2012 Fall Issue

8 - 11Good News

12 - 13Good Products

34 - 37Good Eating

Treating Kids Right, A Kid’s Menu

Review of Shor, at the Hyatt Regency

Hotel, Clearwater Beach

Tips for Surviving the Candy Season

Unprocessed October

It’s Time to Fall for Squash

by Christie Waterhouse, Th ee Baby Lady

The Good Stuff

Features15 - 17

Local Biz Kids Paving the Way to the Futureby Jennifer Dunlap

23How to Detect & Prevent

Against Workplace Bullyingby Rakesh Malhotra

20 - 29Special Section:

The Healthy Happy Family Expo

31Community Gathers to Support MADD

33 GoodLiving Guest Blogger:

Tracey L. Lockebemorechildlike.blogspot.com

38My Story

by Pamela Settle

About the CoverOur cover shot is a beauti ful local family celebrati ng Autumn, Florida style! Photography by Corey Conroy. See more atCoreyConroyPhotography.comThis issue is dedicated to all the families in our community who reach out and open their homes to foster children, or who adopt to give children forever families. Thank you for sharing the love!

TBWOA.com

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Th is issue is a celebration! A celebration of vision, faith, determination and hard work.

A celebration of what is good about America, the strength and creativity of women and the

love of family.

Why? Because with this issue, GoodLiving magazine is two years old! While two is still

young, in publishing it’s quite a feat. According to a website for magazine publishers, 80

percent of all new magazines fail in the fi rst year. Half of the remaining 20 percent fail

during year two.

So woo hoo, we beat the odds! And we are extremely pleased to still be here sharing the

good news from Pinellas County, recognizing good people, lifting up good businesses and

inspiring our friends and neighbors to live healthier, more meaningful lives.

We celebrated in style at our inaugural Healthy Happy Family Expo on September 22nd.

More than 75 organizations, professionals and companies came together to share their

passion for healthy families. Th ere were live fi tness demos from boxing to ballroom dancing,

speakers and a room full of healthy, happy and caring people! Th e energy was exhilarating

and I’ve already heard from women who connected with trainers and weight loss experts to

change their lives. We can hardly wait for the next one. But until then, we have dedicated

a special section to the expo participants because we want everyone to benefi t from the

information they have.

A milestone like this calls for a healthy dose of gratitude. We absolutely know that we

wouldn’t be here if not for the readers, which is awesome, because this magazine is written for the readers. I cannot tell you how much I personally appreciate the fact that when

GoodLiving hits the racks, they are gone in a fl ash.

We are also grateful for the good companies and organizations that support this magazine

with their advertising. Th ey are more like our friends – good citizens of our community

who understand and believe in the purpose of the publication.

A big thank you goes to our community partners for sharing our passion, the establishments

that allow us to share this magazine with their customers, the many writers who have

shared their knowledge and the artist who shares her amazing talent with each and every

beautiful issue.

No list of gratitude would be complete without including my supportive family, friends and

the God who gave me this vision to begin with.

So now that we’ve beat the odds, we move to the next milestone. And I relish the opportunity

to continue sharing the good. Th ank you for being a part of the journey.

Until next time, be good!

Letter from the Editor

Pamela Settle

Commemorating two years ofencouraging, informing, inspiring and celebrating healthy and happy

living in Pinellas County!

PublisherLight Shine Media Group, LLC

Editor-in-ChiefPamela Sett le

Contributi ng WritersJennifer DunlapTracey L. LockeRakesh MalhotraChristi e Waterhouse

Design and LayoutMarcie Kelliher

Account ManagerTory Perfetti

Data ManagerTom Eckert

WebsiteWP by Design

GoodLiving™ Magazine &GoodLivingMagazine.comP.O. Box 1795Oldsmar, Florida 34677(727) [email protected]

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATIONadverti [email protected]

GoodLiving™ magazine is a publicati on of Light Shine Media Group, LLC and is available to readers by a paid annual subscripti on available at tampabaygoodliving.com. Promoti onal copies are distributed through establishments as a courtesy to their customers and clients. Additi onal copies are donated to local schools as a community service. To request copies, contact [email protected]. All photographs, artwork, design and editorial are the sole property of GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC. No porti on of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without writt en permission.

GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC are not responsible for statements made by adverti sers and writers for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Readers should verify the adverti sing informati on of the adverti sers and all specials are valid to the expirati on date set by the adverti ser. GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC reserve the right to refuse any adverti sing for any reason. The views expressed in the publicati on are not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights reserved.

TM

fall 2012

GoodLivingfall 20128

news

Ground Breaking &

You’re Invited to a Baby ShowerTh e Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas County is holding a baby

shower for expectant parents, new parents and their families.

Gain valuable information about having a healthy baby.

October 27 from 10 a.m. to noon

at All Children’s Hospital, Education and Conference Center

located at 701 4th Street South in St. PetersburgTo reserve your seat you must contact Cindy McNulty

by October 23rd at (727) 507-4260, ext. 229.

Editor’s noteTh e Healthy Start Coalition is always accepting donations of diapers, wipes, gift cards and other baby supplies for women in our community. You can drop donations at their offi ce anytime or contact Cindy about holding a drive. 2600 East Bay Drive, Suite 205, Largo 33771

Red Ribbon Healthy Family FunfestCommemorate Red Ribbon Week and Say No to Drugs

at the Red Ribbon Healthy Family Funfest on

October 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

at Vinoy Park in St. PetersburgEnjoy free infl atable rides, game trucks, games, arts and crafts and

family friendly entertainment for kids of all ages. Free pop corn

and cotton candy. Sponsored by Operation PAR with support

from Healthy Start Federal Project, Catalina Marketing Founda-

tion, Well Spring Oncology, LiveFree!, Matthew D. Wiedner, PA,

Cappa & Cappa, PA and St. Petersburg Junior League. For more

information call 727-545-7564.

A New Home for VeteransTh e Homeless Emergency Project in Clearwater is celebrating

their new housing opportunities for veterans. Join them at the

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for HEP West

Veterans Housing.

October 25, 2012 at 12:00pm.

1120 North Betty Lane in ClearwaterLearn more about how you can help at ETHEP.org

New Age ofCaregiving SymposiumKim Linder, host of the Caregiver Hour

on WHNZ radio and caregiver coach

is sponsoring a day-long symposium for

anyone is who a caregiver. Th at includes

adults who care for other adults or children,

personally or professionally. Kim lends her

caring touch to the event by bringing in

resources to pamper, educate and recharge

the batteries of caregivers who give so much and have so much

added responsibility to their own lives. Keynote speaker this year is

Lee Woodward, wife of reporter Bob Woodward who was injured

by roadside bomb while covering a story in Iraq. She has written

the book Perfectly Imperfect about her experiences as his caregiver.

Together they are now drawing attention to cause of injured veterans.

Th ey founded the Bob Woodruff Foundation (Remind.org) to assist

wounded servicemen and their families receive the long-term care

that they need and help them successfully reintegrate into their

communities. You can learn more about Lee at leewoodruff .com.

November 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hilton Hotel at Carillon Park

Tickets are $45 in advance or $60 at the door. Professional care-

givers, who will receive educational credits, are $60 in advance and

$75 at the door. Get tickets at newageofcaregivingsymposium.com

NOPE Candlelight Vigil Be a part of the community coming together to recognize the

impact prescription drugs use is having on young people. Come out

for the 4th Annual NOPE of Pinellas Candlelight Vigil.

Thursday, October 25th at 7 pm

at Largo Central ParkTogether families and organizations will remember the thousands

of loved ones lost to drug and alcohol abuse. Please bring a picture

of your loved one to post on the memorial wall the night of the

vigil. We encourage you to come early!

Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

Important vote for schoolsOn the November ballot, we will get to renew the one-half mill

ad valorem tax to continue funding for arts, music, technology and

textbooks for Pinellas County school children. By voting yes on the

referendum, you will be directly helping to enrich the education of

our students and to recruit and retain quality teachers. Th is is not

a new tax, but a continuation of our local commitment that since

2004 has made a very positive impact. Every penny stays in Pinellas

County and, by law, is money over and above state funding. Th e

funds are monitored by an independent citizen’s referendum over-

sight committee to ensure funds are being used appropriately.

To view a video that explains what the 2012 referendum means

to Pinellas County Schools, visit the PCS Referendum 411 at

referendum.pcsb.org.

Lee Woodward

GoodLivingfall 2012 9

Share your good news. Send stories to [email protected]

news

Don’t forget to vote! Going to vote is always a good thing to do. Th is year you may

want to avoid long lines on election day by taking advantage of

early voting and mail-in ballots. Th e General Election ballot is

four pages long (two cards) and includes 11 proposed state

constitutional amendments and a Pinellas School District

referendum. To request a mail ballot or for more information,

call (727)464-VOTE (8683) or visit votepinellas.com

Local Students Buy CowsKicking off their year of service, students at Our Lady of Lourdes

Catholic School in Dunedin raised more than $1,000 to purchase

livestock for hungry families in developing countries through

Heifer International. Students sold cookies and milk during snack

time and after Mass during the month of September. Students also

made and sold cow-print hair bows and awareness ribbons. Th e

sales brought in $1021.44, enough to purchase two cows. Teachers

incorporated a curricular component during daily lessons in

social studies, math, language arts and religion. Th e school also

utilized Heifer International’s “Read to Feed” program, teaching

the message of sustainability through fi ctional literature. Students

learned the importance of sustainability, “teaching a man to fi sh”

with a hand up rather than a hand out.

Any family, organization or school can work to help others

through Heifer International and it makes a satisfying holiday

giving project for anyone! Raise money to purchase goats, pigs,

honeybees, chickens and more, all in an eff ort to give villages

a sustainable way to support themselves. Stuck on what to buy

grandma this year for Christmas? Donate her favorite animal in

her name and make a diff erence. Heifer.org

Rhea Lana comes to St. PetersburgA new way to buy and sell children’s

clothing is coming to St. Petersburg,

October 20 – 24. Th e company is

called Rhea Lana and they will be

holding two large-scale consigning

events per year, fall and spring. Th eir

sales events are for high quality, used

children’s clothing, maternity clothing, furniture, toys, DVDs and

more. Th e fall event is at 6986 22nd Avenue North across from

Tyrone Square Mall.

Come out and shop for what you need and score good items

for about 30% of what you would pay retail. Hours for the

public sale days are Saturday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 9

p.m., Sunday from noon to 7 pm and Monday from 10 a.m. to

4 p.m. Half price days for the public are Tuesday from 10 a.m.

to 8 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Th e concept allows for moms to sell their items easily. Visit

their website to learn the details of being a consignor, volunteer

or business sponsor. Go to RheaLana.com and navigate to

St. Petersburg to learn more. Sign up for the email news and

fi nd their Facebook page to stay up to date.

BizMoms Connect Comes to Pinellas CountyTh e same mompreneurs that are bringing Rhea Lana to our

area are also the founders of a networking group for moms in

business, called BizMoms Connect. Th e group kicked off with

their fi rst meetings in St. Petersburg in September at Ciccio’s

restaurant. Meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays of

the month at 10:30 a.m.

A North Pinellas chapter kicks off on October 23 at Tiff any’s

Family Restaurant in Palm Harbor at 10:30 a.m. Th is chapter will

be co-facilitated by Pamela Settle, editor of GoodLiving magazine,

and will meet the fi rst and third Tuesdays of the month.

If you are a mom who runs her own business, come out and

network with other moms who know what it’s like to run a

household and a business at the same time. Together we can

help and support one another! For more information go to

4BizMoms.com and join their Facebook page of the same name.

Wow! Fall is moving fast and we’re headed straight into the Holiday season in high gear! If you’ve been wondering how you and your family can make the

season more meaningful, we have these suggestions:

Volunteer to be a bell ringer for the Salvation Army (Great service idea for a scout troop!)

Call the Clearwater branch at (727)725-9777.

