Emerald Coast Parent Magazine March+April 2018 by Rob Williams

parent Emerald Coast It’s Your MagazineTM

CREATING A CLUTTER-FREE HOME Planning a Spring Break That Doesn’t Break You

SUMMER CAMP Six Simple Ways to Stretch Your Vacation Dollar

March+April 2018

Visit us at itsyourmagazine.com

March+April 2018

contents

9 28 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FAMILY BUILDERS

Strong Families Don’t Just Happen

5 9

Creating a Clutter-Free Home You CAN Do This!

Family Chatter......................................................................22 That’s Good to Know!........................................................24 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care........ 25-26 Teach Your Kids Something New!............................... 28 Snacks—Recipes for Tasty Get-togethers................30 Crafts—Get Creative with Your Kids............................34

Six Simple Ways to Stretch Your Vacation Dollar Without Having to Break Open the Family Piggy Bank!

10 14

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

Summer Camp 10 Benefits to Sending Your Child to Camp Planning a Spring Break that Doesn’t Break You Keep It Focused, Short and Unplugged! Teen Talk Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another

Looking for fun, adventure, and great food? Experience life to the fullest by discovering new tastes and fun-filled experiences—the Emerald Coast has it all. Enjoy!

Get to know the people, places, and things that make the Emerald Coast special!

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

Living life to its fullest begins with staying healthy, fit, and safe. Moles and Freckles and Skin Tags, Oh My!...............18

Spark up some lively conversation with your kids. Take the FamilyChatter Challenge.

RESOURCE GUIDE

Seasonal Events | The Arts.............................................45 Runs, Walks, & More | Sounds Fun............................. 46 Reoccurring Local | Volunteer........................................ 47

22 FamilyChatter

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Editorial Director Tasha Williams info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Editorial Snacks & Crafts Coordinator Carol Eide info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Snacks and Crafts Contributing Authors Christa Melnyk Hines Lara Krupicka Jessica Fisher Cindy Hudson Heidi Smith Luedtke Gayla Grace Calendar of Events and Resource Guide Suzanne Bratton info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Calendar Proofreader Jennifer Cullis

In everything we do, we believe in inspiring families to live, laugh, love and enjoy life—TOGETHER! Director of Sales Nathan Wilson nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 503-710-1720 Sales Manager Lexy Cruz lexycruz@itsyourmagazine.com Creative Director Rob Williams robwilliams@itsyourmagazine.com

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4 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine

By Alyssa Chirco

CREATING A CLUTTER-FREE HOME YOU CAN DO THIS!

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2018 • 5

Continued from page 5

Growing up, I always wondered how my months. Then go through your items again. Anything you have mother managed to accumulate so much been able to successfully live without is ready to leave your home. stuff. Our house seemed to be filled with Develop an exit strategy. the toys my sisters and I no longer played To de-clutter successfully, you need a strategy for getting rid of with, our closets with the clothes we no unwanted possessions. Make extra cash by hosting a garage sale listing items on a site like Craigslist or eBay. Sell outgrown longer wore. Then I became a mother or kids’ clothes and shoes at a resale or consignment shop. myself. And, finally, I understood. Donation is another great way to get rid of your stuff while also It starts with books about what to expect and is quickly followed by a cascade of typical baby gear: blankets, baby swings, bouncy seats, and more. As children grow, you find yourself with closets full of outgrown clothes and shoes. Art projects and crayon drawings and milk carton piggy banks find their way home from school. Year after year, birthdays yield new gifts that leave toy chests overflowing and bedroom floors almost indiscernible.

It starts with books about what to expect and is quickly followed by a cascade of typical baby gear According to a 2012 study conducted by UCLA’s Center for Everyday Lives of Families, American families are overwhelmed by our stuff. This clutter creates stress for both parents and children and is a common source of household tension. But by eliminating the possessions that no longer serve a purpose in your family’s life and developing a long-term strategy for managing the possessions that do, it is possible to create a clutter-free living space—even when you live with kids. Here’s how to get started.

Practice self-awareness. Try tracking your moods to get a better sense of what you’ll need to do to better care for yourself each day. Jessica Mostaffa, early childhood mental health specialist and therapist who works with mothers suffering from depression, says this tactic helps her clients take a more mindful approach to their day-today emotional well-being.

De-clutter first. De-cluttering is the first step to creating a more peaceful and harmonious home. Identify the possessions you are ready to get rid of by arming yourself with a few large trash bags and tackling one room in your home at a time. Collect old or broken toys, outgrown clothes, and anything else that is no longer serving a purpose in your family’s daily life. Not sure if you are ready to let go of some items permanently? Create a holding spot where you can store them for three to six EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2018 • 7

teaching your children about the importance of helping those less fortunate. Get in the habit of routinely donating items you no longer use to children’s hospitals, church nurseries, homeless and women’s shelters, or charitable organizations like Goodwill or Vietnam Veterans of America.

Don’t get (overly) emotional. Clutter often collects when we get overly attached to our belongings. Keep in mind that letting go of items with sentimental value doesn’t have to mean getting rid of the memories too. Have old baby clothes turned into a quilt to keep your family warm. Scan all of your kids’ artwork into the computer and use a website like PlumPrint.com to transform the pictures into an elegant coffee table book. Remember that sometimes it is necessary to let go of items from your past to make room for your family to grow in the future. Continued on page 8

Continued from page 7

HOW TO KEEP CLUTTER OUT OF YOUR HOUSE IN THE FIRST PLACE The best way to keep your home peaceful and free from clutter is to prevent the things you don’t need from coming into your house in the first place. If you are ready to accumulate less stuff, try employing one of the following techniques.

• SHOP LESS. Avoid the pressure to buy

more by spending less time in stores. The fewer opportunities to impulse shop, the fewer unnecessary items you are likely to acquire.

• FOLLOW THE “ONE IN, ONE OUT” RULE. Before bringing something new into your house, get rid of something old first. Do not buy new clothes until you have donated or sold those you no longer wear. Help your children choose which toys they no longer want before buying or opening new ones.

• CHOOSE EXPERIENCES, NOT

THINGS. Season tickets, museum passes and weekend getaways are all good investments that can create special family memories while keeping your home clutter-free.

• CONSIDER HOSTING GIFT-FREE BIRTHDAY PARTIES. Unconventional, yes, but what a neat way to teach our children that parties should be more about celebrating with friends than greedily awaiting the gifts they may bring us.

• LIVE IN A SMALLER HOME. A smaller home forces you to consider your possessions more carefully since storage space is at a premium. As an added bonus, there are fewer bathrooms to clean.

Find a place for everything. Clutter refers to more than just items you no longer need; it can also result when you fail to designate clear storage and display spaces for the possessions your family uses every day. Keep clutter in check by maintaining a wellorganized home with designated spaces for all of your belongings. “The key to good organization,” says professional organizer Jodi Granok, “is that everything needs a ‘home,’ a specific place for specific items.” Granok recommends investing in a variety of bins, boxes, drawers and shelves to organize your home, and especially your children’s rooms and play spaces. “Make sure your child can reach frequently used items in order to maintain organization without your assistance,” she advises.

Keep up with the laundry. According to Granok, keeping up with the laundry is one of the best ways to keep your home organized and clutter-free. “In my opinion,” says Granok, “clothes and laundry piles are the gateway drug to other forms of clutter. When you allow family members to drop clothes and laundry throughout the house, there is an increased chance of other types of piles being acceptable as well, such as coats, shoes, backpacks and paperwork.”

Just do it. If you want to maintain a home that is clear of clutter, resist the temptation to put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Spend a few minutes putting items away after you use them. Insist that your kids hang up coats and backpacks after school. File papers immediately instead of allowing them to pile up on the kitchen counter. Motivate yourself by focusing on the end result: a clutter-free home your whole family can enjoy. v Alyssa Chirco is a freelance parenting journalist and mother of two elementary-aged children. Like most parents, she wages a daily battle against the clutter that inevitably collects in her home.

8 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

By Pam Molnar

Six Simple Ways to Stretch Your Vacation Dollar WITHOUT HAVING TO BREAK OPEN THE FAMILY PIGGY BANK! If you are planning a family vacation this Scale back for balance year, you may want to start saving now. While $1,246 may be the average cost, no one said you had to spend that much to have a memorable vacation. Nor will you According to an American Express Spend- need to spend the week sleeping in a tent and living off the land. ing and Saving Tracker survey, the average By following the suggestions below, you can save hundreds of dollars on your trip. With such savings, you might be able to go family spends a little more than $1,246 per on two vacations this year! person on their vacation. For a family of Getting there. four, that comes to just short of $5,000. Go on a road trip. According to the American Express survey, 44 As any family will tell you, there are many percent of vacationers travel by car. If you have the extra time, it is often the cheaper way to travel. Compare the price of gas, places to spend that money—braces, a distance you are traveling, and possible overnight stay to the cost down payment for a new car, savings for of round-trip tickets for your family and a rental car when you land. You may be surprised at the savings and the sights you see college, or a room makeover. along the way. Continued on page 13

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2018 • 9

SUMMER C 10 Benefits to Sending Your Child to Camp

in STEM (science, technology, engineerModels healthy living. As 14 million children ing and math) that make learning and According to the Centers for Disease across the country head problem-solving fun and interactive. Control, in the last 30 years, obesity in off to day and overnight Also look for camps geared toward readchildren has doubled, and in teens has quadrupled. Thanks to the many activities ing, writing and the arts. camps this summer, camp offers, kids stay busy and physithey’ll return home with cally active. More camps are also working Provides a sense of more than just a cute achievement. From rock climbto offer healthier food choices for their camp T-shirt. The summer campers. According to a 2014 study in the ing to whitewater rafting and horseback American Journal of Health Behavior, camps riding, summer camp gives kids a chance camp experience can that offer wholesome foods are more likely to try activities that they wouldn’t ordigive kids an advantage in to turn out campers who eat more fruits narily get to try. “Trying new things in and veggies. Many resident and day camps an encouraging environment creates a school and in life. Here’s now offer cooking and gardening tracks greenhouse for growing young leaders,” how camp benefits kids: where kids learn how to prepare nutrisays Garret Perkins, director of Camp

Nurtures social skills. Camp

is a community away from home and school where kids learn to work with each other and adult mentors, build relationships and manage conflict. “You learn to navigate through group dynamics, to barter, to keep one another happy, to be sensitive and support a friend who’s sad,” says James Spearin, YMCA senior vice president of youth development. “These skills transfer and build adults with strong character and leadership.”

tious meals.

Eases the summer slide. You know that old saying “if you snooze, you lose”? In the absence of regular enrichment over summer break, research finds that kids typically lose as much as two months of grade-level equivalency in math. Reading comprehension and spelling skills also take a hit during the summer. To help curb summer learning loss, many specialized camps offer educational opportunities

10 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Kanakuk, a faith-based camp that offers overnight, day and family camps.

