ADVER TISER TESTIMONIALS
"As local business owners and professionals, we are so lucky to have South County Magazine to reach our target customer through advertising and share our business 'stories" and philosophies through the editorial opportunities Working with South County Magazine couldn't be easier I was helped every step of the way - from the photography, writing and design - AND ALL AT NO EXTRA COST Since participating, my business has tripled - a significant return on my advertising investment Advertising with South County Magazine is simple, straight-forward and most importantly it works! - Victoria Vannini, Howard Jones Salon, Dana Point
"Having built my business on word of mouth in the 40+ years I have been teaching piano, I was a little nervous about the process and cost of advertising in a print publication But I couldn't be more pleased with how easy the South County Magazine staff made it for me - they really took the time to understand the message I wanted to convey, provided guidance on the best design ideas to communicate that message to potential clients and offered so many 'extras' that I didn't expect - and at no additional cost like complimentary ad design and an editorial feature on my business There is no better vehicle for marketing your business to the local community than South County Magazine " - Irene Bressler, Tots & Keys, San Clemente
"Working with South County Magazine has truly been a success With running a family owned business, they really help us bring out that aspect of our company Jody is always there to help us with the layout and we are so happy to be working with them!" - Ambiance Home Collection, Mission Viejo
"Thanks to South County Magazine and their tremendous staff, our business has reached heights we never thought possible within our first year of being open! We constantly gain new quality clients due to our advertisement and we are all ver y happy!? - Liana Brown, Wig Wag Dog Grooming, San Juan Capistrano
"When I initially participated in South County Magazine hoping to increase awareness of my product, I had no idea the impact it would have! I couldn't be happier with the tremendous exposure and great response - Kathy Dahl Crifasi, Hipzbag, San Clemente
"Our participation with South County Magazine has helped take our business to the next level South County Magazine has become an integral part of our marketing campaign " - Nicole Howard and Cara Fraser, Align Pilates Center
"The results of our advertising placement in South County Magazine has been amazing!" - Ruth Weiss, Coastal Consignment, San Juan Capistrano
My first thought about South County Magazine is that the magazine staff are the nicest, most thoughtful, professional business people you could meet Mix these attributes with the niche geographic demographics the magazine targets, makes South County Magazine a must for any advertiser looking to grow and connect with the communities the magazine serves - Ivar E. Roth DPM/MPH, Concierge Podiatry
"My participation has already far exceeded my expectations and has been better than any other magazine advertising I've done I feel the Community Publications team really cares about helping me grow my business They were extremely fast in creating my ad design very easy to work with and I've found them to be people who do what they say they will, which is exactly the type of business relationship I am looking for in a marketing partner " - Jonny Coates, Talega Window Washing
"We have been rewarded with significant new business thanks to being part of South County Magazine We don't feel like advertisers - we feel like partners! There is always something wonderfully new with this publication that sets them apart from the others which allow us to meet fellow business owners and we all work together to strengthen our businesses and gain new quality clients Thank you, South County Magazine! –Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography
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
“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 "
MENOPAUSE • PERIMENOPAUSE PMS • ANDROPAUSE
WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?
3,500 women enter menopause ever y day in the United States. Menopause is identified as no menstrual cycle for 12 months, but symptoms can be as long as 15 years before the cessation of menses.
WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE?
Perimenopause is a highly individual experience. When and how it begins, and how long it las varies widely. Perimenopause, the five to seven years leading up to menopause, is a natural transition in a woman’s life between the ages of 40 and 55.
WHAT IS MALE ANDROPAUSE?
Once it was known as a man having a “Mid-Life Crisis.’’ If you are a male over 40, you may be experiencing this condition which now has a medical name - andropause. Approximately 25 million men experience this condition which can be defined by its nickname “ADAM,’’ which stands for Androgen Decline in the Aging Male. FEATURED ON
❍ Decreased Work Performance
❍ Decrease in Cognitive Function
❍ Loss of Memor y or Concentration
❍ Sad or Grumpy “Grumpy Old Man Syndrome’’
❍ Depression
❍ Irritability, Anger or Bad Temper
❍ Feelings of Being Over Stressed
❍ Anxiety or Ner vousness
❍ Decreased “Enjoyment of Life’’
❍ Decrease in Sex Drive
❍ Erectile Dysfunction
❍ Weight Gain
❍ Decrease in Muscle Mass
❍ Decrease in Strength
❍ Decrease in Endurance
❍ Fatigue
❍ Loss of Height
❍ Deterioration in Sports Ability
❍ Falling Asleep After Dinner
❍ Stiffness & Pain in Joints & Muscles
❍ Hot Flashes
❍ Memor y Lapses
❍ Insomnia
❍ Anxiety
❍ Irritability
❍ Loss of Sexual Interest
❍ Painful Intercourse
❍ Urinar y Leakage
❍ Bloating
❍ Burning Tongue
❍ Snoring
❍ Lower Back Pain
❍ Aching Ankles, Knees, Wrists, Shoulders & Heels
❍ Weight Gain
❍ Night Sweats
❍ Mood Swings
❍ Lower Back Pain
❍ Depression
❍ Migraine Headaches
❍ Vaginal Dr yness
❍ Vaginal Itching
❍ Osteoporosis
❍ Fatigue
❍ PMS
(Pardon My Screaming)
❍ Sore Breasts
❍ Gassy
❍ Hair Loss
❍ Hair Growth on Face
Spot Free Windows
by Heather Evans
Hey, you Yes, you reading this How’s about I place a bet with you right now? I’m willing to bet that not only are your windows crazy-dirty, but that you aren’t planning on cleaning them in the near future. How do I know that? Magic.
Well, not really magic I know it because the folks at Spot Free Windows have been successfully cleaning thousands of customers’ windows throughout Orange County for the past nine years. And no- I don’t mean
the ol’ Windex treatment They wash the windows (inside and outside), wash the screens, clean the tracks, and then rehang the screens. Personally, I once tried to clean my window tracks and even though I consider myself a neat freak, this task just about did me in. So I consider this aspect priceless
So what’s the secret behind husband and wife team Scott and Suzie Sells’ super successful business? “We know most of our customers by name and have built relationships with almost 3,000 South Orange County residents and businesses over the years,” says Scott. “From the beginning, we established a standard of consistency and quality We personally guarantee all of our work If something does need to be done better, we do it again until it is right We want our customers to be happy and call us for many years to come ”
“And it’s about reliability,” Suzie adds. “Our customers know that we will be there when we are scheduled and we will do the professional job that they have come to expect Plus, we offer a 7-day rain guarantee year round ”
So what inspired them to star t Spot Free windows? What makes them different from other window cleaning companies? “Well, we realized this niche was missing,” comments Scott “After years of buying, renovating, and selling homes in South Orange County, we saw the need for higher-end professionals in the window cleaning industry We decided to fill that need with a quality company that could consistently provide reliable service to residents and businesses in Orange County.
They are excited to open their schedules to accommodate the new Rancho Viejo community that’s star ting to be built, and they are ready to take on your dirtiest windows Their service is just a phone call away!
Insurance is Complicated, Understanding It Shouldn’t B e
by Heather Evans • photography by Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography
What do you really know about your insurance policy? Did someone sit down and explain it to you? Better yet- did someone sit down and explain it to you in a way that you understood? Chances are, you probably haven’t and you’re not alone The problem is that it’s rare to find someone that cares more about educating the consumer than then getting the almighty buck Well, turns out one of those rare people live right in our community You might have read her articles in our publication, but it’s time we introduce you to the woman behind the column: Stephanie Frisch.
