PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Lots of exciting news to repor t! South County Magazine is now monthly, starting with the issue you are holding in your hands We have increased our geographic reach to encompass Mission Viejo And we’ve added a “Calendar of Events” (see center spread).
Each month, South County Magazine hosts networking mixers at no cost to attendees to give our advertising partners and editorial contributors an informal opportunity to mix and mingle with other local professionals. The most recent luncheon was held at the Mission Grill in San Juan Capistrano. Lunch was delicious, the service excellent and the company, quite lively! Thank you to all who attended, looking forward to our next gathering!
John Gillotti, owner of Mission Grill and Andre Vigel, BBQ Cleaning Ser vices
Stephanie Frisch, Insurance 101
Emma Silvera and Chris Knuth, Star Motors
Barbara Kimler, Barbara J Kimler Public Relations and Michelle Br yant, The Massage Associates
Publisher Jody Robinson and Nik Doda, Casanova Ristorante
Photography by Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography
ADVER TISER TESTIMONIALS
"We participated in South County Magazine for the first time in the July/August 2012 issue and the response has been amazing! (Our placement) was better than any advertising we have done in any other publication - South County Magazine not brought in many new customers, but the right kind of clientele we were hoping to attract for longterm success - Mitch and Ashley O'Leary, Collective Habit. Laguna Niguel
"I recently started advertising with South County Magazine and can honestly say that after only one issue in print, I've seen a marked increase in calls, website hits and inquiries from new prospective clients In less than one month, I've secured a handful of new clients The support provided by Jody and her team is amazing - Robyn Mannaert, Permanent Makeup Artist/Owner, Permanent Makeup Lounge, San Juan Capistrano
PERMANENT MAKEUP LOUNGE
"The first time I saw South County Magazine, I thought it would be a great avenue to advertise my business and I was right The ad South County created for me did a great job of getting my message out and more importantly, getting my phone to ring Thank you to South County Magazine for the excellent work!"
- Marcio Andre Vigel, BBQ Cleaning Services, San Clemente
"I keep hearing that print media is going away, but I can't find any evidence of that based on my experience in advertising with South County Magazine For my business, it s been phenomenal - every time the magazine goes out, I consistently receive calls that have resulted in a steady stream of new clients I couldn't be happier with my placement and encourage other local business owners looking for avenues to increase their customer base to look no further than South County Magazine " -
Lopez, owner, Call in the Crew
"We have been involved with South County Magazine since its first edition in January 2011 Monaco Jewelers was featured as the cover of the inaugural issue and we are still receiving positive feedback from customers - new and existing - who remember seeing our showcase Additionally, we are very happy with our advertising relationship with South County Magazine and look for ward many years of mutual success and continued growth"
- Ron Pashaian, Monaco Jewelers, San Juan Capistrano
"I've been using media advertising for 5 years I'm used to having to wait a few months for any phone calls when I start in a new publication I was so pleasantly surprised when my phone started ringing from the very FIRST ad that I placed with South County Magazine Jody really has done a great job for me " - Stephanie Frisch, Insurance 101
Hidden in a historic district, I wondered how anyone would find us Of course, there's nothing like word-of-mouth, but when we decided to advertise, I felt that South County Magazine was a good fit since it highlights all the best things to see and do in the OC Sure enough, we began hearing from our visitors that they saw us in the magazine and decided to check out our zoo South County Magazine is certainly something to crow about!" - Carolyn Franks, owner ZOOMARS Petting Zoo, San Juan Capistrano
"Simply put, advertising in South County Magazine works My participation has resulted in new customers and the process couldn't have been easier Not only did the magazine offer design services at no charge, they created a great ad without needing much input from me because they took the time to really understand my business The resulting ad does a great job of getting my ' message ' out - I'm very pleased "
- Betty Darroch, Mission Viejo Wigs, Mission Viejo
"What a great magazine!!!!! With all the advertising I have done for Salon Bamboo over the last seven years, I love the response I have gotten from South County Magazine Whether you are a new business or existing It's great when your customers notice your advertising!" - Jamie Springer, Owner of Salon Bamboo and Del Mar Beauty Supply, San Clemente
“I really appreciate the help and support offered by Jody and her staff Together we came up with not only a successful ad and editorial, but have generated enough business to increase our staff size In the current state of the economy, it’s one thing to survive but thanks to South County Magazine we are thriving ” - Candice Loren, C. Loren Studios, Dana Point
“I know when South County Magazine goes out into circulation because our phone starts ringing We love it!” - Scott E. West, D.D.S.
Candice
Independence Bank, and I’ve been happy since. They provide a great banking e
a bank that really knows my business and has all the products and services to take care of my needs. That’s why we bank with Independence Bank and why I recommend them to any South County business.
IN PURSUIT OF THE
P E R F E C T C
U T
LLike sur fers in pursuit of the per fect wave, who hasn’t taken part in the endless search for the per fect cut for their unique face and hair type?
