Mid Valley MOM | August/September 2020

real local moms

since 2005

Mid Valley | August / September 2020

COVER MOM

ORGANIZING

BURSTING WITH TOO MANY

AMBER GRAPOLI

KIDS’ CLOTHES

SMARTPHONE PHOTOS

We’re here …

… for your child’s health.

Your family’s health and well-being are top priorities, for you and for us. As our communities meet the challenges of COVID-19, well-child checkups and vaccinations are as important as ever.

When you make an appointment you can be assured that many safety measures are in place, including telehealth appointments, pre-appointment health screenings, physical distancing, face coverings requirement and strict cleaning and disinfecting.

Need a new health care provider? Call 800-863-5241.

samhealth.org

It’s what‘s

Organizing kids’ clothes

18

Meet the MOM experts ... 4

inside that counts

Smartphone photos

20

Cooking hacks 28

They know what they’re

Organizing kids’ clothes......................18

Our favorite helpful cooking hacks..................28

talking about

Whether school is in session

For when you’re short on time

or not, kids keep growing

or patience — or both

Because I said so............... 5 A message from MOM

Cover MOM: Amber Grapoli.................10 This mom gets real

Is your smartphone bursting with too many photos?..................20 Tips for managing the digital photo hoarding habit

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 Emily Hall 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]

Say Cheese.

Say Cheese with Dr. Wade Haslam, page 9

Health.

Let’s Talk Health with Samaritan Health Services, page 7

do what you can.

“

– Arthur Ashe

4 mommag.com

Focus on MOM with Dr. Masha Molodyh, page 25

Learn.

Smile.

Partners in Education with Carla Towery, page 15

Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam, page 27

Thrive.

Natural.

Go Out and Play with Karen Swanger, page 17

Natural Choices with Emily Stimac, page 31

“Start where you are, use what you have,

Focus.

Style.

About Home Style with Heather Van Eyk, page 19

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 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 o f 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

[ Momism #83: I’m

going to give you until the count of three....

Christina Miller, MD

541 704 7304

Raising strong families through personalized care.

At Willamette Valley Pediatrics we believe that healthcare is personal.

“We are all in this together” Back-to-school checklist for visiting your pediatrician: Well-child checks/sports physicals Immunization schedule Learning concerns Chronic problems: anxiety, depression, aches and pains, etc.

Dr. Christina Miller takes the time to develop relationships with her patients and their families in order to care for their “whole” health.

You and your child’s health are our priority.

We know that health concerns are stressful for moms. We offer same day appointments and can work with your busy schedule. We schedule sports physicals with minimal wait time, because we know that an active child is a healthy child.

Dr. Miller knows that children are a blessing.

That is why she comes alongside you and your child to help them become their best self.

To learn more contact us at 541-704-7304 or www.willamettevalleypediatrics.com

Christina Miller, MD

Dr. Miller strives to provide so much more than just a doctor’s “visit”.

Located in Albany 1123 Hill Street SE, Suite B. Albany

willamettevalleypediatrics.com 541 704 7304 6 mommag.com

]

Let’s talk health

Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.

Let’s talk health ™

What vaccinations does my child need to attend school in Oregon?

Oregon law requires children receive certain vaccines to attend school or a childcare facility. Below are the American Academy of Pediatrics vaccine recommendations. Your child should be on schedule if you follow these guidelines.

If your child needs to catch up on vaccines, you have until “Exclusion Day,” which will be in mid-February 2021.

At least 18 months old and entering preschool or child care:

Entering grades 7 or 8:

4 Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP)

1 Tdap booster

3 Polio

4 Polio

1 Varicella (chickenpox)

1 Varicella (chickenpox)

1 Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)

2 MMR or 2 Measles, 1 Mumps, 1 Rubella

3 Hepatitis B

3 Hepatitis B

2 Hepatitis A

2 Hepatitis A

3 or 4 Hib Entering kindergarten or grades 1 through 6: 5 Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP) 4 Polio 2 MMR or 2 Measles, 1 Mumps, 1 Rubella 2 Hepatitis A

Entering grades 9 through 12: 5 Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP) 1 Tdap booster 4 Polio 1 Varicella (chickenpox)

1 Varicella (chickenpox) 3 Hepatitis B

5 Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP)

2 MMR or 2 Measles, 1 Mumps, 1 Rubella 3 Hepatitis B — Nancy Nelson, MD, Samaritan Pediatrics – Circle Blvd

I keep hearing about how important Vitamin D is, but how do I get enough of it here in the Northwest?

