real local moms
since 2005
Lane County | February / March 2021
COVER MOM
CELEBRATE
BIRTHDAYS
MEGAN WARREN
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
IN PANDEMIC TIMES
LARGE PRIZE WALL FOR A JOB WELL DONE! • 15 years experience in
the dental field
• birth to 16 years old • accepting all insurances • offering sedation dentistry • awesome monthly
prize drawings
• all new state-of-the-art
dental equipment
• lobby treehouse
with slide
• coffee bar •
fun, fun, fun
Dr. Erin Estep
Treehouse Kids Dentist provides the highest quality pediatric dentistry in an incredibly warm, friendly, and fun environment. We are committed to giving you and your child the very best care in a welcoming and playful manner.
1611 J Street Springfield, OR • 541-515-6631 • office@treehousekidsdental.com 2 mommag.com
mommag.com 2
It’s what‘s
Spruce up your space
19
Meet the MOM experts ... 4 They know what they’re talking about
Because I said so............... 5 A message from MOM
Vacation MOM................... 6 Get Ready to Travel!
Cover MOM: Megan Warren ................10
inside that counts
Celebrate Black History Month 24
Birthdays in pandemic times 28
Spruce up your space.........................19
Birthdays in pandemic times..............28
A refreshing change can bring a much-needed
How to make the day special, even if it’s just for your quaranteam.
dopamine squirt.
Celebrate Black History Month ................ 24 Audiobooks for families to share during Black History Month and beyond.
This mom gets real
1
More ways to love your MOM mommag.com facebook.com/ lovemommag info@mommag.com We love hearing from you. Email us with feedback, story ideas or nominations.
Cover MOM
10
Photos by Fremouw Photography
CONGRATULATIONS to the Eugene Family YMCA, winner of the 2021 MOM Magazine Community Impact Award. For more information about the Eugene Family YMCA, see their ad on page 26.
Advertise today Want to get the word out about your business? Contact Linda Blair at linda@mommag.com mommag.com 3
meet the
experts
[They know what they’re talking about]
Vacation MOM™
Focus on MOM™
Smile™
with Dr. David Hackett, pediatric optometrist, page 8
with Dr. Erin Estep, pediatric dentist, page 18
Beyond the bin™
Organized MOM™
with Sarah Grimm, waste reduction specialist, page 9
with Megan Warren, professional organizer, page 26
with Donnita Bassinger, travel agent, page 6
“May your coffee be stronger than your toddler.
“
— Just about every mom
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Say Cheese™ with Dr. Brad Chvatal, orthodontist, page 17
EDITOR'S NOTE
Because I said so! Published by GO Creative, LLC 263 29th Avenue SW Albany, OR 97322 Editor-in-Chief Managing Director Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250 Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036 Designer Sean Carver
MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2021 All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited. Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice. Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.
WE NEED A NEW WORD FOR COMMUNITY. For decades I’ve been searching for a good synonym for the word community. Sure, there’s village, hamlet, populace, society, and so forth, but none of these words hit the spot for its meaning as we use it today. Community has come to mean more than just a group of people in one geographical location: it’s how people are braided together in a goal of strengthening the quality of life for their members. We publish our magazines in the mid-size city locations of Eugene, the Midvalley and Salem, which are places large enough that you won’t know everyone at the grocery store, but you’re likely to run into at least one person you do. When something goes wrong in our communities, you could say we feel it more acutely than big cities. The wildfires this past September are a perfect example: Thousands of people and animals had to be evacuated, and many families lost their homes and belongings, in a crisis within the crisis of a pandemic. The helpers appeared, offering up their homes, barns and donated items. Many nonprofit agencies are working as helpers constantly, in times of crisis and in calm, like the winners of our Community in Action award. We give this award to nonprofits that actively improve the lives of women and families, right here where we live. This year’s winners are:
Salem winner: The Salvation Army Ray &
I could wax poetic about how crucial these organizations are to their respective locations. The Eugene YMCA stepped up to provide childcare for first responders and essential workers who found themselves scrambling when the pandemic hit. The Kroc Center served meals to wildfire evacuees and responders. The Corvallis Schools Foundation has helped students and teachers in a pandemic year that has thrown everyone a curveball. And this is just a small fraction of the hard work they do everyday to make our — here’s that word again — communities better. We thank them, and as winners of this award, their ad will appear in their location’s magazines throughout this year. It’s their names that should be in the thesaurus as synonyms for community, for they embody the true meaning of the word.
Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
Audrey Meier DeKam
Midvalley winner: Corvallis Public
Editor-in-Chief
Schools Foundation
Eugene winner: The Eugene Family YMCA
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Get Ready to Travel! IT HAS BEEN A LONG YEAR SINCE MOST OF US HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TAKE A VACATION, AND THE WORLD OF TRAVEL HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY.
M
ANY THINGS have changed, so planning ahead and being prepared will make for a great vacation in 2021. Here are some things you can do to make your vacation safe and fun.
Buyer Beware This is not the time to grab the first internet deal you see advertised. Unfortunately, there are many scam artists ready to take advantage of the pent-up demand. There are also legitimate travel companies that may not survive until you take your vacation, so paying too far in advance is not a good idea.
Travel Insurance It’s always been a good idea to purchase travel insurance, especially for trips outside of the U.S. Because of the pandemic, it is necessary that everyone has proper insurance coverage. A comprehensive policy provides coverage for issues such as trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, bankruptcy of suppliers and emergency assistance. Some international destinations require that visitors have travel insurance to cover medical expenses. Regular health insurance policies usually do not provide coverage outside of the United States. A professional travel agent can assist you with travel insurance policies to find the best option for you.
Airline Tickets One of the only silver linings to come out of the pandemic is that all major airlines have revoked the change fees (previously between $125 and $350 per ticket) on their regular tickets for domestic and international travel. This does not include their basic economy discounted tickets, 6 mommag.com
although there may be some exceptions. Always be leery of basic economy type tickets, and read all fine print. Many times, they do not allow carry-on bags, and no changes for any reason, no pre-assigned seats and other restrictions. If the airlines cancel a flight, they are to give you a refund, but you have to ask for it and they do not make it easy. Do not expect a refund if you choose to cancel a reservation. The airline will hold on to the amount you paid for your tickets to be used as a credit for future travel, usually within one to two years. You do not have to travel to the same place, just use the same airline.
Tours/Cruise Lines/Hotels Travel suppliers have different policies regarding changes or cancellation. In general, if the company cancels a trip, you should get a refund. If you cancel a trip or are unable to travel due to government restrictions, you may only get a credit for a future trip. Some companies are making it easy to change plans. It is especially important to read the fine print in regards to cancellations and refunds.
Passports & Real ID Oregon will begin requiring either a passport or a driver license with “Real ID� as of Oct. 1, 2021 for boarding all airline flights. The Real ID requires a new driver license, presenting extensive paperwork at the DMV and paying $70 for renewing a license with Real ID. It is much easier to get a passport, as they are good for 10 years and the cost is $145. You need a passport to travel to anywhere outside of the U.S. It can take 3 months or longer to get a passport processed, so start the process early.
Book through a pro The services of a professional travel agent are more important than ever to help you navigate the post-pandemic world of travel. A skilled agent will have your personal safety as their top concern. The safety of your investment of time and money is a priority when choosing travel suppliers. Finding the perfect combination for the vacation you have dreamed about is the ultimate goal.
CONGRATULATIONS to the Eugene Airport for being recognized as one of the top Airports of the Year by the TSA!
STAY UPDATED WITH THE LATEST OFFICIAL INFORMATION U.S. Department of State travel.state.gov go to Covid-19 Alerts Centers for Disease Control cdc.gov/travel Passports usa.gov/passport Oregon Real ID oregon.gov/realID
Brought to you by:
MEET VACATION MOM
TM
Donnita Bassinger has been a travel agent for three decades and enjoys sending families on vacations around the world. She lives in Oregon with her husband and three boys, is the owner of VIP Vacations and is an active volunteer with local organizations. Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 or on
@VacationMOMpage
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YOUR BABY NEEDS AN EYE EXAM No one is born with 20/20 eyesight. Seeing this level of detail develops when each eye has the opportunity to send strong, clear images to the brain. Examination by an eye care specialist as early as 6 - 12 months of age can identify factors that can interfere with this process. Amblyopia — often called lazy eye — is the most common cause of preventable visual loss in children. Often, parents learn of these conditions when their child is old enough to explain their symptoms. But these and other conditions are much easier to treat if caught early. Our office is equipped to detect, improve and resolve amblyopia at any age. “Piratepatching” is no longer the preferred treatment, as many eye turns can now be improved or resolved without surgery.
