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The Magazine For San Joaquin Women
COACHING THE FUTURE UOP Women’s Basketball Coach Lynne Roberts page 7
THE LISA PROJECT page 10 LOVING YOUR CHILDREN WITH GOOD NUTRITION page 26
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“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” — Winston Churchill
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Winds of change
Publisher Roger Coover Publications Director Deitra R. Kenoly
Karen Bakhtegan
C
Editor
hange is in the air once again for San Joaquin Woman magazine. I am ecstatic to announce that come June, we will be merging with Lifestyles magazine to bring you one fresh and exciting bi-monthly publication filled with all of your favorites from both magazines, along with lots of new, fun and informative features. Joining forces with current Lifestyles editor Carrie Sass and under the Lifestyles name, we will continue to be the only area magazine that is one hundred percent local; local people, local places, local perspectives! While it is bittersweet to be writing my last message to you as San Joaquin Woman magazine’s voice, it is with great joy that this edition gives me the opportunity to introduce you to two new columnists that will be joining up with Lifestyles magazine in June. Each will share their unique, enlightening and often humorous perspectives on life in San Joaquin County by converting their own popular blogs into regular featured columns in the magazine. Heather Mompean’s Mom About the Town is an often hilarious, sometimes poignant, and always honest account of life as mom, wife, friend, business owner and everything else that comes with being a woman in San Joaquin County. Susan Michener Spracher ‘s Four o’Clock Martini is equally as refreshing. Born and raised in Stockton and now the single mother of teenage girls, Susan is our resident Carrie Bradford, offering reflection, great advice, and humor from her own perspective and experiences. You can take a sneak peek at both new columnists inside this edition, and visit their blogs at www.momaboutthetown.com and fouroclockmartini.com. Peek-A-Boutique, Tot Culture and I am San Joaquin Woman will also be coming along for the ride, in addition to all the health and fitness, and fashion and beauty content that our readers have come to love. For now you can still enjoy them inside these pages. So please enjoy this last edition of San Joaquin Woman as a single gal, and be sure to pick up the new Lifestyles magazine in June to find all the benefits of a great partnership. Farewell for now. I’ll be seeing you soon.
Editor Karen Bakhtegan Graphic Designers Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein Contributing Writers Katie Donahue Charleen Earley Eunice Green Heather Mompean Leah Myers Susan Pirie Kim Robinson Susan Michener Spracher Contributing PhotographerS Charleen Earley Cover photo by Charleen Earley
Like us on Facebook 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 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the publisher. For more information, go to sanjoaquinwoman.com.
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Contents
May 2013
FEATURE
7 Coaching the future Lynne Roberts
10 The Lisa Project
209 moms
14 Tot Culture San Joaquin kids photo gallery
20 Four o'clock Martini
By Susan Michener Spracher
28 Mom about the town
By Heather Mompean
body, mind & spirit
22 A woman's love
J
O
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By Kim Robinson
24 Preparing for motherhood 26 Loving your children
with good nutrition
By Eunice Green
PEEK A BOUTIQUE
30 Stride Rite Saltwater sandals
BEAUTY
32 Choosing the right makeup
artist for your wedding
MAY 2013
Coaching the future in the game of life B
STORY AND PHOTO By Charleen Earley
ased on her perfectly athletic figure, one would never
guess Lynne Roberts has 15 kids, all girls. Okay, so maybe she coaches each of them for the University of the Pacific’s women’s basketball Tigers, but in her eyes, and while most of these girls are away from home, she’s their surrogate “mom.” “There’s an element in coaching college kids; it’s like parenting – they’ve gotta know you love them, but you’re not their friends,” said Roberts of Stockton, coaching her seventh season at UOP. “They know I love them and would do anything for them, but we’re friends after they graduate!” ➤
Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
7
photo courtesy of university of the pacific
As head coach, Roberts led her girls to 18 wins last season, and has 155 career coaching
It’s not going to be like Disneyland,” said
relationships with the players.”