For over 8 years, Stephanie Frisch has been a well sought-after insurance broker. She’s owned Insurance 101 for 5 of those years Now specializing in senior needs, Stephanie has been handling Medicare plans and long-term care options specifically for the past few years “I started off with individual and family plans primarily, but you have to change with the times When I could see the writing on the wall with those plans, I learned everything there is to know about Medicare and long-term care. Now I have been focused on learning everything there is to know about Healthcare reform and the California exchange: CoveredCalifornia Insurance is a good lesson in evolution If you don't change with the times, your current business model can become extinct,” says Stephanie
Her success can largely be attributed to several factors, but Stephanie’s unique background sets her apart from most brokers. Being from an all-teacher family, she knows exactly how to properly and thoroughly inform her clients. She knew she had to be-
Frisch (far right) pictured with Mark Bodenhamer and Jennifer Pointer of the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie served on the SJC Chamber Board of Directors for five years and as its Chair from 2011 - 2013
come a broker when she began writing policies years ago. “I realized that most people were uneducated about insurance plans and didn’t know what the terms used in explaining the provisions of the plans meant They didn’t know how underwriting works or the application process for insurance; you name it, they didn’t know it! The inner teacher in me started to bloom ”
And bloom she did. In a short time, Stephanie became known as the go-to woman for insurance needs High in demand, she knew she was on to something “I became more about explaining how the policies work than selling them But, in my explanation I became trusted by my clients, earned their business and then the word started to spread about my unique style and more business came my way,” she adds.
Stephanie’s “old-school” customer service approach is unrivaled The fact that she truly knows her business is just one factor, but Stephanie makes it a point to spend a lot of one-on-one time with each client. “You can't be in a rush when you do what I do. I love helping people and I bring a very personal touch to the "impersonal" world of insurance I keep contact information and notes from past conversations with all of my clients too When someone calls me, I see their name pop up on my phone and I great them personally. You'll never get that personal attention calling an 800 number if you just enroll in a plan on the Internet or mailin an application,” Stephanie says
Besides her traditional, customer-first approach, Stephanie is education-first as well “I'm always learning. I want to know everything there is to know about the products I offer to people and what's going on with the government and their role in healthcare I find that people I talk to don' t have the time or the desire to wade through the headlines to the "meat" of printed articles and dissect what important information they need to take from what their reading. Well, I do. It's my responsibility to,” she expresses. And she’s right. Stephanie has become one of our magazine’s trusted industry experts So much in fact, her columns are one of the most read in the magazine When it comes to knowing her stuff, Stephanie can be counted on
Most brokers don’t charge, Stephanie doesn’t personally charge for her consulting service. “What I provide is ‘value added’ to what customers pay in their insurance premium I've been told that people find my method of explaining insurance easier to understand than any other way they've tried before Coupling that with the fact that I've always been a pretty empathetic person by nature, people feel comfortable opening up to trust me and that I'm trying to help them, not ‘sell’ them Once people understand my service, they can’t wait to meet with me,” she adds
If you’re interested in learning more about what Stephanie can do for you, contact her at (949) 351-2443. If you’ve been denied coverage, need help with the next stage in your life, or have any questions about insurance, you can count on her to point you in the right direction.
frisch QUESTIONS INSURANCE
A N S W E R E D B Y
stephanie
What advice can you give me about enrolling in Medicare when I turn 65?
If you don’t have existing coverage from an employer or a spouse, don’t delay enrolling in Medicare when you turn 65, even if you have perfect health The government requires someone 65 or older to carr y “credible coverage” if they aren’t enrolled in Medicare, or otherwise pay a penalty when they do.
Delaying enrollment means late enrollment penalties for both Part B and Part D These penalties you will pay for the rest of your life once you do get enrolled You have a seven month window of time for your initial enrollment into Medicare (3 months prior to your birthday, the month of your birthday, and 3 months following your birthday) If you go beyond that then you have to wait until Januar y to enroll and you won’t be effective until the month of June following that Meanwhile, your late enrollment penalty keeps accruing and if you develop any health issues or are injured, you’re completely unprotected financially I think the motivation that people have for not enrolling when they turn 65 is to save money, but enrollment in Part B runs $104 95 a month for the average income and then adding a Medicare Advantage plan with Prescription drug runs zero additional premium. By doing this, people get incredible benefits and strong financial protection that doesn’t come with Original Medicare for paying their Part B Medicare premium ($3 50 a day) People that are lower income can qualify to have their Part B premiums paid for them by the government Applying for extra help with Medicare Part B and Part D premiums (and RX co-pays) is something I help people with regularly.
Do I automatically get enrolled into Medicare?
If you are taking Social Security prior to turning 65, or you have arranged to take it when you turn 65, then you will automatically be enrolled into Medicare If you plan to delay enrolling in Social Security then you need to sign up for Medicare You can enroll online on the Medicare website or make an appointment at your local social security office.
I’m turning 65 and getting inundated with mail How do I know what’s important and what’s not? I see the stacks of mail on my client’s kitchen tables on a regular basis I’ll help them sort through it and recycle what’s “official” and what isn’t A good rule of thumb is to keep an eye out for an ything with a return address tha t says, “CMS” Tha t means Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Ser vices They generally have an eagle logo incorporated into their name as well. There are a lot of companies that mail postcards and such that tr y to look official, but beware If you see any small print at the bottom of the postcard, it generally is telling you that they don’t represent the government and the postcard you’re looking at is a solicitation of some sort
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental?
Both are offered by priva te insurance companies a pproved by Medicare Simply put, Medicare Advantage plans generally work with networks, referrals, and a focus on preventative care All of your doctors must be in the same network The Medicare Advantage plans that are HMO’s (don’t let that word scare you, these doctor’s aren’t “captured”, they accept Medicare/PPO and Medicare Supplemental as well) usually include prescription drug covera ge as well and ha ve been zero premium in Orange County for quite some time no w. Medicare Supplemental plans cover some, if not all of the “gaps” in Medicare. Consequently, it is also referred to as Medi-Gap All plans offered by all companies are standardized by the government This means they all have to cover the same things (For example, a Plan F supplemental plan is the same in benefit regardless what company you purchase it from) Medicare supplemental plans pay secondar y to your Original Medicare. Many people I meet with refer to them as PPO’s which is incorrect Medicare supplemental allows the policy holder to seek care anywhere in the U S that accepts Medicare as the primar y payer There are no networks utilized and no referrals needed
(continued on page 26)
Soles with Soul: Ocean Minded Footwear
by Heather Evans • photography by Melisa Chandler, Melisa Chandler Photography
Nestled next to the iconic Rip Curl Trestles outlet is another kind of an iconic brand: Ocean Minded Footwear. They are a global company, their shoes/sandals are high quality, super cute and extremely comfortable Even beter? They find time to do company-wide beach cleanups once a month That’s kind of a lot of amazing stuff going on
Ocean Minded is the kind of local company you hope to stumble on and consistently buy from for the rest of your days. You can rock their sandals anytime: in the water, right after surfing, or or that super-hot-beach-bum-first-date look you were going or Their in-house fashion designer lives and breathes right here in San Clemente, so every pair is created with the laidback beach vibe the OC is famous for. Ocean Minded footwear has quickly become a household name and a staple for surfers and beach-lovers alike
So back to the brand itself What about those beach cleanups? Yep, it’s true. Every third Tuesday of the month they shut the office down from 1012noon and scour the beach. (Yes, you can join them!) Par tnered with the Surfrider Foundation, Ocean Minded also assists with larger beach cleanups In June of last year, they assisted with 23 beach cleanups in the U S , with a whopping 1400 volunteers and collected approximately 5700 lbs of trash. Wow. You might have also heard about Ocean Minded when they success fully helped with the battle to save Trestles.
