. • Home Remedies for Hair loss • Wash hair with peppermint or spearmint tea to prevent hair loss and to promote hair growth . 50

For All Ages! |

Florida Creative Living

• Chewing 12 tulsi leaves twice a day, morning and evening is the highly beneficial treatment of stress. • Various seeds such as alfalfa, sunflower and pumpkin are highly beneficial in the treatment of stress. • The use of these home remedies is highly effective and causes no side effects on one’s physical body.

November - December 2012

How To Get Nice Muscle Tone

Adult Living |SPORTS

Building An Attractive Muscular Body ost people know that they need to lift weight build muscles. However many just want to have nice muscle tone and an attractive but not too muscular body as they do not want big muscles. So they just lift light weights with high repetitions. Well, it is not going to work. To have nice muscle tone, you will have to build some muscles right? So you will have to lift heavy to force your muscles to grow. Once you are satisfied with the size of your muscles, you will then need to cut your body fats for your muscles to show up well and that means nice muscle tone. You need to have a solid commitment and knowledge to get nice muscle tone and build an attractive muscular body. Here are some muscle building tips. Before you commence weight training, remember to warm up and as well as doing some stretching exercises.

mass are involved. Greater muscle mass means heavier weights. Heavier weights mean encouragement of greater muscle growth. More muscle growth means more tone to your muscles. Some excellent compound exercises are the Squat, Deadlift, Chin ups, Dips, Bench press, Barbell Press, Lunges, Bent-Over Barbell Row...etc.

•Train Muscle With Free Weights Machines will have its uses, but for a start, concentrate on free weights. That means work almost exclusively with barbells and dumb bells. Free weights recruit many stabilizing muscles for balance and control. That means you will work a lot more muscle parts other than the intended ones. That will give rise to little bumps, striations and definitions all over your body instead of one huge lump of muscle on your intended muscle. Because of the extra stimulant created, your muscles grow faster too. Why else do you think all professional body builders almost exclusively use free weights?

Because of this, it is important that every time you train hard, you give your body time to recover as it has suffered strains and actually sustained many small scarring. Contrary to popular belief, your muscles grow when you rest, especially when you sleep and not in the gym. So sleep at least 8 hours a day. Also, do not train everyday or work the same muscle group more than once or twice a week. If your training was vigorous enough, do no more than an hour per session.

•Train Intensively But Do Not Over train You must train intensively for your muscle to grow. Try to do more reps or add more weight than the previous session or else your muscles will think (actually muscles don’t think, they adapt), “Ah... we’ve done that. Nothing new, so no need to grow bigger and stronger.” That being the case, you will wreck your chances of attaining an attractive muscular body.

Try not to do cardio work on the same day as your weight lifting work. In fact, during the muscle building phase, you should do less cardio work as aerobic exercises burn muscles. You can increase your cardio •Train With Compound Exercises Incorporate as many compound exercises work at cutting body fat phase, so as to as possible to your routines. Compound lose body fat in order for your muscle exercises are exercises that involve 2 or tone to show up nicely. more joint movements. Because they utilize more joints, which means greater muscle

November - December 2012

•Technique And Form This is the most neglected fundamental of bodybuilding. Everywhere, everyday, you will see people using wrong forms and techniques. This not only compromises your growth, it will also make you susceptible to injuries... sometimes even permanently putting you out of the gym. Wrong form occurs usually when people try to lift weights that are too heavy, whether out of vanity or ignorance. As a guide, always lift with strict focus on the muscle you intend to build for that exercise. Feel it contract and extend. Lift the weights deliberately and slowly. Never ever swing your weights up especially when doing bicep curls or the military press. •To Build Muscles Fast You Must Perform Lower Body Exercises! This is what most people don’t realize. Your lower body makes up 60-70% of your musculature. If you don’t train them, not only will you look spider-legged, your entire body will not grow as quickly and as large. Don’t think that you can hide those skinny limbs in pants! Most people do not train their legs because squats, dead lifts and lunges can be very grueling exercises. But it is precisely because of such intensity that you will produce more growth hormones when you sleep and overall muscular development is stimulated. Your body shape will also be more balanced and therefore more attractive. Do read up more to understand how your muscles work and then work on it so that in no time you will be a proud owner of a well tone attractive muscular body. About the Author Chris Chew is a fitness personal trainer of fashion models, actors and male pageant winners.

