Woodlands of Gainesville : Blog

Haiti Relief - Easy Way to Help!

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Just a simple text can donate $10! Text the word "Haiti" to 90999 and the charge will show up on your next cell phone bill! "Donating to Haiti relief as easy as texting. So, who knew you could provide medical treatment, water or food to Haiti earthquake victims just by sending a text message from a cell phone? Apparently, a whole lot of people, thanks to appeals on Web sites ranging from the White House blog to the social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. The American Red Cross has raised more than $8 million for earthquake relief from people sending text messages, according to the White House. "It doesn't really surprise me that people would jump into the idea," said Lynda Nicely of West Allis, who texted a donation to the Red Cross from her LG enV phone. Verizon Wireless will add the cost to her bill. Nicely, a public relations professional who sometimes volunteers for the Red Cross, The Women's Center in Waukesha and other causes, said she usually donates time rather than money to organizations. But television images of suffering Haitians prompted her to pull out her phone. Philip Crawford of Madison, founder of Foreclosure- Alarm.com, pulled out his iPhone and made a Red Cross donation Wednesday after he saw a friend tweet a version of a message that's been flying around Twitter: "Text 'Haiti' to 90999 to donate. 100% of your $10 donation passes thru to @RedCross for Haiti relief. Your cell carrier keeps nothing." "The ease of donating is what prompted me to do it," Crawford said. Wisconsin, which has about 1.9% of the nation's population, has given about 1% of donations sent via text, according to mGive, the company that has deals with major cell phone carriers to collect the donated money. Charities and donors say the explosion in the number of smart cell phones in recent years along with heavy media coverage of the earthquake and a major viral campaign have given the charities a boost. Oxfam America has raised $2.7 million from text donations, according to USA Today. The entertainer Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation claims it has raised $2 million in $5-per-text chunks, though watchdogs have raised concerns about money the charity has spent on Jean's travel and promotional expenses. Companies such as mGive, which processes the text messages for the Red Cross and other charities such as Doctors Without Borders, have deals with major cellular carriers to add the amount of the contribution to each customer's cell phone bill. mGive usually charges a setup fee to charities and takes a portion of each donation for its operations, but the company said it will pass on the entire $10 for Red Cross donations. The nation's four major cellular carriers - Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile, said they won't apply their normal text messaging fees to Haiti donations. Donations via text were coming in to the Red Cross at a rate of about $200,000 per hour, according to the Red Cross. That far outpaces the total of $400,000 raised for Hurricane Katrina victims in text messaging campaigns, according to media reports. "The message is so easy," said Wendy Harman, the social media manager for the American Red Cross. Harman helped distribute instructions for texting through the Red Cross' Facebook and Twitter pages. Critics have raised concerns about how quickly money donated by cell phone will get to the charities. It usually takes more than 60 days for mGive to cut a check to charities. But Harman said the Red Cross is keeping track of how much money has been donated and has the resources to purchase the needed supplies even before a check is sent. mGive is also working to speed the turnaround time for Haiti donations. People can contribute to the Red Cross by texting "HAITI" to the number 90999. If you do, $10 gets added to your cell phone bill and sent to the aid organization. Other groups using text messages to collect money for Haiti include the Clinton Foundation Haiti Relief Fund ("HAITI" to 20222 for a $10 donation), the International Rescue Committee ("HAITI" to 25383 for a $5 gift.) and Doctors Without Borders ("DOB" to "90999" to give $5.)"

Be Sure to Eat your Breakfast!

