November 2011
Taking Time to Be Thankful Together this Season Baby Yoga Goes Mainstream Test Your Disney Movie Facts
From the Roots:
Creating a Family Tree
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Hospital.
WHY PHYSICIANS CHOOSE TMH
I’m Dr. Andrea Friall. My patients often ask me, “Where’s the safest place to have my baby?” My answer is simple...Tallahassee Memorial.
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— ANDREA FRIALL, MD OBSTETRICIAN AND GYNECOLOGIST
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D
JUST FOR FUN
own-home ecorations
with the Kids Spicy Clove Oranges
Super-simple Gingerbread House
1 bag fresh oranges Whole cloves
2 boxes Graham Crackers 1-2 jars prepared vanilla frosting Assorted Candy for decorating
Gently press cloves into oranges in random order or outlines shapes such as hearts or stars. Group oranges together in a bowl and set out around the house.
Lay out walls, using whole Graham crackers. Glue together and stand on edges, using generous amounts of vanilla frosting to secure. Break crackers apart as necessary to form roof and side wall. Decorate with assorted candy, securing the pieces with frosting.
Nutty Wreaths 1 Grapevine Wreath form 1-2 Bags of Mixed Nuts in Shell (Walnuts, Almonds, Filberts, Pecans, and Brazilians) 1 Bag of Walnuts Glue gun Carefully crack open the walnuts, preserving the outer shell. Remove the inside nut meat and set aside. Arrange the walnut shells around the edges, securing each shell with a drop of hot glue. Fill in the gaps with the smaller whole nuts.
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Tallahassee TLHmoms.com November 2011
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first word
Here’s a Nod to November!
N
277 N. Magnolia Drive Tallahassee, FL 32301 Call 850.599.2225 Fax 850.942.0185 PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER
Patrick Dorsey
otice anything new? The title to our local moms magazine is following the changes to our related online mom website- www. TLHMoms.com. We are excited to continue to serve families in the Tallahassee community and hope you’ll visit us online. Best of all, our site is MOBILE-friendly!
My husband insists that Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday of the year. Well no doubt, since the main event revolves around two of his favorite pastimes: eating and spending time with family! I happen to agree, and can’t wait until the end of the month when our two college kids arrive home for a few nights. We’ve already been given two demands: one, make sure a few favorite home-cooked meals are on the menu, and two, sign everyone up for the Turkey Trot run scheduled for Thanksgiving morning. Thankfully, I can easily abide by those requests!
850.599.2124 Tlh-publisher@ tallahassee.com
MARKETING AND NON-DAILY MANAGER
Marjorie Schoelles 850.599.2232 mschoelles@ tallahassee.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amanda Corbin Tricia Dulaney Kathleen Back Brady Elizabeth Exline Mikkie Hoard Kathalyn Gaither
Our cover story this month introduces you to the Fyes, a local family who celebrate that thankful feeling throughout the year by volunteering together at the homeless shelter and Hope Community Center. Families can also volunteer next month at the Christmas Connection – they are always looking for groups to deliver Christmas tidings by adopting a less fortunate family. Nothing cures the “I want, I want” whining from your kids than delivering food and other necessities to a house in dire need. If your child is begging for a new pet this holiday season, read the article “Selecting a Pet -101” before visiting the pet store or animal shelter. Author Mikkie Hoard offers some good advice before you make a serious commitment that will definitely change the household status quo! Unknowingly, we followed her advice many years ago when we ‘visited’ our friends who wanted to give us a dog they found on the side of the road. Since our youngest was only a 1 ½ years old, we wanted to make sure her disposition suited three young and active kids. The rest, as they say, is history! Dodger, as shown in the photo above, attached herself to our middle child and lived with us happily ever after for the majority of our kids’ childhood. Sadly, I can’t find any photos of our rabbit that our youngest won at a friend’s Easter Egg hunt. ‘Brown Eyes’ spent ten years outside in her rabbit condo after she outgrew her cute bunny stage. At least she was friends with the squirrels! Have a blessed and thankful November, Tallahassee Moms!
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by Serena Moyle TLHmoms Magazine, Editor TLHmoms.com Site Manager
CONTACT US EDITORIAL
Serena Moyle 850.509.4021 ADVERTISING
Lisa Lazarus.Brown 850.599.2333
TLHmoms Magazine is published 12 times a year by the Tallahassee Democrat at 277. N. Magnolia Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. TLHmoms Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork.
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Contents
6
10 24
November 03 Just For Fun Down Home Decorations 04 First Word Here’s a Nod to November! 06 Healthy Kids Cooking With the Alphabet is Simply Sweet! 08 Learn A Little Do You Know Your Disney Movie Facts?
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10 Cover Story The Act of Giving Thanks
24 Best Bets Never a Dull Moment in November
14 Learning Lower the Volume and other Sound Advice
30 Let’s Go Mommy & Baby Yoga-time!
16 Feature Create Your Family Tree, from the Ground Up
31 Grab Bag Moving Around the Boundless Playground
20 Now Fun Pet Toys & Choosing the Right family Pet
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healthy kids
SIMPLY SCRUMPTIOUS SWEETS from the Alphabet Kitchen
By Amanda Corbin
S
eize every opportunity through the hustle and bustle of holiday cooking to cook with your kids. Growing up I was not allowed in the kitchen very often because my grandmother believed “Too many cooks spoil the soup.” My kitchen is the exact opposite -the more the merrier! Cooking with my children has brought us closer together as we cook up memories that I will
cherish forever. There are lots of laughs and love in our home during the holidays, but also lots of learning! Though we aren’t really campers, during this time of year we love to make, and eat s’mores.