We offer no-cost eye exams for babies 6 - 12 months, as part of Infantsee.org.
Brought to you by: David A. Hackett, OD, FCOVD Lifetime Eye Care a division of Sterling Vision 4765 Village Plaza Loop Eugene, Oregon (541) 342-3100 or 866-4EYELUV sterlingvision.com
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Parents sometimes think that exams provided by schools are enough. Unfortunately, there are conditions not adequately caught by screenings at the pediatrician’s office or school, and may initially show no abnormal signs to the parents. Photoscreeners can miss this condition more than 24% of the time, and amblyopia is not the only condition of concern. This is why it is so important to schedule a vision exam for your baby, and continue comprehensive, well-child vision exams annually as your child grows into adulthood. Sources: Gunton. Advances in amblyopia: What have we learned from PEDIG trials? Pediatrics Peterseim, Papa, Wilson, et al. The effectiveness of the Spot Vision Screener in detecting amblyopia risk factors. Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Avoid expensive disposable cleaning wipes Pretreated cleaning wipes cost three to four times more than the product sold in liquid or spray form.
Brought to you by:
After their single use, disposable cleaning wipes add to your garbage costs — or much worse if you’ve been flushing them. Even if labeled “flushable,” these synthetic cloth products do not degrade and can cause serious problems for your city’s waste water systems. Finally, the environmental costs of manufacturing all these wipes are significant given the air, water and greenhouse gas pollutants caused by the factories that produce them.
SARAH GRIMM
Sarah Grimm is the Waste Reduction Specialist for Lane County Public Works. She is an avid gardener, flyfisher and lover of the great outdoors.
A simple solution: just cut up old towels and T-shirts to the perfect size for easy-to-use cloth wipes. Keep them in a handy location and spray, wipe and clean as needed. Toss in with other laundry loads, and repeat — over and over, with no waste. For more information and ideas on greener cleaning, search “Lane County greener cleaners” online or call 541-682-4120 to request a paper copy.
Eugene Montessori School Educating for a better world since 1962. A quality Montessori education for children 3 through kindergarten. The individualized curriculum includes music and P.E., snacks and a wholesome hot lunch.
Call for a tour! Eugene Montessori School 2255 Oakmont Way 541.345.7124 eugenemontessorischool.com
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MEGAN WARREN
Photos by Fremouw Photography
This mom of two and professional organizer is a whirlwind of productivity, in her own home and for others. Just don’t ask her to cook.
Family
Husband: Craig Warren, sales Children: Archer, age 11, and Scarlotte, age 8 Community: Monroe
Profession: Professional Organizer
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Family comes first. All families are unique. Tell us about yours. I met my husband, Craig, in the spring of 2006. On our first date, he made me cajun shrimp and hush puppies and had the most adorable southern accent. I was smitten from the start and we were married less than a year later. I loved traveling to the south to visit his family with him and exploring the outdoors (hunting, fishing and camping) of Oregon with him when we were at home. Our son Archer was born two years later, and our daughter Scarlotte was born three years after that, making our family perfectly complete. We have two dogs: a giant, lovable chocolate lab named Buck and a sassy miniature Aussie named Daisy. And last but not least, our unnamed freshwater shark that we have somehow managed to keep alive for almost 9 years. When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I’m pretty sure I was born wanting to be a mom, because I can’t remember ever not wanting to be one. I always had baby dolls, would hold any baby I could get my hands on in church growing up and literally could not get enough time with my nieces and nephew once they were born. Do you think that parenting is easier or more challenging than when you were growing up? I think it’s more challenging now. Kids have access to so much information 24/7 and so many influences we didn’t have growing up.
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MOMs Love Local We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite… …shop to pick up a gift for friend: Real Deals on Home Decor, Eugene …coffee spot: Max Porter’s Coffeehouse, Junction City …view or scenic lookout: Crater Lake …spot to get a good workout: A long country road… I love walking. …place to treat yourself to a mani/pedi, massage or other personal service: A facial with Jenny at Studio Luxe, at Reflections in Coburg …restaurant to take the kids: Benny’s Pizza Joint, Monroe …restaurants for a date night: Long Timber Brewing, Monroe …take-out, food truck or quick bite: Junction City Beer Station, Junction City …event in your community: Junction City Soroptimist Fiesta De Mayo
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QA Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments? When my friend told me that my son was the only kid that helped clean up at her son’s birthday party.
