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16 - 17 Heart Healthy Tips from local experts
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18 - 19 Challenging the Culture of Cruelty with Empathy by Annie Fox, M.Ed.
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21 - 23 Necessity is the Mother of Invention for local Mom Inventors by Jennifer Dunlap
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28 Be Fiscally Fit in 2013 by Brooke Mims
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About the Cover This issue’s cover is a photograph by E.J. Acotto of Acotto Images: Event, Wedding and Portrait Photography. Model provided by AI Models (727) 485-3771 Learn more at Acotto Img on Facebook. GoodLiving’s Winter 2013 issue is dedicated to the many professionals in our community who work to keep hearts healthy, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
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Good News
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Good News: Faith
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Good News: Schools
15 Good Products 24 Good People: Tami Kent by Linda Rodante 26 - 27 Good Eating 30
Good Kids: Matthew Collora and Andy Mashburn by Margaret Trautwein
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Winter Edition 2013
Get involved with children’s issues in our community! Join Parents 4 Pinellas Students and The Children’s Movement of Florida. Information inside!
Publisher Light Shine Media Group, LLC
Editor-in-Chief Pamela Settle
Design and Layout Marcie Kelliher
Contributing Writers Jennifer Dunlap Annie Fox, M.Ed. Brooke Mims Linda Rodante Margaret Trautwein
To submit good news ideas or events News@goodlivingmag.com
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FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION 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.
Letter from the Editor A teacher in New York was teaching her class about bullying. She had the students take a new shiny smooth piece of paper and told them to crumple it up. “Stomp on it and really mess it up, but do not rip it,” she instructed. Next she had them unfold the paper and smooth it out. “Do you see how scarred and marked up it is?” she asked. She then told them to tell the paper that they are sorry. Now even though they said they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind. “Those scars will never go away no matter how hard you try to fix it,” said the teacher. “This is what happens when you bully another child. You may say you’re sorry but the scars are there forever.” This is a great lesson for kids and adults. A visual illustration that words can damage and once they are spoken cannot be undone. We look to our friends and family for validation and love, so harsh words can be a weapon of confidence destruction. Bullying continues to be a problem in our culture and must be dealt with on all levels, but most importantly at home. As a parent, I frequently joke around about how “these kids need to be taught everything.” That usually comes after my son asks me something really basic. It reminds me that he came out a blank slate and it is my responsibility to not only teach him to tie a shoe, but to shape his entire character by what I intentionally and unintentionally teach him. The shaping of a young child is the most important job we have as parents. We teach them love or we teach them to be unkind. We teach them to be responsible and caring or we teach them to not care about anything. Kids do what they see and they say what they hear. Outside of our parental behavior, we are also in charge of what else they are exposed to on a daily basis. Even if they are not at home, parents can still make and enforce the rules. We can choose to let our children be exposed to music, TV and video games that are not age appropriate or we can limit their exposure to protect their budding minds and growing spirits. It really does matter what they watch and listen to in the media. We have such a small window of time to shape our little people. The character of a child is mostly determined by age five so it is of critical importance to choose wisely during this time. Thank you for picking up this issue of GoodLiving Magazine. We appreciate that you choose to read a magazine that stands for the goodness in our community and the health of our families. Until next time, be good!
Pamela Settle
news National Eating Disorders Awareness Week EVENT
St. Pete Mom Named to Disney Parks Moms Panel
A free screening of the movie Someday Melissa is being held on February 27, 2013 at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library in Westchase from 7:15 – 8:45 p.m.
The movie was made by the mother of Melissa Avrin, who at 19 lost her five-year battle with bulimia. Her mother, Judy Avrin, became determined to do all she could to raise awareness of eating disorders (ED), address the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, and to help break through the wall of secrecy and shame surrounding bulimia. Melissa, an aspiring filmmaker, kept a journal to help express her feelings while battling bulimia. Her mother found this entry and used it as inspiration for the movie: “Someday.... I’ll eat breakfast, I’ll keep a job for more than three weeks, I’ll have a boyfriend for more than ten days, I’ll love someone, I’ll travel wherever I want, I’ll make my family proud, I’ll make a movie that will change lives.” Judy now uses this film as a tool for families, health care workers, educators and coaches to better understand the devastation of eating disorders and provide a call to action. Locally, the Tampa Bay Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals is sponsoring this free screening.
Registration Open for 2013 Clown Alley! Registration is now open for the 2013 Clown Alley Clown School, a popular community program open to students of all ages. Christine Davison, a graduate of the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Clown School, teaches character definition, make-up, costuming and performance techniques during the one day class. All participants will be invited to show off their new skills in the Illuminated Night Parade on Thursday, March 21st and again in the Santa Parade in December. EVENT
The class will be held on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the All Children’s Hospital Education Conference Center, 701 4th Street South, St. Petersburg.
The cost is $20 per person, plus $10 for each additional family member. The fee includes instruction, a Clown Alley t-shirt and a box lunch. Make up and supplies will also be available for sale. Registration forms are available on the Clown Alley page at suncoasters-stpete.com or by calling (727) 821-9888. Advanced registration is recommended. The Suncoasters of St. Petersburg is a civic organization of nearly 200 local business leaders who produce events in celebration of the City of St. Petersburg.
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GoodLiving Winter Edition 2013
Moms around the world can get insider info on just about everything related to a trip to Disneyworld from a panel of moms in the know through a Disney-sponsored online resource. New to the panel this year is St. Petersburg mom Wilma Norton, whose family has enjoyed countless trips to Disneyworld, visiting nearly every resort, eatery and attraction the park has to offer. Says Norton, “I have been offering advice on planning Disney vacations to my friends and family for years, so the chance to do that for other people is exciting. Being on the Disney Parks Moms Panel is a way for me to help other people relax about the details so they can really enjoy their time.” Norton feels fortunate to live so close to the parks. When her family needs some away time, they spend time walking, talking and dining as an escape from the daily pressures of work and school. She enjoys being on the panel with other families who share a common interest in Disneyworld. “I’ve made friends I know will be in my life for a long time.”
Winter Grass Can Skip a Week Because lawns need less water during the cooler months, residents are encouraged to Skip a Week. According to research by the University of Florida, three-quarters of an inch of water every ten to 14 days is sufficient for a healthy, vibrant lawn. Homeowners can determine when their grass needs water when grass blades are folded in half on 30 percent of the lawn, are blue-gray in color or when a footprint remains on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it. Skipping a week of irrigation encourages grass blades to root deeper into the ground and it conserves our drinking water supplies. Following this conservation program saves water that the public needs during the dry season.
Celebrating Weight Loss Largo Parks and Recreation is hosting Hannah Curlee, Season 11 Runner Up from NBC’s “Biggest Loser” TV show. The speaking event is Monday, February 25 at 5:30pm at Southwest Complex in Largo. She will speak about her weight loss journey and share tips about eating and exercise. At one time Hannah weighed 248 pounds before losing 120 pounds to be her current weight of 128 pounds. The event is free so all it takes is a little motivation of your own to come and be inspired her story.