S is for…
S’mores!
And
Spaghetti Sweet Potato Spinach Strawberry
The sleepy snail slept through supper. 6
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S’mores
cooking spray. Pour batter into each cupcake liner, filling it halfway. Bake immediately for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and top each cupcake with one marshmallow. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, or until marshmallows are slightly browned. Remove from the oven and top each cupcake with crushed graham crackers. Let cool 10 minutes and serve! These cupcakes are best served warm; top only the cupcakes that will be served right away. If serving at a later date, microwave for ten seconds as needed to melt the marshmellow.
S’mores were created by the Girl Scouts of America in the 1920’s. Traditional s’mores include a chocolate bar and roasted marshmallow sandwiched between graham crackers. S’mores are easy to make and can be enjoyed indoors or out.
Make S’more Friends Cupcakes
Yields 24 cupcakes
1 box of Devil’s Food Cake Mix 3 eggs 1 1/3 cup Water ½ cup Vegetable Oil 1 cup Peanut Butter Chips 1 bag Jumbo Marshmallows 1 cup Crushed Graham Crackers
Simple activities to try in
your kitchen this month:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cake mix, eggs, water and vegetable oil in a clean bowl until combined. Gently stir in the peanut butter chips. Spray cupcake liners with non stick
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S is for SMILE and SHAPES! Grab your favorite pancake mix and make some pancakes with the funny faces. Cut up various fruits and create smiley faces for breakfast. Ask your child about the shapes they see. What shape is the pancake? Do you see triangles? (Strawberries) Are there circles? (Blueberries, Bananas) What about crescents? (Apple Slices) Be creative and use fruits your family likes to eat. (Shapes, Ingredient Identification, Logic)
the sweet ones? What about the sour? Can you think of other foods that are sweet or sour? How do you change a sour flavor to sweet? (Colors, Taste Perception, Critical Thinking, Ingredient Identification)
S is for SMELLS and SPICES!
S is for SWEET and SOUR!
Introduce your family to a new spice this month. Select a new spice and discuss its name, taste and smell it. Talk about the foods it would flavor. Play a game: blindfold them and let them smell a few random spices. Mix in the new spice to see if they can find it. Reward their efforts and cook a recipe with it, or try a dish at a restaurant that highlights your newly discovered spice. (Ingredient Identification, Sensory Development)
When buying fresh produce, choose foods that are “in season” for the best taste and price. Since citrus is in season, it’s a great time to buy lemon, lime, orange, tangerine and grapefruit. Cut each fruit into wedges and share a snack with your little ones. Discuss the name of each fruit and its color. Can you group
Amanda Corbin is a local mom and owner of The Posh Concept Event Planning & Couture Catering. She can be reached at (850) 345-6522 or theposhconcept@gmail.com. More recipes and resources for cooking with children can be found on their kids blog, thechewychalkboard. blogspot.com. s
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LEARN A LITTLE
Do You Know Your Disney?
In Disney’s “Robin Hood”, where does Otto hide
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”?
his money from the tax collector?
In the Disney movie “Pocahontas”, what kind of
In Disney’s “Cinderella”, who steals the key to
In Disney’s “The Lion King”, Mufasa is killed by
Marlin and Dory get swallowed by what kind of fish in the movie “Finding Nemo”?
What does the genie want in the film “Aladdin”?
a stampede of what kind of animal?
In the movie “Babe”, what kind of farm does Babe live on?
set Cinderella free?
What does Dorothy have to get from the witch in the film “The Wizard of Oz”?
bird is Pocahontas’ friend?
What does the father do for a living in the film
In the movie “Bedknobs and Broomsticks”, what kind of game does Mr. Brown referee?
Answers: 1. In his leg cast 2. Hummingbird 3. The mice 4. Wildebeest 5. Blue whale 6. Inventor 7. Broomstick 8. Sheep 9. Freedom 10. Soccer 8
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COVER STORY
Giving Thanks by Giving Back-
Family Style serving dinner to the homeless at the Shelter at the corner of Macomb and Tennessee Street, serving Breakfast in the Park to several hundred homeless people Saturday mornings, and working in the Soup Kitchen.
Serving the homeless families at the Hope Community Center is a lot of fun, according to Cheri. Individual families as well as groups can plan a meal, purchase the food, and then prepare it in the Center’s industrial kitchen before serving. Since the Center helps families get back on their feet, servers will wrap a plate for a parent who is working.
Erika, Ron, Cheri and Carlee Fye give back to their community in many ways.
By Tricia Dulaney
For a lot of us, giving thanks involves eating turkey and pie and that casserole of Grandma’s that no one actually 10
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likes, but takes a spoonful of anyway. Some local families get more creative in their efforts by volunteering together as a way of demonstrating gratitude.
For Cheri, Ron, Erika and Carlee Fye, giving back to their community is a big part of giving thanks. They give time and talent as a family to a number of causes, including
Cheri says the hardest part of volunteering as a family is finding the right contact information. “It’s hard to find who to talk to; often it’s a different person each time.” She frequently makes the initial contact through her church,
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Deerlake United Methodist Church. Once you’ve been working with a group for a while, she says, you know where they need help. Some needs are easier to find. The Tallahassee Animal Service Center always welcomes family volunteers – with a twist. “Kids have to be at least 16 years old to work here at the Shelter,” volunteer coordinators report. “Where we love families to get involved is in our Foster Program.” Injured or sick animals are often cared for by foster families until they are well enough to return to the shelter, but where children can really help is with infant
I Just Know
Learn more about our birthing options at CRMCFamilyCenter.com or call 850.325.3627 to schedule a tour today.
