real local moms
COVER MOM TERESA CORTES
since 2005
MOMS LOVE LOCAL
Salem | Dec 2023 / Jan 2024
WINTER BAKING
Da Vinci XI Robot has arrived at Santiam Hospital & Clinics.
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Connect With Us
It’s what‘s inside that counts
Winter baking
20
Meet the MOM experts ... 4
Stocking stuffers
22
They know what they’re
Cover MOM: Teresa Cortes ...................14
talking about.
This mom gets real.
Because I said so............... 5
Winter baking..................20
A message from MOM
MOM’s favorite local places
24
MOM’s favorite local places.......................24
Stocking stuffers.............22
Healthy MOM .................... 6 Seasonal Affective Disorder
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Advertise today Want to get the word out about your business? Contact Kim Leighty at kim.leighty@mommag.com or Tina Toney at tina@activemediausa.com. mommag.com 3
meet the
experts
[They know what they’re talking about]
Support
Drive
Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 8
On the Road with Nicole Kersey, page 10
Smile
Pets
Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam, page 9
Pets are Family with Dr. Emily Kalenius, page 12
Health Healthy MOM with Santiam Hospital, page 6
“ Raising kids is a walk in the park...Jurassic Park. “
— Just about every mom
4 mommag.com
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 Salem Advertising Representatives Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036 Tina Toney tina@activemediausa.com 503-991-4547 Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250 Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.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.
The inky embrace of January awaits us There are times of the year that can take many moms to the brink. There’s May, with its end-of-school-year and registerfor-all-the-annual-things chaos. Then September and October, which have a gazillion kids’ birthday parties, plus back-to-school and fall sports. But do any of these compare with December? If you celebrate Christmas, this month is the Mt. Everest of Motherhood. The challenge is the extra work it brings in addition to regular life of taking care of kids, going to work and keeping the house from falling down upon you. Most schools are out for two weeks, so good luck finding childcare and patching together coverage at work. Kids still need meals, socks, nail trims, permission slips signed…the house is its usual swirl of groceries, dishes and laundry. The holidays become an unpaid, part time job. Mental load, anyone? Before kids, my husband and I hastily threw a string of lights around our front door, decorated a small potted tree and called it Christmas. Then came kids, and oh, how the allure to dazzle them is strong. You must resist some of this to keep yourself sane. Two things that have helped me: Never starting the Elf on a Shelf, because once you start that tradition you are locked into it for at least a decade. And don’t stress about wrapping kids’ presents to look photoshoot ready. You’ve seen their artwork; they don’t care if the barcode on the box is covered or not.
cause we all know it’s more than immediate family — it's inlaws, teachers, neighbors and so on. Plus the surprise events, like spirit days, cookie exchanges and old pals blowing through town. A few moms I know seem to breeze through the holidays, which makes me wonder what exactly are they sipping out of that giant stainless tumbler? Cut yourself a break: take the kids out for dinner to one of the places in our annual MOMs Love Local article in this issue. We have an article on stocking stuffer ideas, too, in case your brain is fried. We wish you peace this season, which means your tape doesn’t run out, your childcare doesn’t bail and no one gets the crud. Your unpaid seasonal part time job will be over soon, and the inky embrace of January awaits us. Cheers, Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief
Still, this barely takes the edge off the shopping, cooking and organizing. I shop for an average of 18 different entities be-
mommag.com 5
Seasonal Affective Disorder Officially, winter in Oregon lasts from November to March. However, anyone who’s lived here for a few years knows that it’s often raining or overcast from Halloween to Memorial Day.
