2012 holiday issue

8 - 9Good News

GoodLiving Community Challenge

13 - 15Good Adventures

16 - 21Good Products: Annual Gift Gift

Fitness

Books

Green Market Gift Baskets

A Few More of Our Favorite Th ings

26 - 29Good Eating

Th e Family Foodie

Holiday Treats with a Healthier Twist

The Good Stuff

Features11

Taking a Stand and Making a

Diff erence in Pinellas County

23Go a Little Greener This Season

by Pamela Settle

26 - 27 GoodLiving Guest Blogger:

Isabel Laessig: The Family FoodieChristmas in my Home

30My Story

by Tammy Dunne

About the CoverRead about the Dunne Family, a tale of love and adopti on, on page 30. Photo was shot at the Dunedin Marina by Michelle Nault, one of the many devoted Heart Gallery photographers. This issue is dedicated to all those involved with the Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco: donors, volunteers, staff , the children and the families who open their doors to give them loving homes. Learn more at HeartGalleryKids.org.

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Welcome to our year end special holiday issue!

It’s a wonderful time of year to enjoy the decorations, the parties, the concerts, the shopping

and my personal favorite… the many festive parades that happen around the county. I just

love a parade and as a northern transplant, it still makes me laugh to wear short sleeves

at a Christmas parade in December. As a kid we didn’t have parades this time of year; we

went ice skating at the town’s park and sat in a warming house to drink hot chocolate.

Our parade was walking home in the snow with our skates draped over our shoulders.

Florida is full of people who grew up with diff erent types of Decembers. And for one

reason or another, we are now residing side by side in Pinellas County, Florida – a culturally

rich and varied micro melting pot.

What every one of us has in common today is that right here, right now, this county is

our home and our neighbors are our community family. No matter where we are from.

No matter which pro sports teams we still root for. No matter our personal walk of life.

Pinellas County is home.

So as we celebrate this December in our own traditions and as a community, we can take

a moment to be grateful for all the good things our county has to off er. We can also take a

moment to recommit ourselves to being an active part of our community.

A house that is not tended to will fall into disrepair, and so it is the responsibility of every

citizen to contribute some maintenance and repair to our larger home. Countless clean

up projects are out there. Helping neighbors with paint, planting a community garden,

landscaping an elderly person’s yard or adopting a road for litter clean up.

As a community family we need each other, too. A friendly smile to a stranger, a kind

word to a store clerk, encouragement to a co-worker, mentor to a child, coach to some

youth or delivering meals to the elderly. Th ese are just a few of the ways that we can be a

good family to one another.

Our county is fi lled with non-profi t organizations, ministries, schools and clubs that are taking

the lead to clean up our home and care for our family. Th ey have volunteer opportunities just

waiting for you. Or take the lead yourself. Find a way to be a part of something that is

bigger than you. It will open doors and your heart at the same time.

GoodLiving magazine says thank you to our readers, our advertisers and our community

partners for a tremendous year. We wish you all the very best of the season and a blessed

year ahead.

Until next time, be good!

Letter from the Editor

Pamela Settle

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a 2013 full of blessings!

TM

Holiday Edition 2012

PublisherLight Shine Media Group, LLC

Editor-in-ChiefPamela Sett le

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.

GoodLivingHoliday Edition 20128

While we had a good deal of fun compiling this

special year-end holiday issue, we felt it fi tting to

devote the fi rst two pages to those in need, recog-

nizing that many in our community are struggling

with hunger, loneliness, illness and hopelessness.

Christmas is the season of giving and Pinellas

County is full of generous, loving and caring

people who reach out in both big and small ways

to help others.

Everyone can be part of the giving season. No

matter your individual situation, there is someone

who needs you and someone you can help. Please

don’t assume that others are doing it or that

you’re not rich enough to make a diff erence.

It is in this true spirit of caring and giving, that

GoodLiving magazine has issued a community

challenge called “Fill our Food Banks!”

We are asking each and every person in the county

who is capable to give at least one item of food to

a food bank or to a collection drive. If you can’t

make a donation of food, then please fi nd a way to

give a small fi nancial contribution. A good way to

multiply your eff ort is to hold a small food drive in

your offi ce, your class or in your neighborhood.

Th e following is a short list of food banks that need your help. Th ere are many more that can be found at 211Connects.org. Contact them by phone fi rst before drop-ping off food as hours of collection vary by organization.

TM Community Challenge

During the month of December,every resident of Pinellas County is

asked to give a donation of food to at least one food pantry in the county.

Fill the Food Banks!

Abundant Life Ministries1550 Belcher Road SouthLargo, FL 33771(727) 210-LIFE x5433abundantlifeministries.cc

Calvary Episcopal ChurchThe Beach Community Food Pantry1615 First St.Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785calvaryirb.org/foodpantry.htm

Countryside Christi an CenterHelping Hands Ministry2565 Blackburn StreetClearwater, FL 33763(727) 724-1290countrysidechristi ancenter.org

F.E.A.S.T. Food Pantry2255 Nebraska AvenuePalm Harbor, FL 34683(727) 789-5275feastf oodpantry.com

First United Methodist Church of Pinellas ParkCan Cupboard9025 49th Street NorthPinellas Park, FL 33782(727) 546-5741gbgm-umc.org/fi rstf l

Northwood Presbyterian Church Food Pantry2875 State Road 580Clearwater, FL 33761-3231(727) 797-8276northwoodpc.org

Lealman United Methodist Church Food Pantry4090 58th Avenue NorthSaint Petersburg, FL 33714-1133(727) 526-6240fl umc2.org

Matti e Williams Neighborhood Family Center1003 Dr. ML King Jr. Street NorthSafety Harbor, FL 34695(727) 791-8255shnfc.org

Northside Bapti st ChurchBenevolence Ministry Food Pantry6000 38th Avenue N.Saint Petersburg, FL 33710(727) 381-3642nbcstpete.com/benevolence

Oldsmar Cares163 State Road 580 WestOldsmar, FL 34677(813) 415-7373oldsmarcares.org

R.C.S. (Religious Community Services)Food Bank700 Druid RoadClearwater, FL 33756(727) 443-4031rcspinellas.org

Salvati on Army Clearwater Social Services1521 E. Druid Rd.Clearwater, FL 33756(727) 446-4177salvati onarmyclearwater.com/more_about_us.htm

Salvati on Army St. Petersburg Food Assistance1400 4th Street SouthSt. Petersburg, FL 33701(727) 821-9123salvati onarmysouth.org/FLA.htm

Salvati on Army Tarpon Springs Social Services209 S. Pinellas AveTarpon Springs, FL 34689(727) 934-4476salvati onarmy.org

news

9GoodLivingHoliday Edition 2012

St. Patrick Roman Catholic ChurchMinistry of Helping Hands1507 Trott er RoadLargo, FL 33770-4366(727) 584-2318 x330stpatrick-largo.org

St. Paul United Methodist ChurchOpen Arms Ministry1199 Highland AvenueLargo, FL 33770(727) 584-8165stpaulumc.org

St. Petersburg Dream Center Ministry1360 16th St. S.Saint Petersburg, FL 33705(727) 520-1909stpetedreamcenter.org

Tampa Bay Harvest13620 49th Street NorthClearwater, FL 33762(727) 538-7777 x1tampabayharvest.org

Organizations around the county are also collecting toys. Please contact these agencies about helping them with their eff ort.

