Giggle Magazine-Tallahassee December/January 2015 by Irving Publications, LLC

GREATER

TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

happy family • happy communityTM DEC/JAN 2015 • Volume 1 • Issue 3

Bye-bye paci (for good!) Yummy soups for chilly days Meet Power Parent

Autumn mAyfield

Holiday Gift Ideas You'll Love! www.gigglemag.com

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

PUBLISHER Nicole Irving ART DIRECTOR Allison Raber MANAGING Editor Dana Kamp GRAPHIC DESIGNER Claire Stortz Vice president of sales Shane Irving ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kerr executive assistant Sayeh Farah Contributing Writers Bobbi Bloom, Selena Garrison, Kelly Goede, Tara Griffin, Allen Haynes, Nicole Irving, Dana Kamp, Lisa Katz, Helen Kornblum, Danielle Michels, Olivia Pitkethly, Ale Russian, April Tisher, Rebecca Vitkus Contributing Photographers Terri Smith Photo Interns Annaleigh Bonds, Sydney Brodie, Haley Ponnock, Ale Russian, Rebecca Vitkus

Mission Statement Giggle Magazine is a modern and refreshing parenting publication that brings together families and their community. We make it our mission to find the joy and humor in parenting, focus on key topics and issues that relate to today’s parents and give parents the resources to be engaged, connected and present with their children during these important years. Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Irving Publications, LLC is not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Nothing that appears in Giggle Magazine may be reproduced in any way, without written permission. Opinions expressed by Giggle Magazine writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. Giggle Magazine will consider all never before published outside editorial submissions. Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

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gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

from the publisher

WHAT'S MAKING ME WhatTHISI'mMONTH! GIGGLE

The holidays are upon us! As we stand back and take witness to our lives at this time, we realize that twinkle lights, shopping, baking, eating, traveling and yes, more shopping and eating, have consumed our days. But, as we take a deeper look during the moments of messy kitchens and wrapping paper fights, we also see love, hugs, memories and sweet times being had. For each of us, the holiday times bring something different. For our family, it is a time to get packed up in the car and take our annual trip to see our loved ones out of state. Snow and sledding are on the boys’ agendas and cooking, sleeping and making memories are on mine. But most of all, I am looking forward to soaking in all the moments that seem to fly by too quickly these days.

Loving About the Holiday Season! HOLIDAY WREATHS

MY DAD'S STRUFFOLI

Our holiday issue is full of great treats for the whole family. With our biggest gift guide ever, we will get your shopping off to a great start! And our adorable advent calendars and freshly painted dreidels will keep you and your little ones crafting together this season. For those cold winter days, our giggle readers shared their favorite soup recipes. Can you say YUM? No matter what traditions your holiday brings, we hope you have the most beautiful season full of cheer and good tidings! From our family to yours, Happy Holidays and many wishes for a wonderful new year!

Check out our recipe online! TRAVELING TO CONNECTICUT TO VISIT FAMILY

Nicole Irving, Publisher nicole@irvingpublications.com

Name: Palmer Bell Applewhite

Age: 11 months. Turning 1 on Jan 2, 2015!

PALMER

Favorite toy: ALL of her brother's motorcycles and tractors! Most recent milestone: Waving "bye-bye" Extra, Extra!: She has four teeth, kicks and screams in excitement when she sees herself in the mirror, loves chasing her big brother, takes her lovie, Lambie, everywhere, and she loves her hair bows— the bigger the better!

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PICKING OUT OUR CHRISTMAS TREE!

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Cover Cutie!

meet our

December * January 2015 happy family • happy community

forks & spoons 41 in the fridge Simplify Your Holiday Breakfast

life

42 Lunch Box What Local Chefs Pack in Their Kids'

10 happy family

The Inglese Family

Lunchboxes

12 lifesavers Travel Tips from Parents Who Have Been

10 28

43 DELISH "Souper" Slow Cooker Favorites

There, Done That

13 the parent life

learn

15 just the two of us Team Up for the Resolution Project 2015

44 Homeschool corner

16 grandparents

45 family learning

How to Have a Stress-Free Holiday

Parent Vs. Grandparents: When Parenting Practices Collide

Easy Winter Break Brain Boosts!

happy community

Expands Options

Turning Your Child's Obsession into Education

46 in the classroom

17 two cents Prepping for Their Future: Florida Prepaid

Gameschooling!

58 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

32 get Pretty

The Parent Checkup: Start 2015 Off Healthy!

conception 2 college

34 get MOVING

48 expecting

Gold Rush! 33 get HEALTHY

The Aches & Pains of Pregnancy

7 Outdoor Winter Activities

51 infant

happy home

Choosing the Right Childcare

52 TODDLER

Saying Goodbye to That Precious Paci

37 make it. fix it. clean it.

Beyond the Sink: Unique Uses for the Everyday Sponge

54 early years

Learning to Listen: At-Home Activities

38 organized chaos

55 kids

Teaching Good Sportsmanship

Queries from the Curious: Holiday Edition!

56 tweens

The Attraction of Magnet Schools

yummy soups!

57 teens

Turning Everyday Moments into Teachable Moments GREATER

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

happy family • happy communityTM

18 Winter Wonderland!

75 Holiday Gift Ideas You'll Love! • Milk & Cookies Setting Holiday Gift Limits • Adorable Advent Calendars New Holiday Reading Favorites • 6 Creative Uses for Your Holiday Cards The First Christmas in America & more!

TALLAHASSEE'S

DEC/JAN 2015 • Volume 1 • Issue 3

BYE-BYE PACI (FOR GOOD!)

YUMMY SOUPS FOR CHILLY DAYS

MEET POWER PARENT

AUTUMN MAYFIELD

Holiday Gift Ideas You'll Love! www.gigglemag.com

GIGGLEMAG.COM | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015

Photo by Terri Smith Photo gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

SKIT! Tablets in the hands of children usually means mindless fun…selfies, bird games, hacking at flying fruit or juggling pieces of candy. No wonder parents are hesitant about how much time kids should spend playing electronic games. The right apps can capture attention AND provide outlets for creativity and expression. SKIT! by Storytime Studios is a free app that is great for all ages and for fun solo play or group play, making it a slam dunk source of entertainment for kids, teens and their families. Repurpose your digital photos and, with your own voice and fingers and Skit’s magic, you can produce short animated skits that tell any story you want. Make animated music videos, cards for friends and even animated text messages, remixes, memes, games and more. Users get safe socialization and affirmation of their creations within the Skit! community. A creative app with something fun to share each time you play!

What would you do if... your child’s favorite actor/athlete/ celebrity was charged with a crime? “I would explain to my child that people make mistakes in their lives and don't always do the right thing. Just because they are famous doesn't mean their actions are always commendable. We have to remember that the accomplishments they have made as athletes/actors do not define who they are as people, and the important thing is how they move forward in a positive way to continue to be good role models. What is most important to me is that my child knows what that person did was wrong and why, and if my child is ever in their shoes he or she would know what the right choice/decision is.” -Kristy Cardozo, mom of three “My son Jake is so active athletically I question him often about why he idolizes professional athletes. Athletes, like everyone else, make mistakes. My questions to him are always ‘How would you be different? What would make you stand out and make parents want their child to be like you? Why should I let my child follow you and think you would make a difference?’ I remind him that the real heroes are the everyday people. The ones that get up and deal with what they are given.” -Ginger Collins, mom of two

iPhone image courtesy of Storytime Studios.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

The Modern-Day Mama by danielle michels

ead of her own PR firm, The Mayfield Group, and mom to three girls under 6 years old, Autumn Mayfield’s schedule is full. We spoke to her about how she makes life run smoothly as a career woman and mom, and keeps her foremost focus on family. GM: How do you balance work life and home life? AM: I’m not sure if there is a true “balance,” but we embrace having a support system in our lives. I also compartmentalize my day between work and home or else I won’t feel like I accomplished either area well. I live by my calendar so a lot of thought goes into the planning for each week. This helps me manage meetings, conference calls, school volunteering, field trips, etc.

Working Mom Tip: Be prepared for lots of curve balls, unplanned challenges and surprises – don’t expect perfection.

GM: What’s a typical weekday look like? AM: I wake up around 5 a.m. so my husband and I can get the girls ready (it’s a full team effort to get the family out the door). Once I drop off the girls at school, I head to my office. I pick up the two younger girls after school and meet the babysitter, who then takes the girls to their after school activities. After a day of work, we switch back into family mode around 5:30 p.m. After homework and dinner together, we have some play time and then begin the bedtime process. Once the girls are down, it’s time to wrap up the day and wind down with a book or TV show. GM: What are some things you’ve had to embrace to be successful in both your family life and career?

Photo by Terri Smith Photo.

AM: I have a great support system in my husband and I believe you have to be OK with engaging help. It takes a village to keep things running in our home, and we have a lot of great support through our childcare. At the office, I’m surrounded by amazing people who work very hard. One of my biggest lessons to date has been to understand you cannot be everything to everyone. So long as we can continue to create a loving environment that builds the kids up with confidence and fosters independent thinking, we are doing OK. We recognize that our family and work lives are full and embrace the chaos, mishaps, lessons learned, laughter and love that go into our everyday journey. ✽ gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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ha p p y family Favorite sports to play/ extracurriculars to do: Our boys are ACTIVE and very diverse in what they like to do. We mostly love to be outside. Exploring our neighborhood or finding a “secret” park is a frequent activity. In the summer you will find everyone in a bathing suit (and swim shirt, giant hat and with sunscreen slathered on for sun protection)! The boys will Slip 'N Slide in the backyard or we will venture out to crash a friend’s pool. In the fall and winter Marc loves to take them traipsing through the woods.

The Inglese Family { Marc, Melissa, Logan (5) and Graham (3) } PHOTOS BY TERRI SMITH PHOTO

Occupation(s): Marc is a dermatologist and partner at Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee. Melissa is a stay-at-home mom. Before deciding to stay home with the kiddos, she worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner and used her PhD in nursing to do research and teach medical residents about palliative care.

enjoyed a good book with the ladder to the treehouse drawn. And she appreciated sipping on her fresh running water…

Favorite family meal: This seems to change often for us! Our most recent ones include take-out from Samrat Indian restaurant. And we love dining outside on the patio at Momo’s.

The kids’ favorite books: “Lego City” books, “Veggie Tales Storybook Bible,” “The Action Bible” and “No, David!”

Favorite date spot: Any “spot” that involves Mommy and Daddy (sans kids) can quickly become a “favorite.” We love trying new places and have a rule for our weekly “date lunch/dinner” that we are not allowed to go to a place we have been before. We recently tried Nefetari’s. Our family is most like: The Robinson family (from Disney’s “Swiss Family Robinson” movie). The Robinson father and their two boys never minded mud, dirt and strange animals. They loved adventure and enjoyed inventing things, and they seemed to always be fighting “pirates.” Meanwhile, back in the tree, Mom wore a skirt and

Movie in our DVD player right now: “How to Train Your Dragon” is in one player and “Scooby-Doo Meets Batman” is in the other.

Mommy and Daddy’s favorite TV shows: We have very different taste when it comes to TV shows, but we do agree on a few and make it a point to wait and watch them only when we are together. “Scandal” and “Downton Abbey” top our list. Websites we love: Thrivingfamily.com, Rageagainsttheminivan.com and Inspiralized.com. This last site is a recent mommy favorite because getting our kids to eat veggies can be a battle…but then I discovered that if it comes in noodle form, they love it!

