Lane County MOM | December 2020 / January 2021

real local moms

since 2005

Lane County | December 2020 / January 2021

FREE

COVER MOM

GIFTS FOR

CAKES & PIES OF

DANA FLEMING

GUYS

THE SEASON

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

Self-care checklist for moms 19 Meet the MOM experts ... 4

inside that counts

Gifts for guys

20

They know what they’re

Cover MOM: Dana Fleming ..................10

talking about

This mom gets real

Because I said so............... 5

Self-care checklist for moms ..........................19

A message from MOM

Vacation MOM................... 6

Now it’s time to care for you

Palm Springs COVID-19 style

Cakes & pies of the season 25 Gifts for guys .................. 20 For the hard-to-shop-for husband or father-in-law who says he doesn’t need anything

Cakes & pies of the season........................ 25 We’re sharing a few favorite cakes and pies with you this season

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™

Organized MOM™

Say Cheese™

with Megan Warren, professional organizer, page 8

with Dr. Brad Chvatal, orthodontist, page 18

Focus on MOM™

Smile™

with Dr. David Hackett, pediatric optometrist, page 9

with Dr. Erin Estep, pediatric dentist, page 24

with Donnita Bassinger, travel agent, page 6

“I love when my kids tell me they’re bored. As if the lady standing in front of the sink full of dirty dishes is where you go to get ideas about how to have a good time.

“

— Just about every mom

4 mommag.com

Beyond the bin™ with Sarah Grimm, waste reduction specialist, page 17

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. © 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.

EDITOR'S NOTE

ANYONE ELSE FEEL 100 YEARS OLD? This year has been a doozy, from the pandemic to racial reckonings, wildfires to elections. Oh, and a dash of murder hornets, too. If you’re like me, you’re exhausted and feel as if you’ve aged decades in just one year.

If you are of the same mind, we also know that tired, frazzled moms are not good for anyone.

In this issue we talk about self-care, of which many of us aren’t the best; the kids and their needs always seem to come first. Yet, the old “put your oxygen mask on first” logic applies: if we aren’t taking care of ourselves, we can’t take care of others. So nap with your toddler, buy yourself those cute earrings you’ve had your eye on. Even small things can give you the boost you need to carry yourself through the holidays and into 2021.

We also added a new feature to our cover MOM stories: a list of favorite local shops, restaurants, places and more. Because we are local (and a small, mighty team of just four people), we deeply understand the importance of supporting our local places as much as we possibly can.

Also in this issue you’ll find a gift guide with several fabulous Oregon-based products. Did you know the company that makes those influencer-level of popular Hydroflasks is headquartered in Bend, Oregon?

Finally, if this time of year is getting you down, I’d like to recommend pie. Pie makes everything better. We hope you enjoy the recipes we share in this issue.

Happy Holidays!

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

mommag.com 5

WHAT A CRAZY STRESSFUL YEAR THIS HAS BEEN. MANY FAMILIES ARE IN NEED OF A VACATION AND ARE LOOKING FOR A DESTINATION THAT IS EASY TO GET TO WITH LOTS OF OPTIONS FOR OUTDOOR, SOCIALLY DISTANCED ACTIVITIES.

Good news: a terrific option just became available. The Eugene Airport recently announced that Allegiant Airlines will operate non-stop flights to Palm Springs starting Nov. 20 and going until April 11 or later. These flights are on aircraft that hold 186 passengers or less.

The Palm Springs Airport is one of my favorites, as it is small and most of it is open-air. The rental car companies are right next to the terminal, so no shuttle buses are needed. Of course you will want to check local regulations for the latest updates before you travel.

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Getting There

Adventures

The Greater Palm Springs area includes Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. Allegiant Airlines flies twice a week, which will get you from Eugene to the sunshine in just two hours. On most dates the flights are less than $200 roundtrip. You can also fly year-round on American Airlines, United, Delta and Alaska Airlines with daily connection flights.

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is a 1,200-acre wildlife and botanical park with wild animals in natural settings replicating Africa and North America.

In addition to seeing all types of animals, they have a nature preserve with hiking trails to explore. COVID-19 restrictions include limited admissions, and reservations are required in advance.

When to Go Palm Springs has their best weather when we are at our worst, and viceversa. This desert oasis gets over 350 days of sunshine every year. Summers are hot with temps over 100. Fall through spring is perfect, with highs in the 70s and 80s and plenty of sunshine.

