Giggle Magazine - April/May 2016 - Tallahassee by Irving Publications, LLC

GREATER

TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

happy family • happy communityTM APRIL/MAY 2016 • Volume 2 • Issue 5

e su

ec o i s e th otect

pr a florid our One-h rden ga pallet n Kitche g lin Recyc

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicole Irving ART DIRECTOR Allison Raber COPY Editor Colleen McTiernan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tanya Consaul, Claire Stortz Vice president of sales Shane Irving MARKETING ASSISTANT Delia Albert ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kerr executive assistant Sayeh Farah Contributing Writers Delia Albert, Selena Garrison, Kelly Goede, Jen Hillan, Nicole Irving, Lisa Katz, Danielle Pastula, Olivia Pitkethly, Taryn Tacher, April Tisher, Hailey Turner, Rebecca Vitkus Contributing Photographers Ashley Daniell Photography Interns Patty Hart, Ashlyn Pinter, Malena Summers

Mailing address

headquarters address

5745 SW 75th Street 101 SW 140th Terrace Unit 286 Suite C Gainesville, FL 32608 Jonesville, FL 32669 Gainesville Office: p. 352.505.5821 Tallahassee Office: p. 850.254.9704 Fax: 877.857.5140

gigglemag.com giggle@irvingpublications.com Giggle Magazine is a registered trademark property of Irving Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Giggle Magazine is published by Irving Publications, LLC. ÂŠ 2015

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 publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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from the publisher

like mother, like daughter Upon first glance, my mom and I are very different. She is quiet, walks softly and listens intently as you speak. I listen … sometimes. I am loud, can’t stop talking and walk around the house and up and down the stairs like an elephant. My mom can inhale a book like I inhale air. Stacks of novels and books cover entire walls in her house. I, on the other hand, admire them from afar, purchasing my own only when needed for research and coffee table accessories. Upon a closer look, my mom and I are just the same. I have acquired her love of family and friends and of taking care of you first. I have her work ethic and belief that the sky is the limit — there is no glass ceiling or limitations just because I am a woman. I have her strong will power, determination and can-do attitude. Today, I am a mom of three, just like her. I straighten my curly hair, just like her. I wear bifocals, just like her, and I love my life, just like her.

MEET OUR

COVER CUTIE

I am my mother’s daughter … and I couldn’t be prouder. In honor of Mother’s Day, I dedicate this issue, our seventh anniversary issue, to my mom! Thank you for being so amazing! Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms, near and far, those with us and those who are our guardian angels. You make our lives complete!

What's your name? Abbie Rose

How old are you? 5

What is your favorite book to read? " Any Elephant and Piggie" book by Mo Willems

Mom and me, circa 1979. Don't you just love our curly hair!

What is your favorite movie?

"Tangled"

Nicole Irving, Publisher nicole@irvingpublications.com

Do you have a favorite dessert?

Chocolate cake Three words that mom would use to describe Abbie Rose: Kind, funny, adorable Mom says: Abbie Rose is a loquacious kindergartener who is full of life and loves animals, tomatoes, and playing with her sister (Laurie) and brother (Watson).

Like us on Facebook /GIGGLEMAGTALLAHASSEE

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Visit us on Pinterest /GIGGLEMAGAZINE

Photo of Abbie Rose by Ashley Daniell Photography.

My mom and I in New York last year for my brother's wedding.

april · May 2016 happy family • happy community

health

32 The Work Day Workout 34 10 Products for Fabulous Feet!

learn 36 It's Almost Time For The...Lyrid Meteor

Shower

38 What Do Parents Like Most About

Summer?

happy community 49 APRIL/MAY Calendar 51 corkboard

life 8

For What It's Worth

Meet Kelly Uanino

conception 2✱ college™

happy family

41 expecting

10 Lifesaver "Lovies" for Mommy! POWER PARENT

Baby, You Ought to Be in Pictures!

42 infant

Bonding Over Bathtime

happy home 16

43 TODDLER

Learning with Toys

Put a Cork in It

44 early years

20 DIY Marquee Sign

Keep 'Em Busy

22 Queries from the Curious

45 kids

Is It Time to Call It Quits?

forks & spoons

46 tweens & Teens

Special Report: Social Media Explosion

24 Spring Rolls

GREATER

26 Kitchen Recycling

Herb Paradise Will Florida Be Underwater Soon? For the Love of Honey

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

happy family • happy communityT M APRIL/MAY 2016 • Volume 2 • Issue 5

46 24 29

27 18 26

e ec o i s th OTECT

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18 27 29

PREMIER

HONEY | PALLET GARDENS | ECO ISSUE

fe a t u res

TALLAHASSEE'S

GIGGLE MAGAZINE

Food and bee photo by Giggle Magazine. Happy Family photo by Ashley Daniell Photography.

The Lee Family

PR A FLORID UR ONE-HO RDEN GA PALLET N KITCHE G IN RECYCL

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Photo by Ashley Daniell Photography gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

life

For What It’s Worth BY SELENA GARRISON

I was standing with a friend of mine sipping coffee as she was rummaging through some yard sale finds. As she picked up a cool, retro lampshade, I asked her why she had bought it. It wasn’t really her style and it didn’t seem like something she would usually be drawn to. She said, “Well, it was cheap and cool and I thought it might be worth something some day.” That got me thinking … what am I holding on to because “it might be worth something” one day? Are those things really worth holding on to, or should I just get rid of them? So I started to do some research. Let’s go over a few common categories and see what might be worth keeping and what might be better sold or donated.

♦ Jewelry I LOVE bling. I love it so much that I have a jewelry business. I have jewelry coming out of my ears. But is it worth holding on to if I am not using it? It depends. Is it worth buying as an investment?

Fine Jewelry:

Costume/Fashion Jewelry:

This kind of jewelry is generally much less expensive and does not usually increase in value. One exception is vintage costume jewelry. Depending on the designer and style, vintage jewelry

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

♦ Furniture Buying new furniture is kind of like buying a new car. The second you buy it and drive it off the lot (or have it delivered and set up in your living room), the value has already decreased. If you have an intention of reselling furniture, I suggest checking out a consignment shop or discount store. Secondhand furniture will retain its value much better than something brand new. This particularly holds true for vintage (50 to 100 years) and antique (100 years or more) furniture. If you have pieces that are more than a few decades old (and I am not talking about that plaid couch from your momma’s 1970s basement), you may consider having an appraiser come in and assess their value. Generally, for vintage and antique furniture to be valuable it needs to be rare (not many were made to

begin with or not many are still around), aesthetically pleasing (it looks nice), authentic (not a replica of the original) and in great condition (not missing pieces, broken, re-painted, etc.)

♦ Collectibles There is a whole array of things people collect: coins, stamps, baseball cards, figurines, stuffed animals… you name it, somebody probably collects it. But is it worth it to keep holding on to that stack of baseball cards (or Beanie Babies, Precious Moments figurines, Cabbage Patch Kids, etc.) that has been sitting in your attic for all these years? It depends on why you want to keep them. If it’s for nostalgia or to pass them down, go for it. If it’s because you think they might make you rich someday, hit the brakes. While it is very possible that you could have some valuable collectibles, you might consider getting them assessed by an expert in whatever you collect. Then ditch the worthless ones and decide what you want to do with the others. Will they continue to increase in value? Or should you sell them and use the money to invest in something else? Just because something is old or unique or from a famous designer doesn’t mean it is a good buy. Do your research and decide what to keep and what to put out in your next yard sale. ]

Fine jewelry is generally made of precious metals, gemstones, pearls, or diamonds. If you buy fine jewelry from a traditional retailer (versus a secondhand store, pawn shop, individual seller, etc.), you are generally paying the cost of the stone/ jewelry plus their cost, which is generally marked up. Due to this, it may be unlikely that you will earn back the amount that you paid for it. Of course, if you get a piece of fine jewelry for under market value, you may be able to sell it and make a profit. So in general, keep it if you like it and wear it. Sell it if you don’t like it or wear it. While gold, silver and precious gems such as diamonds may increase in value, when bought at retail prices it can take 30 years or more to recoup your investment.

(usually 50 years old or more) can have some value. Several high-value vintage costume jewelry designers include Weiss, Eisenberg, Hobe and Coro. There are many fakes out there, though, so you should take your vintage jewelry to a jeweler to find out its value. In general, if you aren’t using your fashion jewelry or don’t like it, it probably isn’t worth holding on to. You might consider taking it to a consignment store or even donating it to an organization that may use it to help lower income households with job search or formal attire.

