Flourish His Side December 2014

Flourish NORTH FLORIDA DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 21 WWW.MYFLOURISHMAGAZINE.COM

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Happy Holidays!

With the New Year quickly approaching, we can’t wait to make the year’s end merry and bright.

This December, we bring you everything you need to enjoy the holidays in Gainesville. From winter crafts to fun family traditions to Gator basketball games, grab the kids and some holiday cookies and get ready to laugh, learn and love – together!

Publishers Lauren Douglass Marc Douglass

Managing Editor Elizabeth Putfark

Copy Editor Daniel Sutphin

Assistant Editor Mike Capshaw

Art Director Daniel Tidbury

Graphic Design Jane Dominguez Teresa Gresh Patrice Kelly Becky Snowden Daniel Tidbury

Promotions Amanda Liles Karen Jones Annmarie Defeo Anita Knittel

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Circulation Adam Simmons

Special Projects Lauren Kolansky Daniel Sutphin

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Advertising & Sales Shane Howell Mike Capshaw Susan Noddle

Writers Ginger Henderson Kat Freestone Katie Moss Mike Capshaw Stefanie Crockett Leil Lowndes Sarah G. Mason Amy Smith Daniel Sutphin

Lauren Douglass 8JJ 8

2013

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2013

As always, we love hearing from you.

"XBSE PG &YDFMMFODF So send us a note at mail@whpinc.com FROM THE

What’s Inside…

6 8 10 14 15 16 4

7th Annual Noche de Gala Alachua County’s Premiere Event Who Are these Guys Let’s Go! High-Energy Equals Success for Beckham, GHS Happiness Isn’t the Goal Raise the Bar Real Estate: October

Flourish Magazine | December/2014

18 20 21 22

Gadgets Make Your Safe Haven Safe Putting the “F” in BFF How to Ace Your ParentTeacher Conference 24 Fun Family Traditions You Can Start Today 26 Dec. Family Togetherness List

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

How to Avoid the “Winter Slide” 5 Hand Uses for Toothpaste Cranberry Liquor Beyond the Painkillers Eating Too Much Fa(s)t Food Bring on the Heat Benefits of Biking Health in Numbers

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There is a country in Europe where multiple-choice tests are illegal. Sigfried Hulzer

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7th Annual

Noche de Gala Alachua County’s Premiere Event The seventh annual Noche de Gala was held Saturday, October 25 at Besilu Collection in Micanopy, Florida. With community support, the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation continues to support the UF Shands Children’s Hospital. This year’s theme was Noche de Gala Amp. The annual fundraising event has become a standalone event, unsurpassed in the region. Following last year’s sold out event, this year’s Noche de Gala was packed with live entertainment, a silent auction featuring unique and extraordinary items, a Champion Paso Fino horse show, exquisite dining by Embers Wood Grill and much more! The event was be produced by Keith Watson Events and guests are encouraged to dress black tie. We at Flourish were lucky enough to take part in the experience. For our readers who weren’t able to do so, here are some sights the premiere event.

6

Flourish Magazine | December/2014

He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire. Sir Winston Churchill

RS o T GA oPS Ho

Who are these Guys? by mike capshaw Photos by Jim burgess, uaa communications

Few Familiar Names Return From Last Season’s Remarkable Run Fans won’t see many familiar faces when the 2014–15 Florida Gators take the basketball court.

Gone are long-time contributors Casey Prather, Scottie Wilbekin, Will Yeguete and Patric Young – a senior class that became the first to win three SEC titles and won more games (120) than any class in UF history.

They were the backbone of four consecutive Elite Eight appearances and last season’s trip to the Final Four, which capped off a school-record 30-game winning streak, 8

Flourish Magazine | December/2014

18-0 conference record and 36-3 season.

The four combined to start 144 of the 149 games they played in, accounted for 61 percent of the team’s scoring and 53 percent of the rebounding. Wilbekin, who led the team in assists, steals and minutes played, became the first Gators player to sweep SEC Player of the Year, SEC Tournament MVP and NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player honors.

Needless to say, the make-up of this year’s roster will be much different, but it won’t be an entirely different team.

PRODUCTION LOST Player Scottie Wilbekin Patric young Will yegeute Casey Prather

PPG 13.1 11.0 4.9 13.8

RBG 2.4 6.2 5.2 5.0

Florida’s four seniors a year ago accounted for 61 percent of the team’s scoring and 53 percent of the team’s rebounds.

If there’s one thing Florida fans have come to expect – and enjoy – during Billy Donovan’s 18 seasons as a head coach, it’s been the consistency in the quality of teams he puts together. They’ll have to work to develop a sound defense, take smart shots most trips down the floor and likely be playing their best basketball by the time postseason play rolls around.

I think it would be a good idea. Mahatma Gandhi

Junior Dorian Finney-Smith became only the second UF Player to earn the SEC’s Sixth Man of the Year award after leading the team with 6.7 rebounds per game last season.

That’s why media members – despite all of the lost production – pegged the Gators to finish second in the SEC behind Kentucky and coaches ranked them No. 7 in the preseason USA Today poll.

They’ve come to expect Donovan – the reigning SEC Coach of the Year – will coach this team up to and beyond its potential, regardless of any obstacles.

Just look at where last year’s team was at this time.

“As I sat in this room a year ago today, I think I mentioned that people think I come in here doom and gloom when the year starts, but we were really a dysfunctional team last year.

We had some suspensions, some injuries – I didn’t think we were a real connected, cohesive group,” Donovan said during UF’s media day. “We became a team. I would say when we started a year ago, we were not a team. That was the most rewarding part for me – how those guys evolved and became a team.

“I think we were a true essence of a team.”

For this year’s team to find that same level of cohesion, Donovan believes it needs to improve defensively while overcoming challenges along the way. Due to injuries and suspensions, last year’s team had a rocky start. Donovan even mentioned how the Gators played Tennessee State without a true point guard.

“I think the different part for us is we’re losing four players that were very consistent, experienced and knew what college basketball was all about,” Donovan said.

“I think this year’s team, they haven’t faced

adversity like this past group had; we really have not.

“One of the things I think happens with adversity is last year’s team worked really, really hard, and the results that we got were extraordinary. But that team also in the past had worked very, very hard and didn’t get the same results. So that’s going to be a challenge that these guys have not been tested, that they can come out there, work really hard, but may not get the results due to a lack of experience (and not) being prepared to handle that.”

The most experienced and most familiar face to UF fans will be guard Michael Frazier II, who started 34 games and was second on the team in minutes played (30.6 per game) and third in scoring (12.4 points per game).

The junior sharp-shooter said the basis of all Donovan-led teams begins with defense – regardless of who’s on the court.

“This system that we’re in, it doesn’t matter who’s here,” Frazier said. “We can learn a lot from last year’s team, but if we come with the mindset every day to work and get better at defense, or at anything, then we’re going to be good at it.”

Another familiar face is junior forward Dorian Finney-Smith who became the SEC Sixth Man of the Year after sitting out 2012–13 due to NCAA transfer rules. He said the key to running Donovan’s defense is simple.

“We have to listen to everything Coach D tells us,” Finney-Smith said. “We don’t have the same personnel as last year. It’s a different team and a new group. We are just going to have to take it day by day and get better as a team.”

Frazier and Finney-Smith will be counted on for more leadership, but that’s to be expected as they transform from underto upperclassmen.

Two more familiar faces are sophomores Kasey Hill and Chris Walker. Hill was able to lean on Wilbekin for point guard duties a year ago, but he’ll be relied on more to trigger the offense while Walker will need to take a much larger role in the front court – on both sides of the floor. Both were highly-touted recruits, but Donovan is quick to remind fans to temper expectations for the young duo.

Ask her to wait a moment – I am almost done. Carl Friedrich Gauss

“Chris Walker played four minutes a game, all of a sudden everybody is expecting him to be a savior in the front court,” Donovan said.

“I can’t really tell you he is ready to handle that or capable of handling that or is in a position to handle that. Kasey Hill is going from a guy that played a backup role to Scottie and now he’s stepping in.”

Hill should get help in the backcourt from Chris Chiozza, a 6-foot, 160-pounder from Memphis who is quick off the dribble and has the vision to find the open man. Another four-star freshman newcomer, 6-foot-9 forward Devin Robinson, should give Walker and Finney-Smith help inside with his athleticism. Jon Horford (6-10, 245), the brother of former Gator Al Horford, and Alex Murphy (6-8, 225), the brother of former Gator Erik Murphy, also have the height to help, but Donovan says the team won’t “have the size, strength or physicality” it had with Young in years past.

Still, this team isn’t deficient in all aspects when compared to last year’s team.

“I would say one thing that’s better with this team than a year ago is we have a little bit more shooting than we had the previous year,” Donovan said. “We may be better at passing the basketball than we were a year ago.”

In an effort to ready his team for SEC play, Donovan has put together another tough non-conference schedule. The Gators will play Georgetown and possibly No. 8 Wisconsin at the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas from Nov. 26-28 before traveling to No. 5 Kansas on Dec. 5. There’s also Wake Forest in Sunrise on Dec. 20 and Florida State in Tallahassee on Dec. 30 that leads up to a rematch of last year’s Final Four game against No. 15 Connecticut in Gainesville on Jan. 3. SEC play begins Jan. 7 with a trip to South Carolina.

As with all Donovan teams, success will hinge on defense.

“We don’t have that defensive nastiness that we had a year ago, and we’re going to have to work hard to develop it,” Donovan said.

“What kind of identity we can create on the defensive end of the floor remains to be seen … In terms of their reliability, accountability, they were really, really hard at times to rely on defensively.

“They need to make a big jump there from where they were a year ago.”

Flourish Magazine | December/2014

9

Let’s

Go!

High-Energy Equals Success for Beckham, GHS

By Mike Capshaw “Let’s go!”

That’s how Gainesville High boys basketball coach Kelly Beckham begins every drill and play. He must have shouted it 100-plus times during a two-hour practice true to the high-energy style that’s won 656 games for the living coaching legend.

“Let’s go! Hurry up now! Quick! Quick!” he shouts during another drill.

The sound of Nike high tops squeak as players plant their feet to hustle from spot to spot. Beckham is always moving, too.

He walks, jogs and even runs along with the players, keeping a watchful eye on everything and giving pointers as needed to perfect whatever isn’t quite right, usually with the man-to-man, full-court pressure that has led to so many wins.

An hour earlier, Beckham was behind a desk serving as the Dean of Students. His only movements were to answer a phone, a walkie-talkie, an email or the door, which seemed to have a steady stream of students and faculty needing his attention.

He was calm as he spoke, even when a female student got heated when her wardrobe was flagged for not meeting the GHS dress code.

It was a complete transformation from how Beckham is during practices and games.

“I don’t know that I do anything above and beyond other deans and coaches,” Beckham said. “I’m just doing my job.”

A job he loves dearly, and that he doesn’t see ending anytime soon.

“As far as number of years in the business, I could retire now,” Beckham explained. “But I still like coaching, so as long as it’s fun, and I want to continue doing it as long as they’ll keep me around. I have a few more years left in me, I guess.

“We would love to win another state championship. They are very difficult to come by but I think with the type of player that comes through Gainesville High, if you can get the right group together, it’s going to be possible again.”

The last state championship came in 2009, Beckham’s first year at GHS. He called it his most challenging season as a head coach despite inheriting a team fresh off a Final Four appearance.

“It wasn’t a real easy situation to walk into,” Beckham said. “The talent was there and you don’t want to come in a try to change

10 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

everything, so I kept some of the previous staff members and different things like that …

And it turned out OK (laughs).”

Beckham laughs a lot, clearly enjoying everything about his job. He’s that way sometimes at practices, too. At one point, he joked about a woman in the stands questioning one of his decisions, screeching, “What is he doing?” which gave players a moment of levity during the intense workout.

“He’s funny,” said senior forward JaMichael Smart. “He’s like that all the time, so practice is a lot of fun. Plus, he always does a lot of stuff that we like to do, so we practice hard because we know if we play like we practice, we will be successful.”

It’s one of the traits Beckham picked up during his playing days at Cedar Key, where he helped win a district title as a junior and averaged 19 points per game as a senior guard. A Gainesville Sun article from 1986 said he was one of 19 Beckhams to suit up for the Sharks since 1951. At only 5-foot-9, Kelly was the shortest (and he’ll say least talented) Beckham of the bunch.

Those early days are when Beckham began to learn basketball – and people.

“I worked for the local grocery store (Walrath Grocery) and on Saturdays, people would call in their orders and of course I would box them up and load them in a truck to deliver them to people’s houses,” Beckham said.

“Those sort of things don’t go on much nowadays, but what was great is by delivering, I got to know a lot of people.”

Beckham would go on to play a year at Central Florida Community College before

I think there is a world market for maybe five computers. Thomas Watson

deciding he was better suited to coach. When his own former high school coach was hired at Bronson High, Beckham became head coach of the JV team.

He was 19.

After graduating from the University of Florida at age 22, Beckham coached at Dunnellon, Glades Day School and Bronson, where he won more than 500 games, 10 district titles and made two state championship appearances in 24 years. Leaving Bronson behind was tough, but Beckham couldn’t turn down GHS. “This was a special opportunity,” Beckham said. “Gainesville High School, not only from an athletic standpoint, but when you look at academically – we are a high achieving high school.

“I think it’s one of the best jobs in the state.”

This season could be extra special. Beckham believes this year’s team that’s led by seven seniors is primed for big things.

There’s the aforementioned Smart, a physical presence inside with his muscular 6-foot-4 frame. Ike Smith is a 6-foot-4 guard who can “score in a variety of ways” and is a Division I college prospect, as is junior Rudy-Bibb Boyd, who Beckham called “a lightning-quick point guard.” There also is 6-foot-4

sharp-shooter Shawn Benton, and another “lightning-quick” guard in Armani Williams, who “disrupts the other team defensively.” Another player to watch is Ronte Oates, a 6-foot-3, 230-pounder who is coming off a stress fracture but should help in his third year as a varsity player.

Last Chance Closeout!

Going on now at Honda of Gainesville during Happy Honda Days!

Last season, the Hurricanes finished 21-8 and won the district title. The season before they reached the Final Four with a few current players making the trip, so Beckham believes this year’s team knows what it takes and has the chemistry to put together a deep postseason run.

“I’m super excited (about this team),” Beckham said with a look-you-in-the-eye type of seriousness. “You don’t want to put too much pressure on the young men, but we’ve got a chance to be successful. I’m not going to throw a number (of wins) out there, but if you go to practice, you can see the effort and the desire to be good and all the things coaches want – these guys have it.

“I feel a higher level of obligation to do my best job coaching because they deserve to be successful.

“Now we’ve just got to put it all together and play our best basketball at the right time.”

Coach Beckham by the

1

Numbers

State

championship

13 – District titles

656

Career wins as head coach

IT’S YOUR LAST CHANCE TO SAVE THIS YEAR!

4

Daughters with his wife, GiGi

26

Former players who have went on to play in college or professionally

HondaOfGainesville.com 3801 N. MAIN ST. GAINESVILLE FL, 32609 | 352�608�2548                  

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 11

The Project management Institute (PmI) defines the field as one that provides organizations with the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to plan and execute projects on time and on budget. Examples of the projects in the business world include planning and implementing the olympics, creating a web application to support selling a company’s products and services and relocating portions of a business from one location to another.

by Daniel Sutphin Russell Harley is a veteran project manager and PMO director. His passion builds on helping organizations embrace world-class project management practices and "climb out of the quicksand" in terms of gaining control over complex, ever-changing project portfolios. To better support organizations, Harley published Five Ways to Be a More Effective Project Manager. Harley offered a few suggestions that may help in this endeavor:

Be a Leader While this should be pretty obvious, it is very easy to get caught up in personalities and the normal socialization of the workplace.

Especially if the project is a long-term one, or one that the team needs to work long hours together on. As a project manager, the important thing to remember is that your only goal is the completion of the project. It is not to be friends with everyone or have them all like you. Projects can easily get into trouble if things start sliding due to the project manager not wanting to hold people accountable. Of course, if you can get the project completed and everyone still loves everyone, then you may be canonized at some point.

12 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Climbing From the Quicksand:

How to Become a More Effective

Project Manager Stop Multitasking This may be the hardest one to do effectively. It has been proven by numerous researchers that multitasking is bad for everyone. Yet we still try and do more than we really are capable. So how do you control this? In a word: Delegate. You have a team of subject matter experts (SMEs) plus others on your team. So ask them to help or assign tasks to them that they should be doing versus you. Yes it is easier for you to do it, but what is the point of having a team if you are doing most of the work?

Have Effective Meetings As project managers a lot of time is spent in leading meetings. To make sure the time spent in these meeting is used efficiently, a key tool, which is underused, is a Team Charter. This is a simple one-to two-page document that details the protocol of the meetings to which everyone agrees. Items in the Charter can include: Timeliness, no mobil devices, etc.