THIS TINY ACHIEVEMENT IS ALSO MY GREATEST. My water broke five weeks early and I was worried about the well-being of my baby. The Family Center staff was so reassuring. They took care of everything, down to the smallest detail. The spacious birthing suites were perfect and their family-friendly visitation policies meant that our large extended family could be part of the delivery. We received such wonderful care here – especially Henry. My husband and I couldn’t be happier with our experience at The Family Center. — Bentley Harris with baby Henry Patients of The Family Center
TD-0000188623
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animals still too young for adoption. Tallahassee students have even earned volunteer hours by fostering animals. One family chose to foster a litter of puppies for two weeks, with the bulk of the feeding, cleaning, and socializing falling to the 12-year-old son. He got his volunteer hours and a solid lesson in what it takes to care for a pet, as well as learning the consequences of careless pet ownership. The family came back to the shelter later to foster a litter of kittens. Unlike the Animal Shelter, Second Harvest of the Big Bend welcomes children under 16 who volunteer with their parents. Children often help pack meals for the BackPack Program. Students who normally get their meals through the free lunch program at schools receive a backpack of easily prepared food to eat over the weekend. “It is just priceless to let your kids see what the world is really like, that there are children right here in Tallahassee who would love just a new pair of socks for Christmas,” says Cheri Fye. And it’s a wonderful way to give thanks…but you’ll probably still have to eat Grandma’s casserole.s 12
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Families Can Give Thanks All Year! The holiday season often brings out the best in everyone, reminding us to share our joy with others. But volunteer organizations encourage you to spread the love of volunteering throughout the year. Hungry people are not just hungry in December. Though Breakfast in the Park might have 200 volunteers the Saturday before Christmas, sometimes only 2 volunteers show up during the first Saturday in January. Encourage a thankful attitude year round! Hug a pug – or a beagle, or a Siamese cat. Call the Tallahassee Animal Services Center at 891-2950 to inquire about the local animal Foster Care Program. Serve it up! Local organizations that prepare meals need help all the time. Contact Hope Community Center at 205-6021, the Shelter at 224-9055, or the Soup Kitchen at 383-3131 for specific guidelines.
Love & Learning: The Growing Room Way
Sort and pack. Many local churches need regular help sorting and packing donated food and goods, especially at this time of year. Call Second Harvest of the Big Bend 562-3033 for info on the BackPack for Kids Program. For a holiday project that provides Christmas to needy local families, contact The Christmas Connection at www. thechristmasconnection.org and donate, volunteer or adopt a family.
224-4769
Collect it. Some unselfish kids request donations towards a particular charity instead of receiving birthday gifts at their parties.
3rd location coming soon at I-10 & Thomasville
www.GrowingRoomChildCare.com TD-0000175449
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Learning
Sound Off
Ipods, Computers and Video Games, Oh My! By Kathleen Back Brady
L
ook around: electronic devices are taking over our children’s lives. Between the computers, video games, iPods, and iPads, there might be some sight and sound overload. As parents, should we be concerned about our children’s usage – or over-usage of these devices? Not too long ago, our own parents preached to us about limiting our television watching, encouraging us to get up and get active. Fast forward 14
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to today’s world where too much time plugged in to a steady stream of music or playing video games means less time for families to explore other worthwhile activities including exercise, sports or other learning experiences. For proper development of social skills, children need a steady dose of interaction of the old-fashioned, faceto-face kind, not just communication through social media, texting or
instant-messaging. With technology and gadgets surrounding us, it’s important for parents to help their children at an early age to develop good habits and limit their reliance on electronics.
What about the safety of electronics on children’s eyes and ears? Children seem to be on their computers constantly, sometimes
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as possible. Hearing loss occurs when we are exposed to sounds that are too loud or to loud sounds over a long period of time. Amanda K. Lawrence, M.S., CCC-A, an audiologist, suggests a good rule of thumb for any in-the-ear device: “If someone is standing next to you and can hear the music, it’s too loud.” If you are standing next to your child and clearly hear the music on his or her iPod or MP3 player, the volume needs to be turned down- way down!
doing homework and worthwhile research, and sometimes just mindlessly surfing the internet or playing games. Robert A. Orsillo, O.D., highly recommends taking breaks while using computers or playing videogames. He suggests looking away, or even walking away, from the computers every 20 minutes or so to give your eyes a rest. Computers should be used in a well-lit room that has natural daylight streaming in. A desk lamp should be used for evening computer use. Remind your children to blink frequently during computer use, since it keeps the eyes moist. If you notice your child squinting at the screen, make an appointment with your eye care professional.
While all the latest electronic gadgets can be educational and provide enjoyment for our children, be their “eyes and ears” to monitor their use and/or over-use. As parents, we can also set a good example by limiting our own use of electronics in the hopes that our children will practice what we preach. s
Noise-induced hearing loss is a real concern for our children who often blast their tunes as loudly
Guide to Safe Electronic Use
A few helpful tips for parents to guide their children while using electronics: • For Apple products, instructions on limiting the volume on various devices can be found at support.apple.com. • Parents can purchase volume-limiting headphones for their children to use. Several different types are commercially available at ultimateears.com, Myphoneskids.com and Amazon.com • The American Academy of Audiology developed educational materials for parents and children on noise-induced hearing loss, including the effects of loud music and media. www.turnittotheleft.com • Parental control software that limits time spent on the internet as well as computer games can be found at Timesupkidz.com, Parents set the time of day or duration limits appropriate for each child. The software acts as the family “time cop” with a friendly reminder “5 minutes left” notice. The program forces your child off the computer when time runs out.
