Family Fun & Games
Holiday Traditions

Chances are that this holiday season you either will be throwing a party or going to one or two. We love December because of all the holiday happenings. It is the time of year when you get to see many friends and family, both near and far. It’s a time to get together and celebrate with delicious family recipes, singing holiday songs or taking long strolls after that “must-have” dessert. But one of the best things about holiday parties is the time spent laughing and playing those traditional festive games. Some are timeless traditions that both young and old can join in on, and some are newer and more of a challenge, but take the time to teach grandma and grandpa, making the memories all that more memorable. We have gathered a few of our staff favorites to share with you. Who knows? Maybe some of these will become your family tradition for years to come. Happy Holidays!

Spoons 

Players: Up to 13 players (1 suit per player) 

Required: Table and chairs, deck of playing cards, spoons 

How to play: Shuffle deck and deal players four cards each. Place one less number of spoons to players in the center. The object is to collect four of a kind by passing one unwanted card to the player’s left. When someone gets four of a kind, they take a spoon, and the loser is the one who is not fast enough to grab a spoon.

 

Pin The Nose On Rudolph

Players: Unlimited

Required: Large picture of Rudolph, a wall, red noses and blindfolds

How to play: Mount the picture on the wall. Blindfold each player and give them a red nose to attach to the picture. The winner is the one closest to the proper place.

 

Spin The Dreidel

Players: Unlimited

Required: Dreidel, 10 to 15 game pieces per person

(traditionally pennies, nuts, gold coins, etc.)

How to play: Every participant puts one game piece into the center “pot.” In addition, every time the pot is empty, or has only one game piece left, every player should put one in the pot. Player spins the dreidel once. Depending on the side it lands on, you give or get game pieces from the pot. The winner is the player with all of the game pieces.

White Elephant

Players: Unlimited

Required: One wrapped gift per person

 

How to play: Each person brings a wrapped gift of a predetermined value. Each player takes a number from a hat. The number they pull determines the order of play. Number 1 picks a gift and unwraps it. Number 2 can either choose another gift or take Number 1’s gift, and Number 1 gets to pick again. The game continues until all numbers have picked a gift.

 

Coin Towers

Players: Unlimited

Required: Gold-wrapped chocolate coins, bouncy balls, floor space

 

How to play: Each player builds a tower of chocolate coins and then rolls a bouncy ball into the tower. The winner is the one who has the most coins still standing.

 

Christmas Bingo

Players: Unlimited

Required: Bingo sheets with holiday items, pens and a bingo caller

 

How to play: Each player has a card, and when the caller calls out a picture, the player marks it off. The winner is the first person to mark off all pictures on their card.

 

Kissing Under The Mistletoe

Participants: Two

Required: Two willing participants and hanging mistletoe

How To Play: Wait for your favorite person to walk underneath the mistletoe, smile and point overhead, indicating a kiss is warranted. This has long been a Christmas icebreaker for many adults wanting to steal a kiss from someone they admire.

Florida Monopoly

Players: Two to eight 

Required: Florida Monopoly board game

How to play: Traditional Monopoly showcasing various places found all over the State of Florida. Search for it in stores or online!

 

Christmas Pong

layers: Unlimited

Required: Table, green and red drink cups, ping-pong balls, small toys/treats

 

How to play: Arrange cups in shape of a Christmas tree at one end of a table. Put little gifts in the bottom of each cup. Each player throws a ping-pong ball with the objective of dropping it into a cup and then taking the prize and throwing again. The winner is the player with the most prizes.

Haute for season

Wherever the event or whatever the occasion, Wellington’s unique boutiques have you covered this season. Wellington The Magazine visited five of our favorite places for expert style advice, avant-garde accessories and adorable children’s clothing. Enjoy the varied selections from these fashion-forward clothiers.

The Mixed Bag

Where Girls Of All Ages Love To Shop

The Mixed Bag began as a vendor at horse shows up and down the East Coast about 20 years ago. The owners, Jonatha Gorin and her daughter Tracey Gorin-Byrne, would load up their horse trailer with horses, along with ladies clothing and accessories, to sell in vendor spaces at the shows they participated in from Vermont to Florida, ultimately ending up at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington for 12 years.

