real local moms
since 2005
Lane County | August / September 2020
COVER MOM
ORGANIZING
BURSTING WITH TOO MANY
TAWNIA ROSS
KIDS’ CLOTHES
SMARTPHONE PHOTOS
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
Smartphone photos
19
Meet the MOM experts ... 4
inside that counts
Organizing kids’ clothes
25
Cooking hacks 28
They know what they’re
Cover MOM: Tawnia Ross......................10
Organizing kids’ clothes......................25
talking about
This mom gets real
Whether school is in session or
Because I said so............... 5
Is your smartphone bursting with too many photos?..................19
A message from MOM
Vacation MOM................... 6 Getaways for Grownups
not, kids keep growing
Our favorite helpful cooking hacks..................28
Tips for managing the digital
For when you’re short on time
photo hoarding habit
or patience — or both
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
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™
Say Cheese™
Focus on MOM™
with Dr. Brad Chvatal, orthodontist, page 8
with Dr. David Hackett, pediatric optometrist, page 24
Smile™
Beyond the bin™
with Dr. Erin Estep, pediatric dentist, page 18
with Sarah Grimm, page 26
with Donnita Bassinger, page 6
“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.
“
– Arthur Ashe
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Organized MOM™ with Megan Warren, page 22
Because I said so!
EDITOR'S NOTE
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. © 2020 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.
It’s a lot of a lot.
T
he world around us seems to be on fire lately, with the pandemic and racial inequality in the headlines. It’s enough anxiety for adults, much less kids. I’d love to tell you that my children circle around me as we have deep conversations about what it means to wear a mask and to be the best allies we can, but let’s be real: conversations with my teen and tween boys has been in snippets and bursts, followed by them saying “I know, mom,” and quickly tuning me out to go back to video games or outside. In fact, if I want to clear a room of my kids all I have to say is, “Let’s talk about our feelings,” and they scatter like cockroaches in the light. Small moments add up. A quote by the late tennis pro Arthur Ashe got me thinking. He said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” When my boys were little, we’d add protein powder to their pancakes. It’s not unlike finding those teachable moments to sneak in the big topics. I hear their chatter amongst friends, and whenever the moment comes up to sneak in, I just go ahead and do it. My hope is that it fortifies their minds, helping them to grow their social and emotional intelligence. It’s starting where we are. School will be...hybrid? Whatever way it ends up, we can look to the moment and use what we have. For instance, I may not know what schedule we’ll have this fall, but I do know we have a bunch of colored pencils that can be sharpened and binders from last year that need cleaning out. It’s doing what we can — and our kids will learn from it.
Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief
mommag.com 5
23 to
If you only have two to three days...
Getaways for Grownups
Las Vegas The “adult Disneyland” with everything you could ever want, including outstanding restaurants, golf courses, spas and an array of nighttime entertainment. There are hotels in Vegas that do not cater to families such as the Wynn, Vdara, ARIA, Caesars Palace, the Bellagio and the Cosmopolitan. In November, the Circa Resort & Casino is scheduled to open as an adult-only hotel in downtown Las Vegas.
This year has been like no other, and families have had more togetherness than we ever thought possible. Many parents are dreaming of the day when kids can be dropped off with the grandparents so they can escape for a grownupsonly getaway. A vacation without the kids can do wonders for your mental health and make you a better parent when you return. Here are some destinations that make a great romantic escape with your partner or a fun weekend with friends.
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If your time is limited, it’s important to go somewhere that has a quick non-stop flight from your local airport. Luckily, we have lots of great options from the Eugene Airport:
Phoenix/ Mesa/ Scottsdale
San Francisco/ Oakland
Central Arizona is home to expansive resorts that feature golf, tennis, spas and beautiful pools. These resorts can make you feel like you are on a tropical vacation. The year-round sunshine makes it an easy choice for Oregonians in need of an escape from our dreary winters.