EVENT
news Community Hero has Heart The Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco and Eckerd teamed up to nominate Ashley Rhodes-Courter for the Lightning “Community Hero” Award. Launched by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Link and his wife Penny during the 2012 season, this award is designed to recognize deserving grass-roots community heroes who are using their lives to make the greater Tampa Bay community a better place. Ashley is a nationally known child advocate, who as a child was in foster care. She uses her story to inspire families to adopt and has herself been a foster parent. She selected the Heart Gallery and Eckerd as her charities of choice to share the $50,000 grant from the Lightning.
Clothing Swap at the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market On the second Tuesday of each month, the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market holds a clothing swap from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to the historic Peninsula Inn at 2937 Beach Boulevard South. Participants are invited to bring up to five gently used garments to exchange for vouchers that may be used to select clothing brought in by other participants. Items may be for women, men or children. Gently used shoes and wardrobe accessories are also accepted. Donations of clothing above the 5-garment limit are encouraged and accepted. All additional donations should be contained in bags or boxes. All cash proceeds, donated clothing, and non-selected garments at the end of the swap will be donated to Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA). CASA is a local non-profit organization providing services to survivors of abuse or violence. For more information on the clothing swap, contact Daniel Hodge at (727) 366-4086 or email dan@igc.org. EVENT
Gulfport’s Tuesday Fresh Market is a year-round event, offering fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh bread, cheese, seafood, Florida grass-fed beef, free range chicken, herbs, granola, local honey, pet treats, hand-made soaps, local art and much more. Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended hours to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. GulfportMA.com Pictured in the photo (left to right): Tiffany Faykus, Heart Gallery Executive Director; Ashley Rhodes-Courter, Community Hero Recipient; Judith Warren, Eckerd Community Alternatives, Executive Director; Elizabeth Frazier, Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Freebies Who doesn’t love free stuff? Being frugal and researching good deals is a must-do exercise for many people these days. So when it comes to finding the free stuff, Ashley Grant is on the job. It all started a few years ago when she and her husband looked for ways to slash their budget. All that work led to the creation of Tampa Bay Freebies in 2010. “First, we convinced our creditors to give us lower interest rates and payments each month, but it wasn’t enough. We then began looking for ways to get free food, free drinks and free entertainment and as it turned out, there is a wealth of free stuff to be had in Tampa Bay!” said Grant. Learn what she knows about free movies, free museum days, free dinners, free stuff for your birthday and more. Follow her at freebies TampaBayFreebies.com
Reader Giveaway
One lucky GoodLiving reader will win Amelia, A Girl for All Time® doll from Britain These dolls are unlike anything on the market today. Intelligent, authentic and historical with gorgeous costumes and a lesson that beauty and brains go together. They are crafted using a combination of traditional handsculpting methods and the latest in computer technology. A Girl for All Time® draws on important events throughout British history, which are explored and beautifully recreated within the series by following the fictional Marchmont family through 500 years of history, intrigue and adventures.
GoodLiving Winter Edition 2013
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Lokey Charities’ mission is to help children and youth reach their full potential by providing for basic needs such as food, shelter, access to medical care and positive mentoring. It is the non-profit giving arm of Lokey Automotive Group. Our work with Habitat for Humanity Continues! In 2013, Lokey Charities will team up to sponsor and build two more homes in Pinellas County. We have been truly blessed and rewarded by this experience and we invite our community friends to join us. If you want to partner to help us build these homes, please contact Paul Lokey’s assistant at jwilliams@lokey.com. The Children’s Movement of Florida continues its work on behalf of all children during this legislative session. While issues facing children and families are numerous, the following are the top three items from their 2013 Legislative Agenda. Parent Skill-Building All parents have questions and concerns about their children, but not everyone has trusted sources for the answers they need. For those times, parents can benefit from information and support that is readily available. The goal is to create and publicize a statewide 24-hour phone line and website focused on providing parents with the most-up-to-date information about their children’s development. Kids Charity of Tampa Bay A recent visit to “A Kid’s Place,” an initiative of Kids Charity, reminded us WHY we give. It has been open for four years and is one of the few places at which siblings can stay together under one roof when they are removed from an unsafe environment. It’s made up of warm homes, each with a set of House Parents who model love to abused, neglected or abandoned children. Their equipment is state of the art—from computers for homework and games, to a kitchen where teens can learn cooking skills from a professional chef. There are bikes, trikes and scooters lined up by the playground for after school fun. “Family Nights Out” allow the residents to dress up, sample a variety of great foods and practice good manners in the beautiful common area. For more information about what you can do to help, go to www.kidscharitytb.org Community Partners Other Community Partners for 2013 include HEP (Homeless Emergency Project), Fresh Start for Kids, Family First (All Pro Dads & iMom.com) and YMCA of the Suncoast. Please join us in helping these worthy organizations. Lokey Charities would like to thank Enterprise Holdings in the Tampa Bay area who donated a large check to further our mission. Their employees have already promised to pick up a hammer and join us for the next Habitat build!
Developmental Screening, Assessment and Treatment for Children Who May Have Special Needs One of every six children has a special need – autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD and more. Adequate knowledge and support is needed for parents to help their children fulfill their potential. The goal is to provide online screening ad referral tools for family through the “Parent Portal” described above, and to support adequate funding for Early Steps. Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK) and School Readiness Florida ranks 34th among 38 states in funding per pupil for VPK. While Florida has a solid foundation, enhancements are needed. The goal is to require the use of evidence-based curricula in all VPK classrooms and provide materials and support for implementation. Also, to build upon the VPK assessment passed by the 2012 Florida Legislature to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a child -- including social, emotional and cognitive growth. And to support adequate funding for School Readiness and for voluntary prekindergarten (VPK). For more information about the Children’s Movement of Florida, go to ChildrensMovementFlorida.com. Sign up to receive e-mail updates and information about opportunities to get involved. If your business or organization would like to be involved with our local committee, contact Pam Settle at Pam@goodlivingmag.com.
news
Faith
Mott Grit
Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Touching One Heart at a Time Ever since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has been using athletics as a reason to reach the young people for Jesus Christ. And it has worked! FCA is now the largest Christian sports organization in the world serving youth in middle school, high school and college. The popular program is reaching students in Pinellas County under the new leadership of Chuck Peterman. Chuck serves as the FCA Director for Pinellas County, overseeing groups that meet at 12 of the 16 area high schools and three middle schools. As part of the Huddle Clubs, students meet weekly for Bible study. They also plan community service events and have guest speakers. His wife Jackie is serving with him as part of the ministry.
EVENT
Do you like to push yourself to the limit? Climb over obstacles? Maybe go through the mud – all while raising money for a good cause? If this sounds like fun, then sign up for Mott Grit, an extreme 5k paramilitary obstacle course designed by former local Tampa Bay area S.W.A.T. team commanders. Mott Grit will be held Saturday, April 6th in Lutz.
