December, 2010 – AW in Pictures
December, 2010 – Planning Ahead for Holiday Safety
Pet Talk
Planning Ahead for Holiday Safety
By Frances Goodman
‘Tis the season for parties, family gatherings and holiday feasts! But it’s also a time to be especially aware of pet safety.
Risks are a little higher as guests come and go, rich foods are served and tempting decorations are within paws’ reach. Ribbons and paper seem like great playthings, but if ingested they can cause serious intestinal blockage.
Here are some safety checkpoints for all pet lovers to keep in mind during this festive time of year:
The Tree – Be sure the holiday tree is securely anchored, and won’t tip or fall if pets get playful on it or under it. Be especially sure pets can’t access the tree water, which may contain toxic fertilizers and will harbor bacteria when it becomes stagnant.
The Tinsel— Kitties and playful pups love this sparkly “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. Icicles are tempting, too, due to their resemblance to grass. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract and emergency surgery. With pets in the family, it’s best to decorate with something other than tinsel and icicles.
The Drinks — If you’re serving cocktails, be sure pets cannot gain access to them. Ingestion of alcoholic beverages can be extremely dangerous, even fatal.
The Flowers — Lilies, which are popular in bouquets and as gifts at this time of year, are extremely toxic to cats if ingested. And cats are naturally tempted to nibble on greenery and flowers.
The Feasting — By now most pet lovers know not to feed pets chocolate or anything sweetened with xylitol. But pets can still put themselves at risk by scarfing holiday food from unattended plates or open garbage cans. Sweets, fatty and spicy foods, as well as bones, can cause serious intestinal problems. Prevention is the key!
The Presents – Puppy and kitty love says we must not put presents containing food or candy under the tree, even if they seem to be securely boxed and wrapped. Paper and cardboard are no match for a determined pet, and sensitive noses can tell exactly what’s inside the bright package. Gorging on the candy or goodies when no one is near can have a tragic result, or at best an expensive one, after the vet bills.
Here are some more holiday safety reminders, compliments of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA):
Pet Gifts – Be sure to choose toys and treats that are safe. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible. The most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often resulting in the need for surgery. Consider a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer toy, all for use under supervision.
(And your PetTalk columnist recommends avoiding treats made in China, especially chicken jerky, which has a history of causing health problems for pets.)
Mistletoe and Holly—Both, if ingested, can cause gastrointestinal upset. Mistletoe can also cause cardiovascular problems.
Candles – Don’t leave them unattended. Pets as well as kids are at risk for burning themselves or causing a fire. A good rule of thumb: If you leave the room put the candle out.
Wires, Batteries and Ornaments – Playing with these can result in shocks, burns or injury to the mouth.
House Rules – When you have guests, be sure they know the rules: Petting or play sessions are fine, but no treats or food.
Meds — Remind guests to keep their medicines zipped up and packed away from curious pets.
A Room of Their Own — Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to — complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their crate or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
Now we are prepared for safe and happy holidays! Best wishes of the season to you and your pets!
Frances Goodman is a professional dog obedience trainer and pet care writer. Got a question? Email her at fhpettalk@hotmail.com. See her ad this page.
December, 2010 – Acknowledge Accomplishments for More Joy and Success Next Year
Ultimate Productivity
Acknowledge Accomplishments for More Joy and Success Next Year
By Claudine Motto
If you’re an entrepreneur, chances are that some time around November or December, you start to feel as if you need to make up for lost time, and you may even feel guilt about what you didn’t get done or about what you could have done differently in your business during the year.
Some pressure, and even some guilt, is good, because it can kick you into high gear. But too much of either one will engulf you, and hurt your productivity and your spirits.
A more effective and uplifting way to end the year and to begin planning for the next one is to acknowledge not only what needs to change and what didn’t work, but also to acknowledge all that you did “right.” Remembering the positive and acknowledging your accomplishments will better motivate you, and for a longer period of time, than beating yourself up. Plus, you deserve better – you are probably already too hard on yourself.