It’s extremely rare to find a small local brand that’s known globally We’re lucky to have this brand in our backyard And it’s not just because they do so much for our community I mean, they even run the flagship store off of their global location: 3005 South El Camino Real. That’s almost too good to be true. The latest fashion right next to incredible sales?
Stop by their original retail location and see the goods for yourself, join them on Tuesdays for their cleanups, but whatever you do- visit them online at www.oceanminded.com. They have a list of locations where you can purchase their shoes, a packed events calendar and of course, their amazing catalogue!
Understand SBA Loans: A Question of Eligibility
by C. Lawrence "Larry" Thomas
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers many programs designed to assist small business owners. One of the most popular is the Guaranteed Loan Program. This program offers small businesses debt financing for a wide range of purposes
The SBA does not make direct loans to small businesses Rather, the agency sets the guidelines for loans, which are then made by its lending partners.
Under this program, the SBA guarantees that these loans, or a large portion of them, will be repaid, thus eliminating some of the risk to the lending partners. So an SBA loan is actually a commercial loan, structured according to SBA requirements with an SBA repayment guarantee
SBA loan guarantee requirements and practices can change as the Government alters its fiscal policy and priorities to meet current economic conditions Therefore, you can’t rely on past policy when seeking assistance in today's market.
Independence Bank has recently become an SBA lending partner, offering SBA loans to local businesses. Before applying for an SBA loan, it is important to understand the eligibility guidelines
Camino Capistrano, Suite A in San Juan Capistrano. Larr y can be reached at (949) 373-1578 or visit www.iBankCA.com (continued on page 19)
"Brainwave Optimization was a Godsend
To be eligible, the small business applicant must:
■ Be an operating business with three years of history
■ Be organized for profit
■ Be located in the United States or its territories and possessions
■ Be small (as defined by the SBA)
■ Demonstrate a need for the loan.
■ Must be a permanent resident of the United States (U S Passpor t or permanent Green Card).
Proceeds from SBA loans may be used for:
■ Business or business property acquisition.
■ In property acquisition, the applicant’s business must occupy at least 51% or more of the usable space
■ Refinance business or business proper ty loans
■ Construction
■ Machinery and equipment purchases.
■ Inventory purchase
■ Working Capital
Like other forms of commercial lending, the SBA Loan applicant must have a history (generally two to three years at a minimum, with tax returns) and a reliable source of repayment. This type of SBA lending is not intended for start up businesses with weak or under-established management, inadequate capital, weak collateral or lack of documentation to support income projections
Business expansions are generally viewed more favorably for SBA loans, as the borrower is often better able to meet the ‘5C’s’ of credit (capacity, capital, collateral, conditions and credit) A good example of this type of potential SBA borrower may be an existing and established business with the goal of opening additional locations
While the underwriting for SBA lending is similar to commercial lending, there are several advantages to SBA loans. For example, since the government is guaranteeing the loan under SBA guidelines, the lending par tner assumes less risk and, and thus may be more flexible and better able to do the loan. Also, the down payment or borrower’s cash requirement on an SBA loan is generally less and therefore, more favorable to the borrower.
There are many specific requirements regarding the size of the company, the type of organization, the nature of the business, and so forth To determine eligibility, interested parties can go to the SBA website or, better yet, contact an SBA lending partner such as Independence Bank
Trusted, Tried and True: United American Mortgage
by Heather Evans
Trusted, tried and true That’s the reason why Irvine’s United American Mortgage has been successful for over 20 years Since 1993, UAMC specializes in providing mortgage-financing solutions to homeowners and homebuyers
You’re almost tired of reading about it but it’s true: the mortgage meltdown hurt more than a few and people are still trying to recover. It’s hard to know whom to trust. With many mor tgage companies competing and failing, UAMC has found itself expanding into 9 states. Originally formed to provide for the specific needs of Southern California borrowers seeking mor tgage products tailored for them, UAMC has made it their personalized business to get to know and help you.
And since so many of these mortgage companies are failing, what is UAMC doing different? “What it boils down to is that we’ve grown substantially because we have the ability to adapt to the ever-changing marketplace,” says UAMC President Al W Hensling “We are in the home business, the helping-people business Yes, it requires us to at times work around the clock Yes, we have to keep up-to-date on the latest products and regulations We take our clients and what we do seriously because at the end of the day, everyone should either be in the home of their dreams or keep the one they love so much To some people, it’s just paperwork and numbers But to us, it’s personal It’s home,” he continues.
say we just want to help how we can Since our business is referral based, we truly get to know your family and friends
UAMC continues to evolve with new products and financing solutions to the ever-changing Southern California real estate market. While many have given up the idea of owning a home or even refinancing, UAMC holds to the knowledge that today’s new and innovative programs are making it easier than ever to purchase or refinance “The ‘Mor tgage Meltdown’ created a great deal of uncertainty in the marketplace and made it difficult for so many to secure financing We understand that a lot of people are scared to see where they stand and that’s ok We just want you to know that it doesn’t have to be this way Most of our clients feel the same way. Some people tell us they didn’t even want to find out about their options in the first place because they didn’t understand the jargon. Well, we aren’t the company that just explains things once. We’re with you step by step, no matter what,” Al adds.
Want to put your toe in the water? Visit their website: www.uamco.com to view their mortgage calculators to get a head-start. You can also apply online, get a custom quote and read more about the loan programs they offer If you’ve never had a loan before, consider their handy ‘Loan Process’ tool They take you step-bystep through what you can expect when applying for and receiving a loan
“If you’re considering anything in our sector then consider us the right team for the job,” Al says “Call us, visit us online, or stop by the office anytime We’re always on standby to see how we can help you Don’t let the mortgage meltdown of yesterday affect where you’re at today We’ve got the cutting edge techniques and knowledge to help your unique situation. We’re ready to meet your challenges and assist you into getting or keeping your home!”
Their incredibly impressive, rare, referral-only business model may also be the key to understanding their success, as customers flock just to see if UAMC truly walks the walk. To them, offering you efficient, cost-effect and timely service is just a day’s business. These days, most companies feel the need to plaster those words all over their advertisements. UAMC doesn’t need to express that they go above and beyond, they just think that it should come standard. “I guess you could United American Mortgage Company is located at 19782 MacArthur Blvd #250 Ir vine, CA 92612. Connect with Al and his team by calling (949) 250-1300, Ext. 110 or
Creek Dr – San Juan Capistrano
"We are so happy we chose OC Real Estate 411 for the project of prepping our home to sell AND selling it Robyn has great insight into buyer reaction and preferences, which she uses in the most economic way possible to generate the strongest possible price. We achieved a result that exceeded my expectations, and in a timeframe that was faster than I expected. I inter viewed 5 agents before choosing Robyn and her team, and I'm certain I made an
Nutrition & Breakfast
by Dr. Karl J. Gebhard, MD, MS
The most important meal of the day is still breakfast! A recent study showed that teens that eat breakfast daily have a healthier diet, were more physically active, and tended to gain less weight than teens that skipped breakfast This is partly due to less snacking of high fat and carbohydrate rich foods, and overeating at dinner time
Carbohydrates and sugar provide a quick rush of energy, but also trigger a rapid release of insulin which pulls the glucose from the blood stream and converts it to fat This is followed by a feeling of fatigue and tiredness, not especially helpful during algebra class!
A breakfast high in protein is known to control appetite and control hunger throughout the day Consider the following: a breakfast of orange juice, 2 buttermilk pancakes and syrup has about 530 calories and 7 grams of protein. Compare this to a breakfast of 1 whole orange, 2 slices of whole wheat toast and 3 tablespoons of peanut butter which would provide about 500 calories and 18 grams of protein. The higher protein breakfast will 'stick to their ribs' better and provide more satiety throughout the morning. Of course, school kids are always in a rush, but those few extra minutes at the breakfast table could make all the difference!