Mott Grit is much more than a physical adventure and an assault to your muscles. It’s all about helping others too. 100% of all proceeds will go to New Found Family, Feeding Children Everywhere, Ryan Nece Foundation, and Boys & Girls Club. With every step you take, you will actually be helping others. Mott Grit is solely owned and operated by New Found Family, a non-profit organization in To learn more about FCA in Pinellas Pinellas County that assists individuals and families in total life County or how you can get involved recovery. This encompasses everything from prescription drug abuse to marital issues. Visit them at NewFoundFamily.org. For as a volunteer, contact Chuck at more information on this event, check out Mott Grit’s Facecpeterman@tampabay.rr.com. book page or go to MottGrit.com to get the latest scoop on their obstacle course.
Support the More2Life’s 24th Annual Golf Tournament In today’s age, it is often difficult to be a youth. Fortunately, there are organizations that make growing up easier, such as More2Life, a youth development program that is part of the ministry of New Life Solutions. Since 1999, they have shared the message with 81,000 students that “their choices affect their future” at in-school presentations on topics including Goal Setting, Drugs & Alcohol, Abstinence, Refusal Skills, Pregnancy & STD’s, Relationships & more. They speak to students in public schools, private schools, youth groups, summer camps, and youth rallies.
10,000 Easter Eggs to Drop from a Helicopter!
Calvary Baptist Church is celebrating the launch of its new campus, Calvary East Lake on EVENT Saturday, March 30th with an If you would like to schedule a presentation, contact them at Easter Egg Hunt (727) 216-1404 ext. 207. like no other. A whopping 10,000 eggs will fall from a To support the program financially, join them for their EVENT helicopter to be picked up 24th Annual More2Life Golf Tournament at Feather and redeemed for treats. Added to the fun will be bounce houses, Sound Country Club on March 11. The shotgun start is entertainment and food. Online registration at Calvary.Us/ at 1 p.m. E-mail golf@m2l.org for information. Eggdrop is encouraged to avoid long lines at the event. The party runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The following day, Easter Sunday, will mark their first worship services in the renovated building. The community is invited to celebrate Easter with them at either 9:15 or 11 a.m. Calvary East Lake is at 1190 East Lake Road, right next to East Lake High School.
GoodLiving Winter Edition 2013
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news
Schools
Rummage Sale at San Jose San Jose Elementary in Dunedin is holding their “This Ain’t Your Momma’s Rummage Sale” on Saturday March 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m to raise funds for their PTA. Rent a table space for $10 or visit the sale that day to shop or eat. To get a space contact Francine at ptarummagesale@gmail.com The school is located at 1670 San Helen Drive. EVENT
Gift of Giving Night at Shore Acres Shore Acres Elementary School is holding their 3rd Annual Gift of Giving event, a special evening to showcase local charities and organizations that support our community, on March 15th. Children from 2nd thru 5th grade have written essays on the topic, “If I had $100 I would give it to (charity?) because….” One writer per grade will be selected and given a $100 check to present to their chosen charity. EVENT
The PTA is also holding a clothing exchange that night and all left over items be donated to Clothes to Kids and Goodwill. The community is encouraged to support this event. Contact Linda Nelson at brockers@knology.net.
Florida’s Kids & Alcohol: A Town Hall Meeting Students from LiveFree! Clubs will participate in a live Town Hall Meeting, which will be aired on WEDU. Topics covered will include teenage use of alcohol, synthetic marijuana and prescription drugs. Parents, teachers, students and EVENT concerned citizens are invited to attend the event at the Palladium Theater on March 21st at 5:30 p.m. 253 5th Ave N. • St. Petersburg.
Rays Help Plant Garden The Edible Peace Patch Project is at it again, planting another community garden at a local elementary school. This time it is Campbell Park Elementary that gets to benefit, and principal Godfrey Watson says that all grades will get hands on time in the garden as they learn how food is grown. The planting of the garden started with digging 5’ trenches to hold logs, mulch and other organic material to augment the soil over time, which according to volunteer Emmanuel Roux, is a technique that will benefit home gardeners in Pinellas County as well. Kent Curtis, president of the Edible Peace Patch Project, welcomed Alex Cobb and Brandon Gomes from the Rays, as well as volunteers from the National Day of Service and staff from the Rays’ administration offices.
Westlake Christian School Receives Prestigious Award Students held a Blue Ribbon Rally in January to celebrate their success! Their school, Westlake Christian, has been named a National Blue Ribbon Award-winning school by the U.S. Department of Education. Blue Ribbon Schools are nationally recognized as some of America’s most successful schools. According to Principal Rick Pucci, the National Blue Ribbon Award was awarded to only 50 private schools in the nation. “Only one other private school in the state of Florida received the award this year, and Westlake Christian School is the only school, public or private, to win the honor in the entire Tampa Bay area.” Westlake was selected as an Exemplary High-Performing School, which means its standardized test scores have consistently been among the highest in the nation in reading and mathematics. “The award is truly a validation of all of the hard work done by our teachers, staff, students, and parents. It’s fulfilling to know that our commitment to teach the minds and reach the hearts of our students was recognized and honored,” said Pucci. Congratulations!
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news
Schools Special Announcement The Pinellas County School Superintendent, Mike Grego, has made it known that he would like to begin implementing a voluntary summer school effective this summer. The free and voluntary instruction is planned for high school, middle school and elementary school students. The goal is to help all students increase their proficiency in both reading and math. Parents 4 Pinellas Students wants to know what you think!
Take a short survey on the topic between February 20th and March 5th at VoiceofP4PS.org. This is an anonymous survey and results will be shared with the media, the superintendent and the school board. Don’t miss your chance to weigh in on this most important subject!
products These products inspire your creativity and allow you to speak from your heart. Go ahead… Make someone’s day! Origami Owl
Circles of Inspiration
The products offered by this company were the brain child of a child. Well, a teenage child of 14, named Bella. It started with a simple goal to earn enough money to buy a car for her 16th birthday. She came up with the idea of Living Lockets and began selling them at home parties and events with her mom. As word spread about the unique jewelry line, they became inspired to start the home-based selling company now known as Origami Owl.
Anna Pereira has experienced many ups and downs in life, but the one thing that got her through it all was a spiritual, positive attitude. She believes that we can have the desires of our hearts if we have faith and respect for the blessings we have. She honors her personal philosophies in her handmade jewelry line. Each pendant inspires dynamics of positive energy by displaying meaningful words like Blessed, Believe, Fearless and more. Each is enhanced with specifically selected hand painted colors, Swarovski Crystals, genuine pearls and Sterling Silver dangles. Each Circles of Inspiration piece has its own purpose, and comes in a luxury gift box with an inspirational scroll and jewelry bag. Gift set are also available with coordinating earrings. To purchase, visit AnnaPereiraDesigns.com and be inspired by her Facebook posts at Circles of Inspiration.