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living | CROSSWORD & SUDOKU FUN

Across

Crossword Puzzle

1. Spear 6. Misplaced 10. Unwanted email 14. Fruit of the oak tree 15. Part of a foot 16. Adjutant 17. Yell 18. Cat sound 19. Secret plan 20. Advanced in years 22. Spoken 24. Mineral 25. Mixture of smoke and fog 27. Large serving dish 29. Motley 32. Prevarication 33. Unsatisfactory 34. Piece of metal money 36. Smooth fabric 40. Away from home 41. Mayhem 43. Poem 44. Preliminary version 47. Large and scholarly book 48. Rod 49. Anger 51. Larval frog or toad 53. Trap 57. Move rapidly and lightly 58. Floor covering 59. Baby carriage, in short 61. Reuse 65. Prejudice 67. Matured 69. Large artery 70. Malevolent 71. Rend 72. Percipient 73. Abnegate 74. Showily imitative 75. Muscular organ

Down

1. Young girl 2. Dull pain 3. Midday 4. Naval vessel 5. Inter 6. Part of the mouth 7. Burden 8. Remnant 9. Exhilaration 10. Deplete 11. Fly a plane 12. Worship 13. Measuring instrument 21. European freshwater fish

23. Rostrum 26. Dwell on with satisfaction 28. Beverage 29. Rain down 30. Scintilla 31. Turf 33. Seed case 35. Wanderer 37. Implement 38. Not in active use 39. Indicating maiden name 42. Aromatic wood 45. Swimming shoe 46. Ambush 48. Road surface hazard

50. Misprint 52. Deliver a sermon 53. Implant 54. Inexperienced 55. Dye 56. Avid 60. Animal flesh 62. Region 63. Celestial body 64. Male red deer 66. Crafty 68. Ironic

View our next issue for the correct answers to this Crossword puzzle. 52

For All Ages! |

Florida Creative Living

November - December 2012

Sudoku

Adult Living | CROSSWORD & SUDOKU FUN A sudoku puzzle is a logic puzzle which is solved using logic and reasoning. Though the number of squares in the grid may vary, a standard Sudoku puzzle is a 9x9 grid divided into nine 3x3 blocks in which some of the numbers are given. The object of the puzzle is to fill in the rest of the grid using only the numbers 1 through 9 so that no number repeats in any block, row or column. The difficulty is determined by how many and which numbers are given and where they are placed in the grid and can range from very easy to extremely challenging. Though sudoku puzzles generally use numbers as symbols, no mathematical skills are required to solve the puzzle. View our next issue for the correct answers to this Sudoku puzzle.

Answer Guide Sept - Oct Issue

Crossword Puzzle

Sudoku

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living | ARTIST CORNER Terry Pivinsky

Terry Pivinsky

Artwork Title: Dali Museum Size: 11” X 14”, framed Price: $75

Artwork Title: Deco Train Size: 11” X 14”, framed Price: $75

To purchase, please contact Terry at: 727.481.1196 Email : turhan@webtv.net

Terry Pivinsky

Artwork Title: Frankenstein Size: 11” X 14”, framed Price: $75

Artwork Title: Marilyn Size: 11” X 14”, framed Price: $75

To purchase, please contact Terry at: 727.481.1196 Email : turhan@webtv.net

Location: St. Pete., Florida

Adult Living |BAND DIRECTORY

Location: St. Pete., Florida

Bradenton, Florida Bankers Life & Casualty Company Bradenton, FL Insurance

O: 941.730.8243

Adult Living | BUSINESS DIRECTORY Myakka, Florida

Tampa, Florida

Backyward Getaway

Kara Lee for Arbonne International

Myakka, FL

Landscaping

O: 941.752.7663

Gulf Port, Florida Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn Gulfport, FL Hotel