Over the years, a brick and mortar store was opened in Mystic, Conn., as well as in Jupiter. This allowed them to carry an even wider variety of lines. Five years ago, the Mixed Bag stopped being a vendor at WEF and opened the Wellington store, located in the Wellington Marketplace.

“We love Wellington and knew it would be a natural fit,” Jonatha Gorin said.

Clients come in to see what’s new, be it clothing, accessories or gifts.

“We are known for our wide assortment of apparel and accessories, which are stylish, versatile and affordable,” Gorin continued. “Appealing to all ages, we offer Jude Connally and Gretchen Scott and Saint James for the more mature tastes, and Bella Dahl, Elan and Olivaceous for our younger clients, to name just a few.”

The Mixed Bag is a true shopping destination. “The majority of our shoppers don’t leave empty-handed and return often,” Gorin said. “We have a wonderful variety of accessories, including lovely silk scarves, trendy jewelry and smart handbags. Some great fashion footwear is coming soon. And gifts, lots of gifts for the animal lover, great hostess gifts and fun girlfriend gifts. Husbands and male friends love to give our gift certificates all beautifully wrapped.”

Most recently, the Mixed Bag added infant and toddler items through age six, including apparel, accessories and gifts, because Tracey Gorin-Byrne just became a mother herself.

 

13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-13

Wellington, FL 33414

(561) 795-8976

www.facebook.com/shopthemixedbag

 

 

Backstreet Fashions

Boutique Clothing For The Stylish Woman

Backstreet Fashions is a privately owned store that has been around for more than 30 years with three locations in the South Florida area. The store prides itself on excellent customer service and getting to know its customers. That includes getting to know what you like to wear, and they can even call you when new merchandise arrives that fits your look.

Backstreet Fashions receives new merchandise every day, so the stock is always fresh. The store caters to women who want to look fashionable, trendy and stylish every day. You’ll also find an assortment of holiday and special occasion pieces, along with one-of-a-kind pieces that you won’t find in the big department stores and malls.

Can’t find your size? Backstreet Fashions can get it for you in size that range from 0-16 and XS-XXL, along with 1X-2X. In addition, the store sells handbags, jewelry and novelty items. Prices range from $29.50 to $110.50, so stop in soon and say hello.

 

2605 State Road 7, Suite A-430

Wellington, FL 33414

(561) 847-4167

 

Tyler Brooke

His Shirt, Her blouse

Tyler Brooke, located in the Mall at Wellington Green, has a very unique concept.

“We have created a retail experience for both men and women,” owner Henry Mosely explained. “It is the only place like it in the area to make shopping fun again. At Tyler Brooke, we encourage the client to do a fitting with us to help customize the proper attire for that event or need.”

Tyler Brooke has several price points in place. Items start as low as $50 up to $300, depending on what the client is looking for. “Men and women can purchase merchandise at Tyler Brooke,” Mosely said. “Some of our featured designers are Lilly Pulitzer, Robert Graham for men and women, Liverpool for men and women, Eight-X fashion shirts and our newest designer, Luchiano Visconti.”

Tyer Brooke also offers personal styling and consulting needs. In the future, the store plans to offer more concierge services for those clients who just cannot get away.

 

10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 226

Wellington, FL 33414

(561) 281-9522

www.tyler-brooke.com

 

She’s The One Unique & Upscale Clothing 

And Accessory Boutique

 

She’s The One is an upscale women’s clothing boutique established in 1987.

“The experience that we’d like to present to our clients is one of personalized service foremost, from the moment you enter our beautiful boutiques, the vibe will be friendly, comfortable and eclectic in style,” owner Ellen Onofrietto explained. “Our mission is to style our beautiful clients from desk to a dinner out — effortlessly. Our price range here is for everyone’s pocketbook.”

The store carries beautiful accessories, jewelry and handbags, starting at $30. “Our girl can also find an amazing imported lambskin leather jacket for $500,” Onofrietto added. “The variety is endless. She’s The One is a true ‘crossover’ boutique.”

By that, she means any generation can find something that they will fall in love with.

*We also offer one-on-one personalized styling in-store if needed, or by appointment,” Onofrietto said.

Marketplace at Wycliffe

4095 State Road 7, Suite R

Lake Worth, FL 33449

(561) 965-3111

 

 

The Red Balloon Current Trends To Designer Labels

 

The Red Balloon sells fashion accessories and clothing items for as little as one-sixth their original price. From size 00 to petites to curvy plus sizes, there’s an ever-changing mix of like-new to mint condition casual wear, workout wear and career wear, on up to cocktail and evening wear.

