U&me Magazine Issue 6 by U&me Magazine

w lo al H n ee y

t af Cr s ea Id

A Family Bond

Magazine

Invisible Buddies:

Why Experts Approve of Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Imaginary Friends

FASHION:

Cool Outfits for Cooler Weather

Surviving Homework

Solutions to the Constant Struggle

TIGHT CORE

Get Hard-Rock Abs after Pregnancy

Banish the Binky!

Easy Ways to Ease Away from the Pacifier

Joys of Fall WWW.UANDMEMAG.COM SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2013 ISSUE 6

Wet?

Don't Fret!

Help Your Child Overcome Bedwetting

SOUTH AFRICA

Adventure for the Whole Family in this Scenic Paradise

Alopecia Areata in Children: Coping with this Puzzling Disease

PLUS Radiant Skin: Supplements from A to Z

www.ao.be

CONTENTS 14

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Features 22

Five Simple Ways to Banish the Binky

Wet? Don’t Fret!

The Real Advantages of Imaginary Friends

Surviving Homework

Children with Alopecia Areata

Getting rid of the pacifier doesn’t have to spark a war between you and your child.

Try these simple solutions for bedwetting.

65% of kids agree: their made-up pals rock! But... what do the experts say?

The key to this lifelong struggle between parents and children is BE PREPARED.

How Parents Can Help Kids Cope with this Puzzling Disease.

Parents 60

Back to Work? Make it Work!

Don’t stress! There are a few key factors that can help your transition.

On the Cover 50 Joys of Fall Photography: Ania Moussawel Art Direction: Mauricio Mendoza Stylist: Elizabeth Vanco Make Up: Annabelle Gonzalez Kid Model: Cathy & Company www.cathycompany.com Wardrobe: Bloomingdale's (Aventura) 19555 Biscayne Blvd Aventura, FL 33180 Accessories: Tabelina www.tabelina.com

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Regulars

Family Getaways

11 Mommy Talk

54 South Africa

Breaking the News!

12 Daddy Tales

Humorous Confessions of Fatherhood

Furry Friends 18 Raising an Animal Advocate

The morals we strive to instill in children should include compassion for animals.

Adventure for the Whole Family in this Scenic Paradise

Green Corner 66 Cleaning for a Healthy Home

Recipes 38 Spooky Treats

Craft

Plus

20 Book Fairy

34 Backstage Pass

Now you know why “Reading is fundamental”! Here’s a fun, easy way to transform into a whimsical Book Fairy.

Well-Being 67 Secrets for a Tight Core

Workout routine for hard rock Abs after Pregnancy

68 Radian Skin:

Suplements A-to-Z

The spotlight is on jazzy mix and match ensembles for kids with star quality!

36 A Be-witching Halloween!

Keeping Your Little Pumpkins at Home... and Having Fun!

Resources 70 Books Are My Pals 72 Calendar of Events

40 Photography: Kendra Bentley www.kendrajillphotography.com Art Direction: Mauricio Mendoza Stylist: Elizabeth Vanco Fashion: Bonpoint (Bal Harbour) www.bonpoint.com Models: Cathy & Company www.cathycompany.com

Fashion 40 Winds of Change

As the wind blows the seasons away, we layer up in a fashionable way.

786.683.6958

kend ra jillp hotograp hy .com

Kendrajillphotography@gmail.com

FIRST WORDS

Meet Our Photographers

Joys of Fall

Kendra Bentley

Winds of change bring cooler breezes and darker nights as the clocks go back once again, setting the tone for the little ones most awaited festivity... Halloween! And to help put you in a fitting mood we bring you “Spooky Delights”, sweet treats for the whole family to enjoy. So get dressed up and get baking for a spooky night of fun. If you are feeling creative, we also have an easy to make “Book Fairy” costume that is sure to please that cute little bookworm in your home. Keeping your little pumpkins homebound this Halloween? In “A Be-witching Halloween”, we bring you a fun alternative to the usual trick or treating. So give vent to your creative juices and make it a night of unforgettable family fun. As we settle in the routine for a successful school year, many of us find ourselves struggling once again with homework. In “Surviving Homework”, we offer you proven and effective recommendations to tackle this dilemma head-on. As with any feat, the key is to have a structured approach, encourage discipline and, most importantly, stay consistent. Are you a brand new mommy? Wondering how you will survive the demands of your new “mommy schedule” as you prepare to enter the workforce once again? In “Making Going Back to Work Work for the Family”, we provide you with tips to make it a smooth process for everyone involved. And as always, we dig far and deep to bring you the most spectacular ideas for your next family getaways, and in this issue we bring you South Africa. Thought you’d never travel that far? Think again! From its unimaginable wildlife to its captivating beaches and nightlife, this is a family trip of a lifetime. With our one-year anniversary on the horizon, there is much to be said about our gratitude for all those individuals who believed in our vision and stood by us from the very start. Most importantly, we are humbled by you, our readers, for all the love and support, and for welcoming us into your homes. Thank you. Until next time, Gladys Valladares Editor-In-Chief

U&me Magazine

Kendra was born and raised in North Carolina. Working in front of the camera as an international model and TV host gave her an early love and appreciation for photography, as well as allowing her a smooth and easy transition to being behind the camera. Although she loves photographing her beloved boys, she admits that dressing up and photographing girls is a great creative outlet for her. 786. 683. 6958 kendrahollidayonline@gmail.com www.kendrajillphtography.com Marlyne Cardenas-Padilla Born and raised in Miami, as a child Marlyne loved to perform, dance and be in front of the camera. After majoring in almost everything else, she took a photography class and discovered how much she loved to really freeze time and observe people and truly capture who they are through her eyes and lens. 786. 556. 6161 marlyne@marlynealexander.com www.marlynealexander.com embracing life by holding it still... Ania Moussawel Born and raised in Miami, Florida, as a child Ania enjoyed art and music and loved to draw, paint and play the piano. She was an art major in college and once she took her first photography class, there was no looking back. Photography became her new direction with her education and career. 786.252.3842 aniamoussawel@gmail.com www.aniamoussawel.com

Presents:

1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FASHION SHOW

Mommy Makeover Reveal at

AVENTURA

Join U&Me Magazine to celebrate our One Year Anniversary with a Children’s Fashion Show at Bloomingdale’s Aventura. We will also reveal our Mommy Makeover Contest winners, who received a 6 month healthy lifestyle program with Trainer Kathleen Check, Alison Hay, Belly-n-Kicks, and Fit2Go Meals.

Saturday

November

3-5 pm

4 pm Fashion Show To reserve your spot and receive a gift bag, please call (305) 792-1223 or email RSVPAventura@bloomingdales.com before November 13.

Kathleen Check

ALISON HEY

Health & Fitness

YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE NOW! EDITOR IN-CHIEF GLADYS VALLADARES SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER BETTY DE VARONA EDITOR GISELLE BALIDO ART DIRECTOR MAURICIO MENDOZA EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Tatiana Bengochea ASSISTANT DESIGNER SANDRA MARTINEZ

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WRITERS CYNTHIA LECHAN GOODMAN Steve Goodman MARGARET KESSLER Schorr Geraldine Lewis Maruchi Mendez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DR. LESLIE BAUMANN MANOELA SUAREZ

U&me Magazine is a vital resource for parents from all walks of life. Published six times a year, U&me Magazine provides helpful insights and solutions for the challenges faced by moms and dads throughout the parenting stages.

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ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING ELIZABETH MAZORRA ISA RUBIO Jackie Duperrouzel JESSICA PARADA Shakirah Robertson PHOTOGRAPHERS ANIA MONSALVE MARLYNE PADILLA KENDRA BENTLEY CONTRIBUTORS CATHY CELMER Kathleen CHECK Erika Boom WEB Design & MARKETING LAPIZ DESIGN

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LETTERS

Mommy Talk It is a moment never to be forgotten, a story you will share with your grandchildren one day… Here are some of our favorite announcements submitted by the readers of The Pink Elephant. . “I was dizzy, bloated for days, my hair and skin took on the life of a teenager, and my boobs were enormous. Something just wasn’t right. All six of my co-workers and I piled in the car and drove to the nearest pharmacy. All of us huddled in the bathroom, while I nervously peed on a pregnancy test. Minutes and two pink lines later, I was pregnant! I started screaming, crying, and dancing in a pharmacy bathroom. I was going to be a mommy! How would I tell Brandon? Later that night, my husband and I were going to go the Black Eyed Peas concert. I was going to pick him up from work and he was going to change in the car. There we were, outside the stadium, my palms sweaty, my face a shade of purple. I couldn’t wait to reveal the news. Brandon proceeded to change in the car. First shoe… nothing. Second shoe, “What the hell is in my shoe?” Brandon

asked. He found the pregnancy test, looked at me, and with a tear in my eye I said “I am pregnant. You are going to be a daddy!” Tonight’s going to be a good night” after all.” -by Tiffany and Brandon Smith "My husband and I are very active and we love working out together. I hadn’t been feeling myself. I was often times weak and slightly dizzy. I even found myself rather nauseous. Could it be? Yup, I was 100% pregnant. I arranged with my spinning instructor a special musical playlist to play during her spin class. We were spinning along when halfway through the class, the music stopped and the CD began to skip (on purpose of course). Suddenly, my pre-recorded voice popped on over the speakers: “Honey, this is your wife Andrea you are going to be a father.” At that point, everyone stopped ped-

aling. We jumped off our bikes and hugged in excitement. It was a ride we’ll never forget.” -by Anne and Gilbert Green “My husband Richard and I got married in the Island Room at the old Sonesta Resort in Key Biscayne. There was a point in our lives when we owned a t-shirt shop in the hotel, so it wasn’t a total surprise when I asked Rich to meet me in the Island Room. In the same room we exchanged our vows, I handed him a wrapped box. He opened the gift to find a t-shirt that said, “I love my daddy.” He immediately began to tear up with excitement. Like the Sonesta Beach Resort left it’s mark on Key Biscayne, Richard still wears his “I love my daddy” t-shirt proudly.” -by Missy and Richard Graver 11