Vitamin D is essential to your overall health. It’s a vital nutrient that helps your body build strong bones and muscles. Try these tips to help boost your levels: Spend time outdoors: You can still absorb vitamin D even on cloudy days. Keep in mind sunscreen can block absorption of vitamin D and too much sun can lead to skin cancer, so be cautious of your sun exposure.

Add foods that are high in vitamin D to your diet: egg yolks, mushrooms and fatty fish such as halibut, salmon, trout and tuna.

Include fortified foods in your diet. Foods such as cheese, milk, orange juice and cereals often have extra nutrients added.

Start taking a tablespoon of cod liver oil to get a big vitamin D punch.

Brought to you by:

Call Samaritan Health Services Find a Doctor line at 800-863-5241 to find a provider who is right for you.

Take a vitamin D supplement: be sure to talk with your provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

— Sally Beggs, FNP, Samaritan Lebanon Health Center

mommag.com 7

[ Momism #93:

Flush the toilet!

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fering Now of alth Telehe ts tmen appoin day

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]

AGE 7 FOR THE WIN When it comes to your child’s first orthodontic evaluation, remember that 7 is your lucky number.

An orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, but there is an optimal time period to begin treatment to ensure the greatest result with the least amount of time and expense.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that an initial orthodontic evaluation occurs at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but a vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

Some of the most direct results of early interceptive treatment include: • Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth • Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth • Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth • Preserving space for unerupted teeth • Reducing the need for tooth removal • Reducing treatment time with braces So remember, 7 (years old) is the lucky number for a winning smile.

This smile is brought to you by:

WADE L. HASLAM, DMD, PC 2657 NW Rolling Green Drive, Corvallis | 541.757.2440 valleyvieworthodontics.com

Dr. Haslam is a Board-Certified Specialist in Orthodontics.

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mommag.com 9

Family Husband: Sean Grapoli, science health consultant for Metagenics Children: Zach, age 13, and Max, age 9 Profession: Graphic designer and interior decorator Community: Philomath

AMBER GRAPOLI

Cover MOM Amber Grapoli on why being imperfectly perfect is the way to live.

Cover story photos by Emily Hall Photography

10 mommag.com

?

Quick-FIRE

questions

for MOM Tea or Coffee?

Coffee with lots of creamer.

Summer or Winter?

Summer

Fly or Drive?

Drive. I love road trips.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

I have two older brothers and always thought of myself as a girly girl, but after having two boys myself, I realize I’m not — that was just a comparison to my brothers. I was meant to have boys. We even have a team name: Queen Bee and the Wolverines. It started years ago when my husband was traveling a lot, and I said we needed to work as a team, they needed to help me out, etc., and every team needs a name.

My hubby, my Wolverines and our dog, Biscuit, love to spend time at our beach house we named Drop Anchor. I usually build a fire (I’m the fire master of the family), and we either play beach baseball or football, and our dog plays along with us.

Ever since sports were canceled, we spend all of our time together so we really enjoy our house and backyard, whereas before we didn’t have the time to do so. There’s been lots of cooking, grilling, catching salamanders in our ponds, pool time and then warming up by a fire.

Gold or Silver?

What kind of family traditions do you have?

My family is full of traditions. Our road trip tradition is to have “snack packs.” The boys each have a basket, and I fill it with hearty snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated, sweet treats that last a while like lollipops and gum, a journal/sketch pad, wet wipes, tissues and magazines. It started when they were young and helped them when they were hungry, bored, sticky or snotty. But we still do it, and they still get excited when I pull out their snack packs when we hit the road.