Looking

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

June/July..............................Reservation Date 4/29 Aug/Sept.............................Reservation Date 6/27

want to learn more about how to get involved? Jessica Kerr

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Account Executive 850.543.4328 jessica@irvingpublications.com gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

life

Lifesaver "Lovies" for Mommy! BY NICOLE IRVING

In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought I would gather and compose a new list of mom lifesaver “lovies.” Yes, those things that we, as moms, cannot live without. These things make us happy, calm us, pacify our need to scream and throw a tantrum, soothe our inner monster, and well, make us better moms! That’s right, moms; you are entitled to those “lovies” just like the kids!

“Exercise... for my sanity!” – Renee McNeill, mom of one

“My early morning snuggles with my little guy. Also my iPhone, sunglasses and, of course, WINE.” – Daryn Wiles, mom of one

“My calendar! I would drop a lot of balls without it.” – Kim Crowell, mom of one

Coffee, stretchy pants, my phone, girls night out, chocolate and my bed!"

– Jennifer Boland, mom of three

“Simplified planner.” – Lauren Pasquelone, mom of one

I can't live without snuggle time with my daughter. I will miss that once she gets bigger and won't snuggle with me."

“Coffee and Netflix!” – Jenna Bell, mom of two

“Coffee!!!!” – Kristin Gardner, mom of two

“Coffee and wine!” – Lauren Brannen, mom of two

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

“Being outdoors, planning/dreaming about my next vacations, wine and exercise!” – Sarah Taylor, mom of three

– Courtney Miller, mom of two

“I can't live without my weekly Nuberri trips. I tell my boys we are going for them but it is really for me! I have perfected my recipe: Oreos on the bottom, white chocolate mousse yogurt, Reese’s cups, strawberries, cherry juice, hot fudge, nuts and whipped cream! Maybe that is why I can't lose 5 pounds.” – Stephanie Derzypolski, mom of two

“The laughter shared over group text with my girlfriends (makes me grateful we still manage to stay somewhat connected despite the busyness of motherhood), evening downtime with my husband or with gluttonous television shows after the kids go to bed (nothing makes my head spin more than not having a little time to myself in the evenings), Starbucks and run time!" – Nancy Click, mom of two

“Coffee of course. Also family time, shopping and girls night out!” – Angie Jones, mom of two

“As a mom, I cannot live without my family and friends. It takes a village and without them and their caring and helpful hands, life would be pretty impossible!” – Emillye James, mom of two

“ T en minute morning meditation/ reflection time on what I want to bring into that day for myself and my family.” " – Carrie McNeill, mom of two

“‘Me time,’ gym and girls night. I find that I am a much better mom and wife when I make time to take care of me.” – Stephanie Higgins, mom of one

“Eye Bright by Benefit and some good ole chapstick!” – Laurie Hartsfield, mom of two

– Tracey Grant, mom of one

– Linley Paske, mom of two

Bravo or E! reality shows, solo Target trips with Starbucks in hand, girls wine nights, Pure Barre and Instagram."

- Rebecca Brown, mom of two

“My husband, red wine, my iPhone camera and the Wunderlist app.”

“Sunglasses, Yeti tumbler for coffee and my iPhone.”

life

p o w e r pa r e n t

Meet Kelly

Photos by Ashley Daniell Photography.

As an occupational therapist, Kelly Uanino spends a lot of time caring for her patients and promoting her profession among local legislators, but that doesn’t stop her from making time for her 19-monthold daughter and husband. Although she’s found that life as a working mom is full of compromises, Kelly notes that she doesn’t mind making those sacrifices if it means that her daughter will grow up knowing she can achieve anything with the support of her family.

kelly uanino

Occupational therapist and certified lymphedema therapist Wife to Mark, mommy to francesca, 19 months gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

What does your typical workday look like?

It’s always busy. I usually try to plan ahead and do things like pack our lunches and set the coffee maker the night before so that our mornings go as smoothly as possible. I leave for work around 6:40 a.m. in order to pick up our daughter early, as well as offer my working patients early time slots for treatment. My husband does a great job of actually getting our daughter dressed and off to daycare. As an occupational therapist, a huge portion of what I do with all my patients in any setting is work toward reengagement after an injury or disease in those activities that give a person’s life meaning, whether that be an actual occupation or the ability to participate in daily life activities like cooking, cleaning, carrying a child, or simply completing tasks with independence. I also spend a great deal of time lobbying for my profession. I am the co-chair on the board of our local occupational therapy Forum group and spend evenings after my daughter goes to sleep sending emails to our legislators. I love these two roles but my favorite is being a wife and mother. The best part of my day is when my daughter runs to me and I pick her up. She lights up a room and our hearts. We spend most afternoons playing in the park or in our yard with our dog. When my husband gets home we cook dinner together and everything that isn’t our family time gets put on hold. We cherish our few hours of afternoon sun spent playing in our yard or going for a walk and discussing our day over a home cooked meal.

How do you balance work life and family life?

Balance is always a work in progress. Like most families with small children, we stay busy. Our extended families both live about four hours away, we have lots of friends, we try to stay active in church, we both work full time and we have a ton of hobbies so there is never a lack of activities on our calendars. In an attempt to keep a balanced life, we temper all of that with limiting our out-of-town trips, only watching TV after our little one is sound asleep and sticking to a daily schedule that gets our daughter to bed at a reasonable time. We try to plan a couple of nights “off” and at least one family activity, like fishing, per weekend.

What advice would you give other working parents?

When given the choice, laugh instead of cry when absolutely nothing is going right. I learned very early on to laugh and call my mom and my friends. Even the moms who I idolized for having it all together, my mom being one of those, had had the same experiences as me. They helped me see the funny side to every overwhelming problem.

What sacrifices/compromises have you had to make?

Being a parent is 100 percent about putting the needs of another person before your own wants and sometimes your own needs. A good example was nursing. I nursed my daughter until she was 18 months old. Everyone including my doctors told me that nursing was easy, cheap and best for my daughter,

Below: Hand weights and gait belts are just two examples of the types of equipment that Kelly uses every day in her job as an Occupational Therapist.

and I agreed. BUT, it was not easy. Being a working mom who nursed exclusively meant spending a lot of time alone with my pump, a lot of time cleaning pump parts, a lot of time awake in the middle of the night, and nursing through teething and illness (hers and mine). Then it came time to wean, which wasn’t any easier. Someone once told me I was only continuing to nurse after a year because I was too attached to that part of our relationship. I assured them after my third round of mastitis that wasn’t the case, but that I found giving my daughter breast milk more important than my need for comfort, sleep, etc. It’s one of the best examples of sacrifice and parenting for me. I loved giving her the best I had to give, but it wasn’t easy, it wasn’t always cheap and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with nursing these days wasn’t always fun. I love that we were able to nurse and to nurse so long; it will always be one of my greatest accomplishments.

When given the choice, laugh instead of cry when absolutely nothing is going right.

When and how do you make time for yourself?

I usually don’t do a very good job of making time for myself, but thankfully I have an amazing husband and family who help remind me to do just that and then make sure I take the time. Most of my local friends are parents of young children so we are pretty much on the same schedule, which helps when it comes to planning down time. My favorite time spent away from my family is going out for a glass of wine with my girlfriends. We have dinner with our families, put our babies to bed, then get cleaned up and go out for a glass of wine together. We spend most of the evening discussing work (we are all therapists), babies and family. They are a huge blessing.

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

WHAT IS YOUR COFFEE ORDER? Black coffee that is as strong as rocket fuel.

MY GO-TO BREAKFAST Organic peanut butter and honey on whole grain toast.

5 THINGS YOU MUST HAVE AT WORK? Coffee, computer, treatment equipment, great co-workers and lots of snacks because I am always eating.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE: I HOPE I HAVE TAUGHT MY DAUGHTER To laugh, to dance, to love and to always have a sense of wonder about the world. I want her to grow up knowing that she can literally do anything if she works hard enough for it. I want her to always be amazed and find joy in her days. I want her to never doubt her faith in God, to believe in the healing power of love, and to know the unbelievable support that comes with being a part of a family.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My mother. She was a single mother for a large portion of my childhood. She worked full time and then some, managing a fast food restaurant and raising three children. Nothing about her life was easy, but until I had my daughter I never realized just how many sacrifices she made for us. She cooked, cleaned, worked and somehow made sure holidays still seemed magical and gave us a sense of wonder about life. She isn’t perfect and wasn’t always the TV version of a mother, but that was probably one of the best lessons she taught us. She taught us that you don’t have to be perfect to be a good person. The best lessons come from attempts that sometimes end in failure, but as long as you learn from your mistakes and move on, you will be better for those attempts. In my 36 years I have had 27 jobs, lived in three states, and attended nine colleges. I have failed more times than I can count, but because of my mother and her ability to carry on, I’ve learned that hard times in life are a given, but it’s finding the beauty in even the most difficult of times that defines us.

