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Features 15 - 17 Local Biz Kids Paving the Way to the Future by Jennifer Dunlap
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23 How to Detect & Prevent Against Workplace Bullying by Rakesh Malhotra
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20 - 29 Special Section: The Healthy Happy Family Expo
31 Community Gathers to Support MADD
Be a Woman of Action
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33 GoodLiving Guest Blogger: Tracey L. Locke bemorechildlike.blogspot.com
38 My Story by Pamela Settle
The Good Stuff TBWOA.com
8 - 11 Good News
12 - 13 Good Products About the Cover Our cover shot is a beautiful local family celebrating Autumn, Florida style! Photography by Corey Conroy. See more at CoreyConroyPhotography.com This issue is dedicated to all the families in our community who reach out and open their homes to foster children, or who adopt to give children forever families. Thank you for sharing the love!
34 - 37 Good Eating Treating Kids Right, A Kid’s Menu Review of Shor, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Clearwater Beach Tips for Surviving the Candy Season Unprocessed October It’s Time to Fall for Squash by Christie Waterhouse, Thee Baby Lady
TM
fall 2012
Commemorating two years of encouraging, informing, inspiring and celebrating healthy and happy living in Pinellas County!
Publisher Light Shine Media Group, LLC
Editor-in-Chief Pamela Settle
Contributing Writers Jennifer Dunlap Tracey L. Locke Rakesh Malhotra Christie Waterhouse
Design and Layout Marcie Kelliher
Account Manager Tory Perfetti
Data Manager Tom Eckert
Website WP by Design
GoodLiving™ Magazine & GoodLivingMagazine.com P.O. Box 1795 Oldsmar, Florida 34677 (727) 776-3656 info@goodlivingmag.com
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Letter from the Editor This issue is a celebration! A celebration of vision, faith, determination and hard work. A celebration of what is good about America, the strength and creativity of women and the love of family. Why? Because with this issue, GoodLiving magazine is two years old! While two is still young, in publishing it’s quite a feat. According to a website for magazine publishers, 80 percent of all new magazines fail in the first year. Half of the remaining 20 percent fail during year two. So woo hoo, we beat the odds! And we are extremely pleased to still be here sharing the good news from Pinellas County, recognizing good people, lifting up good businesses and inspiring our friends and neighbors to live healthier, more meaningful lives. We celebrated in style at our inaugural Healthy Happy Family Expo on September 22nd. More than 75 organizations, professionals and companies came together to share their passion for healthy families. There were live fitness demos from boxing to ballroom dancing, speakers and a room full of healthy, happy and caring people! The energy was exhilarating and I’ve already heard from women who connected with trainers and weight loss experts to change their lives. We can hardly wait for the next one. But until then, we have dedicated a special section to the expo participants because we want everyone to benefit from the information they have. A milestone like this calls for a healthy dose of gratitude. We absolutely know that we wouldn’t be here if not for the readers, which is awesome, because this magazine is written for the readers. I cannot tell you how much I personally appreciate the fact that when GoodLiving hits the racks, they are gone in a flash.
advertising@goodlivingmag.com GoodLiving™ magazine is a publication of Light Shine Media Group, LLC and is available to readers by a paid annual subscription available at tampabaygoodliving.com. Promotional copies are distributed through establishments as a courtesy to their customers and clients. Additional copies are donated to local schools as a community service. To request copies, contact info@goodlivingmag.com. All photographs, artwork, design and editorial are the sole property of GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC are not responsible for statements made by advertisers and writers for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Readers should verify the advertising information of the advertisers and all specials are valid to the expiration date set by the advertiser. GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC reserve the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. The views expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights reserved.
We are also grateful for the good companies and organizations that support this magazine with their advertising. They are more like our friends – good citizens of our community who understand and believe in the purpose of the publication. A big thank you goes to our community partners for sharing our passion, the establishments that allow us to share this magazine with their customers, the many writers who have shared their knowledge and the artist who shares her amazing talent with each and every beautiful issue. No list of gratitude would be complete without including my supportive family, friends and the God who gave me this vision to begin with. So now that we’ve beat the odds, we move to the next milestone. And I relish the opportunity to continue sharing the good. Thank you for being a part of the journey. Until next time, be good!
Pamela Settle
news You’re Invited to a Baby Shower The Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas County is holding a baby shower for expectant parents, new parents and their families. Gain valuable information about having a healthy baby.
October 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at All Children’s Hospital, Education and Conference Center located at 701 4th Street South in St. Petersburg To reserve your seat you must contact Cindy McNulty by October 23rd at (727) 507-4260, ext. 229. Editor’s note The Healthy Start Coalition is always accepting donations of diapers, wipes, gift cards and other baby supplies for women in our community. You can drop donations at their office anytime or contact Cindy about holding a drive. 2600 East Bay Drive, Suite 205, Largo 33771
Red Ribbon Healthy Family Funfest Commemorate Red Ribbon Week and Say No to Drugs at the Red Ribbon Healthy Family Funfest on
October 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg Enjoy free inflatable rides, game trucks, games, arts and crafts and family friendly entertainment for kids of all ages. Free pop corn and cotton candy. Sponsored by Operation PAR with support from Healthy Start Federal Project, Catalina Marketing Foundation, Well Spring Oncology, LiveFree!, Matthew D. Wiedner, PA, Cappa & Cappa, PA and St. Petersburg Junior League. For more information call 727-545-7564.
Ground Breaking &
New Age of Caregiving Symposium Kim Linder, host of the Caregiver Hour on WHNZ radio and caregiver coach is sponsoring a day-long symposium for anyone is who a caregiver. That includes adults who care for other adults or children, personally or professionally. Kim lends her caring touch to the event by bringing in Lee Woodward resources to pamper, educate and recharge the batteries of caregivers who give so much and have so much added responsibility to their own lives. Keynote speaker this year is Lee Woodward, wife of reporter Bob Woodward who was injured by roadside bomb while covering a story in Iraq. She has written the book Perfectly Imperfect about her experiences as his caregiver. Together they are now drawing attention to cause of injured veterans. They founded the Bob Woodruff Foundation (Remind.org) to assist wounded servicemen and their families receive the long-term care that they need and help them successfully reintegrate into their communities. You can learn more about Lee at leewoodruff.com.
November 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hilton Hotel at Carillon Park Tickets are $45 in advance or $60 at the door. Professional caregivers, who will receive educational credits, are $60 in advance and $75 at the door. Get tickets at newageofcaregivingsymposium.com
NOPE Candlelight Vigil Be a part of the community coming together to recognize the impact prescription drugs use is having on young people. Come out for the 4th Annual NOPE of Pinellas Candlelight Vigil.
Thursday, October 25th at 7 pm at Largo Central Park Together families and organizations will remember the thousands of loved ones lost to drug and alcohol abuse. Please bring a picture of your loved one to post on the memorial wall the night of the vigil. We encourage you to come early! Please contact laurie.serra@gmail.com with any questions.
Important vote for schools A New Home for Veterans The Homeless Emergency Project in Clearwater is celebrating their new housing opportunities for veterans. Join them at the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for HEP West Veterans Housing.
October 25, 2012 at 12:00pm. 1120 North Betty Lane in Clearwater Learn more about how you can help at ETHEP.org
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On the November ballot, we will get to renew the one-half mill ad valorem tax to continue funding for arts, music, technology and textbooks for Pinellas County school children. By voting yes on the referendum, you will be directly helping to enrich the education of our students and to recruit and retain quality teachers. This is not a new tax, but a continuation of our local commitment that since 2004 has made a very positive impact. Every penny stays in Pinellas County and, by law, is money over and above state funding. The funds are monitored by an independent citizen’s referendum oversight committee to ensure funds are being used appropriately. To view a video that explains what the 2012 referendum means to Pinellas County Schools, visit the PCS Referendum 411 at referendum.pcsb.org.
news Don’t forget to vote! Going to vote is always a good thing to do. This year you may want to avoid long lines on election day by taking advantage of early voting and mail-in ballots. The General Election ballot is four pages long (two cards) and includes 11 proposed state constitutional amendments and a Pinellas School District referendum. To request a mail ballot or for more information, call (727)464-VOTE (8683) or visit votepinellas.com
Rhea Lana comes to St. Petersburg A new way to buy and sell children’s clothing is coming to St. Petersburg, October 20 – 24. The company is called Rhea Lana and they will be holding two large-scale consigning events per year, fall and spring. Their sales events are for high quality, used children’s clothing, maternity clothing, furniture, toys, DVDs and more. The fall event is at 6986 22nd Avenue North across from Tyrone Square Mall. Come out and shop for what you need and score good items for about 30% of what you would pay retail. Hours for the public sale days are Saturday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from noon to 7 pm and Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half price days for the public are Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Share your good news. Send stories to news@goodlivingmag.com
Local Students Buy Cows Kicking off their year of service, students at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Dunedin raised more than $1,000 to purchase livestock for hungry families in developing countries through Heifer International. Students sold cookies and milk during snack time and after Mass during the month of September. Students also made and sold cow-print hair bows and awareness ribbons. The sales brought in $1021.44, enough to purchase two cows. Teachers incorporated a curricular component during daily lessons in social studies, math, language arts and religion. The school also utilized Heifer International’s “Read to Feed” program, teaching the message of sustainability through fictional literature. Students learned the importance of sustainability, “teaching a man to fish” with a hand up rather than a hand out. Any family, organization or school can work to help others through Heifer International and it makes a satisfying holiday giving project for anyone! Raise money to purchase goats, pigs, honeybees, chickens and more, all in an effort to give villages a sustainable way to support themselves. Stuck on what to buy grandma this year for Christmas? Donate her favorite animal in her name and make a difference. Heifer.org
The concept allows for moms to sell their items easily. Visit their website to learn the details of being a consignor, volunteer or business sponsor. Go to RheaLana.com and navigate to St. Petersburg to learn more. Sign up for the email news and find their Facebook page to stay up to date.
BizMoms Connect Comes to Pinellas County The same mompreneurs that are bringing Rhea Lana to our area are also the founders of a networking group for moms in business, called BizMoms Connect. The group kicked off with their first meetings in St. Petersburg in September at Ciccio’s restaurant. Meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m. A North Pinellas chapter kicks off on October 23 at Tiffany’s Family Restaurant in Palm Harbor at 10:30 a.m. This chapter will be co-facilitated by Pamela Settle, editor of GoodLiving magazine, and will meet the first and third Tuesdays of the month. If you are a mom who runs her own business, come out and network with other moms who know what it’s like to run a household and a business at the same time. Together we can help and support one another! For more information go to 4BizMoms.com and join their Facebook page of the same name.
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A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION GoodLiving magazine invited non-profit organizations and churches in Pinellas County to participate in a “Community Conversation” on September 4th. The purpose of the event was to discuss the current state of key issues as they pertain to children, foster care, drugs, hunger, parent participation in education and the elderly. Representatives from Juvenile Welfare Board, Eckerd Community Foundation, Live Free!, RCS Food Bank, Pinellas County Council PTA and Suncoast Hospice shared important information about what is happening in our community, right here, right now, with leaders from the faith community.
