San Joaquin Woman Jul 2011

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JULY 2011

The Magazine For San Joaquin Women

Bridal Edition INSIDE

Wedding Stories

-LOCAL COUPLES SAY "I DO"

Chick Pics

READERS SHARE THEIR "GIRLS ONLY" MOMENTS

Laser Hair Removal

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25 off Please mention this ad when booking. offer available through August 31, 2011

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July 2011 PUBLISHER Roger Coover PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Deitra R. Kenoly EDITOR Karen Bakhtegan CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlene Earley Kim Robinson Jennifer Torres Mary Vrendenburg, D.O. CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lindsay Ortez Sheridan Blackard Amy Phipps Stephanie Briggs Gill Digital Photo & Video GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein COVER PHOTO BY gilldigitalvideo.com

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8 PEEK-A-BOUTIQUE PANDA GIRLZ

34 EYE CANDY

CAREER

17 WALKING A MILE IN HER SHOES

CLAIRE VAN VUREN

12 LAW DAY

ANN CERNEY

209 MOMS

21 TOT CULTURE

CHICK PICS

22 OUR READERS SHARE THEIR

"GIRLS ONLY" MOMENTS OUT AND ABOUT 26 FARM FRESH

BODY & MIND & SPIRIT

28 TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE Facebook.com/RecordSpecialtyPublications San Joaquin Woman magazine is published six times a year by The Record, 530 E. Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202. All information written for publication in San Joaquin Woman magazine is believed to be accurate. Readers must assume all responsibility for their own actions based on this information. Occasionally a product or company may be named in an article, but does not constitute an endorsement of said product.

San Joaquin Woman magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Photos and content become the sole property of San Joaquin Woman magazine and may be used, published or edited without limit or obligation to the author.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the publisher. For more information, go to sanjoaquinwoman.com.

To advertise in San Joaquin Woman magazine, call (209) 546-8200

BY KIM ROBINSON

30 EXERCISING IN THE SUMMER

SAFETY ADVICE FROM ST. JOSEPH'S MEDICAL CENTER

209 BRIDAL PAGES 36-56 • REAL WEDDINGS LOCAL COUPLES SAY "I DO"

• AWE INSPIRING ARR ANGEMENTS

• COLOR TREND ALERT

• SWEET AND SIMPLE CAKES

• THINK LOCAL, DRINK LOCAL

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Lincoln Center

Stockton’s Premier Shopping & Dining Experience

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Artesian We offer a wide variety of kids vitamins for 0-12 years of age

— SINCE 1979 —

Celebrating Over 30 Years In Business Visit us during the sidewalk sale

NATURAL FOODS

308 Lincoln Center 957-8463

www.stage2danceandswim.com

Vitamins Supplements p Specialty Foodss (Of Equal or Lesser Value)

Gluten-free, Raw Dairy, Local Products, Healthy Snacks & So Much More!

Knowledgeable, Friendly Staff

Stop By he During t e!

Sal Sidewalk to all of our customers for Voting Us #1 in San Joaquin

145 Lincoln Center (209) 952-8787 www.artesiannaturalfoods.com

6527 Pacific Ave. 478-7793 S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an

M-F 10:00am - 6:30pm Sat 9:30am - 6:00pm Sun 12:00 - 4:00pm

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FEATURE

Peek-A-Boutique

PEEK-A-BOUTIQUE s l P r i a G r t a y Company d n a P

Located on Stockton’s Miracle Mile, this children’s boutique not only carries a unique variety of clothing and accessories for girls, but also combines fashion and fun with their themed parties. From Princess to Pirate themes, Panda Girlz offers all you need to plan a memorable event for your daughter and her friends. Parties include hair, make-up and nail sessions, food, goodie bags, T-shirts, dancing and karaoke, photos and more for all the guests.

Owner Brenda Sison-To, often assisted by her sister Aimee Sison, take care of all the details for a truly unique experience.

Brenda Sison-To and Aimee Sison 2043 • Pacific Avenue • Stockton, CA 95204

209.462.4888

www.pandagirlz.com & myspace.com/pandagirlzpartycompany

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JULY 2011

Photos by: Lindsay Ortez – lindsayophotography.com

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CAREER

UNSUNG HERO, ANN CERNEY IS HONORED On April 26, 2011 about 400 people gathered at the Stockton Golf and Country Club for the annual Law Day luncheon which honors people who have made an outstanding contribution to the legal community in our local area. This year’s honoree is Attorney Ann Cerney.

Photos by: Lindsay Ortez

Cerney, of Lodi, graduated in 1976 from Humphrey’s School of Law, later making her mark as the first female partner in San Joaquin County’s only all-female law firm. Her practice focuses on disability law, where Cerney has been a champion at fighting for the social security and disability benefits that her clients deserve.

Cerney grew up in a farming family that always managed to get by. But she remembers seeing other families struggle.

That experience was the driving force that led her to this area of practice, and why she has given so much of herself to this community and those in need of a champion.

San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Linda Lofthus introduced Cerney, stating, “Many lawyers talk about doing work

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to benefit the community, but she is in my heart as the pro-bono extraordinaire. She really walks the walk.”

California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye was the guest speaker for the afternoon event. As the first Filipino-American to hold the position, Cantil-Sakauye is yet another pioneer for women in the legal community.

SPE CI AL AD VER T I S I N G S E C T I ON

MIDTOWN CREPERIE AND CAFÉ Midtown Creperie & Café is now celebrating its one year anniversary of bringing a taste of the French Quarter, New Orleans to the Miracle Mile in Stockton. Among their great selection of offerings are savory & sweet crepes, gelato & sorbetto, beignets, chicory, omelets, waffles, soups and salads.

Everything is complimented by a full espresso bar utilizing Graffeo coffee beans and the finest Ghirardelli chocolate sauces.

They are open seven days a week for breakfast & lunch and Thurs-Sat evenings for dinner & desserts. They also are available to be booked for private events, outside catering or gelato parties. Stop by and check out this Stockton favorite today!

