Enjoy Magazine: San Joaquin Valley Living — January 2020 by Enjoy Magazine: Northern California Living

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

JA N UA RY 2 0 2 0

ISSUE 63

JUST B R E AT H E taking steps to a healthier lifestyle

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contents San Joaquin Valley Living

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 // I S S U E 6 3

inspiration

crafting 26 | DIY: Aromatherapy Pack

good finds J UST B R E ATH E Find ways to refocus and take time for yourself

20 | Fresh Food at Fresno’s Heirloom Eats

interest 17 | Making a Difference at Pleasant Mattress in Fresno

locals 10 | Dr. Matt’s V-Fit Premier Fitness and Wellness Institute in Tulare

nature hike 12 | Get Outdoors and Find Yourself

in every issue 22 | Enjoy the View—James Lester 24 | What’s Cookin’—Navy Bean and Butternut Squash Soup 28 | Calendar of Events 31 | Giving Back—Building Community with Little Free Library

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editor’s note

on the cover

JANUARY 2020 AFTER THE HOLIDAY HUSTLE, a deep breath is long overdue – let’s quiet our minds and just breathe. Now, didn’t that feel good? This issue of Enjoy illuminates ways to care for mind, body and soul, so we can all start the new year living our best lives. Feeling stressed? Tired? Anxious? Sad? Angry? Depressed? Head for the trees. From emotional and mental wellness to overall physical well-being, nature offers a free antidote to life’s ills. We’ll tell you more. Reading also lowers stress, enhances imagination and boosts sleep. Share this magic with your favorite little one – and if you don’t have a book handy, check out a local Little Free Library. This nonprofit endeavor inspires a love of reading while building community. Days may be shorter in the winter, but it’s a perfect time to start making a list of places to explore when the weather lends itself to a hike. We’ve assembled a little cheat sheet of lovely local trails for you to start with. Breathing is more than taking oxygen into the body – it’s committing to make time to rest and relax. Sleep in, have lunch with a friend, watch the sun rise. Just breathe, and enjoy!

Cover models: Chantel Perry by Sal Marro Photography

Enjoy Magazine YVONNE MAZZOTTA publisher MICHELLE ADAMS publisher RONDA ALVEY editor in chief KERRI REGAN copy editor MONICA FATICA creative & managing editor EMILY MIRANDA marketing & sales assistant/ social media manager CATHERINE HUNT event calendar & website MICHELLE ADAMS contributing graphic designer AMANDA MORENO advertising sales representatives DANIELLE COLESBERRY AUSTIN REYNOLDS TREVOR LUDLOW KOBY REYNOLDS deliveries www.enjoysouthvalley.com Enjoy Magazine (559) 804-7411 • (530) 246-4687 Email General: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net Sales and Advertising information: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net ©2020 by Enjoy Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproductions without permission are strictly prohibited. Articles and advertisements in Enjoy Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management, employees, or freelance writers. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake. The businesses, locations and people mentioned in our articles are solely determined by the editorial staff and are not influenced by advertising. Enjoy and Enjoy the Store are trademarks of Enjoy, Inc.

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THE EVOLUTION BEGINS

MARCH 26, 2020

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INSPIRATION

BY KIMBERLY BONEY

F I N D WAYS TO R E F O C U S A N D TA K E T I M E F O R YO U R S E L F WHEN LIFE GETS hectic and altogether overwhelming, as it often does, one of the hardest things to remember is to just breathe. It’s advice we hear often but rarely heed. Remembering to breathe is far more than the physical act of taking oxygen into the lungs and releasing it back into the ether. It’s a day-to-day commitment to make time to rest and relax. We can’t be our most productive if we are constantly burning the candle at both ends. Taking time to breathe is the first step in living our lives to their fullest potential. Follow along for 20 ways to just breathe in 2020. 4 continued on page 8

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SLEEP IN. One morning a week, allow yourself time to lay in bed a bit longer. While you are there, catch a few extra winks, read a chapter from your favorite book or watch an episode of your favorite show. Giving yourself downtime isn’t overrated. TAKE A YOGA CLASS. It’s more than just about taking time to stretch and breathe. Yoga is a wonderful all-body workout and a particularly good core strength builder but without the propensity for injury that comes with other exercise regimes. And it’s as beneficial for the mind and spirit as it is for the body. COMMIT TO COFFEE, LUNCH OR WINE DATE WITH A FRIEND. Taking a moment to laugh and talk about the good, the bad and the ugly with a loved one can work wonders for the soul. TAKE A WALK. Not only is it good for your heart but taking time for a bit of fresh air and nature can help redirect negative thoughts. LISTEN TO SOME PEACEFUL MUSIC. Have you ever noticed that you drive more aggressively listening to fast-paced music? Wind down a bit with some jazz, acoustic guitar, nature sounds or soft instrumental music. WATCH THE SUN RISE. Grab your cup of coffee or tea, find a window, a patio or park bench and soak up those beautiful moments when the world first opens its eyes for the day. WATCH THE SUN SET. As the sun goes down on the day, reflect on what you are grateful for. One of the things at the top of your list might just be the enchanting display of colors painted across the evening sky. REPLACE YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE WITH A FUN-FILLED ACTIVITY. Your workout doesn’t have to be on a treadmill or weight machine. Consider lacing up some roller skates or bouncing around on a trampoline for an hour. You’ll have a blast, but you’ll also get that workout in. KEEP A JOURNAL. Taking a few moments to express yourself by putting pen to paper might be just what you need to ease the stress of the day. It’s a judgment-free zone that will allow you to organize thoughts.