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Favorite sports to watch: We love to watch our beloved Gators! We both went to college in Gainesville and our family goes back often for football games. Pets: None. Logan will tell you that “Mom is allergic.” Favorite day trip: Get us to the beach! We love St. George Island and Apalachicola and spend as many weekends as we can over there. Favorite picnic spot: Our backyard. Favorite vacation: We often say that since our kids are so young, trips WITH the kids are “adventures” and trips WITHOUT the kids are “vacations.” Our favorite “adventure” this past summer was a big family get-together at Hammock Beach. Our favorite recent “vacations” were to Chicago and Aruba. Favorite family activity: Enjoying a good fire pit, complete with sparklers and s’mores.

What makes my kids laugh: Goofiness gets them every time. We try to be intentional about letting our serious sides go each evening! Funny faces, weird voices, jokes and pranks are common. Wrestling with Daddy can get belly laughs going for sure. Why we love living in Tallahassee: There is a little bit of everything in Tallahassee, and yet it still feels “small town.” Our family is here. And we have nurtured and grown friendships with other families from our local church that allow us to “do life together.” The sense of community is priceless. It would be very hard to leave that. Something we want our children to have that we didn’t have growing up: It is funny because Marc grew up in Tallahassee, while I am from a military family and moved often all over the world. Marc would say that he hopes our kids have unique and exciting worldly experiences, while I would say that I want my kids to cultivate life-long friendships that start early in childhood and result from staying put. First word you think of when we say “family”: Unconditional. There isn’t anything that would stop us from loving one another. Must-have item: A Bible. Without God’s word to teach us about love, forgiveness and grace, and how to do this thing we call life, we would be lost. Three words that describe our family: Blessed. Joyful. Thoughtful. Anything else you want us to know about your family? This past March we spent a stressful month in Gainesville at Shands Hospital with our older son, Logan, while trying to figure out why he was so very sick. We learned that he has a rare autoimmune disorder. He is currently responding to treatment, and is doing well, but we learned some profound lessons while experiencing this life crisis. We learned how precious family is, and how important it is to cherish even the most ordinary moments. We learned how generous and loving our Tallahassee community is and how connected we all actually are. And for that, we are so grateful. ✽ gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

life

L I F E S AV E R S

Travel Tips from Parents Who Have Been There, Done That

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I pack my boys’ clothes in gallon Ziplocs. Pack a whole outfit in one: shirt, shorts, undies and socks. Then you can just grab an outfit without riffling through the whole suitcase. My triplet boys (age 12) are now old enough to pack their own luggage and they still want to do it that way! Pack one of the sets in each kids’ carry-on in case of accidents, spills or lost luggage. -Shirley Baker, mom of 3

BY DANA KAMP

Whether loading the kiddos in the minivan or an airplane, traveling with the family takes special planning (and a whole lot of patience). Use these Lifesavers Travel Tips as a guide for happily getting from Point A to Point B this holiday season.

-Jean Marseille, dad of 3

-Kara Arroyo, mom of 3

-Andreina Borges, mom of 2

-5-

Leave lots of time to get where you’re going in order to keep stress low. Be armed with snacks, diapers and bottles (if applicable). You will encounter people who are kind and sympathetic. You will also encounter people who are rude (including airline staff). Just roll with it. -Jessica Carmen, mom of 2

-6-

Explain to your children what to expect at the airport and on the airplane. Let them know what takeoff and landing are going to be like, that you all may be waiting in long lines when checking in and what is going to happen while going through the security checkpoint. This will alleviate stress (for both parents and children) and squelch your children’s fears of the unknown. -Sayeh Farah, mom of 2

-7-

Make sure to feed your children simple foods, as they may not be used to the bacteria in germs in different places. Meals that have ingredients your kids have eaten before are the best option to guarantee a healthy trip for everyone. You should also make sure the water you drink is always bottled (especially when traveling out of the country) to avoid upset tummies. This applies to the whole family, but especially the sensitive younger bellies! -Marinella Andrade, mom of 3

-3-

Research before you go. Make sure to research your vacation spot and find out if it is kidfriendly by either looking online or calling ahead. Places that provide activities for the children, or even childcare for a few hours, can make the trip more fun and relaxing for the whole family.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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Invest in a portable booster seat like the BubbleBum. It folds flat and makes traveling with little ones (or picking up cousins, friends, etc.) much less complicated. This also makes moving the family from your car to a rental car, taxi or Grandma’s car so much easier! -Giggle Staff Tip, Parents of a lot!

A portable and inflatable booster seat for children weighing between 40 and 100 pounds, the BubbleBum meets all US safety testing standards and folds flat for easy storage. BubbleBum.us and Walmart. $29.99.

Photo courtesy of Bubble Bum. Car icon by Icons8/CC by 3.0. Plane icon by graphberry/CC by 3.0. Boat icon by Freepik/CC by 3.0.

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I'd recommend prepping a list of items to bring that you'll need on a daily basis for the kids or the trip in general. Life is sometimes so hectic that you have to plan well in advance so that you don't wait until the last minute to pack bags. We started a list two months before the trip and added items up until the final days. That helped tremendously.

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Little ones need things to do when traveling. Think of things that interest your child: a favorite character, a favorite animal, coloring, building. Then make or buy some cool toys or activities that they can do on their own. You can always add in the comfort of some of their favorites, but having something new or repurposed will make the experience fun and exciting for them.

t h e pare n t life

life

How to Have a Stress-Free Holiday

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(or as Close as You Can Get!) BY OLIVIA K. PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

The holidays. Those two little words can create tension in your body, and your home, especially if you’re a parent. We put so much pressure on ourselves to give our children the perfect holiday. And let’s face it, when they are really little, they are more fascinated with the tissue paper and bows than what is inside the box. And instead of a beautiful turkey with all the dressings, they’d rather have a peanut butter sandwich. Ahh, the holidays. Let’s change it up this year and have a truly happy holiday. Save yourself a little bit of time and energy with these helpful hints:

Less is More

Keep the decorations simple. You don’t have to set up the porcelain village with the locomotive traveling at full speed through a wintery wonderland in your picture window. Hang a beautiful wreath on the door or place a menorah in the window. Line up the stockings on the mantle and use only the most meaningful ornaments. And don’t stress about getting the perfect tree. Growing up, the funniest looking tree was often the most memorable!

The Hostess with the Mostest (Help)

If your family is celebrating the holiday at your house, the menu can be daunting. Who’s allergic to what, who is on what diet, who likes what food? Make it a potluck. Have everyone bring their favorite or most traditional dish. That way everyone will have something on the table they can eat. If you are hosting a small gathering, use shortcuts when you can. You can steam veggies in a microwaveable bag or purchase a delicious pre-made dessert.

Gift Giving Made Simple

Kids are already writing those letters to Santa and hoping every wish will be fulfilled. Be sure to take a peek at your child’s list and give some ideas to the grandparents. After all, Santa can’t possibly carry all of those toys in his sleigh! When the big day does come, reserve some presents for later in the year so your child doesn’t lose interest in them too quickly. Have a new

baby? Ask your relatives for things you need, such as diapers, formula and other must-haves. How about a preteen or teenager with very specific wants and needs? Grab a few gift cards from his favorite store!

Most importantly, take some time to enjoy the season. Breathe in the aromas, feel a cool breeze on your cheek and be grateful for this time you have with your loved ones. ✽

Take Your Stress Level Down a Notch with Advice from Fellow Mommies “I'm big on the four simple gifts for Christmas: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read.” Natacha Cyran, mommy of 2

“Take time at night to light some candles and put on Mannheim Steamroller’s "Silent Night" and just lie still.” Leslie Costello, mommy of 2

“Don't let the holiday control you. Remember what it's about and why we are celebrating. THAT's what's important. The rest is just details!” Laurie Wohl, mommy of 1

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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j ust th e t w o o f us

Team Up for the Resolution Project BY KELLY GOEDE

Somewhere around 11:52 p.m. on December 31, I usually end up scratching down a few hasty resolutions to boldly attempt to live out for the next year. And somewhere around January 15, when I realize I have yet to cross the threshold of the gym and I’ve eaten my weight in leftover holiday cookies, I also perceive that this may not be the year I actually keep said resolutions. This year, I am enlisting the help of my partner-in-crime (aka my husband Todd) to journey alongside me so we can embark upon a whole new adventure of making and keeping resolutions. Having a fresh, mutually selected goal waiting for us to tackle anew each month kicks boredom to the curb. And as a bonus, we will be linking arms to work through our intentions together.

Here’s our plan, with room built in for inspiration throughout the year.

Romance

We want to remember why we fell in love by syncing our calendars to make sure we have at least one date night every month of the year.

Home Improvement and Spring Cleaning

We will be compiling a list of all the projects, big and small, that have piled up waiting for “honey do” time and tackle them together. We will also clean out the “black holes” of our house (the closets, attic and garage) so (as Todd says) we won’t have to deal with this stuff in 30 years!

Finances

Now that we’re feeling all connected and the house is

We will spend one month each being a cheerleader for each other as we work through what needs to be done.

spruced up, it’s time to make sure we are on the same page financially. We’ll be busting out the budget and working on some short and long term planning.

Education

Health

By now the traditional “resolutionists” will no longer be at the gym, and we can swoop in and snag a treadmill any time we please. Plus swimsuit weather is dangerously close...

Open Inspiration

Time for a chat to see what we need to work on as a couple. This month’s goal can wait for inspiration and become what we need it to be to help us prepare together for the second half of 2015.

Life Check

Time to make sure the proverbial house is in order. Is our will up to date? Do we have enough life insurance? Do we both know all of our bank account information and passwords in case something catastrophic happens?

Personal Goals

By this point in the year, we will both have areas of our lives that need a tune-up.

School will be back in session and it will be time to re-establish good habits for homework, bed time, flossing...a family meeting is in order!

Thinking of Others

Now is when we will begin our Christmas shopping, but we will also be looking for ways to volunteer and serve people in need.

Food

Of course we naturally think of yummy food this time of year, but this year we will spend November trying new recipes and new restaurants. Perhaps the kids can each choose a new fruit or vegetable for us to try.

Traditions

I’m all about making the holidays meaningful and we will focus on doing just that, although we will be discussing the traditions we have throughout the whole year, ensuring that our family is learning and growing from the experiences we provide. ✽

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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g ra n d pare n ts

Parents vs. Grandparents: When Parenting Practices Collide BY KELLY GOEDE

You’ve done it. You’ve become an adult, had kids of your own and are now attempting to parent them. Undoubtedly you’ve cherry picked parenting methods from a variety of sources and are now settled on how you will navigate your babes from infancy through college. All is well until you find yourself at odds with Grandma or Grandpa over your parenting choices. They spanked, you don’t. You provide structure and they don’t. There will probably be at least one issue, if not many, that you will not see eye to eye on with the folks that raised you regarding how to raise your own. Although it would be helpful to have everyone on the same parenting page when grandparents come to visit, a short-term visit might be a time to overlook small discrepancies, especially when it comes to food. My friend Amy’s parents play an active role in her children’s lives, even though it’s in short bursts of time. “My parents tend to feed the kids whatever it takes to get them to ingest food, whereas we typically have a ‘You don’t eat what you are served, then you will be hungry’ attitude,” she shares.

As Amy says, “If my parents do something I don’t agree with, I just make sure the kids know that those kind of things only happen when they are with Grandma and Grandpa and not to expect it on a normal basis.” Sometimes maintaining a good relationship means letting go of small things. Children are savvy little creatures and can differentiate between your policies and Grandma’s.