Be an Agent for Change Process and procedures are great for keeping everything running smoothly, especially on difficult projects. However, one

thing the team should be doing is making sure that these are helping the project, not hurting it. If you or someone on your team can improve a process, then speak up and let it be known. Showcase how the change will make this project be done faster, cheaper, etc. The change that is proposed may actually impact multiple projects versus just yours (or even the entire company).

However, if the change will only be a benefit to your team/project, be sure to explain that this is just an exception for this project and not a global one. If you can accomplish this, your team (and sponsors) will thank you.

Breathe An important thing that project managers sometimes forget is that the project(s) are not theirs. Project Managers normally do not 'own' projects, the sponsors do. Project Managers are only responsible (and most of the time that by itself is a huge task) for managing the project, not owning it. So if massive changes occur for the project – including canceling – it is not the manager, it is the project. So do not react or stress out as if the negative outcome was the results of something the team had done wrong.

I’m not a member of any organized political party, I’m a Democrat! Will Rogers

By Sarah G. Mason

When It’s

Smart to

Play Dumb It’s happened to all of us. You’re talking with an acquaintance, meeting with a client or catching up with an old friend. Suddenly, they say something so inappropriate that you can’t help but gawk. The next few moments are filled with awkward tension as they try to mumble what they really meant and you – shaking off offense – try not to blurt out a comeback that would destroy the relationship.

Don’t. If you’re set on defusing the episode, pretend like you didn’t hear and don’t let your reaction show.

But don’t be too good an actor.

There’s a better way. Be suave, let them save face, and play dumb.

Your goal is to give the other person a chance to back away from their clueless comment, not to entice them to repeat it as if you didn’t hear. It’s better that they recognize your polite refusal to ignore their uncomfortable statement. Purse your lips and look away to make the message clear.

Act like you didn’t hear.

Silence your inner know-it-all.

You’ll automatically want to raise your eyebrows or roll your eyes when you hear someone make an off-the-wall comment.

They said something completely outrageous and totally wrong, and you can prove it.

But don’t. Correcting another person is a

If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out? Will Rogers

quick way to start an argument and harm the relationship. It’s better to stay quiet to limit back-and-fourth dialogue that could turn heated.

Trick your urge to respond.

It’s not going to be easy. Conversations generally have an ebb and flow that goes “their turn, my turn, their turn, my turn.”

When you’re forced to skip “your turn” by staying silent, it may feel awkward or uncomfortable. If you can’t help but say something, respond with a neutral comment like “Mm-hmm” or “I see.”

Know when it’s OK to react.

Playing dumb doesn’t need to become a habit. If you find that you must constantly play dumb around certain people who make the same inappropriate comments again and again, it’s time to put your foot down.

Similarly, if someone says something that’s meant to be offensive, you’ve every right to stand up for yourself – they’ve already damaged the relationship, anyway.

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 13

Happiness Isn’t the Goal

by Sarah g. mason

Jennifer Senior, author of All Joy and No Fun and mother of one, recently posed a question to the world: “Why is it that raising our children is associated with so much anguish and so much confusion?” Raising children is something we’re born knowing how to do, but never have there been more parenting support blogs, child-rearing books and motherhood mentor groups than there are today.

The word “crisis” to define a parent’s state of mind might seem a bit harsh, but according to Senior, that’s the reality. Parents experience more stress than non-parents, their marital satisfaction is lower and as a whole, they often find the bad times outweigh the good.

As said best by Senior during a speech she gave at a TED conference: “Children are not the problem. Something about parenting right now, at this moment, is the problem.

Specifically, I don’t think we know what parenting is supposed to be.”

The role of mothers, fathers and children has changed. Once, children worked on farms and in factories. Parents gave them food and 14 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

shelter, and in return kids provided income – everyone’s role was clearly defined.

Though we’ve thankfully established rights for kids and pulled children out of the workforce, this has muddied the waters for parents.

Today, school is now a child’s fulltime job, and preparing kids for a successful future is now a parent’s fulltime job. But what does “preparing kids” actually entail? Signing them up for football so that they can learn team-building skills? Teaching them chess so that they can learn analytical skills? Spending long hours poring over vocab words so they can ace every test and get into Harvard?

“Homework is the new dinner,” said Senior. “The middle class now pours all its time and resources and energy into their kids, even though the middle class has less and less of that to give.”

This isn’t to say that spending time with your children is bad – not in the least. But the future isn’t as predictable as it once was, and as a result many moms and dads feel as if they’re floundering. How can you not feel stressed while running your children from ballet to tutoring to tennis practice, all while

wondering, “Am I doing enough to ensure my child’s success? And more importantly, their happiness?”

“The one mantra no parent ever questions is ‘All I want is for my child to be happy,’” said Senior. “Don’t get me wrong; I think happiness is a wonderful goal for a child, but it is a very elusive one. Happiness and self-confidence – teaching children that isn’t like teaching children how to ride a bike.

There’s no curriculum for it.”

It’s a complicated problem. Parents’ roles are changing, children’s roles are changing, the future is changing and happiness seems out of reach. It’s no wonder that parents feel stressed – the stakes are high and the path is unclear. So what’s the solution?

While there are many answers, a few suggestions seem clear. Take a step back.

Don’t overexert yourself with unrealistic goals and an overbooked schedule, and quit worrying about setting your kids up for a perfect future. Perfection should never be the aim, and happiness should never be a goal. Instead of focusing on happiness as a goal, let it be a byproduct. Parents can teach children to be productive and moral and kind, and we can let happiness come to kids through the good that they do, their accomplishments and the love they feel from us.

“Absent having new scripts, we just follow the oldest ones in the book – decency, a work ethic, love – and let happiness and self-esteem take care of themselves. I think if we all did that, the kids would still be all right and so would their parents.”

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy. Von Clausewitz

THE COMFORT & LUXURY OF CLEAN

Raise Not everyone has a dream. Contrary to popular belief, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need one.

Dreams are wonderful in the long-term, but if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re big enough, they may take a lifetime to achieve.

In the meantime, why not set short-term goals? Short-term goals are essential to focus and progress. They give us purpose, make us better leaders, enable us to grow and enhance our enthusiasm for life.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Setting goals is the ďŹ rst step in turning the invisible into the visible.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tony Robbins If you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in the habit of setting goals, you must first define one. Pick a single task thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to you. Do you want to learn to play the piano?

Lose 10 pounds? Earn a promotion at work? Choose a goal and write it down.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Set your goals high and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop till you get there.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bo Jackson The more specific your goal is, the better. For instance, instead of saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to learn to play the piano,â&#x20AC;? think: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to learn how to play Beethovenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Moonlight Sonata.â&#x20AC;? Instead of saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to lose 10 pounds,â&#x20AC;? think: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to lose two pounds a month for the next five months.â&#x20AC;?

By defining the specifics, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll create a clear and realistic vision of where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re headed.

the Bar

by Sarah g. mason

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.â&#x20AC;? - Confucius

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Start small and track your progress. Make note of where you started and evaluate your growth along the way. Are you able to play the C scale on the piano without a flaw? Have you noticed your clothing fits a little looser? If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see yourself making progress, take a step back and reevaluate your strategy. Sometimes, it helps to split the main goal into smaller, daily goals to keep you motivated.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you want to accomplish the goals of your life, you have to begin with the spirit.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Oprah Winfrey Be positive and never underestimate yourself. Instead of saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I mess that note up every time I play it!â&#x20AC;? think: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hitting that note is my next goal, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to get it.â&#x20AC;?

Instead of saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have to workout today,â&#x20AC;? think: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to workout today.â&#x20AC;? It can be tempting to make excuses or think negatively, but they will only set you behind. With the right mindset, you will succeed.

There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home. Ken Olson

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'BCVMPVT'BDFT&OUFSUBJONFOU $PN r Flourish Magazine | December/2014 15

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A$'.$2/(B<12>$(( Average Sale Price – The average sale price 8#$'1>$(@1;$(A':.$ 7"2/< -,.0,56%17*58,%% C$1'D"#$'DC$1' )*+,%-./0, 1+23,4%)*+,3 8#$'1>$(@1;$(A':.$( 9,*.&2:,.&9,*. reported for the month (i.e. total sales in dollars 1+23,4%)*+,3%FA%)*+,%-./0,% !"#$%&'( $)*+ -./"&$'()*+5 2567+A%?*.B,6%@,6*/+%&%E062F,.%=#"'% 8#$'1>$(@1;$(A':.$( #"%$) #'$( ;,33%67*5%!<#$### divided by the number of sales) !"+%$%&#(*) >41/6?:=19/8@/25A12/395625<3B862/C4B<4/<A821D/D?9B6E/ :;0?L;D?N;0A?B;0CD>E;0D;CFDG;=0HFD0G:;0<F@G:0I>(;(0 @$9/$%&$'()*+5 9:;0?L;D?N;0A?B;0CD>E;0D;CFDG;=0HFD0G:;0<F@G:0I>(;(0 *')( 83>3?/()*+5 !<#$###%&%!(($((( !"+'$#+- %"*+, #(%) 58+,%G*C/+A%H2C,3% GFG?B0A?B;A0>@0=FBB?DA0=>L>=;=0KO0G:;0@P<K;D0FH0A?B;AM00 341/:8634/ FG?B0A?B;A0>@0=FBB?DA0=>L>=;=0KO0G:;0@P<K;D0FH0A?B;AM00 Economists’ note : As noted above, we prefer Median Sale Price over !%&*/0 !%%*/0

10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60

7"2/<

-./"&$'()*+5 @$9/$%&$'()*+5 83>3?/()*+5 03;4()*+5 032$()*+5 714()*+5 89':;()*+5 71'.<()*+5 =$&'31'4()*+5 01231'4()*+5 6$.$%&$'()*+, !"#$%&$'()*+, -./"&$'()*+,

8#$'1>$(@1;$(A':.$

A$'.$2/(B<12>$(( C$1'D"#$'DC$1'

!"#$%&'( !"+%$%&!"+'$#+!",,$'#+ !"-.$+*+ !"'&$&.# !",,$+%% !",%$%-+ !",%$&+& !"+"$+," !"+#$*#% !"#"$#%& !"#%$"'#

$)*+ #(*) #(%) #(%) #(") '(.) &(') ,(-) %%(&) "*(&) &(&) '(#) %&(*)

!",,$'#+ 03;4()*+5 !"##$###%&%!"'($((( !"-.$+*+ 032$()*+5 !"<#$###%&%!"(($((( !"'&$&.# 714()*+5 !"#$#%&'(') $#(* M N,#='$ 5.,'= ."' #?' #B 89' simplest—yet >#=8 !=##$###%&%!='($((( !"#$#%&'(') $#(* M 1= ?#8'$ .)#;'G 7' :"'B'" C'$-.? 5.,' !"-&' #;'" !",,$+%% 89':;()*+5 important—indicators B#" 89' "'=-$'?8-., "'., '=8.8' >."O'8A P9'? )*+,%-./0, 1+23,4%)*+,3 1;'".@' 5.,' !"-&' .= . =%>>."* =8.8-=8-& B#" 9#>' :"-&'=A N#7';'"G !=<#$###%&%!=(($((( &#>:."-?@ N,#='$ 5.,'= .&"#== >."O'8= #B $-BB'"'?8 =-Q'=G 71'.<()*+5 7' !",%$%-+ 1;'".@' 5.,' !"-&' $#'= 9.;' -8=89' uses—particularly 79'? -8&9.?@'= -= .?.,*O'$ #"%$) ;,33%67*5%!<#$### !D##$###%&%!D(($((( "'&#>>'?$ %=-?@ *'."R#;'"R*'." :'"&'?8 ".89'" 89.?

89' !",%$&+& =$&'31'4()*+5 41/6?:=19/8@/25A12/395625<3B862/C4B<4/<A821D/D?9B6E/ "*%*0 "*%%0 "*%"0 "*%&0 "*%#0 .,#?@=-$' +#" #?'G 89' "',.8-;' $-BB'"'?&' !&**/0 89' C'$-.? 5.,' !"-&'A .)=#,%8' &#%?8=A /'.,8#"=6 .?$ 89'-" &,-'?8= =9#%,$ .,=# )' 7."* #B %"*+, !<#$###%&%!(($((( !"+"$+," 01231'4()*+5 !"'*/0 !'##$###%&%!<(($((( 41/:8634/ )'87''?

89' 87# =8.8-=8-&= &.? :"#;-$' =#>' -?=-@98 -?8# 89' >."P'8 B#" !",*/0 >#?89R8#R>#?89 &#>:."-=#?= #B N,#='$ 5.,'= )'&.%=' #B :#8'?8-., !"+#$*#% 6$.$%&$'()*+,!>##$###%&%!((($((( !"#$% !"#*/0 !"##$###%&%!"'($((( 9-@9'"Q'?$(9#>'=(-?(.?(."'.A !""*/0 ='.=#?.,('BB'&8=A !"#"$#%& !"#$%&$'()*+, !"**/0 !"<#$###%&%!"(($((( !"$###$###%2.%C2., %",-% !%'*/0 !"#%$"'# -./"&$'()*+, 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 !"#$#%&'(') $#(* M N,#='$ 5.,'= ."' #?' #B 89' simplest—yet ;<38=19/)*#%/ ;<38=19/)*#!/ >#=8 )"$!$ !=##$###%&%!='($((( !"#$%&'$()*(+,#"-$.(/01234/56(7-89($.8.(:"#;-$'$()*(+,#"-$.<=(>%,8-:,'(,-=8-?@(='";-&'=A(58.8-=8-&=(B#"('.&9(>#?89(&#>:-,'$(B"#>(C25(B''$=(#?(89'(DE89($.*(#B(89'(B#,,#7-?@(>#?89A !"$**/ ?2567+A%?*.B,6%@,6*/+%&%E062F,.%=#"'% important—indicators B#" 89' "'=-$'?8-., "'., '=8.8' >."O'8A P9'?

F.8.("','.='$(#?(39%"=$.*G(H#;'>)'"(IJG(IJDKA(H'L8($.8.("','.='(-=(C#?$.*G(F'&'>)'"(IIG(IJDKA !"***/ "*%*0 "*%%0 "*%"0 "*%&0 #"-,) !=<#$###%&%!=(($((( )/58+,%G*C/+A%H2C,3% &#>:."-?@ N,#='$ 5.,'= >."O'8= #B number $-BB'"'?8 of =-Q'=G 7' %"$**/ !&**/0 Closed Sales by.&"#== Sale Price – The sales G+2./4*% )*+,%-./0, 1+23,4%)*+,3 %"***/ ?2567+A%?*.B,6%@,6*/+%&%E062F,.%=#"'% )"#+* !D##$###%&%!D(($((( "'&#>>'?$ %=-?@ 89' *'."R#;'"R*'." :'"&'?8 &9.?@'= ".89'" 89.? 89' !"'*/0 transactions which closed during the month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conomists’ note: Closed Sales are one of the simplest—yet most &!!>##$###%&%!((($((( -,.0,56%17*58,%% 341/:8634/

2./4*%

Average Sale Price as a summary statistic for home prices. However,

!"#$#%&'(') M 1=Price ?#8'$ .)#;'G 7' have :"'B'" C'$-.?

5.,' !"-&' #;'" Average$#(* Sale does its uses—particularly when it is analyzed 1;'".@' 5.,' !"-&' .= . =%>>."* =8.8-=8-& B#" 9#>' :"-&'=A N#7';'"G alongside the Sale Price.79'?

For-8 -=one, the relative difference between 1;'".@' 5.,' !"-&' $#'=Median 9.;' -8= uses—particularly .?.,*O'$ .,#?@=-$' 89' C'$-.? 5.,' !"-&'A +#" #?'G 89' "',.8-;' $-BB'"'?&' the two statistics can provide some insight into the market for higher-end )'87''? 89' 87# =8.8-=8-&= &.? :"#;-$' =#>' -?=-@98 -?8# 89' >."P'8 B#" 9-@9'"Q'?$(9#>'=(-?(.?(."'.A homes in an area.

1+23,4%)*+,3%FA%)*+,%-./0,%

!"#$%&'()"%$'

-./012/3415/3 6078/3

2567+A%?*.B,6%@,6*/+%&%E062F,.%=#"'% 58+,%G*C/+A%H2C,3% 2./4*%

1+23,4%)*+,3%FA%)*+,%-./0,%

41/:8634/ ='.=#?.,('BB'&8=A $**/ !""*/0 important—indicators for the residential real estate market. When 1+23,4%)*+,3%FA%)*+,%-./0,% )*+,%-./0, !"##$###%&%!"'($(((

*/

1+23,4%)*+,3 !"#$%

9,*.&2:,.&9,*. #&'#(

#"%$)

#'$(

!"#$% #(%)

&(&) &!- #&'#( '(#) !,$ )!'+( %&(*) )%'$(

),'-( %+'+(

"*%#0 ))'+(

-,.0,56%17*58,%% )+'#( 9,*.&2:,.&9,*.