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PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE DIRT. There is something magical about the feel and smell of earth at your fingertips. Whether it’s a fruit tree, a vegetable garden, an array of succulents or your favorite blooming branch, watching something grow and knowing you helped make it happen brings joy to the heart. TAKE A STAYCATION. Check into a local bed and breakfast or hotel for a night. A break from the normal sights and sounds around you will promote rest and increase productivity once you jump back into your routine. HEAD TO THE BEACH. The ocean air, the sound of the water lapping the shore, and the feel of the sand between your toes has the power to rejuvenate. ORDER TAKEOUT. Your family will survive for a night without a home-cooked meal. We promise. RIDE THE SWING AT A PLAYGROUND. Feeling the wind in your hair will help you recapture the joy of your childhood, if only for a few precious moments.

FLIP THROUGH A BOOK OF OLD PHOTOS. Recalling memories with loved ones and seeing how far you’ve come over the years might just be gratitude personified. PULL OUT YOUR CAMERA. Capturing a treasured moment or a beautiful element of nature on camera will give you something sweet to look back on later. TURN YOUR PHONE OFF FOR AN HOUR. Yes. Completely disconnect. Taking a moment away from the incessant buzzing of texts and notifications gives your mind a much-needed place to decompress. GO FOR A SOLO DRIVE. Put the windows down, turn on your favorite playlist and sing along as you cruise down the open road. Leave all of your stress on the highway behind you. TAKE A DAY TO DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. And we do mean nothing. No meetings. No supermarket runs. No lunch or dinner dates. You are allowed to take an unscheduled day every now and then. HAVE A MASSAGE. You’ll literally feel your muscles loosen under the fingertips of a good massage therapist. We promise your mind and your soul will unfurl, too. •

Kimberly N. Bonéy is a freelance writer, jewelry designer and owner of HerStory Vintage and herstoryvintage.com. When she’s not writing stories or joyfully creating new jewelry in her home studio, she’s enjoying time with her family, traveling or perusing flea markets, vintage and antique shops and estate sales for new inspiration.

JANUARY 2020

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LOCALS

BY KAYLA ANDERSON

CARE FOR YOURSELF D R . M AT T â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S V - F I T PREMIER FITNESS AND WELLNESS INSTITUTE IN TULARE

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IN JUST A FEW MINUTES of communicating with Dr. Matt Gaston Villanueva, one gets an overwhelming sense of hard work, passion and expertise that he brings to the table in the health and fitness world. And fortunately for the people of Tulare and beyond, Villanueva has opened the V-Fit Premier Fitness and Wellness Institute as a conduit to share what he has learned to help improve the lives of others. Now a successful fitness trainer, athlete and highly regarded entrepreneur, Villanueva has helped transform the habits and lifestyles of hundreds of people through his tailored fitness training programs that allow people to age gracefully, healthily and happily. Born and raised in Visalia, Villanueva developed his positive outlook from his supportive parents who he says instilled values that encouraged him to pursue his dreams. A bit competitive in nature, Villanueva began his health and fitness career in high school playing basketball, baseball and football. As he got older, he shifted his focus to take on more self-imposed challenges in the gym. However, Villanuevaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first real foray into the fitness world was when he was 19 years old and took on entry level jobs at a wellness center acting as a weight room and group exercise instructor. Concurrently, Villanueva attended Fresno State University and later the University of Southern California, eventually earning his PhD in biokinesiology with an emphasis in applied clinical exercise physiology.

Photos courtesy of V-Fit by Dr. Matt

“… NO MATTER WHAT YOUR LIFE DEMANDS ARE, THE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH, BODY AND MIND WILL NEVER GO AWAY. AND WE CANNOT TAKE CARE OF OTHERS UNLESS FIRST WE TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES…”

Now after a decade of high-level education and handson experience, Villanueva uses his talent to transfer his elevated quality of life to others through V-Fit. “One of my daily affirmations is I don’t ‘have to’ do what I do, I ‘get to’ do what I do, and it’s a beautiful, unique and irreplaceable chance to transform and evolve, to serve and help others and to give back,” he says. Villanueva works with all types of personalities, from Olympic athletes to those looking to reverse life-altering conditions or simply get thinner. One of the keys to healthy aging that Villanueva thinks is overlooked in the fitness industry is sustainability, which he believes is imperative to short-term and longterm success. Villanueva emboldens people to take a holistic approach to their health that they can maintain all year long, conjuring up a plan that includes preventing injury and staying healthy. Creating a solid, comprehensive and sustainable fitness plan takes some work, and it took Villanueva awhile to get there, but now he’s at a point in his life where he’s able to pour an immense amount of energy into his work and personal life and recover well in the process. “Making fitness a true lifestyle means you come to unconditionally value the hard work, dedication, sacrifice and perseverance that it takes to make it to the top,” Villanueva says. “And better yet, you come to feel an unconditional and constant sense of gratitude for the opportunities to pursue your passions and to attain goals that bring out the very best in you.”

For those looking for an immediate change, “Dr. Matt” doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to fitness or that people need to spend an inordinate amount of training; they just need to take some time to clearly define their goals and why they want to achieve them. Then Villanueva works with them by prioritizing time efficiency, individualization, progressive overload and execution. “For most, it’s simply a matter of accountability, receiving proper instruction, attention and guidance, reinforcing a ‘sustainability over everything’ mindset, and making their fitness, health and wellness a priority,” Villanueva says. “Along everyone’s fitness and wellness journey there comes at least one moment when you need to decide. You’re a bit drained from work, you have errands to run, you have a family that you constantly think about caring for, etc. Still, no matter what your life demands are, the need to take care of your health, body and mind will never go away. And we cannot take care of others unless first we take care of ourselves,” he adds. • V-Fit Premier Fitness and Wellness Institute 1030 E. Walnut Avenue, Tulare • (559) 786-5749 Find them on Facebook and Instagram www.vfitbydrmatt.com Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer, marketer and action sports enthusiast who grew up wakeboarding on Lake Shasta and learning to ski at Mt. Lassen. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Chico State University.