Also at the beginning of the summer we write a list of things we want to do as a family. This year was unique where we wrote a list of things we want to do if COVID-19 rules were lifted, and a second if they were not.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. My boys being so adaptable to the changes that took place with the pandemic and always looking at the bright side. All the time they say, “This was so fun! We would never be doing this if we didn’t have all this time together.”

Silver

Dog or Cat?

Dog

Beer or Wine?

Beer

Bath or Shower?

I love baths, but rarely take the time.

Math or English?

Math

Hot or Cold?

Hot

Sweet or Savory?

Savory

Hugs or Kisses?

Don’t they go together?

If I had to choose: hugs.

Ice cream or Chocolate?

Chocolate ice cream Early or Late?

Early

mommag.com 11

“For years I’ve collected pictures of hearts in unexpected places: food, rocks, wood grain, clouds, trash, cuts, bruises — you name it, I’ve seen it in a heart shape.”

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What’s the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? Slime. It wasn’t so much as surprising as it was annoying. It was there so long before I found it, it’s now unfortunately a permanent part of the couch.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “______________.” Flush the toilet! Why is that not a natural thing in my household?

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. We have gone through a big remodel, and there were lots of design challenges I solved. I like a good challenge. I also have been doing a lot of the finishing work with sanding, painting, staining and prepping old barn wood to create countertops and accents on walls.

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. Thankfully I am able to work from home, as a freelance graphic designer. When the kids were younger and still napped, I was able to work during nap times, and then as they transitioned into school and sports, I work while they are at school or practice, or before they wake up or after they go to bed at night.

What have you learned professionally, that has helped you as a mom, or vice-versa?

What I learned from being a mom — and it has helped me professionally — is that nothing is perfect. Imperfectly perfect is perfect for me.

Favorite… …family game: If you ask my boys, it’s playing kids versus parents in basketball, or for Sean and I to judge a cannonball contest in our backyard pool.

…place to find some peace & quiet: on the

beach with a campfire, with my family in sight but out of earshot. At home, it’s on our top deck.

…inspirational quote: Always do your very best — you don’t know who you may be inspiring.

It’s always been important for me to not be working on projects when they first get home from school so we can talk about their day over a snack, and then I do all my mom jobs like prepping dinner, laundry, cleaning, etc. as they work on homework or play.

During homeschooling in the pandemic, we would start our day with schoolwork, then transition them into their Google classrooms while I did my work.

Also, under the umbrella of amber dawn design, I re-decorate people’s homes. My mission for redecorating is the art of taking what is old, unused or misplaced and repurposing and reusing your belongings to create a more livable, lovable space with your own hidden treasures. I meet with clients and they talk about what they don’t like about their space. I ask to peek in garages, basements and closets to see if I can find unused items that might just end up being the new focal point of the room.

What’s really fun is in most cases I send the homeowner away so I can do my work, and when they return it’s to a reimagined space with their existing items.

MOM’s

….time-saving app or digital tool: I’m really bad

with digital anything. My 13-year-old is trying to teach me to be a bit more savvy.

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? With my dad in the Navy, we moved around a lot — about every two years until we were in high school. It taught me to adapt to different situations easily. As a mom, there is constant change and a constant need to adapt. Moving so often made it second nature for me to make new friends.

Like my dad, I have never met a stranger. That trait has for sure been passed on to my boys.

Also having grown up far from family definitely made it a priority for me as a mom, to have my kids to live close to our huge extended family so my boys can grow up around their grandparents, aunts, uncles and a massive amount of cousins.

mommag.com 13

Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Working out at barre3 in Corvallis.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? To be able to come back, as an adult, to the house you grew up in as a child.

What’s your superpower?

I don’t require a lot of sleep.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Decorating while being frugal.

They say that everyone has a book in them.

What’s the title of your book? Possibly The Queen (Bee) of Hearts. For years I’ve collected pictures of hearts in unexpected places: food, rocks, wood grain, clouds, trash, cuts, bruises — you name it, I’ve seen it in a heart shape. I have a goal of designing a book with my collection, to be printed and sold locally.

14 mommag.com

Listen to mom.

What has surprised you the most about motherhood?