WINE & ROSES RESTAURANT

TURKEY PLATES • RIBS • FRIES

features

We start everyday, oven-roasting real 18

regional California cuisine using only

- 22 lb fresh turkeys. We then carve and

fresh, organic, local, and sustainable

serve these delicious turkeys all day and

Wine & Roses Restaurant

ingredients. You are sure to enjoy the finest and freshest dining experience every time you come, and you will savor the essence of the culinary inventions at award-winning Wine & Roses. The restaurant has two private dining rooms, and offers full service meetings, events,

evening. Our customers come back time after time to enjoy real fresh turkey. We serve it topped on our fabulous salads, or tucked into sandwiches. Needing comfort, try our open face hot turkey & gravy sandwich or put together a turkey dinner plate combining two of our side dishes.

Enjoy with cold Beers on tap or by the

and weddings with 6,880 sq ft of event

bottle as well as a glass of wine. Planning

space. We also offer complete off-premise

a party? Order whole cooked turkeys or

catering services. Come experience why

we will slice them and sell it by the pound.

Wine & Roses is the leader in culinary excellence in the San Joaquin Valley.

2311 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95204 209.941.9070 www.midtowncreperie.com

WHIRLOWS

2505 W. Turner Rd. Lodi, CA 209.371.6160 winerose.com

329 Lincoln Center Stockton, CA 95207 209.474.1866 1926 Pacific Ave Stockton, CA 95204 209.466.2823

SPE CI AL AD VER T I S I N G S E C T I ON

UJ’S RESTAURANT UJ’s Restaurant has been serving the Stockton, California, residents with delicious home style cooking for the past 22 years.

We are renowned for our homemade from ‘scratch’ pancakes. We are a family owned and operated restaurant, and you can always expect your breakfast, lunch, or dinner to be made fresh, and with a home style flavor.

You can have breakfast served your way with

BLACK TIE GOURMET CATERING The Ultimate Wine Country Wedding

BUD’S SEAFOOD GRILLE Family owned and operated since 1993.

Menu can be yours! Select a special-

Bud’s food can best be described as “sim-

ized custom designed just-for-you wed-

ple and fresh.” Voted “Best Seafood Res-

ding dinner menu that includes gourmet

taurant” in San Joaquin county every year

appetizers, salads, side dishes, meat

since 1994, Bud’s provides the ideal sea-

dishes and gourmet desserts. Chef Ju-

food dining experience with an extensive

lio has over 22 years of experience. His

menu of fresh seafood, a variety of beef

goal is to bring a quality gourmet expe-

and chicken entrees as well as delicious

a choice of pancakes, waffles or omelettes.

rience to your wedding or special event

salads and fresh homemade desserts.

Our lunch specials include our world famous

with outstanding personal service! See

Bud’s Seafood Grille also offers a full ser-

burgers and sandwiches.

sample menus at blacktiegourmet.net or

vice bar, patio dining and a banquet room

For dinner, try steak, seafood or both. UJ’s

call 209 369-9555.

available for up to forty guests. Bud’s takes

loves a party, so make sure you reserve one of our banquet rooms for your next occasion!

7628 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 209.957.2081 www.ujsrestaurant.com

Visit our restaurant and Wine Tasting Room: Califas Cafe & Bistro 480 S. Cherokee Ln., Suite E, Lodi

209 367-9866 / 209-369-9555 www.califascafebistro.com www.blacktiegourmet.net

pride in catering for special events.

314 Lincoln Center Stockton, CA 95207 209.956.0270 www.budsseafood.com

JULY 2011

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W ALKING A MILE IN HER SHOES

JULY 2011

A word of advice to those who dare to walk a mile in Deputy District Attorney CLAIRE VAN VUREN’S shoes… wear tennis shoes, because you won’t be walking; more like running to keep up with her.

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By: Charleen Earley Photo by: Lindsay Ortez

unning against the clock on most days, since she’s busy driving her three young boys (ages 9 to 15) off to school, this morning the single mom, in her grey, petite pant suit wearing three-inch heels and loop earrings, rushes through the security guards at 8:30 am at the Stockton courthouse on E. Weber Avenue, clutching a purse, umbrella, and a plastic Food 4 Less grocery bag filled with her lunch and a bag of Doritos nacho cheese chips for her co-workers.

In the elevator headed up to the fifth floor, Van Vuren greets several colleagues along the way, chats with a public defender on a case they’re both working on, reaches the arraignment and pre-trial courtroom #35, which is bustling with detectives, prosecutors, a judge, police officers, and a shackled white male defendant sitting on a bench dressed in burnt orange with “JAIL” in 4-inch black, block letters on the back.

She’s the sixth and most likely final attorney on this particular felony case. Slightly out of breath from running, for Van Vuren, it’s another day at the “office.”

“It’s like that a lot; I hurry up to wait!” said Van Vuren, age 39, who, since her junior year of high school, knew she wanted to become a lawyer. “Some days I’m running around from courtroom to courtroom; other days I’ll have hearings. My cases go in spurts.”

One of seven siblings, the San Joaquin native has been prosecuting criminals for the last 13 years and typically carries a load of 15 to 18 cases at a time. While most of her cases are settled before trial, she said she’ll end up going to trial about two to four times a year.

But sitting doesn’t mean being idle at all for Van Vuren, who is master of multi-tasking.

While people file in and out of the courtroom, she quickly fingers through new text messages from current cases, confirms calendar dates with colleagues, and whispers through a phone call. By 9:19 am the judge calls her up to the front, where she immediately opens her file and answers on-the-spot questions with ease and confidence. The one TV show she said her job compares the closest to is Law & Order.

“It’s not nearly as dramatic, and things don’t get solved in an hour!” said Van Vuren, where putting felons behind bars is something she doesn’t take lightly. “After everything is done, I love that I’m helping. The most satisfying part of my job is doing justice for the victim.”