Bella’s goal for the company is to be a force for good. When you take a look at how you can do love story telling with a necklace, you’ll agree that she’s on to something good. The basic premise is that you buy a metal locket on a chain, customize the back plate and fill it with mini charms that tell a unique story. A new baby. Hobbies. Sports. Birthdays. Mother’s Day. Pricing is a la cart, but it’s a gift that keeps on giving because the charms can be changed out. Products must be purchased through an Origami Owl representative. To find one, contact Stephanie Cursi, a team leader in St. Petersburg at stephaniec.origamiowl.com or call 727-576-3100.
Jewel Kade “It’s vintage yet modern. Fashionable yet timeless. Universal yet very, very personal. Jewel Kade is somehow everything to everyone, and perhaps that’s because jewelry that comes from the heart…speaks to the heart.” The company offers two lines. First is the jewelry that started that company by designer Janet Kinkade. Their primary product is a rectangular or square pendant that can be customized with sayings or images, or you can choose from unique fashionable designs that have a vintage style. A variety of chains take them from casual to elegant, with a style to fit almost any taste. Jewel Kade also allows its customers to design their own artisan canvas prints that celebrate the people, places, and ideas that make each person’s story unique. Honor your child by listing their personality traits. Create a thoughtful wedding gift, Mother’s Day gift or anniversary gift. Or give yourself a reason to redesign that special wall in your home. See catalogs and find a stylist near you at JewelKade.com
Love Your Heart!
February is a good month to renew your commitment to your own heart. To love it, honor it and cherish it for as long as you both shall live. We asked some of our favorite local experts to share their best tip for loving one’s own heart.
Quit Smoking! Being heart-healthy involves more than diet and exercise. Smoking is the single most dangerous thing you can do to your heart. Your risk of heart disease is increased with cigarette smoking, additionally it increases blood pressure, it increases the tendency of your blood to clot, and it also decreases levels of the good cholesterol, HDL.
Dr. Norman S. Abbott, Cardiologist 1501 South Pinellas Avenue Suite G • Tarpon Springs 2626 Tampa Road • Palm Harbor (727) 787-4875
Heart health is usually one of the last things that a new mom is thinking about. However, heart disease is the #1 killer of American women and since we are the #1 caretakers of our kids and families, all moms need to be educated and informed. Find an activity that you love, and carve out three 10 minute segments throughout the day to exercise. You don’t have to commit a huge chunk of time to make a difference. For instance, walking three times a day has been shown to lower blood pressure more effectively than a longer 30 minute session of walking.
Christie Bruner AFAA Certified Personal Trainer Owner of Baby Boot Camp and Karna Fitness • St. Petersburg brunerfitness.com
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Moms, put yourself in time out! When children, activities and life get overwhelming, one great way to reduce heart damaging stress is to find time for yourself. Arrange a “Kid Swap” with a group of two or three friends. Go for a slow, deliberate walk around the block to look at the trees and feel the air. When the moment gets really stressful, put yourself (rather than your child) in a five minute timeout to regroup. All of these tips can do wonders for your physiology as well as your psychology!
Paige Michaelis Founder & Positive Parenting Educator 1 Minute Mommy • St. Petersburg 1minutemommy.com
When people ask me about lowering blood naturally, I typically refer them to herbal remedies. To keep it simple, I recommend herbs/plants that are commonly found in their kitchen or easily obtained at the grocery store. Ginger Root is a natural blood thinner that can help prevent strokes, heart attacks and hardening of the arteries. You can use ginger to lower blood pressure by incorporating it into meals (fresh or dried) and/or by drinking a daily cup of ginger root tea. Consult your doctor if taking heart medication.
Deserie Valloreo Certified Clinical Herbalist Herbal Wise • St. Petersburg HerbalWise.net
“Dreams are Goals with Deadlines.” To have more healthy hearts beating around us, nourish your heart by eating two servings of fish each week. For those of you making a face, check out two delicious recipes on Coach Brandon’s corner at beafitkid.org. One is for salmon and the other is for an eggwhite Caesar salad dressing, both yummy. And no, taking fish oil tablets is not the same. Next, make 30 minutes of exercise part of your day. If you exercise with a friend or in a group, you are likely to be more consistent and to work harder. Our Fitkids group will inspire and motivate youcome join us and see for yourself. Coach Brandon McIntosh and Dr. Chrisoula Kiriazis Be a Fit Kid • Largo BeaFitKid.org
Our hearts will remain as sick as our sickest secret. The cure: admit to God, ourselves, and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Need the right ‘other human being’? Seek a professional counselor, consider a spiritual adviser in a church, or perhaps there is a wiser, older person in your life right now that is just waiting for you to simply ask for their guidance. Don’t delay! Take the first step today towards a healthier you by seeking the wise counselor and letting go of the sick secret. Jon Jo Farris, Senior Pastor Crosspointe Church • Clearwater C President, Pinellas Park Gateway P Chamber of Commerce C
Eating right is not only about maintaining a healthy weight. Certain foods can cause inflammation, imbalances or allergies that can impact your heart and circulatory health. In some instances, a food sensitivity can be the cause of problems. Learning how to feed your body correctly will keep your heart healthy. If you have questions about your diet, start with the ALCAT test to check for delayed sensitivities that cause inflammation in the body. It checks for foods, preservatives, additives, food colorings, molds and environmental chemicals. Dr. Lisa Marsh, DC Holistic Center for Vibrant Health Palm Harbor mydrlisa.com
parenting
Challenging the Culture of Cruelty with Empathy by ANNIE FOX, M.ED.
in responsible ways takes Emotional Intelligence (EQ) skills. EQ isn’t taught in most schools or families. But without these skills, we cannot act with compassion and empathy. And we cannot maintain healthy relationships. These are hard times for parents who are trying to raise kids to be good people. Harassment, gossip, cheating, put-downs, and overall nastiness are all pretty much the air we breathe. Cruelty and indifference to suffering are systemic. Yet when we hear about extreme mean-kid behavior, we’re often stunned. “They tormented that poor girl so relentlessly she committed suicide!? How awful! Then the perpetrators actually posted more vicious comments on the victim’s Facebook memorial page!!! What is wrong with these kids?!”
S
ince June 1997 I’ve received daily dispatches from t(w)eens needing help with friendship and bf/ gf issues. The emails pour in from around the world, but they share a common thread. When it comes to peer relationships, kids everywhere seem reluctant to speak up for themselves. They also seem to lack empathy. These are troubling limitations for young people developing a sense of identity and learning to get along with others!
Here are a few recent samples from my INBOX: “One of the guys that I had been really close to now goes out of his way to shove me in the halls and during class, and he does it harder than what would be ‘accidental’ and doesn’t apologize. Help!” “How do I get my friend not to be mean to me and talk about me behind my back?” “I really like this boy. We mess around and stuff but he has a really slutty popular girlfriend that I am friends with. I don’t really care if she finds out about us, but I kinda do because I don’t want people to think I’m slutty. What should I do?”