What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do? (skip showers, go to a drive through in your pjs, etc.)? I have always loved the entire process of laundry, from washing to folding to ironing to putting it all away. Nothing feels better than having all laundry tackled, even if it only lasts a total of 5 seconds! But sometimes life takes over and I actually leave laundry in the washer overnight, and this never happened before I had kids. In what way are your children like you? How are they different? My son is naturally organized, neat and tidy, and my daughter is emotional and passionate like me. You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “_________.” Because I said so! Your biggest wish for your kids is… For them to be content with their choices in life and to have a close relationship with each other. I tell them all the time that friends will come and go but you will always have your brother or sister.
No one works harder than mom. We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks? I’m a very routine person and I schedule the heck out of every day. I keep my calendar handy at all times and what doesn’t get checked off my to-do list today, gets moved to the top of tomorrow’s list.
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I never stop moving until it’s time to fall into bed (just my personality), but if we have an extremely busy schedule, cleaning my house (especially scrubbing the showers) falls way far down into the deepest cracks. Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I have always had a soft place in my heart for helping other women. I love the Miss America Organization because of all it did for me. The scholarships I earned competing in it paid for my education and the interview skills I learned are priceless, and I have always tried to stay involved with it, whether it be with a local program or being a judge. I also am a member of Soroptimist International of Junction City, and the programs it supports are amazing for the women in the community. What have you learned professionally, that has helped you as a mom? Time management and to consider other ideas.
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy. Tell us about your community/upbringing growing up. How did it shape the mother you are today? My parents never missed an activity or sports event for my sisters or myself. My upbringing taught me the importance of being present for my kids and supporting them in whatever they are passionate about. What is special about where you grew up? I was born and raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon. It is a beautiful southern Oregon community with a small town feel. I grew up surrounded by my close-knit family and we spent our time camping, fishing and hunting. It will always be my hometown even if I consider another town my home. What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? To give 100% no matter what you are doing or how much you like doing it. What is something you will NEVER do again? Eat boiled peanuts. When did you realize you were no longer a child? The first time I paid a bill.
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“
My parents never missed an activity or sports event for my sisters or myself. My upbringing taught me the importance of being present for my kids and supporting them in whatever they are passionate about.
”
When was the last time you did something for the first time? A few months ago, I put on my big girl chef’s hat and cooked a tri-tip on the grill for my husband. It was a complete miracle that it turned out delicious. I’m pretty sure even my children were in shock! What are three words your best friend would use to describe you? She gave me four (of course I had to ask her): organized, genuine, classy and beautiful.
'
MOM s Favorite... …place to find some peace & quiet: Soaking in the sun on a beach, while reading and sipping on a bushwacker. …binge-worthy TV: The Crown …way to get out of making dinner: I just don’t…thank goodness Craig is the chef in our house. …inspirational quote: Be happy with what you have, while working for what you want. …time-saving app or digital tool: My iPhone. It’s my lifeline.
What are three words your kids would use to describe you? Was curious what they would say versus what I thought they would say…My prediction was cuddly, hard-working and giving. Archer said beautiful, loving and hard-working and Scarlotte described me as kind, pretty and helpful. That warmed my mamma heart! What is the quality you like most about yourself? My work ethic. If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be? Definitely eyes in the back of my head (I feel so dishonest when I use this one on my kids). What’s your superpower? Organizing and decluttering, of course! What’s in your mom purse right now? A lot of unused hand sanitizer (I always forget I have it). If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Multitasking. Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. Coffee and Advocare Spark.
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Tell us something about you that would surprise your kids (or your husband). I have always wanted to write a book. It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do? Turn on a Hallmark movie (the sappier the better) and scrapbook. What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? Pinterest…I can’t get enough ideas for organizing. What is the best way that you let off steam? Walking in the early morning. What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?) Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte, but it’s seasonal and only offered in November/December, so I am officially having withdrawals.
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What is your greatest extravagance? Pretty cowboy boots. Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? My clients: watching them grow and learn to live simply and be organized makes me want to be a better person.
