Ardent content food
& flavor 21. Knock You Off Your Saddle Lemonade 22. Southwest Frittata 24. The Glorious Pineapple Carole Morris 28. “Sparkling” Celebrations Cindy Della Monica 32. Rack of Ribs McConnell Estates
design 16. Denim and Lemons
26. feature
38. Shawna Chrisman Destination Aesthetics™
love
40. Bailey & Cameron
education 44. What I’ve learned CT Morris
art 46. Book Reviews Sacramento Public Library
health 50. After High School Graduation - Now What? Kaiser Permanente 56. Memory and Focus Elk Grove Vitamins 58. Mobility Training Switch Fitness 62. Bending Time Anna Osborn
community 34. Chico De Mayo M&M Real Estate 52. Festival of the Arts Elk Grove Fine Arts Center
28. 4. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
64. Family Fun Day 66. FitFest
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy No doubt you’ve heard a lot about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy lately. What is it all about? How does it work? Who needs it? Is it something you could benefit from? Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, also known as BHRT, is exactly what it sounds like. Your declining hormones are replaced with hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones produced by your own body. Why is this important? Hormones that are not structurally identical to your own (for example, Premarin, which comes from horse urine) do not act the same on your body, may contain hormones that your body does not make and has no receptors for these hormones, so you waste energy by giving incomplete messages to cells which then fail to produce a balanced hormonal response. Also, your body cannot effectively metabolize these foreign hormones, which may have long term unknown, potentially, negative effects on your body.
MYTH: Our hormones levels are
declining because we are growing older.
FACT: We are growing older because your hormones are declining. The goal in BHRT is to turn back the hormonal clock to around age 35, or around 20 years younger than your chronological age. Anti-aging medicine is a personalized, metabolic medicine. We now have the science to individually customize your care and we can look at the cause of the problems, instead of just treating symptoms. If you are basically healthy, we can look at how your body breaks down things to help you be healthier and stay healthy. All the patients in my practice have a totally different treatment regime, there are no protocols. It is a very personalized approach.
So is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy right for you? Do you find yourself wondering……? Why am I so tired? Why am I gaining weight? Why do I have mood swings? Why do I have a low sex drive? Why am I not able to sleep well? Why am I having memory lapses? Why do I have frequent urination and/or incontinence? Why do I have migraine headaches?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, bio-identical hormone therapy may be just what would benefit you.
How does the process work?
After obtaining lab testing of saliva, blood or urine, you meet for a consultation with Dr. Dayle A. Imperato, an American Anti-Aging Academy trained physician for evaluation of your unique bio-identical hormonal needs. You are prescribed the specific hormones that your body needs! We use a quality compounding pharmacy and carry a high pharmaceutical grade of supplements for your use.
Your hormones are a symphony of interactions. All of your hormones are designed to work together and if one is altered, or deficient, it will affect the actions of all of the other hormones in your body. It is an interactive balance and as unique to an individual as a fingerprint. One size does not fit all. Treating even “mild” hormonal deficiencies can dramatically improve quality of life. Longevity medicine is aimed at the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age related decline. We are not prisoners of our genetic destiny. Chronic inflammation is the cause and the effect of most illnesses and the diseases of aging. Balanced hormone optimization and a balanced life style decreases chronic inflammation. Hormone optimization is the finishing touch of an anti-aging lifestyle of good nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, anti-oxidants and nutraceuticals
Contributor’s Corner Justin Azevedo
Justin has been a Youth Services Librarian for Sacramento Public Library since 2010, and is currently the Youth Materials Selector for the system.
D’Lee Daleo
Switch Fitness Owner with a passion for life, family, friends and fitness. She's never met a stranger, loves the movie Elf and is living proof that fitness can be fun.
Aaron Andrew Grove
Serial Entrepreneur and Owner of Purely CBD of Elk Grove
Scott and Dana Halvorson
We are Sacramento photographers, shooting everywhere from Tahoe to San Francisco, and we have a love for travel beyond.
Dr. Dayle A. Imperato
A Board Certified physician, she has served the Sacramento community for the past 20 years. Owner of Rejuvenation Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine in Old Town, Elk Grove.
Nan Mahon
Is an author and journalist. She is a member City of Elk Grove Committee for the Arts and received the Elk Grove 2011 Mayor’s Award for volunteerism in the Arts.
Jamie McCalman
Switch Fitness Owner and Mom to Braden, Kyla and Lea. Some Moms can juggle a lot, Jamie can literally juggle her three kids; yeah, she’s that strong.
Cindy Della Monica
Cheesemonger and Owner of Cheese Central in Lodi, Ca.
Carole Morris
Instructional Specialist, Author and Adjunct Professor. She is married to an outstanding, brilliant man and the mother of two grown awe-inspiring children, and grammie to three flawless grandchildren.
Anna Osborn
Anna lives in Elk Grove with her husband and school aged twins. She owns Life Unscripted Counseling in Midtown Sacramento.
Elizabeth Pinkerton
Teacher and Administrator for 40 years, she is now a historian and author.
Justin Pinnell
Justin is not just another pretty face in Real Estate. He enjoys long walks on the beach and high mountain sunsets.
Louis Silveira
Newsletter Editor, Webmaster, and Archivist at the Elk Grove Historical Society
Dianna Singh
Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins for the past six years.
Dave Soto
Award Winning Photographer & Videographer. Has produced work for NBC Nightly News and Good Day Sacramento.
Zachary Wackman
General Manager at McConnell Estates Winery
Brendle Wells
Is a librarian and lifelong reader who has a passion for sharing books with pretty much anyone she meets. She currently works as the Adult Materials Selector for the Sacramento Public Library and asks, “What have you read lately?”
For full bios of our contributors, please visit www.ardentforlife.net. 10. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
Plan a lovely backyard boho brunch and have the perfect day with your friends and family. Check out our design article, Denim and Lemons, for the cover's Southwest Frittata recipe. You will find the article (and inspiration for your next brunch) on page 16. Recipe by: Rebecca Voorhees www.divadicucina.com Photo by: Sara Joy Pinnell
creative director
executive editor
business manager
sara@mrsandmrpublishing.com
carole@mrsandmrpublishing.com
justin@mrsandmrpublishing.com
Sara Pinnell
Carole Morris
art & production
info@mrsandmrpublishing.com
Justin Pinnell
sales
sales@mrsandmrpublishing.com
View Ardent for Life online at www.ardentforlife.net
Copyright © 2022 Mrs. and Mr. Publishing Published by Mrs. and Mr. Publishing six times a year Want to know about great events, open houses, and more? Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ardentforlifeelkgrove Ardent For Life is distributed in Elk Grove, Sacramento, Lodi, and every point in between. Have a great story idea, or know someone that we should feature? Email us with your comments & suggestions at info@mrsandmrpublishing.com Interested in increasing your business and partnering with Ardent For Life? Check out www.ardentforlife.net. The information in this publication is for informational purposes only. Mrs. and Mr. Publishing Inc. (DBA Ardent for Life) assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization is not necessarily the views of the magazine.
ardent f o r
l i f e
Checking In One benefit of summer is that each day we have more light to read by, the other benefits are enumerable. But, I’ll list a couple…flowers, more flowers, birds, and more birds. I could go on, but you get the picture. Regina Brett gives us the perfect synopsis of summer! Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on the beach and study the clouds.
executive editor
Carole Morris What did we learn after reading this issue? The article by Shawna Chrisman about her adoption story is so moving. I love stories with a happy ending. Additionally, there is an interesting article called Sparkling Celebrations by Cindy Della Monica, Owner of Cheese Central. She included one of her amazing recipes in honor of this year’s Platinum Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth. Other fun recipes in this issue…McConnell Estates has a recipe that will have you bringing out your smoker and making some delicious BBQ. Justin has a roasted rum pineapple recipe that will have you singing happy tropical songs. Now you have the perfect excuse to put your toes in the pool, and enjoy this issue of Ardent!
design}
Brunch with a Splash of Denim and Lemons By Cindy Mugford, My Thrifty Sister
An overturned door set upon crates set the stage for our boho feel. As the flowers in white and yellows highlighted all the lovely blue glassware.