Daddy Tales My experience in fatherhood was and continues to be a whirlwind. I spent the first few months of Olivia’s existence in ‘daddy boot camp’. I learned to bathe, feed, burp, swaddle, change diapers and love her mommy in a whole new way. Needless to say, I was clueless, and that is just one of my many confessions down fatherhood lane. When my wife and I found out we were having a girl, all visions of baseball practice, GI Joe’s and wrestling came crashing down. The following day, when I should’ve been working, I found myself texting images of hot pink Converse sneakers and all things girly to my wife. I was going to be a father to a little girl and, just like turning a switch, I couldn’t have been more excited. I never knew I would enjoy having a girl as much as I have. I enjoy brushing her hair and getting her all dolled up. I love playing with her, even if it involves dolls and purses. Raising a daughter is one of the hardest tests of a man. I will pave the way for how other men should treat her later on in her life… way later on in life, like when she is in her thirties (hopefully!). While Olivia will always be my baby girl, I can’t wait to have another… GIRL and that is my true confession. Sure, Olivia stripped away my mancard far before she was born; however, I have grown to love shopping for 12

U&me Magazine

I will confess that nothing has ever made me more proud than to be called Dada. baby stuff. Yes, I said it! I’m a gadget guy and you wouldn’t believe all the tech-toys that are out there today. I downloaded fun games on the iPad to help boost her hand-eye coordination. There are baby monitors that allow me to check up on Olivia through my iPhone while I’m at work. How cool is that? There are even diapers now that will alert you via text message when your child has gone poo. This gives you the great advantage of not having to change another diaper when yelling to your wife, who is down stairs with the baby, “Honey, I think the baby wet her pants!” Speaking of poo, I must confess, nothing, and I do mean nothing, can prepare you for the amount of diapers you are going to change. Seriously, it just keeps coming. Like a duck that waddles and poops, my daughter is no exception.

When I look at my daughter, Olivia, I see so much of her mommy and she has allowed me to fall in love with my wife all over again. It's a combination of respect, admiration, appreciation, gratitude, and a special kind of love. It's our love. I coached her through the delivery and 38 minutes later after that final push, I must confess, I had never been more in love with my wife as I was in that moment. Finally, as ‘daddy boot camp’ is nearing its graduation ceremony, my daughter has adorned my hair with bows and with my Super Dad cape on, she proceeds to throw her little arms around my neck with a big hug. I will confess to you, nothing has ever made me more proud than to be called Dada. I've learned a million and one things over the course of this year. Fatherhood has an endless supply of poopy diapers and infinite gadgets and toys. My days are long and my nights even longer, yet they have never had as much purpose as they do now. I’ve discovered a love greater than anything I've ever known. From Dada to Daddy, and Dad to hero, being a father to my little Olivia, is the greatest gift I will ever give my daughter and my greatest accomplishment.

Brandon

News

Come join us for our 1 Year Anniversary Fashion Show and Mommy Makeover Reveal November 16th 3 pm at Bloomingdales Aventura. To RSVP call: (305) 792-1223, or e-mail: RSVPAventura@bloomingdales.com

U&me is a proud sponsors of the 1st Miami International Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Film Festival. Enjoy new premiers of NEW films from around the world. Oct 25- Oct 27 at the Coral Gables Art Cinema.

Walk to Help Me Live

Stay in awesome shape during pregnancy and bounce back fast after your baby is born

The St. Jude Give Thanks Walk Come join us as we walk to help save the lives of children with cancer and other deadly diseases. November 23rd at Jungle Island.

305.300.6628

bellys-n-kicks.com 13

MISS BLUMARINE'S

ICY FOREST Miss Bluemarine showcased its Fall/Winter Collection in Milan

The icy beauty of winter provides the poetic range of colors with which designer Anna Molinari paints the season with unusual fabrics, such as embroidered mohair with a lace effect, and spectacular chenille studded with micro-sequins. Small overcoats in wool velour, skirts and pants in Milano stitch, and dresses that sway with tiny ruffles are enhanced by an unexpected alliance of emerald green, wafer beige and chiffon pink. The delightful fusion of charm and wild spirit brings forth prints with orchid and animal print pat-

terns: very Miss Blumarine. Like graceful little princesses, these girls favor harmonies of gray, chamomile yellow and gold, and cannot resist the skirts in laminated, pleated fabric or in fumĂŠ tulle embroidered with golden roses, the open-work knitwear in milky-white mohair with flashes of gold, and balloon dresses decorated with opaque sequins. This seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new temptations include honey-colored faux furs. A tribute to bon ton style lights up with shades of pink, wood, bronze and black, and is parsed in extraordi-

nary fabrics that range from stretch chenille in rose patterns on tulle for dresses and skirts with a bubble silhouette, to black, point dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;esprit tulle layered over silk. Georgette printed in macro, milk & black houndstooth checks with big, coral-red poppies, and organza embroidered with delightful flowers soften the graphic effect of a line that includes T-shirts featuring hearts and billets-doux. A season dedicated to high creativity sets the stage for a surprise finale, with a modern-day Alice dipping into a garden of light blue roses embossed on velvet and silk.

U&me Magazine

U&me's Fashion Best

Where to find designer fashion and desirables for your little ones

Miami

Coral Gables

Eberjey 7209 SW 57th Ct. Miami, Fl. 33143 (305) 763-8455 eberjey.com

Bognar & Piccolini 320 San Lorenzo Ave #255 Coral Gables, FL. 33146 (305) 442-8330 bognarandpiccolini.com

Jacadi 5872 Sunset Drive South Miami, Fl. 33143 (305) 663-1407 jacadi.com Janie & Jack 330 San Lorenzo Ave. Coral Gables, Fl. 33146 (305) 447-0810 janieandjack.com Tutti Bambini 7211 SW 58th Ave. South Miami, Fl. 33143 (305) 669-1400 tutti-bambini.com Zara Kids Dadeland Mall 7535 SW 88th St. Miami, Fl. 33156 (305) 662-8086 zara.com Bloomingdale’s The Falls Mall 8778 SW 136th St. Miami, Fl. 33176 (305) 252-6300 Bloomingdales.com

Boy Meets Girl a child’s boutique 358 San Lorenzo Ave. #3200 Coral Gables, Fl. 33146 (305) 445-9668 bmgkids.com Burberry Village of Merrick Park 342 San Lorenzo Ave. #1050 Coral Gables, Fl. 33146 (305) 446-1550 us.burberry.com Juice Box 390 Minorca Avenue Coral Gables, Fl. 33134 (786) 518-3763 shopjuicebox.com Pili Carrera Village of Merrick Park 330 San Lorenzo Ave. # 2310 Coral Gables, Fl. 33146 (305) 529-7799 pilicarrera.us

Bal Harbour Bonpoint Bal Harbour Shops 9700 Collins Ave. Space 251 Bal Harbour, Fl. 33154 (305) 867-1499 bonpoint.com

Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour Shops 9700 Collins Ave Bal Harbour, FL 33154 (305) 865-6161 neimanmarcus.com

Oxygene Boutique Bal Harbour Shops 9700 Collins Ave. #217 Bal Harbour, Fl. 33154 (305) 864-0202 oxygeneboutique.com

Vilebrequin Bal Harbour Shops 9700 Collins Ave. Bal Harbour, Fl. 33154 (305) 861-4022 vilebrequin.com

Aventura Bloomingdale’s The Aventura Mall 19555 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura, Fl. 33180 (305) 792-1000 bloomingdales.com Catimini Aventura Mall 19501 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 707 Aventura, Fl. 33180 (305) 705-0070 catimini.com Desigual Aventura Mall 19575 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura, Fl. 33180 (305) 682-1410 desigual.com

Palm Beach Janie & Jack 19501 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura, Fl. 33180 (305) 466-1253 janieandjack.com Juicy Couture Aventura Mall 19575 Biscayne Blvd, Space 153 Aventura, Fl. 33180 (305) 682-8221 juicycouture.com Original Penguin Aventura Mall 19501 Biscayne Blvd, Space 1691 Aventura, Florida 33180 305-792-2616 originalpenguin.com

Aristo Kids 309 S County Rd Palm Beach, FL 33480‎ (561) 832-3596 Bonpoint 246 Worth Avenue Palm Beach, Fl. 33480 (561) 659-2119 bonpoint.com Pastel Palm Beach 139 N. County Road Palm Beach, Fl. (561) 655-7995 pastelpalmbeach.com Spring Flowers 320 Worth Avenue Palm Beach, Fl. 33480 (561) 832-0131 springflowerschildren.com 17

Raising an Animal Advocate The morals we strive to instill in children should include compassion for animals. By Margaret Kessler Schorr

hen Mahatma Gandhi said “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” he surely intended the concept to be extrapolated to families and individuals. Across cultures and social-economic boundaries, children love animals. They seem to instinctively understand that all creatures are entitled to live with dignity in a safe environment. But raising children who are genuinely passionate about animals takes time and commitment. It’s worth the effort, though. So here are some simple strategies for nurturing animal advocates. 18

U&me Magazine

Adopt a pet. Local humane societies and rescue organizations have a complete range of animals –dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs and more– for adoption. Rescuing a pet is better than buying one, because you will be providing a home for an animal that would otherwise be put down. If you are buying, please remember: many unethical sellers buy animals from puppy mills and similar sources. If you’re buying, or responding to a “free to good home” offer from an individual who is not a breeder, ask for as much information as possible about the animal’s history in terms of source, health records, and behavior information.