Victoria Vannini is here to tell you that your per fect cut is closer than you think; right in her styling chair.
"Whatever your hair needs , I desire and a ppreciate the oppor tunity to make your hair dreams come tr ue.”
Some people are born great; some people create their own greatness.
For Victoria Vannini, creating with hair and giving her clients a style that reflects their personality and ‘ true self ’ is more than just a “cut and color ”
“It begins with the consultation,” says Victoria “I want to know about your lifestyle and career. [About] the hair products and tools you use. This is essential in evaluating the condition and texture of your hair and helps us to come to a place that is realistic - at the beginning and where we want to go for the future.”
Education is an important element to Victoria’s career. After graduating from cosmetology school, Victoria continued at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Los Angeles. While apprenticing at the Carlton Hair Salon at Crystal Court for one year, she honed her skills with creative color and hair cutting. From there, she went on to be an educator for Paul Mitchell. She currently takes classes at the Unite Academy in Carlsbad
Jones Salon
Golden Lanter n Dana Point, CA
“I want to stay current with color trends, foil placement, new haircutting techniques and strategies,” says Victoria, who sees her education as a hair stylist as ongoing. “The industry is currently on the cusp of using ammonia-free color I want to give my clients the newest and best products that are on the market that will keep their hair in BEAUTIFUL condition Schwartzkopf's new color line 'Essensity' will do just that with 100% coverage without ammonia, odor, preservatives or alcohol! Also, all my highlights are done WITHOUT bleach!! Using Scrupples oil-based highlighing system ensures the quality of your hair stays intact."
With over 12 years of experience with innovative color, corrective color and highlights, lowlights and glazing, Victoria is an award-winning colorist who prides herself in helping her clients "recharge" their hair with vibrant, pure color and luscious shine - all the beautiful hues with none of the harmful ingredients.“I've seen to many clients come in with over processed hair, in need of an 'In Salon' protein treatment to restore their damaged hair."
“Every hairstyle has to be approached differently and requires thought. Just because a style works for Jennifer Aniston doesn’t mean it will work for every client’s hair texture and facial structure. Everyone is unique and it’s important to take the time to feel the hair to see how it moves, determine the best, most complementary hues and utilize top-of-the-line products that will enhance and strengthen the hair without any of the damaging ingredients "
by Heather Evans
They say a beautiful smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and base their opinion accordingly For some, this is great news! For others, not so much. That’s why we are so lucky to have Robert Faber, DDS in the San Juan Capistrano area. Beautiful teeth and smiles are his specialty Any dentist can clean your teeth, but Dr Faber knows how to restore them, and make your pearly whites smile worthy
Robert Faber, DDS ... A Dentist Worth Smiling About
Restorative dentistry is Dr. Faber’s passion. When he began his practice over 12 years ago, he set out to provide affordable, quality dentistry with this specialized avenue. “It’s all about serving the patient,” he says. “I am here to listen and make a positive difference in your oral health, working with your budget and your objectives ”
Because Dr Faber has previous experience working high-volume, fastpaced dental practices, he knows firsthand what discount dentistry ultimately means for the patient. “When you’re ushered in an out of the door, it’s highly unlikely anyone has taken the time to fully examine your teeth, speak to you about potential problems or just listen to your questions ” This is why they offer new patient discounts So many people have no idea quality dental work is affordable You just need to know the right place, and Dr. Faber’s practice is that very place!
Now, if you’re teeth are in serious need of TLC or a total makeover, call Dr Faber It’s pretty much guaranteed that you will actually enjoy your time in his office, as his staff is very warm, welcoming and kind If you’re starting to think that maybe your teeth can use a tune up, we recommend you check out their online "before" and "after" library! That way, you can see firsthand how truly talented Dr. Faber is. Feel free to give him a call or stop by the office to experience how dentistry should be.
Owner Dennis Penman
Renaissance Home Furnishings
Specializing in quality home furnishings, rugs and accessories through personalized service and competitively low prices
Iby Betsy Sanz • photography by Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography
n the age of big box retail, personal service from a business that feels like family is a rarity Don’t you feel like you’re alone sometimes? Like you’re swimming in a sea of options without the right skills or knowledge to make the right decisions? And the guy who is getting paid minimum wage or the gal whose earnings depend on which decision you make well, they aren’t always the best help
When it comes to furniture, Renaissance Home Furnishings has been throwing life preservers to customers since 1998 Owner Dennis Penman has staked the longevity of his business on core values of excellent customer service, competitive rates and internal
team satisfaction - all backing quality home furnishings, rugs and accessories.
“We would rather serve the customer than ourselves,” says Penman, trusting that as he serves the customer, he serves the futures of the Renaissance Home Furnishing team members
Most furniture retailers structure their employee pay on commissioned sales While this might make sense for the bottom line, it doesn’t necessarily make sense for long-term satisfaction for the customer (that’s you and me, if you follow) You’d prefer to be steered toward what’s right for you rather than what makes the most money for the salesperson, and you’d prefer to see employees working together to give you the best care rather than contending with each other for your dollars.
