April-May 2012

COMPLIMENTARY

Spring Fashion

Swimsuits, Casual Wear, Handbags, Accessories & More!

April/May 2012

Pat Smith Mentoring and

Inspiring Others

Dealing With Mommy Guilt

Is Your Bedroom Ready for A Makeover?

Dish Up a

Delicious Pea Salad

SUN Protection Expert Guidelines

Girl Talk!

Health,

Beauty, & Springtime Color Trends t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

• A p r i l / M ay 2012 1

There’s No Place Like Home...

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• A p r i l / M ay 2012Priority treatment is always given to those with the most urgent medical conditions.

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Contents Ta l l a h a s s e e W o m a n M a g a z i n e | A p r i l / M a y 2 0 12

20

30

On the Cover

Pat Smith—Walking Tall in the Shadow of a Mentor Her roots growing up are what made Pat Smith the strong and vivacious woman she is today, with a heart to inspire and mentor others on their life’s journey.

F E A T U R ES

30

Give Your Bedroom a Spring Makeover

Advice on how to get a gorgeous, fresh and comfortable bedroom.

D E P A R T M ENTS

14

6

Our Thoughts

7

Girl Talk

24

Style & Grace

26

Healthy Living

Fashion, wellness, beauty, family, shopping and more.

Swimsuit Styles and Trends This Spring and Summer

28

Please Make the Mommy Guilt Go Away

34

The Dish

36

Community

45

Women We Admire

46

Funny Girl

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Real Life

About the Cover | Photography by Adam Cohen | Styling by Nancy Cohen | Clothes and jewelry provided by Cole Couture | Makeup by Randi of Randi Buchanan & Co. | Shot on location at Tallahassee Nurseries

Shedding Light on Sun Protection

Don’t Pass Up Mom’s Pea Salad

First Lady Ann Scott Pays a Visit to Boys Town North Florida

Sara Craft—Mentoring to the Next Generation of Women

Indulgences or Necessities?

I N E V E R Y I SS U E Capital City Gems 16 Around Town 38 | Women to Watch 44

28

DRUGS can work,

but shouldn’t NATURAL come first Attend a FREE LECTURE to learn more and find out what your body is missing.

March 27th, April 3rd & 17th, May 1st & 15th 6:30 p.m. at Tallahassee Family Medicine 1525 Killearn Center Blvd, 32309 Call (850) 893-6706 to Schedule a FREE Consultation.

Individual results will vary. These statements have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA.

t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

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OURTHOUGHTS

“There is no obstacle too big for you, no dream too big.” —Joel Osteen

Living Well and Loving Life!

April/May 2012 Volume 7 | Issue 2

Publisher Kim Rosier Editor Heather Thomas Advertising sales Director Lynn Solomon

I

was pleasantly surprised when I saw that my son Dean posted this quote by Joel Osteen as a Facebook post. The fact that this quote resonated with him confirmed to me that he was listening all those times that I encouraged him, telling him that he can do anything that he dreams possible.

While my husband and I would love to take full credit for moments such as these, we know that there have been other influential people in our children’s lives in the form of mentors. Teachers, coaches, relatives, family friends—there are many that have had a positive impact on my children’s view of the world. The impact of mentors can be life changing, as in the case of Pat Smith on our cover. Pat is an incredible woman who was mentored throughout her life by a woman she admired and respected.

Now, in turn, Pat is paying it forward by mentoring young women in her life. Her story is inspiring and encouraging, and shows that any gesture of encouragement in someone’s life can make a big difference. It is never too late to start being a positive influence to others, bringing new possibilities and blessings to them and to you.

With springtime being a time of new beginnings what better way to start the season than with new possibilities in your family, your home, or for you? This issue we have lots of ideas to encourage you to try something fresh and different. It could be a new spring outfit to add to your wardrobe or a spring makeover for your bedroom.

It could be going after that dream again that you had given up a long time ago.

Remember, it is never too late for a new beginning.

GRAPHIC DESIGN Christy Jennings Miqueli INTERNS Ramona Connors Tamara Smith Contributing photographers Adam Cohen Marcus Duval Chirstie Meresse Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC Post Office Box 13401 Tallahassee, FL 32317-3401 Phone (850) 893-9624 Fax (850) 254­-7038 info@TalWoman.com Tallahassee Woman is published six times per year and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. Subscriptions are available for $15 for one year (six issues).

The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions.

Advertising

Have a wonderful spring.

TalWoman.com

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For more information on advertising, call (850) 893-9624 or e-mail ads@TalWoman.com

Kim Rosier Publisher

Copyright ©2012

by Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction, in part or in whole, without express written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.

FA SHION | K NOWLED GE | WELLNESS | SHOPPING

Spring Fashion Color Trends

This Season’s Colors - Pantone.com

G i r lta l k

Fashion this spring is bright, vibrant, and oh, so pretty! As the weather warms, trends for colors in fashion include individual and combined shades, such as the orangy-red hue of Tangerine Tango to the flattering purple shade, Cabaret. Instead of a little black dress for evening events, try a cocktail dress in a lovely hue of purple called Bellflower.

From bright to neutral, bold to neon, pick a color that flatters you and add some fashionable pieces to your warm-weather wardrobe. Then you will be ready to enjoy the spring and look great!

Source: Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2012. Fashion collections by Rafael Cennamo (above) and Adrienne Vittadini (left).

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G i r lta l k | K N O W L E D G E

Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks I

t’s that time of year. Time to breakout your favorite sandals, your floral prints, and your brand new duster! Cleaning might not be as exciting as shopping, but think about it as a “new look” for your humble abode. Here are a few tips to add to your list of ways to make your home look like spring has “sprung:” • Looking for streak-free cleaning? Use coffee filters instead of paper towels.

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• For cleaning bathrooms, vinegar and water in a spray bottle is great for removing odors—and don’t worry, the vinegar smell goes away in an hour.

• Use an old dryer sheet to easily clean your blinds. Just close them and wipe!

• Add some baking soda to a cup of water, microwave until boiling, and voilà! You will be able to wipe your

microwave clean with ease. Lime juice and water also works well.

• Toss lemon peels in the garbage disposal and turn it on to freshen and erase odors.

• Add a tube sock to a yard stick, and cobweb cleaning is no longer a nightmare.

Another tip and my personal favorite: Spray the inside of an old pillowcase with water, and use it to clean ceiling fan blades.

—Tamara Smith

G i r l t a l k | W E LL N E S S

Keep YOUR BONES STRONG

A

LOVE YOUR SKIN Celebrating Ten Years in Tallahassee

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s women get older their bodies go through some changes, one being the weakening of their bones. While the weakening of bones is a natural occurrence, that does not mean you can’t help slow down the process. There are some steps that women can take to minimize the weakening effect, such as choosing low-fat dairy, getting plenty of vitamin D, eating prunes, as well as exercising. That’s not all you can do though. Below are five tips to help nudge you in the direction of a stronger, healthier you.

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Add Soy to Your Diet. Soy is very high in calcium, as well as isoflavones, a plant-based chemical, which wards off bone density.

Reduce Coffee Intake. You may crave a cup of coffee in the morning, but try to keep it at just one cup. The caffeine found in coffee extracts the calcium from your bones.