An open-air Jeep Safari into Indian Canyons or the San Andreas Fault is a great adventure. Wear your hiking gear and explore a “Palm Oasis� in the middle of the desert. When visiting with my family, the Jeep Tour was the highlight of our trip. We had an excellent guide who told us about the wildlife, plants and geology, as well as the Native Americans who had lived there and still own much of the land. It would take months in a classroom to

town, has a nice pool/hot tub and large suites that are perfect for a family. There are many expansive resorts to choose from in the surrounding areas including the JW Marriott Desert Springs, the Renaissance Esmeralda and the classic La Quinta Resort which has 41 pools and was the site of the recent Bachelorette TV show. The top choices for families are the Omni Rancho Las Palmas with their “Splashtopia” waterpark and the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells with their new waterslides and lazy river. There are also many less expensive hotel options for families on a budget.

learn this much. COVID-19 restrictions limit each Jeep to one household, and reservations need to be made in advance.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar. A 10-minute ride takes you up 2½ miles to a mountain station that can have snow in the winter. Don’t forget your jacket as it gets cold at the top where there are restaurants, hiking trails and an incredible view. Due to COVID-19, trams are only allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity and windows are left open for the ride.

Reservations are required.

Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour away from Palm Springs and encompasses 800,000 acres with a variety of wildlife, plants and natural beauty.

Palm Springs Windmill Tours is a fun way to learn about windmill energy and tour a windmill farm up close. During COVID-19, the tours are self-driven in your own vehicle with a tablet that narrates the 90-minute tour. Reservations are required.

Where to Stay You can stay in the town of Palm Springs where you can walk to restaurants and shops, or at a resort in one of the surrounding areas. The Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs is in the middle of

Everything about Palm Springs is focused on the outdoors to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Golf, tennis, hiking and biking are very popular. Outdoor dining is the norm with fire pits and outdoor heaters available in the cooler months. It is easy to get around and the people are friendly. I can’t think of a better place to escape the winter blues. Contact a travel agent and start planning your escape to the sunshine.

Useful Resources Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism: visitpalmsprings.com Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau: palmspringsoasis.com The Living Desert: livingdesert.org Desert Adventures: red-jeep.com Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: pstramway.com Palm Springs Windmill Tours: windmilltours.com

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

mommag.com 7

organized MOM

TM

START OFF YOUR NEW YEAR SHIPSHAPE & ORGANIZED

H

ere’s a plan (call it a New Year’s resolution, if you want) to start 2021 off right.

GOAL #1: Make a list of the

rooms in your home and assign a week in 2021 to tackle that space. Start with your most used space first, like the kitchen.

Account for all rooms, including the laundry room, garage, etc.

GOAL #2: In each week, use the

following checklist:

Brought to you by:

Declutter: Place any items you no longer need into categories of garbage, donate/yard sale, and rehome. Rehome is for items that belong elsewhere in your house or that you’d like to give to someone else.

Shipshape: Wipe down all S shelves, cabinets, the inside of drawers and baseboards. Clean mirrors and windows, and then the floors (under and behind furniture too).

Organize: Put every item in its appropriate place, and organize them how it’s most useful to you.

Remove: Take out the garbage, drop off donations or put yard sale items in a pile, and move items to their appropriate homes.

Plan: Make a list of any items you need to replace or restock, and buy them the next time you shop.

Your spring cleaning list just got a lot shorter because most of it will already be complete. What a great way to start off the new year.

Megan Warren Professional Organizer SOS Shipshape & Organized Spaces shipshapeyourspace.com 541-891-7100

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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SELF-CARE FOR YOUR EYES Winter cold, dryness indoors from heaters and wood stoves, and plenty of screen time can cause discomfort for your eyes. A few ways to help: • We blink less when using a computer screen, so use the 20/20/20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes, to look 20 feet away for 20 minutes. This helps our focusing and eye-pointing muscles avoid too much time in one posture.

• Use artificial tears such as Systane Ultra, Blink, Refresh Tears, etc. Avoid gel types during daytime, as they can be too thick to provide a clear image.

• Bruder Masks are reusable, microwaveable warm eye compresses that feel like a spa treatment. They help by getting oil glands functioning better, which improves tear film. We keep these in stock, so stop by our office to pick one up.

• Remove contact lenses nightly and replace them on schedule to reduce the risk for bacterial infection. Keeping the lens surface as smooth as possible makes vision clearer.