Today was a fun day to invite over my friends to a lovely backyard boho brunch. I saw a layered denim tablecloth on Pinterest and knew I needed to try and make one for our serving table. The denim became the beginning of our denim and lemons theme. Next, planning our table to eat at. We started with an overturned door on some crates that set the stage for our boho feel. The flowers in white and yellows highlighted all the lovely blue glassware and plates. We used some denim back pockets for our silverware, and as an idea for a frosted sugar cookie, next, we brought out every pillow in the house, and the yellow home pillow was a perfect color.
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The day turns brighter with friends at your side, especially when there's tasty brunch to be had and "Knock You Off Your Saddle Lemonade" involved.
ardentforlife.net 17
design}
"Everything is fine when there is lemonade and sunshine."
Everyone brought something to the party. We had some colorful charcuterie cones from Carmen, and Toni brought lovely daisies, anemone, and ranunculus in blue vases. Rebecca made the Southwest Frittata and her famous “Knock You Off Your Saddle Lemonade.” My sister-in-law Sherri really knows how to design a pretty tablescape. I was in charge of the wood decor and dessert. We’re excited to let you have a peek into our backyard boho brunch, and you’ll want to try the recipes featured on the following few pages from @divadicucina. We all wanted the recipes for her ginger-infused lemonade.
@mythriftysister Wood decor and blueberry lemon glazed donuts 18. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
@tiltedtulipeastsac Floral centerpiece and floral table pieces
@deliciousboards Charcuterie cups
@divadicucina Southwest Frittata and “Knock You Off Your Saddle Lemonade“
my thrifty sister•in•law Dishes, glassware and pillows
Knock You Off Your Saddle Lemonade Cocktail
food}
By Rebecca Voorhees
www.divadicucina.com
Every once in a while, my family and I enjoy having our own little theme night at home. This includes everything from the meal we prepare, drinks, table décor and a movie. This Knock You Off Your Saddle Lemonade Cocktail is a recipe I came up with to go with our ol’ fashioned country hoedown dinner of bbq ribs, chili, corn on the cob, and mac n’ cheese! This grown-up version of lemonade has a little hint of ginger, the perfect amount of bubbles, and then of course a nice vodka kick. It is so refreshing!
Since the recipe makes a whole pitcher, it is perfect to sip on throughout a warm summer day in the garden or by the pool, or to serve up at your next BBQ.
Ingredients: small piece of fresh ginger (about 2″ in length), peeled and sliced 2 cups water 1 can (12 oz) of frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed 4 1/2 cups ginger ale 2 cups vodka lemon slices and blueberries (for garnish) ice STEPS:
Place the sliced ginger and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover the saucepan and remove from heat.
Allow the water and ginger to steep for 30–45 minutes. Remove the sliced ginger and set the infused water aside.
In a large pitcher, combine the lemonade concentrate, ginger ale, vodka, and ginger infused water and stir well.
Add in the lemon slices, some blueberries, and a generous amount of ice. Serve and enjoy!
Note: If you want to make this ahead of time, combine the ginger infused water, lemonade, and vodka in advance but hold off on adding the ginger ale, sliced lemons, blueberries, and ice to the pitcher until right before serving. You don’t want it getting watered down or for your ginger ale to go flat. For more great recipes visit www.divadicucina.com
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food}
Southwest Frittata By Rebecca Voorhees
www.divadicucina.com
My current brunch obsession is frittatas. You can basically throw any combination of ingredients together in a skillet and as long as you have eggs, heavy cream, and cheese, you can make a delicious meal. The key to any good frittata is to cook about 2–3 cups worth of any combination of ingredients in a cast iron skillet, and then add the perfect egg mixture, which is 8 eggs, a 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of any cheese.
You just pour the egg mixture over the cooked ingredients, simmer for 2–3 minutes and then finish it off in the oven. It is such a great use of leftovers. Got leftover steak, make a frittata! Leftover veggies, make a frittata! Leftover potatoes, you know it, fri-freaking-ttata! You catch my drift.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound ground breakfast sausage 1/2 yellow onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, sliced 8 eggs 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded salt and pepper fresh parsley or cilantro, minced (optional) 22. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
STEPS:
Preheat the oven to 400º.
Over medium high heat, warm up two tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
As the sausage starts to brown up, add the chopped onion.
While the sausage is cooking, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl and set aside. When the sausage is completely cooked, add the red bell pepper to the skillet and continue cooking
for another 2–3 minutes so the bell pepper just starts to soften up.
Using the spatula, evenly spread the sausage mixture in the bottom of the skillet. Pour the egg mixture around the skillet making sure it is all evenly covered.
Allow the egg mixture to start to cook in the pan making sure not to stir, about 2–3 minutes.
Once the eggs have started to set around the edge of the skillet, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for about 12–15 minutes or until it is nice and puffed up and set in the center.
Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the freshly minced herbs over the top of the frittata.
Cut the cooked frittata into wedges and serve.
Note: If you do not have a skillet that can be put in the oven, just transfer the cooked ingredients to a baking dish, add the egg mixture over the top, and bake in the oven. Just note that you will need to extend the cooking time in the oven since you won’t be cooking the egg mixture on the stove top. For more great recipes visit www.divadicucina.com
food}
The
Glorious Pineapple By Carole Morris
Did you ever think how sad it would be to never have tasted a glorious pineapple? Well, we can thank good old Christopher Columbus for bringing attention to the fruit when he found it on the island of Guadeloupe in 1493. We love pineapple for its refreshing taste, but we should also love it for the many health benefits it provides. Pineapples are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, copper and folate. Additionally, pineapples are also the only source of the plant compound bromelain which gives better gut health, enhanced immune function, wound healing, and cancer prevention. Now, let’s talk about pineapple water. Move over pomegranates, the benefits of drinking pineapple water are; antioxidant protection, protection against macular degeneration, and help with energy production through manganese and thiamin. Also, pineapple water has no added sugar! You are probably asking, “how do I make this therapeutic drink?” We’ve got the recipe, if you have the pineapple!
Pineapple Water
1. Cut pineapple into chunks (remove rind). Next, fill a jug with water and ice, and add the chunks of pineapple. 2. Put the pineapple water in the fridge (couple hours) to give the pineapple time to infuse the water. Extra-infused pineapple water
1. If you want to make extra infused water, cut the pineapple in half and remove the rind (keep the rind). Boil 4 cups of water in a pan, add pineapple (cut into chunks). 2. Next, add the rind to the boiling water and let boil for 25 mins. Take pineapple mixture off heat and cool for 20 mins, strain liquid into a pitcher and cool in the fridge until cold.
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food} To reap the benefits it is recommended to drink it in the morning (on an empty stomach). Pineapple water fights inflammation because of the enzyme, bromelain which destroys the toxins that attack the tissue and cause pain, edema, and fluid retention. When you drink pineapple water on an empty stomach, you will experience fewer cravings for sugars and fats, so it is great for weight loss. I’m inspired, how about you?
Pineapple and Greek Yogurt Popsicles Get your favorite popsicle molds out! This is a simple, healthy, and delicious popsicle recipe to beat those hot summer days! Ingredients 3 cups of diced fresh ripe pineapple 2 cups of greek yogurt 1/4 cup orange juice 1/2 cup of raw honey Directions
Dice up 3 cups of fresh ripe (to over-ripe) pineapple. In a blender, add the diced pineapple, Greek yogurt, orange juice and raw honey. Blend till smooth. pour into the molds and place in the freezer till frozen. Enjoy!
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food}
Roasted Pineapple Rum Wedges By Justin Pinnell
Whipped Coconut Topping Ingredients
15oz can of coconut cream. 2 Tablespoons of dark rum Directions
With a mixer, whip coconut cream until soft ridges form. Fold the rum gently into the cream. Refrigerate (while preparing the next step and the pineapple is roasting in the oven).
Roasted Pineapple Rum Wedges Ingredients
1 pineapple, peeled, cut lengthwise into wedges, and cored 3 tablespoons dark rum 3 tablespoons of brown sugar 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped and separated from bean 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes 3 teaspoons butter Directions
Preheat the oven to 375. Place pineapple wedges on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Stir together rum, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, vanilla bean, and seeds in a bowl. Brush the newly stirred mixture onto pineapple wedges. Shave flakes of butter on top of the wedges equally.