Metropolitan MinistriesHoliday 2012 Taking it to the StreetsCountryside Christi an Center1850 N McMullen Booth RdClearwater, FL 33769(727) 799-1618metromin.org/page.aspx?pid=535

Metropolitan MinistriesHoliday 2012 Taking it to the StreetsPasadena Presbyterian Church123 Pinellas Way NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33710(727) 520-1909metromin.org/page.aspx?pid=535

Metropolitan Ministries Holiday 2012, Taking it to the StreetsTaking it to the Street Ministries7320 47th St.Pinellas Park, FL 33781(727) 546-5767metromin.org/page.aspx?pid=535

Metropolitan MinistriesHoliday 2012, Taking it to the StreetsTogether Step by Step1250 Holt AvenueClearwater, FL 33755(727) 631-3157metromin.org/holiday-central

St. Petersburg Free ClinicWe Help Christmas Baskets 2012We Help Services863 3rd Avenue NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33701(727) 821-1200 x114stpetersburgfreeclinic.org

We asked our friends at the RCS Food Bank about the best kind of food to

donate so that people in need can eat healthy, too. Here are their suggestions:

Canned Meats for Proteinchicken, chili, spaghetti sauce with meat, low sodium hearty soups and stews

Canned Fish for Protein/Omega-3salmon, tuna, white fi sh, oysters

Peanut Butter and Nuts for Protein, Vitamins, Minerals, Fibersmooth or crunchy peanut butter, almond butter and cans of nuts that have

low or no salt & sugar

Canned Vegetables for Vitamins, Minerals & Fiberall vegetables, all types of beans, canned greens, canned tomatoes and canned

soups that are low or no salt

Rice and Pasta for Fiber & Mineralswhole grain pastas, macaroni and cheese, wild, brown, enriched rice

Bottled and Canned Juices for Vitamins & Minerals100% juice, no sugar added, calcium & vitamin enriched, no high fructose

corn syrup

Special NoteFood banks are always in demand for baby and toddler food and diapers

Learn more about donating food to the RCS Food Bank at RCSPinellas.org

or by calling (727)443-4031 for a pick up.

Christmas Toy ShopChristmas Toys 2012North Pole550 16th Street NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33705(727) 898-3962christmastoyshop.org

People that LoveFree Toys for Kids Christmas Eve Day 2012People that Love Mission817 5th Avenue N.St. Petersburg, FL 33701(727) 820-0775peoplethatlove.com

RCSHelp & Hope for Those in Need

THE LOKEY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP WISHES OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS A BLESSED 2013!

SUPPORTING SALVATION ARMY AT CHRISTMAS

Lokey Automotive Group and Lokey Charities are wrapping up 2012 by supporting the Clearwater Salvation Army’s efforts to

collect money and food to help our area’s poor and needy.

To help raise awareness, we’ve provided this VW Beetle to Lt. Col. Tom Jones. If you see him out driving,

honk and give him a friendly wave.

On Saturday December 15th join us for some fun at Lokey VW in Clearwater. We have a concert by the Oak Grove Middle School Chorus and Band at 1 pm. From 9 am to 3 pm we will have a 6-foot red Salvation Army Kettle up on the roof and we want

people to come by and help us fi ll it up! Lokey volunteers will be in Santa gear to ring bells every time someone makes a donation. Stop in to see the oversized kettle and bring a few dollars to help

out a neighbor.

NOVEMBER CELEBRATIONSLokey employees were busy making Thanksgiving a special time.

They chipped in to donate food items and cash to provide dinner to 25 families at the Homeless Emergency Project

for a Thanksgiving Feast.

On November 10th, we participated with the Project Family celebration with Skycrest Ministries. Over 350 families with children were entertained and then given a week’s worth of free groceries.

LOOKING AHEADThe 4th Annual Lokey Charities Golf Classic is coming up

Friday, May 3rd, 2013 at the Belleair Country Club. Golfers, save the date!

GRATITUDEPaul Lokey would like to thank the wonderful sponsors who have

partnered with Lokey Charities, Inc. to bless familieshere in Tampa Bay throughout 2012. They are:

Port Consolidated, Sullivan Benefi ts, Auto Safe ‘n’ Sound, BarG Products, Impact Custom Marketing, AutoTrader.com, Dealer Services Network, Your Auction of Tampa Bay, JM&A Group, B2B Sign Resource, Hopkins & Raines Co., Auto Body

Express, The McDavid Group, Bandes Construction Co., Fidelity Insurance, Ameri-can Products & Glass, Car-Research, Aramark Uniform Services, Dealer.com, Auto Showplace, AutoNation Direct, AutoZone, Blume Mechanical LLC, Dealer Profi t Services, Direct Auto Dealer Supplies, FCC Environmental, Wallace Welch & Will-ingham, Prospect Renovation Lending, LKQ Corp., Skycrest Ministries, Enterprise

Holdings and many others.

Taking a Stand and Making a Difference in Pinellas CountyIn Zig Ziglar’s book, “Better than Good,” he talks

about how important it is to have passion for life

and your life’s calling. Passion, he says, is fueled by

inspiration and inspiration comes from investing,

inquiring and getting involved. Passion and inspira-

tion are not gained haphazardly, but rather through

intentional living and planning.

2012, then, can be described as a better than good

year for GoodLiving. Passion for building a strong

community that is fi lled with happy families and

healthy bodies drives the content for the magazine.

Inspiration is gained from the community every day

of every month. “We don’t need to go far to fi nd good

people, good businesses and good news to share. In

fact, we could do 24 issues a year and still not have

enough space to share all that is good in Pinellas

County,” said Pamela Settle, publisher of GoodLiving.

“Th at amount of inspiration certainly gives us the fuel

we need to stay passionate about what we do.”

Th e work doesn’t end with having an informative and

inspirational magazine. “Our actions and community

involvement support our overall mission to be an

active part of making a positive diff erence,” she added.

“We believe strongly in taking a stand on issues that

matter and being a voice in the community for good.”

Lots of Good Stuff Happened at GoodLiving in 2012! • Th e creation of Tampa Bay Women of Action to connect and honor women

• Held the fi rst Healthy Happy Family Expo in September

• Partnered with Local Shops1 to promote local small businesses

• Partnered with Going Green Tampa to promote green living

• Launched Good Works Pinellas to match ministries with donors and volunteers

• Partnered with Pinellas County Council of PTAs to promote parental involvement

• Sponsored numerous charitable organizations and events with editorial and

free advertising including Live Free!, National MS Society, National Day of Prayer, Clothes to Kids, RCS Food Bank and the Heart Gallery.

• Supported women in business with Working Women of Tampa Bay and

Biz Moms Connections. • Publisher Pamela Settle provided leadership on committees such as Pinellas County Council PTA’s Health and Safety Committee and Learn to Succeed. • Publisher Pamela Settle was asked to serve on the Parents 4 Pinellas Students Steering Committee, was appointed co-chair for the Children’s Movement of Florida for Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties and was asked to serve on the

Advisory Council for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

GoodLiving is more than a magazine. It’s a publication with a purpose to inform,

inspire, celebrate and encourage balanced, healthy and meaningful living.

Our passion is inspired. Our inspiration comes from the community.

And our work is intentional, based on what we stand for:

Strong families. Children. Healthy Bodies. Quality Food. Healthy Relationships.Quality Education. Service to Others. Philanthropy. Media Literacy.Supporting Local Business. Sustainable Living.

To learn more about GoodLiving, visit the website at GoodLivingMagazine.com.

Read “What We Stand For” in the About Us section.

In 2012 editor Pamela Sett le was named co-chair for the Children’s Movement of Florida for Pinellas and Hillsborough Counti es. She serves with Dr. Terry Collier from St. Petersburg College.

TM

magazine

13GoodLiving


adventures

Christmas Town at Busch GardensWhen it comes to holiday-themed events, it’s always exciting to take

the family to see something new, and this year Busch Gardens has

outdone itself by creating Christmas Town, a series of holiday-themed

evening attractions that make the park sparkle with 80 miles of

breathtaking lights, special shows and an area for kids to play in snow.

Th is is the fi rst time in the park’s 53-year history that visitors will

experience all-new evening attractions, shows and shopping. Th is

is wonderful news for local families who have already seen it all.

Among the many new off erings are: SnowWorld®, a 10,000-square-foot area with drifts of man-made

snow. Th is snow play area will have a slide and space for kids to

build a snowman or have a snowball fi ght. Mittens are suggested.

Ride on the Christmas Town Express, their vintage-style steam

locomotive that has been decked in decorations and will have a

Christmas Carol sing-a-long.

Stroll through Candy Cane Lane and take the kids to see Santa,

Mrs. Claus and the elves at Santa’s House. A dinner buff et with

stories and songs can be purchased separately.

Shop for unique gifts or indulge in a delicious seasonal treat at

Christmas Town Village where tiny Christmas cabins have apple pies

and strudels, gingerbread cookies, eggnog, roasted nuts and more.