JANUARY 2020

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NATURE HIKE

BY RACHEL TRIGUEIRO

TRAIL BLAZER

PHOTOS: PETER AMEND

G E T O U T D O O R S A N D F I N D YO U R S E L F FEELING STRESSED? Tired? Anxious? Sad? Angry? Depressed? Head for the trees. Although avoiding one’s emotions is never recommended, escaping day-to-day reality is. In fact, doctors are now prescribing nature. Research shows simply sitting outside can reduce blood pressure and lower the heart rate. In addition, time outside free of distractions relieves stress, while longer periods in nature can lower cortisol levels for days. The benefits of getting outdoors are innumerable. From emotional and mental wellness to overall physical well-being, nature offers a free antidote to life’s ills.

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For many, anxiety and depression is crippling. Finding techniques to ease the pain, in addition to seeking help when necessary, is essential to finding wholeness. It can be challenging in a noisy world saturated with stimulation. Being outside offers the mind a moment of silence. Over several years of transition, moving to Northern California and back, job and financial changes and new schools for her kids, Visalia resident Lori Riley experienced increased stress and anxiety. She noticed when she was outside she felt lighter and calmer with a fresh perspective, so she began intentionally weaving it into her family’s life. “It is one of the ways I can take a deep breath and feel my anxiety dissipating. It’s been a space where I connect with God. I’m reminded of how big and powerful He is and how He cares in the most detailed ways.” She recalls one of her favorite passages in the Bible, “Jesus is talking about anxiety and tells us to look at the way he cares for the birds and how beautifully He has made the flowers of the field. If He has taken such great care of these things, won’t He care for me and my needs?” Riley has taken this invitation to look at the birds and consider the flowers more literally, which is making a major impact on her anxiety levels. “Getting out of the house, away from technology and the demands of life and into nature as a family has brought a lot of connection, play and the ability for my kids to be kids. Our man-made environments, offices and public school settings do not nurture the curiosity, discovery, play, creativity and sense of wonder we are often lacking.”

Spending time outdoors for Riley often looks like gardening, watching a bird, taking her dog for a walk, hiking with her family or going to the river. Fortunately, the San Joaquin Valley has many opportunities to explore just a short drive away. Fresno native Kori Friesen prioritizes her outside time in the midst of a busy life by hiking and biking. “Being in nature allows me to literally take a breath, recalibrate and appreciate other surroundings.” She discusses working through significant trials in her life and the importance of finding something bigger than herself in those moments. “Some days, escaping my home seemed like a feat too big to hurdle. When I found myself standing on the shoreline of the ocean or looking out from the edge of a mountain, it helped me process my feelings from a different vantage point.” Stepping out of the daily grind can widen our perspective. “Sitting peacefully, exerting energy or journeying to new destinations is good for the soul. I feel at my best emotionally and spiritually when I am also healthy physically,” Friesen says. Similar to the body needing a cool down after a hard workout, the mind needs space to breathe, a place to rest. In nature, the body slows down, producing feelings of peace and causing one’s focus and concentration to increase, bringing respite from stress and anxiety for overactive minds. 4 continued on page 14

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However, in a fast-paced, success-driven society, it can be easy to forget the importance of unplugging and connecting with nature. Sarah Amend of Visalia grew up on the east coast of Canada. Spending most of her childhood in the great outdoors, whether rain, snow or shine, Amend acknowledges the significant role Mother Nature plays in our lives. “Being outside is where I feel most alive and well. I want my own daughters to experience the freedom it brings, exploring, imagining and getting dirty.” Amend says when she is outside, she feels invigorated. “It’s like taking a big deep breath; I feel space and freedom.” Engaging multiple senses at a time brings nature to life with a sense of childlikeness, sparked joy and wonder. So the next time you step outside, instead of trying to capture the moment with your phone, practice immersing yourself into the moment.

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Try using several senses, not just sight. Get down and touch the crispy leaves with your kids, smell the pine fresh air and focus your gaze down the trail, listening for the stream as it dances by. Take a mental picture, pondering what you see for 10 quiet seconds. Rather than enjoying nature from afar, find yourself among it, feel it, breathe it in and be changed by it. From the mountains to the ocean, the San Joaquin Valley offers a beautiful playground for adults and children alike to unplug and connect with the outdoors. • Rachel Trigueiro, twin mom of four, loves adventuring with her family, especially near the beach. She holds a degree in business, but believes living in other countries and cultures offered her the greatest education. She dreamed of being a talk-show host; now, she enjoys story telling and drinking blonde coffee.

YOUR HIKING BUCKET LIST Days may be shorter in the winter, but it’s a perfect time to start making a list of places to explore when the weather lends itself to a hike. Here’s a cheat sheet for you to start with. THREE RIVERS Skyline Trail: Skyline Loop and Salt Creek Falls is a 6.1-mile moderate loop near Three Rivers, accessible year-round with a waterfall certain times of year. The trail offers numerous offshoots and adventure possibilities, tree swings and scattered picnic tables throughout. Dogs and horses are able to use this trail. Approximately 45 minutes from Visalia before entering national parks, so no pass needed. Parking is limited but free.

Photo courtesy of Captured by Kasie

Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail: This 6.5-mile heavily trafficked out-and-back trail near Three Rivers features a lake and is rated as difficult. Beautiful views, used primarily for hiking and running and is best used from May to October.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK Moro Rock: For the beginner looking to venture out, photographer Peter Amend recommends Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park. Enjoy a great start with a moderate trail and breathtaking views. Following Highway 198 all the way up, parking is across from the visitor’s center with a nice pathway that winds all the way to Moro Rock through the trees. If one is feeling brave, take the stairway to the top to see a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Sierra Nevada. Tokopah Falls Trail: The trailhead is out of Lodgepole Campground. It’s a relatively easy ramble up to the waterfall, about 4 miles round trip. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it; great for families.

