From the Nest - Winter 2013 by From Our Nest

Connecting parents across the Ozarks WINTER 2013

Vol.1 / Issue 4

From F R EE M ag azin e

The Ministry of Winterize Your Life

Sewing Momtrepreneur Rebekah Batson

Prepare for the cold

Christmas Project for the kids

Holiday Spending Budget your money

brought to you by moms in southwest missouri

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Contents

From a d v e rt i s i n g

Advertising Director Trysta Herzog trysta@fromthenestmag.com editorial

Editorial Director Kandice McKee kandice@fromthenestmag.com c r e at i v e

Art Director Stephanie Lindberg stephanie@fromthenestmag.com From The Nest Publications P.O. Box 9641 Springfield, Missouri 65801 www.FromTheNestMag.com

Our Mission: As journalists and designers juggling motherhood, we hope to be an invaluable resource for fellow parents in Southwest Missouri through offering tips and information on child rearing, finance management, health and fitness, and socializing opportunities available in our area. We aspire to bring a unique perspective to parents from Springfield to Branson by publishing inspiring columns by local parents, promoting community family events, and a host of other educational and entertaining articles in our quarterly, FREE magazine. Submissions: All unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Written changes may be sent to the advertising, editorial and creative office at P.O. Box 9641, Springfield, Missouri 65801.

Happy Holidays 18 Christmas Gift Guide Spark the spirit of giving in your kids

20 Pinspiration DIY Christmas ornament: Simple, inexpensive kids’ project

22 Flying the Nest Winter holiday date spots

24 The Dish Pasta date night at home

25 Adopt the Purr-fect Gift

05 Fitness Fix Plan for healthy holidays

O n T h e C o v er

09 Healthy Smiles

26 Featured Advertiser

Mrs B’s Accessories, Rebekah Batson

Winterize Your Life

Thrifty Tips

Eight ideas to make brushing easy and fun

Momtrepreneur

Trading Hands offers tips to consignment selling

Preparing for the cold

Columns

Short- and long-term holiday budgeting

11 Breastfeeding Support

Sweepstakes

29 Forever Family

Win a birthday package from Grand Country

30 Ms. Mahan’s Art Time

Tips you need to succeed Blending cultures and traditions Transform paint swatches into snowmen

In Every Issue 04 Featured Photographer

No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express written consent of From The Nest Publications.

Go Momma builds lasting friendships for kids, moms

www.fromthenestmag.com

Advertorials

Advice on gifting a pet

From the Nest is an independently published quarterly by From the Nest Publications, LLC, and is distributed free of charge. It is no way affiliated with The Nest website produced by The Knot. To receive complimentary copies of From The Nest to redistribute at your place of business, please contact us at (417) 771-9859.

Christmas gift guide

Tora Thompson

04 From Us Our own New Year’s Resolutions

28 Mommy Club

winterize your life

From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 3

Feat u red photog rapher

F rom U s Trysta Herzog Advertising Director To fight more. Like most new parents, my husband and I have spent the last year holding in all our frustrations because it has been more important to talk about dirty diapers, breast milk and how much sleep we didn’t get. Now that our daughter is becoming more independent, arguing and communication will be a welcome return to normalcy.

Kandice McKee Editorial Director

Photo Credit: Tora Thompson

Guilt-free Me Time: My to-do list regenerates as fast as the dirty laundry; neither is ever complete. It’s difficult for me to relax when I know there are things that need to be done, and even more so without feeling guilty as my children cry when I walk out the door. Sorry REO Speedwagon, but I have to fight this feeling, and I can and will in 2014.

See how Tora Thompson captured Rebekah Batson in action with her children and business, Mrs B’s Accessories.

Photographer Tora Thompson www.studioivtphotography.com www.facebook.com/studioivtphotography www.facebook.com/CapturedByToraThompson Tora is a stay-at-home mom with two spirited little boys, C-J and Anthony, and gratefully married to the love of her life, Leif, who selflessly serves with the Missouri National Guard. She sees herself as an artist, and photographing newborns and young children is her passion—she loves capturing their personalities! She wants nothing more than to create images that her clients are proud to show off. She’s also a volunteer photographer for On Angels’ Wings—an organization helping families facing child loss.

Stephanie Lindberg Art Director To “unplug” once a week. I love technology and so does my family. We watch TV, play and work on the computers, smartphones and other various electronics. Someimes I wonder how I will get through the day if I do not check my email. But it is time to take a break and reconnect. I vow to dedicate one day a week as an “unplugged” day and turn it all off to do something fun as a family like going to the park or making an art project.

Read more about our personal New Year’s Resolutions on our blog at www.fromthenestmag.com.

Would you like to represent your region by producing our future cover? Submit samples of your work to ArtDirector@fromthenestmag.com or mail them to From The Nest, Attn to: Art Director, P.O. Box 9641, Springfield, Missouri 65801. 4 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

www.fromthenestmag.com

By Glynis Nelson

a d v e r t o r i a l | f i t n e s s FI X

Make a plan for

Healthy Holidays The holiday season is upon us, and often times this time of year brings scenarios which seek to sabotage healthy habits. There are ways to avoid the common pitfalls and make it a joyous season while keeping on track. Hanukkah/Christmas

New Year’s

Celebrations for these holidays typically center around food and the busyness of the season can leave little time for exercise. Some strategies for trimming down the traditional Hanukkah meal include considering substituting sweet potatoes for white potatoes when making latkes and pairing traditional sides with a healthier main dish, such as baked chicken. Many Christmas parties include a large spread of sweets. Trying to stay on track doesn’t mean you can’t have any of these treats, just plan ahead for them. If it’s an evening party, eat a light lunch. Decide before the party how many cookies you’re going to eat, and stick to that number. Don’t go to the event hungry; grab a healthy snack before heading out. Planning ahead is the key to success. While you might feel like you don’t have time to stick to your normal fitness routine during the busy holiday season, make sure you’re working fitness in and not abandoning it completely. Again, the key is planning. Look at your schedule, and if you typically head to the gym after work, but you have holiday parties or shopping trips planned in the evenings, wake up early to get in a workout or do it over your lunch break. Try to mix it up and add new activities to your routine—if you can’t make it to your gym, go for a run through your neighborhood or do an at-home workout (Pinterest is full of ones that don’t require any equipment!)

Most people think that New Year’s is a great time for healthy decisions, but it can actually work against you. Many will make resolutions that they’re going to lose weight or get healthy during the New Year. However, simply making broad statements can end up bringing discouragement. Instead of a typical resolution, make a plan using SMART objectives: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Instead of making a resolution that you’re going to lose weight and exercise this year, set an objective that you are going to lose 5 pounds in 3 months and jog for 30 minutes 5 days per week. Evaluate your objectives through the year, and reset them based on your current needs and situation.

Glynis Nelson is the owner of

Go Momma Fitness Springfield, which provides fitness classes for moms, such as Stroller Strides and Body Back. She holds prenatal and postnatal exercise certifications and is certified in group fitness by American Council on Exercise. Glynis resides in Springfield with her husband and four children.

It bears repeating that planning is the most important key to a healthy holiday season Happy, Healthy Holidays! www.fromthenestmag.com

From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 5

Photo Credits: Tora Thompson

M om t repre n e u r

By Trysta Herzog

The Ministry of

Sewing

Local seamstress designs clothes, promotes women

Rebekah Batson didn’t set out to become a children’s clothing extraordinaire, an advocate of women’s entrepreneurship and an inspiration to women at home and abroad.

Momtrepreneur: Rebekah Batson

The 33-year-old daughter of a seamstress was a stay-at-home mom who wanted to save

Business name: Mrs B’s Accessories

money by making cute hair bows and tutus for her daughter. The endeavor morphed into

Business established: December 2008 children: Seth,8, Josiah, 6, and Ella, 5

6 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

so much more, lending itself to a career using her talents to minister to others and making area kids look too darned cute!

www.fromthenestmag.com

How long has Mrs B’s Accessories been in business?