Brought to you by: David A. Hackett, OD, FCOVD

Most of all, it is hard to make tears if you are dehydrated, so drink plenty of water.

Lifetime Eye Care a division of Sterling Vision 4765 Village Plaza Loop Eugene, Oregon (541) 342-3100 or 866-4EYELUV sterlingvision.com

mommag.com 9

Cover story photos by Fremouw photography

DANA FLEMING

Funny story about cover MOM Dana Fleming: she wasn’t really planning on having kids. But she wouldn’t change it for anything.

Family

Husband: Johnny Fleming, civil engineer, United States Forest Service Children: Alex Fleming, age 27; Ashton Fleming, age 26; Abbey Fleming, age 21; and Anna Fleming, age 18 Community: Eugene

Profession: Executive Director, Eugene Education Foundation

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Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband, Johnny, and I have been married for 28 years. He and I have known each other since we were around 8 and 9 years old. Not long after our wedding, Alex, our oldest, and our only son, was born. Less than a year later, Ashton, our oldest daughter was born. Those were some whirlwind years! We lived in our hometown of Blountsville, Alabama, and I commuted an hour to Birmingham to finish college: Alex was born my junior year and Ashton was born my senior year. A procrastinator at heart, I learned quickly to start planning far ahead for assignments and tests. As busy as I was, having the kids those last years of school grounded me and made me more focused.

We have always loved the Western United States, so as soon as Johnny was offered a job in Nevada, we headed that way. I was four months pregnant with Abbey when we moved, and she was born in Reno. We were

there for a year and a half when Johnny was offered a job in Arkansas, and Anna, our youngest, was born two years after we moved there.

We were in Arkansas for twelve years, long enough for Alex and Ashton to complete K-12 grades. We moved to Eugene when Johnny was offered a job with the Forest Service in Region 6, which encompasses the National Forests in Oregon and Washington. We chose Eugene because of the size of the town and because of the proximity to both the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, in the hope that Alex and Ashton would follow us out here (they started their junior and sophomore years at the University of Arkansas the year we moved), and it worked!

All my babies are right here in town.

This spring was the end of an era: Anna, our youngest, graduated from high school.

We had kids in public schools since 1998!

Anna started her freshman year at University of Oregon this fall and Abbey will graduate from U of O in the spring.

Every family has their own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What’s one of yours? On each of our birthdays, we have our favorite meal and dessert, then everybody has to say something nice about the person whose birthday we’re celebrating. It was comical when the kids were younger to see them struggle to say something nice about a sibling with whom they might have just recently been arguing.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom? It surprises people who know I have four kids to learn that I never really planned on having any. But I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Do you think that parenting is easier or more challenging than when you were growing up?

It’s definitely different. I was raised in an authoritarian setting, and was given very little latitude to make mistakes or deviate from the norm. I have tried to avoid that style of parenting, and I hope it has made it easier in that way for the kids than it was for me.

mommag.com 11

MOMs Love Local We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations.

Share your favorite… …shop to pick up a gift for a friend: In Eugene, Passionflower or Luxe. In Springfield, Rescued Living …coffee spot: Vero or Perugino …view or scenic lookout: Mount June …place to treat yourself to a mani/ pedi, massage or other personal service: I had my first ever manicure/ pedicure this winter at Gervais, and it was lovely. …restaurant to take the kids: Our kids have very different preferences and diets, and Café 440 has something on the menu to suit them all. …restaurants for a date night: Black Wolf Supper Club. During the pandemic, we have been packing a basket with red wine (for me) and an IPA (for him) and grabbing our meal curbside to enjoy as a picnic. For super fancy date nights, we love Marché or Café Soriah. …take-out, food truck or quick bite: Tradewinds Café …stores to go thrifting: Clothes Horse and Buffalo Exchange …event in your community: Eugene Education Foundation’s Annual Dinner, our biggest fundraising event of the year, and all the proceeds go toward grants to 4J schools. Second to that, I love the Oregon Country Fair. It is a visual feast, and quintessentially Oregon.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? It has been years since I have had to dig Goldfish or crusty chicken nuggets out of dark crevices. What is scary now is looking for something in one of the kids’ cars. It sometimes requires a hazmat suit.

We’re all moms so we know that no one is perfect all of the time, or even some of the time.