Eat Plenty of Nuts. Eating a handful of nuts a day can go a long way in keeping your bones nice and strong, due to the large amounts of calcium that can be found in many of them. —Ramona Connors

Family Practice David E. Kaproth, M.D. Cristian Vasilescu, M.D. Erin Ayers, A.R.N.P-C Pam Garcia, A.R.N.P.-C Kathleen Wilson, A.R.N.P-C

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11:23:25 AM9 • A p r 3/16/12 i l / M ay 2012

G i r lta l k | f a m i ly

Whats In A Name?

C

hoosing a name for your baby is one of the most exciting and truly difficult jobs new parents have to face. In addition, because there are usually varying opinions between the parents on the best names for the baby, agreeing on one or two choices is difficult. Add to that the “suggestions” from family members and friends which can further complicate the process.

So what to do? Should you give your child a family name, a traditional name, a biblical or ethnic name, or a more trendy name? What will be other kids’ reactions be to your child’s name? Will he/she be teased? Is the name so unusual that people will have a hard time pronouncing the name? There is so much to consider that it can be overwhelming. The good news is that all parents usually come up with

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a name they love for their child that suits them.

For girls:

For boys:

Charlotte

Liam

Although, we come across unusual baby names from to time, there is a trend in what children are named. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, the ten most popular boy names over the last 100 years have been James, John, Michael, Robert, and William. For girls, it was Mary, Patricia, Elizabeth, Jennifer and Linda.

Sophia

Noah

Amelia

Aidan

Olivia

Jackson

Ava

Caleb

Although these names have stood the test of time, many names are popular only for awhile. So, what were the most popular names in 2011? According to babynames.com, the most popular names were:

There is speculation that most of the names that were popular in 2011 will continue to be popular this year, in addition to names such as Max, Amelia, Jack and Chloe.

For more information and ideas on baby names click babynames.com or ssa.gov/oact/babynames.

G i r lta l k | B E AU T Y

Spring Color Makeup Trends • Put down your dark eye shadows and trade them in for muted colors and pastels, like violet. You’re looking to complement your complexion, not draw from it.

• Give your eyebrows a break from all of the tweezing and waxing.

You still want to take care of them, but allow them to become a bit fuller.

• Your lips have no color restrictions this spring and are boldly red or tangerine in all different hues. Remember to go easy on the eye makeup if wearing a bolder color on your lips.

—Ramona Connors

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G i r lta l k | S H O P P I N g

f o r

E M I T g s p r i n

B

old, sparkling, vibrant, and fantastically colorful—it seems spring fashion is bursting with many ways to express a beautiful time of year in a bright way. This season’s rules seem to say, “There are no rules!” Here are a few of the season’s highlights to make these looks your own.

Tangerine Tango, a bright, bold shade of orange is definitely the color of the season while color-blocking, or having distinct breaks in color, makes room for every other color in a vibrant color spectrum.

This season is the opportunity to take a risk with your wardrobe, including pieces with floral prints, pretty pastels, neon hues, metallic details, and pair them with staple pieces like a menswearinspired crisp, white button-up shirt.

Mix prints and patterns to really make a statement, but to begin, keep your color palette to three colors or less to prevent your outfit from wearing you.

—Tamara Smith

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Bell Sleeve Tunic $34 Tote Bag $32 (without monogram) Both by Mud Pie That’s Mine Monogramming & Gifts 1460 Market Street (850) 668-8300

Lyra Satchel, in Lemon Shiraleah $83 Vignettes 2066 Thomasville Road (850) 386-8525

Paint Brush Print Scarf $20 Vignettes 2066 Thomasville Road (850) 386-8525

One-Shoulder Floral Print Dress Hello Miss $49 Spriggs 1433 Market Street (850) 765-0630 Spriggs Laid Back Luxe 6800 Thomasville Road (850) 894-2630 spriggslaidbackluxe.com

Make-Up-Matte™ Cosmetic Carrier $22.95 Available at makeupmatte.com

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G i r lta l k | S H O P P I N g

Tiki Stripe Large Tote Dash & Albert $60 Sweet Patina 2030 Thomasville Road (850) 727-4834

Embroidered Poncho JWLA $139 Slimming Chino Pants NYDJ $119 (Items sold separately) Embroidered Floral Tote JWLA $149

Cotton Etc. 1355 Market Street (850) 668-1334

Cotton Etc. 1355 Market Street (850) 668-1334

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Ikat Printed Shorts Lucky Brand Jeans $69.50 Spriggs 1433 Market Street (850) 765-0630 Spriggs Laid Back Luxe 6800 Thomasville Road (850) 894-2630 spriggslaidbackluxe.com

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C A PITA L

CIT Y

Noteworthy events that you don’t want to miss.

City of Tallahassee’s 53rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt April 8, 2012 | Myers Park

It’s time for the city’s always anticipated Easter Egg Hunt. The event is for children ages 10 years and younger, and is free to everyone. Starting at 1:00 p.m. enjoy arts and crafts, music, games, inflatable rides, and the Easter Bunny.

Then, promptly at 2:30 p.m., the hunt is on! And don’t worry, every child is promised goodies and a good time. For more information call (850) 891-3855.

Blue Ribbon Bash

April 13, 2012 | 7:30 p.m to 11:30 p.m.

Tallahassee Automobile Museum Brehon Family Services annual fundraiser, the Blue Ribbon Bash will feature cuisine

by The Black Bean Café, live music from Crooked Shooz, and a live and silent 16 t a l l a h a s s e e

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auction. Tickets are $75 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information about Brehon Family Services, the Blue Ribbon Bash and sponsorship opportunities, call Brehon at (850) 656-7110 or visit brehonfamilyservices.org.

Musicfest 2012: Sounds of Hope, A Benefit for Refuge House April 15, 2012 | Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Unity Eastside Church

Chelsea House Spring Tea April 14, 2012 | 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.

Thomasville Road Baptist Church

The Chelsea House Spring Tea Party 2012 is going to be an afternoon of fun, fashion, beauty and great fellowship, and it is all to support a great cause.

For more information visit gsncares.org or call (850) 329-7512 to reserve your table or seat.

Musicfest 2012 presents an evening of great entertainment, food, and fun for the entire family. Musical performances from over a dozen regional and local performers will include performances by Dayve Stewart, The Tallahassee Boys Choir, Del Suggs, The New 76ers and the Sarah Mac Band. All proceeds will benefit Refuge House which provides services to adults and children affected by domestic or sexual violence. Tickets are $10; children (age 11 & under) are free with an adult.

For more info, visit musicfesttally.org.

Boys Town Paradise Found Gala

April 20, 2012 | Begins at 6:30 p.m.

University Center Club Boys Town of North Florida presents their annual Spirit of Youth Gala.

This year’s theme, “Paradise Found” sets the mood for an evening of tropical elegance including performances from the children, a silent auction, and a live auction headed by this year’s auctioneer Gene Deckerhoff. For tickets and additional information visit online at boystown.org/north-florida or contact denastrickland@boystown.org.

LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival April 21–22, 2012 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

Tallahassee’s Downtown Chain of Parks (Park Avenue between Monroe Street and Gadsden Street)

The 12th Annual LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival is sponsored by LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts and brings to downtown Tallahassee over 100 fine artists to display their original art pieces for art lovers and visitors to enjoy and purchase. There is live entertainment, food from favorite local restaurants and food vendors, souvenirs and a beautiful setting to spend a spring day outside.

Admission is free to the public. For more information call (850) 222-8800 or visit online at chainofparks.org.

Tour this Beautiful Custom Home During the Tallahassee Parade of Homes!

Saturday May 12th & 19th 10am – 6pm Sunday May 13th & 20th Noon – 6pm 2123 E Washington Street Monticello, FL 32344

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5th Annual Divine Sisterhood of the Costume Closet Sisters of the South: Steel Magnolias April 28, 2012 | 7:30 p.m to 10:30 p.m.

Goodwood Museum and Gardens

We have everything you need to get the most out of spring.

You’ll find the largest selection of bedding plants, specimen plants, trees and shrubs. And Our friendly and knowlegable staff will gladly assist you in making your yard and garden look its best this spring. Visit us today!

The Tallahassee Ballet’s Divine Sisterhood of the Costume Closet fundraising event has become the ultimate ladies’ night. This event, benefiting the Ballet’s sets, decorations, and costume needs, includes southern-style food, drinks, music, dancing, and a great night with your girlfriends. With the theme “Steel Magnolias” you can wear your favorite hat and white gloves, but it is optional. Tickets are $50 (including dinner and two drinks). For more information, e-mail sisterhoodfundraiser@ tallahasseeballet.org, or call (850) 224-6917, extension 1.

March of Dimes “March for Babies” April 28, 2012 Tallahassee Community College (TCC) Intramural Field

2911 Thomasville Rd. | 850.385.2162 www.tallahasseenurseries.com

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WE BUILD IT

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Ready for a morning of live entertainment, activities for families, and great food?

Well, march down to the March for Babies! Take steps towards helping raise healthier babies by registering for the 1-mile or 3-mile walk around TCC’s campus. Registration is free, so donations will be appreciated from teams, families, or individuals. Registration is at 9 a.m., walk is at 10 a.m. For more information, call (850) 422-3152 or visit online at marchforbabies.org.

POPs in the Park at SouthWood Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra May 5, 2012 (Rain date: Sunday, May 6, 2012) 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Home repair and remodeling expert with over 40 years experience in Tallahassee, Florida. References as requested. Your satisfaction is my highest priority.

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POPs in the Park is a magical evening of outdoor music overlooking Central Park Lake. There is no better way to celebrate the arrival of Tallahassee’s glorious spring than by gazing skyward into a clear night while the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (TSO) serenades you from the stage. Tickets are $10; children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate, the TSO Office, Beethoven & Company, or SouthWood Sales & Information Center. For more information call (850) 224-0461 or visit online at tallahasseesymphony.com.

Parade of Homes

May 12–13 and 19–20, 2012 Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sundays Noon to 6 p.m.

This is your opportunity to take a look at some of the beautiful homes designed and built by some of Tallahassee’s finest builders. The event is free to the public. For more information visit tallyba.com or call (850) 385-1414.

Spring Fling 2012: Under the Far Eastern Moon

May 17, 2012 | 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Tallahassee Nurseries Spring Fling 2012 with the theme, “Under the Far Eastern Moon,” is a fundraiser presented by and benefiting Big Bend Hospice.

Come enjoy food and music served throughout beautifully lit gardens along with two choices from the wine and cocktail selections, included in the ticket price. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at bigbendhospice.org, reserved by phone at (850) 701-1375, or purchased at Tallahassee Nurseries. For more information contact Connie Palmer at (850) 701-1341 or by e-mail at conniep@bigbendhospice.org.

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The 18th Annual Tour of Gardens

May 19, 2012 | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Maclay Gardens

Beautiful springtime weather makes way for the Annual Tour of Gardens fundraising event to benefit Maclay Gardens. In its 18th year, this spring tradition includes breakfast, a silent auction, a plant sale, and all the beauty Maclay Gardens has to offer with self-paced tours. Tickets are $25 and are available in advance at Maclay Gardens, Tallahassee Nurseries, Esposito Garden Center, Native Nurseries and Wild Birds Unlimited.

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ONTHECOVER

Walking

Tall

in the

Shadow of a Mentor

Photo by Adam Cohen

By Heather Thomas

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When looking back at our life’s journey leading up to today, there have been people that have taken the time to build us up, in small or big ways, mentors who ultimately bring out the best in us.

Whether it is personal character building, career development or spiritual growth, mentors are instruments of change that can last a lifetime. The mentor relationship is a unique one and the gifts that come from it have a reciprocity that carries an immeasurable pay-it-forward effect.

Pat Smith knows the power a mentor can have on a life and she has made it her life’s mission to encourage others.

As Pat Smith goes about her day as the Community Engagement Manager for the Department of Children and Families (DCF), she purposefully looks for people to mentor.

Pat defines mentorship as, “Sharing your information and knowledge with others so that they can be their very best.” Pat is a positive person by nature and has experienced incredible success in her life, but attributes all of it to one principle. “I am who I am today because I’ve had people pour into me and I’d like to give that back to others. My guiding belief is to whom much is given much is required.” The water image that Pat provides to illustrate mentorship is a nourishing one, and exploring it brought to light just a few of the beneficial gifts that come from being in a mentoring relationship.

The Gift of Perspective For Pat, coming from humble beginnings has left her with a keen eye for the bigger picture because during her childhood she struggled to see it. It was Berta Dawson, affectionately known as Aunt Bert, who opened up her eyes to a larger world and to the power one person can have in the life of another.

Pat grew up in a rural area of Georgia and was the third of seven children raised by her single mother. Life was hard, since the nearest city was far away, her world was isolated. Aunt Bert lived in Brooklyn, New York, and gave the gift of perspective in the form of boxes. “I remember these boxes would come t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

• A p r i l / M ay 2012 21

ONTHECOVER in the mail containing school clothes, little treats, and letters of her life in New York. These gifts and her yearly visits helped me to see beyond my situation.”

When Pat visited her aunt in New York when she was in high school it changed her life. “I was able to compare my home life to that of a bigger city and to the view of another person’s vision for myself. I was inspired to work hard for a better future.” A mentor can provide another angle to an issue that you haven’t thought of and, deeper still, can offer a vision for the future that maybe at first you don’t, or can’t, see because your present circumstances are blocking the view. Pat confirms that, “It’s a sharing of information that you would not normally get from anywhere else.”

The Gift of Empowerment

Adam Cohen Photography

With a changed perspective of a situation comes a confirmation of self worth. Pat says, “After high school there was no question that I was going to college. I had a vision for my future and I knew that a higher education was a part of getting there.” After graduating from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and being the first of her family to graduate from college, she began a career in public relations and mass communications. Throughout the years she has played an active role in highlighting the importance of women mentorship. She was a WTAL radio talk show host for “The Woman In You,” served as the chair of the Tallahassee Chamber Professional Women’s Forum, was recognized as one of 2011’s Tallahassee’s “25 Women You Need to Know,” and is also a member of the Status of Women and Girls Commission.

