January 2012
From HOLA
to NI HAOlearn a Second Language!
Brotherly Love starts with
Sibling Appreciation Day New Year, Old Tradition:
Sunday Dinner with the Family
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Mark your calendar for the BIGGEST HEALTH EVENT of the year. The Tallahassee Memorial Under the Big Top – Celebrating a Lifetime of Health Event. This unique health event will showcase health screenings, services and educational seminars for all ages. This event is FREE, so bring the entire family.
Saturday, January 14, 2012 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Goodwood Museum and Gardens 1600 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee FOR MORE INFORMATION (850) 431-5875
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LEARN A LITTLE
Test your Martin Luther King, Jr. Facts On Monday, January 16th, the nation celebrates the life and achievements of the great civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. Take this quiz to learn more about this great American. 5. In 1963, Martin Luther King
1. Martin Luther King was best known for his philosophy of: A. Black nationalism B. Civil disobedience C. Socialism
2. Which of these major events first distinguished Martin Luther King as an important civil rights leader? A. The Montgomery Bus Boycott B. The March on Washington C. Brown v. Board of Education
3. Martin Luther King was the leader of which organization? A. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) B. Student Non-Violent Coordinating Society (SNCC) C. The Nation of Islam
4. Martin Luther King received a Ph.D. from Boston University in what field? A. Political science B. History C. Theology
was arrested and jailed during anti-segregation protests in Birmingham, Alabama. What famous work did he write during that time? A. Why We Can’t Wait B. Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community C. Letter from Birmingham City Jail
6. What world-famous prize
did Martin Luther King win? A. The Pulitzer Prize B. The Nobel Peace Prize C. The Nobel Prize in Literature
7. Which of these quotations is
by Martin Luther King? A. “I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” B. “You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem.” C. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”
1. Civil disobedience, 2. Montgomery Bus Boycott, 3. Southern Christian Leadership Conference, 4. Theology, 5. Letter from Birmingham City Jail, 6. Nobel Peace Prize, 7. “I have a dream…”
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Tallahassee TLHmoms.com January 2012
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first word
Hola, como estas, mis amigas! Translation: Hi, how are you my friends?
M
y Spanish language conversational skills have rusted a bit since I haven’t been practicing lately but my husband and I haven’t failed to expose our children to the beauty of learning a second language. Luckily, you don’t have to be fluent to introduce some simple words into their vocabulary that reflect the traditions or foods of a different country. Check out the “Learning a Second Language” article inside and the family will be ‘hablando’-ing in no time!
277 N. Magnolia Drive Tallahassee, FL 32301 Call 850.599.2225 Fax 850.942.0185 PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER
Patrick Dorsey
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 Lisa Fingeroot Candice Grause Mikkie Hoard Erin Perry O’Donnell
Here’s a thought- start with a Mexican Fiesta meal for Sunday Dinner. Make an effort to gather the gang for a good, oldfashioned sit-down dinner and practice your new-found language skills. Tallahassee mom Mikkie Hoard provides a few recommendations to make this a regular family tradition without a lot of effort in our cover story inside. Speaking of food, did you know that January 18th begins the celebration of National Pizza week? Make your favorite pie from scratch or place an order with your favorite take-out in honor of kid’s favorite food: tomato sauce and cheese sprinkled on top of lots of chewy dough. Yum! Leftover pizza is actually a great choice to place in your snack bins in the refrigerator for combating the after-school munchies. Kids will be much more prone to eating healthy if the healthy snacks are located in one particular spot in the refrigerator. If you can contain the scavenger activity you will have a good chance at battling the binging. Cheers to a new year and new opportunities for me as I leave the position as TLHMoms magazine editor. I will be moving on to other ventures, most notably to help at my children’s school, John Paul II Catholic High School in Southwood. You will still hear from me now and then and if you’d like to stay in contact, send me an email at serenamoyle@gmail.com Gracias, Tallahassee mamas, and wishing you the best in 2012!
by Serena Moyle TLHmoms Magazine, Editor TLHmoms.com Site Manager 4
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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.
January 2012 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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Contents
10
22 18
January 03 Learning Test your knowledge of Martin Luther King, Jr.