The amount of patience it takes.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? Stop finishing what your kids don’t finish on their plate. Do you really want that chicken nugget or bread crust?

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is.

Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes it’s the way you react to your child, or not giving them the exact attention at the moment they need it, or you second guess the advice you give them. It’s okay to tell your children you were wrong or you’re sorry.

I tell my kids, “You have to understand, I’ve never done this before. I have never been a mom to a 13-year-old and a 9-year-old at the same time. (They hear this with whatever ages they are.) I’m doing the best that I can.”

We are all human, perfectly imperfect.

Learning in your It’s perfect, honey! own backyard

lives, we see what we don’t have. When we look in the mirror, we see our flaws instead of the blessings. Can we take a step back? Can we accept those few extra or to scuffed shoes, or not-so-new CIENCE ISN’Tpounds, LIMITED bugs, leaves and flowers truly car—even with its occasional rattles—and allow ourselves to school. Your child has the gives a different perspective.

We find joy in their imperfection, yet we often expect no less than biggest science lab ever, right Catch bugs in a clear plastic or experience satisfaction with what we have and who we are? Peace perfection from ourselves or our spouse. When we reflect on our outside his door!

An oversized, glass jar.

It’s incredible how with ourselves liberates us to be our own “best.” button-down, white shirt (ala much less scary a bug is when Today’s the day. Give a break expectation of glass. “lab coat”) and ayourself backpack of from it’s the being seen through “science turns any perfection andtools” say, “I’m okay. ” Draw it. Putting things on child into a scientist and a paper also adds to the details It’s called Give becomes yourself some today! rompGRACE. in the yard a your child will notice. Help science adventure. him keep a pictorial journal of Focus. Limiting distraction the things he investigates. brought you by andto visual stimuli helps children Don’t focus on how realistic notice infinitely more detail. their drawing looks – focus Brought to you by: Try taping two toilet paper instead on the details they tubes together to make might add. You’re going to be cardboard “binoculars.” The Carla amazed at the tiny details that Towery is a Santiam ChristianinSchools difference what they see they will notice. teacher, Kindergarten www.santiamchristian.org will surprise you.

Carla Towery is 541-745-5524 x243 Santiam Christian Schools Up close and personal. A a Kindergarten Santiam Christian Schools big magnifying glass is a must.

Santiam teacher, www.santiamchristian.org Getting a super close look at Christian Schools 541-745-5524 x 243 Have you ever noticed that we love our children’s artwork, no matter how purple the sky or red the grass they’ve drawn?

We don’t expect it to be perfect, yet we find joy in it anyway.

4 mommag.com

S

mommag.com 15

blank

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Virtually connecting with loved ones

W

E’RE ALL LEARNING NEW SKILLS these days, especially when it comes to using video conferencing.

Kids use it for school and socializing, adults for work, and at Kidspirit we’ve gone virtual with many of our activities, from cooking and coding, to art and yoga and more.

For children missing their grandparents and other key adults they can’t physically be near during the pandemic, video conferencing helps both parties stay connected.

Some tips to keep the sessions lively: Have your child showcase their recent artwork or crafts.

Play peek-a-boo to delight a toddler: Turn the camera away from your face, then back again, and then — when they think they’ll see your face — surprise them by showing a stuffed animal.

Read a book: Children love having grownups read to them, with story books for younger kids and chapter books for the older ones.

Brought to you by:

Karen Swanger is the Director of OSU KidSpirit Oregon 4-H Youth Programs kidspirit.oregostate.edu

Share a meal: Plan the same snacks so your child can enjoy a virtual meal with Nana.

Sing and play music together.

Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children

What can MOM do for you?

82% Moms make 82% of household purchasing decisions. Reach your customers with MOM Magazine.

Contact Linda Blair today at linda@mommag.com or 541-231-7250 to secure your ad space.

mommag.com 17

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.

18 mommag.com

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!

MIX PATTERNS LIKE A PRO

Textiles are a wonderful way to make a big impact in your home without undertaking a major construction project.