Roberts, who, when off the court, enjoys
Her workweek is not for the faint. Working
cooking, staying active, and dinner parties
sometimes seven days a week, 12 hours long
with friends and good wine. “If you love it, it
“My goal is to be a positive catalyst for
with paperwork, recruiting, three-hour blocks
doesn’t feel like a job!”
these girls to reach their potential, and not
of practice, phone calls, emails, and during
necessarily on the basketball court,” said
season, games both home and away.
victories. As “mom,” her job is to give them tools for the future.
8
to impact young people and create those
Her students see both the coach and mom side of her.
Roberts. “College years are a critical time in
“Especially in Division I Athletics, it’s tough;
“On the court, she’s very energetic; she
developing who you are, and I have the ability
it’s a full-time job, year-round, full commitment.
knows how to motivate you and get you going. ➤
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
MAY 2013
She knows how to get you to play better,”
Female basketball idols, on the other hand,
very relatable because she’s played college
said Erica McKenzie, 21, of Sparks, Nevada,
were difficult to come by for Roberts, who
basketball at a high level, so she’s been through
who plays guard. “Off the court, she’s always
remembers looking up to Tara Vanderveer,
the same experiences I’m going through now.”
there for you if you need someone to talk to.
who led the Stanford Cardinal to two NCAA
“She’s also someone I can go to, because
With your family far away, it’s nice to know her
Women’s Division I Basketball Championships
I don’t physically have my parents here, since
office is always open to talk about life. It’s really
in 1990 and 1992.
they’re in Southern California,” she added.
great to have a relationship like that with your coach.”
“It’s neat to see the shift in 20 years, with all the women who are role models now,” said
“She’s been a huge mentor for me. I look up to her 100%.”
As Roberts becomes a mentor to these
Roberts, who helped her Pacific Tigers finish
Even though Kendall Kenyon’s parents live
young women, she recalls her own lifelong
third in the Big West in 2011-12, the highest
in town, she still sees Roberts as coach, mom
mentor.
BWC finish since 2004.
and sometimes sister.
“Gordy Presnell, he’s the head coach at Boise State University, and coached me at
Kendall Rodriguez, 21, of La Habra, Ca. says Coach Roberts is her first female coach.
“It’s great to have someone who doesn’t just care about you as a player, but who cares
Seattle Pacific University (her alma mater). I still
“I’ve been playing basketball since I was in
about you as a person as well,” said Kenyon,
talk to him about four to five times a week;
the fourth grade, so for the last 12 years, I’ve
19, center. “Coach Rob really cares for us. With
he’s a great support for me,” said Roberts. “I
only had male coaches until I came to Pacific.
my family being here in town, it’s like having
wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. He knows
It’s a new experience for me having Coach Rob
another mom around, taking care of the team.
me like I know my players. If I hit a rough spot
as someone I could relate to off the court,”
But it’s also like having an older sister, because
or tough loss, we just check in.”
said Rodriguez, who plays forward. “She’s
she’s hilarious and goofs around with us!” ❧
T
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he
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isa
MAY 2013
P
roject
W
By Katie Donahue
hen Gene Hardin visited the traveling King Tut
exhibit in San Francisco, he was inspired by more than just the history and artifacts. He was inspired by a concept: a multisensory museum exhibit. ➤
Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
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“Why can’t we do this type of display for child abuse?” Hardin
little something extra [with a multisensory exhibit]. It’s like looking
says of his initial thought. “Take a child by the hand, figuratively, and
at a picture of the world’s fastest rollercoaster or reading all the
let them tell you their story.”
stats about it, versus being on the ride itself,” says Hardin. “The Lisa
The seeds of The Lisa Project had been firmly planted. Hardin
Project promises to make you ‘go beyond the headlines.’ We immerse
collaborated with staff at the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San
you in that world for 25 minutes and the result is something not
Joaquin County (CAPC) on the initial steps. His wife, Lindy Turner-
easily forgotten.”
