Southern Child Magazine - October/November 2010 by Southern Child Magazine

October/November 2010

10 Great Tips for Stress Free Party Planning Exclusive Halloween & Thanksgiving Ideas 6 Tricks for More FIber

www.southernchildmagazine.com

features Designing Dreams 33 Beyond The Pink Moon 37 Exclusive Halloween Section 43 Exclusive Thanksgiving Section 75 Christening Gown Traditions 75

departments Boxes & Briefs 6 Editorial : I Am A Princess! 9 Hoof & Paw : Pregnancy and the Pup 13 Fashion : Adorable styles from Hannah Kate 16 Healthy, Happy Family : Six Tricks For More Fiber 23 Arts & Entertainment : Great Halloween reads and dvdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

26 Seeing The South : Fall In Love with Rock Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Enchanted Maize! 54 Zoos & Aquariums : Tennessee Aquarium 63 Craft : Spooky Spiders & Thanksgiving Wreath 67 & 81 Recipes : Trick Or Treat! 69 P is for Party : Little Red Riding Hood 85 Going Green : Having a BALL in the Laundry Room 89 Moment By Moment : Daily Dose of Parenting Wisdom 93

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editor’s letter

Okay, So the past oh week I have been involved in a major self-pity party. I want to remodel my kitchen, my living room, I want new furniture, I want a new vehicle and I want to snap my fingers and I want it all to be done, yesterday. I am really not one hundred percent certain how I want my kitchen and living room to look or even what kind of vehicle I would purchase, I just want someone to go beyond reading my mind and figure it out and get it all done. Did I mention I really don’t want to spend any money either? And because it is not happening in my time (which was yesterday), I have been in a mood I tell ya. This morning I watched parts and pieces of Good Morning America. The feature guests just happened to be Christian singer and songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, his wife and family. In May of 2008, Stephen’s seventeen-year-old son accidentally ran over his five-year-old daughter in the family’s driveway. Maria is now dancing in the daisies in Heaven, probably giving God a good run for His money (they said she was a feisty one) and keeping all the angels in line. If you didn’t see the interview, go to StevenCurtisChapman.com and see if it is still on there. Gosh I cried and cried and cried some more. Then I left my weeklong pity party, I hugged my sons, scratched my cats, kissed my dogs and cried some more and replaced my “I wants” with praise for what I have. About an hour later I sat down to check my email, my Bible sitting along side my computer and God’s voice telling me to go to the back of my Bible and read the verse selection for the day. The verse was Romans 5:3-4, it says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.” In this season of thanksgiving it is my hope that each of us can replace our wants with praises to Him for meeting our needs. Southernly yours, Amy editor@southernchildmagazine.com

boxes & briefs

Trick or Treat Baskets Boutique Halloween Trick or Treat Baskets available at etsy.com www.etsy.com/shop/ladesigns2

Lip Shimmer Mad Gabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new, naturally tinted lip shimmers, made with mango butter and olive oil to moisturize while they shine. The latest addition to Mad Gabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection of wildly natural bodycare products. Available in Moose, Bear and Monkey.

Turkey Felt Snap Clip Made from 100% Eco-fi Felt, Polyester made from recycled post consumer plastic bottles. GiasBowtique.com

Spooky Stencil Cards This box of spooky shaped stencil cards includes familiar shapes such as ghosts and skeletons. Perfect for children to use either to create fun drawings or as part of craft projects such as cards and decorations for Halloween. Robust and durable, ensuring repeated use. Can be ordered online from thelittlebookshelf.com

Chocolate! These personalized chocolates are from TreasuredSweets.com. Also available are personalized mint books and water bottle labels.

I am a Princess! By Melissa Harrision

Recently, a local restaurant had a ‘Princess Night’ where little girls could come dressed as their favorite princess and partake in a special fun afternoon just for princesses. Abby took home many souvenirs, among which were two little plastic crowns. Last night my husband was out of town so Abby and I spent some Mommy/Daughter time playing dress up. She insisted I put on one of the crowns. Time went on and I forgot the crown was there, we were just playing and playing. All of a sudden she made a funny face and started to throw up. Moms with toddlers understand this phenomenon; how a child can go from perfectly normal to tossing cookies, in 1.6 seconds is beyond me!! Usually I feel it coming and am sick to my stomach and you know the process. Yet a toddler, just all smiles then…*blech* ….and out it comes. I jumped and grabbed her up and ran to the bathroom. I held her as she threw up in the sink. She ended up being fine, (too much candy ….wait what?…no I don’t give my toddler candy!…never mind) but in the process got me pretty covered. I had throw up on my dress; my arm and she made us both smell pretty yucky over all. As I was cleaning up the mess I happened to glance in the mirror and noticed…I still had on that crown! I started to laugh out loud! How funny! But then it got me thinking, I AM a princess; my Father is the King of Kings! “Thank you Lord ,” I paused to pray, “for reminding me that even in the dirtiest of dirties…I am a princess!” And it was as if He replied, “The bride, a princess, looks glorious in her golden gown. Psalm 45:13” Then I am pretty certain He added, “And in her baby spew.” So on that note, as we enter cold and flu season, no matter what you are covered at the end of the day, never forget you, too, are a princess! And we, at Southern Child, found these most precious Disney Princess dresses at PrissyinPink.com and had to share them with you! Great for Halloween, a day at Disney World, portraits or even day to day dress up and play. Thank you, Joy Wright Photography and your princess models.

Flaunt your Bump! The cutest way to announce youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re expecting! Perfect for shower gifts and dads-to-be! Tees as low as $10 Use code SOUTHERN for 10% off! Also: Wholesale maternity blank tees by the case ~ready for printing!

preggersnproud.com Daddy & Mommy Tees & Gifts 11

hoof & paw

Submitted by DogSmith.com

Pregnancy and the Pup Does my dog know I am pregnant? Dogs

are connected to their people and their daily routines. They know when the people wake up, when and where they do certain chores, and whether it is a workday or the weekend. How? It’s quite simple: dogs are creatures of habit and they take into account the habits of those around them, too. Dogs have a keen sense of sight and smell that helps them monitor life around them – including the changes that come with pregnancy.

Pregnancy creates hormonal changes that affect your emotions, your routines, and even your scent. Some reported changes from Moms-to-be are: · Over clinginess, protectiveness, elimination related issues, aloofness, excessive attention seeking,and/or anxiety (pacing, licking etc). If you notice unwanted changes in your dogs’ behavior here are some things to consider. First, what exactly has changed? Has the dog’s behavior changed, or have the family’s activity level and routines been disturbed? Is your dog reacting to changes in your behavior? Second, how is this behavior change being reinforced? Dogs do

what works for them. Why and how is this behavior working for your dog? Third, when did this change begin? Is the behavior new, or have you ever seen it before? If so, when? And fourth, could there be any medical reason for the change in your dog’s behavior? Allergies, aches and pains, and illness make us cranky, and they affect our dogs in a similar way. Could this have a bearing on your dog’s behavior? Each pregnancy is unique – from one woman to another or from your first pregnancy to the next. And although most pregnancies bring with them a great amount of

joy, even “normal” pregnancies can be stressful. Family pets often react to this stress, and if the family is dealing with a difficult pregnancy, that stress is multiplied – for everyone. Consistent leadership and training help to keep companion animals grounded throughout this wonderful and stressful time. You have a great deal to learn and do prior to the arrival of the baby; the good news is Dogs&Storks offers a great deal of support and information to help you prepare your dog for life with kids. Visit us at www.dogsandstorks.com IMPORTANT: If you notice a change in your dog’s behavior that

The DogSmith is a socially responsible, environmentally friendly, multi-faceted dog training and pet care business providing unrivaled pet care to all its customers. For more info, www.dogsmith.com

hannah kate a nostalgic line of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing

hannahkatespecialcollection.com

Previous Page: Boy’s Brown T with Elephant screenprint patch Sale Price: $38.00 100% cotton boy’s brown t with an adorable and unique elephant screenprint patch. Shown with our reversible asher pants in leaf corduroy and brown & green silly dots. RUNS SMALLER THAN OUR HK WHITE AND ECRU TEES! EVEN SIZES ONLY! Asher Reversible Pants in Leaf Cord Sale Price: $54.00 Our fabulous reversible Asher pants in leaf corduroy and brown & green silly dots. Contrasting pocket on each side. Elastic waist. Shown with our boy’s brown t with elephant screenprint patch. Left: Lily Dress in Sable Corduroy Sale Price: $74.00 One of my favorite pieces in this Special Collection! Our Lily shift dress in beautiful 100% cotton sable corduroy with our popular white rosettes sewn vertically down the front of the dress. Shown over our unisex white turtleneck.

Above: Boy’s Polo with Stacked Monogram Sale Price: $25.00

Right: Girl’s White T with Basket of Flowers Sale Price: $38.00

Opposite Page: Julia Kate Jacket in Dressy Damask Sale Price: $60.00

100% cotton white polo shirt. Stacked monogram available on left chest.

Our exclusive 100% fine gauge cotton white t with an adorable vintage looking flower basket applique in blue chenille with pink crocheted flower.

Our favorite jacket in our beautiful dressy damask fabric, lined in ecru pique.

Cuff Pants in Sable Corduroy Sale Price: $32.00 Our popular boy’s cuff pants in 100% cotton beautiful sable corduroy.

Bloomer Pants in Blue Chenille Sale Price: $38.00 Our adorable long bloomer pants in 100% cotton blue dot chenille. Absolutely precious and VERY limited quantities so shop fast!

Far Left Top: T-shirt Dress in Cherry Red Gingham with Felt Santa Sale Price: $64.00 Adorable t-shirt dress made with our exclusive 100% fine gauge white cotton t-shirt and our 100% cotton cherry red gingham fabric. Self ruffle at hem, and felt Santa on t. Left Top: Leigh Ann Top in Urban Trellis, Sale Price: $52.00 One of our brand new patterns that is already at the top of the popularity list! 100% cotton urban trellis with ecru twill tie at waist. Shown over our new “denim” leggings. Looks great too over skinny jeans. Far Left Bottom: Sorrell Shorts in Light Pink Seersucker Sale Price: $60.00 Our fabulous new “golf” shorts for boys aren’t just for golf!!! They look and fit fabulously, and will pretty much go with any shirt in your closet! 100% light pink seersucker. Two welted back pockets, zip fly, belt loops, and two front pockets. They are impeccably made! Also available in more colors! Left Bottom: Campbell Top in Lindy Leaf, Sale Price: $46.00 Our popular knot top in 100% cotton lindy leaf with cherry red gingham yoke and retro dot straps. Shown over our versatile collins top in ecru pique. Also paired with our ruffle pants in retro dots. Collins Top in Ecru Pique, Sale Price: $40.00 One of our most versatile tops in our line! 100% cotton ecru pique peasant style top that looks great alone or under many of our tops, dresses, and overalls! Shown under our Robbins top in autumn trellis. Also shown under our Campbell top in lindy leaf & our Angie apron dress in birds of a feather. Julie Anne in Retro Dots with sash, Sale Price: $53.00 One of our all time favorite girl tops in 100% cotton retro dots with a red grosgrain sash. Vintage looking pink & red print on a pretty cream background. 3 button closure in back. Ruffle Pants in Retro Dots, Sale Price: $32.00 Our fabulously fitting ruffle pants in 100% cotton pink, cream, and red retro dots fabric. Paired with both our campbell top in lindy leaf, and our juie anne in retro dots. Top Right: Westby Hoodie in Pink with Grey birds on a branch Sale Price: $41.00 A must have from Hannah Kate! Precious pink hoodie with charcoal grey birds on a branch applique. Adorable!!! Runs a little small. Westby Hoodie in Orange with Dinosaur Sale Price: $37.00 Adorable 100% cotton orange zip front hoodie with felt dinosaur. Runs a little small. Bottom Right: Leigh Ann Top in Willow Toile, Sale Price: $52.00 Our fabulous new Leigh Ann top in pink and olive floral toile. 100% cotton. Hot pink grosgrain tie at waist. Looks great over our light pink leggings or skinny jeans! Great, flattering fit! Light Pink Leggings, Sale Price: $20.00 Our ever popular full length leggings in light pink. More colors available!