Pillows, rugs, drapes or other fabric window treatments add a pop of color, texture and pattern that can bring a bland room to life. Some easy tips to follow to get the most bang for your buck, and help you mix patterns like a pro!

PLAY WITH SCALE: When mixing patterns, you need to represent different scales so they do not compete. Aim to have one very large-scale pattern, a medium pattern and a small-scale pattern.

PLAY WITH PATTERNS: If you choose to have a large geometric pattern, then avoid using a geometric on another textile. The same is true for florals. Use a type of pattern such as a floral, geo, stripe, or dot only one time.

Mix patterns and scale of patterns to achieve a dynamic and interesting design for your room that you are sure to love for years to come!

Heather Van Eyk is a mother of two and principal designer at NW Design House & owner of Budget Blinds located next to Starbucks in North Albany.

Brought to you by:

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mommag.com 19

IS YOUR SMARTPHONE BURSTING WITH TOO MANY PHOTOS? editorial

IF YOU DELETE IMAGES TO MAKE MORE ROOM SO YOU CAN TAKE MORE PHOTOS, KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

20 mommag.com

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.

mommag.com 21

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.

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Are you making an impact?

MU COM NIT

RD 2021 WA

MPACT A YI

The MOM Magazine Community Impact Award honors a local, not-for-profit organization serving mothers and children in the community.

The recipient will receive a free 2021 advertising contract, editorial feature and social media promotion.

Nominate a deserving organization for the MOM Magazine Community Impact Award

Nomination period is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2020. To nominate your organization or learn more about the MOM Magazine Community Impact Award visit mommag.com/award.

See terms and conditions at mommag.com

mommag.com 23

[ Momism #59:

Growing the next generation of gardeners

You’d forget your head if it wasn’t attached to your shoulders.

YOUR DREAM IS OUT THERE. MAKE IT A REALITY. Top-ranked degrees

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Each month Garland Nursery hosts Little Sprouts, a hands-on, make-and-take kids class on gardening. Visit our website for the schedule and more details.

Registration required.

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Upcoming Classes

Make a Succulent Planter

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5470 NE Hwy 20, Corvallis, OR 97330 (541) 753-6601

GarlandNursery.com

24 mommag.com

ecampus.oregonstate.edu

]

What causes red eyes?

As parents awake all night with a new baby will attest, when we’re tired, our eyes can appear red or “bloodshot.”

Those red and pink streaks can look unsightly, and they can also cause itchiness, tearing and burning. Red eyes are also caused by irritants, such as: • pollen (hay fever) • chlorine from swimming pools • pets • dust • mold • cigarette smoke Masha Molodyh, OD

Many cases of red eyes are harmless, and simply avoiding the irritant (or allergen) remedies the redness. But some causes of red eyes need medical attention. If you or your child experience pain around your eyes, sensitivity to light, or unusual discharge from the eyes, call your eye care professional.

Source: The American Academy of Ophthalmology

• perfumes

eyecareassociates.net Albany Willetta St SW (541) 926-5848 Albany Custom Eyes (541) 928-2020 NW Corvallis Office (541) 752-4622 Downtown Corvallis Office (541) 757-1120 Lebanon Office (541) 451-5808

To fight off the irritant, your eyes make a substance called histamine. The histamine then dilates and inflames the small blood vessels under the eye’s surface.

Brought to you by:

KIDS DON’T COME WITH DIRECTIONS Parenting is better with support

OPENING FALL 2020 Growing Leaders Early Learning Center will focus on building an educational foundation for children ages 3 to 5 through enrichment programs that provide learning opportunities for everyone in our community.

Visit ymcaalbany.org for more information about this exciting program or to register.

For more information: Ashley Thomas 541.918.2255 | elcdirector@ymcaalbany.org mommag.com 25

Support your local business

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.

26 mommag.com

The “Straight Teeth” Talk

Many parents consider getting their children started with braces. Two common parental concerns: does my child need braces, and if so, when is the best time to start the process?

If you have already established a “dental home,” your pediatric dentist can discuss any concerns or questions you have about braces during your child’s routine cleaning appointment. We advise parents on when the time for orthodontic care is appropriate, and we send a referral to an orthodontist of their choice.