Wow! Fall is moving fast and we’re headed straight into the Holiday season in high gear! If you’ve been wondering how you and your family can make the season more meaningful, we have these suggestions: Volunteer to be a bell ringer for the Salvation Army (Great service idea for a scout troop!) Call the Clearwater branch at (727)725-9777.
In addition to laying out the realities, they shared relevant suggestions and real-life action items as to how the faith community can be more a part of the solution.
Donate groceries and goods for those in need Collect some extra groceries by taking advantage of 2 FOR 1 sales and you won’t feel it in your budget. Drop them off at Homeless Emergency Project on N. Betty Lane in Clearwater. Call (727)442-9041 for open hours.
Working together was the key message of Jim Morgan, founder and president of Meet the Need, an organization that helps communities create a single platform of data that mobilizes people to serve and give.
Or clean out your old winter wear closet and donate to the HEP Thrift Store! Cold weather is rough on the homeless.
In Pinellas County, Meet the Need and GoodLiving magazine are partnering to help bring the needs of charities and ministries to any group looking to do a service project. Also attending the event was County Commissioner Nancy Bostock and Julianna Zobrist, a Christian singer/songwriter who performed her new song, “Say it Now.” Thank you to our sponsors for making the event possible: Meet the Need, Serving Lynk, Florida Hospital North Pinellas and Suncoast Hospice.
Give thanks to our veterans Gather your family up to make “We are Grateful for you” cards and take them to Bay Pines Veterans Center at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. Small gestures of caring matter to our veterans. Sing carols to our seniors Organize a Flash Mob to sing carols at a nearby Senior Adult Living facility. (Call the program director in advance to find out when and where to show up). Help a local child in need Call a nearby school ask the principal or guidance counselor about anonymously adopting an underprivileged child/family, and fulfill someone else’s wish list with no strings attached. Secret Santas will never be out of style!
How to use GoodWorks Pinellas 1. Access the Good Works Page through GoodLivingMagazine.com 2. Search the local database for opportunities to serve or donate material goods 3. Select where you want to help 4. Register to be a volunteer 5. Fulfill your service in the community 6. Repeat!
Join a charity Find an organization that is blessing the community with their holiday ministry to the community and join in! Lokey Charities is doing just that in conjunction with Skycrest Ministries. Together we will giving 300 families a week’s worth of groceries on November 10th. If you know someone who needs to be on the receiving end this year, direct them online to skycrest.us to register or call (727)791-7107 for more information. Share your stories LIKE the Lokey Charities page on Facebook and share what you are doing to warm hearts in the coming season. Just think how our combined actions could change our county if more families and businesses got involved! Find us online at lokeycharities.com. There’s a place to donate if you’d like to partner with us this year!
products
In celebration of GoodLiving’s Two Year Anniversary, we are looking back at some of our favorite products that have been featured in past issues. These products stood the test of time and remain ones we talk about and recommend to friends.
Eat Cleaner Spray and Wipes
Go-Caddy
Grabbing a healthy fruit snack on the run is a good habit, but how do you clean it? Carry these handy, all-natural wipes for fresh produce from Eat Cleaner™ that cleans bacteria, surface contaminants, pesticide residue and wax. Individually wrapped 30-count package for $10. They offer a wide selection of food cleaners at Eatcleaner.com.
Keeping your water close by on a hot day is easy with the Go Caddy. Just the right size to hold a bottle of water, keys, cell phone and ID. Ideal for a day at a theme park, a walk with the kids, a trip to the gym or anywhere you go. Hangs easily by your side for hands free, no-fuss toting. Black, brown, red or pink. Durable and well made. Makes a great gift too. $19.99 at BVTProducts.com
Fresh Wave
Flings® Pop-Up Recycle Bins
Vaska Laundry Products
Smelly Towel Cleaner
The unscented Fresh Wave® products are created for odor elimination where other air fresheners simply mask odors with chemicals that irritate noses and lungs. The Fresh Wave spray passed the cat urine smell test with flying (odor killing) colors that made no one sneeze. $9.99 for 8 oz. Check out their other products at Amazon.com and buy them local at Bed, Bath & Beyond stores.
In one week, residents of Pinellas County use millions of gallons of water just doing laundry. Keep that water free of harmful phosphates, petroleum and chlorine by using Vaska’s collection of award-winning, EPA-approved laundry care product that out perform major brand name detergents. A reasonable $9.99 for 32 loads of clothes – and water. Find them at local Albertson’s stores and at Amazon.com. The lavender Herbatergent takes good care of fabrics and skin. Love it!
No more flopped-over trash bags or cans stacked on tables. These portable containers open accordion style to form a stable, decorative bin for up to 60 cans or bottles at a time. Use several of them around your party and reuse them by dumping contents into a larger recycling tote. Find 13 gallon bins for under $4 at iParty in Clearwater. Flingsbins.com
Throw a half teaspoon of a new product called Smelly Towel Cleaner in the washer with your detergent and you will have a non-toxic and environmentally-friendly solution to eradicate foul odors and kill harmful fungi and molds in your dirty gym towels. A year’s worth of Smelly Towel sells for $16.99 at smellywasher.com, Amazon.com or at Ace Hardware stores.
BASQ NYC Beauty Products Simple Human Sensor Pump
Help fend off germs by using this sensor pump for hand soap that will quick and touch-free dispense just the right amount of soap onto your hands. Sleek and sturdy design. Volume control. Takes AA batteries. $44.99 at SimpleHuman.com
Filtrete Water Station
Staying hydrated in the summer heat is important for all ages. Cheaper than bottled water and more eco-friendly, this water station takes water from your tap and filters it into four, BPA-free reusable water bottles. Great for vacations, camping or at work when filtered water may be hard to find. Includes a three-month filter change indicator. Retails for $42.99
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The full line of products at BASQ NYC have addictive aromas and luxurious textures. Every product is rigorously tested for allergy and sensitivity plus they are all paraben, phthalate and animal-testing free. The Energizing Body Lotion is a cooling, energizing blend that eases body aches, reduces swelling in the feet and legs and cools the body from “hot flashes.” $22 at BASQNYC.com
Z is for Zucchini: a Baby Foods Memory Book Written by local baby expert, Christy Waterhouse, a simple but powerful memory book to capture the early foods your baby eats. Use it as a journal for photos and notes, and then share the story of your little one’s favorite healthy foods to reinforce positive habits. Sturdy paperback with glossy pages. $19.99 at TheeBabyLady.com.
Voice Quilt
Share the gift of voices with someone who is far away, in a hospital or nursing home or celebrating a major milestone. To make a voice quilt, simply sign up on the website and obtain a toll-free call-in number. People all over the world can call in to record a special greeting, song, poem or prayer to share with the recipient. All messages are arranged and loaded on a memory stick that goes inside a specially-designed wood box that when opened plays the messages. Price varies. Voicequilt.com
Teagan Collection
Not that you’d head to a hardware store for jewelry, but Hammerheads Hardware on West Bay Drive in Largo has an impressive selection of gifts including this quality line of college jewelry for Gator, Seminole, Bulls and Knights fans. The company is called Teagan and they sell enamel-coated and crystal beads on 925 marked silver that bump fan wear to a level that any woman will feel good wearing. This Winter Park based company is selling nationally through its website TeaganCo.com where shoppers can find additional colleges, initials, sports, team colors in crystal and more.
Collegiate Fashionista
Local businesswoman, Diane Dal Lago is making fan clothing glam. She sells popular licensed embellished with crystals for college team and pro racing. Her quality designs have high crystal counts, are machine washable and she chooses only better quality shirts, hats and scarves for the embellishments. Fans of the Gators, Seminoles, Bulls, Knights and 44 other schools can find fashionable fan wear to show their spirit with style. Shop online at CollegiateFashionista.com.
The Gracie Bullyproof System
Unfortunately, back to school for about one third of American students ages 8 to 18 means going to back to be bullied. The Gracie Family Jiu-Jitsu masters have put together a comprehensive program that can be done at home (DVDs or streaming video) with parent and child to build confidence and skills. The system is designed to empower children with the verbal strategies to stand up to bullies and a series of non-violent self-defense techniques to keep them safe if they are physically attacked. Specifically they teach how to take a stand and neutralize the harassment without violence; they boost self esteem to increase ability to make right choices in life; they encourage physical activity and give a full body workout; and they strengthen the bond between parent and child who must work together through the stages. There is an extensive online community for support and testing. The program and accessories can be purchased at Graciekids.com.