As a divorced mother of three, being a mom helps her empathize with her clients who are mostly rape and violence victims. However, the empathy comes with an emotional challenge to keep her work and home life semi-isolated.

“As a mom, I definitely feel for the victims; it helps me to relate to them, but at times it’s difficult to separate my job from my family. You have to learn to leave your personal life at home; you have to compartmentalize your life,” she said.

“You have to sympathize, but still be professional and not get emotionally involved.”

“I’ve handled hundreds of cases, and I remember every one of the victims,” she added.

“Every now and then I get a special thank-you letter from them; just one of those letters makes my entire job worth doing.”

After a quick five minutes before the judge,

she races (literally) off to her office for the first time this day. Her six-attorney unit, CASA (Child Abuse Sexual Abuse), which spans three various floors in the building, is also part of a larger unit called Domestic Crime, which has seven attorneys. When not in a courtroom, she’s answering e-mails, coordinating witnesses, working with victims on a daily basis, ordering investigations, setting up meetings, and on this particular day, she’s a yard duty monitor at one of her son’s schools.

“I volunteer on a regular basis at my kid’s schools, and today I happen to be on yard duty,” said Van Vuren.

All of her cases are felonies, where many involve extreme child abuse and sexual abuse, and for Van Vuren, it’s difficult to forget about it.

“You do bring it home, but I’m learning to let go of it and just be with my children and not let the stress of my job affect me at home,” she said.

When not working, she said she’s taking her sons to their sports practices, taking mini vacations with them, playing games, cleaning and of course, cooking.

“I cook and we sit down to eat every night together; we hardly ever go out to dinner,” said Van Vuren, who majored in criminal law and minored in communications.

Learning to balance both work and family is her greatest challenge of all.

“It’s God first, and family is everything,” she said. “It’s hard being 100% mom and 100% career woman. I just take it one day at a time. I love what I do and I love my family; I just wish there were more hours in a day!”

DO YOU EVER WONDER WHAT IT’S LIKE TO DO YOUR NEIGHBOR’S JOB? To walk a mile in some other woman’s proverbial shoes, without all the blisters that go with it? Each issue, Charleen Earley will do the walking for you and job-shadow Central Valley women in such jobs as firefighters, nurses, child caregivers, even funeral directors.

If you have a job you would like Charleen to shadow, please contact sjwoman@recordnet.com

209 M OM S

TOT CULTURE

Floral Sun Hats Tots and Teapots

Product photos by: Lindsay Ortez – lindsayophotography.com

Kamali Kristine Leonard 3 years Parents: Gerard and Kelly Leonard

Noel Biedinger 7 months Parents: Justin and Gabriella Biedinger

Parker Thomas Janis 8 months Grandparents: Dennis and Carol Burns Spencer Steven Rehn 5 years Parents: Steev and Traci Rehn 20

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JULY 2011

Spanish Bingo Barnes and Noble

Thomas Alexander Deeley Gonzalez 3½ years Parent: Cecilia Gonzalez

Sushi and Vintage Paper Doll Bibs Tots and Teapots

Audriana Grace Redd 5½ months Parents: Kathryn Redd and Dave Kimball

Mahi Lakha 5 months Parents: Avtar S. and Kamlesh Lakha

Purse Puppies Dillard’s

Kylah Marie Cadman 1 year Parents: Patricia Dobales and Keegan Cadman Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an

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C H ICK PIC S

JULY 2011

Sisters

Story by: Charleen Earley

2011

Sisters Night Out 2011: Susie, Ernestine, Gloria, Rosie, Julia & Jessie

Susie Randolph is one of 16 siblings, all born in Stockton, and eight of them born with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), an inherited disease that causes retinal degeneration, and ultimately blindness.

When one of the four sisters discovered the disease, there was only one real solution to their problem – Sister’s Night Out.

“About 20 years ago my sisters got together and came up with an idea of a yearly party,” said Randolph, the youngest of the sisters at age 53. “They decided to build memories together since some of them are going blind.”

Leaving husbands and kids at home, each year the three-day gatherings are held anywhere from one of their homes to an out-of-town locale. This year’s exclusive pajama party might end up in Yosemite, if their sister Gloria Piceno (66) of Manteca will get over her fear of bears.

“Just don’t feed them, I told her!” said Randolph.

No matter where the jamborees take place, they always end up memorable.

“We laugh with each other, sometimes at each other,” said Randolph. “We cry with each other and then console each other.

We talk about anything and everything. We play bingo all three days and give prizes– sometimes fake gift cards when money is tight – or go shopping. We share beds and stay up late and sometimes fight over who gets to sleep with whom, and who ate the last piece of cake!”

People with RP experience a gradual decline in their vision, and ultimately blindness, since photoreceptor cells (called rods and cones) die.

“Our mom, aunt and grandmother had it. Grandma was completely blind in her early 50s,” said Randolph, whose disease has been passed down to some of her grown kids.

“The kids are funny; when they were younger they were excited about our trips. Now that they’re older, they want to go with us!” said Randolph.

Making lemonade out of the lemons life handed them, Randolph’s sisters simply want to make the most of their sight-years together.

“We all agree that we do these annual gatherings for the closeness,” said Chata Villa of Stockton (54). “And just being together.”