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The last thing on a college student's mind in the mornings is eating breakfast, but it is important to remember how essential this meal is for the body and mind! Breakfast kickstarts your metabolism, helps you to concentrate and perform better in school and at work and aids in maintaining a healthy weight! "Breakfast is a very important meal of the day, as it breaks the night long fast your body has been through. It also helps to improve the body’s metabolism. Unfortunately, it is the one meal that people are most likely to miss each day because they are in a rush to get to school or work. Others miss breakfast in an effort to lose weight. But, breakfast can easily be incorporated into a busy lifestyle and it can aid in a sensible weight loss regimen. According to a Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital study of children from Philadelphia and Baltimore, there was a clear link that showed children who usually ate breakfast performed better in mathematics and they had fewer cases of hyperactivity in the classroom. The children also attended school on a more regular basis, compared to their peers who missed out on breakfast. (Pediatrics, January, 1998; Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, February, 1998) The habit of missing breakfast can easily be turned around. Starting gradually will make the transition easier. A small bowl of oatmeal and a hot drink is a good start to the day. Oatmeal is quick to prepare and it is filling, providing enough nutrition for the whole morning. Toast is another option that can help a person make the transition to eat breakfast on a regular basis. As their body starts to get used to the fuel the food provides, their metabolism will improve. Busy lifestyles do not need to get in the way of eating breakfast. Getting up earlier can make a difference. Preparing the necessary breakfast items the night before can be another way to avoid missing out on a nutritious breakfast. Pancake mixes can be prepared and left in the fridge overnight, low fat sausages can be pre-cooked and scrambled eggs can be quickly cooked in the morning. Cold and hot cereals are the quickest breakfast foods for people who do not have much time to sit down and eat in the morning. Eating breakfast is one way that will aid sensible weight loss for people who are overweight or morbidly obese. The mistaken view is that consuming fewer calories will mean a slimmer figure. While there is some truth to this, missing breakfast is not the right time to cut down on calories in order to lose weight. The metabolism is slower in people who miss breakfast, which can actually hinder a person from losing weight, rather than help them. The National Weight Loss Registry, which has helped thousands of people to successfully lose weight and keep it off, strongly encourages people to eat breakfast, as part of their weight loss programme. Doing so helps to improve concentration and academic performance, as was demonstrated by the Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital study. Sensible dieters are more likely to avoid unhealthy mid morning snacks if they have eaten a healthy breakfast, which will help them to maintain a healthy weight and keep excess weight off in the long term."

Tips on keeping those New Year's resolutions!

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Now that you've made your resolutions, it's going to be tough keeping them! Use these 10 tips to help stay focused on conquering 2010... "1. Be realistic The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to never eat your favorite food again because it bothers your IBD could be a bad choice. Strive for a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding it more often than you do now. 2. Plan ahead Don't make your resolution on New Year's Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before December 31 arrives. 3. Outline your plan Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have one more cigarette. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your bad habit affects your IBD. 4. Make a "pro" and "con" list It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time, and ask others to contribute to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve. 5. Talk about it Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best case scenario is to find yourself a buddy who shares your New Year's resolution and motivate each other. 6. Reward yourself This doesn't mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy that does not contradict your resolution. If you've been sticking to your promise to eat better, for example, perhaps your reward could be going to a movie with a friend. 7. Track your progress Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, say, focus on losing that first 5. Keeping a food diary or a symptom journal may help you stay on track. 8. Don't beat yourself up Obsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take each day one at a time. 9. Stick to it Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality. Your new healthful habits will become second-nature in no time. 10. Keep trying If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't despair. Start over again! There's no reason you can't make a "New Year's resolution" any time of year." http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/mentalhealth/a/newyearresolve.htm

New Years resolutions!!

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

It's that time... 2010 awaits!! A brand new year is the best way to bring in a brand new you! Here are America's top 10 new years resolutions.... "1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends 2. Fit in Fitness 3. Tame the Bulge 4. Quit Smoking 5. Enjoy Life More 6. Quit Drinking 7. Get Out of Debt 8. Learn Something New 9. Help Others 10. Get Organized" http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/holidays/tp/resolutions.htm If you're tired of the same ole resolutions, get creative. Here are a few ideas for some non-generic resolutions.... "-Get on a reality TV or game show -Win a rec league in some sport/game -Turn off the TV for a month -Run a mile every morning before work -Do NOT eat McDonalds, Wendys or Burger King once all year! -Don't have a sip of alcohol -Go back to school -Read all 100 of these books: The Perfect Library: Top 100+ Books You MUST Own -Watch all 100 of these movies: Top 100 Movies of All Time -Visit 12 different states this year (a new one each month) -See all seven wonders of the world -Become fluent in a new language" http://www.listafterlist.com/Listof/tabid/57/ListID/15930/Default.aspx

The Woodlands Wishes Everyone Happy Holidays !