10 Cover Story Revive the Old Tradition of Sunday Dinner with the Family
20 Feature What’s in the Snack Section of your Fridge?
04 First Word
14 Let’s Go Ceramics, Anyone?
22 Best Bets Nothing Like a New Year to Enjoy New Events!
06 Healthy Kids Get Cooking with Crunchy Cabbage 08 Now Discover the Gentle Giants Wintering in Wakulla
16 Just For Fun Add Sibling Appreciation Day to your Holiday Calendar List
30 Grab Bag It’s a Pizza Quiz for National Pizza Week!
18 Feature Learning a Second Language at Home
“Like” us on
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healthy kids
Let’s Get Cooking this Year! By Amanda Corbin Photos by Kendalyn Staten, KYS Photography
M
ake it one of your New Year resolutions to bring your family back to the dining table, if you don’t already. Establish a routine nigh, weekly or even monthly evening to enjoy food prepared together as a family.
fun family night food. Get creative! This month, we added cabbage for an extra crunch in our crazy shrimp tacos.
Even if you can’t coordinate dinner, try a weekend breakfast or brunch. Schedule this time just like you would any other appointment. The meal doesn’t have to be an extensive menu, or labor intensive. The point is to cook and dine together as a family. The benefits are so worth it! Cooking as a family promotes team work, organization, responsibility and self-esteem. Allowing the kids to take the lead on the menu creates independence and creativity.
And
Pizza, chili, and even breakfast for dinner are some family friendly places to start. Tacos are always an easy and 6
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C is for …
Cabbage
• Cheese • Cantaloupe • Chicken • Carrots
actually green. Red cabbage actually has a deep purple color, and white cabbage is really a light green. There are many kinds of cabbage such as Green, White, Napa, Savoy, and Red. Cabbage can be eaten raw or steamed and is a great source of Vitamin C. Cabbage can also be stuffed, or used in soups, and it is the main ingredient in sauerkraut and coleslaw.
Crazy Crunchy Shrimp Tacos 10 Tortillas (Flour or Corn)
Mango Relish:
Cindy’s cows eat chocolate chip cookies. Cabbage
1c. Mango Chunks, diced small 1 Red Pepper, diced small ½ Red Onion, diced small 1 Jalapeno, seeded, diced small Juice of 1 Lime 1Tbsp. Cilantro, chopped Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable, even though all varieties are not
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate. This can be made ahead of time.
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Red Cabbage Slaw:
Assembly:
½ Head of Red Cabbage, thinly sliced 1Tbsp. Cider Vinegar
Layer the slaw, shrimp, and relish on each tortilla. Serve with sour cream, and fresh lime juice.
Toss cabbage and vinegar together in a bowl, season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Filling:
‘C’ Activities to try this month:
1 lb. Medium Shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed 1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder Salt and Pepper, to taste Juice of 1 Lime
C is for Cookbook!
Heat a skillet to medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Season shrimp with garlic powder, and salt and pepper, and sauté shrimp until done and are pink. Drain off excess oil and set aside. *Firm white fish such as tilapia, grouper, halibut, or cod, all work well in this dish as a substitute for the shrimp.
Take pictures of foods that you make as a family. Record recipes that you enjoy making together or that have been passed down through your family. Food is something that has connected families for generations. Tell your family’s story. Family cookbooks make great gifts and great keepsakes.
(Teamwork, Organization, Writing Skills, Creativity, Family History)
C is for Cheer! Prepare a “game day” spread as you cheer on your favorite sports team. Do a little research and use the location of the team as inspiration. For example, for an Atlanta Falcons tailgate you could serve foods inspired by the state of Georgia: BBQ Sandwiches, sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, Sweet Tea and peach cobbler for dessert! (States, Regional Cuisine, Ingredient Identification, Menu Planning, Teamwork)
C is for Classroom! Many cooking supply stores and local grocery stores are expanding their services to provide cooking supplies and cooking lessons. Check your local grocery for a cooking class that interests you and one that you can take as a family. Be sure the class will be “hands-on” and allow you to taste what you make. (Following directions, Ingredient Identification, Food preparation techniques, Social skills, Exploring Interests) 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 her kids blog, thechewychalkboard. blogspot.com.