Listen to mom. Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? It’s so much better than I expected it would be, but school at home (thanks, COVID) was definitely my biggest surprise. Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My mother, grandmothers, sisters, friends and my children. What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? Let it go!
What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? Take care of me first so I can be a better mom and wife. What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Find friends that you can talk to about anything…being a mom is not for the weary, we carry HUGE loads at all times. We all have down, stressful emotional moments raising our children and helping them through different struggles, but there will always be someone else that has been through the same or very similar challenge. Sharing your burdens and struggles may help them and they very likely will have advice for what got them through the tough moments.
Say Cheese
™
A “Rey” of Sunshine Program Dr. Chvatal and super dog Rey.
HOW ONE EUGENE ORTHODONTIST IS PROVIDING SMILES TO THOSE IN NEED. We believe everyone should be able to have their best smile, and our Rey of Sunshine Program is a gift we can share with the world.
I
n the past we provided free braces to individuals whose needs came to our attention. Last year we decided to be more purposeful in how those needs are met, which is how the Rey of Sunshine program began. We gave away 12 free orthodontic treatments to deserving individuals in the community last year, and we intend to do so each year going forward. We have been blessed by our community, and this is a great way we can give back.
How do I nominate someone? We open nominations twice per year for this program. Think of your friend, family member, neighbor, kid from school — someone who could benefit from orthodontic care but just doesn’t have the means for it. For more information, visit eugenebraces.com and watch our Facebook page at facebook.com/chvatalorthodontics/ for updates on nominations.
How did we name the program? Rey is Dr. Chvatal’s golden cream retriever dog, and she brings sunshine to everyone she meets. She’s kind, gentle and loves belly rubs from everyone, especially new patients in the office. When you see her, you can’t help but to smile — and maybe even laugh a little, too. So, we named this great program after her.
How can I help? We offer adopt-a-Rey stuffed animals and merchandise with 100% of the profits supporting the Rey of Sunshine program. You can also help by sharing this information with anyone you know who might benefit from this program.
The benefits of straight teeth go beyond looks. Straight teeth are easier to clean. Crooked teeth offer more places for plaque to hide, which can lead to cavities. When we align teeth, we address bite problems that can lead to uneven wear, especially for teeth grinders. Additionally, orthodontic care helps improve issues such as sleep apnea, TMJ pain, headaches and migraines.
Brought to you by:
(541) 683-8490 • EugeneBraces.com 1400 Valley River Drive, 240, Eugene • 1130 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove
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something to smile about
TM
THE NO CAVITY CLUB When it comes to children’s teeth, fluoride is a common concern for parents Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that has been scientifically shown to lower decay rates by over 50% when added to a community water supply. When not added to the water supply, it is important for parents to choose toothpastes that contain fluoride because it inhibits the loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encourages remineralization (or a hardening of enamel). Fluoride also breaks down the bacteria that cause cavities, disrupting the acid attacks that harm teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using a fluoride toothpaste the moment the first tooth appears in the mouth. For children less than 3 years of age, use a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste, twice daily. For children ages 3 - 6 years, a pea-size amount is recommended. It is acceptable for your child to swallow this amount of toothpaste. If your community water supply lacks fluoride, your child’s pediatrician or dentist may recommend fluoride supplements, often added to your child’s multivitamin.
Brought to you by: Dr. Erin Estep is a board-certified pediatric dentist who owns Treehouse Kids Dentist in Springfield. She and her staff are committed to making sure your child has an amazing, safe, memorable dental experience.
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treehousekidsdental.com 1611 J street Springfield, OR 541-515-6631 office@treehousekidsdental.com
SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE In life before kids, your home was used, but we bet it wasn’t nearly to the degree it was after kids came along. Some might even call it abused, what with the boogers wiped on walls and toys flushed down toilets.
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A
long comes a pandemic with all of us staying at home, and most of us have just been trying to keep the trains on the tracks in terms of feeding the kids, much less being able to stay on top of chores. Still, a refreshing change can bring a muchneeded dopamine squirt. And sprucing up your space doesn’t have to be arduous, especially if you focus on just one area. Small changes can go a surprisingly long way in bringing you delight.