So here are 9 questions to start formulating your business action plan for the upcoming year that will help you keep a healthy balance between the “should have dones” and the “dones”:
Changes you need to make
1. What are the 3 areas where you want to see the most change next year?
2. Which “comfort zones” might you need to step out of to make these changes?
3. Where do you need to take more consistent action next year?
Acknowledging what worked
1. What did you improve on from the year before? Take the time to pat yourself on the back for that.
2. In which ways did you step out of your comfort zone? Don’t forget to include things that seem small on the surface, even if it something that comes easy to other people – if you felt scared to do it, but you did it anyway, it counts.
3. Which actions did you take that took effort, persistence, and self-discipline on your part? Even if they didn’t have the impact you were hoping they would have, your effort deserves recognition.
4. What 3 accomplishments are you most proud of?
Acknowledging new skills and awareness
1. What things did you work on or improve about yourself? You ARE your business – don’t diminish the impact of self-development on everything that you do.
2. Did you learn any new technology, or acquire any new skills? Even if small, if they save you and your business time and/or money, congratulate yourself for investing in it.
I bet as you go through this list you’ll surprise yourself with all that you accomplished, which is a great motivator in itself. But this list also serves as a reminder of the strategies that brought you results in your business, so you can continue to build momentum on what works.
Focusing your plans for next year only on areas where you need to improve leads to burnout – take the time to acknowledge where you shined, and what you did right, so that you stay positive and motivated – both key to achieving long-lasting success and feeling joy in the process.
2010 Claudine Motto, All Rights Reserved.
Claudine Motto works with women entrepreneurs who want to create more success, flow, and joy in their home-based business. For more information about her coaching and consulting services, or for tips on how to create more success and joy in your business, go to http://www.vistalnorte.com or “like” her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/bemoreproductive.
December, 2010 – 12 Days of Christmas
Lighten Up with Lisa
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS AS SUNG BY LIGHTWORKER LISA
By Lisa Dawn Wax
How did December get here so soon? I can’t believe another whole year has passed and we are back to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It seems like just yesterday that I was writing last year’s holiday column, Tis the season for Magic, Miracles and Marshmallows! This year I decided to give you the gift that keeps on giving, a summary of 2010’s Lighten Up with Lisa highlights as my version of the 12 Days of Christmas. Incidentally, for Hanukkah, please feel free to use the first 8 or any 8 of your choice.
Put your song caps on and sing along. It will sound much better if you do.
On the first day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, a New Year column on how to manifest a happy destiny. In January I wrote Lightworker Lisa’s Boot Camp for Happiness to help with the resolution of manifesting your dreams and desires.
On the second day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, the 5 basic principles of Reiki. In February I wrote about Divine Universal Love and the importance to love yourself as well as your neighbor. I shared lessons from Reiki teachings as well as a poem by Louise Hay about our infinite well of love burning within.
On the third day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, the blessings of springtime, rebirth, renewal and days that are sunny. March’s column captured the essence of the spring holidays of Passover, Easter and the vernal equinox with the opportunity for salvation and forging ahead.
On the fourth day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, inspirations of balance, faith and courage to take along on a new journey. In my first Q&A format column I answered a reader’s question of how to start over following a divorce. When you’re at the bottom the only way to go is up!
On the fifth day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, suggestions to inspire connection, sexiness and intimacy. In response to a reader’s question of “how to get the spark back” I talked about quality time and how to spice it up.
On the sixth day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, steps to understand our humanity with Dr. Maslow’s chart of needs in an hierarchy. June’s column took a humanistic psychological approach to motivation and happiness with a guided approach to Self-Actualization.
On the seventh day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, the importance of compassion and empathy. In another Q&A format I responded to a reader’s question of what to say to a depressed friend when you’re simply at a loss for words. Sometimes a hug really is the best medicine.
On the eighth day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, the same as the 7th as we combined July and August for simplicity, lucky me.
On the ninth day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, lessons of Time and its divinity. Since it doesn’t always feel like Time is on our side, I pointed out a few positives and the lessons we can learn from Patience and Divine Timing.
On the tenth day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, rules for relationships and loving others, you and me. Through Acceptance, Tolerance, Patience and Growth we can better understand how to love one another and also be reminded to love ourselves.
On the eleventh day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, an article on Judgment and how to simply love uncritically. Quoting Mother Teresa, Jesus, Michael Jackson and a Jewish proverb, I summarize the irrational basis of most judgments and paraphrase a familiar quote stating, “that if you love people, there is no time to judge them.”