Tell us about your most recent “Mother of the Year” moment. You know, like forgetting to pick the kids up from school. Johnny and I recently planned a trip out of town for the weekend. I was sure that I had talked about it in front of Anna. We spent the morning packing and loading the car, and just as we were about to head out, I stuck my head in her bedroom door and said, “Bye! See you in a few days!” to which she replied in a surprised voice, “Where are you going?!”

I’m so glad I popped in to say goodbye!

In what way are your children like you? How are they different? They can be impatient, blunt and opinionated, which are probably negative things they picked up from me.

But they also have a desire to leave their world better than they found it, which is something positive they got from me. They are really good at math and science, and they’re good drivers — both traits they likely got from their dad.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “______________.” Make good choices!

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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? Through the years, different things have fallen through the cracks in different seasons. All four kids ran cross country, so it was guaranteed that our house would be a total mess in the fall, when we would be on the road to meets on the weekends. Each child always had an assigned chore, and Johnny and I usually worked well together to balance the remainder of the work, but it never seemed that our house was spotless.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I have been involved with nonprofits in arts, domestic violence and education in all the states in which we have lived. In Arkansas, I taught art wherever I was able: through private workshops and lessons, at our county library, and at a Catholic school.

After volunteering in Abbey and Anna’s schools soon after moving to Eugene in 2012, I started working at the Eugene Education Foundation (EEF) in 2015, and was offered the Executive Director position in 2019. EEF is the fundraising arm of the Eugene School District 4J. There are many teachers in my family — my mom was a phenomenal

mommag.com 13

MOM’s Favorite... …family game: Cards Against Humanity. I am so happy that my family is at the stage where the kids are old enough that we can play this game together. …place to find some peace & quiet: On the hiking trails behind my house …binge-worthy podcasts: Lovett or Leave It, Pod Save America, and Hysteria. I also love podcasts about social science, that tell a story, or let me know more about someone, like This American Life, The Moth, and Armchair Expert. …way to get out of making dinner: My OTL (that’s what I call my husband, which stands for One True Love) grills every Friday night, which gets me out of making dinner.

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teacher — and I am so proud to work for an organization that helps make learning happen by supporting students and teachers.

I am also on the Stand for Children’s Strategy Team, a member of the Lane County Cultural Coalition, the Rotary Club of Eugene, and was a founding Board Member of ArtCity Oregon. I am a graduate of the 2020 Class of Leadership EugeneSpringfield, and I am now on the steering team. I also teach art at Ophelia’s Place whenever I get a chance.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? Johnny and I hope to buy some land outside of town and build a house and learn to farm.

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? The community in which I was raised is a small one, and very rural. Our

town has one red light, and is about an hour in each direction from Birmingham and Huntsville. Like many rural towns, the main points of connection are through school and church. There is a high level of scrutiny in a community of that size which can be stifling. Any deviation from “the norm” is also discouraged.

Both Johnny and I knew that while there were also many wonderful things about growing up there, including that most of our family still lived there, we didn’t necessarily want our kids to have the same experience we had.

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? They definitely taught me to be innovative and resourceful. My dad can fix just about anything, using what he already has in his barn, and my mom was incredibly creative and multi-talented: she was an expert seamstress, a consummate researcher (especially in regard to genealogy), a calligrapher, a writer and so many other talents, most of which were self-taught.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? Last year, I tried snow shoeing and loved it. I look forward to doing it again.

What are three words your best friend would use to describe you? I texted my friend Amy in Arkansas to ask her this question and she responded with more than three words. Her answers included: creative, courageous, kind, gracious, empathetic, generous, clever, witty and loving.

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?

Learning how to sew. My mom and my granny were both avid seamstresses and I inherited all of their sewing machines and fabric, but I never sat still with them long enough to learn from them.

What’s your superpower? I can organize the heck out of a linen closet, or any closet, for that matter. It’s a skill I acquired from my mom and from working at Ralph Lauren and J.Crew my first two years of college.

Tell us something about you that would surprise your kids (or your husband). I want to have my own podcast one day.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? I am a bit of a news junkie and if I read the news before bed, I have trouble sleeping. 2020 has been a really exhausting year. I look forward to the day that I can be bored by the news.

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?) I love to prowl around in second hand stores, looking for bargains. While I shop, I also create narratives in my head about the stories behind the things that were donated: who on earth bought this, and why; or why did someone get rid of this amazing thing I’m so excited to take home? Then I round out that guilty pleasure with another one: deli chicken strips and a Diet Dr. Pepper.