Hardin, is executive director of the CAPC. CAPC staff social workers compiled the stories that were to be
including stops in Lodi, Manteca, Sacramento and Modesto. The
told. Designed and executed in less than four months, the first exhibit
exhibit will be shown in Tracy throughout the month of June at
was made possible thanks to 800 volunteer hours prior to opening
the West Valley Mall – hours are Thursdays and Fridays 4-8 p.m.,
day in April 2010.
Saturdays 10-6, Sundays 1-5, closed on Father’s Day.
The project is named for Lisa, whom visitors meet through the
The Lisa Project has surpassed Hardin’s original expectations, and
audio of a 911 call from 28 years ago. Hardin says they were fortunate
he has received inquiries from across the U.S. and around the globe
to know someone connected to that particular case, allowing them
about the exhibit, including India and the Netherlands.
to tell the rest of her story, revealed at the end of the exhibit. The powerful, true stories are depicted in staged scenes and
A visit to the Lisa Project provides an opportunity to prevent violence before it happens, Hardin says.
the accompanying audio of each child’s story is read by an actor.
“Oftentimes, people see things but they’re not sure if they should
Altogether, approximately six stories are told that cover the spectrum
act. I think the Lisa Project reminds them and encourages them to
of child abuse.
act,” Hardin says. ➤
“One-dimensional exhibits are very effective. However, there is a
12
The Lisa Project has been exhibited widely across the state,
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
“One thing we say is this: ‘Chances are there has been a time when you’ve witnessed something or heard something that made the hair on the back of your neck stand up.’ Make the call. It’s not just the social worker’s, CPS, or law enforcement’s job. It’s everybody’s.” ❧
For more information about The Lisa Project: www.thelisaproject.org
209 M OM S
tot culture Ava Grace Jobrack 1 month OLD Stockton Parents: Sol & Jessica Jobrack Photographer: Stephanie Libhart, Lucille Marguerite Photography
Elijah Carter 7 months OLD STOCKTON Grandparents: Rob and Diana Flores-Magin
Haven and Hope 4 years old Escalon parents: Lloyd and Holly MacKinnon photographer: Heather McAlister
Alexa 5 years OLD Stockton Grandparents: Arnold and Bobbie Fasano
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MARCH 2013
Isabella and Mila 3 years old and 10 months old Stockton Parents: Cynthia Huerta and Thomas Hoyle
Ayden Ryan 12 weeks, DOB 11/01/12 Linden Grandmother: Kris Tillery
Jaide 2 years old Lodi Parent: Alyisha Calvert
Cary 14 monthS old Dexter 4 years old Grandmother: Jackie Sinigaglia
Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
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Braylen Utterback 2 yEArs old Stockton PARENT: Kaycee Patton
Trenton 4 months Tracy parents: Adam Smith and Samantha Maggi
Dominic 5 YEARS OLD Stockton Great-Grandmother: Lorraine Sabbatini
Aliyah 3 YEARS OLD Stockton Parents: Travis and Rachel Stafford
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MARCH 2013
ARIELLA CHERRIE 2 YEARS OLD STOCKTON Parents: ARIEL and CHERRY NILLO
Gracy Eva Pippi 3 YEARS OLD Stockton Parent: Randall G. Pippi
London Olivia Rivera 10 days old Stockton Parents: Jacqui Saenz and Rudy Rivera
Ella 3 YEARS OLD Stockton Grandparents: Danny & Janet
Anaiya Taylor 5 years old Stockton Parent: Lisa Misasi-Chang
Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
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209 M OM S
By Susan Michener Spracher
W
elcome to The Four o’clock Martini. I couldn’t be
earliest recollection there was Lucille Ball. I LOVED Lucy. As
more excited to meet you in this space. What is this space and
a latchkey kid I logged many hours laughing with Lucy, and
who am I? Read on.