If you can’t address your concerns prior to the offending behavior, then a discussion (out of earshot of the children) is in order afterward, peppered with grace and kindness and being specific about what you’d like to see happen. Telling Grandma, “We don’t allow Junior to flip over the sofa at our house. I’d like for us all to be on the same page so he will be courteous and safe no matter who is watching him. Please remind him that the sofa is for sitting,” is a great way to politely make your expectations known. And if your child’s safety is on the line (i.e., allowing Junior to ride in the car unbuckled), be firm with your expectations, staying true to what you know will keep your child safe. Above all, if you want the care and discipline of your little ones done a specific way, take the time to have that important (and yes, sometimes awkward) conversation so grandparents and parents will both know what is happening on Grandma’s watch. ✽

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

According to Grandma “If my daughter and I differ on our parenting styles, I would love for her to tell me so we can talk about it. I also want to enjoy my grandchildren and spoil them once in a while. As long as we can agree ahead of time what’s expected, then I will know my limits and try my best to operate within them. And if I overstep my boundaries, remember that I was a parent first and still want to be treated with love and respect when you call me out.” -Patsye Dulmer, grandma of 4

On a recent vacation, when Grandma and Grandpa fed the kids pizza eight out of the 12 nights, it wasn’t worth it to cry foul.

What if Grandma and Grandpa play a daily role? And what if your stylistic differences extend beyond dessert choices? An honest and open conversation is the best route to take, as neither party is a mind reader. If you don’t communicate your expectations with your child’s grandparents, they will have difficulty living up to them.

life

t w o c e nts

Preparing for Their Future: Florida Prepaid Expands Options BY SELENA GARRISON

Big changes have come to the Florida Prepaid program, and these changes can save you thousands of dollars on your child’s college education. Not only are the most popular Florida Prepaid College Plans dropping to their lowest prices since 2007, but approximately 18,000 families who have already invested in Florida Prepaid Plans will also be receiving almost $200 million in refunds! Shannon Colavecchio, spokesperson for Florida Prepaid, shares, “Now is the best time to invest in your child’s college education because we really do have so many options at so many different budget levels.” Additionally, Florida Prepaid is waving the $50 enrollment fee through December 31, 2014, in celebration of the new lower prices and plan offerings. Colavecchio also pointed out that anyone who buys a plan during the enrollment period doesn’t have to make the initial payment until April 2015. There are several plans available, with many different options to fit your budget.

2 Year Florida College Plan

This plan will pay for two years of education at any of the 28 Florida colleges, providing an affordable way to earn an associate’s degree or trade certification. If your child decides to get a four-year degree instead, the value of your plan can be applied at any university or college nationwide.

4 Year Florida College Plan This plan will pay for four years of

education at any of the 28 Florida colleges, many of which have expanded their capabilities to include bachelor’s degree programs in industries such as business, nursing and teaching. The degree offerings expand each year and are usually less expensive than a university education, meaning that this path provides a practical and affordable way to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

2 + 2 Florida Plan

This plan will pay for two years at a Florida college and two years at a state university. This will allow you to save money on your child’s lower-level courses and then transfer to a state university to finish the degree.

1 Year Florida University Plan

This plan provides an affordable way to save for credit hours at a state university. With this plan, you can buy one year of state university credit hours at a time based on your budget and timeline. You can buy one year now and another year later, or you can even have multiple people buy a plan for the same child. For instance, you might buy one year and your child’s grandparents might buy one year. A child can have up to four 1-Year Florida

University Plans and each purchaser can have a separate account. Prices for this plan start at $43 a month.

4 Year Florida University Plan

This is the traditional plan and will pay for four years of education at one of Florida’s 12 prestigious state universities. This plan allows your child to start and finish at a state university, knowing that a bachelor’s degree is waiting at the end of the road.

Florida 529 Savings Plan

The Florida 529 Savings Plan offers complete flexibility. Choose from several investment options, and then contribute as much as you want whenever you want. Each investment option is independently run by professional investment managers.✽

With so many options to choose from, it is time to start planning for the future! For more information, visit MyFloridaPrepaid.com. gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Whether you're decking the halls or hosting a cozy Christmas movie marathon, the holidays are a time for celebrating and creating memories. Our holiday section is full of little treats to make this season the most cheerful ever!

Photo by Terri Smith Photo.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Creative Displays for Your Holiday Cards

by ALE RUSSIAN

Looking for a new and original way to showcase the beautiful holiday cards that will soon fill your mailbox? We have you covered! Here are some fun ways to incorporate the cards and add a personal touch to your festive decorations. Ornaments: Give your Christmas tree a more personal touch and use your holiday cards as ornaments, filling it up with love. Wreath: Arrange the cards in a circle and shape them into a wreath to be hung up and displayed anywhere around your house. Staircase: Tie the cards up the staircase (or along the garland wrapped around the banister) for a fun and colorful way to incorporate it into your holiday décor. Wall display: Use double-sided tape or a string and clothespins to make a Christmas tree of holiday cards on your wall. Doorway: Attach the cards up and around a prominent doorway in your house to draw attention to them in an original way. Kitchen cabinets: Tie a ribbon on your cabinets and arrange the cards vertically to add some holiday flair to the kitchen.

The First Christmas in America BY ALE RUSSIAN

It’s the famous question that surfaced after a team of archeologists found some distinctively old objects in northwest Florida. Was the first Christmas celebrated in America really held in the Tallahassee area? Apparently so! Though there probably wasn’t much celebration involved. Objects discovered at a construction site in 1987 looked important enough for archeologists to be brought in to conduct a search. This led to the discovery of several artifacts dating back to the 16th century. Head archeologist Calvin Jones was able to identify them and proclaimed that they were consistent with reports of Hernando De Soto’s wintry expedition through the area in 1539. Pig bones found throughout the dig are a likely indicator that it was his settlement that established camp in the area. The Spaniards are credited with being the first to bring pigs over to the New World, and they probably made for a tasty Christmas meal among the local fruit and veggies. Although De Soto was in the area in 1539 and had clergymen with him and the means to celebrate Christmas, it wouldn’t have been a happy affair. The settlement of over 600 people was under constant

attack by the nearby Apalachee tribe. The tribe was unhappy with the way the Spaniards were treating them. De Soto’s settlement spent the better part of the few months in the area under siege by the Native Americans. This meant Christmas was likely celebrated by a simple mass and was more of a religious observance. The holiday was not as popular in this era, and mass was most likely held more out of obligation than celebration. It is likely tradition was followed and that a midnight as well as morning mass was held to commemorate the occasion. Although it is impossible to know for certain, all evidence points to Tallahassee being the area where the first Christmas was celebrated in America! The site in question is under process to be recognized as a national landmark and is commemorated by a small museum displaying the objects found. This makes for the perfect opportunity to plan a family outing to the area to celebrate this historic local landmark during the holiday season!

For more details, check out News.discovery.com and America’s First Christmas’ Facebook page at Facebook.com/933bert1. gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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1. First Snow Gift Set, $64.95; Lushusa.com 2. Miniemergency® Kit For Her, $16; Sephora 3. Metallic Ribbed Hair Bands, $11; Sephora 4. Makeup Brush Set, $16.50; Icing 5. Milk & Honey® Lip Scrub, $12; Shop.milkandhoneyspa.com 6. New Charity Pot, $25.95; Lushusa.com 7. Bluetooth Droplet Speaker, $75; Uncommongoods.com 8. Holiday Coffret, $98; Diptyqueparis.com 9. MitoQ Anti-Aging Facial Cream, $119; MitoQ.com 10. Orla Kiely Makeup Bags (set of 3), $16.99; Target 11. Lip Fixation Lip Stain and Gloss, $30; Shop.janeiredale.com 12. Milk & Honey® Body Cream, $32; Sore Muscle Soak, $24; Hydrating Scrub, $38; Shop.milkandhoneyspa.com 13. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel™, Style Maker and Red Eye, $7.99.;Target

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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Holiday WISH WISH LIST LIST

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Gifts for Him

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1. Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls, $44.99-dozen; Play It Again Sports 2. William & Lamb Ties, $60; Southern Compass 3. Zebra Wood Troubadours w/Mic, $149.99; Lstnheadphones.com 4. Lyve Home Mobile Intelligent Storage Device, $299; Mylyve.com 5. William & Lamb iphone Case, $40; Southern Compass 6. Mighty Mug速 Travel Mug, $14.99; Bed Bath & Beyond 7. Sugarfina Bringing Home the Bacon Giftset, $25; Sugarfina.com 8. Swell Water Bottle, $35; Swellbottle.com 9. William & Lamb Key Fob, $14; Southern Compass 10. Bucket Boss CAMO Tool Bag, $29.99; Sears (tools not included.) gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

2014

Holiday WISH LIST

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Tweens & Teens

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1. Scribble Stuff Puzzle Erasers, $1.99; Mass retailers 2. The Polaroid Z2300, Starting at $199; Photojojo.com 3. I Choose Happy Pillow, $22; Bashfulbliss.com 4. “BLOOM: A Girl’s Guide to Growing Up Gorgeous”, $20; Penguin.com 5. Punked Longboards Skateboard, $99.99; Play It Again Sports 6. Easton Mako Torq Bat, Starting at $349.99; Play It Again Sports 7. National Geographic Oceans, $24.99; Laserpegs.com 8. SOL REPUBLIC - PUNK Wireless Speaker, $69.99; Solrepublic.com 9. Plattan Headphones, $59.90; Urbanears.com 10. iPad Foosball, $100; Uncommongoods.com 11. Carnivorous Creations Plants, $24.99; Shop.dunecraft.com 12. Beadola Bead Maker, $24.99; Crayola.com 13. Pumpkin Pie Earrings, $12.00; sucresucreminiatures.etsy.com 14. Mini Hipster, $50; Verabradley.com 15. Monogrammed Tumbler, $16 (includes vinyl); That’s Mine Monogramming

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

2014

Holiday WISH LIST

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1. Out of Print - Corduroy Kid’s Tee, $20; Outofprintclothing.com 2. Doodle Quest - The Deep Sea Adventure Game, $24.99; Blueorangegames.com 3. eco-dough®, 19.99; Rodales.com 4. Ulubulu Silicone Baby Bib, $9.99; Ulubulu.com 5. Little Tikes 2-in-1 Cozy Coupe Shopping Cart Cover, $24.99; Us.diono.com/littletikes 6. Goodnight iPad Book, $15.99;. Penguin.com 7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles® Half-Shell Heroes, $12.99; Target 8. Snoopy Sno Cone Maker, $12.99; Target 9. Dsenyo “Little Friends” Handmade Doll, $24.00; Dsenyo.com 10. Kinetic Sand Beach Box Set, $19.99; Mass retailers 11. Razor Party Pop Scooter, $43.99; Razor.com 12. Glide & Go Balance Bike®, $47.99; Radioflyer.com 13. Melissa and Doug Order Up Diner Play Set, $29.95; Melissaanddoug.com gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

2014

Holiday WISH LIST

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Gifts for Her

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1. Arrow Necklace, $26; Twelvesaturdays.com 2. Sugarfina Sugar Mama Giftset, $25; Sugarfina.com 3. Large Bourbon and Boweties Bangle, $44; Cole Couture 4. Vermeil “Mini’s” Charms, Starting at $55; Isabellegracejewelry.com 5. Burt’s Bees Endless Shine Trio, $9.99; Target 6. Sideline Infinity Scarf, $18; Twelvesaturdays.com 7. Varsity Bracelet, $22; Twelvesaturdays.com 8. Scented Bijou Candle, Pink Bellini, lg $32, White Lilac, sm $10; Bijoucandles.com 9. Smell Well Aromatherapy Handmade Eyeglass/Sunglass Case, $6.95; Smellwell.etsy.com 10. Military Inspired Coat, $72; Cole Couture 11. “Promise Me” Bracelet, Brass, $59.95; Anchormebracelet.com

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

2014

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WISH LIST

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Home & Lifestyle

actual size!