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FEATURE
Roots:
How to Build a Family Tree By Elizabeth Exline
W
atching “A Christmas Story” is a holiday tradition that’s always been tinged with discomfort for our family. Why? Because the bumpkin neighbors “the Bumpuses,” whose hounds terrorize Ralphie’s family, share the same name as some not-so-distant relatives of ours. Ah, to find out your lineage is closer to canineharboring hicks than, say, the Queen, is a hard lesson when you’re 12. But not all familial discoveries fall short of ideal. There is the Roof family in Kansas, for example, who were separated in childhood and reunited two months ago on a tip from Ancestry.com.“It is a perfect example of the discoveries we hear about on a regular basis,” says John Paolo Canton, Ancestry.com’s public-relations manager. While putting together your family tree may not reveal long-lost siblings, it’s still a great way to teach your children—and yourself—
about where you come from.
Plant the Seeds To get started, print a familytree chart off the internet and complete it with your child. “The first rule in beginning your genealogical research is actually to begin at home,” advises Deanna Ramsey, who serves as the public relations chair for the Tallahassee Genealogical Society.“Gather what you have, talk with relatives and record the information first.”The more interviews you do, the more clues you’ll uncover. And as you talk with family, let your child handle some of the questioning.“One little question can lead to a huge story,” Ramsey says.“You never know.”
Reap the Records Family history in hand, your next stop should be a local repository, Ramsey says, to find the documents that aren’t online but that can paint a big picture. Visit a county courthouse that houses city and state records to find relevant marriage licenses, birth and death certificates and property deeds. Such information helps connect the dots regarding lineage, but for family stories, old newspapers (found in local newspaper offices, libraries, archives and historical societies) 16
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are a goldmine. Newspapers used to print social columns that recorded the movements of a town’s inhabitants.“I’ll tell my father about birthday parties he went to, and he’ll say, ‘Are you sure?’” Ramsey recounts,“And I’ll say, ‘Well the newspaper said you did!’”
Cyber Scout Melissa & Jenny Moore Mother and Daughter, Novice Baking Extraordinaire
At this point, it’s time to look abroad…from the comfort of your computer, that is. Ancestry.com, the largest online
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family history resource, helps you compile a comprehensive tree with a paid subscription. (A complimentary version is available at libraries, although it’s not as comprehensive.) “As you build the tree and enter family information,” Canton explains,“a little green leaf pops up next to a relative’s name.” By clicking on the leaf, you could find anything from a census record to a ship’s passenger list. Census records are of particular interest, since they reveal locations, jobs and other details about a person. Even better, some of these records are available without a subscription. Though online services are convenient, beware of posts made by other members, since these are not necessarily vetted by staff. Documents should be verified before accepted as fact.
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Looking Abroad The beauty of a family tree, of course, is that there are many branches. But what do you do when one branch, like my father’s side, hails from a different country? Could I find out more about my Greek relations when I barely speak the language? Ramsey assures me the answer is definitely yes, thanks to foreign researchers who can find in days or months what might take an inexperienced person years to uncover. (Check the “Hire an Expert” link on Ancestry.com.) Digging into foreign records may sound daunting, but there’s an advantage to knowing at least which country your ancestors came from. It is, Ramsey says, the driving force behind so much genealogical research in the first place. “That’s where everybody seems to want to go with their family history, asking,“Where did we come from? s
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Want to dabble in genealogical databases? Besides www.ancestry.com, the following websites provide good resources:
www.familysearch.org
Gastronomy Meets Genealogy A tasty way to celebrate your heritage can be discovered at the dinner table. Here, Chef Kevin Keating, CEC, CCE, and dean of culinary arts at Keiser University’s Center for Culinary Arts, dishes out menus from some of the most predominant ethnicities in the Tallahassee area.
African/Soul Food North African Spiced Fish: Salmon is an ideal partner with this Tunisian recipe’s hot array of spices, which include coriander seed, cardamom and cinnamon. Find the complete recipe in New Soul Cooking, by Tanya Holland.
Cuban Picadillo: The Cuban version of a sloppy Joe, with ground beef, chorizo, peppers and garlic. This stew is simmered with spices like cumin and oregano, and then bound together in a sweet-and-sour tomato sauce. Find the complete recipe in It’s All American Food, by David Rosengarten.
www.fold3.com www.rootsweb.com
Russian Jewish
www.myheritage.com To dig deeper, contact the Tallahassee Genealogical
Beef Stew with Winter Squash and Raisins: This soup, which is also known as tzimmes, features a traditional sweetand-sour flavor found in Jewish cooking. Find the complete recipe in International Jewish Cookbook, by Faye Levy.
Scotch- Irish
Society which meets monthly at the Leon County Public Library. Visit www.talgen.org for details about the organization and its resources.
Lamb Shanks with Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Enjoying a comeback, this time-tested recipe involves braising lamb shanks with root vegetables and red wine. Find the complete recipe in Elegant Irish Cooking, by Noel C. Cullen.