healthy, happy family

Six Tricks for

More Fiber According to new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, a four-year-old child should consume 25 grams of fiber daily, while an 11-year-old boy needs at least 31 grams. In terms of numbers, it seems easy to accomplish, but a new survey conducted for Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies, a tasty, daily fiber supplement for kids’ ages 2-11, finds that 52% of moms say their kids aren’t eating enough fruits, vegetables or fiber-rich foods, and a whopping 90% of children don’t

get enough fiber daily. “High-fiber foods aren’t the ones children typically gravitate to even when moms put them on the plate,” says Liz Weiss, registered dietitian and

co-author of The Moms’ Guide to Meal Makeovers. “I suggest parents dress up fiber in appealing packages to make it a win-win for moms and kids.” Below, Weiss offers six tricks for adding extra fiber to kids’ diets. Each provides at least six grams of additional fiber: 1

Go with Guacamole: Kids love to dunk foods, so introduce a new dip. Create a kid-friendly guacamole by combining at least 3/4 cup of a mashed, ripe avocado with some coarsely chopped fresh cilantro and a dash of freshlysqueezed lime juice. Offer sliced raw veggies or wholegrain tortilla chips on the side for even more fiber grams! 2 Fiberlicious French Toast: Many kids shy away from “brown bread,” but if you disguise it as something else, you can easily add more fiber at the start of the day. Make French toast by switching from traditional white bread to 100% whole wheat bread, and top with 1/4 cup of naturally-sweet fresh strawberries or try a sliced banana for a few more grams of fiber (complete recipe at www.mealmakeovermoms.com 3 Penguin Power: Boost your child’s fiber (age 2-11) with Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies; just three delicious, penguin-shaped gummies add 6 grams of fiber to your child’s daily diet. They can be taken together or given one per meal. 4 Makeover Delight: Meatloaf is a staple on most family dinner menus. Take your favorite meatloaf recipe and upgrade it with more fiber by adding 1/3 cup of ground flaxseed, one shredded carrot and a 15 oz. can of drained black beans

(complete recipe at w w w. m e a l m a ke overmoms.com). Your delicious meatloaf just got better! 5 An Apple a Day: Parents tend to peel apples, but leaving the skin on a medium sized apple and slicing it up for easy eating keeps it to five grams of fiber. Add a tablespoon of peanut butter on the edges (if kids balk at the peel) for an extra gram of fiber. 6 Smooth it Over: Choose a fiber-rich yogurt with at least 5 grams of fiber and blend with your favorite fruit. The enriched yogurt alone is a great fiber source, but the fruit adds even more.

Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies are a daily fiber supplement made just for kids by Fleet®, a trusted brand for digestive health for more than 100 years. For more information and giveaways, find the brand on Facebook (www.facebook.com/fibergummies), or visit www.fibergummies.com for: • A fiber diary, where you can track daily fiber grams to get you started or see where your current menu nets out • Easy-to-make, fiber-rich recipes and snack ideas • Chance to enter the PediaLax® Fiber Gummies “Keep Kids Moving” Sweepstakes • Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies product giveaways and other prizes that help keep kids “moving” • Money-saving coupons

arts & entertainment : books AlphaOops!: H is for Halloween Ack! It’s time for the show, and A isn’t ready. But then again, Halloween can only start with one letter, no matter how the A-B-Cs normally go! The misbehaving alphabet is back, and there’s no telling who will take the stage next. Z for zombie? P for pirate? Will X think of something good in time? Neonbright, comically detailed illustrations show a cacophony of costumed letters, each with a mind and personality all its own. Along the bottom, tiny pumpkins arrange the players in proper order, making this alphabet story letter-perfect for Halloween.

Ant and Honey Bee A Pair of Friends at Halloween Ant was getting antsy. . . . Only a few hours left till Cricket’s costume party. “What can we be for the dress-up party?” she asked her friend Honey Bee. With a little creativity and a lot of elbow grease, Ant and Honey Bee finally make a perfect, two-things-thatgo-together pair of costumes for Cricket’s big party. But then -- plip, plip, plip, PLIP! -- it starts to rain, and by the time they arrive, the proud pair looks more like a matching set of soggy sad sacks. Maybe, though, if they put their heads together, the quickthinking friends can turn their mushy mess into a smashing success. What a pair!

Speckle the Spider Speckle is sure he’s a special kind of spider -- so special and talented that he should be better appreciated than he is at home in the Bahamas. So off he sets on an adventure in search of fame and recognition, and after some run-ins with giants of various species, finally finds himself on public display. The ambitious Speckle is certainly getting lots of attention, but it’s not quite what he had in mind! With fun, energetic illustrations and plenty of interactive features -- including “fan mail,” memorabilia, and a mini book of spider facts -- this engaging tale of “be careful what you wish for” is certain to charm even the arachnophobes among us. 26

Between A Roc and a Hard Place A new fantasy adventure book from Danny Birt, Between A Roc and a Hard Place, takes kids and young adults on an adventure with a misfit dragon and his adopted family of Rocs (or large eagle-like birds). Children as young as 9 will enjoy reading this book with themes of adoption and acceptance. Each chapter is purposely designed as a short story, making it a great book for bedtime with a parent reading aloud for young kids or for independent readers. With themes of abandonment, adoption and creating an inter-species family, the quick prose takes children outside their comfort level and stretches their imagination and vocabulary. But humor and detailed illustrations make this chapter book a quick read.

Big, Scary Monster Big Scary Monster is one misunderstood beastie. He loves to jump out and surprise his friends, but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not mean, really. Yet when his friends start hiding from him, he decides to look for new creatures to frighten ... only to wind up finding out heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit of a scaredy-cat himself! This funny, original story with a mind-bending twist is a wonderful read-aloud sure to engage little monsters everywhere.

arts & entertainment : dvds and cds Angelina Ballerina™: Love To Dance Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to take center stage with Angelina Ballerina! On Angelina’s first day at Camembert Academy she discovers new forms of music and dance, like jazz, tap and hip hop, and meets new friends who have their own unique rhythm. Together with her friends new and old, like best friend Alice and the new Hip-Hop Kid AZ, Angelina realizes that becoming a prima ballerina requires collaboration and compromise, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Get ready to step, leap and groove as you discover your own love of dance in these fun-filled episodes!

Thomas & Friends™ Misty Island Rescue Thomas and his engine friends embark on a thrilling new journey that takes them from the Island of Sodor to the mysterious Misty Island in the all-new, CG animated adventure Thomas & Friends™ Misty Island Rescue - The Movie available on DVD, Blu-ray Disc+DVD combo pack, Digital Download and On Demand from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.

Bringing Back the Bats Sales of J.P. Rothbone’s Bug-B-Gone Bug Zappers are falling sharply, and J.P. has discovered the reason. The Boneheads are teaching people to build bat houses where bats can roost. Every evening at sunset, Indiana bats leave these houses and their caves to flutter through the night sky vacuuming up hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes. J.P. is furious and schemes to use his Blusterous Bat Blaster Beam to disrupt the bats during their daytime rest. 28

Jeremy Plays Guitar : Use Your Words When young children enter a new environment without knowing what to expect or how they are supposed to behave, feelings of anxiety, fear or confusion may make it difficult to find the words they need to navigate the situation. Lack of communication coupled with feeling nervous can be very frustrating and often leads to a loud session of crying and tantrums. Zmuda has gained a loyal following for his popular music programs in NYC, and he is the music director at two schools. “All children are inherently musical, and the natural fascination with music is a valuable tool,” Zmuda explains. “Children have been engaged by music and taught basic language and labeling through songs for generations -- The ABC’s”, Old MacDonald, and Pat-ACake for example. Our music expands this opportunity teach strategies and social language. We aim to teach social skill development, purposeful language, and emotional concepts without compromising the joy and fun of singing and dancing. The music itself communicates the messages of the songs, allowing children to move their bodies and feel the songs they are singing, thereby reinforcing the words and educational value.” Bicknell agrees, saying, “The songs on Use Your Words give the kids phrases to take with them and use, which will allow the parents and educators around them the opportunity to understand and provide what each child needs. So a parent or educator will be able to sing the song in the moment when a child needs help, and give the child of real way to talk about and deal with the situation.” With the title track, and songs like “HappySadSillyMad,” “That Hurts My Ears” and “That Food Makes Me Sick,” listeners quickly learn effective ways to communicate their needs and feelings. Other songs help children learn social skills, such as the “House Rules,” how to share “Your Turn, My Turn,” 30

and how to learn from a mistake (“Wrong’s Alright”) while yet other songs explore more intricate concepts, like being nervous (“You’ll Be Fine), difficulty with transition (“Let Me Know”) and body awareness (“I Meant To Do That”). The educational content of Use Your Words is enhanced by smart musicianship and catchy melodies. For example, the bright and peppy alt.pop sound of “Differently” memorably conveys the idea that it’s ok if someone looks or acts in a way you’re not familiar with. And the slow-cooked, bluesy jazz of “Keep My Cool” (featuring Peyroux’ sultry-soothing vocals) provides practical ways to stay calm in a stressful situation. While many of these songs provide actual scripting, some of the tunes are more conceptual and offer food for thought, according to Bicknell. A percentage of sales from Use Your Words will be donated to KidsNeed A Melody, a non profit organization dedicated to bringing music enrichment to children in need. The organization works with shelters serving families with young children in need to provide free music classes, instruments and concerts. Visit www.jeremyplaysguitar.com for more information.

The Best Candy in the Whole World and Other Stories by Bill Harley Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, storyteller, author and playwright Bill Harley released The Best Candy in the Whole World, on September 14th. With this new collection of stories and a little music, Harley reminds us of how a little kindness can bring magic to everyday life. Harley’s trademark wit and wisdom shine in stories that take listeners on a journey filled with teachers who would rather eat candy than read, a boy who walks to the moon, another who hides in a peanut, a bird who talks and a girl who realizes that home is best after all. Each story begins with an average kid in an everyday situation. Pretty soon, strange and magical things start happening, usually after an act of kindness. “While these stories are fantasy,” says Harley, “I think what they say about the world is true; taking the time to help someone or enjoy the moment often leads to a magic we hadn’t counted on.” Two of the stories are Bill Harley originals, and the others are adapted from folktales from the British Isles, Africa and Appalachia. Harley has earned international acclaim and numerous awards for his storytelling, music and books. Entertainment Weekly called him “the Mark Twain of contemporary children’s music,” but he’s just as accomplished as a storyteller and author. Two of his previous story recordings (Blah Blah Blah: Stories about Clams, Swamp Monsters, Pirates & Dogs and Yes to Running: Bill Harley Live) have won Grammy awards, and his novel Night of the Spadefoot Toads (Peachtree) was the recipient of the Green Earth Book Award. This fall he will publish a new book called Between Home and School, a story told through the correspondence between a mother and her son’s various teachers during his school career. Syndicated relation32

ships columnist Amy Dickinson recommends the book to parents and educators, saying “All parents and teachers should let this book guide them toward the ideal way of talking to and about kids.” Harley is a frequent keynote speaker at educational conferences and is currently writing another book about school culture. Harley, whom the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities will honor with a Lifetime Achievement Award in October, is also a long-time contributor to NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Harley tours nationally, performing at venues ranging from vast concert halls to tiny classrooms. Harley spent his formative years in Indianapolis before moving to Connecticut as a teenager. Today, the father of two grown sons resides with his wife, Debbie, near Providence, Rhode Island. For the latest Bill Harley news, visit www.billharley.com and his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/billharleysongs .