Awoken Life
There’s something to be said about seeking a better life for yourself Some find solace from stress in simple things, like taking a walk or bubble bath Others seek wisdom through therapy and medicine But can you honestly say these avenues ever really help? Or do you just hang on until the next appointment with your therapist, until the next time you can take a refreshing walk?
I had never considered the art of getting back to life and dare I say living it until I met Mary McPherson from the San Juan Capistranobased Awoken Life. Awoken Life specializes in Brainwave Optimization (something you might have heard about on Oprah, read from the pages of People magazine or in science journals) “Brainwave Optimization is about getting you, back to you,” says Mary, a Certified Optimization Specialist “Some people spend tens of thousands of dollars and endless years on therapy and medications, that might work for them. Others want to get back to living happily and balanced right away with a natural, holistic approach. Brainwave Optimization is a week-long intensive program which leaves you centered, balanced, and recharged Some of the things we help people with are anxiety, ADD/ADHD, addictions, anger, depression, brain injuries, panic attacks, PTSD, and Insomnia or sleep disorders ”
Brainwave Optimization is a unique highly scientific, yet holistic approach Over 80,000 people have successfully participated, and the number grows every day What are they experiencing? ”We star t with an intensive scientific evaluation of your brainwaves, using a very advanced computer program in the initial assessment,” Mary comments. “We determine where the imbalances and frequency levels are in the initial assessment. The program is so advanced we are able to tell if you’ve experienced trauma, sadness, or have anxiety whatever is causing your brainwaves to function at an improper level We can then create a treatment plan customized to your specific needs Over the next 5 days, you can relax in our zero gravity chair while listening to audio feedback being created by your own brainwave frequencies and mirrored back through this advanced technology This clinically proven process can be viewed on our website, www awokenlife com, under “What is Brainwave Optimization?”
Some people spend tens of thousands of dollars and endless years on therapy and medications, and that works for them. Others want to get back to living happily and balanced right away with a natural, holistic approach. We’ve created a weeklong, intensive optimization program that leaves you centered, balanced, and recharged
Awoken Life is dedicated to helping people achieve their potential, through Brainwave Optimization, guided visualization and even hypnotherapy
“Wellness is first a state of mind. From there the body will follow.” - Lee Gerdes, Brainwave Optimization Founder
Awoken Life has changed the lives of so many people who can’t wait to share their stories. Read about local Dana Point resident Vince’s experience: “I cannot put into words how much Awoken Life has changed my life Struggles of alcohol dependency, depression, spelling and even my fear of heights suddenly became manageable I went in to this a total skeptic and was made in to a believer Thank you for giving me a life I never thought possible ”
Another happy client, Dawn from Temecula, echoes Vince's sentiment and adds “Awoken Life Brainwave Optimization has changed my life I have been able to stop taking my depression medicine that I took for over 10 years I am no longer tired, sad, or depressed I have stopped my anxiety compulsive picking. I no longer drink 3 cans of Coke a day. I am learning more about myself than ever before. I am a new and improved person, able to cope with life, and stressors that happen daily Thank you for renewing my life!”
Awoken Life is an all-natural, responsive, holistic approach to total wellness. It’s an intensive week-long session in which you spend nearly 24 hours (in a week’s timespan) with Mary’s directed care Join the revolution of people that are experiencing what it’s like to live again.
Hear what you ’ ve been missing!
"Randy Rose is the consummate professional who is experienced, knowledgeable, passionate, patient and caring He easily beats the competition by knowing more, caring more, spending more time and doing what it takes to assure complete customer/client satisfaction He short-changes no one because he possesses deep professional pride and cares about ‘getting it right’."
- B. Raymond,
San Diego
Owner Randy Rose
QUESTIONS INSURANCE
stephanie frisch
(continued from page 15)
Do people still buy Long Term Care insurance?
Not as much as they should, and it worries me for so many reasons People are living longer and living many years incapacitated as a consequence They don’t want to be a burden to their families, but not preparing for long term aging will almost guarantee that they will end up doing so. Yes long term care insurance is expensive The companies offering it are charging more now because people are starting to use these policies as they get older, where in the past, they would pass away due to natural or health related causes
I believe a much smarter and affordable option is a hybrid of sorts that has started to become more common than the”one dimensional” long term care option.
This type of coverage takes universal life insurance (clients can do a 1035 exchange with a current policy) and adds a long term care rider that will kick in should they become chronically incapacitated The funds used to care for the beneficiar y come from the value of the life insurance Better yet, the funds are paid directly to those arranging the care for the recipient and can be used however they see fit. No receipts are required, and you can choose to receive care wherever suits your needs and wishes best
What can you tell me about the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The mandate for individuals and families is coming really fast So many people are confused about the fact whether or not it’s really happening much in part by the media. Yes it’s coming and no, it’s not going away. I think overall it’s a good thing and will help not only those that don’t have coverage now and that are lower income, but it will also help those that SHOULD be living comfortably on what they earn right now, but they don’t because they pay so much for their coverage due to pre-existing conditions
When does enrollment start?
Enrollment for the first year of the Health Insurance Marketplace will begin this year on October 1st and end March 31st Coverage in the new plans will begin Januar y 1st for those that enrolled prior to 2014 For example, Aetna decided NOT to participate in the Health Insurance Marketplace and to pull out of California for their Individual and Family plans effective 12/31/13 (However, they will continue to offer their group and Medicare plans) So, those people need to make sure they are enrolled in one of the new Health Insurance Marketplace plans in order to not ha ve a la pse in covera ge I’m alread y booked out the first three weeks in October with appointments for my existing Aetna clients to make sure I have then all taken care of in plenty of time and to avoid the last minute rush.
What companies will I have to choose from and how much will my coverage cost?
Companies participating in the California state run exchange (called Covered California) will be; Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Healthnet and Kaiser Companies participating independently will be Cigna Final rates haven’t been released yet, but preliminar y rate releases show premiums for a 40 year old ranging from $217 a month for the least expensive Bronze plan, to $438 a month for the most expensive Platinum plan
What is my deadline for enrolling the Health Insurance Marketplace and what are the penalties for not carr ying insurance?
Initially the first enrollment period to obtain covera ge is 10/1/20133/31/2014. This is the initial enrollment period to have coverage in place for the remainder of 2014 If you miss that deadline then you’ll have to wait until October, 2014 - December, 2014 to enroll for coverage in 2015 The Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment periods will mirror Medicare enrollment periods almost exactly, leaving flexibility for Special Enrollment period triggers such as, “loss of employer group health coverage”.
The penalties will start small and be phased in during a 3 year period In 2014 the penalty for not carr ying coverage will be 1% of annual income or $95, whichever is greater By 2016 the penalty will be 2 5% of annual income, or $695, whichever is greater
SOUTH COUNTYCALEN
If you need a hearing aid, know someone who does, or you have one but aren’t happy with it, then you need to meet Randy from the Rose Hearing Aid Center in Dana Point
Randy began his business in 1980 as a hearing aid dispenser. He won many awards for his dedication, professionalism and personalized care. But around 8 years ago, everything changed Like most of his clients, Randy was in denial that his hearing wasn’t what it once was After heavy persuasion from family, friends and staff, Randy was tested, bought a hearing system and was surprised how much he disliked it “I
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Rose Hearing Aid Center
by Heather Evans
knew right away it wasn’t going to work for me,” Randy said “I thought, how do people deal with this this? Now that I understood the business from a personal level, it changed things. So I set out and developed a method that has helped myself and all of my patients ”
Besides hundreds of testimonials from incredibly happy, unbelieving customers, Randy is personally responsible for changing people’s lives. How does he do it? “I customize every single hearing system for every single patient,” he says. “No two people are the same. Now that I’ve experienced what it’s like not to be able to hear, I can’t imagine someone not getting a hearing aid custom-made I myself lasted only about a day before I found the right fit for me We are passionate about getting the right aid for you We realize this process isn’t known to everyone, but take it from me- it makes all the difference in the world to have a custom hearing aid.” Randy and the Staff at Rose Hearing have clients from all over the world who come to them for their expertise in getting it right. They also provide fast and fun complimentar y hearing tests! “We have state-of-the-art technology and our extensive experience is available to you,” says Randy. Hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight, but we can help you begin the process of better hearing today. There’s no reason
Randy and Caryn Rose and Chris Sumer
besides hundreds of testimonials from incredibly happy, unbelieving customers, Randy is personally responsible for changing people’s lives. How does he do it? “I customize every single hearing system for every single patient,” he says.