foHawx for Bike Helmets
Inspired by a 7-year-old who refused to wear his helmet because it just wasn’t cool, the mission of the moms behind foHawx was to provide a product that would make safety helmets hip enough to wear. With five styles to choose from, kids can wear, collect, and swap – easily switching them out and updating their collections. $19.99 at fohawx.com
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- PAID ADVERTISEMENT -
Local Biz Kids Paving the Way to the Future By JENNIFER DUNLAP
From the tender age of seven, Lily Perez began working for her family’s business. For Lily, that meant managing and growing a LaMancha dairy goat herd, as well as tending to chores on their sprawling 40-acre Floral City farm. She worked alongside her mother, Toni, raising the herd, then selling their goats’ milk products at various local markets and craft fairs. As a teenager, Lily and her mom dabbled in a soap-making hobby, using local ingredients and their own farm’s goat milk. Eventually, with her hands-on background working with the products and her exposure to the business side of selling those products in the marketplace, Lily decided it was time to turn her hobby into a profitable business venture. And at the impressive age of only fourteen years old, Miss Perez launched Simply Caprine, a line of affordable, natural skin care products using farm fresh goat milk and other organic ingredients. A few miles further south in Safety Harbor, a third-grade student was tired of a common (yet painful) experience she and her young friends kept struggling with - bandage removal! So, Alanna Meyers set up shop in her family’s bathroom with a few empty containers and several potential ingredients. After about a week’s worth of experiments, the young girl emerged with an effective, safe, natural and painless bandage removal spray. She brought it to
her classmates at school to test it out. They loved the spray and kept asking for more. Reflecting back on the initial idea, Alanna’s mom Julia remembered, “We just did it as a fun project together. But people loved it, and it worked. And they kept coming back for more.” Now at the age of ten, Alanna’s resume already touts such accomplishments as inventor, business owner, and Grand Prize winner of Nickelodeon’s game show “Figure It Out” (more on that later!). These young ladies are just two local examples of a trend emerging in our youngest generations. The entrepreneurial spirit is soaring these days. Home-based businesses and direct selling (like in-home parties to purchase products and services) are on the rise. Consultancy and free-lancing jobs are increasing in popularity as well among adult workers. Traditional jobs are harder than ever to get and keep. As a response, many workers are becoming more self-sufficient in regards to generating income. It’s certainly impressive to read about grown women or men who have invented a product or started their own business. But what exactly influences youth like Lily and Alanna to become business-savvy, inventive, entrepreneurial kinds of kids?! Are these young people truly exceptional? Or is there something every parent should learn and apply from their stories of success? Lily’s and Alanna’s experiences have some striking similarities, and the first one is the role played by their parents in their success. For Alanna, it began before she was probably even aware of what she was observing. Her mom Julia notes, “She sees us (Mom and Dad) working at our businesses. And in my particular business, we produce products. When Alanna came to me with the idea of making a painless bandage removal, I knew a little about how and where to get her started.” Lily and her mom Toni had been working together as a team for many years running the family farm. As Lily watched her mom procure the milk from the goats and then take it to the market
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and exchange it for money, Lily was learning invaluable lessons about the exchange of goods for income. “From the time Lily was born, our goal as a family has been to work as a team and live and develop a life that teaches integrity, responsibility, PLUS have a great time living it together. We consider this our Godly heritage and try to make sure that we honor God in all that we do,” says Toni Perez. A parent with some background and experience in the business world would be smart to begin relaying skills and lessons early on to their children. Parents, like Alanna’s and Lily’s, with business knowledge and management experience can certainly be a plus. But you don’t have to have a graduate degree or specialized skills to recognize and maximize the potential in your child. A critical key to future success is to encourage your child to pursue a passion they have or a talent you see emerging in them. For instance, if your child loves video games, you can encourage him or her to consider developing a product or app that is lacking in their market. The creative, artistic youngster may develop an online presence on sites like Etsy.com (for homemade goods and crafts). If your little one loves to pick up collectibles and “treasures” at garage sales, encourage him or her to sell some of their pieces on Ebay.com for a own individual strengths. Most recently, Lily has begun to take respectable profit. on more responsibility for the money management and budgeting The online world can be a great tool for kids who want to start of the business. As a homeschool family, the Perez’s can easily their own business or products. Donna Partow, former investment incorporate this “real world” experience into classes like economics, banker, entrepreneur, and author of Making Money from Home: which Lily is currently taking. How to Run a Successful Home-Based Business says, “We are in an age with the Internet where people are intrigued with the ‘novel’, so Parents are not solely responsible for fostering and encouraging their young entrepreneurs, especially here in the Tampa Bay area. parents can help their child identify those things that ARE novel, Local organizations like the Pinellas Education Foundation (PEF) entertaining and interesting about themselves.” She adds, “Parents and Fair Warning have partnered together to inspire and encourage need to be involved, but kids can create their own personal brand young people to pursue their creative, innovative business ideas. and, out of that, get a following.” Believing that entrepreneurs truly change lives by adding value Alanna’s bandage-removal spray, Take-Off, is a great example of a through the unique ideas they create and bring to the marketplace, kid creating their own personal brand. From the invention of the the PEF and Fair Warning have created a year-long competition product to the labeling of the package and the marketing avenues called Next Generation Entrepreneurs: Advancing Innovative Minds. taken, Alanna’s parents have allowed her to take her business in This competition is open to high school juniors and seniors some exciting directions. With a panache for public speaking, attending Pinellas County Public Schools, and allows students Alanna has been interviewed on national broadcasts like The to submit ideas and business plans in the hopes of winning the Doctors, The Rachel Ray Show, and most recently Nickelodeon’s $10,000 grand prize award that will be used to start a real business. game show, Figure It Out where she stumped a panel of celebrity Participating students throughout the year will have access to business judges and won the grand prize when they couldn’t guess what she plan training, creativity workshops, as well as mentoring for the top did for a living! 10 finalists in the competition. Alanna says that getting to appear on TV and talk about her product For more information about the competition or to submit an with people is, “really exciting!” A remarkably confident and wellapplication to enter, please visit www.pinellaseducation.org spoken ten-year old, Alanna says about her success, “This whole process has been fun! I enjoy getting to talk to people about my product. How many people get to do this? It just feels really special.” One of Lily’s favorite aspects of her goat’s milk skin care line, Simply Caprine, is the chance it gives her to utilize her creativity in her product line. “My favorite part of the business is using my creativity in designing our brand. This includes soap designs and packaging and all printed materials. I also enjoy writing, so I just started a Simply Caprine blog.” She prefers to leave the public speaking and presenting to her mother, and the two have found a great way to balance the responsibilities of the business with their
how to purchase each girls’ products: Pain Free Bandage Remover bandage-remover.com
Simply Caprine (goats milk skin care products)
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GoodLiving fall 2012
simplycaprine.com
Another organization, 4-H of Hernando County was a huge influence in the education and encouragement of Lily’s business venture. Joining the Hernando County 4-H club at seven years old, Miss Perez’s childhood was filled with support and opportunities through this organization. “Miss Nancy Moore with the Hernando County 4-H has been a big encouragement and has provided me with many opportunities to promote my business,” says Lily. Parents who wish to give their children the gift of an entrepreneurial head start are wise to keep three crucial ideas in mind. 1. Encourage and expand on the creative ideas your child expresses. Both Lily and Alanna started with an idea, and their moms helped direct them into the next step. One step at a time. 2. Be deliberate about encouraging the talents and passions you see in your child. They may not have a business or inventive idea at this point, but parents are wise to watch for those things to which their child is naturally drawn. The basis of their next great idea may very well come from something they already enjoy doing. 3. Learn about organizations in our community that foster the entrepreneurial mindset of children and adults alike - and get plugged in! Whether it be a local 4-H club, the Next Generation Entrepreneurs, or a successful business person you know who would be available to mentor your young one occasionally, there are endless opportunities for your child to gain some exposure to the marketplace in an innovative and exciting way. By fostering an entrepreneurial business mindset in their children, parents can expose their kids to a wide array of lifelong skills for success. From public speaking to time management, money management and marketing, a child’s first business venture can equip them with the tools they’ll use successfully for the rest of their lives. Alanna and Lily are both already looking into future endeavors with their respective businesses. Asked about her goals, Miss Meyers says she has a lot of new things up her inventive sleeve, including the addition of some new scents for her bandage-removal line. And Lily Perez is currently working toward several new products including a solid perfume and DIY kits for some of their products, too! It comes as no surprise that their parents are eager and supportive as these young ladies work toward their next goals. We can’t wait to see what they’ll do next. In the next issue, GoodLiving magazine will highlight several women in the Tampa Bay area who continue to inspire children and adults alike with new products and businesses they’ve begun. We’re looking forward to bringing your their stories.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jennifer Dunlap is a freelance writer who lives in Clearwater, FL with her husband and two children. She has been published in local and national magazines and is a small business owner.
How to Detect & Protect Against Workplace Bullying --a Chronic Corporate Disease
By RAKESH MALHOTRA Real story of a male employee who was bullied at work: “The misery took over my whole life. I turned nasty and bitter and treated my wife and kids like whipping posts. After many visits to a psychologist, I was able to think of all the positive things in my life. Now I look back and think I wouldn’t want to go through that experience again.”
If any of these sound like something that you may be doing, it is important to address this immediately with your victim. You may want to speak with your doctor about getting help, such as counseling, sensitivity training and anger management. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of a bully in order to help the victim and the victimizer deal with and exterminate the behavior.
In general, there are no legal repercussions for non-physical bullying except in specific cases, such as sexual harassment. In fact, bullying is a character trait that tends to be condoned in American society. However, if you are a victim, diligently record workplace bullying events. If you choose to make a formal complaint, you will Adults have a difficult time performing their jobs effectively when subjected to bullying by a co-worker. It takes a toll physically because be responsible for providing information should there be charges brought against the bully. of our physiological responses to emotional stress. Typically, victims endure feelings of depression, guilt and shame, and they suffer sleep loss and fatigue. In some cases, victims begin to believe the bully’s behavior is warranted, and they develop feelings of worthlessness. Victims of bullying may suffer from panic disorders, post traumatic stress syndrome, agoraphobia and stress-induced high blood pressure. If they leave the job or are docked because of resulting lowered performance, they face economic issues. Some take their own lives. The abuse takes a toll on victims in every way imaginable.
Are you a bully? Being accused of being the bully can be difficult to accept. You may believe your actions were unintentional, or a justified emotional response to provocation. Perhaps, you see yourself as the only one in the office qualified to do anything right. However, whatever you have said or done, whether purposefully or not, you have created a culture of negativity for at least one person and you need to honestly assess the situation and your role in it.
Symptoms that you may be the bully include: • Insulting a coworker (remember, one person’s “joke” may be another’s insult). • Undermining another employee’s work by creating a hostile environment or perhaps by consistently calling their attention to “flaws.” (Bullies focus on a person, while constructive criticism focuses on a task.) • As an employer, ignoring your employees’ suggestions. • Humiliating your employee in front of others.
Are you a Woman of Action? Find out more at TampaBayWomenofAction.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rakesh Malhotra, founder of Five Global Values (FiveGlobalValues.com), is a world-traveled, values-driven business leader who specializes in organization behavior. Rakesh’s fascination with the connection between human behavior and core values was sparked many years ago. As a result of working, living, and traveling around the world to nearly 40 countries, Rakesh realized that the Five Global Values determine overall human behavior across all cultures. He is also the author of Adventures of Tornado Kid: Whirling Back Home Towards Timeless Values
A note from the publisher, Pamela Settle
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HEALTHY
HAPPY FAMILY
2012
I was standing near the door when I heard someone say, “If you want to have a healthy and happy family, then you need to be in this room! Everyone here is healthy and happy and sooooo nice.” I walked over to meet Jennifer, a mom who came to the expo to check it out, and she told me she was leaving energized and inspired. Her words couldn’t have been more true. The positive energy was palpable. But then what do you expect when you fill a room with 120 people who sincerely want families to be the best they can be? Parents had the opportunity to meet local experts who could talk with them one on one about weight loss programs, nutrition, fitness programs, counseling, parenting resources and much, much more. Local fitness experts held demonstrations on stage and it was fun to see the variety of activities we have available in our neighborhoods: boxing, ballroom dance, Zumba, yoga, pole fitness, boot camps and more. You could even learn about Stand-Up Paddling and tree climbing.
Forbes Riley shows Aubri Kloote of Evolution Weight Loss how to use the Spin Gym.
The inspiration for this event was a story we did about Jenny Hodges in a previous issue. Jenny lost 212 pounds in just over two years and is now running half marathons. As our guest speaker, she shared her story and encouraged moms to put their health at the top of their priority list. “By making my health my priority, I changed my life, but I also changed the future of my family forever.” This working mom of three kids found time to exercise, while still fitting all the other responsibilities into her day. “It’s hard to hear this, but if you have 30 minutes for Facebook, you have 30 minutes to do some exercise,” she told the crowd. The other guest speaker was Forbes Riley, a local fitness celebrity and inventor of the Spin Gym. She shared her special enthusiasm for life with everyone who was there, surprising them with how good of a workout they could get from the Spin Gym. “I was sweating after one minute,” said Sydney Smith, one of the other exhibitors. “I couldn’t wait to keep using it.” Sydney is now part of Forbes Riley’s Fitness Challenge. More than 30 local shop owners who are members of Local Shops1 are participating in a ten-week challenge to drop weight. We’ll be following this story in upcoming issues. If you didn’t make it to this expo, there will be more of them coming! Be sure to like our Facebook page so you can stay up to date on future expos and all of our activities. Take some time to look through our special Healthy Happy Family Expo Community Resource Guide on the pages that follow. You can learn about companies and organizations that are devoted to helping you and your family. GoodLiving magazine believes it takes a village to raise healthy and happy family. The good news is that you are not alone! There are caring and knowledgeable professionals, local agencies and volunteer groups out
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Jenny Hodges with Weight Watchers counselor Linda Lawrence.
there willing to help. The day wouldn’t have been possible without our corporate sponsors. As residents of Pinellas County and consumers, I want you to know that these sponsors didn’t hesitate to get involved and support an event that would be helpful and beneficial to local families. Please remember this when you are making your buying decisions. We all vote with our dollars, and I for one, like to support companies who are good, caring neighbors.