On the twelfth day of Christmas Lightworker Lisa gave to me, a whole year of divine presents sung joyously in summary. In addition I vow to continue to bring you more inspiration, more lessons, more comfort, more understanding with an exciting new year ahead.
If you would like to see a past column, visit AroundWellington’s “Archives” page. You can also send me comments and or questions to be answered in future columns at lisa@lightworkerlisa.com.
Until next time, may your HOLIDAYS be brighter and your lives be lighter.
Lightworker Lisa
Let me ignite the light in your life!
A Lightworker is someone with an innate ability to know and heal. Lightworkers believe it is their divine mission or higher purpose to write, teach or counsel others about spiritual teachings. Lightworkers are souls who volunteered, before birth, to help people learn about love and heal from the effects of fear. Lisa Dawn Wax, aka Lightworker Lisa is a born Lightworker, certified Angel Healing Practitioner and Reiki Master Practitioner; all of which basically confirm her intuitive abilities to help, heal and teach. Using reiki (energy healing), guided meditations, divine messages and intuitive readings, she has helped many people to identify the source of their pain, clarify current life situations, and successfully redirect their focus into positive channels. If you are in need of affordable healing and life coaching with immediate results, call her at 561-594-3948 or visit her website www.lightworkerlisa.com.
December, 2010 – 3 Holiday Cookie Recipes You Must Try
Three Holiday Cookie Recipes You Must Try
Amish Ginger Cookies
Traditional cookies from Amish Country.
Makes about 48
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
white or colored sanding sugar, for decorating (can use regular granulated sugar)
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and 1 cup sugar until creamy. Add egg and molasses; beat until combined. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the extra granulated sugar. Place balls on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 7 – 9 minutes until barely turning brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet and then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Note: Recipe from Frankenmouth Community Cookbook.
Seven Layer Magic Bars
Makes about 36
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup butterscotch flavored chips
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350°, (325° for glass dish). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with a sheet of foil, making sure to cover the sites well. Place the butter in the baking pan and melt it in the oven. Sprinkle crumbs over butter; pour condensed milk evenly on top of crumbs. Top with remaining ingredients in order listed; press down firmly with fork. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Chill if desired. Cut into bars. Store covered at room temperature.
Note: Recipe from Christmas-Cookies.com.
Snickerdoodles
1 cup butter or shortening
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoons baking soda
cinnamon and sugar mixed to taste
Preheat oven to 400F. Mix together butter and sugar until smooth, then add eggs, cream of tartar, and baking soda. Stir in flour until well mixed. Roll into balls about 1″ in diameter and roll in cinnamon and sugar to coat. Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake 8-10 minutes. Cookies are done when they are just barely browning.
Note: Recipe from Christmas-Cookies.com.
December, 2010 – The Holidays are Here
Mommy Moments
The Holidays are Here – Now What?
By Krista Martinelli
So the holidays are officially here, and you might be wondering what local attractions and traditions are worth bringing the whole family to. Here are a few things that we have enjoyed and/ or plan to do again this year. Local parents, please feel free to email me with further holiday “things to do” that you would like to recommend too. Bear in mind that my children are five and three years old.
A fun holiday place to visit is Hoffman’s Chocolate Factory, Shop and Gardens in Greenacres (5190 Lake Worth Road). You can take a walk through their woods and see a lot of light-up Christmas decorations, see an outdoor toy railroad set and (on certain evenings) meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa. You can’t get away without stopping inside the chocolate factory and shop, so just prepare ahead. Warning: you will be eating some very good chocolate if you go there. Probably lots of it.
In my neighborhood we have had a visit from Santa on a fire truck in past years and we look forward to it again this year. If you have a bunch of young kids in your neighborhood and have the time to organize it, it’s a great tradition. It turns out to be an affordable one too, if you can get about ten families to chip in. Santa visits and each child takes a turn on his lap. And he hands out an early gift to each child. Each family brings an appetizer. As a result, we get to spend some quality time with our neighbors and get to know everyone a little better.
If you want another visit with Santa, you can visit him at the Mall at Wellington Green. We always do, getting mixed reactions from our children each year. Actually, this year we were two for two (two smiling children). Family photos with Santa are happening up until December 24th, and you can visit the Mall’s website for the schedule. This year’s theme is ‘The Chronicles of Narnia.” Meanwhile, if you’d like to get a Santa photo with your pet, stop by the Mall on December 5th between 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Details . . .