Donate groceries and goods for those in needCollect some extra groceries by taking advantage of2 FOR 1 sales and you won’t feel it in your budget.

Drop them off at Homeless Emergency Projecton N. Betty Lane in Clearwater.

Call (727)442-9041 for open hours.

Or clean out your old winter wear closet and donate to the HEP Thrift Store!

Cold weather is rough on the homeless.

Give thanks to our veteransGather your family up to make “We are Grateful for you”

cards and take them to Bay Pines Veterans Centerat 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.

Small gestures of caring matter to our veterans.

Sing carols to our seniorsOrganize a Flash Mob to sing carols at a nearby Senior

Adult Living facility. (Call the program director in advance to fi nd out when and where to show up).

Help a local child in needCall a nearby school ask the principal or guidance

counselor about anonymously adopting an underprivileged child/family, and fulfi ll someone else’s

wish list with no strings attached. Secret Santas will never be out of style!

Join a charityFind an organization that is blessing the community with their holiday ministry to the community and join

in! Lokey Charities is doing just that in conjunction with Skycrest Ministries. Together we will giving 300 families

a week’s worth of groceries on November 10th. If you know someone who needs to be on the receiving end

this year, direct them online to skycrest.us to register or call (727)791-7107 for more information.

Share your storiesLIKE the Lokey Charities page on Facebook and share

what you are doing to warm hearts in the coming season. Just think how our combined actions could change our county if more families and businesses got involved!

Find us online at lokeycharities.com. There’s a place to donate if you’d like to partner with us this year!

GoodLiving magazine invited non-profi t organizations and churches

in Pinellas County to participate in a “Community Conversation”

on September 4th. Th e purpose of the event was to discuss the

current state of key issues as they pertain to children, foster care,

drugs, hunger, parent participation in education and the elderly.

Representatives from Juvenile Welfare Board, Eckerd Community

Foundation, Live Free!, RCS Food Bank, Pinellas County Council

PTA and Suncoast Hospice shared important information about

what is happening in our community, right here, right now, with

leaders from the faith community.

In addition to laying out the realities, they shared relevant suggestions

and real-life action items as to how the faith community can be

more a part of the solution.

Working together was the key message of Jim Morgan, founder

and president of Meet the Need, an organization that helps

communities create a single platform of data that mobilizes people

to serve and give.

In Pinellas County, Meet the Need and GoodLiving magazine are

partnering to help bring the needs of charities and ministries to

any group looking to do a service project.

Also attending the event was County Commissioner Nancy

Bostock and Julianna Zobrist, a Christian singer/songwriter who

performed her new song, “Say it Now.”

Th ank you to our sponsors for making the event possible: Meet the Need,

Serving Lynk, Florida Hospital North Pinellas and Suncoast Hospice.

How to use GoodWorks Pinellas1. Access the Good Works Page through GoodLivingMagazine.com

2. Search the local database for opportuniti es to serve or donate material goods

3. Select where you want to help

4. Register to be a volunteer

5. Fulfi ll your service in the community

6. Repeat!

A COMMUNITYCONVERSATIONA COMMUNITY

CONVERSATIONA COMMUNITY

CONVERSATION


products

Fresh WaveThe unscented Fresh Wave® products are created for odor eliminati on where other air fresheners simply mask odors with chemicals that irritate noses and lungs. The Fresh Wave spray passed the cat urine smell test with fl ying (odor killing) colors that made no one sneeze. $9.99 for 8 oz. Check out their other products at Amazon.com and buy them local at Bed, Bath & Beyond stores.

Vaska Laundry ProductsIn one week, residents of Pinellas County use millions of gallons of water just doing laundry. Keep that water free of harmful phosphates, petroleum and chlorine by using Vaska’s collecti on of award-winning, EPA-approved laundry care product that out perform major brand name detergents. A reasonable $9.99 for 32 loads of clothes – and water. Find them at local Albertson’s stores and at Amazon.com. The lavender Herbatergent takes good care of fabrics and skin. Love it!

Simple Human Sensor PumpHelp fend off germs by using this sensor pump for hand soap that will quick and touch-free dispense just the right amount of soap onto your hands. Sleek and sturdy design. Volume control. Takes AA batt eries. $44.99 at SimpleHuman.com

Filtrete Water StationStaying hydrated in the summer heat is important for all ages. Cheaper than bott led water and more eco-friendly, this water stati on takes water from your tap and fi lters it into four, BPA-free reusable water bott les. Great for vacati ons, camping or at work when fi ltered water may be hard to fi nd. Includes a three-month fi lter change indicator. Retails for $42.99

Go-CaddyKeeping your water close by on a hot day is easy with the Go Caddy. Just the right size to hold a bott le of water, keys, cell phone and ID. Ideal for a day at a theme park, a walk with the kids, a trip to the gym or anywhere you go. Hangs easily by your side for hands free, no-fuss toti ng. Black, brown, red or pink. Durable and well made. Makes a great gift too. $19.99 at BVTProducts.com

Smelly Towel CleanerThrow a half teaspoon of a new product called Smelly Towel Cleaner in the washer with your detergent and you will have a non-toxic and environmentally-friendly soluti on to eradicate foul odors and kill harmful fungi and molds in your dirty gym towels. A year’s worth of Smelly Towel sells for $16.99 at smellywasher.com, Amazon.com or at Ace Hardware stores.

Z is for Zucchini:a Baby Foods Memory Book Writt en by local baby expert, Christy Waterhouse, a simple but powerful memory book to capture the early foods your baby eats. Use it as a journal for photos and notes, and then share the story of your litt le one’s favorite healthy foods to reinforce positi ve habits. Sturdy paperback with glossy pages. $19.99 at TheeBabyLady.com.

BASQ NYC Beauty ProductsThe full line of products at BASQ NYC have addic-ti ve aromas and luxurious textures. Every product is rigorously tested for allergy and sensiti vity plus they are all paraben, phthalate and animal-testi ng free. The Energizing Body Loti on is a cooling, energizing blend that eases body aches, reduces swelling in the feet and legs and cools the body from “hot fl ashes.” $22 at BASQNYC.com

Flings® Pop-Up Recycle BinsNo more fl opped-over trash bags or cans stacked on tables. These portable containers open accordion style to form a stable, decorati ve bin for up to 60 cans or bott les at a ti me. Use several of them around your party and reuse them by dumping contents into a larger recycling tote. Find 13 gallon bins for under $4 at iParty in Clearwater. Flingsbins.com

Eat Cleaner Spray and WipesGrabbing a healthy fruit snack on the run is a good habit, but how do you clean it? Carry these handy, all-natural wipes for fresh produce from Eat Cleaner™ that cleans bacteria, surface contaminants, pesti cide residue and wax. Individually wrapped 30-count package for $10. They off er a wide selecti on of food cleaners at Eatcleaner.com.

In celebration of GoodLiving’s Two Year Anniversary, we are looking back at some of our favorite products that have been featured in past issues. These products stood the test of time and remain ones

we talk about and recommend to friends.


Voice QuiltShare the gift of voices with someone who is far away, in a hospital or nursing home or celebrati ng a major milestone. To make a voice quilt, simply sign up on the website and obtain a toll-free call-in number. People all over the world can call in to record a special greeti ng, song, poem or prayer to share with the recipient. All messages are arranged and loaded on a memory sti ck that goes inside a specially-designed wood box that when opened plays the messages. Price varies. Voicequilt.com

The Gracie Bullyproof SystemUnfortunately, back to school for about one third of American students ages 8 to 18 means going to back to be bullied. The Gracie Family Jiu-Jitsu masters have put together a comprehensive program that can be done at home (DVDs or streaming video) with parent and child to build confi dence and skills. The system is designed to empower children with the verbal strategies to stand up to bullies and a series of non-violent self-defense techniques to keep them safe if they are physically att acked.

Specifi cally they teach how to take a stand and neutralize the harassment without violence; they boost self esteem to increase ability to make right choices in life; they encourage physical acti vity and give a full body workout; and they strengthen the bond between parent and child who must work together through the stages.

There is an extensive online community for support and testi ng. The program and accessories can be purchased at Graciekids.com.

CollegiateFashionistaLocal businesswoman, Diane Dal Lago is making fan clothing glam. She sells popular licensed embellished with crystals for college team and pro racing. Her quality designs have high crystal counts, are machine washable and she chooses only bett er quality shirts, hats and scarves for the embellishments. Fans of the Gators, Seminoles, Bulls, Knights and 44 other schools can fi nd fashionable fan wear to show their spirit with style. Shop online atCollegiateFashionista.com.

Teagan CollectionNot that you’d head to a hardware store for jewelry, but Hammerheads Hardware on West Bay Drive in Largo has an impressive selecti on of gift s including this quality line of college jewelry for Gator, Seminole, Bulls and Knights fans. The company is called Teagan and they sell enamel-coated and crystal beads on 925 marked silver that bump fan wear to a level that any woman will feel good wearing. This Winter Park based company is selling nati onally through its website TeaganCo.com where shoppers can fi nd additi onal colleges, initi als, sports, team colors in crystal and more.

foHawx forBike HelmetsInspired by a 7-year-old who refused to wear his helmet because it just wasn’t cool, the mission of the moms behind foHawx was to provide a product that would make safety helmets hip enough to wear. With fi ve styles to choose from, kids can wear, collect, and swap – easily switching them out and updati ng their collecti ons. $19.99 at fohawx.com

- PAID ADVERTISEMENT -


Local Biz Kids Paving the Way to the FutureBy JENNIFER DUNLAP

From the tender age of seven, Lily Perez began working for her

family’s business. For Lily, that meant managing and growing a

LaMancha dairy goat herd, as well as tending to chores on their

sprawling 40-acre Floral City farm. She worked alongside her

mother, Toni, raising the herd, then selling their goats’ milk products

at various local markets and craft fairs. As a teenager, Lily and her

mom dabbled in a soap-making hobby, using local ingredients and

their own farm’s goat milk. Eventually, with her hands-on background

working with the products and her exposure to the business side of

selling those products in the marketplace, Lily decided it was time to

turn her hobby into a profi table business venture. And at the impressive

age of only fourteen years old, Miss Perez launched Simply Caprine,

a line of aff ordable, natural skin care products using farm fresh goat

milk and other organic ingredients.

A few miles further south in

Safety Harbor, a third-grade

student was tired of a common

(yet painful) experience she and

her young friends kept strug-

gling with - bandage removal! So,

Alanna Meyers set up shop in her

family’s bathroom with a few empty

containers and several potential

ingredients. After about a week’s

worth of experiments, the young

girl emerged with an eff ective,

safe, natural and painless bandage

removal spray. She brought it to

her classmates at school to test it out. Th ey loved the spray and

kept asking for more. Refl ecting back on the initial idea, Alanna’s

mom Julia remembered, “We just did it as a fun project together.

But people loved it, and it worked. And they kept coming back

for more.” Now at the age of ten, Alanna’s resume already touts

such accomplishments as inventor, business owner, and Grand

Prize winner of Nickelodeon’s game show “Figure It Out” (more

on that later!).

Th ese young ladies are just two local examples of a trend

emerging in our youngest generations. Th e entrepreneurial spirit

is soaring these days. Home-based businesses and direct selling

(like in-home parties to purchase products and services) are

on the rise. Consultancy and free-lancing jobs are increasing

in popularity as well among adult workers. Traditional jobs are

harder than ever to get and keep. As a response, many workers are

becoming more self-suffi cient in regards to generating income.

It’s certainly impressive to read about grown women or men who

have invented a product or started their own business. But what

exactly infl uences youth like Lily and Alanna to become busi-

ness-savvy, inventive, entrepreneurial kinds of kids?! Are these

young people truly exceptional? Or is there something every

parent should learn and apply from their stories of success?