Photo courtesy of Kori Friesen

FRESNO Millerton Lake: Pincushion Trail is an 8.4-mile moderately trafficked loop near Friant. Features a lake and is particularly beautiful in the spring with the wildflowers. Moderate trails with beautiful vista lookouts and open year-round.

CENTRAL COAST San Luis Obispo: Bishop Peak Trail is a 3.4-mile heavily trafficked out-and-back trail located near San Luis Obispo. Features beautiful wildflowers. The moderate-rated trail offers a number of activity options (dogs included) and is accessible year-round. San Luis Obispo: Johnson Ranch Loop trail is a 3.2-mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near San Luis Obispo. Beautiful landscape, easy trail with a river and rated as moderate. Accessible year-round and dogs are welcome. Los Osos: Montana De Oro offers 12 moderate trails ranging from 2.8 to 11.4 miles, with rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, tide pools, coastal plains, streams, canyons and hills. Backpackers, naturalists, mountain bikers and equestrians enjoy the freedom found on these coastal trails. The park’s name, “Mountain of Gold,” comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Beautiful trails accessible year-round with a range of difficulty for everyone.

Photo courtesy of James Lester

Remember, whenever you head out for a hike, be sure to check the weather first, make sure someone knows where you’re going, pack a first aid kit, bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothes and shoes. And don’t forget your camera!

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Now accepting applications for our 2020-21 academic year. To learn more, call (559) 592-9160 or visit erclc.org. Eleanor Roosevelt Community Learning Center | 31191 Rd 180, Visalia, CA

INTEREST

BY NATALIE CAUDLE

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E AT P L E A S A N T M AT T R E S S I N F R E S N O LIVING AS WORLD WAR II refugees in China, Ernie and Grette Morgenstern never imagined their lives would become a rags-to-riches story in America. Their legacy of quality business and their tradition of resourcefulness continues today through their grandson, Rion Morgenstern, president and CEO of the family company, Pleasant Mattress, Inc. In the spring of 1938, Nazi Germany incorporated Austria, in what is referred to as the “Anschluss.” The Nazis swiftly began anti-Jewish legislation in Vienna, excluding Jewish citizens from cultural and economic life. The conditions continued to worsen and within a year, half of the Jewish population had emigrated from Austria. Without a single possession, the Morgensterns fled Vienna through the Chinese Consulate, boarding a steamship and eventually landing in Eastern China.

While living in Shanghai for a year, the Morgensterns gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Daisy. While Daisy was still an infant, Ernie and Grette made their way to San Francisco in their new home, America. Lacking any employment prospects, the Morgensterns journeyed to Fresno where Ernie began a bag company. Using his resourceful spirit, Ernie collected old produce and burlap bags, cleaning and mending them, filling them with produce and beans to sell them back to markets. Ernie was a man before his time, recycling and reusing discarded materials. The idea caught on and Ernie soon named his business Pleasant Bag Co. after the name of the street where he was located, Pleasant Avenue. Unfortunately, the bag industry didn’t stay successful for long and Ernie moved into selling rags. His ingenuity continued and soon he had a million-dollar idea. Ernie4 continued on page 17

Photos courtesy of Pleasant Mattress

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moved his efforts to a bigger-ticket item, old mattresses. He would find discarded mattresses, sanitize and restore them, then sell the product to local thrift stores. Ernie changed his business name for a third and final time; Pleasant Mattress was established in 1959. Today, the company employs more than 400 Valley residents and is managed by Ernie’s grandson, Rion. Herb Morgenstern, Ernie’s son, ran the company for decades after graduating from Fresno State University. Herb was opportunistic and saw the potential for growth. In 1979 Herb became the company president. He helped the company continue to expand, but has since retired and

now sits on the board of directors. Herb takes pride in the family business and the legacy he has helped continue. “One of the best things a person can do is provide work, provide jobs. I enjoy that we can provide a product that’s useful, that’s necessary.” The love of quality business and the importance of caring for others is evident in all of the Morgenstern generations. Rion brought a new perspective to the family business while continuing the family-like culture of Pleasant Mattress. “The Morgenstern culture is ‘everything has value and make sure it continues to work and you have a long life of service for it.’ That was instilled by my grandfather to my father. It’s part of who I am and that’s pervasive in what we’re doing in the factory. You’re not going to find a better value from any product on the market than what the Morgenstern family puts into a bed. The quality gives me a lot of pride, not just in what we make today, but in what we’ve always made.” Rion can be seen skating on his skateboard through the factory, ensuring quality production is taking place while also connecting with coworkers. Once operating their production factory in the creatively constructed hodgepodge of dilapidated chicken coops, Pleasant Mattress has grown by leaps and bounds. The local company now sells a good night’s sleep throughout the Western United States and ships their product overseas, as far as Kuwait and Guam. Additionally, Pleasant Mattress believes in giving back to the community that has blessed them with so much. Domingo “Mingo” Urrea, Jr. began his first day at Pleasant Mattress as a part of a partnership through Pleasant Mattress and the Maroa Home, a Christian discipleship rehabilitation center. “My addiction got me to Pleasant Mattress. I started at the bottom doing general labor and worked my way upstream. There were several different people who believed in me, who saw something that maybe I didn’t see in myself because of my past. For them to see that in me and allow me to grow to who I have become, it is truly amazing when you work for a great family like the Morgenstern family.” The company’s dedication to quality and to their valued employees continues to make a difference in the lives and communities of the Central Valley. The tri-generational company has a soft spot in their hearts for immigrants and is dedicated to helping all employees. Not only is a restful sleep made easy with Pleasant Mattress, the Morgensterns can sleep soundly knowing that their American Dream has helped so many others achieve theirs. • Pleasant Mattress, Inc. • 375 S. West Ave., Fresno (559) 268-6446 • www.pleasantmattress.com Find them on Facebook and Instagram

Homegrown in the Valley, Natalie Caudle finds beauty in the mundane and is ever on the hunt for the perfect salsa recipe. A mother of four, this minivan chauffeur is passionate about adoption and strives to perfect the art of balancing grace and grit.