Participation in the Healthy Happy Family Expo for the following organizations was made possible by Lokey Charities, Inc.
Saddle Up Riding Club
Saddle Up Riding Club, Inc. offers Equine Activities for abled and disabled children, adults and veterans through direct interaction with horses and our many farm animals. Therapeutic horse-back riding helps to build balance, core muscle strength and confidence. We have programs for preschoolers, homeschool groups, elementary and middle school-aged children with our riding club and our Equine Assisted Activities for disabled children, adults and veterans. Saddle Up also offers field trips for schools and an Equine Facilitated Learning program for children with Autism and Aspbergers. Go to saddleupridingclub.org or contact Kellie Sipos at (727)520-3132 for more detailed information and prices.
The Homeless Emergency Project
The Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. (HEP) of Clearwater provides overnight, emergency, transition and long-term housing to individuals and families. They also assist with nutrition, medical, dental and other support services to help clients obtain self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life. The face of homelessness is changing and HEP is here to help families, individuals, children and veterans. They have many volunteer and giving opportunities for kids and adults. Learn how you can make a difference in lives at Ethep.org
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County
Believing that homeownership contributes to stability for children and families, leading in turn to community stability, Habitat for Humanity provides opportunities for qualified low-income families to own homes they can afford. Candidates must demonstrate a need for adequate shelter, the ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and a willingness to partner with Habitat Pinellas to invest 250-350 sweat equity hours. Using locally raised funds, future homeowners work alongside community volunteers to construct the homes, which are sold at no profit and financed with a zero-interest loan. To apply for a home, or to donate or register to volunteer, visit HabitatPinellas.org. Additionally, Habitat Pinellas raises funds through their ReStore, a home improvement outlet where donated household and building items are sold to the public. Administrative Office & ReStore • 13355 49th Street N. in Clearwater
Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas
The Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas, Inc. is a community-based, private, non-profit organization focused on improving the health and well-being of pregnant women, their children and families. Go to their website for information on programs for pregnant woman and new moms. Also find numerous resources on subjects including breastfeeding, health for dads, healthy sleeping, post-partum depression, dental care and installing car seats. HealthyStartPinellas.org
YMCA of Greater Palm Harbor
At the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors. They can explore their unique talents to help realize their potential. Confident kids today are contributing and engaged adults tomorrow. In addition, the Y is a place for adults to work out, learn a new skill and foster connections with friends. The Greater Palm Harbor Branch YMCA facility includes a strength and cardiovascular wellness center, group exercise/dance studio, children’s indoor play area and outdoor playground, nursery, outdoor basketball courts, a heated family recreation pool and a waterslide. Located on 16th Street north of Nebraska Avenue in Palm Harbor. Learn more about this location and the others at ymcasuncoast.org
Bay Area Pregnancy Center
At the heart of Bay Area Pregnancy Center beats a message of love and commitment to protect and enhance the lives of children and families. We provide care, counseling, clothing, food, and referral services to all clients without prejudice. Bay Area Pregnancy Center has two locations: Clearwater Center 2380 Drew Street # 6 in Clearwater • (727)449-1988 St. Petersburg Center 4196 - 57th Avenue North in St. Petersburg • (727)525-4541 We would prefer that potential clients call for an appointment. Mybapc.com
MADD
Mothers Against Drunk Driving staff and volunteers are working tirelessly across the nation to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking. MADD is conducting research-based workshops in the Tampa Bay community for parents of teens, because we believe that parents hold the key to preventing underage drinking. These workshops are all about HOW to communicate about alcohol, and tips are given for choosing the right words and timing to have this potentially life-saving conversation! The workshops are free and open to anyone. Please contact Sharon Hall, Program Specialist, at (813)935-2676 ext. 6 or email Sharon.Hall@madd.org madd.org
USF Center for Autism
The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida is a community-based project that provides information and consultation to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. CARD-USF offers instruction and coaching to families and professionals through a training and assistance model. We are a free service funded through the Department of Education in the State of Florida. Call us at (813)974-2532 or email card-usf@fmhi.usf.edu
First Touch Mission
The First Touch Mission helps women transitioning from prison to freedom improve their chances of success and greatly reduce their chances of returning to jail. This is accomplished by surrounding each woman with a team that provides support, guidance, healthy relationships and positive role modeling. Support includes opportunities for employment, building work history and guidance to grow financial stability. These skills provide viable tools for employment, increased positive family interactions and helps them become contributors to the community. Learn more about how you can help at firsttouchmission.com
Woodlawn Community Academy
The educational philosophy of Woodlawn Community Academy reflects our vision of a Christian learning community in partnership with the family. We desire to develop the whole child to their highest potential in all areas: intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, and moral. We want our students to be successful, self-reliant citizens. The ideals of respect, responsible decision making and problem solving are emphasized. Student’s needs are met individually so that each child can successfully learn. We believe that students learn best in a positive climate of respect, safety and trust where the education program is designed and implemented by knowledgeable, dedicated and loving educators. WoodlawnAcademy.org
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Why Diets Don’t Work: Don’t Make These Mistakes By RYAN PERGOLA Family Fitness Centers Are you the kind of person that has tried everything and just can’t seem to lose the weight? Don’t feel bad, you are not alone. Even with Americans spending over $58 billion dollars on “weight loss” and “weight loss products” last year alone the obesity rate in America continues to climb. One should question, how is this possible? Did you know that there are over 18,000 diet books out there? If any one of them was right you probably wouldn’t need the other 17,999. I believe that is because there needs to be a fundamental shift about how we approach weight loss and exercise. Currently, the majority of individuals who start exercising and dieting to lose weight use what I call the “duct tape approach.” The duct tape approach is the classic “eat less and move more” approach. This approach simply does not work. I believe that if it was truly about calories in vs calories out none of us would have a weight problem. The truth of the matter is these calorie restrictive diets slow our metabolisms down and the initial 5 to 10 lbs lost are mainly muscle and water and not fat loss. These types of low calorie diets yield a reduction in our metabolism between 10-15%. This diet approach causes fatigue, frustration and damage to our bodies. Calories are simply a unit of energy and not all calories are created equal. If we try to run our metabolic engines on insufficient or low-grade fuel we aren’t going to have the energy we need to get the most out of our workouts and we surely aren’t going to lose any weight. Ask yourself when you want to lose weight what you are really saying? You are really saying you want fat loss, not just overall weight loss. I’m sure we would all agree that if we weighed you on the moon you would weigh less, right? Fat loss is the true measure of success when it comes to any fitness and weight loss program.
hungry. If we couple that with proper exercise that allows us to add muscle, increase our resting metabolic rates and burn excess fat, weight loss becomes easy.
The solution? Eat for energy and not for fun. By focusing on the quality of what we eat and not just the quantity, we can eat more and weigh less. Let’s face it- no one ever got fat eating too many vegetables and lean protein. Have you ever tried to eat 1,500 calories of vegetables in one sitting? It is almost impossible, but you can easily get 1,500 calories in one meal at your local fast food place. The secret is controlling your blood sugar through nutrition by eating low to medium glycemic index foods at the right times and never going too long between meals. Eating the right foods at the right times allows us to have long lasting energy throughout the day, increased mental clarity and not ever feeling
At Family Fitness Centers it is our mission to help individuals and families take control of their health. We provide the knowledge, the education and the motivation necessary for individuals and families to pursue optimal wellness. Family Fitness Centers only promote science-based, clinically proven wellness programs which focus on proper exercise, nutrition and scientifically proven supplementation. Through our efforts we can and will create healthier and happier communities.
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Contact us today for a customized plan for you and to learn about how to lose weight the right way through our clinically proven 12-week education program.
Ryan Pergola, CPT N.A.S.M, Certified Lifestyle Coach Director of Fitness & Nutrition for Family Fitness Centers
Sylka Umnick, a frequent shopper at the Earth Origins Palm Harbor, Florida location explains, “I love their products, selection and prices BUT, it’s the great service I receive that is the biggest reason I shop here. It reminds me of the small grocery stores I’d shop at while growing up in Germany. Everyone knows my name. I know theirs and they go out of the way to help you. That’s so rare these days!” Products, Selection and GREAT Service... It’s No Longer ‘a thing of the past.’
Umnick’s sentiments appear to ring true with many customers who shop there for a complete line of grocery and bulk items, meat, dairy, frozen food, organic produce, gluten-free products and raw foods. Local shoppers also love their hot food and salad bars for eat-in or take-out.
Their banner on the wall reads, “Healthy – Hometown – Helpful.” At Earth Origins Market, this is not just a slogan, it’s a way of doing business everyday. Everyone knows my This chain of 12 organic & natural food grocery stores, with two locations in Pinellas County, offers name . I know theirs and they go out of the a wide selection of gluten-free and vegan food way to help you. options, locally produced products, and an extensive line of personal care items and supplements. While their selection is impressive, Earth Origins sets itself apart with their blend of products that cater to the needs of the consumers in the neighborhoods they serve. Add to that a knowledgeable staff and an incredible commitment to customer service, and you have a local market that is good for you and your family!
Their discount card and monthly specials help save money for shoppers, too.
If you have questions about their products or want some recommendations for a special diet or health requirement, their knowledgeable staff is eager to help. Don’t be intimated by the label “health food store.” They can help anyone find alternatives to what they’re currently buying and eating that may not be the healthiest choice. Whether you are a serious athlete, trying to get back in shape, or simply want to buy healthier groceries, make Earth Origins Market your place to shop!
30555 US Hwy. 19 North in Palm Harbor • 6651 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg • earthoriginsmarket.com
Cesar A. Lara, M.D. | Weight Management Cesar A. Lara, M.D.| Weight Management, Tampa Bay’s Premiere medically supervised weight management program, is giving you the power to achieve your dreams of a thinner, healthier you! We’re giving you what you deserve- the BEST! B - Board certified physicians who are carefully monitoring your progress, and who are on call 24/7 to answer your questions E - Extended hours for your convenience S - Support meetings that inspire and help you connect with others on the same journey to a healthier, happier life T - Tools to Succeed: a three step process to see you all the way through, convenience packages to save time and money, powerful nutritional supplements and delicious snacks, our own clinical hypnotist, Debbie Lane, and so much more! Our mission is to empower you to improve your physical and mental well-being by making healthy lifestyle choices and creating a balanced and happy future for yourself! (727) 446-3021 bestmedicineforweightloss.com
LA Boxing Join the fun at LA Boxing in Clearwater! Members say it is by far the best workout they’ve encountered. The LA Boxing Workout™ mirrors an actual boxing, kickboxing or MMA (mixed martial arts) bout with five 3-minute rounds separated by one minute active breaks. Using heavy bags, gloves, timer and music, the workouts build cardio endurance and muscle tone. The concept is unique in that it teaches proper punching and kicking form and basic fighting techniques while offering a full body workout. Classes are taught in a group setting to boost participation and intensity, and they are scheduled at convenient times. It is always a fun and non-intimidating atmosphere at the gym with many families working together. LA Boxing also offers a full range of free weights, weight machines and cardio equipment. 28784 US Highway 19 in Clearwater • (727) 265-2269 LABoxing.com/Clearwater
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2012 Happy Family HAPPYFAMILY is committed to making baby and toddler food as healthy and delicious as homemade with the essential nutrients needed for optimal growth and development. We are socially responsible in all that we do. We use our collective talent to create the best possible products, grow our business, and give back to those in need.