I’m sure she was a big influence on developing my sense of
This space is the column version of the blog I’ve been writing for two years. Being a writer has been a lifelong
great women to my writing.
dream, and losing my job provided the time and motivation
What you’ll read about here is probably just the stuff
to do it. I’m a lover of words (translation: avid reader) with
you’re experiencing in this crazy, sexy life. I’m pretty much
a big desire to talk, so having a forum where those things
the girl next door, having lived in Stockton all of my life. I’m a
converge is heaven.
single mother of two teenage girls, reinventing my life at 47.
My role models and inspiration are Erma Bombeck, Carrie
I’ve been up, down, almost out, and now I’m back, baby. Trust
Bradshaw (the Sex in the City theme is my ringtone) and
that there will be a laugh in there somewhere, because that’s
Lucille Ball. Erma’s witty sense of humor turned everyday
where the joie de vivre (exuberant enjoyment of life) is. I hope
topics into clip-worthy columns carried in wallets and posted
to give you something to sip on, with a friend that leaves you
on refrigerators until the newspaper yellowed. Back in the
stirred and soothed.
day, my aunt would mail me Erma’s pearls of wisdom that
I see The Four o’clock Martini as a word lounge; a place to
every college girl should know. I still love watching re-runs
come and partake in witty, lively, opinionated, and thought-
of Carrie writing from her New York apartment about the
provoking conversation. I think people thrive in community
subjects we’re endlessly fascinated with; relationships and
and conversation, and I’m looking forward to interacting
sex, all the while looking impossibly fashionable. I fancied
here, on the blog and on the Facebook page. Pull up a chair,
that I too might become a columnist someday. And from my
pour your favorite beverage, and let’s dish. ❧
I’M ON FACEBOOK
BECOME A FAN
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humor. My goal is to bring some measure of each of these
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT
A
WOMAN’S LOVE By Kim Robinson
I
recently attended an event where the keynote speaker, after warmly
our unbridled, joyous state we shower those we love with kindness,
greeting everyone, said, “Ladies, listen up! The latest statistics show that
compassion, nurturing and care. We wrap our loved ones in a bubble
husbands are 90% more likely than wives to put their spouse into a care
of good intentions, prayers, sage words of wisdom and nourishment in
home if the spouse develops a chronic or life threatening illness. Women
various guises. We are often the hub of the family. It’s a weighty and
have officially been proven to be the mainstay caretakers in our society,
precious responsibility that we women hold, for our hands not only rock
hands down. So if you get sick, you’re going to a home!” The mainly
the cradle, they also help shape the world.
female audience broke out into peals of laughter, which seemed to shock
A mother’s love for her child often brings forth the essence of her
and surprise the male speaker and the smattering of chagrined males
true identity as a woman. The act of giving birth is heroic because it
in the room. The speaker seemed to think this would be shocking news
involves pain, and forces her to shift from a focus on ego to a focus on
to us all. However, we women have known for a very long time that we
facing the risks of life together with her newborn. In the excitement to
love in a way that defies common sense, logic or rational thought. We
see a brand-new baby we sometimes forget that a brand-new mother
love with our entire being. Mind, body, spirit, emotions: we are in it to
was born in that moment as well, a woman who now has an awakened
win it when it comes to love, and we will see it through with a tenacity
heart beating inside her chest. Profound, transcendent, selfless, unlimited
that amazes most men.
love pours out of the new mother in waves towards that tiny bit of
A woman’s heart is a precious thing. We all have the basic issue
humanity she’s just gifted to the world. How wonderful would it be if in
8 ounces of life force pumping muscle embedded in our chests, yet
that moment of triumph our mothers could lift us up to the heavens in
the energy that our hearts emit truly makes the world go round. In
Simba-like posture and proclaim their courage, pride and intentions ➤
Do you have a question for Kim?