Kay Dorian, ARNP-C Anne-Marie Singleton, ARNP Dr. Jana Bures-Forsthoefel
Jane Owen, CNM
and
Dr. Shawn Ramsey want to welcome
Carol McNutt, CNM
Dr. Dorothy White as a new physician joining the community and the staff at
Gynecology & Obstetrics Associates, PA Professional Office Building 1405 Centerville Rd. Suite 4200 Tallahassee, FL 32308 TD-0000187352
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Sheridan Skarl, CNM P (850) 877-3549 F (850) 671-1271
www.obgyntallahassee.com 10/24/11 9:55 PM
Now
Functional Gear for Furry Friends Fantastic accessories are easy to find for whatever pet you have. Finding something that gets the kids playing with their new friend is a win-win! Protect your pal
Beaming good time!
by providing the
You can rest assured dog, cat, and all family members will love the laser light show created for your pet! Even the old and tired pets come out for this one! (PetSmart $4.99)
essential gear for them to adjust to your lifestyle. If boating is your hobby, be sure to include a life jacket. (Paws Pet Boutique $16.99)
Everything for Dummies! Picking up one of these pet appropriate books is one of the best ways to get informed about your pet. You can better prepare your children and home by creating a smooth transition when you know what to expect! (PetSmart $19.99)
Have a ball with this Tug-n-Toss by Jolly Pets. This durable handled ball will hold up to playful pups, grown dogs, and the kids! Available in all sizes (Paws Pet Boutique $29.99)
20 November 2011 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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Selecting a Pet
101 Man’s Best Friend – but is it yours? A canine companion may be just the perfect fit By: Mikkie Hoard
T
for families or individuals
he Holidays are upon us,
that welcome commitment and
and finding a new pet may
dedication- But great dogs
top a loved one’s wish list.
don’t usually start out as great
Choosing a pet is a serious matter and
puppies! Luckily, there are
conducting a little research ahead of
informative books out there
time can help determine the type of
to help you select and train the
pet that best suits your family based
one that best suits your lifestyle.
on type, size, and the required amount
Choose lap and smaller breeds for
of care. Assessing whether your child
families that may just want a dog
is ready to assume some or any of the
that is cuddly and easy to take along.
responsibility in caring for your new
For the more active family, sporting
addition is most important
breeds can be the ticket. Running,
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needs to match your personality. If you have children in the house, it is recommended that they help select the newest member of the household (Cats tend to see themselves as homeowners). It will be clear right away if the cat becomes uneasy around young children. Birds of a feather are great together! If you seek a beautiful interactive creature, owning a bird may be for you. Birds are typically sweet and gentle creatures, easily trained and relatively easy to maintain. Smaller boating, and walking can all be great when your little ones have Fido to exercise. Keep in mind, if canine is what you’re thinking; adopting a young dog beyond the puppy stage can add just as much joy. Nearly every breed has a rescue organization behind them, as well as our local Animal Shelter. Feline Find! Now here is a creature that has a personality to be reckoned with! Cats are easily trainable and incredibly independent. However, your potential cat 22 November 2011 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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children that want a pet to
schedule. All have lots
touch may not be a suitable
of entertaining supplies
match for the gentle hands
and toys available that can
required for bird care.
prolong children’s interests.
Fins and Flippers!
Take time to really talk with
Easy enough to care
your family and children to
for, family friendly, and inexpensive. Fish can blend in with nearly any family; whether they live in a tank or a bowl, watching fish can be entertaining and a perfect introduction to pet care for younger children. Turtles can be equally as exciting, but
make sure all members are on board and aware of the responsibility of owning a pet. It takes the entire household to successfully raise and bond with your pet. Research and timing can save broken hearts! s
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1815 N. Meridian Road Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: (850) 422-2464 www.bettonhills.com
Accredited by AISF, NIPSA, State of Florida Gold Seal Approved, DCF Provider License #C02LE0369 Building extraordinary people, one child at a time
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require more proactive tank maintenance. Bunnies and Rodents’ rock!
FIREFLY
Bunnies are a sweet and fun addition since cage maintenance is moderate
A PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY, GLASS FUSING AND MOSAICS ART STUDIO
NO SCHOOL, NO PROBLEM! DAY CAMP AVAILABLE. Christmas ornaments, lighted trees and gifts are available now!
while the rewards are high. But little cotton tails
• Reserve your spot for the Day Camp (all in-service teacher days, etc.) or Winter Break Camp now. 5yrs and up. Please make your reservation 5 days in advance. You may choose from 9-1pm or 2-6pm, $40/day. • Get a head start on your from the heart Christmas gifts now! • No time? Let us create a masterpiece for you or as a special one-of-a-kind gift.
require attention and affection. Hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs are also simple enough to care for and conducive to a hectic family TD-0000188698
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~ In Market Square ~ 1415 Timberlane Rd, #311 Tallahassee, Florida 850-727-4986 visit us at: www.fireflypotterystudio.com
10/24/11 10:42 PM
Best Bets
Never a Dull Moment in
November November 4 - 5
fascinating Byzantine origins of the Church
Greek Food Festival
by Fr. Robert and enjoy a brief introduction
10 a.m.-10 p.m. FREE Admission.
to Orthodoxy. Tours last approx. 30 min.
Mouth-watering Greek food and the
Traditional Greek Folk dance performances
unmistakable sounds of traditional
with authentic costumes. Holy Mother
and modern Greek music by Nick
of God Greek Orthodox Church, 1645
Trivelas, George Antonopoulos
Phillips Road, Tallahassee. 878-0747 or
and Joanna. Learn about the
hmog.org/festival.
November 3 - 13
70th Annual North Florida Fair Admission Fee. Nov. 3, 5, 7-10, doors open at 5:00pm; Nov. 5-6 and 11th-13th doors open at noon. Rides, games, food, attractions, shows, animals, home and fine arts entries, flower show. North Florida Fairgrounds - corner of South Monroe St. and Paul Russell Road, 878-3247, northfloridafair.com. 24 November 2011 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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• Now Enrolling Additional Students • Remodeling Just Completed
Ask about our Organic Menu
FREE REGISTRATION WITH THIS AD!