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CH ICK PIC S

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Annual Limo Ride • Sterling Winery in Calistoga Rose Williams, Ethylene Shannon, Pat Pedri, Betty Costa, Chris Hackett, Stephanie Watt, Sharon McDaniel

The “Beach Sisters” annual trip Judi Howell, Sue Rokoszewiski, Mary Ellen Conti, Patti Cumming (photograph, deceased but still a part of the group) Cathy Kurey, Sherry Leonard, Julia Scriven

Limo Ride to Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco Val Pollard and Teresa Bavender

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Christmas Get-Together Holly Devan, Melanie Griffith, Debra Torrey, Suelynn Silva

ChickPics

JULY 2011

Our readers share their “girls night out” and “best friends vacation” memories

Best Friends Whale Watching in Maui Kathy Lee (front) and Deborah Chelotti Ding

Trip to Ireland Rosalie Fideldy, Loetta Harris, Lois Moss, Virginia Gagnon, Caron Morris

Kentucky Derby Party Marcia Durio, Sue Monday, Tere Pardini, Patricia Bohnak, Sue Groenewegen, Karen McClure, Vincene Stanfield, Heidi Harris, Christine Gordon

Thank you to all the women who sent in photos for Chick Pics. We were very happy to get an overwhelming response and we will be publishing all of the photos we received in future editions of the magazine as quickly as we can get to them. And keep them coming. Email your Girls Night Out and Best Friends photos to sjwoman@recordnet.com

Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an

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O UT A N D ABOUT

FARM FRESH

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Article and photos by: Jennifer Torres

On a recent Saturday morning, my husband and I drove our year-and-a-half-old daughter to Lockeford and sat down with her – and an empty bucket – in the middle of a ripening row at Saevang Strawerry Farm, just off of Highway 88.

We left about 40 minutes later, carrying baskets full of berries and a happy little girl with pink-stained fingertips and juice dripping from her chin.

When you’re growing a family where food grows too, opportunities abound for showing children how fruits and vegetables get to their plates – experiences that support healthy eating habits while also building an appreciation for local agriculture.

“We need to go back to what our relationship to food used to be like,” said Stockton mom and registered dietician Teresa Winer. “We used to be aware of where our food came from. Supporting our local farmers and trying to buy things in season are the first things we can do.”

And it’s plain fun, Winer said.

“Start early,” she said. “Going to the farm is just the first step. Bring it home and enjoy it with them.”

On Stockton’s Main Street, about five miles east of downtown, Countryside Farms has been hosting young visitors and their parents for nearly 20 years.

In addition to some light picking – in spring, there are strawberries and cherries, followed by garden produce throughout the summer, and finally grapes, pumpkins and walnuts in the fall – children can participate in seed-planting demonstrations, feed farm animals and take a hay ride.

“It’s just beautiful, the experience of being out in the open and seeing things growing,” owner Jo Ann Cutter said.

In Acampo, Liz Giusto and her family started growing blueberries in 2003.

“I often wondered, ‘Can you grow blueberries in California?’” Giusto said. “Well, why not? So that’s how we started. Then we also added other things: orange trees and fig trees, and peaches and nectarines and pears, pomegranates, grapes…”

JANUARY 2011

Depending on what’s in season, visitors can come to Giusto Farms and pick most of that produce for themselves. It’s also available for purchase – along with farm-fresh eggs and grass-fed beef from a local rancher – at the family’s fruit stand.

“I think what’s unique when you have a farm, is people are able to come out and just enjoy seeing trees that have been there for over 100 years,” Giusto said. “That’s something children don’t often see. Then they also get to experience where their food comes from, the environment that the animals live in. They also get to see blueberries, not just on a shelf in a little plastic container. It’s a very hands-on experience.”

For a food experience that’s similarly personal – but leaves a little less dirt under the fingernails- the French Camp-based Fresh Edibles Community Farm delivers weekly portions of fruits and vegetables, all grown locally by

Bob and Diana Whitaker, to member families.

(Seven designated pickup locations are located throughout the county.)

Periodically, the Whitakers also host open house events on the farm, in which children can plant pumpkin seeds, for example, pick corn or sample tomatoes.

“We want people to actually know the person who touches and grows their food,” Diana Whitaker said. “Kids like that connection. They can actually see the farm and the farmer, and when they’re eating, they understand the whole process.”

And that understanding, Winer said, helps combat obesity and lays a foundation good family nutrition.

“It’s important to have that appreciation of where food comes from,” she said. “And you can make it kind of a fun thing to do.”

Enjoy yourself For a good experience picking your own produce, growers advise – above all – that you wear tennis shoes. “No open-toed sandals,” Liz Giusto, of Acampo’s Giusto Farms, said.

It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen, and if you have one, a straw hat.

Go visit For more information on prices, hours and what’s in season, call the phone numbers or visit the websites listed below.

SAEVANG STRAWBERRY FARM, LOCKEFORD (916) 712-2831 or (916) 712-6014 www.thebestberries.com COUNTRYSIDE FARMS, STOCKTON (209) 943-1632 www.countryside-farms.com GIUSTO FARMS, ACAMPO (209) 369-1416 www.giustoblueberryfarms.blogspot.com FRESH EDIBLES COMMUNITY FARM, FRENCH CAMP (209) 406-3100 www.freshedibles.org

B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT

W

e are thrilled to welcome Kim Robinson as a regular contributor to San Joaquin Woman Magazine. Kim is an Intuitive Life Coach and Relationship Counselor here in Stockton. Combined with her unique gift of intuition, her non-standard approach helps people deal with issues such as grief, low self-esteem, anger, depression, substance abuse, compulsive behavior, financial difficulties, sexual abuse, control issues and weight and eating disorders, just to name a few.

Our September 2010 edition of the magazine featured Kim in an article, “The Angel Whisperer” by Mary Raffetto, who wrote, “Skeptical at first, her clients have become big believers and their word-of-mouth recommendations have helped build Kim’s client base, which now numbers in the hundreds.”

Kim is also involved with St. Joseph’s Regional Cancer Center’s “Treat-Meant for You” program where she leads workshops for cancer patients and helps them with energy healing, dealing with their illness, and finding their path to wellness. We trust you will benefit as much from Kim’s valuable insight as her clients do. Enjoy!

To Thine Own Self Be True…

T Kim Robinson

hank you Shakespeare for these immortal, thought-provoking words. Use them as affirmation, motivation, or inspiration, and they weave a magic all their own. They sing a siren’s song of remembrance to you; remembrance of a time when you were the essence of authenticity, truth, beauty and all things possible.