HAPPYFAMILY offers a complete line of baby and toddler meals and snack foods for the best organic nutrition. As a local representative for HAPPYFAMILY, I am available to sample products at community events or provide presentations for moms groups. For more information, please contact Andrea Bowe at abowe@happyfamilybrands.com
Connect for Success Michelle Bellagamba with Connect for Success can link you to the very best resources for all aspects of wellness for you and your family! What is your priority- physical, environmental, personal or financial? Here you will find it all! You can save money, save the environment, enjoy better health, and even earn money by helping us market this great entity. Go green and support our US economy!
Evolution Weight Loss At Evolution Weight Loss, a physician supervised practice, we help our patients lose anywhere from 5 pounds to 160 pounds. Owner Erin Bender has studied weight loss, health, science and nutrition for most of her adult life. She also knows how it feels to have issues with food so all patients are treated with compassion and understanding. Her life’s passion is to truly help patients achieve long-term weight loss and wellness. We believe success is about having the right tools and are committed to helping our patients DO IT RIGHT this time! Evolution Weight Loss patients are supervised by a medical doctor. Treatments include the development of personalized nutrition programs, workout regimens, hormone replacement therapy (HCG), fat burning injections, dietary supplements and FDA approved medications. Evolution Weight Loss is a total body weight loss treatment facility supervised by nutrition experts and physicians with guaranteed results-- if you are ready to commit! Locations in Clearwater and Hudson • (727)857-5989 Evolutionweightlossnow.com
For more information, visit connect2stayhealthy.net or call Michelle at (813)948-9002
Apollo Gymnastics Risoldi Family Chiropractic The primary goal of Dr. Michael Risoldi at Risoldi Family Chiropractic is to empower individuals and families to maximize their life’s potential by promoting wellness through the practice of the Five Essential Principles. While some chiropractors just focus on neck and back pain, Dr. Risoldi and Dr. Suzanne Demers practice a holistic approach to wellness care. Through gentle adjustments, exercise, nutrition, supplements and a healthy mindset, they can address the most specific of health concerns. 3023 Eastland Blvd Bldg. H, Suite 101 in Clearwater (727)797-9900 • risoldi.com
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Apollo School of Gymnastics offers a variety of programs and services with the focus of developing the whole child through an innovative curriculum that stimulates both the physical and cognitive domains. We combine organized curriculums with props, themes and excited instructors to teach children in a fun, creative manner. Our goals for our students go beyond pointed toes and proper shapes. We also hope to play a part in the development of individuals who possess the self-confidence to reach for their dreams. We want to instill in our students a lifelong love of fitness, helping to create happier and healthier adults for our future world. Classes and after-school camps. Clearwater location Apollogymnastics.com
Golden Rainbow Ranch Located in beautiful Brooksville, Golden Rainbow Ranch, is an environmental education and ecotherapy center. The ranch hosts individual family visits, birthday parties, Girl Scout Badges, homeschool classes, summer camps, family reunions, and more. The ranch includes ten acres of pasture and woodland, as well as an air-conditioned nature center with microscopes, science activities, and arts and crafts. Our animals are all tame, safe, and clean. We have therapy dogs, an alpaca, a miniature donkey, a paint horse, low line cattle, goats, ducks, geese, chickens and pigs. Environmental educator Ali Baylor conducts sessions with special needs kids, as well as at-risk kids, autistic/ASD, and the physically handicapped. Email goldenrainbowranch@gmail.com to learn more about ecotherapy or visit our website at goldenrainbowranch.org
Brain Balance Brain Balance helps kids who are struggling with behavior, academics or social skills, including children with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, autism and learning disabilities, whether diagnosed or not. Our drug-free after-school program is based on the latest research that shows these problems are due to a functional disconnection between the two sides of the brain. We assess the child and identify functional deficits and then design exercises and nutritional protocols to improve connections and pathways within and between the two brain hemispheres. As the brain gets stronger and more connected, so does the child. We typically see two to four years of functional improvement in three months in such areas as behavior, reading comprehension, gross and fine motor skills, balance, auditory processing and digestion. Our program is the most comprehensive and effective approach to these issues. (813)475-6977 • brainbalancetampa.com
Curves LiveFree! LiveFree! is a coalition working in Pinellas County to prevent and address underage drinking, prescription drug misuse, marijuana use, smoking and other drug use. Data has shown that community coalitions are a key to the success of Florida’s overall decline in teen drug use. LiveFree!’s activities include the engagement of youth, parents, law enforcement agencies, experts, and businesses in activities that promote public awareness of substance abuse in Pinellas County. Activities build support for parents and teens who are committed to living free of substance abuse. LiveFree! utilizes many creative engagement activities to mobilize youth, families and the community. Get a LiveFree! youth group started at your school or place of worship. Contact executive director Jackie Griffin at livefree@operpar.org. pinellascoalition.com
With Curves Complete, you can lose up to 20 pounds of body fat in 90 days! Research shows that up to 95% of dieters regain their lost weight, and then some. To lose weight and keep it off, your plan should include diet, exercise and motivation. Diet: Personalized meal plans, simple recipes, and “Heat & Eat” options that make portion control simple and affordable. Exercise: A 30-minute total-body workout is a proven way to build lean muscle and burn body fat. Motivation: Participants receive weekly one-on-one support and coaching from a certified Curves Complete Coach. The Curves Complete program is the only complete weight-loss plan that has it all, so you can lose it all! Visit curves.com/locations to find a location near you.
Eye Docs Optical The Metabolic Medical Center The Metabolic Medical Center specializes in functional and integrative medicine. We also have separate weight loss, thyroid and diabetic clinics. We are geared toward restoring the body back to its normal function by finding the root cause of the problem and correcting it. We specialize in hormone evaluations and bio-identical hormone replacement, metabolism and weight loss, diabetes, thyroid disorders, GI absorption, and detoxification. The Peaks of Health is all about bringing our bodies back in balance in order to enable you to feel your best. For example, if a patient is fatigued, we want to know what is blocking their body from making sufficient energy. We additionally offer IV nutrition therapy that includes a pre and post-operative package and acute illness package. There is an infrared sauna on site for detoxification along with our other medical services. Dr. Leonhardt takes the time to listen to her patients to really find the problem instead of just prescribing the Band-Aid. More at PeaksofHealth.com
Eye Docs Optical is a full-service optometric practice in Palm Harbor, where we will take care of all of your eye needs with personal attention and expertise. Dr. Kate Claffie has been practicing for over 17 years and can help you if you have red eyes, dry eyes, glaucoma, diabetics or ocular allergies. We fit hard and soft, astigmatism and multi-focal contacts. Dr. Claffie is also a leader in ophthalmic software, designing a visual acuity testing program that is used in clinics all over the world. Come see our large, beautiful selection of eyeglasses and sunwear, from designer collections to packages that fit any budget. We accept many insurance plans, call to see if we take yours! Come to our practice and let us treat you like family. Visit is online at Eyedocsoptical.com or call us at (727)491-3786 to make an appointment.
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Medifast Medifast is a clinically proven weight control program developed at John’s Hopkins University and our products have been recommended by over 20,000 doctors since the 80’s. Our centers offer coaching, motivation and guidance through out your weight loss journey. We customize a program to fit your individual needs!
Let’s Dance Florida LLC Dancing opens up a whole new world, one that improves your physique, expands your social networks and challenges you to grow for the better. Take the first step at Let’s Dance Florida LLC where your first time is always free on Thursdays at 8pm. Individual & group dance instruction, performance opportunities, competitive training, event choreography, entertainment, fitness classes and more, starting at only $5! Fair Pricing - Friendly Staff - Fun Environment! Serendipity Plaza • 29121 US Hwy 19 N in Clearwater (727)723-3269 Subscribe to receive our monthly calendar at LetsDanceFL.com
Pampered Chef
Call today for a FREE consultation (727)791-7075
Get all the kitchen tools you’ve been wanting! Show hosts & Pampered Chef consultants can stock up on our hottest products – FREE! Want to have some fun? Book a Girls Night Out, Couple’s or Theme show! Earn free, discounted and half-price items.
Holistic Center of Vibrant Health Let Dr. Lisa Marsh at The Holistic Center for Vibrant Health in Palm Harbor work with you to bring your body, mind and spirit into balance through natural treatments and nutrition. They offer comprehensive patient care for all ages, pediatric treatments and passion for kids with autism and multiple approaches to holistic care in one location. Experience their happy, fun and energetic office. Dr. Lisa will incorporate her knowledge, intuition and experience with love, caring and compassion. Laughter is a part of everyone’s care plan, and she has a special kid-like demeanor that relates especially to children. Call for an appointment and start the path toward a vibrant, healthy and joyful life.
You can also get paid to have fun! Start your Pampered Chef business today for as little as $80 and make money to pay off debt, earn free vacations, save for the future and pamper yourself and your family. Take our 30-day risk free challenge and see what it’s like to be your own boss. Your business, your schedule! Work when you choose to, get paid what you’re worth and keep your free time really free. No obligation. Call Gina Karnes at (630)261-3537 or visit her website at pamperedchef.biz/gmkarnes
1114 Florida Ave. in Palm Harbor • (727)772-1966 MyDrLisa.com
Elite Body Baby Boot Camp Baby Boot Camp is an innovative strollerfitness program that helps moms regain or enhance pre-pregnancy fitness levels and meet the physical challenges of parenting by emphasizing strength training in a supportive environment. Karna Fitness offers small group training classes for women of all ages and fitness levels. Class formats include Restore the Core (mat based core conditioning), Karna Camp (high intensity interval training class), and Half Marathon Training Program. Contact Christie Bruner in St. Petersburg at (727)637-7913 or Jennifer Sullivan in Largo at (727)560-0423
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Elite Body is a personal training and wellness center that offers clients customized plans shaped to their lifestyle. With all the amenities a public gym has, Elite body is private, more personal and has no contracts or membership fees. The Elite Body facility is composed of over 6,000 square feet that is a clean, safe and welcoming environment. Elite Body has over 15 trainers, 2 massage therapists and a nutritional counselor. All are part of the Elite Body team because of their passion and knowledge regarding the human body and physiology. Elite Body specializes in customized one-on-one personal training, yoga, boxing classes, fit camps, pilates, massage, nutritional counseling, weight loss, athlete training and more. Elite Body takes fitness and nutrition to a new level with a personalized program for every individual. 34310 US Hwy 19 N in Palm Harbor • (727)785-4655 EliteBodyPersonalTraining.com
Tampa Bay Birth Network The Tampa Bay Birth Network’s primary mission is to provide a community of professionals, families and individuals who support, educate and promote natural pregnancy, birth and parenting. Join today! For more information or questions regarding membership, please visit our website at tampabaybirthnetwork.org or email us at info@tampabaybirthnetwork.org
Barefoot Books Barefoot Books is an independent publisher of award-winning children’s books with themes focusing on cultural diversity, storytelling and art appreciation. As an independent ambassador, I organize fundraisers and book fairs, participate in various community events, and host open houses to share my love of these wonderful books, puppets, puzzles, and music CD’s. Contact Karen Taylor, Barefoot Books Ambassador (813)469-8870 mystorybookcorner.com facebook.com/mystorybookcorner
Pathfinder Outdoor Adventure Education Pathfinder Outdoor Adventure Education gets your kids into nature in ways that will challenge them mentally and physically in safe, outdoor environments. Activities for groups and families include tree climbs, canoeing, orienteering, zip lines and rock walls. Student classes are also available for communication, cultural competency, leadership, character building and environmental enrichment. Team building for adult groups too! Year round events and summer camps.