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The holidays are here! Christmas is a week away and Hanukkah has already started! The Woodlands of Tuscaloosa would like to wish everyone the happiest of holidays this year! =)

Turkey Tuesday at Woodlands of Gainesville Clubhouse

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Come celebrate another win by our Gators AND some pre-Thanksgiving goodness!! Stop by the clubhouse this Tuesday from 7 pm to 9 pm and enjoy some delicious turkey and sides!! Everyone knows the holidays are full of family, friendship, love and..... FOOD!! The Woodlands would like to show how thankful they are of each and every resident, so don't forget to come out and show the love! For all of you preparing those Thanksgiving feasts yourselves, check out some of these safety tips for cooking..... Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays Parties, family dinners, and other gatherings where food is served are all part of the holiday cheer. But the merriment can change to misery if food makes you or others ill. Typical symptoms of foodborne illness are stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often start a few days after consuming contaminated food or drink. The symptoms usually are not long-lasting in healthy people—a few hours or a few days—and go away without treatment. But foodborne illness can be severe and even life-threatening to those most at risk: • older adults • infants and young children • pregnant women • people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or any condition that weakens their immune systems Practicing four basic food safety measures can help prevent foodborne illness. 1. Clean: The first rule of safe food preparation in the home is to keep everything clean. • Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food. • Wash food-contact surfaces (cutting boards, dishes, utensils, countertops) with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and before going on to the next item. • Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water and use a produce brush to remove surface dirt. • Do not rinse raw meat and poultry before cooking. Washing these foods makes it more likely for bacteria to spread to areas around the sink and countertops. 2. Separate: Don't give bacteria the opportunity to spread from one food to another (cross-contaminate). • Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood and their juices away from foods that won't be cooked while shopping in the store, and while preparing and storing at home. • Consider using one cutting board only for foods that will be cooked (raw meat, poultry, and seafood) and another one only for ready-to-eat foods (such as raw fruits and vegetables). • Do not put cooked meat on an unwashed plate that has held raw meat. 3. Cook: Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. • Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature. To check a turkey for safety, insert a food thermometer into the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is safe when the temperature reaches 165ºF. If the turkey is stuffed, the temperature of the stuffing should be 165ºF. Make sure oysters in oyster dressing are thoroughly cooked. • Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating. • Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm. When making your own eggnog or other recipe calling for raw eggs, use pasteurized shell eggs, liquid or frozen pasteurized egg products, or powdered egg whites. • Don't eat uncooked cookie dough, which may contain raw eggs. 4. Chill: Refrigerate foods quickly because harmful bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature. • Refrigerate leftovers and takeout foods within two hours. • Set your refrigerator no higher than 40ºF and the freezer at 0ºF. Check both periodically with an appliance thermometer. • Never defrost food at room temperature. Food can be defrosted safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. Food thawed in cold water or in the microwave should be cooked immediately. • Allow the correct amount of time to properly thaw food. For example, a 20-pound turkey needs four to five days to thaw completely when thawed in the refrigerator. • Don't taste food that looks or smells questionable. A good rule to follow is, when in doubt, throw it out. FDA Food Information Line: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366) USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) TTY 1-800-256-7072 This article appears on FDA's Consumer Health Information Web page (www.fda.gov/consumer), which features the latest updates on FDA-regulated products. Updated: November 13, 2008