#'$( )$'%( *')( ),'-(

!"#$%

!"##$###%&%!"'($(((

#&'#(

%",-% #(") )!'+( '(.) )"$!$ -,.0,56%17*58,%%)%'$( &(') 9,*.&2:,.&9,*. ))'+( #"-,) ,(-) #'$( )"#+* %%(&) )+'#( *')( #"$*& "*(&) )$'%(

#&'#(

!"$**/ !"***/ %"$**/ %"***/ )"$**/ )"***/ #"$**/ #"***/ $**/ */

%",-% )!'+( !"<#$###%&%!"(($((( !,$ %+'+( !"$###$###%2.%C2., >41/6?:=19/8@/25A12/395625<3B862/C4B<4/<A821D/D?9B6E/ comparing Closed0122/3456/ Sales across simplest—yet markets of different sizes, we recommend !"**/0 !"#$#%&'(') $#(* M N,#='$ 5.,'= ."' #?' #B 89'7$*"***/./ >#=8 7#**"***/./ 7#$*"***/./ 7)**"***/./ 7%**"***/./ 7!**"***/./ 7+**"***/./ 7#"***"***/89/ %"*+, *')( 7)$*"***/./ !<#$###%&%!(($((( )"$!$ )%'$( !=##$###%&%!='($((( 341/:8634/ important—indicators B#" 89' "'=-$'?8-., "'., '=8.8'changes >."O'8A P9'? using the year-over-year percent rather than the absolute counts. ;<38=19/)*#%/ ;<38=19/)*#!/ %",-% )!'+( !"<#$###%&%!"(($((( 7$*"***/ 7--"---/ 7#!-"---/ 7#--"---/ #"-,) 7)--"---/ 7%--"---/ 7$--"---/ 7---"---/ :891/ !"#$%7)!-"---/ #&'#( !"##$###%&%!"'($((( !%'*/0 &#>:."-?@ N,#='$ 5.,'= .&"#== ))'+( !=<#$###%&%!=(($((( >."O'8= #B $-BB'"'?8 =-Q'=G 7' !"$**/ Realtors® and their clients !"$**/ should also be wary of month-to-month %",-% )!'+( )"#+* )+'#( !"<#$###%&%!"(($((( !D##$###%&%!D(($((( "'&#>>'?$ %=-?@ 89.?

10 20 30 40 3089'10M*'."R#;'"R*'."

10N,#='$ 40 50 60 :'"&'?8 705.,'= 80 10&9.?@'= 20."'

30".89'" 40#?'

30 10 89' 10 4089' 50 60simplest—yet 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 >#=8 10 10 40 50 60 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 70 80 10 20 30 40 30 10 10 40 50 60 !"#$#%&'(') $#(* #B !"***/ !"#$#%&'(') !"***/ )"$!$ )%'$( !=##$###%&%!='($((( $#(* M N,#='$ 5.,'= ."' #?' #B 89' simplest—yet >#=8 .)=#,%8' &#%?8=A /'.,8#"=6 .?$ 89'-" &,-'?8= =9#%,$ .,=# )' 7."* #B comparisons of Closed Sales because of potential seasonal effects. #"$*& )"$!$ )%'$( !=##$###%&%!='($((( %"$**/ important—indicators >#?89R8#R>#?89 &#>:."-=#?= #B N,#='$ 5.,'= )'&.%=' #B :#8'?8-., important—indicators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

;,33%67*5%!<#$###

?,4/*5%@*A3%25%?*.B,6%FA%)*+,%-./0,%

!"#$%&'()"%$'

!"#$%&'()"%$'

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#"***/

;<38=19/)*#%/

;<38=19/)*#!/

#"***/

$$

!=##$###%&%!='($(((

)&'-(

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

9#>'=;,33%67*5%!<#$### 89.8 !, #!'%( !"<#$###%&%!"(($((( !& )')( ++ ##'-( !'##$###%&%!<(($((( !& )')( ;,33%67*5%!<#$### !"#$#%&'(') $#(*+ C'$-.? F.*= #? C."O'8 -= 89' .>#%?8 #B 8->' 89' )"***/ )"***/ >41/:1DB56/6?:=19/8@/D5F2/3453/G98G193B12/28AD/D?9B6E/ $$ )&'-( !=##$###%&%!='($((( 8##O .? %?%=%.,,* ,."@' .>#%?8 #B 8->' 8# =',, "',.8-;' 8# 89' ;.=8 S>-$$,'S :"#:'"8* =',,-?@ 89-= >#?89 7.= #? 89' >."O'8A 39.8 -=G EJT !,'-( !<#$###%&%!(($((( #"$**/ #"$**/ 341/:8634/C191/86/341/:59H13/ $+ )!'!( !=<#$###%&%!=(($((( !<#$###%&%!(($((( &- ,'-( )'+( !>##$###%&%!((($((( !#B 9#>'= =',,-?@ 89-= >#?89 8##O ,'== 8->' 8# =',,G .?$ EJT #B 9#>'= !$ -',( !"##$###%&%!"'($((( >.U#"-8*(#B(9#>'=(-?(89'(>."O'8A #"***/ 8##O >#"' 8->' #"***/ +! ),'*( 8# =',,A P' %=' 89' >'$-.? ".89'" 89.?

89' .;'".@' Economists’ note: Median Days on Market is the !D##$###%&%!D(($((( amount of time the “middle” !, #!'%( !"<#$###%&%!"(($((( $**/ )'&.%=' 89' >'$-.? -= ?#8 :."8-&%,.",* ='?=-8-;' 8# =.,'= #B 9#>'= 89.8 $**/ #%* -',( .)'%( !"$###$###%2.%C2., !$ !"##$###%&%!"'($((( ++ ##'-( !'##$###%&%!<(($((( $#(*+ C'$-.?

F.*= #?

-= 89' .>#%?8 #B 89' property selling this month was on the market.

That is, 50% of homes selling 8##O .? %?%=%.,,* ,."@' .>#%?8 #BC."O'8 8->' 8# =',, "',.8-;' 8# 8->' 89' ;.=8 $$ )&'-( !=##$###%&%!='($((( */!"#$#%&'(') */ &)'+( !>##$###%&%!((($((( S>-$$,'S :"#:'"8* =',,-?@ 89-= >#?89 7.= #?;<38=19/)*#%/ 89' >."O'8A 39.8 -=G EJT >.U#"-8*(#B(9#>'=(-?(89'(>."O'8A ;<38=19/)*#!/ this month took less time to sell, and 50%7#$*"***/./ of homes took more time $+ to sell.)!'!( 7%**"***/./ !=<#$###%&%!=(($((( !, 7#"***"***/89/#!'%( !"<#$###%&%!"(($((( 0122/3456/ 7$*"***/./ 7)**"***/./ 7!**"***/./ 7+**"***/./ #B 9#>'= =',,-?@ 89-= >#?89 8##O ,'== 8->' 8#7#**"***/./ =',,G .?$ EJT #B 9#>'= #%*7)$*"***/./ .)'%( !"$###$###%2.%C2., #!*/ #!*/ +!not ),'*( !D##$###%&%!D(($((( 8##O >#"' 8->'the 8#;<38=19/)*#%/ =',,A P' %=' rather 89' >'$-.? ".89'"the 89.?average 89' .;'".@' We use median than because the median is ;<38=19/)*#!/ 7$*"***/ 7--"---/ 7#!-"---/ 7#--"---/ 7)!-"---/ 7)--"---/ 7%--"---/ 7$--"---/ 7---"---/ :891/ !"#$#%&'(') $#(*+ C'$-.?

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C."O'8 -= 89' .>#%?8 #B 8->' 89' #!*/ #!*/ #)*/ #)*/ )'&.%=' 89' >'$-.? -= ?#8 :."8-&%,.",* ='?=-8-;' 8# =.,'= #B 9#>'= 89.8 $$ )&'-( !=##$###%&%!='($((( ++ ##'-( !'##$###%&%!<(($((( particularly sensitive to8->' sales of "',.8-;' homes that #)*/ 8##O .? %?%=%.,,* ,."@' .>#%?8 #B 8# =',, 8# 89' ;.=8took an unusually large amount#)*/ S>-$$,'S :"#:'"8* 89-= >#?89 7.= #?

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Gadgets

by Jenna herman

Vinnibag Inflatable Travel Bag How do you get bottles of aged Italian wine back home safely after a holiday? It’s easy with an inflatable, reusable Vinnibag.

Tuck your liquids or other fragile valuables into a reusable Vinnibag to protect them from damage in your carry-ons or checked luggage. $28 Vinnibag.com

Tic Stac Toe The world’s favorite game of X’s and O’s goes extreme in this exciting new version! Place one of your pieces on the game base or on top of any piece that’s already been played to get four in ANY direction (vertical, horizontal or diagonal) and across any level to win!

BBQ Dragon This fire-starting tool starts charcoal faster than a chimney without using lighter fluid. It works by blowing large amounts of low-velocity, cool air at fires, providing them with more oxygen so they burn hotter and faster. It’s cordless, hands-free, and portable so you can use it tailgating and camping or at the beach, and works for grills, smokers, fire pits, fireplaces, wood stoves and more! $59.95 bbQDragon.com

$19.99 PreSSmantoy.com

Koreball The Koreball is a hybrid of a traditional kettlebell and medicine ball that is perfect for all fitness levels. Simply fill the leak-proof bladders with water (up to 11 pounds) or sand (up to 20 pounds), or leave unfilled for a 3-pound weight.

Guaranteed to give a cardiovascular workout that can help you burn fat, build lean muscle and improve your core. $59.99 Koreball.com

The Ribalizer Skip the messy hassle of boiling, baking or all-day smoking and still get the tender smoky ribs you crave. The high-quality metal Ribalizer rack and meat separator are durable and dishwasher safe, and four disposable drippings pans are included for quick and easy cleanup! $29.95 ribaliZer.com

Goggle Graffiti This winter hit the slopes with Goggle Graffiti tags for your goggles’ strap. Not only are these colorful tags a stylish way to personalize and ID your equipment, but their Velcro strap makes them easy to install, remove, collect and trade! $10.95 gogglegraFFiti.com

Bamboo Magnetc Knife Dock

The tabArm brings added creativity to tablets by attaching them to virtually any surface. The first friction articulating arm for tablets, the iStailizer offers comfortable viewing angles for hands-free use of your iPad, iPad mini or other tablet.

The Magnetic Knife Dock by ebase4 offers a stylish update on the traditional knife block, whose slots dull blades and provide a safe haven for bacteria. The dock allows you to mix and match your knife set with the freedom of no pre-sized slots, and enjoy the convenience of always grabbing the knife you need.

$99.95 iStabiliZer.com

$29.99 ebaSe4.com

iStabilizer tabArm

18 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Who the hell wants to hear actors talk? H. M. Warner

Make Your

By Sarah G. Mason

Safe Haven Taking precautions against burglars isn’t just about sleeping better at night – it’s about staying safe during the day, too.

Today, 25 percent of American homes have an electronic security system, but you don’t always need equipment to ward off thieves. Here are a few steps you can take to better protect your home, your family and your belongings.

Walk around the outside of your house; what do you see?

Bicycles parked in the driveway? Your flat screen in plain sight through the window?

The box from your new computer out by the garbage? In order to avoid attention, it’s best to start from the outside in. Pull valuables like bikes and mopeds into the garage, rearrange your furniture to keep expensive electronics out of sight, and never advertise your new purchases by leaving their boxes out and about. Thieves target homes that clearly have something to offer, so make sure they skip over yours.

20 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Safe

It’s a good idea to walk around the outside of your home at night.

Is it well lit? Are the bushes kept short and neat? If not, it’s time for some changes. Dark corners and tall shrubs make perfect hiding spots for robbers, though this isn’t to say that you should remove bushes completely.

Create an outdoor environment that makes crime difficult to pull off. For instance, plant a row of tall, thick bushes around the perimeter of your yard or back fence to make entry and exit hard. Also, add holly bushes or other thorny shrubs around your home and under your windows. These subtle changes may be the difference between a thief picking your home or someone else’s.

the door. Get in the habit of parking your car in the garage and closing the door; that way, it’s never clear whether you’re home or not.

Another way to trick thieves? Put a home security system sign in your yard. This won’t guarantee protection, but it may make them think twice.

Most importantly, get to know your neighbors.

Though many fear a break in at night, most robberies occur during the day when you’re at work.

It’s natural for homeowners to meet their neighbors and watch out for each other, but renters are less likely to approach their street mates and therefore miss out on this vital community protection. It’s been shown that closer-knit neighborhoods generally report fewer break-ins, so make the extra effort to say hello to those who live around you.

For this reason, create the illusion that someone’s still there whenever you leave the house. Keep a light or the TV turned on and leave a pair of large, muddy boots by

With a little preparation, you can prevent thieves from targeting your home and stay safe both day and night.

We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out. Decca Recording Co

by elizabeth Putfark

more isn’t always better when it comes to making friends. New research funded by British broadcasting network Sky Atlantic reveals that you can expect to have 29 close friends in a lifetime (including family) and only six of them will be there for you forever.

Putting the “F” in I’ll be there for you Six sounds pretty low for an era of connectivity. In fact, in 1992 anthropologist Robin Dunbar calculated the maximum number of stable relationships an average person can maintain and arrived at a much more Facebook-friendly number: 150.

However, the results from Sky Atlantics 2,000 person social study indicate that practically speaking, our overstretched attention to multiple friendships may be what’s yielding such low long-term results.

Anyone who has tried to balance a large social network knows that keeping up friendships isn’t always easy. Sky Atlantic probed further into the reasons why.

When the rain starts to pour Massive fallouts or arguments capsized an average of five friendships per individual, while relocations or lifestyle changes disrupted around eight. That leaves 10 out of 29 close friendships per lifetime that are lost for indirect reasons, such as busy schedules, loss of interest and other social obligations.

BFF A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that whenever we get close to a new friend, we increase our distance from an old one.

Sometimes our intimacy with old comrades can feel like a burden, and we might feel tempted to give more of our time to friends who know us a little less well. So how do we know when the buddy-moon period is over in a friendship, and if it’s gone, can we get it back again?

Like I’ve been there before There’s no replacement for time when it comes to testing friendships. Researchers conclude that friends who pass the three and half year marker are more likely than not to stick around for good.

The good news is, even if you lose someone after that point, there’s still hope. People who sought to renew long-standing former friendships had a one-inthree success rate when they reached out to reconnect.

Everything that can be invented has been invented. Charles H. Duell

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 21

How To

Ace Parent-Teacher Your

Conference Step #1 Start with a Positive Everyone likes to hear about the things they do well, even teachers! Often times, parents enter the classroom brimming with concerns, but when broached first, those concerns can lend a negative tone to the rest of the conversation. Instead, start things off on the right foot by telling your child’s teacher something that you are pleased about thus far. It may be a creative project that they assigned, a helpful homework email that they sent, or simply how much your child is enjoying their year. A positive comment goes a long way toward helping everyone relax (yes, teachers get nervous too) and will encourage more open dialogue throughout the meeting.

Step #2 Keep Track of Grades People make mistakes. Even if you are not receiving your child’s report card, it is important to bring a list of test and project 22 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

grades to the conference to ensure that they match up with the grades that your child’s teacher has. It will also give you the opportunity to discuss lower grades on various tests, quizzes, or assignments and help you make specific references during your discussion. Plus, your child’s teacher will be impressed that you made the effort to obtain them and will recognize how serious you are about helping your child either improve their scores or maintain their current average.

Step #3 Ask How You Can Help Your child's eduation extends beyond the classroom, and your conversation with their teacher should, too. Sometimes parents leave all the responsibility of education on the teacher at school, but a conscientious parent knows that their child’s learning needs to continue at home. Don't forget to ask how you can help. Teachers may have

I've been a third grade teacher for ten years, and for ten years I've watched parents wander into parent-teacher conferences filled with uncertainty. After seeing things from my side of the desk, I know how important it is to make the most of your limited time slot.

Read on to discover how in three simple steps, you can ace your parent-teacher conference and set your student up for a successful semester. specific recommendations for your student, and they may share some learning strategies that work well at home (like having your child play teacher and instruct you for a change!). Teachers realize that not every parent feels comfortable with instruction, but you'll find that they are more than willing to teach you some tricks of the trade.

The most important to remember at any conference is that you and the teacher are a team. You both care deeply about your child’s academic success. As you walk into a conference, try not to make any assumptions and keep an open mind during the discussion. Ask questions, and be sure to get all of your answers.

If you follow these three simple steps, you are sure to ace your conference and leave a positive, lasting impression on the teacher.

Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt. Mark Twain

DECEMBER 31

ST

MORE FIREWORKS, SNOW, ICE SLIDES, HAMSTER BALLS, FOOD, ACTIVITIES, PRINCESSES � SUPERHEROS…

PROUDLY PRESENTS THE 2ND ANNUAL

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

For tickets and festival information, visit…

WWW.NEWYEARSFORKIDS.ORG

By Sarah G. Mason

FUN Family

Traditions

You Can Start Today As you look back on Christmas as a child, what do you remember most? Baking cookies for Santa? Sharing old stories? Drinking hot cider? It’s those memories that make the holidays magical, so here’s to starting a few family traditions of your own!