A new tradition begins this year in Wellington, WinterFest on December 4th from 4pm to 8pm. Bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Enjoy crafts, shopping, an antique car show, a holiday tree lighting, celebrity emcee Vanilla Ice, refreshments and more! Visit www.WellingtonChamber.com for more info.
If you happen to live in Wellington, you’ve probably enjoyed that Annual Holiday parade in past years, which will be happening on Sunday, December 12 at 1pm. Get a good spot on Forest Hill Boulevard early on and you’ll be all set to see beautiful floats, marching bands, local dance troops and more. If you’re a runner or a walker, you might want to participate in the Mile Run/Walk at 12:45pm that same day, which precedes the parade. Families can also take advantage of the bounce houses, food and exhibits at the Holiday Fun Park, same day, from 10am to 5pm, all around the new Wellington Amphitheatre. Visit www.PalmsWest.com for more info on all of the events on this day.
Another place we like to visit just before Christmas is Playmobil FunPark in Palm Beach Gardens. Loads of toys to “test out,” only $1 admission price per person and always immaculately clean are just some of the benefits of visiting this play place with your young children. As they play with the different toys, you can usually get some good ideas for Christmas gifts – not to mention some good deals in their adjoining gift shop. Also check out the Playmobil Advent Calendars, a great holiday tradition for kids!
If you can come up with an extra day during all of the holiday parties and plans, aim for a trip down to Ikea. It’s always nice to get a few new affordable and stylish gifts for your home for the holidays, whether it’s furniture or just a few house wares. The kids have their own play place while you can shop. Don’t forget to sample the Swedish meatballs in the café. And don’t forget to pick up a bottle or two of Glögg, a Swedish mulled wine that you add raisins and nuts to. If you want to celebrate Christmas like a Swede, Ikea has plenty of ideas for you.
It’s always good to remember those in need during the holidays too, even in the midst of all of the celebrating that you’ll be doing. It’s just plain good karma to give back to the community. If you’re a parent of young children, it’s a good way to get them started in thinking about giving back and making a habit of donating. Toys for Tots is always accessible, so we always try to buy a few toys to go into their bins. Here are some Toys for Tots events happening in our area too.
Giving away your used, but good condition toys is a great holiday tradition too. As a mother, I’m so pleased to find that my kids can help in the decision-making process of which toys to donate to Goodwill. Don’t forget about Faith Farm too – for many of your other household items. Another great local charity organization is Palm Beach Harvest, which collects up food for those in need in Palm Beach County.
I hope that you have a joyful time during the holidays, including plenty of laughter and good food. I hope you also find some quiet time in the middle of the hectic quality that seems to come with this time of year to truly enjoy the people you love and spend time with them. Happy Holidays!
December, 2010 – Giving Thanks
Giving thanks
for life’s many mysteries
the unexpected delight
of exploring each moment
in a new refreshing way
even though the day can present
itself a test
with some better than the rest.
The clock ticks
no matter if we’ve made the grade,
but no matter what they say,
there’s no better time
to be alive.
~Bryan Hayes
December, 2010 – Hospice’s Celebrity Pro-Am Features Polo Celebs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 23, 2010
Contact: Jennifer Martinez, Communications Manager
Hospice of Palm Beach County
(561) 273-2194 or jmartinez@hpbc.com
World Famous Polo Celebrities Sign On For
Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation Celebrity Pro-Am
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL. – They are known for their incredible skills on the polo field, but on December 3 and 4, 2010, Luis Escobar and Brandon Phillips will be hitting the greens as part of Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Pro-Am weekend.
Luis Escobar, a member of the Black Watch Polo Team known for his ability to play at every level, is excited about playing in the tournament. “Golf, sunshine and a great cause,” said Escobar. “What better way to give back to an organization that does so much for families at their time of greatest need.”
Brandon Phillips, known as one of the sport’s “young guns”, is hailed as one of the world’s most talented polo players. He has helped to rekindle excitement for polo in the United States and is equally excited to participate. “Not only am I excited to play amongst other celebrities and supporters of Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation,” said Phillips. “I am just as pleased to find out that the monies raised at this tournament stay in Palm Beach County to serve people of our community.”
