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Let us introduce you to Katie, the owner of LLL boutique, a children's boutique. She has been a stay at home mom for a few years and has always loved boutique clothing. After having two amazing boys her family was surprised with a sweet little girl in 2019. That sparked her decision to start her own children's boutique! Katie loves finding unique, adorable, and affordable items for her customers. Her Facebook page is full of some of customer favorites and kids modeling their favorite LLL styles. Katie takes pride in finding the perfect styles and she has customized and designed quite a few pieces! #thelllboutique #jaxbizconnectionssponsor #supportinglocalbusiness

Save the Date! Jacksonville Business Connections invites you to the Taste of Jacksonville March 27th from 1pm-6pm at the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Walk of Champions is a beautiful spot to enjoy the day and local food vendors showcasing unique tastes from all over North Florida! The delicious array of food is complemented by music and local vendors for the family to enjoy. Free to the public & parking; Outdoor event Make it a day with attending the Hop Into Spring Fest same location from 9am-12pm and/or run the 3rd Annual End Endo 5K Run/Walk (In-Person or Virtual Option) 4-6pm! ✔Over 30 Food & Sweet Vendors ✔Over 50 local vendors ✔Free Bounce House ✔Music Entertainment by DJ Dabbs ✔Blood Donation bus onsite ✔Free 30 min. Yoga Session by Peaceful Monkey Yoga - 1 & 2pm Bring mat/towel ✔Special performances by Showtime USA St. Johns - 2:30pm Blue Lotus World Dance Company - Through Out day Become a sponsor or vendor Share & Comment: Share this article and comment below to be entered for a Free Egg Hunt Ticket!! Stay Updated: Follow the Facebook event to stay updated on the event #tasteofjacksonville #jaxbizconnections #jaxbizevents #sweets#retailers #food #music #northflorida #sponsors #vendors Mark your calendars for all our upcoming events!

Today, prompt your YouTube creators, and it’ll explain some factors: editing means one of the essential methods of post-production. Yet, there are higher tactics of editing tools that meet the eyes of the audience. Moreover, YouTube video editing tools help understand they can’t do without any exact rules and standards. This post will walk down through catching your audiences with attractive YouTube videos and slaying the editing game using the ideal YouTube video editors. Some of the Best YouTube video editing tools: You would be surprised what editing software YouTubers use the most. Before moving into the concept, there are few factors that you need to take into consideration for YouTube video editing. What type of project is working? Do you require a simple tool for general edits or complex ones? What platforms are you utilizing? How much are you wishing to spend in receiving the massive out of a YouTube video editor? If you are using a powerful editing tool for your YouTube video content? You can generate a higher number of YouTube engagement within your fingertips after posting your videos and extracting the best-expected results. Moreover, if you wish to make up a label on YouTube? Then you need to craft your video content that is compelling and engaging, where it aesthetically makes your audiences react with enhanced YouTube comments that resonate with their experience and thoughts. 1. iMovie It is a mac-exclusive video editing software tool that works standard on several Apple iPhones and iPods computers. The standard YouTube free video editor allows you to make Hollywood-style stunning 4K resolution video clips and trailers. Furthermore, an ideal chance for a beginner YouTuber who is fresh to transitions, intros, and filter selections. Some of the methods to follow up: Make use of video editing tools to create high-quality videos on your computer or phone. Include animated titles, personal videos, and transitions, and photos straightforward from your camera roll. Shoot yourself on greenscreen to include the background of your chance. 2. DaVinci Resolve DaVinci merges professional 8K editing, visual effects, color correction, and auto post-production in one software tool. The program functions on every central platform, like Windows, Linux, and Mac. Here’s what you could strive out for: Access the powerful editing, color correcting, audio mixing features, and VFX. Utilize the streamlined cut page to send, edit, trim, include transitions, titles, automatically match color, mix audio, and much more. Combine with ease and transfer projects between DaVinci Resolve, Avid Media Composer, Final Cut Pro, and Premiere Pro. Ideal for: Editors in fast-paced environments working on factors like commercials and news cutting, and users getting a persistent multi-purpose video solution. 