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Now
Gentle Giants Winter in Wakulla Don’t Miss out Seeing Florida’s Gentle Giants by Florida Department of Environmental Protection
I
n north Florida, winter’s cooler temperatures are actually welcomed by some outdoor enthusiasts. During the summer months when temperatures are 8
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approaching triple digits, fewer people choose to head outdoors for a hike along the state parks’ greenways and trails. However, taking a hike when the day is bright and the air is crisp
– now that’s a great way to spend a winter day. Another wintertime treat is the opportunity to view Florida’s state marine mammal, the manatee. Living
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in Tallahassee, we are located near one of their favorite wintering spots, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. For the past four years, the manatees have made their way to the spring basin to escape the colder waterways of the gulf, bays and inlets. While the springs may feel cold to us, the manatees seem to like it just fine. So fine, in fact, that last winter about three dozen manatees came to Wakulla Springs to bask in the warm 70-degree spring basin waters. The park’s observation and diving platform, which is a favorite of visitors during the warmer months, also
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makes for the perfect place to observe the manatees during winter. Guests who come to the park between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. stand a good chance of spotting one of the giant mammals. It’s a real treat, whether seeing them for the first time or the 20th, for wildlife admirers of all ages. And don’t forget to bring your camera, phone or whatever you’re using these days to take some still shots and videos, because you will definitely want to share your experience. The park has plenty of other activities available – a playground, hiking, biking and boat tours, so you may want to pack a
lunch a make a day of it. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is located off State Road 267, near Crawfordville. Other Florida state parks where the manatees gather, sometimes by the hundreds, during the winter months include Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs, Fanning Springs on the Suwannee River, and in the C54 canal at St. Sebastian River Preserve. About four miles from Crystal River Preserve State Park, manatees congregate by the hundreds in the river. Learn about these and other state parks at www.FloridaStateParks.org.
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COVER STORY
Bring Back Sunday Dinner! P By: Mikkie Hoard
ost holiday family time can be quite a challenge as we all return back to school, sports, and the office. This New Year try to implement a new family tradition by bringing back Sunday dinner! As the days and weeks fly by, there is little 10
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time for a slow paced family meal. Studies have shown great benefits for children raised in households where everyone dines together at least once a week. This weekly organized meal that includes extended family members if possible, can be a great chance
to catch up for young and old, and emphasizes the importance of family relationships.
Traditional dinner approach is a great starting place. Don’t let the size of a group deter you from planning. A family of three can use uninterrupted
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face time every bit as much as a family of eight. This is a great time to try new recipes, or dust off those time consuming family recipes that you can’t tackle during the week. The meal itself is secondary to the family time, but the presentation should reflect the importance of this scheduled meal. If you are lucky enough to have family nearby, extend an invitation to this standing date. Sharing in the cooking, whether through potluck style, or through everyone helping in the kitchen invites family camaraderie and lightens your load. Creative cuisine can be the perfect lead-in for group discussions. Celebrate weekly achievements of both adults and children by alternating guests of honor who choose
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-0000193218
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Sheridan Skarl, CNM P (850) 877-3549 F (850) 671-1271
www.obgyntallahassee.com 12/20/11 9:12 AM
a favorite menu item. Depending on the ages of your children, sampling an international cuisine and related discussions can be a fun and educational way for kids to share a unit of study from school. Older siblings and other family members may offer interesting facts to add to the presentation. For instance, Grandma and Grandpa 12
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might love to share photos and stories about a recent trip to Italy during the Italian cuisine meal. Intergenerational connections are easily made through food, its origin, and familiar stories. To this day, I’ve seen my mother-in-law’s biscuits delight my husband and now my sons.
Older family members may have recipes with stories from their childhood and culture that prove to be very interesting to everyone. Rest assured Granny will be more than happy to prepare Daddy’s favorite apple pie, with Susie by her side, learning each step of the way.
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Sunday Dinner Details
Mark your calendar and make a formal announcement to all members that Sunday evening is reserved for a family dinner. Securing family time is difficult in today’s busy households but if family is important, making time for them is paramount. Here are some tips to ensure your Sunday dinners are fun and fabulous! Begin at an early hour, allowing plenty of time for clean up and preparation for the week ahead.
sparkle
Have games or activities to engage children of all ages. Weather permitting, eating outdoors is often a treat. Plan a complete meal ahead of time to avoid last minute chaos.
this year with
Delegate jobs large and small to all members, so even the younger children can contribute.
rejuvinated
Don’t forfeit your Sunday dinner if the week has been too crazy with activities but order take-out or visit a favorite family restaurant.
and more radiant skin
Alternate houses if the group extends beyond your immediate family to allow another family member to add their own uniqueness and flair.
relax
your holiday wrinkles, and
illuminate your year with a brighter, whiter smile
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LET’S GO
Ceramics anyone? By Candice Grause
Build a Framework Another great gift idea is a speciallymade frame or other keepsake to capture a memorable moment. Design the theme piece around a favorite vacation photo, someone’s favorite color or shape. Whatever you do, don’t make it ordinary!