We co-creational beings are designed to mold ourselves and our experiences through thoughts and emotions. Without authenticity, we often create the very things we wish we hadn’t!

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I RECENTLY BROACHED THIS SUBJECT WITH A CLIENT. A gorgeous woman in her late 40s, with a great career and family, who came to me because she’d “lost” herself somewhere and wasn’t sure how to get herself back. I told her we were first going to explore her relationships and discover how her authentic self felt about the main ones. I knew I was in trouble when she leaned in slightly and very seriously asked me “which one of my authentic selves will we be talking about exactly?” It was another OH WOW moment as a life coach/ counselor. We women are so clever, aren’t we? We actually create NEW selves for each relationship if the original self just won’t show up!

So with renewed desire to be of service written all over my face, I offered up the following.

I hope it helps you too. For we all deserve to have the life we dream of, and we deserve to live it authentically!

1

JULY 2011

Becoming authentic isn’t for sissies! People and events have programmed and impacted us for years, helping to create the “belief self” you see in the mirror each day. It’s time to decide how much of that programming and belief system you want to keep and how much to release. It’s not always easy to do, but take a look in your “mental mirror.”

Notice where your beliefs have led to actions that work FOR you, bringing you the emotional payday you want. Those are the keepers!

2

Women wear many hats. Outside of our careers, certain jobs done while wearing those hats may pay poorly or not at all. But the Universe believes in repaying energy that’s given. If you find yourself feeling resentful or overwhelmed by your heartfelt efforts, your authentic reward system may not be receiving what it needs. Whether you desire gratitude, a favor done in return, appreciation, or something material, when giving of yourself, declare what you’d like to receive in return for your time and energy. The Universe wants to reward you. By consciously determining your own worth and beginning to recognize your authentic reward system, you will become specific about your desires, and you’ll find that as you pour from your cup, it’s always being refilled.

3

Being politically correct is popular these days. But is it authentic? I advocate non-harming communication, so I strongly urge women to say what they mean, and not be mean while saying it. Many clients come to me because of difficulties related to suppressed emotions. Trapped thoughts and feelings create unhappiness and sometimes disease within.

Once they speak up and free that negative energy, they are on the road to happiness and well-being again. Learning to speak your truth in a way that frees you and brings no harm is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and others.

Needless to say, as my client worked and practiced her new skills, life became better and better. We’re still working on several alternative, inauthentic selves she created, but her progress has brought joy back into her life. She radiates happiness now and has begun to communicate in such an amazing way! She was recently given a wonderful promotion and increase in salary. Authenticity can do that! The tangible results and rewards will put the sparkle back in our lives and make us magnets for even MORE happiness and abundance! And hey, who couldn’t use more of that?

So, add these skills to your Spiritual Toolbox and bring back your authentic Goddess energy while trusting that you are perfect just as you are, and perfecting that perfection! To thine own authentic self be true!

You can find Kim at kimrobinsonintuitive.com or visit her on Facebook at Facebook.com/kimrobinsonintuitive

H EALTH & FITNES S

EXERCISING IN THE SUMMER

By: Mary Vredenburg, D.O.

Dr. Vredenburg has been practicing Family Medicine in the Stockton area for more than 12 years. She practices at St. Joseph’s Medical Group of Stockton and has a special interest in sports medicine.

Dr. Vredenburg considers the mind, body, and spirit to help her patients achieve a state of well-being. To schedule an appointment call (209) 475-5500.

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Living in Northern California gives us the luxury of exercising outdoors almost year-round. However, when the temperatures start to rise in the heat of the summer, it can be a challenge. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercising in hot weather puts extra stress on your heart and lungs. Both the exercise itself and the air temperature increase your body temperature. In an effort to handle the heat, more blood circulates to your skin, leaving less blood for your muscles, which increases your heart rate. High humidity adds more stress to the body because sweat doesn’t readily evaporate from the skin, which pushes the body temperature higher.

You should always be on the lookout for heat-related illnesses when you are exercising in hot weather.

Signs and symptoms include:

• • • • • •

WEAKNESS HEADACHE DIZZINESS MUSCLE CRAMPS NAUSEA OR VOMITING RAPID HEARTBEAT

JULY 2011

• Stay hydrated. Your body’s ability to sweat and cool down depends on adequate rehydration. Drink plenty of water while working out even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you plan to exercise intensely for more than an hour, consider consuming sports drinks. These drinks replace the sodium, chloride and potassium you lose through sweating.

• Wear sunscreen. A sunburn decreases your body’s ability to cool itself.

There are simple steps you can take to avoid heat-related illnesses.

• Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, loosefitting clothing that evaporates sweat and helps cooling by letting more air pass over your body. Select wicking fabrics over cotton. These materials draw moisture away from the body.

Avoid dark colors which can absorb the heat.

• Avoid midday sun. Exercise in the morning or evening when it’s likely to be cooler outdoors.

Running should be done in areas like parks with shaded trees and drinking fountains as opposed to asphalt. If possible, exercise in a pool.

If you suspect a heat-related illness, stop exercising and get out of the heat. Drink water, wet your skin and fan yourself. If you don’t feel better within 60 minutes, contact your doctor. If you develop a fever higher than 102°F (38.9°C) or become faint or confused, seek immediate medical help.

Regular physical activity is key to a healthy lifestyle, but don’t let hot-weather workouts put your health at risk. Always use common sense and listen to your body.

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TWIX

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JULY 2011

SKITTLES

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Photos By: Sheridan Blackard Photography Make-up By: Kymberli Williams

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L isa Dinubilo

B RIDAL

&

Darth Ooten

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July 17, 2010

THEY MEET:

By: Lisa Dinubilo Ooten

Darth and I met the summer of 2004, when I went off on my big adventure to live back east to attend pharmacy school in Winchester, Virginia. Upon my arrival, I met Darth at a new-student orientation at one of the local pubs. It just so happened that he also got hired at the pharmacy I worked at, and was scheduled to work my weekends with me. We ended up spending A LOT of time together, becoming fast friends, resulting in us being best friends during my time in Virginia.