Tips for Dorm/Off Campus Living

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Dorm living: What you need to know By Sara Brubaker Gainesville Sun Correspondent More than 7,500 students will be moving into 11 residence halls at the University of Florida beginning Sunday, and thousands of returning upper classmen and graduate students will fill off-campus apartment complexes, condos and houses in the coming weeks. The bed is often the best area to impart design in a small space and and whatever bedding adorns it will surely make an impact on a dorm room. Living in small spaces comes with the territory in college. Double dorm rooms at UF measure 12 feet by 16 feet, and typically include two twin beds, two desks, two dressers, two chairs and two built-in closets. Other than these essentials, it is up to the residents to bring in elements of design that are space-saving and practical as well as stylish and comfortable enough to turn four white, cinderblock walls into somewhere that doesn’t leave them yearning to return home to mom and dad every weekend. Catherine Gentile, a spokesperson for Bed Bath & Beyond, said there are a few must-haves that every college student needs to ease the transition into living on his or her own for the first time. These include a mattress topper to make uncomfortable, dormitory-issue mattresses more bearable to sleep on; cozy, twin extra-long sheets; a shower tote and shower shoes for community bathrooms; and all the technological gadgets to ensure success in school. “Students these days are heading off to college with more technology than ever,” she said. Consider purchasing a charging station to keep devices all together and cords out of sight. And get a laptop lock, which can anchor to a desk or bed, and protects the most important investment in a dorm room. Don’t stress about what to bring to college and what to leave at home. Gentile said incoming college freshman should work off of a checklist when packing for school. “Walk around your house, and see what you have that you can bring to college,” she said. “That way, when you’re shopping, you’re not wasting time and money buying extra things you don’t need, and probably won’t have room for anyway.” Also, residence halls and almost all apartment complexes prohibit some items in rooms. Make sure to comply with rules about extension cords, wireless routers, candles, electrical appliances and bed lifts. As for style, the bed is often the best area to impart design in a small space. It’s the largest piece of furniture in the room, and whatever bedding adorns it will surely make an impact on a dorm room. Gentile said college students should take some time when selecting bedding. Pick a style that says something about who you are, she said, whether it be a big pattern or a bright color. New bedding sets can be purchased at low prices on eBay.com and Amazon.com. When ordering room décor online, make sure to order early enough so it arrives at home before moving, or schedule it to be delivered to residence halls after check-in, which is Sunday for UF. Gentile said storage is always an issue in dorm rooms, and she advised college students to find creative solutions by thinking over, under, above and multi-use. Get over-the-door accessories, such as a mirror or a shoe rack and utilize under-the-bed storage bags to keep out-of-season clothes and bedding out of the way. Here are some useful Web sites to consult before move-in day Design Your Dorm, a virtual 3-D interior design tool to help customize dorm rooms: http://www.designyourdorm.com/ Bed Bath & Beyond Equip Your Space Checklist: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/bts01_checklist.asp?order_num=-1& Target ’09 College Checklist: http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/16/00/00/04/61/93/10/461931010.pdf Walmart Campus Supplies Checklist: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/off-to-college-article_ektid47208.aspx

Decorating Tips for Woodlands Residents

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

College Prep: Dorm Design 101 Experts Suggest This Year's Must-Have Items NEW YORK, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- MS -- As fall draws near, the millions of students (and their parents) that are headed off to college will begin to prepare for this exciting but challenging time of life. With the abundance of dorm room gear available for dorm dwellers, Bed Bath & Beyond recommends a few key items that are must-haves for comfort and decor. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090707/NYFNSU01 ) "For years, Bed Bath & Beyond has been helping students and parents save time and money on this journey," commented Bari Fagin of Bed Bath & Beyond. "Check with your college or university before you shop to learn the specific rules of your on-campus housing. Then, use our checklist to identify what you need to buy and what you can take from home. Save money by dividing the list with your roommate, this way you avoid buying duplicate items." Fagin highlights some of this year's must-have items for dorm dwellers: Make a statement. Since the bed is typically the largest item in the room, it typically sets the decor tone. Select a bedding pattern that reflects your personality. This year Nautica(R) offers several patterns in both comforters and duvet covers. Grover Beach is a great set for guys, in masculine grey and black it has a modern geometric appeal. For a fun, feminine look, go with the bright and bold plaid of "Torrey Beach." Good Night, Sleep Tight. If you're headed for on-campus housing, you're probably not destined for a new mattress. Convert any mattress to comfy cozy by starting with a mattress protector, which acts as a barrier between you and the mattress, and then add a mattress topper like a fiberbed for additional comfort. Storage Solutions. Tuition may have increased over time, but the size of the average dorm room has not. Choose a double hang closet rod to double the amount of usable closet space and use bed lifts and underbed storage bags to maximize every nook and cranny of your room. Wake Up Call. Finally something that actually listens... and responds! The Moshi(R) Interactive Voice Response Alarm Clock is voice or touch activated. The clock responds to voice commands such as "Time," "Temperature," "Alarm" and so much more. Now there are no excuses for being late to class. Quick Study. There's no reason you can't be comfortable while getting work done. The My Place(TM) Bed Desk will help you knock out that term paper from the couch, bed or even your favorite chair. Folds down for storage and comes with an LED light and built in mouse pad. All Charged Up. With all of the wireless gadgets students carry these days, cell phones, PDA's and MP3 players, a great organizational accessory is a charging station. This unique item keeps all of your wireless wonders together and conveniently charges them while keeping the cords out of sight. With the wide array of products student have to select from, it's easy to transform any dorm room from drab to fab. Whether shopping in stores nationwide or online at bedbathandbeyond.com, let Bed Bath & Beyond be your one-stop-shop for all your back to college needs. Website: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com

Reserve Your Spot Before It's Too Late!