Email your questions to kimrobinsonintuitive@gmail. com, and you may find your answers in the next edition of San Joaquin Woman magazine. Kim Robinson is an intuitive life coach 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. www.kimrobinsonintuitive.com 22
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
for us, flesh of their flesh, heart of their hearts. Women seem to know and understand the importance of their role in caring for their young, yet sadly not all mothers have been taught how to best love their child, nor are all mothers prepared to immediately step into a maternal role. Loving does not always guarantee that a child feels loved, nor that the relationship between mother and child will be a happy one. Mothers will do their best to provide us with a home, food, basic care and security, yet there are five crucial things that allow a child to grow into a loving, vibrant adult with good self-esteem, a healthy ego and who creates and sustains happiness and knows how to make relationships work. The mother who grew up with and knows how to give these gifts to her children is wise indeed. For those who did not receive these things in their own childhood, it is never too late to learn and share them with your own children. In his insightful book How to Be an Adult in Relationships, author and therapist David Richo teaches us about the Five As and the importance they play in our relationships throughout life:
1. Attention to the present moment; observing, listening, and noticing all the feelings at play in our relationships. 2. Acceptance of ourselves and others just as we are. 3. Appreciation of all our gifts, our limits, our longings, and our poignant human predicament. 4. Affection shown through holding and touching in respectful ways. 5. Allowing life and love to be just as they are, with all their ecstasy and ache, without trying to take control. When deeply understood and applied, these five simple concepts form the basis of mature love. They help us to move away from judgment, fear, and blame to a position of openness, compassion, and realism about life and relationships. When a mother gives and receives these five As, she can by example show her child how relationships become deeper and more meaningful, and how they become a ground for personal transformation. It’s every mother’s wish for her child as she lovingly guides them towards adulthood. Imagine with me, if you will, a world filled with people who have an enriched, happy, healthy existence where love flows and wisdom grows. A wonderful world where generations recognize and reap the legacy of a woman’s love. ❧
B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT
Preparing for Motherhood By Susan Pirie
W
hether you’re expecting your first or fourth child,
the months before your little one arrives will be spent preparing for the role of a lifetime: motherhood. Motherhood is an amazing journey that starts long before the birth of your baby. As a pre- and post-natal educator at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding new moms (and dads) on their journey to motherhood for over 30 years. If you’re expecting your first (or fourth) child, here are a few helpful things to consider along the way. ➤
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MAY 2013
A healthy, well-balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy. Eating
Exercise is important during pregnancy, and can even offset some of
enough protein, carbohydrates and whole grains is important for
the common discomforts that occur during pregnancy. Just 30 minutes
developing babies. However, you’ll make your head spin if you read too
of exercise a day can reduce backaches, bloating, and swelling, boost
much into what to eat and not eat during your pregnancy. Too many
your mood, build strength, and help you sleep better. And trust me, you’ll
new moms go crazy on the Internet reading message boards, blogs,
want to get as much sleep as you can before your new baby arrives!
and articles. There are no easy solutions or anecdotes for what you
Walking, swimming, and light aerobics are excellent exercise options
should or shouldn’t eat, and how much you should consume. Most
for future moms.
of this is specific to your body type and the way it functions. Future
Your pregnancy is also a great time to start exploring the
moms obviously should stay away from alcohol, and decrease caffeine
option of breastfeeding. It’s proven that moms who seek education
consumption. If you are concerned about what to eat or not eat, talk to
on breastfeeding during their pregnancy are more successful in
your physician or a nutritionist; he or she can give you a diet specific to
breastfeeding their babies. St. Joseph’s Medical Center, the county’s first
your body’s needs.
Baby-Friendly hospital, provides incredible support and education for
While nutrition is a big concern for future moms, one thing that most
new moms interested in breastfeeding. Both mom and baby benefit from
women have a hard time coming to terms with is the weight gain that
breastfeeding; your little one receives optimal nutrients, antibodies, and
comes with pregnancy. You’re going to put on more weight than you
easier digestion from breast milk while you burn more calories, lower
might be used to, but this is all part of providing for your little one. A
your risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and save money by breastfeeding.
normal-weight woman should gain about 30 pounds during pregnancy.
