MIGHTY KIDS

Your children will be able to create their own personalized art box with glitter, stickers,paint— you name it!

By Rebecca Gutknecht THINK OUTSIDE T HE BOX

1.Choose the box. Selecting the container is important as you need to pick something that will stand the test of time, dirty fingerprints and occasional dropping. Plastic bins, wooden crates, baskets and tins are potential options.

Let the children decide on their own.

2.Get the supplies. One of the best parts of the entire process is deciding what goes into the box! Get the typical supplies like colored pencils, a watercolor set, chalk, etc. After the essentials are finished, go a little wild. Give your children a limit of five to 10 items for personal touch. If they need a little boost to get going, mention yarn, glitter, fake flowers and glow-in-the-dark stars. The kiddos will have bursting boxes by the time shopping is over. 3.Decorate! Set up the kitchen table with a table cloth or protective covering and give the children free reign on their designer boxes. Have each child write their name on a flashcard to keep track of ownership. This way, they will feel responsible for their box and its contents.

4.Set rules. As always, rules are essential to a productive (and fun) environment. Make a clear list of the guidelines for using the art box. Is there a time frame for art box usage? Can siblings or friends share their materials? Wash hands first? Get all of those big and small issues out of the way before beginning the first art project together.

5.If traveling, be sure to pack the craft box for those quiet evenings after dinner or rainy days.

Fall is here, cool nights have settled in, wind chimes glitter in the air. Your first thought might be to jump to the slopes or leave for a week-long vacation in the mountains, but with this pandemic still in motion, fall might be more of an indoor party this year. The children are getting restless, ready for all of the typical outdoor excursions and you’re at your wit’s end trying to come up with the next entertaining game. Well, you’re in luck because we’re going arts & crafts crazy. It’s time to spice up your parenting with an art box.

What is an art box? It’s a simple container with all of the best artsy materials packed inside for a fun-filled crafting day. The best thing is that each of your children will be able to create their own personalized art box with glitter, stickers,paint— you name it! It’s something that can encourage autumn crafts for days to come.

You’re Not Alone, WCU Cares

Deciding to pursue a nursing career can be the beginning of an exciting and somewhat formidable chapter in one’s life. Yet students at West Coast University (WCU) find that their school has their back, especially those who are busy with work and family. In the cases of Stephanie Pedre (BSN ‘21) and Georgia Bowman (BSN ‘20), WCU is the place that made balancing academic, personal, and professional goals possible.

“I fell in love with the campus. The people were candid, and the rigorous accelerated program was great for working students,” recounts Stephanie Pedre (BSN ‘21). Mother to a child with autism, Stephanie’s watershed occurred the night her son suffered a febrile seizure. In seeking the care he needed, it was then and there that she discovered a calling to help children and families with special needs. She began researching nursing programs and found WCU. A member of the 9th evening and weekend cohort, she found a family in her peers, as well as a support system in the faculty and staff.

From the moment you step on campus, the admissions team is available to help you set realistic goals and plan a course of action that is right for your needs. They take the initiative to meet with students regularly and help prepare them well for their career search, as well as assist them with their resumes and portfolios. “It was four months from graduation to when I had a job,” says Georgia Bowman (BSN ‘20). “I graduated in November, took the NCLEX in January, and started working two months later.”

Students find that they feel extremely well-prepared for the nursing world. The practice NCLEX exams offered at WCU are said to be more difficult and detailed than the actual exam; however, the simulation labs implemented in the program were the most rewarding experience. “You would go into these real-life simulations without knowing what you're facing,” says Georgia. “You could go from being an emergency room nurse to delivering a baby.”

To help alleviate all the personal, professional, and academic stresses students face, student services plan activities to boost morale. Students can participate in meditation and yoga to decompress from the pressures of school, work, and family responsibilities. “The staff are your biggest cheerleaders. They make you feel like you are somebody to them,” says Stephanie.