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1. Olive Server, $45; Uncommongoods.com 2. NextTrend 3rd Generation Green Garlic Twist, $22.99; Amazon.com 3. Thresholdâ&#x201E;˘ Serving Bowl, $3.99 each; Target 4. William & Lamb Note Cards, $16; Southern Compass 5. Thresholdâ&#x201E;˘ French Bulldog Cookie Jar, $19.99; Target 6. William & Lamb Dog Collar, $30; Southern Compass 7. Nate Burkus Dog Tape Dispenser, $12.99; Target 8. The New York Times 36 hours, USA & Canada, $39.99; Taschen. com 9. Florida State University Collegiate Celebrations Platter and Logo Mini Attachment, $66.90; Coton-colors.com 10. Strawberry Preserves, $4.65; Bradley's Country Store 11. Lofty Pursuits Hard Candy, $4; Lofty Pursuits 12. Mini Gurgle Pot, Sweet Blue 13. The Plantation China-Bowls, Set of 4, $140; The Plantation China-Chargers, Set of 4, $240; Wmlambandson.com gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Sugar

Chocolate Chip

Oatmeal Raisin

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut

Peanut Butter

Double Chocolate Chip

Peppermint

Snickerdoodle

milk & cookies

Whether you are leaving cookies for Santa or attending your first cookie exchange, these bite-size treats are a staple for any festive celebration. Here are some of our all-time classic holiday favorites to get you started! Holiday Inspired cookie by The Bearkery Bakery.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Holiday Inspired

WIN a Big Fred cookie

from The Bearkery Bakery! Visit gigglemag.com to enter!

KEEPING THE HOLIDAY STRESS (AND SPENDING!) UNDER CONTROL BY DANIELLE MICHELS

hile most people can agree they love the holiday season (the carols, cookies and traditions), it’s also common for the sheer stress of gift purchasing to turn the jolliest of jinglers into Scrooges. To avoid getting harried and frustrated this holiday season, try putting some of these gifting guidelines in place:

Set an age and price limit

Holiday stress takes on a whole new meaning when you come from a large family. Whether it’s tons of nieces and nephews or multiple siblings, gift purchasing can get out of hand very quickly.

One rule my grandparents, aunts and uncles established was that the kids stop getting gifts after turning 18. Since all the children are spread out in age (we range from 3-years-old to 25-years-old), this has kept gift giving under control as the family tree has expanded over the years. We also have a price rule: No one spends more than $20 per niece, nephew or grandchild. Your family can set your own restrictions, but when you have children that both you (and Santa) have to give gifts to, you’ll be happy you have a limit in place.

Distinguish gift levels between family and friends

Now that you have the kids’ gifts under control, what about the in-laws and best friends that are practically family?

There are other occasions for individual gifts (birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day), so rather than buy two gifts for Christmas, buy one gift couples can use and enjoy together. Think gift card to their favorite restaurant in town or a Harry & David gift basket with some nice wine. When it comes to friends, think of the few that are your can-come-over-unannounced, talk-almost-every-day friends. Those are the ones for which you buy holiday gifts. If you happen to be someone that runs in a big circle, try putting together a fun event in lieu of gifts like an ornament, cookie or holiday recipe exchange. I’m sure many of your friends will be on board if they also have a too-long list of gifts to buy.

Help your children create a "structured" list

Have them list three things under each chosen category. For example, use “Something I want,” “Something I need” and “Something I would like to give to another child” (another little boy or girl his age). This strategy keeps a list concise, and your children will learn that not everything on their lists will be under the tree. It gives you an opportunity to teach the difference between a “want” and a “necessity,” and it teaches them about giving to those who are less fortunate. ✽

Cr ea ti ve Id ea s to Kee p G if ts in Ch ec k ➜ With your family

“Secret Santa” gift exchange with all the adults so everyone receives a gift, and it makes for a fun new tradition!

➜ Coworkers

If baking is your forte, making little treat baggies with cookies or chocolate pretzel bites for everyone keeps costs and shopping time down. If you’re not as skilled in the kitchen, even a $5 gift card to Starbucks with a note saying “For a drink on me” makes for a sweet gift.

➜ Kids in the extended family Have the kids choose

a magazine they like and buy them a one-year subscription. My mom did this for my cousins, and it was fun to see them move from Highlights in grade school to Seventeen and Teen Vogue.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Advent Trees {

{

The Christmas countdown has begun! Our easy and festive advent calendars are a fun way to add a special personal touch to the holiday season. creative by giggle magazine

Create a Christmas countdown Start by gluing festive craft paper, found at any local craft store, into the shape of cones. Hide little pieces of candy underneath the numbered cone trees. Lift one cone each day to build the anticipation for Christmas to arrive. This winter wonderland theme provides the perfect amount of holiday shimmer and cheer.

litt Hide a

! ree

t beneath each trea t le

This adorable advent wreath tree is decorated with mini advent calendar boxes! To begin this fun tradition, fill each box with jewelry, candy or a small trinket and give your child one present each day until Christmas arrives. Small jewelry boxes found at Michaels. Star and tree skirt made of burlap.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

New Holiday Reading Favorites Your family traditions will remain as some of your children’s greatest memories. Start a new tradition this year with these interactive holiday stories. BY REBECCA VITKUS

“My Snowman and Me” by Leann Smith

Geared toward younger children, this story introduces the magical wonder of building a snowman and watching him

come to life. The book includes your child’s first snowman toy, available for playtime no matter the weather.

“Roaming Reindeer” by

Angela Meju

Meet two of Santa’s trusty reindeer helpers who have come to find out who’s been naughty and nice! One stays around while the other reports to Santa, but come Christmas Eve, they both leave to help Santa deliver gifts.

“The Magic Christmas Key” by Leann Smith

Embark on a Christmas adventure with Andy as he meets Santa and receives the Magic Christmas Key.

Give children their very own Magic Christmas Keys to remind them that all things are possible when they believe.

“Kippah Kantor” by

Channel Countdown to Christmas!

“The Hope Tree” by

Cindy HAuk

Children will enjoy befriending their very own Kippah Kantor, a doll (boy or girl) who arrives

whenever a good deed, or “mitzvah,” is performed. The Kippah Kantor is a great Hanukkah tradition to incorporate into your holiday.

Leann Smith

In the town of Hope, Jacob is discouraged by the busy townspeople’s lack of Christmas spirit. After the treetop star was lost, all traditions were forgotten. Can Jacob remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas?

Dreidel We Shall Play

BY ALE RUSSIAN | CREATIVE BY GIGGLE MAGAZINE

Spinning the dreidel is a fun part of the traditional Hanukkah celebration! Dreidels are four-sided spinning tops inscribed with the Hebrew letters ‫( נ‬nun), ‫( ג‬gimel), ‫( ה‬hei) and ‫( ש‬shin). Together these make an acronym for a saying that translates to “A great miracle happened there.” According to the Jewish faith, when the Jews were hiding from the Greeks in caves learning about their religion, teachers would tell the children to put their scrolls away and take out the dreidels when soldiers were approaching.

How to Play The game starts with every player putting a piece into the pot and spinning the dreidel. The pieces can be anything but are typically gelt, or chocolate coins, and the letter that lands face up tells you what to do: Nun – Nothing happens Gimel – Player gets all the pieces in the pot Hei – Player gets half of what is in the pot Shin – Player has to put a piece in the pot

PAINT YOUR OWN DREIDEL Using wooden dreidels and acrylic (washable!) paint, we painted our own unique dreidels for some family fun with a personal touch! Happy Hanukkah!

Hallmark Channel has commenced Countdown to Christmas, its annual lineup of 24/7 holiday programming, providing families with Christmas movies all day and all night. Since November 1, the channel has been airing continuous holiday films with titles like “The Santa Suit” and “Naughty or Nice.” The 12 New Movies of Christmas has also returned this year, a series in which new Christmasthemed films premiere each Saturday and Sunday night. Cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa and find your family’s new favorite Christmas flick!

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

health

g et prett y Londyn Bracelet This bangle bracelet is crafted from metal and designed with a golden glamour to be a simple yet sophisticated accessory. $29, Chico’s.

Jenn Gold Necklace This doublestrand, golden necklace with textured metal medallions is perfect for layering with other festive jewelry for a glamorous holiday look. $55, Chico’s.

LIMITED EDITION Warm Glow Eye Palette This golden palette for the eyes, wrapped in a classic croc inspired case, features nine decadent shades of soft nudes, gilded golds and warm browns, that are perfect for the holiday season and after! $75, Bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

BY DANA KAMP AND REBECCA VITKUS

'Tis the season to sparkle and shine! Check out these glitzy winter accessories, perfect for adding just the right amount of festive holiday flair to any outfit. LIMITED EDITION Lip Color With their elegant gold cases, these lush lip colors are timeless and yet modern and can be worn day or night. $28 each, Bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

Sinful Colors “All About You” Nail Color Whether worn alone or layered over another polish, this sheer, golden color adds just the right amount of glitz to your glamorous look. $1.99, Walgreens and other mass retailers. Quintessence Scarf in Countess Taupe This open-weave scarf is textured with a foil shimmer and striped with neutral accents, perfect for a casual lunch or a night on the town. $49, Chico's.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Eye Shere Liquid Eye Shadow in Gold Silk This sheer liquid shadow will not crease or smear and helps to hide shadows and veins on the eyelid. $17, Janeiredale.com.

Bobbi Brown product photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown. Other photos by Giggle Magazine.

Quince Ring Made of golden metal with a subtle texture, this ring is ideal for holiday festivities but can remain as a style staple all year long. $35, Chico’s.

24k Gold Dust Perfect for highlighting eyes, cheeks, lips, body or even hair! The powder is created from mica and provides just enough shimmer. $38, Janeiredale.com.

health

g et h ealt h y

{The Parent Checkup}

Start 2015 Off Healthy! BY APRIL TISHER

As parents, we put our children before ourselves every day. We dutifully take them to the pediatrician for their well checks and to the dentist for teeth cleanings. When it comes to us, though, we just aren’t as committed. It’s hard to take the extra time off work or to get a sitter to watch the little ones so we can go to the doctor for our own checkups. Theologian Desiderius Erasmus said it best when he said, “Prevention is better than cure.” Even most insurance programs cover preventative care at a greater discount than any acute care visit. It is often covered at 100 percent, which is even more of a reason to make sure we are proactive in taking care of our health! After all, it is much easier to be good parents when we feel healthy and our bodies are working properly. Dr. Greg Bailey of Women’s Pelvic Health agreed that checkups with your doctor are a key to staying on top of your health.