Enhances self-confidence. According to an extensive

study of camper outcomes conducted by Philliber Research Associates, 70 percent of parents report that their child gained self-confidence while at camp. Whether they work through homesickness or tackle an activity that pushes them outside of their comfort zone, kids walk away feeling a stronger sense of personal

C AMP By Christa Melnyk Hines

pride and self-reliance. “We use our activities and facilities as platforms to encourage kids in who they are and equip them to grow in confidence in who God has created them to be,” Perkins says. “With this newfound perspective, they become influencers in their own communities.”

Helps them unplug. In a distracting digital world,

camp offers valuable space where kids can slow down, connect and focus. “At Kanakuk, we remove the distraction technology offers and give campers the chance to plug into the great outdoors, try new sports and activities, make friends through shared experiences instead of shared social media platforms—and we see them come alive,” Perkins says.

Builds friendships. Away from the pressures, labels and social structure of school, one of the best parts of camp is the opportunity for kids to make new friends. “Some of the biggest benefits we saw from sending our children to Kanakuk were their new friendships, spiritual growth and just the opportunity for them to spend time with like-minded people away from worldly distractions,” says Dianne Shadwick, whose three now-grown children began attending Camp Kanakuk at age 9. Reintroduces them to nature. According to a nationwide poll conducted by the Nature Conservancy, only about 10 percent of children spend time outdoors every day. Why? Kids say they aren’t interested, they lack access, or they are uncomfortable outside. In the meantime, they’re growing more Continued on page 12

Continued from page 11

and more attached to life in cyberspace and further detached from the natural world. “To connect with our woods and forests, our wildlife, our lakes and streams and oceans, our stars in complete darkness, all while depending on other campers and adults to keep one another safe is an experience unlike most others in life,” Spearin says.

Fosters teamwork. Camp

facilitates an environment where kids learn that to succeed they must work together with their peers and their camp leaders. Whether they’re working to build a campfire together, playing a game,

or preparing a meal, campers learn to problem-solve to accomplish their goals. Through teamwork, kids learn that they are each an integral part of the camp community where they feel a sense of acceptance and belonging.

Encourages personal growth. While camp may simply

seem like a quintessential summer pastime for kids where they might learn to swim, sleep in a cabin, and sing around a campfire, they’re rewarded with personal-development skills that will help them in the classroom, in their relationships and, eventually, the board room—or whatever their

calling. “Those tangible experiences lead to building the foundations of stronger children who can lead others, show empathy, navigate through difficult group dynamics, value the differences in everyone, and give of oneself for the benefit of others,” Spearin says. “These are skills that the best in our society show throughout life.”. v

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is the mom of two sons who love to attend camps each summer. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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$ THE PARENT’S GUIDE TO ROAD-TRIP SURVIVAL TIPS Visit sites like Vacation Rental by Owner (vrbo.com). Continued from page 9

Save money on meals. If you are traveling by car, pack lunch and snacks. My family stops at rest areas and picnics. Most rest stops have a playground to run out some of the sillies before getting back in the car. Look for hotels that offer free meals. Many have deals where kids eat free, or breakfast is included with your stay. Hotels like Homewood Suites by Hilton offer free dinners during the week. During your trip, try to make lunch your big meal of the day. Not only is it cheaper, but it is also healthier not to go to bed with such a large meal in your stomach.

Rent a home. Visit sites like Vacation Rental by Owner to find a house in the area you are visiting. The cost per night is less than a hotel and you will have more room to spread out. Some homes allow dogs, so you won’t have to leave your pets at home (and pay for a pet sitter). If you are vacationing with friends or family, rent a house big enough for everyone and share the cost. By having a full kitchen, you can prepare your own meals instead of eating in restaurants for every meal. If you don’t want to spend your vacation cooking, try Crockpot meals and let dinner cook while you are away.

Souvenirs. Kids naturally want to take something home as a reminder of their vacation. In high tourist areas like New York City or Orlando, look for T-shirt vendors advertising $5 shirts or hats. Unless you have a collection, stay away from expensive

key chains, mugs or backscratchers that will end up in the bottom of the closet. Consider making a souvenir at home from things you collected on the trip. When my family went to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC, we bought a bag of shredded money that we later stuffed in a glass ornament for our Christmas tree.

Use coupons. Look for local coupon books, coupon codes or online deals in the area you are traveling to. The Entertainment Book, which can be purchased for $35 in most areas, is usually half price in the summer. Many large cities, like Chicago, Boston and Atlanta, offer CityPASS. These passes offer a discount to a combination of must-see attractions over a nine-day period. Not only do you save money, but you also have the convenience of purchasing all your tickets at once.

Look for free things to do. No matter where you are traveling, you can find something to do that is free. A quick online search can bring up a variety of activities from zoos to factory tours to free-admission museum days. Don’t limit yourself to your destination area only. If you have access to a car on vacation, consider driving off the beaten path of tourism. You may be surprised at the interesting attractions you will find for free. v Pam Molnar is a freelance journalist and mother of three. Her family loves the flexibility of road trips and traveling outside of the box to save money.

Pack snacks that you wouldn’t normally buy at home; after all, you are on vacation. Take them out at the first sign of boredom. The kids will be a lot more content to sit for another hour in exchange for special treats. Borrow DVDs from your local library and let the kids watch them on mini DVD players. Or sign up to use Amazon Instant Video to download movies right to your mobile devices. Get new ear buds for everyone—and one to spare. Nothing ruins the purple mountain majesties faster than the sound of electronic games coming from the backseat. Purchase new toys for the trip. Choose smaller items, like new crayons and coloring books, Matchbox cars, or crafts. Look for rest stops for a place to run off some energy. Most rest areas have a playground, but you can also pack a Frisbee, ball or sidewalk chalk to help everyone recharge. Check the dollar store for cheap dryerase boards and markers. These are great for games like tic-tac-toe or for simply doodling. Play audio books downloaded through Amazon’s Audible or free children’s stories from Storynory through iTunes. Purchase Soundscape or Soundscape Jr. CDs (available on Amazon) and test your skills at identifying things like the sound of rustling paper, without the benefit of visual clues.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2018 • 13

By Lara Krupicka

Planning a Spring Break That Doesn’t Break You KEEP IT FOCUSED, SHORT AND UNPLUGGED! Too often we hear the lament, “I need a vacation from my vacation.” And if that’s true at any time of year, it’s certainly true at spring break. But given a little planning and an intentional shift in attitude, your vacation can be a break no matter where you go or what you do. Here are three goals you can focus on to take a break that doesn’t break you.

Relish family time With today’s fast-paced lifestyles, what often gets shortchanged is focused family time. Enter spring break as a great opportunity to reconnect—whether at home or away. But beware: it’s easy to get sucked into believing we should be doing activities or seeing sights and forget our companions. It’s important to remember that children don’t need fantastic experiences or exciting locations to make memories. What they’ll remember is the time as a family. “I truly don’t think you need to go to Africa, Europe or the Caribbean to make memories with your kids. To them, a vacation is about quality time with mom and dad—it doesn’t matter where you are,” says Kara Williams, co-owner of TheVacationGals.com. As you plan your family’s spring break vacation this year, consider what you want family time to look like. Then plan accordingly. If family time means lounging around together, or playing lots of board games, or having long conversations around the dinner table, structure your time and activities as much as you can to make those pursuits possible. And don’t forget: family time can begin before the vacation itself. Kelly Merritt, author of The Everything Family Guide to

Budget Travel, explains, “Travel involves research and planning, which families can do together. Vacation planning brings the family together and fosters anticipation.”

Pace yourself Taking kids on a whirlwind tour of a theme park destination or other tourist spot may be tempting. After all, you want to get the best value for your dollar. But in reality, quality over quantity may bring you the most benefits long-term. Decide ahead of time whether it will be worth the energy and possible frayed nerves to try to see everything. And if high cost is pushing you to overschedule, consider whether the timing is right. “It is never a good idea to go over budget or stretch your finances for the sake of travel. Part of the reason we travel is to free ourselves of the bondage of the daily grind we all face,” notes Merritt. “But if traveling is going to result in more stress than staying home, it’s best to sock away your savings until you can go and actually enjoy the trip.” Rather than take a long vacation extending from the day the kids get out of school (or prior) until the night before school resumes, Continued on page 16

14 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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you may want to reserve time for a reentry period. Instead, save the fancier vacation for a longer time frame, such as summer. “A week sounds like a long time,” says Kimm Pilditch, mother of three. “But it’s not really that much. Don’t make it overwhelming. Some of the funnest times we’ve had are times when we’ve not completely scheduled and had some down time.”

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Bridget Cahill, mom to three girls, agrees. She plans shorter trips, allowing a day or two at home for getting back on routine. “Keep it simple,” she suggests. “Shorten the trip a little. All you need is four or five days to get away.”

Unplug and enjoy your surroundings

Five years ago at a conference I was attending, I learned about a whole division of New York Life that was created to give back to our local communities. Around the same time I learned of the NYL Foundation, I met Dannon Byrd (no relation) with March of Dimes. There are two reasons I love working with March of Dimes. The first is that I was born a preemie. I have listened to my mother tell stories throughout the years about how small I was and the special medical requirements needed when I was born. The second reason and the driving force behind my passion is because of a personal interaction I had while volunteering for the March of Dimes. I was providing dinner to the parents of children being treated at the NICU in Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. There I met a father who was having to make a horrible decision. The family lived in Panama City but the closest NICU was in Pensacola. The father was having to decide on whether to stay at the hospital in Pensacola to spend time with and support his wife and newborn child who might not survive, or go back to Panama City to keep working so that he could provide income for his family.

For time off to be a break, there should be a shift from the ordinary. This is most easily done when vacationing away from home (and a primary reason many people choose to travel). But in our digitally connected age, taking a break requires another layer of breaking away other than simple physical distance. It may also mean turning off digital devices. “That means, when you go on spring break, put away the laptops, and forget carpools, volunteer commitments and cleaning the house... just enjoy time together and deal with ‘real life’ on your return,” says Williams. Instead, focus on what’s in front of you. Turn your face to the sun and feel the sand under your feet at the beach. Pause to observe the individual brushstrokes of that painting in the museum. Taste, hear and smell what’s around you wherever you go. With this purpose in mind, you may choose to absorb the sights and sounds of areas closer to home. Pilditch chose this approach one year for her family when she planned a weeklong “staycation” in their city. “When we planned it, we were thinking, ‘What things can we do to help us get a better understanding of the city we live in and how we can better appreciate it,’” says Pilditch. Helping your family take a break from the ordinary and make discoveries about the place where you vacation can be all it takes to make a great spring break. Says Cahill, “I love getting away from the monotony of being at home. It’s a nice vacation from the daily blahs.” Wherever you go and whatever you do, review your goals for spring break. If you keep them simple and focus on family, a relaxed schedule, and unplugging to enjoy your surroundings, you’ll find yourself returning from break ready to take on the rest of the school year. v

This encounter changed my life. Over the last 4 years, I have been able to get the New York Life Foundation to donate over $40,000 to our local March of Dimes and I plan to keep this thriving relationship alive for years to come so that future families don’t ever have to make that decision again!”