T
here is something about creating art with my hands that takes me back to my childhood. Remember finger paint t-shirts? Tiedye coffee filter snowflakes? Homemade play-dough? Now that I’m a mom, I can live out my kindergarten art dreams vicariously through my kids. One of my favorite mediums is ceramics. First you get to play with mud, and then you get to paint. Sound like fun? There are lots of creative ways to make ceramics with your child.
Serve Up a Platter Customized ceramic serving platters, plates or other dishes make great personal gifts for grandparents, display art in the kitchen or serving snacks at parties. Platters are also easy for younger tikes to make as they offer a large surface area to paint. 14
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Practical Pottery Whether you have a green thumb and are always in need of another pot, or you are looking for a creative place to hide your keys, your child’s ceramic project may offer an inspired solution to a practical need. The odd shapes or bizarre colors are a bonus. Create an imaginative bookend for a shelf, a bowl near the sink to hold your wedding rings, or a paperweight for your inbox at work.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Want the look without all the messy work? Create a modified ceramic project at home with items you probably have already laying around the house. Have your child roll out some regular modeling clay, carefully press broken glass pieces into it, leaving it to dry overnight and become a garden stepping stone. Or you can give your child an unused piece of floor tile and some paints and have them paint you a very special pot rest for the kitchen. Just make sure seal the drawing after the paint is dry. Have fun!
Where and How Pottery clay, kilns and other supplies are available at hobby stores like Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or Hobby Town USA. For simple craft projects, use polymer clays which do not require a high temperatures to fire but can be dried in the oven. If you want to make beautiful and functional ceramic like dinnerware, you will need to purchase a kiln, or visit a specialty ceramic studio like Ribits Enchanted Cottage to get you all fired up. (See Sidebar)
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Ceramics are Enchanting What better way to experience pottery than in a magical place that provides you with the supplies, the inspiration and the postproject cleanup. Enter Ribits Enchanted Cottage, a paint-your-own pottery studio in Tallahassee near Lake Ella owned by Haydee Jackley, a.k.a. Ms. Ribits.
What is Ribits Enchanted Cottage? Ribits’ goal is to enhance the artistic expression of the student through the teaching of several ceramic industry techniques. From hand building of your own masterpiece of raw clay to simply
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picking a ready-to-paint piece off the shelf, Ribits offers a variety of opportunities to show off your talent and have fun. Prices range from $6 and up.
What makes ceramics fun? Kids genuinely enjoy the freedom of expression they experience when working with ceramic -- getting their hands dirty as they watch their creation come to life as a shiny and bright masterpiece.
What is the most popular project at Ribits? Without question the most popular moms and kids project, has to be handprints on plates, platters, and mugs. The project provides for an eclectic mix of accompanying artwork, important dates and most important a memory and a bond that lives on forever.
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JUST FOR FUN
Sister (and Brother)
Appreciation Day by Tricia Dulaney
J
anuary. The month of Holiday Hangover. You’ve hauled down those tired decorations – although they probably haven’t made it back to the attic yet – and if you hear another elevator version of “White Christmas” or “Auld Lang Syne” (what exactly does that mean, anyway?) you may kick something. You don’t even want to think of the word “holiday” for a while, even though the stores are already filling up shelves with pink and red hearts for Valentine’s Day. But not all holidays are created equal. Some holidays are religious, some are cultural. Some are federally mandated, and some were probably invented by greeting card companies. But others lesser-known ones arrive out of mother’s sheer desperation, like Sister Appreciation Day. Years ago, the troops were close to mutiny. In a large family, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle anyway; add a new baby brother, a new house, and a new school all in the same month, and it’s no wonder my four young daughters felt overwhelmed and underappreciated. A nice new toy might have improved their outlook temporarily, but there was no room in the budget for extras after welcoming a new baby and moving to a new house. These girls needed to be reminded of why they were special and unique, but on a shoestring budget. 16
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Telling them,“Hey, you’re wonderful, each and every one of you,” probably wasn’t going to work. PBS Kids told them that daily anyway. It was time to create our own holiday, one that wasn’t commercial, wasn’t endorsed by Hallmark, and didn’t necessarily come with its own annoying songs. We designated the first Saturday of every month as Sister Appreciation Day, honoring a different sister each month. On her special day, each sister got to choose that evening’s meal and the movie we’d watch after dinner. (We ate a lot of pizza on those Saturdays.) At dinner, the sister being appreciated received a card. No presents, no big expense and a homemade card was enough. But every member of the family had to write down one thing they especially appreciated about her. The comments ranged from “I appreciate the way you helped me with my math homework,” to “You looked pretty in that red dress,” to “I’m really glad you stayed out of my room this week so I didn’t have to kill you.”