Lily’s and Alanna’s experiences have some striking similari-

ties, and the fi rst one is the role played by their parents in their

success. For Alanna, it began before she was probably even aware

of what she was observing. Her mom Julia notes, “She sees us

(Mom and Dad) working at our businesses. And in my particular

business, we produce products. When Alanna came to me with

the idea of making a painless bandage removal, I knew a little

about how and where to get her started.”

Lily and her mom Toni had been working together as a team for

many years running the family farm. As Lily watched her mom

procure the milk from the goats and then take it to the market


and exchange it for money, Lily was learning invaluable lessons

about the exchange of goods for income. “From the time Lily was

born, our goal as a family has been to work as a team and live and

develop a life that teaches integrity, responsibility, PLUS have a

great time living it together. We consider this our Godly heritage

and try to make sure that we honor God in all that we do,” says

Toni Perez.

A parent with some background and experience in the business

world would be smart to begin relaying skills and lessons early on

to their children. Parents, like Alanna’s and Lily’s, with business

knowledge and management experience can certainly be a plus.

But you don’t have to have a graduate degree or specialized skills to

recognize and maximize the potential in your child. A critical key

to future success is to encourage your child to pursue a passion they

have or a talent you see emerging in them. For instance, if your

child loves video games, you can encourage him or her to consider

developing a product or app that is lacking in their market. Th e

creative, artistic youngster may develop an online presence on

sites like Etsy.com (for homemade goods and crafts). If your little

one loves to pick up collectibles and “treasures” at garage sales,

encourage him or her to sell some of their pieces on Ebay.com for a

respectable profi t.

Th e online world can be a great tool for kids who want to start

their own business or products. Donna Partow, former investment

banker, entrepreneur, and author of Making Money from Home: How to Run a Successful Home-Based Business says, “We are in an

age with the Internet where people are intrigued with the ‘novel’, so

parents can help their child identify those things that ARE novel,

entertaining and interesting about themselves.” She adds, “Parents

need to be involved, but kids can create their own personal brand

and, out of that, get a following.”

Alanna’s bandage-removal spray, Take-Off , is a great example of a

kid creating their own personal brand. From the invention of the

product to the labeling of the package and the marketing avenues

taken, Alanna’s parents have allowed her to take her business in

some exciting directions. With a panache for public speaking,

Alanna has been interviewed on national broadcasts like Th e Doctors, Th e Rachel Ray Show, and most recently Nickelodeon’s

game show, Figure It Out where she stumped a panel of celebrity

judges and won the grand prize when they couldn’t guess what she

did for a living!

Alanna says that getting to appear on TV and talk about her product

with people is, “really exciting!” A remarkably confi dent and well-

spoken ten-year old, Alanna says about her success, “Th is whole

process has been fun! I enjoy getting to talk to people about my

product. How many people get to do this? It just feels really special.”

One of Lily’s favorite aspects of her goat’s milk skin care line,

Simply Caprine, is the chance it gives her to utilize her creativity

in her product line. “My favorite part of the business is using my

creativity in designing our brand. Th is includes soap designs and

packaging and all printed materials. I also enjoy writing, so I just

started a Simply Caprine blog.” She prefers to leave the public

speaking and presenting to her mother, and the two have found a

great way to balance the responsibilities of the business with their

own individual strengths. Most recently, Lily has begun to take

on more responsibility for the money management and budgeting

of the business. As a homeschool family, the Perez’s can easily

incorporate this “real world” experience into classes like economics,

which Lily is currently taking.

Parents are not solely responsible for fostering and encouraging

their young entrepreneurs, especially here in the Tampa Bay area.

Local organizations like the Pinellas Education Foundation (PEF)

and Fair Warning have partnered together to inspire and encourage

young people to pursue their creative, innovative business ideas.

Believing that entrepreneurs truly change lives by adding value

through the unique ideas they create and bring to the marketplace,

the PEF and Fair Warning have created a year-long competition

called Next Generation Entrepreneurs: Advancing Innovative Minds. Th is competition is open to high school juniors and seniors

attending Pinellas County Public Schools, and allows students

to submit ideas and business plans in the hopes of winning the

$10,000 grand prize award that will be used to start a real business.

Participating students throughout the year will have access to business

plan training, creativity workshops, as well as mentoring for the top

10 fi nalists in the competition.

For more informati on about the competi ti on or to submit an applicati on to enter, please visit www.pinellaseducati on.org

how to purchase each girls’ products:

Pain Free Bandage Remover

bandage-remover.com

Simply Caprine(goats milk skin care products)

simplycaprine.com

Another organization, 4-H of Hernando County was a huge infl uence

in the education and encouragement of Lily’s business venture.

Joining the Hernando County 4-H club at seven years old, Miss

Perez’s childhood was fi lled with support and opportunities through

this organization. “Miss Nancy Moore with the Hernando County

4-H has been a big encouragement and has provided me with many

opportunities to promote my business,” says Lily.

Parents who wish to give their children the gift of an entrepreneurial

head start are wise to keep three crucial ideas in mind.

1. Encourage and expand on the creative ideas your child expresses.

Both Lily and Alanna started with an idea, and their moms helped

direct them into the next step. One step at a time.

2. Be deliberate about encouraging the talents and passions you see

in your child. Th ey may not have a business or inventive idea at this

point, but parents are wise to watch for those things to which their

child is naturally drawn. Th e basis of their next great idea may very

well come from something they already enjoy doing.

3. Learn about organizations in our community that foster the

entrepreneurial mindset of children and adults alike - and get

plugged in! Whether it be a local 4-H club, the Next Generation Entrepreneurs, or a successful business person you know who would

be available to mentor your young one occasionally, there are endless

opportunities for your child to gain some exposure to the

marketplace in an innovative and exciting way.

By fostering an entrepreneurial business mindset in their children,

parents can expose their kids to a wide array of lifelong skills

for success. From public speaking to time management, money

management and marketing, a child’s fi rst business venture can

equip them with the tools they’ll use successfully for the rest of

their lives.

Alanna and Lily are both already looking into future endeavors

with their respective businesses. Asked about her goals, Miss

Meyers says she has a lot of new things up her inventive sleeve,

including the addition of some new scents for her bandage-removal

line. And Lily Perez is currently working toward several new

products including a solid perfume and DIY kits for some of their

products, too!

It comes as no surprise that their parents are eager and supportive

as these young ladies work toward their next goals. We can’t wait to

see what they’ll do next.

In the next issue, GoodLiving magazine will highlight several women in the Tampa Bay area who conti nue to inspire children and adults alike with new products and businesses they’ve begun. We’re looking forward to bringing your their stories.

ABOUT THE AUTHORJennifer Dunlap is a freelance writer who lives in Clearwater, FL with her husband and two children. She has been published in local and nati onal magazines and is a small business owner.

Real story of a male employee who was bullied at work: “Th e misery took over my whole life. I turned nasty and bitter and treated my wife and kids like whipping posts. After many visits to a psychologist, I was able to think of all the positive things in my life. Now I look back and think I wouldn’t want to go through that experience again.”

Adults have a diffi cult time performing their jobs eff ectively when

subjected to bullying by a co-worker. It takes a toll physically because

of our physiological responses to emotional stress. Typically, victims

endure feelings of depression, guilt and shame, and they suff er sleep

loss and fatigue. In some cases, victims begin to believe the bully’s

behavior is warranted, and they develop feelings of worthlessness.

Victims of bullying may suff er from panic disorders, post traumatic

stress syndrome, agoraphobia and stress-induced high blood pressure.

If they leave the job or are docked because of resulting lowered

performance, they face economic issues. Some take their own lives.

Th e abuse takes a toll on victims in every way imaginable.

Are you a bully?Being accused of being the bully can be diffi cult to accept. You may

believe your actions were unintentional, or a justifi ed emotional

response to provocation. Perhaps, you see yourself as the only one

in the offi ce qualifi ed to do anything right. However, whatever you

have said or done, whether purposefully or not, you have created

a culture of negativity for at least one person and you need to

honestly assess the situation and your role in it.

Symptoms that you may be the bully include: • Insulting a coworker (remember, one person’s “joke” may

be another’s insult).

• Undermining another employee’s work by creating a hostile

environment or perhaps by consistently calling their attention

to “fl aws.” (Bullies focus on a person, while constructive

criticism focuses on a task.)

• As an employer, ignoring your employees’ suggestions.

• Humiliating your employee in front of others.

Are you a Woman of Action?

Find out more atTampaBayWomenofAction.com

If any of these sound like something that you may be doing, it is

important to address this immediately with your victim. You may

want to speak with your doctor about getting help, such as counseling,

sensitivity training and anger management.

It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of a bully in

order to help the victim and the victimizer deal with and exterminate

the behavior.

In general, there are no legal repercussions for non-physical

bullying except in specifi c cases, such as sexual harassment. In fact,

bullying is a character trait that tends to be condoned in American

society. However, if you are a victim, diligently record workplace

bullying events. If you choose to make a formal complaint, you will

be responsible for providing information should there be charges

brought against the bully.

ABOUT THE AUTHORRakesh Malhotra, founder of Five Global Values (FiveGlobalValues.com), is a world-traveled, values-driven business leader who specializes in organizati on behavior. Rakesh’s fascinati on with the connec-ti on between human behavior and core values was sparked many years ago. As a result of working, living, and traveling around the world to nearly 40 countries, Rakesh realized that the Five Global Values determine overall human behavior across all cultures. He is also the author of Adventures of Tornado Kid: Whirling Back Home Towards Timeless Values

How to Detect & Protect Against Workplace Bullying

--a Chronic Corporate DiseaseBy RAKESH MALHOTRA


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HAPPYA note from the publisher, Pamela Settle

I was standing near the door when I heard someone say, “If you

want to have a healthy and happy family, then you need to be in

this room! Everyone here is healthy and happy and sooooo nice.” I

walked over to meet Jennifer, a mom who came to the expo to check

it out, and she told me she was leaving energized and inspired.

Her words couldn’t have been more true. Th e positive energy was

palpable. But then what do you expect when you fi ll a room with

120 people who sincerely want families to be the best they can be?

Parents had the opportunity to meet local experts who could talk

with them one on one about weight loss programs, nutrition,

fi tness programs, counseling, parenting resources and much,

much more. Local fi tness experts held demonstrations on stage

and it was fun to see the variety of activities we have available

in our neighborhoods: boxing, ballroom dance, Zumba, yoga,

pole fi tness, boot camps and more. You could even learn about

Stand-Up Paddling and tree climbing.

Th e inspiration for this event was a story we did about Jenny

Hodges in a previous issue. Jenny lost 212 pounds in just over two

years and is now running half marathons. As our guest speaker,

she shared her story and encouraged moms to put their health at

the top of their priority list. “By making my health my priority, I

changed my life, but I also changed the future of my family forever.”

Th is working mom of three kids found time to exercise, while

still fi tting all the other responsibilities into her day. “It’s hard to

hear this, but if you have 30 minutes for Facebook, you have 30

minutes to do some exercise,” she told the crowd.

Th e other guest speaker was Forbes Riley, a local fi tness celebrity

and inventor of the Spin Gym. She shared her special enthusiasm

for life with everyone who was there, surprising them with how

good of a workout they could get from the Spin Gym.

“I was sweating after one minute,” said Sydney Smith, one of the

other exhibitors. “I couldn’t wait to keep using it.”

Sydney is now part of Forbes Riley’s Fitness Challenge. More

than 30 local shop owners who are members of Local Shops1 are

participating in a ten-week challenge to drop weight. We’ll be

following this story in upcoming issues.

If you didn’t make it to this expo, there will be more of them

coming! Be sure to like our Facebook page so you can stay up to

date on future expos and all of our activities.

Take some time to look through our special Healthy Happy

Family Expo Community Resource Guide on the pages that

follow. You can learn about companies and organizations that are

devoted to helping you and your family. GoodLiving magazine

believes it takes a village to raise healthy and happy family. Th e

good news is that you are not alone! Th ere are caring and knowl-

edgeable professionals, local agencies and volunteer groups out

there willing to help.