Lara Krupicka is a freelance writer whose ideal spring break includes a combination of sightseeing and lazy days in pajamas.

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16 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine

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• Skin Tags are a small flap of tissue that hangs off of

the skin. They are typically found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, or groin area. Benign and not dangerous, they occur at a higher rate in women. Removal is a common, and mostly painless, procedure.

• Lentigines. A lentigo (or plural, lentigines) is a spot that is darker than the surrounding skin. They are typically brown in color and are more common in Caucasians.

• Seborrheic Keratoses are brown or black growths most often found on the chest and back, but also on the head. As they develop, they can appear more warty.

• Cherry Angiomas are small, bright red dots, usu-

Moles and Freckles and Skin Tags, Oh My! The past two decades have brought us a significant amount of education on skin cancer: who is at risk, what it looks like, and how to avoid it. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with more than 3 million people diagnosed each year. With increased awareness and screening habits, dermatologists are also seeing and treating patients concerned about more benign forms of skin lesions – either for medical reasons or vanity. As we grow older and are exposed to more sunlight and environmental factors, our skin changes in response to those exposures. Almost everyone has at least some presence of skin marks, such as freckles or moles, which may grow, multiply or change over time. While the vast majority of these marks are benign and will never be cancerous, it’s important to give them a closer look at least once every year. Below, we break down the list of the most common, non-cancerous skin marks and lesions, and which ones you should pay most attention to over time.

• Moles can appear almost anywhere on the skin,

either alone or in a group. They are typically brown or black in color, and first appear during childhood or the first 20 years of one’s life. The average adult has between 10 and 40 moles distributed across their body. Over time, moles can change slowly – becoming more raised and lighter in color, developing hairs, or even just disappearing entirely.

• Freckles are small brown spots usually found on the face and arms. They are extremely common, often hereditary, and not a health threat.

18 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

ally ranging in size from a pinpoint to a quarter inch in diameter. Some appear smooth and even with your skin, while others appear slightly raised. They most often grow on the torso, arms, legs and shoulders, and typically show up after age 30.

While moles are also often hereditary, they are more prone to structural changes as you age. Also, moles that are present at birth and ones that are atypical in size or shape (not perfectly round and flat) are more prone to developing cancerous cells in the future. If a dermatologist believes a mole needs to be evaluated or removed, he or she will first take a biopsy of it. This is a minor procedure resulting in a small tissue sample of the mole that will be examined under a microscope. If any cancerous cells are discovered, the entire mole will be removed along with the rim of normal skin surrounding it. Your physician will most likely want to follow up with you in a matter of weeks, to ensure the small wound is healing properly. Regardless of family history or a prior cancerous skin lesion, be mindful of all variations and changes in the status of your skin, across all areas of your body. At least every few months, with the help of a mirror and good lighting, examine your face, neck, chest, trunk, and the tops and undersides of your arms and hands. Check the front and back of your legs and feet, including the soles and areas between your toes. Also check your genital area and the area on and between your buttocks. Have someone help you check your scalp and behind your ears. See your primary care physician or dermatologist each year and expect them to do a thorough examination of your skin, exploring anything new, changed or irregular. v

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Did you know Cirque Italia has two traveling shows?! FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, the new Gold Unit will be coming to Mary Esther, Florida, with a state-of-the-art water show you won’t want to miss! Cirque Italia has grown to the point where the next logical step can only be to expand operations and double our presence at the national level. In response to our wonderful fans all over the U.S., and with over 90% of shows being sold out, now is the perfect time for a substantial investment. Beginning in 2017, Cirque Italia, the first traveling Water Circus, introduced a second unit, the Gold Unit: this is a luxurious experience where technology and preforming arts are mixed to create a one-of-a-kind show. Now for 2018, a brand-new performance has been created. This new performance will feature an ultra-modern water curtain that controls every droplet of water meticulously. Audience members can expect to see words and beautiful patterns as the water falls to the lagoon below. Cirque Italia is ready to provide a breathtaking experience. This new stage by itself is enough to amaze the most demanding audience, and it is synchronized with the most creative display of superhuman talent—the result is simply out of this world! The latest trends of the industry are challenged with every Cirque Italia appearance, and this second unit is not going to be any different. A careful casting selection has united the best artists from all over the world. This production will feature acts all the way from Russia to Mexico. Cirque Italia believes that multiculturalism is one of our strongest assets. Packed full of incredible acts, there is no room for boredom. The variety presented is exceptional. For those who enjoy whimsy, we have an Avatar and not one, but two mermaids. There is almost no bodily limit for our contortionist, Ricardo, as he bends in ways you never would have imagined. Our incredible wheel-of-death performance features a front summersault flip, something you will be hard-pressed to see anywhere else. If that doesn’t get your head spinning, perhaps our five roller skaters and their incredible tricks and turns will. And although Cirque Italia does not use animals in our performances, this year we will be featuring amazing lifelike elephant puppets. They are so well made, you might just think they are real. Whether it’s a futuristic laser act or mesmerizing aerial performances, the show has something for all tastes and expectations. One thing Cirque Italia sets out to accomplish is to create a type of world-class entertainment suitable for all age groups.

This new second unit also follows the same strict animal-free policy that makes the Water Circus stand out from other circus entertainment shows. The magic touch of the Italian entrepreneur Manuel Rebecchi, president and owner of Cirque Italia, added to the flawless direction of the COO, Chanté DeMoustes, and has turned this once-romantic project into a successful production known and acclaimed all over the country. Don’t miss the opportunity to be amazed and transported to a fantastic realm where your deepest dreams can, and will, come true. For more information, visit www.cirqueitalia.com and make sure to check all our social-media accounts. Tickets can be purchased now starting at $10-$50, depending on availability. Cirque Italia offers one free child admission with every full-priced adult ticket in levels 2 or 3. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or deals. Please call 941-704-8572 to find out the promo code for this location.

MARY ESTHER, FL WHEN | April 5-8 WHERE | 300 Mary Esther Blvd, Mary Esther, FL 32569 AT | Santa Rosa Mall LOCATION | In parking lot at the Main Entrance—Under the stunning White & Blue Big Top Tent APRIL 5 | Thursday: 7:30pm APRIL 6 | Friday: 7:30pm APRIL 7 | Saturday: 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm APRIL 8 | Sunday: 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm BOX OFFICE HOURS | The box office opens on-site on Tuesday, the week of the show. Non-show days: 10am – 6pm. On show days: 10am – 9pm. You can purchase tickets through our website (cirqueitalia.com/tickets) or by phone (941-704-8572).

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2018 • 21

Our FamilyChatter Challenge is simple— just do your best. Here are some simple questions that will hopefully inspire your family to enjoy great conversations whenever, however, you can. Enjoy!

Live, Laugh, Love, and TALK TOGETHER! What’s your favorite TV show? Why? Try to explain the story line of the show to your family. o

Would you prefer to play a video game by yourself or a board game with your family?

o What

are some hobbies you have and would like to have in the future?

If you could be any animal, what would you choose to be? Why? o

o What

are some of your biggest fears? What can you do to minimize your fears?

How would you define character, reputation and good judgment? o

What are some big mistakes you’ve made? What lessons did you learn from them? o

o What is one luxury

you could go without if you needed to cut $100 from the family budget? Do you think bullying in school is a larger problem or is becoming less of a problem? o

o What are some o What are some How much money would you spend on goals you have? things that every something before high school student What are you doing getting advise from should learn before to achieve them? someone first? Are you on track? leaving home? o

o Do you prefer to spend time baking, making crafts or working on projects around the house?

is your favorite video game? What’s challenging about it?

o Do you tend to agree or disagree with the majority of people on hot topics? Why?

o At what age should people be allowed to date? What are some rules that might go along with dating?

o What

22 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Keep the Conversation Going with Follow-up Questions: Interesting. What else can you tell me about that? o Now what are you going to do? o No way! Can you tell me more? o Seriously? Then what happened? o How do feel about what happened? o How does this make you feel? o What’s your next step? o

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ING

DECISION MAK ny k H in es By Ch ris ta M el

Six Tips to Nurture a Confident Decision Maker As a parent, you’ve probably heard this saying: “To help your child feel a sense of control and better manage meltdowns, offer two choices you can both live with.” But what do you do if even two choices become an agonizing struggle as your child painstakingly worries over seemingly simple decisions? Kristen de la Durantaye says her son Taven, 7, finds decision-making extremely difficult, from choosing what to eat for breakfast in the morning to which toy car to pick out at the store. Why? Taven says, “I don’t want to make the wrong choice.” “This is painful because it takes so long to decide. I don’t make the first thing he wants for breakfast because I know he will change his mind at least twice before landing on his final decision,” de la Durantaye says. Dr. Jane Sosland, a clinical psychologist in behavioral pediatrics at the University of Kansas Hospital, says decision-making

occurs in the area of the brain that handles problem-solving. While we’re all born with the ability to make decisions, our environment and personality can influence our confidence when weighing options. “A child who is particularly anxious or worried or cares a lot about what other people think may be one who is much more careful about making decisions,” Sosland says.

Weigh the importance. H elp your child learn to differentiate between minor decisions and more important decisions, in which the pros and cons should be

considered. Kelly Hill models decisionmaking to her indecisive daughter Jolie, 4 1/2. “If I have a choice to make, talking about it out loud with her and explaining the different options...of each may help her make her choices, too.”

Targeted praise. W hen your child makes a decision, reaffirm her choice and reinforce desired behavior with specific praise. For example, “I like that red shirt you chose to wear” or “Good call on the restaurant you chose for your birthday dinner. It will be fun to try something new!” Continued on page 27

24 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Cut out this page. Then cut it down the middle. He takes his half, she takes hers. Keep it simple. Don’t keep score. Just enjoy life and each other— as often as you remember!

Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say, “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

10 WAYS to sh w

R E H y u care Do your share of the chores—without being asked. Empty the dishwasher, take out the trash, fold some laundry. Focus on doing the chores she dislikes the most.