In addition to breastfeeding, new moms should start making a
To help future moms feel more comfortable about this weight gain,
birthing plan. This is the best way to ensure that the birth of your little one is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Things to begin thinking
here’s how it breaks down:
• • • • • • • •
Baby – 7.5 pounds Amniotic Fluid – 2 pounds Placenta – 1.5 pounds Uterus – 2 pounds Breasts – 2 pounds Body Fluids – 4 pounds Blood – 4 pounds Maternal stores of fat, protein, and other nutrients – 7 pounds
Susan Pirie
RNC-OB, CCE, IBCLC, St. Joseph’s Prenatal Education Coordinator
about and include are birthing options, use of pain medication, and who you want to have with you during the birth of your child. And finally, it is incredibly helpful to learn about the realities of a caring for a newborn. Start asking your parents or friends with children about their experience. The more experience and education you soak in before your baby arrives, the more prepared you’ll be. Part of this is finding a support group during your pregnancy – find people that can be there for you before and after your baby is born. The birth of a baby is an experience to cherish. While the journey there might seem arduous, don’t forget to stop and savor it. To all of you expecting and new moms: congratulations, you’re in for the time of your life. ❧
St. Joseph’s offers free and comprehensive childbirth and parenthood preparatory classes. For more information on these classes, call 209-461-5213 or visit www.StJosephsCares.org/Baby.
Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
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B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT
Loving our Children with Good Nutrition W
e no longer live a Leave it to Beaver lifestyle where moms are home
all day, cleaning, taking care of the home and cooking healthy, nutritious meals from scratch. Moms these days have a heavy schedule, and even children have heavy schedules that moms need to coordinate. It is no wonder that families resort to fast food for their meals, sometimes many days of the week. There really isn’t time to even think about the detrimental effects – it’s enough, most of the time, to just decide which fast food restaurant to go to, to fill the bellies of hungry children who are coming from or going to the next class, game or event. But maybe it is time to give some thought to the adverse effect of this kind of lifestyle. Childhood obesity, young people with diabetes, heart disease, cancer and even the high incidence of skin disorders, including acne, are clues that this lifestyle is not conducive to good health. Not only for what it is doing to children now, but setting a pattern for their future lifestyles and eating habits. ➤
By Eunice Green, NHD
26
MAY 2013
and making the decisions on what to cook.
It is amazing how little children know about
their child. Why not spend some additional time
food; many think that French fries are a vegetable
now on prevention and establishing good habits.
Chop up some raw vegetables and put them
and that home cooking means putting something
So how do we make these changes without it
in the cooler with some fruit – put it in the car, and
in the microwave.
being incredibly overwhelming?
have something ready for healthy snacks before a
Moms are not doing this to intentionally harm
It does take some planning and sometimes a
game or a class. Add some bottles of water so
their children; many are not even totally aware
little education. In this day and age, we have so
you aren’t tempted to go to a drive-thru for a
of the harm bad diets are causing. Yet ignorance
many tools and resources available. Can’t cook?
soda because someone is complaining of thirst.
and avoidance do not eradicate the harm. No one
No excuse – if you can read, you can cook. There
Yes, it does take some time, but mom’s health
wants to think that what they are doing is setting
are so many healthy cookbooks available, and the
will improve as well, and her energy will increase.
their children up for future pain and suffering.
internet is also a great resource.
A multivitamin for mom and kids is also a
Fixing healthy meals can take some additional
How about throwing fruits, vegetables and a
wonderful idea; but remember, a supplement with
time. But the time spent now can save the time it
protein powder in the blender in the morning, and
a bad diet is still a bad diet. The foods we eat
will take later, attempting to “fix” these problems.
making a great tasting smoothie?
are the most important; they supply the fuel, the
And fixing health problems, taking a child to the
Crockpots are a great tool to use. Set it up in
doctor, for tests, treatments etc. can be very time-
the morning and come home to a delicious hot
consuming and difficult to fit into a schedule, but
meal.
energy and the nutrition that keeps disease from forming. Let’s get our children – our future generation –
this can also be a financial challenge. Any parent
Need some quality time with your children?
on the road to good health, and more aware of
would do anything, spend any amount of time
Get them involved and teach them how to cook.
what it takes to prevent health challenges by
and money, to alleviate a sickness or disease for
Let them help with the planning, finding recipes
eating the right foods. ❧
209 M OM S
H
ello! Well, great. What if the introduction to my
introduction is more exciting than me? Pressure!
