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.
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.
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.
Our Neighborhood Santa and Mrs. Santa
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 . . .
Nightly snowfall at CityPlace
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!
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.
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
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.
WHAT: Bugz are invading the South Florida Science Museum.Come see the new Bugz environmental exhibition opening at the Museum’s Harvest “Nights at the Museum.”
The evening will also feature:
Meet Judd Cherry, Screen Writer – Producer of the popular film “Night At The Museum”. Judd will tell all the film’s secrets from a true “insider” perspective
BUGS: an Enchanted Rainforest Adventure in the Planetarium
Viewing stars and planets in the Museum Observatory’s through the 16” optical dome telescope
Opportunity to bounce radio signals off satellites at the Museum’s Ham Radio Center
“Animal Grossology” exhibit
Shark petting and bird dissections
Nitromania and other chemical labs
…and many more exciting activities. Free refreshments will be served.
WHEN: November 26th from 6-10 p.m.
WHERE: South Florida Science Museum
4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach
WHY: The South Florida Science Museum provides curious minds of all ages with an entertaining and educational journey through science and technology. Located in West Palm Beach, the museum features more than 50 hands-on exhibits, a digital planetarium, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, as well as natural history exhibitions. Each year the museum welcomes more than 125,000 visitors and reaches more than 55,000 students through workshops at the museum and outreach programs to local schools. Established in 1961, the museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to exciting curiosity and furthering the understanding and appreciation of science and technology.
HOW MUCH: Museum Members: Adults $5.00, Children free.
GENERAL INFO: For more information about the South Florida Science Museum call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org.
My husband and I have been married for 12 years.He has always been a work-a-holic but it has gotten even worse recently.He frequently stays at the office late and often works many hours on the weekends.When he is finally home, he is often too tired to even want to spend time with me.All he wants to do is relax and watch TV.I feel totally neglected and sad.Do you think he could be having an affair?What should I do?
Signed-
Mrs. Lonely
Dear Mrs. Lonely,
I certainly understand why you are feeling sad and disconnected from your partner.It sounds as if he has not been devoting a lot of time to you and your marriage.I would not automatically assume, however, that your husband is having an affair just because he has been unavailable to you.What is clear is that your husband’s energy is being directed outside of the relationship and as a result there has been a “relational energy leak”.Your husband may be “exiting” due to real work demands or “exiting” as a means of acting out his feelings within the relationship, but either way, it is worth having a conversation.Approach your husband with empathy and understanding about how hard he works.Validate him and respect his need for “down-time “.Then explain to him, using “I” statements, how you have been feeling and how much you miss him.See if the two of you can schedule some special alone time each week to go out on a date and just have fun with one another.Setting this time aside for relational reconnection can go a long way in helping you and your partner feel close again.Keep in mind that closing exits and reconnecting with one another is a process and not an event.
I have an 8 year old son, Michael, who has been acting out a lot lately.His father and I have been separated since last summer and I find that since his father moved out, my son is very angry and disrespectful to me.In addition, Michael did quite poorly in school this past year and had a great deal of difficulty focusing in the classroom.The school has encouraged me to consider medication for Michael to help him focus.I am confused as to what to do.I am very concerned about Michael but his father, who shares custody and has our son 3 days a week at his house, thinks I am overreacting.What should I do?
Signed,
Concerned and confused
Dear Concerned and Confused,
Your son has experienced a major life transition since your separation.In addition to experiencing a range of emotions about his parents’ split, your son’s life has grown increasingly chaotic, having to shuttle back and forth from each of his parent’s homes.That being said, it is imperative that you are clear and consistent with Michael about your expectations and about consequences, and that you openly communicate with him to encourage the expression of his feelings.All of this will help to reassure him that he is safe and loved.
You and Michael’s father must quickly unite on how to best co-parent so that Michael gets consistent messages.If it is unrealistic that the two of you can navigate this on your own given your relationship dynamics, I strongly urge you to seek the expertise of a child/behavioral psychotherapist.A professional can work with you both on ways to set consistent limits and to help Michael adjust to his “new normal”.
As far as Michael’s school performance, research shows that children’s academic functioning is often negatively impacted by divorce and separation.To minimize this impact moving forward, I would encourage you and Michael’s father to work closely with the school to set up a home/ school communication system.This will enable you to monitor Michael’s day to day performance and make Michael part of his own behavior plan.Medication may be considered down the road should a behavior plan prove ineffective and should a school psychologist and/or a pediatric psychiatrist feel it is warranted.Lastly, Michael may benefit from a program such as “Banana Splits”, which offers group support for children experiencing parental divorce (see www.bananasplitsresourcecenter.org for more information).
Laura Zipris holds a doctorate in Psychology and is licensed to practice psychotherapy in New York, as well as in Florida. Laura is certified in Imago Relationship Therapy, a transformational approach that has been used successfully with couples around the world to help them to strengthen their partnerships, deepen their connection and reignite their passion for one another. Laura sees individuals of all ages and sexual orientations, couples, families, and groups in her offices located in Wellington and Delray Beach. In addition to her psychotherapy practice, Dr. Zipris works part time as a licensed school psychologist for the Palm Beach County School District.
For more information about Laura, please visit her website atwww.drlaurazipris.com or to set up an appointment, contact Laura directly at (561) 558-7815.
Dear Dr. Z