Commit to your pet’s health and wellbeing by neutering or spaying them and keeping up with their vaccines and medical care.

Eat and shop animal-aware. Once children understand that animals must be killed in order for people to eat meat or wear leather shoes –and that animals that produce eggs and dairy products are often kept in cringe- worthy conditions– they might want to adopt a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthyChildren.org site has excellent information about keeping vegetarian kids healthy. Consult with your doctor

to make sure your child eats the required amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, etc., for a healthy diet. Also, when buying products such as shoes, backpacks, belts, coats and other items that may contain leather or fur, seek out products that contain 100% manmade materials.

FURRY FRIENDS

Editor's Picks

Join an ethically run Community-Shared Agriculture group. This will provide quality produce and other foodstuffs for your family while supporting local farmers. It’s also likely to foster dialog about the ethical treatment of working animals.

Animal attractions: the great debate Keeping wild animals in zoos and other animalfocused attractions creates an ethical dilemma. Some of the animals have been rescued and nursed back to health; others are involved in efforts to save their breed from extinction –noble causes to be sure. However, many of these venues keep animals in inappropriate enclosures and there’s no getting around the fact that these animals are being held captive, at least in part, for profit and our entertainment. Discuss this idea with your children and find out what your local zoo is doing to enable their animals to live as naturally as possible.

Hippopotamus Dog Toy Mungo & Maud Everyday Cotton Pillow Bed Reef

Rubber Dog Bone "Chocolate" Small Mungo & Maud Phorm Bowls

Don’t support circuses, pari-mutuels and other organizations that routinely abuse animals. Spend time with your child researching the ways that animals are treated (read: mistreated) by circuses, and within the dog and horse racing industries. Check peta.org, plus Grey2Kusa.org, horseracingkills.com and other animal activists’ sites for more information.

Martini Bowtie Leash California Tangerine

Seek sanctuary! Sanctuaries are a wonderful venue for teaching children about caring for animals while instilling in kids a passion for volunteering. There are local sanctuaries for many different types of wild and domesticated animals… check them out and choose one or more to get involved with.

Dog Food Storage Container Mungo & Maud

Wisecracker-Bag * For a checklist of what to look for in a responsible breeder, visit http://www.mspca.org/adoption/adoptionresources/finding-a-responsible-breeder.html

Biodegradable Poop Bag

CRAFT

Book Fairy Now you know why “Reading is fun-damental”! Here’s a fun, easy way to transform into a whimsical Book Fairy Fairy Wings You will need:

1. Remove the entire cover from the book. 2. Glue several fanned out pages to the inside of the cover.

§§ Hard Cover Book §§ Ribbon §§ Hot Glue Gun §§ Strip of Fabric §§ Scissors

3. Near the top of the center binding punch 2 holes and slide a ribbon through to use as straps for the wings

Tutu 1. Get a strip of fabric 3-4 inches wide and cut it to just a few inches longer than what you want the waist to be. 2. Lay the strip of fabric out flat and begin gluing on the rolled papers in rows along your strip 3. To make the paper rolls, roll the pages into cones or tubes 4. Fold the end before gluing the rolls to the strip, so that the rolls spring out like a tutu and not just lay flat. 5. Apply glue only to the folded part of the roll and then stick it down to the strip. 6. Continue rolling and gluing until the entire strip of fabric is covered except for a few inches at the end. You can do 3 or more layers of rolled papers, but for a fuller tutu, continue to add layers. 7. Glue a ribbon along the top edge of the tutu.

U&me Magazine

AS WE GROW

Five Simple Ways to

Banish the Binky Getting rid of the pacifier doesn’t have to spark a war between you and your child. By Margaret Kessler Schorr

acifiers can be as much a blessing to parents as they are to the babies who use them. But all good things must eventually come to an end, and so it is with soothers. Many pediatricians urge parents to begin weaning kids from pacifiers at about nine to 12 months. Some say it’s fine to wait longer, and the vast majority of kids will give up pacifiers with little urging well before they turn four, but for those who find the transition more vexing, here are five pediatrician-approved strategies to help your child cope:

State your intentions. "Always prepare your child in advance for what you're going to do," says family therapist Mark Brenner PhD, author of Pacifiers, Blankets, Bottles, and Thumbs. “You don't want the thing to just disappear." Brenner recommends saying something like, "Jordan, in three days we're going to be done with the pacifier, and I know you understand and that you can do it.”

U&me Magazine

Limit pacifier use. Pick certain locations (only in the bedroom, for example) in which the pacifier can be used. Or limit how long each day the pacifier can be used. Pediatrician Jennifer Shu, MD, recommends that parents, “offer a substitute comfort object such as a new small toy or book that the child can carry around for security."

Don’t encourage pacifier use. Don’t tiptoe into your baby's room at night to put her pacifier back in her mouth. For older babies, especially those in the second half of the first year, pediatrician Laura Jana, MD urges parents to seize on opportunities when their child's fixation on the pacifier is diminished. “Babies don't ask for a pacifier as much as parents are quick to offer it,” Jana says.

Don't keep an "emergency" pacifier on hand. Many parents and pediatricians recommend the cold turkey approach, especially for older children. Jana cautions that

re-introducing the pacifier after every meltdown reinforces the idea that, “If I cry long enough the beloved binky will magically reappear.”

Hold a special ceremony to discard the pacifier. Or allow your child to trade in his pacifier for a special new book or toy. Your child's dentist might also be able to help by explaining the impact of prolonged pacifier use on teeth. The orthodontic intervention that may be required to correct damage done by excessive pacifier use looks like a medieval torture device. The good news is that with a bit of perseverance, you and your child can say sayonara to the soother! Easy does it When weaning your child from the pacifier, never turn it into a battle of wills or humiliate the child with sarcastic comments. Arm yourself with these useful tips… and patience. Remember, habits are hard to break, for children and adults alike.

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www.uandmemag.com/subscriptions 2013, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this document or the related files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Wet? Don’t Fret!

Try These Simple Solutions for Bedwetting This common problem can be frustrating for parents and kids alike, but there are ways to help your child stay dry. By Margaret Kessler Schorr

ost children gain the ability to stay dry all night sometime around three years of age, but about 15 percent of children -- boys twice as often as girls -- continue to wet the bed after age five. Bedwetting that's due to serious medical conditions -- urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, diabetes, spinal cord problems, etc. -- accounts for a mere three percent of cases, according to Dr. Howard Bennett, a clinical professor of pediatrics at George Washington University Medical Center and author of Waking Up Dry: A Guide to Help Children Overcome Bedwetting. Bennett explains that the majority of children who wet the bed have at least one parent who was also a bedwetter. In dealing with the issue, Bennett urges parents to remain mindful of the fact that, “Bedwetting is common and children should not be punished for it. Second, bedwetting is a medical problem — it happens because a child’s brain and bladder are not communicating with each other at night.” Sadly, none of the strategies recommended by medical professionals and 24

U&me Magazine

parents is guaranteed to work, and certainly not overnight. So the best first step for dealing with bedwetting is to get a vinyl mattress protector. You should always encourage your child to pee before going to bed. Furthermore, Bennett recommends easing your child’s anxiety by reminding him that a lot of kids have the same problem and that it’s no one’s fault. Bennett also advises parents not to punish or shame children for wetting the bed.

An Overview of Recommended Strategies Restricting fluids after dinner helps some children, but Bennett is dubious. “If a child limits fluids, he may wet the bed with four ounces of urine instead of six, but he’s usually still wet.” Medication is another option. The one prescribed most frequently is desmopressin, a synthetic form of the hormone the brain produces to decrease urine production at night. Because children generally relapse as soon as medication is stopped, most doctors recommend medicating only for special occasions like sleepovers or vacations.

Waiting it out might make sense, but as children get bigger the volume of their urine increases and will overwhelm a diaper. So you’ll still have wet sheets to deal with. Waking up children several times during the night for trips to the bathroom solves the problem for many families. As children get a little older, you might try setting an alarm and letting the child wake himself up. Bedwetting alarms are the strategy that most pediatricians recommend. This device, which trains the child’s brain to pay attention to his bladder while sleeping, has two parts: a sensor that detects urine, and an alarm unit that produces a loud sound (and/ or vibration) when the child wets the bed. The alarm awakens the child so he can finish urinating in the toilet. Eventually, the child’s brain learns to pay attention to the full bladder signals and he wakes up before wetting the bed. In a recent study, children using alarms were 13 times more likely to become dry as children without alarms, but some children will relapse even after successful treatment.

AS WE GROW

The Real Advantages of

Imaginary Friends 65% of kids agree: their made-up pals rock! But… what do the experts say? By Margaret Kessler Schorr

ecent studies fly in the face of the long-standing assumption that children invent invisible friends out of loneliness or as a way to cope with social awkwardness. In fact, the contrary appears to be true according to psychologist, author and speaker Eileen Kennedy-Moore, Ph.D. “Children with imaginary companions tend to be less shy, engage in more laughing and smiling with peers, and do better at tasks involving imagining how someone else might think,” she said. Dr. Marjorie Taylor, a developmental psychologist, professor of psychology at the University of Oregon and author of Imaginary Companions and the Children Who Create Them, is widely considered the nation’s foremost expert in the arena of imaginary friends. Her research indicates not only that a whopping 65% of children up to age seven report having imaginary friends at some point in their young lives, but

that these children almost always know these friends aren’t real. The benefits children gain through the experience of having an imaginary friend, however, are very real.