A difference is right Here are just a few examples of his customers who have experienced the Rose Hearing Group difference:
“Never thought I would be able to enjoy music again, Now thanks to you and your ‘never give up attitude ’ my wife and I are attending concerts again Just a short note to thank you for giving us back our life.”
“Randy is the absolute best at what he does! He is knowledgeable, patient, and very professional My mom has profound hearing loss in both ears She has been to every audiologist and hearing aid distributor in Southern California. He worked with her until she was able to hear! He found the perfect hearing aid for her and now she is able to lead a full life and hear her children and grandchildren again I highly recommend him!"
Melisa Chandler Photography
by Heather Evans
It’s always a good time to take photos, but if you have a special occasion you need to hire someone you can count on Someone who can take your Pinterest page, your interest, your passion and your vibe and capture it in one click. That person is Melisa from Melisa Chandler photography
She might come from humble and adorable beginnings (her first models were butterflies and her Strawberry Shor tcake doll), but she’s made a quite a name for herself as South County’s affordable and professional studio/location photographer Specializing in weddings, engagements, family, corporate and pet photos, along with photo restoration and much more, Melisa is fully vested in getting to know you so she captures your best photo-self at the right moment, so you’ll treasure it for a lifetime.
“I’ve been doing this for 17 years,” Melisa says, and I love what I do My business is 90% word of mouth I am very patient, and I do whatever what I can to make my sessions stress-less and fun for my clients! I’m excited to be working towards becoming a fully mobile photography studio.”
Melisa is also famous for her participation in ocal school fundraisers for many schools in San Clemente. She’s also a Photoshop expert and works alongside her husband to ensure ou get the best quality prints possible “I ave about seven years of experience with igital workflows and print fulfillment with a ocus on digital retouching and document estoration,” Melisa says. Her husband (and asstant) Tim, in the digital aspects of the busiess has also used Photoshop for almost 13 ears “My focus is on digital image and video reation/production, highlighting on creative gital photography and concept work,” he ays. We both enjoy the challenge of honing ur digital skill-sets and can offer experienceacked full retouching and digital photo-editing rvices at unbeatle rates From sime clean up of the sual stray hair to full head and body replacement or background switching, we’ll happily discuss your digital editing and retouching needs as part of our services Just give us a call!”
Kiana Smith, a senior at Mission Viejo’s Halstrom Academy will graduate in January 2013, a semester early, with an anticipated grade point average of 4 1 While this is impressive enough as it is, making it even more so is how Kiana got here Just three shor t years ago, pressure and distractions from peers was making it difficult for her to focus in class. Her parents remembered the spark for learning Kiana had in middle school and wanted to see it return, so they began a search for an alternative approach to a traditional school They found Halstrom Academy’s 1:1 classes and flexible scheduling options to be the answer. She started to soar to new heights, began to enjoy learning and found a passion in writing and journalism.
In addition to taking advanced courses at Halstrom she needs to get accepted into a California University, Kiana volunteers, acts as student body president, and writes a blog
Kiana Smith STANDOUT STUDENT
Mission Viejo’s Halstrom Academy
by Carrie Mulcahy
on health and beauty (beautywithkiki blogspot com) She looks forward to college and plans to major in psychology and minor in communications with a focus in journalism,
Her grandfather passed away in 2007 from Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, so she chose to combine her dedication to her grandfather and her love of yoga by teaching yoga at the Sunrise Mission Viejo Assisted Senior Living, which specializes in helping people with the disease
One of her most memorable experiences while in high school was the opportunity to attend National Student Leadership Conference at UC Berkeley in the summer of 2012. Kiana says “this wouldn’t have been possible without the support from Halstrom teachers who helped me bring up my grades and taught me test taking skills ” With a PSAT score in the top tenth percentile of the country she was able to attend the conference and learn about journalism, attend two major league baseball games, interview players, Berkeley coaches and Berkeley basketball players.
Kiana is not only an outstanding student but also an exceptional person inside and outside To learn more about Kiana and her journey at Halstrom visit www halstromacademy org/videos
Doheny Builders Supply
by Heather Evans photography by Melisa Chandler, Chandler Photography
You can say this much about Doheny Builder’s Supply: It’s built tough by one heck of a woman. Meet Robin Clow, owner of Doheny Builder’s Supply (DBS). She’s amazing. Until 14 months ago, she led a completely different professional life as a paralegal. Then things changed.
Her father had owned and operated Serra Lumber Company since 1969 The business was phased out due to the big-box store effect Her brother Tracy took it over, retooled the company with the help of their father, and DBS was run by Tracy for 18 years When her brother sadly passed away last year, Robin stepped in to save the iconic family business
“Talk about a crash course,” Robin laughs “The first thing I did was make a promise to our existing employees (one of whom had been with us for 35 years) that no one was losing their job. I can’t tell you how much we value our employees. As for me, I’m learning so much. I wear every different hat here that you can think of and I enjoy all of the different aspects of this job,” she says.
DBS has been known for being a niche business where truly everyone knows your name “That’s why I had to step up We’re a family here,” Robin comments In addition to selling quality doors, windows, moulding, hardware, masonry, landscaping, and every other necessary supply you can think ofthey are famous for their on-site custom jamb/milling shop and rebar fabricating
The company itself has wonderful prices, a huge selection and helpful employees (unlike most big box stores), but that’s not the only thing that makes it great The history is truly in the walls, as people come just to see the vintage pictures of DBS throughout the years. “We’ve been known as the
Owner Robin Clow
community secret,” Robin says to us “We’re known for our special orders and we are very proud that our customers largely know us from referrals, not because we’re a huge chain store ”
While Robin might not be changing any of the Clow family secrets to great business, she is cer tainly adding to it Incorporating a new tagline: ‘Doing business the old-fashioned way with integrity,’ Robin is excited about growing the business and putting it on the Orange County map. She recently unveiled their new website: www dohenysupply net, and she has big plans for the female aspect of home improvement “I’m a woman business owner and I want to share that experience with our community,” she says. “In the past, we’ve done fun events, like pull the In-N-Out truck up to the shop and serve burgers and beers That was definitely a memorable day,” she continues, laughing. “But I want to offer something even more for female home owners. I plan to host female-centered events on home improvement, teaching them things from how to use a paver to simple things like weather-stripping replacement.” Robin is dedicated to continue giving back to the community through hands-on mentoring workshops to teach the next generation Something tells us her plans for DBS are going to inspire a new generation of builders, homeowners and business owners alike!
Because getting to treatment should be the easy part You can give back by volunteering to drive cancer patients to treatment. Every day, hundreds of cancer patients need a ride to and from treatment, and some don’t have a way to get there
Volunteer drivers of the Road to Recovery program give cancer patients encouragement and suppor t while donating their time and the use of their vehicles. The American Cancer Society coordinates the free program from recruitment to screening to training volunteer drivers
American Cancer Society “Road to Recovery” Program
No one should be alone for the ride
The Road to Recovery program saved my job,” Christine Payette, cancer urvivor and Relay For Life par ticipant of La Palma said “When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I had just started my job,” she added.