Currently, Pat focuses a lot of her time on the young women interns that work

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with her. “I want to empower them as I was empowered. I challenge them to exceed expectations and to stand out from the crowd.” Mentoring can bring out the best in the recipient and the giver and the empowerment goes both ways. “I feel like I am where God wants me to be as each and every day I cross paths with someone that He has intentionally put there. It’s a faith walk, a matter of trust, and as I give of myself I always learn much more in return.”

The Gift of Hope Pat says, “Growing up in poverty as I did was a hopeless situation in a sense.

I had no resources and no one around to encourage me. What Aunt Bert did for me not only changed my life, but probably helped to save my life.” With her position at DCF, Pat encounters a lot of seemingly hopeless situations with children, women and families experiencing crisis and trauma. Although challenging, she tirelessly endeavors to lift them up and inspire them to claim the promise of their future, no matter what their past has taught them. “What you see and draw in is what you reflect. If I reflect a positive outlook to people and truly believe in them and their future, they blossom and grow. When people are positive to me it makes me feel great, and I have a newfound hope for a problem or a situation.” Pat also reinforces the idea that mentoring does not have to be a big time commitment. “Just smile at someone, tell them something positive about themselves and bring light into their day. Those little things can end up being very big and lead someone in a new direction.”

Each mentor relationship is unique, but the common denominator is that the shadow of a mentor is a legacy that stretches through lifetimes. In most cases, those who are mentored will in turn mentor others, and in

every mentor relationship the gifts of perspective, empowerment and hope are reciprocated. Pat says, “I learn so much from the women I mentor. Fostering positive relationships is rewarding and fulfilling. Even as I look for women to mentor, I’m also looking for mentors for myself. I don’t care how old you are because it’s never too late to be a mentor or to be mentored by someone else.”

For many, mentors are also heroes. “My Aunt Bert is my hero. For years I watched this woman of great dignity and grace, who didn’t have much monetarily, but treated people well and always gave back to others.” Pat’s unwavering efforts to give the gifts of mentorship is a testament to the power of one, and that there is nothing better than making a difference in another person’s life and have them change yours in the process, bringing out the best in all of us.

More about Pat Smith: Pat is married to Reginald Smith, Sr. and they are the proud parents of a son, Reginald Smith, Jr. She is a Certified Public Manager, and is the recipient of the NAACP Black Achiever Award and the Judges’ Image Award from the Florida Public Relations Associations. Pat is an active member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and of her women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).

Mentoring Programs Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend bigbrothers-bigsisters.org (850) 386-6002 Dare To Dream Young Girls Network daretodreamyoungirls.com (850) 847-3875 dream@daretodreamyoungirls.com DIVASFlorida/Mentoring Group divasflorida.blogspot.com (850) 509-5559 divasflorida@gmail.com Good Samaritan Network Chelsea House (850) 933-1449 gsncares.org

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• A p r i l / M ay 2012 23

t i u s m Swi s d n e Tr ine

By TuTu Div

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S t y l e & G r a ce

From Sleek One Pieces, to Bikini’s That Make a Statement, We Have the Perfect F it for Y ou This Spring and Su mmer

With spring in the air and summer soon to follow, we are all gearing up to hit the beach or the pool. TuTu Divine consulted with Kyli Ringeman, manager and buyer at Narcissus, as to the swimsuit trends of 2012.

“Much of what we are seeing in women’s clothing has transferred to the swim designs.

Trending items such as lace, color blocking, bright and bold patterns, and nautical influences are making a splash this season in swimwear too.”

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2/24/2012 4:18:45 PM

he a l th y l i v i ng

Shedding Light on Sun Protection

By Jolynn Greenhalgh

S

kin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. There are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined and one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer. Anyone can get skin cancer and the risks increase with long term sun exposure, sunburns, lighter skin, hair, and eye colors, increased reactions to sunlight, freckling tendencies, mole counts, ethnicity, and family history.

There are three types of ultraviolet radiation (UVR): UVA, UVB, and UVC. Both UVA and UVB are associated with tanning, photo-aging, skin cancers, including malignant melanoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal damage.

Sunburns result from UVB exposure, and UVB protection is measured by the sun protection factor (SPF). UVA goes deeper into the skin, and can penetrate through windows and shade. You may not feel skin discomfort or get red with 26 t a l l a h a s s e e

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UVA exposure, so you may not remember protection measures.

Sun protection recommendations include: • Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat and 100% UVA/UVB protective sunglasses.

• Consider swim shirts or clothing with added UVR protection. A white cotton shirt only provides about a 2-4 SPF. • Seek shade when able, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand. They are reflective and increase your exposure.

• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy

diet that may include vitamin supplements.

Sunlight may not provide adequate vitamin D. Consider vitamin D level testing.

• Avoid tanning. Tanning is a reaction to and a defense against UVR. The skin darkens in an attempt to prevent further sun damage, and the damage accumulates over time. A base tan provides about a 2-4 SPF. Indoor tanning increases the risk for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Melanoma risks can increase by 75% when indoor tanning began in one’s youth.

Tanning beds typically emit UVA. • Check your skin. Do monthly skin selfexams. Annual exams are recommended; consult your healthcare provider.

Remember the early warning signs of skin cancer: A for asymmetry, B for irregular borders, C for multiple colors, D for diameter increases, and E for evolving behaviors of changing, growing, bleeding, itching, or non-healing skin lesions.

• Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a 15 to 30 SPF to all exposed skin and the lips. Use about two tablespoons, and reapply every two hours, and after swimming, sweating, or toweling. Most people only apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount. Check the expiration date. Use daily.

• Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens are preferred. These physical sunscreens reflect or scatter both UVA and UVB, and are not chemicals.

The new FDA sunscreen labeling regulations will become effective by this summer. Sunscreen products that protect against both UVB and UVA will be labeled ‘broad spectrum.’ When the SPF increases, so does the UVA protection. Water resistance will be labeled as either 40 or 80 minutes effective. Sunblock, waterproof, sweatproof, instant protection, and extended wear claims are no longer allowed.

Sun protection is important to your health. Be sure to make protecting your skin part of your everyday wellness routine.

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For more information American Academy of Dermatology.

Visit online at aad.org or call 1-888-462-DERM. American Cancer Society Visit online at cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.

Skin Cancer Foundation Visit online at skincancer.org or call 1-800-SKIN-490.

Contributed by Jolynn Greenhalgh, ARNP, CME Florida State University, College of Nursing, Adjunct Clinical Instructor, and DNP candidate, University of Florida, College of Nursing. Jolynn is the owner and clinician of Silhouette LLC located at 1233 Miccosukee Road in Tallahassee. For more information call (850) 459-9636 or visit online at silhouettelaser.com.

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• A p r i l / M ay 2012 27

Reallife

Please Make the Mommy Guilt Go Away

leave my little ones in day care all day, every day.

As one friend, Rachel Kruse of Tallahassee, pointed out, there must be some universal law mandating that all children’s “firsts” happen at day care.