The fun-filled weekend will kick off with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:30 p.m. at The Breakers Palm Beach on December 3, 2010. Guests will have the opportunity to dance to today’s hottest tunes, rub elbows with celebrity guests and enjoy the view from the incredible Ponce de Leon ballroom.
Starting with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2010, golfers will spend the day golfing on the breathtaking Rees Jones Course at Breakers West, where the par 72 layout will be a challenge to every level of golfer. Following the day of golf, guests are invited for the Leisure Time Coins awards ceremony in the Breakers West clubhouse.
Chair of the cocktail reception is Shamin Abas. Tournament director is Vicki Rautbord. Sponsors include: Leisure Time Coins, The Legend Group, Cumberland Consulting Group, Isador S. Segall Trust, Sapoznik Insurance, The Westin Maui Resort and Spa Ka’anapali, Ka’anasali Golf Courses, Flagship Solutions Group, Homecare Homebase, KOOL 105.5, ESPN 760AM, CBS 12 and the Sun-Sentinel.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2nd Annual Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation Celebrity Pro-Am are still available. For more information, please visit www.hpbcf.org <http://www.hpbcf.org> or call (561) 494-6887.
About Hospice of Palm Beach County:
As the hospice provider of choice in the Palm Beach County community, Hospice of Palm Beach County cares for more than 7000 patients per year and thousands more families. The 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization is dedicated to meeting every need of patients and families faced with advanced illness. The organization offers a comprehensive range of programs and services – from nationally recognized hospice care to music therapy, massage and loss-specific healing services. Full bereavement support is offered to hospice families and to anyone in the community in need.
Care is provided wherever the patient is – the home, skilled nursing or assisted living facility, hospital or hospice inpatient care center, including the C.W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center in West Palm Beach, the Jay Robert Lauer Hospice and Palliative Care Center at JFK Medical Center, the Bethesda Memorial Hospice and Palliative Care Center at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, and the Hospice and Palliative Care Centers at Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. Hospice of Palm Beach County’s focus is on quality of life. The organization is sensitive to and respectful of religious, cultural and personal beliefs. For information about Hospice of Palm Beach County, please call (888) 848-5200 or visit www.hpbc.com.
Licensed since 1981
Accredited by The Joint Commission 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Organization
Accredited as a Jewish Hospice by the Palm Beach County Board of Rabbis, Inc.
Serving all of Palm Beach County – Boca Raton to Tequesta, the Glades to the Beach
November, 2010 – From Carnival to Christmas!
Pan American-Caribbean Cultural Coalition
From Carnival to Christmas”
CARNIVAL AWARDS CEREMONY AND DANCE
Saturday, November 27, 2010
8.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m.
West Palm Beach Garden Center, Dreher Park,
(Off Summit Boulevard, ¼ mile past the Zoo)
West Palm Beach
Featuring: Soca Music, Chutney, Tassa,
Junkanoo Rhythm Section and MORE!!!!
Caribbean Food on Sale
Door Prizes Raffle Well Stocked Bar
Come and Help Us Bring In the Xmas Season!!
MUSIC BY: D.J. SHAMILLA & D.J.ALI
ADMISSION: $10.00
December, 2010 – Wellington Holiday Parade
27th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade
Sunday, December 12, 2010 1:00 PM
Celebrating the 27th annual Holiday Parade, this fun-filled, family event is a favorite of the western communities attracting more than 25,000 spectators cheering on hundreds of parade participants and joining in the fun. Parade entries include exhilarating marching bands, talented baton twirlers and majorettes from local high schools, magnificent strutting horses representing the equestrian community, and creative floats reflecting the parade theme, which this year is “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” – Connecting Family, Friends and Community. Colorful costume characters and hilarious clowns entertain the children along the parade route on Forest Hill Boulevard through the beautiful Village of Wellington. The parade mission is to raise funds for scholarships awarded to deserving high school seniors attending western community schools.
Sponsored by Wellington Regional Medical Center, the Holiday Park is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center and features bounce houses, clowns, face painters, food and much more to entertain the throngs of children as they excitedly await the Holiday Parade and the appearance of Santa Claus who flies in from the North Pole to greet them.