In the Bay Area you can find big-city sophistication with fine hotels and a vibrant cultural scene. Wine country offers charming small towns with activities such as hiking in the Redwoods, floating on the Russian River, hot air balloon rides, cooking classes or a bike tour before you go wine tasting.
Los Angeles There are endless options for sunshine and beaches in Southern California. Huntington Beach and Santa Monica offer upscale hotels, fine restaurants, shopping and spas. Couples can take romantic strolls on the beach and visit art galleries. For a girlfriends’ trip, you can ride bikes on Venice Beach, take a tour of movie-star homes and go shopping on Rodeo Drive.
Planning ahead for the kids If you plan it right, the kids will have a great time at home while you love every minute being away. Some tips:
Seattle Downtown Seattle is a fun area for a girlfriends’ trip filled with shopping, sightseeing and fine dining. A boutique hotel and a harbor cruise are perfect for a romantic weekend.
Print a daily schedule with phone numbers and addresses for the kids’ activities to give to their caretakers.
+
5
Plan some fun things for kids to do while you are away.
If you can escape for five nights or longer...
Tell everyone you will call home once a day (no constant texting).
An ideal destination is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico. Having everything you could ever want included for one price makes this one of the most relaxing vacations you can take. Children are not allowed on the premises which makes for a totally different experience.
Denver If you enjoy winter sports, the ski resorts around Denver are an excellent destination. In the summer, nature lovers can fill a weekend with outdoor activities including rafting, zip-lining, fishing, biking and mountain climbing.
Make an agreement to put cell phones and laptops in the hotel safe so you can be in the moment, without work and family interfering. Don’t start an expectation of “gifts” for the children when you return. You don’t want to waste precious vacation time searching for knick-knacks.
There are big differences in quality and atmosphere among resorts, and they all look like paradise in the photos, so be sure to use a professional travel agent to find the perfect location to fit your needs.
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 Eugene 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
mommag.com 7
Say Cheese
™
Financing those
happy smiles Upon hearing that your child needs braces, many parents start thinking, how much is this going to cost, and how are we going to afford it?
B
ased on smile needs, treatment can run between $1200 and $8500. However, a typical treatment for full braces or Invisalign is around $6500. Getting braces at the recommended time for your child is often essential, so don’t let financing stand in the way as there are many options to make it fit your budget. Most orthodontic offices offer free consultations which is a great starting point to learn about treatment and financing.
Using insurance If you have insurance, sorting out what is covered is complicated, so choose an office with a treatment coordinator who can help take the mystery out of treatment and financing options. Few dental plans offer orthodontic coverage, and less than half of our patients have coverage at all. When they do, it is often a lifetime maximum of between $1000 - $2000 and does not cover the complete treatment. A good orthodontic office will help navigate these details and keep them on file.
Payment plans Most orthodontic practices will offer some kind of financing. Look for zero or low interest rates, how much you’ll need to put down, and how long it will take to pay off the balance completely. At our office, we believe in affordable orthodontic treatment, so we offer $0 down and payments as low as $129/month with 0% interest on all orthodontic treatments.
Family discounts Oftentimes, more than one family member needs orthodontic care. Many practices offer family
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discounts, so make sure to ask. We have moms jump in for treatment, too, as they find it’s so affordable, they go through orthodontics with their child.
Flexible Spending Accounts Check with your employer, as some will offer the opportunity to contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or other type of health savings plan. The benefit of these is that you can set aside money for medical expenses pre-tax, which makes it go a lot further. Learn the details on these plans, as some will want you to use the saved funds within the plan year, while others offer to carry it over to the next. Used smartly, these accounts can save your family quite a bit, so set aside time to learn how to take advantage of them.
Take advantage of pay-in-full option Paying the entire amount up front can earn you a discount, so be sure to ask. In our practice, we offer 5% off the total cost for those who pay the entire amount in cash or credit card at the beginning of treatment.
Don’t put it off The benefits of not delaying orthodontic care are many: it prevents bigger dental problems in the future, makes teeth easier to clean and builds confidence. Our motto is, we don’t want to let a tooth problem be a financial problem. Regardless of your family financial situation, we want to find a way to care for children’s orthodontic needs.