Because Chris was new at her job and unable to take days off, she turned o the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery® program to help drive her mother to cancer treatment
To become a volunteer driver, you must have a valid California driver’s license. You must also have a safe, reliable vehicle, proof of automobile insurance, good driving history and be in good health.
Funds raised for the American Cancer Society save lives and create more birth-
days in your community by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back
As school rolls back into session, as we put those carefree days of summer behind us, and daily life becomes a little more structure and routine, it’s time to put your workouts back on top of the schedule The last two months have been dedicated to kids and summer. Now it’s time to think about you again. The ultimate success in health and physical activity is finding that dedication and consistency, and now’s the time to get back on the program
Consistency, Dedication, and Practice
by Nicole Howard
To get started all you need is a little motivation Yes, that can be the hardest part, but when you stop thinking that it is going to be an enduring workout and start envisioning it as something that needs practice, all of a sudden you star t seeing things in a whole new light. The word “practice” brings a whole new meaning to any form of physical activity.
By definition practice means that you are trying to become better at something, to improve a skill through repetition The next time you step into the gym or lace up the running shoes dedicate that time to improve and practice the task ahead Actually change the mindset of the workout. Think not about trying to get this workout done because it burns so many calories, but consider how the workout could be improved or done better. By making it more task-orientated it will allow the physical activity to become more interesting and challenging, creating a drive for the next session This all leads to consistency and dedication
Joseph Pilates was famous for saying, “In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference, and in 30 session you will have a whole new you.”
The insight of Pilates is not only applicable to the form of exercise that he pioneered, it holds true across all forms of physical activity The key concept is being dedicated and consistent So this fall, as life slips back into route, make sure you include some practice time in there for yourself. You’ll be glad you did, and feel better for it.
Zia Jewelry presents The David Rosales Black Beauty Collection, inspired by the legend of a phantom New Mexico black stallion said to bring good for tune and good health.
David is world famous for his Navajo handmade jewelry designs, and has introduced his collections at Zia for the past 15 years His Black Beauty pieces were created by inlaying Nevada black jade and blue-green cultured opal into highly polished sterling silver designs
Meet David and view his amazing new collection at Zia Jewelry on October 4th, 5th, & 6th. David will hand-sign your jewelry (making it a valuable collector’s item). Complimentary margaritas and hors d’oeuvres will be served
Do you know what a wig-wag is? I’ll give you a hint: It’s not just what your dog’s tail does. A wig-wag is actually an old-fashioned railroad crossing signal! It’s also the name of a popular San Juan Capistrano dog-grooming salon that’s celebrating its first year of being open for business!
Wig-Wag: Not Just For Tails
by Heather Evans
Owner Liana Brown has made quite a name for herself in our community over he past year, and she’s not the only one The women in her family have been bettering SJC for years! Her grandmother, Maggie Olsen is the one to thank or SJC being an Amtrak stop “My grandma used to work for the chamber,” ays Liana “She made it her mission to get SJC on Amtrak’s regular route It was a big deal back in the day,” she laughs.
The amounts of coincidences were to Liana’s surprise when she was trying to hoose a name for her grooming salon “I wanted the theme to be something conic with San Juan. I liked the train station idea and when I was looking up ailroad terms I found that the signals were called wig-wags. We actually have a wig-wag here in town in front of the Vintage Steakhouse. It all just came together!” Liana exclaims
Liana’s first year of business is highly celebrated within the community and although she’s grown quite a bit in the first year, she plans to continue to offer affordable prices, one-on-one grooming and the detailed service so many have come to love and count on “I do this because I love dogs and I love grooming, not because I want to create some chain-store conveyer belt grooming salon,”
Liana explains “We’re a small business and we’re proud of what we do. SJC is a great place to live and we want everything we do to reflect that, including the way I named my business. At the end of every day, I feel good about that ”
Apex Chiropractic and SCI Wellness Center
by Heather Evans
Sontag went back to school to become a full chiropractic doctor, just to work with Dr. Del Cid And, Dr Del Cid was so floored by Dr Sontag’s gift of rehabilitation he decided to start a practice again with a new, positive attitude, despite his injury
One thing that doesn’t seem to exist in the health industry anymore is patient care. I’m not talking about the “hey fill this form out,” kind of care, I mean the old-school, “how are you really doing?” kinds of conversations Believe me when I tell you that the folks at Apex Chiropractic in San Juan Capistrano are different. Here’s why.
Dr Boris Del Cid and Dr Jeremy E Sontag work in tandem, and it’s not just because they think four hands are better than two (even though that’s true) Dr Del Cid was a successful chiropractor for many years before an unfortunate accident that left him a paraplegic. His partner, Dr. Sontag, is an industry expert and specialized in spinal cord rehab That’s actually where the two met: he rehabilitated Dr Del Cid In fact, they were both so inspired by the other, Dr
Together, they focus on total wellness. At Apex Chiropractic, you get an education about your body and why it’s out of alignment with each visit. With their intensive state-ofthe-art technology and algorithmic computer programs, they are able to measure exactly what ails you and how they go about restoring your body to it’s full potential- or as I recently learned: a state of homeostasis While I was there, I experienced their care and learned that my neck was out of alignment. I was able to look at the screen and see exactly what was going on, and rather than just listen to a bunch of health jargon I couldn’t understand, Dr. Del Cid showed me with graphs and actual pictures of my body’s out-of-alignment state Together, he and Dr Sontag began working on my neck I can’t tell you how amazing it felt, especially on deadline week! They also have the Cold Laser, a high-tech machine that helps with inflammation, tendinitis and pain, and it’s the only Cold Laser in the area They’ve had numerous people experience a total life-change after trying this approach. Many famous athletes use this for intensive, fast healing.
It’s actually painful for me to write about all of the amazing things Apex does in such a short article but you need to know this: when you walk in the door, you are the star You’re family I mean it They are amazingly passionate and expert at what they do Dr Del Cid’s passion through his predicament has made him one of the most sought-after specialists, and along with Dr. Sontag’s natural, full wellness approach and expertise, they are truly the number one chiropractic clinic in South County Guaranteed Don’t believe me? They’ve giving new patients a complimentary Digital Postural Analysis and adjustment assessment, wor th $75 I had it, and I have been grateful ever since I strongly urge you to see what they’re all about
Connect with Dr. Del Cid and Dr. Sontag by stopping by their offices at 33159 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano or call (949) 488-0016 or email at Apexchirowellness@gmail.com
Dr Jeremy Sontag, D C
Dr Boris Del Cid, D C
OPENING THIS FALL!
Luxur y Podiatr y Spa
1. What’s the difference between what a doc tor of podiatr y does and what a pedicurist does?
Ivar Roth, DPM: There is a large gap in care between what a pedicurist does and a doctor of podiatry does. In the state of California a pedicurist cannot use a scalpel or any instrument that can result in the cutting or penetrating of the skin or work on any foot or toes that have an infection At least 50% of the population has a fungus nail infection or fungus infection of the feet. War ts, (which look like corns) are also a virus infection of the skin While a podiatrist can work on these conditions, the average person who seeks these services doesn’t want to make a doctor visit to have these problems taken care of This is partly due to the fact that many of these services aren’t covered under insurance and this would be a very expensive way to handle corns, callouses or fungus nails. Add to this the HMO environment and a doctor just does not have the time to effectively treat these problems because they are time consuming and thus a less than effective job is performed
2. If someone wants a pedicure, but has these common infections or viruses, what’s left for them to do?
Dr. Roth: Enter what I call the podiacuristTM. This means becoming a Californian licensed pedicurist who has trained under me to develop their professional podiatry skills I teach them to use a scalpel and other instruments to deal with infected or hardened nails and thick callouses Think dental hygienist for the feet The podiacuristTM is an employee of my podiatry office and can provide these services under my license. To ensure the highest quality of work possible, all work is checked by a podiatrist at the conclusion of the service.