Give her a foot rub or back massage— no strings attached. Support her in ways she’ll appreciate— especially when making decisions about your children (discipline, health, schedule). Partner with her in helping to teach your kids responsibility, mannersmanners, etc. Encourage her to set aside time in the family calendar to focus on herself. Make a home-improvement wish list. Encourage your children to show their appreciation often for all she does. Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Have long, meaningful conversations with her. Listen more than you speak. Remind her often that you love her. Make dinner for the family while she relaxes with a nice bath.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2018 • 25

Cut out this page. Then cut it down the middle. He takes his half, she takes hers. Keep it simple. Don’t keep score. Just enjoy life and each other— as often as you remember!

10 WAYS to sh w

M I H y u care Help him complete some of the items on his to-do list around the house. Encourage him to have fun playing with his children. Help him relax when he’s working too much by encouraging him to start or work on his hobby more often. Encourage him to keep in touch and spend time with his family. Buy him a new shirt, tie or fun socks— something simple that lets him know you care and think of him often. Be supportive when life gets crazy. Be quick to talk and slow to argue. Invite him to make some snacks or crafts with you and the kids.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Encourage him to spend some time with his buddies. Surprise him with a picture of the kids and a small love note somewhere he’ll find it. Get out of the house on the weekend. Go somewhere different and have some oldtime family fun outdoors. 26 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine

“It’s important for kids to feel successful when going out of their comfort zone.” Continued from page 24

Practice builds confidence. M aking decisions is essentially taking risks,

but that you’re proud of him for taking the risk and trying something new.

especially if you’re unsure about the choices. A child who harbors strong self-doubt may begin to avoid making any significant decision for fear of making the wrong choice. But the last thing you want is for your child to start giving away his decision-making power to others. Begin with small, easier decisions to help your child feel the sweetness of success. “It’s important for kids to feel successful when going out of their comfort zone,” Sosland says.

Set limits. T oo expansive an array of

Avoid criticism. N aturally, decisions don’t always work out in our favor. “Empathize with [your child], but don’t criticize,” Sosland says. “The key is to keep encouraging them to learn new skills and try new things.” If your child decides to play a sport but then says he doesn’t like it, explain that he has to finish out the season since he made the commitment,

options can fuel anxiety and indecision. Guidelines can help your child further simplify the decision. For example, before taking your child to the toy aisle to spend her birthday money, discuss what type of toy she would like to purchase. Tell her she’ll have 15 minutes to decide and then you’ll be moving on to finish your other shopping. Point out items on the aisle she can afford to help further narrow down choices. If she doesn’t decide within the designated time limit, tell her you’ll have to come back later.

External motivation. T o motivate your child, offer simple incentives to achieve desired goals. Sosland suggests turning privileges that your child may already receive for “free” into incentives. For example, if your child sticks to his

initial decision about what to eat for breakfast without argument, helping to keep the family on schedule, then he can listen to the music of his choice or play his Nintendo DS on the way to school. Not only will he enjoy the external reward, but he’ll feel an internal boost of self-confidence as well. If indecision causes severe distress, meltdowns and disruption to your child’s life, consult your pediatrician or pediatric mental health provider. Additional resources include ADAA.org and Freeing Your Child from Anxiety: Powerful, Practical Solutions to Overcome Your Child’s Fears, Worries and Phobias by Tamar E. Chansky. v

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2018 • 27

Teach Your Kids Something New!

E SOCIAL M

DIA

ra c e B y G a y la G

The Upside of Social Media-Connected Kids As parents we often hear stories about the shadowy side of social media. While problems can crop up, the networking tool can be instrumental in helping kids learn, connect, raise awareness, and grow into more mindful communicators. INVITE CREATIVE EXPRESSION. K ids who have a passion for photography, art, video production, music or writing can use applications like blogs, YouTube and Instagram to express themselves. Maggie Pike, a college freshman, says she uses her Instagram page to post photos of world events and people of different cultures. “Social media can be a great source of creativity,” she says. “There are poems being posted, interesting questions, funny or cool videos...Positive examples are everywhere, more so than the negative aspects of social media.” Tip: Discuss how your child will respond to any negativity that might come her way, from Internet trolls to cyberbullies. Remove geo-locator tags from photographs and overly specific profile information. Establish privacy settings and remind your kids to make positive choices online. FOSTER PURPOSEFUL MINDFULNESS. “ You start developing your personal brand identity as soon as you go online,” says Linda Buchner, president and co-founder of MindDrive, a non-profit workforce development organization that recruits students from urban Kansas City schools. The students, ages 13 to 19, choose to enroll in contemporary communications or automotive design. The communications team works in tandem with the automotive team sharing the MindDrive brand through video production, marketing materials and social media. In 2013, the students earned national attention when they programmed their futuristic-looking electric car to recognize social media connections. Fueled by social media “likes,” shares and hashtags, they successfully drove the car from Kansas City to Washington, D.C.

Tip: E ncourage your child to practice her public speaking and presentation skills by creating video interviews, podcasts and SlideShare presentations on topics that interest her. CHANNEL THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT. Sandra Perez, 18, created her own YouTube channel featuring fashion and makeup demos. Perez, who plans to pursue a degree in communication in the fall, now has over 1,000 followers and has been approached by corporate sponsors. “It’s something she wanted to do anyway to practice public-speaking skills and now she has a professional site,” says Buchner, who hired Perez to work as her marketing intern.

Tip: W hether your children like to watch Minecraft videos or pin craft ideas on Pinterest, monitor what they watch and post. Even if they delete their viewing history, you can see the types of videos they’ve been watching by reviewing YouTube’s recommendations. CONNECT WITH FRIENDS. S ocial media can give kids the opportunity to meet peers who share their interests, and Buchner believes it can boost their confidence in face-to-face interactions. “Sometimes really shy kids or kids who don’t have a lot of friends are more comfortable finding friends through social media,” Buchner says. “It’s an opportunity to tread lightly and put yourself out there a little bit.” Tip: B alance your child’s tech use with “real life” playdates and activities. Be a role model for responsible device use, set consistent boundaries, and establish digital citizenship rules. Continued on page 31

28 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Shamrock Cookies YOU NEED ingredients for your favorite rolled cookie dough green food coloring green sprinkles 1-2-inch heart cookie cutter cookie sheet

• • • • •

• rolling pin • flour • 1 egg, beaten • small, clean craft paint brush • wire cooling rack • spatula

DIRECTIONS Prepare cookie dough according to your favorite recipe. Add desired amount of green food coloring to the wet ingredients before adding the dry ingredients. Chill. On a floured surface, roll the green dough to 1/8” thickness. Use the cookie cutter to cut 4 hearts to make each shamrock cookie. Overlap the points of 4 hearts in the center and press the points so they stick together and the hearts form a shamrock shape. Brush the top of the shamrock with beaten egg and sprinkle it with green sprinkles. Bake according to recipe directions—until the edges of the cookie begin to turn golden brown. Use the spatula to remove the cookies from the pan to the cooling rack. Cool completely.

• • • • • •

Veggie Twirls YOU NEED 1 cucumber 2 large carrots small tub of cream cheese, well stirred and at room temperature

• • •

• table knife • vegetable peeler • toothpicks • paper towels

DIRECTIONS Slice long strips of both the cucumber and the carrots (1 cucumber slice and 2 carrot slices for each roll). Use a paper towel to pat dry 1 slice of cucumber and 1 slice of carrot. Spread or dab a small amount of cream cheese to one side of the carrot slice. Place the carrot slice, cheese side down, on the cucumber slice. Starting at 1 small end, gently roll up the carrot/cucumber/ cream cheese stack. Using a second slice of carrot, wrap it around the rolled stack. Skewer the roll with a toothpick to hold the layers together.

• • • •

A deliciously simple and healthy snack!

30 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Continued from page 28

PROMOTE AWARENESS. “ Students will constantly post different things that are going on that they are involved in. Maybe they got an award, won a sporting event, or are volunteering at Ronald McDonald House,” says Kim Urenda, a high school counselor. Social media allows for a deeper understanding of various cultures and world issues. “Positive uses of social media by our young people support social justice and advocacy for humanity, and it gives them an understanding of world issues in a very relevant way,” says Deb Woodard, School Counseling Coordinator. Tip: S how your kids sites that other young people have started, such as FairED, that are healthy examplesof social media use.

RAISE CRITICAL THINKERS. M ore educators are integrating social media into the classroom, beginning in elementary school. “Our biggest push is media literacy, educating students to question the motive behind what’s being posted,” Urenda says. Teachers also act as role models for how to use platforms like YouTube, Skype and Twitter to connect with experts and bring textbook materials to life. “If you can see an ice castle in Siberia, then it makes it really interesting when you are reading about it,” says Sarah Pike, an elementary school principal. Teachers finds that interactive technology motivates students and makes learning relevant. Schools, she says, must stay current. Tip: I nvite your kids to make an iMovie with their photos and videos, create a digital photo album, post a review of their vacation on a family blog, and/or post pictures on Instagram. v

PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE CLASSES FOR AGES 4 THROUGH ADULT ,

ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE ARE WELCOME BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS BUILD SELF -CONFIDENCE HAVE FUN

Candy Cones INGREDIENTS 12 ice cream sugar cones ½ cup vanilla candy melts ½ cup chocolate candy melts rainbow and/or flower sprinkles small-medium colorful candies (Skittles, jelly beans, bite-sized wrapped chocolates)

• • • • •

• 12-inch disposable decorating bags—one for each cone • (2) 8 oz. microwavable mugs • 2 small spoons • curling ribbon • scissors • plate for sprinkles

DIRECTIONS Pour each of the the sprinkles onto separate plates. Place vanilla candy melts in one mug and chocolate candy melts in the second mug. Microwave the candy melts (one at a time) according to package directions, stirring often, until melted. One at a time, dip the pointed end of 6 cones into the melted candy (tipping the mug to one side and turning the cone). Gently shake the cone until excess candy drips off the cone and back into the mug. The candy should be soft, but not dripping. One at a time, roll the candy-coated part of the cone in sprinkles. Place the cone, point up, on a plate to cool. Repeat this process with the chocolate melts and remaining cones. Slide each coated cone inside a decorating bag. Fill each cone with colorful candies (bigger candies on top works best). Gather the top of each decorator bag closed above the candy and tie with curling ribbon. Use the edge of the scissors to curl the ribbon ends.

• • • • • • •

Peepmobiles YOU NEED Little Debbie brand Swiss Rolls (12 in a package) bunny peeps, any color— one for each Swiss Roll mini Oreos chocolate frosting

• • • •

• mini M&Ms (you will need 2 yellow and 2 red for each Swiss Roll) toothpicks table knife dental floss

• • •

DIRECTIONS Open and separate the Swiss Rolls and the bunny peeps. Use a toothpick to put a dab of frosting on 2 yellow mini M&Ms and apply the candies to 1 round end of a Swiss Roll to make headlights. Repeat this process with 2 red M&Ms and apply them to the other round end of the Swiss Roll to make tail lights. Apply head and tail lights to the remaining Swiss Rolls to create cars. Wrap a piece of dental floss around the center of the tummy of a bunny peep. Cross the ends of the floss over and pull to cut the body of the bunny in half. Press the top of the bunny to the top of the car facing the front (yellow headlight end). Repeat this process for remaining peeps and cars. Use a table knife to apply a small amount of chocolate frosting to one side of a mini Oreo. Press the cookie to the side of the Swiss Roll car to make a tire. Repeat until you have four tires on each car.

