JULY_AUGUST_2012_FINAL

July/August 2012

MKC Local Youth Band (R)urban Dreamland Escape Co-Sleeping Back To School Fashion Trends Parenting • Health • Community • Education • Fashion

July/August 2012

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04 Community

Parenting

Education

4 8 14 16 18 20

26 Co-Sleeping 30 Blue

37 Craft 38 Magic School Bus

Health

Fashion

32 Breast is Best 33 Fruity Recipe 34 More Fitness Myth Busters 35 Beware!

42 Keep Gray Days Bright 44 Magic Closets 48 Makeup Tips

Dreamland Escape Why Not? (R)urban Unrestricted Love Envisioning an Emmy Snapshots

Future Buzz 22 MKC 24 Dedication Defined

Cover Model Photo by What If Photography Makeup by Bmk Faces Taken at Woodward Park Clovis Residents: Chelsea Rae MacIsaac, (5) Kayden MacIsaac, and (3) Madilyn MacIsaac are our Cover Models for the July/August Issue!

22 To subscribe to 2

Family First Magazine

For a chance to have your child or family featured on the cover please send your submissions to info@familyfirstmagazine.com

log on to familyfirstmagazine.com

Future Buzz MKC Bianka Marie Garcia

Contributing Writers Beth Warmerdam Joel Pflugrath Stephanie A. Avila

Copy Editor Stephanie A. Avila

Creative Designer David Carrasco

Photographers Roxanne Burket What If Photography Nicole Vargas with Platinum Imaging Photography JB’s Photography

Publisher Stephanie A. Avila

Special Thanks Jenny Toste Erik Traeger I Love To Create Abbie Mast Suzie Garcia Mua Melissa Normart Future Buzz Submissions If you have a child that would like to have their written work featured please email submissions to info@familyfirstmagazine. com Advertising If you’re interested in advertising with us, please contact info@familyfirstmagazine.com Contact Central California’s Family First Magazine P.O. Box 3147 Pinedale, CA 93650 www.familyfirstmagazine.com (559) 213-0632

Central California’s Family First Magazine reserves the right to edit submissions which may be published or otherwise used in any medium.

All submissions become the property of Central California’s Family First Magazine unless other arrangements have been documented.

The opinions expressed by contributors and writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Central California’s Family First Magazine.

Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Neither the advertisers nor the publisher will be responsible for misinformation, typographical errors, omissions, etc. herein contained. Copyright 2011 by Central California’s Family First Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any part of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. If you would like more information on how to obtain a copy of Central California’s Family First Magazine, please visit our website at www.familyfirstmagazine.com.

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Dreamland Escape The Central Valley’s Wondrous Woodward Park

By Stephanie Avila “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” - Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

in our children’s future. Because like Dr. Seuss says, “Unless…” In this issue we would like to highlight The Central Valley’s Beautiful Woodward Park.

In today’s society, sadly a large amount of people are jaded by humanity and sadly that jadedness continues to grow and flourish in our community.

The purpose of Central California’s Family First Magazine is to help our community see the positive that still thrives in our Valley…to give our children (our future) something to believe in, to be proud of and something positive to grow from. Rather than to continue to build upon the negativity, we want to celebrate the good in our community and we have hope that we can come together to make a difference in our community and

Woodward Park is a dreamland escape that is located in the North Eastern part of Fresno, between Highway 41 and Friant Road. Packed with comforts, Woodward Park’s existence is due to the donation of long term Fresno resident, Ralph Woodward. In 1968, Ralph Woodward donated 235 acres of his estate to the City of Fresno, so as to provide a bird/wildlife preserve and regional park. Over the years the city purchased additional acreage and thus far the park is an amazing 300 acres, which makes it the largest park in the San Joaquin Valley.

BMX Race Track-BMX is great for discipline, self-esteem and physical fitness! According to Levi Winebrenner, (Fresno’s Community Recreation Supervisor I), Woodward Park is home to one of the best BMX Race Tracks in the country! Woodward Park’s BMX Race Track was designed by the same person who designed the Beijing Olympic BMX Race Track.

The all downhill race track is very fast and fun for children and adults of all ages. Each November, The CIF Cross Country State Championships are hosted at the park. For more information on getting involved in BMX Racing please call the track director at (559)709-3530.

Play Areas-The Park has several play areas for kids that include slides, monkey bars, and rock climbing. This is a great place to meet parents for grownup chatter while the kids play.

Dog Park-My Saturday mornings are dedicated to taking Lamb (our boisterous chow-poodle) to Woodward Park’s dog park. He has so much fun running, playing fetch and mingling with other dogs. The fenced in dog park is a great way for your dog to socialize with other dogs in the area and a great opportunity for you and your family to meet dog lovers.