Stroll through the park to be dazzled by light displays at

Poinsettia Parkway, Flamingo Valley and Ice Wonder Way.

Take in special holiday entertainment. Each night Grammy

Award-winning contemporary Christian artists Jars of Clay will

provide an uplifting fi nale concert.

Jimmy Osmond’s Christmas Jukebox will be at the Stanleyville Th eater.

The event requires a separate ti cket and is open from 6 to 11 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Nov. 30 through Dec. 23. General admission for adults is $39.99 plus tax. Check for discounts from Chick Fil-A, Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart and Fantasti c Sam’s. Buy online and get an advance ti cket price of $9.99 for children.

A special note of menti on: A porti on of the proceeds from this event will go to All Children’s Hospital. Kudos to Busch Gardens for supporti ng kids!

Like our Facebook page and learn how to win free ti ckets to Christmas Town and Safari Wilderness.

Matt Marriot/Busch GardensMatt Marriot/Busch Gardens

With Christmas falling so early in the winter break, you may fi nd yourself with some days to fi ll with family activities. Fortunately, several local attractions have new off erings that range from high speed thrills to the long-awaited opening of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.

Safari Wilderness and Giraff e RanchFor a truly unique day trip during the holiday break, take the kids

or the out-of-town company to visit the new Safari Wilderness,

a 260-acre natural adventure park in Lakeland. Here visitors can

completely forget they live in Florida while they enjoy a safari-like

experience. Unlike the busy theme parks, there are no lines and no

crowds, and reservations are recommended to ensure you can get in.

Experienced guides drive visitors in customized safari vehicles to view

exotic animals as they roam freely in their herds, just as they would in

the wild. Camel rides are highly popular, as are the budgie parakeet

encounters and lemur feedings. Th eir ring-tailed lemurs are polite and

will line up to carefully remove a grape from an outstretched hand.

Safari Wilderness is the sister park to Giraff e Ranch, which is located

near Dade City. Here also, visitors get an intimate safari expedition

with great views of their wildlife. You can ride a camel, feed a giraff e

and get up close and personal with their rhino and pygmy hippo. Both

parks are family owned and operated and attendance is strictly limited.

It’s worth a look at their websites Safariwildnerness.com and

Giraff eRanch.com to learn more. Th ey accept school groups too.


Richard Petty Driving ExperienceAdult drivers (albeit mostly men) have been slipping into the driver’s

seat of a real NASCAR style racing car at the Richard Petty

Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway for years

now. Starting at $449, visiting drivers get to put on a racing jump

suit, strap on a helmet, slide in the window and actually drive a 600

HP car a full eight laps around the oval track. A racing instructor

is in the passenger seat with constant radio communication, telling

the driver when to steer to the wall or “turn harder” as the case may

be. Th e driver only goes as fast as he or she is comfortable with, so

even beginners can have an authentic racing experience.

New this year are sleek exotic cars and an expert handling course

at the Exotic Driving Experience also at the Speedway. If a Ferrari,

Lamborghini, Audi or Porsche are more your style, then for only $169

you can drive six laps around the circuit. Th rill Rides with a profes-

sional driver behind the wheel are available for $99. Reservations can

be made at exoticdriving.com or by calling (855)822-0149.

Like our Facebook page and learn how to win a free Junior Ride-Along certi fi cate just in ti me for Christmas.

A terrifi c gift idea for the younger car fanatics is their brand new

Junior Ride-Along Program for children ages 6 to 13 (height

requirement is 48 inches). A great deal for $59, this ride along could

be the most thrilling experience of their little lives. A very friendly

staff gets them into their smaller sized jump suits, fi ts their helmets

and lifts them up so they can go feet fi rst through the window. Th ese

rides were made possible because of specially-designed safety seats

commissioned for this purpose. Parents can watch knowing their

children are having the safest drive possible.

Th e driver revs the engine and they speed off to complete three

full laps. Again, the speed is determined by the comfort level of the

guest, but be sure they will go much faster than the minivan on I-4.

Because everyone wants to be able to share this exciting experi-

ence with their friends and family, every driving guest gets a fl ash

drive with a video presentation that combines both angles shot with

cameras: the driver in the car and the view of the track. It comes with

full audio from start to fi nish as well, so make sure you only say what

you want your mom to hear!

LegolandBrand new to Legoland is the Star Wars Miniland Cluster crafted

entirely from 1.5 million LEGO bricks. Th e new interactive area

includes a scene from each of the six live-action Star Wars™

movies. Some of the 2,000 LEGO® models will be more than

6-feet-tall. Interactive buttons will allow children to activate

animations throughout the scenes.

Also off ered is the Christmas Bricktacular with holiday-theme

festivities on Saturdays and Sundays in December and is

included with park admission. Take a family photo in front of

the 30-foot LEGO® Christmas Tree made with 270,000 blocks,

help Santa in a fun-fi lled scavenger hunt and enjoy decorations

and holiday entertainment throughout your visit.

And fi nally, take the kids to celebrate New Year’s Eve LEGO style

on December 31st. A giant LEGO brick will drop at midnight

KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 6 p.m. EST.

Other event elements include fi reworks and a dance party DJ.

adventures

For locals who love everything Disney, the long awaited opening of the

new Fantasyland is fi nally upon us. December 6 marks opening day for

Beauty, Beast, Ariel and the rest of the new residents at Fantasyland.

Th e expanded section has new attractions, restaurants and entertainment

with the focal point being Beast’s castle in the Enchanted Forest.

In the Enchanted Forest you will be immersed in the popular

Disney fi lms Th e Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.

Enchanted Forest Att ractionsUnder the Sea: Journey of the Little MermaidEnter Prince Eric’s castle, board a giant clamshell and behold a

world teeming with color and characters as high-energy songs and

incredible eff ects take you inside scenes from the fi lm.

Ariel’s GrottoTake photos and get autographs with everyone’s favorite

undersea princess.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Feast in one of three incredible dining rooms in the middle of

Beast’s Castle, serving French-inspired cuisine.

Enchanted Tales with BelleTh e journey begins in Maurice’s workshop, where an enchanted

mirror becomes a doorway to an unforgettable experience. Step

through the mirror to fi nd that you’ve been transported to Beast’s

magnifi cent library, where Belle and Lumière lead visitors through

a lively retelling of the “tale as old as time.”

Also new to Fantasyland is Storybook Circus. Fans of the Flying

Dumbos will be pleasantly surprised at how they’ve reconfi gured

and updated this iconic ride and created a method for handling the

wait so parents with toddlers won’t need to stand in long lines.

Storybook Circus att ractionsThe Barnstormer Take to the sky with Th e Great Goofi ni on a spiraling stunt plane

adventure. In the tradition of classic air shows, Th e Great Goofi ni

takes riders away on a spiraling stunt plane adventure where they

twist and turn on their roller coaster “fl ight” that takes you high

above the grounds of Storybook Circus.

Dumbo The Flying ElephantDumbo Th e Flying Elephant now has two rotating squadrons of

airborne pachyderms. Just as before, riders can maneuver the easy-

to-handle joystick to go up or down. Th e rides are housed with a

circus-theme play area, where upon entry you are given a pager that

holds your place in line and notifi es you when it’s your turn to ride.

Now while you wait, kids can play in an air-conditioned recreation

area with slides, nets and a toddler play area.

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak StationA circus-themed water play area where guests can enjoy cooling off

and getting wet.

Also at Magic Kingdom is the favorite Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which has a separate admission ti cket of about $60, depending on which date you pick. The upside is that you can see the new Fantasyland while enjoying the Christmas parade, fi reworks show and other holiday festi viti es. These special events run on select nights unti l December 21st.

The new Art of Animati on Family Value Resort is also now open. The resort has four areas that salute Walt Disney and Disney/Pixar classic fi lms: Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Litt le Mermaid. Every room is decorated to the theme and spacious family suites that sleep six have two separate bathrooms, a master bedroom and a generously sized dining or work table. The resort has three swimming pools and four playful courtyards - one for each fi lm - to complete the themed experience.

D I S N E Y F A N T A S Y L A N D


productsANNUAL GIFT GUIDE

FitnessSay “I Love You” and “Merry Christmas” with gifts that will get or keep someone active.