Read Holiday Favorites

Christmas Tree Camp Out

Share the moment: Buy a few copies of your kids’ favorite Christmas books and donate them to those in need. Not only will this teach your kids the act of giving, but it will put a smile on an unsuspecting child’s face.

Camp out with the kids in front of your Christmas tree one night. Keep the tree lights on as you read holiday stories and snack on your favorite treats.

Share the moment: Turn it into a sleepover!

Have your children invite their friends and prepare to laugh the night away as you watch holiday movies, sing Christmas carols and drink plenty of hot cider.

Host a Cookie Baking Party Gather friends, family and the neighbors and get ready to bake. Ask everyone to bring their favorite holiday cookies and have a blast tasting and sharing. If you want to add a fun twist, instruct guests to bring their cookies undecorated. Set out different colored icings and enjoy a tasty craft party – kids especially will love the fun!

Share the moment: Share the moment with others by handing out your homemade cookies to neighbors.

24 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

The Polar Express and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are a few classics. Gather the kids, curl up on the couch and take turns reading – it’s a great way to boost your family’s holiday spirit.

Start an “I’m Thankful” List Ask your child to make a list of all the things they’re thankful for. Encourage them to write down more than just material possessions. For example, your child might say things like, “I’m thankful for my bike” and “I’m thankful for my toys.” That’s a great start, but you can also help them think things like “I’m thankful for my family, for my happiness and for my health.”

Add to the list each year, reflecting back on how your thankfulness changes over time.

Share the moment: Have your child choose an item on their list. For instance, “I’m thankful for my food” or “I’m thankful for my dog.”

Then, share the moment by volunteering at a food shelter or at an animal shelter. By helping the less fortunate, you’ll teach your kids what it truly means to be thankful.

Gag Gifts Start a gag gift tradition by giving a silly gift to one unsuspecting family member each year.

The gift can be something homemade (like a framed drawing the kids make of “loopy Santa!”) or store-bought.

Share the moment: Re-gift the gag gift each year to keep the tradition going.

Check Out Holiday Lights Around Town Hop in the car and drive around town to scout out the best lights. Play Christmas music on the way and sing along to your favorite songs!

Share the moment: As a family, pick the house with the best, brightest holiday lights.

Leave a note on the home’s doorstep complimenting their display and wishing them a Merry Christmas. They’ll be delighted to find the note – it’s a great way to spread holiday cheer!

Create a Unique Holiday Card Take silly pictures with the family by stringing lights over everyone or dressing in your best “ugly sweaters.” Include the picture in a Christmas card to send to friends and family.

Share the moment: Ask each family member to write down their most memorable moment from the year – anything goes!

Think of soccer tournaments, A+s, new jobs, new friends and new adventures. Include the moments in the cards you send out. Then ask your friends and family to mail back their own moments!

A pint of sweat saves a gallon of blood. General George S. Patton

NEW YEAR

NEW PROJECTS WITH YOUR HOME DEPOT

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December

Family Togetherness Make the most of the month by gathering the kids and having a blast with these fun bucket list ideas!

Drink Hot Cocoa Want our best recipe? Bring 1/3 cup of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¾ cup white sugar and a pinch of salt. Simmer and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in 3-1/2 cups of milk and vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs and enjoy!

Eat Candy Canes Want a fun candy-cane craft?

Glue two wrapped candy canes together to form a heart.

Hang on the tree as a sweet ornament!

Take a Christmas Lights Tour Walk around your neighborhood or hop in the car to explore Gainesville’s sparkling display.

26 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

List

Take a Special Family Photo

Volunteer The holidays are a time of giving, and volunteer opportunities in Gainesville are limitless. Check out the Alachua County Humane Society, Alachua Habitat for Humanity, Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army for starters.

Look your best in front of the Christmas tree as you snap a picture to remember the moment.

Have a Family Holiday Movie Night We love holiday classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Write a Letter to Santa

Make Popcorn Garland

And then give it to him! Help young children construct a letter telling Santa what they’re grateful for, why they’ve been good this year and what they’re hoping to get for Christmas.

Then visit the Oaks Mall during Santa’s appearance to deliver it personally.

Pop some unbuttered popcorn and show older kids how to use a needle and thread to connect them. Then, hang them around the tree.

Decorate Cookies Our favorite icing can be made like this: whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-1/2 tablespoons milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Split icing evenly into three bowls, then add drops of food coloring – red, green and white, of course!

Sing Carols Whether you belt your favorite songs out at home together or travel from door to door in your neighborhood, there’s nothing like the tune of a Christmas carol to spread holiday cheer.

Make Ornaments Help the kids fill clear ornaments with things like small bells, pictures, faux “snow,” and glitter for a less-messy project.

Decorate the Tree This is one December family tradition you can’t go without!

Make a Gingerbread House Gingerbread houses are a fun project for older kids, though they can get a bit tedious. For little kids, consider buying ice cream waffle cones, turning them upside down and decorating them as “trees” instead!

Do Something Nice for Someone The holidays are a time of giving, after all. Gather the kids and brainstorm acts of kindness that you can show to strangers, friends and family. A few ideas: offer to take the neighbor’s dog on a walk, bake cookies to send to relatives or let a friend borrow one of your toys for the day.

Count Down the Days Don’t have an advent calendar?

No problem! Add 25 candy canes to a jar and remove one each day for a fun, tasty and visual countdown.

He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know. Abraham Lincoln

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Literacy During the Holidays

School may be out, but for most parents, learning is always in. As your child recovers from a busy semester this holiday, consider ways to help her keep up the literacy skills sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learned in the fall. According to the National Summer Learning Association, students can lose over 22 percent of their school-year knowledge during the two months of summer, and although winter break poses less of a threat, encouraging literacy skills throughout the holidays could put your child ahead of the curve going into spring semester. Try these ideas for keeping your student actively learning through the start of the New Year. â&#x20AC;˘ Visit the library at the start of vacation

â&#x20AC;˘ Ask questions about what your child is reading â&#x20AC;˘ Listen to an audio book as you travel, and talk about it together â&#x20AC;˘ Model reading by bringing your paper to the breakfast table â&#x20AC;˘ Keep plenty of reading materials around â&#x20AC;&#x201C; newspapers, magazines, and books, of course, too!

Be available to read aloud with your child as often as you can, and embrace your inner thespian as you bring the words to life. Remember: keep things casual by allowing your child to pick what they want to read, and try not to enforce daily page or time requirements. With just a little nudge from you, the joy of reading will be enough to keep them practicing literacy all through the break!

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let it end like this. Tell them I said something. Pancho Villa

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H;GK;IJ I;HL?9;I EDB?D; 7J EHA?D$9EC E:HI 8DCIGDA 9DLC ID 6 H8>:C8: Flourish Magazine | December/2014 27

How to fold and cut a paper snowflake Step 1: Fold a piece of paper in half.

Step 2: Fold the top of the paper into a triangle.

Let It

Snow!

Step 3: Fold the paper in half once, and then in half again. This will give you a cone shape.

By Ginger Henderson

Seasonal

While there are definitely perks to living in an area with mild temperatures, there’s one big drawback – no snow days! If your kids are feeling left out, try some of these activities to create your own winter wonderland (minus the cold).

Pseudo-Snowball Fight No water required, simply raid the sock drawers to build your stockpile of ammo!

Use pillows and couch cushions to build your fortress, then let the battle begin. Wad socks into balls and fire away!

Variations: Add a laundry basket placed a few feet away and see who can toss the most snowballs inside.

Establish a “safe zone” and have one child be “it”. “It” collects all the snowballs and stands with his or her back to the others. At your signal, “it” turns around and fires snowballs at the other players. They must race to the “safe zone” without being hit to win.

Build a Snowman This is one activity that’s sure to bring lots of giggles. You’ll need a roll of toilet paper

28 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

(maybe two) and a few sheets of black and orange construction paper. To create your snowman, simply wrap your child in the toilet paper, mummy style. Add a construction paper carrot nose and black paper buttons to complete the look.

Step 4: Trim off the bottom of the cone.

The Human Snowblower This is a game that’s sure to blow the kids away. To play, you’ll need two plastic cups, two empty toilet paper tubes and two ping pong balls. Tape the plastic cups over the edge of the table so that the openings are level with the table’s edge. When you give the signal, the players must blow air through the toilet paper tubes to push the “snow” (ping pong ball) into the cup. If the ball rolls off the table edge before reaching the cup, the player must return to the start position to try again. The first player to get his ball into the cup, wins.

Step 5: Start cutting! The more cuts you make, the more detailed your snowflake will be. When you’re ready, unfold your snowflake carefully to avoid ripping it. To make your snowflake even more realistic, try adding a sprinkle of glitter. Tie your snowflakes with fishing line and hang at varying heights to create the look of real snow flurries!

The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins. Oliver Wendell Holmes

5

Handy Uses for

Toothpaste

1. Remove Crayon Marks

Squirt a small dab of non-gel toothpaste on the wall where the mark is. Rub gently with a soft cloth, then rinse with warm water. Voilá!

4. Buff a DVD

Can’t get garlic or onion odor off your hands? Wash them with a blob of toothpaste.

Get rid of light scratches by squeezing a little non-gel toothpaste onto a cotton ball. Wipe over the DVD from the center out to the edge. Rinse with water and dry with a non abrasive, lint-free cloth - all gone.

3. Whiten Sneakers

5. Defog Goggles

Clean rubber soles by rubbing scuff marks with an old toothbrush and non-gel toothpaste.

Coat the inside of swimming goggles with toothpaste, then wipe off - they’ll be crystal clear.

2. Deodorize Hands

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The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense. Tom Clancy

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 29

Cranberry

Liquor (from yummly.com)

Ingredients • ¾ cup sugar • ¾ cup water • 1 pound cranberries (cleaned, picked over 1) Make simple syrup by boiling the water, adding the sugar and cooking until the sugar is completely dissolved. Cool to room temperature, then add the cranberries and stir well to coat completely.

2) Put the cranberries and the sugar syrup in a blender or food processor and blend to a slurry. The finished product should have the texture of a slightly gritty applesauce. Pour into a clean Mason jar, add the lime peel and vodka, and mix thoroughly.

TACORI

and rinsed) • 1 ½ cups vodka • 1 lime (no pith – use a vegetable peeler)

3) Allow the liqueur mix to steep for 2-4 weeks.

A longer wait will intensify the flavor, but if you’re short on time, two weeks is plenty!

4) Strain the liqueur, first through a mesh strainer or chinois, then through a coffee filter. The finished product may still be a bit cloudy, but the small amount of particulates won’t affect the flavor.

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s t r e p Ex COLLISION REPAIR

Bad Habit:

Eating

Too Much

Fa(s)t Food Why It’s Dangerous: Three words: calories, fat and sodium. Fast food is “fat food” in more ways than one.

Eating these on-the-go meals will significantly increase your chances of developing hypertension and heart disease, as well as escalating your risk of obesity.

How to Stop:

There’s a reason why cutting your favorite quick-stops out of your diet might seem undoable.

Due to our brain chemistry, the more fast food we eat, the more we crave it. Luckily, these brain tricks work in reverse as well. If you want to cut out the junk, start by eating less junk!.

• Set a goal. If you normally eat fast food three times aweek, try limiting yourself to once a week • Tell people about your goal!

Saying it aloud makes it real, and the support of others is a great motivator • Avoid things and places that trigger cravings • Remember, by making a little change, you’re doing yourself a lot of good!

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Flourish Magazine | December/2014 31

Bring ON THE

Heat

How spicy peppers give disease and weight gain a kick in the pants Prefer to walk on the mild side?

Recent studies might change your mind. Health experts now agree that fiery foods offer a myriad of health benefits well worth taking the heat.

Pepper Perks The super component in hot peppers is a capsaicin, an organic compound whose stinging flavor deters bugs and animals from nibbling on peppers in the wild. Capsaicin burns more than our taste buds, however – it can actually cause a thermogenic effect that eats up 20 extra calories after a meal.

The sizzling compound is also known for reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering inflammation, while Vitamins A and C present in the peppers’ skin contribute to an overall cardiovascular victory.

Ask aboutedouwr ings! new smok 32 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

More than healthy, chili peppers are a feel-good plant. According to New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper institute, when we eat spicy foods, our bodies release endorphins to fight off the burning sensation filling our mouths. Add to that the fact that added spice makes it easier to stick to healthy eating regiments, and this is starting to sound like one healthy burn!

by elizabeth Putfark

Hot to Pick-a-Pepper

Not all heat’s created equal, so be sure to check where your chosen chile falls on the Scoville scale before slicing it up in a family dinner. From bell peppers to pure capsaicin, the scale rates the level of hotness attributed to each pepper, promising to keep your tongue safe from harm.

• Poblano – Ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), poblanos have a pleasant earthy flavor that gets hotter as they ripen. Poblanos can be roasted or stuffed, and their mild meaty texture offers a lot of bang for your buck. If you’re feeling daring, try them fully ripened and dried as ancho peppers.

• Jalapeno – This common favorite falls in the “moderate” range, registering between 2,500 and 8,000 SHU. Red jalapenos are the primary ingredient in Sriracha, one of the most popular hot sauces in the world. Like all peppers, jalapenos can vary greatly in spice, so try each new plant with caution!

• Habanero – Weighing in at 100,000 to 350,000 SHU around 76 times hotter than the average jalapeno, the habanero pepper is not to be trifled with. The squat spicy pepper was originally harvested in the Amazonas region of Peru, and carries a unique, citrusy taste that pepper connoisseurs are sure to love.

Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame. Benjamin Franklin

Benefits of

by Kirsten nielsen

Biking If you haven’t been on a bike since you were a kid, now is a great time to dust off your helmet and start peddling again. Biking is one of the best exercises you can do to get in shape, because it combines strength training (each pedal stroke is like a tiny leg press) with cardio. It is also much easier on your joints than running!

Biking is something people of all abilities and fitness levels can do because you can choose the length and speed of your ride.

You can even bring your kids

with you! If your location doesn’t have bike lanes, look for parks or paved paths around the area.

Beyond the fitness benefits, biking can improve both your emotional and mental health. Numerous studies have shown that exercise can dramatically reduce anxiety and depression. If you’re a commuter, biking to work can eliminate the stress of traffic and boost your productivity and energy levels through the day. So grab your trusty old bike and take it for a spin!

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Flourish Magazine | December/2014 33

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Half this game is ninety percent mental. Yogi Berra

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Events December DECEMBER 1ST 9pm UF Women’s Basketball Virginia Tech

DECEMBER 2ND All Day International Photo Show @ University of Florida Grinter Hall 7pm Winter Wonderettes @ Hippodrome Theatre (Runs month-long)

DECEMBER 3RD All Day International Photo Show @ University of Florida Grinter Hall All Day Nowhere to Go: The Haiti Housing Crisis @ Focus Gallery in Fine Arts A UF

DECEMBER 4TH All Day International Photo Show @ University of Florida Grinter Hall All Day Nowhere to Go: The Haiti Housing Crisis @ Focus Gallery in Fine Arts A UF, UF Women’s Swimming & Diving @ U.S. Nationals UF Women’s Swimming & Diving @ U.S. Nationals, UF Men’s Swimming & Diving @ U.S. Nationals 6pm UF Women’s Basketball @ Savannah State 6pm Wine Tasting Event @ Sweetwater Branch Inn 8pm Winter Wonderettes @ Hippodrome Theatre

DECEMBER 5TH UF Men’s Swimming & Diving @ U.S. Nationals, UF Women’s Swimming & Diving @ U.S. Nationals 44 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

10am Festival of Tree & VIP Party @ Tioga Town Center 6:30pm Jingle Bell Ball @ Jingle Bell Ball 9pm UF Men’s Basketball @ Kansas

DECEMBER 6TH UF Men’s Swimming & Diving @ U.S. Nationals, UF Women’s Swimming & Diving @ U.S. Nationals 8am 4-H 5K Little Run on the Prairie @ 4-H 5K Little Run on the Prairie 10am Festival of Tree & VIP Party @ Tioga Town Center 12pm Gainesville Harley-Davidson’s 13th Annual Chili Cook-Off @ Gainesville Harley-Davidson 1pm Festival of the Nativity @ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2pm A Christmas Carol @ Hippodrome Theatre(Runs month-long)

DECEMBER 7TH 12pm Annual Homestead Holidays @ Historic Haile Homestead 2pm UF Women’s Basketball @ Florida State 7pm Sounds of the Season – Annual Holiday Concert @ Curtis M Phillips Center for Performing Arts

DECEMBER 8TH 7pm UF Men’s Basketball Yale

DECEMBER 10TH 7pm UF Women’s Basketball Wisconsin

What’s Happening:

DECEMBER 12TH 7pm UF Men’s Basketball Texas Southern

DECEMBER 13TH 8am Haile Santa Dash and Slide @ Haile Village Center

DECEMBER 14TH 1pm UF Women’s Basketball Stetson (DH) 4pm UF Men’s Basketball Jacksonville 4pm Holiday Traditions: A Musical Celebration @ Curtis M Phillips Center for Performing Arts 7:30pm Alachua County Youth Orchestra Winter Concert @ Curtis M Phillips Center for Performing Arts

DECEMBER 17TH 5pm Mommy & Me @ University of Florida’s Phillips Center

DECEMBER 18TH 7pm Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus @ Grace Presbyterian Church

DECEMBER 19TH 2pm Nutcracker @ Curtis M Phillips Center for Performing Arts (Runs thru weekend)

DECEMBER 20TH 2pm Nutcracker @ Curtis M Phillips Center for Performing Arts 5pm UF Men’s Basketball @ Wake Forest 6pm The 8th Annual Miss Gainesville Pageant @ Oak Hall School – Edith Cofrin Theatre

8pm Chocolate & Champagne & Dancing with Stars @ Curtis M Phillips Center for Performing Arts

DECEMBER 21ST 12pm UF Women’s Basketball Eastern Wash. vs. Georgia Southern (Gator Holiday Classic) 2pm Nutcracker @ Curtis M Phillips Center for Performing Arts 2pm High Springs Music in the Park Series @ James Paul Park & Community Garden 2:30pm UF Women’s Basketball Southern U. (Gator Holiday Classic)

DECEMBER 22ND 12pm UF Women’s Basketball Non-UF Game (Gator Holiday Classic) 2:30pm UF Women’s Basketball EasternWashington or Georgia Southern(Gator Holiday Classic)

DECEMBER 28TH 2pm UF Women’s Basketball North Florida

DECEMBER 30TH 7pm UF Men’s Basketball @ Florida State

DECEMBER 31ST All Day Flourish Children’s Foundation Presents The 2nd Annual Fire & Ice

Dogma is the sacrifice of wisdom to consistency. Lewis Perelman

Bare

By Sarah G. Mason

Christmas Tree Begone!