Th e day wouldn’t have been possible without our corporate

sponsors. As residents of Pinellas County and consumers,

I want you to know that these sponsors didn’t hesitate to

get involved and support an event that would be helpful

and benefi cial to local families. Please remember this when

you are making your buying decisions. We all vote with our

dollars, and I for one, like to support companies who are

good, caring neighbors.

Forbes Riley shows Aubri Kloote of Evoluti on Weight Loss how to use the Spin Gym.

Jenny Hodges with Weight Watchers counselor Linda Lawrence.


Parti cipati on in the Healthy Happy Family Expo for the following organizati ons was made possible by Lokey Chariti es, Inc.

Saddle Up Riding ClubSaddle Up Riding Club, Inc. off ers Equine Acti viti es for abled and disabled children, adults and veterans through direct interacti on with horses and our many farm animals. Therapeuti c horse-back riding helps to build balance, core muscle strength and confi dence. We have programs for preschoolers, homeschool groups, elementary and middle school-aged children with our riding club and our Equine Assisted Acti viti es for disabled children, adults and veterans. Saddle Up also off ers fi eld trips for schools and an Equine Facilitated Learning program for children with Auti sm and Aspbergers.

Go to saddleupridingclub.org or contact Kellie Sipos at (727)520-3132 for more detailed informati on and prices.

The Homeless Emergency ProjectThe Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. (HEP) of Clearwater provides

overnight, emergency, transiti on and long-term housing to individuals and families. They also assist with nutriti on, medical, dental and other support services to help clients obtain self-suffi ciency and an improved quality of life. The face of homelessness is changing and HEP is here to help families, individuals, children and veterans. They have many volunteer and giving opportuniti es for kids and adults.

Learn how you can make a diff erence in lives at Ethep.org

YMCA of Greater Palm HarborAt the Y, children and teens learn values and positi ve behaviors. They can explore their unique talents to help realize their potenti al. Confi dent kids today are contributi ng and engaged adults

tomorrow. In additi on, the Y is a place for adults to work out, learn a new skill and foster connecti ons with friends.

The Greater Palm Harbor Branch YMCA facility includes a strength and cardiovascular wellness center, group exercise/dance studio, children’s indoor play area and outdoor playground, nursery, outdoor basketball courts, a heated family recreati on pool and a waterslide.

Located on 16th Street north of Nebraska Avenue in Palm Harbor.Learn more about this locati on and the others at ymcasuncoast.org

Bay Area Pregnancy CenterAt the heart of Bay Area Pregnancy Center beats a message of love and commitment to protect and enhance the lives of children and families. We provide care, counseling, clothing, food, and referral services to all clients without prejudice. Bay Area Pregnancy Center has two locati ons:

Clearwater Center2380 Drew Street # 6 in Clearwater • (727)449-1988

St. Petersburg Center4196 - 57th Avenue North in St. Petersburg • (727)525-4541

We would prefer that potenti al clients call for an appointment. Mybapc.com

First Touch MissionThe First Touch Mission helps women transiti oning from prison to freedom improve their chances of success and greatly reduce their chances of returning to jail. This is accomplished by surrounding each woman with a team that provides support, guidance, healthy relati onships and positi ve role modeling. Support includes opportuniti es for employment, building work history and guidance to grow fi nancial stability. These skills provide viable tools for employment, increased positi ve family interacti ons and helps them become contributors to the community.

Learn more about how you can help at fi rstt ouchmission.com

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas CountyBelieving that homeownership contributes to stability for children and families, leading in turn to community stability, Habitat for Humanity provides opportuniti es for qualifi ed low-income families to own homes they can aff ord. Candidates must demonstrate a need for adequate shelter, the ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and a willingness to partner with Habitat Pinellas to invest 250-350 sweat equity hours. Using locally raised funds, future homeowners work alongside community volunteers to construct the homes, which are sold at no profi t and fi nanced with a zero-interest loan. To apply for a home, or to donate or register to volunteer, visit HabitatPinellas.org.

Additi onally, Habitat Pinellas raises funds through their ReStore, a home improvement outlet where donated household and building items are sold to the public.

Administrati ve Offi ce & ReStore • 13355 49th Street N. in Clearwater

Healthy Start Coalition of PinellasThe Healthy Start Coaliti on of Pinellas, Inc. is a community-based, private, non-profi t organizati on focused on improving the health and well-being of pregnant women, their children and families. Go to their website for informati on on programs for pregnant woman and new moms. Also fi nd numerous resources on subjects including breastf eeding, health for dads, healthy sleeping, post-partum depression, dental care and installing car seats. HealthyStartPinellas.org

MADDMothers Against Drunk Driving staff and volunteers are working ti relessly across the nati on to stop drunk driving, support the victi ms of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking.

MADD is conducti ng research-based workshops in the Tampa Bay community for parents of teens, because we believe that parents hold the key to preventi ng underage drinking. These workshops are all about HOW to communicate about alcohol, and ti ps are given for choosing the right words and ti ming to have this potenti ally life-saving conversati on! The workshops are free and open to anyone.

Please contact Sharon Hall, Program Specialist, at (813)935-2676 ext. 6 or email [email protected]

USF Center for AutismThe Center for Auti sm & Related Disabiliti es at the University of South Florida is a community-based project that provides informati on and consultati on to individuals diagnosed with auti sm spectrum disorders and related disabiliti es. CARD-USF off ers instructi on and coaching to families and professionals through a training and assistance model. We are a free service funded through the Department of Educati on in the State of Florida.

Call us at (813)974-2532 or email [email protected]

Woodlawn Community AcademyThe educati onal philosophy of Woodlawn Community Academy refl ects our vision of a Christi an learning community in partnership with the family. We desire to develop the whole child to their highest potenti al in all areas: intellectual, physical, emoti onal, spiritual, and moral. We want our students to be successful, self-reliant citi zens. The ideals of respect, responsible decision making and problem solving are emphasized. Student’s needs are met individually so that each child can successfully learn. We believe that students learn best in a positi ve climate of respect, safety and trust where the educati on program is designed and implemented by knowledgeable, dedicated and loving educators. WoodlawnAcademy.org

Community Resource Guide


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Why Diets Don’t Work:Don’t Make These MistakesBy RYAN PERGOLAFamily Fitness Centers

Are you the kind of person that has tried everything and just

can’t seem to lose the weight? Don’t feel bad, you are not alone.

Even with Americans spending over $58 billion dollars on

“weight loss” and “weight loss products” last year alone the

obesity rate in America continues to climb. One should question,

how is this possible? Did you know that there are over 18,000

diet books out there? If any one of them was right you probably

wouldn’t need the other 17,999. I believe that is because there

needs to be a fundamental shift about how we approach weight

loss and exercise.

Currently, the majority of individuals who start exercising and

dieting to lose weight use what I call the “duct tape approach.”

Th e duct tape approach is the classic “eat less and move more”

approach. Th is approach simply does not work. I believe that if it

was truly about calories in vs calories out none of us would have

a weight problem. Th e truth of the matter is these calorie

restrictive diets slow our metabolisms down and the initial 5 to

10 lbs lost are mainly muscle and water and not fat loss.

Th ese types of low calorie diets yield a reduction in our metabolism

between 10-15%. Th is diet approach causes fatigue, frustration

and damage to our bodies. Calories are simply a unit of energy and

not all calories are created equal. If we try to run our metabolic

engines on insuffi cient or low-grade fuel we aren’t going to have

the energy we need to get the most out of our workouts and we

surely aren’t going to lose any weight.

Ask yourself when you want to lose weight what you are really

saying? You are really saying you want fat loss, not just overall

weight loss. I’m sure we would all agree that if we weighed you on

the moon you would weigh less, right? Fat loss is the true measure

of success when it comes to any fi tness and weight loss program.

Th e solution? Eat for energy and not for fun. By focusing on the

quality of what we eat and not just the quantity, we can eat more

and weigh less. Let’s face it- no one ever got fat eating too many

vegetables and lean protein. Have you ever tried to eat 1,500

calories of vegetables in one sitting? It is almost impossible, but you

can easily get 1,500 calories in one meal at your local fast food

place. Th e secret is controlling your blood sugar through nutri-

tion by eating low to medium glycemic index foods at the right

times and never going too long between meals. Eating the right

foods at the right times allows us to have long lasting energy

throughout the day, increased mental clarity and not ever feeling

hungry. If we couple that with proper exercise that allows us to add

muscle, increase our resting metabolic rates and burn excess fat,

weight loss becomes easy.

Contact us today for a customized plan for you and to learn about

how to lose weight the right way through our clinically proven

12-week education program.

At Family Fitness Centers it is our mission to help individuals and

families take control of their health. We provide the knowledge, the

education and the motivation necessary for individuals and families

to pursue optimal wellness. Family Fitness Centers only promote

science-based, clinically proven wellness programs which focus on proper

exercise, nutrition and scientifi cally proven supplementation. Th rough our

eff orts we can and will create healthier and happier communities.

Ryan Pergola, CPT N.A.S.M, Certi fi ed Lifestyle CoachDirector of Fitness & Nutriti on for Family Fitness Centers


Products, Selection and GREAT Service...

It’s No Longer ‘a thing of the past.’

Th eir banner on the wall reads, “Healthy – Hometown – Helpful.”

At Earth Origins Market, this is not just a slogan, it’s a way of

doing business everyday.

Th is chain of 12 organic & natural food grocery

stores, with two locations in Pinellas County, off ers

a wide selection of gluten-free and vegan food

options, locally produced products, and an extensive

line of personal care items and supplements. While

their selection is impressive, Earth Origins sets itself apart with

their blend of products that cater to the needs of the consumers in

the neighborhoods they serve. Add to that a knowledgeable staff

and an incredible commitment to customer service, and you have a

local market that is good for you and your family!

Everyone knows my name . I know theirs and they go out of the way to help you.

Sylka Umnick, a frequent shopper at the Earth Origins Palm

Harbor, Florida location explains, “I love their products, selection

and prices BUT, it’s the great service I receive that is the biggest

reason I shop here. It reminds me of the small grocery stores I’d

shop at while growing up in Germany. Everyone knows my name.

I know theirs and they go out of the way to help you. Th at’s so

rare these days!”

Umnick’s sentiments appear to ring true with many customers

who shop there for a complete line of grocery and bulk items,

meat, dairy, frozen food, organic produce, gluten-free products

and raw foods. Local shoppers also love their hot food and salad

bars for eat-in or take-out.

Th eir discount card and monthly specials help save

money for shoppers, too.

If you have questions about their products or want

some recommendations for a special diet or health

requirement, their knowledgeable staff is eager to

help. Don’t be intimated by the label “health food store.” Th ey can

help anyone fi nd alternatives to what they’re currently buying and

eating that may not be the healthiest choice. Whether you are a

serious athlete, trying to get back in shape, or simply want to buy

healthier groceries, make Earth Origins Market your place to shop!

Cesar A. Lara, M.D. | Weight ManagementCesar A. Lara, M.D.| Weight Management, Tampa Bay’s Premiere

medically supervised weight management program, is giving you

the power to achieve your dreams of a thinner, healthier you! We’re

giving you what you deserve- the BEST!

B - Board certifi ed physicians who are carefully monitoring your

progress, and who are on call 24/7 to answer your questions

E - Extended hours for your convenience

S - Support meetings that inspire and help you connect with

others on the same journey to a healthier, happier life

T - Tools to Succeed: a three step process to see you all the way

through, convenience packages to save time and money, powerful

nutritional supplements and delicious snacks, our own clinical

hypnotist, Debbie Lane, and so much more!

Our mission is to empower you to improve your physical and

mental well-being by making healthy lifestyle choices and creating

a balanced and happy future for yourself!

(727) 446-3021

bestmedicineforweightloss.com

LA BoxingJoin the fun at LA Boxing in Clearwater! Members say it is by

far the best workout they’ve encountered.