Who are your biggest supporters?

My husband, my mother and my patients. My husband is without a doubt my partner is crime. He is the love of my life and has grown into the best father. He makes sure I don’t forget my coffee and that I have on matching scrubs. He brushes our daughter’s teeth and hair and never forgets her favorite stuffed animal. My mother is the one person I call just about every day. She is the only person other than my husband that cares about every detail of my work and home life. She is my biggest fan, remembers all the small things that are important to me, and never gets tired of hearing me talk about my daughter. As strange as it sounds, my patients are also a huge source of support for me.

Kelly is a key member in the “I’m for OT” campaign, a grassroots effort started last year by a handful of OT’s in Tallahassee. The group is working to change the State of Florida Group Healthcare plan to include coverage of occupational therapy services for all State of Florida employees and to get better recognition for the OT profession. The group won an award from the Florida Occupational Therapy Association for their efforts and have continued lobbying this year. Long term goals include getting the word out about the importance of occupational therapy in all areas of daily life and to have services covered by the State of Florida. At our clinic we treat patients for little known side effect of cancer treatments known as lymphedema. We are one of the only places patients can go for this type of treatment and they frequently tell us how grateful they are for our services. I have always wanted a career that I believed in where I could help people, and I am blessed enough to get to do that every single day. ] gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

life

h a pp y f a m i ly

The Lee Family Buddy, Mary Holley, Mary Helen (7) and Maggie (3 ½)

Favorite games to play as a family: Candy Land, Cootie and matching games.

Occupation(s): Buddy is the Director of Business Development at John Dixon & Associates, a national real estate auction firm, and Mary Holley is a stay-at-home mom.

Do you have any pets? Sadly no. We just lost our family dog of 10 years, Isabel Lee.

Favorite local “Must go” places: Faith Presbyterian Church (where we are proud members), the Tallahassee Museum, the Museum of Florida History and the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab. We also love Mission San Luis; it's a hidden treasure in Tallahassee! Describe your family in 3 words: Loving, kind and playful.

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

What are your children’s favorite meals that you cook? Buddy's smoked pork chops, couscous and spaghetti. What is your family’s favorite holiday? Christmas because of our long-standing tradition of being with extended family.

Why do you love raising your family in Tallahassee? Many of our family members are close by and that is very important to raising our children. Tallahassee is a "big small town" so you still get the strong sense of community pride while enjoying the luxuries of a bigger city. What makes your kiddos laugh? Playing chase and being silly. What would your family's dream vacation be? Any beach getaway with a boat.

Photos by Ashley Daniell Photography.

Favorite local restaurants: Gordos, Village Pizza and Pasta, Cabo's and Ted's Montana Grill.

Is there anything exciting coming up for your family? Being in Giggle magazine! Favorite date spot: Sidecar Gastrobar and Sage. Movie in our DVD player right now: “Inside Out,” which we enjoyed on family movie night. The kids’ favorite books: Mary Helen's favorite books are “Smile” and “The Kissing Hand.” Maggie's favorite books are “Goodnight Moon” and “Peek-a-Zoo.”

Mommy and Daddy’s favorite TV shows: We don't watch a lot of regular shows, but we always get a good laugh out of “Modern Family.” Websites we love: Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Favorite picnic spot: Maclay Gardens. Favorite family activity: Florida State football games and anytime we can sneak away to Cape San Blas for the weekend and get some sand between our toes. We also love to entertain, grill and throw parties. ]

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

happy home

Put A Cork In It by nicole irving

With its creamy natural color and infinite uses, cork has become all the rage in fashion, home accents and office space dĂŠcor. Embrace this natural element this spring! B Ampersand Coasters This coaster is the perfect partner for any glass. Handmade from natural cork, these cute coasters are a great way to protect your tabletops. $4.20/set of four, PathLessTraveled.etsy.com

C Cork Globe There is no better way to track your travels. Push a pin in where you have been or map out your dream trip! $80/mini or $120/large, Uncommongoods.com

D monogrammed personalized cork clutch Made from genuine cork, this carry-all case is flecked with gold and has a gold vegan leather tasseled zipper pull. At 9 by 12 inches, it also fits most tablets! $26.95 w/ monogram, Geegeegifts.com

E Personalized Wine Cork Keeper This is a classic way to save mementos of your favorite bottles of wine and bubbly. $35, Morgannhilldesigns.com or Braggingbags.etsy.com

F Eco-Friendly Cork Watch by Sprout This cork watch is light, eco-friendly and the perfect accessory. $50, Sproutwatches.com

kinda like cork!

$20/set of eight, Uncommongoods.com

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

Photos courtesy of manufacturers.

Wine cork place card holders Inspired by the real deal, these resin cork place card holders are the perfect complement to any dinner party.

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

Herb Paradise By NICOLE IRVING | PHOTOS BY GIGGLE MAGAZINE

As the days grow longer and the weather becomes perfect for outdoor time, revisiting your garden and sprucing up the backyard fall into the natural order of spring weekends. Repurposing, upcycling and turning the vintage into the ultra awesome are all the rage these days, so why not take that theme to the garden with your very own repurposed herb pallet garden?

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

HOUR PROJECT

Materials Needed ● ●

● ● ● ● ●

Pallet Herb plants (whichever you like best) Potting soil Water Drill Screws Safety glasses

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Worm clamps Flat head screw driver Small shovel Paint/stain, if desired Hanging signs Chalk pen Tacks

Getting Started

Steps 1.

If you are going to paint/stain the pallet, do this first. Let dry.

Finding Pallets

Wooden pallets can be found around small businesses, grocery stores, restaurants and the like. They are pretty easy to spot, and they can generally be found near dumpsters or by loading docks. Always ask before taking, but generally stores are happy for you to take them off their hands.

Stand pallet up, and (with a pencil) draw a small circle where you think you would like your pots to be. Stand back and take a good look at the placement to make sure you approve of the setup. This can be as creative as you want — just make sure to give your plants room to breathe and grow.

Check for Chemical Exposure

Pot your plants.

Unscrew worm clamp, so it is open. This is easily done with a flat head screwdriver

According to Naturalnews.com, some U.S. pallets may be treated with methyl bromide, which is used as a “fumigate to control fungi, nematodes and weeds." Pesticides can have negative effects on humans and plants alike, so if you see the letters “MB” on your pallets, discard them appropriately with waste authorities, and wash your hands. Make sure your pallets have an “HT” stamp, which indicates that they are heat treated. Once you have your selected pallet, decide whether you are going to create a vertical or horizontal garden.

With the pallet lying on the ground, carefully drill your screw into the worm clamp where you drew the circle. It will go in easily, but do it carefully and with safety goggles on.

Once attached, screw the clamp back together. Keep it loose.

Once you have all your clamps in place and reattached, stand your pallet up.

Carefully place pots one-by-one in desired spaces, tightening clamps as you go along to secure the pots.

Use your chalk pen to label your tags. Attach to pallet with decorative tack.

10. Place in sun or desired spot

and enjoy.

TableTop

garden

Tabletop gardening is the perfect way to unleash your child’s inner green thumb. Start by having them choose an assortment of low-maintenance house plants that will do well in natural light. Next have them choose fun pots or cups to replant them in. If you have some old coffee or teacups, these are perfect! Replant and set in a simple tabletop greenhouse by a natural light source. Have your kiddos water and maintain their new plants, and watch them grow!

Greenhouse Ikea $19.99

Gold dish Michaels $4.99

White pot Ikea $1.99

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

happy home

DIY Marquee Sign Adapted from Kelly Boudreau McInvaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog post on Hello Boudreau

Sand letters to remove any splinters. (letters purchased from hobby lobby)

Remove the big bulbs from the string lights. Lay them on the letter and mark where holes need to be drilled. (string lights purchased from amazon.com)

Drill the holes for the bulbs.

Paint letters with chosen paint. Let dry.

For the border, line each letter with the blinds. Cut off extra and nail in place. (This takes two people.) (blinds purchased from lowe's)

- optional We painted our letters first

Materials

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

Optional After the border is on, add some extra detail to your letters depending on style/taste.

Glue the bulbs into each hole. Remember, they should not have the string lights in them at this time.