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W
hile our climate gives us lush, verdant spring months, we must endure the dark and rainy winter ones to get them. Shorter days — and gray ones in between — can mean that as Oregonians, we are in the proverbial dark days of winter for a seemingly longer period of time than other parts of the country (or even the state.) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs only during the fall and winter months. It’s believed to be caused by the body’s response to less sunlight and a seasonal increase in the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps us sleep. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are particularly vulnerable. People affected by SAD may produce more melatonin and less serotonin than others, which results in temporary changes in mood, anxiety and low energy. Children and adults with SAD may sleep more than usual, be more reclusive and have difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can be troublesome at school or in the workplace, but can usually be easily treated. If you suspect a family member has SAD, first check with their doctor. And for good measure, there are things that the whole family can do to lift the collective mood, SAD or not: • Get regular exposure to Oregon sunshine (even the rainy kind!) • Speak with your healthcare provider about adding Vitamin D supplements to your routine. • Try implementing a light therapy lamp that simulates daylight into your daily routine. Ask your healthcare professional where to start. • Encourage all family members to regularly communicate their feelings. This can be to you, another trusted adult or a professional. If you suspect that you or a family member has symptoms of depression that are not merely seasonal, or that do not respond to self-help, talk to a professional. There may be other conditions to be addressed.
Brought to you by: santiamhospital.org
mommag.com 7
support for family
The unspoken language of behavior Behavior is a powerful form of communication, especially in individuals who may have difficulty expressing themselves through words. However, sometimes challenging behavior can leave us scratching our heads as to why the behavior is occurring. Behavior is a language worth decoding. Let’s look at the four most common functions of behavior: Attention Positive or negative, attention is attention. If you notice your child acting out when they’re not getting enough oneon-one time or putting on a show to impress you or their teacher, they might be craving more of that spotlight. Escape In this case, a behavior is occurring in order to escape a demand. Your child might suddenly develop some impressive ninja skills when you ask them to tackle dreaded tasks like tooth-brushing or chores, all in a heroic effort to dodge those less-than-thrilling demands. Tangible Simply put, the function of tangible behavior is seen when a child wants an item or response. Picture your child’s face and actions when they want more screen time or they’re on a quest for that irresistible sugary snack. Automatic Some behaviors just feel good for our little ones; it’s their body’s way of giving them a little pick-me-up. For some kids, it might look like stimming, where a physical movement calms their nerves and brings comfort. Behavior of all kinds is used to convey thoughts, emotions and needs. Taking a step back to examine behaviors can help give caregivers and parents the insight needed to provide alternatives, flexibility or skill-building opportunities to get needs met. It’s worth the work, as a deepening of understanding goes a long way in connecting to a child.
Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor 922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112 Corvallis, OR 97330 kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360
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Brought to you by: KIDS NW connects families with compassionate caregivers, specially trained in serving individuals with disabilities.
A happy dental visit The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have their first dental visit shortly after the eruption of their first tooth — for many patients that can be as young as 6 months old. Here is what you can do to ensure your child’s first visit is a success: Your child’s first visit to the denist should be a fun, “get acquainted with us” visit, giving your family a chance to become familiar with the office, staff and doctor. This simple step is important to a happy and healthy dental future. Talk to your child about the dentist and answer their questions in an age-appropriate, fun way, Avoid using words like “pain,” ”hurt” and “shot,” and we will avoid using them as well.
Brought to you by:
Dr. Jay Vaikuntam
pediatricdentistoregon.com 2020 Commercial Street SE Salem, OR 97302 (503) 364-7545
MIDVALLEY BIRTHING SERVICES
Finally, once you are at your first appointment, let the dentist take center stage. Pediatric dentists are pros when it comes to relating to and connecting with children, and making them comfortable in a new (sometimes scary) environment.
Explore the beauty of a home birth.
Free consultations! Home birth midwifery, birth/postpartum doula services, placenta encapsulation and lactation support Serving Albany, Lebanon, Corvallis, Eugene, Salem and surrounding areas
Julia Bailey CPM, LDM, IBCLC
Liz Baer CPM, LDM
541-928-1002 | midvalbirth@gmail.com | midvalleybirthingservices.com 3111 Santiam Hwy SE, Suite H, Albany & 805 Liberty St. NE, Salem mommag.com 9
on the road
Gifts for the auto-enthusiasts If you have a car enthusiast in your life, they’ll love these auto-oriented gifts this season: • Jacket or hoodie with their favorite automaker logo • Membership to their favorite car wash • Emergency tire inflator • Merch from our showroom: we have cups, key chains, hats and more! • Dash-cam system • Magnetic dash-mount wireless phone charger • Emergency car battery starter • License plate frames
For stocking stuffers:
• Specialty magazines
Window crackers
• A car vacuum
Rain X wipes
Those holiday commercials where people give new cars with the giant bow on top? It’s rare, but it actually does happen in real life!