In my replies I try to help kids understand that while it’s normal to feel hurt, anger, jealousy, etc., these are destructive emotions. When we’re upset, we don’t often do our best thinking so we have to learn to calm down, otherwise we’re likely to hurt others and ourselves. But managing our emotions
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What, indeed? Don’t today’s kids know the difference between right and wrong? Yes, but our 21st century (social) media-driven culture often glamorizes and thus reinforces “wrong.” So when it comes to being good and doing the right thing vs. being cool and popular, the choice for t(w)eens isn’t easy. About a year and a half ago I decided to take all the EQ lessons I’ve been emailing to teens and wrap them up in a book for parents and teachers. Because the kids who write to me are not mine, they are yours. This book will help you help your kids develop a reliable moral compass, so they won’t need to write to me. Instead, they will know what to do and they’ll have the social courage to do it (online and off ). And when they aren’t so sure about their next best move, they will turn to you, because you are their most influential role model. Teaching Kids to Be Good People was published in October 2012 and has struck quite a chord with parents and educators. Here’s one of the book’s Real World Assignments from the chapter on Empathy:
Taking Someone’s Point of View When children exhibit aggressive behavior, we may be tempted to shut it down without any discussion. We may even berate kids for feeling whatever they’re feeling. But an angry child is suffering and compassion is about doing our best to alleviate suffering. Show compassion by talking about feelings in safe, open ways. Granted, this takes time and patience when we might not have much of either, but we are their teachers. When we help our kids learn to express resentment, fear, and disappointment in words, we gain understanding of their “side of things.” When children and adults feel understood, we can calm down and experience love, coming and going.
Fuel for Thought Recall a time, growing up, when you felt as if your parents just didn’t understand what you were going through. Maybe you tried to explain but were met with impatience. Perhaps, you didn’t bother explaining because expressing yourself honestly didn’t quite feel “safe.” Now think about ways you can make it safer for your children to open up, especially when they’re upset. When we listen with compassion we can understand someone else’s point of view. Once we begin understanding, we’re in a much better position to love and to help.
parenting Conversations That Count Talk to your child about what it means to understand where someone is coming from. Ask: “Since our thoughts are private and we all have our own way of experiencing life, how can we ever really understand another person? Why is it important to try?” Now brainstorm ways in which understanding between people might be impaired vs. enhanced.
Your child will probably feel better after having thought about this from a cooler, more objective perspective. Hopefully s/he learned something positive that will make it easier to deal with conflict the next time it comes up.
Teach The next time there’s a conflict at home and things start heating up, calm down and help your children see how it takes at least two people to have a conflict vs. “S/he started it and I’m totally innocent.” Make it safe to examine how both people contributed to the conflict by asking these open-ended questions: What did you do that might have added to the conflict? What did you forget to do that might have added to the conflict? What do you wish you had said or done instead of what you actually did? What might you do differently next time?
Look at the situation from the other person’s point of view. Imagine what s/he is feeling about what happened between you. What would you have said if you were him/her? What would you have done if you were him/her?
Annie Fox, M.Ed. is an internationally respected character educator. She has designed classic kids’ computer games and written award-winning books/apps including the Middle School Confidential™ series, the Raymond and Sheila picture book series, and her new parenting book Teaching Kids to Be Good People. Contact Annie at AnnieFox.com
for
GOOD LIVING
Community Resource Guide
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
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
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
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 highlyeffective 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
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
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 Mention you saw us in GoodLiving magazine and receive your first TRX Training FREE!
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. 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
Necessity is the Mother of Invention by JENNIFER DUNLAP
Editor’s Note: In our November Issue, GoodLiving brought you stories of several youth in the Tampa Bay area who are creating products and starting businesses to make lives GOOD! This month, we’re pleased to bring you stories of some women in our area who are continuing the trend of entrepreneurship with amazing new products, ideas and inspiration for you!
Her passion was contagious. So said the students at Osceola High School, where Erin Meagher taught classes on Business and Entrepreneurship a few years ago. Ms. Meagher poured her heart into teaching these teenagers daily what it meant to start a business, research a product, market their ideas, and successfully lead. She was certainly inspiring. So inspiring, in fact, that the students had one big question for Erin. “Why are you here teaching us?” Meagher recalls being asked. “They wanted to know why I wasn’t out there doing what I was so eager to teach them to do?” Fast forward a few years, and Erin Meagher is now the Founder and President of Kelapo Coconut Oil company, specializing in a full line of coconut oil products for cooking and baking. Always a proponent of healthy, clean eating, Erin had personally researched the many benefits of using coconut oil as a substitute for other standard oils and butters in her recipes. In time, she began to see this product as “a little gem in the marketplace”. She knew there were other coconut oils available, but to have the very best, she set out to ensure the quality of her product from the organic farmers who harvest the ingredients to the eco-friendly containers used for shipping. Her “little gem” is currently a robustly growing business, featuring 8 coconut oil products, placement on grocery shelves in all 50 states, and estimated sales of $3 million in 2013.
Tanya Lewis is another entrepreneurial woman in the Tampa Bay area who saw her opportunity several years ago to make life better for herself and others. When Ms. Lewis became a mother, she recalls that her son’s birth “also gave birth to all these inventive ideas.” She found herself constantly reexamining products on the market for new moms and tweaking many of them to better suit her needs. But one product begged for all her attention. “As my baby started to feed himself 3 meals a day, I found myself mopping under the high chair 3 times a day! I knew I needed to find a better and easier way to clean my floors , so I bought a disposable mop pad system. But going through the box of refills so quickly (and realizing the unnecessary trash that they generated) did not sit well with me. I realized there was a need that had not been met in the marketplace, and I put my other ideas on hold and threw my attention into this one.” She knew she needed to create a mop pad that not only worked better than anything else on the market, but also could be used more than once. With a vision of an environmentally friendly, efficient mop pad product in mind, Tanya set out to produce what is now the “Green Glider” mop pad, a product now patented for it’s dual-action technology and touted as an “alternative to wasteful, disposable mop pads”.
It was the Greek philosopher Plato who first determined that “Necessity is the mother of invention”, yet in our modern era, those ancient words still ring true. The creative, inventive spirit is alive and well in our community. People like Erin Meagher and Tanya Lewis are seeing and filling needs with creative, healthy solutions, not just for their own benefit, but for the good of their families, friends, communities and beyond.
And they’re not the only ones.....
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Eileen Forte, creator of the Paleo Simplified Bar, struggled to stay on her Paleo diet, especially when she needed a quick recovery meal after workouts or when she was on the go. With a background in the culinary arts, she began experimenting in her own kitchen to achieve the perfect combination of convenience and nutrition. The result was a bar packed with whole foods like cashews, raisins, apricots and goji berries. It was the high demand from her friends that gave her the idea to package and sell them in bulk across the country.
Leslie Burkett, founder of Lila Pops, often wore the hat of “mommy nurse” with her kids, who like all kids, battled regularly in the ongoing war of cough and cold season. Knowing that over-the-counter cold medicines are not recommended for little ones, she sought out more safe and natural options. Like inventors before her, she simply p y created what she needed. The result is an all-naturall cough and sore throat remedy, served on a stick, lollipop style, to make feeling better both fun and yummy!