As the months passed, though, each sibling gave more thought to the comments they wrote. They saw qualities in one another they admired, even envied, and their compliments meant so much more to their sisters than any amount of parental praise. As one daughter put it,“You’re my mom. You have to be nice to me.” Sister Appreciation became Sibling Appreciation when their baby brother became old enough to participate. Sister Wars still waged, however. Bitter territorial struggles were staged over space in the room, clothing, game systems, toothbrushes, and breathing too loudly. But every month brought at least one cease-fire moment, and now, years later, they still respect and appreciate each other’s unique talents and abilities. That’s a holiday worth celebrating.
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FEATURE
Teaching Children a
Second Language
By Erin Perry O’Donnell
W
hen Oakley Van Oss’s son was little, bath time was Spanish time. Van Oss would tell his son the Spanish words for body parts while he splashed and washed. Later, as his son grew, Spanish became the language of dinner time.
Van Oss, a Spanish teacher at Leon High School in Tallahassee, says that kind of early, casual exposure to a new language is valuable. Not only does it help children develop an ear for accents and vocabulary, but it also takes the “foreign” out of language learning. “I find that if kids are exposed to it at a young age, they are OK with not understanding everything,”Van Oss said.“If you shut down when you hear it, then you’re thinking ‘It’s different. It’s foreign. It doesn’t sound right. It’s weird. I can’t do Spanish.”
one? Experienced language teachers say the main skill you need is fun. “When the kids are older, it’s more about grammar, which of course they need to learn. But it’s nice if at first they have fun,” said Carla d’Orchimont, a Belgian émigré who teaches French to a group of homeschooled children through the Alliance Française de Tallahassee, (AFTally for short).
Here are some of d’Orchimont’s tips: • Learn a few words or phrases at first and use them consistently, such as “let’s go outside” or “time to eat.” Be expressive.
Kids are best at detecting different phonetic pronunciations before age 3, and after that, their ability to imitate certain sounds begins to fade. Early childhood is a great time to begin, n’est-ce pas?
• Play songs in other languages, especially those written for young children, which tend to be simpler and wellenunciated.
But if Mom speaks only one language, how does she start on the second
• Keep it upbeat and stress-free.
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• Don’t use the second language in negative circumstances, such as when you discipline. Her tips are echoed in an article by EarlyChildhoodNews.com, an education resource for teachers and parents that offers a baker’s dozen of tips for teaching a second language at home. Here are a few more: • Involve the senses. Use finger plays, foods, scents, and movement to illustrate the words you are teaching. • Create mnemonic devices that attach a movement to a word that will simulate its pronunciation. For
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“Reading and writing (a second language) is another matter, and only highly dedicated parents are able to sit down and do that, ” Plendl said. The school also teaches students about German culture, with traditional celebrations for Oktoberfest and St. Martin’s Day. An exchange group also comes every year from Dresden, Germany, so students can immerse themselves in conversation with native speakers. Plendl urges anyone learning a second language to find ways to speak it regularly. And in the long run, he said, we all benefit from this rich cultural exchange. “We are no longer isolated in the world. Those times are over,” Plendl said.“It’s important for good relationships to take the time to learn another language and communicate with others in their language.”
instance, ichi is Japanese for “one,” and it sounds like “itchy,” so you can scratch when you say it. It’s a myth that learning a second language will delay a child’s development of English. On the contrary, many teachers say it develops flexibility in their thinking, both now and in the future.
The German School of Tallahassee Now in its 8th year, the school offers German classes for children and adults on Saturdays at the Imagine School at Evening Rose, 3611 Austin Davis Ave. Director: Hans S. Plendl, (850) 894-1842. tallysurf.com/ germanschool
Alliance Française de Tallahassee (AFTally) A cultural organization that offers French classes for children and adults. Classes meet
“With foreign language, you’re really problem-solving, to see how to fit the pieces together,”Van Oss said. “Your brain is constantly going back to the file cabinet – ‘now, where is it?’ Group classes can also help develop language by offering practice with other speakers. Children as young as 3 are welcome at the German School of Tallahassee, which was started by Hans Plendl, professor emeritus of physics at Florida State University.
at The Florida Wildlife Federation offices, 2545 Blairstone Pines Drive. Information: 850-765-8050. www.aftally.org
“Forget-me-not” Russian Language School Meets Saturdays at 4 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church, 1645 Phillips Road. A preschool class is available for children ages 1-5. Contact Elena Mischenkoff at biankausa@mail.ru or Katia Tchourioukanova at moseowkatia@ yahoo.com Or call (850) 228-2229. www. russiantallahassee.com.