In business for 42 years at the West Palm Beach location, and 10 years at the Wellington location, the two outlets feature current trends to high-end designer labels and styles with a splash of on-trend vintage and designer vintage for true fashionistas. “We’re just a mom-and-pop, locally owned consignment store, where we don’t even make all the money that is sold every day,” owner Pat Snayd explained. “We do it because we really appreciate our loyal shoppers and consignors and love to give back as we can to them.”

The store is seasonal and follows the fashion cycle seasons. “Yes, even in Florida, we want change. Spring is February to April, summer is May through August or September, fall is October and November, and winter is December and January,” Snayd said. “Our vibe is a friendly, modern, clean, fashion-first, resale-rocks shopping experience. We have amazing staff if you’d like someone to help. If you just like to get lost in resale-therapy, we have plenty of space and items to allow for that.”

The Red Balloon takes in hundreds of items daily, Monday through Friday and gets them out onto the floor quickly. “Our price ranges are very reasonable. We are typically one-fifth to one-sixth of retail, depending on various details,” Snayd said. “Items still selling new in stores may be priced about one-half to one-third of retail. You can find a cute, trendy top for $4.99 to $13.99 or a sought-after designer top for $24.99 to $49.99.”

The store is a must stop for favorite accessories. “We get tons of handbags, both regular trend to high-end,” Snayd said.

Follow the Red Balloon on Instagram to be the first to see new designer items that are coming in daily. “First picks and designer items are in their own department, which is about one-quarter of our store,” she said. “The whole store is kept neat, clean and tidy.”

Customers can hold items in store or on social media. There is also a loyalty program, fun and innovative sales and in-store promotions and giveaways.

 

9120 Forest Hill Blvd.
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 333-2515
www.shopredballoon.com

 

As you can see, Wellington’s style bar has been set high for the upcoming season. So, be sure to visit these local fashion leaders and get yourself ready for all the fun times ahead!

Pilates Rocks Celebrates A Decade Of Keeping Wellington Residents Fit Balance Flexibility

There are many ways to get fit and stay active in Wellington. If you are inspired to perspire, popular outlets for an active lifestyle include walking, running, biking, swimming, tennis, golf, playing team sports or horseback riding. If you’re looking for something more unique, add Pilates to your list of fitness activities because Pilates complements every activity in your life.

Pilates Rocks, located at 3460 Fairlane Farms Road, has been providing this unique exercise and fitness routine to residents of Wellington and beyond for the past 10 years.

Under the leadership and direction of co-owners Elissa Salzman and Laura Minucci, it has been a great first decade for Pilates Rocks with another exciting, perspiration-filled, calorie-burning, core-building decade to come.

The co-owners come from different backgrounds. Salzman is a longtime equestrian, while Minucci is a trained physical therapist.

Prominent professional athletes in all sports are now doing Pilates, Salzman noted. Among them are global soccer legend David Beckham and NBA superstar LeBron James. Locally, a large number of people involved in Wellington’s world-class equestrian scene are active members at Pilates Rocks.

“Our membership includes so many jumpers and a large number of dressage riders,” Salzman said.

Minucci added that veterinarians, groomers, trainers and horse owners also enjoy their Pilates classes. “Once the word spreads around a barn about Pilates, everybody decides to do it,” she said.

As a way of commemorating its first 10 years, Pilates Rocks sponsored two Grand Prix jumping events in Wellington on Nov. 15 and Nov. 17. “It’s the right thing to do since the equestrian industry is an important part of our business,” Salzman said.

What’s so appealing about Pilates is that it works on and improves many parts of your body — your back, knees, shoulders, arms and especially your core. 

“Every type of movement comes from the core. In Pilates, we want you to feel as if your belly button is kissing your spine,” Salzman explained. “With Pilates, you will improve your core, as well as your balance, flexibility, strength and awareness. Pilates also helps your breathing.”

How does Pilates improve your awareness? “It shows you where parts of your body are moving from when you exercise,” said Salzman, a New York City native who has lived in Wellington for the past 12 years.

Pilates is just as much a mental exercise as it is a physical workout.