O: 727343.4445 www.seabreezemanor.com

Land O’ Lakes, Florida Sweet Whimsy

Land O’ Lakes, FL Custom Pendants

O: 813.244.3582 www.oursweetwhimsy.com

Lutz, Florida Gulash Graphics Lutz, FL Design Firm

O: 813.994.5110 C: 813.458.1098

www.gulashgraphics.com

Motorhead Mobile Mechanic Lutz, FL Mechanic

O: 813.458.0334

www.motorheadmechanic.com

www.backyardgetaway.net

New Port Richey, Florida

Viktoria Richards Chocolates New Port Richey, FL

O: 727.845.1531

Food

www.vrchocolates.com

Riverview, Florida Your Travel & Cruise Concierger, LLC Riverview., FL

Lutz, FL Real Estate Agency

O: 813.948.6814 C: 813.376.8646

gatica6@hotmail.com

Health/Beauty

O: 813. 850.4816 www.karalee.myarbonne.com

And The Wiener Is Tampa, FL

Food

O: 813.781.4246 www.andthewieneris.com Facebook Page

Lindt Chocolate R.S.V.P. - Lindy Long Tampa, FL Food

O: 727.637.1815

www.mylindtchocolatersvp.comLindyLong/

Travel/Leisure

O: 813.444.3238

www.facebook.com/YTACC

Touchstone Crytal Tampa, Florida Jewelry

O:813.728.3051

Saint Pete., Florida Accessoreez St. Pete., FL

Shopping/Retail

www.mytouchstonecrystal.com/ pws/tampa/tabs/home.aspx

WESLEY CHAPEL, Florida

O: 727.823.8885

www.accessoreez.com/ Facebook page

Main House Antique Center St. Pete., FL

Shopping/Retail

O: 727.552.2492

www.mainhouseantiques.com

MJ Real Estate

Tampa, FL

The Yellow House St. Pete., FL

Event Venue

O: 727.251.5493 Facebook Page

November - December 2012

Fashion Outlet Center Wesley Chapel, FL

O: 813.404.3104

Jewerly

www.shopfashionoutlet.com www.facebook.com/ ShopFashionOutlet/info

Wellington, Florida W4CY Radio

Wellington, FL Internet Radio

O: 561.506.4031 www.w4cy.com

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living | Chef’s Delight

Ingredients 3/4 cup all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup Libby’s Pure Pumpkin (not pie mix) 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional) 1 8 oz. pkg cream cheese, at room temperature 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Powdered sugar (optional) TOOLS Medium Perforated Baking Sheet Deep Flexipat® Mixing Bowl Magnetic Measuring Trio Instructions For the Cake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and place oven rack in center position. Place Flexipat® on Perforated Baking Sheet. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in a small bowl. Beat eggs and granulated sugar into Mixing Bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly onto the Flexipat®. Sprinkle with nuts if desired. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until the top of the cake springs back when touched. Before rolling up sprinkle powdered sugar on top of cake. Roll up cake on the Flexipat® and lay it so that the end is on the bottom (so it doesn’t unroll). Place on a cooling rack. For the Filling: Beat the cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Carefully, unroll the cake. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake, but not all the way to the ends as it will be squeezed out when you roll it. Reroll the cake. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

For All Ages! |-Florida Creative November December 2012

Living - December Florida November Creative Living | For All2012 Ages!

Adult Living | COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

et sail with Majical Miniatures on the Norwegian Sky. Majical Miniatures Animal Care & Education Center, a 501c3 nonprofit, has collaborated with Your Travel & Cruise Concierge to offer an exciting new fundraising experience. Majical Miniatures’ group cruise offers a relaxing getaway on Norwegian Sky, while helping raise funds for the animals at Majical Miniatures. The cruise will take place March 15-18 and will visit Nassau and Norwegian’s own private Island, Great Stirrup Cay. Majical Miniatures will be hosting an open house cruise night on November 10 1-4pm at 16506 Golf Course Rd. Parrish, FL. Susan Leonidas, owner of Your Travel & Cruise Concierge will be on hand to share information on Norwegian and the fundraising cruise as well as to take reservations. Enjoy refreshments including gourmet cupcakes from Tukie’s Cakery. Meet some of the furred, feathered & shelled residents of Majical Miniatures and start your holiday shopping early. Gift items will be available for purchase with 100% of proceeds to benefit the animals.

Majical Miniatures, a 501c3 not for profit animal care and education center, is a place where second chances begin and magic and miracles are a way of life! Animals arrive at Majical Miniatures for many reasons and in all kinds of conditions. Injured, orphaned, neglected or just unwanted exotic, farm & wild animals are taken in and treated. Their bodies heal with the best care we can give them, but as important, their will & spirit heal as they learn to trust the love & respect that surrounds them. Majical Miniatures is not open to the public but is always in need of volunteers. They are located at 16502 Golf Course Rd. Parrish, Fl 34219. To learn more about Majical Miniatures visit