SOME MILD PERIL AND LANGUAGE

Designing Dreams Jason Hulfish has been bringing both residential and commercial spaces to life for more than 20 years. By pushing the boundaries of home decor and custom living spaces, he has created masterpieces as uniquely different as the clients themselves. The scope of his work is as limitless as the imaginations of the children who sleep and play in the fantasy rooms he creates. Fire-breathing dragons, beautiful princesses, seascapes, pirates, aliens, dinosaurs and more. Enter one of his rooms and be swept away into a world of fantasy, majesty and imagination. A world that every child deserves and craves (even the adult â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which exists in us all). Every space Hulfish designs is one-of-a-kind. He paints by hand,

from talking, exploring and learning about it. Kids have a zest for learning by their very nature, the subject matter just has to be packaged in a way that is engaging and challenging enough for them. When I talk with kids about what they want in their rooms their eyes light up and they come alive. They lay out details, stories, new worlds that all develop out of the room they want to create. You just have to tap into that creative side.

using airbrushing and hand drawn images, then shading and contouring to bring the pictures to life. Murals go from floor to ceiling and he often incorporates custom furniture, such as a pirate or princess-carriage beds, which he creates and builds himself. “Working with Jason is like visiting Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory. You imagine it and he creates it, usually better than you even dreamed possible. With him available I don’t know why any child’s room isn’t a wonderland... and don’t get me started on his paintings!” Said Don Miggs and Lisa DeBartolo.

I recently spoke with Jason about his work and about one of my biggest concerns, are we killing creativity in our children? SC: Jason, to be perfectly frank, when I try to find the words to describe your creations, I am speechless. I home-school my seven-year old son. All to often I say to him, “Focus, honey!” Some days I wonder if we will EVER get his eyes out of space and back to just two pages of math! I recently sought professional help, worrying he was attention deficit. “Your son is not attention deficit, he is just extremely creative,” I was told. I couldn’t argue with that, Austin is constantly coming up with “new” ideas and ways to enhance a product or idea. So Jason, I‘m just wondering, what kind of student were you in second grade? (This is were you can tell me you dropped out of school in the second grade and I will trash my son’s books and send him to be your apprentice.) Jason: I was always a fairly good student, interested in art and all types of creative projects. The challenge is to find a topic that a kid is passionate about. When you do, you simple can’t stop them

SC: Tell me a little about your background, do you have any professional training in art and/or construction? You dream it, design it, paint it AND you build it! Here we go with another similarity, we were reading a book about children in Africa last week, Austin saw a photo of the wooden scooter (wheels and all) the children built to haul goods. Building a wooden scooter is on his “dad and me” project list. Okay, sorry, and I am complaining about my son getting sidetracked, I wonder where he gets it from?? Back to you, school? Did you make it through 2nd grade? High school? College? Did you go to school to be a rocket scientist to appease the folks and then become an artist? Jason: I am a completely self taught artist. In fact, I was pre-med in college and majored in organic chemistry (just goes to show, you never know where you’ll end up). I do practice a lot and I’m constantly learning more about my craft, improving and expanding my skills and techniques. Every new project is an opportunity to learn and push my craft a bit further. SC: Just today I found this, “If intrinsic motivation is one key to a child’s creativity, the crucial element in cultivating it is time: open-ended time for the child to savor and explore a particular activity or material to make it her own. Perhaps one of the greatest crimes adults commit against a child’s creativity is robbing the child of such time. “ (From Goleman, Kaufman and Ray (1992) The creative spirit, 63) That is a pretty powerful statement to me. One of the rea-

sons I chose to homeschool was so my son wouldn’t feel like he had to perform inside of a box, just like everyone else. I wanted him to have the time to really explore what he is learning, not to cram a bunch of info and spew it back all over a test, whether he understood it or not. And here I am, setting the timer several times a day. Mollie Dickson said, “Too many classrooms suck the creative spark out of children—suffocating with standards and structure, judging on numbers and ranking with letters—merely equipping students with the tools necessary to obtain the “correct” answer using minimal time, effort, and resources. While this may be optimal for industry—high accuracy and efficiency—it’s far from preparing students for who they can be: innovative, collaborative, authentic, critical-thinking intellectuals and creators.” Do you feel parents and/or schools are focusing more on timed achievement as opposed to creativity in children? Jason: Yes, plus I don’t think creativity can be taught, only encouraged. In the creative process you have to be willing to fail and unfortunately failure is looked at as something negative in our society (versus a way to learn and improve). SC: Tell me about the process of designing a child’s space. How do delve in to the dreams of a child? Jason: Each case is a bit different depending on the child, the goals and the overall situation. Normally I start by working with the child to narrow down what their true interest are. Typically children are very clear and consistent about what they like and don’t like. You just have to help them embrace what it is THEY want, versus what other people have told them they SHOULD want. They also don’t tend to change their minds as often as adults think they do. A kid normally will want something and stick with it for a long time. Parents always worry that they will create one of these rooms and six months later the kid will change what they like. That isn’t the case if you truly talk to the child and let the him direct what it is he wants and envisions

for the room. Typically a room I design will last for at least 3-5 years. At that point a child has developed enough different interest that a room change or upgrade is needed. Another thing you’ll find with kids is that they LOVE big things, the bigger the better. Kids want to be big, so having larger than life things in their surroundings is very exciting and empowering to them. There is really no such thing as too much, too elaborate or too big. I think most decorators miss out by not really listening to what the child wants. They put together something they would want, or something the parents might want. My rooms truly focus on the child and what he/she is able to dream up. SC: Final thoughts, are you available to travel throughout the South create dream spaces? Anything else you would like to share with our readers? When and where should I send my son to work with you? Jason: Yes, I’ll travel any place in Continental US and would even consider traveling internationally for the right project. Readers can check examples of my work on my website http://www.jfishart. com and my facebook page http://www.facebook. com/jfishart . Just as every child is different every room is different, so if you can imagine it, I can create it. Sometime people ask me what most parent’s motivations are to hire me to create rooms for their children. I think it is best summed up by a comment made by one of my current clients who told me “I want to do this for my kids because when they grow up they won’t remember the individual things you buy them, but they WILL always remember the house they grew up in”. If you think about it that is very true, we all remember our childhood homes. As far as your son goes, he is more than welcome to come assist with some scaffolding work, just make sure you pack us both a lunch :)

Beyond the Pink Moon

A Legacy of Legacy, Loss and Survival by Nicki Boscia Durlester

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, in our house, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use the hate...unless it is in the same sentence as the word cancer. We HATE cancer! I have shared this so many times, but as I write it again, my eyes, again, fill up with tears. Saralee Smith was an angel on earth, she never spoke a negative word and would give you the shirt off her back, she never got in a hurry, and took time to stop and smell the roses. Unfortunately Saralee lost her battle with breast cancer before I was able to meet her. However, what brings me to tears is that my boys never got to meet their grandmother. I HATE cancer!

I was honored when author, Nicki Boscia Durlester, agreed to share a portion of her book, Beyond the Pink Moon, with our readers. In this touching, frank and informative memoir, Nicki intimately chronicles her transformational journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Her story begins with her mother, who was diagnosed with the disease in 1962: a time when breast cancer was only discussed behind closed doors, and long before women took an active role in their diagnosis and treatment. Nicki provides unique insight into being part of a large Italian-American family afflicted with the BRCA2 gene, and shares poignant stories about her mother and aunts who faced breast and ovarian cancer with extraordinary grace and courage. Nicki writes candidly about her frustration in finding the right team of doctors as well as the highs and lows of her journey, sharing humor and heart along the way. She puts a human face on statistics ranking breast cancer as the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. This deeply moving story of legacy, loss and ultimately survival is told through the eyes of a daughter who shared an unbreakable bond with her mother. As she travels the scary, unpredictable road through her own diagnosis, treatment and recovery, Nicki discovers the most difficult challenge becomes the most spiritually transcendent experience of her life. - Amy Shepherd Smith

Excerpt from...

Chapter 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clockwork Spring break was over and my children were headed back to college. My daughter, Ally, had two months until graduation and my son, Matt, was finishing his freshman year. They both attended my alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was a source of great pride and provided peace of mind knowing big sis was there in case baby bro needed her. I was delighted they were gaining exposure to my Pennsylvania roots. Having grown up in a suburb of Los Angeles, Amish country was a world away from their life of privilege in Lalaland. I have never been able to drop Ally and Matt off curbside at the airport. I still walk them in and hang onto every glance until they disappear out of sight. Then I boohoo all the way back to the car. It is the same ritual I engaged in when they went off to nursery school. For days I prepared them for their big separation from mama bear, certain the transition would be difficult. When the first day of school finally arrived I was the only one with tears streaming down my face. Separation anxiety has always been my Achilles heel. People are their childhoods and mine had been fraught with goodbyes. As I accompanied Ally and Matt to the security checkpoint at LAX, I felt a wave of nostalgia for days gone by. It seemed like just yesterday I was walking them into school, one on each hand. Time had flown by in the blink of an eye. Now they were on the opposite coast and the goodbyes were more difficult. I would begin counting the days until summer vacation. Little did I know those days would be filled with life changing events for me.

I had scheduled my annual mammogram for the day after they left. Like clockwork, I tried to make my appointment on or around the same day every year. Besides being prudent, it was an obsessive-compulsive thing. I experienced a lot

of anxiety in the preceding weeks as I typically did before my annual checkup. Truth be told, I had been living under a dark cloud since I was five years old when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was 1962, long before women blew the lid wide open on the disease. My mother, Bianchina Buschi Boscia, was 43 years old. Chapter 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Itsy Bitsy Spider One of my earliest memories is of my mother slowly crawling her fingers up the kitchen wall. At the time I thought she was playing Itsy Bitsy Spider. I would sing along in amusement as she made her way up the wall. I had no idea she was trying to strengthen her right arm, which had been ravaged by a radical mastectomy. I vividly remember the day she came home from the hospital. I can still see her coming through the front door, wearing a light colored dress that highlighted her tiny waist and hourglass figure. As she walked through our wood paneled vestibule my father warned me not to hug her too tight. I was lying on the green velvet couch in our living room, the one reserved for special occasions, recovering from a wicked case of chicken pox. As she gingerly sat down next to me I leaned over and gave her a gentle hug. She had the softest skin in the world and always smelled like Shalimar. I was so relieved and happy to have her home. I had missed her terribly during her ten days in the hospital. What a difference a half century makes. Today a woman is lucky if her insurance company approves a 48-hour stay in the hospital. It borders on the criminal. I cannot recall the first time I saw the scarred landscape where her breast used to be. Her chest on the right side was concave and a significant part of the underside of her upper arm was missing. My mother never hid from me. She seemed unfazed by her disfigurement. She

would insert an inflatable prosthesis into her bra as if it was no big deal. Every once in a while she would get what she called â&#x20AC;&#x153;a flat tireâ&#x20AC;?. It happened one Sunday at church. In the middle of mass as I sat next to her she let out an audible, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uh oh!â&#x20AC;? When I looked over, she glanced down and surreptitiously pointed to her chest. She was wearing a gray and white dress, which matched her thick wavy hair always swept up in a French twist. A devilish grin spread across her face. She could see the humor in any situation, providing a layer of protection for my brother and me. As young children, we had no idea how closely she danced with death. Years later she confessed she had initially been given a bleak prognosis, but cancer had never met a relentless opponent like my mother. She was the original woman warrior.

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Pink Fire Truck? Firefighter Dave Graybill donned pink turnout gear and drove a pink fire truck across the country to rally support for breast cancer survivors and research. Starting from the Glendale Fire Department in August, Graybill stopped in 32 cities to join with other firefighters, police officers and local officials to promote the cause. During Graybill’s Pink Ribbon Tour he called for local officials to “Care Enough to Wear Pink” to show support for breast cancer survivors. American City & County spoke to Graybill as he wrapped up his tour about his motivation, experiences during the adventure, and goals for continuing to generate breast cancer awareness.