ASEA ASEA goes beyond nutrition & ingredients and impacts your cells at a depth no other supplement has ever come close to achieving. ASEA empowers your cells to achieve their full health potential and is the world’s only source for replenishing Redox Signaling Molecules. When your cells are healthy… You are healthy! Contact Sandi Cianfaglione at (407)929-0011 or email ASEA4U@hotmail.com teamASEA.com/sandico
Chrysalis In the Chrysalis, we provide completely customized skincare programs and treatment protocols, wellness coaching services and a network of Healing Arts Practitioners to help you achieve overall health and wellness so that you might have healthy, beautiful skin. Cheryl Lindsey, LE, CNHP, Licensed Aesthetician Chrysalis Medical, LLC • (727)647-9448 intheChrysalis.com • chrysaliscoffee.organogold.com
Palm Harbor Family Counseling Center We provide warm-hearted, affordable counseling care for kids, couples, individuals, and parents. In practice since 1990. 2311 Alt. 19, Suite 1 in Palm Harbor • (727)254-9183 Email us at famcounse@aol.com or visit us online at phcounseling.com
See our calendar and learn more about programs at Pathfinder-ed.org Our office is located at 1310 22nd Ave. S. in St. Petersburg (727)328-0300
Kara Vita Kara Vita Skincare is a local company in St. Petersburg that processes skincare products to FDA standards. We use pharmaceutical ingredients and guarantee results in two weeks or your money back. We have a 30-day money back guarantee on all products. Our technology is different from all other skincare lines. We have products to help burn victims, fine lines & wrinkles, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, acne and all skin types. Contact Sharon Less at karavitasharon@yahoo.com or call her at (813)963-1780 facebook.com/KaraVitaSharon
Beast 360 Bring your kids to Viva La Fit gym in Clearwater and help them develop the mindset to become athletes for life. Coach Adrien Blevins has the only Combine 360 program in the area for kids, as well as a passion for developing strong and fit kids at any ability level. They offer after-school programs for children ages 6 and up and specific sports training for high school athletes. Learn more at Vivalafit.net
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fall 2012
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Community Resource Guide
HEALTHY
HAPPY FAMILY
2012
Change Your Water Change Your Life Heal your body from the inside out, drink alkaline water. Get 21 days FREE. Call Joanne at (727)415-2606 Sign up for our free newsletter at agreatwater.com
Huntington Learning Center We are the pioneer leader in individual instruction & tutoring in all academic areas so students can reach their full potential and experience academic success! Located in Palm Harbor • (727)784-1114 Palm_harbor.huntingtonhelps.com
Forever Living Products
Going Green Tampa
Forever Living Products is a worldwide network of over 9.5 million Distributors in over 150 countries who have joined FOREVER in seeking out nature’s best sources for health and beauty and offering them to the world. Join us to help others live healthier, wealthier lives through the use of our products and the benefits of our generous marketing plan.
We are a one stop online resource to help consumers in the Tampa Bay area live a more sustainable life. We provide education articles, local eco-friendly businesses and green events to encourage those in our community to live a healthy life while still protecting the planet. Email Tara LaSalla at Tara@GoingGreenTampa.com GoingGreenTampa.com
Contact Sydney Smith at (850)276-3500 or FLPSydney@gmail.com • sydney.myFLPbiz.com
BodyWorks by Kathy CHANGE THE WAY YOU TRAIN and get the attention you deserve in a small Studio located in Dunedin. TRX Suspension Training is a fun & challenging full body workout! For more information, visit us online at kathyfit4life.com
Burn It Off Fitness Camp Burn It Off Fit Camp assists people of all levels in ACCOMPLISHING their goals by providing a FUN, challenging and highly-effective fitness program that provides the opportunity to build core strength, self confidence and lean muscle while losing body fat. All provided in a highly-encouraging, motivational and non threatening environment. Camps are held at 34310 US 19 N. in Palm Harbor More info at Burnitoffcamp.com
Mention you saw us in GoodLiving magazine and receive your first TRX Training FREE!
Thee Baby Lady Healing Touch Oriental Med Are you stressed out? Tired? It could be your hormones! We invite you to attend a FREE class and discover natural solutions for balancing hormones naturally! You’ll go home with valuable information you can put into use right away. Call (727)669-6000 to register or email drmary@riggin.net HealingTouchOM.com
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Christy Waterhouse, known as Thee Baby Lady, is a baby professional and postpartum doula, providing services and educational guidance to moms during pregnancy, infancy, and toddlerhood. She is also the author of Z is for Zucchini; a Baby Foods Memory Book. Email her at TheeBabyLady@gmail.com
Edward Jones Investing By focusing on individual service and meeting in person, we work with clients to help them understand how they can reach their financial goals such as saving for college (for kids or grand-kids) and planning for retirement (IRAs and 401(k)s). With multiple financial products “out there,” we work with our clients one-to-one so they can find what services they actually need in order to help reach their family’s financial goals. Call or e-mail for a complimentary plan review today.
Tampa Bay Organics Tampa Bay Organics delivers the best in 100% Certified Organic produce right to your front door. Their customizable boxes of organic fruits and veggies will have you feeling healthier without ever having to step foot in a grocery store. Use the Promo Code: GOODLIVING for 50% off your first box! Call us at (813)949-1112 or email hello@tampabayorganics.com TampaBayOrganics.com
Juvenile Welfare Board The Juvenile Welfare Board ( JWB) is Pinellas County’s safety net for children and families. Our goal is simple: to remove any barriers preventing our community’s children from reaching their fullest potential. We value every child. We want children to be ready to learn, to be successful in school and to be healthy and happy every step of the way. We embrace collaboration. We work as a team with our community partners. We celebrate results. We support long-term efforts to bring effective change by identifying areas where needs are not being met. Then we find – or create a community-based support network that can turn our investments into real help for young people throughout Pinellas County. We pursue innovation. We are not satisfied with the status quo. We use the latest research and professional knowledge to address the needs of children and families in Pinellas County. For more information, visit www.JWBPinellas.org
Ed Gruber, Financial Advisor (813)964-0816 ed.gruber@edwardjones.com
It Works! Body Makeover It Works! Body Makeover - Changing Lives in 45 Minutes! Look and feel younger, healthier and slimmer the fast, easy and natural way! Try our Skinny Wrap! Produces impressive longlasting results starting in only 45 minutes! Take the Ultimate Body Makeover Challenge and change your body and your life for good! Call Michelle Sanchez at (727)548-9898 or (866)WRAP-911. Email her at Michelle@IWBodyMakeover.com IWBodyMakeover.com
Body by Vi/Zumba Body by Vi is the #1 Best Weight loss & Fitness 90-day Health Challenge in North America. It awards $25million in cash, prizes, and Hollywood makeovers to its best challenge transformations. It’s fast, easy and saves you money. Contact Marlene Acosta to learn more at (727)271-3471. Also join Marlene for Zumba®, a fitness-party with a contagious blend of Latin and international rhythms that provides a fun and effective workout. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out and we want you to love working out. Get hooked! Visit DancewithMarlene.com for details.
Donna Peachey for Thirty-one Gifts Mythirtyone.com/peachey31
House of Mercy HouseofMercy-FL.org
Tampa Bay Natural Health TampaBayNaturalHealth.com
Brown Bag Lunches of Pinellas brownbaglunchesofpinellas.org
Connie Tolbert for Arbonne ConnieTolbert.myarbonne.com
Suncoast Center, Inc. Suncoastcenter.org
Ford & Co for Amway Products ShopMelissaFord.com
Suncoast Waldorf School Suncoastwaldorf.org
Early Learning Coalition Elcpinellas.net
Myrtle Ave. Pediatrics Happykidsmd.com
Weight Watchers Weightwatchers.com
Children’s Movement of Florida Childrensmovementflorida.org
Dynamic Total Health Dynamictotalhealth.com
Fit Life Foods Eatfitlifefoods.com
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Gswcf.org
MK Medical Center mkmedicalcenter.com
Forbes Riley Forbesriley.com
MOPS at Harborside Church Mops.org
Visiblemed Visiblemed.com
PCHD-Tobacco Prevention Program Pinellashealth.com
City of Dunedin Parks and Recreation GoodLiving Dunedingov.com fall 2012
Other good businesses and professionals that care about you and your family. Visit their websites to learn more about how they can help you.
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Community Gathers to Support
Hundreds of walkers and runners came out on October 6th to the Walk Like MADD event on Indian Rocks Beach to raise money for education programs that discourage drinking and driving. “Our statewide numbers are down for Florida, so that’s good news and a sign our efforts are paying off,” said Sharon Hall, Program Specialist for MADD of Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. Youth from local LiveFree! student groups walked alongside families who were there walking in memory of a loved one lost to drunk driving. Public safety groups offered support, including the Pinellas County Sheriff ’s office and the Suncoast Safety Council who brought a wrecked car to serve as a visual reminder of how deadly drunk driving can be. The vehicle was donated by a mother whose daughter was killed in that car. “Halloween is a dangerous time when it comes to parties and drunk driving,” added Hall. “And then of course, all the holiday parties in the months to come.”
To teach people that there are very real, very permanent consequences to drunk driving, the Suncoast Safety Council hands out a flyer that contains a letter written by Eric Smallridge, a man sentenced to 22 years in state prison for the deaths of Meagan Napier and Lisa Dickson. The following are statements from the letter: I knew people who got DUIs in high school. It really didn’t seem like that big of a deal. They paid their fine, lost their license for six months and caught rides with friends until they got their hardship license for school. An accident where someone gets killed, well, that was just not going to happen. Not in a million years did I ever think it could happen to me or that I could end up where I am today. Everyday I wish that I had taken DUI more seriously and heeded the advice not to drink and drive. I had a great life full of opportunity and promise… In a split second, everything changed. Prison is more like the movie “Groundog’s Day”… Prison is very repetitive. My daily routine hasn’t changed at all since I arrived. If I were to talk about all the things I took for granted as a free man, I’d be writing for a very long time. But the list of really important things begins with my freedom itself. When I was a free man, I never even thought about what freedom meant to me. Now I think about it all the time. I have no freedom of choice. Hopefully I’ve already convinced you that prison is a miserable place that you never want to experience for yourself. Everyday I ask God why I wasn’t the one to die instead of them… I think about Meagan and Lisa’s families and friends a lot, too. I agonize over what I could possibly do to ease their grief and return their loved ones to them. But I cannot do that either and it is more painful than any amount of physical torture that could be inflicted upon me. If you have a drink, enjoy yourself, but remember that driving simply is not an option. Don’t risk it, not even once, because it only takes a split second to go from a great future to Inmate P22679. Please don’t ever hesitate to designate a driver or to call a cab. Otherwise you may be riding in a police car or, God forbid, a hearse.