Th e LA Boxing Workout™ mirrors an actual boxing, kickboxing

or MMA (mixed martial arts) bout with fi ve 3-minute rounds

separated by one minute active breaks. Using heavy bags, gloves,

timer and music, the workouts build cardio endurance and

muscle tone. Th e concept is unique in that it teaches proper

punching and kicking form and basic fi ghting techniques while

off ering a full body workout.

Classes are taught in a group setting to boost participation

and intensity, and they are scheduled at convenient times. It is

always a fun and non-intimidating atmosphere at the gym with

many families working together. LA Boxing also off ers a full

range of free weights, weight machines and cardio equipment.

28784 US Highway 19 in Clearwater • (727) 265-2269

LABoxing.com/Clearwater

30555 US Hwy. 19 North in Palm Harbor • 6651 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg • earthoriginsmarket.com


Happy FamilyHAPPYFAMILY is committed to

making baby and toddler food as

healthy and delicious as homemade

with the essential nutrients needed for

optimal growth and development. We

are socially responsible in all that we do.

We use our collective talent to create

the best possible products, grow our

business, and give back to those in need.

HAPPYFAMILY off ers a complete line of baby and toddler

meals and snack foods for the best organic nutrition. As a local

representative for HAPPYFAMILY, I am available to sample

products at community events or provide presentations for

moms groups.

For more information, please contact Andrea Bowe at

[email protected]

Connect for SuccessMichelle Bellagamba with Connect for

Success can link you to the very best

resources for all aspects of wellness

for you and your family! What is your priority- physical,

environmental, personal or fi nancial? Here you will fi nd it all!

You can save money, save the environment, enjoy better health,

and even earn money by helping us market this great entity.

Go green and support our US economy!

For more information, visit connect2stayhealthy.net or call Michelle at (813)948-9002

Risoldi Family

ChiropracticTh e primary goal of Dr. Michael Risoldi at Risoldi Family

Chiropractic is to empower individuals and families to maximize

their life’s potential by promoting wellness through the practice of

the Five Essential Principles. While some chiropractors just focus

on neck and back pain, Dr. Risoldi and Dr. Suzanne Demers

practice a holistic approach to wellness care. Th rough gentle

adjustments, exercise, nutrition, supplements and a healthy

mindset, they can address the most specifi c of health concerns.

3023 Eastland Blvd Bldg. H, Suite 101 in Clearwater

(727)797-9900 • risoldi.com

Evolution Weight Loss At Evolution Weight Loss, a physician

supervised practice, we help our patients

lose anywhere from 5 pounds to 160

pounds. Owner Erin Bender has studied

weight loss, health, science and nutrition

for most of her adult life. She also knows

how it feels to have issues with food so

all patients are treated with compassion

and understanding. Her life’s passion is to truly help patients

achieve long-term weight loss and wellness. We believe success

is about having the right tools and are committed to helping

our patients DO IT RIGHT this time! Evolution Weight

Loss patients are supervised by a medical doctor. Treatments

include the development of personalized nutrition programs,

workout regimens, hormone replacement therapy (HCG), fat

burning injections, dietary supplements and FDA approved

medications. Evolution Weight Loss is a total body weight loss

treatment facility supervised by nutrition experts and physicians

with guaranteed results-- if you are ready to commit!

Locations in Clearwater and Hudson • (727)857-5989

Evolutionweightlossnow.com

Apollo GymnasticsApollo School of Gymnastics off ers a variety of programs

and services with the focus of developing the whole child

through an innovative curriculum that stimulates both the

physical and cognitive domains. We combine organized

curriculums with props, themes and excited instructors to

teach children in a fun, creative manner.

Our goals for our students go beyond pointed toes and

proper shapes. We also hope to play a part in the develop-

ment of individuals who possess the self-confi dence to reach

for their dreams. We want to instill in our students a life-

long love of fi tness, helping to create happier and healthier

adults for our future world.

Classes and after-school camps. Clearwater location

Apollogymnastics.com

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Brain BalanceBrain Balance helps kids who are struggling with

behavior, academics or social skills, including

children with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, autism and

learning disabilities, whether diagnosed or not.

Our drug-free after-school program is based on

the latest research that shows these problems are due to a functional

disconnection between the two sides of the brain. We assess the

child and identify functional defi cits and then design exercises and

nutritional protocols to improve connections and pathways within

and between the two brain hemispheres. As the brain gets stronger

and more connected, so does the child. We typically see two to

four years of functional improvement in three months in such areas

as behavior, reading comprehension, gross and fi ne motor skills,

balance, auditory processing and digestion. Our program is the most

comprehensive and eff ective approach to these issues.

(813)475-6977 • brainbalancetampa.com

CurvesWith Curves Complete, you can

lose up to 20 pounds of body fat in

90 days! Research shows that up

to 95% of dieters regain their lost

weight, and then some. To lose weight and keep it off , your plan

should include diet, exercise and motivation.

Diet: Personalized meal plans, simple recipes, and “Heat & Eat”

options that make portion control simple and aff ordable.

Exercise: A 30-minute total-body workout is a proven way to

build lean muscle and burn body fat.

Motivation: Participants receive weekly one-on-one support and

coaching from a certifi ed Curves Complete Coach.

Th e Curves Complete program is the only complete weight-loss

plan that has it all, so you can lose it all!

Visit curves.com/locations to fi nd a location near you.

Eye Docs OpticalEye Docs Optical is a full-service opto-

metric practice in Palm Harbor, where

we will take care of all of your eye needs

with personal attention and expertise. Dr.

Kate Claffi e has been practicing for over

17 years and can help you if you have

red eyes, dry eyes, glaucoma, diabetics

or ocular allergies. We fi t hard and soft,

astigmatism and multi-focal contacts. Dr. Claffi e is also a leader in

ophthalmic software, designing a visual acuity testing program that is

used in clinics all over the world. Come see our large, beautiful selec-

tion of eyeglasses and sunwear, from designer collections to packages

that fi t any budget. We accept many insurance plans, call to see if we

take yours!

Come to our practice and let us treat you like family.

Visit is online at Eyedocsoptical.com or call us at (727)491-3786 to

make an appointment.

Golden Rainbow RanchLocated in beautiful Brooksville,

Golden Rainbow Ranch, is an

environmental education and

ecotherapy center. Th e ranch hosts

individual family visits, birthday parties, Girl Scout Badges,

homeschool classes, summer camps, family reunions, and more.

Th e ranch includes ten acres of pasture and woodland, as well as an

air-conditioned nature center with microscopes, science activities,

and arts and crafts. Our animals are all tame, safe, and clean.

We have therapy dogs, an alpaca, a miniature donkey, a paint

horse, low line cattle, goats, ducks, geese, chickens and pigs.

Environmental educator Ali Baylor conducts sessions with special needs

kids, as well as at-risk kids, autistic/ASD, and the physically handicapped.

Email [email protected] to learn more about

ecotherapy or visit our website at goldenrainbowranch.org

LiveFree!LiveFree! is a coalition working in Pinellas

County to prevent and address underage

drinking, prescription drug misuse,

marijuana use, smoking and other drug use. Data has shown that

community coalitions are a key to the success of Florida’s overall

decline in teen drug use.

LiveFree!’s activities include the engagement of youth, parents,

law enforcement agencies, experts, and businesses in activities that

promote public awareness of substance abuse in Pinellas County.

Activities build support for parents and teens who are committed

to living free of substance abuse. LiveFree! utilizes many creative

engagement activities to mobilize youth, families and the community.

Get a LiveFree! youth group started at your school or place of worship.

Contact executive director Jackie Griffi n at [email protected].

pinellascoalition.com

The Metabolic

Medical CenterTh e Metabolic Medical Center

specializes in functional and

integrative medicine. We also have separate weight loss, thyroid and

diabetic clinics. We are geared toward restoring the body back to

its normal function by fi nding the root cause of the problem and

correcting it. We specialize in hormone evaluations and bio-identical

hormone replacement, metabolism and weight loss, diabetes,

thyroid disorders, GI absorption, and detoxifi cation. Th e Peaks of

Health is all about bringing our bodies back in balance in order to

enable you to feel your best. For example, if a patient is fatigued,

we want to know what is blocking their body from making

suffi cient energy. We additionally off er IV nutrition therapy

that includes a pre and post-operative package and acute illness

package. Th ere is an infrared sauna on site for detoxifi cation along

with our other medical services. Dr. Leonhardt takes the time

to listen to her patients to really fi nd the problem instead of just

prescribing the Band-Aid. More at PeaksofHealth.com

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magazine’s

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HAPPY


Let’s Dance Florida LLCDancing opens up a whole new world, one that improves your

physique, expands your social networks and challenges you to grow

for the better. Take the fi rst step at Let’s Dance Florida LLC where

your fi rst time is always free on Th ursdays at 8pm. Individual &

group dance instruction, performance opportunities, competitive

training, event choreography, entertainment, fi tness classes and

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Fair Pricing - Friendly Staff - Fun Environment!

Serendipity Plaza • 29121 US Hwy 19 N in Clearwater

(727)723-3269

Subscribe to receive our monthly calendar at LetsDanceFL.com

Pampered Chef Get all the kitchen tools you’ve been

wanting! Show hosts & Pampered

Chef consultants can stock up on our

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worth and keep your free time really free. No obligation.

Call Gina Karnes at (630)261-3537 or visit her website at

pamperedchef.biz/gmkarnes

Elite BodyElite Body is a personal training and wellness center that

off ers clients customized plans shaped to their lifestyle. With

all the amenities a public gym has, Elite body is private, more

personal and has no contracts or membership fees. Th e Elite

Body facility is composed of over 6,000 square feet that is a

clean, safe and welcoming environment. Elite Body has over

15 trainers, 2 massage therapists and a nutritional counselor.

All are part of the Elite Body team because of their passion

and knowledge regarding the human body and physiology.

Elite Body specializes in customized one-on-one personal

training, yoga, boxing classes, fi t camps, pilates, massage, nutri-

tional counseling, weight loss, athlete training and more. Elite

Body takes fi tness and nutrition to a new level with a person-

alized program for every individual.

34310 US Hwy 19 N in Palm Harbor • (727)785-4655

EliteBodyPersonalTraining.com

MedifastMedifast is a clinically proven weight control program developed

at John’s Hopkins University and our products have been

recommended by over 20,000 doctors since the 80’s. Our

centers off er coaching, motivation and guidance through out

your weight loss journey. We customize a program to fi t your

individual needs!

Call today for a FREE consultation (727)791-7075

Holistic Center of Vibrant HealthLet Dr. Lisa Marsh at Th e Holistic Center for Vibrant Health

in Palm Harbor work with you to bring your body, mind and

spirit into balance through natural treatments and nutrition.

Th ey off er comprehensive patient care for all ages, pediatric

treatments and passion for kids with autism and multiple

approaches to holistic care in one location. Experience their

happy, fun and energetic offi ce. Dr. Lisa will incorporate her

knowledge, intuition and experience with love, caring and

compassion. Laughter is a part of everyone’s care plan, and

she has a special kid-like demeanor that relates especially to

children. Call for an appointment and start the path toward a

vibrant, healthy and joyful life.

1114 Florida Ave. in Palm Harbor • (727)772-1966

MyDrLisa.com

Baby Boot CampBaby Boot Camp is an innovative stroller-

fi tness program that helps moms regain or

enhance pre-pregnancy fi tness levels and

meet the physical challenges of parenting

by emphasizing strength training in a

supportive environment.

Karna Fitness off ers small group training classes for women of

all ages and fi tness levels. Class formats include Restore the Core

(mat based core conditioning), Karna Camp (high intensity

interval training class), and Half Marathon Training Program.