“Despite our advances in medicine and technological diagnostics, they just cannot replace annual visits and tests such a pap smears and cancer screenings. These are vital to the prevention and early detection of greater problems," Bailey explained. Here are some guidelines for appointments you should make AND KEEP for yourself and your spouse this year: Primary Care Physician/Internal Medicine/General Practitioner — Your insurance may require you to have a PCP as the gatekeeper to any specialist you might need. Even if yours does not, you should

Giggle Tip! still see this type of provider once a year for your own well check. They will also do routine lab work and screening for diabetes, cholesterol levels and other issues. You can also get necessary vaccinations from this appointment as well (think flu, tetanus, etc.). Men should have a PSA blood test to screen for prostate issues, along with their annual exam. Gynecologist/Obstetrician — If you are a woman, you need to go see one of these every year, whether you are pregnant (or trying to become pregnant) or not. Some practitioners have office visit recommendations of differing lengths according to your age, but it is important to have pap smears, breast and pelvic exams and screenings on a routine basis, so discuss your personal wellness exam schedule with your doctor. Dentist — You should get bi-annual cleanings and oral exams. Those six months seem to fly by, but it is important to stay on top of dental health as it is related to so many other body functions. Dermatologist — If you have fair skin or a family history of skin cancer, this should be an annual visit, and it’s a good idea for everyone. In Florida, we have year-round sun exposure so don’t question anything that looks off. Get it checked out right away! ✽

Make next year’s routine appointment before you leave the office this year. Well-care appointments often fill up fast!

As you age, there are a few more specific procedures you should add to your list. Talk with your doctor about the need for the following: Mammogram Your primary care physician or OBGYN can explain the importance of a mammogram and how often you should have one, according to your personal and family medical history. Colonoscopy Nobody likes to talk about this, but along with yearly fecal occult blood tests, it is an important screening tool for colon cancer. Ophthalmologist Exam Unless you are having trouble with your vision, you may not think about this exam, but it is important to remember to check the health of your eyes as you age. Bone Density Scan Talk to your doctor about how soon you should get your baseline. Your doctor will recommend future appointments according to your needs. *Please consult your physician for specific recommendations for your personal healthcare.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

health

g e t m o v ing

7 Outdoor Winter Activities by REBECCA VITKUS

holiday sweets you eat later will taste even better when you know you’ve remembered your wintertime exercise. • Bring a stack of winter-themed books and a blanket big enough for everyone to have story time in the open air. Kids can use their imaginations to dream of sledding down hills and building snowmen, even when there’s not a snowflake in sight. • Ride around the city, with the car windows down, in search of the biggest and brightest holiday light displays. Wrap everyone in furry blankets and socks as you tour the town’s most festive decoration displays. Make note of the best ones to revisit next year! As tempting as it may be to keep the kids indoors when the temperature drops, the winter weather is only here for a moment, and it is meant to be enjoyed! Take a break from video games and holiday movie marathons to bask in the briskness of the cool outdoors.

• Cooler weather doesn’t provide an excuse for you to stop being active, and it certainly doesn’t drain kids of all their energy. To keep everyone feeling merry and bright, go for a family bike ride in the fresh outdoors. The gingerbread cookies and other

• Emphasize the importance of generosity. Take a walk around the block and deliver warm baked goods to your neighbors and friends to bring holiday cheer to both your family and theirs. ✽

Keep warm and cozy in the winter weather!

With skies that change from sunny to gray and back to sunny all in one afternoon, layering is an important part of wintertime warmth. Wearing many layers of clothing allows for both adults and children to adapt to changing temperatures. Remember, body heat escapes through the head, so be sure to bring cute winter hats to wear. Mittens will help prevent frozen hands, and scarves serve a purpose that is both pretty and practical. Keep hair and hands dry, be aware of signs of frostbite and hypothermia and remember to know when the weather is too frigid for your family fun.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

• Pack a picnic, and take a hike! The chilly weather this time of year provides the perfect atmosphere for enjoying nature and its wintertime scenery. Be sure to pack a warm lunch filled with nutritious treats, and don’t forget the thermoses of hot apple cider to warm everyone from the inside out.

• Host a holiday lighting ceremony to show off your hard work. After all the effort your family puts into creating a holiday masterpiece, it deserves to be displayed! Set up a hot chocolate bar and invite your friends and neighbors to join you as you premiere your decorations and illuminate your house for the holidays.

• Enjoy the dog days of — winter! Gather your whole family to take Spot for an afternoon stroll. Everyday activities, like walking the dog or raking the leaves, become more exciting and enjoyable when the air is crisp, so make the most of the season by turning average routines into cheerful memories.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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WITH GIGGLE?

1 INCREASE YOUR REVENUE 2 STRENGTHEN BRAND IDENTITY

3 WE ARE TARGETED TOWARD YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMER

After enjoying 5 years of success in our flagship location, Giggle Magazine has come to the Greater Tallahassee area! With award-winning design and valuable parenting information, we will get your business in front of those who make the purchasing decisions for the family...women.

Upcoming issues February/March.................Reservation Date 12/19 April/May............................Reservation Date 2/27

want to learn more about

how to get involved? “Hi, I’m Jessica! I’m a native Tallahassee resident with a passion for local businesses. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help your business grow!”

Jessica Kerr Account Executive 850.543.4328 jessica@irvingpublications.com

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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happy home

M A K E I T. F I X I T. C L E A N I T.

Beyond the Sink: Unique Uses for the Everyday Sponge BY REBECCA VITKUS

2 Rub away the lint. Use a damp, wrung-out sponge to clean fabric with a quick swipe and remove any lint, pet fur and other unwanted clothing cling-ons.

By soaking a sponge in a mixture of hot water and fabric softener, the sponge can be used to wipe over wallpaper and remove its adhesive more easily.

Dry hard-to-reach items.

Help remove inflexible wallpaper.

Secure a flexible sponge to a ruler using rubber bands to wipe away the moisture at the bottom of vases, glasses and other items with openings too small for your hands.

Stop the soap. Place a sponge in your bath or shower to act as a holder and prevent your soap from slipping. By allowing the soap to dry, the sponge also increases the life of the cleanser.

Raking, sweeping and mopping can be a pain, especially on hands. Attach a bendable sponge to the handle of a rake, broom or mop using rubber bands to provide a more pleasant grasp.

Start the sprouting process.

To speed seed development, implant the seeds into a damp sponge and place them in a glass bowl in an area that receives sunlight. When sprouts begin forming, plant the seeds in soil, placing a sponge underneath to retain moisture.

Relieve the pain of tender teeth. Cut off a piece of a new sponge and moisten it with antibacterial mouthwash, then place it in your mouth to help diminish the agony of a toothache. *ADULTS ONLY

Give a gentle grip.

9 Apply sunblock without the stickiness. Use a sponge to apply sunblock onto yourself and the kids and prevent skin irritation without having to deal with the slippery hands and greasy mess.

Secure your fragile items. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to pack the ornaments back into their boxes or move to a new home, place damp sponges between items to prevent breaking. As the sponge dries, it adds extra defense by taking the form of the items.

10 Seal a card in an envelope. Stop licking envelopes to fasten them shut and start using a damp sponge to quickly moisten the paper and seal it closed.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

happy home

ORGANIZED CHAOS How should we save/organize the holiday décor from year to year?

len... e H r a e D

It’s time to take control if goblins, turkeys and Santas have overrun your household. You know what to do first. Purge. Purge again. If you want the memories of all those cute but no longer loved school holiday ornaments, take photos for a special scrapbook. Toss broken trinkets or move them to an arts and crafts basket for use with a new project. Donate “tired” items to a thrift store. Then review your inventory of heirlooms and current keepers. Write about the history of these decorations in a family album if you have time. Dust or wash the ornaments that need a little TLC to look their best. Once you have a room decorated just the way you like it, take photos. Store the components together with the photos and you will cut down on your decorating time next year.

Queries from the Curious {HOLIDAY EDITION!} BY helen kornblum

What are your tips for organizing shoes/coats/hats, etc., at the entry from the garage to the house?

Internet sources for ideas include MarthaStewart.com under entryway organizing, Familyhandyman.com and Pinterest, which has an assortment of clever and practical solutions. If your space is cramped, consider a coat tree and a bin for shoes. If you have some leeway, look at the various Closet Maid, Elfa and Ikea units. Metal or sturdy plastic shelf units anchored to the wall for safety would work, as would adjustable wall shelving. Used furniture stores, thrift shops and even a dispensable piece of furniture in your house are sources for mudroom furnishings. (Think television entertainment center here.) Do you remember your old high school locker? Modern versions are pricey, but cheap vertical bookcases painted in bright colors would be original and fun. Anything goes in the garage as long as it does the job.

Original ornament boxes give extra protection, even more so when stored together inside a larger container. Many stores sell specialty containers to hold glass balls, wreaths and other standard size decorations. Keep the instructions for setting up the artificial tree in its protective box or bag. Put labels on even the clear plastic tubs to identify the contents quickly. If you’re storing wrapping paper, identify one pattern exclusively for Santa’s use. Santa deserves his own “brand” in an age when skeptics might question his very existence! Estimate your paper, ribbon and tag supplies so you don’t overbuy in the face of tempting sales. No sense having to store more than you could possibly use up. Package the paper supplies well, especially if they are headed to a non-temperature controlled area such as the garage. ✽

Happy (organized) Holidays!

 Helen Kornblum is a life coach and organizer. Find her at CoachandOrganizer.com. Her specialty is coaching teens and young adults who have ADHD or ADD.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Given that most homeowners enter the house through the garage, a makeshift mudroom will corral clutter. Whether you choose a high-end unit designed to exact specifications or a DIY project, the common elements include a sturdy bench with baskets or bins underneath for shoes, backpacks or packages; and hooks, pegs, knobs or double ceiling hooks for coats and hats. The configuration is often finished with a shelf or two for seasonal equipment and supplies.

Replace burned out bulbs before you pack rope lights. Coil the lights on your forearm the way you would wind a long extension cord. Pass the two ends around the coil, and then plug them into each other to hold the coil in place. Cushion the coils using sheets of thin bubble wrap. Note the number of coils on the outside of the storage box.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

forks & spoons

i n t h e fri d g e

Simplify Your Holiday Breakfast BY REBECCA VITKUS

Good Morning Casserole Submitted by Lori Sullivan

This Christmas casserole can be prepared in advance so you don’t miss a moment of present time. Ingredients: 5 ½ - 7 ½ cups of bread, cut into cubes (Feel free to mix wheat and white.) 8 large eggs 1 pound of pork or turkey sausage

3 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups of milk ¼ cup of butter, melted 2 teaspoons of garlic powder 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of pepper The day before: Place bread cubes into a large baking dish. (Note to chef: Day-old bread works best; cube the bread and allow to dry out on counter or in a cool oven before assembling the casserole.) Brown the sausage and drain on a paper

towel to cool. Place the cool sausage on top of the bread in the dish. Mix the eggs, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Once combined, add in the cheese. Pour mixture over the sausage/bread. Be sure that all the bread is wet with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning: Preheat oven to 360 degrees. Place covered casserole in the oven for 55 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes until top is firm to the touch.

Try these simple breakfast set-ups to avoid craziness in the kitchen and allow more time for Christmas cuddles.

Give a gourmet breakfast gift. By placing a few muffins, crepes or scones in a tin foil box and adding festive wrapping paper, those homemade treats make a delicious and beautiful gift!

Add a festive flavor to your coffee cup. Peppermint, gingerbread and cinnamon spice are just a few of the many options available for adding a hint of the holidays to your ‘tisthe-season brew.

Hanukkah breakfast? Doughnuts will do! On this holiday, fried food is our friend, so join in the festivities by simply providing a choice between various flavors of doughnut holes.