Brought to you by: Dr Chvatal (541) 683-8490 • EugeneBraces.com 1400 Valley River Drive, 240, Eugene 1130 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove
Your smile adventure awaits.
Age 10
My Smile Adventure My name is Brad Chvatal. I may have a funny name, but I’m serious about your smile. That was me at 10 years old. I had a great haircut, a mouth full of metal and two extra front teeth! My orthodontist worked his magic on my smile. I knew then that teeth were my thing, so I decided I wanted to become like the cool, funny orthodontist who worked on my mouth. My adventure to becoming an orthodontist took me 11 years and three schools — and a stop in the Army as a general dentist. I found my home in Eugene in 2002. It seemed like a great place to raise my growing family. While I love teeth, I do have other things that I love more, like being a father to four amazing children. I want to treat your family like I would treat my own.
[ Momism #83: I’m
going to give you until the count of three....
Home and Office Services Offered: Organizing
]
“FOR EVERY MINUTE SPENT ORGANIZING, AN HOUR IS EARNED”
Decluttering
-BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Downsizing Space & Storage Design Prepacking & Staging Move-ins/Move-outs Office Operations & Efficiency And so much more…
A place for everything and everything in its place! Professional Organizing Services by Megan Warren megan-warren@hotmail.com (541) 891-7100 www.shipshapeyourspace.com
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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Cover MOM Tawnia Ross is always observing and learning, be it through her children, her work — and that one time getting bangs.
Family Husband, Derek Ross, sales & design for Western Pneumatics Children: Greenlee, age 15, Lachlan, age 10, Fisher, age 9, and stepson Thane, age 11 Community/hometown: Eugene/Cordova, AK Profession: Lane County Farmers Market Manager
TAWNIA ROSS
Photo credit: Fremouw Photography
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QA &
Family comes first.
All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband and I have been married for two years, and we are a blended family of six. We have my three children full-time and my husband’s son on the weekends. Greenlee was the child who talked to everybody, and now as a teenager, she’s defining herself. Lachlan is the peacekeeper. She leads with her heart and is the sweetest. Fisher is all boy. It was a shock, after having two girls, at how rough and tough he is. Thane is super smart and an added blessing. I love listening to his thoughts. Family time for us usually involves a game or time spent outdoors. When did you know you wanted to be a mom? The first time I held my baby brother. I was 10 years old when he was born, and my mom had a difficult pregnancy and time after delivery, so I took care of him quite a bit. He’s grown and lives in Alaska now, but he’s still my baby brother. Do you think that parenting is easier or more challenging than when you were growing up? I think it is more challenging now. Our parents did not have to manage the detrimental impact of social media. 12 mommag.com
In what way are your children like you? How are they different? They are all much more confident than I was at their ages. Your biggest wish for your kids is… To love and accept themselves.
No one works harder than mom. We know that being a mom is a full-time job. Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I had been a stay-at-home mom for 11 years and was thinking how I really wanted a Saturday job, a place where I could be around adults, when I found the job with the Lane County Farmers Market. I grew up in Alaska in a commercial fishing family, and as a teen I worked in canneries, so I’ve always liked variety and moving around when on the job. I’m grateful that I get to work with people I love, and that I get to do a job that aligns with my values. Supporting the local economy is important to me, and foremost, supporting local farms. What have you learned about parenting from your work, or vice versa? Everyone has a different communication style, and at work I try to remember that because one person may need you to interact with them in a much different way than someone else. My kids are each so different, and I have to parent them differently. For instance, with Fisher I need to be very structured and say, “I need you to do A, B and C.” With Lachlan, I ask, “Could you do XYZ when you get a chance?” and that works for her. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? Typically, what falls through the cracks? Laundry, housework, school work...school work definitely fell through the cracks during lockdown. The distance learning did not go well for us. I was working a lot more, too, which made things harder.