By Rebecca Bonfanti

J

ust recently, I was packing for a rare weekend trip when my dad called to chat. After telling him about my plans, my very traditional father began questioning whether it was a good idea for me to leave my babies for that long. My first instinct was to laugh at his old-fashioned view of motherhood when, suddenly, I saw my son Mason’s face, and his sweet little three-year-old voice rang in my ears saying, “Don’t go, Mommy. Stay here with me. I love you.” Then, my heart sank.

For me, mommy guilt began almost immediately upon having children. My husband and I waited to have children until our thirties. We did not have a plan in place but, low-andbehold, we found ourselves blessed with two little ones in two years. In addition to Mason, Miss Julia is approaching two.

My main issue was the age-old question of whether to work or not. All of my family models were stay-at-home moms (or SAHM in the blogosphere), yet, I knew this option was not for me. I also knew in my heart that I could not stand to

Using guilt as a motivator, I decided to follow a dream. After five years, I left my law job and accepted a position teaching high school, where I get to do what I love and am passionate about.

I also have a schedule that gives me flexibility, so that I have ample time at home with my family, too. Of course I know that not everyone has these options. For example, the high cost of child care can require a stay-at-home parent. For my law school friend Courtney Rubin, a SAHM of three, her guilt is different than mine. “There are many days when all I want is to talk to another adult other than [my husband] or a preschool teacher about something intelligent, because there was a time when I thought I was pretty smart and a valuable member of society.”

Her amazing creativity has led to the development of a blog which she writes with her children to bring awareness of charities for sick and under-privileged kids, mikeyshelpingplace.wordpress.com.

Then there is the guilt of time and when and how much to spend it with your children. My cousin Brittany, also a SAHM of three, has a degree in event management and plans weddings for friends based on her family’s schedule. “I remember feeling guilty when I was pregnant with my second, because I realized my first would never remember any time in which she was the only child. Then, when I was pregnant with my third, I felt guilty that my second born would be a middle child. But most of my guilt is on my actual interaction with them. Even though I’m home with them, I feel guilty for not spending as much time playing with them as I probably should. I also feel guilty for my lack of patience with them. I get easily frustrated when they don’t obey right away, which is often with a four-yearold. So, while much of my day is spent flying off the handle, most of my evenings are spent recapping the day, regretting the harsh words and tone in which I spoke to them.”

Another friend, Nikki from Georgia, is the divorced mother of sweet Gabby. She wrote to me recently of her mommy guilt.

“I’m the only disciplinarian. I worry that I have somehow messed up her life, because I chose to divorce her father. I also have guilt every time I put a pizza in the oven because I am so exhausted that I do not want to cook a full meal.”

Any of these scenarios sound familiar? None of us are immune to guilt. For me, having a strong support system made up of family and close friends is extremely important in alleviating the pressures of parenthood. Parenting groups are another good

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MY “MOMMY” BLOG ROLL • embracingtheinsanity.wordpress.com • pearlsandgrace.blogspot.com • kellyskornerblog.com • blueeyedbride.com • lynseyandbrian.blogspot.com • amommyinthecity.com • lifeingraceblog.com • paigeknudsen.blogspot.com

option, as they offer family-friendly activities for both adults and children. Of course, “mommy” blogs and social media, such as Twitter, can provide invaluable information and resources. In fact, my Twitter network is often my first go-to for parenting questions and concerns.

As for that trip I was worried about taking, I went and, amazingly, my children survived without me for two whole days. On the way back home, I was in an airport shop browsing for gifts for Mason and Julia when I overheard a group of women talking. One of them was frantically looking for the perfect T-shirts to take home to her pre-teen daughters and was complaining that she did not think they even missed her when she was gone. “Mommy guilt?” I asked her. She sighed and nodded to confirm. I offered a knowing, compassionate smile in return, a little relieved that I was not alone.

Rebecca Bonfanti is a mom to two children, and teaches AP Psychology and World History Honors to students at Chiles High School.

CLASSIC INTERIORS W I T H PA N AC H E

Every mom needs some time to recharge and gain perspective.

Don’t feel guilty leaving your children to: • Get in a work out. Your health is important to you and to your family.

• Take some quiet time for you. This time will recharge you and help with your stress levels.

• Head out for a girls night with friends. There’s nothing like an evening of laughter and girl talk to change your perspective.

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HOME

Photos by Christie Meresse Room design by Furniture Showcase and Design 30 t a l l a h a s s e e

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Give Your Bedroom a

By Wendy Kerr

Bedrooms have often been treated as an afterthought, even in the most elegant of homes. They’re low on the priority list because many view them as private spaces, not to be seen by guests.

However, with families spending more time at home, the trend is shifting. Gone are the days of bedrooms designed purely for rest. Master bedrooms are routinely built larger and equipped with all the amenities of a boutique hotel. In addition to being a place to rest your head, these spaces may offer workspace, entertainment centers, sitting and dressing areas. The design of these suites range from understated casual elegance to over-the-top opulence, all aimed to appeal to the individual’s style. t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

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Designed with the notion that you spend a great deal of your life in bed, the comfortable and cozy bedroom factors this into every detail. Using an all-neutral color palette against richly grained wood furnishings establishes the tranquility of your retreat. Mixing natural materials like bamboo woven shades, tree branch drapery hardware and simple linen panels will add texture and warmth to your windows.

Back the shades with a room-darkening lining for pitch-black slumber and add supplemental floor lamps in the sitting area for reading. Hide your flat screen in a lift console or wall mounted decorative cabinet. Coziness is key in your bedding selection too; try opting for layers of soft cotton linens and ultra, plush down comforters for the ultimate resting place.

The intimacy of a true romantic bedroom should combine masculine and feminine aesthetics into one. Gray and blue tones on your walls and in your textiles will create a soothing but manly effect in the room. A dark palmetto wood finish on larger scale furniture will also err on the masculine side. Combine this with feminine touches like a sparkling crystal chandelier, hand-beaded pearl mirrors, etched glass vases or a floral arrangement and the recipe for romance is complete. A sizeable floor mirror is a dramatic addition to the room, next to a shimmering swivel rocker that can be used as a reading or dressing area. Lush silk fabrics and trims for the custom bedding and pillows add to the sensuality of the bed, while soft and subtle lighting on either side establish an ambiance only enhanced by candles.

Going for the bold luxury bedroom doesn’t mean giving up on relaxation or practicality. Relying on multiple hues of the same color can make your room rich and glamorous, while still creating a serene sanctuary. Highlighting one wall or alcove with a daring wallpaper can give the same impression as highimpact artwork. Adding accents with reflective surfaces like mirrored bedside tables and mercury glass lamps enhance the natural light coming into the room.

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table highlighted by an art-deco sunburst mirror. Interchangeable throw pillows on your bed, complemented with different tassels, cords, tapes and fringes will add visual interest to a tufted upholstered headboard with nickel nailhead trim.

Your bedroom is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see when you close your eyes at night. It is your refuge and a place to finally take a deep breath and relax. So dream and

dream big, and give your personal space the same attention as the rest of your home. Don’t think of a beautiful bedroom as an indulgence, but rather an investment in a new day.

Wendy Kerr is the owner of Furniture Showcase and Design located at The Gallery at Market Street in Tallahassee.