28
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By HEATHER mompean
bonus three adult children, are my world. If any of them were to relocate to the moon, I would miss them.
So about me. I am a mom, wife, employee, business
My husband is a pretty neat guy. He, like me, does not
owner and blogger. I have basically given up sleeping, as it
know how to say no to any of his passions. He works full-
gets in the way of all the above. Plus, I drink a lot of coffee.
time as a marriage family therapist by day, and a musician
A lot of coffee.
on the weekends. He is in TWO bands. One wasn’t enough.
I have a 7-year-old daughter and a 2.5-month-old son.
I think he is trying to escape the family. Since he does not
I love them to the moon and back. That does not mean
drink coffee, do dishes or vacuum, he still has time to sleep.
that there aren’t moments when I want to send them to
Mr. Mompean is also my best friend. We have made
the moon. Since flights into space are still just a tad too
our marriage work for 16 years, and both of us are willing
pricey, the alternative is to enjoy the heck out of them,
to commit to at least another 5. Then we’ll see how it
which I do, most of the time.
goes. I love him entirely. That does not mean that every
Sarah is a second-grader, and is currently working on
day is a good day – it’s just that our commitment to each
some really hard math that may require me to hire a tutor
other holds a little more weight than a mid-day argument
for myself so that I can help her with homework. Elijah
about why he doesn’t do dishes.
is in daycare, and is becoming quite adept at stacking,
When I am not working, giving the kids a bath, or
racing, throwing, and “vrooming” little toy cars across
working with my photography clients, I am at the computer
ANY surface, including my once expensive, pre-children,
writing about life and community. That is how Mom About
inlaid wood coffee table. These two kiddos, along with my
The Town was started. I wanted to write in a way that ➤
connects with other women, wives and moms
just reasonably acceptable, grab a cup of coffee
about this crazy life. I like the community aspect
and let’s hang out together. If you like what you
because I think if we all feel connected to one
read here, and think we’d be good friends, you
another, it’s a whole lot easier to support each
can learn more about me here: ❧
other. Plus, Mom About The Town gives me an excuse to take more pictures and do a lot of shopping. A lot of shopping. My goal with the Mom About The Town column is to provide reading enjoyment
Clickity on over to the bloggity: www.momaboutthetown.com
that will have us laughing, crying, living and learning together. Topics can range from the horrifying moment my kids heard their uncle use the “S” word to featuring the greatness of all the free resources available to enjoy at the local library. Sometimes I get a little deeper in thought by having super-real discussions about super-real life. The sky’s the limit! So, if this also sounds good to you, or even
Join in on Facebook: www.facebook.com/momaboutthetown Heather Mompean is a graduate of University of San Francisco with a B.S. in Organizational Behavior and M.A. in Counseling Psychology. She is a published photographer and writer and enjoys long walks on the beach, coffee, and her family.
FEATURE
When
sandals outlast summer article and photos By Charleen Earley
Q
uality shoes and sandals are difficult to find these days, but if
you’re shopping at Stride Rite at the Sherwood Mall in Stockton. With 30 years in the business of children’s shoes, you could almost call owner Henry Meester a cobbler. He owns two Stride Rite stores (the other in Modesto), measures every kid’s feet, and knows pretty much everything about children’s shoes, especially their most popular summer footwear, the Salt Water Sandals. “The soles are indestructible, which makes them so popular,” said Meester of Ripon, who now helps design some of the latest colors and patterns. “That’s the foundation of this business – the quality and durability. And they’re comfortable, too!” ➤
30
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
MAY 2013
He said the sandals are waterproof, and the
couldn’t copy the quality or durability, only the
buckles, rustproof. Believe it or not, the sandals
look. Girls started to ask ‘are these real Salt
will basically outlast summer, and with their
Water Sandals?’ So I had the logo placed on the
signature stitching and special coating over the
top for authenticity,” said Meester, whose four
leather, ocean salt water can’t have its way with
grandkids also wear Salt Water Sandals.
deterioration. “What we find is, the sandals usually get passed down to the next child!”