Who is your favorite fictional hero? Anne Shirley, of the Anne of Green Gables series, is my fictional hero. I love her pluck and her sense of wonder, in spite of her adversities.

Who is your favorite real-life hero? Ruth Coker Burks is an amazing woman who cared for hundreds of sick people whose families abandoned them in the midst of the AIDS crisis. Her family owned a cemetery in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and she provided many of those she cared for, whose families would not even claim their ashes, a final resting place. Prior to their deaths, she was often the only person willing to take them to doctors’ appointments and visit with them in their last hours. To show unconditional love to people who were still marginalized in the midst of their suffering, caring for them when no one else would — what an inspiration.

They say that everyone has a book in them.

What’s the title of your book?

Prone to Wonder.

mommag.com 15

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? I had no expectations for motherhood because I didn’t plan on being a mother. What surprised me the most was the immediate fierceness I had for my babies when they got here. I am usually pretty conflictaverse, but not when it comes to my family.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? I am proud to have been raised in a family with strong matriarchal role models. My mama and my granny were huge influences in my life. Granny was a doer. She was constantly busy making things for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We always had beautiful handmade dresses for every holiday. She welcomed people into her home and fed

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and clothed them. She was a huge support for me while I was finishing college, watching Alex and Ashton on the days I had classes. I could count on her and that made a huge difference in my success as a student, and a mother. Granny also had a mischievous streak — she was a big practical joker.

My mama was gracious and welcoming.

She tutored students in her home from the time I was in junior high until the year she died. I watched her deftly pivot from teaching a preschooler to read one hour, to helping a senior level college student decipher upper level calculus problems the next. And her approach was to first impart to her students that they possessed the power to be successful. In an area that condoned racism and other forms of discrimination, my mama was fiercely anti-

racist. Watching her fearlessly speak against the mistreatment of others was a blessing to me in my formative years.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? No one understands your kids better than you do. Take unsolicited advice with a heaping measure of discernment.

You may think its recyclable, but if it’s not...

Ask WasteWise Lane County ise

5 WasteW

TY

LANE COUN

find out, or

t, If in doub leave it out.

Placing incorrect items in your recycling bin can damage the sorting equipment and cause system failures.

A recent survey of Oregonians found that up to 70% of people who were certain they knew what is, and what is not recyclable, incorrectly described one or more items as recyclable. For example, coffee cups and frozen food boxes are not recyclable.

Lane County offers a free mobile app that can quickly and easily tell you if something is recyclable or not. The WasteWise Lane County app is available at Apple and Android app stores.

Brought to you by:

Now you can settle those household debates over whether or not that pizza box goes in the garbage, or exactly what kinds of plastic jugs can be recycled.

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.

Wherever you live, follow the instructions provided to you by your collection company, and ask questions if it is not clear.

Remember, If in doubt, find out or leave it out.

lanecountyor.gov/wastewise

mommag.com 17

Say Cheese

™

eeth Straight t ces a without br

Since we don’t talk about orthodontic treatments at home, I was totally surprised by this request. When I asked her how she heard about Invisalign, she said, “I don’t know, I just saw it somewhere.”

I’m sure you’ve seen the ads for straight teeth without braces — they’re everywhere. Invisalign is best for people who want to avoid the look of traditional braces, eat whatever they want while in treatment, and who are great at remembering to wear them for 20 to 22 hours per day.

When it comes to Invisalign, we make it our priority to deliver the same results as braces.

And just like I’ll do with my daughter, I’ll help you choose the best orthodontic treatment that’s right for you and your kids.

Brought to you by:

Many kids, teens and adults ask about Invisalign, which are a series of clear retainers to straighten teeth without braces and wires.

My 10-year-old daughter said last week, “Dad, when I get braces, I want to get Invisalign instead.” Wait, whaaaat?

(541) 683-8490 • EugeneBraces.com 1400 Valley River Drive, 240, Eugene 1130 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove

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 18 mommag.com

Self-care checklist for moms YOU TAKE CARE OF EVERYONE ELSE. NOW IT’S TIME TO CARE FOR YOU.

The basics Book physical, dental and eye checkups. A clean bill of health is the best gift of all.

Schedule any preventive screenings recommended by your health care provider, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy.

If you’ve been meaning to try or restart talk therapy, now is the time.

Your mental health is crucial to every part of your overall health.