Nothing takes the merry out of “Merry Christmas” quite like running out of garland halfway up the tree. This December, don’t leave your Christmas tree’s décor up to chance. Here’s a quick guide to ensure you have enough supplies to make your tree merry and bright: Tree Height

# Bulbs

Garland Length

# Decorations

4 Ft

200-400

10 Ft

35-50

6 Ft

400-600

24 Ft

50-75

7 Ft

500-700

40 Ft

75-100

7.5 Ft

500-750

75 Ft

125-175

8 Ft

600-800

90 Ft

175-225

10 Ft

800-1000

100 Ft

200-300

Get Out and About!

Winter is an exciting time to be in Gainesville. Between UF Football, concerts and art festivals, there’s always something to do. So take a break from campus and get out and about in Gainesville. For more information and a complete listing of events visit our website.

Events in Gainesville Nov. 28: Winter Wonderettes opens at The Hipp Nov. 28- Dec. 23: Greathouse Christmas Tree Village Nov. 29: Cane Boil & Fiddle Fest at Morningside A Christmas Carol opens at The Hipp Nov. 29-30: Craft Festival at the O’Connell Center Dec. 1-21: Hipp Holiday Art Market Downtown Dec. 3: Annual Duck Pond Lighting at NFRMC Dec. 5-6: Festival of Trees at Tioga Town Center Dec. 6: Cane Day at Dudley Farm Holiday Tree Lighting at the Thomas Center Dec. 11-12: UF Poinsettia Sale and Show Dec. 13: Christmas Parade in downtown Alachua Dec. 7: GLAM Craft Show at the GNV Airport Dec. 13: Handel’s “Messiah” Sing Along Dec. 31: Downtown Countdown at Bo Diddley Plaza

www.visitgainesville.com 352.374.5260

VisitGainesvilleFlorida Sometimes it is not enough that we do our best; we must do what is required. Sir Winston Churchill

@ Gainesville

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 45

Dieting Doesn’t work

By Sarah G. Mason

The vast majority of American women have been on a diet at some point in their lives, but for all of our weight loss efforts, there’s a very real problem – diets don’t work. of course they don’t, or else we’d all be slim.

But why? Hunger and energy are controlled by the brain. So too is weight. Your brain works to keep your weight at your “set point,” which is the approximate poundage your mind thinks you should weigh. Gaining or losing weight within 10 to 15 pounds of your set point is fairly easy, but maintaining weight outside of this range is extremely difficult.

There are more than two dozen chemicals in your brain that regulate weight and essentially “fight” against any weight loss efforts. Your brain works very hard to keep you at what it believes is the right size.

Naturally, this makes dieting difficult. If you lose a lot of weight, your brain reacts as if you were starving. People who lose more than 10 percent of their overall body weight begin to naturally burn 200 less calories per day because their brain suppresses their metabolism. To be a successful dieter, that’s a huge chunk of food that must be eliminated from your daily diet every day for the rest of your life.

We’d love to think that your brain could tell whether or not you need to lose weight, but it can’t.

And according to neuroscientist 42 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Sandra Amodt, there’s more bad news; your set point can go up, but very rarely will it go down.

“Successful dieting doesn’t lower your set point,” says Amodt. “Even if you’ve kept the weight off for more than seven years, your brain will keep trying to gain it back.”

So what’s the alternative to dieting? Amodt suggests that we all replace calorie cutting with mindful eating. Let your hunger decide what and when you should eat. Eat when you’re hungry and stop the moment you are full. Don’t deprive yourself and don’t rely on your willpower or the latest fad diet to determine your next meal.

Though this approach to eating may not lead to enormous weight loss, it will prevent you from gaining weight and keep your metabolism steady. As said best by Amodt, “Diets may seem harmless, but they do a lot of collateral damage.” Weight loss is rarely permanent, and severely restricting calories can take a serious physiological and psychological toll on us. Instead of fighting our bodies, why not make them work for us? Use your internal cues to stay happy and healthy and put the number on the scale to rest.

A husband is what is left of the lover after the nerve has been extracted. Helen Rowland

By Kat Freestone

Sleep Signs As you and your husband cuddle up for the night, does he turn his back to you? while this may seem cold and loveless, don’t let it hurt your feelings – it’s actually a good sign.

According to psychologists, a lot can be gleaned from sleep positions, including the current status of your relationship. Just because you aren’t sleeping spooned together doesn’t mean the love is lacking. In fact, couples who sleep back to back feel both connected and independent – a perfect compromise between too close and not close enough.

Sleep positions have long been studied as a way to glean our true feelings since sleep is a time when our emotions are vulnerable. Over time, couples fall into certain sleep habits and tend to strike the same pose night after night. Interestingly, if you noticed your partner’s sleeping position has changed, it may also indicate a change in his feelings toward you. To decode your own sleep style, here are a few sleeping poses and their meanings:

Traditional spooning, where the guy is the “big spoon” and the girl is the “little spoon,” means that he takes the lead and is protective of his partner.

Alternatively, when the girl becomes the big spoon, she feels possessive over her partner.

An intimate face to face position represents a desire for one on one contact and conversation.

Couples who sleep face to face often fall asleep talking and love to share intimate discussion.

When couples sleep with their legs intertwined, they never want to be separated.

However, when couples sleep with their legs intertwined for a few minutes and then break away from each other, it’s a sign of loving independence and intimacy.

If he sleeps spread out so that she is nearly hanging off the bed, he’s dominant and likes to have his way.

Like a scene from a romantic film, her head on his chest represents new and rekindled love. Only 1 percent of all couples regularly sleep in this position.

Learning is what most adults will do for a living in the 21st century. Lewis Perelman

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 43

Make

Block Prints

From Foam Trays

Your kids can have fun all summer long setting up their own “print shop” indoors or out to make bookmarks, note cards, party invitations, art to frame and art to wear.

This is a great way to spend creative time together with your kids, too, discovering the joy of making something beautiful from scratch.

Here’s the stuff you’ll need: • Recycled clean and unpatterned foam trays and plates from packaged fruits, vegetable and baked goods • Scissors • Ballpoint pen, pencil, chopstick or skewer • Tempera or acrylic paint, or water-based ink for block printing • Paintbrush, foam paint roller or hand-inking roller (brayer) • Construction or watercolor paper

Here’s the fun: 1. Set supplies on a newspaper-covered table. Trim off all curved edges of the trays with scissors to create a perfectly flat foam printing block.

40 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

There aren’t many Styrofoam-style containers that make it into our house these days, now that we consume fewer pre-packaged food items. But once in awhile, a take-home box from a restaurant or a fresh fruit/vegetable tray sneaks in. If you have some collecting in your recycle bin, 2. Draw a picture or too, put them to use and make superdesign by pressing firmly easy block prints. on the foam block with a pen or other suggested objects. If using a skewer, press with the blunt end. You may wish to draw a light design with a pencil first. Remember, the printed design will appear in reverse. For alphabet letters, you might wish to practice beforehand on a sheet of scratch paper, then look at them in a mirror to see how they would look when printed.

3. Apply the paint or ink evenly onto the printing block with a brush or roller. Avoid filling in the design. Carefully place your paper over the printing block, press gently or rub the back of the paper with the rounded side of a large spoon. Quickly peel away the print to keep from smearing the design. Make as many prints as you wish.

Add more paint to the printing block as needed. If it becomes clogged, rinse with water, dry and reapply paint or ink.

Tip: Hang a length of heavy string within kids’ reach from one wall or tree to another, and hang prints to dry.

Extra idea: To make block prints on prewashed cotton shirts, aprons and tote bags, follow the above steps using fabric paints.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” hell is paved with good samaritans. William M. Holden

Quick and Easy ways to Keep

Your Kids

Germ Free

By Ginger Henderson

As a former teacher, I’ve seen more than my share of flu, colds, and viruses. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep your kids healthy in the Petri dish of elementary school, but fear not: with the right training and tools, it can be done!

Try using these simple tricks and quick health tips to help your kids reduce their sick days.

Teach the Elbow Sneeze While it’s always important for kids to cover their coughs and sneezes, covering with the hands can actually encourage the spread of germs. Since kids aren’t able to quickly wash up after coughs or sneezes, germs can easily spread from hands to surfaces such as doorknobs, papers, and pencils. Teach kids to sneeze into the inside of their elbows instead.

Keep it clean If your child has upper respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, consider sending an extra box of tissues for her to keep at her desk. Children’s sneezes are often messy, and having a box at the ready can help contain the mess before it happens. Teach your child to throw away used tissues, or ask if she can keep a small wastebasket or plastic bag nearby to reduce the disturbance of traveling to the trash can each time she sneezes or blows her nose. If possible, have

her immediately sanitize her hands with a wet wipe or alcohol based gel afterward.

Encourage routine sanitation If your child’s class has a sudden outbreak of illness, speak to the teacher or principal and ask if the students’ desks can be wiped down daily to help prevent the spread of germs. While most school custodians do an excellent job of keeping classrooms clean, extra care may be needed during cold, flu, or viral outbreaks.

Wash, wash, wash!

Teach your child proper handwashing techniques (see sidebar), and encourage him to use them daily. Your child should wash his hands after using the restroom, after playing outside, and before eating. Without instruction, most children do not wash well enough to remove offending bacteria and viruses, so be sure to practice together at home.

Keep it to yourself Young children often don’t realize how quickly and easily germs can spread. Talk to your child about all the ways germs pass from one person to another, and encourage her to be careful to avoid passing germs back and forth while playing with friends.

heav’n hath no rage like love to hatred turn’d, Nor hell a fury, like a woman scorn’d. William Congreve

How to wash your hands Step 1: Wet your hands with warm water.

Step 2: Use soap to create a lather.

Step 3: Rub your hands together to eliminate germs. Don’t just clean the palms though! Remember to scrub the backs of your hands, and in between your fingers.

Try scratching against your palm to clean underneath the nails, too.

Step 4: Keep scrubbing! It will seem like a long time at first, but scientists have found it takes 20 seconds to kill germs on hands.

If you need help remembering how long to scrub, trying humming the happy birthday song to yourself twice.

Step 5: Rinse away the soap under warm water.

Step 6: Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer.

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 41

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Alternatives in holiday Dishes

Worried about staying healthy over the holidays? Thanksgiving and Christmas usually mean huge, home-cooked meals, but that doesn’t mean you have to wave goodbye to your weight-loss goals. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a party, use our tips for some healthy alternatives in your dishes!

Instead of oil or butter, use applesauce Applesauce gives you the texture you’re looking for, along with added sweetness that is perfect for holiday dishes. It also lets you cut down on the saturated fat content of baked goods, while adding extra fiber from the apples.

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606 NW 75th Street, Gainesville FL 32607 38 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Instead of mayo or sour cream, use greek yogurt Greek yogurt is similar in consistency to mayo or sour

cream, but comes packed with protein and probiotics and significantly less fat.

Instead of white flour, use whole wheat or almond flour Whole wheat flour adds texture and flavor to any baked good, while almond flour is a great gluten-free alternative that adds a dose of protein and omega-3s along with a delicious nutty flavor.

Instead of eggs, use chia seeds or flax meal Sounds crazy, but if you combine these nutrition-packed seeds with water and let them sit, they create a perfect egg-like consistency! Perfect for those looking for vegan or gluten-free alternatives to traditional dishes.

well done is better than well said. Benjamin Franklin

Coffee

Addict?

Blame the Gene Pool

By Elizabeth Putfark So what’s the truth – no sugar, no cream?

If you’ve researched the effects of coffee lately, you’ve probably found more confusion than consensus in the medical community. On the one hand, coffee provides an antioxidant boost, wards off diseases like Parkinson’s and Type 2 Diabetes and leads to a longer life, but on the other, it has been linked to greater risk for high cholesterol, heart disease and a shorter life (spot the trouble, yet?).

We’re getting there. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have identified six new gene variants consistent among coffee drinkers. While some of these genes are linked to the efficient digestion of caffeine (BDNF and SL6A4), others are linked to fat metabolism, blood pressure regulation and susceptibility to addiction. While the study has yet to offer a final verdict on America’s favorite bean, the presence of similar gene components in coffee connoisseurs promises to revolutionize the way scientists study coffee consumption.

Revolutionize how?

If genetics predispose us towards coffee consumption, then they might also account for some of health effects previously attributed to the caffeine or coffee bean itself. For instance, coffee drinkers are supposed to have a lower risk of obesity, but according to the study, that lower risk may come from a gene responsible for fat metabolism. Thus, where coffee was recognized as a cause, it’s now speculated to be a mere corollary, at least to some of the factors tallied for and against it.

Not surprisingly, health experts continue to advise moderation in coffee consumption, according to your body’s individual response. Otherwise, look for more answers in the years to come!

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1) Bring sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cranberries, then return to a boil until cranberries start to burst (about 7–8 minutes).

(from Yummly.com)

Basil

Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup water • 12 ounces fresh cranberries • 1 handful basil leaves (chiffonade) • 1 pinch kosher salt • ¼ cup orange juice • 1 piece orange peel

2) Reduce heat, add the orange juice and zest, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until cranberries have cooked down.

3) Stir in the basil and let the sauce cool to room temperature, then serve.

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Home

Canning

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Not just for Grandmas anymore

remember the bygone days of putting up enough food to last your family through the winter? Canning may not be a necessity anymore, but doing things Grandma’s way may offer more benefits than Unless you have an you think. exceptionally bountiful garden, don’t expect home canning to cut down on the grocery bill. Yet in place of thrift, canning offers contemporary connoisseurs perks that previous generations took for granted, but that modern moms know matter now more than ever.

Patience, young grasshopper Need a break from the world of instant gratification? Look no further than a day of home canning, which hasn’t gotten any faster since your ancestors did it. Don’t worry – you won’t be bored. The average canning recipe takes no less than twelve steps, each of which must be carried out precisely to ensure safe and proper storage.

Control your health Home canning offers you the advantage of knowing exactly what goes into the jars that fill your cupboards. From jams and fruit preserves to green beans and tomatoes, you can control how much and how little gets added to nature’s harvest before settling it into pressurized containers.

Homemade changes everything While you’d never gift a jar of salsa from the store, add some gingham fabric, a burlap ribbon and a sticker that says “Made with love,” and you’re sure to charm gift recipients of all ages.

Silence is argument carried out by other means. Ernesto”Che”Guevara

Bonnie Valenzuela p h o t o g r a p h y

"

for photography that speaks volumes

6

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Holiday Drink Guide

By Danielle Boudreau

As the holidays roll around, we are all thinking one thing: how am I going to survive another Christmas with the family? Okay, two things – we’re also trying to figure out how to avoid those extra holiday pounds. For many, portion control and exercise is the answer. But there is a third factor that may be contributing to your holiday weight gain: alcohol. So, we’re stuck with a Catch-22; you can’t possibly survive those long-winded talks with Drunk Uncle (SNL, anyone?) without a drink of your own, but those drinks can put on a few pounds before you know it. Never fear! These drink recipes pack a punch, but not the pounds.