It’s funny that when you ask people about the friendship Darth and I had that most people will respond with a statement about how they knew we would end up together. We were very comfortable around each other and had great chemistry, but we were both in committed relationships. Over time that changed, and after becoming roommates we ended up taking our relationship to the next level. After 3 years of a pretty solid friendship, we were then a couple going to school together, working together and living together. It was an easy seamless transition to our new roles in each other’s lives, and we have been going strong ever since. Who would have thought that this California girl would be such a great match for the West Virginia boy? I guess what they say about opposites attracting is pretty accurate – we are still the best of friends, getting ready to celebrate our first anniversary as a married couple.

JULY 2011

Photos By: Stephanie Briggs

OUR WEDDING:

If I could sum up what made our wedding day absolutely perfect, it was all of the little things added together to make it spectacular. Where many people opt to pay people to help organize, prepare, and complete tasks for their wedding day, I was the opposite. I had my hands in all aspects of designing and planning, and was blessed by all of the personal touches of family and friends to really make our day special.

We were married on July 17th, 2010, at Morris Chapel, University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. This was important to me, since it was my alma mater, as well as being the place where my sister was married. Our wedding party ranged from California residents to Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio residents. Many of our friends traveled far and wide to help celebrate our special day.

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The bridesmaids’ dresses were designed by me and my stepmother, who not only made all of them, but made my veil, the flower girl’s dress, basket and the ring bearer’s pillow.

The flowers for our wedding were all done by Lisa Walker, aka Momma Walker, who has a talent beyond my wildetst dreams.

She has been like a second mother to me, and was a huge part of our special day. I picked a couple of pictures out of what I had in my head, and she made it happen. We had a flower arrangement party where family and friends helped me make all the centerpieces for the reception. As a wedding present, she designed my bouquet, complete with my great grandmother’s cross tied in the middle as a tribute to her memory.

Our reception was held at the Italian Athletic Club, where my father has been a member for years, and was once their star softball pitcher. All of my family’s functions are held there, and it is sort of a tradition. I have grown up attending functions at the club and could not imagine our wedding reception anywhere else. Our rehearsal dinner was there as well, with my dad even cooking the food! One thing about being Italian and having an Italian event is the food! We had quite the spread, with the appetizer table so big that guests came up to me and said how wonderful their dinner was before dinner was even served! We had everything from the traditional antipasto spread

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to homemade Italian meatballs. The dinner was served family style including Italian herb chicken, tri-tip, ravioli, Italian salad, fresh Geneva bread, green beans, and Italian baked potatoes.

Instead of a traditional guest book, I decided to have a scrapbook full of pictures. A photographer friend of mine was at the door, taking pictures of all of our guests as they entered. They were also asked to write advice or words of encouragement for our future to put next to their picture in our guest book.

Since Darth and I are both pharmacists, we had a pharmacythemed wedding with our invitations even in old pharmacy print. The response card was a prescription postcard where guests could write “An Rx for a Happy Marriage” advice to return to us. All of our tables were named old apothecary-style drug names, as well as each guest having their very own “Rx” for free wedding-day cocktails on their place settings. Our favors were labeled prescription vials for our guests to fill at “the pharmacy,” the pharmacy being a banquet table full of apothecary jars filled with a wide selection of candy.

For the months of planning, the day flew by in a heartbeat, but at the end of the day, how many people can HONESTLY say that they married their best friend? Because I know I can.

Kristen Pugh & ScottRasmussen Wedding on a Budget

May 7, 2011

By: Kristen Pugh

When we decided to get married, we knew we wanted our wedding to be beautiful, but we didn’t want to have to sell any body parts to pay for it. Our challenge began‌how could we have our dream wedding, without breaking the bank? Thank goodness for the internet!

Location: If we found a nice outdoor location, then that would save on flower costs. Japanese Garden at Micke Grove Park is a beautiful location that has four options for the location of ceremony, including plenty of shade and an indoor option (you never know what the weather in May will be).

Reception: We needed friendly, flexible, good food, and fun. Karla and the rest of the staff at the Stockton Hilton were

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JULY 2011

second to none and even added diet Mt. Dew to the bar in our reception hall.

Photographer: One phone call with Amy Phipps, and I was literally dancing around our kitchen knowing she was going to capture our day! Amy instantly became a friend, and she made the entire day relaxing for us.

DJ: TJ Jurado was recommended by a friend, and he rocked! TJ helped with song selection for the “events� at the reception, and kept every age group of the reception dancing and entertained, including the impromptu karaoke by one of the bridesmaids, and two of the flower girls.

Dresses:I wanted a simple dress without a train. I chose an ivory bridesmaid dress and added a black sash and rhinestone spray brooch, all for under $200. Our wedding party included five children that were eight and under. We found www.wonderfuldress.com and ordered three dresses and two suits for about $200. There were delivered in about a week and they were theirs to keep!

Flowers: Our flowers were an internet order too. We ordered our Calla Lillies from www.fiftyflowers.com.

Cake: We decided we would do a small two-tier cake for cutting and pictures, and order the other flavors from Costco to serve.

In the end, I think we were successful in having a spectacular wedding day, and we still have all of our body parts intact.

Photos by Amy Phipps of On the Phippside Photography www.onthephippside.com

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Shantel Singh& Gagan Dhillon A Traditional Sikh Wedding

May 7, 2011

By: Shantel Singh Dhillon

Every little girl dreams to find her prince charming and wishes to have an extravagant wedding. I was lucky enough to get both! We met in high school through a boy who was his neighbor and one of my close friends that rode the school bus with me! Once we were introduced, we wanted to spend every moment together getting to know one another. Our first date included our friends and cousins to join us in a trip to San Francisco. That day we decided we were more than just best friends and knew that we wanted to keep our relationship growing.