Take care of anything you’ve needed to do for a while and have put off, such as a funky mole you need looked at by a dermatologist, or an old sports injury that needs attention.

Spoil yourself

The aesthetics

Buy yourself something that’s just for you, not for the kids. We hear good things about Felicity Boutique in SE Salem. Cute on-trend feather earrings? Dopamine burst!

Maybe you’ve been thinking about laser eye surgery or injectables like Botox. Look for a board-certified provider and see if they offer free consultations.

Try a meal delivery service: Ivy’s Cookin’ in Eugene delivers homecooked vegetarian meals right to your door, which is perfect for new moms, moms of toddlers and moms who simply need a break. Visit ivyscookin.com for details.

Treat yourself: Winter is the perfect time for chemical peels and laser hair removal because as Oregonians, we get much less sun exposure. In fact, staying out of the sun is key to reducing the chance of skin lightening or darkening after such treatments, say the experts at Samaritan Plastic, Reconstruction & Hand Surgery in Corvallis.

Get rid of five old items of clothes you don’t wear anymore and invest in one great quality item that will last.

Take a walk or get away by yourself.

It cleanses the mind to not hear, “Mom! Mom! Mom!” for a few hours.

Spring for a housekeeper. Even if it’s a one-time deal, it gives you a break.

Get a massage, mani, pedi...it’s up to you. If you’re not into those, paint your toenails. Even if no one else sees them in winter, you’ll enjoy them.

Use your child’s naptime to take one yourself. Leave the laundry you were going to fold, forget about the early start on dinner. A nap for mom might be best for everyone.

Book your hair services for the year. Yes, people do this. If your stylist sends text message reminders, sign up for them and add them to your calendar.

mommag.com 19

Gifts for Guys

From the hard-to-shop-for husband, to the father-in-law who says he doesn’t need anything, most moms agree that guys are the most difficult ones on their gift lists. Funny thing: they say the same things about us!

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W

e’ve compiled a list of items we think will delight the Y chromosome, but of course you’ll find items here that you’ll want for yourself, your wife, your child’s awesome teacher, and so on. We just liked the alliteration of the headline.

BONUS: Many of these products

come from Oregon. Look for the State of Oregon symbol.

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4 2 3

2 HYDRO FLASK

3 LEATHERMAN MULTI-TOOL

4 TREKKING STICKS

These distinctive wool blankets honor America’s National Parks, from Crater Lake to Zion. Woven in the Pacific Northwest for nearly 100 years, each design tells a story.

With a reputation for lasting construction, these water bottles are popular with everyone, from outdoors enthusiasts to dehydrated desk jockeys. Available in a wide variety of colors and styles.

The company is headquartered in Bend, Oregon.

Made in Portland and engraveable, Leatherman’s handy Multi-Tool is a knife + pliers + scissors + bottle opener + many, many more things. It’s an all-in-one compact tool that is ideal to keep with the camping gear or in the glove box.

A must for hiking enthusiasts, a pair of lightweight trekking poles provides stability on steep hikes. Consider the terrain and weather of the recipient’s hiking areas. Numerous styles are available.

Pendleton-usa.com

Hydroflask.com

Leatherman.com

REI.com

1 PENDLETON NATIONAL PARK BLANKETS

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8 PI DISH Math geeks will love this fun pie dish. Made from oven-safe stoneware, the outer rim features the first 100 numerals of Pi. Amazon.com 9 POO-POURRI FLUSHDOWN 6 INVISIBALL ICE KIT

7 SECRET AARDVARK SAUCE

Out of Yakima Valley, this brew kit makes an IPA with spicy citrus notes. Great for someone who loves beer and is ready to try their hand at making their own.

Craft ice cubes are all the rage, giving drinks a certain flair in presentation. One from Corkcicle is designed to make impurities float to the bottom and bubbles rise to the top, giving you crystal clear, premium ice spheres.

Hot sauce lovers, rejoice with this Oregon-based favorite.

Described as a “Caribbean/ Tex-Mex hybrid” style, there are people who put it on everything from eggs to burgers. Available in a variety of flavors, in bottles or combo packs.

This is a real product. We repeat, this is a real product. Before you go to the toilet, you spray it on the water’s surface, which creates an odor barrier. Then proceed with “business as usual.”

Numerous scents are available, with hilarious titles like Master Crapsman, Royal Flush and many more “best smellers.”