Dash wipes
NICOLE KERSEY Nicole Kersey has been with Capitol Auto Group since Sept 2022 as a receptionist. She has two great kids: daughter Kiera, age 12, and son Parker, age 10. She loves working at Capitol Auto Group because it’s family-oriented. Outside of work she enjoys attending Parker’s basketball games, shopping with Kiera and playing Mario Kart with her family.
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USB charger Car tree ornament
Brought to you by:
OVER 850 NEW & PRE-OWNED VEHICLES AVAILABLE! Shop our beautiful campus and let us treat you to award winning service! 783 Auto Group Ave. NE. Salem, Oregon
800.888.1391
mommag.com 11
pets are family
Pet safety during the holidays During the winter holidays, there are increased temptations and risks for our pets. It’s also a busy time for many moms, so the last thing you want on your list is a sick pet. Protect your fur-children from these common seasonal dangers... Avoid giving your pet table scraps as the unfamiliar rich food can cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis. In particular, onions, garlic and raisins (often found in stuffing) are toxic to dogs, and bones can cause intestinal blockage or injury. Consider separating pets from the Christmas tree or other indoor ornamentation. Glass and plastic ornaments can be broken or eaten, light strands chewed on, trees tipped over, or the basin water ingested. Tinsel is particularly attractive to cats, and when eaten, it can cause an intestinal blockage. Consider skipping the tinsel if you have cats in your household. Many pets seek warmth, and during winter, they might cozy up to space heaters or other potentially dangerous sources of heat such as a fireplace. Ensure these are pet-proofed to avoid risks of burns or accidents. We often host company over the holidays. Depending on the temperament of your pet, it may be important to give them a safe space to get away from the visitors. Consider setting up a baby gate to keep dogs out of guest rooms where they could potentially rummage through visitors’ suitcases and personal items. With some advanced planning, your pets will be safe and happy — and ready for adorable family photos.
Wilvet Salem Open 24/7 120 Ramsgate Square S | wilvetsalem.com | (503) 741-8858
Get your tickets online at aquarium.org 12 mommag.com
WILVET SOUTH 24/7 urgent care Brought to you by: 444 B Street in Springfield Emily Kalenius, DVM wilvetsouth.com
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Teresa Cortes P ROF E S SION: Aesthetic nurse injector COMMUNI T Y: South Salem
YOU’LL FIND THIS MOM EATING 12 GRAPES ON NEW YEAR’S EVE…AND EVERY DAY, SOAKING UP AS MUCH FAMILY LIFE AS POSSIBLE.
PA R T NER: Juan, contractor CHIL DREN: Carlos, age 22; Andrea, age 17; and Abel, age 8
PHOTOS BY: LAUREL BICE
Family comes first. All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband and I met right out of high school. We have been married for almost 23 years and have three great kids. Carlos is 22, Andrea is 17 and Abel is 8. Carlos recently got a Frenchie named Alyx and it’s been fun having him in our family now as well. We live in South Salem and have been here for the last six years. Our home came with a vineyard, and we decided to take on that challenge. My husband Juan has been awesome about learning all about how to take care of the grapes, and harvest time in the fall is a fun family activity, although it is a lot of work. The wine is definitely a plus though!
MOM’s Favorite... Tell us about your favorite…
…family game: Sequence or Loteria …words to live by: Your greatness is not what you have, it’s what you give. …place to find some peace & quiet: Oregon coast. It’s so peaceful there. …binge-worthy TV or podcast: For TV, Breaking Bad. Podcasts, I’m truecrime obsessed. …way to get out of making dinner: Just say, “Who wants Pizza?”
Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours? We have a tradition of baking cookies for Christmas every year, and we also have the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The Twelve Grapes of Luck is something fun we like to do, but eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve is a Hispanic tradition to ensure prosperity in the coming year. When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I think I’ve always known I’ve wanted to be a mom. For me, I felt it was just something instinctual especially as I got older. Growing up I loved babysitting and being around kids, so I knew it was something I wanted. Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. There have been so many proud moments with my kids. Watching my son graduate high school in the middle of a pandemic, seeing how smart, sweet and humble my kids are…but you feel especially proud when people come up to you and praise you for how you’ve raised your kids.
Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. Over the past 22 years there have been plenty of humbling moments. To be honest, none of us as moms are perfect and that’s okay. Acknowledging you’ve made a mistake with your kids, apologizing and being able to communicate about our mistakes has been the most humbling. What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? Nothing super exciting, just the usual: socks, candy, wrappers, crackers, cookies, straws, the remote, money, and toys, LOL. What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do (skip showers, go to a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)? Leave the house in slippers! I have been known to leave the house in my slippers to go drop off my kids at school and run some morning errands. In what way are your children like you? How are they different? They all have very different personalities, but they are all caring, compassionate and kind, they get that from both of us. Andrea is more like me in regard to wanting to be in the medical field, and Carlos is following in his dad’s footsteps with construction. They all love dipping their cookies into their drinks (milk, hot chocolate etc..) and they get that from their dad, definitely not me. You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “______________.” Does anyone have to go to the bathroom before we leave? Who didn’t flush the toilet? Your biggest wish for your kids is… For them to be hard workers and accomplish their goals and dreams but most importantly for them to be happy in whatever path they chose to follow in life. mommag.com 15
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? It’s a crazy hectic life being a mom and having a full-time job. It truly does take a village to raise a family. We have been very fortunate to have plenty of family around town that can help with picking up kids after school, taking them to and from practices and getting them home when my husband or my schedule doesn’t accommodate the activities going on. Both of us being self-employed has given us the opportunity to adjust our schedules accordingly so it hasn’t been too bad. As far as household responsibilities go, we share them. If I cook, someone else does the dishes, we all take out the trash and my older two kids do their own laundry. We tried to teach them growing up to clean up after themselves, and that’s been a plus now that they are older. I think that dinner is the one thing that always seems to fall through the cracks. Trying to keep our 8-year-old busy with after school activities means not getting home until later in the evening so if I can, I try to make meals large enough so we have leftovers…or stop by my parents’ house and see what they made for dinner to take home! Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I’ve always enjoyed giving back to my community. I started doing that back in high school as a volunteer for Salem Hospital delivering flowers to patients. I have also volunteered at Simonka Place, a local women’s shelter. Our family believes in giving back to our community or wherever we see that there is a need. A local organization that is dear to our hearts is Friends of Pimpollo. Their mission as a volunteer organization is to develop and support education-based projects and programs for communities that are in need in Oaxaca, Mexico. They provide unconditional love and support, improving these families’ lives and helping them move towards a better future and self-sufficiency through education. We have been on several trips there to build schools for these communities, and it has been amazing. 16 mommag.com
What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? Being a nurse, you learn to go with the flow, things can change in an instant and you have to learn to deal with that. Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. I am proud of my educational achievements. Getting to where I am now has been a work in progress for a long time: I started in the medical field right out of high school as a medical assistant, then went into nursing as an LPN, continued on to get my RN then BSN and now I’m working on getting my master’s degree in nursing. Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? A goal I would like to accomplish in the next five years is to get my degree as a nurse practitioner. I would also continue to build and expand my current aesthetic business.
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy. Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I grew up with two hard-working immigrant parents. I am so proud of what they have accomplished. My parents always taught my sister and I to respect others and the value of being a hard worker. We worked alongside them in the fields during our summers picking berries so nothing was ever handed to us, and that is something that I have instilled in my kids. I do want to provide the best I can for them, but by the same token teach them the value of earning what you want versus just expecting it to be given to you.
Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you? I was born in Idaho and moved to Oregon when I was about 7 years old. We lived in St.Paul and Jefferson but the majority of time has been here in Salem. I loved growing up in a “smaller” town, without the hustle and bustle of city life. Oregon is absolutely beautiful and I’m happy that we can raise our kids here. What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? There are quite a few! They taught us great work ethics and instilled in us that we can be anything we want to be, but also taught us humility. When was the last time you did something for the first time? A few years ago I went sailing for the first time. We went with a group of four other people and went sailing in the British Virgin Islands. The water is crystal clear and blue — stunning! When did you realize you were no longer a child? When I did taxes and had to pay Uncle Sam for the first time. Definite an eye-opener. What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? To experience all that this world has to offer. We love traveling, and I want my kids to experience different foods, languages and cultures firsthand. What are three words your best friend would use to describe you? Caring, giving and compassionate What are three words your kids would use to describe you? Giving, caring and intelligent (I asked them.)
MOMs Love Local We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Salem Saturday Market …coffee spot: Isaac’s …view or scenic lookout: Willamette Valley Vineyard …place to treat yourself: Got Nails for a great pedi …restaurant to take the kids: Best Little Roadhouse. We go there for the bread. …restaurants for a date night: The Cozy Taberna …take-out, food truck or quick bite: Beehive Station — so many options for everyone …meetup spot for happy hour: Xicha Brewing …place where the kids can let off steam: Riverfront Park …event in your community: The Awesome 3000
mommag.com 17
What is the quality you like most about yourself? My attitude towards life. I always try to see the positive in any situation. There’s no need to dwell on the negative. Life is too short for that. What’s your superpower? I’m a master at arranging travel plans. I love coordinating flights, hotels, transportation, tours etc. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Shopping, especially online Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. My nightly bath. I love relaxing there at the end of a long day to decompress and reset for the next day. Tell us something about you that would surprise people who don’t know you. I don’t know how to swim. It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do? I grab a glass of wine and binge watch some true crime documentaries. What keeps you sane? My weekends. We have a large extended family on both sides, so I feel like there is always something going on with friends and family where we can all just relax and hang out. What is your least/most favorite household chore? Least favorite is putting laundry away. My most favorite is mopping. I love the way it makes the house smell nice and clean.
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What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?) This may seem weird, but I’m obsessed with anything true-crime related. I watch it on TV constantly and listen to podcasts anytime I’m in my car. What is your greatest extravagance? My shoe and purse collection. Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? Being a good role model for my kids, nieces and nephews inspires me to be the best I can be. Whether it is just being a humble, honest, overall good human being, or constantly setting new goals for myself. What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Face at least one of your fears or push the boundaries of your comfort zone. I don’t know how to swim and water was one of my fears. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and have enjoyed all kinds of water activities with my husband since.
Listen to mom. Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? Yes and no. I expected all the sleepless nights and challenges but didn’t expect all the emotions that come with being a mom. I was surprised at how deeply and selflessly you can love another human being the moment you meet them.
Do current events shape how you parent, and if so, how? Yes, unfortunately we live in a very scary world nowadays, and that makes me more cautious and protective of what I am comfortable with my kids doing. Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My mother has influenced me the most on being the mother that I am today. She loves my sister and I unconditionally and has always been there for us. I strive to do the same for my kids. What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? Don’t sweat the small stuff, enjoy every moment you can with them when they are little because before you know it, they are all grown up. What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s not about perfection, and there’s no “right” way to do things. Do what works best for you and your family and enjoy the ride. What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Make sure to give yourself grace when it comes to raising your family. No one is perfect — we’re all trying to do the best we can on this journey of motherhood. It will be the hardest yet most rewarding job you will ever have, and in the end, all we will have are the memories we made. Stop to take all the pictures, travel, go on adventures and in general enjoy as much time with your kiddos as possible!
GET SEEN BY MOMS! Advertise with us: mommag.com/advertise
mommag.com
Let’s grow together for your child’s health and well-being! Douglas Scott Hamblin, MD Krisi Clausen, PA-C, MPH Dr. Scott, Krisi Clausen, and our experienced team are experts in managing a wide range of health concerns - from routine check-ups and immunizations to managing chronic conditions. We emphasize preventative care and early detection, working closely with families to address their unique concerns and needs.
Rainbow Valley Pediatrics 605 Welch St Silverton, OR 97381 Phone: 503-782-1975 Fax: 503-343-6232 info@rainbowvalleypediatrics.com
mommag.com 19
Winter baking
Get the kids involved and make the house smell great with these recipes for delicious baked treats.