• • • •

32 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2018 • 33

Pot ‘O Gold Candy Dish MATERIALS 4-inch clay pot dark green and metallic gold craft paints small sponge brush small paint brush

• • • •

• gold foil-covered coin candies to fill the pot • 2-inch shamrock shape (cut from cardstock, or a sticker) • pencil

INSTRUCTIONS Use the sponge brush to paint the inside and the outside of the pot with metallic gold paint. Let dry. Clean and dry the sponge brush. Use a pencil to trace a shamrock on the side of the pot (or apply a shamrock sticker to mask off a shamrock shaped area. Use the sponge brush and small paint brush to paint the bottom part of the pot dark green, leaving the rim, shamrock area, and inside of the pot gold. Let dry. You may need to apply more than one coat to achieve a solid green color in these areas. If you used a shamrock sticker, remove the sticker to reveal a gold shamrock shape surrounded by green. Fill the pot with gold coin candies.

• • • • •

Snake Ties MATERIALS colorful man’s necktie coordinating color felt scrap 2 large wiggle eyes fiberfill stuffing

• • • •

• hot glue gun and glue sticks • scissors • wooden spoon

INSTRUCTIONS Remove any tags from the back of the tie. Use the handle end of the wooden spoon to push small handfuls of fiberfill into the openings at the ends of the tie until the length of the tie is softly stuffed. Use hot glue to pinch closed the small end of the tie. Lay the wide end of the tie with the back side facing up. Glue the opening closed to make a flat head for the snake. Cut a tongue for the snake from felt and hot glue it to the back side of the snake’s head. Turn the snake over. On the top of the snake’s head, glue 2 large wiggle eyes (for small children, you should use fabric paint in squeeze bottles to create eyes to avoid a swallowing hazard).

• • • • • •

34 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Easter Centerpiece MATERIALS 5-inch terra cotta pot ceramic or plastic dinner plate 3-4-inch artificial bird small bird eggs small bag of floral moss several silk flowers, separated from the stems

• • • • • •

• small hammer or small metal wrench handle • clear acrylic caulk in a squeeze tube • hot glue gun and glue sticks • work gloves

INSTRUCTIONS Wearing work gloves, place one hand inside the pot and hold it off the work surface while you gently tap the side of the pot near the bottom. You can turn the pot as you tap until the bottom of the pot cracks off. You want the pieces that break off broken into 2-4 pieces. Use the caulk to adhere the side of the large part of the pot to the plate—caulk the smaller pieces to the large section and the plate as supports to keep the large piece from rolling. Let dry until the caulk is clear. Arrange pieces of moss around the pot pieces, completely covering the plate (you can tuck some edges of moss under the pot pieces to hold the moss in place). Use a handful of moss to create a nest shape (like a donut). Use hot glue to attach the nest inside the large pot section. Place eggs inside the nest and hot glue the bird to the back edge of the nest. Hot glue flowers to the moss around the outside of the large pot section.

• •

• • • •

Felt Pins MATERIALS variety of colors of felt round buttons in a variety of colors bar pin backs cardstock

• • • •

• scissors • pencil • hot glue gun and glue sticks

INSTRUCTIONS Draw and cut shamrock and/or flower shapes from cardstock— 2 of each shape with one shape ½ inch smaller than the other. Trace the shapes onto coordinating colors of felt and cut out. Hot glue the center of the smaller shape inside the larger shape. Hot glue a colorful button in the center of the smaller shape. Hot glue a bar pin back to the center back of the large shape.

• • • • •

36 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

TEEN TALK dvice from Helpful A Another! to n One Tee

SPRING BREAK Spring break is approaching, and while our parents are putting together fun ideas for activities, we students are cramming in lastminute assignments and counting down the days until the break. But many of us find it hard to focus on school because we are too busy fantasizing about a peaceful week of sleeping in, seeing our friends, and not worrying about homework. Spring break is wonderful for a mental reprieve. School can become so stressful and overwhelming: homework in every class, pressure to maintain certain grades, and preparing for upcoming tests/projects.

A good idea for this break would be to let your parents know that you need to rest. It is okay for you to take the first few days of spring break off, to be with friends and family. I would love to go visit all the things in my area with my family. A day at the bay or a picnic in our backyard would be a great way to relax and have a wonderful time. Let your parents know that you want to be with your friends, that you want to develop closer relationships and social skills outside of the classroom. Some fun activities to do with your friends could be a group sleepover, a movie night, or just a long drive with no destination. My friend Kiersten and I love to explore cute little cafes and spend time talking in her car. But it is always good to balance friendships with family. I enjoy when my friends

tag along on a family outing. It is always great when my parents show my friends that they are accepted and part of our family. What better way than a trip to the arcade or a night at a bonfire? A break from school provides the perfect opportunity for all sorts of things. Some of my favorite moments were spent bonding with the people I love. Although school can be challenging, we must keep pushing through, as the last few months of school are approaching. So, spend this spring break enjoying the company of your friends and family. v

Nia

J UNIOR, AGE 16

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2018 • 37

Resource Guide

Looking for fun, adventure, and great food? Experience life to the fullest by discovering new tastes and fun-filled experiences—the Emerald Coast has it all. Enjoy! Crestview | Destin | FWB | Gulf Breeze | Navarre | Niceville/Valparaiso | Pensacola GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 243-9046 Delight in watching dolphins leap and sea lions play during spectacular shows! Enjoy educational exhibits and beautiful gulf views.

THE TRACK

Local Attractions Tickets BIG KAHUNA’S WATER PARK 1007 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 837-4061 With more than 40 water attractions and an adventure park, Big Kahuna’s offers something for everyone. Big Kahuna’s has been Destin’s one and only water park for more than 25 years!

GATOR BEACH AT FUDPUCKER’S 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 654-4200 Gator Beach gives you the chance to see more than 80 live alligators in an up-close and personal environment. You’ll not only be able to see the gators but feed them as well!

1125 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 654-4668 The Track Family Fun Park features the southeast’s premier go-carting and family fun centers including The Track Family Fun Parks in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Gulf Shores, Alabama; Destin, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as well as Fat Daddy’s Arcades in Destin, Florida; FWB, Florida; and Orange Beach, Alabama. Each of our five parks features The Track’s signature three-and-a-half-story elevated go-cart ride along with a vibrant lineup of family attractions ranging from family go-cart tracks, Fat Daddy’s Arcades, and thrill rides to miniature golf courses, kids’ country rides, and more.

Five Flags Speedway 7451 Pine Forest Rd, Pensacola, 944-8400 Five Flags Speedway is a paved half-mile (0.8 km) auto-racing oval. It opened in 1953 and is located on Pine Forest Road. It is christened after Pensacola’s

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nickname, “City of Five Flags.” The speedway runs several local classes during the regular racing season (March–October). These classes include Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, Super Stocks, Sportsman, and Bombers. The races are usually held on Friday nights bi-weekly. The track also hosts many regional touring series.

Gulf Breeze Zoo 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 932-2229 The Gulf Coast area’s awardwinning Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to more than 900 native and exotic animals. The zoo offers many hands-on animal encounters and kids activities perfect for field trips, family day trips, and exciting birthday parties.

Maximum Magic Dinner Show 1318 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 424-5125 Illusionist of the year Noah Wells presents Maximum Magic, Destin’s only magic show, with mind-blowing illusions, hilarious comedy, special effects, unbelievable mentalism, and more!

National Naval Aviation Museum 1750 Radford Blvd, Ste C, Pensacola, 452-3604 The National Naval Aviation Museum, formerly known as the National Museum of Naval

Aviation and the Naval Aviation Museum, is a military and aerospace museum located at Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. The museum was established December 14, 1962, with the initial facility located in a cramped 8,500-square-foot building on the air station that had been erected during World War II, and it was dedicated in June 1963.

Pensacola Ice Flyers 201 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 466-3111 The Pensacola Ice Flyers are a professional ice-hockey team of the Southern Professional Hockey League. The team played their first season in 2009–2010. Home games are played at the Pensacola Bay Center, previously home to the ECHL’s Pensacola Ice Pilots from 1996 until their folding in 2008.

Pensacola Lighthouse 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, 393-1561 Climb 177 steps up the historic Pensacola lighthouse for one of the most beautiful views on the Gulf Coast. Built in 1859, the lighthouse is located onboard the NAS Pensacola. The top of the tower offers stunning views of Pensacola Pass (where Pensacola Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico), three historic forts, the Pensacola skyline, and the

E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • L O C A L AT T R AC T I O N S historic Navy Yard. The fully restored Keepers’ Quarters, built in 1869, is home to the Richard C. Callaway museum, which houses numerous exhibits on local history and the lighthouse itself.

in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. Enjoy exhibits that you will find extraordinary, unusual, shocking, and possibly true to life!

Pensacola Museum of Art

6709 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, 505-0800 Sam’s Fun City is family owned and operated by Richard and Terry Sanfilippo. The park is named after the Sanfilippo’s daughter, Samantha. In 1996, after a successful career in environmental science and engineering, Richard redirected his energy toward creating a family-focused business in Pensacola, Florida. After a significant planning period, the first phase of the park opened in September 2000. The park has continued to grow over the years by adding bumper boats and mini golf in 2001, phase one of an arcade in 2003, a water park in 2005, and an expanded arcade in 2008. With more than 40 rides, slides, and attractions, Sam’s Fun City is the largest fun park on the central Gulf Coast.

407 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, 432-6247 The Pensacola Museum of Art is the only art museum in the city of P e nsacola, Florida. It was founded in 1954 by a group of women from the American Association of University Women. These determined women combined their efforts to create an art center that would exhibit traveling shows, offer art classes for both children and adults, and provide meeting space for members of the community as well as create a forum for lectures, films, and other cultural presentations. They joined forces with others in the community who shared this same vision and formed the Pensacola Art Association.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 9907 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, 230-6113 Explore the odd and unusual at this family friendly attraction

Sam’s Fun City

SKYZONE 5007 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 500-1663 We’re always working to invent epic new ways to play, gather, and compete. Even though we’re the originators of wall-to-wall aerial action, we never stand still. We’ve been voted the number one “out of the box” workout and the “best party ever.” We’re dedicated to providing you with the pure joy that comes from flying. We are sky lovers, thrill seekers, and people who believe that jumping is freedom. We believe fitness can be fun and play can be smart. We are healthy and bursting with energy. We fly high and keep it safe. We are Sky Zone.