Schwinn BikesBring back the fun of bike

riding with two models

made by Schwinn® that are

reminiscent of childhoods from

an earlier time. Th e iconic banana

seat bike is back as the Schwinn®

Spirit, and at just the right time

to get kids outside and active. Imagine this pink beauty by the tree

on Christmas morning! Th is 20” cruiser is for girls. Comfortable and

stylish with coaster brakes, low step-over frame and colorful streams

on the high-rise handlebars. Sold at Walmart for $119.

A mom and her daughter could spend many an afternoon enjoying

a leisurely ride together, chatting, stopping for a cool drink and

getting much needed fresh air. On the Pinellas Trail, at the beach or

in the neighborhood, mom will look and feel like a retro princess on

her turquoise City 2 Cruiser also by Schwinn®. Th e City has a

lightweight yet strong step-thru aluminum frame and Shimano

Nexus® 3-speed drivetrain with Revo® shifter for extra gears and

easy shifting. Its large size and construction make it durable and

comfortable. It rides a smooth ride and is seemingly eff ortless.

Th e city comfort saddle is named appropriately. A little on the

pricier side for an upright, recreational bike, but good quality, good

design and good health are worth it. Th is model is only available at

Schwinn® Signature Independent bike shops for around $700.

Kinderfeets Th is innovative training push bike uses

foot power instead of pedal power to

teach small children how to ride a bicycle.

Th e bike’s designer and company owner

pulled from his Dutch heritage to design

a bike for his own two-year old child.

Kinderfeets are handmade using a low

step-through frame, ergonomically

designed seat and handlebars, foot-pegs

and a cushioned, washable seat. Made

from birch and every tree used to make Kinderfeets is replanted.

Several colors off ered in a chalkboard fi nish so children can decorate

their bike to make it their own. Designed for ages two and older

with a maximum weight of 65 lbs. $110 at Kinderfeets.com.

FitDesk™Pedal while you surf the net or read that

work report? Absolutely! Pedal away on the

FitDesk™, a combo stationary bike and desk,

while you rest your laptop, tablet or e-reader

on the foam pad in front of you. It is the

perfect gift for the person who sits too much

at a computer and needs to get circulation

going for at least part of the day. Or maybe

for a grandparent who wants to read their

email or watch TV while peddling.

Th e patent pending design allows you to rest your elbows comfort-

ably on a padded, non-slip surface while you spin. Th is allows

you to support your body while in motion, and frees your hands

for typing. It’s compact and folds up quickly and easily. It’s also

surprisingly sturdy. FitDesk™ was invented for the busy world so

people could be effi cient with their time and have no excuses for

not exercising. According to the book Brain Builders, movement

improves brain function, mental abilities, gains in intelligence,

performance speed, ease of learning, detail recollection, reduced

levels of anxiety and depression. $249 at Fitdesk.net

Monster HoopsHooping for fi tness has

really caught on, and it’s

not just for kids. Adults are

using them at fi tness centers,

dance classes, night clubs

and parties. St. Petersburg

resident Abby Albaum is a

hoola hoop expert who sells custom made Monster Hoops and off ers

classes for adults of all levels of expertise. Her hoops are larger and

heavier than the store bought ones to give the user better body control.

She can make larger hoops for fuller fi gured customers and smaller

ones for kids. (She does birthday parties, too.) Hooping can be done by

anyone, anywhere, making it an aff ordable, transportable and fun method

of exercise. It promotes cardio, ab strength and better coordination.

Monster Hoops can be purchased at the Sunken Gardens or at the

Saturday Morning Market in St. Petersburg or on their website for

about $40. HoolaMonsters.com

JuggleFitResearch shows that learning to

three-ball cascade juggle increases gray

matter in the occipito-temporal cortex

in just a week. Translation: after seven

days of tossing, catching, and yes, sometimes dropping three balls,

you’ll build motor skills and strengthen the part of your brain that

processes information. Double bonus: You’ll burn up to 280 calo-

ries an hour. And since juggling is a low-impact exercise, JuggleFit

makes a great brain and body workout for ages 14 through 114! Kit

includes instructional DVD, three high quality juggling balls and 3

nylon juggling scarves. $24.99 at Marblesthebrainstore.com

17GoodLiving


productsSpin GymTh is is a must have for anyone for who works

at a desk or at a computer, and a wonderful

gift for anyone wanting or needing to be in

better shape. Th e Spin Gym is the creation of

St. Petersburg business woman Forbes Riley,

a fi tness celebrity, entrepreneur, professional

speaker and fi tness product expert for HSN.

She based the design of the Spin Gym from

a child’s toy, but this is a highly engineered

product made from quality materials. Th e

disk of Spin Gym is weighted and creates

20 pounds of gyrotronic resistance when

you pull the cords out to keep the weight spinning. Alter positions

and change the exercise. For about fi ve minutes a day, arms can get

toned. It’s compact and can be used anywhere. Forbes has created

a variety of exercises that are demonstrated on the included DVD.

Purchase it for $29.99 at Spingym.com

Springfree® TrampolineTake family workouts to the backyard with the new Springfree®

trampoline, touted as being the safest trampoline available. Inventor

Dr. Keith Alexander had a goal of creating a trampoline that eliminated

the hard surfaces (springs and frame) that are known to cause injuries.

His innovative design also removed the risk of falling off . A safer

trampoline means the whole family is safe to jump while enjoying the

fun and the numerous fi tness benefi ts. Did you know that a ten-minute

jump is like a 30-minute run, making it 68% more effi cient with your

time? Jumping can improve cardiovascular fi tness for all ages; it is a

low impact exercise; it helps to build stronger bones; it stimulates the

free-fl owing lymphatic drainage system and it stimulates endorphins.

Th is trampoline makes a great family gift that will be used for years

to come. Th e fi tness benefi ts over time are well worth the investment.

Th e smallest 8’ size is priced at $1,249. Purchase at Woodplay of

Tampa Bay, 3744 W. Lambright St. in Tampa or order online from

SpringfreeTrampoline.com.

Kool ToolBeing active in Florida means being hot.

Keep the Kool Tool cooling cloth with you

as a simple and fast way to keep cool or

cool down. Take the cloth, wet it, wring it,

snap it and wear it to lower your ambient

temperature around you by 20 degrees. Th e

cloth is lightweight, reusable, washable and

antimicrobial. It doesn’t drip. Snap again to

reactivate or rewet it at a water fountain. A

good gift idea for walkers, bikers, golfers,

gardeners, hotfl ash suff erers or anyone

who could use a little cooling off .

$20 at kooltool.biz.

BodyMedia Fit LinkBodyMedia FIT Link is an on-body

monitoring system that gives the wearer

valuable data about calories in versus

calories out, information that can help

people lose or maintain weight. An

armband monitor is worn 24 hours a day

to collect data. Data is then shared via

Bluetooth with a mobile device. Data

analysis and reports require a $6.75 a

month membership. Th e wearer must

also maintain a food and activity log for

proper calculations, but the eff ort can really help someone learn

how their body works and how to adjust calories eaten or activity

levels to achieve the desired result. While wearing it, the armband

automatically tracks the calories burned during your daily activi-

ties, works as a fi tness monitor to measure the intensity of your

workouts and monitors the quality of your sleep, all important

factors in weight loss. Requires some technical savvy and a will-

ingness to wear the monitor everyday. $120 for the armband kit

at Bodymedia.com.

Other Gift Ideas to ConsiderGym MembershipPersonal Training SessionsYMCA Family MembershipMassage Gift Certifi cateJuicing Store Gift Certifi cate

Recreation Center Family MembershipSporting Good Store Gift Certifi cateRunning Store Gift Certifi cateEntry Fee to a 5K or other raceDance, Karate or Swimming Lessons

products

Do You Live in a Tree? by Michelle DownsDuring her career as a fi rst grade teacher in Pinellas County, Michelle discovered that many children do not know basic important facts like their address, phone number or parents’ names. This informati on would be necessary if the child was ever lost, plus it’s just knowledge that every child should have. Like every good idea, Michelle drew from her knowledge and experience. As a mother, she knew how boring it can be to teach this informati on and as an educator she knew how to use a story as a learning tool.