GINGERBREAD COOKIES
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½
cup butter, softened
½
cup sugar
¼
teaspoon salt
1
egg
½
cup molasses
1
tablespoon white vinegar
3
cups flour
1
teaspoon baking soda
2
teaspoons ground ginger
½
teaspoon cinnamon
½
teaspoon nutmeg
1/4
teaspoon cloves
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a cookie sheet. Cream together the butter, sugar and salt. Stir in the egg, molasses and vinegar. In a separate bowl, blend the flour, baking soda and all the remaining spices. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. If the dough gets sticky, refrigerate it for an hour and then roll out on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use a glass to create classic round cookies, or use cookie cutters for traditional shapes. Put on a cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. Allow the shapes to cool completely before decorating or glazing. A simple glaze of powdered sugar and water works well.
APPLE CINNAMON ROLLS | Courtesy of Bob’s Red Mill Dough
Apple filling
3/4
1/4
cup butter
4
cups peeled and chopped apples
1/2
cup granulated sugar
cup warm milk
7-gram packet active dry yeast
BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE
2
eggs
4
cups unbleached white all-purpose flour
1/4
cup brown sugar
1/2
cup sugar
2
teaspoons ground cinnamon
1
teaspoon salt
1
teaspoon lemon juice
1/2
cup butter, softened
1/4
cup butter
1/2
cup butter, softened
Cinnamon sugar filling
Icing
1
cup sugar
3/4
cup brown sugar
4
2
eggs
2
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1
cup milk
teaspoon ground cinnamon
1
teaspoon vanilla
1/4
teaspoon salt
3
cups flour
1/2
cup butter, softened
3
teaspoons baking powder
1
teaspoon salt
1
cup frozen blueberries
2 - 3 tablespoons coarse sugar for topping Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Cream butter and sugar together, then add eggs, milk and vanilla. In a separate bowl, blend flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry to wet slowly until flour lumps are gone, but be careful not to overwork the batter. Spread half of the batter into the baking dish, then add a layer of blueberries on top. Pour the remaining batter on top of the blueberries. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the top. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until an inserted fork comes out clean.
oz cream cheese, softened
1
teaspoon vanilla extract
1
tablespoon milk
Place the warm milk in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes for the yeast to activate. Butter a 9-inch square pan and set aside. Add the eggs, flour, sugar and salt to the yeast mixture and mix to form a rough dough. Begin piecing in the soft butter and continue to mix and knead until a smooth and elastic dough forms, about 10 minutes. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let sit in a warm place until doubled in size, about 90 minutes. Meanwhile, make the fillings. Melt the butter in a large sauté pan. Add the chopped apples, sugars and cinnamon and cook until the apples are soft and have released their juices, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice. Remove the apples from their cooking liquid and set aside. Add 1/4 cup butter to the warm cooking liquid and stir until butter has melted. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Set aside. Once dough has doubled in size, transfer to a well-floured surface and roll into a 14 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread the surface with the 1/2 cup soft butter, leaving a 1/2-inch wide strip along the 14-inch top edge. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, then top with an even layer of the cooked apples. Beginning at the bottom of the rectangle, begin to roll up the dough into a long cylinder, sealing along the empty top edge. Cut the cylinder into 12 equal pieces and place on their sides in the prepared 9-inch square pan. Cover and let sit somewhere warm until puffy and nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour the reserved apple liquid over the top of the rolls and bake for 35-40 minutes. Let cool for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, make the icing. Mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, adjusting consistency with milk. Spread icing over the top of the rolls, then separate and serve.
mommag.com 21
Practical paternal figure
Stocking stuffers for all You’ve gotten the big stuff, but what to do for stocking stuffers? We have ideas for everyone, from your brother-in-law to your big sis, and everyone in between.