Imaginary friends are a common, often helpful part of growing up.

excruciating detail. Yet Taylor and her colleagues found when interviewing children about their pretend friend, that 40% spontaneously reminded the researcher during the interview that the friend they were talking about was entirely pretend. The children made statements such as, “I just made him up in my head” and “He’s not in real life.” Of all the children interviewed, only one was adamant that her invisible friend was real.

According to child and adolescent psychiatrist CAPT Steve Brasington MD, USN, imaginary friends can be especially beneficial for helping children cope with stress. Taylor also notes that "For many children, creating imaginary others is just a fun thing to do." She added that, "The kids who are choosing to create imaginary friends tend to be more sociable and to have more friends than other children.”

Taylor and her colleagues have learned through a recent study that imaginary friends appear to be no more cooperative than real life companions. About a third of children complained that their invisible friends didn’t always come when called, didn’t leave when asked, talked too loudly, didn’t share, or did annoying things like “put yogurt in my hair.”

Children vividly experience interactions with their imaginary friends and will describe them to others in

For parents wondering if there is ever a time to become concerned about their child’s imaginary friends, the ex27

perts seem to concur that real problems would manifest themselves in other, obvious ways. “As long as the child’s development in the three major areas of language, socialization and learning are all on track –as long as kids seem healthy – parents don’t need to worry,” proffered Brasington. He recommends that parents take note when children are constantly expressing concerns that nobody likes them or that they feel they don’t fit in. Brasington urges parents to speak with their pediatrician if their kids seem “more withdrawn, unusually happy or sad, aloof, or not interested in doing the types of things that typical kids their age are doing.” Kennedy-Moore suggests that parents put a foot down if the imaginary friend’s demands or behaviors become too disruptive. “Without harshly challenging the existence of the friend, you can say things like, ‘I don’t care who made this mess. You need to wipe it up’ or ‘Aunt Carol is coming in the car with us, so Mr. Murf will have to find somewhere else to sit today.’”

The kids who are choosing to create imaginary friends tend to be more sociable and to have more friends than other children. According to Anita Gurian, PhD, a clinical assistant professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine, “In general, an imaginary friend is a sign that your child is dealing with the complex issues that confront all young children as they interact with the world around them. Don't discourage or belittle the relationship, but don't become too involved either.” As kids grow older, some bring their imaginary friends with them. Others create new ones along the way. One study concluded that socially competent and creative adolescents were actually the most likely to create an imaginary friend. Brasington observed that while, “Usually the imaginary

friend begins in childhood during play, during times of stress it can be healthy for older children to continue interacting with their imaginary friend.” Brasington has encountered young people right through college age who keep their imaginary friends around as a healthy coping strategy. And some experts believe that when adult fiction writers talk about their characters taking on a life of their own, the writers are actually tapping into a process similar to when children create invisible friends. So who knows… your little one, with the help of an imaginary friend, might be the next J.K. Rowling! Still concerned about your child’s emotional development and ability to form solid friendships? Here are some additional resources: How to Make & Keep Friends: Tips for Kids to Overcome 50 Common Social Challenges by Nadine Briggs and Donna Shea Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings by Kenneth R. Ginsburg http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ ages-stages/preschool/Pages/EmotionalDevelopment-in-Preschoolers.aspx

Surviving Homework The key to this lifelong struggle between parents and children is BE PREPARED. Geraldine Grimes-Lewis

s we break out the backpacks, shop for the school clothes and supplies… there it is. That slight tingling of apprehension, which we push to the back of our minds, content to deal with it tomorrow. The excitement and anticipation that comes with the first day of school sweeps us up in the moment and everyone is full of resolutions and good intentions. This is going to be the best year EVER!

children this lesson early in life, it will become second nature as they mature.

is 10 minutes of homework for each grade level.

§§ It is a good idea to begin 2 to 3 weeks prior to the beginning of school (remember, though, it is NEVER too late!) with your new routine. Children will naturally rebuff the idea of an earlier bedtime, and changes in the freedoms that summer bring. Stay strong. Ignore the whining and crying. This will pass!

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

§§ Start slow with bedtime. Bump it back 15 minutes or so each evening or every other evening until you reach the desired bedtime. Make sure you wake them at the hour they will need to get ready for school. This will help you when bedtime rolls around again. If they go to bed early and then sleep in, this practice will be moot.

§§ Set aside one space for homework, and earmark a time for it after they have had a chance to come home from school and unwind. They should have a “cool down” period after school to have a snack, play outside, and burn off some of that built up energy. Modify these ideas to fit your household and your routine. The main idea is to be prepared, have a plan and stick to it. Children thrive on routine and security of knowing what the expectation for them is.

- Benjamin Franklin

But somewhere, eating away at our subconscious, we fret, we worry and know it is coming! Once the newness wears off and it becomes routine, then we face the struggle, HOMEWORK. There, I said it. It’s out in the open, so let’s deal with it. The key to this lifelong struggle between parents and children is BE PREPARED. Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This is true in most any facet of life. By teaching our

§§ In addition, add 15 minutes of reading (either together or on their own) every couple of days. Ensure this is a specified time each day and there are no distractions. Give them questions on their reading. Have them write a sentence about it if your child is younger, or a book report if they are older. A good rule of thumb for homework time

Most important, enjoy this time with them. Engage them in the homework activities and be a part of it. The benefit is a happier, healthier student who is successful academically and otherwise. I can’t promise your children will grow to love homework, but I can guarantee it can be a much more pleasant experience for all. For more tips on back to school and homework, please visit, http://www.nasponline.org/resources/ home_school/homework.aspx or www.familyeducation.com

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AS WE GROW

Children with

Alopecia Areata

How Parents Can Help Kids Cope with this Puzzling Disease. With support and the right attitude, kids can thrive and enjoy a life of achievement and high self-esteem. By Maruchi Méndez

ittle Miranda Soong entered the brightly lit baseball stadium and stood in front of the tall black microphone. She was wearing her new star-studded sundress and her brown braids. It was a warm night in September 2012 and the Orioles had invited her to sing. Her sweet and polished voice filled the stadium as the American flag waved in the slight breeze. She first sang O Canada for the Blue Jays, and ended with a flawless Star Spangled Banner. It has been a long hard road for Miranda, who still works hard to overcome her shyness and insecurities. The little girl who savors macaroni and cheese and loves Demi Lovato, was diagnosed with Alopecia areata at the age of 2 ½.

That was the day that she started losing her hair. Today, she has none.

The best thing parents can do for their children is to show them that they are not alone. They are encouraged to take their kids to meetings and local support groups to meet other kids with alopecia. “When she was first diagnosed we were in denial.” says mother Alice Gao. “We went all over to see the best doctors for second opinions. It was hard to accept reality.” She goes on to explain how Miranda wanted to enter beauty pageants, just like her older sister. One

day, she won a trophy. “That was a turning point in her life. It brought her a lot of confidence. So from there on we decided to focus on things that made her feel good about herself. That’s why when we heard her singing one day we decided she should have voice lessons.” Since then, Miranda has been singing at Minor League games and functions all over the United States. Alopecia areata is the world’s most common autoimmune disease. It affects around 2.1% of Americans and 145 million people worldwide of both sexes and of all ages and ethnic background. The hair starts falling off because the immune system does not recognize the hair follicles and rejects them. It most often begins in childhood. There are three kinds of Alopecia. The first is basic Alopecia areata, in which patches

They Are Not Alone Gary Sherwood, director of communication for NAAF (National Alopecia Areata Foundation) describes how puzzling this disease is. “Sometimes the hair grows back, only to fall out again.” He sees this as one of the disease’s hardest setbacks. “I worry about what this does to them. Education and support is the key,” he adds. “The best thing a parent can do for their child is to show them that they are not alone.” He encourages parents to take their kids to meetings and local support groups to meet other kids with alopecia. NAAF even has a “Kids Camp”, which is held in June. “Kids meet each other in one of these camps and it’s a life changing experience.” For those that cannot attend due to financial difficulties, NAAF provides scholarships to parents and kids to attend conferences and the Kids Camp.

of hair fall off randomly; Alopecia totalis, which is complete hair loss of scalp; and Alopecia universalis, which is complete loss in the scalp, the face, and entire body. Miranda has alopecia universalis. There are no FDA approved drugs for this disease and patients try other methods like – corticosteroids, local injections to the scalp, ointments, and even photo-chemotherapy, which are ultraviolet rays 2-3 times a week that if used long enough can cause skin cancer. One of the most reliable new researches seems to come from Dr. Angela Christiano, an alopecia victim from Columbia Technology. Christiano found that the immune genes carried by alopecia areata patients are nearly identical to those carried by patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. She and her team are now hopeful that the drugs used to treat those diseases –particularly rheumatoid arthritis, might also be useful in treating alopecia areata.

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This year, both the Florida Marlins and the Miami Dolphins will have an Alopecia Awareness Day, the Marlins on Sept. 25th and the Dolphins on Oct. 20th. Mattel recently came out with the Bald Barbie doll called Ella. “I was very impressed by the fact that Mattel did not want to make money out of these dolls and donated them instead. We (NAAF) received over 1,000 to distribute –one per household,” he added. Carmen Hamza, 28, runs the MiamiDade Alopecia support group, and was diagnosed at 14. She is now a law student. “Growing up with alopecia was an emotional rollercoaster. I was bullied both verbally and physically in the school bus and by cruel teenagers.” Her advice for parents- “You can help empower your child to cope with alopecia by focusing on your child’s strengths, skills, and talents. Encourage him/her to become active in athletics, school club, chorus, band and/or any other extracurricular activity or cause,” she strongly urges.