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WHAT OUR ADVERTISERS ARE SAYING…

Dear Enjoy... ADVERTISING IN ENJOY MAGAZINE HAS ALLOWED US TO MARKET AND BRING AWARENESS OF OUR SERVICES AS A PRIVATE AIR CHARTER OPERATOR AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY. OUR COMPANY HAS GROWN AND RECEIVED NEW BUSINESS AS A RESULT OF THIS MARKETING OPPORTUNITY.

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OWNER, FLIGHT LEVEL AVIATION

GOOD FINDS

BY MELISSA MENDONCA

local on the menu It’s all fresh. A lot of this stuff comes from within a 10-mile radius. You can definitely taste it. Photos courtesy of Heirloom Eats

F R E S H F O O D AT F R E S N O ’ S H E I R L O O M E AT S OF ALL THE POSSIBLE issues a new restaurant can have, Heirloom Eats in Fresno has one that none of its three owners are complaining about. “We just need more seats,” says Justin Shannon, the chef-owner of a group that also includes Brandon Smittcamp and Kevin Koligian. “It’s a great problem to have.” It’s also an issue soon to be remedied with an expanded allweather patio. The trio of owners have filled a niche for health-conscious customers seeking fresh, local fastcasual food in a beautiful setting, all while celebrating the bounty of home. “We wanted to do a restaurant that was just about the Central Valley,” says Shannon. “We grow food for the whole world here.” Heirloom Eats sources between 55 and 70 percent of its offerings from the Central Valley and hopes to reach 100 percent as relationships with area producers grow. “I myself drive around all day every day visiting farmers markets and getting vegetables,” says Shannon. “It’s all fresh. A lot of this stuff comes from within a 10-mile radius. You can definitely taste it.” Of the baby lettuce he finds in the valley, he says, “There’s more life to it.” Shannon describes the restaurant as an everyday place, saying, “You can’t eat a hamburger or a big steak every day.” While the menu does include burgers, it’s vegetable-forward in its offerings. “We’re very diet-specific,” he says, noting that dishes are identified when vegan,

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vegetarian or keto. “We took a lot of the sugars and extra fats out,” he adds, noting that everything is made in-house, from sauces and dressings to pastas and breads. He describes the menu as California style with heavy Mediterranean touches. Staples include house-made hummus, pita and loom breads. “We change the menu quite a bit,” he says. “A lot of the proteins stay the same but we change up our pastas every couple of weeks.” With the valley currently steeped in citrus, the local fruits are finding their way across the menu, from dressings to desserts to drinks. “That ethos of fresh transfers over to our cocktails, which are all local infusions,” says Shannon, who enjoys working with the various varieties of citrus from local producer Citri-Care in Orosi. “We’re lucky here in California because our seasons are long.” In the summer, the restaurant took in peaches from one owner’s family farm. “We went through about 40 cases of peaches a week,” he says, noting that the inside connection gave them the pick of the harvest. The fruit found its way to the wood grill and paired with burrata, as well as into margaritas and summertime desserts. Heirloom Eats celebrates its one-year anniversary in February and is not the first successful area restaurant for the trio, nor will it likely be the last. The three met when Kologian and Smittcamp, friends since childhood, found themselves looking at the same location as Shannon for their first restaurant ventures. Having all agreed that the place of interest would work well, they realized that they should be working together. The things they had in common were uncanny. “We’re all from the Valley,” says Shannon. “We’re all exactly the same age. We graduated the same year. My dad was a butcher. They come from farming families. It was natural to do a farm-to-table restaurant.” Their first venture together, however, was Butterfish California Poke, which now has three locations in Fresno. Two more restaurants are in development, including a Mediterranean-concept and high-end Mexican featuring seafood. Shannon, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City and worked for five years at a few Thomas Keller restaurants, says he was excited to return to his hometown. “I always wanted to come back and bring some new stuff to the culinary scene,” he says. “It’s a great place to be a business owner here. You can support your family and have a good business”. Shannon and his wife have two sons, ages 6 and 8, who enjoy helping out when they can. Whether ordering from the Heirloom Eats app to get food to go, or dining in to enjoy the light and airy open-kitchen ambiance, the restaurant’s owners hope the community will connect to the Central Valley through its abundance of food offerings. While Shannon is proud of the whole menu, he does admit to being partial to something. “I like everything to come off that wood grill,” he says.” • Heirloom Eats • 8398 N. Fresno St., Fresno (559) 228-9735 • www.heirloom-eats.com Find them on Facebook and Instagram

Melissa Mendonca is a graduate of San Francisco State and Tulane universities. She’s a lover of airports and road trips and believes in mentoring and service to create communities everyone can enjoy. Her favorite words are rebar, wanderlust and change.

JANUARY 2020

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ENJOY THE VIEW | BY JAMES LESTER

HORSES ON BISHOP PEAK IN SAN LUIS OBISPO

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James Lester has been captivated by the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural beauty for as long as he can recall, and uses photography to share his perspective. Born and raised on Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Coast, he strives to convey the tranquility he finds in nature through his images. He also photographs weddings all over California. Find his work at www.jlestphoto.com or @jlest on Instagram.