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Language Schools in Tallahassee
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FEATURE
Combat the Munchies with a Super Snack Station By Lisa Fingeroot
I
t’s a scene repeated all over Tallahassee and in every other city in America: kids bust through the door immediately after school, head for the refrigerator in search for food, grabbing the first thing within reach.
National Public Radio (NPR) recently reported that children are eating more unhealthy snacks and getting more of their daily calories from snacks than in the past. A
quick internet search yields hundreds of articles, blog entries and even photos of moms creating a “healthy snack station” inside the refrigerator. Appliance manufacturers are marketing full-size refrigerators with a center snack drawer that opens from the exterior, and smaller, under-the-counter and easily -accessible units that look like refrigerated bins for snacks and juices. Create your own snack station by devoting a basket, bin or even an entire shelf inside the refrigerator to hold snacks. The idea is to have a variety of healthy foods that kids find appealing all in one area. Make sure your kids can reach the snack area, letting them know that all the ingredients contained there are sufficient for a hunger buster. Since kids love “dip food,” keep low -fat ranch dressing, hummus, yogurtbased dips, and nut butters in the
refrigerated snack station so children can chose combinations like carrots and hummus, cucumbers and ranch dressing, celery and a nut butter, or fruit with yogurt dip. My own kids love spicy foods and will dip just about anything into a container of salsa. The most important issue is nutrition and providing healthy choices, said Barbara Goldstein, a nutrition educator for the Leon County Health Department. She suggests taking the kids to the grocery store so they can help chose different varieties of fruits and vegetables for their snack area and learn about the choices available to them. Moms can do the prep work and have everything ready in single-size servings. “Jen,” who blogs on, www. herewegoajen.com, even recycles baby food jars as single-serving snack containers for grapes, raspberries, and cheese cubes. The jars are put into a
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plastic bin on a low shelf in the refrigerator and her toddler knows she can have a snack from there anytime. The Mommy blogger at www.managemylife.com has some great suggestions for the refrigerated snack station. • Slice apples and sprinkle lemon juice over them to keep them fresh. Make a separate container of simple fruit dip with yogurt and cream cheese, or peanut butter and raisins. • Make that old favorite, ants-on-a-log, but vary the “ants.” Slice celery sticks into 4-inch pieces. Fill the groove with peanut butter or cream cheese. Sprinkle raisins (the ants) on top, and then sprinkle nuts, granola, or small chunks of dried fruit • The snack station recommended at www.hummusmama. com contains cheese sticks, Greek yogurt, individual snack bags of red pepers, carrots, and celery, individual containers of hummus and guacamole.
The Secret Snack Tray Even if healthy snacks are available and ready to eat in the refrigerator, kids might need an extra push toward wise choices. One Tallahassee mother pulls the snack station out of the fridge and makes it accessible to anyone passing through her kitchen. “I keep healthy food in the house, but that’s not always the choice they make,” said Claire Sand, a local mother of three children ranging in age from 9 to 16-years-old. “I think the impetus is on me to put it out and make it look nice. I think having food out and within reach makes them more likely to eat it than if it is in the refrigerator.”
With three children involved in afterschool activities, Sand often finds herself in the same situation as many moms – starting dinner with a group of hungry kids wanting to graze through the cabinets while they wait. That’s when she produces the magical snack tray from the refrigerator. Sand uses sectional trays that she fills with apple slices, strawberries, cucumbers, carrots, celery and a limited number of cheese cubes and pretzel sticks because the kids love to spear the cubes with the pretzels.
Love & Learning: The Growing Room Way
“I don’t say a word,” Sand added, but the tray is out and as the three children walk by looking for something to nibble, they will make a wise selection from their Mom’s healthy and available tray.