This is exactly what 20 year old Lauren Silver, a sophomore at University of Florida, has done. An advocate for alopecia, she remained active in sports, and is now an outside back for the UF Gators’ women’s soccer team. Diagnosed at the age of 16, her hair started falling out, so she decided to “take control of her appearance rather than letting the disease define it”. That’s when she made the decision to shave her head and color it in patterns, creating an edgy look. Two months ago, her younger sister, Shari, a talented singer, was diagnosed with alopecia. She is now auditioning for The Voice. Their mom, Adrienne Silver, believes that “Nothing will stop these girls.” “The worst part is the toll it takes on people you love”, says Lauren. “Parents have it harder; they stress more about our appearance, making it worse for us.” She urges children to “be creative and have fun with alopecia.” “Hair is not a big deal; it does not define who you are. Everyone gets bullied – fat kids, brainy kids, kids with acne, so take control of your life.” This year, both the Florida Marlins and the Miami Dolphins will have an Alopecia Awareness Day, the Marlins on Sept. 25th and the Dolphins on Oct. 20th. You can contact them for ticket information. On that day, Sept. 25th, 16-year old Shari Silver, has been invited by the Marlins to sing the National Anthem. Undoubtedly, Miranda Soong will be watching her. Ms. Méndez is the author of Finding Home and Buscando mi estrella.

For more information on Alopecia Areata, log on to: http://www.naaf.org http://www.alopeciaworld.com http://www.alopeciaonline.com/ www.mdjunction.com/alopecia-areata http://www.alopeciaareata.us/ http://www.americanhairloss.org Research article by Dr. Christiano: http://techventures.columbia.edu/blog/ profile/dr-angela-christiano-discoversgenetic-basis-hair-loss

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A Be-witching Halloween!

Keeping Your Little Pumpkins at Home… and Having Fun! Why a camping trip in your own backyard may be the safe (and fun!) choice. By Tatiana Bengochea

t’s no secret that children love Halloween. As a kid, I looked forward to dressing up in the craziest outfit I could assemble (one year I placed a Tweety stuffed animal in a bird cage and dressed as his grandmother) and set off on an expedition far and wide to collect as much candy as my plastic pumpkin would hold. At 10 years old, there isn’t anything more exciting. As a parent, there isn’t anything spookier. When you go trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, the grownups are on high alert mode for the safety of their little monsters. Then, as a bonus, you go home with a year’s supply of all the sweets you try to limit year round… as if reasoning with a child about their candy stash was so easy. Never fear, parents! We’ve devised a plan to have your kids begging to stay at home this Halloween, but it will require some creativity on your part. Are you up for the challenge? Let’s plan a Halloween camping trip… in your back yard! To begin, we’ll need the essentials: camping supplies. Some sleeping bags

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and a large tent should do just fine. Lanterns will provide the perfect lighting with an eerie effect. You can bring along some pre-packed treats like sandwiches and juice boxes. If you really want to get in the spirit, you can use Halloweenshaped cookie cutters to make the sandwiches look like ghosts and pumpkins. You can also make mummies of your toast with some tomato sauce, stringy mozzarella cheese and olives for eyes! Next you will need some treats of your own, unless you want to be tricked! We recommend decorated cupcakes from your local supermarket for a quick fix. If you’re up for the extra mile, you can get a portable fire pit at your local hardware store and make some s’mores of your own. Caution with the little ones, though! Now that we’ve planned the basics, we’re going to need some ambiance. The coolest way to go is to put together a makeshift pumpkin patch –or even a graveyard for the older gobblins. You can use spray paint and Styrofoam for headstones, plastic pumpkins, or even make a night of carving them yourselves. Don’t forget the cottony cob-

webs for effect! If you begin planning early enough, OrientalTrading.com has plenty of goodies to choose from, just beware of long shipping times! Once we have the perfect spooky setting it’s playtime! Donning your finest costumes, one of the most fun things to do is to tell scary stories around the campsite. Take turns making up your own, or have some age-appropriate Halloween books handy for your littlest munchkins. Amazon.com has a great selection of paperbacks or Kindle edition family favorites. Among them, we recommend The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat and Big Pumpkin. Don’t be afraid to really get in the spirit of things for a memorable Halloween. BONUS TIPS: §§ If you have the space, invite other families to your camping trip. The more, the scarier! §§ With a portable radio, some eerie background music can really help to set the mood. §§ Brush up on your monster makeup skills and make an activity of face painting for the kids. §§ Pre-packed goodie bags will prevent the kids from missing their trick-o-treating rewards the next day –except with these, you control what’s in them!

TIPS & IDEAS

RECIPES

Spooky treats

Surprise your trick-or-treaters with these terrifyingly scrumptious delights, perfect for a scary good time… By Lola The Baker

Pumpkin Whoopies

Directions

Whoopies Ingredients

Filling Ingredients

1 cup sugar

1/2 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 cup milk

8 ounces pumpkin purée

1/4 cup shortening

2 eggs

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

Whole cloves, optional

1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat sugar, oil, pumpkin and eggs until well blended. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder and cinnamon; gradually beat into pumpkin mixture until well blended. Fill whoopie pie mold with batter. Bake 3-5 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks. For filling, combine cornstarch and milk in a small saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature.

In a large bowl, cream shortening, butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla if desired. Gradually add cornstarch mixture, beating until smooth. Spoon or pipe fill a whoopie pie and place other half on top. If desired, color some of the filling and pipe "pumpkin stems" to the tops. Yield: about 2 dozen.

worked least, you might want to stop the mixer before all the flour is thoroughly blended into the dough and finish the job with a rubber spatula. When mixed, the dough will be soft, creamy and malleable. Turn the dough out onto a counter and divide it in half. Shape each half into a disk and wrap in plastic. The dough must be chilled for at least 2 hours.

Getting Ready to Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Work with one packet of dough at a time, roll out the dough between sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper to a thickness of ¼ inch, lifting the plastic or paper and turning the dough over often so that it rolls evenly. Lift off the top sheet of plastic or paper and cut out the cookies. Pull away the excess dough, saving the scraps for re-rolling, and carefully lift the rounds onto the baking sheets with a spatula, leaving about 1½ inches between the cookies. Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for 9 to 11 minutes. The cookies should feel firm, but they should not color much, if at all. Remove the pan from the oven and let them rest for 1 minute before carefully lifting them onto a rack to cool.

Scary Faces Cookies

Directions

Filling Ingredients

Whisk the flour, salt and baking powder together.

2 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking powder 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 large egg yolk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Working with a stand mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter at medium speed for a minute or so, until smooth. Beat in the sugar and continue to beat for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and pale. Add the egg and yolk and beat for another minute or two; beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture, mixing only until it has been incorporated because this dough is best when

3. Outline the Cookies You will want to outline the cookies with whatever color you will be using to fill them in with. Place some of the icing into a disposable pastry bag fitted with a small tip and outline the outside of the cookie.

4. Flood the Cookies Take whatever color you are using to fill in the cookies and slowly start adding a few drops of water at a time, until the icing reaches an almost liquid consistency. The test here is to pick some icing up with a spoon and let it drizzle back into the bowl. Either fill a squeeze bottle with the thinned icing or transfer it to a disposable pastry bag with a ¼-inch hole cut off the end. Now squeeze in the icing to almost completely fill the top of the cookie. Then take a toothpick and gently use it to distribute the icing to any empty spots. Once you are done the cookies need to dry completely before moving on to any intricate piped designs. Now use whatever colors and tips you’d like to achieve the design you want

To Decorate 1. Make the ROYAL ICING 4 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons meringue powder 6 tablespoons water Mix all ingredients on low speed for 7-10 minutes or until the icing loses its shine. Add more water by the teaspoon if it appears too stiff. At this stage you want to be able to pipe it easily

2. Color the Icing Divide the icing into your containers. Proceed to color the icing and then cover each container with a damp paper towel.

ABOUT “THE BAKER” Laura Rivera is the proprietor behind “Lola: The Baker”, a custom bakeshop located in Miami, FL. Her expertise ranges from cake pops and cupcakes to high-end multi-dimensional cake creations. For more information please visit www.LolaTheBaker.com or contact via email lolacakes23@aol.com.