• Make your ordinary breakfast into a festive feast! Use Christmas cookie cutters to pour in pancake batter prepared the day before for a quick and cheerful pancake plate. • Put a twist on your holiday tradition by placing storebought cinnamon rolls in your waffle maker. • Start your Christmas morning with festive, Frostyinspired food! Let the kids join in the fun by transforming their bagel and cream cheese into a special snowman. Make sure to include raisin eyes, blueberry buttons and pretzel stick hats. • Ditch the fruitcake and just eat the fruit. Use a toothpick to join a green grape, a banana slice, a strawberry and a mini marshmallow to create the grouchiest kabob in all of Whoville! • For another fun fruit idea, alternate sliced bananas and strawberries on a plate to form a candy cane.

forks & spoons

lunch b o x

What Local Chefs Pack in Their Kids' Lunch Boxes by LISA KATZ

Wouldn’t it be interesting to know what an actual chef packs for his or her children’s lunches? Three local chefs gave us a peek into their lives as everyday moms or dads packing a typical lunch box.

Knight shared a recipe for a healthy twist on a not-so-healthy sandwich.

Chef Nathan Knight

The Front Porch

Kool Beanz

The Front Porch is a unique restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating spaces. It is additionally unique in that this casually elegant restaurant is dog friendly. In fact, Executive Chef Katie Spetman often makes homemade organic dog treats for your lovable pooch!

Kool Beanz Cafe was ranked the #1 restaurant in Tallahassee last year by Tripadvisor.com. Executive Chef Nathan Knight and his family love to eat out and have been playing “The Food Adventurer” game since their daughter was very young. The goal was to avoid her becoming a picky eater. The Food Adventurer tries everything at least twice. As a result of this cute game, his daughter will eat onions, mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, peppers, tomatoes, pickles and all types of meat. Mission accomplished!

Spetman creates what she calls “Gulf Coast Cuisine,” buying locally sourced fish and shopping with local farmers for all of the organic vegetables. Spetman typically packs leftovers from their dinners at home for her daughter’s lunch for elementary school. On occasion, she will pack one of her homemade soups in a heatproof thermos. Her favorites are chicken noodle soup or chili. Along with a hot main dish, Spetman always includes some fruit or raw vegetables as well as water to drink. “I never send dessert or anything with sugar in it. I believe that if a child is never offered bad foods they won't crave them. We try to save sugary things for celebratory occasions – not everyday snacking.”

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Knight makes various types of noodles or even hot dogs for his daughter’s lunch and feels that you can sneak in a few healthy ingredients with a pasta dish. Often he will make grass-fed beef meatballs, add locally grown Marconi peppers and arugula, mustard greens or kale and then mix them together with a roasted tomato sauce.

Chef Knight's Sweet Sandwich

Place sliced strawberries, strawberry jam, a few slices of Haas avocado and a spoonful of Nutella between two slices of bread. Place the sandwich in a sandwich presser to seal the edges and warm through.

Chef Katie Spetman

forks & spoons

d elis h

"Souper" Slow Cooker Favorites BLACK BEAN SOUP {Submitted by Bilinda Rountree} Ingredients:

One pound dried black beans, rinsed Two boxes liquid chicken or veggie broth Two Spanish diced onions One fresh clove of garlic, minced One teaspoon cumin One teaspoon dried cilantro

So r e rg Cheesebu

• • • • • •

Directions:

hours on high. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker for 6-8 cilantro. and toes toma Serve with sour cream, diced fresh

TASTY TIPS! For a thicker sauce or gravy, dredge meat in flour before adding to your slow cooker. Add dairy products, such as sour cream, during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Easy conversion! One hour on high equals roughly 2 hours on low. Meats and firm vegetables should go on the bottom layer. They will cook faster and be more tender.

CHEESEBURGER SO {Submitted by THERESA BURAU BAEHRUP } Ingredients: • ¾ pound ground beef • ¾ cup chopped onion s (Frozen chopped onions from the grocer’s freezer section are great.) • ¾ cup shoestring or thi nly sliced car rots • 1 teaspoon basil • 1 teaspoon parsley • 3 cups chicken broth • 4 cups diced and peele d potatoes • 3 tablespoons butter • 2 cups cubed yellow cheese • 1 cup milk

Soups and stews are the perfect comfort food for a cold winter evening!

• ¼ cup sour cream • 2 tablespoons flour • Salt and pepper to tas te Directions: Brown ground beef and put in slow cooker (or place frozen precooked ground beef in slow coo ker). Melt butter in the microwave and stir in flour. Put flour mixtu re and remaining ing redients, except for car rots and sour cream , in slow cooker. Cook on high for two hours, then reduce to low and cook for two more hours, putting car rots in slow cooker for the las t hour. Before serving, stir in sou r cream.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

learn

h o m e sch o o l c o rn e r

Gameschooling! BY TARA GRIFFIN

Last night, right before bed, my daughter asked, "Mommy? Will you play a game with me?" My girl knows my sweet spot. The result? I pushed back bedtime and recruited the whole family to play a house-rules, double-dice version of Chutes and Ladders. The game was her pick. Was it the most educational game choice? No. Did the kids learn anything? Absolutely. There are so many benefits of board gaming with your children. With our busy, tech-consumed lives, just taking quality time to spend with your kids is enough of a benefit, but many games offer a variety of teaching opportunities in math, language arts, logic, history, science and a variety of life skills including organization, memory and map-reading.

What I love even more are the social skills: communication, taking turns, being a good winner and a good loser, and the values and ethics involved in playing by the rules (and NOT playing by the rules). In our homeschool, we include games regularly into our curriculum, often in place of actual bookwork. The fun factor expands the learning opportunities exponentially.

Learning strategy with chess

Learning is defined as "the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study or by being taught." Game-based learning is proving to be an effective strategy in modern education because the brain acquires skills more easily when the student is engaged and happy. Happy Gaming! ✽ Learning history with Settlers of Catan

A game doesn't need to be labeled "educational" to be an excellent tool for learning. Here are some of our current favorites: Math, Logic, Memory

Seven Wonders

History, Logic, Strategy

Zeus on the Loose

History, Strategy, Math

Ticket to Ride

History, Logic, Strategy

Settlers of Catan

History, Strategy, Logic

Gobblet Gobblers

Strategy, Logic

Sequence Numbers

Math, Strategy

Scrabble

Spelling, Strategy, Math

Apples to Apples

Reading, General Knowledge

Scattergories

Language Arts, General Knowledge

Rhyme Out

Language Arts, General Knowledge

Monopoly

Decision Making, Finance

Giggle Staff Favorite!

➜ Tara Griffin is a homeschool mother of two and the creative force behind Vintagewinnie.com.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Learning math with Zeus on the Loose

Looking for something new? Try

a cooperative game. In addition to the gaming benefits, cooperative games, like Hoot Owl Hoot! or Forbidden Island, are relationshipbuilding, too.

Sleeping Queens

learn

family l e arning

Turning Your Child's Obsession into Education

Little League, he can learn how baseball was invented and all the greats who have played. If your daughter loves basketball, she can learn how her favorite activity started by throwing balls into peach baskets.

BY ALLEN HAYNES

Comic Books

Two words: Superhero party. Have Mom or Dad dress up as the villain and your kids as their favorite superheroes – real or made up – and recreate their favorite comic book scene in the backyard. Your kids can learn arts and crafts skills by making forts or “POW!” signs to hold over Dad’s head as they save the day. Kiddos can also enhance their puzzle-solving mind skills by having to answer the villain’s three riddles in order to advance in the story and be the hero. Our children will always have something they love and obsess over. Whether it’s through science, art, toys or physical activities, finding fun ways to expand your kids’ knowledge about their interests will show them you care about what makes them happy, and may also help them appreciate the interest even more. ✽

hen I was a kid, I loved everything ninja-related. My favorite show was “Power Rangers.” My favorite movie was “3 Ninjas.” And my favorite activity was telling my brother, “Let me try this move on you. It will be awesome. I promise.” My parents wisely channeled this obsession into learning experiences. They enrolled me in karate classes and bought me books about martial arts. And while I never did become a Power Ranger, I did learn a lot about self-discipline because my parents saw an opportunity to transform my interest into education. Below are some easy ways to do the same for your children’s passions.

history of Elsa and Anna’s adventure. Did you know “Frozen” is actually inspired by an older fairy tale called “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen? Read them that story and ask them to explain the differences. You can also expand their geographic knowledge by searching Google images under “Frozen landscapes” and seeing where the story might take place in real life.

Frozen

Sports

If you read this magazine, you have seen “Frozen.” I feel pretty confident about that. Probably enough times that you wish your kids would indeed let it go, but there is another alternative. Teach them the

If your children play sports, a great way to expand their appreciation is teaching them the history of the games they love. Your local library has great resources in terms of sports history. If your son is in

Giggle-Loved Resources Library: A great place to learn the history of their passions the same way Mom and Dad did when they were young. Google/Wikipedia: Simple searches usually lead to a rabbit hole of information. Although Wikipedia is not always the most factual resource, it may provide ideas on what else to search. Pinterest: There’s an old saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” If your kids love it, odds are other kids love it, too, and their parents have already made an art piece, science project or YouTube video about it. Pinterest is your place to find these projects and put your family’s spin on them.

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

learn

in th e classr o o m

Easy Winter Break Brain Boosts! BY REBECCA VITKUS

As the year is quickly progressing, winter vacation is almost here — no teachers, no homework and sometimes, no learning. To combat the seasonal weariness that springs from a lack of brain exercise, incorporate kid participation into your usual holiday tasks and consider creating new traditions to build knowledge and encourage active participation.

minds. If you would prefer your season’s greetings to be printed and pristine, encourage your children to create their own cards for friends and family members, writing a personal message on each one. Ask them to attach some festive stamps and help them send the cards on their merry way!

Hire your own little elf to pick out the perfect presents.

Whether you brave a trip to the mall to find your spouse a thoughtful gift or you choose to shop online for personalized presents, involving your children will teach them lessons in both etiquette and education. Explain the reason you give gifts to your loved ones during the holidays, emphasizing the importance of family and friendship. Share your gift budget with them so they can help you shop for items in the right price range. When shopping online, help the kids hone their computer skills while clicking away between store websites.

Skip a second showing of “Elf” in favor of a family game night. Baking cookies can be educational and delicious.

Give your holiday cards an extra personal touch.

Whether you have the older children write out the addresses on the envelopes or you allow the younger ones to sign their own names, involving the kids in this timeless tradition exercises their hands and their

Books and hot chocolate are the perfect companions. Take a family trip to the bookstore or library, and let the kids choose a few stories to enjoy throughout the school break. Wrapped in blankets with hot chocolate in hand, little ones will remember this special holiday story time for years to come. For older kids, encourage them to read as many books as possible in the next couple weeks. Whoever reads the most books during winter break wins an extra present under the tree!

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Bring your children with you to pick out the recipe ingredients in the store before you hit the kitchen, noting the prices and amounts of the items you choose. Ask for help portioning out the correct amount of ingredients in measuring cups and spoons, and let your children set the timer while the treats bake. If you are decorating the cookies with colorful frosting, show them how to use various amounts of food

coloring (or pureed fruit and veggies) to achieve the perfect shades of red, green and blue. Who said math and science couldn’t be delectably fun?