Why?
How?
With a shaky economy and a tenuous job market, more people are turning to entrepreneurial endeavors as a solution for their livelihoods. Gregory Downing, speaker, consultant, and author of the book Entrepreneur Unleashed: Wealth to Stand the Test of Time says “… the old path to success - get good grades, go to college, get a good job, work hard for 40 years, and retire comfortably may no longer be enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Multiple streams of income will be necessary.”
So, how does someone start a business or create a product to provide for their family? Most of these savvy business women agreed that after the idea is formed, the next step is research. Erin Meagher began by researching medical journals for the health benefits of coconut oil. She extended her research to include information on how to procure the most eco-friendly products and the most compliant fair trade farmers. Tanya Lewis’s research included discovering the best combination of cleaning fibers available (shammy fabric for absorpency combined with microfiber for cleaning) and then obtaining patents for her new technology. And Eileen Forte had been researching her energy bar product for years through her own desires to live a Paleo lifestyle combined with her previous experience in the culinary field.
Tanya Lewis appreciates the flexibility and creativity that running her own business affords her. While it’s hard work to be sure, “It’s so satisfying to work for myself, to call my own shots. I am responsible for my success. I no longer have to worry about the future of myself and my little boy being dependent upon someone else. That makes me feel important and proud.” Running her own business gives Eileen Forte the opportunity to help transform the lives of others. Bringing her energy bars and her personal story of transformation with her, she delivers informative workshops on nutrition and making better choices. “I am a person of faith,” she explains, “and this is God’s ministry for me. I have no doubt when I see lives transformed that this is what I’m meant to do.”
Entrepreneur Unleashed: Wealth to Stand the Test of Time by Gregory Downing available at Amazon.com $19.67
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Information for research is accessible like never before through the internet. Whether you’re looking for a patent, logo, recipe or manufacturing center, most research can begin in the comfort of your own home and provide you with a good starting point. Online resources are vital toward another step necessary for success - networking. The internet links like-minded inventors and business owners through forums and support organizations. In this venue, business owners have the opportunity to share their unique challenges and successes with others who understand what it’s like to juggle the demands of both home and career. Tanya Lewis credits much of her success to the encouragement she’s received from the networking community CEO Space. A members-only networking organization, CEO Space relies on the principle of “cooperative capitalism” instead of the typical business world of competition. She appreciates the collaborate mindset, stating that, “We win when we collaborate”.
While organized networking organizations can provide valuable resources and information, informal networking resources are also crucial. Family members, friends and social media sites are a significant part of encouraging small business entrepreneurs. Lilapops mom, Leslie Burkett credits much of her company’s early success to a “dream team of sorts,” including friends and family members who contributed to the development and success of Lilapops. But her outside support and encouragement comes from “meeting other moms at the playground, chatting at PTA meetings, and social media.” Eileen Forte also utilizes friends, family and Facebook for support and direction. Whether it’s her husband (who encouraged her to place her first large order of bars for resale), her daughters (who inspired her to begin a Paleo lifestyle in the first place), her church family or her Facebook community, Eileen relies on support, encouragement and feedback to keep her company moving in the right direction.
Full Circle
Part of the draw for entrepreneurs like Erin, Tanya, Eileen and Leslie is the ability they have through their ventures to “return the favor” to others. When she’s not soothing kids coughs in a fun and yummy way, Leslie Burkett is teaching Kindergarten and being a wife and mom to two children. “Being a mom, Kindergarten teacher and entrepreneur are so very similar. Each job requires patience, a good sense of humor, and lots of encouragement. In return I try to spend my days encouraging: encouraging my little ones to seek out ways to help solve problems and not cause them. So we will have future generations of happy healthy compassionate little helpers.” While Erin Meagher is a successful business owner in her own right, she too is still a teacher at heart. When she’s not educating people on the merits of her product through talks at USF, culinary schools, and Future Chefs of America, she’s busy reinvesting into the lives of young people. Remember those students who challenged her to take her own advice and begin a company? She just recently hired one of those young adults to work at Kelapo!
Where to Buy Products Erin Meagher
Kelapo Brand Coconut Products online at kelapo.com national chains: Raleys Sprouts Whole Foods EarthFare Jewel Acme -Tanya Lewis
Green Glider Mop Pad System online at gogreenglider.com -Leslie Burkett
Lilapop
online at lilapops.com local stores: Rolling Oats Hooker Tea Company Marions Thank You Mama Beach Papery -Eileen Forte
Paleo Simplified Bar online at paleosimplified.com local stores: Get Healthy Richard’s Foodporium all Fresh Market Stores Nature’s Food Patch Abby’s Healthy & Nutrition some Nutrition Smarts
people
Tami Kent Social. Awareness. Revolution By LINDA RODANTE Her website, fornomore.org states, “The No More Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and calling people to action to meet the tangible needs we see in the world around us.” By sharing stories, statistics, and the deep needs of others, she and Jaime stir the hearts of those they want to mobilize. They connect them with ministries and organizations that are already reaching out to the needy, and help empower individuals to begin a journey of tangible help and aid. The website features merchandise you can buy as well as other interesting elements. Check out the “Give a Tweet” link where you can just click on and tweet statistics about hunger, orphans, slavery, etc. to all your followers. For instance, click and send, “Human trafficking is estimated to be a thriving industry with annual revenues of 32 billion dollars.” Or click again and send, “One in eight kids under the age of twelve goes to bed hungry every night.”
T
ami Kent’s enthusiasm grabs hold of you and hurtles you along an unbeaten path. As co-founder and ministry leader of the Tampa-based No More Foundation, her track leads to the hungry, the homeless, and the victims of modern-day slavery. But there’s a difference. Instead of trying to grow their ministry into a super-organization, she and her husband, Jaime, are more interested in helping people join with other groups to help feed the hungry, find housing for the homeless and find counseling for those abused in the sex-trade. Tami desires to mobilize, connect, and empower others to meet the real needs in our community. She says “Each of us can do something,” and takes you along the path to show you where you can pitch in.