Put the string lights back into each bulb and tape it to the back of the letter so it stays in place.

Plug in and enjoy! DID YOU TRY THIS? SEND PHOTOS OF YOUR PROJECT TO NICOLE@IRVINGPUBLICATIONS.COM

Photos by Giggle Magazine.

Sand paper Paint Paintbrush String lights Super glue Vinyl vertical blinds Pre-cut wood letters Drill PADDLE DRILL BIT Hammer Nails Safety glasses

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

happy home and legal documents. We devote the most space to reference files, which we dip into often during the month. These files include records for family health, finances, school, recreation, and important papers such as birth certificates, passports and wills. The third filing area consists of active files, which we use frequently for the ongoing activities of our lives. Active files sometimes sit in a graduated rack near the desk, or at the front of the first filing drawer in the desk. Active files should be easy to reach and have meaningful labels. “Upcoming events” might be used to stash various invitations or theater tickets after you have noted the dates on your calendar; “Pending” holds papers related to an ongoing project. “Shopping” is great for pages torn from a catalog for items you think you might buy. ASK HELEN ●●

Some papers, such as memos or class lists from the kids’ school or your church, may be better off in a binder for easy reference. A binder for business cards, divided into various specialties (maintenance, medical and professional) might be useful.

●●

Move maps, maintenance manuals and instruction booklets into magazine holders in a bookcase or cabinet. Your computer booklets will be accessible in a magazine holder, too.

Queries from the Curious Q

Professional organizers have a well-established routine for paperchallenged families. We swoop in with a backpack full of strategies to process the maelstrom. We begin with mind over matter.

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

What’s your mindset when it comes to paper? It’s time to put yourself back in control of everything that comes into your home. Just because the envelope or the magazine has your name and address on it, doesn’t mean it has any right to stay with you permanently. Square those shoulders and exert your authority. You’re about to become the purge master! ●●

●●

To purge, take two paper bags and label one “Recycling” and the other “Shredding.” Toss every outdated paper that you don’t need into one of these two bags. If you have a big backlog, this phase may take a while, but it will also feel liberating. Use these bags when you bring in the mail. You may need to review some guidelines from the Internet about document retention to overcome your fears about tossing old invoices or statements that have long been paid. Categorizing papers leads to visions of filing systems. Most of us need three kinds of filing areas. Archival files usually contain old files that you must keep but aren’t likely to need very often, such as old tax returns

awaits More paper magicissue you in the next to , kebuept you must promise ! -Helen purging until then

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

My house is awash in paper, despite my efforts to categorize it all. I’m spending too much time looking for tax-related stuff, the refrigerator is practically papered over with school reminders and the piles on the kitchen counters are an embarrassment. How do professional organizers save the paper-challenged family?

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

forks & spoons

Spring Rolls

with Hoisin-Peanut Dipping Sauce by mindy bledsoe | photos by giggle magazine

A classic and refreshing Vietnamese dish, these spring rolls combine fresh vegetables, shrimp and customary garnishes to complement any springtime gathering. A family favorite in the Bledsoe house, these are easy and simple for kids of all ages to make and enjoy.

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

Ingredients

• 1 pound deveined shrimp • 1 package rice vermicelli • 1 bunch of fresh mint, washed • 1 bunch of fresh parsley, washed • 2 seedless cucumbers, washed • 1 package rice paper • 1 head bibb lettuce, washed • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter • 1 tablespoon olive oil • Fresh chives • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • Sriracha sauce • 1 ½ cups hoisin sauce

spring rolls

Shrimp: Boil clean and deveined shrimp until done, about 3 to 5 minutes. Take off heat and leave covered. Prepare rice noodles according to package. Set aside.

hoisin-Peanut Sauce

Dipping sauce: Add creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce and ¼ cup water to a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until smooth and completely blended. The sauce will thicken up as it stands. Garlic topper for hoisin sauce: Combine garlic and olive oil in small saucepan on high heat. Stir until garlic is browned, then take off heat immediately.

to serve

Place hoisin sauce in bowls, and top with garlic topper and Sriracha sauce. Prepare plates with bibb lettuce, chives, mint, parsley, cucumbers, rice paper (dry), rice noodles and shrimp. Fill a bowl with warm water; make sure it is large/deep enough to dip rice paper in. Set on table with plates.

Dip rice paper quickly in warm water. Place the paper flat on plate.

Starting at one side, add shrimp, noodles, lettuce, cucumbers, parsley and mint.

Start rolling the filling into the paper and folding in sides. Before you finish rolling, add in the chives, and then complete the roll.

Dip in sauce and enjoy! gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

forks & spoons

Kitchen Recycling BY REBECCA VITKUS and NICOLE IRVING

Although there are many issues that tend to divide us rather than bring us together, there’s one issue we can all agree on: We need to care for the Earth. But how do we do this? In the midst of our daily activities and unending to-do lists, how can we find the time to work toward building a safer, healthier environment for the future?

LEON COUNTY RECYCLING MADE EASY:

One of the easiest and most effective ways we can protect our planet is through the simple act of recycling. A little effort can go a long way, and by doing your part to recycle, you are contributing to the effort to sustain our environment, one piece of plastic at a time.

Juice or milk cartons Styrofoam cups Plastic bags Wet napkins Pizza boxes

The first, and probably the easiest, place to start with your recycling plan is the kitchen. Here, we daily dispose of multiple items that can be recycled, in one fashion or the other. We have broken down some of the most common items that are disposed of in the kitchen, and where and how to get rid of them.

Please place in the recycle bin: Green/clear/brown glass bottles (wash them out first) Plastic bottles, cups and jugs Cardboard boxes Please do not place in recycle bin:

Compost

Coffee grounds and filters Vegetable/fruit scraps Eggshells

Grocery Store Plastic shopping bags Food trays Clean and dry Ziplock® brand bags (where plastic bags are accepted)

Tips: Remove lids Wash out containers Step on plastics to save space Break down boxes to save space Leave labels on

Lowe's

Batteries Plus

• • •

• •

5500 Commonwealth Blvd Tallahassee, FL 32304 Lowes.com

• • •

Fort Braden Rural Waste Collection Center 2485 Joe Thomas Road, Tallahassee, FL 32310 Cms.leoncountyfl.gov • • • • • • • • • •

Green glass containers/ beverage containers Fluorescent tubes Dishwashers Brown glass beverage containers Blue glass containers/ beverage containers Aluminum food/ beverage cans Plastic bottles (beverage and non-beverage) Rigid plastics Plastic caps Plastic jugs (colored and clear)

• • • •

Nickel-zinc batteries Nickel-metal hydride batteries Nickel-cadmium batteries MP3 players Lithium-ion batteries Button cell batteries

Best Buy

1400 Apalachee parkway Tallahassee, FL 32301 • • • • • • • •

Small appliances Nickel-zinc batteries Nickel-metal hydride batteries Nickel-cadmium batteries MP3 players Lithium-ion batteries Lead-acid batteries (non-automotive) Vacuum cleaners

The kitchen is just the first place to start — keep going through the house, garage and garden. Recycle, reuse and reduce waste. Our Earth needs us!

FACT: According to Earth911.com, it is illegal in the state of California to throw away any type of battery, including single use, in the trash.

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

Leon County has adopted a single streaming recycling system. All recyclable materials go into ONE single bin.

Plastic bags Nickel-zinc batteries Nickel-metal hydride batteries Nickel-cadmium batteries Lithium-ion batteries Lead-acid batteries (non-automotive)

6672 Thomasville road Tallahassee, FL 32312 Batteriesplus.com/t/recycling

Will Florida be Underwater Soon?

Understanding the State of the Planet for Earth Day BY DELIA ALBERT

The experts have come to a blatant conclusion: global warming is real and humans are the main cause. The Environmental Defense Fund has stated that the damage being done is primarily the result of deforestation and burning fossil fuels — but what can the average person do about this? Understanding how the human race is negatively impacting the Earth is the first step to improving the problem and making Earth Day something to celebrate once again.

will continue to get hotter, possibly resulting in extreme weather events. In Florida, for example, sea levels could rise from the melting glaciers, covering populated areas.

Deforestation

Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels (i.e. coal, oil, natural gas) are the primary energy sources in the United States, accounting for about 85 percent of the energy sources used, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. Burning fossil fuels negatively affects the environment by trapping heat within the Earth’s atmosphere. Over the past 150 years, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have increased by more than 25 percent, causing the global surface temperature to also increase. This change is not due to nature alone; human activity is largely the cause. If carbon dioxide levels continue to increase, the Earth

Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as farming or urban development. Although not all deforestation is intentional, the largest cause of deforestation is agriculture, according to National Geographic. Trees play an important role in absorbing greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide. With fewer trees, the levels of greenhouse gases will continue to rise more rapidly, increasing the effects of global warming.