224-4769 3rd location coming soon at I-10 & Thomasville
www.GrowingRoomChildCare.com TD-0000193748
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Best Bets
Jumping January
The Circus is in Town! January 6
Baby Sign Language Classes
9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Mommy and me baby signing and play classes that help bridge the communication gap. Classes designed for hearing babies ages birth to 2 years. Classes are $99 for a 7 week session, Fridays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ARTS Afterschool, 2743 Capital Circle NE (next door to Esposito’s). Contact Kerry at (850) 322-6947 or email Utopiakerri@yahoo.com to register.
January 7
Blacksmithing for Beginners
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Introduction to blacksmithing at Mission San Luis. Start the day learning to build and maintain a fire in a traditional Spanishstyle forge. Create your own masterpiece using basic techniques of fire and hammer and leave tired and inspired. $60 – Members; $80 – Nonmembers. A non-refundable deposit of $15 is required to secure a space. The remainder of the fee must be paid before the start of the workshop. Mission San Luis, 2100 West Tennessee Street, 245-6406, missionsanluis.org.
January 6 - 8
Being Elmo
6 p.m., (5 p.m. on January 8). Tallahassee Film Society presents Being Elmo. The Muppet Elmo is one of the most beloved characters among children across the globe. Meet the unlikely man behind the puppet - the heart and soul of Elmo Kevin Clash. $8 general admission, $5 students & TFS members. All Saints Cinema, 918-1/2 Railroad Avenue, Inside the Amtrak Station, tallahasseefilms.com, 386-4404. 22 January 2012 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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Southeastern Therapy Services 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
TD-0000193635
• • • • • • • • •
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
2888 Mahan Drive, Suites 7 & 8 (850) 727-7928 mail@webslp.com www.webslp.com
January 7
Beginning Quilt Workshop 10:30 a.m. -12 p.m. This workshop is for those who have never tried their hand at quilting. In this beginner’s workshop, participants will learn to make a simple block pattern quilt square that they may use as a pillow or a wall hanging. Materials are provided. Fee: $5 members/$7 nonmembers. Registration Deadline: Friday, January 6th by 12pm. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive, contact Natasha Hartsfield, 575-8684 ex. 136 or tallahasseemuseum.org. January 7
Winter Wildlife Tours 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 (850)925-6121 to register for the tour of your choice. Meet at Visitor Center. St. Marks Refuge, St. Marks, FL., stmarksrefuge.org.
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January 7
Center. St. Marks Refuge, St. Marks, FL.,
housing needs will be on hand for parrot
Wildlife Photography Class
stmarksrefuge.org.
owners to purchase supplies. Silent auction,
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Emphasis on digital
January 7
photography, taught by Barney Parker,
National Bird Day Celebration
former Wildlife Photography instructor at
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The 5th Annual National
music, refreshments, vendors with bird related art and educational information for the proper care of parrots in our homes.
Bird Day Celebration is being sponsored
A children’s playground is also available!
by BIRDLAND...Parrots For Life. Vendors
Parrots welcome! Free! Miccosukee
that supply parrot food(The Pet Stop),
Land Coop Community Center, 9601
6121. Please bring your own equipment.
toys(BONKA), photos (JW Callis), Avian
Miccosukee Road. Renee Ewart, 933-8656
Class size limited to 20. Meet at Visitor
Vet (Dr. Kitty Remington) and supplies for
or e-mail birdlandtallahassee@gmail.com.
FSU. Kids are welcome with adults. No charge but registration required (850)925–
24 January 2012 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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January 14
Starting your own peppers and tomatoes from seed!
TD-0000193247
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Join Master Gardener, Judith Stricklin as she guides participants through the techniques of planting and caring for peppers and tomatoes from seed. She will come equipped
Your Guide to Big Bend Child Care
with her handy tomato catalogue that boasts over 200 varieties of tomatoes to order. Fee: $8 members/$10 nonmembers. Registration Deadline: Friday January 13th by 12pm. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive, contact Natasha Hartsfield, 5758684 ex. 136 or tallahasseemuseu
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.
TD-0000193826
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January 14
January 21
Second Saturdays in Historic Apalachicola
Native American Flute Workshop
Galleries and Shops will be open from 6 –
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Learn to play the Native American-style river cane flute at Mission San Luis with instructor and flute-maker Jim Hale. Members: $15, if you bring your own flute, $20, includes cost of a handmade flute. Nonmembers: $20, if you bring your own flute $30, includes the cost of a handmade flute. To register, visit www. missionsanluis.org or call 850-2456406. Mission San Luis 2100 West Tennessee Street, 2456406, missionsanluis.org.