Even more customer-friendly than the Renaissance Home Furnishings sales philosophy is their complimentary, no-obligation in-home design services Do you have personal taste, but don’t know how to go about implementing it in the space you have? Better yet, do you have no taste and need some advice from someone who does? Dennis has two full-time designers who call Renaissance home One of them will come out to your home and consult with you on how to make it everything you want To get you what you need, they may custom order certain pieces (usually delivered within a few weeks) or they may pull items straight off the Renaissance Home Furnishings showroom floor.
Many times, furniture retailers will contract with outside delivery businesses to get the furniture to your home Renaissance has their own delivery crewmen who have been with the store since
the doors opened thirteen years ago Their low delivery fees and extra special care make delivery hassle-free
Wow, all this service value but what about cost? In the day we’re living in, cost is more critical than ever. Recall that keeping costs down is part of Renaissance Home Furnishings’ secret sauce for staying competitive Happy employees, Dennis’ keen eye for deals and a convenient location right off the 5 Fwy on "Furniture Row" in Laguna Hills translate to keeping costs low so value can stay high
So you’re sold on issues of service and value. What about style? If your taste ranges from rich Spanish-Tuscan and Traditional to Transitional to lightwood, casual and reminiscent of the beach, Renaissance Home Furnishings, true to its name, will revive and renew your interest in finding the right items for your home outside of the (big) box
Find Dennis and Renaissance Home Furnishings team on "Furniture Row" in Laguna Hills at 23301 Avenida De La Carlota
There is a distinct disconnect between parents’ concern for their children’s safety while playing sports and the protective equipment kids currently use in most sports.
A child’s mouth and face can be easily injured if the proper precautions are not used while playing sports In fact, accord-
Why Wear a Mouth Guard?
ing to the Centers for Disease control, more than half of the 7 million sports and recreation-related injuries are sustained by youth as young as age 5 Last year, the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation forecasted that more than 3 million teeth would be knocked out in youth sporting events - yet in a survey commissioned by the American Association of Orthodontists( AAO), 67% of parents admitted that their child does not wear a mouth guard during organized sports
“Each year I see a significant number of children with dental injuries that resulted from failure to wear a mouth guard,” says San Juan Capistrano-based orthodontist Mark Sayed, D.M.D.
Mouth Guards Protect Against:
Fractured teeth • Knocked out teeth
Broken facial bones
Lip lacerations (those with braces have a higher risk of this injury)
The American Dental Association recommends wearing mouth guards for acrobatics, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting and wrestling
"I would encourage children to wear mouth guards in any sport where there is a good chance to collide with a ball, a piece of equipment or another player," says Dr Sayed
In fact, Dr. Sayed encourages parents and coaches to require mouth guards as part of a child’s uniform-for every practice and every game, that is why he is offering them at free of charge to anyone who mentions South County Magazine in the month of September
To connect with Dr. Sayed, call (949) 493-3993, visit his offices at 32341-H Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano or visit www.msdmd.com.
Comfor tLaser Clinics
Dr Samuel Sunshine founded Comfort Laser Clinics to address patient demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures at an affordable price.
Comfort Laser provides Laser treatments such as Hair Removal, Tattoo Removal, and Skin Rejuvenation. They also utilize the latest in cutting edge non-surgical methods to melt fat and tighten skin using radio frequency creating an effect similar to liposuction without making a single incision!
The Difference
State-of-the-Ar t Technology Comfor t Laser employs the newest and most advanced state-of-thear t equipment available. These revolutionary instruments treat a variety of skin conditions including facial wrinkles, acne scars, sun spots, brown spots, uneven skin tone, unwanted hair, multi-colored tattoos, as well as perform skin rejuvenation The many benefits of this technology are often seen after a single visit. In other instances, more dramatic results are possible by following a more defined protocol
Our Staff
Meet our Practicing Physician: Dr Samuel Sunshine who has over 12 years of clinical experience in Orange County Dr Sunshine earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Stanford University, and his Medical Degree from the University of Southern California. He is a Diplomat and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Medicine.
“For years I had been fielding questions on the safety of cosmetic procedures and in some cases treating patients who had experienced certain negative results from cosmetic surgical procedures performed elsewhere so I decided to form Comfort Laser and offer
my patients a clean, safe environment for non-surgical alternatives that still provide incredible benefits.”
The ComfortLaser staff are informative, friendly and have extensive training. “Our staff understands that choosing the right service provider is a big decision so we assess each patient individually to recommend the best option to fit their needs ”
Exilis Liposculpture
Fat Reduction • Skin Tightening • Wrinkle Reduction
“There is a lot of buzz surrounding this technology.” Dr. Sunshine explains. “From exposure on The Today Show, NBC, Fox News and The View, among others, people know about this FDA approved treatment Exilis is in high demand and we are one of the few providers in Orange County The results are comparable to liposuction at a fraction of the cost and without the risk of surgery.”