JANUARY 2020

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WHAT’S COOKIN’ | BY LANA GRANFORS | PHOTOS: KARA STEWART

NAVY BEAN AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

www.EnjoySouthValley.com JANUARY 2020

JA N UA RY 2 0 2 0 R E C I P E With holiday celebrations behind us, it may be good time for a little comfort food. I offer this rich and hearty soup that warms the soul. The pot is full of garlic, herbs and seasonal veggies. Make this vegetarian version as the base and add or change out ingredients as you like. Any bean can be used, add choice of meat if desired, vary the veggies to your liking and mix up the seasonings to suit your pantry items. Healthy has never tasted so good! Enjoy

INGREDIENTS: 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, largely chopped Salt and pepper 4 T olive oil, divided by 2 T 1 medium onion, diced ½ cup carrot, diced ½ cup celery, diced 1 large zucchini, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 T butter ½ tsp. Italian seasoning ¼ tsp. fennel seeds 3 bay leaves 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped 2 cans navy beans (drained and rinsed) 4 cups vegetable stock 3 cups fresh baby spinach ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded, for garnish

SERVES: 4 PREP TIME: 20 minutes BAKE TIME: 30 minutes (while cooking) COOK TIME: 30-35 minutes TOTAL TIME: 30 -35 minutes

DIRECTIONS: STEP 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While oven preheats, spread chopped butternut squash on a baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Once oven is ready, place baking sheet on middle rack and roast for 30 minutes, stirring once, halfway through cooking. STEP 2: While the squash is roasting, heat the other 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy stock pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery and zucchini. Saute for about 5-10 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, and saute a couple minutes more. STEP 3: To the pot, add butter and as it begins to melt, stir in all the seasoning ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. STEP 4: Next, stir in the tomatoes and beans, along with the stock. With the pot uncovered, change the burner to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes. STEP 5: Lastly, add the roasted squash, stir to combine. Add the spinach and continue to stir until spinach just starts to wilt. Find the bay leaves and discard. Cover pot and allow to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. STEP 6: Serve with a warm crusty bread and a garnish of Parmesan cheese.

Lana Granfors enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking and spending time with her friends and family– especially her grandchildren, Jillian and Garet.

JANUARY 2020

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CRAFTING

BY KAYLA VAN GROUW | PHOTOS: KELLI AVILA

Nice & Toasty D I Y : A R O M AT H E R A P Y PA C K

www.EnjoySouthValley.com JANUARY 2020

SUPPLIES

• Iron • Fabric • Fabric fuse tape (iron-on) • Rice • Measuring cup • Scissors

1. Measure fabric so the pad will cover your neck and shoulders. Cut two pieces of fabric to size based on the measurement.

2. Cut four pieces of the fabric fuse tape to fit all four sides of the fabric. Make sure tape covers every corner of the fabric.

3. Lay first piece of fabric on ironing board, place tape along both long sides and one short side of fabric so there are no gaps in corners, lay second sheet of fabric over the top and iron to fuse fabric pieces together.

4. With measuring cup, pour rice into open side of the bag you created in step three. Pour three-fourths of the way full.

5. Place last piece of fabric tape between the fabric pieces on the short side that is left. Fuse fabric together with the iron.

6. Heat the pad, light a candle, pour a cup of tea and enjoy!

JANUARY 2020

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calendar JA N UA RY 2 02 0

FROM FOOD TO FUN, SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY

bakersfield

January 11 • Bakersfield Fit Expo, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South P St., 10am-4pm, www.visitbakersfield.com

clovis

January 6, 7, 13, 14 • Just the Tips Comedy Show and Open Mic, 1225 North Willow Ave. #180, 7:30pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org January 11, 18, 25 • Year-Round Farmers Market, Pollasky Avenue between 5th Street and Bullard Avenue, 9-11:30am, www.visitclovis.com January 18 • Martin Luther King Breakfast, Regency Event Center, 1600 Willow Ave., 9am, www.visitclovis.com January 30 • Clovis Chamber of Commerce Salute to Business Luncheon, Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 808 4th St., 11:30am-1:30pm, www.clovischamber.com

exeter

January 3 • MakerSpace: LEGO Animation, Exeter Branch Library, 230 E Chestnut St., 9am, www.facebook.com/ events/705243703332797 January 17 • Learn to use a Spinning Wheel, Exeter Branch Library, 230 E Chestnut St., 10:30am-12:30pm, www.facebook.com/events/ 764583147346967

January 18, 19 • California Federation of Mineralogical Society Show and Convention, Exeter Veterans’ Memorial Building, 324 North Kaweah Ave., 10am-5pm, www.cfmsinc.org

fresno

January 1 • New Year’s with the Eagles Hike, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 9am-noon, www.riverparkway.org January 1, 2 • Hmong Cultural New Year Celebration, Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 South Chance Ave., 8am-5pm, www.visitclovis.com January 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 100 West Shaw Ave., 3-6pm Wednesday, 7am-noon Saturdays, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com January 2, 16 • ArtHop, downtown Fresno, 5-8pm, www.fresnoartscouncil.org/arthop January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • CArtHop, Mariposa Plaza, 1060 Fulton St., 11am-2pm, www.downtownfresno.org January 3 • Big Elk and Friends Pay Tribute to Tool, Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St., 8:30pm-midnight, www.downtownfresno.org January 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 • Cherry Avenue Auction Swap Meet, 4640 S. Cherry Ave., 6:30am-3:30pm, www.cherryavenueauction.com • River Park Farmers Market, 220 Paseo del Centro, 5-9pm Tuesdays, 10am-2pm Saturdays, www.riverparkfm.com January 18, 25 • Bald Eagle Hike at Millerton, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 8:30am-noon, www.riverparkway.org