As the years flew by, our relationship grew stronger through the thick and the thin times that life brought amongst us. He taught me how to drive and I wanted to be the shoulder he could lean on. He taught me how to live happy and joke around and I taught him it was ok to have feelings. Jokingly, we would ask each other “Do you think you could see yourself getting married to me?” We would both giggle and say “…we would be able to tell our kids we were High School sweethearts”.

Photos By Gill Digital Video 209-648-9716 Gilldigitalvideo.com

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May 7, 2011 Gagan Dhillon and Shantel Singh were announced husband and wife at their wedding ceremony known as a Anand Karaj (meaning Blissful Union) at the Livingston Sikh Temple (also known as a Gurdwara Sahib). Our Punjabi Sikh wedding was a 4 day event including pre-events, the main event (wedding and reception), and post events. It all started with our Lady’s Sangeet (meaning sung together). In the Lady’s Sangeet close female relatives gathered to celebrate our wedding by singing, joking around with one another, and dancing with dinner to follow. Our next event was the henna (mehndi) ceremony. The henna ceremony included applying henna on the bride, friends, and relatives of the bride and groom. There is an old wives tale that says the darker a bride’s henna applies the more her mother-in-law will love her and the more passionate her husband will be toward his wife. Henna can vary in shades of red to a darker redish-black. My henna was practically black!

The next ceremony was on Friday morning where the bride and groom have turmeric (haldi) applied on their face, arms, and feet to cleanse their skin and give them a glowing complexion for their big day! All friends and relatives are involved in the turmeric ceremony to show their blessings toward the bride and groom. Friday evening includes the last two pre-wedding ceremonies. The Churda (bridal bangles/bracelets) ceremony included the bride’s maternal family to dress her up with the gifts they have provided for her such as gold jewelry and adorn her with a chunni (scarf) and Churda (bridal bangles/bracelets symbolizing a new bride). Jaggo ceremony concludes the prewedding ceremonies.

Each side of the family enjoys singing and dancing with a beautifully decorated matki (pot) with diyas (candles) on top of

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the pot, carried on your head as friends and relatives dance and sing to celebrate for the bride and groom.

All pre-events are held separately for the bride and groom, who do not see each other until the day of their wedding.

Once all pre-events have ended, Saturday morning the wedding begins. I wore a 2 piece lehnga (skirt and blouse decorated with hand woven rhinestones) and a scarf to cover my head when attending the Gurdwara Sahib to show respect toward the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib is the Holy Scripture and the final Guru of Sikhs. Gagan wore a Shirwani (a long shirt with fitted pants) and a turban along with a Kirpann (sword to protect his bride). The wedding ceremony included four lava (hymns) and prayers. The first verse symbolizes the the daily duties and adjustments in wedded life, the second verse emphasizes as a true partner, the couple must be ready to understand and appreciate each other, the third verse symbolizes life means togetherness and no separation, the fourth verse is about love, trust, respect and care for each other. Concluding the wedding ceremony we went home to refresh and attend our wedding reception where 500 guests awaited for our arrival as the new MR. & MRS. DHILLON! Gagan and I wish we could include all the details of our “Big Fat Indian Wedding” due to the sake of space this is a brief summary to allow you to learn about some of the details in a Sikh wedding and to be a part of our big day!

I love you Gagan Dhillon and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with my high school sweetheart and best friend as we teach our kids how to overcome the obstacles we did when we were growing up together!

B RIDAL

DRINKS

THINK LOCAL, DRINK LOCAL There’s no place like home, right? Here’s how to show off your favorite state with a wedding reception that features stand-out local wines, beers and spirits.

Personal touches and homegrown details are all the rage at weddings, so why not extend the trend to the bar?

A Pretty Presentation

she suggests including the background information on cute signs and/or your menu cards.

Shine the spotlight on local labels by finding fun ways to make them an active part of your big day’s events, says Christopher Chan, director of wine & spirits at The Rainier Club, a historic private club and event space in Seattle.

He suggests starting the reception with a “Wine Tasting Bar.” Select two each of your state’s best white and red wines and pair them with trays of hors d’oeuvres. Syrah is a winner with lamb, for example, while the sweetness of a dry sémillon is sublime with crab cakes.

For suds-lovers, Chan recommends hosting a microbrew station. Fill tubs with ice and a variety of local brews that range from bright, hoppy pale ales to dark, malty ambers and porters.

As for spirits, prepare a build-yourown bar that features a local vodka or gin along with a variety of mixers, such as fresh juices and specialty sodas, and ingredients like seasonal herbs and berries.

“If you opt for station-style dinner service, another way to highlight one or all of these beverages is to pair each table with the wine, beer or cocktail that suits that particular cuisine best,” says Jessica Pennington, owner and lead planner for Stella Event Design in St. Joseph, Mich. But even if you decide to keep all the bottles behind the bar,

Smart Sourcing

Your caterer will likely have advice about which regional beverages are the best match for the food being served, but if you are able to procure your own alcohol and you really want to go local, chat with the folks at an area wine shop, Chan says. Not only do these vino aficionados have an insider’s point of view on delicious wines at affordable prices, they often carry craft beers and can typically weigh in on the best local spirits. Plus, many wine shops offer a 10- to 20-percent discount when you buy in bulk, notes Pennington, as do many wineries, breweries, distilleries and grocery stores.

If you really want to show off some higher-end bottles but also have a limited budget, the answer is portion control, says Chan. Feature that favorite spirit in a specialty cocktail and, when guests are seated, have waiters pour small glasses of wine and beer as a special treat to kick off dinner. Or go with Pennington’s sweet tip: Stick with cheaper products in the bar, but offer a really splendid local dessert wine with the cake for a fabulous flavor combination that guests won’t soon forget.