Winds of Change

Paillette milky white silk chiffon dress, embroidered with stars and matching Paillette headband

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Motus oxford cotton shirt, Boston corduroy blazer and Alan brick red denim trouser

Girl on the right: Paillette milky white silk chiffon dress, embroidered with stars, matching Paillette headband and faded pink cardigan Girl on the left: Perlita cotton twill blouse with Calais lace, Lollipop tulle headband, Pamela overdyed denim trousers and printed woolen scarf

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FASHION

Boy on the left: Motus oxford cotton shirt, Boston corduroy blazer and Alan brick red denim trouser Boy on the right: Color blocked fine wool pullover, Aragore tartan pattern scarf, heathered grey cashmere hat and Dylan 5 pocket trouser

Color blocked fine wool pullover, Aragore tartan pattern scarf and heathered grey cashmere hat

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FASHION

Perlita cotton twill blouse with Calais lace, Lollipop tulle headband and printed woolen scarf

Tee Mania Preteens will love these distressed shirts that have “cool” written all over. Find them at Bloomingdale's

Everybody loves a hero! And these long-sleeved shirts with comics and film stars fit the bill to a “tee”. By American Outfitters

Top Pic

“Out of the mouths of babes…” come gems such as this! Dress your little ones in these colorful “talky” tees with a lot to say. By Help Me Grow

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Bicycles, dinosaurs and trees… What more does a boy need in a shirt? By Daddy Scrubbs

Joys of Fall Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find yourself falling in love with these fun, funky and fabulous classics of cooler weatherâ&#x20AC;Ś Photographer: Ania Moussawel | Art Director: Mauricio Mendoza Stylist: Elizabeth Vanco | Makeup: Annabelle Gonzalez

Wardrobe by Bloomingdale's Aventura 19555 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180 www.bloomingdales.com Accessories by Tabelina www.tabelina.com Kid Model by Cathy & Company www.cathycompany.com

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COVER

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Woman's Outfit: Vince Grey Leather Jacket $805 Joie Porcelain White Top $108 Adriano Goldschmied Grey Pants $228 -Bloomingdale's Aventura Woman's Accessories: Tabelina -tabelina.com Girl's Outfit: Juicy Couture Black Pattern Top $88 Juicy Couture Black Pants $85 -Bloomingdale's Aventura

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Woman's dress: Desigual Green Pattern Dress $104 -Bloomingdale's Aventura Woman's Accessories: Tabelina -tabelina.com Girl's dress: Ralph Lauren Jean Jacket $59.50 Burberry Purple Dress $175 -Bloomingdale's Aventura

Adventure Awaits in Scenic

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa beckons with the perfect mix of African culture, modern amenities, pristine parks and beaches, world-class museums and the chance to see wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. By Margaret Kessler Schoor

f your dream vacation includes something for everyone, a visit to the Republic of South Africa is sure to please your entire family. From wildlife to nightlife, from snorkeling to the sauna, from the birth of mankind to the death of apartheid, there’s a world of experiences waiting to be had.

“Few places can match its mix of culture, beauty, and wildlife adventure.” - Rainer Jens

Located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is the 25th-largest country in the world by land area and, with nearly 53 million people, the world's 25th-most populous nation. Those who have vacationed there generally rave about the experience. “South Africa is a 56

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top-notch destination for adventurous families,” noted National Geographic blogger Rainer Jenss. “Few places can match its mix of culture, beauty, and wildlife adventure.”

is moderate and depending on when you schedule your trip, you’re unlikely to need anything much warmer than a jacket. Perhaps best of all, the rand (the official currency in South Africa) has been fairly weak against the US dollar for some time now, making a vacation in South Africa extremely affordable. Major credit cards are accepted throughout the country, and there are many ATMs that will allow you to use your American bankcard for withdrawing money, though most charge a fee.

There is any number of group tours to the area. But because South Africa’s 11 official languages include English, which is recognized as the language of commerce, and is spoken by nearly everybody in the industries that cater to tourists, going it on your own is also a viable option. Throughout the country, visitors will find a range of lodging, entertainment and dining options ranging from quaint to ultra-luxe and priced to accommodate any budget.

South Africa’s Sensational Safaris

Because it’s in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in South Africa are opposite of ours. But its climate

South Africa is world-renowned for its magnificent diversity of wildlife and pristine game reserves. Game viewing

of the famed “Big Five” –lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo– is just the start. You can also see whales, penguins, meerkats, wild dogs, birds, and more. The country’s public and private game reserves encompass a breathtaking variety of landscapes: lush forests, wide-open bushveld, majestic mountains and sparkling seashore. And according to Forbes’ Magazine travel writer Larry Olmsted, “Across the board, South Africa has far and away the best collection of luxury safari lodges.” Kruger National Park is the best known of South Africa's national game reserves, and it is nothing short of amazing. There’s also the Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape and the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve in Kwazulu Natal, plus myriad smaller reserves throughout the country.

From wildlife to nightlife, from snorkeling to the sauna, from the birth of mankind to the death of apartheid, there’s a world of experiences waiting to be had in South Africa. From the Dawn of Mankind to the Sunset of Apartheid From the beginnings of humankind to the end of institutionalized racial discrimination, South Africa’s museums will take your family on a trip across the ages. Three and a half million years ago, South Africa was a hotbed of pre-

human activity. Just northwest of Johannesburg is The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, which has produced a huge number of, as well as some of the Earth’s oldest, hominin fossils. The site’s Maropeng Visitor Centre is an exciting, world-class exhibition with an underground boat ride that would do Walt Disney proud. The remarkable Sterkfontein Caves here are one of South Africa’s most fossil rich sites. More recently, South Africa was a hotbed of racial discrimination. The Apartheid Museum and the South African National Museum of Military History, both in Johannesburg, shed light on watershed events in South Africa's history. The Nelson Mandela Museum in the Eastern Cape provides fascinating insight into a man who played a 57

crucial role in South Africa’s civil rights movement. A ferry ride to Robben Island in Western Cape is another singular experience. The tour and museum allow visitors to learn about this notorious building, which served as a penitentiary for 350 years and was used principally to isolate political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and many other antiapartheid activists.

Back to Nature With more than 1,500 miles of beautiful coastline that stretches along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa's beaches the county’s true gems. South Floridians will feel right at home amidst the white sand, aquamarine water and trendy cafes. Away from the larger cities, many of the beaches are as secluded as they are exquisite. Of 58

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course, the soaring mountains stand as testament to the fact that you’re half a world away. Dozens of nature preserves throughout the country offer visitors the chance to experience South Africa’s raw beauty. No matter where you are in the country, you’re guaranteed to be close to one. Among the most famous is the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve –one of South Africa’s legendary scenic wonders. Table Mountain, the Drakensberg and God’s Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and more are sure to please the eye and lift the spirit with their high peaks, waterfalls, rock art and awesome panoramas. Throughout the country, there is world class hiking, sea kayaking and road and mountain biking.

Enough for Two Vacations According to Forbes’ Magazine travel writer Larry Olmsted, South Africa offers an endless array of vacation activities including some of the world’s best golfing, as well as “the continent’s best food, best wine, and best service and tourism infrastructure.” The bottom line is that a vacation to the bottom of Africa will yield an adventure unlike any other and one your whole family will cherish for decades. For more information on travel to South Africa: National Geographic: http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/ countries/south-africa-guide/ Fodors: http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/south-africa/ The South Africa Tourism Board: http://www.southafrica.net/country/us/en/

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PARENTS

BackMaketoit Work! Work? Don’t stress! There are a few key factors that can help your transition. By Maruchi Méndez

t’s time to make the much dreaded decision of going back to work. You ask yourself if you are ready, and struggle to find the right answer. The right situation for you is wrong for someone else. So the right answer is never clear. Ideally, you have had a couple of months to be at home with your baby and have adapted to your new identity as mom, wife, and miracle worker. In this modern world, where the woman is an equal partner in household responsibilities, the weight of such a decision should be equally shared with your spouse. There are a few key factors that can help your transition.

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Having a support system. Starting with your spouse, your support system must be ready to go. Research your resources. Some U&me Magazine

companies offer day care at the workplace. Maybe grandma is willing to help, or there is a babysitter you trust.

Taking good care of yourselves, both as a couple and individually, is essential in order to survive the hectic schedule and allow you to give each other your best.

Good communication. After finding the right situation for you and your baby, sit down with your partner and make a weekly schedule. Assign shifts that include nighttime duties of feeding, changing diapers, doing dishes, and folding clothes.

Learn to Delegate. You can’t do it all by yourself and it’s time to give dad a chance to participate. You might be surprised at how eager he is to assume an active role in making this work. Alternate dinner and baby duties once you are home, leaving the hard stuff for the weekends when you are both off work.

Set your priorities. This is a time of transition and everything cannot be perfect around the house. Don’t stress over the small stuff. Remember that you are still having long waking nights and that the baby needs your full attention. So that dinner party you wanted to plan might have to wait. Now that the functionality of your work day is “doable”, it is time to be creative, and make this a positive and happy time for all.

Setting aside some time for you and your husband, although hard, is not impossible. A date night would be great, but if you don’t have a baby sitter or your budget is stretched out, you can create your “cuddly time” at home on Friday evening. Your husband will be happy to bring home take out while you set a nice table for two and add some fresh flowers and music to the evening. Hopefully, the baby’s schedule will give you some time alone, and if not, you can resume the evening after a quick feeding.

ting enough rest is a big part of the equation. In my case, after having four children, going to the beauty parlor to do my nails and cut my hair was always the best therapy and benchmark. This is the reason that many women resume the work force sooner than later. In some cases, staying home and neglecting your appearance is a contributing trigger for depression. Although it’s not always the case, getting back in shape and reestablishing your feminine identity seems to aide your psyche.

Taking good care of yourselves, both as a couple and individually, is essential in order to survive the hectic schedule and allow you to give each other your best. It is well documented that women’s postpartum depression is associated with self-neglect as much as with hormonal imbalance. Eating right, taking vitamins and get-

Men usually go through a different type of crisis. Once the center of a woman’s day and attention, they feel neglected and are sometimes even jealous of the new baby. This adds stress to a woman’s burdened day, but as “miracle workers” we need to be creative. Making him part of small decisions and thanking him for his

cooperation and support every chance you get, works wonders. Men need to feel appreciated and, most importantly, they need to know that this is a time of transition and that they are still as important to you as ever. As for the object of all the commotion –that bundle of joy that has changed your lives forever– I came to a conclusion, maybe a bit too late. Baby doesn’t care if the house is perfectly clean or if the milk is not quite warm. He doesn’t even care if you take too long to bring the bottle, forcing him to exercise his lungs in teary protest. He just needs to be held by a calm, happy and loving parent, and be kept warm and dry.