Ingredients: .5 ounces Hennessy V.S, .5 ounces Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka, 1 ounce apple cider, 2 dashes of angostura bitters and fresh ground cinnamon; Garnish with ground cinnamon and apple slices.

Makes one serving.

Ingredients: 1 ½ parts Red Stag by Jim Beam® Spiced Bourbon and sugar free hot chocolate.

Makes one serving.

Skinny Eggnog

Ingredients: 3 ounces sparkling wine and 1 ounce pomegranate juice; Add a few pomegranate seeds for fun.

Makes one serving.

34 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Ingredients: 5 cups cold 1 percent milk, 1 (3.4 oz.) package vanilla instant pudding, ¾ teaspoon rum extract and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg.

Combine ingredients and blend.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes and serve. Add a spiced rum or bourbon as desired.

A scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar. Lao-Tzu

Apple

Cinnamon Sparkling

Sangria

(from Yummly.com)

Ingredients • 1 cup water • ½ cup granulated sugar • 2 cinnamon sticks (snapped in half) • 750 ml apple cider • ½ cup Calvados • 1 apple (cored and very thinly sliced)

The best way to predict the future is to invent it. Alan Kay

1) In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar and cinnamon sticks together over mediumhigh heat. As soon as the sugar is dissolved, shut off the heat and let the syrup steep until it has come to room temperature.

2) When the syrup is cooled, add the cinnamon syrup, the cider, the Calvados, and the sliced apples to a jug. Stir, and serve immediately.

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 35

Make Your Guests

Feel at Home

h

By Sara

n

G . M a so

Set Up Storage Space Give your guest an obvious spot to put their things to avoid the uncomfortable hesitation before setting coats on the couch or luggage in the foyer. A coat rack and some empty drawers or hangers should do the trick.

Create Comfort Extra blankets are a must, as are a few different styles of pillows – soft, firm and somewhere in between. Keep the extra toilet paper within reach and anticipate your guest’s needs with toothpaste, Q-tips and cotton balls on the bathroom counter.

Light Reading

whether the in-laws are coming for a visit or you’re preparing to host old friends, it’s easy to overlook the little things when readying your home for guests. Apart from washing the bed sheets and sweeping the floor, here are a few tips to make your guests feel right at home.

Decide First Greeting guests you don’t know very well?

(Say, your husband’s old friends whom you’ve never met?) Shake hands or give a hug, and decide before they arrive which it will be. This way, you’ll approach the greeting with confidence and avoid any awkward hug-handshake dances.

Offer Them a Drink

Stock guest rooms with a few fun books for your guests to enjoy as they wind down each night. Encourage your guests to take them home if they don’t happen to finish in time.

And if they say no, bring them one anyway.

It’s automatic for guest to decline this “imposing” offer, but it’s your job to make everyone comfortable. Odds are, they’ll want it in a minute.

Rearrange Furniture

Snack Time

Don’t let one guest get the short end of the stick – make sure there’s enough seating for all. Then, reorganize furniture to ensure everyone faces each other when seated.

No one wants to bother the host with wails of “I’m hungry!” but guests don’t have easy access to food when they’re famished. Keep everyone satisfied with a midmorning snack

32 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

and a late afternoon appetizer. Better yet, they’ll love hearing the words “help yourself to anything you want!”

Let Shoes Be Don’t tell guests to take off their shoes.

Instead, lead by example; if they see you take off yours, they’re likely to follow. Got guests who didn’t catch the clue? Let it be. It creates discomfort and may make them weary of making another “mistake” in your home.

Dim the Lights Low lighting can set all kinds of moods – intimacy, openness and yes, fun! People look and feel better when the lights are dimmed, so don’t forget to use your dimmer.

Don’t have one installed? Opt for lamps with soft light on the outskirts of the table instead of bright overhead lights.

Being on the tightrope is living; everything else is waiting. Karl Wallenda

By Kat Freestone Stick with those tried and true recipes you know by heart to avoid any “surprises” when things don’t turn out as you’d planned.

Plan a week ahead and set aside time for everything, including a day to go grocery shopping, an evening to clean the bathrooms and time to pick what you’ll wear.

Party The Perfect

how to throw a great gathering without losing your mind (or your money!)

It’s an hour until show time and things are … chaotic. The food isn’t done, the décor isn’t hung and you haven’t even showered yet! So what’s a frazzled host to do? Next time you’re planning a party, remember our key word: Simplify.

Buy yourself time with snacks. If the food is behind schedule, keep cheese and crackers on hand to tie everyone over before the main event.

Clean as you go. Cooking for a group is work enough, but you’ll be glad when you only have a little tidying to do at the end.

Don’t rely on your memory – write your schedule and your menu down! Did you want to surprise your nephew with an early birthday present before dinner? Do you have plans to bring out coffee with the cake? A schedule will ensure nothing gets forgotten in the hustle.

Use several different styles of cooking such as an oven, slow cooker and grill to ensure that no one element gets tied up for too long.

Do the prep work ahead, including setting the table and cutting up ingredients for tomorrow’s dishes. You’ll be glad you did.

Decorate with what you have.

Though last year’s luau décor may seem old to you, your guests have never seen it and won’t feel the same. Reusing old decorations can save you a trip to the store and a bucket of money!

Make it a potluck! Asking others to pitch in is a great way to take the load off your back. On that note, don’t be afraid to go “store bought.” Cookies don’t have to be made from scratch to taste delicious.

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Flourish Magazine | December/2014 33

Winter Decorations

By Jenna Herman

Happy Hanukkah Spoon

A perfect addition to your table setting this Hanukkah, The Loose Goose’s hand-stamped spoons add a unique and delightful touch to any holiday meal. Contact the owner to add a custom name or year to the handle! $14.50 ETSY.COM/SHOP/THELOOSE GOOSE

Spread Peace, Cheer, Love Spreaders

Nordic Tea Light Trough Cultivate a cozy atmosphere with this Nordic inspired tea light holder which hosts a row of candles tucked behind the silhouetted branches of an evergreen forest of laser-cut metal. The warm, shimmering landscape makes a welcoming centerpiece for your dinner table or mantle.

Bring holiday happiness to the kitchen with festive spreaders.

Hand-stamped with love, this vintage silver-plated flatware is sure to bring the perfect balance of casual elegance and refined rustic detail to your home.

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Night Stars Landscape Lighting These decorative lights add a splash of color to your home and create an instant atmosphere for parties and entertaining by projecting points of brightly colored lights onto walls, landscapes, pools, gazebos and more! $79.99

Merry Christmas Spreader Keep Christmas cheer simple and elegant with a hand-stamped cheese spreader for the table.

Family and friends will love the careful attention to detail added to your holiday meals with this decorated vintage spreader. $18 ETSY.COM/SHOP/THELOOSEGOOSE

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Aurora Borealis Sand Art Bring a calming presence to your home with Aurora Borealis Sand Art. Rotate the glass and enjoy the sight of the sand swirling and shifting into clouds and landscapes of intricate patterns.

The included rear mounting hardware allows you to rotate the frame a full 360 degrees. $110 UNCOMMONGOODS.COM

Drink Some More This party-loving plaque knows the key to a successful gathering is to keep the wine, spirits and festivities flowing. Featuring a laser cut message in wood, this gregariously inspired wall art is highlighted by a red background, classic typography and elegant scrollwork.

Handmade in California. $30 UNCOMMONGOODS.COM 30 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Boxxle Keep your favorite wines simple and hassle-free with Boxxle, a sleek countertop appliance made from high grade ABS Plastic and 202 Stainless Steel. The Boxxle requires no lifting and does not need to be placed on the edge of the counter to dispense wine with ease. $99 BOXXLE.COM Criticism is prejudice made plausible. Henry Louis Mencken

Five Plants to rid your home of indoor toxins

This popular palm can fill an empty corner, growing anywhere from three to six feet indoors. Effective against all common indoor air toxins, the areca palm also acts as a humidifier, transpiring one liter of water every 24 hours

Peace Lilies

By Elizabeth Putfark

Nothing beats fresh air, but breathing in the great outdoors doesn’t always fit on our daily to-do lists.

Instead, we plug away in homes and offices, where poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion and fatigue, according to the American Lung Association.

To ward off indoor pollutants and allergens (which can be 10 to 100 times greater indoors than out), bring a little nature inside with one of the following low maintenance toxin-fighting plants.

Areca Palm

This flowering plant rids indoor air of all five major toxins identified in NASA’s Clean Air Study. The elegant white buds of this perennial bloomer can bring instant harmony to any stagnant space.

Lady Palm Cultivated in the palaces of China and Japan, the fan-leafed lady palm offers a bewitching addition to any home or office.

It’s known for fighting off ammonia, a respiratory nightmare prevalent in cleaning products, dyes and textiles.

Dracaena Janet Craig This no-fuss African plant boasts shiny dark green leaves that thrive with minimal light and attention. Janet plants are recommended by the NASA Clean Air Study for the effective removal of formaldehyde.

English Ivy Another formaldehyde fighter, English Ivy adds an inviting air to indoor spaces. Given a stake or wall, a well-watered ivy plant will mirror your professional industry, climbing higher and higher every day!

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By Elizabeth Putfark

Myarein-laws in town …

CAN I STAY wITh YoU?

What’s better – a visit from your mother-inlaw, or getting a root canal? According to a survey by popular women’s interest magazine iVillage, more than one in four women would rather deal with the latter.

Fortunately (or unfortunately!), we don’t usually get the choice. Instead, we grit out healthy teeth, swallow our anxiety and set our sights on survival instead of success. Whether we see them once a season or once in a blue moon, in-laws carry the capacity to strengthen or shake even the sturdiest marriages. Next time your in-laws stop by, resolve to take three steps towards a better visit for the sake of your family, and your marriage.

Step One: Invest In a study led by Dr. Terri Orbuch, 373 newlywed couples were asked to complete surveys on their relationships with their in-laws, then monitored periodically over the next 16 years. In couples where the man claimed a high level of closeness with his wife’s parents, divorce rates dropped by 20 percent.

Building a close relationship with your in-laws requires making the most of your 28 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

time together. Instead of chaining yourself to the stove or hiding in your work, invest in meaningful conversation. Think of one or two questions that you have about your spouse’s youth or family tree and pose them in a comfortable environment. Your interest will do you greater credit than scurrying around the kitchen, which sends the message that their visit has you put out.

Step Two: Organize While it’s crucial to invest, it’s just as critical to set boundaries when dealing with your in-laws. In Dr. Orbuch’s same study, women who felt close to their spouse’s parents at the start of marriage had the opposite results from men, increasing their likelihood of divorce by 20 percent. Dr. Orbuch speculated to the New York Times that women stake a great part of their identity in being mothers, making it difficult for young brides to successfully navigate in-law relationships without setting distinct boundaries.

The best way to avoid oversteps is to make a plan before the visit. Insist on a definitive arrival and departure date, and for every three days of their stay schedule an afternoon for you and your spouse to spend

Tips for negotiating in-law relationships for happy homestays, and a happier marriage. alone. For activities, plan something that you’re excited about for while your in-laws are in town instead of stressing about what they might or might not want to do. Check out a nearby National Park, go to a sporting event or have dinner at that new restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Your positive energy will make whatever you choose to do more enjoyable for everyone.

Step Three: Act Naturally We know – nothing feels natural about having in-laws in town. Your whole routine gets disrupted, your household management slid under the microscope, and in all the chaos your spouse and kids might even become guilty of minor mutiny. Despite our best instincts, the way to be a gracious host isn’t to stay on our best behavior: It’s to let people see us as our true, imperfect selves.

If your child needs a reprimand, give it. If you had a bad day, vent. If you normally take a glass of wine with your dinner, pour it!

Bottling up your emotions for your in-laws’ sake adds a distance between you that’s felt on all sides. They know you’re not being authentic, and you never find out if they would like the real you.

Remember that your spouse fell in love with the realest version of you, and that if you give them a chance, the people who raised him or her will love you, too! why don’t you write books people can read? Nora Joyce

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RESOLVED Get your child

Learning For kids, Christmas and New Year’s is a time for fun, food and play – certainly not for school or learning. Over winter break, it’s estimated that students will forget roughly 25 percent of what they’ve learned in school this year. Luckily, there are a few fun and sneaky ways to combat these learning lapses and to keep your kids engaged over the holidays.

Take a day trip to a local museum Get the kids out of the house by visiting a local museum like the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, which hosts monthly events geared towards kids. Not only will kids learn from the experience, but museums are a fun way to do something out of the ordinary!

Write a holiday short story No matter their age, storytelling is a great way to engage kids’ imaginations. Write your own Christmas story of think up a newending to an old favorite.

Kids can practice their writing and spelling skills while having holiday fun.

By Kristy Wyatt

over the holiday break Go Christmas shopping together

It’s time for a lesson in math and money. Have your children make a list of presents they’d like to get each other, budget included.

Then, put their addition to work as they calculate their gifts along the way.

Bake up some cookies There’s nothing better than a freshly baked batch of cookies over the holidays. As you’re baking, have your children help with counting and measurements. If you’d really like to challenge them, double or half the recipe and have them adjust their figures!

Not only is it important to keep your children mentally stimulated over winter break, but physically stimulated, too. Get them outside for a nature walk or a cool-weather bike ride. No matter what adventures you have in store, we wish you happy holidays!

Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers. T. S. Eliot

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CFC1425809 Flourish Magazine | December/2014 29

Family Photography

Quick Tips • If you’re worried about the look of your arms in photos, avoid sleeveless or cap sleeve shirts and tank tops, as they can make the arms appear fuller in the final images.

• Consider wearing heels. Heels not only improve the look of the legs, they also add a bit of glamour.

• Don’t overdo the makeup – keep things natural for the best finish.

• Keep jewelry simple, and avoid big or flashy pieces.

• Be sure to have the appropriate undergarments for the outfits you’ve chosen. Tucking in or moving straps doesn’t always work and can ruin the look of an otherwise great shot.

• Be sure finger and toenail polish is well done, and stick to muted tones.

• Be yourself! Don’t try to force smiles.

Just be natural and enjoy these moments with your family.

Making the Most of Your

FAMILY

Photo Shoot when it’s your family’s turn in front of the camera, use these tips to help ensure your photos turn out as beautifully as expected.

By Ginger Henderson

your family. Talk about where and how you will display or use the photos from your session.

Building excitement about being an integral part of an important family milestone will help your child feel involved and (hopefully) stave off any future complications. Make sure your child has had a snack and used the restroom before leaving for your appointment.

a moment to really look at your children.

Look at how they’re growing, their features and all the things that make them so uniquely wonderful. Smile at them, laugh with them, enjoy them. It’s moments like these that often bring about the most meaningful and best loved shots.

During the Session

After the Session

The Day of the Session

Remember that children will be children, and family photographers know how to deal with them. Let the photographer take the lead in coaxing the perfect shot from your child. Don’t threaten or become irritated with your child during the shoot. This only upsets everyone involved and drastically affects the end results.

Keep your spirits high. Make sure everyone’s clothing and shoes are together, and plan for extra time while getting ready, just in case. As you prepare, tell your children how much fun it will be to make a special photo memory of

Remember that while posed pictures are really nice, so are candid shots. Be willing to work with your photographer to achieve both. As your photographer is shooting, take

While nearly all photographers now work digitally, don’t assume that processing your photos is as easy as inserting a memory card and clicking “upload”. Most professional photographers take anywhere from two weeks to two months to give your photos the attention they deserve. If you’re worried about specific flaws showing up in your photos (facial breakouts, scars, etc … ) be sure to mention these to your photographer.

Many will use photo editing software to enhance and improve your photos and can hide these flaws from your final images.

One Week Before the Session Around a week before your family’s session, start thinking about how you will coordinate clothing. Current trends have family members in complimentary colors but not necessarily matching outfits. Try choosing clothing in the same family of colors to produce pleasing results. Of course, the most important thing to remember with clothing is that it should be comfortable. Even the best planned wardrobe will fail if the clothing makes the wearer feel awkward or stiff.

26 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Copy from one, it’s plagiarism; copy from two, it’s research. Wilson Mizner

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Treat your pet how they WANT No matter what fourlegged friend you keep at home, it’s essential to remember the difference between human and animal-speak when we show our pets affection. here are a few tips to keep in mind.

to be treated

The Head Pat

Eye Connection

You’re on the couch and here comes your favorite pooch, looking for attention. Where do you reach? If your first instinct is to scratch around the ears, well done! That’s a move that will have your dog lolling in your lap for hours. If, however, you drop your own paw across your dog’s forehead in a well-intended pat, they may perceive your action as a sign of dominance. Animal experts at TheBark.com recommend going in palm-side up and reaching under instead of over the chin. This way your dog knows you’re not trying to prove your mastery, but are instead looking to help them relax.