Photo Courtesy of Florida Highway Patrol
I am living proof that it CAN happen to you!
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Guest Blogger:
s
TRACEY L. LOCKE
The clerks at Home Depot were stocking the Christmas Displays today next to the pumpkins. I guess it shouldn’t be a shock since the catalogs for Halloween started arriving in our mailbox in early August. The holidays seem to accelerate our already busy lives. I just recently found time to revive a project we started back in January that was supposed to be ready for Thanksgiving. Gratitude was at the top of our family’s 2012 New Year’s resolutions when we started having our children write down what they were thankful for each night before bed. The intention was to make a tree out of a year’s worth of little grateful notes as our Thanksgiving center piece. Each night, we put notes or leaves in a chest along with a one dollar coin. We planned on letting our children pick the charity this year we would support with the “treasure.” I’ve seen the same concept done with a jar. Instead of hanging the papers on branches, guests pass the jar and read the notes out loud during the turkey day feast. A few days missed during a vacation turned into weeks without a word of thanks. We tried again. But a few late nights rushing around to get everyone tucked in to bed, turned into months of neglect. Our treasure chest sat untouched. Why is something so simple and so life changing, so easy to forget? Before I could teach my children the importance of gratitude, I had to experience it for myself. In Deborah Norville’s Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You, the former Today Show host reinforced what everyone intuitively already knows to be true. Focus on what you don’t have and you live in scarcity. Focus on what you do have and you attract abundance. Norville takes note of the small things like the beauty in a sunrise or the kindness of a stranger who lets her cut through traffic. She recommends journaling your grateful observations and than reading them as a reminder when your feeling stressed.
My take away from the book was to start a personal gratitude blog. Around the same time, I read a National Science Foundation Study that found the average person has 50,000 thoughts racing through their head every day and almost all the thoughts are the same ones they had the day before. If that is true, too many of my thoughts focused on not having enough time. I was the mom sitting in the stands at a game, but mentally calculating how much time I would have to complete my never ending to do list. It became pretty obvious that gratitude is tied directly to enjoying your present moment. Two suggestions, from Cheryl Richardson’s The Art of Extreme Self Care, helped me pause and add some new grateful thoughts to my head’s recurring playlist. Focus on what you don’t have and you live in scarcity. Focus on what you do have and you attract abundance . The first idea is an “absolute NO list.” The list forces you to identify things not worth spending time on anymore. Everyone’s list will look different. My lengthy list included things like making choices out of obligation and giving unsolicited advice. Her other helpful idea was identifying values then making them a priority. I had been reacting to a to-do list for so long, scheduling time for things that were important to me like writing and exercise gave me an immediate sense of relief and control.
curious appreciation in my 12-year old son’s eyes when he discovers an unusual critter. I didn’t miss hearing the genuine enthusiasm in my 4-year old daughter’s voice when she declares “This is the best day ever” while flying a kite. They didn’t need to read a book to be reminded of life’s simple pleasures. No prioritizing schedules, developing habits or journaling are necessary for them to live in the moment. For me, it still helps especially during this time of year.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER Tracey Locke is a former television journalist turned publicist turned blogger. Follow her blog at bemorechildlike.blogspot.com The Saint Petersburg mom is blogging her way to a book, a one-year experiment in consciously trying to be all of the things that come naturally to her children. Optimistic. Curious. Enthusiastic. Each month there is a focus on a different childlike quality. The mission is to inspire others to see the world through wider, brighter, more childlike eyes. Find quotes, book reviews, big ideas to spark your creative flow and ideas on how to play like a kid again.
This fall, instead of losing leaves, our gratitude tree is springing to life again and filling in nicely. I am teaching my children to say thanks, but they have since taught me to feel thankful. By intentionally embracing Join the online discussion as the blog tries the moment, I am here to witness the to answer the question: Will being more splendor of their childhood. I watch the childlike make for better adults?
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eating Treating Kids Right
A Kid’s Menu Review By PAMELA SETTLE
To test our their new “For Kids By Kids” menu, we brought five children to sample and give us “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” about the food. This specially designed menu was tasted, tested and approved by kids, including 11-year-old cooking enthusiast Haile Thomas, who is spearheading a campaign for healthy eating through her online cooking show, Kids Can Cook. Many of the menu items are interactive and offer a selection far beyond the typical children’s menu. Kids can customize their own pasta dish, shake their own salad in a special lidded-bowl, fix their own tacos or build their own sandwich. Some examples from their menu are:
Breakfast Top Your Own Taco a whole wheat tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, cheese and fun toppings Waffle Dipping Sticks with peanut butter, maple syrup and fruit sauces.
Lunch Shaken Chopped Salad with roasted chicken, vegetables, brown rice and yogurt basil dressing Build Your Own Whole Wheat Sub Sandwich with turkey, lettuce, tomato, cheese on a whole wheat mini-sub. (These offerings are also available during dinner hours).
SHOR, AT THE HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH
Dinner
“Take a look at any children’s menu at virtually any restaurant and you might get the idea that kids’ stomachs are gastronomically programmed to digest only a small handful of items: processed meats, pasta, fried potatoes and melted cheese. Yet considering the human species was kicking around some 200,000 years before the invention of dehydrated cheese powder, it’s a reasonable assumption that somewhere along the line, children were willing to eat something else.” This is an excerpt from the book, The Cleaner Plate Club (by Beth Bader and Alison Wade Benjamin, Storey Publishing).
Vegetable and Sesame Rice Noodles with marinated tofu, corn, green beans, basil and cherry tomatoes.
In their book, authors also cite an investigation by the Center for Science in the Public Interest that looked at 1,474 possible kids’ menu choices at the 13 top chain restaurants. The work revealed that 93 percent were too high in calories, 45 percent too high in saturated and trans fats and 86 percent were too high in sodium. As a mom, I am regularly frustrated at the limitations of children’s menus. Even nicer restaurants resort to the same old line up of chicken nuggets, pizza, burgers and macaroni and cheese, when we all know they have things like salmon and broccoli in the kitchen. Eating out is a joyful activity. It shouldn’t automatically come with bad food for the under 12 customers. That’s why we will have many joyful meals at Shor, the restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach.
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Natural Beef grilled and served with potatoes, roasted vegetables and garden salad
The best part of the menu is the wide variety of choices, all of them healthy and nutritious, that are made fresh by their chefs. No pre-fabbed food here. Instead, care was given to place vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy-sensitive foods on the menu. Imagine the joy on the face of a child with peanut allergies who gets to order their sunflower seed butter, banana and strawberry jam sandwich. (It was delicious!) The interactive foods were a huge hit. It was pleasing that in addition to the respectable treatment and beautiful décor, the restaurant was friendly and welcoming to kids. There is a private room with a gorgeous view that would make an excellent spot for a healthy breakfast birthday party before a day at Pier 60, a dolphin cruise or the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The prices on the kid’s menu are surprisingly affordable, so don’t be afraid to take the kids and give them a positive restaurant experience. Shor is also a great choice for a special family meal. Celebrate a grandparent’s birthday, a graduation or treat visitors from out of town. The adult menu is pretty special too, with sustainable seafood choices, grass-fed beef and local Florida produce. Another bonus: many items on the adult menu can be ordered as half orders/half price for children under 12. Their menus are grounded in Hyatt’s industry-leading philosophy that promotes healthy people, a healthy planet and healthy communities. Photo at top courtesy of Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
eating Beware of dyes and artificial ingredients in candy, especially if your child has ADHD. “Many parents would be horrified to learn that most of the synthetic food dyes used to make Halloween candies so colorful and appealing to kids are petroleum byproducts imported from China,” said Jane Hersey, National Director of the Feingold Association, a charity that helps children with learning and behavior problems. Look closely at any ingredient labels on the candy and toss those containing synthetic dyes, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. See their website for more information and a shopping guide for alternatives. Feingold.com
Tips for Surviving the Candy Season October officially starts the “candy season” and so for the next six months, parents will have to face aisle after aisle of candy displays. It’s not just the pressure by marketers to buy; it’s that these sweet treats are steeped in tradition and have become beloved holiday activities. We revel in buying mega bags of individual candies for the ghosts and goblins who come to our doors begging for candy. We lovingly stock up on stocking stuffers made of peppermint and chocolate and wrap them in ribbon to say, “Merry Christmas.” We’ve learned to say, “I love you” with heart-shaped boxes full of candy. And then we say “Happy Easter” with a basket full of beans and bunnies. The challenge is to find new ways to celebrate these joyous times in our lives when all the stores and TV ads are pushing the emotional connection to candy and junk food. Even our churches and schools continue to celebrate with candy, making it really difficult to say “No” to a preschooler because they want to join in the fun with everyone else. It’s enough to make a mom who chooses not to feed her children candy feel like a party pooper, or worse yet, judgmental.
Here are some tips for making holidays less about candy and more about love: Research homemade treats that use healthier ingredients. Pinterest is a great place to start to find websites that post recipes and ideas. When you cook and bake from scratch, you can avoid buying the processed foods that are loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients. Also, try incorporating whole wheat flour and sugar replacements into your favorite recipes. The time and effort you put into these new holiday traditions will say “I love you” in ways like never before.
Focus on an activity and spending quality time. For example, allow your children to have a home party with their friends instead of trick or treating. Play games, serve healthy food and make a funny video that your kids can keep for years to come. You can even carve pumpkins and roast the seeds for a healthy treat. (Have a healthy, fun party with kids and you will not be the party pooper mom!) Shop your local health food store to find healthier candy treats. Fruit Sparx are candies made with Xylitol and no sugar.Bags of 30 wrapped candies are available at Xlear.com or at Vitamin Shoppe stores. It may cost a little more, but it’s certainly less expensive that treating the illnesses that come with the sugar. Speak up. Don’t be a complainer, but be an involved parent. Join the parent groups associated with schools, clubs and places of worship and guide those organizations to celebrating in other, healthier ways. Have a mindset against processed chicken nuggets, candy and cupcakes at kid parties and help create new traditions that implement creativity and a celebration of healthy kids! Talk with your children about limits before the party season gets into full swing and come to an agreement. Together find creative ways to dispose of the candy they will get at events, parties and trick and treating. Let them know they can keep some, but then find places that accept candy. Many local dentists have buy back programs or find groups that are collecting candy to send to troops overseas. On Thursday, November 3, bring candy to the Long Center on Belcher Rd. in Clearwater between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Children 17 and under who bring in their candy will get a prize from the pumpkin prize box and a chance to win prizes such as a new bike, a Play Pass, or tickets to an upcoming Bucs game. It’s tough to say “No” to all the treats, so if you indulge, take care of your body. Eat balanced meals at the other times. Visit your health food store or wellness practitioner and learn about supplements that can help you cleanse your system after the parties. Drink plenty of water and exercise. And of course, brush those teeth.