Chances are, many of the games you have stored away on the shelf involve an educational benefit like counting, memorizing or reading. Use the rare nights you have together, free of homework and extra early bedtimes, to create memories and encourage learning at home. If you don’t feel like bringing out the boards, initiate a game of holiday-themed charades, set to a soundtrack of joyful tunes. ✽

conception2college  expecting The Aches & Pains of Pregnancy

 infant | 0-1 Choosing the Right Childcare

 toddler | 2-3 Saying Goodbye to That Precious Paci

 early years | 4-5 Learning to Listen: At-Home Activities

 kids | 6-7 Teaching Good Sportsmanship

 tweens | 8-12 The Attraction of Magnet Schools

 teens | 13-18

Photo by Long's Photography

Turning Everyday Moments into Teachable Moments

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

c2c

expecting The Aches & Pains of Pregnancy

p r e gnancy

BY REBECCA VITKUS

As your home and heart are filled with the joyful anticipation of bringing a new life into the world, be informed on how your body may respond to this exciting change and what you can do to ease some of the discomforts.

Restless Leg Syndrome RLS is the irrepressible need to move the lower legs, feet, thighs, arms or hands in order to relieve sensations, and it should disappear around delivery time. For treatment, eliminate caffeine completely, massage the extremities and take a warm bath. As with any condition, consult your health care provider before taking medication or supplements. Dr. Erin Werner of North Florida Women’s Physicians does not recommend the use of herbal supplements, as they are not FDA-approved.

Insomnia This inability to fall or stay sleep is estimated to affect over 75 percent of pregnant women and may be caused by hormonal imbalance, prebirth anxiety or physical discomfort. Don’t worry – insomnia won’t hurt you or your baby. Go to bed at the same time each night, eliminate caffeine, practice relaxation techniques (such as soothing music, breathing exercises and body stretches) and avoid using sleep aids, which can be harmful.

Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea involves flashes of breathlessness lasting about 10 seconds, often including heavy snoring afterward. Apnea increases risk for problems like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, often endangering your baby. Try not to sleep on your back and consider using breathing strips. If you’re overweight, the odds for apnea increase, so work with a professional and find a plan to best treat your condition. If the situation continues, ask about a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.

Anxiety disorders in pregnancy are more common than depression, and expecting moms suffering from anxiety are at risk for post-traumatic stress symptoms after labor. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been highly effective in treatment, but each situation is unique, so talk openly with your doctor about your anxiety and what she would recommend for you.

A common culprit of pregnancy discomfort, backaches are known to strike most expecting women. The pain lessens progressively, but exercising lightly can help alleviate the ache. According to Dr. Werner, water aerobics and prenatal yoga can provide great benefits. Other women also have had success with chiropractic help and acupuncture. If the pain becomes severe, patients should seek medical help, as this could be a sign of preterm labor or a urinary tract infection.

Heartburn Heartburn is one of the most common conditions among pregnant women, Dr. Werner said. Although difficult to eliminate completely, discomfort can be minimized by avoiding triggers like carbonated drinks and spicy foods. Eating smaller meals, sitting upright or standing after meals, and elevating your head and upper chest at night may also alleviate symptoms. Stay within the weight guidelines from your health care provider and consult a professional before taking over-the-counter antacids.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome As Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is caused by swelling and fluid retention, this condition is common in pregnant women. Identified by numbness, tingling or aching in the wrist, hand or fingers, it comes and goes, often most painful at night. To ease the ache, adjust your position at the computer, use wrist or hand braces and avoid sleeping on your hands. If pain interferes with your daily routine, consult your health care provider. ✽ *Please consult your physician for specific recommendations for your personal healthcare.

❉ giggle a little…

“Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside!” ~Rita Rudner 48

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

Anxiety

Backaches

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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infant

a g es 0 - 1

Choosing Childcare:

their children enrolled. Getting real person reviews, instead of the sometimes overly positive or negative ones found on the Internet, paints a better picture of the environment your child will be in with this person or facility.

How to Make the Right Decision for Your Family

Certifications

by ALE RUSSIAN

Ensuring your child’s safety is an important priority in choosing childcare. Asking the prospective nanny or daycare for certifications is the best way. Certifications such as CPR training or special courses dealing with infants and children, even a degree in this area, are important things to consider. For daycares, look for approved licensing from your state. Every establishment should be monitored by state officials to guarantee the quality of services and care.

Meetings

Being with your newborn around the clock those first few months is magical; you always know where she is and how she’s feeling. Realizing you’ll soon need help with her care can be overwhelming and heartbreaking. You may be convinced no one will care for her as well as you. Whether you have to go back to work or you need some occasional help, having to make this decision can be anxiety inducing! The first decision is choosing whether a nanny or a daycare is best for you. With nannies come the benefit of individual attention in your child’s regular environment: your home. However, daycares are able to provide a regulated environment that ensures your child is getting proper care. Fortunately, there is no wrong answer! Looking into both options can give you a better sense of the different scenarios. Use these four factors as a guide in your search.

Recommendations

Getting recommendations is crucial in order to ensure the quality of care your child will be receiving. Searching online, whether for a daycare or a nanny, allows you to read multiple reviews and get a feel for the settings and personalities of the caregivers. Asking your friends, family members and neighbors is also very helpful! They can recommend specific people or centers that really worked for them and give you personal feedback on why they chose one over the other.

References

Ask for references from those you are considering. For a nanny, request letters or reviews from the families they have worked with or from previous employers. You can also apply this to daycares by talking to families who currently have

The best way to guarantee that something is going to work for your family is to arrange a trial run with the nanny or daycare. Set up meetings with those you are considering and try them out for a few hours or days per week. Consider how it fits in your daily schedule, your comfort level with the person or people you would be working with, your child’s reaction to the situation and the caregiver’s response to your child’s needs. Personal experience is the best way of seeing if it’s something that could work for you and your child in the long run. ✽

Remember that regardless of what you decide, feeling comfortable with your choice is most important! Don’t be afraid to try several options until you find the best one. Your little one’s care is worth testing the waters until it’s just right!

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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toddler

a g es 2 - 3

Saying Goodbye to That Precious Paci by ale russian

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime to help reduce the risk of SIDS. And most parents can attest to the fact that pacifiers can be extremely helpful when teaching a child how to self-soothe. They can also bring comfort to a child in a new or stressful situation, helping him calm down and relax. But what age is too old for your child to still be using a pacifier? Most research points to there being no long-lasting result if your child is still using a pacifier through his “terrible twos,” but it is a good time to consider moving away from its everyday use. Children in their twos become more and more attached to comfort objects and it may be harder to break the cycle if the child gets used to turning to his pacifier. These objects can sometimes be called transitional objects for that same reason. Introducing something new for your child to help him soothe himself can be a good way to take importance off the pacifier before it can make lasting impacts.

It is especially important for it to be gone by age 4, however, as that is when the permanent teeth start coming in and damage is not as easily fixable. Before then, any damage done to the baby teeth is typically resolved a few months after the pacifier is taken away. According to Dr. Gooch, “If problems start to show and the teeth look like they might be damaged, parents should intervene early.” Make sure to have your child’s doctor check his teeth or jaw for signs of impending damage. This should be done every six months past his first year. Another potential reason to start taking the pacifier away is the impact it can have on speech development. Using a pacifier puts the child’s lips and tongue in an unnatural position, which can affect the subsequent muscles and make it harder for him to start talking. It may also cause the lips to push forward and increase the risk of a lisp. This shouldn’t become a factor until he starts speaking fully, but keep it in mind if you notice your child is falling behind with speech development. A pacifier is meant to utilize the natural sucking reflex that presents itself oftentimes even before birth. Some little ones will soothe themselves by sucking on their fingers or thumbs if a pacifier is not available. As a child grows, other objects or routines can become replacements for this naturally comforting behavior. ✽

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

We gave our son a two-week notice. Then on the big day we gave him a giant teddy bear and launched his pacifier into the air attached to a bunch of balloons. He never missed a beat. - April Gene

We told our daughter that pacifiers weren't allowed on the Disney Cruise Line so she would have to leave hers at home when we went on our cruise. It worked great and she hasn't used it since, although we ran into other kids using pacifiers on the cruise and she kind of gave me a dirty look. - Stacy Haycock We had a paci fairy come to our house for a week. If my daughter did a good job without the paci, then the paci fairy would leave a treat for her to find each morning. I wish I had done this with my first two kids because it worked like a charm! - Kelly Greene

We took it away during the day when our daughter turned 1. She can have it at nap time and bedtime, and as she loses them (she is down to one now) we won't buy more. Once the last one is gone, then it's gone. - Carrie Groves My daughter left a plate full of pacifiers, instead of cookies, for Santa to give to all the new babies. She was newly 3, so it was pretty much on her own terms. The transition was super easy. - Jennifer Carter My son’s pacifier fell in the potty one day. Oops! We can't recover that. - Holli Best

Most research points to there being no longlasting result if your child is still using a pacifier through his “terrible twos.”

“Typically, by age 3 is when we would want pacifiers to be gone,” says pediatric dentist Dr. Andrew Gooch from Kids Only Dental Place.

Our Giggle readers shared how they helped their toddlers move past the pacifier

He was turning 3, so we bribed him with a train table. We had a couple nights that he whined for it, but we just reminded him of our deal. It worked well! - Paige Visintin When my daughter's pacifier tore (she was 2), I pretended it was the only pacifier in the world. She saved it long enough to tell her dad when he got home from work that it was "broken" and then threw it in the trash herself. She never asked for it again. - Leela Kumaran When my daughter went to a Mom's Day Out program, she had a friend in class whose mom was having a baby. We wrapped the pacifiers up to give to the new baby as a gift. It worked perfectly. - Michelle Ellison

We cut the tip...and kept cutting it shorter and shorter. She eventually gave up trying because she couldn't grasp it enough! It only took about four days. - Kristin Kennedy We went to stay at my parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house for a few days and I purposely left the pacifiers at home. Every time he would ask for them I would remind him that we forgot them. He got used to not having it. I had thrown away all the ones we had at home so there wouldn't be any to find when we returned, but he found one. Thankfully he had gone so long without it, he decided he was done. - Sarah Graves

We tried to limit it to only at night, then she got a double ear infection and that was the only thing that helped, so we relapsed. I finally told her to choose between her stuffed puppy dog and the paci; the other had to go in the trash. She chose the puppy so I had her get all the pacis in the house and throw them away so we wouldn't be tempted to give them back. It worked! - Ashley Clark

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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early years

a g es 4 - 5

Learning to Listen:

At-Home Activities to Help by rebecca vitkus

While listening skills are practiced every day in preschool and kindergarten classrooms, it is up to parents to continue building those listening skills at home. Former kindergarten teacher Ilene Vitkus shared some of her classroom tactics to make at-home listening activities both fun and beneficial.

Draw This!

Bring out the crayons and paper and instruct your children to follow your directions and create an artistic masterpiece. Use instructions like “draw a circle,” then add more to the picture as the game progresses. Include directional phrases like “above the square,” “to the right of the triangle” and “at the bottom of the page.” When you are finished, show them the picture you’ve created and see how well they were listening by having them examine their own work.

TIP!

Add a seasonal twist by drawing a snowman or a Christmas tree!

20 Questions

Use your usual story time to sharpen your children’s listening skills by creating a discussion about the book. Ask about the characters and plot, but make sure you slip in a few tricky questions to make sure the kids were listening closely. What kind of animal is Mickey? Was Madeline’s old house covered in vines in London or Paris? Didn’t you love the Grinch’s blue fur?

Red Light, Green Light, Purple Light — Oh, My! Add a twist to the usual “Red Light, Green Light” game by adding even more colorful instructions. As usual, players can run toward you on “Green light” and must stop on “Red light,” but make the game more advanced by adding additional instructions, much like “Simon Says.” Tell the kiddos to hop toward you on “Purple light,” skip across the room on “Orange light,” turn around themselves on “Pink light” and sit down on “White light.” Feel free to personalize the game however you wish, with as many colors and instructions as the kids can handle. ✽

Going on a holiday road trip? Don’t leave the learning behind! There are plenty of on-the-go activities that enhance listening skills in a creative and fun way. Take a break from the apps and naps and encourage social interaction through these travelfriendly listening games.