Uncommongoods.com

Corkcicle.com

Secretaardvark.com

PooPourri.com

5 WEST COAST STYLE IPA BEER BREWING KIT

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10 NETFLIX, DISNEY+, SLING TV, APPLE TV+ OR OTHER STREAMING SUBSCRIPTION We’re home a lot right now, so you might as well give the gift of a viewing subscription. Side benefit: your kids can finally see hit shows like The Mandalorian, Paw Patrol, Stranger Things and others, depending on which streaming service you choose.

11 WORK WONNIE

13 23ANDME KITS

For the work-from-home guy who needs business on top and comfort on the bottom, the Work Wonnie is a mullet for the wardrobe. With a butt flap.

Ring in the new year with this flameless, funny candle by RexRoi3D in Los Angeles. They also have an ornament version.

For anyone wanting to explore or confirm their genetic history, DNA kits are a perfect gift.

From finding your great-greatgrandmother’s Sicilian roots, to tracing parts of your family history to India, the results give insight into your own unique origin story on this planet. A word of caution: sometimes the results upend and surprise people, revealing secret affairs and unknown adoptions.

Etsy.com

23andme.com

Workwonnies.com 12 2020 DUMPSTER FIRE

14 SUBSCRIPTIONS TO YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPERS Get home delivery or a digital subscription. You’ll support local journalism, and be up-to-date on the latest in your hometown.

Visit your local newspaper’s website.

mommag.com 23

something to smile about

TM

AGE-APPROPRIATE DENTAL TOOLS

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WHEN IT COMES TO your child’s dental health, it’s important to start early, be consistent and use the right tools.

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1: A finger brush or a washcloth

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helps your baby get used to the feeling and idea of having their mouth cleaned.

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2: A silicone brush helps with oral

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motor sensory development. It’s a fairly easy proposition when babies want to put everything in their mouths.

Be sure to use one made specifically for your baby’s age and ability.

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3: A soft bristle toothbrush helps

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ot o

cr ed

it:

am

az on

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remove plaque and keep gums healthy. Avoid the hard, stiff bristles in early childhood.

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4: Toothpaste with fluoride helps

prevent cavities. This is especially

important if your child is at a higher risk of dental caries.

5: Floss picks are great for getting out

the stuck bits between teeth and helping your child learn the value of flossing.

6: Electric toothbrushes work well

for when your child is ready for more than a soft bristle toothbrush.

7: String floss works best to curve

around each tooth. Flossing (not the dance!) takes some practice, but your child will get there with guidance.

8: Mouth rinse is nice for fresh

breath when children understand how to spit, and it’s practical for families who do not have fluoridated water.

Adapted from @the.dentistmom on Instagram.

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

CAKES & PIES OF THE SEASON

FAVORITE CAKES & PIES

We’re sharing a few favorite cakes and pies with you this season. Enjoy, and happy holidays from all of us at MOM Magazine.

mommag.com 25

MOM’s Apple Pie This is a classic that appeases the masses. There are numerous schools of thought on what type of apples to use; to keep it simple, the Granny Smith variety is a solid choice.

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BAKE. When it’s cold outside, the oven is warm and your home is rich with the aroma of something delicious cooking, the kids will drop their screen time and come running.

Plus, when you bake from recipes, you can control the quality of the ingredients and make adjustments that suit your family, like for that one child who hates cinnamon.

And the nostalgia of using a family favorite recipe builds a legacy of memories.

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FOR THE CRUST

FOR THE FILLING:

2 ¼ cups flour

6

cups of apples cut into ⅛-inch slices

¾

cup sugar

⅓ cup cold milk

1

teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup + 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

5

tablespoons flour

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

Mix flour, sugar and salt in a bowl and set aside.

Mix sugar, cinnamon and flour together, then combine with apple slices until evenly coated. Put into the prepared pie crust.

½ teaspoon sugar

Pinch of salt

Pour milk and oil in a measuring cup and don’t stir. Add it all at once to the flour, then stir with a fork until it becomes thick dough.

Divide dough in half and roll out each separately, using wax paper underneath and cling wrap on top so it doesn’t stick to the rolling pin.

Drape one rolled out portion to a pie baking dish and trim the edges.

Once the filling is ready and added to the dish, cover it with the second rolled out dough. Trim and pinch the edges closed all the way around. Poke the top with a fork in several places for steam vents.

Try adding a lattice top crust (shown here) or use cookie cutters to create a unique decorative pattern.