Q: Where in the world did you get the idea to do this? A: A friend of mine from Las Cruces told me his fire department was going to wear pink shirts to honor the fight against breast cancer for the women of Las Cruces . The minute he told me, I thought it was a great idea. But, the following morning, I woke up and thought, why shouldn’t all men in this country rally in support of our women who are sick? So, I came up with the pink fire truck to signify our fight that will never end. Q: How did you pull the project together? A: I bought a big map of the U.S. and started putting dots where I wanted to drive a pink fire truck. I asked a company to build me a stainless steel statue of a pink ribbon, and

they did. It took them seven months and about 500 hours after work and on weekends, and I pull that ribbon on a pink trailer. While that was being built, I was forming a non-profit group, and we created our own clothing line so we could generate funds, because I’m a fireman, and I don’t have any money. The most wonderful thing that happened was, I’m in a Starbucks and meet a friend who introduces me to his wife, and I tell her what I’m going to do and why I’m doing it, and she gets out her checkbook and writes me a $13,500 check so I can buy a fire truck that I found on eBay from a firefighter in Jacksonville, Fla. A company wrapped it pink for free, and I’m driving it down the freeway, and some lady starts screaming at me, “Pull over, pull over.” [She] was the first person to sign the truck.

Q: What’s going to happen to the truck? A: I’m going to pick up another truck, and I want to build a pink fire station. My goal is to get developers, architects and community leaders and people all over the country to build a shrine to our women, and every brick on the fire station will have the name of a woman who has gone through cancer. It will have a retail store, a restaurant and the pink fire trucks on display. Those pink trucks will go out in the community and help women with cancer. Q: What can men do to support women who have breast cancer? And what can local government leaders do? A: The fact that mayors, governors and senators are giving me proclamations on the “Care Enough to Wear Pink” days is saying they will honor those days in support of all our women who fight cancer. Hopefully they’re getting in pink to show the women they love them and to honor women in their fight against cancer. We, who have not been affected, let’s put on our t-shirts, strap our belts, pull up our pants, and let’s go rally and start supporting our women. I’m asking all men to wear pink to honor women in their fight against cancer. I’m asking police chiefs, fire chiefs, politicians, as leaders in the country, show your women you love them. William “Billy” Longo worked hard to become the Texas Lone Star Chapter in 2009. The photographs show the Lone Star Pink Heals Truck and Taylor. Taylor took a ride to her treatment at Plano hospital with two of Lewisvilles Firefighters, Capt. Sweet and Big H, and their newest member, “Probie” the pup, in the Pink Heals Truck. “Taylor lost her left leg due to cancer. She didn’t want any help getting into the truck. She is very independent, one of the top 3 things I did all year. She volunteered to baby sit Probie for me when I need it.” Said Longo.

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Previous Page: Left is “Leaves of Love” Sizes 12mth and up Prices start at $50 Includes Tutu dress and headpiece Center is “Pumpkin Spice” Sizes 12mths and up Prices start at $45 Include Tutu dress and headpiece Right is “Turkey Time” Sizes 12mth and up Prices start at $50 Includes Tutu dress and headpiece Left Top: Alice In Wonderland Sizes 12mths and up Prices start out $50 Includes Tutu,Apron and headpiece Left Bottom: Zebra Butterfly Sizes 0-3mths and up Prices start at $40 Set includes, Tutu,Wings, and Headpiece

Right Top: Peacock set Sizes 12mths and up Prices Starting $55 Includes Tutu dress and Peacock feather headpiece Right Bottom: Left “Angel” Sizes 12mth and up Prices start at $50 Includes Feather Tutu dress and Halo headpiece Right “Pirate” Sizes 12mth and up Prices start at $50 Includes Messy tutu,Corset top, and Feather Pirate hat

Left Top: Witch Sizes 12mth and up Prices start at $65 Set includes Petti Tutu and Hat Left Bottom: Left is Cheetah Fairy Sizes 12mth and up Prices starting at $40 Middle is Pastel Fairy Sizes 12mth and up Prices starting at $40 Right is Color Fairy Sizes 12mth and up Prices starting at $40 Right Top: Left is “Christmas Cheer” Sizes 12mths and up Prices starting at $50 Includes Tutu dress and headpiece Right is “Don’t open till Christmas” Sizes 12mths and up Prices start at $50 Includes Tutu dress and headpiece Right Bottom: Zebra Fairy Sizes 12mths and up Prices starting at $40 Set includes Tutu,Wings and Headpiece

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Smoky Mountain

Log Cabin Proceeds support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina

A Good Cause Big Brothers Big Sisters has been Serving Western North Carolina for almost 30 years. They recruit, screen, train and support caring adults who want to make a difference in the life of a child. The kids they serve are usually between the ages 6-14 and come from singleparent families. Raffle Details Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is raffling off a Log Cabin in The Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, North Carolina. Proceeds from this raffle benefit BBBS in its continued efforts to enrich the quality of life for the kids of Western North Carolina. Buy a Ticket For just $100 you have the opportunity to win a beautiful Log Cabin located in the breathtaking valley of Deep Creek, just minutes from Historic Bryson City North Carolina. Drawing will take place on October 14, 2010 This is the chance of a lifetime! ONE LUCKY WINNER could walk away with this truly amazing Log Cabin…It could be you! Whether you decide to rent the cabin for added income, sell it, or keep this private retreat for your family, the choices are yours. Who knows, you may decide to make Bryson City your home. Either way, owning this Smoky Mountain Log Cabin will be a life changing experience. This is so much more than just an ordinary house raffle; this support is vital to Big Brothers Big Sisters efforts to help more children. This is your chance to inspire a child to reach their full potential through an ongoing relationship with a mentor. That’s not all! It is also your chance to win a Log Cabin to do whatever you choose… The possibilities are endless. So buy your ticket now and start spreading the word to everyone you know. Beautiful Custom Built Log Cabin You could be the lucky winner of this truly unique, 2,000-square-foot custom-designed Log Cabin with stunning views from every room as well as from the 1400 square foot wrap-around porch. This cozy home is perfect for relaxation and stargazing with a first floor master bedroom, a generous size 2-room loft, two full bathrooms, charming kitchen, gathering room, and a lower level game room with your own Olhausen slate pool table. This Spectacular Log Cabin, located just 1 mile from

the Deep Creek entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is nestled in the gaze of the majestic Deep Creek Valley and the Smoky Mountains with breathtaking scenery and an abundance of outdoor activities. Log Cabin architectural features: Custom hardwood floors throughout the main living area, Tiled bathrooms, Cozy stone fireplace with rock from a local quarry, 6x8 D-Log walls and 1x6 T & G wood interiors , 20-foot cathedral ceilings in the great room with exposed timbers and fireplace, Ample light from large trapezoid windows offering views of the Smoky Mountains, 1400 square feet of wrap-around covered porches and decks, Spacious Kitchen with cherry wood cabinets, Custom granite countertops Log Cabin is fully furnished and Turn Key: Rocking chairs, Hot Tub with outside furniture Satellite TV with DVD player, 3 luxury queen size beds with handmade log frames, Stainless look stove, refrigerator, microwave & dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, Bed linens, towels, pots/pans, coffee maker, cooking utensils, and window treatments, Table lamps, wall hangings, and decorative home accents items, Ceiling fans inside and outside Just bring your fishing pole and hiking boots to enjoy more than 800 miles of wilderness trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a Hiker’s and Fisherman’s Paradise. Ownership opportunities: This Log Cabin is currently being rented out on a nightly and weekly basis to satisfied vacationers in the Smoky Mountains. The average rental rate ranges from $150 to $250 per night and has been producing some impressive revenues for the current owners. If you are the LUCKY GRAND PRIZE WINNER, the choices are yours to continue renting when you are not vacationing here, keep this Cabin as your dream home, or you may decide to sell it. Either way, winning and owning this Dream Log Cabin is the chance of a lifetime. Bryson City, North Carolina location features: Here you will find the many wonderful things Western North Carolina has to offer for the entire family to enjoy, such as hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, white water rafting, tubing on Deep Creek, Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Cherokee, The Nantahala River, Smoky Mountains National Park, TSALI mountain biking, and Lake Fontana to name just a few. To enter, visit LogCabinRaffle.org

Babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Silkie specializes in per sonalized baby silkies, blankets and pillows.

Halloween: The Mommy Magic Perspective Halloween is closing in and will be here before we know it! As mom’s, you know

that Halloween costumes and the holiday now in general is MAJOR! Since my own birthday is actually on Halloween, I am a big fan of all the Halloween festivities – the prepping for the costume, carving pumpkins, hay rides, bonfires - all of it takes me back to when I was a kid and I love it! That being said, I love the entire Halloween costume thing. It may sound silly, but isn’t Halloween the only holiday we as adults can join in at the kid level for fun? I happen to think so. So much in fact, that we host a Halloween party for kids and their parents every year. 55

In our family, the tradition for Halloween is my kids get to pick out my husband’s Halloween costume every year. My girls think about it for weeks, giggle about it at night as we get their pj’s on – the anticipation of what their Dad is going to dress up as is almost as fun as seeing him in the actual costume. Then, the eventful day comes when they all go to the party store and pick it out together. Admittingly, I am not crafty, so making one from scratch would be ideal, but just not in my realm of talent. With that being said, I am a fan of the party store costume. Every year my girls surprise him with their carfeully selected Halloween costume to transform “Daddy” to whatever they have selected. My husband has gone as a sumo wrestler (you know the zip up costume), a cowboy, a race car driver, a pirate (the Pirates of the Caribbean version, of course) and this year…. Elvis – jumpsuit, wig and all. It is a tradition for our family and it is loads of fun. With that, I thought I would get in on the Halloween costume action. Always spending so much time running around getting my 3 girls costumes “completed” I never seem to find the time to get a fun costume to wear myself and as the “mom” there is no specific event to pick out one for me. Bitter about it??? NO…empowered by it… temporarily. So feeling empowered and satisfied that I am going to wear something other than my staple witch’s hat this year for our Halloween party, I venture into the local party store. Pleased with myself, I start scanning the wall of options only to quickly realize that Halloween costumes for women have changed over the past few years. Have you noticed? As I pace the aisle in disbelief of my options, I am wondering have I really gotten old or are these costumes trashy? I mean, as a mom of 3 little girls, I was not looking to be a smutty nurse or

a “bad” cop. The witch selection has even gone “R” rated. This is a “PG” family party for goodness sake, I am not trying to pick up at it or anything. When did trashy, boob poppin’ out of the costume go mainstream for mom’s during Halloween? Standing in the aisle, obviously talking out loud to myself about this issue, my 6 year old daughter gives me a word of hope. She exclaimed, “Mom, you shouldn’t wear one of these costumes (I almost told her to cover her eyes as we glanced at the variety of them). Feeling for a moment that she understood my plight, she continued with, “You should just wear Dad’s sumo wrestler costume from last year.” Perfect….just what I needed to hear…I pulled myself together and walked out of the store with my chin up having decided to wear my trusty witch’s hat after all this Halloween. That is until some smart mom starts making great costumes that are not in a “junior sizes” and actually covers my cleavage. With that, I surrender to it knowing that it is not the costume that makes the mom, but the mom that makes the costume! Happy Halloween!

Mary Susan Buhner is the author of “Mommy Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity”, a Columnist, and TV Host of the “Mommy Magic” weekly segment on the FOX affiliate in her hometown of Indianapolis. She is a Life Coach for Moms and founder of the “New Moms Club.” Most importantly, she is a mom of three wonderful (and busy) daughters and is passionate about helping moms make motherhood fun, effective and easy! Learn more about Mommy Magic at www.Mommy-Magic. com <http://www.mommy-magic.com/> or to get daily Mommy Magic Tips, become a fan of Mommy Magic on Face Book!