“You have to concentrate and think at Pilates,” Salzman said.

There are generally two types of Pilates — classical and contemporary. At Pilates Rocks, they include the attractive elements of both versions.

“We have stayed true to the Pilates principles, but we continue to add new, modern equipment to our studios,” Minucci emphasized.

Back in 2009, Pilates Rocks had one studio. In 2013, the business expanded by adding a second studio, which was necessary to accommodate high demand.

Another benefit of Pilates is that it helps with bone density. “With Pilates, my bone density gets better every year,” said Salzman, now 74 years old.

This is especially important for equestrian jumpers when their bodies are constantly moving on the back of a horse as it leaps over one obstacle after another.

Some of the well-known equestrians who have spent time at Pilates Rocks are jumpers Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, Chris McCrea, Eric Lamaze and Andrew Bourns, as well as dressage riders Susie Dutta, Ashley Holzer and Todd Flettrich.

Membership at Pilates Rocks numbers roughly 200 people. The ages of members range from 15 to 85. While many members are female, Salzman noted that Pilates is becoming more appealing to men.

“The number of our male members is picking up, especially from the equestrian sports,” Salzman said.

One key aspect of Pilates Rocks is that it caters to the needs and demands of its members.

“We are open seven days a week,” Salzman said. “We open as early as 6 a.m., and we try to head home by 8:30 p.m. Though, we will stay open later if we need to accommodate a specific client.”

Some members are enrolled in group classes and some prefer private one-on-one sessions. The group classes feature no more than eight participants. With the private sessions, it allows instructors to focus on one specific part of a client’s body. Some members do both group and private sessions.

“We have three or four group classes every day, but we conduct private sessions every day, throughout the day,” Minucci said.

Two of the original members of Pilates Rocks — Barbara Cherry and Holly Lichtenfeld — are as actively involved now as they were 10 years ago.

“I do Pilates because it’s fun,” Cherry said. “I’m also fitter and happier. I do go to the gym twice a week, but it’s a different workout at Pilates Rocks.”

“I like the variety of the workouts,” added Lichtenfeld, who attends group classes at least three times a week.

Lichtenfeld said that Pilates has improved her health.

“Years ago, I injured my back while picking up my kids,” she said. “Doing Pilates has healed my back and avoided trips to a physical therapist or a chiropractor.”

Without a doubt, the atmosphere at Pilates Rocks is forever positive.

“We have a good vibe here. We have a good time,” Salzman said.

The principles of Pilates were developed nearly a century ago by Joseph Pilates. The owners of Pilates Rocks believe that if he were still alive today, he would be pleased.

“He would be very proud of our studio and what we do,” Minucci said.

Pilates Rocks is located at 3460 Fairlane Farms Road, Suite 12, in Wellington. For more info., e-mail info@pilatesrocks.com, call (561) 204-3185 or visit www.pilatesrocks.com.

Urban Air Adventure Park Offers Great Entertainment For The Whole Family Indoor Fun

Families face many challenges when it comes to finding activities everyone can enjoy while getting some good, old-fashioned exercise. How does exercise compete with the digital distractions of games and streaming content, especially on oppressively hot days or when it is raining? The new Urban Air Adventure Park offers a solution right here in Wellington.

“I was introduced to Urban Air as a concept out of the Texas area, and I watched how they grew to become one of the more successful franchise opportunities in the country,” owner Bobby Kreusler said. “I loved the idea of what it was about — promoting family entertainment.”

Kreusler did extensive research into the brand, but what convinced him that this was the right local venture were conversations with people he knew personally.

“I asked about what families do with their kids for fun, and there was a common problem — not a lot of places to take the kids when it is raining or too hot,” he explained.

Urban Air offers a new option. “I watched people having fun with their kids,” Kreusler said. “I thought it was unique that mom and dad very often went out on the trampolines or did the warrior course. I really liked that and thought there was a need in this area.”

Kreusler is a native to the Palm Beach area, and he found the perfect location for his indoor park near the Mall at Wellington Green. It is surprisingly difficult to find spaces that fit the need for 30,000 square feet and 22-foot ceilings.

“It was really the perfect storm of opportunity. Factor in the strong community of families and schools in the surrounding area, and it seemed like the perfect spot to me,” he said. “We’ve been extremely pleased with the support from the community and from the turnout of our guests.”