Extensive research and testing has shown the Exilis non- invasive procedure to be useful for the reduction of targeted fat deposits and skin tightening The features of this device allow it to be the quickest and most effective contouring solution available today The machine utilizes radio frequency to access tissue that is resistant to other methods Additionally, Exilis utilizes an exclusive technology that delivers maximum thermal effect to tissue in the shortest time while ensuring safety, comfort and control. The result is precise, targeted, painless and effective body contouring. It is FDA cleared in the United States for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles as well
Comfort Laser offers competitive pricing, free consultation with licensed medical professionals and the most advanced technology. We stand behind our results as supported by the more than 8,000 satisfied patients we have treated. Call Comfort Laser Clinics today for an appointment!
Bling It On at Zia Jewelry
Heather Evans
Feel free to judge me, but I can’t seem to stop myself from collecting beautiful bling - especially one-of-a-kind, unique and colorful pieces. Because it isn’t always easy to find those “must have” artisan adornments, Zia Je in San Juan Capistrano totally took me by surprise The second I s the alluring collections available here, I knew I was in trouble T Hawaiian Koa Wood Ring Collection is unlike anything I have e seen The pieces by famed designers David Rosales, Joanne and Kevin Dow Kelly Charveaux and Arne Christophersen are all stunning.
Owner Ron Cohan opened Zia Jewe over 35 years ago and has over t years built a reputation for showcas ncredible jewelry designers long be hey are “discovered.” Many of these cognized artisans, like David Rosale d only Zia to personally sign bejeweled creations rs This sort of loyalty and care for customers is sn’t just perfect for jewelry aficionados like me, it’s also well loved by the community Customers have been coming here for generations to pick the pefect heirloom pieces that last beyond a lifetime Ron travels the world to purchase jewels at a special price so he’s able to offer unique pieces at great prices to his customers.
Zia Jewelry is also home to one of the best in-house jewelers in Southern California San Juan Capistrano native Alyska Gutzwiller is superbly skilled in jewelry repair, and has by
ent years researching and perfecting craft She studied jewelry at the ological Institute of America, and has ht her talent to Zia, where’s she’s developed quite a following. Customers say they love bringing in their pieces in need of TLC to see if she can fix them and Alyska consistently conquers the challenge!
Zia truly has a piece for everyone, whether it’s something southwestern inspired, champagne diamonds for lovers of all things sparkly, glittery gemstones or sexy earrings To view its offerings or shop from home, visit www ziajewelryonline com
SOUTH COUNTYCALEN
Well Groomed
by Heather Evans
I’ve heard all about your Mr. Right. He’s cute, loyal, smart, makes your days worth living and just happens to be… your dog!
Come on We love our pets We love them so much we want them to be healthy, happy and look their best, right? That’s exactly what Liana Brown, owner of Wig-Wag Dog Grooming believes Her dog salon is the increasingly popular, highly specialized, premium dog grooming service that is quickly building a reputation in South County for customer and pet care.
Why does she do it? Well, Liana worked as a groomer for several companies and learned how much customer service was lacking in the business She knew she could do better, so she did
"The inspiration for the name "Wig-Wag" came from the Capistrano Depot," she says "My grandmother, Maggie Olsen, was instrumental in getting Amtrak to make SJC a regular stop on its route, versus having to flag the train down A "Wig-Wag" is an old school crossing signal consisting of a swinging disc with a red warning light at its center "Wig-Wag" is also defined as the motion of a dog's tail moving to and fro WIth a double meaning like this, I felt that this name was absolutely perfect "
Customers, (both dog and human) love the fact that there is no kennel waiting time, because every appointment is created for that client only. Liana’s focus is all about pet safety, satisfaction, and optimum health. “People might not be aware of this, but grooming isn’t just about your pet looking good. My approach is that grooming is vital to their health. It shouldn’t be a rare treat. I use premium products and take great care to ensure each pet is happy and looks their best!”
In the short time Wig-Wag has been open, Liana’s created quite a “buzz” in the community A San Juan Capistrano native, Liana feels her clients and their owners are an extension of her family That’s why business is booming, and wagging tails are all you see when you walk through their door Because she’s highly trained and also a graduate from PetSmart Grooming Academy, Liana knows that anyone can groom a dog, but not everyone can do it safely or happily “I love my job It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own salon My ethics with dog grooming speaks volumes, and I attribute that to the quick growth of my company ”
Do you want to know a shameful secret about me? I tweezed, plucked and waxed my eyebrows into a very thin line Hey, it was the 90's As you can imagine, I thought I'd have to live with my barely there, stern-looking brows or have to draw them on every day for the rest of my life. That is, until I heard about talented Surgical Technician and Certified Permanent Makeup Artist, Robyn Mannaert I've heard about permanent makeup, and I've seen how happy people are after having it done, but it wasn't until I met with Robyn at the Permanent Makeup Lounge and learned the scope of her services that I realized just how valuable permanent makeup is. In ad-
Permanent Makeup Lounge
by Heather Evans
dition to applying permanent eyebrows, eyeliner and lip color, Robyn has advanced certification in Areola Re-pigmentation and Camouflage and can even help her clients reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and more with Skin Needling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy).