Fall in

Roc

Enc photo & Ruby Falls photo page 59, courtesy of CVB

Love with

ck Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

chanted Maize! 59

Recycling Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, Slow Food Chattanooga/ Farmers Market and the Humane Society for the MAiZE this year, continuing their social and environmental responsibility in co-advocacy for the Chattanooga area. Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern DEADLY DISEASE ALERT: CERBERUS VIRUS FOUND ON LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

Rock City’s Enchanted MAiZE Maze is open for the fall season at Blowing Springs Farm, near St. Elmo for its 9th year! This year’s maize design is a pumpkin! Returning is the “Re-Maze” – the world’s firstever recycled maze, made from recycled and reclaimed materials! Visitors are encouraged to bring their empty plastic bottles to help build the Re-Maze. The more bottles guests bring to fill it up, the more challenging it will be to get through the maze. Also, the beloved Pet Maze is back – even Fido will be amazed (all pets allowed on a leash)! Other fun features onsite include hayrides, Scarecrow Alley, live music, great food and more! Kid’s activities include the Cow Train, Pepsi Playground, Fairyland Forest Makeovers,* pumpkin painting* and inflatables.*

The town of Hannibal Hill has been quarantined and put under martial law due to what’s being called the Cerberus Virus. At this time no one knows how it happened or where it came from. Other than some rare photographs and video, no one is exactly sure what is happening on Lookout Mountain. Details of what has been released are in the following statement. “The Cerberus Virus works by traveling through the bloodstream, working its way from the point of contact to the brain, where it completely eradicates the brain tissue,” said Dr. G. Wenzel. “The virus uses the cells of the frontal lobe for replication, destroying them in the process. Numerous studies have been conducted and yet answers are unfound. My team of scientists has determined four stages of the Cerberus virus: Infectids, Carrions and Scourges, with the fourth classification being the most deadly, Sliders. These subjects are a mix of all three levels, with some logical brain capacity, yet they disregard life and any physical pain.”

Open Thursdays through Sundays September 23 - October 31. For hours and entertainment schedules, go to www.enchantedmaze.com <http://www.enchantedmaze.com/> and stay tuned for new info on all there is to do at the MAiZE, as well as the nighttime haunted attraction that turns Blowing Springs Farm into Blowing Screams Farm! www.blowingscreamsfarm. com.

This team has searched for a cure in several test subjects and found an anti-serum to only work on one out of every 100 patients. There is also a spray to help shield the non-infected from exposure to the Cerberus Virus. No cure has been developed yet beyond the preventive spray. Unfortunately, no further comments were available from Dr. Wenzel and most recently some reckless experiments have caused these subjects to be released.

The Enchanted MAiZE has been named a Top 20 Event for September 2009 by Southeast Tourism Society. Rock City Gardens is committed to “growing greener” and continuing its efforts of partnering with community organizations and maintaining a culture of excellence. Rock City is partnering with Orange Grove

Note to trespassers: The adrenaline factor may be high when you’re facing a horde of Infectids, but leave the fighting to the Cerberus professionals

announcing the

grand opening of your child's imagination.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST, MOST MAGICAL AQUARIUM has re-opened Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest. Now your imagination has an even bigger playground. Don’t miss the Beluga Whales and amazing new Penguin and Sea Otter exhibits. Get tickets today at GeorgiaAquarium.org | 404.581.4000 WHERE IMAGINATIONS GO TO PLAY.

who have trained for these encounters, whereas you have not. Our recommendation is to stay cool and keep moving to safety. Bring a friend or three, so long as they do not panic or cause attention. You should especially beware of the Sliders, the most underestimated of all Cerberus Virus victims. Flashlights, cell phones, open flames and loud noises (potentially screams) will only draw the Infectids to you – these items are not allowed and could be confiscated by Cerberus Agents. If someone in your group is bitten or possibly infected, our Cerberus Agents will be happy to assist you with the disposal of such members in your party. Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern is open after dark beginning September 25 – October 31. Check out www.hauntedcavern.com for days open in September and October. This is a Top 20 Event awarded by Southeast Tourism Society. Come if you dare! Appalachian GhostWalks’ SPOOK-tacular The fall 2010 tour season has begun and Appalachian GhostWalks’ Ghost and History Tours is celebrating it’s 5th Year Anniversary offering local residents of our region, as well as area travelers, the chance to experience a real lantern-lit walking tour packed with “spine-tingling” stories of real history and real ghosts! Now known as one of the top four ghost tour companies in America, Appalachian GhostWalks offers family appropriate tours great for ages five and up. Everyone is invited to bring the whole family, or tour group on a historic adventure and walk back in time for a visit with the “People of the Past”.

memorable fall evening out in one of our area’s first western frontier towns. Twelve different ghost and history tours located here in the heart of the Northeastern Tennessee and Southwest Virginia Mountains include Historic Dandridge, Erwin and Unicoi County Heritage Museum, the East Tennessee State University Campus, Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, Greeneville, Rogersville, Blountville, downtown Johnson City’s “Little Chicago GhostWalk” and Jonesborough - once listed on the Travel Channel as one of the top ten most haunted towns in America! Other haunted historic tours presently include the historic districts of Bristol, also known as the “Birthplace of Country Music” and Abingdon, Virginia - the “Gate to America’s First Western Frontier”. Several bus tours are currently under production for a 2011 inauguration and all tours operate year-round, nightly by advance reservation. Simply call (423) 743-WALK (9255) with the number in your party, the tour location of your choice, and the date you and your party would like to tour. Also, everyone is invited to visit the award winning tour website at www.AppalachianGhostWalks.com for additional information. Ten percent of the company’s annual profits go to benefit Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital so make Appalachian GhostWalks a “must do” for your family this Fall while supporting a great cause as you enjoy the thrills, chills, mystery, history, legend and true ghost stories of the Southern Appalachian Mountains!

Each historically accurate tour offers a small piece of a much larger puzzle of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia history as your guide weaves a chilly tale of our region’s vast cultural heritage coupled with true, spine-tingling ghost stories. Catering to groups as few as two people, one simple phone call will help you create a

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zoos & aquariums

Tennessee Aquarium Like a favorite fishing spot, people return to the Tennessee Aquarium to see amazing animals that swim, fly and crawl in natural habitats. This remarkable journey from the mountains to the sea takes visitors through three living forests under glass and puts them eye to eye with 10-foot sharks, giant spider crabs, river otters and alligators.

Adventure Film Fest October 1st – 14th Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater As part of RiverRocks, Chattanooga’s NEW outdoor festival, the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater presents The Adventure Film Fest. Travel deep below the Earth’s surface to explore stunning underground landscapes in Journey Into Amazing Caves. Discover the sensations of snowboarding, surfing or sky-surfing in Adventures in Wild California. Join a team of mountaineers as they climb the highest point on Earth in Everest. Go on a thrilling whitewater adventure on the wild Colorado River in Grand Canyon Adventure 3D. Or, rocket across the distant reaches of the known universe with NASA astronauts in Hubble 3D. Become immersed in spectacular action that’s bigger, bolder and better on the six-story screen. www.tnaqua.org/IMAX/IMAX.aspx

The Aquarium’s newest addition, Ocean Journey, takes guests into the open ocean where fierce sharks, stealthy stingrays and colorful reef fish glide through amazing coral formations. Visitors also experience a shark and ray touch pool and hundreds of free-flying butterflies. The weird and wonderful animals in Ocean Journey’s “Boneless Beauties” gallery include graceful jellyfish, a giant octopus and captivating cuttlefish. The original River Journey building takes guests on a freshwater adventure, with exhibits that showcase the Appalachian Cove Forest, a steamy Delta swamp and rivers of the world. Outside the Aquarium walls, downtown Chattanooga offers a revitalized riverfront with miles of parks and public art, all surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains. photo courtesy CVB

Awesome Autumn – Fall Leaf Cruises October 15th – November 7th Tennessee Aquarium River Gorge Explorer October is the perfect time to take a cruise into “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon” aboard this highspeed catamaran. This vessel skims the water at speeds up to 50 mph to transport passengers from downtown Chattanooga into the Tennessee River Gorge. Autumn color is spectacular, cascading from the mountain tops to the water’s edge along the length of the 26 mile Gorge. Each 2-hour adventure is led by an Aquarium naturalist who points out wildlife and historic points of interest along the way. Passengers aboard the River Gorge Explorer enjoy the view from oversized windows during highspeed portions of each excursion and a topside observation deck while cruising in the heart of the Gorge. 3-hour cocktail sunset cruises also available. Contact phone: 800-262-0695 www.tnaqua.org/RiverGorgeExplorer/RiverGorgeExplorer.aspx

photo courtesy CVB

Thrills, Gills and Chills October 15th – October 31st Tennessee Aquarium Are you brave enough to face a giant millipede, hairy tarantula, or wide-eyed owl? Tennessee Aquarium visitors will be treated to added programs, special dive shows and keeper talks October 15th – 31st during “Thrills, Gills and Chills.” Animal Encounter Specialists will be busy introducing visitors to fascinating creatures that have been misunderstood or may only come out at night, adding to their spooky reputations. Guests may also choose to take a thrilling trip behind the scenes with the new Backstage Pass to get even closer to toothy sharks or fierce barracudas and talk to divers about feeding the Aquarium’s green moray eels. Contact phone: 800-262-0695 http://www.tnaqua.org/Home.aspx Aqua-Scarium Halloween Party Friday, Oct. 29 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Time: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Eastern Tennessee Aquarium Come in costume and celebrate Halloween with the wild ones at the Aquarium, like stinging jellies, bizarre seahorses, squirming octopus and toothy sharks. Trick or treat for lots of goodies and interact with our loveable mascots in Halloween costume! Do the Monster Mash on the dance floor, watch our popular costumed divers and win treasure as you play games. Encounter scales and tails at the animal encounters and dare to touch the unknown. Pre-register by Oct. 26. After Oct. 26, tickets available on Oct. 29 at the door. Contact phone: 800-262-0695 www.tnaqua.org/Events/Events.aspx

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craft

Halloween

Spiders from

Easter Eggs contributed by ChicaAndJo.com Halloween is closing in and you might think it’s too late for crafts and decorations, but I just had to share one more. I was looking through my box of assorted holiday decorations, trying to find my plastic cauldron to put my trick-or-treat candy in. Sitting right there next to some fake cobwebs was my stash of plastic Easter eggs. Suddenly, I realized those eggs would make great spider bodies, and I could use them for Halloween! 1 To start off, I painted the eggs with black paint.

The best stuff to use here is a spray paint that’s formulated for plastic, but I didn’t have any around in black, so I ended up using some glossy black craft paint. I was surprised that it adhered to the plastic so well, but it did take two coats to get nice coverage. 2 Next, I took a piece of monofilament line and attached it so that I could hang the spider later. For the eggs that were attached by a hinge, I could just tie the line around the hinge, which gave me

a great hanging point. For the eggs that came apart completely, I just taped the line to the inside of the egg. 3 Next I cut eight 2-inch

pieces of black chenille stems (a.k.a. pipe cleaners), which would become the spider’s legs. Bend each piece in the middle to give it a nice shape. What’s that? You don’t have black chenille stems on hand? Well, neither did I. I only had white. But with a little experimenting, I learned that I can paint them to whatever color I want! I just took some of my black craft paint and dabbed it onto the white stem with a cloth. Then I rubbed it in really well until the entire thing was covered, taking care not to let the paint get gloppy. A few minutes later, and I

had black chenille stems. Awesome! 4 So, back to the spiders. Using a hot glue gun, put a tiny dab of glue on the end of each spider leg and hold it in place on the egg body for a few seconds until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s set. 5 Use some glossy white craft

paint to put some happy faces on your spiders if you want, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re good to go!