What Can Humans Do? One way or another everyone contributes to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Simply by driving to work or cooking a meal, humans are contributing to the climate change. Even though people have to continue to go to work and cannot stop eating, there are ways to reduce carbon emissions and decrease harm to the environment.

Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of

At work

• Save files and email them instead of printing (If printing is a necessity, print on both sides of the paper) • Bring lunch instead of driving to pick up food • Carpool, bike or walk to work • Open office windows to save energy

All the time

• Unplug electronics when they’re not in use • Reuse and recycle • Eat locally (gas emissions come from transporting food)

Resources:

According to the Nature Conservancy, a carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases a person’s lifestyle generates each year. Below is a list of tips to decrease your footprint:

At home

incandescent bulbs • Install a programmable thermostat set to turn off when no one is home • Insulate your home well to avoid drafts and air leaks

Environmental Defense Fund Edf.org/climate/human-activity-is-causingglobal-warming Concerned Scientists Ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energychoices/coal-and-other-fossil-fuels/thehidden-cost-of-fossil.html#.VuddLBGighY National Geo Environment.nationalgeographic.com/ environment/global-warming/deforestationoverview Nature Conservancy Nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

For the Love of

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC | PHOTOS BY GIGGLE MAGAZINE

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The beginning of spring ushers in lots of sweetness — the smells of fresh-bloomed flowers, the sounds of happy, chirping birds and the taste of delicious honey. While you can find many brands of honey on the grocery store shelves, there’s something a little extra special when you take a spoonful of honey made from a local beekeeper. Aside from helping out your local economy, honey provides many benefits to your health. Many parents opt to help their children grow accustomed to seasonal allergies by introducing them to local honey, which will alleviate these symptoms. Other parents use honey as a cough suppressant or to soothe a little one’s sore throat. Keep in mind that children younger than 1 should not be given honey as it can cause infant botulism. Pregnant mamas can add a little honey to their tea to relieve morning sickness as it contains bacteria that

}

aids digestion. It can also improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.

Local honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and antifungal attributes. In fact, if you make a salve using local honey, you can apply it to diabetic ulcers, eczema, canker sores and bleeding gums to help healing. It also contains phytonutrients shown to possess cancer-preventing and anti-tumor properties. We’re not saying honey can cure any disease, but it obviously has its benefits.

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

Spring is the busiest time for beekeepers in north Florida, as many pollen-producing plants and flowers are blooming and ready for the bees. Bees start the honeymaking process by taking a trip outside the hive, visiting as many as 100 plants per trip. The most popular plants for bees in this region are tupelo, orange blossom, Spanish needle and Mexican clover. They extract the nectar from the plant, and then the real work begins. Bees produce an enzyme that turns the sucrose into glucose and fructose. This enzyme is mixed with the nectar. The bee returns to the hive and drops the enzymenectar mix into the honeycomb — hexagon-shaped cells made of bee-created wax. Then the bee must evaporate the nectar, often by fanning its wings, leaving only about 18 percent water in the honey. When the evaporation process is done, the bee will cap the cell. This process may take several days to complete. Once the bees have capped the cells, the beekeeper then gently removes the frames of the cells.

There may still be bees in the frame, so the beekeeper must wear protective clothing to reduce chances of getting stung. Even though we wear protective gear, we may be stung through our gloves,” said beekeeper Kyle Straughn. “I can be stung up to a dozen times a day with hundreds of stingers all over my clothing. That’s just part of the job." The beekeepers will then give the frame one or two strong shakes to remove the bees, then place the frames into a super, which is a commercially managed beehive.

We extract our own honey in a process that is not heated or filtered so that it is Grade A raw honey, said Straughn.

Left: Some of the Straughn's honey bees hard at work.

Want to know more about bees?

{

The University of Florida offers a Bee College every year, including a Jr. Bee College for children ages 6–16. The full day of entomology and beekeeping curriculum is taught by UF Entomology staff. Your kids will learn the basics through fun, interactive games and lesson plans, and get up close and personal with a real bee hive! Visit Ufhoneybee.com for more info!

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

}

You truly begin to see the world through the eyes of the bees, which is completely dependent on the ecosystem that surrounds us all. Straughn and his wife Kim have owned Kyle N Kim Straughn Honey since 2007. “We started with 100 hives, and now we are over 2,000 and growing,” he stated. They produce honey in central Florida, typically using gallberry, orange blossom and wildflower. While his business continues to grow, so does Straughn’s appreciation for what he does. “I like how my job relates to the physical world around me, how it makes me more aware of the biology that surrounds us every day,” he said.

olivia's kids Ê bees!

“Bee Movie” is a kid favorite in my house! Honey bee Barry Benson, voiced by Jerry Seinfeld, sues the human race when he discovers they have been using bees to make, market and sell honey. Teaming up with florist Vanessa, voiced by Renée Zellweger, he soon realizes his efforts aren’t all they are cracked up to “bee.”

Where to find your local honey New Leaf Market Tallahassee Farmers Market Lake Ella Grower's Market The Fresh Market Earth Fare

health

The Work Day Workout BY HAILEY TURNER

We know how important it is to get plenty of exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that we get at least 30 minutes of moderateintensity cardiorespiratory exercise five times a week. However, for some of us that work eight hours a day and have responsibility lists so long that our heads spin, finding those 30 minutes seems impossible. If you find yourself feeling that way, you are not alone. Luckily, there are exercises you can do at work every hour that will just take up five minutes of your time.

strength Strength training at your desk consists mostly of isometric exercises, or exercises where you hold a position for a certain amount of time. A good isometric exercise is the bicep curl. ▶▶

Stretching

walking meetings

Stretching and flexibility are important aspects of our physical well-being that are often overlooked. There are several stretches that do not require you to stop working or even leave your chair. ▶▶

▶▶ ▶▶ ▶▶

▶▶

To work on leg strength, do leg raises at your desk. They can be done inconspicuously by sitting up straight in your chair (as you should always be), extending your legs until they are straight, and holding for 5–10 seconds. Do this exercise for about 15 reps.

While talking on the phone, stretch your wrists and hands by extending one arm and gently pulling your hand upward and your fingers toward your body with the other hand. Then pull your hand downward and your fingers toward your body. Repeat with the other arm. To stretch your shoulders, you can cross one arm over your body and pull it gently toward you with your other arm.

Bonus: This stretch will help loosen up your shoulders, which is where many people hold tension.

Bonus: For an added challenge, strap a purse or briefcase around your foot to add some weight!

cardio Ensuring that you do cardiovascular exercise while working at a desk is more difficult than stretching because it requires a conscious effort to leave the desk.

▶▶

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

One good way to get yourself up and moving is to have walking meetings instead of sitting in a conference room. Instead of ordering lunch in, walk to a nearby restaurant and talk business with your co-workers on the way. Going to personally talk with a coworker you need to speak with instead of emailing them is also a good way to get up and moving at work.

Overall, these exercises will be able to help keep you moving and avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting for hours at a time is bad for posture and can lead to back pain, leg cramps and tense muscles. It is important to get up every once in a while and get moving.

! Remember that, even if you exercise every day after work, the amount of time sitting at work should be broken up.

É Hailey Turner is a senior applied physiology and kinesiology major with a specialization in fitness/wellness at the University of Florida and is graduating in April 2016. She plans on attending nursing school in the fall.

▶▶

Adjust your chair so it is close to the desk. Press your hands against the bottom of the desk so your elbow is at a 90 degree angle, then push against the desk and hold for 6–10 seconds. Repeat six times.

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

health

products for

BY NICOLE IRVING

fabulous feet!

Make your feet feel better than ever! We put together our top picks of amazing foot scrubs and lotions to help you put that spring back into your step and get ready for sandal weather. Use them to pamper toes after a tough day at the office or a long jog. Your feet will love you!

1 34

Foot Soak and Fancy Free Packed with ingredients to soften hard skin, this fizzy disc lets you emerge from the bath with softer, refreshed soles. $6.95, Lush Cosmetics, Lushusa.com

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

Lemon + Sage Body Scrub Massage over your feet and legs before you get in the shower. This will help exfoliate dead skin, leaving you silky smooth. $36, Blissworld.com, Ulta and Ulta.com

Foot Patrol Rub this aloe leaf and peppermint cream into sore and aching feet. Repeat as necessary. $18, Blissworld.com

Photos courtesy of manufacturers.