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy. What is the one thing you never had that you want for your kids? A close relationship with each other as siblings...I want them to be friends. When was the last time you did something for the first time? My husband took me rowing out on Dexter Lake. I would definitely do it again! What is something you will NEVER do again? Bangs. Never again.
?
Quick-FIRE
questions
for MOM Tea or Coffee? Tea Morning or Night? Morning Summer or Winter? Summer Fly or Drive? Drive Gold or Silver? Gold Dog or Cat? Dog Beer or Wine? Wine Bath or Shower? Shower Math or English? English Hot or Cold? Cold Sweet or Savory? Sweet Hugs or Kisses? Hugs Ice cream or Chocolate? Chocolate Early or Late? Early
mommag.com 13
What are three words your best friend would use to describe you? Fun, dedicated, passionate
What is your greatest extravagance? Matcha green tea. I can’t live without it. I just wish it wasn’t so expensive.
Name one thing that is a part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. Cold showers.
What are three words your kids would use to describe you? Intelligent, caring, generous
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Go on a backpacking trip by themselves. After my divorce, I went on a vision quest which was modeled after a Native American tradition. It took place in Eastern Oregon, and when I signed up for it, I thought it was two days of fasting and being completely alone. Turns out it was four days! It was surprisingly healing at a time that I needed it. I didn’t think I could fast for four days, but I did it, and it was magical.
What keeps you sane? Yoga, hiking, eating food that nourishes my body. Self-care is a necessity, especially during these rapidly changing times.
If you could instantly have one new skill, what would it be? Speed reading What is the quality you like most about yourself? My sense of humor. What’s your superpower? Reading people. Everybody has a story, and some people wear theirs closer to the surface.
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What is the best way that you let off steam? Hiking the Butte. Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Cleaning up my internal monologue of thoughts. You have to be your own cheerleader. No good comes out of beating yourself up mentally.
Mothers need to unite and help shape the future of this world. Throughout history there has been more than enough influence of “founding fathers.” What is needed now is the influence of some founding mothers.
?
MOM’s
Favorite… …binge-worthy show:
Tim Bilyeu’s Health Theory
…words to live by: This too shall pass.
…way to get out of making dinner:
The Wheel Apizza Pub
…place to find some peace & quiet: My front porch
...inspirational quote:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou
mommag.com 15
Listen to mom. Who has influenced the mother you are today? Other moms! I love watching and learning from other moms that I see on a daily basis. I’m also the kind of person who likes to observe a lot. Growing up, I watched how my friends’ moms interacted with them, and I collected and saved those moments for when I became a mom. What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. I think this is a critical time for our country and our planet. Mothers need to unite and help shape the future of this world. Throughout history there has been more than enough influence of “founding fathers.” What is needed now is the influence of some founding mothers.
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[ Momism #93:
Flush the toilet!
]
Local Children Need Your Help! For children without stable housing, access to basic necessities can be tough. First Place Kids offers zero-barrier preschool so parents can focus on finding stability.
Please Donate These Items • • • • • • • •
New or used clothes (newborn-6T) Hypoallergenic diapers and wipes Arts and craft supplies Simple toys made of wood, metal, or cloth Flat-bed sheets in solid colors Pacifiers Shoes and rain boots (1C-10Y) Organic fruit, eggs, cheese, and vegetables
1995 Amazon Parkway in Eugene
donate online at www.svdp.us mommag.com 17
something to smile about
TM
Your child’s first dental visit We encourage parents and other care providers to establish a child’s dental home by the time they are 12 months of age. The first visit is a time to introduce your child to a pediatric dental practice and begin the journey of being comfortable and gaining confidence for future appointments. During this visit, we address your concerns and provide: • A thorough review of your child’s health history • A lap exam with your child where you will assist the dentist in getting a thorough look inside your child’s mouth • A review of any findings and suggestions for home dental care • Thorough oral hygiene instruction demonstrating how to best brush your child’s teeth, the appropriate toothbrush, and the use of fluoride
• Dietary counseling • An overview on how and when teeth come in • A cavity risk assessment We will also talk about preventing and managing dental trauma, as well as offer referrals to dental specialists if needed. After scheduling your initial visit, talk to your child about the dentist in an ageappropriate, fun way. Avoid using words like “pain,” “hurt” and “shot,” and we will avoid using them as well! Finally, once you are at your first appointment, let the dentist take center stage. Pediatric dentists are pros when it comes to connecting with children and making them comfortable in a new (sometimes scary) environment.