Check out ChicaAndJo.com for more great Halloween craft ideas!

Throw a Superstition Party for Halloween

Fall Placecard Holders

Duct Tape Halloween Bucket

recipes

Trick or Treat! contributed by TheCookingPhotographer.com

Jack O Lantern Hand Pies with Pumpkin Date Filling 1 package pie dough for a double crust 1 1/3 cups roasted or canned pumpkin puree 5 large whole fresh Medjool dates, pitted and chopped 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup regular cream cheese, softened and slightly warm (fat free will not work) 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg, beaten together for egg wash Raw sugar for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor puree the dates and granulated sugar together until mainly smooth. Add the dark brown sugar, salt, cream cheese, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, and vanilla extract and puree until smooth. Scrap down the sides as needed. Set aside. Gently roll out the pie dough just until smooth between two pieces of wax paper. Make 7 cuts with the pumpkin cutter outline very close together going around the pie dough in a circle, and then an 8th cut right in the middle. Take the stencil part of the cutter, and press faces into 4 pumpkins. Repeat with second dough. Place the pumpkins without faces on the cookie sheet. Brush the edges lightly with egg wash.

Jack O Lantern Hand Pies with Pumpkin Date Filling (contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d) Take 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of filling and spread it around the pumpkin leaving the edges clear. Too much filling will ooze out so be careful here. Press the faces gently on top of the puree and seal the edges with your fingers. Brush lightly with egg wash and sprinkle with a little raw sugar. Bake for 15 minutes on the middle rack. Serve warm or cold. Makes 8 hand pies

Monster Munch 4 cups Chex Cereal (I used corn Chex) 4 cups popped popcorn 1 cup honey-roasted cashews (Honey-roasted peanuts were much cheaper) 1 cup roasted salted pumpkin seeds (They were shelled in the picture, so I bought raw ones from the bulk isle). 1/4 cup butter or margarine 6 Tablespoons packed brown sugar 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 cup candy corn In a 4-quart microwavable bowl, mix cereal, popcorn, cashews and pumpkin seeds; set aside. In a medium microwavable bowl, microwave butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla uncovered on High about 2 minutes or until mixture is boiling; stirring after 1 minute; stir in pumpkin pie spice. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave 5 to 6 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after every minute. Spread on waxed paper to cool, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up. Stir in candy corn. Store in airtight container.

Monster Munch Purple Pizza Eater Makes two 12â&#x20AC;? pizzas 3/4 cup cooked and chopped beets, lightly packed in a liquid measuring cup (or see notes) Enough almost warm water to make 1 cup when mixed with cooked beets, plus 1 Tablespoon. 1 package bread machine or active dry yeast 1 teaspoon honey 3 cups all-purpose flour (Use good quality allpurpose or bread flour) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the bowl Scrub beets under warm water to clean. Stab a knife into it a few times for venting. Line a plate with paper towels, place the beet on the plate, and cover with a paper towel. Microwave the beet on high for several minutes until easily stabbed through with the knife. Cool completely. Chop the beet into chunks. Place 3/4 of a cup of the chunks (lightly packed) into a liquid measuring cup. Top with enough water to make 1 cup. Puree the beet/water mixture in a blender until smooth. (A couple small chunks are ok, but you might end up picking them out as you roll the dough. You can also strain beet mixture through a fine mesh strainer if you have one.) Pour the

mixture back into the liquid measuring cup and top with enough water to make 1 cup, then add 1 more Tablespoon. Add all the ingredients into a stand mixer bowl. Mix with the dough hook until well kneaded. Remove from the bowl and knead by hand for 2 minutes on an unfloured surface. (If you have a counter that stains find another place). Then pat into a ball. Grease a large bowl with olive oil and add the dough, flipping once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot until doubled. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, do the final stretches by hand by gently pulling the ends with your fingers. Place on a lightly oiled and coarse cornmeal covered pizza pan, and then add the toppings. Notes Adding more beet flesh to the dough will make a deeper purple crust. Sauce recipe can be found at www.thecookingphotographer.com/2009/05/zesty-old-schoolstyle-pizza-sauce.html

Bloody Apple Cranberry Cocktails For a kid friendly version, ditch the alcohol and add an extra bottle of chilled sparkling apple cider. 1 (12 FL OZ) container frozen 100% cranberry juice, thawed 1 (25.4 FL OZ) bottle Martinelliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sparkling Apple Cider, chilled 1 cup apple flavored vodka 1/2 cup cranberry schnapps 4 cups very cold water, or ice water mix (For more intense cranberry flavor in the non alcoholic punch, use less water.) Stir everything together in a pitcher and serve. Note: This cocktail recipe makes for a comforting warm drink on a cold day. Pour punch into a Crockpot, warm on the stove in a large pot, or microwave individual portions. Serve in mugs and garnish each with a cinnamon stick if desired.

Grilling information can be found at www. thecookingphotographer.com/2009/04/letstalk-dough-pizza-dough.html PurplePizza PizzaEater Eater Purple

In a stand mixer beat the eggs until mixed. With the mixer on low speed pour in the butter. *If adding the vanilla and almond extracts do so after adding the butter* Then stop the mixer and add the sugar cookie mix. Beat until just combined. Divide the dough into three equal parts. Put 1 section back into the mixer and add 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract if using. Beat until combined, then set dough aside.

Bloody Åpple Cranberry Cocktails Candy Corn Cookies Please scan the instructions before getting started 2/3 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly 2 egg 2 pouches (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix Wilton’s yellow paste food color (Found at Michael’s) Wilton’s orange paste food color (Found at Michael’s)

Add the last dough section to the mixer with 1/2 teaspoon orange extract if using and a very small amount of orange food color paste. Mix until combined.

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Pat the yellow dough into the wax paper lined pan. Press gently with the back of a dry measuring cup to even out the dough. Next, add the orange dough and repeat. Then spread the plain dough across the top.

Line an 8x4-inch loaf pan with waxed paper, extending paper over sides of pan.

Fold the wax paper over the cookie dough and refrigerate overnight, or freeze for 1 1/2

Pick one set of extracts for flavoring cookies. 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract 1/2 teaspoon orange extract Or

Next, add another section of dough to the mixer with 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract if using and a very small amount of yellow food color paste until desired color. Beat until combined and set aside.

hours, and thaw on the counter for 20 or so minutes until workable. Once chilled, dump the dough out into a cutting surface. Pry the dough apart from the pan with a spatula between the wax paper and pan if needed before turning out. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut dough into 1/4 inch thick slices. Then cut slices into triangles as shown. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have some edge pieces left over. These can be kneaded together gently and made into marbled drop cookies or rolled and cut with a cookie cutter later. Place cookies on sheets 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes until very lightly golden on the sides. *To make candy corn shape: working quickly after cookies come out of the oven, take two spatulas and gently move the 2 sides back into shape.* If the cookies harden before you can finish the sheet, stick them back in the oven for two minutes to soften. Cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes. Then move to a cooling rack to finish cooling. Makes many dozens of little cookies.

Candy Corn Cookies

Meet Amber, James & Megan! Missouri Child ID 9043 Looking to add an eclectic bunch to your family? These siblings have a variety of interests, but they all share a strong sibling bond and a desire for a loving and supporting forever family. Oldest sister Megan, age 16, is a shy, quiet and sensitive young woman who enjoys reading short stories, nonfiction and fantasy books. Spending time with her siblings, watching movies, going to the park and shopping are just a few things that Megan likes doing in her free time. As a tenth grader, Megan is becoming more confident and more successful in school. She benefits from counseling, which may need to continue after placement. Next in line is James, age 15, who goes by JD. Playing football, riding bikes, going to the park and climbing trees are some of the ways that JD spends his time outside. This clever young man may have a future as an engineer because he enjoys taking apart small electronics and putting them back together in order to see how they work. Although shy and quiet at first, JD opens up once he gets to know you and is not afraid to tell you what he is thinking and how he is feeling. JD is in the ninth grade, where he is a hard worker who prides himself on making good grades. A responsible person, JD often makes good decisions for himself. The youngest of the bunch is Amber, age 7. Unlike her shy older siblings, Amber is described as the chatterbox of the family with a very bubbly, outgoing and confident personality. If you give her some costumes, she can entertain herself for hours playing dress-up and make believe. Amber also enjoys riding her bike, playing with dolls, singing and watching movies. In the first grade, she is happy going to school and gets upset when she misses a day. Her teachers report that she is doing well in school and is completing her class work without difficulties. These siblings would like to maintain contact with their foster parents. Their caseworker will consider all family types. Financial assistance may be available for adoption -related services. This is a LEGAL RISK ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT. In a legal risk placement, it is expected that the family will eventually adopt the children, even though the birth parents' rights have not been fully terminated at the time of placement. For Missouri children, both homestudied and non-homestudied families from all states are encouraged to inquire. We only accept inquiries on the entire sibling group, who will be placed together.

For more information on this sibling group and others like them, please contact The Adoption Exchange at 800-451-5246 or visit www.adoptex.org.

ThanksGiving

Kidz Klozet’s New Children’s Clothing Sale Mobile, AL

Baton Rouge, LA

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Hattiesburg, MS Wednesday, Oct.26

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Thursday, Oct. 27

Wednesday, Nov. 17 Thursday, Nov. 18

Birmingham, AL Friday, Nov. 12 Saturday, Nov. 13

Over 70 of your favorite home show boutique brands under one roof! Including Beaux et Belles, Hannah Kate, Daisies & Doodlebugs, Blessed be the Name and more! All discounted 25% to 75% off the manufacturer’s suggested

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Giving Thanks: The Mommy Magic Perspective With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I find myself taking stock in what I am grateful for as a mother. Of course at the top of my list, like yours I am sure, is family. It is easy to forget between folding laundry and endless hours of running kiddos to practices and lessons that as moms, having a support system outside of our children is vital to maintain our sanity in the daily chaos of motherhood. Sometimes we forget to be thankful for those who make us feel like, well you know, like ourselves. When I am my most worn down or exhausted a phone call or an evening out with a special friend can give me the boost I need to have a fresh and new perspective. As I get older I realize that it is not the quantity of friends that I have, but the quality.

Mary Susan Buhner is the author of “Mommy Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity”, a Columnist, and TV Host of the “Mommy Magic” weekly segment on the FOX affiliate in her hometown of Indianapolis. She is a Life Coach for Moms and founder of the “New Moms Club.” Most importantly, she is a mom of three wonderful (and busy) daughters and is passionate about helping moms make motherhood fun, effective and easy! Learn more about Mommy Magic at www.Mommy-Magic.com or to get daily Mommy Magic Tips, become a fan of Mommy 81 Magic on Face Book!

I recently went to a fundraiser that honored a woman that battled Ovarian Cancer. Her four best friends stood up in front of hundreds of attendees to talk about their dear friend that they had lost to Ovarian Cancer. There they stood on a stage locked arm and arm facing the crowd. One took the microphone and said, “We are here to honor our friend, Susie. You see, the five of us “DID LIFE TOGETHER.” I was taken aback by her choice of words – “did life together” – that phrase moved me and I quickly began to tear up. These four women in their mid sixties now visibly had decided 40 years ago to lock arms and probably made an unspoken pack to “do life together.” They leaned on one another when someone lost a job, they fixed a meal for one another when someone lost a loved one, and they helped babysit each other’s children when needed over the years. They laughed in the good times and huddled together and cried during the bad times. No matter what the circumstance, it was apparent to everyone in that room, that they had each other’s back. Upon leaving that event, it made me reflect on who are those in my life that I “lock arms” with to “do life.” In the madness of motherhood today,

we more than ever as moms, need to lock arms with those we trust and love as we raise our children. I am thankful, of course, for my family. I am equally thankful for those few special friends who help me with the journey of motherhood. I have to admit, it is easy to get caught up and invest in casual friendships due to convenience. It seems that I see a lot of the same “mom friends” due to my children’s activities so a lot of the time it feels like I have connected to a lot of different people. At the end of the day, I am too tired or it is too busy with my kids to make the effort and make plans with those friends that truly understand, love and inspire me to be my best as a mom and friend. Seeing these women locked arm and arm at this fundraiser reminded me that now more than ever, during this busy time of my life as a mom, I must make the time with those special friends. So with that, this Thanksgiving season, I encourage you to connect with those friends who inspire you, make laugh and just flat out understand you. It may be a phone call to a friend in another city, it may be a lunch with a friend who lives close by – whatever it is, make that connection with them, thank them for their special friendship and decide to lock arms with them as you “do life together” as friends.