Mama Bee Leg and Foot Creme For tired legs and feet, the refreshing hints of peppermint and rosemary leaf extract in this cream will soothe even the most fatigued toes. $9, Burt's Bees, Burtsbees.com

Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub Sweet exfoliating crystals mixed with pomegranate oil, cranberry seed and Shea butter will gently polish and condition your skin. $13, Burt’s Bees, Burtsbees.com

Peppermint Hand and Foot Therapy Paraben and preservative free, this sweet peppermint scrub will leave your feet and hands feeling soft and fresh. $40, Junejacobs.com

Super Slough Scrub Lather this minty scented scrub and dual-action cleanser over the driest of feet. It will remove dead skin and leave your feet looking young and fresh. $36, Blissworld.com, Ulta and Ulta.com

Sandstone Soap Designed for men and women and inspired by the beachgoers of Brazil, this soap is a combination of sand and oils to make the perfect exfoliant for your toes, legs and feet. $7.95, Lush Cosmetics, Lushusa.com

» Make your own fooT scrub!

9 10

Go Faster Feet Foot Lotion Perfect for that marathoner momma, this lotion will keep your feet moisturized, deodorized and feeling amazing during your regular workouts. $26.95, Lush Cosmetics, Lushusa.com

Honey & Bilberry Foot Cream The combination of bilberry extract, honey, jojoba butter and rosemary extract will not only exfoliate your feet, but also soften them. $10, Burt’s Bees, Burtsbees.com

• ¼ cup brown sugar • 1 tablespoon Vita Coco Coconut oil • Juice of ½ lemon Mix together and use in shower for sweet and soft toes. Vita Coco Coconut Oil $9.99, Vitacoco.com and Target

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

learn

It's Almost Time For The...

Lyrid Meteor Shower BY TARYN TACHER

The sky is like an artist’s canvas — adorned with cloudy brushstrokes by day and splatter-painted stars by night. On occasion, meteor showers brighten up the night sky and make the canvas that much more exciting to look at. Among the annually expected shooting star splendors is the Lyrid meteor shower that returns every year when Earth travels through Comet Thatcher’s tail of dust between April 16 and 25. What makes the Lyrids most unique, perhaps, is that they can spew up to 100 meteors per hour if the Earth crosses a particularly dense part of Comet Thatcher’s tail.

Named after the constellation Lyra, whose significance stems from Greek mythology’s Orpheus and his lyre, the Lyrids appear to exude from Lyra’s brightest star Vega.

April

22 & 23

2016 THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU

This year, the Lyrid meteor shower is expected to climax on April 22 and 23. Because the peak time coincides with a full moon phase on the lunar calendar, the Lyrids may not be so easily visible. Optimists should peer up at the sky between midnight and dawn on those nights for the chance to spot some shooting stars. Areas void of artificial light will increase your chances, so try Lichgate Park on High Road for an ideal star-spotting location ]

Flashlight & Blanket

The Lyrids are the oldest known meteor shower, dating back to approximately 2,700 years ago.

Snacks & Water

Bug Repellent

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

Binoculars & telescope (optional)

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

learn What Do Parents Like Most About

Summer? BY APRIL TISHER

I think I love summer break more now as a mom than I did as a kid. No, seriously. I love spending free time with my kiddos because I know these days will be gone way before I’m ready. It also means no 6 a.m. alarm, no back-to-back schedules of drop offs and pick up times, and most importantly, NO HOMEWORK, a sentiment shared by many others! Here’s what some of our Giggle readers like best about summer:

“The freedom from time constraints and being free to go do lots of fun stuff like going to the beach, splash parks, Disney…”

“Spending time together with no strict schedule. This will be our first summer with our youngest son, Nicolas, and I’m looking forward to fun with three boys!” - Patricia, mom of three boys

“

Flexibility and a slower pace…no schedule to keep except for the activities the kids choose to do. Also, vacations that aren’t rushed! - Beth, mom of three

- Michele, mom of two girls

”

“Lots of pool time!” - Kelly, mom of two girls

“

No school and a relaxed workload at our jobs means extended weekends at the theme park!

”

- Taryn, mom of two boys

“NO HOMEWORK!” - Amy, mom of two

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

“NO HOMEWORK!” - Kelly, mom of one son

“Time away from the busy school months to sit back and enjoy nurturing relationships with family and friends.” - Rachel, mom of one son

“Having all my family back home together again and the freedom from trying to keep up with so many schedules.” - Lorie, mom of two boys

“The carefree, schedule-free days with the sun not setting until after 8 p.m.” - Kristy, mom of three

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

conception2college™  expecting Baby, You Ought to Be in Pictures!

 infant | 0-1 Bonding Over Bathtime

 toddler | 2-3 Learning with Toys

 early years | 4-5 Keep 'Em Busy

 kids | 6-9 Is It Time to Call It Quits?

 tweens & Teens | 10-18 Special Report: Social Media Explosion

Photo by Ashley Daniell Photography.

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

c2c

expecting Baby, You Ought to be in Pictures! pregnancy

BY KELLY GOEDE

A generation or two ago, a baby’s first picture would have to wait until his birthday, snapped on a Polaroid camera or captured on film. These days, once that line turns blue on the pregnancy test, a mama-to-be can see her baby before she even looks like one, thanks to ultrasound technology. Throughout a pregnancy, ultrasounds are used to assess the age, size and health of the baby, and can even capture a 3D image. So if you’re expecting, what can you expect in the way of ultrasounds?

An ultrasound is simply the use of high frequency sound waves to produce a picture on a monitor (sonogram). At the start of your pregnancy, perhaps when you aren’t even fully sure you are pregnant, a transvaginal ultrasound will assist your doctor in detecting and dating your pregnancy. The technician will insert a thin wand into your vagina and the pictures you see will most likely resemble a little blob or teeny alien-like baby if you are a little further along. Depending on how pregnant you are, the doctor will be looking for baby’s heartbeat and also measuring her size — and perhaps looking for twins. According to Whattoexpect. com, “a gestational sac can be visualized on ultrasound as early as four and a half weeks after your last period, [and] a heartbeat can be detected as early as five to six weeks (though it might not be detected that early in all cases).”

Early Ultrasound

As your pregnancy progresses, your doctor will be following your progress through a variety of measurements, including your blood pressure, weight, the height of the fundus (top of the uterus), and may use a Doppler to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. Once you reach 18 to 20 weeks in your pregnancy, it will be time for an anatomy scan, also called a level 2 ultrasound. This time around, the ultrasound technician or your doctor will be using a transducer to glide across your belly, which will be covered in a thin layer of gel. According to Sarah W. Caron at Sheknows.com, you may be asked to have a full bladder, which will help push your uterus out of the pelvis and assist your doctor in visualizing all the parts of your baby as well as the umbilical cord, amniotic sac, placenta and uterus. Your doctor will be

2d Ultrasound

looking at the size of the baby, checking for birth defects, examining the anatomy and, if baby cooperates, you’ll find out the gender! Although this ultrasound will yield more “baby-looking” pictures on the screen, you may find you are still viewing black and white shapes while the doctor examines each of the organs and systems. Depending on your unique situation, your doctor may call for additional ultrasounds during the later parts of your pregnancy. Sometimes mamas who are considered of advanced maternal age (over age 35) will be offered additional testing, including ultrasounds, which will take a closer look for abnormalities. And certainly, if your doctor has deemed your pregnancy highrisk for any reason, you will be monitored more closely. The most important thing is to speak to your doctor about any questions and concerns; they are your best resource. ]

3d Ultrasound

4D scans show moving 3D images of your baby.

c2c

infant Bonding Over Bath Time ages 0-1

By REBECCA VITKUS

or water with many chemicals, use a water filter to fill the tub, especially with newborns. Remember to use hypoallergenic soaps, powders and oils with little to no scent. Although most parents bathe their babies right before bedtime, it’s best to give your baby a bath at the calmest time of your day, no matter what hour it is. If you are busy and stressed at night, you won’t be able to truly enjoy the special bath-time experience. Make sure you bathe your baby when she is not too hungry or too full so that she will be as comfortable as possible. Pediatrician Dr. Ana Moros-Hanley recommends having bath time at the same time each day because babies thrive on routine. “Bath time can be a great bonding time for baby and parents,” said Moros-Hanley. “It can be a very relaxing, fun time to play and interact with Mom or Dad.”