Treat yourself to... A new door mat can perk up your day. Try Etsy.com for truly funny ones. A new shower curtain. Goodbye moldy oldy, hello fresh and clean.
A new end table. Or, upcycle one with new hardware or paint. A new desk light, mouse pad or fun notebook for your home work space. Finally, something just for you. A new area rug: have you tried the popular washable kinds? Do tell.
New sheets. Oh, heavenly new sheets! If you really want to spoil yourself, try Somnvie.com for the ultimate luxury brand. If you’re not as ambitious as all those Tik Tokers stripping their bath towels, new towels are divine in their fluffy goodness. The older ones can be demoted to grunge towels. Do away with the unfocused kitchen hand towels and commit to a color or theme in new ones.
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New cleaning products. This is the equivalent of getting new workout clothes to motivate yourself to exercise. Marley’s Monsters is based in Eugene with online sales of a wide variety of earth-friendly cleaning products. Your online cart will burst with colors and cuteness.
Fresh flowers perk up a place instantly. So do greens cut from your backyard: try a clear vase with one or three sprigs of greenery.
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The rule of 3S And also 5s, 7s and 9s
Home stylists use this philosophy all the time. It’s simple: items look better in 3s because apparently our brains are drawn to oddnumbered arrangements. Consider a tablescape with three small plant arrangements. Or a shelf with three candlesticks, in varying heights. Try it with wall art, throw pillows, a personal collection, and more.
Change up the vibe in any room by...
Rearranging the furniture. Adding a plant. Or, re-potting a few plants using the Rule of 3s. Painting an accent wall. One mom we know is doing this with glitter paint. So sparkly! Taking out an art piece and swapping it for something different from another room. Switching out a builder’s grade light fixture for something more you. Mini chandelier, anyone? Mixing up the throw pillows. Getting new pillow covers is an inexpensive way to try a trend like geometric shapes. Making it smell nice: use up older cinnamon, cloves and other fragrant spices by adding them to a few cups of water on simmer. Throw an orange slice in there, too.
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When it s safe to do so, consider hiring the pros for...
Carpet and upholstery cleaning: Sure, you can do it yourself, but the pros are faster and have better equipment. Duct cleaner (tip: tell them the age of your house and furnace before they come over, as the duct work in some older homes may not be eligible.) Grout cleaning: have you seen the before and after images online? Have a look and enjoy the scroll hole.
Use a sunny day to... Open the windows and bring in the fresh air. Stale air is gross, plus it’s not healthy.
ULTIMATE GRAY
Wash one window. Just one. Stand back and become so inspired, you do another… and another.
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Run the self-clean cycle on the oven. This can get stinky, so do it on a day you can ventilate. Shake out your pet’s bedding. Washing leashes and toys is another way to love on your favorite child (because they never give you sass).
ILLUMINATING
Did you know?
Sweep the front entrance of your home, all the while soaking up some much-needed vitamin D.
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...sprucing up your space doesn’t have to be arduous, especially if you focus on just one area. Small changes can go a surprisingly long way in bringing you delight. 22 mommag.com
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Every year, the Pantone Color Institute selects a color of the year. For 2021, they chose two colors: the yellow evokes cheer and happiness, and the gray is associated with composure, steadiness and resilience.
[ Momism
#77: Look with your eyes, not your hands.
]
Let Vacation MOM Plan Your Dream Vacation! Family Vacations Romantic Getaways Cruises All Inclusive Resorts Disney Vacations
Donnita Bassinger VIP Vacations, Inc. 541-913-5272 Facebook: Vacation MOM mommag.com 23
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
03:45
Chapter 1
10:30
AUDIOBOOKS FOR FAMILIES TO SHARE DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND BEYOND HAD ENOUGH SCREEN TIME? US TOO. ENJOY HAVING A STORY READ TO YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN WITH AUDIOBOOKS. CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH THESE TITLES, CURATED BY GUEST CONTRIBUTOR BERTA HIGGINS.
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TROMBONE SHORTY Troy Andrews, Bryan Collier (illustrator), read by Angela Bassett Recommended ages: all In this autobiographical story, we follow Troy as he pursues his dream of becoming a musician. Through Angela Bassett’s masterful reading we experience the unique culture and sound of New Orleans.