3. Filmora9: An ideal YouTube video editing software tool for any user can study to use, apart from their skill level. It is a video editing tool that crafts for beginner to intermediate online video makers. Here, you can function with several features: Enjoy advanced layering with 100 layers. Include royalty-free effects, filters, music, and professional 3D LUTs in a straightforward push and pull editor. For more advanced video editing, Wondershare also makes FilmoraPro. It is ideal for beginner to medium-level YouTubers or Vimeo video editors. 4. Final Cut Pro X Are you ready to get expertise from iMovie and reach into powerful YouTube video editing? Then Final Cut Pro X is the suitable option. Apple’s Final Cut Pro X is one of the radical go-to tools, suitable for professional video editors, with the ideal reason that suits any video requirement. It’s natural enough for fresh users and elegant for crafting pro video editing. Some of the steps to follow up are listed below: Make a professional-grade video using a long list of powerful editing tools. Make use of energetic and visual editing tools that include a creative feel. Try experimenting with the advanced qualities of functioning like a 360-degree video editing choice. Ideal for use among Mac Pro users, professionals. 5. ShotCut: Shotcut is the perfect open-source video editing tool that works free. It’s open-source software that seems to exactly work like what you need to process. Yet, the look is not the main factor, correct? Shotcut editing tools on YouTube platforms function well and provide the qualities which you need. Suppose you could make it past the ugly exterior and not much natural user interface. These shotcut can be used for cutting and shipping. It does not have the limited transitions present, yet you need to edit your creations for posting to YouTube, where it has been covered. Methods to follow up on Shotcut: Change and adhere to native timeline editing that helps several massive audio, video, and image format types. Reach several dozens for editing tools from filters to color correction options. Jump in with free templates to support you make videos swiftly. ShotCut is perfect for Tech-savvy video makers. 6. InVideo Tool: InVideo is a measurable video-creating platform that gives away the templates that support you to make engaging and compelling videos faster. Some of the process to follow up while using InVideo tools: Make use of pre-made templates to make professional-level videos within minutes. Reach InVideo’s media library loaded with several million beautiful videos, images, and music. Conduct professional video editing functions like crop frames, looping videos, trimming clips, and several more advanced editing options. Ideal for media brands, marketers, and any business that needs to make marketing videos. 7. Animoto: Animoto creates it straightforward and edits videos that receive your brand notification. From recipes, tutorials, promos, slideshows, marketing, and square videos. It handles the functions like no other tool had done, yet with some limitations. If you don’t have higher editing requirements and a budget to spend on high-end software, this Youtube video editing tool is aptly suitable. 8. Kdenlive(KDE Non-Linear Video Editor): Kdenlive is an open-source video editing service that is consistent over several video software. Some of the useful functions: Enter a traditional multi-purpose video editing process for simple editing videos. Plan your time by reducing the video file changing method. Most of the file formats post straightly without the requirement to change. Make use of direct effects, title-creations, and transitions to include flavor to your project. Author bio: Victoria Daniel is a social media expert and writer who is working in PixelGroovy. She is a regular contributor to well-established IOT blogs and she has been into Internet Marketing for two years. Also, you can find me on Twitter.com #youtubeediting #jaxguestblog #victoriadaniel #jaxbizconnections

Save the Date! Jacksonville Business Connections invites you to the Hop Into Spring Fest March 27th from 9am-12pm at the World Golf Hall of Fame. Make it a day with attending the 2nd Annual Taste of Jacksonville same location from 1-6pm and/or run the 3rd Annual End Endo 5K Run/Walk (In-Person or Virtual Option) 4-6pm! ✔Free event & parking ✔ Vendors ✔ Food ✔ Easter Eggs hidden through out the event area ✔ Easter Bunny Meet & Greet ✔ Easter Basket Raffles ✔ Dance & vocal Performances ✔ Egg Hunt Tickets (limited number per session) - Purchase Egg Hunt Tickets Become a sponsor or vendor Share & Comment: Share this article and comment below to be entered for a Free Egg Hunt Ticket!! Stay Updated: Follow the Facebook event to stay updated on the event #hopintospring #jaxbizconnections #jaxbizevents #easterbunny #retailers #food #music #northflorida #sponsors #vendors #egghunt Mark your calendars for all our upcoming events!