Stress Free Party Planning A superchick’s tips to stress free event planning!

Truth be told, I’m like THE most relaxed event planner on the planet so cranking out this list was a piece of cake! My “secrets” to making an event less stressful are super simple! Rock my top 10 and you’ll be GOLDEN! 1 - TikTok! Do yourself a favor and PLAN AHEAD! A “party in a pinch” is totally doable, but to avoid massive amounts of stress, give yourself TIME! Time to brainstorm like a rockstar, research tons and shop shop shop! If at all possible chicas, start weeks, no... months in advance!!! 2 - Embrace “to do”! If you’re looking for stress free, you HAVE to get your org on by creating a detailed “to do” list! One that include EVERYTHING that needs to get done! Space out your tasks and projects and you won’t have a stroke! Shopping for party favors the night before your event... yeah, not cool! 3 - Select a kick booty theme! Themes are AWESOME cuz they allow you to focus! Having tunnel vision rocks! It totally simplifies the planning process! Check it! I’m planning a “Little Red Riding Hood” party for my daughters 4th birthday right, so for weeks now I’ve been collecting fun fairytale/woodland items! Every time I see something red or gray, I’m like… whoop! whoop! How can I use this?! Go ahead, think outside the commercialized box and theme up! 4 - Elevate the awesomeness! You heard me, get insanely inspired!!! Stalk party planning blogs, online retailers, inspiration boards… Take your theme to the next level! If money was no object, what would you include? Let your mind go there and get crazy creative! Then, scale your outrageous ideas down! Key tip... think “a few fab ideas” as opposed to “doing it ALL”! You’ll be stoked AND serene! 5 - Emeral ain’t invited! Stifle your inner chef and resist the urge to try new dishes! If you’re looking for stress free, PLEASE stick to old favorites! Bake and freeze! Oh, and check this out this foreign concept… when a guest

asks if they can bring something SAY YES!!! It’s immensely helpful, lowers your cost and makes them feel awesome! 6 - Step away from the ledge! GF, if you’ve heard nothing else, hear THIS! You need to know when to STOP and say enough is enough! Are your guests mind readers?!!! They haven’t got a clue as to what “didn’t get done”! So your water bottles aren’t labeled, it’s O. KAY! Trust me, nobody’s walking away thinking, “Wow, that party sucked cuz Suzy Q didn’t…! 7 - Bag the clean house! Unless your house is a pigpen, your focus should be on “the event” not on “Mr. Clean”! Please, I BEG you, don’t start spring cleaning the day before your celebration! Seriously, now isn’t the time! Make sure the bathrooms sparkle and the toys are picked up! You know you’ll have to clean up after the fact right? So why in the world would you want to do it twice in two days?! If you’re a clean freak, hire a service or put your kids to work!

WILL!!! Expect, prepare and don’t let it freak you out! 9 - Get off the CRAZY train! Before your guests arrive, sit yourself down, have a cocktail and CHILLAX! I’m not even kidding! Do you really want to be a frazzled looking hostess-zilla! I didn’t think so! My secret? I focus on the guest of honor, the reason behind the event… parties are about people, not napkins! Works every time! 10 - Have a funtastic time! I always have a blast at my parties! Why? Cuz it’s a PARTAY!!! Once that first guest walks though the door, the party planning process is over! Take a breath and reap the rewards! You’re a SUPERCHICK! ENJOY! www.celebrate2da.com/2010/07/superchickstips-to-stress-free-event.html

8 - Expect Murphy! Count on seeing Murphy’s Law in action! More often then not, anything that CAN go wrong...

Give your child’s imagination a gift

We offer a large

selection of natural, wooden and organic toys, art materials, dolls, play kitchens, silk costumes, and cooperative games. www.hazelnutkids.com

info@hazelnutkids.com 1-888-869-1901

craft

contributed by ChicaAndJo.com

Thanksgiving Wreath from Clothespins The idea behind the wreath is for visitors to my home to add what they are thankful for to the wreath. Each visitor writes his name on the tip of the clothespin and what he is thankful for on the handle of the clothespin. When the season is over, I will have a fantastic collection of things my friends, my family and even the UPS man are thankful for! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to make your own.

First, I bought a wire wreath frame Then, I purchased a bag of clothespins. Turns out that you will need exactly 53 of them to fill this 12 inch frame. Next, I assembled my child labor to paint the clothespins. I gave them yellow, brown and orange acrylic paints and some sponge brushes and told them to paint them however they liked. Little Jo and her friend had a great time painting all the clothespins, some paper and their fingers. I love how their mottled paint jobs look

when all of the pins are on the wreath. Once the clothespins are completely dry, you will attach them to the ring. Simply clip them onto the inner-most ring. The length of the clothespin will cover up the rest of the wire rings, forming

the nice wreath shape.

I wanted to add a little something in the middle to help explain the point behind the wreath. I purchased a 4 inch wooden heart shape and suspended it in the middle of the wreath with the same ribbon I used to make a loop to hang it on the door. I used a woodburner to inscribe “I am thankful for…” on the heart. If you don’t have a woodburner, you could easily use rubber stamps, a marker, or paint to write your message. The final touch was to tie a permanent marker to some ribbon tied to the bottom of the frame. I used a fine-point retractable Sharpie marker so I wouldn’t have to worry about losing the cap. Everyone who has visited so far has loved my wreath. One visitor, a teacher, went out the next day and bought the supplies so she could make one to hang on her classroom door for the students. What a great idea! If you want, tell me what you are thankful for in the comments below and I will add my blog friends to my door wreath, too! www.chicaandjo.com

Kids Konnection Susan McHugh was in her friend Michelle’s kitchen when Michelle asked, “Susan has your son ever played on a playground before?” Those words rang in Susan’s ears and filled her heart with sadness. She thought, “How can this be? How can I allow my child to miss out on the joy that playing on a playground brings?” When Susan and Tim’s third son, Wesley, was one year old, he was diagnosed with a rare congenital muscle disease. Because of extremely low muscle tone, Wesley’s weakened respiratory muscles resulted in many simple colds turning into serious lung infections. At age three, Wesley had a tracheotomy and was put on a ventilator to help him breath. Due to overall muscle weakness, Wesley cannot walk, so he uses an electric wheelchair to go where he wants.

of land in central St. Tammany to accommodate the playground, parking and handicap accessible rest rooms. With the help of Kevin Davis and the Tammany Trace, the land was donated. The parents raised the $438,000 in one year. In the fall of 2007, with thousands of in-kind donations, over 500 volunteers gathered for three weekends to build south Louisiana’s first totally accessible playground valued at $1 million. Southern Child Magazine takes our hat off to each of them!

Susan knew that because of Wesley’s wheelchair, he would have limited access to many places. Susan wanted Wesley to have the opportunity to enjoy playing with his friends as much as possible, but she was having a difficult time finding places that accommodated a wheelchair. It wasn’t until Michelle asked her if Wesley had ever played on a playground, and she said “No,” that it all became so apparently clear. Michelle just recently had her third child, who was also born with special needs. Michelle told Susan of an article she had read about Boundless Playgrounds <http://www.boundlessplaygrounds.org/> , special playgrounds designed so that all children of all abilities can play together. In January 2004, they gathered with other mothers like themselves and formed an executive board. They vowed that they would find a way to build this playground and named their group “Kids Konnection,” for kids to connect through play. They began to spread the word about their ambitious endeavor. They needed at least one acre

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p is for party

little red riding hood Contributed by www.celebrate2da.com

photo above: My FAB party printables were custom designed by Autumn Leah Designs! autumnleahdesigns.com photo right: We made “Silly Wolf Puppets” cuz we ain’t afraid of that silly old wolf!

Sophie’s vintage inspired tank was custom made by Anna D’Angelo Attard from Amelie Jo ! www.ameliejo.com

What’s a water bottle without a fancy label right?! Ours are ALD! I’ll be doing a full feature on Autumn Leah Designs later this week! www.autumnleahdesigns.com

My new Kandy Kones were a HUGE hit with the littles! www.etsy.com/shop/genevievericherlebel

Spiffies速 now Clinically Proven to Reduce the Number of Cavities by 85%!

How great is that!

Natural Cavity Inhibitor Effective Plaque Removal Fluoride Free Safe to Swallow For more information visit us www.spiffies.com

Why Tweens get Embarrassed by their Parents Contributed by Bill Corbett

My stepdaughter Olivia is a tween and her mom and I are watching her out the window as she provides us with proof of the characteristics of this age group. The classic tween is an interesting species of the human race, still hanging on to child-like behaviors and yet, demonstrating some signs of maturity. At this moment, Olivia has two friends over to the house and they are standing by the side of the road, dancing. She is wearing a turquoise colored winter ski cap with a cartoon character on the front, pulled down over her ears, and her female best friend is wearing a brown furry hat, complete with horns, resembling a buffalo head. Standing alongside of the two girls is a mutual male friend from down the street. He is wearing a comically oversized pair of sunglasses and a bright blue wig from a Dr. Seuss Thing 1 costume. Standing on the sidewalk, they are each doing their own dance routine, attracting the attention of motorists passing by and receiving frequent horn honks of approval. With each blast of a horn, they shout out with glee over their reward for their comical behavior. While the three of them could easily pass physically for a young teenager, their behavior indicates otherwise. >>