Bath time for babies can be both relaxing and fun. Younger babies need to see their parent to feel comfortable and safe, so make sure your baby is facing you in the bath. Older babies and toddlers love to

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

splash and play with bath toys, so be ready to get a little wet, and don’t forget the bubbles! Bath crayons and rubber duckies are great, but remember that everyday items like cups, funnels and spoons might be even more enjoyable than storebought toys. Bathrooms usually provide a great acoustic atmosphere, so babies will enjoy hearing the echo of their giggles and yells. Take this time to speak with your baby and practice sounding out new words. Babies can be sensitive to the way the water feels, so if your city has hard water

“Babies can drown in 2 inches of water, so bath time should be uninterrupted,” said Moros-Hanley. “Parents should plan and bring everything they may need, and the phone or any other distractions [should be] ignored. The baby is the priority for those 10 to 15 minutes.” As fun as the bath-time process is, the best part is the end, when you get to wrap your freshly cleaned baby in a warm towel and cuddle to your heart’s content. ]

It’s commonly known that physical touch between a baby and his parents provides many benefits, but did you know that bath time can be rewarding, too? Set aside the stress of a bath time ritual by organizing and planning in advance to make this a special bonding opportunity.

Of course, in the midst of all the fun and excitement of bath time, your baby’s safety is your No. 1 concern. Remember to check the water temperature to ensure that it’s not too hot or too cold, and never, ever leave a baby unattended.

Learning with Toys

toddler

c2c a g es 2 - 3

BY SELENA GARRISON

A couple weeks ago, as I was digging through my 4-year-old’s toys in the garage to find some things for my 8-month-old to play with, I was thinking about the number and variety of toys we have collected over almost five years. Some toys were loved for only five minutes, while others have been played with until they wore out. For us, it seems that the best toys around are the ones that teach. Whether it be motor skill development, color/letter/sound recognition, or counting, these toys keep kids focused and help build important skills. But how do we choose the best toys for our kids when a walk down the toy aisles at Target, Walmart or Toys “R” Us will make your head spin?

I have done some research and picked five of my favorites based not only on their educational value, but also their fun factor!

Melissa & Doug Chunky Wooden Puzzles

Melissa & Doug make lots of great toys. If you haven’t checked them out, I suggest you do! For toddlers, I love their chunky wooden puzzles. The big, chunky pieces fit well in little hands, and the pictures behind each piece help with matching and shape recognition.

LeapFrog Scout’s Build and Discover Tool Set

This cool construction set has kids ages 2 and up working with a pup named Scout as he introduces them to their first step-by-step building project through counting, measuring and color matching! Your little one can construct Scout’s house from the ground up, talk with him, sing along with favorite songs, or just tinker around with the five included tools.

Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks

Photos courtesy of manufacturer.

These wooden blocks help your child learn to stack and build like regular blocks, but they are also magnetic, so your little one’s creations won’t fall apart too easily. This allows you to build with your child or let them use their imagination to build all by themselves!

ThinkFun Roll & Play

This fun game is one that you can play with your toddler! It comes with a large colorful plush cube to roll and 48 cards with six different categories. When you roll the cube, you choose a card matching the color facing up. Then you act out whatever is on the card. The six learning categories include emotions (“giggle and laugh”), counting (“pat your head seven times”), body parts (“wave your arms”), colors (“find something yellow”), animal sounds (“quack like a duck”), and actions (“give a high five”). This game helps to boost understanding of basic concepts and develop motor skills at the same time!

LEAPFROG Number Lovin’ Oven

This super fun toy oven teaches early math through engaging play centered on cooking and sharing! It not only talks and sings (like many toys from this company), but it gets number skills “cooking” through 30+ songs and phrases, 16 fun ingredients, and many ways to play and explore.

These are a few of my favorites, but there are so many great learning tools on the market right now! Do some research and see which ones you love. If you don’t know where to check, try Besttoysguide.com. ] gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016

c2c

early years Keep ‘Em Busy

a g es 4 - 5

BY APRIL TISHER

Need to keep your little one busy while you shop or try to talk, without using your phone, tablet or other electronic device? These days, if your children are anything like mine, it probably seems that it is near impossible to do so. But with a little prep work, patience and a dose of Momma willpower, it can be done. The next time you’re heading out somewhere with the kiddos, don’t forget to pack your “busy bag.”

Drive around town

This simple, laminated road map paired with Hot Wheels cars can give hours of entertainment. Visit any mapping website, and print out your hometown, their grandparents’ hometown or favorite city. Before laminating, add little house drawings or stickers to keep them engaged. Bring some of their favorite cars from home and place in bag!

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My daughter loves to string beads and make jewelry, so putting some of her favorite beads, string or cords in a bag to bring along is the perfect project to pass the time. Don’t just think of this as a “girl’s activity” though. Using brightly colored beads and leather string can make cool key chains, bracelets or necklaces for anybody! Another twist is to use pipe cleaners and beads. Take the age of your children and size of the beads into consideration. They can be a choking hazard!

Flash cards

This is another easy do-it-yourself one to make. You can create flash cards for just about anything. Make color-coded ones to teach colors, alphabet ones, ones for multiplication tables or even ones for learning family members. A twist on these can be matching ones, where your child finds the mate to each card.

Building Blocks

I know you read LEGO® and cringe, but a small amount of preselected Legos or similar small building blocks can keep busy hands occupied for a while! Pick ones that you know can be used to make several different things. Include instructions or let your children use their imagination to build new creations. As long as you don’t bring a 200-piece set they will clean up easily back in the bag and keep your tactile kid happy as a clam!

memory cards

You can make your own memory cards by printing duplicates of photos of family members, their stuffed animals, your family cars, etc. This is perfect for restaurant waiting time. Have your kiddo lay the cards out face down and flip them over until he or she matches up the pairs. Laminate for multiple uses.

Ready made options

If you aren’t the pre-planner type or don’t have time to come up with some creative ideas of your own, Disney’s Grab & Go Play Packs are one of the best things I’ve come across. You can pick them up near the checkout of dollar stores, Target, etc. for about a dollar. They are resealable bags that contain a small coloring book, a few crayons and some coordinating stickers. The best part is that they come in about every theme your child could imagine (think Princesses, Minions, Mickey Mouse, “Star Wars,” etc.) Other easy options are the Spot It! games. They come in many varieties, age ranges and themes. These are my go-to for my daughter when she has to spend hours at her brothers’ ball practices!

The best part is, if your child is occupied for those few extra minutes, you might even have time to have that coffee date with your bestie! ] Please note that not all children will be ready for small toys or plastic baggies as part of their play. Please take the age and skill level of your child into consideration when deciding whether or not to implement "busy bags" and always supervise children.

Called busy bags, these petite playrooms are small baggies with engaging and age appropriate activities that your child can play with independently. These should be simple, educational, fun and easily transported. Make them up ahead of time so you always have one in your purse or diaper bag when needed. To keep your kids interested, switch them up and create new ones every once in a while.

Beads and String

kids

c2c a g es 6 - 9

Is It Time to Call It Quits? BY KELLY GOEDE

focusing on playing the classical stuff he’s sick of.” Giving our kids a voice to help express their opinion on how their “passion” proceeds will help them feel more plugged in if they choose to continue. Not allowing them to weigh in sets you up for a grumpy and resentful kiddo.

It’s almost inevitable that your child, upon finding his passion is soccer, or lacrosse, or piano, will realize several years into it that “passion” may have been too strong a word. In fact, he may utter those dreaded words that make every parent’s skin crawl ever so slightly: “I. Quit.” And as his parents, we receive his pronouncement like the conundrum it is. Do we let him? Do we encourage (er, force) him to keep going, as if his entire future hinges on him continuing? Oh, the agony! The stink of this type of dilemma is that no neat and tidy answer exists. We have no crystal ball telling you that your darling daughter will become the next Broadway star if she continues in musical theater past the “I quit” moments — and make no mistake, if you have a human child, she will want to quit at many points during her pursuit of her passion. For as much fervor and intensity as kids can invest in their chosen activity, they can also be quite whimsical, casually tossing aside the years spent practicing and the investment in equipment and training. Maddening, right? But oh so normal! And a little investigation can shed light on a possible way forward where both you and your child are at peace. Mother of two, Wendy Mandese, has

weathered the storms of her children deciding if they want to continue playing their various sports and instruments. Her daughter Ally, 15, has played violin for nine years and oboe for four, and her son Tommy, 12, has been playing violin and lacrosse for four years. Her advice is to find out the reason they want to quit.