The result is the book Do You Live in a Tree? There is a version for boys and a version for girls. Parent and child actually personalize the informa-ti on right inside the book to make it a part of the story that can be read repeatedly to reinforce the informati on. A thoughtf ul and useful tool for parents who have young children. $5.99 at Snugglebugbooks.com

Hold My Paw by PK LichtenbergerHold My Paw is children’s book about Snapper, a puppy born with a birth defect that almost killed her. Aft er life-saving surgery, Snapper must be on special food and medicine for the rest of her life. She learns to live with her limita-ti ons, while competi ng in canine sports,

and becoming a Therapy Dog to help sick children. In this book aimed at ages 5 to 10, Snapper tells about being in the hospital and her road to becoming a Therapy Dog. The book shows that goals can be reached despite physical limitati ons and that failure doesn’t mean that you should stop trying. Available to buy at Amazon.com. The $15 purchase price goes directly to PARC to help developmentally disabled adults and children.

Fit Kids for Life: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy Childrenby Brandon McIntosh and Chrisoula Kiriazis, MDBrandon McIntosh is a certi fi ed personal trainer for children, nutriti on specialist and youth athleti c performance specialist. As a Recreati on Program Supervisor for the City of Largo, he runs their Fit Kids program. With Dr. Kiriazis, he founded his organizati on called Be a FIT KID, a comprehensive program of exercise and nutri-ti on for children ages 6 to 15. The exercises are strenuous and challenging. The nutriti on porti on

includes educati on and accountability through food logs. Moti vati on comes from being in a respectf ul, fun environment where children are positi vely reinforced.

Taking from his success with this program, he co-wrote this book that is more of a manual to help parents. He teaches about the Fit Kids philos-ophy and gives parents practi cal informati on on how to coach their own children into being fi t and healthy. The book is available at Amazon.com for $10.

ANNUAL GIFT GUIDE

BooksDespite all the digital reading options available today, books still make wonderful gifts. There’s just nothing like holding a book and children need them to discover the love of reading for a lifetime. In our product search, we discovered a wealth of local writers who have books that will make thoughtful holiday gifts.

A Mouse’s First Christmas:A Holiday Tailby Christopher BarrettThis children’s book writt en by a local author tells the story of Samuel Mouse whose perfect tree home ends up in the house of the Atwell family. On his way to fi nding a new place to live, he discovers the magic and meaning of Christmas, friendship and love… all while his greatest dream comes true. A 170-page chapter book writt en for grades 2 - 6.

Barrett , who is also the Publisher and Managing Editor of the World of Westchase magazine,

wrote this book in 2011 for his three daughters and presented it to them on Christmas Eve. His daughter Emma is his best salesperson, and recently he received a copy of a student’s book report that “had me smiling all week!”

The soft cover book is available on Amazon.com for $8.50 and a hardcopy book can be found at amousesfi rstchristmas.com for $20.

Essential Living: Aromatherapy Recipes for Health & Homeby Andrea Butje

Andrea Butje brings the therapeuti c use of essen-ti al oils to your home in this easy-to-understand and beauti ful book. Her recipes teach beginners and experts alike how to create natural, safe products to replace syntheti c chemicals and toxic

ingredients found in many store brands. With a modest collecti on of essen-ti al oils and tools from the kitchen, readers can learn how to create cleaning scrubs, natural air fresheners and healthy body products. The book is avail-able at Amazon.com for $15.95.

Andrea lives in St. Petersburg and runs her company, Aromahead Insti tute which is a premier resource for aromatherapy informati on and instructi on. The Insti tute off ers exclusive online and in-person educati onal resources. Sign up for her monthly newslett ers and blog, both found at Aromahead.com.

I Choose and I Choose, Too!These are inspirati onal books writt en by local author Suzin Buzas Carr and illustrated by her son Chandler when he was seven years old. Writt en to be thought-provoking about the choices humans make every day and more importantly a reminder that how we think and how we live are our choices. I Choose is for kids and I Choose, Too! is the adult companion. Each book is $10 and can

be ordered at IlluminatedPublishing.com. Suzin is oft en found around town talking about the importance of making good choices and she donates many books to local organizati ons.

19GoodLiving

Holiday Edition 2012 19

When it comes to gift giving, it’s not the money but the thought that really counts. With just a little thought, a short trip to a green market can open up loads of gift-giving opportunities that are both unique and healthy. Many items found at markets are not available in stores, so you’re already a step ahead when it comes to avoiding duplication. Food items for sale are likely locally-made, organic or healthier than store bought as well. By knowing just a little about what the person likes, you can create aff ordable, one-of-a-kind gifts that score you lots of extra points in the thought category.

We took a day at the Saturday Morning Market in St. Petersburg to

fi nd these ideas to inspire and motivate you to try the green market

gift basket idea for people on your list. Th e market is open each

Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm near Al Lang Field in downtown.

A Taste of ItalySurprise the hard to buy

for client, friend or

relative with a customized

selection of foods for

an Italian meal or two.

Choose what looks good

based on your budget. Just

one or two small gourmet

items stylishly wrapped with a bow can make a big statement.

Remember it’s the thought that counts and you are saying, “I went

to the market and picked this out especially for you.”

Fresh Pasta SaucesBavaro’s Marinara or Anti co Pomodoro Sauces in a jar made locally by a company in Tampa that uses fresh produce. Bavarofoods.com

Homemade PastasChoose from about two dozen diff erent, fl avored homemade pastas from Pappardellepasta.com. Select more than one to share the variety.

Fresh Mozzerella CheeseAdd a ball of fresh Bufala Mozzerella cheese from Bufalina, a family-owned company near Plant City that raises their own water buff alos and makes their own cheeses with no hormones, preservati ves or anti bioti cs. A tasty additi on to Caprese or Anti pasti . Read more about their story and buy their products at Cheeselicious.net.

Gourmet Dipping SaucesDipping spices from Briarwood Farms, a locally-owned company out of Dunedin that uses only fresh organic herbs in its blends. Their dipping blend is out of this world delicious. For a unique treat, include a jar of their Marcona Almonds in Rosemary Infused Honey. Serve atop a cracker with whipped cream cheese. YUM! Briarwoodfarmherbs.com

Fresh Basil from the Edible Plant StoreEdibleplantstore.com

Fresh Baked German BreadFreshbakedgermanbread.weebly.com

Heritage Tomatoes from Worden FarmWordenfarm.com

Something SweetBuy one or more bags of homemade toff ee from Toff ee-

To-Go, a locally-owned company in Tampa that still makes

all their products from scratch with whole ingredients and no

preservatives. Choose from milk chocolate, dark chocolate,

nuts or plain. Decadently delicious!

Toff eetogo.com

For the Tea LoverTh is basket selection is for

the person who loves tea.

Haraki Green TeaA jar of powdered green or red tea that can be mixed right into cold water. Healthy and perfect for someone who works in an offi ce and likes drinking

tea. No brewing necessary! Simply sprinkle in and sti r. About $30 depending on the tea chosen. HGGreenTea.com

Loose Leaf Tea from Lea’s TeaMulti ple items to choose from depending on tastes. LeasTeas.com

Eden’s Nectar HoneyFresh local honey from Eden’s Nectar will sweeten teas and support local bee keepers at the same ti me. They sell seasonal honeys (which are great for fi ghti ng allergies) in small, medium and large sizes. They also make a dark honey that tastes like molasses. Edensnectar.com

Fresh LemonsFresh Lemons from Bob and Daughter Produce.

Not pictured is a small mint plant, which would also be a good addi-ti on to the gift basket.

ANNUAL GIFT GUIDE Green Market Gift Baskets Say So Much More!

products


products

RainrapsA convenient accessory for moms who don’t have an extra hand to

carry an umbrella and for older women who fi nd an umbrella too

heavy. It’s also perfect for outdoor sporting events where umbrellas

are not allowed. Reversible, lightweight, fast drying, easy to store

(folds up to fi t in your handbag and/or suitcase) and has a hood.