Contact Christie Bruner in St. Petersburg at (727)637-7913

or Jennifer Sullivan in Largo at (727)560-0423

Community Resource Guide


ASEAASEA goes beyond nutrition &

ingredients and impacts your cells

at a depth no other supplement has

ever come close to achieving. ASEA

empowers your cells to achieve their

full health potential and is the world’s only source for replenishing

Redox Signaling Molecules. When your cells are healthy…

You are healthy!

Contact Sandi Cianfaglione at (407)929-0011

or email [email protected]/sandico

ChrysalisIn the Chrysalis, we provide

completely customized skincare

programs and treatment protocols,

wellness coaching services and a

network of Healing Arts Practitioners to help you achieve overall

health and wellness so that you might have healthy, beautiful skin.

Cheryl Lindsey, LE, CNHP, Licensed Aesthetician

Chrysalis Medical, LLC • (727)647-9448

intheChrysalis.com • chrysaliscoff ee.organogold.com

Palm Harbor Family

Counseling CenterWe provide warm-hearted, aff ordable

counseling care for kids, couples, individuals,

and parents. In practice since 1990.

2311 Alt. 19, Suite 1 in Palm Harbor • (727)254-9183

Email us at [email protected] visit us online at phcounseling.com

Beast 360 Bring your kids to Viva La Fit gym

in Clearwater and help them develop

the mindset to become athletes for

life. Coach Adrien Blevins has the only Combine 360 program

in the area for kids, as well as a passion for developing strong

and fi t kids at any ability level. Th ey off er after-school programs

for children ages 6 and up and specifi c sports training for high

school athletes. Learn more at Vivalafi t.net

Tampa Bay Birth NetworkTh e Tampa Bay Birth Network’s primary mission is to provide

a community of professionals, families and individuals who

support, educate and promote natural pregnancy, birth and

parenting. Join today!

For more information or questions regarding membership,

please visit our website at tampabaybirthnetwork.org

or email us at [email protected]

Barefoot BooksBarefoot Books is an independent publisher

of award-winning children’s books with

themes focusing on cultural diversity, story-

telling and art appreciation. As an indepen-

dent ambassador, I organize fundraisers and

book fairs, participate in various commu-

nity events, and host open houses to share my love of these

wonderful books, puppets, puzzles, and music CD’s.

Contact Karen Taylor, Barefoot Books Ambassador

(813)469-8870

mystorybookcorner.comfacebook.com/mystorybookcorner

Pathfi nder Outdoor

Adventure EducationPathfi nder Outdoor Adventure Education

gets your kids into nature in ways that will

challenge them mentally and physically

in safe, outdoor environments. Activities

for groups and families include tree climbs, canoeing, orien-

teering, zip lines and rock walls. Student classes are also available

for communication, cultural competency, leadership, character

building and environmental enrichment. Team building for adult

groups too! Year round events and summer camps.

See our calendar and learn more about programs at

Pathfi nder-ed.org

Our offi ce is located at 1310 22nd Ave. S. in St. Petersburg

(727)328-0300

Kara Vita Kara Vita Skincare is a local company in St. Petersburg that

processes skincare products to FDA standards. We use

pharmaceutical ingredients and guarantee results in two weeks or

your money back. We have a 30-day money back guarantee on

all products. Our technology is diff erent from all other skin-

care lines. We have products to help burn victims, fi ne lines &

wrinkles, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, acne and all skin types.

Contact Sharon Less at [email protected]

or call her at (813)963-1780

facebook.com/KaraVitaSharon


Change Your Water

Change Your LifeHeal your body from the inside

out, drink alkaline water. Get 21

days FREE.

Call Joanne at (727)415-2606

Sign up for our free newsletter at agreatwater.com

Forever Living ProductsForever Living Products is a worldwide network of over 9.5

million Distributors in over 150 countries who have joined

FOREVER in seeking out nature’s best sources for health and

beauty and off ering them to the world. Join us to help others

live healthier, wealthier lives through the use of our products

and the benefi ts of our generous marketing plan.

Contact Sydney Smith at (850)276-3500 or

[email protected] • sydney.myFLPbiz.com

BodyWorks by Kathy CHANGE THE WAY YOU TRAIN and get the atten-

tion you deserve in a small Studio located in Dunedin. TRX

Suspension Training is a fun & challenging full body workout!

For more information, visit us online at kathyfi t4life.com

Mention you saw us in GoodLiving magazine and receive

your fi rst TRX Training FREE!

Healing Touch Oriental MedAre you stressed out? Tired? It could be your hormones! We

invite you to attend a FREE class and discover natural solu-

tions for balancing hormones naturally! You’ll go home with

valuable information you can put into use right away.

Call (727)669-6000 to register or email [email protected]

Huntington Learning CenterWe are the pioneer leader in individual instruction & tutoring in

all academic areas so students can reach their full potential and

experience academic success!

Located in Palm Harbor • (727)784-1114

Palm_harbor.huntingtonhelps.com

Going Green TampaWe are a one stop online resource to help consumers in the Tampa

Bay area live a more sustainable life. We provide education articles,

local eco-friendly businesses and green events to encourage those in

our community to live a healthy life while still protecting the planet.

Email Tara LaSalla at [email protected]

Burn It Off Fitness CampBurn It Off Fit Camp assists people of

all levels in ACCOMPLISHING their

goals by providing a FUN, challenging

and highly-eff ective fi tness program that

provides the opportunity to build core

strength, self confi dence and lean muscle

while losing body fat. All provided in a highly-encouraging, moti-

vational and non threatening environment.

Camps are held at 34310 US 19 N. in Palm Harbor

More info at Burnitoff camp.com

Thee Baby LadyChristy Waterhouse, known as Th ee Baby

Lady, is a baby professional and postpartum

doula, providing services and educational guid-

ance to moms during pregnancy, infancy, and

toddlerhood. She is also the author of Z is for Zucchini; a Baby Foods Memory Book.

Email her at Th [email protected]

TM

magazine’s

HEALTHYHEALTHY

FAMILY2012

HAPPY Community Resource Guide


Tampa Bay OrganicsTampa Bay Organics delivers the best in 100% Certifi ed Organic

produce right to your front door. Th eir customizable boxes of

organic fruits and veggies will have you feeling healthier without

ever having to step foot in a grocery store. Use the Promo Code:

GOODLIVING for 50% off your fi rst box!

Call us at (813)949-1112 or email [email protected]

Juvenile Welfare BoardTh e Juvenile Welfare Board ( JWB) is Pinellas County’s safety net

for children and families. Our goal is simple: to remove any barriers

preventing our community’s children from reaching their fullest

potential. We value every child. We want children to be ready to

learn, to be successful in school and to be healthy and happy every

step of the way. We embrace collaboration. We work as a team with

our community partners. We celebrate results. We support long-term

eff orts to bring eff ective change by identifying areas where needs

are not being met. Th en we fi nd – or create a community-based

support network that can turn our investments into real help for

young people throughout Pinellas County. We pursue innovation.

We are not satisfi ed with the status quo. We use the latest research

and professional knowledge to address the needs of children and

families in Pinellas County.

For more information, visit www.JWBPinellas.org

Edward Jones InvestingBy focusing on individual service and meeting in person, we

work with clients to help them understand how they can reach

their fi nancial goals such as saving for college (for kids or

grand-kids) and planning for retirement (IRAs and 401(k)s). With

multiple fi nancial products “out there,” we work with our clients

one-to-one so they can fi nd what services they actually need in

order to help reach their family’s fi nancial goals. Call or e-mail for a

complimentary plan review today.

Ed Gruber, Financial Advisor

(813)964-0816

[email protected]

It Works! Body MakeoverIt Works! Body Makeover - Changing Lives in 45 Minutes!

Look and feel younger, healthier and slimmer the fast, easy and

natural way! Try our Skinny Wrap! Produces impressive long-

lasting results starting in only 45 minutes! Take the Ultimate

Body Makeover Challenge and change your body and your life

for good!

Call Michelle Sanchez at (727)548-9898 or (866)WRAP-911.

Email her at [email protected]

Body by Vi/ZumbaBody by Vi is the #1 Best Weight loss & Fitness 90-day Health

Challenge in North America. It awards $25million in cash, prizes,

and Hollywood makeovers to its best challenge transformations.

It’s fast, easy and saves you money.

Contact Marlene Acosta to learn more at (727)271-3471.

Also join Marlene for Zumba®, a fi tness-party with a contagious

blend of Latin and international rhythms that provides a fun and

eff ective workout. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to

work out and we want you to love working out. Get hooked!

Visit DancewithMarlene.com for details.

Ford & Co for Amway ProductsShopMelissaFord.com

Myrtle Ave. PediatricsHappykidsmd.com

Dynamic Total HealthDynamictotalhealth.com

MK Medical Centermkmedicalcenter.com

VisiblemedVisiblemed.com

Donna Peachey for Thirty-one GiftsMythirtyone.com/peachey31

Tampa Bay Natural HealthTampaBayNaturalHealth.com

Connie Tolbert for ArbonneConnieTolbert.myarbonne.com

Suncoast Waldorf SchoolSuncoastwaldorf.org

Weight WatchersWeightwatchers.com

Fit Life FoodsEatfi tlifefoods.com

Forbes RileyForbesriley.com

PCHD-Tobacco Prevention ProgramPinellashealth.com

House of MercyHouseofMercy-FL.org

Brown Bag Lunches of Pinellasbrownbaglunchesofpinellas.org

Suncoast Center, Inc.Suncoastcenter.org

Early Learning CoalitionElcpinellas.net

Children’s Movement of FloridaChildrensmovementfl orida.org

Girl Scouts of West Central FloridaGswcf.org

MOPS at Harborside ChurchMops.org

City of Dunedin Parks and RecreationDunedingov.com

Other good businesses and professionals that care about you and your family. Visit their websites to learn more about how they can help you.

TM

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Hundreds of walkers and runners came out on October 6th to the

Walk Like MADD event on Indian Rocks Beach to raise money

for education programs that discourage drinking and driving.

“Our statewide numbers are down for Florida, so that’s good news

and a sign our eff orts are paying off ,” said Sharon Hall, Program

Specialist for MADD of Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.

Youth from local LiveFree! student groups walked alongside fami-

lies who were there walking in memory of a loved one lost to drunk

driving. Public safety groups off ered support, including the Pinellas

County Sheriff ’s offi ce and the Suncoast Safety Council who

brought a wrecked car to serve as a visual reminder of how deadly

drunk driving can be. Th e vehicle was donated by a mother whose

daughter was killed in that car.

“Halloween is a dangerous time when it comes to parties and

drunk driving,” added Hall. “And then of course, all the holiday

parties in the months to come.”

To teach people that there are very real, very permanent consequences

to drunk driving, the Suncoast Safety Council hands out a fl yer that

contains a letter written by Eric Smallridge, a man sentenced to

22 years in state prison for the deaths of Meagan Napier and Lisa

Dickson. Th e following are statements from the letter:

I knew people who got DUIs in high school. It really didn’t seem like that big of a deal. Th ey paid their fi ne, lost their license for six months and caught rides with friends until they got their hardship license for school. An accident where someone gets killed, well, that was just not going to happen. Not in a million years did I ever think it could happen to me or that I could end up where I am today.

Everyday I wish that I had taken DUI more seriously and heeded the advice not to drink and drive. I had a great life full of opportunity and promise… In a split second, everything changed.

Prison is more like the movie “Groundog’s Day”… Prison is very repeti-tive. My daily routine hasn’t changed at all since I arrived.

If I were to talk about all the things I took for granted as a free man, I’d be writing for a very long time. But the list of really important things begins with my freedom itself. When I was a free man, I never even thought about what freedom meant to me. Now I think about it all the time. I have no freedom of choice.

Hopefully I’ve already convinced you that prison is a miserable place that you never want to experience for yourself.

Everyday I ask God why I wasn’t the one to die instead of them… I think about Meagan and Lisa’s families and friends a lot, too. I agonize over what I could possibly do to ease their grief and return their loved ones to them. But I cannot do that either and it is more painful than any amount of physical torture that could be infl icted upon me.