“If they are being picked on or the teacher/coach is being ‘mean’ to them, then that’s a separate issue that needs to be investigated,” she said. “If they want to quit because it’s ‘too hard’ or they don’t want to spend time practicing, that’s trickier.” Make time for a heart-to-heart talk with your child to unpack their feelings. Wendy went on to say that if your child does need a change, “it’s possible that they can continue their activity but maybe back down on lessons or practice duration or frequency, or maybe find another avenue for the same activity…we’re working on Tommy playing the fiddle with his dad’s band, instead of

Dance studio owner Mary Knestrick has seen her fair share of children who have fallen in love — and perhaps fallen out of love — with dance. Although she said that each child’s situation is unique, she firmly stated that, “first and foremost, the child should be INSPIRED by the activity or sport they are participating in. And once they are immersed in this art or sport, it is the parent’s duty to teach commitment, consistency and finishing what was started, no matter the terms — as long as it is a positive environment and experience for the child.” You know your child best and communication with him or her is paramount to assessing their feelings on their chosen activity. We also need to consider our own goals for him while participating in his sport or activity. We know that odds of him “going pro” are not statistically in his favor, so obviously we have other ideas for how his time on a field or performing will enrich his life. Can we achieve those goals some other way? As the mother of two girls (Kara, 8, and Kayla, 12) involved in competitive cheerleading for the past five years, Ginger Gibson points out that her daughters thoughts of quitting are “a great time for me to relate the teams I work with at my job and how every person plays an important part.” She said she asks her girls how they would feel if the other team members gave up on them and how they could encourage them to keep going. Learning to function on a team is one of the most important life skills, and if your child can learn it through his or her chosen activity, then great. If it seems that quitting and changing tactics will better help your child learn about teamwork, then that is also great. ]

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tweens & teens

a g es 1 0 - 1 8

SPECIAL REPORT

Social Media Explosion BY TARYN TATCHER

Social media has become second nature in a world that continues to be infiltrated by new technology. It can be confusing to keep track of what each social media site is used for, so here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular sites and how to keep your child safe.

4. Vine Users post six-second videos.

2. Twitter Have a thought, feeling or idea you want to express in 140 characters or less? Share it on Twitter in the form of a tweet.

6. Pinterest Are you into DIY home décor, event planning, baking, cooking, etc.? Use Pinterest to find exactly what you’re looking for, or share your own ideas for others to imitate.

3. Instagram This app is used to share captivating and artistic photography, one photo at a time.

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5. Snapchat Users share photos and/or videos for one to 10 seconds with specific people or with all of their followers. You can add lighting filters, geotags, text and emojis. There are also messaging and live video chatting features.

7. Tumblr Tumblr is essentially a blogging platform that allows users to post text, photos,

videos, music, art and anything else you can think of. A user’s dashboard lets him or her know when there’s new content on one of the blogs he or she is following. 8. Kik This app allows users to send messages, photos, videos and other content to people in the form of a messaging system. Kik users don’t have to provide any personal information besides their chosen username, so there’s a level of anonymity. 9. Periscope Periscope users create their own live stream and share the link either publicly or with specific users. They can also watch other users’ live streams.

1. Facebook Users can connect with friends and relatives and reconnect with people they haven’t seen or spoken to in a while through friend requests, wall posts and photo albums. You can also join specific groups for networking or shared interests. Facebook, though older than the rest of the listed social media sites, remains the most popular among teens.

KEEP THEM SAFE Outside of school hours, and even during those hours, a level of responsibility falls on parents to ensure their children are not on the giving or receiving end of cyberbullying. Here are some tips for parents to protect their children: 1. Insist that your child’s social media profiles are set to private, so strangers cannot view them. Don’t take their word for it. Test them. Continue to test them during their time using the apps.

Every time a new social media site is introduced, it offers another platform for us to expose ourselves to the rest of the world — not always resulting in positive feedback. The more we share on social media, the more vulnerable we become to criticism. There’s something about the digital world and it's lack of face-toface communication that gives people the confidence to speak more candidly than they normally would. This type of bullying — whether it’s nonsensical, or stems from envy — can be detrimental to self-esteem, mental health and physical well-being. Tweens and teens are perhaps most susceptible to social media bullying because they’ve grown up in a technological era, so they’re using social media sites more than any other age group. When used appropriately, social media can allow young adults to express themselves freely and creatively, while giving them the opportunity to connect with others who share their interests. But, when employed to spread rumors and hurtful messages, social media becomes dangerous.

Nicole Lovell, 13, of Virginia, was murdered in January by someone she allegedly met on Kik. Zoe Johnson, 13, of Michigan committed suicide in July after enduring repeated bullying both online and in person. And these teens aren’t the only ones who have suffered. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, about 50 percent of adolescents have fallen victim to some form of cyberbullying, and 10 to 20 percent endure it repeatedly. Because some social media sites don’t require that much personal information from users, it can be difficult to track down offenders. Chris Petley, communications manager for the Leon County School District, said that the district works to educate students (through educational videos like Faux Paw The Techno Cat and Common Sense Education) on the dangers of social media and how to report bullying should they become victim to it. ]

2. Monitor who your child is befriending and talking to on social media sites. There are programs like PureSight PC and Net Nanny that allow you to keep an eye on your child’s social media sites through filter settings, blocking capabilities and other restrictive options. 3. Make sure all of the information he or she presents about him or herself is truthful, in order to avoid unwanted attention. 4. Encourage your child to let you know if he or she is at the receiving end of threatening comments or bullying. 5. Teach your child not to use derogatory or hurtful words when interacting with others. 6. Teach your child what consequences could result in using these platforms incorrectly. 7. Monitor your child’s photos and educate them on what is and is not appropriate for photos. 8. Make sure they know to come to you IMMEDIATELY if something does not seem acceptable, normal, or if they are uncomfortable with what they see. They should be praised for coming to you, as you want them to feel like they can always come to you for help/protection.

FSU Childcare & Early Learning Programs

High Quality Childcare and Early Learning Programs for Children

NOW ENROLLING

For additional information regarding our programs and enrollment please visit our website at www.childcare.fsu.edu License # C02LEO60 C02LEO519

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happy community April 1

April 22–30

April Fools’ Day

Passover

April 1–2

April 23

Springtime Tallahassee Festival Springtimetallahassee.com April 8–9

Rock the Centre

7:30 p.m. Pavilion at the Centre of Tallahassee Worldballetinc.com April 8–10

Word of [South]

Cascades Park Wordofsouthfestival.com April 9

Worm Gruntin’ Festival 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Downtown Sopchoppy Wormgruntinfestival.com April 9

FSU Autism Superhero 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. Northwood Centre Eventbrite.com April 10

Rock the Pink Lip Sync

5:30 – 8 p.m. American Legion Hall at Lake Ella Rockthepinklipsync.com April 15–17

Ap r i l / M ay c a l e n d a r

Cascades Park Southernshakespearefestival.org April 16–17

LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival Tallahassee Downtown Chain of Parks Visittallahassee.com April 22

Earth Day

March Of Dimes: March For Babies Registration: 9 a.m. Walk: 10 a.m. Tom Brown Park Marchofdimes.org April 23

Big Brother Big Sister 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. A Woman’s Place Tmh.org April 23

Camp Charis Park Day 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Camp Charis Campcharis.com April 22-23

Lyrid Meteor Shower April 30

Nene Fest 5K and 1 Miles Fun Run 8 – 10:30 a.m. Optimist Park Eventbrite.com April 30

Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe Run 7 a.m. Southwood Rmhctallahassee.org May 1

Youth Triathlon Series 8 a.m. FSU Morcom Aquatic Center Tallahasseeyts.com May 7

ReptiDay Tallahassee Reptile Show North Florida Fairgrounds 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Reptiday.com

May 7

Leon Schools Reading Record Attempt 10 a.m. Kleman Plaza Eventbrite.com May 7

Derby Day at Dover 4 – 9 p.m. Dover Farm Derbydayatdover.com May 8

Mother’s Day May 15

TSO Family Concert

Ruby Diamond Concert Hall 2:30 – 4 p.m. Visittallahassee.com May 21

JDRF One Walk

Southwood Town Center Check in: 8 a.m. Walk: 9 a.m. Jdrf.org May 25

Free Extreme Couponing Workshop

3:30 & 7 p.m. Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown Eventbrite.com May 28

Peter Frampton Concert 8 p.m. Capital City Amphitheater at Cascades Park Capitalcityamphitheater.com May 30

Memorial Day May 31

Southside Kids Camp

Georgia Baptist Conference Center Southsidefamily.com

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happy community

gigglemag.com | APRIL/MAY 2016