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January 4 • Enuff Z Nuff, Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St., 8pm-midnight, www.downtownfresno.org January 9 • Black Flag, Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St., 6-11pm, www.downtownfresno.org January 18 • Judah, Le Wolves, Shake the Baby Til the Love Comes Out, and Dimboi, Full Circle Brewery, 620 F St., 6-10pm, www.downtownfresno.org January 21 • Community Art Night, Common Space, 1252 Fulton St., 6:30-9pm, www.downtownfresno.org January 22 • Ska Parade 30th Anniversary Tour, Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St., 7:30pm-midnight, www.downtownfresno.org January 24 • Viva Frida Kahlo Paint Class, Los Panchos Mexican Restaurant, 1000 Fulton St., 6-9pm, www.downtownfresno.org January 25 • 14th Annual Jurassic Rock for Donovan’s Disease, Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St., 7-11:30pm, www.downtownfresno.org January 31 • Hot Stove 2020, Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare St., 6-10pm, www.downtownfresno.org

hanford

January 30 • 2020 Wine vs. Beer Showdown, Hanford Civic Auditorium, Fuller Way, 5:30pm, www.events.visaliatimesdelta.com/ hanford/events/2020-wine-vs-beershowdown-/E0-001-132031998-7

lemoore

January 9 • Rock Club Meeting, Lemoore Veterans Hall, 411 West C St., 7pm, www.lemooregemandmineralclub. wordpress.com

reedley

January 18 • The Great Winter Warm-Up in Reedley, Mennonite Quilt Center, 1012 G St., 9am, www.mcc.org/get-involved/ events/great-winter-warm-reedley-ca

sequoia & kings canyon national park

January 20 • National Parks Service FeeFree Entrance Day, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, all day, www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-freeparks

springville

January 4, 11, 18, 25 • Farmers Market, Downtown Springville, 9am-1pm, www.springville.ca.us

three rivers

January 4 • First Saturday in Three Rivers, pick up map at Three Rivers Art Center, 41673 North Fork Drive, 11am-5pm, www.1stsaturdaytr.com

tulare

January 3 • 2020 State Archers of California State Junior Olympic Archery Development Indoor Target Archery Championships, Tulare County Fairgrounds, 215 Martin Luther King Junior Ave., noon-midnight, www.southbayarcherylessons.com/ tournament/2020-state-archers-ofcalifornia-state-joad-indoor-targetarchery-championships/ January 23 • 2020 Local Motion Awards, Southern California EdisonEnergy Education Center, 4175 South Laspina St., 11:30am-1:30pm, www.eventbrite. com/e/2020-local-motion-awardstickets-78503174107

January 24 • 136th Annual Banquet, International Agri-Center, Heritage Complex, 4500 South Laspina St., 6-9pm, www.tularechamber.org January 31 • Symposium for Sustainable Agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley, International Agri-Center, Heritage Complex, 4500 South Laspina St., 8am-4:30pm, www.eventbrite. com/e/1st-annual-symposium-forsustainable-agriculture-in-the-sanjoaquin-valley-tickets-81870688433 • 2020 Festa Crab Cioppino Feed, Tulare Divino Espirito Santo Portuguese Hall of Tulare, 515 North I St., 6pm, www.facebook.com/ events/428969121055456

visalia

January 1-12 • Ice Skate Visalia, Garden Street Plaza Downtown Visalia, noon-6pm, www.iceskatevisalia.com January 3 • First Friday Art Walk, Arts Consortium, 300 East Oak Ave., 5-8pm, www.artsconsortium.org January 3, 10 • Family-Friendly Themed Skate Night, Garden Street Plaza, downtown Visalia, 6-9pm, www.iceskatevisalia.com January 4, 11, 18, 25 • Farmers Market, Sears Parking Lot on Caldwell and Mooney, 8-11:30am, www.visaliafarmersmarket.com January 5 • Ice Skate Princess Party, Garden Street Plaza, downtown Visalia, 2-4pm, www.iceskatevisalia.com January 31 • Night at the Museum, Imagine U Museum, 210 North Tipton St., 5:30-8:30pm, www. imagineumuseum.org/natm

bakersfield fox theatre

www.thebakersfieldfox.com January 10 • “Pavarotti,” 7:30pm January 13 • “The Matrix,” 7pm

January 17 • Joey Diaz, 8pm January 18 • The Reunion: A Beatles Fantasy Tribute, 7:30pm January 24 • “Standing Up, Falling Down,” 7:30pm January 27 • “Double Indemnity,” 7pm January 28 • “Woman at War,” 7:30pm January 30 • Chad Prather, 8pm January 31 • Wynonna and the Big Noise, 8pm

barn theater porterville

www.portervillebarntheater.com January 31 • “Drinking Habits 2,” 7pm

fresno city college

www.fresnocitycollege.edu January 15 • Solo Exhibition: Shana Moulton, Curator Talk, Art Space Gallery, 5-8pm January 16-31 • Solo Exhibition: Shana Moulton, Art Space Gallery, 10am-4pm Monday-Tuesday, 10am-7pm Wednesday-Thursday January 19 • Fresno Community Concert Band: Super Concert XIV Go West, FCC Theatre, 3pm and 7pm

fresno convention and entertainment center

www.fresnoconventioncenter.com January 14-15 • “Finding Neverland,” Saroyan Theatre, 7:30pm January 15 • San Joaquin Valley Town Hall Lecture with General John Kelly, Saroyan Theatre, 10:30am January 19 • Fresno Philharmonic Presents Daniel R. Martin Series “Beethoven the Revolutionary,” Saroyan Theatre, 3-5pm January 30, 31 • “Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party,” Selland Arena, 7pm

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lindsay community theater www.lindsaycommunity theater.com