StoryLineOnline.net
AS FAST AS WORDS COULD FLY Pamela M. Tuck, Eric Velasquez (illustrator), read by Dulé Hill Recommended ages: Grades 3 - 5 Mason Steele is an intelligent boy living in a time of social unrest and civil rights activism. He is able to handle the prejudice he faces with dignity and maturity. Listen to the clickety-clack of his typewriter as he learns that we can create positive change in the world simply by being our very best selves. StoryLineOnline.net
A COMPUTER CALLED KATHERINE Suzanne Slade & Veronica Miller Jamison Recommended ages: Grades K - 4 Katherine Johnson, also featured in the movie “Hidden Figures,” was a girl who broke racial and gender stereotypes. Her prodigious mathematical ability led her to become an American legend as she worked for NASA’s space programs. Girls and boys will be inspired to reach for the stars as they listen to this biographical tale.
OverDrive
CLAYTON BYRD GOES UNDERGROUND Rita Williams-Garcia Recommended ages: Grades 4 - 8 (chapter book) Loss and pain send Clayton on a journey of discovery both about his family and about himself, but it is love
and the blues that save him in the end. The musical undercurrents of Clayton’s life make the audiobook format ideal.
CloudLibrary
HENRY’S FREEDOM BOX Ellen Levine, Kadir Nelson (illustrator) Recommended ages: Grades 4 and up Based on the true and amazing story of a slave who went through the ordeal of mailing himself to freedom in a crate. Driven by the love for his family and the pain of being separated from them, Henry defies the odds and lives to tell one of the most dramatic tales from the underground railroad. This story easily taps into a child’s innate sense of justice and the righting of wrongs.
CloudLibrary
ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER Tami Charles, Bryan Collier (illustrator) Recommended ages: Grades K - 5 A great bedtime listen while taking in the sweet illustrations. The author was inspired by her own child and by the raising of our collective voices in the year 2020 demanding civil rights. In her own words, this book is “a loving tribute to the greatness that lives within my beautiful, brownhued, brown-eyed boy and within all children, of all colors, everywhere… YOU MATTER!”
THE UNDEFEATED Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson (illustrator) Recommended ages: Grades 4 - 8 Written in poetic form, this Caldecott Medal Book with illustrations by the talented Kadir Nelson features many icons of African American history as they toil, survive and overcome. What could be better than watching the author read it himself? Prepare to be uplifted and inspired.
YouTube.com
HEART AND SOUL: THE STORY OF AMERICA AND AFRICAN AMERICANS Kadir Nelson Recommended ages: Grades 3 and up An award winning introduction to African American history with the audio recording performed by Debbie Allen. Follow along with the gorgeous illustrations and become a more educated American no matter what your own background may be.
OverDrive
CloudLibrary
CROWN: AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James (illustrator) Recommended ages: Grades 1 -5 Winner of several literary honors, Barnes uses rhythm and cadence to show how a simple trip to the barbershop becomes an exploration of a young boy’s sense of pride in how the world sees him and what he feels and knows he can contribute. Enjoy the wonderful illustrations while listening to the text.
CloudLibrary
Adapted from CloudLibrary, StoryLine Online and Amazon.
Berta Higgins lives in Corvallis with her family. She works in biological science research and loves to read.
mommag.com 25
organized MOM
TM
ORGANIZE A DRIVE-BY PARTY PARADE
W
HO WOULDN’T enjoy a parade in their honor? Make it shipshape and organized, by attending to these details... Choose the time and day, and assign a leader. Pick a person who will agree to the role and feel confident about directing others in the parade line-up.
Brought to you by:
Collaborate with your leader to find a staging parking lot or line-up area, with a meetup time about 15 minutes before the parade. Make sure a direction for the drive-by has been clearly chosen and mapped out, so that participants know which side of the car will face the birthday child as the cars go past. Megan Warren Professional Organizer SOS Shipshape & Organized Spaces shipshapeyourspace.com 541-891-7100
Eyes on the road: reiterate that safety and respect for other drivers comes above all else! Send out an email or text invitation to friends, family and
others. Include the leader’s name and number, so she can field questions from participants, especially on the day of (because you’ll be busy getting your child and family situated). Be sure to include your street address, and ask them to make signs and decorate their cars. Make it festive! Put lawn chairs at the end of your driveway and seat your child there during that time. Bundle up and have umbrellas because, well, it’s Oregon in early spring. Be sure to wave back: parade participants will appreciate it. Some may throw candy; just be sure your children know to not run into the street for it, like in a formal parade. Take pictures! Make an award for the best sign, best decorated car, most spirited, etc., and award them digitally. And thank all the participants for helping to make the day special for your child.