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Last year, the Foundation did a hands-on outreach at Joshua House where they cooked out, played games, and made t-shirt bags with the kids. This year, on Friday, April 26th, at 6 pm, they are planning an event in Brandon and hope to work with a nearby children’s home. The event is called “No More Orphans.” It will be held at Bay Life Church in Brandon and will be followed a month later by other outreaches—in the form of tangible help to the community. With 143 million orphans in the world, the event plans to raise awareness of the plight and needs of these children. Special speakers and personal testimonies will call people to action and show what can be accomplished by reaching out in areas such as foster care, adoption, Guardian Ad Litem, and mentoring. Numerous organizations and vendors will be present, including Chinese Children Adoption International, I Matter Too, Juvenile Guardian Ad Litem, 4Kids of Tampa and more. It is still a work in progress, she says, and talks about bringing all parts of the puzzle together. Tami is a wife and mother who works part-time but still manages to reach out to those in need. She is a co-partner with her husband in the Foundation and inspires people with the message that it is time to stop talking and start “doing.” She uses a scripture to define the purpose in her heart. In Matthew 25: 35-40 NIV, Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” When the people asked him when they did these things, he says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” The homeless, the orphans, the victims of human trafficking and many others need real help. Tami Kent and her husband are taking steps to raise an army to meet those needs.
eating Gluten-Free for Life Expo If you are removing or reducing the gluten in your diet, visit the Gluten-Free for Life Expo on March 23rd to find resources, education and support. For many, going gluten free is not a fad, but a real way of life. The event is sponsored by Rudi’s Gluten-Free and Enjoy Life Foods and will have both local and national exhibitors. EVENT
March 23, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. St Petersburg Coliseum 535 4th Avenue N, St Petersburg, FL 33701 GlutenFreeForLifeExpo1.blogspot.com
Speakers for the day include: Rebecca Reilly, Cordon Blue Chef, Author of Gluten-Free Baking Jodie Hommer MA MFT, Team Anaphylaxis Founder Barb M. Mahlmeister RD LD/N, Dietitian and Nutritionist Robert Linde AP RH, Acupuncture Physician and Herbalist Admission benefits Camp Weekaneatit, a gluten-free summer camp for kids and Gluten Free Friends of Tampa, a gluten-free food pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable, gluten-free food item for this great effort.
Some of the national exhibitors include: Caesar’s Pasta, Conrad Rice Mill, Gluten-Free Baking, Gluten-Free Emergency Kits, Hodgson Mill GF, Namaste Foods, Triumph Dining, Udi’s Gluten-Free Way Better Snacks
Gluten-Free Recipes submitted by Carolanne LeBlanc, director of Gluten-Free Florida and expo organizer
The Chewy Gluten Free Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2007
Yield: 2 dozen cookies Ingredients: 8 ounces unsalted butter 11 ounces brown rice flour, approximately 2 cups 1 1/4 ounces cornstarch, approximately 1/4 cup 1/2-ounce tapioca flour, approximately 2 tablespoons 1 teaspoon xanthan gum 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 ounces sugar, approximately 1/4 cup 10 ounces light brown sugar, approximately 1 1/4 cups 1 whole egg 1 egg yolk 2 tablespoons whole milk 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Directions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, pour into the bowl of a stand mixer. In a medium bowl, sift together the rice flour, cornstarch, tapioca flour, xantham gum, salt and baking soda. Set aside. Add both of the sugars to the bowl with the butter and using the paddle attachment, cream together on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the whole egg, egg yolk, milk and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Add the chocolate chips and stir to combine. Chill the dough in the refrigerator until firm, approximately 1 hour. Shape the dough into 2-ounce balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, 6 cookies per sheet. Bake for 14 minutes, rotating the pans after 7 minutes for even baking. Remove from the oven and cool the cookies on the pans for 2 minutes. Move the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely. Store cooked cookies in an airtight container. Per serving: Calories: 251; Total Fat: 13 grams; Saturated Fat: 7.5 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Total carbohydrates: 35 grams; Sugar: 22 grams; Fiber: 2 grams; Cholesterol: 38 milligrams; Sodium: 143 milligrams
Barbara’s Excellent Banana Bread Ingredients:
½ cup unsalted butter (or solid sustitute) 2 Bananas, very ripe 2 Eggs 1¼ cup GF baking flour 1 cup sugar ½ tsp salt 1 tsp soda
Directions Blend bananas and shortening until smooth, add eggs one at a time, cream together. Add sugar, salt, and soda, mix well. Gradually add flour, mix only until moistened. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for 1 hour
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This is the ultimate Banana Bread recipe donated by a friend named Barbara in Florida.
eating Apps to Help you Eat Healthier! Often times knowing the truth about what you eat is all the incentive you need to change your shopping and dining out habits. As with most things in life, it’s all about balance. If 100% of your diet is comprised of processed food, chemically-treated food, fast foods and high calorie restaurant food, your body will feel it and look it. Information that can help you make good eating choices is now available at your fingertips with these free apps for both iPhone and Android smart phones.
Center for Science in the Public Interest Chemical Cuisine App Have you ever looked at a food label and not known what some of the ingredients were? Shopping was easy when most food came from farms. Now, factory-made foods have made chemical additives a significant part of our diet. Chemical Cuisine, from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, features a searchable and filterable list of food additives, their descriptions, and safety ratings to help you make healthy decisions. Learn about a new additive every time you start up the app on the Home screen. When CSPI updates or adds new information about a food additive, the Chemical Cuisine app will let you know by displaying a badge on the additive. The app includes more than 130 food additives with detailed entries and expert evaluation. No internet connection is required to use and it automatically updates when connected to the Internet. Information is also available on their website at cspinet.org/reports/ chemcuisine.htm. Additives are listed in alphabetical order and their safety ratings are categorized as Safe, Cut Back, Avoid, Caution and Certain People Should Avoid. The site recommends that in general it is best to avoid sodium nitrite, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame-K, caffeine, olestra and food dyes. They also remind users that sugar and salt can cause harm.
Fast Food Calorie Lookup App This app is simple - it gives you calorie counts FAST for a number of popular restaurants! Pick your restaurant, pick your item, and you get the count. For restaurants that have dozens of items, use the search box to narrow down your criteria! Trying to eat healthier? Check out the BMR and daily calorie calculator. Over 10,000 people use this app every day! Features:
• On-board database - no need to query the internet to get your calorie information. Use it when you have no cell service or on a tablet without WiFi! • Restaurants added upon request • Includes calorie counts for 140 restaurants - more than 16,000 items • Scratchpad feature: keep a few items quickly at hand by adding them to the app’s Scratchpad list • Saves your spot: app loads back to the last item viewed when reopened • Base Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Calorie Consumption Calculator built-in! Calculate your BMR and how many calories you burn daily (And how many you’d need to lose to be 1lb less.) • Share calorie information with other apps on your phone. Make a note of what you ate or email it to someone else.
Find info on these popular restaurants, plus many more!
Applebees, Arbys, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Bob Evans, Boston Market, Burger King, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick-fil-a, Chili’s, Chipotle, Cracker Barrel, Dairy Queen, Domino’s Pizza, Five Guys, Hooters, IHOP, Jimmy John’s, McDonald’s, Moe’s, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Papa John’s, PF Chang’s, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Steak ‘n Shake, Subway, Taco Bell
Environmental Working Group Dirty Dozen App We all know that there are tremendous health benefits to eating fruits and vegetables. Use the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ to reduce your exposure as much as possible. They encourage users to remember that eating conventionally-grown produce is far better than not eating fruits and vegetables at all. The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ as found in the Dirty Dozen™ app will help you determine which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residues and are the most important to buy organic. You can lower your pesticide intake substantially by avoiding the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating the least contaminated produce. This year they have expanded the Dirty Dozen™ with a Plus category to highlight two crops -- green beans and leafy greens, meaning, kale and collard greens - that did not meet traditional Dirty Dozen™ criteria but were commonly contaminated with highly toxic organophosphate insecticides. These insecticides are toxic to the nervous system and have been largely removed from agriculture over the past decade. But they are not banned and still show up on some food crops. Commodity crop corn used for animal feed and biofuels is almost all produced with genetically modified (GMO) seeds, as is some sweet corn sold for human consumption. Since GMO sweet corn is not labeled as such in US stores, EWG advises those who have concerns about GMOs to buy organic sweet corn.