Sheet Quality 101

By Gina Proctor

The most common question that is asked about sheet quality is, “What is the thread count?” However, high thread count is not an indicator of sheet quality or performance longevity of the sheets. Thread count by definition is the number of threads per one-inch square of fabric, including both the vertical threads and the horizontal threads woven together. The Federal Trade Commission believes that each yarn should only be counted as one thread for thread count purposes.

However, this is difficult to enforce and lacks real regulation, with some companies exaggerating their thread counts resulting in lower counts at a high thread count price tag.

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Fiber. 100% cotton sheets are the most popular

and are best sellers. There is a wide range of quality variations when comparing cotton sheets.

Stable cotton sheets are the highest quality and refer to the length of the cotton fiber. This will make the sheets stronger and last longer. The best and most popular stable cotton sheets are Egyptian and Pima/Supima Cotton. Again, do not be fooled by cotton sheets. Although the label could indicate Egyptian cotton, the entire sheet set could only contain a portion.

Look for 100% Egyptian Cotton or 100% Pima to ensure that you are getting quality sheets that will perform better over time.

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Finishing. This refers to how the sheets feel,

or the “hand.” We often ask our customers to choose the sheets that feel good to them.

Just like your favorite T-shirt, your sheets should feel good to you. Some sheets can have a crisper or smooth feel depending on the company’s finishing process. Singeing removes the fuzz that would result in piling on sheets and mercerizing improves the strength and luster of sheets. Manufacturers of lesser quality sheets can skip these steps that are important to the sheet performance and longevity.

Sheets that are properly constructed with quality fiber and finishing will provide you with unmatched comfort and are an investment that will last for years.

Gina Proctor is the owner of Bedfellows located at 1495 Market Street in Tallahassee. t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

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T he D i s H

Don’t Pass Up Mom’s Pea Salad

By Randi Shiver

Pea Salad Ingredients: 7 cups of peas, drained (Hint: I use 4 cans of LeSeur Peas because the peas are small) ¾ of a block of extra sharp cheddar cheese, diced 1 medium onion, diced (I use Vidalia) 4 boiled eggs, peeled and diced 1/2 cup of mayonnaise (add up to ¼ cup more if needed) 2 teaspoons of garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Mix everything together and chill for a few hours or overnight. Serves 8-10.

This pea salad is a simple and satisfying side dish.

Serve it in a colorful red or purple lettuce leaf or stir in any of the following ingredients to create your own pea salad perfection—cooked and crumbled bacon, diced sun dried tomatoes, capers, diced marinated mushrooms or diced pimentos.

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T

here is nothing like a mother’s heartfelt advice, until it involves a bowl full of pea salad and a picky eater. I was never the type of child that had to be told to eat my peas, or any other vegetable for that matter. A variety of veggies and starches were always piled up on my dinner plate where fish sticks and cubed steak were usually stashed. But there was always something about my mom’s pea salad that I was reluctant to try. Sure, I love salad, and I like peas just fine, but the combination of the two really troubled me. Like any good mother, mine still urged and advised me to eat it. Like any normal child, I refused.

In addition to the suggestions for sampling pea salad, my mom tried to advise me on basic kitchen skills and concepts while I was learning how to cook as a child. And thankfully for me, I have finally started taking her advice. If it weren’t for her always

reminding me that I was cooking with the heat turned on too high, I would still be scorching soups and burning brownies to this day. If she didn’t tell me to, “read the directions all the way through before you start cooking,” every time I pulled out a cookbook, my Girl Scout troupe would still be waiting on those Rice Krispies treats I tried to make for our meeting back in 1987. I give my mom total credit for her advice on departmentalizing my grocery list into categories before making the trip, so my visits to the store aren’t as chaotic as they could be with two busy boys in tow.

When I finally gave in to the green, grosssounding salad as an adult, I realized that I should have listened to my mom years before and taken a bite of the pea salad that was passed around at pot lucks and backyard barbeques during my childhood. Not only was the pea salad the most delicious advice I had ever passed up, the recipe was passed down from my grandmother, which makes it even more special. Now, when my mom and I are planning our menu for family functions and holidays, I am the first one to request pea salad as a side dish. Every time I advise my sons to eat their peas, I am reminded that moms know how to serve the best bites of advice there is in life.

Check out Randi Shiver’s blog, TheHomemadeParade.com, which features recipes, crafts, party planning and an overall sense of inspiration to help people celebrate life. Randi is a wife and mother of two boys and is a kindergarten teacher at Gilchrist Elementary School.

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• A p r i l / M ay 2012 35

COm MM U N iI t Ty Y | org a n i z a t i ons co m un

Florida’s First Lady Ann Scott Experiences the Unwavering Spirit of the Children at Boys Town North Florida

By Heather Thomas

W

With leaders reflecting devoted passion like Dena Strickland, Development Director of Boys Town, it’s no wonder that its programs are changing the lives of at-risk children. “I have personally seen children who come into the program from unimaginable circumstances, and then learn to value themselves, to trust, and to open themselves up to love.” The abused, abandoned and neglected children in the Tallahassee area often end up with tremendous obstacles that prevent them from achieving their full potential. Knowing this, Boys Town provides an integrated continuum of care.

“Children receive compassion while learning social skills, work ethic, and responsibility. They attend school and are encouraged to participate in activities that spark their interest. The values of Boys Town strengthen the body, mind and spirit and instill in children the desire to strive for personal achievements,” says Dena.

For some children, they have never had a birthday cake or birthday celebration, let alone have others celebrate their personal successes. Community outreach programs like Birthday Buddies at Boys 36 t a l l a h a s s e e

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Photos by Christie Meresse

hen Chantel decided to write to the First Lady of Florida requesting her to attend dinner with her and the other young women at Boys Town North Florida, she was reflecting the scope of how far she has come since her days spent in the juvenile justice system.

She says, “Boys Town has supported me from day one.

They’ve always told me to never give up, or quit what you love the most.” Thanks to the encouragement and mentorship of Boys Town, she is pursuing her GED so she can attend Tallahassee Community College on a full two-year scholarship. Transformations like Chantel’s are not unusual with Boys Town. With its five Treatment Family Homes, three for boys and two for girls, children ages 10 to 18 become part of a family while receiving much needed care, healing and hope.

1433 Market Street (850) 765-0630 6800 Thomasville Road (850) 894-2630

Dena Strickland, First Lady Ann Scott, Chantel, Rhonda Baldock

Town provide the children with a special celebration. Community involvement shines at the Boys Town Spirit of Youth Gala, held every year in April, and is another way the children are shown that people care about them. This year’s gala, “Paradise Found,” is spearheaded by Rhonda Baldock, who is also Chantel’s mentor. “Working with Boys Town over the years I have sought to change lives, when really, it has helped to change mine. I’ve learned so much from these children and their struggles. When they achieve success, I’m completely inspired.”

During her visit this past February, Mrs. Scott toured one of the homes for girls and met personally with Chantel, before sitting down for a dinner that all of the girls helped prepare. It was a special time for everyone. Of her visit, Mrs. Scott said, “Boys Town North Florida holds a special place in my heart. I have truly bonded with the children I’ve met there. In spite of their various situations, the children are compassionate towards others and are focused on creating a brighter future for themselves.”