Even the faculty at WCU go the extra mile to make sure their students are succeeding. During the height of the pandemic, when the campus was closed and clinical rotations seemed unfathomable, they worked to provide students with alternatives to clinical education by incorporating simulation software into the curriculum. Instead of feeling deterred, Stephanie took advantage of the tools offered and jumped into all clinical units. “My professors always encouraged us to be open-minded to the ever-evolving field of nursing. Don’t shy away in the background. Be curious,” says Stephanie. As a float pool nurse, she takes the initiative to work on unfamiliar cases, witness new procedures,

Stephanie Pedre, BSN ’21 and interact with patients from all areas. When Georgia was rushed in for emergency surgery, she contacted the school and was met with incomparable support during and after her recovery. Student services and faculty offered alternatives to make up work, as well suggested a leave of absence. Not only did she not feel the need to take the leave, but was able to graduate on time. “There was never a time that I was here at WCU that I did not feel that I had the great support that they offered,” says Georgia. Georgia’s advice to incoming WCU students is to make the most of their time in nursing school and all of the tools available to them. “You have people who are here to help you along the way and not steer you wrong,” she said. “You are not alone.” At WCU, you are more than a number. With peers, faculty, and staff, students find the motivation and support they need to succeed. “Nothing in this world is without sacrifices,” says Stephanie. “If you’re thinking about WCU, do it and face it head-on. I am in love with my career because I get to make an impact, and at the end of the day I get to spend more time with my son.” ––––––––––––––––––

WCU offers career placement assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

The opinion is the individual’s sole opinion and not necessarily representative of that of the school, any instructor, or any student.

With the COVID-19 endemic, the University is currently offering some on-ground courses in the distance education modality, as needed. As the situation changes, students may be expected to return on-campus to complete their program onsite in the regular learning modality as outlined in the university catalog.

The slow cooker can be a blessing to a busy family. Hearty fall meals can be prepared during the day and ready for the table when your crew gathers around for dinner. An abundance of fall vegetables makes it easy to come up with new ideas. This recipe is an easy take on Julia Child’s famous Beef Bourguignon which has made its way to thousands of high end restaurants across the country. Now, you can make it at home while you work. WHAT IS BOURGUIGNON?

Bourguignon refers to food that’s made the way the people of the region of Bourgogne, France, make it. Which, like all things you might associate with “burgundy” essentially means with red wine. Therefore “beef in the style of Burgundy” means beef that is braised in red wine, alongside other ingredients like mushrooms, onions, bacon, and potatoes.

The key to this dish though is the sauce, which is made with not only the wine, but the drippings from the bacon and beef, as well as the broth and flour, which create a roux or thickening agent to make the broth not so soupy and more easily mopped up with a big piece of crusty bread. WHAT IS THE BEST MEAT FOR BEEF BOURGUIGNON?

Since this dish is really a beef stew at its core, what you want to get a cut that works well being cooked slow and low. I used regular stew meat.

This is important to know ahead of time. This isn’t a “dump it and leave it” crock-pot recipe. There is a little prep cooking required, so allow about 15 minutes for the prep cooking. It really makes a difference. INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp coconut oil • 6 slices bacon–roughly chopped • 3 pounds lean stew meat–cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 cup red cooking wine–may sub chicken broth • 1 tbsp Roasted Beef Better Than

Bouillon • 2 cups water • 1 tsp Roasted Garlic Better Than

Bouillon • 1/2 cup tomato sauce • 1/2 cup flour • 1 tbsp herbs de Provence • 1 tbsp Montreal Steak seasoning • 2 large carrots–cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 yellow onion–sliced from stem to stem • 1 tbsp minced garlic • 2 tbsp fresh thyme–chopped • 1 pound gold baby potatoes–halved • 8 ounces fresh mushrooms–sliced • 1-2 tsp salt–or to taste • 1/2 tsp pepper • Chopped parsley for garnish INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a bowl, mix the herbs de Provence and Montreal Steak seasoning in with the flour. 2. Dredge stew meat in the flour mixter, coating all sides. 3. In a measuring cup, mix two cups of water and the Better Than Bouillon mixes. Whisk to blend. Set aside. 4. Turn slow cooker to high and place it close to your stovetop. As you prepare the ingredients on the stove, you will add them to the slow cooker. 5. In a separate pan on medium heat, drizzle with oil and sear bacon 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to add bacon to the slow cooker. 6. Add beef to pot and sear 3-4 minutes, stir occasionally to brown all sides of beef. Use a slotted spoon to add beef to the slow cooker. 7. Add remaining flower to the pan of bacon drippings and stir constantly until light brown. If there aren’t enough drippings, add a small amount of oil. This will make a roux with the flour and oil. 8. Gradually add beef broth to the hot roux, stirring constantly to remove lumps. Pour your sauce into the slow cooker, scraping all bits of bacon and beef from the bottom and sides. 9. Add red wine, minced garlic, tomato sauce, carrots, potatoes, onions, thyme and mushrooms to the pot. 10. Set to high for six hours, then turn down to low until serve time. 11. Give it a good stir and taste before adding salt and pepper if needed and garnishing with chopped parsley. (the Better Than Bouillon is well seasoned with salt, so taste before you add salt).