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Be
A
by BROOKE MIMS
in 2013
s we look at the year ahead, many of us have taken the opportunity to review our goals and assess our current situation. Did you set any financial resolutions for 2013? If you haven’t already done so, today is still a great time for your Annual Financial Checkup! The simple exercise below (adapted from a quiz published by the St. Petersburg Times Personal Finance Editor, Helen Huntley, on January 20, 2008) can help you analyze your current financial situation. Remember to be honest with yourself! When it comes to credit card balances, do you: [a] Pay them in full, each month? [b] Make partial payments and carry balances? [c] Make minimum payments? Do you pay your bills: [a] Always on time? [b] Late, sometimes with fees? [c] When hounded by bill collectors? Do you save: [a] At least 10% of your income? [b] What you can? [c] Not at all (or less than you earn)? Regarding retirement: [a] Have you calculated what you’ll need? [b] Are you reading up on it? [c] You’re hoping to win the lottery. When it comes to your credit report, you: [a] Check it annually [b] Don’t check it, but you have good credit. [c] Hesitate to even look at it. When you’re grocery shopping, you: [a] Stick to a list and budget. [b] Buy anything you want. [c] Dine out all the time. For large purchases, do you: [a] Research, shop around, and save in advance for them? [b] Buy only what you need and pay them off, in installments? [c] Charge them and hope for the best? In an emergency, do you: [a] Have enough to cover at least three months of expenses? [b] Keep your money in a checking account? [c] Hope to move in with your parents? About your debts: Compared to your monthly gross income, are your mortgage, auto, credit card and installment loan payments: [a] Less than 33%? [b] Less than 40%? [c] 40% or higher? Is your home’s equity: [a] At least 50% of its value? [b] At least 20% of its value? [c] Nothing to write home about.
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Scoring: For each A=10 points, B=5 points, C=0 points. If you scored 80-100 points: Great job! 50-79 points: Keep working on it. 0-49 points: This is your wakeup call. Ready to get started on your path toward fiscal fitness? Ask yourself: Do you feel you have a good handle on your finances? Do you have solid plans for retirement? If the answer to these questions was ‘NO’, follow the five-step action plan below to help you get moving in the right direction toward fiscal health. 1. Get organized. Create a filing system using broad financial categories, with smaller subcategories within. 2. Gather records. As you’re getting organized, gather these items: A) An estimate of your Social Security retirement benefits. If you don’t have this, contact Social Security at 800.772.1213. B) Copies of your health, disability, life, homeowners, and vehicle insurance policies. C) A copy of your credit report. 3. Size up your situation. 1) Add the estimated current value of all assets, including your home, car, personal property, savings, investments, and retirement accounts. 2) Add all liabilities, including mortgage, credit card balances, and any other outstanding debt. 3) Subtract liabilities from assets to figure net worth. 4) Make a list of income and expenses by reviewing paycheck stubs, your checkbook register, and credit card statements from the past year. 5) Track spending for a month by saving all receipts or recording cash purchases in a notebook or a spreadsheet. If you’d like, a money management software program can help you organize spending by category. 4. Chart a course. Set goals, both long-term and short-term, and estimate how much money you’ll need to save in order to achieve them. Create a budget plan using your list of income expenses. For a month, track actual spending and savings to see if you must make adjustments. 5. Ask an expert. Not sure where to go from here? Contact Achieva’s Certified Financial Planners for help creating a savings plan to achieve all your financial goals (FREE for Achieva members). For the location nearest you, call 727.431.7680 or visit achievacu.com. Also, take advantage of Achieva’s FREE Seminar Series to continue your financial education. Visit our website and search “Seminar” to view the upcoming schedule. Brooke Mims is a Certified Financial Counselor at Achieva Credit Union.
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kids
Local Wrestlers Earn Way to State By MARGARET TRAUTWEIN
Matthew Collora and Andy Mashburn How did wrestlers Matthew Collora and Andy Mashburn of Countryside High School achieve their success? • Eating a well balanced diet • Regular exercising and conditioning • Making good choices in all aspects of their lives • Having an overall determination to succeed A combination of the above has earned these two seniors a spot on the mat at the FHSAA State Wrestling Tournament on February 15-16, 2013 at The Lakeland Center. On February 8th, both young men fulfilled another step towards their goals and dreams by winning regional matches ensuring them a spot in the finals.
“Outside of the gym we are best friends and we push each other to succeed, but inside the gym and on the mats it is all out war,” said Mashburn. At home Andy hopes to set a positive example for young children. His parents are foster parents and so he gets opportunities to mentor and lead by example. “They are young, but I hope they make good choices throughout life,” says Mashburn.
“It is my fourth time going to regionals, but only my first time qualifying for States. It is a big deal to me,” Mashburn said.
When time permits, Andy runs 5k/10k races with his father, adding another layer to his training. Running is one of the main They have practiced six days a week since their freshman year doing ways he keeps up his endurance and conditioning. His family is drills, running and conditioning in order to prepare themselves to completely supportive of him and they come to all of his matches achieve their goals of becoming champions. The pair went to providing him with edge he needs – a cheering section that roots the University of Minnesota this past summer to train with the him on to victory. collegiate team. Matthew’s family supports him and his dreams and he tries to When it comes to preparing for their future as wrestlers and in stay focused while making family a priority. He has an older life, they both say eating right is essential. “We eat healthy, which brother who goes to SPC and a younger half brother who he means no soda or fast food,” stated Collora, “and we have good hopes to set a good example for. training partners.” Wrestling completely encompasses their entire lives and it does While their matches were tough, they know that because of their not leave much room for other activities, but the sacrifices they daily preparations, they can leave their hearts on the wrestling make are worth the outcomes. mat and give 110% of themselves over to their aspirations. “Don’t stop when it gets hard,” is wise advice that Mashburn Wrestling may be the link to their future successes, but they both offers to young kids who aspire to reach goals. strive to set good examples for future wrestlers and their families. Both teens are competitive and compassionate while keeping their final goals in sight. GoodLiving will be featuring a Good Kid in all our
issues. To nominate a young person for a future issue, go to GoodLivingMagazine.com, submit a comment form and tell us why a student deserves recognition. Students in 1st grade through 12th grade in Pinellas County are eligible.
30 GoodLiving Winter Edition 2013