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
What is a dental home? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) supports the concept of a dental home, which can be defined as an established relationship with a dental team for all infants, children, adolescents and persons with special health care needs. A dental home is inclusive of all aspects of oral health that result from the interaction of the patient, parents, dentists, dental professionals and non-dental professionals.
IS YOUR SMARTPHONE BURSTING WITH TOO MANY PHOTOS? IF YOU DELETE IMAGES TO MAKE MORE ROOM SO YOU CAN TAKE MORE PHOTOS, KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
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If you thought you would use the time you had under stay-at-home orders to actually do something with those photos but didn’t, again, know that you are not alone. The struggle is real, and it’s time to do something about it.
First, clean it up Okay, so every single photo of your child is ah-dor-able and so hard to delete. But, no one needs forty shots of the same time they went to the petting zoo. Go through and delete all the eyes-closed, unflattering pictures. Then, get rid of pictures that are almost duplicates. It’s tough to press delete on your babies, but if the photos aren’t really all that different, they’re simply hogging up space you need to take more photos.
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Really delete it When you click to delete a photo, it’s still in your trash. Just like your kitchen garbage can, it’s still in your house until you take it outside and roll it to the curb. It’s also similar to desktop or laptop computers, where putting it in the trash doesn’t make it go away. Think of deleting photos on your phone as the same two-step process: after you delete a photo, go empty your photo trash or “Recently Deleted” photos to really get rid of them.
IF YOU HAVE OVER 2,241 PHOTOS ON YOUR SMARTPHONE RIGHT NOW, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Backup, backup and then backup some more Use a service like iCloud or Google Photos to back up those precious memories. These services and many others out there are fairly straightforward to use. Use multiple services if you want redundancy. You can also buy small USB flash drives that connect to your phone and store photos on those, too.
Print those pics Many retailers offer free apps that make it a cinch to send your photos digitally, then get actual printed photos back. Imagine that: real photos that you could actually put in photo albums...mind blown. Services like Snapfish not only print pictures and send them to you, they also let you turn your photos into fun books, cards, and — a sign of the times — face masks. Framing photos is convenient with the Keepsake app. It lets you upload your photo, choose your matte and frame, then have the finished product sent to you directly. Prices start around $29 for a framed 8” x 10,” which makes a great gift.
Even if you have kids, pets and a photo habit, with small steps you can overcome digital photo hoarding. There is hope...and more room to be made for new pictures. mommag.com 21
organized MOM
TM
SHIPSHAPE & ORGANIZED //FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL
It’s that hectic, exciting and transitional time when as moms we not only manage our households, careers and family, we transition back to school routines and fall activities. know exactly what all of this will look like in our new socially distant world. If you’re like me, you want to have a routine for your family that is efficient and teaches kids the importance of planning and organization. DECLUTTER YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Don’t go into the new school year with piles of broken pencils, dried up glue bottles and last year’s schoolwork still laying around. Get the kids involved in sorting out the usable supplies and toss the rest. Make it part of your routine to go through the piles of paper they bring home regularly, and only keep favorite assignments and artwork in a designated storage space labeled by school year for each child. PREPARE FOOD FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
Prepare lunch and snack items for the week ahead. Bag fruits and veggies in appropriate portion sizes so when lunches are being assembled, they are easy to find. This also allows easy access to grab-and-go snacks after a long day.