The Magic of Raw Creamed Honey

Are you looking for a new, innovative health food? Infused creamed honey may be your perfect solution.

Sunny Honey Miami’s owner and founder Mihaela Gutman has developed multiple flavors of raw creamed honey, combining the rich nutrients of raw honey with the health benefits of superfoods.

Most honeys sold in grocery stores have been pasteurized and filtered. These processes keep the honey from crystallizing as quickly, and they give the honey its clear appearance. However, the heating and filtering processes unfortunately also remove the rich, natural nutrients found in raw honey. In its purest form, raw honey is chock full of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Creaming raw honey preserves the natural benefits of honey while keeping it from becoming solid. Creaming machines take the raw honey and spin it for up to four days as it crystallizes. This produces a spreadable, smooth consistency and keeps the raw honey from hardening. Creaming honey maintains the natural benefits of raw honey while whipping it into a smooth, creamy texture.

Sunny Honey Miami uses rare, white clover raw honey imported directly from Canada to ensure the highest quality honey available. After creaming the honey, they then infuse it with natural foods such as vanilla, cacao, coconut, matcha, lavender, pumpkin pie spice, key lime pie—and most recently, CBD.

The creamed honey combined with hemp creates an almost-magic concoction, matching the raw honey’s nutrients with the stress-relieving effects of CBD. CBD comes from broad spectrum hemp extract and contains no THC (the mind-altering part found in marijuana). Hemp extract may lower stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, protect brain and heart health, improve mood, and reduce aches, pains, and inflammation. * The addition of hemp to raw, creamed honey offers a relaxing health food with numerous benefits.

“In a time when our health is at risk even more than before, I feel that we need to go back to eating healthier,” says founder Mihaela Gutman. “We need to go back to our roots and use natural ingredients, going back to natural medicine to improve our wellbeing and overall mental and physical health.” An Early Love for Honey

Mihaela discovered the benefits of raw honey at an early age. Growing up in Communist-occupied Romania, she and her family lacked basic necessities. Yet because they owned a beehive in their backyard, honey became everything. When they couldn’t secure sugar or other staples, honey provided both dessert and natural nutrition. When they couldn’t get medicine, they used raw honey’s natural antimicrobial and prebiotic properties to soothe indigestion and strengthen their immunity. As honey became her family’s lifeline, she carried her love for honey into adulthood.

“Honey is one of the oldest foods known to man,” says Mihaela. “We bring the best quality honey, infused with whole ingredients that not only taste good, but are good for you.”

Sunny Honey Miami’s themed gift boxes combine creamed honey flavors sure to please anyone—from the adventurous foodie to the chocoholic. With a sweetness that is as good for you as it tastes, raw creamed honey offers a healthy treat for anytime.

Their raw creamed honeys can be found at gourmet markets throughout the country and of course online at sunnyhoneymiami.com.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician before starting a new supplement regimen.

Our workers have over 14 million years of experience, and you can taste it.

Our small-batch, flavored creamed honey is hand-crafted from pure Canadian white clover honey that’s transformed into a silky smooth honey that melts in your mouth. It’s the goodness of raw honey infused with creamy, irresistible flavors.

Gourmet by nature www.sunnyhoneymiami.com

sunny_honey_miami

Coconut | Superfood Cacao | Lavender | Vanilla Bean | Matcha | Key Lime Pie Hemp (20 mg CBD) | Hemp & Lavender (20 mg CBD)

An elevated senior experience

The Watermark at Coral Gables, coming in late 2022, offers refined Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care residences for seniors. Here, life is enriching and fulfilling—thanks to an on-site salon and spa, extraordinary dining, thoughtful care, and exciting excursions in “The City Beautiful.”

Now leasing—call 786-437-0192 for more information.

watermarkcoralgables.com | 786-437-0192 363 Granello Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33146

A WATERMARK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY LICENSE PENDING INDEPENDENT LIVING

ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE INSPIRE HEALTH 33