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rogram for Cognitive ole Child P al Enrichmen h W A t, Emotional Well-Being, Physic
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Experienced and Caring Teachers Home-like Warmth with Small Classses Custom Made Kid Safe Playground Secure Entrance We Accept Children with Special Needs Nutritious Breakfast, Hot Lunch, Afternoon Snack - We Cater to Your Child’s Dietary Needs • Daily Communication with Parents & Reports • Convenient Location to Downtown & Apalachee Parkway.
MAGNOLIA PRESCHOOL INC.
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“Nurturing Hearts and Minds of Little Ones” 7am-6pm Monday thru Friday
850 -325-116 8
www.magnoliachildren.com 1101 S. Magnolia Drive • Tallahassee
November 5
Cultural Glimpses of India 2011
4:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Admission. This is the premier event for the India Association of Tallahassee featuring group music, dance, and skits from India. Snacks will be available for purchase during intermission. The event is open to public. Lawton Chiles High School Auditorium, 7200 Lawton Chiles Lane, Thayumana Somasundaram 339-2699, iatlh.org. TD-0000188656
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November 5
Polo ‘n Picnic
Bring the Family to enjoy a professional polo match 11:00 -2:00 pm. (Gates open at 10:00am) General Admission is $20 per car (bring your own picnic and chairs and buy tickets at gate) or Playerside Luncheon catered by Real Paella Adults: $35, under 21: $25 (reservations required). Pony and Wagon Rides for Kids, Stomp the Divots, Casual Dress and dogs on leash are Welcome! All proceeds benefit John Paul II Catholic High School. Ten Oaks Farm, 1001 Willie Road, Monticello, 32344. For reservations call 850-201-5744 or visit www.jpiichs.org. November 5
Colonial Crafts-Painted Majolica Tiles
on digital photography. Registration required. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, 1255 Lighthouse Rd., St. Marks, 925–6121, stmarksrefuge.org. November 5 & 26
Blacksmithing for Beginners
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Introduction to blacksmithing at the Mission San Luis forge. Start the day learning to build and maintain a fire in a traditional Spanishstyle forge. Using basic techniques of fire and hammer, create your own masterpiece and leave tired and inspired. Participants must bring a lunch and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Ages 13 and up. Members: $60, non-members: $80. Mission San Luis, 2100 West Tennessee St., 245-6406, missionsanluis.org.
12-2 p.m. Free with admission. Children are invited to participate in making crafts they can bring home. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day on our beautiful grounds. Adults: $5; Seniors 65+: $3; Children 6–17: $2; Children under 6: FREE; Members & Active Military: FREE. Mission San Luis, 2100 West Tennessee St., 2456406, missionsanluis. org. November
Wildlife Photography Class 9 a.m.-12 p.m. FREE class taught in Nature’s Classroom by Barney Parker, former Wildlife Photography instructor at FSU. Kids are welcome with adults. Class size limited to 20. Bring your own equipment. Emphasis
November 6
First Sundays at the Refuge Series
2 p.m. FREE Lecture “Springs and Sinks on the refuge” in Nature’s Classroom with Harley Means, Florida state geologist. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, 1255 Lighthouse Rd., St. Marks, 925–6121, stmarksrefuge.org.
November 9-12
Mufaro’s Beautiful DaughtersFAMU Essential Theatre Wednesday through Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. A Cinderella-like fable follows the lives of South African native, Mufaro (Happy Man) and his two beautiful daughters, Manyara (Ashamed) and Nyasha (Mercy). When a king invites the women of his kingdom to come to his palace so that he can choose the most worthy to be his wife, both beautiful sisters appear before him. How will he choose between them? Offering participatory elements and important life lessons, this enchanting play will entertain children of all ages. Based on the book by Stephen Steptoe, adapted by Karen Abbott. $10 Adult, $5 Student/Child. Box office opens one hour prior to each curtain. Charles Winter Wood Theatre, Tucker Hall, FAMU Campus. For more information call 5612425 or call Kimberly Harding 561-2840, famu.edu/essentialtheatre
26 November 2011 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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Southeastern Therapy Services
November 10
Silent Auction for Neighborhood Health Services and Epilepsy Association 6-10 p.m. Neighborhood Health Services and the Epilepsy Association of the Big Bend present “Health in the City” – a silent auction event featuring live music. Auction items include beach getaways, restaurant gift certificates and tickets to Disney World, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld. Tickets are $25 each with proceeds benefitting Neighborhood Health Services and the Epilepsy Association of the Big Bend. Monroe Street Conference Center, 2714 Graves Road. To buy tickets contact Myriah Harper at 222-1777 or eabbpe@ embarqmail.com November 10
Speech Language Pathology Cynthia Marks, M.S. CCC-SLP & Associates
At Southeastern Therapy Services, we provide intensive, clinically sound, individualized treatment to insure a client’s true potential is realized. If folks leave our beautiful, state-of-the art clinic and friendly, caring staff feeling a little of the warm fuzzies... why that’s alright by us, too! • Many insurances accepted • Private Pay Fee Schedule • Physician & Self Referrals • • • • • • • • •
Autism • Social/Pragmatic Disorders Speech/Language Delay • Social/Pragmatic Language Group Therapy Articulation • Fluency/Stuttering • Phonological Processing Apraxia • Cognition/Memory • Auditory Processing Voice Disorders • Reading Difficulties • Phonological Awareness Alzheimer’s/Dementia • Stroke • Traumatic Brain Injury Aphasia • Pediatric & Adult Neurological Disorders Dysarthria • Pediatric & Adult Swallowing Disorders Vital Stim (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) Certified Providers
11 a.m. Ranger-led walk and short activity for 45 minutes, begins at Nature’s Classroom. Emphasis on introducing children to nature safely. Reservations required. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, 1255 Lighthouse Rd., St. Marks, 925–6121, stmarksrefuge.org
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Tots on Trails
2888 Mahan Drive, Suites 7 & 8 (850) 727-7928 mail@webslp.com www.webslp.com
November 11 – January 28
23rd Art in Gadsden 6-9 p.m. on November 11. The Gadsden Arts Center’s annual juried signature exhibition of fine art, representing over 100 artists living within 200 miles of Quincy. Considered the exhibition that began Gadsden Arts and its most important annual tradition. Gadsden Arts Center, 14 North Madison, Quincy, 875-4866, gadsdenarts.org
Your Guide to Big Bend Child Care
Quality Counts for Children
Sponsorship by Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. and the State of Florida, Agency for Workforce Innovation.