Bake about 40 - 50 minutes at 400 degrees, covering loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes before serving.

Sugar & Spice Cake Forget those plug-in air fresheners, baking this cake will make your whole house smell delicious. Save some to have with your coffee.

INGREDIENTS

Roll the perfect crust Don’t be stingy with the flour Sprinkle flour liberally on your surface and right onto the dough.

1

cup margarine or butter

2

cups sugar

3

beaten eggs

2

cups raisins

2

cups boiling water

2

teaspoons baking soda

2

teaspoons cinnamon

½

teaspoon ground cloves

½

teaspoon allspice

3

cups flour

1

teaspoon baking powder

½

cup nuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS Mix the first 9 ingredients together in a saucepan. Let the mixture come to a boil, stirring occasionally, then cool.

Seal cracks as you go When you roll, stop to press cracks closed. Pay attention to the edges, as they are prone to cracking.

Add the flour, baking powder and nuts (optional) and stir to combine. Pour into prepared pan.

Brush it off

Bake in a 9 x 13 pan at 350 degrees for about an hour, or until an inserted fork comes out clean. When it comes to room temperature, you can dust with powdered sugar.

Once your dough is rolled, use a food brush to gently get rid of excess flour.

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FAVORITE CAKES & PIES

Upside-down Cranberry Cake This tangy, cheerful cake celebrates the berry of the season, with orange zest giving it pep.

Fresh cranberries make all the difference, so spring for them and you won’t be disappointed.

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TOPPING

DIRECTIONS

1/3

cup butter

3/4

cup packed brown sugar

Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter, then sprinkle with flour.

Because you’ll flip this cake out when it’s done, you’ll want to generously grease the cake pan.

12 oz. fresh cranberries

CAKE 1 1/2 cups flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and ground ginger and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

Alternately stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, adding in the milk and sour cream. Mix until incorporated.Stir in the orange zest.

¼

teaspoon salt

1/2

teaspoon ground ginger

1/4

teaspoon ground cinnamon

½

cup butter at room temperature

1

cup sugar

2

eggs

1

teaspoon vanilla extract

½

cup sour cream

¾

cup milk

Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then run a blunt knife around the edge. Then turn the cake out onto a platter. Don’t wait longer or it will stick.

1

tablespoon orange zest

Decorate with fresh cranberries, orange twists or green accents.

In a saucepan on medium, melt 1/3 cup of butter and add the brown sugar. Take off heat and add the fresh cranberries. Pour this mixture into the greased cake pan.

Pour batter over the berries. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a fork inserted into the center comes out clean.

[ Momism #181:

How about a hug?

]

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Donnita Bassinger VIP Vacations, Inc. 541-913-5272 Facebook: Vacation MOM mommag.com 29

FAVORITE CAKES & PIES

Pecan Pie Albany mom and former professional baker Krista Fortenberry shares one of her fabulous pies with us. And you need not feel guilty with this one: pecans are surprisingly high in fiber, as well as thiamin and zinc.

FOR THE CRUST:

DIRECTIONS

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

Heat oven to 375 degrees; place cookie sheet in oven to preheat.

2

tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2

cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)

2/3

cup vegetable shortening (chilled)

1/2

teaspoon salt

Ice cold water (up to 1/2 cup)

FOR THE FILLING: 1

cup packed brown sugar

1/3

melted butter

3/4

cup corn syrup

1/2

teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans 3

large eggs

In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Mix well. With a pastry blender or fork, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few pea-sized morsels remaining.

Sprinkle with ice water (1 tablespoon at a time), while mixing and tossing lightly with a fork. Add water until the dough is just moist enough to form a ball when lightly pressed together. Too much water causes the dough to become sticky and tough.

In a medium bowl, beat brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt and eggs with whisk until well blended; stir in pecans. Pour into the crust.

Bake the pie on the preheated cookie sheet, 35 to 45 minutes or until center is set. After 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover crust edge with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Cool 30 minutes; refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled before serving.

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays The gift that keeps on giving

541-738-2806 | nwdesignhouse.com

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263 29th Avenue SW | Albany, OR 97322 541-926-0353 | 541-926-1515 fax

www.mommag.com | info@mommag.com

The views, information and content in this magazine are not that of the organization that may have provided MOM Magazine to readers as a courtesy.

MOM Magazine and its distributors assume no liability for the contents or events arising out of its distribution.

/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.