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DEVELOP A FAMILY COMMAND CENTER
In a central location—in an app on your phones, the side of your refrigerator, or on an open wall—develop a calendar that everyone can view and update with activities. Whether it's for the week ahead or the entire month, it helps keep everyone aware of what to expect. This is also a perfect place to have an inbox for kids to put notices they bring home from school, so they don’t get lost in their bottomless backpacks. CREATE A DROP ZONE
Train the kids to utilize the drop zone as soon as they walk in the door: hang backpacks up and empty contents so that papers for you to review go in a designated spot, homework goes to their homework spot, and so on. A few minutes of preparation can make the next morning go much more smoothly. SET UP A DESIGNATED STUDY SPACE
Whether it's for homework or virtual schooling, set up a space for each child to work and focus. Keep the pencils, paper and scissors in reach so they have what they need to get their work done.
LET THEM KNOW YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Establishing a routine takes time, and kids can get sidetracked pretty easily. Don’t get frustrated when they get off course; just remind them of your expectations. I’ve found that having a daily chore or expectation list posted where they can see it is a huge help in keeping them on track. ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE
Do you see anything that these tips have in common? ROUTINE! Ever wonder how teachers keep their students focused and accomplish so much in a school day? ROUTINE! What should you do when everyone in your home falls off the bandwagon and your routine falls apart? Be fluid…evaluate what part isn’t working and modify it. Give yourself some grace and keep at it. And remember, you can’t form a habit if it does not have a routine to stick to.
Hom
Brought to you by:
T
O ADD TO IT, we don’t
Megan Warren Professional Organizer SOS Shipshape & Organized Spaces, Inc. shipshapeyourspace.com 541-891-7100
A
Big Summer
smiles
n Braces or Invisalig
$129 month!
Board-certified orthodontist & Top Invisalign Provider
Smile Guarantee with lifetime retainers
Your smile adventure awaits.
two locations
(541) 683-8490 • EugeneBraces.com Brad Chvatal, DMD, MS
1400 Valley River Drive, 240, Eugene 1130 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove
mommag.com 23
August is Vision & Learning Month
Many vision problems are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed resulting in frustrated children who struggle in school. Before your child heads back to school, study up on these vision facts.
• 80% of the information is a classroom is presented visually. • Smart kids who struggle with reading may have vision problems. • School eye/vision screenings miss up to 75% of children with vision problems. • Learning-related vision problems can occur in children who do not need glasses. • Vision is more than “20/20.” Reading requires more than a dozen additional visual skills.
Brought to you by:
• Visual problems can mimic leaning problems such as ADHD and Dyslexia.
DAVID HACKETT, O.D., FCOVD 4765 Village Plaza Loop, Eugene, Oregon (541) 342-3100 lifetimeeyecare.net
• The American Optometric Association recommends that infants, preschoolers and school-aged children get comprehensive eye exams before the school year. Call us today to schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam. For more information about Vision and Learning Month visit COVD.org/August
Wear it for our community Wear it for Yourself
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Wear it for Others
Out with the old before you bring in the new How to start: Mark three bags or boxes as KEEP, TOSS and DONATE. What to save Items in good condition that will fit another child, either one of your own or someone else’s. A few sentimental items can be stowed away with other keepsakes. What to jettison: Anything stained, ripped, what you think you’ll get to mending but never will, etc. Note that some donation sites will send unusable items to textile recyclers. How to store items to grow into: Clear storage bins let you see what you have. Label with season and sizes, and keep bins up and out of the way, so that items don’t get mixed up with current clothing.
Mom tip: If your kids are close in age and complain about accidental mix-ups of their sibling’s clothing in their items, it’s time for them to learn how to do laundry.
Organizing kids’ clothes One mom quipped recently, “This year, I’m not sure whether to buy my kids pajamas or school clothes.”
W
hether school is in session or not, kids keep growing — and outgrowing their clothes and shoes. That leaves moms managing the constant turnover.