90% of brain development happens before the age of five. High quality early learning experiences make a difference in a young child’s life.
November 12
Fall Wildlife Tour 9 a.m. & 1 p.m. Tour with naturalist guide, Don Morrow to view the change of the seasons with birds, mammals, reptiles and plants. Bring binoculars, bug repellent, water and field guides if you have them. Please call to register for the 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. tour. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, 1255 Lighthouse Rd., St. Marks, 925–6121, stmarksrefuge.org
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November 12
A Day on the Big Bend Farm 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ever wonder what farm life was like in the Big Bend area back in the 1880s? In this experience participants will dress in period clothing and spend the day living life as an 1880s farmer of the Big Bend region. Women and children will do household chores, gardening in the kitchen garden, and cooking while the men work the farm garden, clean tack, do some woodworking, and household repairs. There will also be time for lunch, a few games and some porchsitting and story-telling! $15 per person. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive, Natasha Hartsfield 575-8684 ex 136, tallahasseemuseum.org
November 19 - 28
Beaches, Creatures and Cowboys
This exhibit is drawn from the Museum’s collection of movie memorabilia from films made in Florida dating back to the early 20th century. More than 60 movie posters and other advertising materials will highlight Florida films. The exhibit extends through January 15, 2012. Free admission and parking. Museum of Florida History, 500 South Bronough St., 245-6400, museumoffloridahistory.com
this will be offered every third Saturday of the month from November to February. Museum admission, registration required. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive, 575-8684, tallahasseemuseum.org November 19
Night Prowl
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour at the Tallahassee Museum and learn about the night life in the Wildlife Florida exhibit. Your guide will provide an enjoyable experience as you spot the many nocturnal animals which call the Museum home. You will also have an opportunity to get close to one special night creature. Fee: $5/member; $7/nonmember Ages: Families and adults. Registration Deadline: November 18 at noon. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive, 575-8684, tallahasseemuseum.org. Contact Julie Dickey at 850-575-8684 ext. 126 or via jdickey@tallahasseemuseum.org to register.
November 19
From the Sheep’s back to my feet: The Journey of a sock!
November 17 - 20
The Tortoise and the Hare Adult Ticket: $20, Senior Ticket (Age 62+): $18, Student Ticket: $10. Based on the well-known and endearing Aesop fable, the slow moving tortoise and the scatterbrained, arrogant hare not only teach us that slow and steady wins the race, but valuable lessons about honesty, loyalty and persistence. Appropriate for all ages, but perfect for children K-5 and their families. Donate to your local school when you purchase tickets. The School of Theatre at Florida State-The Fallon Theatre, 530 W. Call St. For more information please call the Fine Arts Office at 850-644-6500 or visit our website at tickets.fsu.edu
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Workshop. Ever wonder where socks came from before you could buy them in a store? The main focus of this workshop will be learning to prepare wool for spinning and then spinning it into yarn using hand spindles (after all, you need yarn to make socks!). Cost: $8 members/ $10 nonmembers Age: Adults; students under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Limit 15 people. Registration Deadline: Friday, November 18th by 12 p.m. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive, 575-8684, tallahasseemuseum.org November 19
Candle Dipping
10 a.m.-1p.m. For many years candles were the best and least expensive source of illumination. At the museum’s historic Bellevue Plantation, guests can practice making hand-dipped candles in the traditional method over an open fire and will make samples to take home. Note:
November 19
Open House for the Holidays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sponsored by the St. Marks NWR Photo Club. Nature’s Classroom. A family–friendly event with holiday photographs (props will be provided or bring your own), yummy holiday treats, hot cider, family-friendly crafts and outdoor wagon rides. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, 1255 Lighthouse Rd., St. Marks, 925–6121, stmarksrefuge.org
28 November 2011 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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November 18-19
Manic Mom Special
Big Bend Habitat for Humanity Festival of Trees
Slow down and give your tired toes a break!
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Beautifully decorated holiday trees of all sizes. Individuals, schools, churches, civic organizations, and businesses design and decorate trees that are donated to the Festival for display. The trees are sold to the highest bidder throughout the event. Kleman Plaza, Marti Chumbler 284-5355, bigbendhabitat.org
Bring in this coupon during December And enjoy a Mocha Peppermint Pedicure For $35.00 ($45.00 value)
PLUS 20% off all OPI polishes with service!