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eating Here are Some Tips from the October 2012 Official Guide for October Unprocessed: The most important skill in becoming an Unprocessed detective is reading nutrition labels. The easiest way to do this is to buy food that doesn’t HAVE labels like fresh fruits and vegetables. Once you get into grains, dairy, meat, and snack foods, it’s time to get out your magnifying glass. Even the bulk bins have ingredient lists, so don’t assume that everything in there is safe. Do you see nutrition info on the label? You don’t need it. Skip straight to the ingredients list to get your information. Ask the following questions: • Can I identify all the ingredients on the list? • Can I pronounce them? • If I can’t pronounce it, is it the scientific name of a real ingredient? • Is it a “whole” food or real ingredient? If YES, it’s good to go. If NO to any of these, it’s processed.
Unprocessed October Andrew Wilder, a blogger from California (EatingRules.com) had a crazy idea. In 2009, he decided to go an entire month of eating unprocessed food and now his idea is an annual event called October Unprocessed that he hopes will become a movement toward eating healthier foods. He says that decades ago it would have seemed unnecessary but that today almost every food item has an ingredients list laden with extra sugar, fat, salt, preservatives, flavorings and artificial colors. So after his first month of no processed foods, his expectations and his sense of taste were recalibrated. Cravings went away. He became excited about what he would find and cook next, relying on whole foods instead of packaged foods. He included his friends. “We took turns hosting small dinner parties, and shared our stories and experiences. It brought us closer together. Funny how real food does that.” Every October, his website will encourage people to take the pledge and give eating unprocessed foods a chance. He admits that going cold turkey for a month is difficult, but it’s the spirit of the activity that matters. The site has guest posts and tips on how to shop, cook and eat along with recipes and tips from other bloggers. The “DIY” instructions are extremely helpful because he shows it is possible to do things like make your own ketchup and butter so you can avoid the preservatives and additives.
“Families are bombarded with products instead of educated about food” -Melissa Lanz
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A note on organics and natural foods: The term “natural” is not regulated. You could mix up arsenic and concrete and slap a “natural” label on it, no problem. Never trust the claims on the front of a package; always flip it over and consult the ingredient list. “Organic” is a term that is actually regulated and means that ingredients were grown in accordance with organic practices, without certain synthetic pesticides. That does not mean that the product is unprocessed, however. Organic white flour is still white flour and organic cookies are still cookies. That said, an organic apple and a conventionally-grown apple are both unprocessed – and deliciously in season.
Cooking with Whole Foods Just Got Easier
For those who want to make the transition away from processed foods to healthier, whole foods, Melissa Lanz, founder of The Fresh 20, can make it easier for you because knowing what to cook is half the battle. Subscribers to her meal plan service get five delicious, hassle-free dinner recipes per week, using 20 or less ingredients for the whole week. Her meal plans outline what to buy, how to organize and how to prepare the meal. Each meal is under 550 calories and if prepared correctly has no preservatives, processed food ingredients or frozen ingredients. Subscribers can choose from the Classic, Gluten-Free or Vegetarian menus. The menus are emailed for only $49 for the whole year. Like all good inventions, this one was born out of necessity. As a busy working mom, Melissa relied on take-out food, microwave meals and anything that was fast and easy. One year while doing taxes, she realized her family spent the cost of a new car on take-out food – and they were tired and not feeling good all of the time. After searching for solutions, she found plenty of quick recipes, but she specifically wanted fresh and easy. Seeing an opportunity to make a difference and help other moms in her same situation, she founded The Fresh 20.
eating recipes
from Thee Baby Lady Simple Roasted Butternut Squash
It’s Time to
Fall for Squash by CHRISTY WATERHOUSE Have you ever wondered what to do with squash? It’s not just for fall decorations! High in vitamins and calcium, squash is healthy for the whole family to enjoy. Winter squash is flavorful, making it a favorite first food for babies, too. When shopping, look for squash that is heavy for its size, rich in color, and has a firm and blemish-free skin, avoiding squash with soft spots. They are able to be stored in a cool, dark place for a month or longer. Be sure to wash the squash well just before preparing. Remove skins carefully with a sharp knife, where suggested. Winter squash can have a tough skin but once mastered, it will be easy to gain confidence with each recipe. The recipes to the right will help you get started if you have never really cooked a variety of different squashes on your own. These are simple, fresh recipes will give even beginning cooks a start to preparing healthy sides or homemade baby foods made from whole foods loaded with vitamins. Once you get the hang of preparing squash, there are multitudes of other recipes online for getting more creative.
Christy Waterhouse is an author, baby professional, and postpartum doula. Known as “Thee Baby Lady,” she has 33 years experience fulfilling a variety of roles in supporting new moms and parents. Christy provides assistance and educational guidance to moms during pregnancy and also to families with babies and young children. She is a certified postpartum doula and a certified newborn massage instructor. Combining her passion for babies and healthy food choices led to the launch of her customized “Baby’s First Foods” class for infants under 10 months old and “Thee Christy Toddler Picnic™” class for ages 1, 2, and 3 years old. In July 2011, she published her first children’s book, “Z is for Zucchini, a Baby Foods Memory Book” for ages 0-4 years old. Parents commonly remark, “Christy got my kids to eat things I could never get them to eat.” Christy customizes her services for each family. Email her at TheeBabyLady@gmail.com
Butternut squash: Remove skin with sharp knife. Cut squash into cubes, removing seeds and membranes. Set seeds aside for roasting separately. Place cubed squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with dried dill and lightly season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir all ingredients together to coat. Spread into a single layer. Bake 30-35 minutes in 375 degree oven, stirring once. For babies, puree cooked squash with water to age-appropriate consistency. Toddlers will enjoy the finger food size along with the rest of the family. Leftover cooked squash can be mashed, spread over a flour tortilla, add cheese, chopped herbs and onions, top with another tortilla and heat until cheese is melted to make a quesadilla.
Rustic Baked Acorn Squash
Acorn squash: With a sharp knife, cut in half lengthwise. A rubber mallet may be needed. Place squash upside down in baking dish with 1/4 inch water. Cover with foil and bake 50-60 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Once, cooled, scoop out seeds and membranes. Set aside seeds to roast later. Serve squash in squash shells, seasoned with maple syrup or scoop out flesh and puree with water for baby, or let toddler mash squash. Mashed acorn squash is delicious stirred into vanilla yogurt or oatmeal.
Versatile Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash: Wash squash. Pierce the skin with a fork, around the entire squash, about 1/2 an inch apart. Place whole squash on a sheet of foil and then place both the foil and squash on the middle oven rack. Bake 55-60 minutes in 350 degree oven, turning once and keeping squash on top of the foil. Remove squash and allow to cool. Slice squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and membranes and set aside for roasting later. Rake a fork across flesh to remove “spaghetti” strands. Season simply with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Spaghetti squash strands can be tossed with other steamed vegetables or added to soups. Create a red sauce with pureed stewed tomatoes and cheese to resemble a regular spaghetti recipe.
For the Love of Zucchini
Zucchini squash is available year-round so remember to include this sliced squash on vegetable trays. Serve with hummus. Shredded zucchini can be added to casseroles to boost creaminess and nutrition.
Roasting Squash Seeds
Wash seeds and remove stringy membranes. Pat dry, then spread squash seeds on a baking sheet. Roast plain or drizzle with oil (lightly) and sprinkle with salt in a 300 degree oven for 10-20 minutes. Stir halfway through and remove when golden brown. Store in an airtight container for older children and adults to enjoy.
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My Story By PAMELA SETTLE “Mr. Settle, I need you to take a seat.” No parent is ever prepared to hear those words on the day after a baby is born. This was definitely the case for me and my husband as we waited in the hospital room for news about our baby who was in NICU. Her words to my husband sucked the air out of my lungs and my limbs burned hot with adrenalin. That moment hung in the air, with dreaded anticipation. “What was coming next?” “What would she tell us about our baby?” The news was our son most likely was born with a rare endocrine disorder, but they would need to send him to All Children’s Hospital for testing and consultation. The worst moment of my life is when the ambulance drivers wheeled that baby away from me down the long, white hall of Morton Plant Hospital. I cried hysterically in my wheelchair. Our two weeks at the All Children’s NICU are blurry, faint memories now. I remember the kindness of the Ronald McDonald House, our homey respite away from home. I remember the specialist telling us our son could live a normal life with proper treatment, but that we had to learn how to test his blood sugar and administer a potentially life-saving injection of hydrocortisone. I remember that news traveled to our out-of-town friends and family and they enlisted the support of their churches for prayer. What a moment it is when you realize strangers will pray for your baby at a time when you feel helpless. I remember the NICU nurse who gently encouraged us night after night. That same nurse braided a bracelet for me with beads that read, “Jackson’s Mom” and left it for me on the day we were discharged to go home. I remember the strong support I got from my husband as I cried endless tears over the question, “Why this child?” These moments are important to my story, because they changed the course of my life. This beautiful child entered my structured life and unstructured me. A career woman raised in the 80’s, I never doubted that I could bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan. My six weeks of planned maternity leave are proof of that. It never occurred to me that I wouldn’t want to put my baby in daycare. “Isn’t that what working women did?” If God was into posting on my Facebook page, he would have posted, “LOL.” Instead, I heard a voice speak to me one day as I was asking friends for nanny recommendations. “You are begging other women to care for your baby. What are you doing?” That was a really good question and I am still answering it. “What am I doing?” For starters, it forced me to change my paradigm and that wasn’t easy. I never ever considered myself a stay-at-home mom. But that changed when I brought home a stay-at-home baby.
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More lessons were learned including some important ones about conditions and realities for working mothers. My advocate’s heart began searching for solutions and ways we need to stand up for moms and their kids. I walked down the path with other mothers who fight like tigers to make sure their children get needed medical and support services. My mind became re-oriented to a world of working that has no time card but no paid sick leave. In early 2010, I filed paperwork to start my own business. It was a real leap of faith, but there came a point when I realized I was being pushed to do something more and my family will be a part of it. Since then, I’ve met countless moms who found creative ways to be more accessible to their families while earning income. Bucking the system and blazing their own trails, these moms are resilient, creative, hard working, innovative and courageous. They offer hope and leadership to mothers everywhere who want a different way of life for themselves and their families. This chapter in my life is by far the most rewarding. Because I made the step to change my direction, I have had moments I would never have had otherwise. Like picking my child up everyday at kindergarten and walking hand in hand down the sidewalk, his backpack bobbing up and down while he chattered about his day. The Florida sun is shining on us from the bright blue sky. I take a snapshot of this in my mind and thank God for the opportunity to be his mother and to have this moment. That snapshot is my story.
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