Resist the urge to look them in the eye. In human culture, avoiding eye contact is a sign of a shifty character or uneasiness, but not so among animals. According to the ASPCA, animals rarely maintain eye-contact except in aggressive situations. If you’re trying to gaze deep into your canine or feline’s eyes, you’re once again reminding them of your dominance. Most dogs will quickly look away to show their submission, and whether cats admit it or not, the game of chicken can unnerve them. Instead of staring down your animal companion, keep a slightly averted gaze as you pamper them with care.

24 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

By Elizabeth Putfark

Watch Your Tone Be careful how you use your voice.

Animals are far less sensitive to what we say than how we say it, and their moods and attitudes can be directly influence by our own. While our quiet furry friends may seem like the perfect audience for our frustrations, remember that angry or mocking tones can hurt a pet’s feelings as surely as they harm a human’s. As a bonus, keeping a positive tone as you play with your family pet will not only improve their mood; it might improve your own!

In America, anybody can be president. That’s one of the risks you take. Adlai Stevenson

The nursery on everyone’s lips.

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Style

On-the-Go

with Christie Maruka and Fashion Fix Interview by Lauren Douglass

Fashionista founder of New Jersey’s first boutique-on-wheels, Christie Maruka has been practicing style since she was 15 years-old. After decades working in traditional retail, Maruka decided to break the mold of how to shop for fashion by serving her busy clients from the mobile dressing room of her Fashion Fix van. here she offers her tips how to update your look.

Can you tell me a little bit about your background?

I have been in the fashion industry for 30 years. I started as a teenager, dressing people, working and managing for different stores. Then I worked for Calvin Kline in New York City as an account executive selling to some 20 some department stores. After that, I opened a trendy women’s boutique on the Jersey Shore. Almost 10 years later I sold it and started Fashion Fix, which has been going on since 2007. I really wanted to take my show on the road as far as styling and being mobile. I started out in New Jersey, where I bought a Mercedes sprinter truck and transformed it into a showroom.

What are some of the common mistakes women make when trying to shop for themselves?

The mistakes I see most often are wearing outdated fashions, choosing clothes that don’t flatter your figure and wearing the same old things again and again.

22 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Most people I see have gotten stuck wearing just one style. For instance, they’ll think that a certain style of pant looks good on them and when I go in their closet, they own them in like 20 different colors. They wear those pants every day with the same shirt because they don’t know how to put anything else together and maybe they don’t want to step out of their comfort zone. They just need to know how to put their items together into different looks – a different pair of shoes or a change up with accessories can go a long way.

For someone without access to a personal stylist, can you give some tips for how to update your wardrobe, or advice on some classic pieces to purchase?

As far as classic pieces, make sure you have something as simple as a pencil skirt and a white cotton button-down – there are so many different variations you can create with that one combination.

Definitely keep a leather jacket, which can take you from day to night easily, and a basic sheath dress. You can wear your dress to work with a pretty blouse under it, then change it up with your leather jacket and booties at night for a completely different, sexy look.

Leggings are a great investment as long as they’re the right quality and thickness.

One of my pet peeves that I see every day is women wearing see-through leggings.

I just can’t believe people leave the house like this! If you’re going to wear leggings, you should have a tunic, longer sweater or something that covers you, because leggings are NOT pants! Unless they have pockets on the back, they’re meant to be worn with something over them.

What trends have you seen coming out in fashion this fall?

First, there’s so much color going on; so many beautiful hues! Royal blue, purple has been a huge color, wine – all the jewel tones are very, very in. There’s a lot of nice shades of plaid, too. Men’s wear is going to continue to be big, but you’ll still want to balance that with a little feminine blouse or something so it doesn’t look too boyish.

Look for a lot of ankle length cigarette leg pants this season, paired with pumps, heels and chunky wedges. Actually, as far as shoes go, it runs a full circle. Round toes and pointy toes, chunk heels and stilettoes, boots of all kinds – there’s really nothing that’s not in!

Imitation is the sincerest form of television. Fred Allen

3 Ways to enjoy

being single

this holiday season

By Kirsten Nielsen

RSVP “Yes”

Take some me time

While you might be wishing for someone to cuddle up with on cold winter nights, the holiday season is actually a wonderful time to be single! If you’re feeling a little lonely, use our tips to remind yourself how lucky you are to have your independence.

With parties almost every night, flaunt your single fabulousness and flirt your way through the holiday season! This is the best time of year to meet new people, as everyone is in a celebrating mood.

Always dreamed of traveling to an exotic location? The holiday season is a great time to take a vacation, as you probably already have some time off from work. Without a partner, you are free to go wherever your heart desires!

Always do right- this will gratify some and astonish the rest. Mark Twain

Spend time with family and friends If you were in a couple, you would have to divide time between two families and would see less of your favorite people. Use the holiday season to catch up with everyone in your family.

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 23

Beauty

By Jenna Herman

Glytone Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream An innovative cream that exfoliates hardened skin on the heels and elbows to leave skin feeling smooth and soft. $50 DERMASTORE.COM; SKINCARERX.COM

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20 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

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13820 W. NEWBERRY RD, SUITE 100, JONESVILLE, FL 32669 | 352-371-3200 Sanity is a madness put to good uses. George Santayana

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 21

By Kirsten Nielsen

You shouldn’t eat sushi False! Sushi is fine, except for mackerel, shark, tilefish and swordfish. Also, try to keep your tuna consumption below 12 oz. a week.

You shouldn’t dye your hair False! Although there have been numerous studies on hair dye and birth defects, none have found any connection. If you’re still worried, wait until the second trimester (after the baby’s organs have all formed) before coloring your hair again.

True or False?

Common Pregnancy Myths From old wives’ tales to modern misconceptions, there’s a lot of false information out there regarding what’s safe to do during pregnancy. while it’s always best to err on the side of caution, you’d be surprised at some myths that are undeniably false!

You shouldn’t drink alcohol True! Although some say red wine is fine, most doctors still recommend abstaining from alcohol during your pregnancy.

You should eat for two False! During your pregnancy, you only need to eat an extra 200-300 calories a day. That’s the equivalent of a small salad or bowl of soup!

You shouldn’t work out Depends. Exercise can be extremely beneficial during pregnancy, both to you and your growing baby. So if you worked out before you got pregnant, keep going!

However, pregnancy is not the time to start a brand new exercise program if your body isn’t used to it.

Every Day is Gameday

In Gainesville every day is Gameday, only the venues change! So whether you love going outdoors or simply going out to eat, we’ve got just what you’re looking for. Paddle the Santa Fe River, dine at one of our delicious local restaurants or search for treasures at local boutiques and vintage shops downtown. Gainesville, where nature and culture meet.

18 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

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Men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all the other alternatives. Abba Eban

hand Lotion Five Tricks and Uses

1. Get Rid of Winter Clothing Static Put a small amount on your hands and rub them over your clothing or pantyhose.

2. Polish Shoes In a pinch, a little bit of lotion buffed with a cloth salves the leather and makes shoes shine.

3. Moisturize Under Your Gloves Store a tube of it near your gloves, and smooth some onto your hands every time you pull them on.

4. Get Rid of Frizz Spread a little over fingertips (not directly on hair) and scrunch your fingers through the frizz. A great ladies’ room trick.

5. Shaving Cream Has that can of foam sputtered out?

Grab a bottle of lotion as a stand-in.

Bonus: Your legs stay smooth and moisturized afterward.

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Flourish Magazine | December/2014 19

Hidden

Wedding Costs

By Sarah G. Mason

Postage Stamps They could cost you as much as $2 per person – Stationers don’t include shipping costs in their advertised price, and the weight of multi-layered cards quickly adds up. Go with simpler, single layer cards to help cut costs.

Wedding Dress Alterations They could cost you anywhere between $100 and $500 – If you want your wedding dress to fit, you’ll likely need to have it tailored. To avoid tacking on several hundred dollars to an already pricy dress, choose one that fits well to begin with and doesn’t need a complete overhaul.

Wedding Band Equipment It could cost you several hundred dollars – Wedding bands often charge not just for the musicians’ time and skill, but also for the 16 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Your happy day is all planned and paid for, right? Not so fast. Make sure these sneaky wedding costs don’t catch you by surprise before the big day.

equipment needed. If you’re planning on tying the knot in an extra-large venue, you may be charged for additional speakers and microphones. Double check with the band in advance to avoid any surprises.

and florists from their preferred vendor list. If you don’t, they’ll charge you extra. Stick to the list to avoid this cost, or pick a venue that doesn’t have preferred vendors.

Cake-Cutting Fees

Overtime Costs

It can cost up to $5 per piece – Though it seems extreme, bakers do charge to cut the cake for guests. You can save money by using cake provided by your reception site.

It could cost you around $250 per extra hour – The band, DJ and wedding photographer charge per hour, so if things are running behind schedule, this could cost you. Plan as if there will be time delays, just in case.

Cleanup Cost It could cost you around $300 – A full-service venue won’t charge for cleanup, but if you’re renting nothing more than the space, expect cleaning and garbage removal fees.

Non-Approved Vendors It could cost you an extra 20 percent – Some venues require you to use caterers

Rental Transportation It could cost you anywhere between $50 and $500 – You can’t fit 300 chairs in your own car, so rental companies will deliver them to the venue for you. However, these charges aren’t included in the cost of the rentals. Make sure to ask about transportatio n costs ahead of time.

It is now possible for a flight attendant to get a pilot pregnant. Richard J. Ferris

Gift Giving

Etiquette

By Kat Freestone

Regardless of whether you’ve already tied the knot, you aren’t off the wedding day hook just yet! When family, friends or co-workers send an invite your way, it’s time to brush up on your gift giving etiquette.

“The happy couple went all-out … is my gift supposed to match what they spent on each of their guests?”

Not at all. The amount you spend is based strictly on your budget, what you think is appropriate and how close you are to the bride and groom. Don’t feel pressured to spend more than you can afford, no matter how much the newlyweds are spending on their guests.

“Oops! I waited until the last minute. Is it tacky to send money?”

No. In fact, cash gifts can sometimes be better than store-bought ones! For couples who are well-established or who are saving for something special, consider giving the gift of money.

“I really don’t have much money to spare. Can I send something I already own?”

If you’re tight on cash, it’s better to avoid

sending a hand-me-down. The exception would be to send a meaningful personal item that you know the couple would appreciate and enjoy. Instead of scrounging up something at home, why not craft them a gift like a hand-painted picture frame?

You’ll save money and they’ll love the personal touch.

“I haven’t sent a gift yet, but I’ll get around to it. After all, I have a year to send it!”

This is a myth. Gifts should be sent before the wedding or shortly after. If you do happen to forget, late is still better than never.

“Can I bring my gift to the wedding?”

Yes, but only if you’re sure ceremonial gift-giving is in the couple’s wedding plans or part of their cultural traditions. More commonly, the appropriate address will be listed in the couple’s wedding registry.

I never miss a chance to have sex or appear on television. Gore Vidal

“Should my husband and I each send a gift, or can we join forces?”

Married couples usually send one gift from the two of them, especially if one partner is closer to the newlyweds than the other.

However, feel free to send two individual gifts – it’s a thoughtful gesture!

“I sent my gift months ago and never got a thank you note. How do I know they got it?”

Give the couple three months to send a thank you card. After this time, if you haven’t heard from them, feel free to ask if the gift was received.

“I found out that my gift was returned. Did they not like it?”

Don’t mention it to them. Returns and exchanges are common, especially if couples receive duplicate items. No offense was intended!

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 17

5

By Elizabeth Putfark

Quick ways to Take

Time for Yourself

And this is the most wonderful time of the year?

It absolutely can be! That is, if you remember to take time for yourself. Many of us embrace the season of giving beyond our human limits, and by January 1st we are thoroughly spent. Before the chaos starts this year, decide on how you’re going to keep your patience up and your stress level down as you navigate the social season. Take these five tips to indulge in some quality me-time (instead of that extra brownie!), and keep your heart light this Christmas.

Make the most of alone time Take advantage of a short grocery trip or post-office run by keeping your favorite song or playlist at-the-ready. Have a variety of choices to fit your mood, or, if you like audio books, pick a favorite to listen to and keep it in the car. Whether you’re belting a Brittany ballad or escaping into the landscape of your favorite novel, you’re sure to come back to reality a little more rested and ready for whatever’s thrown your way.

Walk it out Sometimes a 15-minute walk can do more for your mood than an hour-long nap, and 14 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

ThIS hoLIDAY SEASoN

It’s Dececember 21st. You’re off to your third holiday party of the week, leaving the suitcases half-packed for the trip to Grandma’s house that begins first-thing tomorrow morning.

Your body already feels tired from the thought of covering four states in three days, cooking in three kitchens, and returning home to clean up the wreckage from two weeks’ worth of non-stop decorating, buying, baking and entertaining, all in addition to the regular chores of everyday life.

it’s a whole lot easier to fit into a schedule!

Hit the pavement on your own or with a friend, or use your stroll to call those longdistance relatives you rarely get to see. If you have the time, get to the closest trailhead and soak in some winter rays on a refreshing walk in nature.

important as members of the family, and everyone will enjoy the togetherness of working as a group. Sure, they may grumble at first, but if they see that they’re making a positive change in your mood, you can be certain they’ll be ready to volunteer at the next opportunity!

Follow a morning routine

Remember: Be Yourself!

Put yourself first in the mornings – even if it means getting up a half an hour early. Make a decision to take your coffee or tea in bed, and give yourself time to wake up properly before launching into each busy day. If planning gives you peace, then make lists for yourself and your family members to keep everyone on the same page. Or, make this your time to breath deep and just relax.

Either way, make sure your family knows that this half-hour of private time is nonnegotiable – you deserve it!

Your family and friends don’t want you to fake a smile or cheery mood any more than you do. In fact, the whole purpose of getting together during the holidays is to enjoy one another! Instead of worrying about what you’ll wear to every party, or what your in-laws will or won’t say, give your loved ones the benefit of the doubt and trust that if you’re happy with yourself, they’ll be happy, too.

Learn to delegate Don’t become a martyr for your family’s fun.

Ask for help on simple tasks like chopping vegetables, addressing envelopes and cleaning up around the house. Sharing the workload will make your kids feel more

Most importantly, once you decide on a plan for yourself and sanity this holiday, stick with it! By keeping yourself emotionally stable, you’ll do your family a greater service than if you managed to be the perfect spouse, parent, child, in-law or whatever other role you might need to fill. Be you, and embrace whatever opportunities this particular season brings – after all, it will only be here once!

Nothing is wrong with California that a rise in the ocean level wouldn’t cure. Ross MacDonald

By Kirsten Nielsen

It strengthens your relationship All those feel-good hormones your body is producing make you feel closer to the person you are cuddling with. Taking just ten minutes a day to snuggle with your significant other can deepen your relationship and strengthen your bond.

The Power of

Cuddling It’s no secret that cuddling up to your loved ones makes you feel wonderful.

But did you know there’s a scientific reason for that warm and happy feeling?

20

It reduces stress

It makes you happier Cuddling with someone causes your body to release oxytocin – a hormone that does everything from making you feel good to making you feel more connected to others!

Your body also releases dopamine and serotonin, which lift your mood and help fight depression.

It boosts your immune system Thank oxytocin again: this feel-good hormone also helps fight infection!

Essentially, you are boosting your immune system because you feel too wonderful and healthy to get sick. Oxytocin even reduces your pain levels, so cuddling can also work as a pain-relieving medicine.

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Oxytocin inspires positive thinking, and this combined with boosted happiness can drastically reduce your stress levels.

Decreasing stress benefits your health as well, leading to lower blood pressure, decreased risk of heart attacks and a myriad of other health benefits.

It improves communication Communication issues often arise when couples get busy and forget to take time to be with their partner. Even a couple minutes of cuddling can help you feel closer and more open with your partner, which leads to better communication. So if you’re going through a rough patch, grab your loved one and settle down for some hardcore cuddling!

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I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. Mark Twain

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 15

how to for and Earn a

Ask

Raise

By Sarah G. Mason

Money – why do we always want more? There’s no doubt that money is an essential – albeit sometimes wicked – part of the world we live in, and most of us can’t help but to dream about a bigger paycheck. It’s one way to measure our success, and it’s easy to track. So ... how does your salary stack up? And should you be asking for more?

Time it right. Timing is truly everything, and you should take

Asking for a raise is probably dead last on your to-do list, right down there with pulling the weeds and taking out the trash. However, average compensation is on the rise in the U.S. – up 1.9 percent from 2012 to 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This may be your year to go for it!

Be strategic. Make your case in a way that’s sensitive to your

Convince yourself, first. If you’re ready to speak up but feeling a bit nervous, you should know that salary upticks are typically granted on a yearly basis. Since the recession, automatic raises aren’t as common, but you can still use this year-to-year model as your own personal guide. Look at the profitability of the company and the demand for employees in your industry. Is your company thriving? Is your position much-needed? Use this information to boost your confidence.