www.majicalminiatures.org. For more information on this fundraiser and the cruise nights, contact Lisa at lisa@majicalminiatures.org. Your Travel & Cruise Concierge can eliminate hassle and save money when planning a cruise. Finding the ideal ship for your next cruise is similar to finding the perfect love match. There are a multitude of options, and without help, you can make mistakes that lead of lots of frustration and wasted time. This is a key reason why working with a travel agent who is experienced in the art of cruising is a wise decision. And it is why Susan Leonidas created Your Travel & Cruise Concierge, LLC in 2011. Leonidas and her husband, Cary (who is a veteran flight attendant) took their first cruise in 2008 and have been immersed in the cruising culture since. They have been on every class of ship and have toured with all the primary cruise lines, so Leonidas became a self-made expert on planning a smooth and pleasant cruise vacation through extensive personal experience. Norwegian Cruise Line, the first cruise line to offer “Freestyle Cruising” open seating at dinner, a casual dress code, and their own private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. They also offers two main dining rooms, a buffet, and three private dining rooms. Guest can enjoy many amenities including 2 pools, 5 whirlpools, fitness center, spa, casino, 8 lounges/bars, coffee shop, basketball/volleyball court, 2 golf driving nets, jogging/walking track, on board shopping, library, main showroom lounge, on board DJ, comedy shows, cruise director activities, and “The White Hot Party”. For more information about Your Travel & Cruise Concierge, call Leonidas at 813444-3238 or visit www.yourtravelandcruiseconcierge.com.

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living | TECHNOLOGY

Tampa to Host Third Startup Weekend This Month Startup Weekend Tampa will connect local entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts to share ideas and launch companies AMPA, FL – Startup Weekend Tampa will connect local entrepreneurs, developers, designers and startup enthusiasts with mentors and resources at its third event November 16-18 at Keiser University. Throughout the course of this 54-hour event, attendees will share ideas, form teams, and launch startups.

University. Registration is required in advance online at tampa.startupweekend.org. Tickets are limited.

“A lot of people dream of starting their own business, but many do not know how or they simply lack assistance. Startup Weekend provides a platform that empowers individuals to take a serious look at entrepreneurship. In one weekend our attendees build a venture from the ground up, they start by validating and developing the idea to sometimes even building a fully functional prototype by Sunday afternoon. We want every single person in the Tampa Bay area to know that entrepreneurship is possible and we are here to encourage, support and foster them and their ideas.” - Susie Steiner, Organizer of Startup Weekend Tampa.

Media contact: Kim Randall Co-organizer (813) 516-4808 kim@kimediastrategies.com

Here’s how it works: Attendees gather on Friday November 16 at Keiser University to pitch business and web application concepts. Teams will be formed around the top voted on ideas and businesses begin to take shape. Saturday the teams will hack, design and strategize their startup in preparation for Sunday’s final pitch in front of a talented panel of judges with the winning team to compete in the Global Startup Battle (globalstartupbattle.org). Meals, snacks and drinks are provided to attendees. Startup veterans and mentors will be on hand throughout the weekend to provide expertise and give talks on their experiences in the fast-paced world of technology startups. Startup Weekend Tampa is organized locally by Susie Steiner, Ryan Sullivan and Kim Randall. Mailchimp, Freshbooks and Absolute Mobile Systems are a few of the events many sponsors. Startup Weekend Tampa will be November 16-18 at Keiser

For All Ages! |

Florida Creative Living

November - December 2012

Stay tuned to facebook.com/startupweekendtampa for announcements on future Startup weekend events in Tampa.

November - December 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living | TECHNOLOGY

The Technology Of TOMORROW

Samsung Glaxy S III keeps nature theme with penguins and sprouts!

If you’ve got a Galaxy S III in your pocket, you’re already aware the the folks at Samsung made a lovely nature-themed user interface for you to work – now the green cases come flowing in. Designer Cho Yeong Jae brings on both the Icy Series and the Buddy Rooty case for you lovers of kawaii and the not-oft-seen headphone jack plug – make it mini seal! Look at these little guys, would you? Both case combos are meant to remind you that we live on a fragile planet while they protect you Android smartphone in style. Both case combos protect the bulk of your device with cushiony materials that both pad and create a relaxing feeling for your hand. And the sprout and little animals for your headphone jack are simply cute as can be! These designs are currently in their conceptual stages of life, so you won’t be able to buy them – yet! Let us know if you’d love such cuties for yourself! Designer: Cho Yeong Jae

Plant Your Fence! This creative modular fence concept takes from the classic archetypical backyard fence shape, reducing it to a metal lattice framework that’s perfect for your favorite climbing vine. Each partition can be “planted” directly in the soil or in pots, making it easy to install to unique specifications. With a little water and patience, you can watch your fence come to life! Designer: Andrea Rekalidis

For All Ages! |