Stride Rite was the first to carry the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) grant of
Salt Water Sandal sizes range from simply
its Seal of Acceptance for several styles of their
adorable (baby size 3) to fabulous (women,
baby shoes. Meester says what sets them apart
size 11), and are made exclusively for Meester
from all other shoe stores is their knowledge
in the U.S.A. from a company called Hoy Shoe
and service.
Company in St. Louis. He said the logo name of
“We hear people say all the time, ‘whoa,
“Salt Water” was recently engraved on the top
this is the way it used to be!’” said Meester.
of each sandal for a reason.
“I’ve always stayed in the children’s shoe
“Several years ago Nordstrom and Mervyn’s went to Brazil and copied the pattern but
business, because by fitting children in quality footwear, it makes a difference.” ❧
STRIDE RITE 5308 Pacific Avenue • Stockton 209-957-4509 www.striderite.com
Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
31
BEAUTY
Choosing the Right edding Makeup Artist
W
By Leah Myers
M
akeup style is very personal, and wedding
makeup is not the same thing as an everyday look.
using your own favorite items for the big day.
The photos will last a lifetime, and every bride wants
An alternative to looking for a makeup artist via
to look like a better version of herself on the day she
the Internet is searching at your local department
gets married. Everyone has an individual preference
store or through friends and family. Many makeup
when it comes to colors, brands and application
artists who work for retail cosmetics lines, such
method. A makeup look conveys much about the
as MAC, Chanel and Estee Lauder also work as
person, and it is especially important for a bride to
freelance makeup artists in their free time. It is fairly
exude her distinct personal style and taste on her
common for major cosmetics lines to
wedding day.
offer free in-store makeovers, and if
Wedding season is here, and when searching for
32
any certain brand of cosmetics, or feel free to suggest
you like the final result, that is
a local makeup artist, the Internet is usually the best
the time to inquire about
place to start looking for information. Makeup artists
outside services. YouTube
who show before-and-after photos of previous
offers countless makeup
clients on their web site make it easy to gauge skill
application tips, and is an
level. It is quite easy to get a sense of the artist’s style
excellent source for viewing
and ability by looking at a professional portfolio;
makeup tutorials. As a bonus,
however a “trial run,” ideally scheduled six to nine
the exact products used
months before the wedding date, is truly the only
in the video are usually
way to know for sure if the artist’s personality and
listed at the end.
skills are a good match for the client. During the trial
Recently, I had the
makeover, feel free to ask the artist if he/she prefers
chance to speak with ➤
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
Lia Negrete, a San Francisco-based wedding hair and makeup artist, who shared some advice for women who are preparing for their big day. The first one is to bring your wedding dress with you to the trial makeover (or photos of the dress) so the artist can get a sense of the overall look and style the bride wants. It can also be helpful to bring in magazine photos of makeup looks that you want to replicate on the day of the trial run makeover. A professional makeup artist understands the difference between everyday makeup and makeup used in photography. There is a fine line, and the key is to wear enough makeup so the photos capture the right amount of color without appearing overly made up. Fees will vary from person to person, yet some things are negotiable. For instance, if the bride includes her wedding party in the services, they could potentially offer an all-inclusive price for a certain number of people. After you have chosen a makeup artist, closely review the details in the contract agreement – such as a timeline of when the makeup artist will arrive to set up on the scheduled event date, when he or she will begin makeup, and a list of each person who wants hair and makeup services. Coordinate this information with the photographer and makeup artist so that he/she knows when to be ready for photo sessions, and then all the bride has to do is calmly slip into her dress and smile. �