Ms. Méndez is the author of Finding Home and Buscando mi estrella.

From Bombshell to Momshell These chic fall fashions accentuate every curve to help you show off your beautiful baby bump… Remember back when mommiesto-be were expected to dress conservatively and deflect attention from their growing bump? But that was then, this is now! These cool, elegant and – yes!– sexy looks celebrate the new motherhood with bold colors and form fitting-shapes that turn you from drab to fab!

Embrace the new season with a face flattering black wool floppy hat, floral print cold shoulder blouse and crochet overlay midi skirt that will certainly flatter your new curves.

U&me Magazine

For a hot, rockin', trend setting look, go with a beaded shoulder hilow top, zipper front wet leggings and top off with leather lace up open toe booties.

Glam up your look with white and ditch the little black dress with a hot number (or body contouring dress) like this one. White v neck dress with leather side panels, slight shoulder padding and zipper back. Pair with platform Mary Jane style patent leather heels.Â

On her: Figure flaunting asymmetrical sweep maxi dress with side rouching in plum blue On him: A classic striped gray suit with a sleek Euro cut for updated charm paired with a slim cut pin stripe collared button down.

Fabulously Fresh Floor Cleaner 7 cups of water 1/2 cup baking soda 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup vinegar Mix it up, spray it on the floor and mop it up! You get a fresh, clean and great smelling floor!

Cleaning for a Healthy Home What you are using to protect your family from dirt and germs may actually have more detrimental side effects than the germs you are trying to eradicate! By Geraldine Grimes Lewis

ave you ever scanned the ingredients in your household cleaners? The ingredient listing on a common household cleaner which "disinfects, removes stains", actually has a longer list of warnings than it does uses! For example: "Use in well-ventilated area, eye and skin irritant," and the list goes on and on. Make no mistake, these household cleaners will get the job done and done well, but when you picture your infant crawling on a squeaky clean floor, or your teen making a sandwich on the countertop you just disinfected, it can be a bit frightening. In addition, the cost to the average family is tremendous. Household cleaning products

U&me Magazine

top the market at an annual rate of 3 trillion dollars a year worldwide, with Americans averaging $800 annually for these products. Traditionally "safe" or green cleaners tend to range 15-25% higher in price, or more than your average household cleaner. The good news is that there IS an alternative. A clean, safe, germ killing, you-can-rest-easy alternative to harsh cleaners is likely in your kitchen cabinets! One example of just such a cleaner is a do it yourself floor cleaner which is highly effective. Imagine that toddler scooting across a fresh clean floor without worry!

This sounds great, but does it work? Many items we typically keep on hand act as cleaning agents in their own right. For example, baking soda and salt are natural abrasives, which when used in moderation are highly effective without causing damage. Lemon juice is a natural degreaser, while vinegar has germ killing properties and when combined with baking soda makes a great foaming cleanser. You can also use vinegar in the laundry as a natural fabric softener. Additionally, you can add natural essential oils to any home cleaning recipe and make the smell pleasing. But beware â&#x20AC;&#x201C;a little goes a long way!

Removing the worry regarding harmful chemicals when it comes to our children is priceless. In addition, you are lightening your "footprint" and contributing to a safer, greener planet Earth. In essence, many of our typical cleaning products are easily replaced by natural, safe and most importantly, effective ingredients we already have. Imagine what your family could do with an additional $800.00 or more each year! Removing the worry and angst regarding harmful chemicals when it comes to our children is priceless. In addition, you are lightening your "footprint" and contributing to a safer, greener, planet Earth. That is something we can all feel good about!

For more information on making your own household cleaning products please visit, www.eartheasy.com or www.allyou.com

WELL-BEING

Secrets for a

Tight Core Attention new mommies! Who says you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get back in shape after pregnancy? These simple abdominal exercises will get your tummy in great form! For more information on following a fitness plan during or after pregnancy call Belly-n-Kicks at (305) 300-6628 or write to questions@belly-n-kicks.com

By Erika Boom

Single leg gluteal bridge - 15 reps each side (lay on your back, lift your hips, squeezing your glutes, lift one leg straight up and pulse for 15 reps; switch to other side).

Gluteal bridge - 1 min: Lay on your back, lift your hips, squeezing your glutes, and hold for 1 minute.

Side plank - 15 reps each side (on your side, laying on forearm and feet, lift your hips, pulse for 15 reps; switch to other side).

Toe Touches - 15 reps (lay on your back, straight legs up and reach for your toes).

Quadruped Hip Extension - 20 reps each side (on all fours, lift one leg at a 90 degree bend, pulse for 20 reps and switch).

Superman holds - hold 20 seconds.

* Important: This excersices are ONLY AFTER PREGNANCY, not during.

WELL-BEING

Supplements: Skin Care

A-to-Z

Dermatologists and consumers alike are increasingly aware that what you put in your body has a direct impact on your skin's appearance. Here’s a guide to help you navigate all the options… By Leslie Baumann, MD

our local drugstore's vitamin section has started to rival the makeup aisle for variety and complexity! Let's take a look at some of the most common supplements being tossed around the beauty and skincare world, and examine what benefits they really confer on your skin's health and appearance. Antioxidants: Excellent at fighting free radicals –molecules with an uneven number of electrons that cause damage to cell membranes, lipids, proteins, and DNA– they are crucial to an effective skin care regimen. There are many types of antioxidants, and it is best to take a variety of them. Arnica: This plant-derived herbal supplement carries anti-inflammatory properties and helps in the treatment and prevention of bruises. While taking arnica regularly offers little benefit to your skin, I do recommend it to patients before cosmetic procedures like 68

U&me Magazine

dermal fillers. Too much arnica can be toxic, so discuss with your doctor. Biotin: Also known as B7. I absolutely recommend biotin supplements to anyone whose nails seem to break or split at the slightest touch because studies have shown that biotin supplements can increase nail thickness and strength. B Vitamins: This group of vitamins plays an important role in cell metabolism, and the chemically-distinct vitamins often coexist. They are regularly used in detox teas and supplements. However, beware that vitamins B6 and B12 can cause acne breakouts. Coenzyme Q10: This powerful antioxidant increases cell energy in the form of ATP. It's particularly important that people on statin cholesterol-lowering drugs consider this supplement, as those drugs lower natural levels of coenzyme Q10. Evening Primrose Oil: Chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne can be calmed by using this omega-6 fatty acid. This supplement is excellent for soothing skin inflammation and irritation. Glucosamine: Glucosamine is used to stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid in the joints. It is likely that it can do it in your skin, too. Hyaluronic Acid: One of the three major building blocks of your dermis, hyaluronic acid holds onto moisture, giving skin fullness and radiance. Hyaluronic acid supplements claim to fight the breakdown of HA, which naturally occurs as we age; but I do not believe that these supplements are effective because your stomach acids break them down. Iron: Studies suggest that low iron levels may lead to hair loss, so an iron supplement could help control that condition. Talk to your doctor to get a blood test to check ferritin levels and take this supplement under a doctor’s supervision.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Their antiinflammatory properties help combat redness and skin irritation, and their hydrating properties plump your skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines. Get omega-3s from any source you can, including salmon and fish oil. Polypodium Leucotomos: This fern extract protects skin against ultraviolet damage and decreases skin redness after sun exposure. I take it in the morning prior to outdoor sports to prevent sun damage. TIPS TO MAXIMIZE THE BENEFITS To get the most from whatever supplements you take, do your research and follow a few key tips: §§ Get online! Websites like ConsumerLab.com and DrWeil.com are full of useful research and advice. §§ Keep dietary restrictions in mind when you're purchasing supplements –some contain yeast, gluten, and shellfish. §§ Store your supplements in a cool dark place. Heat and light can compromise some vitamins and minerals. §§ If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before taking any supplements. Find out what supplements are best for your skin type at www.skintypesolutions.com.

Selenium: As an antioxidant, selenium has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties; it can also help prevent cancer and appears to minimize skin damage from UV exposure in its oral form. We don’t need to consume very much selenium, and most multivitamins typically contain a sufficient amount. Taking too much can cause hair loss. Vitamin A: Aim to get this vitamin through your diet with foods like leafy greens, broccoli, squash, carrots, and mangoes. Vitamin A, the common term for retinoids like Retin A and Accutane, is particularly beneficial for people with acne and skin aging. Be careful, though, because too much vitamin A can be toxic or lead to hair loss.

Vitamin C: This vitamin boosts your immune system and helps prevent colds. Better yet, it can also help your skin produce collagen –one of the primary goals of wrinkle prevention. Vitamin C can be hard to stabilize in topical products, and the best ones are expensive. Taken by mouth, it is inexpensive and effective. I recommend at least 500mg twice a day, but there is no worry of toxicity if you take more. Vitamin D: Best known as the vitamin skin produces when exposed to ultraviolet light, vitamin D is actually both a hormone and an antioxidant. If you are at a high-risk for skin cancer (if you have red hair and freckles or a family history of skin cancer), then I believe your safest bet is to avoid unprotected sun exposure and get your vitamin D in supplement form and through your diet. Discuss with your doctor about getting a blood test to check vitamin D levels. Injections can also be given to increase these levels without increasing sun exposure. Vitamin E: Along with vitamin C, vitamin E offers your skin defense against sun damage. It is also effective in minimizing skin dryness. Vitamin E is found in many skin care products because it is inexpensive, easy to formulate and has both a hydrating and an antioxidant effect. Some forms of vitamin E are known to cause skin allergy. Dr. Leslie Baumann is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist, New York Times best-selling author, media personality and lecturer, and CEO of Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute – a full-service research, educational and medical services facility serving the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. The globally recognized Institute also provides cutting-edge preventive and corrective cosmetic procedures for patients from all countries.