If you have a drink, enjoy yourself, but remember that driving simply is not an option. Don’t risk it, not even once, because it only takes a split second to go from a great future to Inmate P22679. Please don’t ever hesitate to designate a driver or to call a cab. Otherwise you may be riding in a police car or, God forbid, a hearse.

I am living proof that it CAN happen to you!

Community Gathers to Support

Photo Courtesy of Florida Highway Patrol


My take away from the book was to start a

personal gratitude blog. Around the same

time, I read a National Science Foundation

Study that found the average person has

50,000 thoughts racing through their head

every day and almost all the thoughts are

the same ones they had the day before.

If that is true, too many of my thoughts

focused on not having enough time. I was

the mom sitting in the stands at a game, but

mentally calculating how much time I would

have to complete my never ending to do list.

It became pretty obvious that gratitude is tied

directly to enjoying your present moment.

Two suggestions, from Cheryl Richardson’s

Th e Art of Extreme Self Care, helped me

pause and add some new grateful thoughts

to my head’s recurring playlist.

Th e fi rst idea is an “absolute NO list.” Th e

list forces you to identify things not worth

spending time on anymore. Everyone’s list

will look diff erent. My lengthy list included

things like making choices out of obligation

and giving unsolicited advice. Her other

helpful idea was identifying values then

making them a priority. I had been reacting

to a to-do list for so long, scheduling time

for things that were important to me like

writing and exercise gave me an immediate

sense of relief and control.

Th is fall, instead of losing leaves, our

gratitude tree is springing to life again and

fi lling in nicely. I am teaching my children

to say thanks, but they have since taught me

to feel thankful. By intentionally embracing

the moment, I am here to witness the

splendor of their childhood. I watch the

Focus on what you don’t have and you live in scarcity. Focus on what you do have and you att ract abundance .

curious appreciation in my 12-year old son’s

eyes when he discovers an unusual critter. I

didn’t miss hearing the genuine enthusiasm

in my 4-year old daughter’s voice when she

declares “Th is is the best day ever” while

fl ying a kite. Th ey didn’t need to read a book

to be reminded of life’s simple pleasures. No

prioritizing schedules, developing habits or

journaling are necessary for them to live in

the moment. For me, it still helps especially

during this time of year.

ABOUT THE BLOGGERTracey Locke is a former television journalist turned publicist turned blogger. Follow her blog at bemorechildlike.blogspot.com

The Saint Petersburg mom is blogging her way to a book, a one-year experiment in consciously trying to be all of the things that come naturally to her children. Opti misti c. Curious. Enthusiasti c. Each month there is a focus on a diff erent childlike quality. The mission is to inspire others to see the world through wider, brighter, more childlike eyes. Find quotes, book reviews, big ideas to spark your creati ve fl ow and ideas on how to play like a kid again.

Join the online discussion as the blog tries to answer the questi on: Will being more childlike make for bett er adults?

Th e clerks at Home Depot were stocking

the Christmas Displays today next to the

pumpkins. I guess it shouldn’t be a shock

since the catalogs for Halloween started

arriving in our mailbox in early August. Th e

holidays seem to accelerate our already busy

lives. I just recently found time to revive a

project we started back in January that was

supposed to be ready for Th anksgiving.

Gratitude was at the top of our family’s

2012 New Year’s resolutions when we

started having our children write down

what they were thankful for each night

before bed. Th e intention was to make a

tree out of a year’s worth of little grateful

notes as our Th anksgiving center piece.

Each night, we put notes or leaves in a chest

along with a one dollar coin. We planned

on letting our children pick the charity this

year we would support with the “treasure.”

I’ve seen the same concept done with a jar.

Instead of hanging the papers on branches,

guests pass the jar and read the notes out

loud during the turkey day feast.

A few days missed during a vacation turned

into weeks without a word of thanks. We

tried again. But a few late nights rushing

around to get everyone tucked in to bed,

turned into months of neglect. Our treasure

chest sat untouched. Why is something

so simple and so life changing, so easy to

forget? Before I could teach my children the

importance of gratitude, I had to experience

it for myself.

In Deborah Norville’s Th ank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You,

the former Today Show host reinforced

what everyone intuitively already knows

to be true. Focus on what you don’t have

and you live in scarcity. Focus on what

you do have and you attract abundance.

Norville takes note of the small things like

the beauty in a sunrise or the kindness of

a stranger who lets her cut through traffi c.

She recommends journaling your grateful

observations and than reading them as a

reminder when your feeling stressed.

sGuest Blogger:TRACEY L. LOCKE


eatingTreating Kids RightA Kid’s Menu Review By PAMELA SETTLE

SHOR, AT THE HYATT REGENCYCLEARWATER BEACH“Take a look at any children’s menu at virtually any restaurant and

you might get the idea that kids’ stomachs are gastronomically

programmed to digest only a small handful of items: processed

meats, pasta, fried potatoes and melted cheese. Yet considering the

human species was kicking around some 200,000 years before the

invention of dehydrated cheese powder, it’s a reasonable assumption

that somewhere along the line, children were willing to eat something

else.” Th is is an excerpt from the book, Th e Cleaner Plate Club (by Beth

Bader and Alison Wade Benjamin, Storey Publishing).

In their book, authors also cite an investigation

by the Center for Science in the Public Interest

that looked at 1,474 possible kids’ menu choices

at the 13 top chain restaurants. Th e work revealed

that 93 percent were too high in calories, 45

percent too high in saturated and trans fats

and 86 percent were too high in sodium.

As a mom, I am regularly frustrated at the

limitations of children’s menus. Even nicer

restaurants resort to the same old line up of

chicken nuggets, pizza, burgers and macaroni

and cheese, when we all know they have things

like salmon and broccoli in the kitchen.

Eating out is a joyful activity. It shouldn’t automatically come

with bad food for the under 12 customers. Th at’s why we will

have many joyful meals at Shor, the restaurant at the Hyatt

Regency Clearwater Beach.

To test our their new “For Kids By Kids” menu, we brought fi ve

children to sample and give us “thumbs up” or “thumbs down”

about the food. Th is specially designed menu was tasted, tested

and approved by kids, including 11-year-old cooking enthusiast

Haile Th omas, who is spearheading a campaign for healthy eating

through her online cooking show, Kids Can Cook.

Many of the menu items are interactive and off er a selection far beyond

the typical children’s menu. Kids can customize their own pasta dish,

shake their own salad in a special lidded-bowl, fi x their own tacos or

build their own sandwich. Some examples from their menu are:

BreakfastTop Your Own Tacoa whole wheat tortilla fi lled with scrambled eggs, cheese and fun toppings

Waffl e Dipping Stickswith peanut butter, maple syrup and fruit sauces.

LunchShaken Chopped Saladwith roasted chicken, vegetables, brown rice and yogurt basil dressing

Build Your Own Whole Wheat Sub Sandwichwith turkey, lettuce, tomato, cheese on a whole wheat mini-sub.

(Th ese off erings are also available during dinner hours).

DinnerNatural Beefgrilled and served with potatoes, roasted vegetables and garden salad

Vegetable and Sesame Rice Noodleswith marinated tofu, corn, green beans, basil and cherry tomatoes.

Th e best part of the menu is the wide variety of choices, all of

them healthy and nutritious, that are made fresh by their chefs.

No pre-fabbed food here. Instead, care was given to place

vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy-sensitive foods on the menu.

Imagine the joy on the face of a child with peanut allergies who

gets to order their sunfl ower seed butter, banana and strawberry

jam sandwich. (It was delicious!)

Th e interactive foods were a huge hit. It was pleasing that

in addition to the respectable treatment and beautiful

décor, the restaurant was friendly and welcoming to

kids. Th ere is a private room with a gorgeous view that

would make an excellent spot for a healthy breakfast

birthday party before a day at Pier 60, a dolphin cruise or

the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Th e prices on the kid’s

menu are surprisingly aff ordable, so don’t be afraid to take

the kids and give them a positive restaurant experience.

Shor is also a great choice for a special family meal.

Celebrate a grandparent’s birthday, a graduation or

treat visitors from out of town. Th e adult menu is pretty

special too, with sustainable seafood choices, grass-fed beef and local

Florida produce. Another bonus: many items on the adult menu

can be ordered as half orders/half price for children under 12. Th eir

menus are grounded in Hyatt’s industry-leading philosophy that

promotes healthy people, a healthy planet and healthy communities.

Photo at top courtesy of Hyatt Hotels and Resorts


eating

October offi cially starts the “candy season” and so

for the next six months, parents will have to face

aisle after aisle of candy displays. It’s not just the

pressure by marketers to buy; it’s that these sweet

treats are steeped in tradition and have become

beloved holiday activities.

We revel in buying mega bags of individual candies for the ghosts

and goblins who come to our doors begging for candy. We lovingly

stock up on stocking stuff ers made of peppermint and chocolate

and wrap them in ribbon to say, “Merry Christmas.” We’ve learned

to say, “I love you” with heart-shaped boxes full of candy. And then

we say “Happy Easter” with a basket full of beans and bunnies.

Th e challenge is to fi nd new ways to celebrate these joyous times in

our lives when all the stores and TV ads are pushing the emotional

connection to candy and junk food. Even our churches and schools

continue to celebrate with candy, making it really diffi cult to say

“No” to a preschooler because they want to join in the fun with

everyone else. It’s enough to make a mom who chooses not to feed

her children candy feel like a party pooper, or worse yet, judgmental.

Here are some tips for making holidays

less about candy and more about love: Research homemade treats that use healthier ingredients. Pinterest

is a great place to start to fi nd websites that post recipes and ideas.

When you cook and bake from scratch, you can avoid buying the

processed foods that are loaded with preservatives and artifi cial

ingredients. Also, try incorporating whole wheat fl our and sugar

replacements into your favorite recipes. Th e time and eff ort you put

into these new holiday traditions will say “I love you” in ways like

never before.

Beware of dyes and artifi cial ingredients in candy, especially

if your child has ADHD. “Many parents would be horri-

fi ed to learn that most of the synthetic food dyes used to

make Halloween candies so colorful and appealing to kids are

petroleum byproducts imported from China,” said Jane Hersey,

National Director of the Feingold Association, a charity that

helps children with learning and behavior problems. Look

closely at any ingredient labels on the candy and toss those

containing synthetic dyes, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.

See their website for more information and a shopping guide

for alternatives. Feingold.com

Focus on an activity and spending quality time. For example,

allow your children to have a home party with their friends

instead of trick or treating. Play games, serve healthy food and

make a funny video that your kids can keep for years to come.

You can even carve pumpkins and roast the seeds for a healthy

treat. (Have a healthy, fun party with kids and you will not be

the party pooper mom!)

Shop your local health food store to fi nd healthier candy treats. Fruit Sparx are candies made with Xylitol and no sugar.Bags of 30 wrapped candies are available at Xlear.com or at Vitamin Shoppe stores. It may cost a little more, but it’s certainly less expensive that treating the illnesses that come with the sugar.

Speak up. Don’t be a complainer, but be an involved parent.

Join the parent groups associated with schools, clubs and places

of worship and guide those organizations to celebrating in other,

healthier ways. Have a mindset against processed chicken nuggets,

candy and cupcakes at kid parties and help create new traditions

that implement creativity and a celebration of healthy kids!

Talk with your children about limits before the party season

gets into full swing and come to an agreement. Together

fi nd creative ways to dispose of the candy they will get at

events, parties and trick and treating. Let them know they

can keep some, but then fi nd places that accept candy. Many

local dentists have buy back programs or fi nd groups that

are collecting candy to send to troops overseas. On Th ursday,

November 3, bring candy to the Long Center on Belcher Rd.

in Clearwater between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Children

17 and under who bring in their candy will get a prize from the

pumpkin prize box and a chance to win prizes such as a new

bike, a Play Pass, or tickets to an upcoming Bucs game.