Urban Air opened in April and has since started offering a new membership program through the franchise. For as little as $10 a month per person, guests can obtain unlimited access to the facility.

“The platinum package is a tremendous deal for families,” said Kreusler, who explained that guests can get full access to all attractions for an entire month for less than the cost of a two-hour visit. “We are known for parties, but also healthy, physical fitness.”

Kreusler also finds that the park offers a great way for families to play together in a way that works for their schedule.

“If the kids are playing on a soccer team, the parents very often can’t participate, whereas here, they can go around and do everything together as a family unit,” he said. “And they don’t have to wait around for a 6 p.m. game.”

A lifelong love of sports led Kreusler into the industry as an attorney, often representing entertainers, musicians and athletes, including many golfers on the PGA Tour. Sports aside, Urban Air is designed to be fun for all groups, not just families with kids.

“We do school field trips, spirit nights and special events for charitable corporations. Corporations can come to us for unique team-building events,” he said. “We are geared for people from all backgrounds.”

With 14 different attractions to choose from, kids and adults of all ages and abilities will find something they love. Urban Air is far more than just another trampoline park or indoor bounce house.

“I think the sky coaster is a really cool option — to be able to fly around indoors in your own little personal coaster is very cool,” Kreusler said. “But I love dodgeball. I’m competitive, and it’s fun to get in there. I’ve seen people do all different variations, like parents versus kids, and I can tell you after 10 minutes of bouncing around, you are absolutely exhausted. I don’t know how the kids do it.”

The adventure park also offers a ropes course, slam ball, a warrior course, the Pro Zone, virtual reality and a unique attraction called the Wipe Out.

“No one has that kind of diversity and selection amongst attractions,” Kreusler said. “We also have a full café with food, and beer and wine for the adults. We have televisions and places for adults to sit and relax, too.”

The facility is open seven days a week. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Urban Air Adventure Park is located in the Shoppes at Wellington Green at 10560 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information about activities, memberships and packages, visit www.urbanairwellington.com or call (561) 408-0809.

2020 Great Charity Challenge, Presented By Fidelity Investments, Focuses On Partnerships Feb. 1

With a growing national and global sense that partnerships are at the core of progress and impact, the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, will once again sharpen the focus on the power of united communities when it returns on Feb. 1, 2020 to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Having distributed $13.5 million to more than 240 Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations to date, the exciting event hinges on the generous support of the equestrian community and local business partners.

Through an open application process, the GCC encourages all Palm Beach County-based charities to apply to participate in the event’s 11th edition through Nov. 15. Following a thorough vetting process in partnership with Bank of America, the drawing of the first 24 charities will take place throughout Palm Beach County the first week of December. All selections will be posted live online through the GCC’s social media platforms.

The fortunate selectees will meet their randomly paired equestrian teams on Saturday, Feb. 1 to receive a share of the more than $1 million purse. The winning team’s nonprofit will receive $150,000, while all pre-selected participants are guaranteed a minimum grant of $15,000.

Founded in 2010 by Paige Bellissimo and Equestrian Sport Productions, the GCC has maintained its values of professionalism by being “impact-driven.” Transparency guarantees impartiality with its public lottery-style selection process, while 100 percent of the money raised gets distributed to local nonprofits.

Over the last five years, the relay-style show jumping competition has brought team spirit to a new level by incorporating themes into each yearly celebration. With riders dressed up in costumes and horses adorned to match them, this year’s theme of “Broadway Musicals” will pay recognition to the wisdom commonly found in these plays. From “You can change the world if you change your mind” (Kinky Boots) to “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise!” (Les Misérables) and “If you stand for nothing Burr, what will you fall for?” (Hamilton), all who attend the event will leave inspired to foster the change they wish to see in their own back yards.

“With Equestrian Sport Productions’ full support by covering 100 percent of the costs associated with hosting the GCC, to the generous donors who join in our mission to create a positive impact locally, the riders who donate their talents and horses for the evening, and all the way to the amazing nonprofits who work tirelessly to better Palm Beach County, the event is truly a showcase of the power of partnerships,” GCC Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin said.

The GCC competition during the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center will offer free general admission and will be held Saturday, Feb. 1 starting at 6 p.m. Free parking will be located at 13500 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds.

For the latest event information, application process and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram at @greatcharitychallenge.