• Try playing “I Packed my Grandmother’s Trunk,” where each family member lists an item starting with the next letter of the alphabet, repeating the list until the “zebra” or “zipper” is packed.

• A fun road trip activity is creating a story together, line-by-line, in which one person begins a story and each family member adds a sentence until you reach “The End.”

Children learn by example! Be sure to set a good one by actively listening when your child is speaking. 54

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

This game encourages both listening and comprehension skills as children try to guess what you are thinking. Imagine a person, place or thing that your children would recognize and allow them to ask up to 20 “yes” or “no” questions before they guess what the item is. This game works in reverse, too! Let your children think of items while you try to guess what they are. Easily adaptable and fun for traveling, this game can provide endless entertainment while boosting careful listening abilities.

Interactive Story Time

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kids

ag e s 6 - 7

Teaching Good Sportsmanship BY LISA KATZ

We live in an extremely competitive world. From a very young age, children are taught that winning is the ultimate goal. This mindset applies to both the sports field and the classroom. But what happens if your child shows poor sportsmanship while participating in this game of life?

Encourage individual accomplishment

One mistake parents often make is comparing or even pitting one child against another. Measuring your son or daughter against another sibling, teammate or classmate is not constructive. Rather, parents should place more focus on children as individuals. It is important to be supportive of the progress a child is making compared to where he began. First grade teacher and team leader Katharine Mariani uses this concept in her classroom every day. “When there is a winner, we should be happy for him and cheer him on because he is our classmate. It is a very hard skill for some students to learn and accept that they can't always win! I try to keep it positive and recognize any effort made by students in all they do. We cheer for and encourage each other daily.” Helping your child to understand good sportsmanship and how to be a kind person are pivotal lessons. Essentially, you are teaching your child to treat others the way he would want to be treated. Unquestionably, a child’s behavior will often mimic his parents’ and other adult role models’ behavior. I distinctly remember an awkward situation where this was exhibited. My younger sister

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Model behavior

and I were taking a dance class. In one class, our dance instructor asked my sister, “Why can’t you be as good as your sister?” I remember glancing over and seeing tears in my sister’s eyes. She was incredibly hurt and embarrassed. I told my mother that we no longer wanted to participate in that class because the teacher was so mean. While you may not be able to change an adult’s behavior, you can, as the parent, acknowledge if your child’s instructor is modeling the kind of behavior you want your child to learn. If not, move your child into another instructor’s class.

Explain the path of accepting defeat and moving forward

There are lessons to be learned in winning and in losing. Winning feels wonderful, and receiving that ribbon or trophy definitely adds to the excitement. When you don’t win, it means that someone else gets a turn to experience that euphoric feeling.

As adults, you may not get that impressive job or win that critical game, but you are able to recover rather quickly from that feeling of losing. You have learned how to adjust, deal with the disappointment and not take it to heart. You are able to truly embrace the fun of being a part of the game rather than focusing on whether you win or lose. Children need assistance in walking through this experience. They should be able to enjoy what it feels like to play and not be worried about the stress of losing. Creating an environment for children to be able to do just that is something parents, teachers and coaches alike need to engineer. Giving examples of how you (or a friend or family member) have dealt with losses in a positive way and sharing ideas for helping your child maneuver through his loss are ways to support him and encourage the development of good sportsmanship. ✽

“Teaching sportsmanship to young lacrosse players is easy – keep it fun and don't focus on outcome. The drills that we do have two main objectives: skill development in a positive manner and being a good teammate who is supportive and respectful to other players. It starts with coaches and parents modeling this behavior.” –Tom Yonge, club director and coach, Pipeline Lacrosse gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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tweens

a g es 8 - 1 2

The Attraction of Magnet Schools by OLIVIA K. PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

Education is a hot topic lately. Whether it’s being used as a political platform or the latest education policies are being debated, there is one thing parents can agree on: We want the best for our children. We want them to thrive, be challenged and love school (That last one might be a long shot, but we can dream!). Today, our children's choices of educational opportunities are vast. Magnet programs can provide a wellbalanced, specialized curriculum to challenge and motivate your child. Leon county has five middle school magnet programs: Applied Science & Technology at Cobb Middle, IB Prep at Fairview Middle, Pre-Information Technology at Griffin Middle, and Performing Arts at both Nims Middle and Raa Middle. They are available district-wide, regardless of your school zone, and will begin accepting applications soon. Each school has its own requirements, which typically include FCAT and GPA scores and an essay assignment. Elementary school counselor Marissa Ellis notes that magnet programs are very selective, and she stresses the importance of a well-rounded student.

However, even if a child’s grades and attendance are top notch, parents should also consider the child’s personality. Do you struggle with your child to complete his homework every night, or is he pretty

independent in his studies? Does he have a high level of commitment? Also keep in mind your child’s socialization and interests. Does the school provide activities that pique your child’s interests? If you choose a school outside your school zone, remember your child may have to make new friends. For some children, this comes rather easy. But some are more introverted and may take some time to feel comfortable in their new environment. Transportation is available for all magnet students, so think about the commute, whether you are driving them or they are taking the bus. How will the commute affect his extracurricular activities? Will he still be able to attend swim practice on time? With the extra homework, will she still be able to spend time with her friends? At the beginning of the year, magnet programs offer open houses to prospective

gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

parents and students, and some even allow children to shadow magnet students. Ellis highly recommends attending an open house to gather more information. “Have your child visit the campus, hear about the program and learn what a typical day looks like as a student in the magnet program,” she suggests. It’s important to openly communicate with your child about her desires and expectations. Listen with an open mind and an open heart to what she sees in her academic future and any reservations she may have. Ask your child open-ended questions, not just ones that require a yes or no answer. For example, “What did you like about the school we just saw?” or “What was the magnet program missing that you want in a school?” If your child is struggling with the decision, approach it as a team and discuss your concerns. Having family support is critical in your child’s success.✽

"Make sure your student is not only performing well academically, but behaviorally as well,” she states. “Magnet programs are looking for a student who would be successful, and sometimes it takes more than just a good report card."

For open house dates, program requirements and application deadlines, visit Leonschools.net, click on “Parents and Students” then “School Choice.”

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teens

a g es 1 3 - 1 8

Turning Everyday Moments into Teachable Moments by BOBBI BLOOM

It is certainly true that many sensitive topics in life (the birds and the bees, drugs, divorce or natural disasters) cause even the most comfortable parents to be a little uneasy. While those conversations may not be a piece of cake to discuss, it is always better if the truth comes from you rather than from anyone else. Granted, some of those topics are better covered at an appropriate age. Child psychologist Eliane Herdani says there are many reasons kids don’t like to talk about certain topics, including a fear of being judged or lectured, or even a feeling of sheer embarrassment. “Instead of taking the ‘big talk’ approach, look for opportunities in everyday conversation to develop a dialogue with your kids,” she says. This is the approach I tend to use with my own children. I look for what I call “teachable moments.” These are the moments that occur when a situation presents itself that then allows for open discussion between my child and me. Here are a few perfect examples:

• A family member drank too much alcohol at a dinner that we all attended. The family member was extremely rude, hurting many people’s feelings as the night progressed. Discretely, I took that moment to explain to my children how alcohol can affect a person’s personality in a negative way. Typically, being drunk is portrayed in a positive light. Now my children could witness firsthand that it isn’t a glamorous thing.

• My daughter told me that a boy she knew from school had

been arrested for stealing. This conversation became an opportunity to discuss what happens when children and teens break the law.

• My son noticed a magazine cover was highlighting that a teen actor was in rehab for drug use. Again, it was an ideal moment to openly discuss drug use and abuse using something he brought up from his own interests. The bestselling book, “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, emphasizes being honest and empathetic toward your children during all stages of their development. “You’ll sense after a while what is helpful to your individual child and what isn’t. With practice you’ll soon discover what irritates and what comforts; what creates distance and what invites intimacy; what wounds and what heals. There is no substitute for your own sensitivity. It is when our words are infused with our real feelings of empathy that they speak directly to a child’s heart.” Being honest, sharing your own values and beliefs and creating a safe environment for your child to talk are ways that you can become closer to your child. Whether she is a preschooler or a teenager, taking advantage of these moments with her not only strengthens her trust in you, but it also enables her to feel comfortable coming to you with any questions and to know that she can count on you to listen and inform without lecturing. ✽

Tips for Talking: Kids learn best when information is presented at their level, when it is in context and when it is relevant to them. Although we are all prone to doing it, long-winded lectures are not effective. Less is more, and taking a child's lead by listening closely to their questions and asking them more questions to tease out what they want to know can help limit over-sharing on the part of the parent. ~ Erica Curtis, licensed family therapist and faculty member at Loyola Marymount University gigglemag.com | December/january 2015

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cal e ndar o f e v e nts

December & January December 2 (continued 3, 9 and 10)

December 14

A Woman's Place 6:30 p.m. Call 850-431-4915 or visit Tmh.org/ calendar to register.

Mission San Luis 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Missionsanluis.org

Prepared Childbirth Class

December 6

Winter Festival — A Celebration of Lights Downtown Tallahassee 3 – 10 p.m. Talgov.org/parks December 7

Christmas Celebration Panhandle Pioneer Settlement 5 – 8 p.m. Panhandlepioneer.org December 11

Prenatal Breastfeeding Course A Woman's Place 6:30 p.m. Call 850-431-4915 or visit Tmh.org/ calendar to register. December 12

Little Ones Music Play

Alexander D. Brickler, MD Women’s Pavilion Fridays (Times vary by age group) First session free; $5 per family, per week Tmh.org/calendar December 13 – 14

Tallahassee Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker

Ruby Diamond Auditorium Saturday: 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday: 2:30 p.m. Tallahasseeballet.org/the-nutcracker

Winter Solstice Celebration

January 1

Happy New Year! JANUARY 2

Little Ones Music Play

December 16 – 24

Happy Hanukkah! December 19

Little Ones Music Play

Alexander D. Brickler, MD Women’s Pavilion Fridays (Times vary by age group) First session free; $5 per family, per week Tmh.org/calendar January 10

Alexander D. Brickler, MD Women’s Pavilion Fridays (Times vary by age group) First session free; $5 per family, per week Tmh.org/calendar

Baby and Family Fair

December 19 – 20

January 10

Ruby Diamond Concert Hall 8 – 10 p.m. Tallahasseesymphony.org

Ruby Diamond Concert Hall 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tallahasseesymphony.org

Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Magic!

December 22 – January 4

Leon County Public Schools Winter Break

Turnbull Conference Center 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tmh.org/calendar

Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Open Rehearsal

January 10

Challenger Learning Center Voyage to Mars Mission

Merry Christmas!

Challenger Learning Center 10 a.m. – Noon $10 members, $15 non-members Challengertlh.com

December 26 – January 1

January 19

December 25

Happy Kwanzaa!

December 31

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Donald L. Tucker Civic Center at Florida State University 3 – 6 p.m. Tlccc.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 24

STEM Saturday

Holy Comforter Episcopal School 9 a.m. – Noon Holy-comforter.org January 24

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fws.gov/refuge/St_Marks/Events.html

Families in Nature at St. Marks Refuge

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gigglemag.com | December/january 2015