Features Blissful torture best describes my early morning runs through the five-miles of multipurpose trails that are part of the San Joaquin River Parkway’s Lewis S. Eaton Trail. Lizards skirt across my path and brush mice freeze as if they are invisible amongst the brush along the trail. Woodward Park is home to different species of wildlife as well as beautiful trees and flowers that make up the delightful scenery that varies depending upon the season. Not only is the Park wonderful for runs, but it is great for many family activities.

Anyone can enjoy the beauty that Woodward Park has to offer. Woodward Park is positively loaded with amenities including the following: Shelters- Woodward Park is perfect for family picnics and gatherings. Not counting the numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the park, it has 7 definite shelters/picnic areas that can be reserved.

Frisbee Disk Golf Course-The Frisbee Disk Golf Course is located at the back of the park and up against the bluff. It is similar to golf, but you use Frisbees instead of golf balls.

Regional Amphitheater-The Park has an outdoor Regional Amphitheater that can seat up to 2,500 people. Rain or shine, it hosts regular concerts throughout the summer that are put on by local radio and TV stations. There is plenty of parking located around the amphitheater.

Shinzen Japanese Garden-Operated by the Shinzen Board, the The Shinzen Japanese Garden is perfect for strolls or reserved events…it can host up to 200 people. Levi says that the Shinzen Japanese Garden is very popular for weddings and photo-shoots.

Some sights to see are the koi pond, the waterfall, a thatched-roof teahouse (1 of 2 authentic teahouses in the Continental United States), and all the beautiful landscape that was specially picked to compliment the four seasons.

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at the park and continues outward, up until Millerton Lake. This trail is great for mountain biking, running, jogging or just strolling with your family. It is a great trail for the kids to explore the wonders of nature. When complete, the trail system will cover 22 miles between Highway 99 and Friant Dam. Fishing-Levi says, “With a proper fishing license, fishing is allowed in the lower ponds.”

Fundraising-There is a number of different agencies that do their fundraising or fund runs at Woodward Park each year.

Park Benches-As you walk or run throughout the Park and through the Horse Trail-The two-mile (3 km) horse trail is locat- back trails you will come upon Park Benches. Each ed on the North Side of the Park.

Bench has a special dedication.

Exercise Par Course-The exercise par course is a Community Involvement course within the Park that has several different workout stations that, when combined with the cardio in- Thankfully we have community organizations such as between, make for an intense workout.

‘Clean and Green’ and ‘Adopt-A-Park’ that work very hard to keep Woodward Park clean and litter free.

Wildlife-The park is home to numerous bird species offering bird enthusiasts an excellent opportunity for Levi says that ‘Adopt-A-Park’ consists of outside groups viewing them. The park also harbors ducks, geese, such as businesses, families, and churches that take migratory birds, lizards, cotton-tail bunnies, turtles, care of the park. These groups volunteer for an ‘x’ fish, squirrels, mice, chipmunks, and even snakes. My amount of hours per week over a years’ time and help 2-year-old loves to feed the ducks bread…but be wea- take care of things around the park, such as the trash ry because the geese are known to be a little assertive and pruning. ‘Clean and Green’ is a partner program when it comes to being fed. to ‘Adopt-A-Park’. Instead of groups committing to a year of service, groups or individuals come out on a Lewis S. Eaten Trail-The Lewis S. Eaton Trail starts one time basis to clean up the park. Programs such

as these give the community a chance to give back and help take care of their community centers.

Enjoy The Beauty Woodward Park is a dreamland escape for everyone, especially for the residents of the Central Valley. There is so much fun to be had at the Park for families; don’t let the beauty go wasted.

We are very fortunate as a community to have such a great resource here in our Valley and very fortunate that people like Ralph Woodward and programs such as ‘Adopt-A-Park’ and ‘Clean and Green’ exist in trying to make a positive difference in our community.

Take time to visit Woodward Park this season and the seasons following that one. Each season holds new perspectives and each moment and day is a new opportunity to make a lasting memory with your children. It doesn’t take much money or time to visit the Park and once in the Park, it doesn’t take long to see that our community holds a rare gem that is something to be proud of.

Thank you Ralph Woodward for taking the first step…

Photography: Stephanie Avila

Why Not? An Inside Look At Riverpark Art Studio

By Stephanie Avila

Located in the industrial area of River Park, Riverpark Art Studio is brimming with local talent! The studio was started about six years ago; mainly as a go-to place for artists needing a sanctuary where they could express their talent, while escaping from the daily pressures of life.