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Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the moisture has evaporated to a caramelized sauce around the wedges. Let cool to room temperature and serve with a dollop of whip coconut topping from the fridge. Your satisfying summer treat is now complete! Enjoy!
food}
Cheese Central
“Sparkling” Celebrations By Cindy Della Monica, Cheesemonger
and Owner, Cheese Central
Coronation Chicken Salad Makes 6 servings
Ingredients 2 t mild curry powder ½ C mayonnaise ½ C crème fraiche ¼ C mango chutney 1 t Worcestershire sauce 2 celery sticks, finely chopped ¼ C dried apricots, chopped ¼ C sultanas (golden raisins) 6 skinless chicken breasts, poached, cooled and shredded ¼ C slivered almonds almonds Large handful of fresh cilantro, chopped Instructions
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In a small frying pan, toast the curry powder until it smells fragrant, about 30 seconds. Place in a large bowl. Add the next 7 ingredients, stirring well to combine. Add chicken, almonds and cilantro, mixing gently to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill and serve cold over lettuce or as a sandwich.
food}
Cheese Central
The thought process for this article is one that certainly defines the modern term “the rabbit hole”. The topic started with my excitement surrounding this year’s Platinum Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth, as I am half British and sometimes a Royal watcher. The first to be televised, Elizabeth’s coronation was held on June 2, 1953, in Westminster Abbey. Her reign has been longer than any other monarch, surpassing her great great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, by seven years to date. The Foreign Office held one of the official dinners in her honor, serving a menu of turtle soup, sole, rack of lamb, vegetables and Queen Elizabeth strawberries. The Ministry of Works Coronation party, requesting suggestions for a meal that would appeal to foreign dignitaries attending the meal, chose a recipe of cold chicken in a curry cream sauce with a rice salad and peas, and dessert of mango ice cream. Now a British favorite, the recipe is known as Coronation Chicken. June 5, 2022, the public Jubilee event is termed The Big Lunch. Essentially the equivalent of our 4th of July pot-luck block party, traditional British favorites will be served all over the nation, but I have yet to find out what the Queen’s personal chef will be serving HER for that day. The list of pot-luck suggestions appear delicious, though exceedingly different from our American block party. British print and BBC advertised recipes for Coronation Chicken, Sausage Rolls, Pimm’s Cup, Ribboned Courgette Salad, Trifle of Strawberries, Gin and Basil, to name a few. Our country’s celebration of freedom is just a month away, at the time of this writing. Interested to see historically how we loaded our communal “groaning boards” on this date? As the Queen completes her 70th year at the helm and her subjects are participating in the party, a brief look at 4th of July celebrations and Presidential Inauguration Day menus (the closest thing we have in governmental party tables) seem to fill the bill. Did we emulate any of the traditions from our roots? So, “down the rabbit hole” I went. The first decade’s 4th of July wasn’t so exciting, and most men found themselves in “public houses,” quaffing the local brew and partaking in whatever the innkeeper offered as a meal. Ham, bacon, pigeon, fish, venison… wheat bread, eggs, and cheese… lots of beer, rum and whisky! Taverns located in the big cities had a bit fancier fare. Alexander Hamilton noted cheese and cold apple pie, veal, green peas, a wide variety of pickled vegetables, and raspberries.
Evolved 4th of July parties center around the BBQ—a Caribbean tradition brought to the States, many sources have claimed. Burgers and hot dogs or sausages, of German tradition. Native corn is a staple here, and an American favorite, pie… Well, that was British originally, but usually was a meat pie. Leave it to us to make it our own—substituting lots of fruit and sugar for the meat Though the first “national meal” was an informal dinner by George Washington, cheese, mutton, and wheaten bread were followed up by cherry pie at the executive mansion at 10 Cherry Street, New York City. As the next several Presidents were also not known for their receptions, Jefferson certainly was! His Inaugural celebration included French fries, Belgian waffles, macaroni and cheese, and ice cream. Common now to us, this was exotic food for his party guests! And none of it was British. Dolly Madison, the most famous hostess of the White House, was quite the party giver! She featured local and native seafood, vegetables, cheese and baked goods– corn bread and cakes galore! Many menus ended with ice cream in yummy flavors such as apricot, pink peppermint, or cranberry sherbet. Andrew Jackson’s Inauguration party was a great Open House, however, the guests in 1826 weren’t very respectful in their manners. It was a raucous and bawdy event, and the only way the White House staff could get the guests out of the building was to set up on the lawn big bowls of whiskey-laced punch and … ice cream! ardentforlife.net 29
food}
Cheese Central
The stuff of legends, it is said, of Lincoln’s second Inaugural Ball. Several thousands of guests were treated to elaborate delicacies in food, served at midnight, and danced through the night. Burnt Almond ice cream was the creamy treat that ended the meal.
Turns out that almost EVERY food celebration, from many countries in recent centuries, binds us together with a common thread—ice cream! Ice cream has been around for thousands of years, and “snow and ice flavored with honey and nectar” was mentioned even by Alexander the Great. A treat enjoyed by the wealthy, a luxury before the invention of refrigeration. The creation of the ice cream parlor saw the rise of the social hangout for many Americans in the late 19th century. My youthful 4th of July neighborhood block parties always included Mr. O’Connor and his handcranked ice cream churn. A retired barber, he spent most summer days with the garage door open, a
30. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
cigarette in hand, sitting in a webbed aluminum lawn chair. He enjoyed watching his son and the neighborhood kids playing baseball in the street, riding bikes around the block, and the young teens shyly flirting on shaded lawns. In the dusk of 4th of July, he would call out for volunteers to come to his driveway and take a turn cranking the ice cream churn. Parents and kids alike would take their turns, and when Mr. O’Connor said it was done, well, it was DONE! Mrs. O’Connor would bring out small paper bowls, and he scooped out softserve strawberry, or maybe chocolate. When done, he handed out sparklers to all the kids to hold them over until the REAL street fireworks would begin. Though American food celebrations don’t seem to have much in common with the Queen and her party, our traditions are rich nonetheless. Built on favorites from our immigrant neighbors and tied together with ice cream, we can cheer on the Queen for more healthy years in her reign, and still share our American pot-luck fare at block parties for the 4th or the next Inaugural Ball.
Cheers!!
No-Churn Ice Cream Ingredients 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature 2 C heavy cream 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk 1 t vanilla
¼ t salt
2 C raspberry puree, strained 2 T sugar ½ C mini chocolate chips
Instructions In a large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Turn mixer to low, and add the heavy cream slowly, mixing until combined. Increase speed to med-hi, and beat until stiff peaks form, 3-4 minutes. Add half the condensed milk, beating on low until smooth. Add remaining milk, vanilla and salt, and fold in gently with a spatula until no streaks remain. Stir in raspberry puree and chocolate chips. Pour into a 9x5” loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until firm for at least 6 hours up to one week.
food}
Rack of Ribs
with McConnell Estates Petite Syrah By Zachary Wackman, General Manager at McConnell Estates www.mcconnellestates.com
Summers here at McConnell Estates are excellent for growing our award-winning Petite Syrah, with our warm days and cool evenings. Our Petite Syrah is carefully crafted and aged in oak barrels to bring out the best flavors the varietal has to offer. This weather is also perfect for one of our favorite pastimes, bringing out our smoker and making some delicious BBQ. Much like how our grapes prefer warm days and cool nights, that is exactly what we prefer when we fire up our Traeger. Just like growing any good wine, smoking a good rack of ribs takes time.
Ingredients
For your dry rub ¼ cup of brown sugar
2 teaspoons of kosher salt 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika 1 tsp garlic powder 1 teaspoon of onion powder 1 teaspoon of ground mustard
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon of Chipotle Chili powder\(optional; 1 teaspoon of ground espresso) For your ribs
1 rack of ribs from Pop’s Premium Meats Mustard A lot of tin foil A jar of your favorite barbeque sauce.
Directions:
utes). While you wait, I recommend pouring yourself a cold glass of our Vermentino.
Next, trim the ribs. Make sure that the back membrane is completely off before continuing. Lightly rub the ribs down with mustard (both sides) and add your dry rub– just enough to be able to hold the seasoning.