It's amazing to me that she doesn't just help sad, over-tweezed souls like myself Robyn is dedicated to helping clients with alopecia (hair loss), breast cancer survivors and anyone wishing to camouflage scars and more She offers FREE consultations, affordable services and even rewards her valued clients with loyalty discounts.
Although Robyn's unique surgical background certainly sets her apart from other permanent makeup artists, it is her steady hand, eye for detail and the drive to consistently provide her clients with amazing results that keep her busy. "I know my clients are happy because they leave with a smile. I know they love their new permanent makeup because of the steady flow of client referrals I receive."
According to Robyn, "Permanent Makeup is about looking and feeling put together, without having to put yourself together "
The Permanent Makeup Lounge offers great results at a great value in a comfortable and clean environment. With every client, Robyn provides the utmost care, cleanliness, professionalism and artistic touch. This is why she’s so well sought after
Celebrating, Educating and Empowering Today’s Women
what:
The California Women's Conference is an internationally acclaimed forum for the world's most influential voices, hearts and minds
U S women constitute the number three market in the world, with their collective buying power exceeding the economy of Japan, so this year's theme is "The Women's Economy Starts Here "
when:
Sunday, September 23, 2012: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Monday, Sept 24, 2012: 8:00 a m - 7:30 p m
where:
Long Beach Convention Center
300 East Ocean Boulevard • Long Beach, California 90802
Tickets: Limited availability $79 (Reg $99) for Sunday, Sept 23, 2012 or $199 (Reg $249) for both Sunday and Monday, September 24, 2012
Available at www.CaliforniaWomensConference.com
The exhibit hall will feature “streets,” where women can shop from more than 250 vendors While at the pinnacle of what has been envisioned as a Community Town Square, attendees will discover an oak tree, specially constructed to offer attendees a place to define their goals and dreams through a mobile app system
For nearly 30 years, women in California have enjoyed a conference that provided a forum for building successful businesses, strengthening careers, and positively influencing the world around them. The California Women’s Conference will continue the tradition of empowering women and providing resources in every aspect of their lives, and embracing philanthropy by donating a portion of proceeds to participating charitable organizations.
The“Whew”Moment of Turning 65
by Stephanie Frisch
Most people aren’t in a hurry to turn 65. But with the cost of health insurance, many are now finding it a relief to be able to look forward to lower health insurance premiums and better coverage with the Medicare options available to them.
Medicare Supplemental plans, Prescription Drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans (with prescription drug coverage) are a necessity to have in addition to Medicare A and B
Why is this?
Medicare Par t A, which covers hospitalization, surgery, and skilled nursing costs has a per occurrence deductible and daily copay’s after a cer tain number of days Medicare
Part B, which pays for doctors and outpatient testing, only covers 80% of the Medicare allowable amounts and it has no out of pocket cap.
So where is the savings? It’s in the monthly premiums and the co-insurance, co-pays, and out of pocket maximums
People that I meet with that are 64 years old pay, on average, $500 a month for their health insurance if they are 100% healthy and anywhere from $600-$1200 a month (and sometimes even more) if they’re not.
Let’s look at an example if someone were the “picture of health” when turning 65.
Unless someone is very low income, in most cases that person will pay $99 90 per month for their Medicare Part B premium (it can vary a little year to year) If they enroll in a Medicare Advantage HMO plan with RX coverage they’ll pay nothing (zero) additional premium for that because the insurance company for whatever plan they choose is subsidized by the government to provide coverage to the enrollees. So, in this example, people are saving about $400 a month and they’re getting a plan so rich in benefits that they feel like the won the “healthcare lottery”!!
Medicare supplemental plans still have a premium which varies depending on age and what plan you have. Plan F, for example, covers all the gaps that Medicare A & B doesn’t take care of, and carries a monthly premium of about $165 a month for a 65 year old. A RX plan needs to be added, and that will be about $45 a month. This example has the only other out of pocket costs limited to the RX drug co-pays, so even though a 65 year old is paying $210 a month additional in premium (in addition to their Part B premium) they’re still saving about $200 a month and there is no real financial exposure except when it comes to prescription drug co-pays
So, the bottom line is less money, more coverage. If you would like to know more about what you have to look forward to when you turn 65, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
I love giving people good news!