It’s tough to say “No” to all the treats, so if you indulge, take care of

your body. Eat balanced meals at the other times. Visit your health

food store or wellness practitioner and learn about supplements

that can help you cleanse your system after the parties. Drink

plenty of water and exercise. And of course, brush those teeth.

the Candy SeasonTips for Surviving the Candy Season


eating

UnprocessedOctoberAndrew Wilder, a blogger from California (EatingRules.com)

had a crazy idea. In 2009, he decided to go an entire month of

eating unprocessed food and now his idea is an annual event

called October Unprocessed that he hopes will become a movement

toward eating healthier foods.

He says that decades ago it would have seemed unnecessary but that

today almost every food item has an ingredients list laden with extra

sugar, fat, salt, preservatives, fl avorings and artifi cial colors. So after

his fi rst month of no processed foods, his expectations and his

sense of taste were recalibrated. Cravings went away. He became

excited about what he would fi nd and cook next, relying on

whole foods instead of packaged foods. He included his friends.

“We took turns hosting small dinner parties, and shared our

stories and experiences. It brought us closer together. Funny how

real food does that.”

Every October, his website will encourage people to take the

pledge and give eating unprocessed foods a chance. He admits

that going cold turkey for a month is diffi cult, but it’s the spirit

of the activity that matters. Th e site has guest posts and tips on

how to shop, cook and eat along with recipes and tips from other

bloggers. Th e “DIY” instructions are extremely helpful because

he shows it is possible to do things like make your own ketchup

and butter so you can avoid the preservatives and additives.

Here are Some Tips from the October 2012

Offi cial Guide for October Unprocessed:Th e most important skill in becoming an Unprocessed

detective is reading nutrition labels. Th e easiest way to do

this is to buy food that doesn’t HAVE labels like fresh fruits

and vegetables. Once you get into grains, dairy, meat, and

snack foods, it’s time to get out your magnifying glass. Even

the bulk bins have ingredient lists, so don’t assume that

everything in there is safe. Do you see nutrition info on the

label? You don’t need it. Skip straight to the ingredients list

to get your information.

Ask the following questions:

• Can I identify all the ingredients on the list? • Can I pronounce them? • If I can’t pronounce it, is it the scientifi c name of a real ingredient? • Is it a “whole” food or real ingredient? If YES, it’s good to go. If NO to any of these, it’s processed.

A note on organics and natural foods: Th e term “natural”

is not regulated. You could mix up arsenic and concrete

and slap a “natural” label on it, no problem. Never trust the

claims on the front of a package; always fl ip it over and

consult the ingredient list. “Organic” is a term that is actu-

ally regulated and means that ingredients were grown in

accordance with organic practices, without certain synthetic

pesticides. Th at does not mean that the product is unpro-

cessed, however. Organic white fl our is still white fl our and

organic cookies are still cookies. Th at said, an organic apple

and a conventionally-grown apple are both unprocessed –

and deliciously in season.

Cooking with Whole Foods Just Got EasierFor those who want to make the transiti on away from processed foods to healthier, whole foods, Melissa Lanz, founder of The Fresh 20, can make it easier for you because knowing what to cook is half the batt le.

Subscribers to her meal plan service get fi ve delicious, hassle-free dinner recipes per week, using 20 or less ingredients for the whole week. Her meal plans outline what to buy, how to organize and how to prepare the meal.

Each meal is under 550 calories and if prepared correctly has no preservati ves, processed food ingredients or frozen ingredients.

Subscribers can choose from the Classic, Gluten-Free or Vegetarian menus. The menus are emailed for only $49 for the whole year.

Like all good inventi ons, this one was born out of necessity. As a busy working mom, Melissa relied on take-out food, microwave meals and anything that was fast and easy. One year while doing taxes, she realized her family spent the cost of a new car on take-out food – and they were ti red and not feeling good all of the ti me. Aft er searching for soluti ons, she found plenty of quick recipes, but she specifi cally wanted fresh and easy. Seeing an opportunity to make a diff erence and help other moms in her same situati on, she founded The Fresh 20.

“Families are bombarded with products instead of educated about food” -Melissa Lanz


eating

Have you ever wondered what to do with squash? It’s not just for fall

decorations! High in vitamins and calcium, squash is healthy for the

whole family to enjoy. Winter squash is fl avorful, making it a favorite

fi rst food for babies, too. When shopping, look for squash that is heavy

for its size, rich in color, and has a fi rm and blemish-free skin, avoiding

squash with soft spots. Th ey are able to be stored in a cool, dark place for

a month or longer. Be sure to wash the squash well just before preparing.

Remove skins carefully with a sharp knife, where suggested. Winter

squash can have a tough skin but once mastered, it will be easy to gain

confi dence with each recipe.

Th e recipes to the right will help you get started if you have never really

cooked a variety of diff erent squashes on your own. Th ese are simple,

fresh recipes will give even beginning cooks a start to preparing healthy

sides or homemade baby foods made from whole foods loaded with

vitamins. Once you get the hang of preparing squash, there are multi-

tudes of other recipes online for getting more creative.

It’s Time to

Fall for Squashby CHRISTY WATERHOUSE

Simple Roasted Butternut SquashButt ernut squash: Remove skin with sharp knife. Cut squash into cubes, removing seeds and membranes. Set seeds aside for roasti ng separately. Place cubed squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with dried dill and lightly season with salt and pepper to taste. Sti r all ingredients together to coat. Spread into a single layer. Bake 30-35 minutes in 375 degree oven, sti r-ring once. For babies, puree cooked squash with water to age-appropriate consistency. Toddlers will enjoy the fi nger food size along with the rest of the family.

Left over cooked squash can be mashed, spread over a fl our torti lla, add cheese, chopped herbs and onions, top with another torti lla and heat unti l cheese is melted to make a quesadilla.

Rustic Baked Acorn SquashAcorn squash: With a sharp knife, cut in half lengthwise. A rubber mallet may be needed. Place squash upside down in baking dish with 1/4 inch water. Cover with foil and bake 50-60 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Once, cooled, scoop out seeds and membranes. Set aside seeds to roast later. Serve squash in squash shells, seasoned with maple syrup or scoop out fl esh and puree with water for baby, or let toddler mash squash. Mashed acorn squash is delicious sti rred into vanilla yogurt or oatmeal.

Versatile Spaghetti SquashSpaghetti squash: Wash squash. Pierce the skin with a fork, around the enti re squash, about 1/2 an inch apart. Place whole squash on a sheet of foil and then place both the foil and squash on the middle oven rack. Bake 55-60 minutes in 350 degree oven, turning once and keeping squash on top of the foil. Remove squash and allow to cool. Slice squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and membranes and set aside for roasti ng later.

Rake a fork across fl esh to remove “spaghetti ” strands. Season simply with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

Spaghetti squash strands can be tossed with other steamed vegetables or added to soups. Create a red sauce with pureed stewed tomatoes and cheese to resemble a regular spaghetti recipe.

For the Love of ZucchiniZucchini squash is available year-round so remember to include this sliced squash on vegetable trays. Serve with hummus. Shredded zucchini can be added to casseroles to boost creaminess and nutriti on.

Roasting Squash SeedsWash seeds and remove stringy membranes. Pat dry, then spread squash seeds on a baking sheet. Roast plain or drizzle with oil (lightly) and sprinkle with salt in a 300 degree oven for 10-20 minutes. Sti r halfway through and remove when golden brown. Store in an airti ght container for older children and adults to enjoy.

Christy Waterhouse is an author, baby professional, and postpartum doula. Known as “Thee Baby Lady,” she has 33 years experience fulfi lling a variety of roles in supporti ng new moms and parents. Christy provides assistance and educati onal guidance

to moms during pregnancy and also to families with babies and young children. She is a certi fi ed postpartum doula and a certi fi ed newborn massage instructor. Combining her passion for babies and healthy food choices led to the launch of her customized “Baby’s First Foods” class for infants under 10 months old and “Thee Christy Toddler Picnic™” class for ages 1, 2, and 3 years old. In July 2011, she published her fi rst children’s book, “Z is for Zucchini, a Baby Foods Memory Book” for ages 0-4 years old. Parents commonly remark, “Christy got my kids to eat things I could never get them to eat.” Christy customizes her services for each family. Email her at [email protected]

recipesfrom Thee Baby Lady


My StoryBy PAMELA SETTLE

“Mr. Settle, I need you to take a seat.” No parent is ever

prepared to hear those words on the day after a baby is born.

Th is was defi nitely the case for me and my husband as we

waited in the hospital room for news about our baby who was

in NICU. Her words to my husband sucked the air out of my

lungs and my limbs burned hot with adrenalin. Th at moment

hung in the air, with dreaded anticipation. “What was coming

next?” “What would she tell us about our baby?”

Th e news was our son most likely was born with a rare

endocrine disorder, but they would need to send him to All

Children’s Hospital for testing and consultation. Th e worst

moment of my life is when the ambulance drivers wheeled that

baby away from me down the long, white hall of Morton Plant

Hospital. I cried hysterically in my wheelchair.

Our two weeks at the All Children’s NICU are blurry, faint

memories now. I remember the kindness of the Ronald

McDonald House, our homey respite away from home. I

remember the specialist telling us our son could live a normal

life with proper treatment, but that we had to learn how to test

his blood sugar and administer a potentially life-saving injection

of hydrocortisone.

I remember that news traveled to our out-of-town friends

and family and they enlisted the support of their churches for

prayer. What a moment it is when you realize strangers will

pray for your baby at a time when you feel helpless.

I remember the NICU nurse who gently encouraged us night

after night. Th at same nurse braided a bracelet for me with

beads that read, “Jackson’s Mom” and left it for me on the

day we were discharged to go home. I remember the strong

support I got from my husband as I cried endless tears over

the question, “Why this child?”

Th ese moments are important to my story, because they

changed the course of my life.

Th is beautiful child entered my structured life and unstructured

me. A career woman raised in the 80’s, I never doubted that

I could bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan. My six

weeks of planned maternity leave are proof of that. It never

occurred to me that I wouldn’t want to put my baby in daycare.

“Isn’t that what working women did?”

If God was into posting on my Facebook page, he would have

posted, “LOL.”

Instead, I heard a voice speak to me one day as I was asking

friends for nanny recommendations. “You are begging other

women to care for your baby. What are you doing?”

Th at was a really good question and I am still answering it.

“What am I doing?” For starters, it forced me to change my

paradigm and that wasn’t easy. I never ever considered myself a

stay-at-home mom. But that changed when I brought home a

stay-at-home baby.

More lessons were learned including some important ones about

conditions and realities for working mothers. My advocate’s heart

began searching for solutions and ways we need to stand up for

moms and their kids. I walked down the path with other mothers

who fi ght like tigers to make sure their children get needed medical

and support services. My mind became re-oriented to a world of

working that has no time card but no paid sick leave.

In early 2010, I fi led paperwork to start my own business. It was

a real leap of faith, but there came a point when I realized I was

being pushed to do something more and my family will be a part of

it. Since then, I’ve met countless moms who found creative ways to

be more accessible to their families while earning income. Bucking

the system and blazing their own trails, these moms are resilient,

creative, hard working, innovative and courageous. Th ey off er hope

and leadership to mothers everywhere who want a diff erent way of

life for themselves and their families.

Th is chapter in my life is by far the most rewarding. Because I

made the step to change my direction, I have had moments I would

never have had otherwise. Like picking my child up everyday at

kindergarten and walking hand in hand down the sidewalk, his

backpack bobbing up and down while he chattered about his day.

Th e Florida sun is shining on us from the bright blue sky. I take a

snapshot of this in my mind and thank God for the opportunity to

be his mother and to have this moment. Th at snapshot is my story.


2012 Fall Issue

Documents

good people

good companies

good products34

good businesses

good news12

good eatingtreating

friends good citizens

healthy families