Pour yourself some Petite Syrah in the meantime. After the ribs are all set, remove them from the tin foil. Either serve the fall off the bone ribs as soon as you remove them from the foil, or put them back on the smoker for an extra 30 minutes to an hour to make the meat stick back to the bone. This extra 30 minutes or hour is a perfect time to get more barbeque sauce on the rack. When the timer rings, enjoy the pairing of our 2018 Petite Syrah with a rack of freshly smoked ribs!
Set your smoker to 180F. While that is preheating, start putting together the dry rub. In a bowl you mix the brown sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and chipotle chili powder. If you would like to make an espresso rub, substitute the chili powder with ground espresso.
When the smoker is done preheating, place the ribs directly on the rack, meat side up, and close the lid. Leave for 3 hours in the smoker or internal temp reads 160F (brushing on BBQ sauce every 45 min-
After the 3 hours are done, pull the ribs off the smoker, and preheat to 225F. Then wrap the ribs completely in tin foil (I do about 4-6 layers of tin foil). When your smoker is ready, put those ribs back on and cook for about 2 hours… or internals are 205F.
NOTE: Our McConnell Estates Petite Syrah is available in our tasting room or e-store. You can visit our online store by scanning the QR code or through our website www.mcconnellestates.com.
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community} happenings
Chico De Mayo
M&M Real Estate M&M Real Estate has been a staple in the Elk Grove area for over 20 years! They often throw events that are a huge success for their clients, friends, family, and community.
These are photos of their most recent event, "M&M Cinco de Mayo" 2022! In addition to this, a few other events they host annually are their "M&M Oktoberfest" and "M&M Chili Cook-off"! Their office is located in the heart of old Elk Grove, right on the boulevard, where the Elk Grove Christmas Tree is lit up and visited by some folks from the North Pole every year. Stop by and say hello, meet the team, and ask to be added to their event invite list!
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featured}
The Adoption Story of
Shawna Chrisman, CEO and founder of
Destination Aesthetics™ The first documentation of my life was the police report of me being abandoned on a police station doorstep in Seoul, Korea as a newborn baby. Life (as I know it) started on March 21, 1976, when I arrived on a plane to Minneapolis, Minnesota from Korea. I was placed into the arms of my loving, new parents who chose me out of a flip book of polaroids full of babies awaiting new homes as they waited in orphanages to be adopted.
I grew up an only child in the midwest where there weren’t many other people of various ethnicities. I ate hot dishes and drank Lipton hot tea and didn’t identify myself as Korean although I was obviously Asian on the exterior. My parents moved to California when I was seven, and we called Sacramento home. I met my husband at El Camino High School and we started dating when I was 15, and got married when I was 24. We currently have a son attending Chico State (who is 19) and a daughter attending Capital Christian High School (who is 17). It wasn’t until I had children of my own that I started to consider trying to locate biological family members. I am embarrassed to say that I had an emotional moment when watching “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” where Kim had a piece of her deceased father’s shirt sewn in her wedding dress so he could be a part of her special day. I realized that I was running out of time if I were to locate my birth parents. For an adoptee, however, the thought of finding biological parents is both exciting and scary at the same time. What if they reject you again? 38. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
What if you get involved in the search and you never find anyone? To me, it was the ultimate Pandora’s Box. Many years later, I ordered a 23andMe, a DNA kit that can connect you to family members and help determine your ethnic roots. It confirmed I was almost 100% Korean and connected me to what could possibly be relatives as close as a 3rd to 4th cousin. Then I got sucked into an Instagram ad that was running before the holidays in 2020 for a discounted Ancestry. com kit–which I purchased and submitted my DNA. On January 1, 2021, I received an email with my Ancestry.com results. In skimming, I read, “You have family connections.” I then clicked on another link that read, “You have a full sibling match.” I paused with inexplicable emotion and Googled her name. The first photo revealed was a woman’s head shot that looked like me (which is how I knew the match was accurate). I had a sister! I instantly told my husband to get the kids where I revealed my finding to them together. We all hugged and cried tears of joy and
wonder. I incessantly started searching for ways to contact her on social media and called phone numbers and email addresses I found online. On January 12, 2021, she emailed me back and said she was excited to “explore our new sisterhood together.” We were connected.
We met for the first time in person in July of 2021 in New York, where she currently lives and where she grew up. She and her father then visited me and my family in October of 2021. We had an instant connection at first sight. Her father called me his “long lost daughter.” We were both adopted into loving families who are now part of our extended family. My sister and her father are in the process of moving to Sacramento so we can all be closer together and make up for 46 years of lost time. Fun facts about my sister and me: She is 2.5 years older (hee hee) and was put up for
Shawna Chrisman
Victor, Mianna's adopted father, Shawna, Josh, Shawna's husband, and Mianna
featured}
For an adoptee, however, the thought of finding biological parents is both exciting and scary at the same time. What if they reject you again? What if you get involved in the search and you never find anyone? To me, it was the ultimate Pandora’s Box. adoption when she was three and came to the United States when she was four. I was put up for adoption as a newborn and came to the United States when I was 8.5 months old. In comparing our paperwork, we were assessed by the same social worker and doctor who cleared us both for adoption eligibility. We are both in the nursing profession, both dislike sushi, both eat Starburst “red” flavors and prefer sesame bagels. I’m sure there are many more similarities we will discover as we continue our sisterhood journey.
I now have a sibling, a true blood-relative who looks like me. We both feel that our adoption is the #1 blessing in our life. It has opened up the opportunity to be loved unconditionally which has taught us also how to love in return. The next adventure is traveling to Korea together and discovering more of our heritage… together. A little bit about Shawna Chrisman, CEO, Nurse Practitioner
I combined my passion for medicine, entrepreneurship, and my love for aesthetics and
started Destination Aesthetics™ Medical Spa in November, 2011, as a solo provider and developed it into one of the fastest growing medical spas in the country. Destination Aesthetics™ started in a 140 sq. ft. office and expanded into 5 locations in the Sacramento area with 40+ employees in 10 years. Destination Aesthetics™ is ranked a top 10 Allergan® (manufacturer of BOTOX®, Juvederm®) account in the nation out of 40,000+ accounts nationwide and was voted the #1 Best Medical Spa by Sacramento Magazine in 2018-2021. Destination Aesthetics™ continues to be recognized as Northern California’s premier medical spa. In addition to Destination Aesthetics Medical Spa, I opened Destination Aesthetics Beauty Suites (DABS) in 2018, under the same roof as the Folsom medical spa location which is home to 5 independent business owners in a salonsuite setting and the second DABS in Roseville in 2020 which is home to 6 business owners. The mission statement at Destination Aesthetics™ is “To deliver inspiration, empowerment, and beauty through aesthetics art, passion, and love.” My personal mission is to eliminate the word “vanity.” Doing something for yourself that makes you happy is not vain. It’s simply empowering! ardentforlife.net 39
love}
stories
Bailey
& Cameron Photographed by Weddings by Scott and Dana weddingsbyscottanddana.com
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love}
Who are you? We both grew up in Sacramento. I grew up in Rancho
Murieta and Cam grew up in College Greens. I went to St. Francis High School and Cam went to Jesuit. I went on to San Diego State University for my undergraduate degree and then stayed at SDSU to get my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I am now working at Results Physical Therapy as a Board Certified Sports Physical therapist helping athletes rehabilitate their injuries and help return them back to their sport. Cam went to UC Irvine to play soccer and then was drafted to play professional soccer. He played pro soccer for 7 years, mostly with Sacramento Republic as the leading goal scorer; he just retired at the end of the 2021 season. We got married in December 2021 and he started a new job in February with Odin construction as a cost accountant. We bought a house out in Rancho Murieta and we love it out here. We love to play golf, hit the pickle ball courts, and take hikes around the lakes and rivers. How did you meet? We met our senior year in high school and hung out almost every weekend before heading off to college. We were very good friends, but we lost touch a bit in college because we both were pursuing our goals. Then, when I was back in Sac doing a clinical rotation and Cam was playing for Sac Republic, we met back up and decided we wanted to be more than friends.
stories
love
I how loyal and loving Cameron is. He makes me feel so loved every single day and he is always the first person I run to with anything.
The Proposal? I have never been more surprised in my entire life.