Stephanie Frisch is the owner of Insurance 101 and is an independent insurance broker dedicated to helping others make “educated decisions” about their insurance choices when it comes to health insurance, life insurance, long-term care planning and annuities. For answers to your questions, or an in-home, no-fee consultation, call (949) 351-2443
Making a Difference
This October, residents of Orange County can help make a difference by participating in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study (CPS-3). This historical study will help us better understand the factors that cause or prevent cancer.
To participate in the study you must be between the ages of 30 and 65, never been diagnosed with cancer and are willing to make a long-term commitment (20-30 years) that consists of a follow-up questionnaire every three years At enrollment, you’ll fill out a short comprehensive survey on health history provide a small blood sample (to be collected by trained phlebotomists) along with a waist measurement That’s it!
“As a cancer survivor, I’m not eligible to participate, but I’m encouraging my family and friends to join, in celebration of my survivorship,” said Steve Bell, American Cancer Society volunteer
Who would have thought such a (relatively) small change could completely transform the look and curb appeal of a home? In just a few hours and for less than the price of a new entry door system, Nor ton and Vicki Canterbury, owners of The Beveled Edge, start with a homeowner ’s existing door, cut out a por tion and inser t custom ar t beveled glass panels
What was once a solid surface is now a stunning entry defined by light, beauty and instant curb appeal
The Beveled Edge
The Laguna Niguel studio, showroom and manufacturing facility specializes in the aforementioned front door remodels as well as interior doors and cabinet
whether wood, metal or fiberbe transformed into a funcrk of ar t,” says Nor ton. “The dge also offers custom etched hitectural glass, heavy glass , and shower door units ”
A former Marine, Norton has honed his craft for the past quarter century – starting with an apprenticeship at a stained glass studio in 1983, followed by the launch of his own business three years later in San Clemente and culminating in his current location complete with a showroom and manufacturing facilities
What sets their business apar t is the personal touch – both Nor ton and Vicki are “fully involved” in every job, working directly with each client to “make certain we create the vision they desire for their home ”
According to Nor ton, the collaborative design process includes the creation of fullscale templates for review by the client and glass selection, which may include just bevels and clear textured glass or full color. The privacy level that each customer desires in their leaded glass panels is discussed and implemented.
“It is this approach that we believe results in a large percentage of our sales coming from repeat customers or are referrals from friends, neighbors, or relatives,” says Vicki “Our business success can be attributed to honesty, hard work and providing uncompromising quality in each and every leaded or etched glass panel that is hand-crafted by our exper t ar tisans The workmanship is guaranteed for a lifetime Our goal is to create custom art glass panels that will exceed your expectations in every way ”
ARefinish, Reface or Replace?
by Candice Loren
fter spending over 24 years in the home improvement business, I still am amazed at how many clients struggle over what path to take in updating their kitchen. The mistake I see made most often is replacing the counter top knowing that the cabinets aren’t great, but they want to update SOMETHING! Now the only option they have is to refinish or reface their cabinets since you can’t rip out the cabinets while preserving the top Sticker shock sets in when they realize that very often refacing costs more than replacing, depending upon the kitchen, and refinishing only works when the cabinets aren’t a totally outdated style
If you aren’t certain which way to go and want to weigh your options you may find yourself calling a multitude of companies to gather bids and advice For years I was the one my clients would call to refinish their cabinets or give them
and bath designer I could also
would be gambling
mplement the design. By combining efforts with other firms I now have the ability to offer clients enough choices, information and incredible pricng that they are comfor table with one stop shopping
s a new kitchen more affordable than you thought? Love your granite, but hate your doors? Everything is perfect except you want a chocolate glaze on your white kitchen? Now that C Loren Studios is an integral par t of Elite Kitchen and Bathroom and Apex Estate Construction, there are no limits and you can call one irm for every possible option.
Orange County Pools
by Heather Evans
Diving into your tranquil swimming pool on a hot day is the equivalent of a traffic-free drive home from work It’s relaxing, rejuvenating, and fun! But if you’re like many, your pool might be run down and more of a costly headache than the paradise it should be. Outdated pool systems are one of the
biggest sources of energy and money wasters that largely go undetected for years. This is such a shame, considering the state of your pool system can largely increase the value of your home. And speaking of increasing value, having a custom pool is one of the smartest ways you can go these days, with outdoor entertaining quickly becoming he hottest social scene But where do you begin? How do you know where to start?
That’s where Mike Brunning, wner of Orange County Pools, omes in A 27-year industry vetran, Mike is an expert at creating ustom in-ground pools. With cusomer service as a top priority and rices that won’t be beat, OC Pools e the highly sought-after company for pool transformations, and eco-friendly upgrades
“I’ve been in the business for so long, I’ve seen how people will cut corners or oversell, just to make money,” he says. “That’s not how I do business. We’re honest and ethical and offer refreshingly good prices.”