Bauman Cosmetic Institute 305-532-5552 4500 Biscayne Boulevard Suites 101, 105 Miami, FL 33137

BOOKS ARE MY PALS

Babies and Toddlers Corduroy’s Trick or Treat By Don Freeman Kids love all the festivity of Halloween, and this pumpkinshaped board book is just right as they anticipate the holiday. Join Corduroy and his friends as they play pin-the-tail-on-theblack-cat, and decorate pumpkins. Maybe best of all are the delicious, creepy cupcakes. Happy Halloween, Corduroy!

Spooky

By Roger Priddy Looking for that little book your toddler will enjoy? This little ghost feely-touchy board book will remain a favorite long after Halloween’s goblins have all flown away. Bright Baby Noisy Monsters By Roger Priddykids Kids will love this noisy little Halloween book! Inside are colorful pictures of monsters enjoying their Halloween night, with some fun texts to read aloud or to listen to. Best of all is the sound button for little fingers to press so they can listen to the spooooky laugh!

U&me Magazine

Picture Books Best Halloween Hunt Ever By John Spiers

Druscilla’s Halloween By Sally M. Walker

Just in time for Halloween! This bestselling book now comes with a sheet of fun Halloween stickers! Who will win the Halloween hunt? Sara, Roy, Tina, John, and Alexis are making masks, buying pumpkins, and searching all over the neighborhood for treats! Readers will have hours of fun searching throughout the book along with the characters.

Did witches always ride brooms? No! In fact, long, long ago, witches crept about on tiptoe. On Halloween, they would scare children and cast spells… but always from the ground. No witch ever thought of flying - no witch until Druscilla. Druscilla was an old witch with the loudest, creakiest knees anyone had ever heard. But she was determined not to let anything spoil her element of surprise. One Halloween, after many failed attempts at sneaking up on unsuspecting villagers, Druscilla made a discovery that changed the course of witch history.

Early Readers

Halloween Day By Anne Rockwell, Lizzy Rockwell String beans, spaghetti, ZOOOOP, roast beef, fresh fish, chicken and ice cream are the delicious fare during the week in this popular children's song. Eric Carle brings new energy to these much-loved verses as lively animals parade across the page, munching on favorite dishes, and introducing young readers to the names of the days of the week. Both art and song invite children to join in the procession and sing along.

Mouse and Mole, a Perfect Halloween By Wong Herbert Yee Mouse likes Halloween. In fact, Mouse loves Halloween. And with only a few days to go before the big day, Mouse has lots of preparations to make. There are decorations to hang up and pumpkins to carve — especially for the big pumpkin-carving contest! Mole does not like Halloween nearly as much. It is scary. It is creepy. And who left that broom on the front step? Thankfully a pumpkincarving contest is not too scary. But the pumpkin-carving contest is just the beginning of Mouse and Mole’s Halloween adventures. What’s Mouse to do when her best friend has turned into a big Scaredy-Mole?

Tucker’s Spooky Halloween By Leslie McGuirk

Arthur’s Halloween By Marc Brown

When the irrepressible Tucker is determined to look scary this year — not cute! — he puts his own paws to the cause and rolls out just the right costume. A sweet and funny adventure every small child is sure to appreciate.

Arthur finds everything about Halloween scary, including his little sister's costume, his morning snack, and the big house on the corner. Will Arthur conquer his Halloween fears?

Youth & Teens A Midsummer Night’s Scream By R.L. Stine

Kill Me Softly By Sarah Cro

It was a horror movie that turned into real horror—three young actors lost their lives while the camera rolled. Production stopped, and people claimed that the movie was cursed. Sixty years later, new actors are venturing onto the haunted set. In a desperate attempt to revive their failing studio, Claire's dad has greenlit a remake of Mayhem Manor—and Claire and her friends are dying to be involved. At first, Claire laughs at Jake’s talk of ghosts and curses. When shooting starts, though, the set is plagued by a series of horrible accidents—could history be repeating itself?

When Mirabelle runs away to Beau Rivage, the city where she was born, she hopes to discover answers about her parents' tragic death. Instead, she finds a group of unusual teenagers, each with a fairy-tale curse. In this strange seaside city, scenarios from fairy tales are played out over and over, and Mira has her own part in the drama: she's a "Somnolent," doomed to prick her finger and fall into an enchanted sleep like Sleeping Beauty. The problem is she's not interested in the charming (but slightly boring) "prince" who is fated to be her romantic counterpart. Mira is much more attracted to suave, handsome Felix, who bears a curse he can't, or won't, explain to her.

Parents Doctor Sleep By Stephen King The True Knot tribe looks harmless—mostly old, lots of polyester, and married to their RVs. But as Dan Torrance knows, they are quasi-immortal. Haunted by the inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel, where he spent one horrific childhood year, Dan has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father’s legacy of despair, alcoholism, and violence. Finally, he settles in a New Hampshire town, and meets the evanescent Abra Stone, who reignites Dan’s own demons and summons him to a battle for her soul and survival. This is an epic war between good and evil, a gory, glorious story that will thrill the millions of devoted readers of The Shining and satisfy anyone new to this icon in the King canon.

Fifth Grave past the Light By Darynda Jones Charley Davidson isn’t your everyday, run-ofthe-mill grim reaper. She’s more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma, is the serial killer’s next target Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes’ help. Arsonist or not, he’s the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea By April Genevieve Tucholke Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White's sleepy, seaside town... until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet's crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet's grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a darkhaired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery... who makes you want to kiss back. Violet's already so knee-deep in love, she can't see straight. And that's just how River likes it.

The Ocean at the end of the Lane By Neil Gaiman A brilliantly imaginative and poignant fairy tale from the modern master of wonder and terror, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is Neil Gaiman's first new novel for adults since his #1 New York Times bestseller Anansi Boys. This bewitching and harrowing tale of mystery and survival, and memory and magic, makes the impossible all too real…

Spooky Apps Peekaboo Trick or Treat with Ed Emberley For your youngest Halloween trick or treater, this sweet peeka-boo game features drawings by Caldecott award-winning author and artist Ed Emberley. It's a cute way to introduce youngsters to witches, werewolves, monsters and such in a funny but not scary way. Kids hear a sound and see the doors of a spooky manor shaking. They play by tapping the doors to see who is hiding. The doors open to reveal a Halloween creature making a silly sound.

3-in-1 Halloween educational games Families get three fabulous Halloweenthemed puzzles by downloading this app. Kids can explore the traditional concentration-type memory game of turning over cards to find matching items. What's fun about this version is that the cards feature spooky Halloween characters that make funny sounds. The memory game has three levels of difficulty. Also quite good is the match-three puzzle game filled with images of Jack-o-lanterns, monsters, spooky eyes, and more. Kids swap adjacent squares to create lines of three or more matching tiles. The third activity has traditional jigsaw puzzles that are flawlessly delivered.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER SEPT 25 - SEPT 29

OCT 25 - OCT 27

Watch in awe as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana all come true. High flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends are just a wish away! See Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes where believing is just the beginning!

The first annual Miami International Children's Film Festival, a partnership between the Coral Gables Art Cinema and the prestigious New York International Children's Film Festival, will be held at the Cinema. Building on the success of the monthly Family Day on Aragon screening series, and demand from the Cinema's audience for more "art films" for kids.

Disney on Ice: Princesses & Heroes

Miami International Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Film Festival

American Airlines Arena 601 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33132

Coral Gables Art Cinema 260 Aragon Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134

SEPT 27 - NOV 3 House of Horror Amusement Park Enjoy an evening of carnival rides, food, and games, circus acts and live performances. Oh, and did I forget to mention a 2-acre haunted house? If you are looking for a little scare, House of Horror is the place for you! Tickets are $23 for adults and $15 for children (6 and under). 6:00 pm to Midnight Miami International Mall (East Parking Lot)

OCT 25 - OCT 27

OCT 31

GrossOut Science Halloween

Halloween on The Mile

Visit the Museum for special Halloween activities. Take the jelly bean taste test, touch snakes, gators and bugs and event play the GrossOut Showdown. Make sure to dress to impress for our Halloween Costume Contest. If you dare, taste edible bugs!

It is time once again to begin crafting those costumes because Halloween on the Mile is back for its 15th annual celebration! Always a family affair, there will be something for everyone, including those members of the furry canine variety.

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Museum of Discovery and Science 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Miracle Mile, Coral Gables

U&me Magazine

“Out of the mouths of babes...”

Help M row eG Everyday in a infant's life, every interaction with a caregiver is a teachable moment. Listen, watch and follow their cues. “Help Me Grow” infant apparel reflects this and more.

www.gablescinema.com • www.facebook.com/gablescinema (786) 385-9689 • info@gablescinema.com Order now: (305) 322-8638 | pblake46@peoplepc.com

Fit2Go, your healthy meal delivered!

(305) 718-3858 fit2go@fit2gomeal.com

JOIN THE ST. JUDE GIVE THANKS. WALK.™

Walk. To help me live.

Form a walk team today and start raising funds to help save kids like Reagan.

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November

givethankswalk.org.

Thanks and Giving

KIDS

THAT

Fashionable Medical Alert Jewerly www.medirocks.com