It was the day after Thanksgiving (November 19, 2019) and Cameron and I were living in midtown at the time. We were heading to my grandparents house for what I thought was a family dinner party and we were asked to pick up my sister from my parent's house on the way. We went inside to get her and I noticed the back door was open. I walked outside and there were rose petals on the ground, all over the back deck, and a huge lit up sign that said "MARRY ME?" Cameron was standing there and knelt down and asked me to marry him in the backyard of my childhood home. I was so excited, I was shaking…then my sister came out with champagne. We went to my grandparent's house and both our parents and families were there along with about 30 of
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love}
stories
After
being announced as Mr. and Mrs. Iwasa… we just stared at each other and were so excited and speechless that we actually just got married. It was a moment of pure joy.
our best friends. We celebrated all night–we had the absolute best surprise engagement party. I was so surprised and will never forget it. What do you love most about him? I love how loyal and loving Cameron is. He makes me feel so loved every single day and he is always the first person I run to with anything. He is my best friend and we continue to make the most incredible memories. There is no one else that I would rather share my life with. What do you love most about her? The thing I love most about Bailey is how loyal she is. I get to witness all the time how devoted she is to her friends and family and I absolutely feel that same support from her every minute of every day. I know that she has my back in everything I do, and I know that she will always be there for me no matter what comes our way.
When did you know you were in love? Bailey: The first year of our relationship Cam was playing soccer for Sporting Kansas City and we were long distance because I was living in San Diego. We
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had always been friends, so I thought I had known him pretty well, but when the only form of communication was texts, calls or Facetimes, we really got to know each other more deeply. I went to visit him for the first time and I was nervous on the flight over, but I was so excited to see him after months of not seeing each other. Right when I got there, I knew I was so in love with him. We professed our love to each other in an Irish Pub that weekend and never looked back.
When did you know you were in love? Cameron: I knew I was in love with Bailey when I was living 2500 miles away from my family and my closest friends and she was still the only person that I was truly missing. Every day I woke up and looked forward to hearing her voice and seeing her face even if it was only on a screen via FaceTime. The visits were always too far apart and never lasted long enough– I knew that was the girl I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. What did you enjoy most on your wedding day? There were two very memorable moments for me that I will never forget.
1- Walking down the aisle with my dad was so emotional and sweet. Right before we walked down the aisle he whispered something into my ear that made us both bawl as we turned the corner and began walking down.
2- Cam and I hid for a second (after we walked down the aisle) after being announced as Mr. and Mrs. Iwasa… we just stared at each other and were so excited and speechless that we actually just got married. It was a moment of pure joy. But I think we just enjoyed having every single person that has been a part of our lives in a room celebrating with us. All our friends, through every walk of life were there supporting us. We truly felt so much love, and it was perfect.
Honeymoon plans We left for St. Lucia the day after our wedding. We stayed for a week and scuba dived, played golf, went sailing, ate amazing food, and laid out on the beach. It was the best and we both weren't ready to come home.
love}
stories
We had the most incredible vendor team. After preparing for a December 2020 wedding and then postponing to a December 2021 wedding, we were devastated. But, every vendor was so helpful and understanding while navigating wedding planning during a global pandemic. We were so glad we waited because our wedding was the most incredible day of our lives and it was more than what we ever could have imagined or planned. Photographer Scott and Dana Photographers
DJ Joe DeBorba
Videographer Lens of Lenox
Hair Tina Romo & Meghan McDonald
Venue The Willow Ballroom Rentals Celebrations Rentals
Makeup Christi Reynolds
Caterer Randy Peters Catering
Florist Blossoms by Lisa
Cake Ettores
Tux Rentals The Black Tux
Wedding Planner Jenn Robirds
Bride’s Dress Miosa
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education}
What I’ve Learned About
Violent Behavior By CT Morris - BS Elementary Ed., MS Ed.
Many of us have either witnessed or been the target of violence, if we have lived for any amount of time. It’s in that moment you know someone’s extreme physical aggression intends to cause serious harm.
There have been times that I’ve had the aggressive gesture of having the middle finger pointed upward at me while I was driving—actually, too many times to count. Those individuals were angry and there was aggression…but not violence. Therefore, I know (from life experience) that aggression doesn’t always involve violence. On the other hand, violence always involves aggression. By definition violent behavior happens when an individual threatens or harms another individual. I always feel that politicians revel in violence, because it gives them a platform that may get them elected. By their very personality they want “all eyes on them” so they get free publicity at the cost of others’ pain and suffering. Sweeping aside people with agendas, I really want to know the facts (not opinions) of what causes people to have violent behavior. Especially in light of the most recent act of violence that happened at an elementary school that left families and a community devastated. So, let’s narrow down the incidence of violence to school shootings. If you look for facts, that are unbiased—there has been years of research on what school shooters have in common. The data was collected (starting in 1966) of every person who shot and killed four or more people in a public place, and every shooting incident at schools. The Violence Project, a nonpartisan think tank dedicated to reducing violence in society and improving re44. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
lated policy and practice through research and analysis compiled the data.
The idea behind the research was to attempt to identify characteristics shared by school shooters. They interviewed incarcerated perpetrators of school shootings and their families, students who planned a shooting but changed their minds, teachers and administrators. They also read suicide notes, trial transcripts, and medical records associated with these mass shootings. They determined school shooters have these four things in common. 1.
Most of the school shooters they studied experienced early-childhood trauma and/or exposure to violence. This included everything from parental suicide to physical or sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence or severe bullying.
2.
Nearly every mass shooter had a specific, identifiable point of crisis in the weeks before the shooting, which resulted in them becoming angry and despondent.
3.
Another commonality among school shooters is that they studied and admired other school shooters.
4.
80 percent of school shooters obtained their weapons from members of their own family, typically parents and grandparents.
The big question is what can be done to stop them before they act?
• Schools can be proactive and implement a curriculum including positive coping skills, resilience, and social-emotional learning, especially for young boys (I’m sure you’ve noticed that 98 percent of mass shooters are men). • In 80 percent of the cases, school shooters communicated to other people and discussed specific threats of violence. For this reason, schools and communities should have a formal system in place for individuals to anonymously report any concerns they may have. • Moreover, because school shooters seek validation, a change in school culture is also required, because lockdown and active shooter drills send the message that violence is normal. • Finally, parents and caregivers need to be educated about keeping firearms locked up and far away from children; and schools need to make their property less accessible through metal detectors.
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art} books
Reviews brought to you by the
The Book of Cold Cases
By: Simone St. James Book Reviews by Brendle Wells
The Lady Killer murders shook the town of Claire Lake, Oregon in 1977. Two random men were murdered with the same gun, a cryptic note left behind. A notorious single heiress, Beth Greer, was the prime suspect but with insufficient evidence she remained free, living in her isolated mansion on the edge of a cliff. 40 years later in 2017, this story is the stuff of true crime legend, and when local true crime blogger Shea Collins runs into Beth by chance, she can’t pass up the chance to ask questions. To her surprise, Beth agrees to speak with her and before long Shea is deep into an investigation in which she realizes something is very, very wrong with everything. This blend of gothic suspense, modern day crime with possible paranormal elements, and a touch of romance is very much this author’s trademark. In this book you get a tale that is one of her best. The sense of foreboding begins almost immediately and only grows as the narration jumps back and forth in time, revealing secrets from both past and present. This is a great choice for fans of true crime, gothic suspense, or thrillers. In fact, if you are the type of reader for whom the summer sun is too bright, then the creeping sinister auras that haunt all the books by Simone St. James would be perfect for you. Berkley, 2022
Listening Still
By: Anne Griffin The premise of Listening Still sounds like it would make a good pairing with a supernatural thriller—it’s about Jeanie Masterson, a young woman who is able to speak with the dead. Set in a small Irish village, this novel has no thrills, and is instead a quiet and enjoyable story that offers a meditation on life and living with the choices we make. Jeanie’s gift, which is inherited, ties her to the family business, the local undertakers. It is a life she chose over more adventurous options out of college, knowing the importance of her gift. She’s settled into a comfortable and familiar life, but when her parents suddenly announce plans to retire and move to the seashore it upends everything, causing her to revisit old decisions and consider what it is she really wants in life. At times the book is heartbreaking, be it the voices of the dead or the regret of the path not taken. But in the end, the book is hopeful and powerful, as Jeanie (for the first time in her life) puts herself first. This is the perfect choice for a lazy weekend read or, given that the audio version of the book as read by Nicola Coughlan is fantastic, an excellent accompaniment for a long walk or journey. St. Martin’s Press, 2022
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art} books
In the Serpent’s Wake
Witchlings
Author: Rachel Hartman
Author: Claribel A. Ortega
Children's Book Reviews By Justin Azevedo Beginning directly on the heels of the previous book, Tess of the Road, Tess Dombegh has set off on a sea expedition to the southern pole to find another World Serpent. Ostensibly the scientific protégé of the naturalist Countess Margarethe, Tess has her own mission: to redeem herself from playing a part in the death of a different World Serpent, and to help her quigutl friend Pathka, who is suffering as a result. But their ship isn’t the only one on the water—a different expedition, helmed by the dragon Spira, is intent on finding and killing this serpent as well. Both ships find themselves drawn into the increasingly volatile situation in the archipelago that surrounds the polar region, where the indigenous peoples have been ruthlessly oppressed by the nations represented by the expeditions, and yet still understand more about the World Serpents than Tess or Spira could know. This is a weighty book, and may be best enjoyed by readers already familiar with the series and characters. However, even on its own it tells a complex, multilayered story that revolves around themes of colonialism, gender, and who gets to decide how history is told. Even with the heavy themes that deftly echo real life, the story is ultimately hopeful, told through the perspective of multiple characters who all reckon with growth and forgiveness. This is a dense but rewarding fantasy, recommended for ages 14 and up.