Prior to starting orthodontic treatment, we recommend your child have a wellestablished oral hygiene routine, and that they see their pediatric dentist if they are due for their routine appointment.

During orthodontic treatment, cleaning appointments with your pediatric dentist are especially important to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and cavity-free. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Brought to you by:

Dr. Jay Vaikuntam

pediatricdentistoregon.com 155 NW Hickory St # A, Albany, OR 97321 (541) 928-1509

BE YOUR CHILD'S HERO Child abuse is 100% preventable.

ABC House offers free trainings to educate you about abuse so you can take action when you see it. Let us help you take the first step to end child abuse.

Learn more about the comprehensive assessment and support services we provide and how we are working to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. www.abchouse.org PO Box 68 | Albany, OR 97321 | 541-926-2203 | Abuse Hotline: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) mommag.com 27

Our Favorite Helpful Cooking Hacks

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.

Kitchen scissors: if you don’t have some, treat yourself.

From cutting open supersealed packs of chicken, to cutting fresh herbs, this kitchen tool is multitalented. Get ones that can go on the top rack of the dishwasher after using.

The right accessories can make all the difference

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...

From messmakers to time-savers

28 mommag.com

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.

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.

You can grate hard-boiled eggs. Wait, what? This is useful for making deviled eggs, or adding some protein to a salad.

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.

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.

Sloppy Joes Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • •

½ cup chopped onion 1 lb. ground beef 2/3 cup ketchup ½ cup water ¼ cup chopped celery 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vinegar ¼ tsp. dry mustard

Directions: Sauté ground beef and

onion. Add remaining ingredients.

Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Serve on hamburger buns.

Kid’s Favorite Pasta About 10 oz. of your family’s favorite pasta, cooked and drained.

Whole-grain 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.

Prep ahead of time: future you will thank past you

Make a batch of “kid” pasta (see recipe above) 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.

HB

If it’s about to go bad, just freeze it.

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.

Find everything you need at the Co-op!

North Corvallis 2855 NW Grant Ave South Corvallis 1007 SE Third St OPEN DAILY @firstaltcoop

mommag.com 29

www.firstalt.coop

WEAR IT FOR OTHERS WEAR IT FOR YOURSELF WEAR IT FOR OUR COMMUNITY

30 mommag.com

Two kitchen tips to save time At the Co-op, helping a happy, healthy community of people enjoy fresh, local, organic groceries is our top priority. Here are a couple of kitchen hacks that will help you minimize trips out (and save you some time in the kitchen) while allowing you to enjoy fresh, healthful food.

A “Grate” Way to Soften Butter: Ever get ready to bake some delicious buttery baked goods only to discover that all you have are frigid sticks of butter from the fridge? Soften butter quickly by grating it! This is great for recipes that call for softened, but not melted, butter. Use your largest grater to grate the butter directly into a mixing bowl. Let it sit a few minutes and it’s ready to cream with sugar or use with other ingredients.

Come to First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op for all of your grocery needs. It’s the natural choice.

Two locations in Corvallis 1007 SE 3rd • 541-753-3115 2855 NW Grant • 541-452-3115 Open daily www.firstalt.coop

Keeping Broccoli at its Best: When you purchase fresh broccoli, store it in your refrigerator, stem down in a glass of water, covered loosely with a plastic bag. Just change the water every few days and it can stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. (This method also works well with cilantro, herbs, or parsley.) When you do get around to using it, don’t discard the stem! Cut off the florets and the bottom 1-2” of the stem then peel away the tougher outer portion of the remaining stem.

The tender middle can be chopped up for stir-fry, salads, or steaming.

Emily Stimac of First Alternative Co-op and her children.

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OSU KIDSPIRIT SPORTS • ART • SCIENCE • COOKING

No matter what Fall looks like...

KidSpirit is here for your family!

Virtual or In-Person Programs: Stay updated on our website NEW! Gymnastics at Home with KidSpirit on Youtube: @OSUKidSpirit 32 mommag.com kidspirit.oregonstate.edu

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