How much should I spend on a kitchen remodel? Remodeling your kitchen can be a big investment and something many people only do once in their lifetime, so how do you know how much to spend? And how do you know if the quotes you getting are a good price? The good news is that there are many ways to update your kitchen at a variety of price points and no matter what your budget is, in the end you can have a beautiful new space that is your favorite room in your home. The biggest ticket item in a kitchen remodel is usually the cabinets. For a lot of people, the idea of new cabinets brings to mind a picture of messy demolition, eating out for weeks, and doing dishes in the bathtub. There are several ways to upcycle your current cabinets and update your kitchen at a much lower price point than you may be imagining. Below are 5 different price points and the type of service you can have as well as a realistic price range to expect, depending on the size of your kitchen. $1,000 If you have a small budget but are looking to make a big impact on your space, there are ways to restore your wood cabinets to 80-90% new with a one-day wood restoration process. Follow-up that process with new hardware, and you can have a like-new space for anywhere from $900-$1,400. $3,000 Painted cabinets are all the rage, and despite what online bloggers and HGTV tell you, getting those cabinets to be a trendy white or gray color will cost closer to $2,500 - $4,000 for a quality paint job. Painting is not a long-term solution because the finish can be prone to chips and scratches, so if you are looking to change the color, you may want to investigate other solutions like re-dooring or refacing that can give you the color you want and remove the strong oak wood grain or golden oak color you are looking to hide! $5,000 Re-dooring may be a term you’ve never heard before, but it is an option if you are looking to update your cabinet doors to a modern door style, like a shaker, but like the current color and your cabinets are still in great shape. Cabinet re-dooring will cost anywhere from $4,000 - $7,000 depending on the size of your kitchen and door you choose. $10,000 A dramatic transformation can still be achieved without the dreaded demolition and mess of all new cabinets. You can reface your current cabinets and achieve the look of a custom kitchen without the custom price tag. Cabinet refacing can range anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 depending on the size of your kitchen, door style and finish you choose, and scope of the project. Are you bringing in a new refrigerator and need to increase the height of your cabinets? Not a problem! Refacing projects can often include a cabinet modification or the addition of a new cabinet or two. Re-dooring and refacing are both options that keep your good-condition cabinet boxes from being tossed in a landfill. $15,000+ If you are looking to move appliances, tear down walls, and bring in all new cabinets, the sky is the limit as far as price goes. There are so many moving pieces to a brand-new custom kitchen, and no matter who you work with, there are bound to be things that come up and wish list items that continue to increase the budget. The important thing to remember is that not all kitchen updates have to jump straight to this price tag. There are options for every customer, and each will make a dramatic improvement to your space. #kitchentupeup #jaxbizconnectionssponsor #supportinglocalbusiness

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed or burned out?  Yuleisy Cardoso, owner of Mindful Journey, has created relaxing and mindfulness retreats for women. Imagine a 3 day weekend full of mental peace as you immerse yourself in Mindfulness 1-1 sessions with a mindfulness expert. Relax in a private home setting and enjoy mindfulness & mental bliss. Retreat Includes: Accommodation for 3 days and 2 nights in a private and cozy guest bedroom. Breakfast, lunches, dinners snacks Tea, coffee, water Mindfulness Education Mindfulness Practice Mindfulness Integration Mindful Movement (light yoga and stretching) Mindful Music Practice Mindful Art Practice Journaling Intention setting Online support group for integration and support after retreat ​ Don't delay book our introductory pricing at just $879 normally $1499 ​ Email mindfuljourney19@gmail.com to book your weekend today! What can mindfulness do for you! Learn stress reduction and mindfulness techniques that will help:​ Reduce stress Improve sleep Boost mood and creativity Increase mental energy Improve memory, focus, patience Improve well-being About Mindful Journey: My name is Yuleisy Cardoso and owner of Mindful Journey. I am a Marriage and Family therapist, author, and teacher who’s passion is empowering others to live a meaningful, loving, and mindful life. Mindfulness and meditation have played a significant role in my life for over 15 years and has made me a loyal practitioner of this healing modality. During my graduate years at UCF, my faith and passion for meditation as a healing tool led me on a journey of scientific discovery that enlightened me as to why and how meditation works--from reshaping and re-wiring our brains to re-booting our emotional bodies. As a researcher myself, I was inspired by the science. I actively facilitate workshops throughout the communities I serve that will teach others the science of living happier and fulfilling lives by reshaping and re-wiring their brains using this ancient, effective, and evidence-based tool. For more information visit our website: Mindful Journey Follow us on Facebook for updates Facebook Reviews Interested in having Yuleisy Cardoso provide training at your school, community, church, business, etc? Email: mindfuljourney19@gmail.com Live Facebook Interview with Jacksonville Business Connections. Here more about the Mindful Journey program. #mindfuljourney #reducestress #improvesleep #businessworkshops #stressreductioncourse #jaxbizconnections #mindfulnessatwork

At Renewal by Andersen® of Florida , we make the window and door replacement process easy. We're one company that takes care of it all, from start-to-finish, including design, manufacturing, sales, installation and warranty. Our parent company has replaced more than two million windows across the country in its 118-year history. So, we make it our mission to continue that tradition of excellence as your dedicated window contractors in Central Florida, Jacksonville, and Tampa. Your project will begin with a complimentary in-home or virtual design consultation to explore your needs and end with beautiful new windows and doors from a company you can trust. Every home is unique. That's why our consultants listen to your needs and recommend the best solutions for your unique situation. With our wide selection of window and door styles, colors, hardware, grille options, and insect screens, we offer thousands of possible combinations to create or replicate any architectural style. Using Andersen's patented FIBREX® material and advanced window technology, we've designed every window with elegant, narrow frames, allowing for more glass area and more light into your home. As industry leaders, backed by designers and installers who place a high level of importance on customer service, you can place your faith in Renewal by Andersen® of Florida, dedicated to installing cutting-edge window and door technology that lasts throughout the years. Let us help you create more beautiful, comfortable, energy-efficient living environments when it comes to custom windows throughout the state of Florida. Energy efficiency is important to us, highlighted by the fact that we are a certified ENERGY STAR® partner. Rest assured we always stand behind our work with the nation's strongest window and door replacement limited warranties you will ever find to protect your investment of custom windows and patio doors. This warranty is only applicable to your new windows and doors if you use the services of your local Renewal by Andersen retailer, Renewal by Andersen® of Florida. During your no-obligation consultation, we can explain this and our window and door replacement process in further detail. Ready to get started on your window or door replacement project? Just give Renewal by Andersen® of Florida a call, visit our website www.RBAFLA.com, or stop by one of our showrooms to set up your complimentary consultation at your convenience. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the most professional and stress-free replacement experience on the market. #jaxwindowreplacements #renewalbyanderson

Save the Date! Jacksonville Business Connections invites you to the Holistic Living & Healing Expo featuring over 50 like minded holistic businesses in one space on February 20th from 11-3pm at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort. Experience the latest in natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, creative expression, personal growth, sustainable living, and so much more! ✔Free to the public & Indoor event ✔FREE swag bags to the first 30 guests Many businesses are offering: ✔Free Samples ✔Free Demonstrations ✔Free Assessments ✔Giveaways ✔Free Promotional Items Become a sponsor or vendor Share: Share this article and comment below!! Stay Updated: Follow the Facebook event to stay updated on the event #holistichealingexpo #jaxbizconnections #jaxbizevents #holistic #retailers #swagbags #vendors #northflorida #sponsors Mark your calendars for all our upcoming events!

Over the past few years, Instagram has had a potential growth over the world. It has more than 1 billion active users monthly, and more than 500 million accounts use Instagram stories every day. Instagram is a topmost developing social media platform that allows sharing photos and videos via mobile. You can create, edit and upload content for your followers to create engagement through likes, comments, and shares. Instagram supports stories in addition to posting normal images and videos. If you use Snapchat, you will be familiar with these. You can add a 15 seconds video to your Instagram story, and that disappears within 24 hours. What are Instagram Reels Exactly? Instagram has released a new feature on their app that’s called “reels”. This feature has created a new way for people and businesses to engage their audience on Instagram by using reels. Reels allows you to record and edit 15 to 30 seconds videos with audio, add effects, text, stickers with new creative tools. Also, you can share your reels with your followers on feeds or stories. If you're a public account, sharing your reels will reach a wider audience. Having high engagement on your reels which helps to show your video on the explore page. Instagram Reels for Business: The Instagram reel is a perfect place for marketers to promote their brand and improve business over their target audience. If you are new to this platform, use Instagram reels to enhance your business. Here are six tips for improving Instagram reels: 1.Tell Your Story: Give an introduction of yourself and share a few things about your brand and business. Create reels that tell new things about your brands that your customers do not know. Highlights your services and products, builds trust with your followers, and makes unique reels to stand out from the crowd. 2. Go Behind The Scenes: People always love seeing behind the scenes. You can share a typical day video is a big chance for a brand to give their customer and clients a real scene of their work culture. Show your customers how you make your products and deliver to the services. It makes your potential customer see your reels often. Many marketers have chosen reels to give behind a scene look for their business. Posting short reels in Instagram stories allows everyone to view your videos and increase your brand awareness. Frequently uploading reels in your profile will help to engage your viewers. Also, you will get more Instagram reels views for your reels videos. Hereby, you will be familiar with the Instagram platform, and people can easily find your content in the future. 3. Educate Your Customers: The best way to use Instagram reels is by sharing educational videos. Give unique tips to use your products and show a great way to get results from your brand and services. Teach people how to style your product and when it's the right time to use your brand. Take some time to create FAQ reels. This is another creative move that will help customers to connect with you. 4. Grow your Overall Brand: Instagram reels are an excellent place for businesses to promote their brand and boost engagement. Reels allows you to show your products to your target audience. Many social media users like to follow brands that express personality, and Instagram reels can help brands do that. Many brands use reels to showcase their product and services in a fun, creative, and unique way. Attracting customers with an engaging reel will help you to reach a wider audience and increase your sales. 5. Increase Reach: Followers are more engaged to listen with fun content. The longer the followers stay connected with you will increase your Instagram community. And it is a great way to convert into sales and improve your business. Reels are posted in the explore tap; it is a place where anyone can see your reels. Through this, your brand will get more impressions and reach. 6. Quick Hacks for Business: You can give some tips related to your business, and it will help your audience know about your brand. Share a few techniques you discover to enhance your brand, which will be more beneficial to your customers. Share with your customer how your products have saved your time and how they made your life easier. Give a solution for your audience who made mistakes in their business. Conclusion: Instagram reels launched a few months ago, but they have taken the world by storm. Reels give you a great way to engage with your audience and potentially increase your reach on Instagram. Follow the above-mentioned tips to implement in your reels for your business and increase your sales on Instagram. Author Bio Caterina Taylor is an experienced social media marketer and writer who works at PlanYourGram.com. She loves to work on content creation for social media blogs and has the potential to deliver engaging content on various platforms and networks. #instagramreels #jaxguestblog #caterinatayloe #planyourgram.com

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed or burned out?  Yuleisy Cardoso, owner of Mindful Journey, has an upcoming LIVE Online 6-week-course to reduce stress significantly using the evidenced-based tool of mindfulness. Learn how you can experience stress in a kinder more compassionate way. Class Information Class Date/Time: Saturdays 10:00 - 11:00 am Starting March 13th Price: $159 Course Curriculum: Week 1: Introduction to Mindfulness and Chronic Stress Week 2: Thoughts (How they Shape your Reality) Week 3: Emotions (How they Shape your Personality) Week 4: Introduction to the Loving-Kindness Technique Week 5: Mindful Movement Week 6: Wrap-Up and Review Learn stress reduction and mindfulness techniques that will help:​ Reduce stress Improve sleep Boost mood and creativity Increase mental energy Improve memory, focus, patience Improve well-being REGISTER NOW About Mindful Journey: My name is Yuleisy Cardoso and owner of Mindful Journey. I am a Marriage and Family therapist, author, and teacher who’s passion is empowering others to live a meaningful, loving, and mindful life. Mindfulness and meditation have played a significant role in my life for over 15 years and has made me a loyal practitioner of this healing modality. During my graduate years at UCF, my faith and passion for meditation as a healing tool led me on a journey of scientific discovery that enlightened me as to why and how meditation works--from reshaping and re-wiring our brains to re-booting our emotional bodies. As a researcher myself, I was inspired by the science. Hence, I brought the healing tool into my therapeutic work with families, couples, and individuals struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic stress and other such emotional, mental, and spiritual ailments. I found through my research and work in the field that Mindfulness and Loving-Kindness meditation practices can be most effective in helping to heal such ailments and can provide a sense of over all well-being. I actively facilitate workshops throughout the communities I serve that will teach others the science of living happier and fulfilling lives by reshaping and re-wiring their brains using this ancient, effective, and evidence-based tool. For more information visit our website: Mindful Journey Follow us on Facebook for updates Facebook Reviews Interested in having Yuleisy Cardoso provide training at your school, community, church, business, etc? Email: mindfuljourney19@gmail.com Live Facebook Interview with Jacksonville Business Connections. Here more about the Mindful Journey program. #mindfuljourney #reducestress #improvesleep #onlineclass #stressreductioncourse #jaxbizconnections

Save the Date! Jacksonville Business Connections invites you to the Bride to Be & Wedding Expo Presented by World Golf Hall of Fame Presented by World Golf Hall of Fame Saturday January 9th from 11-2pm at the World Golf Hall of Fame. We are teaming up with Hopeful Handbags at the event. Hopeful Handbags helps women escaping domestic violence situations. 👰Bring a new or excellent used condition purse for Hopeful Handbag Organization and receive a Free "Id Rather Be a Mermaid" t-shirt while sizes/supplies last!! 👰 Indoor/Outdoor event 👰Outdoor Mock Wedding Set Up 👰Giveaways, Promotions, Samples & More! 👰 $5 General Admission Tickets (12-2pm) 👰 $12 VIP Ticket: Exclusive one hour previewing & swag bags (Limited Supply - Online Pre-Purchase Only) Purchase Tickets Thank You to Our Sponsors: Kelly Farms Pure Romance Vendors: - Pure Romance - Bachelorette Gifts/Fun - Color Street - Beauty - Farmasi - Beauty - Mary Kay - Beauty - Monat - Beauty - Veils by Jan - Bridal Accessories - The Sweet Spot and Urban Lounge - Cakes & Sweets - Monarch BallRoom Dance - Dance Instruction - Old City Occasions - Decor - Dream Jewels - Favors & Gifts / Jewelry - Splatter and Pour - Favors & Gifts / Jewelry - Anna's Paper Flowers & More - Flowers - Southern Blossom Designs - Flowers - Saffron Truck - Food Truck - Vucca - Food Truck - Clean Eatz - Health & Fitness - Revolution Chiropractic - Health & Fitness - Cruise Planners - Honeymoon & Travel - Dabbs Productions - Music & Entertainment - J Family Entertainment - Music & Entertainment - Delightful Natural Aromas - Registry & Gifts - Pampered Chef - Registry & Gifts - About Time Creamery - Sweets - Kilwin’s Chocolates - Sweets - Ann Eastwick, Wedding Officiant - Officiants - Kelly Farms - Wedding/Reception Become a sponsor or vendor: Information and application Share: Share this article and comment below!! Stay Updated: Follow the Facebook event to stay updated on the event #bridetobeweddingexpo #jaxbizconnections #jaxbizevents #hopefulhandbags #retailers #VIPswagbags #vendors #northflorida #weddingplanning Mark your calendars for all our upcoming events!

By Mykala Thomas Community gardens do more than beautify vacant lots. They fill Jacksonville neighborhoods with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs, while nourishing camaraderie and community pride. Add some flowers, and you’ll boost the mood and health of the neighborhood. Each Jacksonville community garden has its own rules and regulations. Some grow food for not-for-profits, such as soup kitchens, shelters, or food banks. Usually, volunteers work in these gardens as a way to give back to their community. Other community gardens are managed by municipalities, parks, or neighborhood associations. People sign up for a plot and plant. Either way, the goal is to provide healthy food for you and your neighbors. 4 Ways Community Gardens Improve Health You can also customize the look of your videos and images. Make them widescreen or small - whatever you prefer. You have complete control of how your post will look on desktop and mobile. 1. Neighborhood nutrition Community gardens are one way to put fresh produce in food deserts and other areas deprived of access to grocery stores. This is a way neighbors help neighbors to eat more healthy meals. How big is the need in Jacksonville? Nearly 18% of people living in Duval County are food insecure. What does food insecurity mean? The non-profit group Feeding America says that's how many people don't know where their next meal is coming from. Community gardening isn’t only good for the community. It’s good for the gardeners, too, a study by the National Institutes of Health found. How does gardening benefit the one planting vegetables and fruits and pulling weeds? Community gardeners eat fruit and vegetables 5.7 times a day. That compares to 4.6 times a day for home gardeners and 3.9 times a day for non-gardeners. More than half of community gardeners meet national recommendations, eating fruit and vegetables at least five times per day. Only 37% of home gardeners and 25% of non-gardeners meet those recommendations. 2. Physical health The benefits of community gardens on neighborhood health go beyond nutrition. Being outdoors is where you’re more likely to get exercise (and it’s just safer being outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says gardening is a moderate-intensity level activity, and can help you to achieve the recommended 2½-hour exercise goal each week. Gardeners also tend to exercise up to 50 minutes longer than those who walk or bike. Other benefits: Walking to the community garden burns about 100 calories per mile. Planting flower, herb, and vegetable plants and weeding burns 200 to 400 calories an hour. Heavy landscaping, such as digging, planting trees and shrubs, and moving rocks, burns up to 650 calories an hour. The twisting and turning while raking and bagging leaves burns 350 to 400 calories an hour. Working in the garden and exercise elevates your mood. 3. Mental Health You know how wonderful it is when someone gives you a bouquet of flowers? Multiply that feeling by 10 when the flower bouquet is from your community garden, planted and nurtured by you, then snipped for your enjoyment indoors. Another community gardening health benefit? There’s also the joy of connecting with nature when you see butterflies, bees, and other pollinators visit your favorite Jacksonville flowers. 4. Community gardening makes cents Growing your own food extends the grocery budget. A few dollars for seeds and plants and you’ll have fresh vegetables and herbs to eat for weeks. Preserve the food and the harvest lasts even longer. You'll also find yourself making fewer trips to the grocery store. Too much zucchini? Sell, barter, or trade it for something you’re not growing. Gardening teaches you skills, including math, science, and entrepreneurship. Improve your chances for success by taking advantage of education and cooking programs that may be offered in conjunction with your community garden plot. So, how can you get started with community gardening? The University of Florida’s Duval County Extension has urban gardening sites and educational programs in Jacksonville. Riverside Avondale Community Garden wins accolades from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a model for others. How Community Gardens Improve Jacksonville Community gardens develop a sense of pride in yourself and your neighborhood. Your neighborhood and community look better. You feel better. Your neighbors will gather in the gardens, where you’ll share stories, experiences, and produce with fellow gardeners. Dirty hands nourish healthy neighborhoods and strengthen communities across Jacksonville. Mykala Thomas learned from her grandmother to respect and nurture the land. Now, she works on community garden projects and writes about all things that grow. #jaxcommunitygardens #jaxguestblog