Wild Willy’s Adventure Park

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1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 400-3300 Wild Willy’s has a number of different attractions sure to make everyone’s day!

WonderWorks 9910 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, 249-7000 WonderWorks is an amazing attraction where scientific principles and fun come together to provide an unrivaled educational experience!

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L O C A L AT T R AC T I O N S • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T

Outdoors Adventures Unlimited 8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd, Milton, 623-6197 Discover the fun of outdoor adventure at Northwest Florida’s premier recreation center! Situated along the secluded Coldwater Creek, experience nature’s beauty. Relax with us— you’ll be glad you did!

Coldwater Gardens Glamping Experience 7009 Creek Stone Rd, Milton, 426-1300 Situated on a gentle slope overlooking a pine savanna, our tents are outfitted with amenities that make your experience relaxing. Each tent is equipped with top glamping amenities including a queen-size bed, minifridge, coffee maker, outdoor shower, and charcoal grill.

DESTIN HELICOPTER BEACH TOURS 34859 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 424-5125 View the beautiful Emerald Coast from above on a thrilling helicopter tour!

Horseback Trail Rides 613 S County Hwy 393, Destin, 208-3114 Located close to the Destin beaches, this stable offers trail rides and RV space. With 13,800 acres of state forest, there is plenty of riding to fill up your day.

Panama City Beach Helicopter Tours 15726 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, 230-2080 View the beautiful Panama City Beach coastline from above on an amazing helicopter tour!

Pensacola Aerial Beach Tour

Deep Sea Fishing Party Boat

4145 Jerry Maygarden Rd, Pensacola, 346-4230 Our Piper Saratoga has six seats— plenty of room for the entire family! Choose from a romantic Sunset Champagne Beach Tour or an adventurous Shark Patrol, and make some wonderful memories.

102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-7095 Come fish with one of the oldest and largest fishing fleets on the Emerald Coast, and fish the beautiful unspoiled waters of the Gulf of Mexico!

Zipline Canopy Tour

7 Calhoun Ave, Destin, 978-3060 Your adventure starts out at the Destin Marina as an experienced guide takes you to the dolphin “hangout.” After exploring, the guide will allow you to adventure out on your own as well!

8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd, Milton, 889-2180 Fly through the air on a series of up to 14 ziplines topped off by a flyover of Coldwater Creek on a 900-foot stretch of cables!

Watersports Big Kahuna’s Water Park Aquatic Adventures Pontoon Rental 5915 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 Captain your own boat from the still waters of Grand Lagoon just minutes from Shell Island, where you can pull up on the beach!

Blackwater River Tubing Trip 6974 Deaton Bridge Rd, Milton, 623-0235 Enjoy one of the last true wilderness getaways in Florida while tubing the Blackwater River! One of the purest sandbottom rivers in the nation, this river boasts clear, spring-fed water with a walking-speed current that is safe and fun for all ages!

Blue Angels Practice Cruise 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, Pensacola, 898-9002 Watch true American heroes blaze across the skies with their amazing maneuvers and fearless speed. Enjoy the air-show maneuvers from the comfort of a 63-foot catamaran at the center of the show!

Destin Crab Island Waverunner Dolphin Tour

Destin Sailing Cruise Aboard the Daniel Webster Clements 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-2222 The Daniel Webster Clements is great for a day or evening sailing cruise and is equipped with two bathrooms and a deck that holds 37 guests. See dolphins and beautiful sights along the East Pass and Destin Harbor. Each cruise offers complimentary beer, wine, and sodas.

Destin X Jet Ski & Waverunner Rentals 214 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 866-359-3114 Customers are launched from the harbor, and all the equipment is in great condition!

DESTIN X PARASAILING 214 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 866-359-3114 Parasailing is one of Destin’s top activities and offers family fun for all ages. Daily departures are available during the spring and summer, weather permitting.

Destin X Pontoon Boat Rental 214 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 866-359-3114 Our pontoon rentals offer great prices and include fuel!

Discover Scuba Diving in Panama City Beach, 106 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 230-8006 The class includes classroom instruction followed by a fun beach dive!

Dolphin and Snorkel Excursion Aboard the Sea Screamer 2 3605 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 235-3000 This is one of the best ways to see beautiful Shell Island under and over water! Snorkel gear

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and instruction are included in your trip.

Dolphin Cruise Aboard the Original Sea Blaster 34 Harbor Blvd, Kiosk 60G, Destin, 654-6888 Join the fun, and come search the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico along the sugar-white sand beaches of De stin, Florida, for playful dolphins!

Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran 3901 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 769-3866 Listen to tropical music as you enjoy a complimentary wine, sangria, cold beer, or non-alcoholic beverage onboard Panama City Beach’s best sunset cruise!

Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise Aboard the Original Sea Screamer 3605 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 235-3000 The Sea Screamer offers exciting day cruises and breathtaking sunset cruises to enjoy. Journey by beautiful Shell Island and the State Park jetties, then go for a refreshing ride alongside the world’s most beautiful beaches and resorts.

Dolphin Watch and Destin History Cruise 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-7095 Family owned and operated, the Dolphin Watch and Destin History Cruise is an ideal way to enjoy a relaxing one-anda-half-hour narrated cruise watching dolphins play in their natural habitat. The boat features a glass-bottom viewing area, snack bar, restrooms, and an airconditioned/heated cabin.

Fine Dining Dinner and Dancing Cruise 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-2519 The Solaris is the area’s only fine dining entertainment yacht. The yacht features fresh gulf seafood, prime beef, and much more, all prepared in a full-service galley. Live entertainment and a full bar are available to enhance the experience.

The Hydrojet—the World’s Largest Jet Ski! 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 865-3557 Known as the worlds largest jet ski, the Hydrojet can really move!

E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • L O C A L AT T R AC T I O N S Come get wet and have a blast with your friends and family!

Pontoon Boat Rental with Luther’s Watersports

INSHORE FISHING WITH 30A GUIDE SERVICE

200 & 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-8733 Pontoon boats are an easy way to enjoy the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin. All the boats are in great shape, reliable, and clean. Cruise around the bay, or just relax at crab island—it’s up to you!

105 Hogtown Bayou Ln, Destin, 699-1694 No trip to Santa Rosa Beach is complete without an inshore fishing trip. The Choctawhatchee Bay hosts a number of different species of fish. Trips in the bay are great for everyone from children and first-timers to the avid fisherman.

Offshore Fishing with Fish Now Charters 5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 Enjoy the scenic beauty of Panama City Beach as you and your group travel out to open water. Feel the heart-pounding thrill and awesome power of pulling a gigantic catch up from the depths.

Panama City Beach Pirate Cruise Aboard the Sea Dragon 5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 234-7400 Come aboard Panama City Beach’s only pirate adventure cruise. Cruise away into the fantasy world of friendly swashbucklers and spirited pirates aboard an 85-foot pirate ship.

Pensacola Beach Dolphin Cruise 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, #16, Pensacola, 898-9002 Cruise aboard the 63-foot openair covered catamaran Portofino I, and spy dolphins, birds, and the other marine life playing in their natural habitat along the protected Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Private Six-Pack Deep-Sea Fishing with Reel Deal Charters 210 E Highway 98, Destin, 424-5125 Come aboard a charter that offers more than 15 years of experience fishing off the Florida Coast.

SeaQuest Dolphin Sightseeing Tour 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-2222 Climb aboard AJ’s SeaQuest, and experience affordable family fun as you cruise the emerald waters along the sugar-white sand beaches of Destin. The 53-foot boat carries up to 89 passengers and offers an array of excitement and fun for the entire family. Also receive complimentary drinks!

SHELL ISLAND DOLPHIN TOUR ON WAVERUNNERS 5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 A popular way to see the dolphins and enjoy two hours of wave-runner riding on a guided tour to nearby Shell Island.

Shell Island Eco Sea-fari Tour and Dolphin Encounter 5550 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 234-3435 We begin the journey in the historic Grand Lagoon, then collect sea shells at Shell Island! The boat will remain at the dock while you explore the island. You will have an hour at your leisure to swim, go shelling, explore, picnic, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful and pristine uninhabited island!

Small-Group Dolphin and Snorkel Tour

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5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 Take a cruise around Shell Island in search of wild bottlenose dolphins. This is a guided twohour cruise and a fun trip for the entire family. Not only do you get an exciting dolphin-tour experience, but free snorkel gear is included in case you want to park the boat and cool off.

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R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T

CHARLIE’S BURGER BAR

Snorkel and Dolphin Excursion on Destin’s Original Sea Blaster

2 Harbor Blvd, #100, Destin, 424-7695

34 Harbor Blvd, Kiosk 60G, Destin, 654-6888 Jump in and have some fun snorkeling! Then take a cruise and look for dolphins and other marine life along the coast. Snorkeling equipment is included.

A one-of-a-kind full-service burger bar. Choose from one of 18 different burgers, or get creative and build your own. Pick the bun, type of meat, cheese, and sides.

Sunset Dolphin Encounter Aboard Captain Anderson III

Multiple locations throughout area

5550 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 234-3435 Travel through the historic Grand Lagoon into St. Andrews Bay, then move up through the channel known as “the Pass” out to the edge of the gulf to watch dolphins play.

Swimming with Dolphins at Shell Island 5709 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 238-0909 Spend the day with a professional team of instructors who will teach the proper way to interact with dolphins. The tour is capped off with several live swim-ins at Shell Island for potential dolphin encounters.

FIREHOUSE SUBS

Restaurants American BONEHEADS FIRE GRILLED 10015 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 477-4002 We like to say adventure is the spice of life. We also like to say if you’ve perfected the spice of life, why fry it? At Boneheads, we serve freshly grilled food for a healthy dining experience that everyone can enjoy. We also offer full-service event catering. We can prepare and deliver food that tastes great to business meetings, training events, and more.

Hungry? We specialize in hot subs and submarine sandwiches made with premium meats and cheeses, steamed to perfection, then piled high on a toasted private-recipe sub roll. Our menu will surely satisfy your appetite! Founded by firemen. Catering available.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE

Multiple locations throughout area Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s menu boasts bold, flavorful food and smoothies with a healthy appeal, all made to order from the freshest ingredients. We find that superior, simple ingredients, including real fruit and veggies, set our smoothies apart from others.