8 p.m. and restaurants will feature great specials. “Second Saturdays” is a chance for folks to meet the business owners, local artists, chefs and supporters of the downtown district. From 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. gather in Riverfront Park for live music! Please come out and stroll the town! Go to historicapalachicola.com and click on “Second Saturdays”! Free and open to the public. Historic Apalachicola Main Street, 86 Water Street, 1-855-APALACH.
January 21
Night Prowl 6:30 – 8 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/nonmembers. Registration Deadline: January 20 at noon. Contact Julie Dickey at 850-575-8684 ext. 126 or via jdickey@tallahasseemuseum.org for more information or to register. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive, or tallahasseemuseum.org.
26 January 2012 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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January 21
3rd Saturday at Railroad Square Art Park 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Shops and Studios of Railroad Square plan free concerts, art activities for kids of all ages, arts and craft booths, food trucks and more on the 3rd Saturday of each month. All 3rd Saturday events are free and open to the public. For more information check our Facebook page facebook.com/ railroadsquare. Railroad Square Art Park, 567 industrial Dr. 224-1308.
TD-0000191590
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
ArthurClements,MD,Ph.D
DavidDixon,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
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-0000193219
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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
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January 21
Candle-Dipping 10 a.m. – 1 p.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 the traditional method over an open fire. Note: this class offered every third Saturday of the month from November to February. Fee: Museum admission. Registration deadline: No registration required. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive, contact Natasha Hartsfield, 575-8684 ex. 136 or tallahasseemuseum.org.
January 26- 29
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum Bash plays the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center. The fun begins with a rockin’ All Access Preshow Party where party goers can learn fresh dance moves from Ringling Bros. clown DJ Dean, style in glitzy costumes, learn balancing and juggling skills, take photos with circus stars and get an exclusive backstage look at our exotic animals, only at Barnum Bash. Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com or the Civic Center Box Office. You can also charge by phone: 222-0400 or 800-322-3602. Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola Street, tlccc.org. 28 January 2012 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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January 28
Unity 7 Concert: Songs of Faith 8 p.m.The Tallahassee Community Chorus presents Unity 7 Concert: Songs of Faith. $18 Adult, $12 Senior (62+), $5 Student. Purchase tickets at tcchorus.org or at Beethoven & Company, 8948700. Ruby Diamond Auditorium, Westcott Building, FSU Campus.
FIREFLY POTTERY A PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY, GLASS FUSING AND MOSAICS ART STUDIO
Start Early On Your Valentine Day Gifts • Have us personalize/paint a work of art for you! • Classes that we offer (Glass ass class, Mosaic class, Pottery ppainting and techniques)
Choose from our 3 Personalized Birthday Packages • Practically Picaso • Delightfuly Dali •Magnificent Monet Call to book your Birthday Party now!
Welcomes your submissions for Best Bets events. Send an e-mail to llazarus@tallahassee.com to be listed. TD-0000193217
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~ In Market Square ~ 1415 Timberlane Rd, #311 Tallahassee, Florida 850-727-4986 visit us at: www.fireflypotterystudio.com 12/20/11 9:14 AM
Celebrate National Pizza Week
Grab bag
January 18-24 Pizza Word Search f j s g d y c r u s t m c o c n h s f d d o n i o n a g s g w i h a m n x c t v s o o p s k e
Look for the following words:
mushrooms
crust
onion
sauce
bell pepper
pepperoni
ham
sausage
pineapple
cheese
jalapenos
olives
Courtesy of: Activity Director Today
s j a l a p e n o s r u g i g e f a e g s a u s a g e d s i j m g u p e p p e r o n i d e e c k e c h e e s e b b x i s y u v i n e o l i v e s g j u m s k t r e v m u s h r o o m s c o o m h p i n e a p p l e g e e n g k i d h e b e l l p e p p e r d h t
30 January 2012 Tallahassee.TLHmoms.com
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Scottsdale Academy is a locally owned and operatedd AAccredited ccredited Preschool th that hat hholds olds the Florida Gold Seal Quality Status. Now with two locations to better serve ourr young friends in Tallahassee, Infants to VPK/Pre-K.
3498 Mahan Drive Near Fallschase
3693 Coolidge Court Southwood
850-778-5766
850-778-5768
LLicense iceense # CCO2LEO358 O2LEO358
License License # CCO20EO521 O20EO521
For more information and to take a virtual tour visit us at
www.ScottsdaleAcademy.com or email us at: info@scottsdaleacademy.com TD-0000193749
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