Professional organizer Megan Warren of Shipshape & Organized Spaces, Inc. in Eugene, Ore., advises using the seasons, rather than the academic calendar, as a guide. “Make it a priority and set aside an hour at the change of each season to go through your kids’ clothes and remove anything that no longer fits or is overly weathered from use,” says Warren. “Put those items in a bag and into your car so the next time you drive by a donation center
you can drop them off,” she said, noting that getting into this routine helps the task seem less overwhelming the next time you have to do it. Warren also recommends getting the kids involved. “I have a bin in my closet where my kids can put any item of clothing or pair of shoes that no longer fit them. This has been a huge help in teaching them to be conscious of getting rid of unused items.” And as for that donation bag you put in your car…many moms drive around with them for weeks before remembering to drop them off. But hey, at least your kids’ closets look amazingly organized!
mommag.com 25
Safely recycle old computers and electronics
It is illegal to dispose of televisions, computer monitors, CPUs and laptops in the garbage.
C
OMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS are a necessary part of everyday life in today’s world. But it’s important to remember that not only do they contain hazardous substances that can pose dangers if disposed improperly, they contain a whole host of substances which are rare and highly polluting to manufacture. When you upgrade or replace any electronic device, consider donating it to Next Step Recycling, Goodwill, or St. Vincent de Paul, and give it a chance at repair and reuse. And remember: It is illegal to dispose of televisions, computer monitors, CPUs and laptops in the garbage. But don’t worry—the alternative is easy and free.
Brought to you by:
Nine Lane County transfer stations and nearly two dozen other locations in Lane County participate in the Oregon E-Cycles program—ensuring safe and earth-friendly recycling to protect our environment.
SARAH GRIMM
To find a location near you, visit www.oregonecycles.org or call (888) 5-ECYCLE.
Sarah Grimm is the Waste Reduction Specialist for Lane County Public Works. She is an avid gardener, flyfisher and lover of the great outdoors.
WE
LOCAL
Local businesses are vital to our community. When you engage with local businesses, you help your neighbors and friends, and you support what helps make your town special.
Buy
Every purchase you make keeps more dollars here, where you live.
E at
Take advantage of curbside pickup, delivery and outdoor seating. Your favorite restaurants are working hard to stay open and support their employees, while keeping you safe.
Donate
Local event cancelled? Consider donating the funds back. Buy gift cards for future use. It all helps.
Support your local business 26 mommag.com
Are you making an impact? MU COM NIT
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Nominate a deserving organization for the MOM Magazine Community Impact Award
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mommag.com 27
You might be today years old learning this one: the hole in a pot handle is the perfect wooden spoon rest. Stick the end of the spoon in it while your dish boils.
The right accessories can make all the difference
Our Favorite Helpful Cooking Hacks
Clear fridge storage boxes let you see what the food is, rather than having to go digging — or more likely, ignoring items and having them go to waste.
For when you’re short on time or patience — or both.
That’s just grate...
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Kitchen scissors: if you don’t have some, treat yourself. From cutting open super-sealed packs of chicken, to cutting fresh herbs, this kitchen tool is multi-talented. Get ones that can go on the top rack of the dishwasher after using.
You can grate hardboiled eggs. Wait, what? This is useful for making deviled eggs, or adding some protein to a salad.
How many times have you thought far enough ahead to take the butter out to bring it to room temperature? Us neither. Grating cold butter works like a charm when baking.
A permanent marker for labeling and dating the tops of lids, plastic bags, foil, etc. Hide yours from the kids so it doesn’t get swiped for their crafts. Tin foil: Line your slow cooker or sheet pan with this utilitarian kitchen item to make cleaning up a breeze.
Because you are about to have way too much zucchini in your life: grate it up for zucchini bread, pasta or even as an addition to meatloaf.
Kid’s Favorite Pasta About 10 oz. of your family’s favorite pasta, cooked and drained. Wholegrain pasta provides more fiber and nutritional value. Add 2 - 3 Tablespoons of butter to the warm pasta and stir to coat. Drizzle olive oil, then shake on some garlic salt and parmesan cheese. Stir and serve hot, or store in the fridge to eat cold later.