Comes in eight color combinations. $48 - $60 at Rainraps.com

Sprout WatchesSprout Watches are an eye-catching

collection of eco-timepieces made

from sustainable materials including

confl ict-free diamonds, organic

cotton, corn resin and bamboo which

all run on a mercury-free battery.

With varieties of styles for men,

women and children ranging from

colorful and classic watches to detail

designed dials, these aff ordable and

sustainable timepieces are the ultimate

convergence of eco and fashion sense.

Sproutwatches.com

Taggies™Jingle Bells Book A sweet holiday story book to read

with your little one. Th e story of a

polar bear is featured on soft, bright

fl eece pages. Plus, an insert that

jingles on the cover for extra cheer.

Tags are on every page for simple,

engaging fun at bedtime or anytime.

$12.99 at Toys R Us.

Cravaat™ by DinerWear™A thoughtful and practical gift idea

is this stylish and discreet solution for

protecting clothing while eating. Th e

inventor was looking to replace her

grandmother’s adult-sized bib with

something more dignifi ed. Th e resulting

design is the Cravaat™, a fashionable

scarf that protects your clothing from

food spills, an idea that dates back to the

17th Century. Today people of any age

or ability level can wear this product that

comes in a variety of washable fabrics

and colors. Made in the U.S.A.

$19.95 at Cravaat.com

GoodnightiesSleep comfortably in sleepwear made

with patented technology called IonX,

the same fabric that has been used for

years by professional athletes to help

restore strained muscles. Th e ionization

of the fabric may lead to better sleep.

Th e fabric feels substantial yet is soft to

the skin. Goodnighties also wick mois-

ture away so it is a good gift idea for

someone who sleeps hot. A wide variety

of styles and colors for nightgowns and

pajamas. Styles for men too. Large sizes

available. Prices vary. Goodnighties.com

ANNUAL GIFT GUIDE

A Few More Of Our Favorite Things

21GoodLiving

Holiday Edition 2012 21

products

Teach My BabyTh is award winning learning kit for

babies 6-18 months is a helpful gift

idea for the new parent. It’s a smart gift

that can benefi t a baby for a lifetime,

and unlike many new toys these days

requires no DVDs or batteries. Instead

one-on-one time with mom or dad is

the stimulus. Th e all-in-one learning

kit is divided into four sections for teaching baby First Words, First

Numbers, Self and Sound & Touch. Th e kit has an assortment

of tools for teaching the basics including nesting blocks, fi nger

puppets, books, textured & mirrored fl ashcards, a story board and

one & two piece puzzles. Comes in a portable case for $49.99.

Th e company urges parents to BOND, TEACH, PLAY...20

MINUTES A DAY! Find it and other toys at TeachMy.com.

FreshTECH Automatic

Jam and Jelly MakerCreate fresh jams and jellies in

under 30 minutes with the press of

a button! Perfect for the DIY foodie

on your list who loves to create

homemade treats for themselves,

friends and family. Also great for

someone who likes to cook with

organic or homegrown produce.

$94.97 at Walmart.

Domino Rally® Ultimate AdventureTh e Domino Rally® Ultimate Adventure set combines the fascinating

action of falling dominoes with even more incredible and exciting

stunts. It includes a rocket tower, two straight and two curved

speed tracks, a plane launcher, zigzag stairs, 36 speed dominoes and

over 100 regular dominoes– everything you need to create your

amazing domino adventure. Th is set is hours of fun for both new

domino fans as well as the experienced pro! Domino Rally® is the

adventure that never ends. For 1 to 6 players. Age 6 and up. $23.99

at Amazon.com or in major retailers.

One World FutbolWhen kicking around gift ideas, consider one that adds to the joys

of soccer and helps those in need. Th e One World Futbol Project

manufactures and distributes the One World Futbol—the world’s

fi rst virtually-indestructible soccer ball that never needs a pump

and never goes fl at, even when punctured. Th rough the simple

power of a durable ball, the One World Futbol Project solves a

fundamental problem of standard infl ated balls: when used in harsh

environments, an infl ated ball soon goes fl at and becomes useless.

Th e One World Futbol stands up to such conditions and plays on

any surface. Sold online as “Buy One, Give One.” For every ball you

purchase for $39.50, a second one is donated to an organization

working with children who live in harsh environments, including

refugee camps, confl ict zones, poor villages and inner cities.

Oneworldfutbol.com

23GoodLiving


Go a Little GREENERthis SeasonBy PAMELA SETTLE

In many ways, green holiday tips take us back to an earlier era when

life wasn’t as complicated, technical and full of products to buy. Th e

modern green movement involves hitting the brakes and reevaluating

what we do to fi nd a simpler, less wasteful and more thoughtful way

of living. It’s good for the environment, good for your bank account

and good for your relationships.

So just when you thought being environmentally friendly was

forward thinking, you’ll see that many of these earth-friendly tips

would make your great-grandparents smile.

Gift sMake it by hand. Create great holiday memories with kits or

craft workshops to make something beautiful and meaningful.

Be creative and original. Try shopping at local green markets

for gifts of food. (See page 19 for ideas.)

Give meaningful gifts. Shop for gifts that build future value

such as sports, music or art lessons.

Share the gift of time and service. Consider a lunch date,

movie night, delivery of a home-cooked meal, babysitting services,

yard work or car wash. To create a special holiday memory, take a

loved one to a holiday event and make it a tradition.

Ask for educational gifts. Encourage relatives to chip in to

buy a season pass to the zoo, local aquarium or museums that

have year long educational programs and family events.

Re-gifting is not a crime. And neither is passing along

hand-me-downs and heirlooms as special gifts for family

members which carry stories and treasured memories with them.

Give a group donation. As a group, forego the gift exchange

and pool your money to buy livestock for a village through Heifer

International or Samaritan’s Purse. Or make a group donation to a

local charity in honor of your group.

WrappingAccording to the Medical University of South Carolina, waste

output increases 25% during the holiday season, so be creative to

help reduce the amount of new paper that goes in the landfi lls

after only one use.

Re-use packaging from previous years, use the funny pages or use

recycled wrapping paper. Get creative and use unique containers

to hold gifts, such as cloth sacks or boxes from other products.

Eliminate the paper and use only ribbons and bows to embellish

gifts. Select fabric ribbons that can be reused.

An Asian tradition from the past is one of the biggest trends in

wrapping – fabric. Use scarves and other material cut from old

dresses, table cloths, etc. You can also go ultra chic with scarves

and the “how to” book from bobowrap.com.

Entert ainingHost an old-fashioned caroling party. Many people (kids

and adults) have never done this. It is fun, inexpensive and a nice

workout if you head out walking the neighborhood.

Take a trip to the beach or a nearby hike. Afterwards,

invite everyone over for hot cocoa. If you can spend a few dollars,

spring for a few gingerbread house kits. Kids can take their

creations home to last all season.

Hold a white elephant gift exchange and play the game

where people can steal each other’s gifts. People can clean out some

junk and everyone saves money. Make a pact to donate unwanted

items to a thrift store.

Buy organic or locally-grown produce for refreshments. Support local family farmers who grow sustainable meat and produce.

Not only does it taste better, you’ll be doing your part for the planet too.

LightsTh e world of LED holiday lights has exploded. You can get almost

every type of holiday light in this money saving, Earth-saving

option. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional lights

and are more than twice as energy effi cient as CFLs.

For outside the home, fi nd ones that are solar-powered for true

energy savings.

When it comes to candles, the absolute best choice is pure beeswax.

Beeswax burns cleanly (inside air pollution can be much worse

than outside), gives off the aroma of honey and lasts longer than

conventional candles that are made from petroleum. Soy candles

are also a cleaner option.


Isabel Laessig, bett er know as the Family Foodie, is passionate about her family and believes that we can empower and strengthen our families by nurturing them around meals eaten together around the family table.

With her blog, she is on a mission to bring back Sunday Supper in every home. She believes it starts off as one day a week and soon becomes an important way of life, especially for young parents who didn’t grow up with this family traditi on.

As the mother of four, she realized the impact her own Sunday Suppers had on her children the day her oldest child, Alexandra,

left for college. When asked what she would miss most, she said she would miss the ti mes they spent around the kitchen table as a family.