Uncle Bill’s Family Restaurant 252 N Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 689-0099

ASIAGO’S SKILLET 300 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-4160

The Breakfast Table Cafe 385 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 460-7322

99 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 301-9464, buffalowildwings.com

Corner Cafe 692 Bob Sikes Blvd, FWB, 803-0263

KC’s Sandbar and Grille 190 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 244-1087

Props Craft Brewery and Grill 255 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 586-7117

Slick Mick’s Deli and Grille 19 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 864-5577

All American Heroes 8544 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-9797

TC’s Front Porch 8552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-1601

Ye Olde Brothers Brewery 4458 Hwy 87, Navarre, 684-1495

Hurricane Grill and Wings 4597 Hwy 20 E, Niceville, 932-1075

One20, a Modern Bistro 120 Partin Dr, Niceville, 729-2120

Toast Wine Bar & Small Plate 4550 Hwy 20 E, Niceville, 279-6665

Carmelina’s Cafe 9400 University Pkwy, Pensacola, 208-6211

Cheddar’s

Chicken Salad Chick

7173 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 484-5203

36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy, #111, Destin, 460-2888

CJ’s Kitchen and Grille

Donut Hole Bakery & Café

2100 W Garden St, Pensacola, 435-9543

635 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-8824

Flora-Bama Lounge

Johnny Rockets

17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, 492-0611

4348 Legendary Dr, Destin, 837-0005

Grover’s Fingers and Wings

LANDSHARK’S PIZZA

9418 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 477-7172

300 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-6743

Jackson’s Steakhouse

The Pancakery 960 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 269-0791

Shakes Frozen Custard

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Buffalo Wild Wings

400 S Palafox St, Pensacola, 469-9898

Magnolia

1065 Hwy 98, Destin, 269-1111

2907 E Cervantes St, Pensacola, 912-6196

Smashburger

O’Briens Bistro

4283 Legendary Dr, Destin, 424-7600

4350 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, 477-9120

Wingstop

Saltgrass Steak House

16055 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Ste 111, Destin, 837-5333

905 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 434-3600

E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E

Asian Bamboo Sushi Bar and Hibachi 2511 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 689-1391

THAI SIAM CUISINE 396 E Cedar Ave, Crestview, 423-4510

Yumi Buffet

Barbecue/Southern

Creole

Buck’s Smoke House

790 on the Gulf

303 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-3600

2996 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, 650-4853

Smoke on the Water

4260 Legendary Dr, Destin, 424-5795

Mary’s Kitchen

314 Bayshore Dr, Niceville, 678-2233

Mellow Mushroom

99 Eglin Pkwy, #42, FWB, 863-1141

Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ

French Quarter Grill

2680 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 683-8886

The Tipsy Pig Bar and Grill

Jackacudas

138 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 301-0515

Louisiana Lunchbox

34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-1288

Dirt Road Cookers 6900 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 384-8839

Rib Shack of Navarre

821 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-3945

9532 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-4244

Lotus Thai

Five Sisters Blues Cafe

Thai Delights Restaurant

550 Mary Esther Cut-Off, FWB, 243-3744

421 W Belmont St, Pensacola, 912-4856

Siam Garden Café

KC JOHN’S BBQ

334 N Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 862-7426

Thaiger Thai Restaurant 99 Eglin Pkwy, #34, FWB, 581-7600

11117 Lillian Hwy, Pensacola, 417-2965

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q

364 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 932-6882

6702 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 476-7618  630 N Navy Blvd, Pensacola, 456-2000

Makong Thai Restaurant

Voodoo BBQ and Grill

Shang Hai Restaurant

1935 Ortega St, Navarre, 939-6950

Peking House 8224 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-9898

Philippine Market and Café 144 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 729-0811

Thai International Restaurant 481 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2146

Bangkok Garden  1708 W Fairfield Dr, Pensacola, 432-5511

Sake Cafe  4795 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 494-9999

Shanghai Buffet  1741 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 857-8891

Tu-Do Vietnamese Restaurant  7130 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 473-8877

La Famiglia Ristorante Italiano and Pizza

Café Bienville

714 Howell Rd, Niceville, 678-2604

New Dragon Mongolian Grill and Buffet

104 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 460-2990

302 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 797-8252

925 Beal Pkwy, FWB, 314-0717

56 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-3507

Crust Pizzeria

1741 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 912-8111

Cajun Tonie’s Gumbo House 8600 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 428-3864

Bayou Cajun Seafood, Po’boys and Pho 6705 Pine Forest Rd, #500, Pensacola, 435-4200

CUBS CRAWFISH 11125 Lillian Hwy, Pensacola, 456-7551

Rodizio Grill  605 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 466-2113

The Ruby Slipper Cafe (Brazilian) 509 S Palafox Ave, Pensacola, 792-4834

Caribbean

7000 Pine Forest Rd, Pensacola, 361-1130

French Zesty Baguette Bistro 4418 Commons Dr, Ste C, Destin, 460-8797

Bay Café 233 Alconese Ave SE, FWB, 244-3550

Bon Appétit Bakery and Café 420 Mary Esther Cut-Off NW, FWB, 244-2848

Heavenly Croissant 722 N Beal Pkwy, FWB, 862-6790

German Schnitzel Brew House 98 Eglin Pkwy, Ste 8, FWB, 226-4796

The Schnitzel Lodge 4504 E Hwy 20, Niceville, 279-4485

Indian

960 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 650-6420

Mimmo’s 979 Hwy 98, #5, Destin, 460-7353

Vinny McGuire’s Pizza 29 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-0116

Ali’s Bistro 171 Brooks St SE, FWB, 226-4708

Clemenza’s 75 Eglin Pkwy Ste 126, FWB, 243-0707

Niki’s Pizza 2843 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 934-4228

Papa’s Pizza 37551 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 934-3334

NEW YORK PIZZA DEPOT 8207 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-6973

Sal’s Pizzeria and Grill 6903 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-8240

CIAO BELLA PIZZA 4400 E Hwy 20E, Niceville, 729-0066

Fazoli’s  7210 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 473-9585

Passage to India

Franco’s Italian Restaurant

3102 E Cervantes, Pensacola, 433-8887

523 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 433-9200

Taste of India

Georgio’s Pizza

810 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 439-3005

3000 E Cervantes St, Pensacola, 432-5996

Irish Beef O’Brady’s 2509 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 682-9588

Santino’s Pizza and Grinders  4771 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, 474-0400

TUSCAN OVEN

Johnny O’Quigley’s

4801 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 484-6836

1025 Industrial Dr, Crestview, 306-1012

Dominic’s Pizzeria

McGuire’s Irish Pub 33 Hwy 98E, Destin, 650-0000

Italian

177 John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2131

Jamaican

Yum’s Chinese

The Caribbean Pot

Mia’s Italian Restaurant

Bamboo’s Jamaican Restaurant

1620 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, 477-2999

481 S John Sims Pkwy, Ste B, Valparaiso, 389-2270

2203 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 682-8333

236 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SE, FWB, 226-6464

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R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T

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Lana’s Jamaican House Cafe

La Paz Restaurante and Cantina

Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant

THE FISH HOUSE

7700 W Fairfield Dr, Pensacola, 453-2144

950 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, 837-2247

530 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 650-4400

600 S Barracks St, Pensacola, 470-0003

Mediterranean

Ricon Boriqua

LULU’S DESTIN

538 Eglin Pkwy NE, FWB, 863-3323

4607 Legendary Marina Dr, Destin, 710-5858 (LULU)

Zoe’s Kitchen

Sabor A Mexico

4357 Legendary Dr, Destin, 650-6525

El Paso Navarre

Aegean Breeze Deli 913 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, #20, Gulf Breeze, 916-0430

YIOTA’S GREEK DELI 130 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Mary Esther, 302-0691

Chrisoula’s Cheesecake Cafe  236 W Garden St, Pensacola, 438-5650

13 Eglin Pkwy SE, FWB, 243-3331 9500 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-4994

El Patron Mexican Grill 8137 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-0950

Old Mexico Restaurant 1177 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, 729-1127

Taco Town

Hummus

113 Partin Dr, Niceville, 729-8646

3012 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 332-6709

Miguel’s Mexican Food

Jordan Valley Cafe

2 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 607-7121

201 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, 607-2780  4550 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 466-5901  201 S New Warrington, Pensacola, 466-2342

The Aegean Restaurant 1259 Eglin Pkwy, Shalimar, 613-6120

Mexican/Cuban/ Puerto Rican CRAB ISLAND CANTINA 2 Harborwalk Blvd #100, Destin, 424-7417 We offer a large selection of seafood, Latin-inspired cuisine, award-winning fusion, and Black Angus steaks all served in a casual waterfront-dining atmosphere.

Rio Bravo  596 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 466-2468

Cafe Amapola 481 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 678-6767

East Gate Cafe 481 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2271

Seafood Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-7406

Tailfins Seafood, Alehouse and Oyster Bar 172 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-1200

524 South B St, Pensacola, 4323313

L & L Fresh Seafood  1611 N Pace Blvd, Pensacola, 432-0234

AJ’s on the Bayou

THE OAR HOUSE

200 Eglin Pkwy, NE, FWB, 864-4694

1000 S Pace Blvd, Pensacola, 549-4444

Anglers Beachside Grill 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 796-0260

Sam’s Seafood and Steaks

Old Bay Steamer

The Fishing Hole

102 Santa Rosa Blvd, FWB, 664-2795

15 Brent Ln, Pensacola, 912-6664

Rick’s Crab Trap

303 Glen Ave, Valparaiso, 7290406

178 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 664-0110

Stewby’s Seafood Shanty 427 Racetrack Rd NW, FWB, 586-7001

Dave’s Oyster Bar 4584 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 934-1789

420 S A St, Pensacola, 432-6626

Doc’s Oyster Bar

VEGAN End of the Line Cafe  610 E Wright St, Pensacola, 429-0336

EAST BAY CRAB HOUSE 9250 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 939-5543

The Gulf 1284 Marler Ave, Okaloosa Island, 387-1300

Dockside Oyster Bar & Café 821 Bayshore Dr, Niceville, 678-1241

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

L J Schooner’s Dockside Restaurant and Oyster Bar

14059 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-1881

290 Yacht Club Dr, Niceville, 8975400

Azteca Mexican Restaurant

Dewey Destin

Atlas Oyster House

789 N Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 682-8206

9 Calhoun Ave, Destin, 837-7575 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-7525

600 S Barracks St, Pensacola, 437-1961

44 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Joe Patti’s

VIEW FULL DIRECTORY ONLINE! itsyourmagazine.com

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FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Making the Most of Life on the Coast! We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Enjoy!

Seasonal

the world and amazing transformations! For ticket prices and more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

St. Paddy’s Day Delight

Hotel California

Sat, March 17 – Baytowne Wharf (6:00p.m.)