Twelve-year-old Seven Salazar is eagerly looking forward to this year’s Black Moon Ceremony, when all of the young Witchlings in the magical village of Ravenskill are grouped into covens, assigned to their Houses, and finally come into their full powers. Convinced that she is going to be placed into elegant House Hyacinth with her lifelong best friend, she instead discovers to her horror that she is a Spare—one of the unlucky Witchlings who is left over after everyone else’s Houses are assigned. Even worse, instead of being ushered into a coven with her best friend, she instead finds herself standing next to her longtime bully, Valley Pepperhorn. Seven’s resulting horror and disgust causes the binding of the coven itself to fail. Facing a life with no magic at all, the two of them and a shy new girl, Thorn La Roux, demand the opportunity to prove their worth through an Impossible Task: find and defeat the terrible Nightbeast that prowls around Ravenskill. With dire consequences awaiting them if they should fail, the Witchlings’ tenacity lands them in the middle of a long-simmering scheme that threatens not only Ravenskill, but all of the Twelve Towns. Ortega crafts an absolutely enchanting world that is perfect for young readers who have whetted their appetites on fantasy stories featuring everyday magic, found family that brings out the best of one’s hidden personality, and funny hijinks that culminate in a serious, high-stakes quest. Also, Spanish-speakers will definitely recognize the magic words that accompany the girls’ spells. A warm, energetic story of magic sisterhood and the pursuit of justice, recommended for ages 9-13.
Random House Children’s Books, 2022
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Scholastic Press, 2022 www.saclibrary.org For details, telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.
After High School Graduation - Now What? Helping Teens Cope with Stress in A Time of Change By Jim Raines, Ph.D.
The time between high school graduation and what lies ahead can be daunting. Whether it be college, trade school, travel, or a new job, the pressure of making decisions about your future at just 17 or 18 years old can be overwhelming for everyone in the family.
Although for some the thought of “freedom” and no more school, or maybe even no more parental oversight, can seem exciting, it can also bring on feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. A Best Colleges survey of 1,000 currently enrolled high school students found 52% say they feel pressure to make decisions about their futures too soon. And nearly 1 out of 3 students believe that college costs and mental health struggles will impact their future plans. Many graduates have endured enormous stress this past school year, trying to get good grades, complete college applications, work part-time jobs, cope with COVID-19 and in some cases remote learning. It can be very stressful, as they wonder “What am I going to do with the rest of my life,” “What kind of job will I get,” “Will it give me the kind of life I want,” “Will I marry my high school sweetheart?” It’s a lot different from when I graduated high school in 1981. We got our news from the newspaper and there were three channels on the TV. So, my understanding of the economy and current world issues was 50. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
limited. But now with social media influences, like Tik Tok, Instagram, et al., our kids have much more access to information. Their decisions are not only informed by their world, but by what is going on in the world around them. The added social media pressures and the competition to get into the right college with fewer spots available can be a lot to handle. Teenagers who have a stable supportive family and a strong positive social network tend to cope better. Those who are prone to stress and anxiety have a tougher time. At times this unrelenting pressure and stress can feel like trying to stay afloat. If you are also struggling with depression or anxiety, it can feel like you are trying to stay afloat while wearing ankle weights. Though they have the best intentions, parents can sometimes contribute to their teen’s stress. They think “I know better than you, I know what’s best for your future, you need to have a good career”… all of that can add stress, especially if a parent has their pride wrapped up in their child’s success. It can be very hard for a parent to tease out their own hopes and dreams while trying to give their children a supportive place to talk and cope with structure, encouragement, and guidance.
So, if you are a teenager in this time of change, here are some recommendations. • Balance! Balance! Balance! As we get more focused on the stressful “problems” we tend to jettison those things that are good for us and provide balance. • Nutrition. When we are stressed or upset, it is very tempting to grab candy or sugary coffee drinks. It would feel good for a moment, but probably not later in the day. But you should choose foods to support your overall physical health. • Exercise. I find that some people do well with finding time for a little exercise every morning. Take a walk in those moments when you start to feel the pressure and stress build. • Make sleep a priority. • Take 5: Take note of five things you see, four things you hear, three things you feel, two things
health} you smell, one thing you taste. Take 5 is a great way to get you out of your head and bring you into the moment. Do this multiple times a day whether you are stressed or not. • Try something new. Drive a different way home to break the tunnel vision. Introduce new stimuli. • Talk to knowledgeable people, get information from knowledgeable sources. • Have perspective. Know that this will not last forever. As unpleasant as the experience is, you will get through it, and you will move on to the next exciting stage of your life.
If you are a parent of a teenager in this stage of life:
• Talk with your teen about their feelings about leaving their high school years behind. Stay connected and show you are there to support them. • Be careful not to be dismissive to the enormity of the feelings your child is having. Some of these decisions may have lifelong impacts (or at least they feel that way.) • If your teen is being more irritable or moody, check in. Something else may be going on that they are keeping inside. • Watch for signs that your teenager is isolating, not sleeping, or seems unmotivated to do things they need to do. They may be struggling. • Teens may be more inclined to have deeper conversations when they are engaged in activities with you. This can also create moments to bond. • Many children are over-scheduled running from activity to activity. It’s okay to let them have time to themselves to sit and listen to music or watch a movie. Give your teens the space they need to think about what they want for their future. • Talk with other parents or talk with a professional. It can be challenging to try and do “everything right, and not get the result you want” for your kids. But then, that is one of the great struggles of parenting. For both parents and teenagers, you are not alone. Reach out to friends, colleagues, or professionals. Although, the stress may not be ameliorated, it can be eased and doubts about decisions can lessen with support and feedback.
For more information: • KP.org/mentalhealth • NAMI Sacramento: https://namisacramento.org/ • Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services: https://dhs.saccounty.gov/BHS/ Pages/BHS-Home.aspx • Mental Health CA: https://www.mentalhealthca.org/ resources Jim Raines, PhD, is a specialist in Psychiatry with Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento and Elk Grove and has been with Kaiser Permanente since 2000. ardentforlife.net 51
Elk Grove Festival of the Arts On April 30, the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center presented the inaugural Elk Grove Festival of the Arts; a full day of creative expression at the Old Town Plaza in the heart of our city. This partnership with the City (and the Elk Grove Arts Commission) brought together fine artists, musical performers, creative students, and the community to enjoy a bit of culture in California's beautiful spring.
Families participated in creative arts projects and a KIDS Zone (presented by American River Family Counseling), while also marveling at a youth art show Exploration in Art presented by students of the Elk Grove Unified School District. Collectors found dozens of fine artists with work at accessible prices – a vast array of open studios with live painting demonstrations, handcrafted jewelry, and fine and decorative artwork suitable for any home or business. This event will be presented annually by the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center, as a way to introduce the community to the diverse world of the visual and performing arts in our region.