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For more information about Boys Town North Florida or the Spirit of Youth Gala on April 20th, please visit boystown.org/north-florida or contact Dena Strickland at (850) 575-6422, extension 227.

Accessories for You and Your Home

2066 Thomasville Road | 850-386-8525 | Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

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C O MM U N I T Y | events

AROUND TOWN Special Events • Speakers • Benefits • Activities

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COVENANT HOSPICE CHOCOLATE AFFAIR The University Center Club was filled with music, mingling, and some of the best food and desserts in town during this year’s Chocolate Affair presented

by Covenant Hospice. Many restaurants, bakers, and caterers presented their best as attendees voted on the “People’s Choice Award.” This fundraiser helps to fund programs at Covenant Hospice including bereavement, chaplain services, children’s support, and volunteer services.

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Kajsa Henry, Ashante Henry Charla Lucas, Paula Lucas Rick Stewart, Carole Stewart Lynn Underwood, Marcella Browning, Lois Johnson 5. Larry Moore, Peggy Moore, Curtis Richardson 6. (Back row) Sherry Lake, Charly Nottke, Marissa Mainwood, (Front row) Michelle Brooks, Wendi Works, Leonor Sanchez-Thurber, Briallen Sanchez-Thurber 7. Lydia Claire Brooks, Elizabeth Schlein 8. Bobbie Massey, Ann Davis, Ginny Geiger, Vanessa Fletcher, Celeste Jensen 9. James Smith, Kim Smith, Karen James

Learn more about our birthing options at CRMCFamilyCenter.com or call 850.325.3627

I Just Know

to schedule a tour today.

IF YOU FOLLOW YOUR MOTHERLY INTUITION, YOU’LL ARRIVE AT THE FAMILY CENTER. I’ve worked as a nurse at Capital Regional Medical Center since 1997, and even delivered my own baby here. Over the years, I have seen The Family Center grow to offer neonatology services, lactation consultants, single-room birthing suites and Shared Care – the very best care for moms and babies – while keeping a wonderful group of caring and knowledgeable nurses on staff.

What sets us apart is our family-centered approach, including classes for parents-tobe and lots of perks for new moms. At the Family Center, we do everything we can to help prepare your family for the exciting changes ahead.

— Suzy Dean, RN The Family Center Capital Regional Medical Center

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CATWALK FOR A CAUSE Beautiful ladies sashayed down the runway at the Catwalk for a Cause, a fashion show to benefit the American Red Cross presented by the Clara Barton Society. With great looks provided by W by Worth, Doncaster, and Carlisle, a lovely lunch and great prizes, this event held at the Doubletree Hotel was a glamorous afternoon for all. All funds raised went to support the local chapter’s programs and services to the Big Bend community.

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Anne Howard, Joel Silver Electra Bustle Danalee Corso, Shelby Turner Denise Norton, Jeanne Curtin, Allison Cartledge, Electra Bustle, Sherrie Kishbaugh, Cassandra Jenkins 5. The ladies of Kappa Alpha Theta and Chi Omega sororities at FSU served as the Catwalk models.

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Women Work Here

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We offer career opportunities from engineering to marketing and product management.

Visit our website at www.myfuelmaster.com or call 850-878-2558 for information on careers at Syn-Tech.

6. Judge Josefina Tamayo, Michelle Stephens 7. Ramona Connors, Tamara Smith 8. Angela Hardiman-Cole, Elizabeth Smith, Chrys Goodwine, Christy Rojas-Kasten 9. Maggie Masferrer, Mary Bebout, Donna Bassett, Jill Bixler, JoElla Harris t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

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MidNight in Paris The Manor House at Goodwood Museum and Gardens was transformed into a 1920s salon for “Midnight in Paris,” a fundraiser to raise money for preservation of the classic plantation. Lost Generation re-enactors included a faux Hemingway, Dali, Gertrude Stein and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

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Photos by Audrey Post

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1. Jeff Duvall, Stuart Riordan Mary Cassatt, Ron Yrabedra 2. Mary Ann Lindley, Charlie Nuzzo, Kathryn Travis 3. Lynn Solomon 4. Trish Kurowski, Nella Schomburger 5. Lance Scalf, Jennifer Barry, Clare Gabas 6. Colin and Anne Phipps, Gerald Ensley, Sally Karioth 7. Martha and Rick Barnett 8. Nancy Bivens, AnnKozeliski, Kelly Dozier 9. Mahaska Whitley

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age with confidence Ben Kirbo, M.D. and Laurence Rosenberg, M.D. were selected by goldline Research as one of the Leading Plastic Surgeons in the United States. they are dedicated to providing outstanding patient care, in a quiet, relaxing environment.

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• A p r i l / M ay 2012 43

wo m en to w a tch

Women to Watch

is a listing of women with new jobs or promotions, business openings and changes, awards and installations or women who are reaching out and making a difference in our community.

E-mail information for Women to Watch to listings@TalWoman.com.

TK Sanders, of The AllStar Group, has been appointed Executive Director of The Michael Gaines Eva Jilek

TK Sanders

Foundation. In her new position, TK will be responsible for the organization’s achievement of its mission, cultivating the lives of under-served youth by providing resources and programs designed to empower, encourage and educate youth toward positive growth.

Eva Jilek recently became the new owner of Change of Pace salon, a local salon offering hair and beauty services.

Wendy Smith Hansen, Attorney at Law, recently was re-certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in Wendy Smith Hansen

Kimberly M. Woods-Smith

health law. She has been practicing law in Florida since 1994 and has been board certified for 10 years.

Her practice focuses on representing health care practitioners and businesses before state regulatory agencies and the Florida Legislature.

Kimberly M. Woods-Smith was promoted to National Director of Medical and Scientific outreach for the Lung Cancer Alliance.

Tammy Cotton is the owner and photographer for Front Porch Farm Photography, a studio that Tammy Cotton

Susan Borland

specializes in portraits for babies, children, families and high school seniors. Tammy offers studio and on location photography sessions in the Tallahassee area.

Susan Borland, Education Manager of the Challenger Learning Center, was selected to sit on the board of directors of Challenger Center for Space Science Education, a national not-for-profit STEM education organization. She has over 20 years of non-profit management and education experience.

Lavanya Acharya

Karuna Reddy

Elva Peppers (not pictured) was recently elected as President of the Tallahassee Chapter of the Florida Association of Environmental Professionals, part of a state and national organization formed to promote and educate those in the Environmental Professions. She serves on the State Board of Directors, and is also founder and President of Florida Environmental and Land Services, Inc., a local environmental consulting firm that has recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.

Karuna Reddy has joined the management consulting and IT firm ISF as a software developer.

Karuna has lived in Tallahassee for three years and has over seven years of development experience.

Lavanya Acharya recently joined ISF as a software developer. Lavanya has eight years of application development experience.

Catherine Crumb

Amy Hinson

Amy Hinson recently joined the sales staff at The Gem Collection. Amy has also recently

completed courses through the Gemological Institute of America to receive her Jewelry Professional Accreditation.