Mrs B’s Accessories became an official business in December of 2008, so almost five years.

What made you decide to go into business for yourself?

My husband and I always felt very strongly that I was to stay home with our children. We both grew up with stay-at-home mamas so this was very important to us. When we were blessed with a little girl in July of 2008, after two boys, I wanted to buy every hair bow and tutu in sight. Being fairly crafty myself, I started to make my own and a few other items to save money and to give as gifts to friends. It didn’t take long for my friends to start requesting items for themselves and for them to give as give as gifts, too. Pretty soon I had to charge at least for the materials and just got busy enough that I would maybe try this as a business. I started with just tutus, hair bows and fabric-covered wipe boxes, and some simple embellished T-shirts and onesies. I took the leap and did my first craft show in November of 2008. I decided to do it three days before the event and figured, if I don’t just go for it, I never will. I proudly represented my less-than-impressive corner booth (which was in fact a baker’s rack). A local boutique owner stopped by and studied my wipe boxes. She told me she came to the event looking for something unique for her shop and her friend saw me and told her she needed to come check out my display. She really liked my work and two weeks later, Mrs B’s was being sold in her boutique. Having been raised by an amazing seamstress for a mother, my love of sewing has grown so much. Now you won’t find many hair bows or wipe boxes, but lots of custom birthday outfits, clothing for both girls and boys, and all sorts of gifts for all ages.

What are some of the challenges you face balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship?

This is still a challenge for me. Both “being a mom” and “running a business” are no walk in the park that is for sure. When you mix the two, you really get stretched. For the first four years of my business, I worked www.fromthenestmag.com

from my home. It was very hard to separate work and home when it was always around me to remind of what project I could be working on instead of laundry and dishes. For those first years, I pretty much did the mommy and wife thing starting at 6:30 or 7 a.m. until 8:30 or 9 p.m., after my family went to bed. Then I would go down to my basement studio and work until about 3:30 or 4 a.m. I’d get a few hours of sleep, wake up and do it all over again. It was VERY hard, but I knew that in the grand scheme of things, it was temporary. I wasn’t willing to give up my time during the day with my kids and I wanted to work my business as much as I could so that when the day came that all my babies were in school, I was ready to take on whatever the Lord had for me. At the same time, I wanted to be so careful not to wish away the few precious years I have with my babies before they did start school. In June of 2012, with my last little one in preschool part-time, I was blessed to move into my first studio located just two miles from my home. It was exactly what I needed for my business and with our family’s schedule; God’s timing was just perfect. It’s my space to spread out my work and be semi-organized. Now I know where all my materials are and it’s a good location for my local customers to come and pick up their order. It has allowed me to truly separate work from home, so when I am home, I am home. I don’t have projects in the next room screaming my name and distracting me from being HOME.

Ella, 5 Years Old

seth, 8 Years Old

What did you do before Mrs B’s Accessories came into fruition?

I graduated from College of the Ozarks in May of 2003 with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and minors in Clothing and Textiles and Interior Design. That June, I got married, and one week after our honeymoon, we moved to Florida where my husband, Adam, when to school again. Knowing our stay there was temporary, I took an administrative job at a BMW dealership to help pay the bills. By the time he graduated 14 months later and we moved to Texas, I was pregnant with our first child. During my pregnancy I did some substitute teaching but once Seth was born, I officially became a stay-at-home mommy.

josiah, 6 Years Old From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 7

Sewing as a skill and a trade has already empowered many women in the community and on the Project H.O.P.E. base. I am excited to go again this Spring with a team to continue what God has planned.

What has been the most rewarding part about the business?

Between the business, all the expos you plan and those you attend, the mission trips and taking care of your family, how do you find time for yourself?

I try really hard to make sure I have a girl’s night every few months. My friends are really good about making sure it gets planned so that helps a lot. My husband and I also make a point to have a date night at least once a month. It’s very important to us.

Speaking of those mission trips, where do you go and what do you do with that endeavor?

For as long as I can remember, I have had a HUGE heart for missions. I grew up in a church that was very supportive of many missionaries and my parents had very close friends who were missionaries in places like Thailand and Africa. Our house was always where they would stay when they were in the states. I used to dream of being a missionary in Africa. In September 2012, in a casual conversation, my friend Mary Ann Lengyel said I should come to Nicaragua with her and Project H.O.P.E. to teach the women there how to sew. My immediate response was, “Where do I sign up?” I instantly knew I was going, but responsibly asked my husband his thoughts, to which he replied, “Only if I can go, too!” Long story short, although he wasn’t able to go with me, I went in June. Several of my friends and customers generously donated tons of sewing supplies and 10 sewing machines that we sent over ahead of us. Mary Ann and I named our new project “Sew Nicaragua,” and we have really enjoyed seeing how God is molding and growing this ministry into

something really special. When we went, we took simple hand embroidery projects that were perfect for the women we spent time with in the cancer hospital. They so craved distraction and just something to do besides thinking about being sick and away from their families. The group of ladies that captured my heart the most were the ones that I met at House of Hope. This amazing ministry works with women and young girls in the sex trade industry. They are fed the Word of God and taught a trade that they can use to give them dignity and support their families. I knew before we got there that we would be working with them but my heart was not prepared for what I learned there. The poverty level of families in Nicaragua is one that would be hard for most Americans to wrap their brains around. If women can get a job that is not prostitution, it is usually working in a sugar cane field for $1 a day. Knowing this, I wanted the sewing projects we worked on to be ones that would be useful to them. When I told them I could teach them how to make cloth feminine pads, you would have thought I told them I could teach them to make bricks of gold. These women cannot afford to buy feminine pads for themselves or for their daughters. They use rags and their daughters usually have to skip school for the week of their period. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that they can’t afford a pad. Not only was this project so valuable to themselves as women, but they saw the value of it in a business light, because all the women they know need them too. It was incredible to see them so empowered.

8 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

Mrs B’s Accessories has led me to so many amazing relationships, both professional and personal. I am such a social person and relationships are so valuable to me; the growth and exposure of my business makes everyday life so fun for me. Even if it is a brief encounter with a stranger at Hobby Lobby who has been following me for a few years, it’s so amazing. Owning my own business has definitely ignited a passion for women business owners. I now host and organize the Women In Business Shopping Events. Every Spring and Fall we celebrate businesses owned and run by local women. Our first event in the Fall of 2012 was a total success with 42 vendors and 400 guests, and we have continued to grow by leaps and bounds. Our Spring event will be held at the Springfield EXPO Center and will feature around 100 vendors. The women I have met through this event are just incredible! I count myself extremely lucky to have met each and every one of them.

What advice do you have to other mothers thinking about taking on their own business?

GO FOR IT! It won’t be easy and will not develop overnight, but you CAN do it! There is no get-rich-quick formula, but true success comes out of a woman who is true to herself, her family and her product or service.

Contact

Mrs B’s ACCESSORIES To place a customized order for children’s clothing, accessories and gifts, visit Rebekah’s Facebook page and write on her wall or send her a message. Currently, there is a 21-business-day turnaround.

www.facebook.com/mrsbsaccessories mrsbsaccessories@gmail.com www.fromthenestmag.com

By Little Grins Dental

Ideas

a d v e r t o r i a l | H e a lt h y S m i l e s

to make brushing

easy and fun

Does tooth brushing time feel like a minty-fresh form of torture at your house? If your New Year’s resolutions include getting the kids to brush their teeth, check out our tips to make taking care of those little grins easier for everyone involved.

1 | Use a timer

Whether it’s an hourglass-style sand timer from your dentist, a stop watch or a kitchen timer, set it for two minutes to help make sure that everyone (even mom and dad) is brushing long enough.

2 | Stick ‘em up

Just like potty training, tooth brushing training is often easier when there’s something to show for it. A chart with stickers to track when brushing and flossing are completed is a great way to help form good habits and make dental care part of both the morning and nighttime routine. Make your own, or download one here: http:// bit.ly/18yFg5H

3 | Get the gear

Sometimes motivating kids is as simple as using a fun flavor of toothpaste, brightly colored floss picks or a toothbrush that features their favorite character (or lights up, or plays music). Our own kids were so motivated to get to use electric toothbrushes that they kept the bathroom clean for a week to earn them!

4 | Become a tooth spy

Try Disclose tablets or a tinted mouthwash (secret agent tools) that reveal the “undercover” areas in your child’s mouth that are still dirty after they have brushed. Discuss ways to improve tooth brushing methods to prevent dirty-tooth secrets!

5 | Make it a Family Affair

Brushing your teeth alongside your kids models good habits for them. Don’t forget to floss, too!

6 | Don the Décor

Add a nice reminder and a little pop to your bathroom décor all at the same time! Download and frame this free printable that says, “You Don’t Have to Brush All Your Teeth…Just the Ones You Want to Keep.” http://bit.ly/12UNUL4

7 | Create a learning moment

Practice flossing by pushing pieces of Play Dough between the circles on the top of a large Duplo block and using yarn as floss. Or, demonstrate the need to prevent cavities by cutting a small hole (a cavity) in an apple (the tooth). Place it in a brown bag (the mouth) and set it on the windowsill. See what happens to it after one day, two days, and so on.

8 | Schedule regular checkups

Dental care professionals usually spend a good portion of a pediatric dental exam talking to their young patients about their oral hygiene habits and offering advice and instruction on what they should be doing to keep their teeth healthy. This can help reinforce what parents say at home and motivate kids to keep up with brushing and flossing so they don’t disappoint their dentist at their next visit.

Practicing good oral health care habits with your kids as they grow will ensure that they take good care of their teeth as they become more independent. Kids are generally able to start brushing their own teeth (with supervision) at around five years old and can do their own flossing around eight years old. ‘Dr. Craig’ Rechkemmer earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of Missouri, Kansas City in May 2002. He spent six years on the Tooth Truck providing dental care to at-risk children in the Springfield area. In 2008, Dr. Craig joined the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock where he created a state-wide Dental Outreach program and provided care to children. After four years with the Children’s Hospital, he has returned to Springfield to create Little Grins Dental, where he will continue to provide care to children. www.fromthenestmag.com

From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 9

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By Cheryl Blevins, BS, RNC, ANLC

r egvse ur pfpaomr itly c o l u m nc| ob rl euam s tnf e|e fdoi n

What about mothers in our community; do you feel supported or vulnerable when breastfeeding in public?

Normalizing what’s natural I could never breastfeed my baby in public! It would just be too embarrassing, and someone might ask me to leave. If this sounds like you, you aren’t alone. Fear of public embarrassment keeps many mothers confined at home, which leads to early abandonment of breastfeeding. According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Breastfeeding Report Card, 77 percent of Missouri mothers begin breastfeeding, but by the time babies are 6 months old, only 39 percent continue. Considering the lifelong health benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby, we should consider how society’s attitude influences breastfeeding. In western cultures, most people know “breast is best”, but they prefer it be done privately rather than publicly. The inability to separate the feeding and sexual roles of breasts, and the lack of positive breastfeeding portrayals in media, have been identified as reasons for the attitude. In the UK, where breastfeeding rates are lower than the rest of Europe and public breastfeeding is unacceptable, many mothers feel restricted to their homes and stop breastfeeding. Even in Australia, where breastfeeding rates are high and 70 percent of the population considers breastfeeding in public acceptable, mothers report feeling vulnerable when feeding outside the home.

The Greater Ozarks Regional Breastfeeding Coalition asked local mothers about their experiences, and they nominated 25 local businesses for recognition. We celebrated World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7) by awarding these heroes a “You’ve been Spotted” certificate and our thanks. Most recipients were surprised to be recognized for what they consider “reasonable customer service.” So we have some support, but perhaps our citizens need to see breastfeeding in public for it to become normal. I asked mothers in our breastfeeding group for suggestions: Be confident! Practice at home in front of family or a mirror. Most people will take their cues from you; if you are confident they will feel less uncomfortable. Choose your clothes carefully; expensive nursing blouses or covers aren’t required. Try the two-shirt technique: simple tank tops (with holes cut to provide access to the breasts or the undershirt being a nursing spaghetti strap) plus button up shirt. The tank top and baby keep you covered while nursing. Buy a sling or baby carrier. Mothers in the group swear by the Ergo-Baby or Boba for great baby positioning and ease of breastfeeding. Most people won’t even know baby is eating! Scope out your location in advance and identify good places to breastfeed. If you or your baby need peace to eat, dressing rooms work great if you’re at a retailer. Go on about your business while nursing: eat, shop, pay for your purchases. Distraction can create invisibility. If someone challenges you, remember Missouri law (MSMo. 191.918) gives you the right to breastfeed in public anywhere you have a right to be, as long as you exercise “as much discretion as possible.” Remember, breastfeeding outside the home is important to normalize breastfeeding in our culture. When you “take it on the road,” not only are you nourishing your baby, you’re helping to change the culture of our community.

Greater Ozarks Regional Breastfeeding Coalition Founded in January 2013, the Greater Ozarks Regional Breastfeeding Coalition is a collaborative group of lactation professionals, health workers, and interested community members dedicated to promoting, supporting, and protecting breastfeeding in our community. Representatives from Cox Health, Mercy- Springfield, Jordan Valley Community Health Center and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department work together to improve the health of our community by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the normal method of infant nutrition. This is undertaken solely as a public health initiative to achieve optimal health, enhance child development and foster effective parenting. The Coalition plans to accomplish this purpose through education, outreach and advocacy. www.fromthenestmag.com

From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 11

fe at u re

By Trysta Herzog

Winterize your

Life

Preparing your home, car and family for the cold

Winter is nearly upon us,

For the HOme

which means we can look forward to blustery days, scarves and snowmen. It also means icy roads, electric bills skyrocketing and wishing for warmer days. Use this quick guide to help you prepare for the days ahead and make this winter bearable for your family.

Naturally, you spend more time indoors during the colder months, meaning that you consume a lot more resources. Here are some ideas that can help you save money and make your winter safer for your family.

Energy Savings

The first thing many people think of going into winter is, “How much will our heating cost us this year?” The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association offers these tips and tricks to lower your energy bill, some of which can apply year-round. • Change your light bulbs, for both your house and holiday lighting. LED holiday lights can cut your costs by up to 90 percent! • Change your air filter regularly. • Install a programmable thermostat. • Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees to save up to 12 percent on your bill. • Insulate your water heater and pipes. • Break out the weather stripping and expandable foam to shore up those cracks around windows, doors and electrical outlets.

12 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

• Using a low-flow showerhead can minimize your water use by up to 50 percent.

Stocking Up

A winter storm could come up on us quickly in the winter months and be worse than what is initially forecasted. To prepare, make sure you know where your flashlights are, have ample batteries, and are stocked up on your medications and baby gear. There’s nothing more terrifying than to imagine being out of diapers or formula when there’s no possible safe way to get to the store!

Kitchen Prep

Without a daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun, you want to make sure your family is still getting all the nutrients they need to be happy and healthy. Pick up lots of fruits and veggies on your grocery trips and make sure your pantry is stocked in www.fromthenestmag.com

For the Car As residents of Missouri, you know the weather varies drastically from day to day in any given season. We can get a pile of snow in April and 70-degree temperatures in January. The beginning of winter here can be deceivingly warm, encouraging us to put off the preparations needed to get our cars ready for winter. Here are a few things to have ready in case an ice storm hits this year.

General Maintenance

During your next oil change, make sure your mechanic checks your fluid levels, especially the antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid, as well as the battery, breaks and heater. Having those in tip-top shape will get you off to a good start this winter.

Tires

Do you have enough tread to keep you on the road in slick conditions? While your tires don’t necessarily need to be brand new every year, keeping them in good condition can make all the difference when trying to protect your family from accidents. You might also consider tire chains if you absolutely have to drive in bad weather.

Gas

Remember that gas can freeze in cold temperatures and an empty tank will make it more difficult for your car to start in the the event of bad weather. You want to have bottled water and canned goods on hand, as well as a good manual can opener and camping propane-powered stove if you have all electric appliances.

Making the Outdoors Safer

When a storm hits, some of the first things that fly off the store shelves are shovels and sand or salt. Grab that when the weather is nice so you have it on hand. You also want to ensure your roof and gutters don’t get too snow clogged, causing a potentially dangerous collapse.

www.fromthenestmag.com

mornings. You can avoid this by keeping your tank at least half full at all times.

Emergency Kit

If you’ve ever broken down in winter, you know how quickly you can get cold inside the cab. Here’s a list of things you might want to keep in the trunk for your emergency kit: blanket, first aid kit, small bag of sand or kitty litter (to help if you get stuck), matches/lighter, a sweater, snack bars, bottled water, flashlight with batteries, ice scraper and car phone charger.

Car Wash

Road salt often damages a car’s paint if not properly washed and treated. On those warmer days, try to swing by a car wash that will rinse and wax your car, keeping it looking great throughout the winter and protecting it from oxidization.

For the Family Being cooped up in the house for days or playing outside in freezing temperatures, it can be hard to take the chill off without sunshine. To keep the kids from bouncing off the walls, here are a few tips to winterizing your family.

Indoor Games

When it’s too icy or cold outside, there are many games you can play with your kids to keep their minds active, in hopes their energy levels stay in check. Organize a treasure hunt or bowling party with water bottles and a rubber ball. Let them dance their hearts out with some “Dance, Dance Revolution” or squeal in delight with a sensory table—think thrusting your hands into a bowl full of cooked spaghetti while blindfolded! Schedule a crafting day or make your own Play-Doh.

Outdoor Games

Sledding and building snowmen are some of the hallmarks of winters in the Midwest. Make sure you talk to your kids about safety in the snow and cold by bundling up and not venturing out too far from home or near water sources.

During a Power Outage

Nothing is more boring than when the lights go out. Here are a few games to play in the dark or low light: 20 Questions, Name That Tune, shadow puppets, Charades (by flashlight or candlelight), or just break out the glow sticks. Just remember to have plenty of batteries on hand and talk to your children about safety with candles. From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 13

Column

| t h r i fty t i p s

By Cris Swaters

Photo Credit: Kozzi.com

Where did time go? Short-term budgeting.

Holiday

Spending

Don’t let your gift-giving break the bank All around us are the reminders of the holiday season to come. Sugar plums are dancing, holiday décor has been on the shelves since before Halloween and people everywhere start wondering where they are going to find the funds to pay for all the things that bring holiday joy. 14 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

If you’re like many people and have been so busy that you have completely forgotten about holiday shopping until now, never fear. There is still time to budget for the gift-giving season, but be prepared to elbow your way through the crowds of happy shoppers. (We can hope, right?) So, with only a month until you get to see those bright and shining faces when they find the things they’ve always wanted wrapped in pretty paper, here’s how you get started. Before you take one step into the store, think realistically about what you can afford, especially if you haven’t been saving specifically for holiday gifts. So, how much cash will you have available in the next few weeks that you can use to pay for items? If cash isn’t a viable option this late in the game, a credit card can be a solution; however, it’s important to still stick to a strict and realistic budget because a credit card still has to be paid back (and with interest, too). Once you have a budget number, stick to it, and stores with layaway options are going to be your best friend. You can find the specific details on each store’s layaway policy on their respective websites. This isn’t a comprehensive list, so check with your favorite stores to see if they offer any layaway options. • Toys“R”Us • Babies“R”Us • Best Buy • Burlington Coat Factory • Kmart • Marshall’s • Sears • TJ Maxx • Walmart • Many jewelry and antique stores The biggest perk to using the layaway options is you can go to the store right now and choose the items you’d like (while staying in your budget) and pay for them as you have cash freed up over the next month. Be prepared. Many stores do require you to put a “down payment” of sorts on the items you purchase, which is usually 10 percent, and some add an additional service fee to ensure that you will actually come back to finish paying for them. www.fromthenestmag.com

Whew. I’ve got some time on my hands. Long-term budgeting.

If you plan ahead, you can always be on the lookout for gifts at a discounted price. Go into your favorite stores and check out the clearance or sale section. You never know what you might find! Personally, I’m shopOnce the holiday season is over, someping for gifts year round not only for the times it’s best to start thinking ahead. holidays but also for birthdays, wedding There will be less of a financial strain and and baby showers. a rush when next year comes around. Here’s how you can get a jump on next It’s important to remember that the year’s holiday shopping. Many banks offer “Christmas” or “holi- holidays aren’t about how much you day” savings accounts that will give you a spend on gifts, but about the time that good amount of interest on the money that we get to enjoy with our family and you put into it. Think about what you’d like friends. Happy shopping! your budget to be next year and divide that by the number of paychecks, months or weeks until next November. Sometimes, Cris Swaters is the commuit can be as little as saving $10 or $20 per nications coordinator at White River paycheck. Also keep in mind that many Valley Electric Co-op and a lover of exof these accounts will put a restriction on treme couponing, frugal living, social how many times you can withdraw the media and healthy home cooking. Get money per year (usually because it’s inmore tips and healthy eating recipes tended to be a piggy bank that you can’t from Cris at www.purrfectportions. get into until the holidays). wordpress.com.

or Let our family help your family make the right move. Call the team that understands what you and your family need when buying or selling a home.

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From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 15

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18 20 22 24 25

Gift-giving Guide

Spark your kids’ spirit for giving

DIY Christmas Ornament

Simple, inexpensive kids’ project

Flying the Nest

New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day date-night spots

The Dish

Pasta date night at home

Happy Holidays

Photo Credit: Daniel Cox / www.sxc.hu

From religious to cultural, we think of all the holidays when we think of winter. Add to your family’s traditions with the tips and ideas found in our special section on winter holidays.

Adopt the Purr-fect Gift Advice on finding a pet this holiday season

www.fromthenestmag.com

From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 17

Ch ri stmas g i ft g u i d e

By Trysta Herzog

Gift of Giving Help Your Kids Pick Out Gifts for the Family Christmas is a magical time for most youngsters, especially with the prospect of unwrapping presents on the horizon. It’s also a great opportunity to share in the magic of gift giving, letting them get just as excited about a family member or friend unwrapping presents, too. There’s nothing more special than a thoughtful gift from a child in your life, even if it’s a silly tie you wouldn’t have otherwise chosen or pair of Shrinky Dink earrings with a kitty cat on it—a hint from your child that she wants a pet. If your child is having trouble finding the “perfect” present at the store, these ideas might help get them started.

For Dad

For Mom

Love those smiling mugs — Does Daddy need a new coffee mug or mouse pad with his little boy’s or girl’s face on it? Of course! And with websites like Shutterfly and Snapfish, it’s easier than ever to personalize these keepsakes.

Help her accessorize — If Mom likes jewelry, she’ll love the charm bracelet tradition. Help your kid pick out a charm each year to add to the bracelet. Every time it jingles on her wrist, she’ll think of all those cherished Christmas memories.

Something to do together — Is Dad a fisherman or golfer and has been eyeing a new accessory to go along with his hobby? Why not buy a new pole or club! Along with the gift, your kiddo can make a coupon for a day of catching fish or putt-putt golf—when the weather improves, of course.

Promote relaxation — Is some much-needed Mommy time in order? Maybe some bath salts or a candle can help encourage her to take some time off, with her children’s blessings! A spa gift certificate would be a great present, as well.

Java jacket — This cute idea will give Daddy something to talk about at the office. Your kids can take a striped or solid colored sock and cut into a reusable sleeve for to-go coffee cups. It can be decorated with buttons, ribbon, felt and other crafting supplies.

Smell the roses — Does Mama like flowers? Get her favorite variety to complement that vase that the littles made/decorated at Village Pottery or Noah’s Art.

18 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

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F o r G r a n d pa r e n t s Personalize it — Take those lovable photos of the brood and make something memorable, like a photo book, key chain, magnet or calendar. All hands on deck — Whether it’s a tiny footprint or handprint on a Christmas ornament or plate, Grandparents love these fun items to decorate the house. Let it snow — Christmastime is a great opportunity to try out those Pinterest ideas and who better to receive those crafts than Grandma and Grandpa (who won’t judge if they turn out a little different than expected)! Recycle those baby food jars that keep piling up by turning them into snow globes. Check out Martha Stewart’s DIY instructions to get you started, www.marthastewart. com/273254/snow-globes.

For Siblings

For Giving Tree

Photo Credits: Kozzi.com / MarthaStewart.com / Stephanie Lindberg / Village Pottery Cafe

Bring the store to them — Buying for your brother or sister is hard. Parents can make it easier by buying several small stocking-stuffer-like items and allowing each child to choose gifts from the cache for his siblings.

It’s important to remind kids that there are others in our community who aren’t as fortunate and won’t get much for Christmas. A great way to do that is to sponsor a child on a local Giving Tree, which can be found at Walmart, your church or other charitable organizations. Most will provide an age of the child and list of things he or she needs. Try to choose a child close in age to yours so it will be easier for them to pick out ageappropriate items.

Remembering their favorite color — Help her find three to five things brother and/or sister might like, each in their favorite colors, and put in the basket. From there, she can narrow it down to just that special one for each that she thinks they’ll love the most. Hot cocoa anyone? — Recycle those used mason jars this year by filing them up with love and hot cocoa mix. Help your kids make the mixture to fill up half the jar with, completing the yummy treat with a layer each of chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. The jars can be personalized by painting one side with chalkboard paint and writing the sibling’s name on it.

F o r F r i e n ds Ring in the new year — Girls can make their friends matching rings and necklaces they make from buttons, felt and string. These are simple and easy to do and friends will love that personal touch. Tokens for everyone — Boys might not be so into the crafting, so for their friends, a trip to the arcade with the present of free tokens might be just the ticket. Making a love cake — While it doesn’t necessarily need to be a cake, there are plenty of yummy treats to bake with lots of love and lots of sugar! Find out from the friend’s parents what their child’s favorites are and whip out the aprons for a day in the kitchen.

www.fromthenestmag.com

From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 19

Pi n spi rati on

By Trysta Herzog

Christmas

Ornaments

Phot

os b r ys y: T

ta He

r zo

A simple and inexpensive DIY project for kids

Many families come together each year to decorate the house for the holidays while sipping eggnog and listening to Christmas music. An added bonus to that cheer is dusting off the décor created by your little ones from previous years and the memories that come along with it. With this simple ornament project, adapted from http://sterlingengagements.blogspot.com/2011/11/diy-with-star-glittered-globes, you can add one more treasure to your trove this year, and all with supplies you likely have tucked away in (or scattered about) your house.

Directions

Materials

1. Blow up the balloon to fit in the palm of your hand and tie a bit of string to the end (to hang your balloon while it dries later).

• Balloons (12-pack, regular size) $0.97

2. Spread the glue around the balloon to make it sticky for the string. Note: I watered my glue down a little to thin it out and conserve.

• Foam painter brush

$0.63

• DMC embroidery floss

$0.30

3. Begin wrapping the string vertically around the balloon. When about 3/4 of the way covered, cut your string, and then begin wrapping horizontally until it is about 3/4 covered in that direction. 4. Cut your string and dab/brush glue all over the balloon, saturating all the string and making sure the loose ends are glued down. Hang the balloon by the initial string you tied on and leave for several hours to dry. 5. Once dry, use a pin to pop the balloon and tie a ribbon or string to the ornament to hang from the tree. Note: After popping the balloon, the string began to collapse with the balloon, causing a mini stroke in my heart for a second, until I realized I could fluff the string back up to the shape I’d created. Also, I recommend doing this over a trashcan or you run the risk of getting glitter all over the place.

• Glitter glue $1.97

Note: You can use yarn or cotton string for this project as well, but I chose the embroidery floss because it was the cheapest of the three. You can also mix your own glitter glue with a bottle of Elmer’s and any color glitter you choose.

Total cost: $3.87 Total time: 15 minutes* * Total time does not include drying

More DIY ornaments

Visit our website to get links for these other do-it-yourself holiday crafts. Follow us on Pinterest For this and other ideas we like, check out our favorite boards at pinterest.com/fromthenestmag 20 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

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Gymnastics

Cheerleading

Competitive Cheer

Tumbling

Birthday Parties

15 Years of Outstanding Instruction in Gymnastics, Cheer and Tumbling! Make a date with us!

Friday Night Out Returns

Starting Aug. 9 from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Mommy & Me Open Gym

One Month FREE! with paid 2nd month and registration fee!

New students only and not to be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/1/13

417.725.1304

11:15 to Noon every Tuesday Just $5 - No registration required Ages: Crawling through 7 years We take 18 mo. to 18 years in gymnastics and 3 years and older in cheerleading.

www.allstargymandcheer.com

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your own no Studio Fee plus Yummy Food Mother’s Day—May 12 Create a precious memory they’re sure to love Free Ornament while painting or eating*

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From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 21

F ly i n g th e n e s t

By Kandice McKee

Make it more than a

Date

Dinner date nights are classic, especially for New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for something different to do this year — either as a couple or as a family — consider these options.

Memory

Make it a OOVVDA Winery Who needs chocolate-covered strawberries when you can get a free tasting of locally made strawberry wine? OOVVDA Winery will be open for free wine tasting (for groups of less than 20) on both New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day, though be sure to call ahead in the event of winter weather. There are outdoor activities, including a picnic area —perfect for a change of scenery for a homemade meal — weather permitting.

wine tasting

For ages: Wine tasting is for adults only, though supervised children are welcome Cost: Free, except for larger groups Website: www.oovvda.com Address: 5448 N. Berry Lane Phone: (417) 833-4896

First Night Springfield From ice skating at Jordan Valley Ice Park, face painting and balloons, arts and crafts stations to create a New Year’s Eve memento and fireworks to celebrate the new year, First Night Springfield is a family-friendly, alcohol-free way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the kids. All events are indoors except the fireworks, though you’ll walk outdoors to visit the participating venues. For ages: All are welcome Cost: $8 per person, $30 for a family 4-pack in advance; $10 per person, $35 for a family 4-pack at the door. Kids 3 and under are free. Website: www.firstnightspringfield.org Address: Downtown Springfield Phone: (417) 831-6200

Pythian Castle Enjoy a night of dancing at this historical landmark during New Year’s Eve and/or Valentine’s Day. New Year’s Eve begins in the ballroom and ends in the theater with plenty of dining and dancing throughout the night. Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance includes slow dance lessons as well as open dance. Reservations are required for each evening. For ages: Adults only Cost: $60/person for New Year’s Eve; $40/person for Valentine’s Day Website: pythiancastle.com Address: 1451 E. Pythian St. Phone: (417) 865-1464

22 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

Village Pottery

Springfield

Republic Village Pottery Cafe A family-friendly atmosphere for either strictly the adults or the whole gang, Village Pottery Cafe will have lunch and dinner specials on Valentine’s Day that include (at least) two meals, two drinks and pottery included in the price. Call ahead to hear what kind of delicious dish they will serve as well as make your reservations. For ages: All Cost: $40 for two dinners, two drinks and pottery for each person; $15 for dinner, drink and pottery for each child Website: www.villagepotterycafe.com Address: 210 N. Walnut St. Phone: (417) 732-7272

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Festival of Lights

Ozark

Bring the kids or leave them with a babysitter to drive along the one-mile path with more than 175 lighted displays. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the holiday scense from Nov. 1 to Jan. 2, dusk to 11 p.m. Start or continue the evening with shopping or a variety of seasoned-themed shows.

For ages: Adults only Cost: Tickets range from $10.50 to $13 with appetizers from $5 and up and entrees from $9 and up. Drink prices and specials vary. Website: www.bbtheatres.com Address: 620 N. 25 St. Phone: (417) 339-0081

Photos provided by: Branson CVB / The Butterfly Palace / The OC / OOVVDA Winery / Village Pottery Cafe

The OC With a Kids Night In (thus a parents’ night out) planned for Dec. 13, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., parents can have some quality date time—and maybe followed up by any last-minute holiday shopping. Daddy-daughter (or grandaddydaughter, uncle-niece) duos can also have a date before mommy and daddy go out for Valentine’s Day with the Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance on Feb. 8, 7 to 9 p.m. For ages: Dance: 3 years and up; Kids Night In: Grades K – 6 Cost: KNI: $10/member child, $15/non-member child; Dance: $20/member, $30/non-member Website: www.ozarkmissouri.com Address: 1530 W. Jackson St. Phone: (417) 581-7002

the OC www.fromthenestmag.com

Branson

For ages: All Cost: Family vehicles – $12, Family season pass – $25 Website: www.explorebranson.com/ christmas/bafol Address: Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Roark Valley Road Phone: (417) 334-4084

White Flight at The Butterfly Palace

Chateau on the Lake

Enjoy a self-guided tour through Jan. 15 as a couple or as a family while thousands of white butterflies flutter amid an indoor rainforest adorned with twinkling lights during this annual event. You can also watch a 45-minute documentary about the monarch migration and explore the Banyan Bungee Adventure, Emerald Forest Mirror Maze and Living Rainforest Science Center.

Leave the littles behind for the sophisticated evening dates available for both New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day at Chateau on the Lake. The New Year’s Eve package includes an overnight stay, cocktail reception, two drink tickets per person, a four-course dinner, live entertainment, a toast of champagne at midnight and outdoor fireworks display. The Chateau Grille will also have a special menu for those who want a quieter evening before returning home to the kiddos. The Romantic Rendezvous Valentine Package also includes an overnight stay and a five course menu in the Chateau Grille.

For ages: All are welcome Cost: $18.95/adult, $9.95/child 4 and up; 3 and under are free. Coupons available online. Website: www.thebutterflypalace.com Address: 4106 W. Highway 76 Phone: (417) 332-2231

Corks2Canvas If you and/or your significant other is artsy, great. If neither of you is artsy but want to pretend you are, then that’s great, too. Feel free to bring your favorite bottle of wine while participating in an interactive paint class. Kid Day and Family Day events are also available (minus the wine) if you want to take your little one on a date, too. Special events are being planned for couples for New Years Eve and Valentine’s Day, though you’ll have to check the website for details. For ages: 7 years & up for Kid/Family Days; 14 years & up for regular classes; only 21 years and up will be allowed to drink selfsupplied alcoholic beverages. Cost: Varies-call to get special event pricing Website: www.corks2canvas.com Address: Suite #6 Dogwood Plaza, Highway 165 Phone: (417) 337-2905

For ages: Adults only Cost: TBD – call or check online Website: www.chateauonthelake.com Address: 415 North State Highway 265 Phone: (417) 334-1161

Chateau on the lake

Part of B&B Theaters on Highway 14, Marquee Suites offers adult movie-goers a more intimate experience, with reclining, leather seats and in-movie dinner and full-bar drink service (arrive 20 minutes early so servers can take and serve your order in the dim lighting at your seats). Leave the little ones at home, or if they’re old enough they could watch a movie next door at the conjoined B&B Ozark/Nixa 12, as patrons must be 21 and older at the Suites.

White Flight

Marquee Suites Movie Theatre

From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 23

ThE Dish

on date night

By Kandice McKee and Chris Matteson

Creamy cheesey alfredo and steak/chicken with a butter, garlic sauce

Photo Credit: Chris Matteson

Why the double byline on something as simple as a recipe? Because great things come in pairs, and it just so happens that my fiancé complements me in the kitchen—meaning he’s our chef and I’m the baker. (I was able to shred the cheese last time we made this dish, but that’s about the extent of my entrée skills.) Coincidently, the two months that include the number two —February and December —have holidays perfect for celebrating with your favorite person. Whether you’re wanting an at-home date night alone with your significant other, or a family date with the little miracle(s) that have blessed you with parenthood, The Dish on Date Night can be customized to fit a variety of taste buds. The recipe that follows is Chris’, as edited by yours truly, and taste-tested and approved by our increasingly picky toddler.

Creamy Cheesey Alfredo

For more recipes and other projects we like, check out our favorite boards at pinterest.com/fromthenestmag

and steak/chicken with a butter, garlic sauce Ingredients

Directions

2 oz each of Parmesan cheese (shredded), Romano cheese (shredded), Fontina cheese (shredded) and cream cheese

1. Put a heavy pinch of salt into a stockpot with water. Cover and let boil.

1 pint cream

3. Combine olive oil and butter in saucepan over medium heat, mincing the garlic while the fats heat up.

1/4 teaspoon white pepper Two heavy pinches of kosher salt Dash of nutmeg 1 lemon 1 head of garlic sprig of parsley (chopped) 2 tablespoons butter (not margarine) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 13 oz package of linguine Protein component – beef or chicken works best, but any will do

2. Set aside a half-cup of the cream.

4. Sautee’ the garlic (don’t burn it!) for half a minute, then add the one and a half cups of cream. Reduce heat to low. 5. Add the zest and juice from the lemon. No seeds! 6. Next, add the white pepper, salt and a dash of nutmeg. 7. Add the Parmesean, Fontina and cream cheeses. Stir. Keep heat on low. 8. Next, cook any protein to your taste. For us, it’s all about the grass-fed steak on

24 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

the grill, cooked to medium rare (about 4 minutes on each side). 9. What really sets the protein apart is a simple, butter-garlic sauce. Quickly heat up a small cast-iron skillet with about three tablespoons of butter and smash three or four cloves of garlic. Rough chop the garlic, and throw it into the bubbly fat. Heat the two for about a minute until it fills the air with the crisp smell of garlic; immediately spoon over your favorite protein, be it beef, pork or chicken. 10. Finally, add the linguine to the stockpot of boiling salt water for about eight minutes. You want the pasta al dente’. Drain, put the noodles back in the pot and pour the alfredo over the noodles. Incorporate the reserved half-cup of cream, Romano cheese and chopped parsley. Stir and serve.

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Purr-fect Gift Adopting a new, furry family member this holiday season would be more than just a gift for your kids—it would be a gift to your newest addition. If the kiddos have been taking pretend dogs on walks or changing pretend litter boxes to prove their readiness for the added responsibility, a barking or purring holiday gift may be headed to your tree this year. C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue, the Ozarks nonprofit, nokill animal shelter, suggests these tips as you look for your family’s new best friend.

By Kandice McKee

Ge tti n g a P et

Adopt the

Sit down with your family before you make the trip to the shelter and decide what will work for everyone. Discuss what size, age and energy level pet is most appropriate for your family. While C.A.R.E does have some specific breeds, the Heinz 57 is what you’re most likely to find. And there are benefits to a mixed-breed pet, such as less chance for genetic disorders. Though rarely true, many families often think that older animals are at the shelter because of behavioral issues. Thus, many families think they want a puppy or kitten when they first visit the shelter. But raising toddler and/or young children can be difficult enough without the added training that baby and toddler animals need—do you really want to relive the teething stage with an animal that can do more destruction than your infant? Adult animals are a great alternative since, more times than not, they are already house or box trained, have been socialized and are only in need of a family to love and be loved in return. Many times, animals at the shelter have come from loving family situations and just need to find their “forever home.” Be honest with the staff and tell them what you’re looking for and the lifestyle you lead. How often is someone home? How much space do you have? How much time can you spend exercising? Exercise for a large dog is much different than a small dog. Some animals take very well to kids, others don’t. All of our animals have a multi-point checklist that notes what type of home and family will work best for them. Our application process also helps make sure you and your new pet will be a good match. Spend time with the animal your family is considering adopting and, if possible, invite all members of the family to meet the potential new family member. If it’s a dog, take some to time to walk it and play with it. If it’s a cat, spend some indoor time getting to know it. If you already have pets, arrange for them to meet the new furry friend before you make the adoption. C.A.R.E. staff and volunteers can help with this. Above all, know that when you adopt a shelter pet, you’ve saved a life. Your pet knows this and will be forever grateful for the home you give it. Animals bond very quickly and before you know it, they will be part of your pack.

Want more information?

When you adopt from C.A.R.E., each animal is spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, dewormed and has been given a general health check. Visit one or both of the adoption centers to find your newest family member this holiday season. Springfield Adoption Center

1328 W. Sunshine Street | (417) 875-6565 Open Sunday – Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

www.carerescue.org www.facebook.com/careanimalrescue www.fromthenestmag.com

Ozark Adoption Center

2012 W. Garton Road | (417) 581-5008 Open Sunday – Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 25

F e at u r e d A dv e r t i s e r By Trysta Herzog

10 Tips to Successful Consignment As the kiddos grow out of their clothes, toys and accessories at such a rapid rate, it’s hard to unload as fast as you’re replacing it with new and appropriately aged/sized stuff. One increasingly popular way to sell these items is through semi-annual consignment sales, like with Trading Hands Kids Sale in Springfield, where you can take home up to 70 percent off what you make during the three-day event. While it may require a little dedication and work, the key to having a successful consignment sale is making your items desirable, both through price and appearance. Here are a few tips provided by sale organizer Julie Rhoads to get you on your way to turning that clutter into cash for their Spring 2014 event!

Inspection

Bag miscellaneous items

In good light, inspect your items for excessive wear, stains, holes or Any loose items such as hats, other flaws. Zippers and snaps should be gloves, belts, bottles, etc., should be in working order. Only choose those items bagged with a Ziploc-like baggie and that are free of blemishes for your sale. secured shut with clear packing tape. Smaller toys such as Matchbox cars and action figures can be bagged together, Make it presentable and toys with multiple pieces should be For clothes: wash, iron, clip loose bagged to keep all components together. threads and sew loose buttons. Shoes can be bagged or zip-tied. They should be free of smoky, musty, or pet odors and hair. Wipe down all other items Secure pieces with thoroughly, removing the cover from things zip-ties or packing tape like car seats, strollers and high chairs to reach the crevices beneath. Launder the For items that have loose pieces covers before putting them back on. such as bicycles or strollers, you should secure those pieces with zip-ties. Use packing tape to secure the cases or boxes of Hang appropriatelY DVDs, CDs, video games, board games The hanger for every outfit should and puzzles, and wrap wooden puzzles be facing left, making a question with Saran-wrap. mark, and attach items to the hanger with a regular-sized or large safety pin to ensure Check for recalls, Age it doesn’t fall to the floor during the sale. Two-piece outfits can be pinned back-toFor items such as car seats, check back to make sure both items are visible, online for recalls by going to by putting the waistband of the shorts/pants/ www.cpsc.gov or www.wemakeitsafer. skirt/bloomers to the shoulders of the shirt. com. Car seats that have been recalled, are Note: Wire hangers are preferred, but plastic more than five years old from the manuhangers will be accepted.

2 3

26 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

facturers date (or are less than one year from expiration), or have been in an accident won’t be accepted.

Price accordingly and watch the dollars roll in

First, ask yourself what you would pay for the item as is, taking into consideration that others are pricing at about 40 – 80 percent of retail. No item can be priced below $1, however, so if you need to bundle items, check the sale guidelines on how to do that. Trading Hands also offers pricing suggestions on their site at www.trading hands.net/consign-pricing. Keep track of your sales during the event by logging in to the website at www.tradinghands.net and watching the money add up!

Tag correctly

First, gather your supplies: white cardstock (no colored paper or copy paper accepted), black or blue ink pen, packing tape, zip-ties or yarn, and masking or painter’s tape. Next, log into your consignor account and follow the directions to enter your items into inventory. You will then choose between three www.fromthenestmag.com

Two minutes, twice a day. tagging options outlined below. Lastly, you will pin the tag to the right corner of the clothing items, or tape it to all other items using clear packing tape.

Isn’t your kid’s smile worth it?

Option 1: Print your own. Log into your consignor page and click on “Work with Consigned Inventory.” Select “Print Tags” if you want to print ALL your tags at once. Select “Print Select Tags” if you would like to print a few tags now and the others later. Print the bar-coded tags onto white cardstock only. Tips: Set printer on normal setting (not high quality); do not resize tags. Tags print 6/page.

Brushing for two minutes now can save your child from severe tooth pain later. Two minutes, twice a day. They have the time. For fun, 2-minute videos to watch while brushing,

Option 2: Outsource your printing. This option is great for those who don’t have a home printer. You’ll create your tags online and then send them to a print shop like CopyBiz, Kinko’s, or Office Depot. For more a detailed description on this option, go to www.tradinghands.net/consign-4 tagyouritems.html.

go to 2min2x.org.

Option 3: Let Trading Hands tag for you. With this final option, you can bring up to 200 items for a Trading Hands tagger to hang, pin, or bag your items, price them, tag them, and take them to the sale for you. With this alternative, you will receive two presale passes and 50 percent off your sales.

Drop off on time

For every 100 items in your inventory, you will schedule a 15 minute appointment, back-to-back. So for example, if you have 174 items, you will schedule two appointments, 3 to 3:15 p.m. and 3:15 to 3:30 p.m.

Pick up or donate

If you want to take any unsold items back, rather than donating them, there will be a three-hour block the day after the sale available to pick those up, along with your check. www.fromthenestmag.com

Contact Trading Hands kids sale 417.496.5837

From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 27

M omm y C l u b

By Kandice McKee

The moms are great to share advice, commiserate on experiences, and help each other out. The majority of our moms stay at home at least part time, so the playgroups offer their children the opportunity to interact with other children. They form these amazing little friendships that are adorable to observe.

Do children need to be of a certain age group? ponsorships may have changed over the years for what is now Go Momma Playgroup, but the mission remains the same: for mommies and children alike to build lifelong memories, connections and friendships. Children get to practice social skills and moms receive a network for advice and friendships by attending play dates and moms night out. While many playgroups and activities follow Go Momma Fitness classes as the fitness group powers the club and is organized by the same local mommy, Glynis Nelson, there is no requirement to join both to be part of the other—all moms and their children are welcome to join Go Momma Playgroup.

The majority of the children are infant through preschool aged. In the summers, older siblings attend as well and we try to modify activities to include them during that time.

month —such as zoo visits, story hours, etc. Once per month, we have a Moms Night Out and quarterly we participate in a Moms with a Mission activity to help better the community and participate in activities focused on giving back.