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community} happenings
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health}
MEMORY AND FOCUS
Maintain a Mental Advantage & Clear Memory Written By Terry Lemerond Sponsored by Dianna Singh, Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins
There are a lot of reasons why people can't remember minor details, have diminished focus and concentration, or suffer from lack of energy. You may have noticed it yourself in recent years. And whenever we feel brain fog or low energy, it seems like our entire state of health is somehow wrong. But it doesn't have to stay that way.
Research shows the right nutrients can restore and re-energize your mental clarity, focus, and attention to detail, plus provide a better sense of vitality overall.
Red GinsengAn Energizer for Mind and Body
Red ginseng (Panax ginseng) has been used in traditional practice for thousands of years, help56. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
ing people feel more focused, resilient, alert, and energetic. I'm sure that many of you have heard about ginseng and wondered if it can really live up to its billing.
It can--but you have to choose your ginseng wisely. Fortunately, there is an innovative, clinically studied form of red ginseng that changes the whole paradigm. It is hydroponically grown without pesticides and carefully tended in ultra-clean conditions with ideal levels of nutrients and appropriately timed stresses. This unique growing process helps the plants develop significantly more beneficial compounds called noble ginsenosides. Noble ginsenosides are better absorbed than the standard or classic ginsenosides widely available in most supplements. In fact, the noble ginsenosides in this ginseng have been shown in an in-vitro scientific (Caco-2) study to be up to 17 times better absorbed than classic ginsenosides. This improved absorption equates to more consistent results.
There are a multitude of factors that account for our cognitive strength: proper sleep, exercise, family history, and, of course, nutrients. After harvest, the roots of the plant are traditionally steamed as red ginseng has been for generations, which is what gives it it's characteristic reddish-brown color. But similarities to other red ginseng aside, the clinical work with this botanical has yielded very positive results.
Focus, Concentration, and Attention to Detail
The red ginseng I prefer can make a huge difference when it comes to focusing, concentrating, and staying on task. A clinical study focused on individuals who worked in social services, as teleoperators, IT personnel, or as engineers, and who were regularly overloaded with cognitive tasks and heavy demands. The participants received either red ginseng or a placebo, and their mental processing skills were tested and compared. Each participant took a standardized, timed d2 Test of Attention to assess their ability to focus and concentrate. This test tracks the scanning speed and accuracy of individuals as they cross out any letter "d". with two marks around it. That sounds easy until you realize that each letter d is surrounded by similar letters, like p and b, as well as other"d's". with different numbers of marks. They took the test in the morning, and again after a hard day's work, and the scores were compared. The red ginseng group's score jumped to 5 points above baseline, with positive results starting on the first day. This red ginseng continued to support attention and focus into the afternoon hours, as well. By contrast, the d2 accuracy rate fell 11 points below the original baseline level in the placebo group.
Mental Clarity, Stamina, and Energy
In another clinical study, this same red ginseng helped restore mental focus and physical vitality to individuals reporting anxiety, exhaustion, brain fog, and an inability to concentrate due to already- existing fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and/or post-viral fatigue. The results were impressive. Among the 60 percent of participants who noted improvements, four major categories stand out: 48 percent average increase in mental clarity, 67 percent average boost in energy, 46 percent average improvement in restful sleep, and 72 percent increase in stamina. In other research, brain scans of individuals taking this red ginseng saw a noted improvement in mood and sense of calm due to the way the botanical affects activity in the brain. I think having that "alert but calm" state of mind is key to staying focused and attentive.
health}MEMORY AND FOCUS
Bioactive B Vitamins - The Best Forms Bring Clear Results
B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folate, are also essential to keeping the mind sharp and preserving mental acuity and strength. For example, a Korean study examined the blood levels of B vitamins and cognitive function in elderly individuals. 100 adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 100 with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 121 with no impairments were included in the study group. Dietary and supplement usage was recorded, and folate and B12 concentrations were analyzed as well. The researchers found that B vitamin intake showed an advantage for individuals with MCI and AD. The better the B intake, the higher the scores on tests that required identifying objects, remembering lists of words, and recalling names. B vitamins can help boost your mood and energy levels, too, which will certainly make a difference in how mentally sharp you feel. Clinical work shows that supplementing with B vitamins affects the endocrine system, including the mechanisms of cortisol. In fact, B vitamin supplementation may help the adrenal glands regulate the cortisol awakening response (CAR). This initial release of cortisol in the morning, a boost of about 50 to 70 percent, typically happens in the first 30 minutes after waking up. Other reviews of clinical work with B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folate, have found these nutrients have a positive effect on mood and stress symptoms in both healthy people and people more susceptible to anxiety and depression. I prefer vitamin B6 as pyridoxal-5 phosphate (P-5-P), vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, and folate (B9) as methylfolate. These forms of B vitamins don't require conversion by the liver because they are already in the forms that the body uses. That means even individuals who are not good B vitamin converters still get all the health benefits these nutrients can provide.
Terry's Bottom Line
One of the most important aspects of good health is feeling mentally sharp, focused, and energized. If you've noticed a bit of brain fog and forgetfulness creeping into your everyday life, clinically studied red ginseng and bioactive B vitamins can help in many ways:
• Improve Memory • Boost Accuracy and Attention to Detail • Revise Energy and Stamina • Restore Focus and Recall • Improve Restful Sleep
Cognitive Strength Made Stronger
There are a multitude of factors that account for our cognitive strength: proper sleep, exercise, family history, and, of course, nutrients. I think that the clinically studied red ginseng I prefer, combined with bioactive forms of B vitamins, can help you feel mentally sharper, more energetic, and less stressed. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.
Stop by Elk Grove Vitamins to find out more about the these products and many others. We have a knowledgeable staff that can answer your questions and get you started on the path to health. Visit us at 9647 E. Stockton Blvd. Elk Grove.
Terry Lemerond has over 45 years of experience in the health food industry as an owner of several health food stores and dietary supplement manufacturing companies. He has researched and developed over 400 nutritional and botanical formulations that continue to be top selling products on the market today.
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Mobility Training
Written by D’Lee Daleo & Jamie McCalman, Switch Fitness
When you think of fitness what crosses your mind? Weight lifting, bulging muscles, cardio, six pack abs? Fitness generally brings to mind spending time in the gym lifting weights to gain strength and/or doing cardio to lose weight. While these things will help keep you healthy and in shape there is something you want to focus on for life long fitness. That is mobility. The ability to take your joints through their full range of motion without pain. The idea that you should put as much energy into creating and maintaining mobility as you do strength training/cardio is the message people in the fitness industry are sharing. Mobility is important but why and what is mobility training?
Mobility and flexibility are often seen as the same thing, but there is more to mobility than being flexible. Mobility also includes strength, pliability and balance. All of these together help increase your range of motion. Focusing on increasing flexibility alone does not translate into greater mobility. Increasing your flexibility will stretch and lengthen your muscles. While this is not a bad thing, flexibility without strength can increase the likelihood of injuries. Sports medicine defines flexibility as the ability to lengthen a muscle while mobility is the ability to move a joint through its full range of motion. These two terms are often used interchangeably–but there is a big difference. Increasing flexibility is often achieved through passive stretching and longer holds. Mobility is active and can be added easily to your current fitness routine. Mobility helps prevent injuries during exercise, and also in your day to day life, by allowing your body to move through its full range of motion without strain. Lack of mobility often means you are out of alignment while performing exercises which can lead to an injury or place unwanted stress on your body. Performing deadlifts with poor form can put a lot of unwanted pressure on your low back. Something as simple as picking your child up with poor form can also cause strains if you are not mindful of your alignment or body position when lifting them. 58. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
Mobility helps correct imbalances in the body which are responsible for many injuries. For example, strong quads and weak hamstrings make muscle strains or knee injuries more likely. Often if muscles are tight or weak or even overly flexible, other parts of the body overcompensate which can lead to problems. Whether you are an athlete or someone who just wants to move…your performance will be improved with mobility training. In addition to being able to move through your full range of motion and having correct form, it also helps with your coordination. Being coordinated means more than just looking good while you perform movement. It also helps you quickly adjust and change direction without hurting yourself. Trips and falls are a common way people hurt themselves. If you are coordinated you are more likely to be able to safely adjust and correct to prevent a fall. For athletes, coordination is very important for obvious reasons. Having control of your body makes you able to shift, jump, run and twist with greater speed and agility. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing professional sports or just enjoying a casual round of golf on the weekends–the more coordinated you are, the better your performance tends to be. Joint damage and deterioration is something that is often seen as just part of aging. While that may be true to some degree you can help decrease the degree of dete-
rioration and keep joints healthy for as long as possible. Arthritis treatment often includes specific exercises that focus on increasing range of motion, strengthening the muscles around the joint and endurance to help prevent fatigue and injuries related to fatigue. These types of exercises can help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis and protect from further damage.