3. Is there anything like this in existence?
Dr. Roth: Not until now This is a new concept that I’ve developed after dreaming and planning for over 20 years This is a self-realization that premium foot services are not offered anywhere, let alone in a safe, clean and supervised environment performed by specially trained personnel (pictured are Brian and Gina who have a combined 30 years experience).
PodiacuristTM services are half the cost of what you’d pay by going to a doctor It's the best of both worlds - a podiatrist will treat any conditions and the podiacuristTM will pamper your feet in a way that you can feel safe about, all in a luxury 5-star spa setting. We are currently offering these services - call to schedule an appointment with Brian or Gina.
C O N C I E R G E P O
Eileen Gordon – Personal Trainer
by Antje Mills
I’ve always enjoyed exercise, but used to break into a cold sweat at the thought of working with a professional trainer I pictured a muscled figure towering over me, barking out military-like orders:
“Ok you pale-faced weakling with the delicate wrists, grab those dumbbells and start pumping Come on, my 80-year-old grandmother can move faster than that!”
If that’s your idea of what it’s like to work with a personal trainer than you haven’t met Eileen Gordon She is all about the personal, smiling, talking, aughing and gently encouraging, all the while applying more than 30 years of training expertise. She has worked with every body shape, age and ability, from famous folks to gifted athletes. She also helps people post-surgery or who are recovering from an injury
While her mantra is “You get what you give,” Eileen uses positive encouragement to help each person she trains to reach their own goals, whether it is toning and weight loss or maintaining an already fit body. She spends the first complimentary session asking questions, demonstrating the equipment and evaluating your current condition, to build a routine that fits your abilities
“The biggest myth, especially for women, is that strength training [using machines and free weights] will make them have bulky muscles. That is far from reality, unless they plan on taking steroids and working out several hours every day,” Eileen explained.
Besides shaping healthier bodies, Eileen’s other major goal is to help the average person understand how to exercise correctly and to avoid injury She regularly witnesses people in the gym who use the wrong technique and sometimes get hurt Often they will skip several workouts, get re-injured, get discouraged and give up. However, the majority of people just don’t get the maximum benefit without understanding exactly what they are doing.
“I’m not training people to be world champion body builders, I’m simply trying to help them safely strengthen muscle, and often in the process give them better posture and reshape areas that were problematic before ”
If the thought of boot camp training sounds more like a kick in the pants, consider a gentler, safer, yet effective approach. Eileen trains at certain gyms in the South County but will work with a time and location that best fits your schedule
So now, when people notice my new shape, (probably because I feel more comfortable wearing less baggy clothes) I can’t shut up about how great it is to have a personal trainer like Eileen. She will walk you through all kinds of exercise and challenge you with something every time you come back. I learned so much training with Eileen for 3 months, I now have my own routine but will continue to consult with her, and schedule some refresher sessions.
Eileen has been trained and certified by The Nautilus Corporation, Universal Gym Equipment, ACE, and the NHCA She has worked closely with general practitioners, specialists (Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, and Cardiologists), Physical therapists, Chiropractic physicians, and private clients in Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel and surrounding areas to address a multitude of challenging health scenarios requiring specialized and condition-specific fitness program implementation
take you from star t to finish for the home theater or sound system of your dreams
“Usually there is a part of the job that you find you just can’t do by yourself,” says Skip, who has overseen the design and installation of thousands of home theater and sound systems over the course of forty years in the business “You get your brand new television home, you’re so excited, then you realize you need to move an outlet or none of the cabinets you can find will fit your space We’re here to make sure you get the equipment that will give you what you want and the system that will work with that equipment, without leaving you to fend for yourself.”
Skip opened the doors at ReelTime Sight & Sound in 1983
Breaking free from the big box for your perfect home theater system
When you started planning for your ultimate home theater set-up and sound system, did you plot your perfect flat screen location and find that the outlets were placed at exactly the right distance, with the perfect electrical scenario for everything you wanted to do? Could you find the right media cabinetry for your particular space – cabinetry that wouldn’t catch on fire from the heat of the equipment, or that would simply look good in the room? Did you understand half of what the televisions, receivers and other devices could do, and did you have anyone to hold your hand to make sure you weren’t overspending for what you wanted?
Yeah, neither did I.
Big box retailers, the professed champions of value, are happy to sell you any home theater and sound equipment you think you might like, and send you off to figure it out at home That’s what they do And that’s all they do
If you want the home theater system that you envision, you need Skip Myers of ReelTime Sight & Sound, the guy you can lean on to
Today, the technicians and designers that Skip assigns to clients are all ReelTime Sight & Sound employees, knowledgeable in all home theater and sound technologies. First, they work closely with you to determine what you’re looking for Then they custom design every aspect of the project, from wiring to custom-built cabinets, frames, or built-in wall designs. Finally, licensed, in-house contractors install your entertainment system with care and precision.
There are a couple of things that people may not think about when they embark upon the road to their own home entertainment system
“You need to think about your home theater goals,” says Skip. “You don’t have to do everything at once – you can do it bit by bit – but if you know where you’re going, you’ll save money and when it’s all said and done, you’ll have exactly what you want and what you will actually use We’re here to help you determine your goals ”
Skip is also an advocate for getting what you’ll use, which is part of the design and planning process
“You can buy everything you want to, but if you can’t operate it, what’s the point?” he says “There’s the television, DVD and Blue-ray; there’s the receiver, there’s Apple TV… it’s all great, but how do you get them to work together? We’re big advocates of the universal remote. Not everyone knows how to get the most out of their systems with one powerful remote – they’re not expensive, but the best ones are computer-based We’ll set that up for you so you’re getting the most out of your custom system ”
It’s easy to assume that personal service is expensive, but a conversation with Skip and the experts at ReeTime Sight & Sound is free Ultimately, in planning your purchases for the right outcome, you’re likely to save money while avoiding chilling setbacks The only chilling you want to be doing is in front of your fantasy home theater system.
Pets of the Month
Rolo is a female Guinea Pig and just as sweet as her name suggests. Very outgoing and friendly, Rolo loves to scamper about her cage until someone comes to play Her favorite thing in the world is nibbling on fresh fruits and veggies, but being pet and nuzzling your hands is a definite close second
Moonstone is a beautiful female English Spot mix She is a triple threat being friendly, gentle, and clever After being fostered, her foster parents say she is an awesome rabbit who is very easy to handle and loves to be pet and held. Moonstone is very sociable, full of energy, and loves being lavished with attention. She would make a fun addition to any home
Oscar is a 1 ½ year old male Domestic Shorthair Both outgoing and playful, he is always the first to greet you with a meow when you come in. Oscar enjoys energetic games of catch the mousey, but also loves to settle down for a nice nap in a warm lap Once you meet him, you won’t be able to forget him.