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26 mommag.com
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mommag.com 27
BIRTHDAYS
Celebrating Birthdays IN PANDEMIC TIMES MOMs everywhere have been trying to keep their kids’ spirits up this past long year, and when it comes to birthday parties for the kids, well... it’s another challenge for our creativity in terms of logistics. How do we have some kind of celebration, even if it’s only our quaranteam, in a pandemic?
There are ways. By now you’ve probably been part of a drive-by birthday parade for friends or family, which is a safe bet for well wishes (just make sure that the driver has eyes on the road, not the commotion). But if you’re searching for ways to level up your kid’s birthday, here are a few more to try...
28 mommag.com
BIRTHDAYS
Digital Delights BIRTHDAY WISH FROM THEIR HERO Hire soccer legend Mia Hamm to wish your child a happy birthday. Yes, the real Mia Hamm will make a custom video message for your superfan child, for $125 with proceeds benefiting families in need of marrow or cord blood transplant. That’s beyond winning, in our book. Visit Cameo.com to peruse the many participating actors, athletes, musicians and other celebrities.
HOST A MOVIE WATCH PARTY Host a Netflix or Disney+ watch party. If you’re tech savvy, the interwebs have plenty of how-to articles about pulling off a group watch of a favorite show or movie.
VIDEO WELL WISHES If you and yours aren’t too Zoomed out, you can always host a party through the popular app. Asking for friends and loved ones to record video well wishes is another option, which is especially forgiving when relatives live in different time zones.
mommag.com 29
BIRTHDAYS
Yard hooplah PINATA TIME!
BIRTHDAY SIGNS
What better way to take out our frustrations by beating an inanimate object to a pulp? And then have candy. A Coronavirus pinata is a timely one from Party City.
Arrange for large, fun yard signs for your child, like those available from Hooray Yard Cards. Hooray Yard Cards offer service in many Oregon communities. Visit Facebook. com/hoorayyardcardscorvallis for info, or email eugene@ hoorayyardcards.com
AIR DANCER Buy an air dancer (and share it with your mom friends for their kids’ birthdays). It’s silly, different and wonderfully outlandish.
HONK, IT’S MY BIRTHDAY! Put up a “Honk, it’s my birthday!” for a few hours (and only a few, or your neighbors may have words with you). You can go custom on signage, too. Ask a local sign maker in your area, as they know what materials stand up best in Western Oregon’s climate.
Homespun with love JOY JAR Ask their friends and relatives what they like best about your child. Write each note down on slips of paper, fold them and put into a decorated jar. This one may turn out to be quite the keepsake. Even non-mushy types like to hear compliments.
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MAKE THE MORNING CHEERFUL When your child goes to bed, decorate their bedroom doorway with streamers and balloons. Draw a silly face and message in dry-erase markers on the bathroom mirror so they see it early in the day.
GIFT SCAVENGER HUNT Uplevel the gift-getting with a scavenger hunt around the house. It extends the fun that much more. Make your own hunt, or search the many options on Pinterest.
BIRTHDAYS
La Vida Local
PET PARADE Got a dog lover? Ask your neighbors for a pet parade at a designated time. You might be pleasantly surprised by reaching out through apps like Nextdoor to find what your neighbors are game to do when it comes to making a child smile.
LIVE PERFORMANCE Hire a performer, like a professional juggler or princess, who can stay at a safe distance yet still entertain. Albany mom Janelle Bennett hired a fire dancer for her teen daughter’s birthday and loved how it was personalized to her daughter’s favorite song. For more info: Radiance Works, Facebook. com/RadianceWorks. Try GigSalad.com to explore more local performers.
FABULOUS CAKES Get that cake you your child always wanted. This is the excuse you needed to order a fabulous cake from a local baker. We hear great things about confections from Metropol Bakery in Eugene, and Gerry Frank’s Konditorei in Salem.
GOT SOME GOOD IDEAS OF YOUR OWN? Sis, tell us all about them at Facebook.com/lovemommag. mommag.com 31
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