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

It's not too late to sign your lease at The Woodlands of Gainesville! As Gainesville's premier and fastest leasing student housing community, now is the time to reserve your spot before it's too late. We are 95% full, but still have plenty of gorgeous townhomes, flats and garden-style homes available. Come by our clubhouse to take a tour and see why it's better in the Woods... Our current specials include: $200 for 4-bedroom leases $50 for 2-bedroom Garden leases *Tour and ask about how you can get even more $$$

SW 62nd Boulevard Connector Road Planned

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Traffic flow is about to improve in front of The Woodlands of Gainesville. City commissioners approved a deal that would expand SW 62nd Boulevard to four lanes and include bus lanes at stops. See article below. h4. Deal OK'd for 4-lane connector By Megan Rolland
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, November 14, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.

After an eight-month delay, the Gainesville City Commission and Alachua County Commission have agreed on a route for a north-south connector between Butler Plaza and The Oaks Mall. "I don't want to continue meeting on this issue here," said County Commissioner Rodney Long. "I think I've been on this board eight years discussing this issue." Under Thursday's agreement, the connector will be four lanes with the intent - if feasible - of acquiring enough land to have two lanes for bus rapid transit in the median. Known as the SW 62nd Boulevard Connector, the road was identified as a federal priority in 2005 and 2006 with $8.5 million in earmarked money - money set aside by lawmakers for specific projects. Some of that money was spent on a study to identify potential paths the road might take, environmental and historical obstacles and traffic needs. The remaining $6.3 million will go toward three "interim projects" also approved Thursday by the joint city-county Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization. Those projects - a smart bus bay and several additional turning lanes - will help alleviate traffic congestion in the area in the short term, while funding is identified for construction of the connector road. Once additional funding is identified for the road - which it is estimated will cost $87 million - the route selected Thursday night will follow SW 62nd Boulevard from Newberry Road to SW 20th Avenue. There the route will travel along Interstate 75 - near the Cabana Beach Apartments - and eventually cut south through property owned by Butler Enterprises, connecting with Archer Road at SW 37th Boulevard. City Commissioner Thomas Hawkins was the lone dissenter of that route, preferring another option that travels from Archer Road along existing roadways to SW 63rd Boulevard. "Where we should make the improvements in the short term is improving the existing roadway with an emphasis on transit," said Hawkins, whose favored route would improve SW 20th Avenue and SW 43rd Street rather than create new roads. Hawkins said he wanted to select a route that would emphasize bus rapid transit, which as the name suggests would have lanes dedicated to public transportation to expedite and economize trips. Both Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan and Commissioner Lauren Poe agreed that there needed to be more of an emphasis on the bus rapid transit element in the selected option. "We want to have bus rapid transit in this corridor, and we'd like to have four lanes of transit, but our priority is bus rapid transit," Hanrahan said. Poe emphasized his concern over the sheer size of a six-lane road in an envisioned walkable urban student village. "It seems like when we have six-lane corridors, they don't seem to work," Poe said. "When we have this discussion, I think we need to be careful and talk about things more frankly if we're talking about a six-lane road." The county commissioners present - Rodney Long, Cynthia Chestnut, Lee Pinkoson and Paula DeLaney - placed more emphasis on having at least four lanes dedicated to personal automobiles. They cited projects that would soon increase traffic beyond a two-lane road capacity. Two projects that will have significant impact on transportation are going through the first stages of state review. One is a proposed expansion north of Butler Plaza. The connector road will cut right through the 150 acres that Butler Enterprises has proposed to develop into 1.3 million square feet of retail space. The second is a proposed residential condominium development with retail on 300 acres located west of SW 34th Street at Hull Road. Known as Creekside at Beville Run, the project is in the student village area designated for dense housing. "Beville Run, and the student village area, and the remaining part of Butler Plaza - there's going to be a whole bunch of capacity added to that area," Pinkoson said. "More than just a two-lane width. If we build in the current conditions, the road fails. We do need the four lanes, plus do whatever we can for multimodal transportation." County Commissioner Mike Byerly, who has been a vocal opponent of putting four lanes through the area, did not attend the meeting. City Commissioner Jack Donovan also was not present. He had publicly questioned the need for the road last week and while proposing that the resources could be better used in the east side of Gainesville. Also absent was City Commissioner Craig Lowe.