That spark started Isabel on the road to becoming a highly popular food blogger, from right here in Dunedin. She is joined by other bloggers who are just as passionate about #SundaySupper. Each week they blog on a chosen theme and together reach over 1.5 million followers with their recipes via Twitt er, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

Christmas in my HomeI love traditions. In our home, they have always been such a huge part

of our holidays. My children have grown up loving these traditions,

including our special holiday meals. Th ere is something to be said

about getting out the china, silver and crystal and sitting in the

dining room. We linger a little longer, chat in between courses and

enjoy a menu that was made with love.

On these special days, our menu tends to be a little more elaborate.

We regularly try new recipes together, and are always so excited

to see how they turn out. Th is year, we are having a Portuguese

inspired menu. Having a theme and including children, both young

and old, can add an element of fun and participation they will

always remember.

We are starting with Portuguese Mussels and Shrimp in Chorizo Sauce with crusty bread to dip. Th e marinade for the Crown Pork Roast will be simple: olive oil, garlic, paprika and sea salt. We will

also try to reproduce Smashed Potatoes served to my parents during

their last trip to Portugal. After hearing about them, I just have to

try: you bake the potato and literally smash them with the side of

a knife. Th en you pour warm garlic and olive oil and garnish with

parsley. So simple, yet they sound amazing.

Guest Blogger:FamilyFoodie .com

No more boring stuffi ng this year. We found a perfect Portuguese Chorizo Stuffi ng recipe in Emeril’s Potluck Cookbook and we can’t

wait to put our special touch on it. My kids are just like me: incapable

of following a recipe exactly. Th e fun starts when the creative juices

fl ow and we add our own twist.

Our holidays are shared with my parents Vovo and Vo, who are

Portuguese immigrants. My passion for tradition comes from them.

Our Christmas dinner is an event with many courses and wonderful

stories that transport us back to Portugal. My dad can hold court

for hours, sharing stories of growing up on a farm, growing their

own grapes to make wine, cooking in a wood stove and eating the

precious fruits and vegetables grown in our backyard. You can almost

smell the bread wafting through the house that my grandmother

made from scratch. Th ere is nothing we all love more than spending

time around the family table listening to his stories.

At Vovo’s and Vo’s house at Christmas time, Vovo is busy baking.

To her, Christmas is all about the desserts and one of our favorite

traditions is making a Bolo Rei or King’s Cake. It has been said in

Portugal that there is no Christmas without baking a Bolo Rei and

our recipe has been in our family for generations. We look forward

to making it every year.

Although it is called a cake, Bolo Rei is more like sweet bread.

Traditionally there is a broad bean, usually large fava beans, and a

coin placed inside the Bolo Rei. Th e tradition comes from a legend

of the Th ree Kings. As they followed the Star of Bethlehem on

their way to greet baby Jesus, they met a baker who gave them a

loaf of bread with a broad bean hidden inside it. He told them that

the one who ended up with the slice of bread with the bean should

give baby Jesus his present fi rst. So the tradition continues that

whoever gets the bean bakes the Bolo Rei next year, and whoever

wins the coin is said to be blessed with good luck. I always seem to

get the bean! But that’s okay, because I am the Family Foodie and

it’s all about tradition!

Our Christmas Dinner MenuappetizerPortuguese Mussels and Shrimp in Chorizo Sauce

main courseCrown Pork Roast

sidesSmashed Potatoes & Portuguese Chorizo Stuffi ng

dess ert Bolo Rei | King’s Cake

eating

27GoodLiving


Portuguese Mussels and Shrimp in Chorizo Sauce

Ingredients1/2 cup of olive oil3 garlic cloves, minced1 small chorizo sausage, diced1 green pepper, diced1 large tomato, seeds removed and diced1 bay leaf6 oz tomato paste1/2 750ml bott le of white wine (I love Portuguese Vinho Verde)1 pound of mussels1 pound of shrimp1 sprig fresh parsleysea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Instructi onsLine a large heavy pan or clay pot with olive oil. Add minced garlic, chorizo, diced green pepper and large tomato and simmer unti l slightly browned. Add bay leaf, tomato paste and wine and sti r at medium heat unti l your kitchen smells amazing and the sauce is blended well.

Add mussels and shrimp and cover pot. Cook at medium heat for 10 minutes. Discard any unopened mussels. Sprinkle with parsley and salt and pepper and sti r unti l well blended.

Bolo Rei | King Cake

Portuguese Recipe

Ingredients1/2 cup candied citrus fruit3 tablespoons. raisins1/2 cup pine nuts1/2 cup walnuts1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons port wine2 1/2 teaspoon acti ve dry yeast1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons milk3 1/2 cups unbleached fl our1 1/2 teaspoon salt7 teaspoons unsalted butt er, soft ened1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugarGrated zest of 2 oranges3 eggs, beaten1 dried fava bean and large coin

Topping1 egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon water10 candied cherries1 package Natural Delights Medjool Datespowdered sugar for garnish

Instructi onsSoak candied fruit, raisins and pine nuts in port wine overnight or unti l plump.

Sprinkle yeast into milk in bowl and let stand 5 minutes. Sti r to dissolve. Mix fl our and salt in large bowl. Make well in center and pour in dissolved yeast. Use wooden spoon to draw enough fl our into dissolved yeast to form soft paste. Cover bowl with dish towel and let stand unti l “sponge” is frothy and slightly risen, about 20 minutes.

In separate bowl, beat butt er with sugar and orange zest unti l light and fl uff y. Add eggs, 1 at a ti me, and beat well aft er each additi on. Add mixture to fl our mixture and mix in fl our from sides to unti l dough is soft . Turn dough out onto lightly fl oured work surface.Knead unti l soft , smooth, silky and elasti c, about 10 minutes.

Knead in dried fruit and pine nuts unti l evenly distributed. Place dough into clean bowl and cover with dish towel. Let rise unti l doubled in size. We usually let it sit overnight, but as litt le as 2 hours is usually ok.

Punch down, then let rest 10 minutes. Shape dough into ring and place on butt ered baking sheet. Wrap dried fava bean or trinket separately in wax paper. Insert ti ny package into bott om of shaped dough. Cover with dish towel and set aside unti l doubled in size, about 1 hour.

To prepare toppingBrush dough with egg glaze and decorate with candied fruit and powdered sugar. Bake at 350°F. 45 minutes unti l golden. Cool on wire rack.

Makes 1 Loaf

Portuguese Chorizo Stuffi ng by Emeril LagasseIngredients12 to 14 cups (1/2-inch cubes) day-old French bread4 cups milk4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil¼ pound ground beef1 pound chourico, chaurice, or chorizo sausage, coarsely chopped1 ½ cups chopped onions1 cup chopped green bell peppers½ cup chopped celery1 bay leaf1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon crushed red pepper fl akes½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1 tablespoon minced garlic2 large eggs, lightly beaten¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructi onsPreheat the oven to 350 degrees.Put the bread into a large mixing bowl and add the milk. Press the bread into the milk and let sit unti l the milk is absorbed and the bread is soft , about 15 minutes.

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, sti rring, unti l lightly browned, about 1 minute. Add the sausage and cook, sti rring unti l browned, about 3 minutes. Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, and bay leaf. Season with the salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Cook, sti rring occasion-ally, unti l the vegetables are slightly soft ened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, sti rring, unti l fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the meat mixture to the bread mixture and sti r to mix well. Add the eggs and parsley and sti r to blend. Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Grease a 9 by 13-inch (3 quart) shallow baking dish with the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake unti l bubbly and golden-brown, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Ron Hamilton Photo, Ron Hamilton Photo, Kroger Family of StoresKroger Family of Stores


Holiday Treats with a Healthier TwistTh ere’s nothing more inviting than a table full of treats made from scratch to help celebrate the holidays. For many families, cooking together is an important part of the tradition. With so much emphasis on improving our diets, we have some recipes that put a healthier twist on holiday cooking.

GoodLiving Magazine is an ambassador for the Jamie Oliver

Food Revolution for Pinellas County. As part of their community

outreach, they have shared this recipe for healthier holiday cookies.