Mike is also in the business of safety Did you know you can now get the “natural chlorine” treatment: Saline? The old standard calcium and sodium hypoclorite pools are harsh on pumps, and require more maintenance, while saline conversions are much safer and effective. This eco-friendly service is one of many Mike at OC Pools can offer you
1. How did you perfect the laser treatment for fungal nails?
Ivar Roth, DPM: After performing thousands of laser fungal toenail treatments, I developed and refined a proprietar y protocol coupled with the newest second generation FDA approved laser The new laser with its digital readouts allows me to tell precisely how much energy is required to kill the fungus. With this information, I calculate a specific customized laser treatment tailored to each patient This patient specific treatment means that no two patients are given the same laser treatment In addition, I invented a new way to get rid of the fungal infection in the toenails Before your laser treatment, I will perform Maximum Nail Reduction (MNR) which removes at least 80% of your fungus in a single office visit This exclusive protocol is so effective that I applied for a patent and it is currently only available at my office The initial treatment fee includes a second treatment session in order to ensure your success.
2) What is the cost for laser toenail treatment?
IR: The treatments are broken down into two easy to understand components The first is the examination and nail treatment which may be covered by insurance The second part is the actual laser treatment which is not covered A one-time examination fee of $500 is charged during the first session which covers both the fee for the initial examination as well as the follow-up office visit. There is a separate laser fee of $70 for each toe which is also paid upfront and covers two laser treatments For example, treating one toe would be $570; however if all ten toenails are treated, the charge would be $1200. For severe infections, a third laser treatment may be necessar y Exclusive anti-fungal products are sold separately You are not forced to treat all your nails as may be mandator y at other offices
3) Is there a treatment for split nails?
Dr Roth has developed a new patent pending cure for split nails Only one or two treatments are required to solve this problem
Dr. Roth's Patient
Dr. Roth's Patient
Dr. Roth's Patient
Landmark studies (such as those conducted by Texas Tech and The University of Arkansas) are telling us a lot about how we approach financial decisions as we get older
In a recent article in Research Magazine, Fiduciary Expert Michael Finke reports that the brain functions needed for making financial decisions peak in our mid-50s; and while individuals older than that do not believe that they are any less competent to make financial decisions, they often are.
Financial decisions require a complex process involving both the ability to respond to a stimulus (i.e. the offer of a financial product or a wealth distribution concept) and to place it into a context of prior knowledge.
Financial decision-making abilities peak in middle-age. Plan accordingly.
by C. Lawrence “Larry” Thomas
For this reason, it’s a good idea to make decisions early, so that our families are not forced to “figure it out” when we aren’t of much help Professionals in banking, financial planning, securities, insurance, lawyers, and accountants can help. All of those professions now have mandatory training in dealing with aging clients But the family is the key
Many people don’t create an estate plan Some initiate them, but don’t keep them updated, or don’t fully implement them from the beginning
A good start is to hold a family meeting mediated by your attorney, accountant, or financial planner – an impartial party present with the goal of operating from the interest of the principal (the parent or grandparent whose estate and situation is being addressed)
Planning for this stage of life begins with clearly indicating one’s desire for the transition of the estate, large or small, to one’s heirs The best way is to involve competent professionals to help guide the process
C. Lawrence “Larr y” Thomas is First Vice President and South County Regional Manager of Independence Bank. The South County Regional Office is located at 32291 Camino Capistrano, Suite A in San Juan Capistrano. Larr y can be reached at (949) 373-1578 or visit
OK women... start your engines! I know many women are “overwhelmed” by their cars, but it’s time for you to feel more empowered, confident, safe and knowledgeable about your vehicles
Even though I’ve grown up around the car business, I still get intimidated. It’s not empowering to have to ask other people about your car and it doesn’t feel good to be taken advantage of by mechanics or sales consultants In the past, men were not expected to know about decorating a house and women were not expected to know much about automobiles All that is changing.
For most of us, our cars have become our “home away from home” and even our “office on wheels ” We tend to carefully select a vehicle that expresses our personality, supports our lifestyle and then we add special amenities to personalize it
Villa Ford’s “Women on Wheels”Auto Empowerment Seminars
by Peggy Baldwin-Butler
Women On Wheels (W O W ) is Villa Ford’s gift to women who want to "be in the know.” This fun seminar is presented monthly by our Villa Ford team of experts so we women will understand our cars and basic maintenance. My intention is to empower women who might not have a lot of mechanical know-how by sharing the wealth of information my Villa Ford team has to offer (men are also welcome) Attendees can expect to learn about:
• Care and maintenance
• Service intervals
• Checking oil, fluids and tire pressure
• Tips for getting the most from today’s amazing technology
• “Being in the driver’s seat” when purchasing a vehicle
• Credit “insider tips”
I’m thrilled that Villa Ford’s "WOW" seminars are fast becoming the “talk of the town.” At the completion of each seminar, it's been particularly rewarding to hear comments like “It’s nice to finally have an overview of car servicing needs," “It’s nice to know I won’t be taken advantage of because I’m a woman,” or I applaud you for changing the image of the car buying experience " Our monthly women’s auto empowerment seminars are making my dreams come true! We invite you to come armed with questions and concerns and go home feeling empowered.