Summer is a 5 year old Cocker Spaniel mix Sweet as can be and very mild-mannered, she is a favorite among the volunteers at the shelter. Whether she is keeping you company on a nice walk or simply relaxing by your side, she is sure to steal your heart
&DINING entertainment
Happy Hour Specials at Choya Japanese Cuisine
Choya Japanese Cuisine in Dana Point Introduces many Happy Hour specials from 3 pm to 5 pm daily including Sapporo Draft (16 oz) for only $3! The recently opened restaurant is already expanding - with a second eatery scheduled to open soon at 25612 Crown Valley Parkway in Ladera Ranch. Choya Japanese Cuisine is located in Ocean Ranch at 32545 Golden Lantern. For more information or reservations, call (949) 488-0933 or visit www.ChoyaJapaneseCuisine.com
Fiano's Restaurant and Bar
Introduces "Tasty 12" Menu
Every Sunday through Thursday from 5 pm to close, Fiano's features an amazing array of delicious entrees at only $12 each. Signature dishes include the Pasta Fiano (penne pasta, blackened chicken, asparagus, tomatoes, mushrooms in a rose sauce), grilled Ahi, beef tenderloin, blackened chicken with wild mushroom risotto and Fiano's Mix Paella which arrives chock full of shrimp, mussels, chorizo, fresh herbs, tomatoes and peppers in a saffon broth Fiano's Restaurant and Bar is located at 31781 Camino Capistrano in historic San Juan Capistrano For more information, call (949) 481-8300
Live Entertainment at Brio Tuscany Grill
Brio Tuscany Grill features Live Latin Music with Santiago every Wednesday evening. Fridays feature a rotating schedule - live music with Bacon Strip Smackdown on Sept. 6 and 20 and Above 7 (70s, 80s, 90s Dance, Rock and Current Hits) and Saturday nights kick the weekend into high gear with The Cellar Dwellers on Sept. 7, the Three Mustaches on the 14th and 21st and Locals Night Live Music and Dancing on the 28th. Brio Tuscany Grill is located at 24050 Camino Del Avion in Dana Point. For more info, call (949) 443-1476 or visit www.briorestaurant.com.
Perfect Patio Party at RokPrime Steakhouse!
At the height of summer in South County, there are few more perfect places to gather with friends and family than the newly unveiled patio at RokPrime Steakhouse located at 31761 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano (available for special events, corporate functions, wedding rehearsal dinners and more - in fact, they were still talking about a fabulous reception held the evening prior to our South County Magazine soiree to celebrate the release of our August 2013 issue
From (L): Ted Roberts (Relay for Life SJC), Ann Ronan (PDL Travel), Dave Ludwig (Crank Brothers Construction), John Gillotti (Mission Grill) and Beverly Blake (Camino Real Playhouse)
Dr Boris Del Cid, D C (Apex Chiropractic) and Valerie Barrett (Signed, Sealed and Delivered Mobile Notar y) F Co
Cathy McCool (McCool Flowers) and Dave Duree (Preferred Solutions)
Jorge Lujan II (Luciana's) and guest
Clockwise from (L): Raquel Olamendi, Co-Manager; Mar y and Ed Fletcher, Proprietors; Chris Garcia, Co-Manager; Marilyn Niger, Proprietor; and Jody Robinson, South County Magazine.
M Mar y McPherson (Awoken Life) and David Allen (Preferred Kitchen and Bath)
Over 100 of our advertising partners, editorial contributors and guests joined in the al fresco festivities to sip fine wine and sample RokPrime's spectacular culinary offerings - the choicest cuts of handselected USDA-aged Prime beef, tenderloin bruschetta (oyster mushroom, Manchego cheese, basil and arugula) and the signature "Lobster Stack" made with chilled lobster, heirloom tomato, avocado, mango, jicama and tangerine vinaigrette Little surprise that the latter, created by Executive Chef Dustin Houston, was voted by over 700 event attendees to be the "Best Appetizer at the 2013 Taste of San Juan. We can't say enough about our experience here - from the delicious cuisine and stellar service to the warm ambiance and scenic locale facing the historic train depot Coordinating the event couldn't have been easier - Raquel Olamendi made the entire process a breeze and made our team look like professional party planners
To our readers, we encourage you to patronize the many wonderful local businesses featured within these pages. And to our advertising partners, we are ever thankful for your continued participation and suppor t of our community publication Until our next gathering happy reading! - South County Magazine
From (L): Robin Clow and Donna Endsley (Doheny Builders Supply)
From (L): Ron Pashaian (Monaco Jewelers), Marina Haase (Spa Marina Del Mar) and Eric Bergstrom (Bergstrom Media)
Tamale Making at Ricardo’s!
by Heather Evans
hen Ricardo’s Place invited us to learn how to make tamales, we couldn’t say no! While we didn’t learn the exact secret to their famous family recipe, we did see how to put it together.
Ricardo recommends using any of your favorite tamale recipes, and told us you can really make a tamale out of anything. He recommends using onions, garlic, cumin, black pepper, salt, and chicken.
After combining those ingredients, pack them into pre-soften husks, with your choice of filling or in our case, corn mush and the chicken blend Then, place the tamales into a foiled covered tamale pan over a stovetop for roughly an hour Voila! Tamales
From (L): Angie, Anarosa and Heather Evans
Savannah Chop House
by Jody Robinson
On date nights, my husband and I take turns picking the restaurant we’d like to patronize.
I love seafood and he is a meat-and-potatoes man, so finding an eatery that offers both – and does them equally well – can be a little limiting Unless you’re lucky enough to live within easy driving distance to Savannah Chop House in Laguna Niguel’s Ocean Ranch center.
In the early years of my career, I wrote restaurant reviews for an Orange County-based business/lifestyle magazine Between that experience and the fact that Tim and I like to eat out, we’ve sampled the fare at scores of Southern California restaurants over the years. A few have been standouts on all counts: Excellent service, consistently delicious dishes, great ambiance.
Savannah Chop House is deserving of every superlative I can think of Executive Chef Chris Tzorin's creative (and incredibly flavorful) rendition of familiar favorites – steaks, chops, seafood and Southern specialties - are nothing short of a spectacular culinary experience. The service is attentive, yet unobtrusive. The atmosphere is comfortable and classic – the dining room defined by clubhouse lounge-style décor characterized by dark wood, overstuffed booths, soft lighting and stone fireplaces
For starters, try the butternut squash lobster bisque finished with a delicious truffle cream and topped with blue crab or the grilled filet mignon skewers served with cremini mushrooms, carmelized onions and béarnaise The grilled marinated ar tichokes are complimented with a roasted poblano remoulade while the jumbo shrimp cocktail arrived with a chilled chipotle cocktail sauce that has just enough kick
I’m a huge fan of beets and Chef ’s version is as good as it gets when paired with arugula, goat cheese and a raspberry prickly pear vinaigrette
If you are a meat eater who also enjoys seafood, you’re going to have your work cut out for you in deciding among the entrees But no matter your choice, you can’t go wrong whether you opt for the pistacio-crusted halibut which arrives with goat cheese, mashed potatoes and spinach. Day Boat U10 Scallops accompanied by a tasty potato corn hash or the prime pork chop
My personal pick combines the best of both worlds - the filet mignon Oscarstyle comes with a cooked-to-perfection cut, lemongrass hollandaise, asparagus and served atop Blue crab
Prefer pasta? The wild mushroom ravioli (Portobello and cremini) is a little on the rich side and worth every extra calorie –made with mozzarella, parmesan, arugula, grilled ar tichoke and roasted garlic in a sage brown butter
In the mood for a lighter meal that's also lighter on the wallet? Savannah Chop House serves up a wonderful selection of flavorful entree specials that are only $10 (The Perfect 10 menu offered Sunday through Thursday all night and from 5 pm - 6:30 pm on Friday and Saturday) or the Dinner Prix Fixe - a 3-course meal for $19.95.
Although we always say we’re too full for dessert, the sweet treats are pretty hard to pass up – including the signature Savannah pecan pie served with caramel pecan gelato and the Rum Flaming Flan with candied sugar drizzle and fresh seasonal berries.
General Manager and Private Event
Manager Jonathon Crowell (L) and Executive Chef Chris Tzorin