Says Jamie, “Th is is a really easy, fun and delicious recipe – anyone

can make cookies! Th ey’re a great thing to share with your friends

and will taste much better than shop-bought cookie dough.”

Healthier Holiday CookiesIngredients½ cup (1 sti ck) unsalted butt er, at room temperature, plus extra for greasing the pan¾ cup dark brown sugar1 egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract¾ cup whole wheat fl our½ teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon baking powder¼ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon cinnamon1½ cups “old-fashioned” oats ½ cup raisins

Directi onsPreheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease one or two baking sheets.

Cream the butt er and the sugar together in a mixing bowl (by hand with a wooden spoon or using a handheld electric mixer) unti l fl uff y. Beat in the egg. Sti r in the vanilla extract, fl our, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a separate mixing bowl. Beat them into the butt er mixture. Sti r in the oats and raisins.

Drop the batt er by slightly mounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet(s). Bake unti l lightly browned on the bott om, 10 to 12 minutes.

Variati on: Add ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut or 1 cup chocolate chips to the batt er along with the oats and raisins.

Jamie’s Top TipsThis is easy to make fresh, but can be frozen. Be creati ve and add your favorite mix-ins to the cookies like dried fruit, nuts or chocolate. For round, fl at cookies, press the cookies with the palm of your hand.

eating

California Naturescapes

Beautiful Fruit CenterpieceMaterials needed to make: 1 green styrofoam cone (small or medium size) from your local craft storeToothpicksCookie cutt ers with various shapes including a starAssorted fruits such as green and black grapes, strawberries, kiwis, dried cranberries and a honeydew melonCilantro garnish

Directi onsUsing the cookie cutt ers create various shapes out of the melon slices

Att ach toothpicks to the styrofoam cone

Att ach one piece each of a fruit to a toothpick. Think free-form; as the tree starts building you will know more about which fruit combinati ons are looking bett er and how densely packed you want your tree to be

Conti nue building the tree as dense as you want!

Use cilantro leaves as grass garnish.

Enjoy your new edible fruit tree!!

Instructi ons courtesy of Prajakta Gudadhe, author of ginger-and-garlic.blogspot.com

Dan Jones

29GoodLiving


Snowman Cookies (No-Bake Peanut Butt er Bites)Servings: 10-12

A quick and easy delicious dessert!

Ingredients1/2 cup rolled oats1/4 cup all-purpose fl our1/4 cup natural peanut butt er or other nut butt er1/4 cup honey1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder or powdered sugar (opti onal)

Instructi onsPut the oats in a food processor and pulse unti l they are a coarse texture, but not quite powdery. Put the cocoa powder on a small shallow dish.

In a medium bowl, combine the oats, fl our, peanut butt er and honey and mix unti l it forms a dough. (Add a litt le water if it is too dry). With wet hands, roll the dough into a long cylinder, then cut it into 10 – 12 equal pieces, and then roll each of those pieces into balls. Roll the balls in the cocoa powder or powdered sugar and serve or refrigerate unti l you are ready to serve them

Recipe from Kitchen Explorers at PBS.org

Recipes for the RoadMothers Against Drunk Driving and the Community

Traffi c Safety Team remind everyone that while enjoying

holiday parties, be sure to have a designated driver.

Th eir annual Recipes for the Road booklet has

delicious recipes for non-alcoholic cocktail alterna-

tives. Recipes are submitted by restaurants.

Santa’s Little Helper from Gator’s Dockside1 oz. strawberry puree5 oz. ginger aleSplash of lime

Fill pint glass with ice. Add ingredients and shake to mix.

Tiramisu Cream by Skidder’s Restaurant2 oz. regular or decaf espresso¾ oz. almond cocktail syrup1/3 oz. vanilla cocktail syrup1 small scoop vanilla ice cream2 oz. cold milkCinnamon powder

Blend ingredients unti l smooth. Top with cinnamon powder.

Green Iguana Cooler by Green Iguana Bar & Grill2 oz. cranberry juice1 oz. orange juice1 oz. pineapple juiceClub soda

Fill a tall glass with crushed ice. Add juices and a splash of club soda. Garnish with orange and pineapple spear.

Healthy Banana BreadIngredients1 cup whole wheat pastry fl our1 cup all-purpose fl our2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 cup agave syrup1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt1 egg5 extra ripe DOLE® Bananas, mashed1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts, toasted (opti onal)

Directi onsPreheat oven to 350°F. Combine fl ours, baking powder, and baking soda in medium bowl; set aside. Whisk agave syrup, Greek yogurt and egg in medium bowl. Beat in bananas and vanilla unti l blended. Sti r in fl our mixture; beat unti l just blended. Sti r in nuts. Pour into 9 x 5-inch baking pan sprayed with nonsti ck cooking spray. Bake 55 to 65 minutes or unti l wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Superhealthykids.com


My Story by TAMMY DUNNE

As I was growing up, I remember being

scared all the time. I remember my mother

was not around very much. Going to school

was good for me because I never wanted

to be home, but it was also bad because I

got made fun of for being poor. It was cold

in Pennsylvania and I didn’t have a winter

coat for the long walks to school. Teachers

would always ask me if I was okay and now I

understand why.

When my mother was around, she was so

mean to us that I couldn’t stand it. One day

after school a lady was at our house and she

told us we had to go with her. I was so

confused and scared. All I had was a

small bag of clothes when I went to

live in someone else’s house.

Th at was the fi rst of about 15 diff erent

places that I lived until I graduated

high school. You know it as foster care.

I know it as something else.

At age 16, I was granted emancipation

and was on my own as a legal adult.

My plan was to live on the streets

until I could fi nish my last year of

high school. Eventually I landed

in a group home where I rented a

room, went to school and swam. I

liked to swim. At graduation there was

no one there to watch me get my diploma.

I was able to get into college where I

spent a lot of time swimming, and even

made it to the National Championships

for Diving. I broke records that year and

next, but then the school dropped their

swim program for fi nancial reasons. At a

loss for what to do next, I hopped a bus

to Florida where over the next years I got

a job, got married, had two children, got

divorced and raised two daughters as a

single mom working two jobs.

Th at brings me to my story today. In 2000 I

met my current husband Chris and we built a

happy life together. He too was in foster care

as a child, but had been adopted into a family.

At age 25 an illness required me to have a hysterectomy,

but now with Chris I found myself wanting more kids. I

told him that I would love to adopt a foster child someday

and he said that he really wanted to adopt also. So after

my daughters Stephanie and Samantha graduated high

school, we started looking into adopting some children.

It didn’t take long. As soon as I saw a group of four

brothers on the Heart Gallery website, I knew in

my heart they were the ones. I made a phone call

and got some information. Now all I had to do

was convince my husband.

I pulled up their website again and said, “Honey,

what do ya think about four boys?” He thought I

was joking at fi rst. We had concerns about space

in our small house, but we knew that we could live

in a tent and these boys would not care as long as

they were out of foster care and in a family.

Galyn, Trisden, Aaron, and John. If they would

have us, we wanted to make our

home their home.

Th ree of the boys moved in three

months later, while one remained at the

group home because of some behavior

issues. I remember telling the caseworker

that there is nothing in this world that

could ever make us send him back, so he

moved in a short time later.

It took that son the longest amount of time

to realize that he was being accepted into

our family and that it was permanent. He is

doing much better, coming a long way in

such a short time. All the boys love their

schools. Th ey are making friends, playing

sports and being just plain happy.

We are looking forward to our second Christmas as a

family. Th e boys hadn’t ever written a letter to Santa,

so we make that fun for them. Th ey enjoy big family

gatherings for meals. In fact, they never knew what it

was like to sit as a family around a dinner table, so we

make that a priority whenever we can and they love it.

My life is so diff erent today. Just like these boys,

I never wanted to live in foster homes. I did and

so did they. It is lonely and scary. Kids don’t do

anything wrong to end up in foster care. It’s not

their fault. All they really want is to go home. To

go home to parents who will love them and treat

them good and be proud of them.

Th ose are things I never had. I also never had

letters to Santa, Christmas dinners or family celebrations as

a child. I look forward to Christmas now. Celebrating with my children,

all six of them!

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2012 holiday issue

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