JOIN US FOR LINCOLN CENTER’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY JULY 15TH

•

MUSIC & FAMILY FUN

LIVE! At Lincoln Center YOUR

Engagement Honeymoon

D E S T I N AT I O N FROM YOUR TO THE

Gowns & Tuxedos Flowers • Invitations • Jewelry Much More

S AV E T H E D AT E

for Lincoln Center’s 2nd Annual Strolling

STOCKTON’S PREMIERE SHOPPING & D I N I N G D E S T I N AT I O N A T P A C I F I C A V E N U E & B E N J A M I N H O LT D R I V E

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W W W. L I N C O L N C E N T E R S H O P S . C O M

B RIDAL

Awe-Inspiring Arrangements Flowers are everywhere

at a wedding – lining the aisle, in hands, on lapels. But deciding which colors to mix-and-match and where to place the flowers might not be your area of expertise. However, choosing flowers for your wedding that suit your style and personality doesn’t have to be difficult.

First Steps

What You Need

Choosing floral designs for your wedding is just like any other wedding choice. “It’s the same with wedding dresses,” Bilby says.

“Think about your favorite color!”

How flowers fit in with your wedding’s color theme is the first step to take when planning your flowers. Bilby advises brides to avoid combing too many colors in their bouquets, centerpieces, corsages or other floral designs. “I’d try to keep to three colors, not so busy,” she says.

If the wedding is traditional, family members, close relatives or friends should carry flowers with colors matching the bride’s bouquet. The groom’s boutonniere should match the bride’s bouquet. The bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s flowers should complement each other too.

Mothers of the bride and groom should carry small bouquets, or wear corsages also in step with the colors of the wedding.

Whether the wedding is at a church or other venue, Bilby recommends many creative spots for flower placements. At a

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The earlier a bride begins thinking of her wedding flowers, the better the result on the wedding day, says Christina Bilby, owner of the Sweet Pickins floral design studio in Oakhrust, Calif. “Those who get what they want plan six months to a year in advance,” she says.

Find a florist that you can trust and understands your style.

“Trust is really important,” Bilby says, stressing its significance in the relationship between the florist and the bride. “Depend on your florist to be really honest.” When you find your ideal florist, Bilby recommends that brides inform them of their needs and desires. But if you’re a bride who can’t connect with her creative or artistic side, then Bilby recommends you take a look at pictures in magazines or catalogs to get a floral design idea for your wedding. house of worship, altars, windows and the railing to the track can be decorated with flowers to give the venue an eye-catching look. Flowers can also rest on the ends of aisle chairs. In addition to throwing flower petals down the aisle, flower girls can wear headbands decorated with flowers and silk ribbons.

For the reception, florals are used to encircle the wedding cake and star as the table centerpieces.

A bride should expect to spend about $1,200 or more on floral arrangement for her wedding. “Most of the money is spent on centerpieces,” Bilby says. Centerpieces or other arrangements may be included with the wedding package at your venue, so be sure to ask.

Brides who’re looking for easy-touse, go-to flowers, Bilby recommends Cymbidium orchids, her favorite, and a popular wedding choice. They’re “handy, elegant and beautiful when you mix with roses,” Bilby says.

TIME-SAVING TIPS 1. Consider the season of the flowers you want in your arrangements.

Flowers such as sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias, lilies, and hydrangeas won’t wilt in the summer.

2. When picking a palette, choose flowers suiting your wedding style and colors.

3. Have your flowers delivered boxed with cellophane and well misted.Your flowers will look fresh through your ceremony and reception.

4. Avoid buying flowers during or near holidays likeValentine’s Day because prices increase significantly.

5. Be sure your bouquet isn’t too fragrant o r you’ll be sneezing down the aisle.

6. Nix elaborate structures on gateways, windows, railings or frames if you’re short on time or budget because they’ll take a long time to set up and can be pricey.

B RIDAL

COLOR TREND ALERT

Italian P lum

Purple is the color of passion and this version is not only romantic, it’s regal.

2011 and 2012 brides are pairing this rich tone with complimentary colors anywhere from platinum to meadow green to create a wedding fashion statement all their own.

JULY 2011

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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an

Simply Delicious!

JULY 2011

Say goodbye to the topsy-turvy “Alice in Wonderland� cakes of late.

Brides are now taking a step back and offering their guests flavor over flair.

Flavors such as red velvet, caramel, pomegranate, and spice are being complemented with rich butter cream or cream cheese frostings, ganache, or chocolate drizzle instead of the artsy, and often flavor-deprived, fondant sculptures.

Gourmet cupcakes in flavors such as coffee, cookies and cream and cherry cola are adding a twist to the still-popular cupcake tier.

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Stockton’s 15th Annual

Summer Bridal Event

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 • 6-9 pm Stockton Hilton Hotel, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd Brides Pre-register online and be entered in the drawing for the

Romantic Prize Package Overnight stay for 2 at the Stockton Hilton Hotel Champagne & Strawberries in the room Complimentary Dinner & Breakfast Compliments of Admission $10 • (209) 475-9161 For discount tickets & to pre-register, visit www.bridalevents.info

An Evening of Elegance, Tradition and Celebration Featuring A Fashion Show Extravaganza CO-SPONSORED BY

BE

GRAND PRIZE SPONSORS Formal Connection | Morris Chapel

AND

Media Fusion Studios | Briggs Photography

Inspire

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EnterBtaE

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Marquis Entertainment | Heritage Skin & Laser Center HOSTED BY

Mira Bridal Couture | The Reserve @ Spanos Park Thousands of $$$ in Door Prizes Provided by All Participating Merchants A BRIDAL EVENT PRODUCTION

Valley Wedding Professionals & Morris Chapel Proudly Presents

Hot August Brides & QuinceĂąeras Monday, August 1, 2011 at the

University of the Pacific Grand Ballroom 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton

Come relax and browse nearly forty local wedding vendors as you enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and view all the latest bridal trends in a fun fashion show. There will also be giveaways throughout the night including a grand prize drawing for one very lucky bride. Event is from 5-9pm $10.

Register at:

MEDIA SPONSOR

www.ValleyWeddingPros.com

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