If it’s about to go bad, just freeze it.
Prep ahead of time: future you will thank past you
Make a batch of “kid” pasta (see recipe at top right) for leftovers that are great for school lunches. Don’t forget to pack a fork — in fact, use up some of those utensils saved from takeout orders. Boil a half-dozen eggs on Sunday for the week ahead. Mark them in pencil as “HB” for hard-boiled and store them in a separate bowl in the fridge. A great grab-and-go source of protein. Desticker and wash fruit all at once so it’s ready to eat on the fly. This is a great chore for little kids, with supervision.
The jumbo applesauce you bought is on the verge of growing mold. Freeze it in small containers that are great for lunches, or quick recipe substitutions in baking if you don’t want or have any eggs on hand. The kids want spaghetti! But then they don’t want spaghetti. And here you just opened the giant jar of sauce. Freeze it in portions your family uses. Rice, rice baby: Making extra of this popular grain is easy because it seems to magically triple its volume from what you expect. Portion out leftovers into two cups per plastic bag, then label and freeze. That way you’ll have it ready to go for future casseroles, skillet meals, etc.
HB
From messmakers to time-savers
Warming up taco shells: place them open-side down on a cookie sheet so they don’t fold in while baking. Some people use fancy speciality baking sheets or balled-up foil, but this is much easier. Cherry tomatoes for a salad? Cut them all at once by gently sandwiching them between two plastic container lids, leaving enough space to run a knife horizontally through the centers. Voila! No more time spent cutting each individual tiny tomato. Store self-stir peanut butter upside down before you open it. That way the oil will move through the peanut butter, which allows for easier mixing when you do open it. Once it’s open, though, you risk a leak if you store it upside down. Screw that lid on tight if you’re going to live that dangerously. Microwave corn on the cob in its husk. No soaking is needed, and don’t even worry about the tassels. About four minutes should do, then cut the bottom off and pull the sleeve off the husk (it will be hot, so use a towel or mitts). Ready for butter.
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Our Favorite Helpful Cooking Hacks
Pre-chopped, bagged and grab-and-go
Baby carrots might be the winner of the brown-bag lunch award, if there is such a thing. They are a convincing size for kids to actually eat and perfect for dipping. Precooked bacon saves you and your kitchen from greasy messes. If you still love fresh cooked, run it under cold water before cooking to reduce shrinkage and splatter. Cooking it on an outdoor grill is a good way to keep your house from the lingering odor.
Let’s get digital
Digital instant-read thermometer. This one is life-changing: not only is it superfast in giving you a temperature read, you’ll be relieved in knowing that your dish is cooked thoroughly for food safety. Let’s have a moment of silence for all the over-cooked chicken before these were invented. Recipe Keeper is a free app that allows you to import recipes from a website, then divides them up into ingredients, directions, notes, and so on. If you’ve already read a favorite blogger’s story about how she fell in love with a curry dish while traveling to India, this app lets you skip that part. No more scrolling and scrolling waaaay down, or searching for the tiny “jump to recipe” button.
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Rotisserie chicken: If the clouds part in a grocery store and a choir of angels sing, it’s above the grab-and-go rotisserie chicken stand. It’s a weeknight meal and then some. Pull the leftovers to use in enchiladas or salads the next day, or freeze them for future recipes. About two cups in a freezer bag is almost perfect for a standard casserole.
Pinterest is a go-to tool for meal planning. If you’re like most moms, you forget what you made that the whole family liked versus what the kids said tasted like feet. Level up your saved recipes by categorizing them into family favorites and family rejects.
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/mäm/ noun Takes care of her children or other living things that live under her roof. She will do anything for her family. The one person who knows where all of your stuff is. Her love is unconditional.
“Mom, where are my shoes?”
/wou/ exclamation Expressing astonishment or admiration “Wow, Mom! You are amazing!” they cried enthusiastically.
To all those women that put the WOW in MOM.