The Power of the Peer This sometimes fragile and transitional time for the older child begins a critical phase in development of relationships with peers. In his book Get Out of My Life, but first could you drive me and Cheryl to the mall?, Anthony Wolf, Ph.D. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux Publishing, 2002) tells us that two relationships are most critical to the development of the child; the parent and the peer. But beginning around the age of 10, peers take on a greater role in the tween’s and teen’s development of their self-image. Their true happiness, he tells us, begins and ends with friends. Where Did My Sweet Child Go? What becomes hard for many parents and other caregivers of tweens is the disconnect they start to feel and observe. The tween begins to take the parent for granted, sees adults in general as flawed and annoying, becomes easily embarrassed by the parents, and if they do seem to look up to any adults, it is never their own parents. As a result, adults oftentimes feel hurt and angry, feeling the pain of “losing their baby” to the alien that seems to have suddenly inhabited their sweet child’s body. The parents become defensive and then accuse their child of being ungrateful for all that the parents have done for them up to this point. But as experts like Wolf tell us, this disconnect must occur and it must be successful for the evolving child-adult to blossom. The secret is that tweens and teens begin to see themselves as flawed and far from perfect. They then begin to look for the flaws in the adults around them and if they are able to see them in their parents and other adults, they will believe that they too can fit in to their new world. The result will be a successful transition to eventual adulthood. But it the child sees all of the adults as perfect and unblemished, they own self image will be flawed and they will not adapt in a healthy manner. What You Can Do To Help Your Tween Adapt and Grow As I revealed in my own example with Olivia above, we take the measures to provide her with a safe environment within our own home where she can invite her friends to come and “hang out.” Immediately following their episode of roadside antics on this one particular day, the three of them retreated to the backyard deck with an FM radio, sodas, and a fresh pizza. We were sure to close the glass patio doors

to provide them with the feeling of privacy, yet we made frequent walks past the glass doors to check on them. This is the important job of any good parent of tweens and teens, creating the environment that is conducive to social development with peers and yet far enough away from the parents to give them their own space. We set up clear boundaries and check in often. Creating Safety for Tweens Clear boundaries and limits to the media and electronics that tweens have access to is also critical to creating safety. It is my opinion that too many parents allow their children to have access to dangerous and useless things for three reasons; just because they exist, because everyone else is doing it, or just because they fall victim to their tweens wearing them down. For example, in our home, all tween visitors are asked to turn in their cell phones, PDAs, and laptops. It is important that Olivia’s mother and I know who they are communicating with while in our care. As a result, some of the parents of Olivia’s friends were outraged with our decision; while others adapted and have their children leave the devices at home. Olivia does not have a cell phone and won’t have one until she’s at least 15 or 16 years of age. And when it comes to the Internet, we know it is no longer the fun and limited novelty that many of us remember. Today if offers unbridled access to things tweens just don’t need to see. The increase in cyber bulling has created more danger than good with social media tools such as Facebook and MySpace. Olivia has access to the Internet for any academic purposes that come up in her school work, but entertainment access is limited and controlled. I can’t tell you the number of parents who have contacted me for help on this topic. So many of them gave their children unsupervised access to the Internet, a cell phone, or social media tools as tweens or younger, saying back then, “I know my daughter (or son) wouldn’t do anything that I wouldn’t want them to do.” This halo effect in some families creates blindness that is hard to undo when bad things happen. One mother contacted me for help because her daughter was 15 and setting up secret rendezvous with boys after the mother went to bed. The Tween of today feels more empowered than any generation before them. Without the right frame of mind for the caregiver adult, this empowerment can appear to be mouthy, ungrate-

ful and obnoxious. To be successful with this modern day tween, be open to new ideas and relax. Know that the behavior you see is their way of growing into the strong adolescent you want them to be. It all requires you to give them room, create respectful boundaries, and remain close by to keep them safe.

Bill Corbett is the author of the award winning book “Love, Limits, & Lessons: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Cooperative Kids” in English and in Spanish, and the founder and president of Cooperative Kids. He has three grown children, two grandchildren, and lives with his wife, Elizabeth, near Hartford, Connecticut. You can visit his Web site www.CooperativeKids.com for further information and parenting advice.

going green

Having a BALL in the Laundry Room! A Robby Wash Ball, that is. The Robby Wash blue laundry ball pack is designed to be used in both cold and hot water for 12 months on average with softness and colors maintained. Does not require any additional detergent to clean clothes or odor removal detergents to get your laundry smelling fresh. Works with both front load and top load washing machines. The pack includes the blue washing ball, a stain stick and three extra packets of macro-molecule pellets. Simple to use, just put it in the wash. The Robby wash ball is an ultra high efficiency laundry solution with no need to add any detergent. Makes doing the laundry very easy and saves you the hassle of lugging home large containers of laundry detergent and cleaning up if you spill when adding detergent to your washer. Refill ball when level of maco-molecule pellets is less than 75% full. For over-sized washing machines, using two wash balls is recommended.

How it works: The Robby Wash ball uses a unique and patented worldwide technology to clean your laundry even bet-

A pack contains 10 ounces of macro-molecules which can clean for twelve months. This is equivalent to 1200+ ounces (75+ lbs) of washing powder. Consider what you are no longer dumping down the drain. No need to buy washing powder, a savings of up to $100+ over 200 washes.

ter than the powder laundry detergents

Caring for you laundry has never been so easy, efficient or inexpensive — as soon as the machine starts, the ball gets to work: Hypoallergenic and great choice as a baby laundry detergent cleaner or for someone with sensitive skin, cleans and protects your clothes, guards fabrics against oxidation and discoloration caused by chlorine in the water, and maintains your clothes’ springiness and eliminates unpleasant smells thanks to its antibacterial action.

which activate the water molecules. This

Robby Wash saves you money but that’s not all that makes it exceptional - it’s the only laundry ball that add a light fragrance that you expect from your washing experience.

it was independently tested against. Its activated macromolecules are gradually released through the wash, dissolving dried-in stains by generating ions increase in the pH enables the activated molecules to penetrate deep into the fabrics and attach themselves to the stains. As the motion of the drum agitates the clothes, the stains come away easily from the fabric and dissolve in the water. Of all the systems on the market, Robby Wash’s effectiveness is tested, proven and guaranteed.

October is

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10% of October‛s Sniffle Buddies sales will be donated to:

www.pinklotuspetals.org “Pink Lotus Petals, a Los Angeles based nonprofit, provides free screening, diagnosis, surgical treatment and post-surgical treatment to women who are medically uninsured and are unable to pay for such care on their own behalf due to financial hardship, socio-economic circumstances and other emergencies.”

*Sniffle Buddies are not endorsed by Pink Lotus Petals or any of our monthly charity selections. We offer the connection in hopes of promoting awareness. Donating directly to the organizations would be terrific too! If you have a charitable cause and believe Sniffle Buddies product donations could enhance your efforts, please contact kelly@snifflebuddies.com.

Christening Gown

Traditions

The Christening Ensemble An infant’s Christening ensemble is perhaps the most important and cherished garment they will wear in their lifetime. The Christening wardrobe typically consists of a gown, bonnet, booties and oftentimes a blanket or outer robe. A symbol of purity, joy and rebirth, the gown is typically white or ivory, and very long. The extended length of the gown dates back to centuries ago when a child’s Christening gown became his or her“best” wear displaying prominence and prestige during infancy. When the child reached walking age, the gowns were shortened, as the length was no longer practical. Today, a long Christening gown is a symbol of tradition and a nod to generations past. Most gowns are made of linen or silk and are embellished with intricate details such as lace and

embroidery. The Heirloom Gown Some families are fortunate enough to posses heirloom gowns that have been passed down from one generation to the next. For those who do not, modern parents are embracing nostalgia and purchasing heirloom quality gowns so that they might start a new family tradition. Because Christening gowns are considered unisex, they can be worn by each new child in the family, regardless of gender. Most families choose to share their gowns among their extended brood so that brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles may all share in the tradition by donning the same Christening gown. Once a child has been baptized in the gown, the family typically records the occasion by marking the infant’s name, baptismal date and location in a

keepsake document such as the gown’s box or a family bible. Others choose to embroider the dress itself with a monogram. These cherished traditions create a lasting heirloom that is treasured for generations to come. Preserving the Gown Whether you are preserving your Christening gown as an heirloom to be worn by future generations, or as a cherished keepsake for display, proper care and storage is critical. Unfortunately, these fragile garments can become easily damaged by elements such light, heat, humidity and dust. To prevent such damage, first have your Christening gown professionally cleaned promptly after the child’s dedication. Immediately remove any dry cleaning bags or other plastics that can house chemical residue. Wrap the gown in acid-free tissue paper to prevent it from yellowing before carefully placing it in a metal box or specially designed preservation bag to keep bugs, dust and dirt out. Once the Christening gown is properly packed, it should be kept in a dry, dark area (closet shelves are ideal) at a temperature of 70 degrees and a humidity of approximately 50 percent. It is also an excellent idea to label the box, and photograph its contents so that you do not need to open it and expose it to the elements to determine its contents.

Displaying the Gown Many like to display their beautiful Christening gowns to enjoy every day. If you choose to do so, avoid dramatic changes in temperature and humidity, and ensure the gown is kept clean. Do not place it on an open shelf or loose inside a curio or china cabinet. Instead, have the gown framed in a keepsake shadow box, where it will be protected from dust, dirt and handling. Be sure to display your gown away from windows or direct sunlight that can easily cause discoloration. Carrying on the Tradition There are many special ways to carry the Christening wardrobe through to future generations and celebrations. Beyond passing the gown on from child to child, many choose to incorporate it into other important milestones, such as first communions and weddings. For example, the Christening bonnet can be turned into a wedding trousseau handkerchief; a baby bracelet can be incorporated into a bride’s bouquet and a baby girl’s Christening headband can one day become her wedding garter. Many families also choose to take a small part of the Christening gown’s interior and sew it into their daughter’s first communion dress and ultimately, her wedding gown. This makes a lovely tradition that celebrates the sentimentality of a child’s three most sacred sacraments.

moment by moment Daily Dose of Parenting Wisdom by Monica Hawkins There are some parenting issues that seem to be no brainers. Yes, you have to brush your teeth. No, you may not play in the road. Yes, you have to wear underwear. No, you may not have a swiss cake roll for dinner. Common sense kicks in and makes these decisions for us, unless of course we are exhausted and we feed our children sweets and send them to bed without underwear or brushing their teeth, but for the most part this is the exception and not the rule. Then there are those things that just do not have a concrete answer. For example, potty training. We can read tips, ask friends and try different techniques, but there is no right or wrong way to potty train our children. It’s just what works for that child. With our first son we tried the cereal method. You place circle cereal in the toilet and use it for target practice. The problem for a 2 year old ensues when the same cereal is in a bowl on the breakfast table. Confusion strikes and that novel idea no longer seems so great. If only potty training were the only gray area in parenting, but we find ourselves faced with many situations that cause us to seek wisdom from outside of ourselves. The problem with this search however is the fact that all of our children are different and what is wise direction for one child may not be wise for another. We find ourselves seeking wisdom this week where our Joshua is concerned. Joshua is my confident, self assured, can handle himself in any situation child. I have often said that if Joshua was lost in downtown New York he would know just what to do. He may be able to handle New York, but first grade has been a whole new world. He has an amazing teacher and a great group of children in his class. He is very smart and is a really good kid. However Joshua has begun to have anxiety attacks due to school. He has had tummy aches, his chest hurts until he can’t breathe and he bites his nails and cries at the mention of school. Further research has taught us that Joshua puts a lot of pressure on himself. He is terrified of doing anything to get in trouble and has cut some friendships short because...and I quote...”I don’t want to get in trouble by association.” We are working closely with his teacher, counselor and principal to encourage Joshua towards per-

sonal freedom and learning to enjoy school. Their wisdom and counsel has been encouraging and appreciated, but we would be amiss if we did not seek our ultimate wisdom from our Almighty Father. He created Joshua and knows him better than we do. He knows what is going on in that little mind and heart and ultimately He is the only one who can heal those fears. His brother, Caleb has been a great encouragement to Joshua this week as he has been looking up scripture and sharing it with his brother. His favorite verse is Luke 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God.” I have been so blessed to watch these precious brothers encourage and pray for one another. We are praying for and with Joshua and we are memorizing scripture with him as we seeks God’s wisdom concerning his anxiety. Yes, we are taking practical steps at school to help him, but we are seeking God’s wisdom. Just as in potty training, you pray and ask the Lord to guide you in what works best with your child but you don’t leave them in diapers hoping for a miracle. With each of our boys we prayed and potty trained a little differently but we took steps to encourage bladder discipline. The same is true in every parental area we face throughout the years. It may not make sense to everyone else. It may not make much book sense, but as Godly stewards of our children we must seek God’s wisdom and ask for direction in how we encourage, discipline, guide, direct and help our children through the different phases of their lives. These are not just coincidental phases, but these are the things that God brings into the lives of our children to mold and shape their character and make them into the children of God that He desires them to be. This is only accomplished through His wisdom and guidance. The next time a situation arises in the life of your child that causes you to scratch your head or throw up your hands, seek the wisdom of our all knowing Father. Ask Him for guidance and direction and watch Him work so that we can give Him the glory, honor and praise for the work He has done. That is where we are today. Seeking and waiting! Monica is available for speaking engagements throughout the South. You can contact her at MonicaHawkins.com

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