Thurs, March 29 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Celebrate the luck of the Irish! Baytowne Wharf will be bringing in the sounds of Ireland with traditional Celtic music. This event is free. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Head to the Mainstage for Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles. Enjoy extraordinary vocal and musical talent as they re-create the sound of the Eagles. Tickets are $35. For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Irish Grogg March

Sat, March 17 – HarborWalk Village (6:00p.m.) Go Green and “Sham-Rock” for a cause! Travel throughout HarborWalk Village for the largest Grogg March this side of the Blarney Stone. Pub-crawl passes are $10, and proceeds will benefit a local charity. For more information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com/events.

Destin Annual Easter Egg Hunt Sat, March 31 – Destin (9:00a.m.)

The City of Destin’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the Morgan Sports Center beginning at 9:00a.m. The hunt is for children ages 12 and under, with a special egg-hunting zone for crawlers and toddlers. For more information, visit www. destinchamber.com.

Easter Explosion

Sat, March 31 – Baytowne Wharf (12:00p.m.) Bounce over to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for an Easter Explosion! Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, lawn games, face painting, and even race over an inflatable obstacle course! Also, there will be a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny! This event is free. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Classical Guitar Concert Featuring Kevin Manderville

Sat, March 31 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Easter Bunny Brunch and Visit with the Easter Bunny

Sun, April 1 – HarborWalk Village (10:00a.m.) Celebrate Easter on the Destin Harbor. Enjoy an Easter Brunch overlooking the Destin Harbor in the HarborView Room, then hop on down to HarborWalk Village and visit with the Easter Bunny on the main stage. For more information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com/events.

Kevin Manderville is taking the stage at Tyler Recital Hall for a free concert and an evening of wonderful music. For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Lois Henry Presents: But Not for Me Sun, April 8 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Lois Henry, a Northwest Florida music professor and magnificent pianist, is presenting a piano recital in the Tyler Music Hall. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. For more information, call 850-729-6009.

Cinderella

Sat, April 14 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

The Arts Catapult

Wed, March 14 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center This Season 8 finalist on America’s Got Talent is headed to the Mainstage! You will see dancers forming shadow silhouettes of shapes from

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that enchants audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. You can expect an incredible orchestra, amazing transformations, all the moments you love, and more! For ticket prices and more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

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There will be children’s activities, including a bounce house, face painting, and art stations. Participants will also enjoy delicious food and beverages. Awards will be given for the top three finishers from each 10-year-age group, and proceeds will benefit the White Wilson Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.

12th Annual Children in Crisis Charity Golf Tournament

Fri, March 16 – Fort Walton Beach (11:00a.m.) Head to the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club for the 12th Annual Children in Crisis Charity Golf Tournament. Lunch will be served at 11:00a.m., followed by a shotgun start at noon. For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Regatta Bay Celebrity Pro Am Golf Tournament

Sat, March 17 – Destin (9:00a.m.) Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club presents the 20th Anniversary Celebrity Pro Am Golf Tournament. You can expect appearances by John Daly, Todd Helton, Bill Mazeroski, Tommy Tuberville, Keith Brooking, and more. Net proceeds will benefit One Hopeful Place and Emerald Coast Honor Games. For more information, visit www.regattabay.com.

A Round for the Kids Golf Tournament Sat, March 24 – Destin (8:00a.m.)

Head to Destin for “A Round for the Kids” at Emerald Bay Golf Club. This event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. Prizes and awards will follow the tournament. For more information or to register, visit www.pensacolachamber.com.

6th Annual Run for the Health of It

Sat, March 24 – Fort Walton Beach (9:00a.m.) Meet at AJ’s Oyster Shanty on Okaloosa Island for the Run for the Health of It 5k/8k! Runners and walkers of all levels are invited to participate, even children ages 6 and under are invited to take part in our inaugural Diaper Dash!

Thurs, March 15 and Thurs, April 26 – Baytowne Head to Baytowne Wharf for an evening full of free champagne and shopping during their Bubbly Baytowne. Sip and shop through the village streets, and stop in various retail merchants as you enjoy a selection of premium champagnes. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

PBS’s Splash and Bubbles at the Gulfarium Sat, March 17 – Fort Walton Beach (10:00a.m.)

Mon, April 16 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Runs, Walks & More

Bubbly Baytowne Wharf (5:00p.m.)

NWFSC READS Main Event: Jeannette Walls Book Signing Join NWFSC READS for its annual READS Week Main Event, a special book signing by bestselling author Jeannette Walls. A celebrated journalist and author, Jeannette is best known for her best-selling memoir, The Glass Castle, which details her life growing up in extreme poverty and her emergence from it. For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

individuals write thoughtful and inspiring letters to children to be delivered to local schools. The goal is to touch and inspire more students than last year. For more information, visit www.pensacolachamber.com.

9th Annual Navy Federal 5K

Sat, April 7 – Pensacola (8:00a.m.) Downtown Pensacola will host the 9th Annual Navy Federal 5K Run/Walk. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Achieve Escambia, a local collective impact effort focused on improving education outcomes and workforce readiness from cradle to career. This fun family-friendly event is open to everyone and is designed to be fun for runners and walkers of all ages and ability. After the race, there will be refreshments and entertainment. For more information or to register, visit www. pensacolachamber.com.

Stars of the Jim Henson Company animated series Splash and Bubbles are coming to Fort Walton Beach to help children dive into family fun. Splash and Bubbles, along with Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat, will be on hand to greet young fans during the 4th Annual WSRE PBS KIDS & Family Day at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. In addition to the meet and greet fun with costumed characters, children can engage in hands-on activities, including arts and crafts, a bounce house, and a scavenger hunt. For more information, call 850-484-1200.

Sounds Fun 21st Annual Destin Cobia Tournament

Thurs, March 1–Mon, April 30 – HarborWalk Village (7:00a.m.) The 21st Annual Destin Cobia Tournament, presented by HarborWalk Marina, attracts hundreds of anglers competing to catch cobia. The tournament begins when the first cobia is caught and ends on April 30. For more information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com/events.

5th Annual Tequila and Taco Fest

Sat, March 10 – HarborWalk Village (1:00p.m.) Enjoy a flavorful afternoon on the Destin Harbor with cocktail tastings, live music, and tacos of all kind. For more information, call 850-424-0600.

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day

Thurs, March 15 – Pensacola (6:00a.m.) Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. will hold its 20th Annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, where local businesses, organizations, colleges, high school students and faculty, churches and

46 • March+April 2018 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Baytowne LIVE Tues, March 20 and Tues, April 3 – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.) This spring, enjoy the musical stylings of local artists. Concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

14th Annual Triple B Festival Sat, March 24 – Crestview (10:00a.m.) Get ready for a day full of delicious barbecue, international foods, music, and family fun. With vendors from all over Okaloosa County, and local bands providing fabulous entertainment, you are in for a real treat! For more information, visit www.crestviewchamber.com/tripleb.

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than 800 wines poured by knowledgeable wine industry insiders. This event benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.

and salsas, organic juices, homemade soaps, and more! There will even be organic pet treats for your furry friends. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.

Reoccurring Local Sunday Cinema

Every Sunday – Baytowne Wharf (7:15p.m.) Grab a lawn chair or a blanket and head to the Events Plaza Lawn at Baytowne Wharf to enjoy a movie. This event is free. For more information and movie listings, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Hydroflight Mondays Cooking with the Chef

Tues, April 3 – HarborWalk Village (12:00p.m.) Enjoy an intimate dining-room setting for a detailed and entertaining afternoon with Chef Jimmy McManus. Seating is limited. For more information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com/events.

Every Monday – Baytowne Wharf Enjoy shows over the lagoon by fly-board extraordinaire Ben Merrell. Watch as he soars to the sky and makes waves at Baytowne Wharf. For more information and show times, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Boomin’ Tuesday

Every Tuesday – Baytowne Wharf (6:00p.m.) Enjoy lawn games and inflatables in the Events Plaza, and then watch as Baytowne lights up the sky with a breathtaking firework show over the Lagoon at 8:30p.m. This event is free. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Poetry & Music Jam

Every second Tuesday of each month – Crestview (6:00p.m.) Poets and musicians are invited to bring their work and instruments to a free-form, openmic poetry reading and jam session. For more information, call 850-682-4432.

GulfWind Paddle & Surf Wednesday Night BOTE Board Demo Event

Every Wednesday – Santa Rosa Beach (6:00p.m.)

32nd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival

Thurs, April 12–Sun, April 15 – Baytowne Wharf Enjoy four days of unique events and a wide range of experiences, from wine dinners with celebrity chefs to wine tastings that showcase hundreds of wines. This event is perfect for wine novices and professionals alike. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Vettes at the Village

Sat, April 21 – Baytowne Wharf (10:00a.m.) Enjoy the Village while area corvette clubs bring “America’s Sports Car” to the Events Plaza. These automotive icons will be shined to the max as they zoom into the Village streets. Be a part of the show and vote for your favorite style and model. This event is free. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival Thurs, April 26–Sun, April 29 – Miramar Beach (5:00p.m.)

There will be an amazing roster of celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs, brew masters and entertainers. Enjoy entertainment and more

Socialize with other paddleboard enthusiasts every Wednesday evening and demo ride the entire fleet of BOTE Boards. For more information, call Steve with GulfWind Paddle & Surf at 850-200-8375.

Wednesday Night Concert Series

Every Wednesday – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.) The Wednesday Night Concert Series is back at Baytowne. Enjoy the great weather and live entertainment. The concert series features local and regional talent on the Events Plaza Stage. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Volunteer Part of being a great volunteer is loving what you’re doing. Find something that you’re passionate about or something that inspires you, and then find a need in your community. There are dozens of reasons why you should volunteer - you just need to find the one that feels right.

Opportunity Place

Contact CC Fearson at 850-659-3190.

Socks

Contact Nikole Wood at 850-863-8999.

PAWS

Contact Alicia Sikes at 850-243-1525.

Salvation Army

Contact Lisa Martinez at 850-243-4531.

Habitat for Humanity

Contact Mark McEnaney at 850-685-0686.

Florosa Fire Department

Contact Tom Peele at 850-581-2900.

VFW

Contact Harvey Eckoff at 850-244-3834.

Goodwill

Contact John at 850-837-8516.

Destin Community Center

Contact Lisa Firth at 850-654-5184.

Waterfront Rescue Mission

Magical Thursday

Every Thursday – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.) Watch as featured pirate Captain Davy takes you on an adventure with two magic shows on stage. For show times and more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Farmer’s Market at Grand Boulevard

Every Saturday – Miramar Beach (9:00a.m.) Start your Saturday at Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market. There will be fresh, from-thefarm produce, local seafood, homemade dips

Contact Tina or Sharron at 850-244-2726.

Destin History & Fishing Museum Contact Kathy Blue at 850-837-6611.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Contact Susan Leivelle at 850-650-1880.

Boys & Girls Club

Contact Rita Cummins at 850-862-1332.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2018 • 47

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