November 24-December 31
It’s a Jolly Holiday be Merry!
10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2.00.
LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts 47th Annual Holiday Show and Sale. 100 Artists will be selling their artwork and original ornaments to hang on your tree. Artwork in all price ranges and all mediums available. Opening Thanksgiving Night for Members 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and First Friday, December 2 the gallery is open till 9pm. LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts, 125 North Gadsden Street, Ann Kozeliski 222-8800, lemoyne.org November 26
Giving Thanks: Exploring 17th-Century Food Traditions
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mission San Luis invites the public to Giving Thanks, a celebration of 17th century Spanish and Apalachee Indian traditional foods. Visitors can observe costumed interpreters smoking meat and fish on the barbacoa, and demonstrating the use of native and European plants from their gardens and fields. The Mission’s unique culinary history comes to life with preparations for the feast. There will be hands-on food tasks for children. Site admission applies: Adults: $5; Seniors 65+: $3; Children 6-17: $2; Children under 6: FREE; Members & Active Military: FREE. Mission San Luis, 2100 West Tennessee St., 245-6406, missionsanluis.org
The Nail Bar (850) 894-4227
6668 Thomasville Rd, Suite 10 Tallahassee, Florida 32312
TheNailBar.com
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Practicing Tomorrow’s Medicine…Today! For more than 20 years, we have provided obstetric and gynecologic medical care to the women of North Florida.
ROBERT ASHMORE, MD
A.J. BRICKLER, III, MD
ARTHUR CLEMENTS, MD, PH.D
DAVID DIXON, DO
ALEX FRANZ, MD
ANDREA FRIALL, MD
KENNETH MCALPINE, MD
VIKKI MCKINNIE, MD
DAVID O’BRYAN, MD
SHANNON PRICE, MD
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
LORI ROSENBERG, MD
Welcomes your submissions for Best Bets events. Send an e-mail to llazarus@tallahassee.com to be listed.
CHRISTOPHER SUNDSTROM, MD
- Normal & High Risk Obstetrics - Family Planning - Contraception - Infertility Consultation - 3D/4D Obstetric Ultrasound
TERRIE TULLOS, ARNP-C
- Pelvic Pain - HPV Vaccinations - Menstrual Dysfunction - Endometriosis Management - Well Woman Exams
1401 Centerville Road, Suite 202 | Tallahassee, Florida 32308 TD-0000188818
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The Care You Deserve and The Trust You Expect - Menopause & HRT Therapy - Laparoscopic Surgery - Gynecological Surgery - da Vinci® Robotic Surgery
850.877.7241
Visit us online at www.NFLWC.com
10/24/11 9:57 PM
LET’S GO
Just Breathe,
Yoga Babies! By: Stephanie Brandt Cornais
K
ids yoga is gaining in popularity, even going mainstream as more quality schools and preschools understand that relaxation is a skill to be learned. So how, and when, do parents begin to teach children how to relax?
YOGA IS NATURAL FOR BABIES At first glance, signing up your baby or toddler for yoga classes appears to be the latest fad invented by modern, green/helicopter/tiger
-moms. Actually, the practice of yoga is over 2000 years old. If you’ve ever watched a baby’s belly rise and fall while breathing through their nose, you’d realize that babies are natural yogis, exhibiting profound joy when they grab their toes for a big stretch. When your baby or toddler does yoga, they are developing both gross and fine motor skills, listening skills, language development and spatial
Local Classes Namaste Yoga Mom and Baby Yoga Tuesdays 11 to 11:45am
awareness. Yoga class includes everything a child might experience in a traditional music or dance class, like singing songs and interacting with the other kids, but with the added advantage of learning how to relax, breathe and cope with stress. And if we don’t teach our children this skill, they might discover other, more destructive, ways to cope with stress. Rachel Nordby, a local Tallahassee mom, attended quite a few yoga classes with her little one. She said,“Class got us out of the house, interacting with other moms and babies, and taught me fun ways to help Andrew with his mobility and physical development.” s
850-509-6223 or visit www.namaste-tallahassee.com for more info 1369 – B Lafayette St., Tallahassee
Yoga Quest Kids Yoga 3-6 yrs. Thursdays 4pm Phone 850-597-8772 or visit www.yogaqueststudios.com for more info. 1474 Market St., Tallahassee
30 November 2011 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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Grab bag
A Playground without Limits by Kathalyn Gaither
J
ust outside of the capital city on the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail, at the Wakulla Station Trailhead, is a playground specially designed for all children. With unique elements that give children with disabilities access to the same playground equipment as those without disabilities, this fun and functional playground is a popular family destination.
Boundless Playgrounds® contain elements that provide recreational and educational opportunities for children of all abilities. Simple differences include sliding loops built with wheelchair transfers, a poured-in-place rubber surface, ramps on the play sets, elevated sand table and activity panels, and swings and bouncers with high-back support. With thousands of miles of trails accessible in our parks and greenways, the Boundless Playground® is yet another way to help ensure that all children can enjoy Florida’s great outdoors. Get out and play today! s TD-0000188703
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34988 Mahan Drive Nearr Fallschase
3693 Coollidgee Court Southwoodd
85 500-77 7788-57 576 66
85 500-77 7788 57 5768 8
License Lice ense se # CO2LEO358 CO2LEOO358 CO2LEO
License # CO20EO Lice CO CO20EO521 20EO521 52
For more information and to take a virtual tour visit us at
www.ScottsdaleAcademy.com www ScottsdaleAcademy com or email us at: info@scottsdaleacademy.com TD-0000177763
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