Back scratcher Stim-u-dent dental picks Carabiners Dude Wipes Gorilla Glue Sport team or alumni car decal
Darling diva Nail polish & remover wipes Headbands Makeup brushes Face masks Bath bombs
The neatnik Purell singles mini packs Phone screen wipes Travel lint roller Scrub Daddy Wool laundry dryer balls Clothing stain remover pens
Hostess with the mostess Battery-operated candles Swedish dishcloths Square silicone ice cube mold Reusable beeswax food wraps Command hooks
Gardening goddess Farmers Almanac Organic seed packets Plant markers Mesh vegetable bags Compost tea
TikToking teen Airpod case holder keychain Compact mini phone tripod Apple Air Tag 4-foot phone charging cable Clip-on LED selfie ring light
Classic kid Slinky Jr. Pocket Etch A sketch LEGO Brick Separator Bath crayons Silly erasers Mini boomerang
22 mommag.com
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1360 Tandem Ave., NE • Salem • 503-308-7935 mommag.com 23
GAMBERETTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT // SALEM
MOM’s
Favorite
GATSBY // SALEM
Local Places It’s our second year of showcasing local places that our cover MOMs chose as favorites in the Willamette Valley. Made the list two years in a row! MULTIPLE MENTIONS, meaning local MOMs really like these places.
PASSIONFLOWER // EUGENE
24 mommag.com
EUGENE AREA
...take-out, food truck or quick bite:
...shop to pick up a gift or or something for yourself:
Chaiyo Thai Food Truck
Down to Earth Home, Garden & Gift Market of Choice Passionflower Designs Real Deals on Home Decor Rhythm and Blooms St. Vincent de Paul Sweet Salvage Thurston Flowers ...coffee spot: Coffee Plant Roaster Community Cup Coffee Crema & Bloom Meraki Coffee Co. Old Crow Coffee Southpine Bakery and Cafe Vero Espresso The Washburne Café …spot for a good workout or view: Coburg Fit Club Eugene Swim & Tennis Club Glow Yoga Spencer Butte Park Thurston Hills Natural Area ...restaurant to take the kids: Beergarden Chow Gastropub Evergreen Indian Mezza Luna Pizzeria Elk Horn Brewery
Burrito Amigos Killer Burger Once Famous Grill Sammitch Food Trucks Taco El Paisa Thai Time Kitchen Taqueria Mi Pueblo ...Other places MOMs love: Adventure! Children’s Museum Amazon Park Alton Baker Park Camas Swale Farm
...place to treat yourself to a massage or other personal service: Natural Healing Massage & Wellness Holistic Bodyworks & Nutrition Solar Nails Bliss Beauty Bar ...restaurant to take the kids: Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant Rudy’s Steakhouse Shades of Brew Lively Station Pho Keizer
Eugene Public Library Lane County Farmers Market
...restaurants for a date night:
Owen Rose Garden
Chira’s
Parker Learning Gardens
The Cozy Taberna
Round1 Bowling & Amusement
Chen’s Family Dish JC’s Pizzaria
SALEM AREA ...shop to pick up a gift or or something for yourself: Bauman’s Farm & Garden Top Drawer Boutique The Freckled Bee
Paco’s Mexican Food Venti’s ...place where the kids can let off steam: Get Air Trampoline Park Salem’s Riverfront Carousel
Gatsby
Athletic Edge Adventure Park
The Find
Outdoor space at Salt Creek Ciderhouse
Green Space Design by Jude Olivia’s
Wes Bennett Park
...coffee spot:
...event in your community:
Archive Coffee & Bar
Salem Art Fair and Festival
Isaac’s Downtown
Salem Saturday Market
Happy Heart Coffee Company
Winter Beer Fest at Suttle Lake
Just Us Girls Coffee and Wine
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Torero’s Mexican Restaurant
The Sippery
World Beat Festival
...restaurants for a date night:
…spot for a good workout or view:
B2 Bar & Grill
Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge
...any other local places you love:
North Fork Public House Royal India
Bao Bao House George & Violet’s King Estate Marché Placido’s Pasta Shop Plank Town Brewing Company Tacovore
Bush’s Pasture Park Minto Brown Island Park Dukes Family Vineyards Toe 2 Toe Boxing
Aunt Bee’s House E.Z. Orchards Market of Choice On Any Sundae The Fussy Duck
Our cover MOM's 2023 Favorite Local Places mommag.com 25
Our cover MOM's 2023 Favorite Local Places ALBANY, CORVALLIS & PHILOMATH AREAS ...shop to pick up a gift or or something for yourself: The Book Bin The Inkwell Home Store Restyle Seoul Sisters Boutique ...coffee spot: Coffee Culture The Brim Coffee Co.