January 17-19, 24-26 • “Newsies,” 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, 2pm Sunday January 11 • George Cole Presents “Gypsy Jazz,” 7:30pm

hanford fox theatre www.foxhanford.com January 11 • “Blazing Saddles,” 7pm January 25 • “Labyrinth,” 7pm

icehouse theatre

www.visaliaplayers.org January 24-26, 31 • “Beehive,” 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday

mechanics bank arena

www.mechanicsbankarena. com January 4 • Willie Nelson and Family, Theater, 8pm January 7 • Sesame Street Live, Theater, 6pm January 24 • George Lopez, Theater, 8pm January 25 • Monster X Tour, Arena, 1:30pm and 7:30pm

roger rocka’s dinner theater www.rogerrockas.com January 2-5, 9-12 • “Elf the Musical,” 5:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 11am Sunday

save mart center fresno www.savemartcenter. com

January 1 • Fresno State Women’s Basketball vs. San Diego State, 6pm January 2 • Fresno State Wrestling vs. Cal Poly, 5pm

• Fresno State Wrestling vs. Utah Valley, 7pm January 4 • Fresno State Men’s Basketball vs. San Jose State, 4pm January 8 • Fresno State Women’s Basketball vs. New Mexico, 6pm January 10 • Harlem Globetrotters, 7pm January 14 • Fresno State Men’s Basketball vs. San Diego State, 8pm January 15 • Tool, 7:30pm January 17 • Fresno State Wrestling vs. Duke, 7pm January 18 • Fresno State Women’s Basketball vs. Wyoming, 2pm January 22 • Fresno State Women’s Basketball vs. Colorado State, 6pm January 25 • Fresno State Men’s Basketball vs. Boise State, 5pm January 29 • Fresno State Women’s Basketball vs. Air Force, 6pm January 31 • Fresno State Wrestling vs. Iowa State, 7pm

stars theatre restaurant

www.bmtstars.com January 3-5 • “The Great Songs Series,” Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave., 6:30pm dinner, 7:30pm show Friday-Saturday, 1pm lunch, 2pm show Sunday January 17-19, 24-26, 31 • “Annie,” Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave., 6:30pm dinner, 7:30pm show Friday-Saturday, 1pm lunch, 2pm show Sunday

tower theatre fresno

www.towertheatrefresno.com January 4 • Dean DelRay, 8:30pm January 11 • The Kingston Trio, 8pm January 18 • Joey Coco Diaz Live, 8pm

www.EnjoySouthValley.com JANUARY 2020

January 31 • Stanley Jordan Plays Jimi: A Jimi Hendrix Tribute, 8pm

visalia fox theatre www.foxvisalia.org January 8 • “M.A.S.H.,” 6:30pm January 12 • Dennis Prager, 7pm January 16 • “9 to 5,” 6:30pm January 17 • The Reunion: A Beatles Fantasy Tribute, 7pm January 25 • Sequoia Symphony Orchestra “American Inaugurals,” 7:30pm January 26 • Blues is a Woman, 7pm January 29 • Golden Dragon Acrobats, 7pm January 31 • Chad Prather, 8pm

HOW TO GET YOUR EVENT ON THIS CALENDAR If you’d like your event to be listed in this section of Enjoy magazine, please post it on our website

www.enjoysouthvalley.com by the 1st of the month—one month prior to the next magazine issue. For example, a February event will need to be posted by January 1.

GIVING BACK

BY RACHEL TRIGUEIRO

all access BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH LITTLE FREE LIBRARY READING IS SHOWN to lower levels of stress, help with depression and focus, strengthen writing abilities, enhance imagination and boost sleep. Children growing up in homes without books are on average three years behind the reading ability of children who live in homes with a lot of books. According to Little Free Library, a nonprofit organization, one of the most successful ways to improve the reading achievement of children is to increase their access to books. Little Free Library states that 61 percent of low-income families do not have any age-appropriate children’s books at home. Their mission is to inspire a love of reading, while also building community and creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. When Marie de Jong of Visalia was visiting Cayucos about two years ago, she came across a free library and fell in love with the idea. Knowing she wanted to create something similar, she researched and signed up with Little Free Libraries and was given a registration number, making the location accessible to anyone. Once her library was built, de Jong notified friends, family and neighbors to contribute books and the idea took off fast. “We have at least one customer a day,” she says. “It’s a very active library.” In addition to providing reading materials, the free libraries connect neighbors and build stronger communities. The organization says that 73 percent of people say they’ve met more neighbors because of a Little Free Library.

Thankful for her neighborhood, de Jong discusses the diverse community partaking in their library – retirees, daycares and families taking their nightly walks. The library is for all ages, with books ranging from self-help and romance novels to Dr. Seuss and books about sports. Her particular library even carries coloring books, cookbooks and magazines. De Jong says the greatest gift came Halloween night when they received countless thanks from folks in the neighborhood for their charming library. Engaging with other libraries in the community is an added benefit, de Jong says. “A couple times a month, we travel on our bikes to deliver or swap out books to other Free Libraries in Visalia. We grew up reading, learning our nursery rhymes, and kids seem to be missing that today. We wanted to bring that back.” Alison Lee of Fresno says Little Free Libraries are a simple way to get involved in the community. Lee manages and maintains the free library at her local church, North Fresno Mennonite Brethren. “I love books and reading. It is such an enriching experience for all ages. Our church seeks ways to engage our neighborhood and find practical ways to serve individuals. The Little Free Library is one way of doing that, so I was excited to be a part of offering this free resource to our community.” When the late Todd Bol created the first Little Free Library, he envisioned a Little Free Library on every block with a book in every hand. He believed people could fix their neighborhoods, their communities, develop systems of sharing, learn from each other and see that they have a better place on this planet to live. • www.littlefreelibrary.org

Rachel Trigueiro, twin mom of four, loves adventuring with her family, especially near the beach. She holds a degree in business, but believes living in other countries and cultures offered her the greatest education. She dreamed of being a talk-show host; now, she enjoys story telling and drinking blonde coffee.

JANUARY 2020