So mobility is obviously very important and has numerous benefits. Everyone from top notch athletes to people just wanting pain free movement during their daily activities should focus on mobility. So what does that look like? As with any fitness regime, start slow and move mindfully. Injuries can occur when you are pushing too hard, too fast, or not staying mindful of alignment. Many of these mobility movements or exercises are done in yoga classes. If focusing on mobility alone sounds boring or complicated, yoga is a great way to get the benefits while having an instructor lead you through the movements. If yoga is not your thing, there are a few movements you can do prior to your workout to warm up and increase mobility.
deep squat
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Once you are warmed up you can try a deep squat. At first it may help to hold on to a door frame or rack to help you sit as low as possible. Over time you will sit your hips down to your heels with your heels on the floor. While this is a natural position for the body and one we used to do easily as young children, it is a movement most people can no longer perform. The good news is that with repeated practice it is possible to regain the ability to sit in a deep squat.
90/90 drops
90/90 drops are simple and can be progressed as needed. Start by sitting on the floor, you can begin with your hands behind you and simply drop knees side to side like windshield wipers keeping knees bent at 90 degrees. Over time arms will reach forward instead of being on the floor behind you. Once that becomes easy you can drop your knees to the right and lift yourself up onto your shins and slowly lower back down, alternating right to left.
Scorpion
Lizard
Scorpion and Lizard
Scorpion twists are done by lying on your stomach, arms extended out to the side in line with your shoulders. Lift the right leg up and bend your knee as you bring your toes over to the outside of the left leg. Alternate right and left leg. Lizard pose with a twist is a good full body movement. Start in a high plank, hands to the floor not your forearms. Step your right foot forward next to your right hand, or as close as you can get, then reach your right hand up. Lower your hand down, step your right foot back and repeat on the left. Alternate between right and left sides.
Mobility helps prevent injuries during exercise, and also in your day to day life, by allowing your body to move through its full range of motion without strain. Cow Face Arms
The shoulders easily become tight and lose mobility. Cow Face Arms from yoga is a great stretch. Usually a yoga strap, towel, or band is needed at first. Find a comfortable seated position then lift your right arm up. Bring your palm to your back in between your shoulder blades. Take your left arm down behind you with the back of your hand on your back and your fingertips pointing up. You can hold a strap in your hands to help hold the stretch and overtime start to work your hands closer together. You may be able to touch your hands without a strap after some practice.
Couch stretch
You can use a couch or a wall for the last stretch. Turn you back to the wall or couch and bend your right knee bringing your heel towards your glutes. Rest your leg on the couch or wall. You may start with your knee far away from the couch but over time start to work the knee back until it's touching the wall or couch. You might start with a hinge forward but again over time you will start to lift your torso. Keep it active by slightly tucking your tailbone.
Mobility is something that can be incorporated into a dynamic warm up or done alone, but it should be done. A few minutes each day dedicated to mobility and you will see benefits. Health and fitness cannot be defined or achieved by focusing on one thing. Only doing strength training, cardio or mobility alone will leave you with weaknesses in different areas. Health and fitness encopasses strength, mobility and endurance… in addition to eating well and paying attention and caring for your mental health. While this may seem overwhelming, small changes to your daily routine can help you achieve your goals. Making yourself and your health a priority benefits you (and those around you) as you are able to give more of yourself to others when you feel good yourself. Switch Fitness (916) 838-1456
9632 Emerald Oak Dr. Suite K, Elk Grove
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Bending Time By Anna Osborn, LMFT, Relationship Therapist and Coach
It’s that time of year, the time for throwing caps in the air and making big plans for one’s future. The time for tassels, balloon arches and adorable yearbook inscriptions. And even though my kiddos just finished 4th grade, my handful of friends with graduating seniors have ALL reminded me how fast this time goes and how my kids will be graduating in the blink of an eye. Which is way too much of an emotional overload if you ask me! I’m trying to reside in a strong place of denial and these tugs into reality are not my jam. 62. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2022
Yes, I know that time moves quickly and we sadly squander a lot of it with scrolling, distractions and overscheduling; but what if there was a way to bend time and make it all slow down a bit. Or even return to a younger age and experience it all over again? I know this is just magical thinking from a mom whose kids are growing up on her, but it doesn’t mean I can’t dream about it.
We are all well aware that we live in a time of fast forward. Kids school and activity loads are unreasonably intense at younger ages. Marriages are strained by growing demands on time and resources. And time is just stretched too thin.
And as great as it might be to know this, the real power comes in being able to figure out what to do to combat it. How do we become better stewards of our time in order to really nourish our partnerships and families in the way they all desperately need? How do we get back in control of our days and weeks? How do we bend time? Talk about the million dollar answer, right? I may not have the answer, but I do have some ideas that can point you in the right direction. First, play the long and the short game. Sometimes an instantaneous ‘yes’ to a new activity or event is the right answer and other times you look at the calendar for the month and realize that you need to say ‘no’ because one
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How do we become better stewards of our time in order to really nourish our partnerships and families in the way they all desperately need? How do we get back in control of our days and weeks? How do we bend time? more thing will just push you over your limit. When you schedule the really important stuff on your calendar, like family dinners and date nights, you have a better idea of what more you can take on and what you need to say ‘no’ to. When you play the long and the short game, you’re checking in on the relationships you hold most dear to ensure they’re being paid the most attention…both right now and as time moves forward. Let your near sight guide your far sight.
Second, let go of FOMO. You know the “fear of missing out” that gets us all to ignore our wise voice and say ‘yes’ to more fun (even when we know it’s too much). The more you can be confident in your decision that saying ’no’ to some “once in a lifetime” experience is really better for you and your primary relationships, the better off you’ll be. Sure it may sound like fun to attend a last minute BBQ at a friend’s house, but if it’s been a hot minute since your household spent any quality time together, it may be wiser to opt for a movie night and a home cooked meal prepared by all of you. Remember that just because something sounds amazing, doesn’t mean it gets to hijack your vision of more slowed down time together. Third, when you notice you’re present, celebrate it. We are imperfect humans who get distracted and lack intentionality on the regular. This is normal. And having an expectation that you will be mindful and present at every moment is completely nutty. Instead, when you notice that time has slowed a bit and you’re all there…in that moment…together…take a breath and soak it up. Those are moments worth celebrating. We may not be able to bend time, but we can all certainly spend it more wisely.
And for all of those parents that are launching graduates into the world or preparing their little one for kindergarten, you’re in my heart. Soak it up, celebrate it and know that there are always memories to build together…no matter the age or stage. I’m cheering for us all!
Anna Osborn, LMFT, is a relationship coach and therapist. You can reach out to her by calling 916.955.3200 or visiting her website at www.AnnaOsborn.com.
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Family Fun Day Photos by Dave Soto Productions
A little rain couldn’t put a damper on the fun at this free event hosted by the Elk Grove Youth Commission. Family Fun Day offered carnival style games, music and activities for all ages at the Old Town Plaza on April 16. The event was produced by the ten-member Youth Commission comprised of Elk Grove area high school students as a way to give back to local families.
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FitFest Photos by Dave Soto Productions
Youth athletes and adult athletes competed for fun and bragging rights at the annual FitFest event hosted by the City of Elk Grove and the Cosumnes Community Services District on April 23, at Elk Grove Regional Park. The Kids Warrior Challenge got young athletes moving while the Elk Grove Gauntlet tested the strength and stamina of competing adults. The family fitness festival encouraged fitness for all with free activities and resources to support an active, healthy lifestyle.
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