TACOVORE // CORVALLIS
New Morning Bakery Timber Towne Coffee ...restaurant to take the kids: American Dream Pizza The Barn Cascade BBQ The Dizzy Hen El Palenque
RESTYLE // CORVALLIS
El Sol de Mexico Tacovore Sky High Brewing Sugar J’s Ice Cream Workshop SALEM’S RIVERFRONT CAROUSEL // SALEM
...restaurants for a date night: Block 15 Brewing Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant Sada Sushi & Izakaya TacoVino The Vault 244 Vinwood Taphouse ...take-out, food truck or quick bite: Local Boyz Hawaiian Cafe La Rockita Market of Choice Tacos El Machin Yogurt Extreme
26 mommag.com
...spot to get a good workout: Burn Boot Camp Orangetheory Fitness OSU Campus ...events & places where the kids can let off steam: Corvallis Farmers’ Market Corvallis Knights Baseball games OSU sporting events S&K Wacky Indoor Bounce Philomath Frolic & Rodeo
AUNT BEE’S HOUSE // SALEM
r o f g n i Car lies
am f g n i w gro
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5 2 9 1 e c sin
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
FAMILY MEDICINE
salemclinic.org
URGENT CARE
503.399.2424
mommag.com 27
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28 mommag.com
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mommag.com 29
FREE Family Membership! Become a lifeguard at the Dallas Aquatic Center DALLAS AQUATIC CENTER 1005 SE LaCreole Dr. | Dallas OR 97338 503-623-9715 | www.dallasor.gov
SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION
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MOM Magazine Ad (draft) (3) (3).pdf 1
10/13/2023 2:30:36 PM
Experience More Than a Dance Class Where All Kids Shine! Ballet * Tap * Jazz * Modern * Hip-Hop * Acro * Musical Theater
StarrStudiosSalem.com
(503) 581-7103
Smiling faces because of you. Thank you to all that have volunteered, donated or shopped in our shops. Because of you, we are able to continue our mission of strengthening our community.
Ways you can help... Become a member. Shop the Daue House Gift Shop or Encore Furniture. Consign your gently used items.
DONATE BY PHONE
Use your phone's camera
Assistance League Salem-Keizer is a charitable, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Fed ID # 93-6030372
Learn more at ALS-K.org
30 mommag.com
3 healthy screen time tips for parents of preschoolers In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to teach your little ones how to have a healthy relationship with screens. It’s all about balance! Here are the top three screen-time tips you need to know as the parent of kids ages 2 to 5: 1. The golden rule: One hour a day The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children aged 2 to 5 have no more than one hour of screen time per day, whether it’s on a phone, tablet or TV. This time should be devoted to high-quality, age-appropriate content that supports their development. 2. Create screen-free zones and times Imagine creating magical screen-free zones! Designate mealtime, bedtime and family gatherings as sacred no-screen moments. Make it a family ritual for all ages to put away their devices and watch how it strengthens bonds and sparks creativity. 3. Quality counts When your kiddo does have screen time, focus on the quality. Choose educational apps and shows that not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons. Think Bluey, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood or brain-boosting apps like ABCmouse. By keeping these three key points in mind, you can strike a healthy balance between screen time and other enriching activities for your child. Remember, your active engagement in their screen time experiences, thoughtful content choices and a healthy mix of play and exploration will ensure they thrive in our digital age. Keep up the great work, parents!
Brought to you by
Salem Health Family Birth Center. Learn more at salemhealth.org/FBC.
mommag.com 31
PO Box 672 | Aurora, OR 97002-0672 503-825-2100 | 503-776-9185 fax mommag.com | info@mommag.com
The views, information and content in this magazine are not that of the organization that may have provided MOM Magazine to readers as a courtesy. MOM Magazine and its distributors assume no liability for the contents or events arising out of its distribution.
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