12 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

all things into account: the time of the year that raises are typically granted, how often your performance is evaluated and when your company decides on their budget. Don’t wait until your end of the year review to ask for a raise – by that time, the budget’s been set and it’s probably too late.

boss’s personality. If they tend to be careful and calculated, Plant the idea in their head several months in advance. If they’re more to the point, ask to set up a meeting specifically to revisit your salary. No matter which way you go, it’s best to be straightforward and prepared to explain yourself. You should know exactly what you want and exactly why you deserve it. A raise isn’t just to reward you for your time – it’s to pay you for the skills, value and accomplishments you’ve gained that you didn’t have before.

What if the answer is no? Rejection may make you feel down and out, but don’t get discouraged. Ask what it would take for you to earn a raise in the future and then look forward to the possibility of a pay bump later on.

Plato was a bore. Ernest Hemingway

60 Second Prep

By Elizabeth Putfark

for Anything!

You’ve been running behind all day and now it’s time

Get a lift

for your big meeting. You know if you charge in now too late to reschedule. So what do you do?

If your hair is down, give it a gentle toss over your head and back again. Your roots will tingle, making you feel more awake, while your hair’s volume instantly multiplies.

Believe in the One Minute Rule

Pinch those cheeks

Everyone has one minute to spare, no matter how high up they are on the company food chain. Taking a sixty second pause before you launch into an important conversation can improve your composure and poise tenfold without significant imposition.

Using your forefinger and thumb, gently pinch the skin along your cheekbones to bring color to your face. As you pluck the skin, keep a three beat rhythm and repeat in your mind: “I. Love. Me. I. Love. Me!”

Puff-up

It’s easy to see past a forced smile, so before you enter the room, think of something that genuinely brings you joy. Let that warmth and happiness fill you up and mold your visage into an authentic smile.

you’ll come across as a disheveled mess, but it’s

Take several long, deep breaths, letting your chest rise and expand with air. Your shoulders will go back and your overall posture improve, making you appear larger and more in control as you enter the room.

Smile

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I’m not going to get into the ring with Tolstoy. Ernest Hemingway

Dedicated, P Over 30 rYoefaessonal, Determined, rs Experienc e Flourish Magazine | December/2014 13

This fall actor Noah huntley brings his tall, brooding good looks to the screen in Universal Picturesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new release, Dracula Untold, produced by three-time Academy Award nominee Michael De Luca.

10 Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Attention to health is lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest hindrance. Plato

Noah Huntley

Sexy Brit-Star

on The Royals and Dracula Untold

reigning monarch has to do. But there’s a humorous side to her that comes out especially around my character, who is a sort of childhood sweetheart turned war hero.

She’s irreverent and bawdy, like nothing the royal family would ever imagine. The whole palace is filled with a scurrying of feet, all through secret passageways and halls, everyone looking for a fashionable romp.

What is Elizabeth Hurley like to work with?

Huntley opens up to Flourish about the secrets from the set, and offers a sneak peek into his scandalous upcoming role in E! Entertainment’s first scripted series, The Royals.

loosening up. I kept coming into my training increasingly smelly until by the end when if you closed your eyes, you’d think I was wearing a fish costume!

She was really good. I think they made the perfect role for her as she’s got a great sense of the ridiculous. She’s generous and professional, and Mark just adores her. Overall, I think this is a really exciting show to be a part of.

Tell me a little bit about Dracula Untold and what we can expect from it. I am so excited to see it!

Did you get to do any of your own stunts?

So which do you prefer: television or the box office?

It’s funny you mention that, as it actually goes back to the costumes. They look truly incredible, but stunt wise they put a lot of actions out of the question. Gary, who’s a first time director, would send us through a scene and come out of it saying, “Wait, but you didn’t even hit anyone with your sword!” and I’d say, “Gary, I’m holding an Aircraft-grade antique weapon here!” These weren’t the rubber swords and false armor you’d usually use for fight scenes. So between the props and the armor, pushing it to do our own stunts had the potential to become devastatingly dangerous. I was kind of relieved to hand it over to the stunt guys whenever possible.

It’s kind of a toss-up – I love them both!

The storylines on TV these days are so good, particularly coming out of America. There’s also something quite nice about the pace of TV and the immediacy of production. For film it’s usually two to three relentless months preceded by a year or more of pre-production, and then followed by post-production. So the projected timeline of a movie is much longer.

Then again, film does provide a more refined art with its attention to detail and its grandiose potential.

It’s bigger than any of us anticipated. Having now seen it for the first time, I realize how much goes into the entire Dracula franchise.

So much of what we shot didn’t make it in just because of the need to constantly connect our origin story with other Dracula stories. We start with a very historical take on the traditional story of Vlad the Impaler, and then go into the supernatural in order to transition into modern day.

What kind of training did you have to do?

Universal gets you into training about a month before filming so you can start getting clocked into the project while contracts are worked out. Most of our training involved sword work, which is basically learning choreographed step pieces with fight trainers.

It’s like a dance. We also worked on horse riding during training, although we only really needed them for one scene.

I just went to media night at Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando, and they took us on a behind the scenes tour there through the haunted house for Dracula. The set and costumes looked amazing. What were some of the costumes like when you were actually filming?

As incredible as it looked, the armor we were in was also incredibly restrictive! There were lots of funny moments on set where we were all kind of stuck standing around, because we couldn’t move and couldn’t sit down, either! Of course we’d just kind of have to grin and bear it. I also had this hardened leather armor that had to be slathered with fish oil to keep it from

What was Luke Evans like to work with?

He’s just extraordinary. His stamina to get through things is super human. 77 days of filming and he was in every single day. As Dracula he kind of had to be in his own world. My character, the head of the military garrison at Castle Dracula, is probably the most loyal of his rebel tag-alongs. We all had to be incredibly diligent custodians of our characters, no one more than Luke. It doesn’t matter how many bells and whistles you put on a film, if you don’t have believable characters it’s just not going to stand up.

Can you tell me a little about the Royals and your role in it?

It’s put together by Mark Swan who spent nine years making One Tree Hill, so he knows everything that anyone could want to know about popular drama. I’m Elizabeth Hurley’s love interest – her hidden love, as she’s the queen married to the king, and dutifully involved in everything that a

It seems like you come from a pretty large family. How did that prepare you for acting?

One of eight children! I think growing up around lots of siblings gives you the confidence to think for yourself – to say okay, this is what I want out of life and this is how I’m going to achieve it. I’m also grateful for the size of the family when it comes to working with others. When you’re working on a TV set or a film you have to be able to form a kind of family with the cast while still doing what you need to do. So I feel like I have a really good grounding in that respect.

What are some of your goals in the next couple of years?

I’d love to do some theaters in addition to more film. Ultimately, I’d like to get into directing as well. As an actor, you’re always trying to fit everyone else’s version of a character and story – the writer’s version, your director’s version and your producers.

You’re a part of someone else’s vision. I’d love to one day be able to take the reins on some of that and bring a little more of myself to the set. For now, though, it’s nice to be able to just act!

Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest people in America. If I’m not there, I go to work. Robert Orben

Flourish Magazine | December/2014 11

Did you know many of the herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine are the same ones ground up and packaged in prescription medication? In fact, while many of the active compounds in Western over-the-counter drugs are weakened due to processing, those same active components remain strong and highly eďŹ&#x20AC;ective in Chinese herbal remedies.

Four Common Herbs to Cure What Ails You

By Dr. Han, Natural Rhythm Acupuncture

8

Flourish Magazine | December/2014

The cynics are right nine times out of ten. Henry Louis Mencken

Dr. Han AP OMD • 4001 West Newberry Road, Gainesville FL 32607 • 352-378-4667 • naturalrhythmtcm.com

When Chinese Medicine Practitioners prescribe herbal treatment, they look at both the disease and the cure holistically. Qi, blood, yin and yang are the four primary deficiencies CMPs regularly identify and treat. Unlike western medicine, which approaches each imbalance with an encapsulated, low-dosage drug, CMPs turn to the herbal remedies that have proven their powerful effectiveness for over 2,000 years. Below find symptoms for each deficiency, and the most common herbs used to treat them.

Qi Deficiency

Yin and Yang Deficiency

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is also known as vital energy and is the most vital substance constituting a human body. It’s responsible for the physiological function of organs and meridians. When people lack proper amounts of qi, the following symptoms may develop: • Breathlessness • Weak voice • Loose stool • Loss of appetite • Palpitations • Fatigue • Spontaneous sweating • Pale and swollen tongue

Yin and Yang may be the most difficult concepts in Chinese medicine to grasp, so consider this analogy. Think of petroleum and the way we get heat from burning it.

Yin, like petroleum, is the distilled highdensity energy which is stored in liquid form and exists in every organ. It takes time and energy to produce Yin (kidney yin, for instance, can only be restored during sleep).

Yang is the energy – the heat we get from burning yin. Yang thus determines our body temperature and the speed of our metabolism. Symptoms of yin deficiency include: • Red cheeks • Hot palms and soles • Fissured tongue • Dry, hard stools • Night sweats • Excessive nightly thirst • Restlessness despite fatigue • Chronic low-grade fever

To treat insufficient qi, CMPs prescribe Astragalus, a common herb famous for curing qi deficiency. When used in large quantities (100 – 200 grams) this miraculous dried herb can help fight against pelvic organ prolapse, hernia, pneumothorax and stroke.

Blood Deficiency Blood provides nutrition for the body, and yet the nutrients transported by blood are not restricted to physical materials. For CMP’s, “blood” can mean anything that provides nourishment to the body.

Symptoms of a blood deficiency include: • Sallow or pale complexion and lip • Poor memory • Insomnia • Blurred vision • Dizziness/ Numbness • Amenorrhea or spotty period • Dry tongue, dry skin itchy skin or dry hair • In severe cases, muscle ticks and tremors The most common herb used to treat blood deficiency is called Angelica. It’s particularly useful as a laxative for women and the elderly, for whom normal laxatives have a painful and weakening effect. Angelica actually moisturizes the intestines, aiding in painless passing. Angelica also works to help male erections when used in large dosages (30 – 60 grams per day).

deficiency. By strengthening the kidney, it not only increases sex drive but also bone density.

Each of these herbs is very safe, yet the recommended dosage on the dietary supplement bottle label is usually too low to feel the positive effects. For this reason, Chinese medicine practitioners use each herb in cooked teas to get the maximum benefit from the leaves.

For more information on natural herbs and supplements, contact Dr. Han and other specialists at: Natural Rhythm Acupuncture, 4001 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32607, (352) 378-4667.

One ready-to-eat herb that can effectively cure yin deficiency is the goji berry.

Eating more than 50 grams of goji berries every day can drastically reduce symptoms of yin deficiency within one month.

Symptoms of yang deficiency include: • Water retention • Edema • Cold hands and feet • Frequent urination and night urination • Low sex drive Depression Epimedium (whose common name, “horny goat weed” explains it all!) can counter symptoms of yang

It is time I stepped aside for a less experienced and less able man. Professor Scott Elledge

Flourish Magazine | December/2014

9

The Power to Organize

The

Secret to Giving

Well

By Elizabeth Putfark

Ever wanted to make the world a better place? You’re not alone.

According to the 2013 Millennial Impact report, charitable giving in the US has increased steadily over the past four years, arriving at over $335 billion in 2013. historically, giving in the US has come primarily from individuals, but with the growth of virtual and online communities, donations are now often made through what’s coming to be known as “Social Philanthropy,” or the public support of a cause.

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Flourish Magazine | December/2014

Although popularized through campaigns like the ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge,” social philanthropy is just one aspect of modern day giving that can help you donate smarter in the 21st century. See what else makes now the perfect time to give.

The Power to Decide Compassion isn’t made one-size-fits-all, and neither is giving. With over a million charities and non-profits in the US alone, you have the opportunity to volunteer support to any cause you choose, and in any way you can.

Whatever your interests, you’re just a quick web-search away from finding an organization committed to pursuing similar goals – from horseback riding for the mentally handicapped, to teaching English to immigrant children. Decide to give authentically, and get involved in the charitable work that means the most to you.

Not only can you discover unique charities on the web, but you can also evaluate them.

The data to assess the worthiness of a chosen charity now exists at your fingertips, ready to alleviate or confirm any suspicions about squandered funds and inflated administrative budgets. Check out websites like Charitynavigator.org and Charitywatch. org which assign grades to organizations based on their effectiveness, transparency, and accountability to their donors. By showing you which groups are doing the most good and how, these sites make it possible to give with confidence.

Giving back to those in need offers more than good feelings these days; for companies and corporations, it could be good for business. According to a 2011 retail study published by the IHL Group, companies that give more can expect to increase their credibility and sales in the communities they serve. While the majority of all surveyed demographics said that they were more likely to buy from a company that visibly supported charitable causes, a whopping 78 percent of young cliental (ages 18 to 24) said they would rather patron a company with philanthropic initiatives.

Not only so, but the 2013 Millennial Report observes that for individuals born after 1979, a company’s involvement in charitable giving is the third most important deciding factor in selecting a potential employer.

So what does this mean for you? For one thing, it means that your best charitable service might be to talk to your employer about ramping up your office’s community involvement. From Match-days, where a company agrees to match all donations made by their employees and clients, to temporary paid sabbaticals that allow for volunteer work, there are plenty of options available for businesses who decide it’s time to give back.

The Power to Connect While you give of your time, resources, and skill set to the organization you choose, don’t forget to offer up the most powerful tool of the era: your voice. Chances are you know people with similar passions and interests who would love to jump on board with whatever campaign you support, and thanks to sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, those people are never far away.

Posting a link or sharing an organization’s advertisements might only get one click out of a hundred, but that’s one more than they would have had without your help!

For the discerning philanthropist, more tools than ever exist to make sure that your valuable donations do as much as possible to serve those in need. However you decide to give back, know that now you can do it with confidence, with courage, and with authenticity.

You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. Al Capone

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Can you believe another year has gone by so fast?

As we look back on all we’ve done and seen in 2014, we’re so thankful to have our friends, families and of course, our readers by our side.

Without you, we couldn’t be where we are today! This month, we’ve dedicated Flourish to all those we hold dear. Inside, you’ll find everything to celebrate the season right, from decorating with Christmas décor, to throwing the perfect holiday party, to staying fit and healthy.

We wish you safe travels and Happy Holidays!

Lauren Douglass As always, we love hearing from you.

So send us 2013 a note at mail@whpinc.com

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PUBLISHERS Lauren Douglass Marc Douglass MANAGING EDITOR Elizabeth Putfark COPY EDITOR Daniel Sutphin ASSISTANT EDITOR Mike Capshaw ART DIRECTOR Daniel Tidbury GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jane Dominguez Teresa Gresh Patrice Kelly Becky Snowden Daniel Tidbury PROMOTIONS Amanda Liles Karen Jones AnnMarie DeFeo Anita Knittel ACCOUNTING Lynsey Parrish CIRCULATION Adam Simmons SPECIAL PROJECTS Lauren Kolansky Daniel Sutphin ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Shane Howell (shane@whpinc.com) ADVERTISING & SALES Shane Howell Mike Capshaw Susan Noddle WRITERS Ginger Henderson Kat Freestone Kelly Herman Amy Smith Mike Capshaw Sarah G. Mason Kelly Stamps Kristi Story Vivienne Van Eijkelenborg Susan T. Spencer Debbie Travis Syliana Resvanis Joe Graedan, MS Teresa Graedon, PhD

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FROM THE

FROM THE

What’s Inside…

6 The Secret to Giving Well 10 Noah Huntley on The Royals and Dracula Untold 12 How to Ask For and Earn a Raise 13 60-Second Prep for Anything 14 5 Quick Ways to Take Time for Yourself this Holiday Season 15 The Power of Cuddling 16 Hidden Wedding Costs 17 Gift Giving Etiquette 18 Common Pregnancy Myths 19 Hand Lotion: Five Tricks

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Flourish Magazine | December/2014

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Beauty Reviews Style On-The-Go Being Single This Holiday Season Treat Your Pet Family Photo Shoot My In-Laws Are in Town…

Get Your Child Learning Winter Decorations 5 Plants to Rid Indoor Toxins Make Your Guests Feel at Home The Perfect Party Holiday Drink Guide

35 Apple Cinnamon Sparkling Sangria 36 Basil Cranberry Sauce 37 Home Canning 38 Healthy Alternatives in Holiday Dishes 39 Coffee Addict?

41 Keep Your Kids Germ Free 42 Dieting Doesn’t Work 43 Sleep Signs 45 Bare Chrismas Tree Begone!

Flourish Magazine is brought to you by What’s Happening Publications, Inc. For advertising opportunities, please contact us at 352-371-5881 or sales@whpinc.com.

Magazine subscriptions are available at www.whpinc.com For subscription related questions or concerns, please call 352-371-5881 .

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M A G A Z I N E

Learn to Rule Your Next Raise

How to Have a

Holly Jolly

Germ-Free Holiday

Eat Healthy Ditch the Diets

Secrets from the Set of

Make your home a

Winter Wonderland

Dracula Untold with Actor

Noah Huntley NORTH FLORIDA DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 28 WWW.MYFLOURISHMAGAZINE.COM