While teens may be less likely than their parents to go to a massage therapist, there are plenty of reasons why this age group should be encouraged to give it a try. The benefits of massage are well documented, among them relief of muscle tension, lowered stress hormones, increased sense of relaxation, improved immune function, and even a heightened ability to concentrate (source: The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of
Massage for Your Teenager?
Bodywork Can Ease Adolescent Angst
by Michelle Bryant
Medicine). But for teenagers, there's an additional payback
The teenage body is in the midst of transformation -- exponential growth and development in a rapid period of time. On the physical side, teens may be at increased risk for aches, pains, and injury Many teens strain their bodies with competitive spor ts, get erratic sleep, and consume a less-than-optimal diet Massage can help muscles r and help balance the body and maintain that stability
Perhaps even more crucial, teen massage can help improve body image and sleep patterns, and contribute to decreased depression, anxiety, and stress. This keeps a teen connected to her body, even as it morphs in confounding ways Bodywork has also been reported to help mediate eating disorders, a growing concern among teens
Another potential plus: A beneficial, therapeutic relationship can develop between massage therapists and teenagers during the years when adolescents need adult confidantes, but keep parents at a distance. The practitioner can become a supportive, trusted adult in a teen's life. And the session itself can be a way to deal with all the physical and emotional turmoil of this tender age
A mother of two, Michelle Br yant is the owner of the San Juan Capistrano-based Massage Associates.
To connect with her, visit 31952 Camino (in the Mercado Village), call (949) 489-7924 or visit www.themassageassociates.com
MENTION THIS ARTICLE TO RECEIVE A 1-HOUR MASSAGE for only $49 (regular price is $65)
A RUNNER’S ROUTINE:
Top 5 Nutrition Tips for Race Preparation
Whether you’re a seasoned jogging long-distance specialist or a newly initiated slow-paced courier, special TLC to your body’s health is a must. In preparation for the 35th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot, race-day sponsor CLIF Bar polled its team athletes and nutritionists to put together the top five runner nutrition tips.
1. Caffeine. Typically given a bad rap, caffeine, taken in moderation, will actually help improve your performance on a run. Caffeine gives you the extra boost, keeps you clear of that “batteries are draining” feeling and helps you enjoy the activity Moderation for most runners sits between two to three cups of drip coffee per day, but keep in mind that every body is different.
Drink fluids early and often Water is important, but when your runtime totals more than an hour, include electrolyte drinks that have sodium as the main mineral player – this will keep your body and emotional state at full efficiency
3. Carb Up. Carbohydrates should make up about 2/3 of each meal Choose carbohydrates that are high in fiber, such as wheat bread, pasta, bran cereals, oatmeal, CLIF Bars, potatoes and popcorn
2. Stay Hydrated. Hydration is the trickiest part of fueling running as every cell in your body thrives on fluid Your hydration mantra:
4. Powerful Protein. Protein is necessary to repair and rebuild muscle Approximately 1/3 of each meal should contain this powerful prop To help counter the wear and tear of training and racing, rebuild with foods like grass fed beef, antibioticand-hormone-free chicken, low mercury fish, lentils, cheese and soy
5. Meal Planning. Eat frequently and eat a variety of foods. Make sure you eat three meals each day and two or three healthy snacks in between This will help prevent energy highs and lows throughout the day and make you more energized for training runs.
C Fancy This Fashion
by Heather Evans
p , there’s never any mystery stains, rips or smells
eny Clothing ch If you’ve know you’re “Hallelujah ” missing out! this: racks s of men and name brand ner clothing essories, all sed or someew, at way, way less than the original price That’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it? Places like Doheny Clothing Exchange save me from the mind-numbing expe-
rience that is Ross, or the smelly, freaky thrift store shops that these days seem charge just as much some new boutiques! So yes, I am so grateful that I can walk into a place like Doheny’s, bring in my own gently used clothing, and trade in for something sexier and better fitting And, the owners, mother and daughter team Pamela and Caia
Because they get new merchandise every day, their store stays fresh and new. Personally, I love the fact that I can buy jeans here and I don’t have to spend the next few weeks trying to break them in Plus, I can pick out a funky outfit and know it’s not something everyone is wearing That fact alone makes this place fabulous. Oh- and twice I’ve found something that was sold out in stores and I thought my chances to own it were gone forever, but nope - I found it at the Doheny Clothing Exchange for less and in stellar condition! This place is awesome for guys, too And the fact that they have a variety of sizes and styles for one stop shopping rocks
Now, I’m sorry to have tor tured you into reading this when you could be on the road, driving there to shop. So, to reward you, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Pamela and Caia will give you 20% off your entire purchase through the month of September if you mention this article Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook, they are awesome about updating with pictures, sales and must-have items Have fun!
Owners Caia (L) and her mom Pamela