The moms and their kids! I love that my 7-year-old is still friends with children he met when he was a toddler and came to the playgroups with me, and I especially love that I have friendships with other moms that run as deep.

How long has your group been available? We started as Luna Mom’s Club in 2008. Our sponsorship changed from Luna to Plum Organics in 2012, so our name changed to reflect that. We had another sponsorship change in October 2013 to become Go Momma Playgroup.

What is the purpose of your group and target audience?

Our goal is to provide meaningful experiences for both mom and child(ren). Through playgroups, we facilitate uplifting supportive conversation for mom and developmental activities for children that emphasize wonder, discover and creativity. We strive to provide an activity to allow moms to re-discover adult conversation and personal passions through moms nights out.

How often do you meet? And where?

We meet at least once per week and often more than that. On Fridays, we hold a playgroup directly after Go Momma Fitness classes. Typically, we will also have outings scheduled two or three times per

What are the membership fees/requirements?

There’s no cost associated for moms to join and moms can join at anytime. We don’t require Go Momma Fitness membership to be a part of Go Momma Playgroup.

What can moms expect when attending one of your meetings or playdates?

Our playgroups normally have a theme, so we might do a fingerprint caterpillar painting after reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or have everyone bring their favorite trains and toy cars for a Things That Go playgroup. It’s a very laid back, welcoming environment.

How do moms benefit? How do kids benefit?

Moms benefit from the amazing sense of community. We have members that are first-time moms of infants to moms of four.

28 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

Are you affiliated with any other mom’s groups in the area?

No, we are not affiliated with any other groups in the area.

What would you say is the best thing about your group?

Is there anything else our readers should know about your group not covered above?

As moms ourselves, we understand that life is about finding balance while nurturing our minds, bodies and spirits. Go Momma Playgroup was created with this aspiration in mind. By becoming a member you will build a tight community of moms to share advice, tips and most importantly laughter.

Contact

Go Momma Playgroup

417.501.6262

glynis@gomommafitness.com www.gomommafitness.com/playgroup www.fromthenestmag.com

By Bobi Spilker

c o l u m n | f o r e v e r f a m i ly

Embracing blended

Holiday Traditions The holidays are my favorite time of year, filled with traditions, family and hope for the new year. My family is a joyous melding of multicultural traditions from roots that run deep and afar around the world. American, German, French-Canadian, Guatemalan and Ethiopian flavors blend to create infused family traditions that respect the past, give comfort in the present and will bring joy years to come, I hope. When I think about cherished holidays of my past, I remember food being the common string that tied our family gifts together and filled the air with familial aromas. We laughed and talked in the kitchen, weaving together lifelong relationships of love and enjoyment. Soups on Christmas and New Year’s Eve; cookies and candies made from German and French recipes passed down through generations; everyone decorating cookies and making special holiday dishes. We delivered baked goods to friends and family along with tidings of comfort and joy. Now, as a mom I revel combining the traditions of my youth with that of my children’s birth countries and heritages. Guatemala and Ethiopia are rich with flavors and customs that have become a part of my family’s Feliz Navidad and Ganna (Christmas) traditions. We now enjoy making Ponche de Navidad (fruit punch) and holiday tamales as is done in Guatemala, and Ethiopian Dora Wat to celebrate Christmas. During the first holidays with all three of my daughters in my arms, our family stayed in Ethiopia for seven weeks. We gathered with friends to decorate a gingerbread house and felt the comforts of home while halfway around the world. This continues to be a much-anticipated tradition in my home, where we laugh and play while creating our edible holiday house, and I tell the stories of our first Christmas in Ethiopia.

Last year, we were in Guatemala for Christmas and enjoyed the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of our first Navidad there. The fireworks on Christmas Eve ushered in the new tradition for my family of now placing the baby Jesus in our Nacimiento (Nativity) at midnight. Nacimiento’s are a family-centered tradition of the Christmas celebrations in Guatemala. I’m ever thankful as we gather during this joyous season when I gaze upon our symbolic nativities from my past and my daughters’ birth countries. Years ago, as I ached waiting to become my daughters’ mom, I wrote my first Christmas letter to my precious children, long before they were born and before I saw their sweet faces. I placed the letter in the stocking that hung poignantly empty upon my mantle, without a name embroidered upon it. My Christmas letter was my first tradition with my children. In it, I told them how much I love them, how wanted they are and how I longed for them. I vowed to always be their loving mommy, then and forever, and that would never change. I promised to guide them through all the stages of their life showing them how precious, loved and wanted they are, while honoring their loss of their first family, before our family was united. That first Christmas, I couldn’t even imagine how blessed I’d be one day with my three girlies and how wonderful it would be when I was given the most profound gift of my life–the opportunity to be my children’s mommy.

Always with hope, Bobi www.fromthenestmag.com

Photo Credit: www.sxc.hu

Ponche de Navidad recipe (adapted from Christmas in Guatemala 101) 1.5 gallons water  1.5 lbs. sugar  1 fresh coconut, cut into small pieces  1 papaya, chopped  1 pineapple, chopped  6 apples, chopped  6 oranges, chopped  12 manzanilla (crabapples), optional 10 prunes or dates 1 cup raisins  1 cup assorted dried fruits 5 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise Mix all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 hours. Refrigerate for for up to a week, reheat to serve again. Makes 2 gallons.

Bobi is blessed with three precious daughters, ages 3 years to 6 years old, and is currently a stay-at-home mom. Among other things, she is a malaria prevention, social justice and anti-racism activist who is on the Board of Directors of Adoptive Families of SW Missouri. Enjoyments include blogging, creating community service educational programs, and fundraising to purchase, ship and distribute mosquito bed nets to fight malaria and save lives in Ethiopia, where two of her daughters were born. Her favorite things to do are to travel, learn and grow as a person.

From The Nest | Winter 2013 | 29

C o l u m n | Ms. Mahan’s art time

By Jessica Mahan

Paint Swatch

Photo Credit: Jessica Mahan

Snowmen

In my elementary art class, I always look forward to winter so we can make these cute paint swatch snowmen. I look a bit ridiculous walking through the hardware store with a handful of paint swatches for about 100 kindergartners, but it is so worth it. Kids love paint swatches! This is a no-fail winter project for every kid. I often like to accompany an art lesson with a book. One of my favorite books on snowmen is Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner, and the illustrations by Mark Buehner are lovely. Look at the library for other children’s books about snowmen. Inspiration from sceneofthegrime.blogspot.com

Art Project Directions

Adapted for: Ages 4 –7

1. Make a wavy line through the middle of your paper to create snowy hills. Paint the top portion of the paper blue. Dip your printmaking tools into white paint and print snowflakes all over the blue paint. I like to do a combination of sizes and types of prints to emphasize perspective. The larger the snowflake is, the closer it is to the viewer. 2. Glue on your paint swatches. You may curve the corners with scissors if you would like them to be rounded. Glue on buttons for the eyes and jacket. 3. It is often easier for children to understand drawing or cutting objects if you refer to the approximate shape. Cut triangles out of orange paper for carrot noses. Cut rectangles and glue together for a top hat, a triangle for a stocking cap, a half circle and a small triangle for a ball cap, oval ear muffs, two rectangles for scarfs, oval gloves, etc. Glue brown yarn for the tree branch arms.

For an accompanying art lesson, discuss value with the child. Value is how light or dark a color is. On a paint swatch, the value of the color goes from light to dark. To make a color lighter, add white. Add black to make the color darker. You can also paint or color in shadows in the snow next to the snowmen.

Jessica Mahan, an art teacher for the Republic School District, is also an area artist. Her artwork can be viewed at www.jessicamahanart.com. 30 | Winter 2013 | From The Nest

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