Catherine Crumb, Project Manager at ISF, has attained a Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute.

Mikaya D. Warren recently launched My B.A.L.D. Is Beautiful, Inc., a non-profit organization Mikaya D. Warren

Gloria Pugh

providing emotional support and promoting self confidence to girls and women in the area who have been affected by medically-induced hair loss. Her life experiences with Sickle Cell Anemia and Alopecia, her talents, ambition and determination all ignite her passion to support her community for the better.

Gloria Pugh, president and CEO of A.M.W.A.T. Moving, Warehousing & Storage, announced that her company has again been recognized as among the best businesses in Tallahassee, winning the 2012 Tally Awards in two categories: Best Moving Company and Best Storage Company.

Jennifer Powell and Jenna Reichert, have partnered together to start J&J Weddings, a wedding Jenna Reichert

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photography business with unique photography services for all types of weddings.

wo m en W e A D MI R E

Sara Craft

Mentoring the Next Generation of Women

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hen we asked our readers for women that have been mentors to them, we knew that Sara Craft had to be a special woman when we received two letters about her. Sara is a woman who has obviously touched lives through her love and caring of others. We thought what better way to tell you how she has affected others than by sharing with you the letters we received from two young women. They both shared about how Sara has become someone they look up to and trust, and who also inspires them to achieve new heights in their life’s journey.

Kaylan Harrington wrote: “You come across many people, but there are those few that invest in you that really make you a better person. Sara Craft is the definition of a mentor—she exudes a positive and encouraging attitude that is so contagious. She is a great woman of faith, a mother of two, a coach’s wife and a mentor. How she has time and energy I do not know.

I have had the privilege of knowing Sara for many years. She was in high school on my sister’s volleyball team and I was just in elementary. Nonetheless, I looked up to her since back then.

Homecoming Queen does not begin to define the woman she is. She has such a beauty about her inside and out, something that has always inspired me. She graduated high school at North Florida Christian (NFC) and college from Florida State University, then married her high school sweetheart. They left Tallahassee, but soon came back to where her husband became the head coach at NFC (his alma mater) two years ago.

Last summer, Sara approached me and my two friends and asked if we would like to begin a small group. None of us really knew her that well, but as the small groups unfolded we were blessed with such an amazing mentor. She shared her heart and encouraged us to be women of God despite what might be thrown our way in the college life. She continues to mentor many other girls at NFC and has truly inspired us to be better women in high school, college, and in life itself.

As busy as Sara is being a mom and a coach’s wife, she still takes the time to invest time in everyone. NFC’s football team won the state championship this year and her husband, Robert Craft, was named the Florida Coach of the year, a huge accomplishment. Despite all the hoopla, Sara and her family remain humble and share their blessings with others.

Sara truly deserves the spotlight for all she has given me and so many girls. It is amazing to see how much she has inspired me to go out and invest in others—that is what a true mentor is. I am so thankful that while her husband is showing young boys how to be men, she is showing girls how to live their lives as women of God.”

Emily Eaker wrote: “Reading the post on Facebook about a mentor immediately made me think of Sara and what she poured into my life.

Whether it is advice, love, a random text, a heart to heart, or just hanging out, I truly have been blessed beyond words. Sara has been a huge influence in my life. She is the coach’s wife at my high school and she does two all-girl Bible studies for the senior class with around 15 girls all together. She is teaching us lessons that we should take with us to college and has personal stories to back them up. She has become a close friend and I enjoy spending time with her outside of the study. Sara has touched my life and I know that she has been, and will continue to be, a big influence in many other young women’s lives.”

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Funn y G i r l on a screen under 60” unless it’s in my van. Our surround sound has more amps than an air raid siren. And thanks to its distortion free technology, I can watch the movie Top Gun and hear those jets all the way out in my garage.

We have so many remote controls, we can’t figure out how to turn on the TV. So, we use our cell phones to call for help. We call this our, “We can’t turn on our TV minutes.”

But wait—there’s more. I have an invisible fence so I don’t have to paint it, a gas fireplace so I don’t have to empty it, and a self cleaning oven I never use.

Indulgences or Necessities?

By Karen M. Morris

I

ran out of Guatemalan coffee beans this morning and immediately collapsed in a heap and began cradling the empty coffee mill. You see, with my delicate palate, it’s impossible for me to drink coffee that comes from a can.

Oh who am I kidding? I’ve eaten tuna while it was still in the can.

What has happened to me? My family never bought coffee beans when I was growing up; we could barely afford tap water. We rarely went out to eat, and we washed our Saran wrap so we could reuse it.

And now, I drink bottled water with a name I can’t pronounce.

I don’t know what’s in my refrigerator, but I’ve memorized the menu at Whataburger. And as far as the Saran wrap goes—I’m wearing it.

Somewhere along the line my indulgences have become my necessities, and I am not alone. Take cell phones, for example.

Everybody has one clutched in their hands or dangling from their faces. They’re like the cigarettes of the 21st century.

And you cannot escape cell phone users. They’re loud and they’re everywhere. You can hear everything from embarrassingly intimate dialogue to arguments over who has a bigger butt—and those are just my conversations.

My sister has two cell phones and a pager. One night they all went off at the same time and her purse vibrated right off the table. She has caller ID and a list of everyone who’s called her since 1996.

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I cannot imagine life without e-mail or DSL; I don’t want anything to slow down all the spam I get about refinancing my home or male enhancement products.

I have access to 500 TV channels, and last night I watched a talk show in Mandarin because my fingers were too tired to work the remote anymore. I have 9 news channels and I still don’t know if I am a Democrat or Republican.

I need an oversized garage to squeeze 3 cars into, feng shui to paint it, and a secret code to get inside. I rationalize my excessive shopping as retail exercise and I want convenience stores open around the clock so I can buy a Slurpie at 3 a.m.

I don’t fix meals anymore. I just race through a driveway and grab a sack of food from a stranger hanging out a window. Last week, I accidentally picked up somebody’s dry cleaning.

I used to be happy with a car that had four doors and a radio but not anymore. I have to have jumbo cup holders for my Slurpies and individual plug-ins for everyone’s CD, DVD, and laptop. If I want to talk to someone in the back seat, I text them.

My girlfriend has an SUV that is better equipped than the Batmobile. The vehicle locks itself, turns its lights off, and barks so you can find it. The leather seats can warm or cool you, and they give massages, too. If it wasn’t illegal, I’d marry her car.

And let’s not forget my self improvement needs. I want the skin on my face to be tighter than a snare drum and my teeth so white that every time I smile astronauts can see me.

I’d like my lips to be so big they could double for a wet vac. And I want anything that is sagging or dragging on the floor to be put back in its rightful place—even if it involves the use of heavy equipment and a construction crew. My goal is to pass for 10 when I turn 75.

Yesterday, I told my husband I needed some personal upgrading.

He wasn’t convinced but he quickly changed his mind when I threatened to wear the Saran wrap again.

Learn more about our birthing options at CRMCFamilyCenter.com or call 850.325.3627 to schedule a tour today.

I Just Know

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 familyfriendly 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

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JEFFREY M. RAWLINGS, M.D., FACS

CERTIFIED AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGEONS