Lane County MOM | Feb / March 2024

real | local | moms

since 2005

Lane County | Feb / March 2024

COVER MOM

LOCAL SPACES FOR

NO-KNEAD

EUNHYE GRACE CHOI

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

BREAD RECIPES

Your Y is your place for family fun, and your kid’s place for growth and learning!

JOIN NOW

FIND YOUR FUN FIND YOUR Y

Eugene Family YMCA | 600 E. 24th Ave. | eugeneymca.org | 541.686.9622

NO-KNEAD BREAD RECIPES

It’s what‘s inside that counts

Local spaces for birthday parties

28

We independent movie theaters 30

They know what they’re

Cover MOM: Eunhye Grace Choi..........14

Local spaces for birthday parties..............28

talking about.

This mom gets real.

Because I said so............... 5

No-knead bread recipes...................22

No-knead bread recipes

22

Meet the MOM experts ... 4

A message from MOM

We independent movie theaters................30

More ways to love your MOM mommag.com facebook.com/ lovemommag info@mommag.com We love hearing from you. Email us with feedback, story ideas or nominations.

Cover MOM

14

Photos by Fremouw Photography

Advertise today Want to get the word out about your business?

Contact Linda Blair at linda@mommag.com mommag.com 3

meet the

experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Motherhood Journey to Motherhood with Crystal Massey, page 6

Support Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 10

Say Cheese

Focus

Say Cheese with Dr. Brad Chvatal, page 8

Focus on MOM with Dr. David Hackett, page 25

Beyond the Bin

Smile

Beyond the Bin with Susan Kittleson, page 9

Something to Smile About with Dr. Erin Estep, page 26

Vacation

Pets

Vacation MOM with Donnita Bassinger, CTC, MCC, page 12

Pets are Family with Dr. Erica Harmon, page 20

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Because I said so!

Publisher Matthew Nelson, Active Media, Inc PO Box 672, Aurora OR 97002-0672 info@activemediausa.com 503-825-2100 Editor-in-Chief Managing Director Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250 Salem Advertising Representatives Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036 Tina Toney tina@activemediausa.com 503-991-4547 Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com

MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com TM

MOM Magazine

is owned by Active Media, Inc.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited.

Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.

Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher.

Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.

What will the kids remember?

A running theme in my parenting is that I try just about anything at least once. When it comes to my kids’ birthday parties, I’ve gone all-out with big bashes as well as held small, living room gatherings. There was a Hot Wheels birthday party, complete with car pinata. There was a colorful Legothemed party at a local pizza place. Then there were ones with just a few of their pals and a homemade cake, without any theme at all.

Never did I settle on what was better or best, though the practical side of me much preferred having it at a venue where the mess was contained and activities led by staff. I asked my kids what they remember and they teenage grunt at me with I dunno, which has me questioning why did I do anything at all? I remember their birthdays, and their grandparents do too. But if the kids don’t remember, why did I go through all the trouble?

Recently I read For Small Creatures Such as We by Sasha Sagan, which is all about the beauty of rituals. Her words gave me clarity on why I have a Pinterest board for birthday parties and a plastic storage container of streamers and other decor. A child under age five likely won’t remember what you served, or what was in the goody bags.

Older children may only have threads of memories. What Sagan helped me see is that the event goes beyond the individual themselves. It’s perfectly fine if the party is more for the grownups, or if the kids’ memories are mostly built from photos or videos.

The gathering itself is an opportunity to be

together, and to say, this is our tribe, these are your people. We’re glad you’re here among us, in this moment of time we share.

Speaking of teens, nowadays mine no longer want trampoline park or swimming center parties; they want to be with their friends and away from adults. So enjoy the childhood birthday soirees while you can, with all the sticky fingers and noisy chaos. You’ll be glad you did them, even if they’re held only in your memory.

Cheers, Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

mommag.com 5

journey to motherhood

Improving maternal health care The U.S ranks in last place for maternal health outcomes when compared to other developed countries. Using more midwifery care could help improve this statistic.

Midwives take a different approach to pregnancy care and support the normal physiological process of birth.

Midwives are shown to have less interventions, lower cesarean section rates and less NICU admissions.

Only 8% of births in America are attended by a midwife compared to other high-income countries where 75% of all births are attended by a midwife. According to the CommonWealth Fund, the U.S. has an undersupply of midwives compared to peer countries.

The Strong Start Study was a federal five-year, multi-site project to test and evaluate enhanced prenatal care for women enrolled in Medicaid. The midwifery-led findings of this study, which involved 187 birth centers, showed infants were 26% less likely to be born prematurely, 20% less likely to have low birth weight, and the C-section rate was 40% lower in birth centers. Simply put, midwifery care is safe and leads to improved outcomes which save money and lives.

In the U.S., two women a day die from childbirth with many of these women being black or brown. Black and brown women are two to three times more likely to experience negative outcomes with pregnancy and birth.

Strong Start results were exceptional in reducing racial inequities: there were no differences by race for rates of C-section and breastfeeding, or for the experience of care. Notably, participants reported feeling heard, being able to understand communications with the care team, having time for questions, being involved in decisionmaking, and being treated with respect.

Birth centers are also shown to have lower NICU admissions, less interventions and high patient satisfaction when compared to hospital care. Oregon is a leader in out-of-hospital birth with rates at 5% compared to the national average of 2%. Still, there are only just over 400 birth centers in the entire USA. Maternal health is a basic human right. Increasing access to midwives and birth centers is key to improving our country’s maternal health crisis.

Crystal Massey, CNM, MSN oregonbirthandwellness.org 541-515-6556 890 Beltline Road in Springfield

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Brought to you by:

$5 tickets for students & accompanying adults

Richard E. Wildish Community Theater ChamberMusicAmici.org 541.953.9204

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say cheese

Dental insurance can be confusing We offer treatment coordinator services to help

Having dental insurance is great, but sorting out what is covered is complicated.

This is why we have a dedicated coordinator who helps take the mystery out of treatment and financing options.

Few dental plans offer orthodontic coverage, and less than half of our patients have coverage at all. When they do, it is often a lifetime maximum of between $1000 to $2000 and does not cover the complete treatment. Furthermore, this amount can typically only be used once for a patient and does not renew yearly.

One other big consideration is age limit. Many plans only offer coverage until the patient is 18 years old. If your child is getting close to this age, start your orthodontic treatment as soon as possible to be able to use your orthodontic benefit.

Lastly, filing claims can be daunting. Our office has insurance specialists who can help you navigate the complexities of your plan. Call us for a free consultation and a free assessment of your orthodontic benefits.

Brought to you by:

Dr. Brad Chvatal (541) 683-8490 • EugeneBraces.com 1400 Valley River Drive, 240, Eugene 1130 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove 2215 Willamette Street, Ste. B, Eugene

Lane County Triple P: Positive Parenting Program

Sign up for the Triple P Online Course Practical tools for every parent.

Scan the code and discover simple and effective parenting solutions to: Hassle-free shopping Hassle-free mealtimes Fighting and aggression Dealing with disobedience Managing Bedtime Routines

$1 free 00 value for Lane families i n C oun Now avai ty! for T lable eens !

Uncover what works best for your family.

Your path to stress-free parenting starts here!

Learn more at parentingnow.org ¡Triple P Online está disponible en español!

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Fighting eco-anxiety through action The American Psychological Association defines eco-anxiety as the “chronic fear of environmental doom,” and it is often characterized as feeling helpless when considering climate change.

Until recently, I experienced a high degree of eco-anxiety. However, through Lane County’s Master Recycler program, I learned to decrease my worry.

The program improved my composting skills, keeping methane gasses from escaping landfills. I used the Waste Wise App to find ways to recycle, and I joined the Lane County Community Plastics Collection program, preventing 40-plus tons of plastic from entering our landfills since its onset.

Through personal action, my excitement overcame my anxiety. Now, Lane County is making it easier for everyone to take action. Effective immediately, all #2, #4, and #5 plastics collected for the Community Plastic Collection program no longer require label removal. Of course, all plastics must still be clean, dry and separated by number for acceptance. Additionally, all prescription bottles must have all personal information removed.

Susan Kittleson manages Lane County’s Community Plastics Collection program.

She became interested in waste reduction while previously traveling the globe leading sales and marketing teams at Microsoft.

Brought to you by:

The program supplements curbside recycling programs offered by local waste haulers. Learn more about it at lanecountyor.gov/plasticscollection.

If you want to become a collector or have plastics to drop off, email plasticscollection@lanecountyor.gov with your name and street address.

We will connect you with the closest collector or get you signed up so you can start your own.

Waste Wise Lane County empowers residents, schools and businesses with resources to reduce waste and live sustainably.

WasteWiseLaneCounty

@wastewiselanecounty

Eugene Montessori School Educating for a better world since 1962.

A quality Montessori education for children 3 through kindergarten. The individualized curriculum includes music and P.E., snacks and a wholesome hot lunch.

Call for a tour!

Eugene Montessori School 2255 Oakmont Way 541.345.7124 eugenemontessorischool.com

mommag.com 9

support for family

Less clutter, MORE PLAY It’s easy to get caught up in consumer culture that encourages us to buy more and more toys for our children. Walk into any department store, and you’re bombarded with a colorful array of toys promising to make your child happier and more intelligent. However, the truth is that having fewer toys in your home and practicing the art of toy rotation can be a game-changer when it comes to fostering an organized and calm environment for your little ones.

Toy rotation is a method where you periodically switch out a selection of toys on display while keeping the rest stored away. One of the most significant advantages is that it helps reduce clutter in your home. A clutter-free environment allows children to foster creativity and reduces stress for parents who no longer have to navigate through piles of toys.

Moreover, having fewer toys readily available encourages your child to explore and engage more deeply with the toys they do have. When faced with a limited selection, children learn to appreciate and make the most of what they have, which builds resourcefulness and imagination.

They also develop better organizational skills as they learn to care for their toys and keep them in good condition.

In the age of digital distractions, having fewer toys that encourage physical and imaginative play is a valuable choice. It provides an environment where your child can connect with the real world, socialize with others and develop important life skills.

Less clutter, more meaningful play, and happier, imaginative children are just some of the benefits you’ll discover on this journey toward simplifying your child’s play space.

It’s not about the quantity of toys, but the quality of playtime that truly matters.

Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor 922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112 Corvallis, OR 97330 kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360

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v

VISIT LOS CABOS The area known as Los Cabos is one of the sunniest places in the world, with an average of 320 days of sunshine every year. It’s a perfect getaway for Oregonians looking to escape the winter gloom.

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CABO SAN LUCAS, SAN JOSE DEL CABO AND THE TOURIST CORRIDOR Located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, there are two main towns connected by a 20-mile corridor that make up Los Cabos. In Los Cabos the more well-known area is the former fishing village of Cabo San Lucas. Today you will find a world-class marina with hundreds of vessels surrounded by all types of shopping, restaurants and infamous nightclubs. Close to town there are many hotels and resorts, ranging from mid-level to extremely expensive luxury resorts frequented by celebrities.

Medano Beach is walking distance to the excitement of Cabo San Lucas and is a swimmable beach that features famous bars such as The Office and Mango Deck. These lively places feature food, drinks and a big party with “spring break” type debauchery.

All types of watersports and beach activities are available in this busy area.

The town of San Jose del Cabo is known for being almost the opposite of Cabo San Lucas.

San Jose del Cabo is old-style Mexico with an artistic flair, full of galleries and farm-totable dining experiences. A Thursday night art walk takes place every week from November to June, showcasing the work of talented artists. People love the laid-back atmosphere of San Jose del Cabo.

In between the two cities is a four-lane highway that travels along the ocean known as the Tourist Corridor. There are beautiful views of the ocean, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs where numerous hotels and resorts are located.

WHAT TO DO The warm weather makes outdoor activities a year-round draw. It is important to note that many beaches in Los Cabos do not allow swimming as there are very strong waves and rip currents. If your hotel is on an un-

safe beach, they may ask you to sign a waiver upon check-in that you will not swim in the ocean at that hotel. Because of this, most hotels and resorts have beautiful pools with views of the ocean.

If being able to swim in the ocean is a priority, be sure to choose a hotel with a swimmable beach and understand that conditions can change due to storms. Wherever you stay, there should be some swimmable beaches nearby that you can use and many water sports available.

Golf is always popular, with 18 golf courses to choose from in Los Cabos. People travel from all over to take part in sportfishing, and you can charter boats of any size to fish in the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of Cortez. If you don’t want to fish, you can charter a boat to go out to the famous El Arco rock formation and beach, go snorkeling, whale watching or take a sunset cocktail cruise.

WHERE TO STAY Choosing a hotel location will depend on what activities you want to do on your vacation.

If relaxing by the pool with a good book is all you want to do, a nice resort in any location will work for you. If you want to hit the shopping and nightclubs, you need to be in Cabo San Lucas.

There are resorts that cater to families, adults-only or a spring-break party vibe.

It is important to talk to your travel agent about what matters to you so they can find the perfect hotel or resort to fit your needs.

The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is 8 miles from the town of San Jose del Cabo and 23 miles from Cabo San Lucas.

There are daily connecting flights from Eugene Airport to SJD on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest and United. Transportation from the airport to your hotel can be arranged as a part of your vacation package by your favorite travel agent. Make sure your passports are ready.

Plan now for a trip to Cabo in 2024!

WHEN TO GO Spring and fall are great times to visit because it is less busy, so fares are not quite so high and the weather is beautiful. A winter trip to escape cold and dreary Oregon is ideal but the prices will be higher due to demand.

Summer, especially August and September, can be very hot and humid with tropical storms.

MEET VACATION MOM

TM

Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport Donnita Bassinger has been a travel agent for three decades, and she enjoys sending families on vacations around the world. She is mom to three boys and lives in Eugene with her husband. She would love to help you plan a great vacation.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 @VacationMOMpage

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Eunhye Grace Choi P ROF E S SION: Pianist & Artistic Director of Chamber Music Amici

COMMUNI T Y: Eugene PA R T NER/SP OUSE: Wonkak Kim, Associate

IT’S AN UP-TEMPO FAMILY LIFE: TWO PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS, TWO KIDS AND TRAVELING THE WORLD…AND THIS MOM WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY.

Professor of Music at University of Oregon

CHIL DREN: Tayeon Kim, age 7, and Teryn Kim, age 2

PHOTOS BY: LIVIA FREMOUW

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

We are a family of musicians. I am a pianist and my husband is a clarinetist, both trained as classical musicians. We started Tayeon, our 7-year-old, on her violin a few years ago and our 2-year-old Teryn does everything she can to contribute as much noise as possible in the meantime. Due to our concert engagements we travel very frequently all over the world. Our daughters have become quite experienced travelers already and love all aspects of traveling, from exquisite local cuisines to ever-changing hotel rooms.

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours?

We love sharing a meal together and enjoying a peaceful evening gathered around our fireplace reading and listening to music. We hope to enjoy this ritual as long as we can as our girls will grow into their teenage years.

MOM’s Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Monopoly …words to live by: Stay calm and drink wine …place to find some peace & quiet: Antique shopping …parenting book or philosophy: Anything analog and without a screen

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

I always loved kids and thought I would become a mom someday.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. When Tayeon and Teryn are reading in bed together, which sometimes turns into a hysterical laughing contest.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. When my older daughter mentioned to me that she is so grateful she became my daughter.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? I was finishing up makeup and hair for my older one in our car ride

to her ballet show and realized that I completely forgot to put on my own makeup! By the way, nowadays, I can finish up my make-up and dress up within five minutes, the maximum amount of time allotted to me for those tasks.

Your biggest wish for your kids is…

While there are several parental ambitions that come to my mind, my most genuine wish is that they will always be healthy, happy and grateful people.

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job.

How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks? The lifestyle we lead cannot happen without the most meticulous planning and sharing of responsibilities between my husband and myself.

Our days are literally planned down to each minute! We have both managed to be fulltime professionals without ever relying on a nanny or an extensive babysitter. Thankfully, being musician parents, our children have been able to follow us to countless rehearsals, performances, conferences and festivals, and they enjoy those unique experiences. Of course, it comes with many challenges, but it has made our family a very strong one.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I am a full-time performing pianist, teacher and artistic director of a local organization called Chamber Music Amici. As a collaborative pianist, I get to perform with both renowned soloists at international conferences and festivals, as

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QA MOM’s Love Local...

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite… …shop to pick up a gift for friend: Provisions Market Hall …coffee spot: Perugino …spot to get a good workout: University of Oregon campus …place to treat yourself to a mani/pedi, massage or other personal service: About Touch …restaurants for a date night: Rye …take-out: Izumi Sushi and Grill …meetup spot for happy hour: Gordon Tavern …boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Oak Street Vintage …place where the kids can let off steam: Striker Field Park …event in your community: Chamber Music Amici …any other local places you love: White Lotus Gallery 16 mommag.com

well as many talented artists and groups in our community. I also maintain a private piano studio where I get to work with some exceptionally engaging young students.

Finally, as the artistic director of Chamber Music Amici, I oversee all aspects of its season planning and programming, contracting guest artists, scheduling rehearsals, planning educational outreach programs, etc.

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you?

My mom was a master of letting things go.

She knew that things can happen, and even if something fell off, everything would be okay in the end. I learned to stay calm and positive when things go off course while looking for the best course of action. It always helped me to overcome various challenges and troubles.

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? Time management and diligence are probably the foremost things I have learned that have helped me as a mom.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? I had my first mother-daughter date with my own 7-year-old. We went to the Pink Martini’s Christmas concert with the Oregon Symphony in Portland while my youngest stayed with our babysitter at the hotel.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. I recorded a CD with my clarinetist husband that features eight new compositions all written by incredible Korean female composers.

This was a milestone for our husband-wife duo, and I look forward to its release next year very much.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn? When I was a bit too late to register my oldest daughter for any summer camps. I learned to set up an alarm for the opening day of a registration!

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I hope to grow in all areas that I mentioned as core of my professional activities. While I hope to continue my role as collaborative pianist in high-demand, I also would like to invest my skills and talent locally to benefit the community that my family belongs to.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today?

My mom always told me clearly what is right and wrong. Both my parents are incredibly diligent people. They always taught me to do my best and never give up.

Stay positive, and I can achieve anything. I believe those are the best traits I inherited from my upbringing.

Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you? I was born in South Korea to both parents who always worked full time. I’ve never seen my parents taking any time off.

It taught me to be diligent and hard working.

When did you realize you were no longer a child?

When I bought my own toilet paper for the first time.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? Being introduced to a wide array of extracurricular activities and sports.

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If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be?

I always wanted to be highly proficient in many languages, say a dozen?

Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. I practice the piano everyday.

What keeps you sane? Organizing my calendar. I’m old-fashioned and still use pen and notes to organize my schedule.

What is your least/most favorite household chore? Least: scrubbing the toilet.

Most: cooking.

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?)

Late night snacking of Korean ramen and ddok-bokki while watching some Netflix movies with my husband.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Shopping for wonderful mid-century vintage furniture.

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Travel to a far away country where you can reflect on things that you always took for granted.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? I had certain ideas of what motherhood would be, but it has been wildly more than what I imagined. Without a question, it is an act of constant giving and sacrifice. It makes me truly marvel at my own parents’ love and sacrifice.

older one to her daycare, which also happened to be her first day. She was determined not to go in, and we were both crying outside for almost 20 minutes. It felt like the whole world was crumbling down. However, I arrived to my work on time, the rehearsal went quite well, and Tayeon was very happy when I came to pick her up. Don’t give up. Look ahead and try to have a life-long plan. As the saying goes, “This too shall pass.”

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? Enjoy the moment and everyday with your kids! The time will fly.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My kids. I grow everyday. Everyday is a learning experience being a mom. So, I grow with my kids and see myself in them.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. There are some moments that make it hard to keep working full-time while raising kids. The first day of my work, I had to drop off my

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pets are family

Outdoors in winter If you’re headed outside with your dog in cold weather, consider their comfort. Heavy-coated breeds like Newfoundlands or Siberian Huskies love chilly temps, while Boxers and Chihuahuas are shivering. A cozy pet sweater or jacket is wise for smaller dogs and short-haired breeds. Also consider: Time and temperature While it’s important for dogs to get regular exercise, limit their time outdoors during freezing weather. Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. When you do take them out, wipe their paws afterward to remove any ice, salt or chemicals. Consider booties to protect tender paws.

Health and behavior Cold weather can exacerbate certain health issues, especially in older pets.

Keep an eye out for signs of arthritis, like stiffness, or chronic respiratory illness. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Power outages and emergencies Winter storms can lead to power outages. Have an emergency kit ready for your pets, including food, water, medications and their favorite toys. Also, have a plan in case you need to evacuate, ensuring your pets are part of that plan.

Finally, don’t buy into the myth that fleas and ticks are killed off after a freeze. Fleas can survive indoors, and while tick activity is lower in cold weather, it’s still a risk. Keep up on flea and tick medications year-round.

Wilvet South 24/7 urgent care 444 B Street in Springfield | wilvetsouth.com | (541) 838-0577

acgilbert.org 20 mommag.com

Brought to you by: Erica Harmon, DVM

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No bread machine?

No problem!

Simple recipes for baking bread at home

Hearty no-knead bread 3

cups all purpose flour

2

teaspoons instant/rapid rise dry yeast

2

teaspoons kosher salt

1 ½ cups warm water

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl with the handle part of a wooden spoon. Cover the bowl with a plate and leave in a warm area to rise for 2 to 3 hours. It should double in volume.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Put an empty Dutch oven, with its lid on, into the warmed oven for about 15 minutes.

Take out the dutch oven, give it a quick spritz of non-stick spray, then scrape the dough with a soft spatula into it. Put the cover back on and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes and then serve.

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Family health bread 1

cup raisins

1

cup boiling water

½

teaspoon baking soda

1

cup milk

1

cup All Bran cereal

1

cup wheat flour

1

cup oatmeal

½

cup brown sugar

½

teaspoon salt

2

Tablespoons molasses

Soak raisins in the boiling water and add baking soda. In a separate bowl, mix all the other ingredients together. Add the raisin mixture to the other ingredients and stir until combined.

Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Winter sunshine cornbread 1 ½ cups yellow corn meal 1

cup flour

¼

cup sugar

2 ¼ teaspoon baking powder ¾

teaspoon salt

2

eggs, slightly beaten

1

cup milk

¼

cup oil

Mix together the dry ingredients. In a separate small bowl, stir the eggs, milk and oil together.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined, then pour the batter into a greased 9-inch pan.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, until an inserted fork comes out clean.

Cool for 10 minutes then enjoy with butter and honey.

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T

he Eugene Airport is a proud part of what makes Western Oregon such a unique place to live and visit, with direct routes connecting to hundreds of destinations.

Let Vacation MOM Plan Your Dream Vacation!

Family Vacations Romantic Getaways Cruises All Inclusive Resorts Disney Vacations

real local moms

Get seen by moms!

Advertise with MOM Magazine. mommag.com

Donnita Bassinger VIP Vacations, Inc. 541-913-5272 Facebook: Vacation MOM 24 mommag.com

How close should my child be to their screen?

Many parents wonder if their child’s vision is impacted by screen time. Short answer: it is. Studies have shown connections between screen time and nearsightedness, loss of focus flexibility, dry eyes and other issues. Setting limits on screen time is key, as is monitoring how close kids should be to said screens.

The ideal working distance is called the Harmon Distance: it’s the distance from your knuckles to your elbow. For a young child, their arms are shorter thus the distance is shorter, and it grows as they grow. The Harmon Distance works well for worksheets, handheld video games, handheld tablets and phones.

Televisions should be viewed from a minimum of five feet. You can make this more fun by having them lay out two of their body lengths, or a whole yoga-mat away. A reference point such as a coffee table or rug helps the wandering kids know where they need to be behind.

For children who continually inch toward the screen, you can pause or mute the show. This can break their trance and help them realize how close they moved toward the screen.

Brought to you by:

David A. Hackett OD, FCOVD Dr. Hackett sees patients of all ages at our West 11th Ave and Valley River Plaza locations.

3015 W 11th Ave, Eugene 1011 Valley River Way Suite 110, Eugene 541-342-2201 | sterlingvision.com

mommag.com 25

something to smile about

When does flossing start for kids?

When we ask parents to begin flossing their baby’s teeth, they give us a look like, are you for real? We are. It’s not as difficult or outlandish as it sounds. Not only is it super important for dental and overall health, it’s easier to do when you start your child early.

Begin flossing when your child has two teeth that are touching. That’s typically around 6 to 10 months of age, and usually the front bottom teeth. So, how exactly are you to do this with a wiggly baby? First, choose a time when they are rested, fed and happy. Seat them on your lap, facing you, and floss between those two touching teeth as you would your own.

We hear parents say, they’re just baby teeth, so why should it matter?

Tooth decay can be painful, and no one wants that for their child.

About 70% of children’s cavities occur between the teeth. Cleaning between your child’s teeth with floss or a floss aid removes plaque where toothbrushing can’t reach.

Additionally, starting early with all dental care will make your lives incredibly easier as your baby ages. They’ll be accustomed to the routine and form good habits that will last them a lifetime.

Brought to you by: Dr. Erin Estep is a board-certified pediatric dentist who owns Treehouse Kids Dentist in Springfield. She and her staff are committed to making sure your child has an amazing, safe, memorable dental experience.

26 mommag.com

treehousekidsdental.com 1611 J street Springfield, OR 541-515-6631 office@treehousekidsdental.com

Lane County’s premier birth center offering pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, lactation, newborn, gynecology and wellness care. Certified Nurse Midwives provide a personalized evidence-based experience in a boutique setting.

oregonbirthandwellness.org 890 Beltline Road in Springfield 541-515-6556 Kelly Rickman, CNM, DNP

Crystal Massey, CNM, MSN

Co-Directors collectively have 30 years of experience caring for birthing families

mommag.com 27

Let’s party!

The Willamette Valley is bursting with options for kids’ birthday parties

Y

OUR CHILDREN only get so many youthful birthdays, and you want to make them special. But planning and preparing can feel overwhelming. That’s why having a party at a venue can take a weight off your shoulders: there’s low preparation, dedicated staff to lead games and keep watch over the merry mayhem, and a set end time for festivities. At many places, you just bring cake and enjoy.

ALBANY/CORVALLIS Albany Historic Carousel & Museum Conundrum House Mid-Willamette Family YMCA OSU KidSpirit Peak Elite Gymnastics S&K Wacky Indoor Bounce Santiam Excursion Trains Splatterbox Valley Rock Gym

ADVICE FROM THE PROS… “As a mom and business owner who offers birthday parties and hosts my own, my best advice is keep it simple and think like a kid. Kids love to be with their friends, run around, get their energy and excitement out. Booking a party at a venue that runs the show for you can be a great relief…you may even get to relax and have a little fun yourself!”

— Monée Johnston, owner, Peak Elite in Corvallis

“Our party room is a blank slate giving parents a lot of creative opportunity as they prep the space for their honoree.

We’re happy to answer any questions they may have about setting up the space.”

— Gilbert House Children’s Museum in Salem

EUGENE Adventure! Children’s Museum Bounce Gymnastics and Aerial Arts Crux Rock Gym Dazzling Pony Parties Eugene Family YMCA Eugene Science Center Kidsports Northwest Ninja Park Putters Family Entertainment Center

SALEM Athletic Edge Adventure Park Awesome Indoor Playground Creativitee (decorate apparel) Fantasy Farms (horses) Family YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties Gilbert House Children’s Museum The Kroc Center Rock Boxx Climbing Gym Salem’s Riverfront Carousel

28 mommag.com

LOOKING FOR IDEAS? Check your city’s…

•

Parks & recreation departments

•

Humane societies

•

Libraries

•

Lego retailers, like Bricks & MiniFigs

•

Toy stores

•

Gymnastics academies

•

Escape rooms

•

Bowling alleys

•

Paintball & laser tag

•

Movie theaters, like the ones featured in this issue

•

Good old-fashioned pizza parlors

•

Trampoline parks

•

Soccer parks

•

Martial arts

•

Pottery and art studios

mommag.com 29

We

independent movie theaters

The Willamette Valley’s independent movie theaters are bursting with charm.

Independent movie theaters have so much to offer: many show first-run films, serve local food and drink, and are often housed in historic buildings that make for a unique experience. They're perfect for kids (and adults) who want a more cozy atmosphere. Many independent theaters also offer private rentals for parties — just ask.

For date nights, try theaters that are geared more towards adults, such as the Darkside in Corvallis, Salem Cinema in Salem, and Art House in Eugene. Enjoy the show!

“At our sensory sensitive showings, we keep the lights up enough so it’s not too dark. The sound is turned down so it's not too loud, and kids can walk around, dance, talk or make noises.

These showings normally sell out.”

— Jeff Mexico, owner

— Edward Schiessl, owner

Star Cinema The Pix Albany

Dallas Cinema Dallas

Independence Cinema Independence

Metro Cinema Eugene

30 mommag.com

Salem

The Whiteside Corvallis

The Kuhn Cinema Lebanon

The Rio Theatre Stayton

“Our private auditorium rentals are a great way for younger kids to enjoy a movie theater experience without any obligation to sit still or keep quiet — groups can socialize and move about, and even bring in their own treats, birthday cake, pizza, etc.”

Northern Lights Theatre Pub

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