Currently the studio is tenanted by Ron Jarvi, Michael Reece, Rudy Murrietta, Dennis Lewis and Steve Austin.

Dennis says, “We are all passionate about fine art. Most of our work is traditional except for Michael Reece, who is more abstract.”

The studio has reached a point where it is ready to reach out to the community and really start pushing the arts.

Dennis says, “Our goal is to bring more awareness to the arts and to get the community more involved. I mean…why not? Why can’t we be on the same level as San Francisco and Los Angeles in terms of art?”

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Each brilliant artist at Riverpark Art Studio is unique in his own way…

Ron Jarvi Representational and inspired by verses from the bible, self-taught artist Ron Jarvi has been interested in art since the third grade. Each of his paintings speaks mountains without saying a word.

see that the liberty that we have in the United States comes at a cost…usually the cost of people’s lives.

In the verse that I read in the bible, it talked about Jesus Christ giving up his life for us…his friends.”

Ron Jarvin is a brilliant artist. His paintings are meticulously bold and they flawlessly illustrate messages that are deep, powerful and soulful.

“What I hope will never happen, is that one day when I am dying…no one will look at one of my paintings and say ‘that was when he was going through his sad period in his life’ or ‘ that was his happy period in his life.’ Times come and go.”-Ron Jarvin Michael Reece

Choosing to paint with oil; Ron’s paintings are comprised of beautiful landscapes, still life, and wild life.

Ron received his first oil-set in high school as a gift from his parents.

Ron is very representational and his art is considered ‘very tight’ because of his intense attention to detail. He says, “I am very tight. Not uptight. Just tight.”

Ron hasn’t always been a full-time artist. He spent a majority of his life flying all over the world. He attended Western Michigan University as a flight technologist student. He says, “I started teaching and worked my way through an aviation career. I became a world-wide pilot.” Flying since 1973, Ron enjoyed his career as a pilot. When his last job with World Airlines ended, Ron decided to dedicate more time to his hobby (art).

Fresno native, Michael Reece is no novice when it comes to art. Finding inspiration in his surroundings and everyday things that people don’t really notice; Michael’s art is far from incognito.

Michael has considered himself an artist since he was a kid. He recalls being in first-grade and taking it upon himself to create a poster to advertise open-house and the teacher chose to use it. From that moment on, Michael considered himself an artist.

A majority (90%) of Ron’s art is inspired by the bible.

He says, “I might be reading something in the bible and I think ‘that might be neat to paint’ or I might see something and think ‘that reminds me of a verse in the bible’. I get a lot of my motivation from that.” In most of his paintings, you can find a little verse (usually down at the bottom) and it is in reference to what inspired him.

One painting Ron shares is one that he created in reference to a verse from the bible’s book of John-‘No greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend’. The painting that he shares is one that consists of the American flag, a dove, a hawk and the liberty bell; each piece intricately combines to represent Freedom. He tells me that the hawk represents the military…people that are willing to give their lives so that we might have some peace or freedom. He says, “I

He attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena…majored in advertising design and graduated from Fresno State University with an art major. Michael was in commercial art for several years and although

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say the least.

Michael continues to grow as an artist. He is not afraid to explore different mediums for his art and it shows… his art screams courageous talent. Last summer Michael took a 2-week class in contemporary painting, from there he got studio space at Riverpark Art Studio and he hasn’t stopped painting since. This summer he plans on going to New York for a month as he has been accepted at The School of Visual Arts in New York for their summer residency program in painting and mixed media. He says, “That will be another whole new experience for me.”

he always enjoyed art, he dropped it for a few years to pursue other avenues in life…mostly teaching language arts to 7th graders.

In 2009, Michael started teaching art at Clovis North…but he hadn’t picked up a paint brush in almost 30-years. He says, “So I thought…’now that I am teaching art, maybe I should be doing some art again.’

So I dabbled in it and it turns out that it is like eating potato chips…I finished one and then I wanted to do another and another.”

Michael is nothing less than a creative genius in the art community. He says, “For 30-years no one knew me as an artist. I was known as a teacher that taught language-arts to 7th graders. At this point in my life…I am redefining myself and I am playing.”

Rudy Murrietta From designing some of the most well-known logos in the Central Valley to sketching still-lives; Rudy Murrietta has made quite a name for himself as an artist.

Creating logos for local businesses such as American Ambulance and DiCiccos, Rudy’s art can be seen all around town these days.

Michael started doing photo realism with acrylics. He would take vintage signage from around Fresno and do tight shots of photo realistic aspects of that signage. From there, he started playing around with photo transfers (where you take Xerox photographs and you transfer them onto canvas and they become part of the canvas)…a combination of photography and painting.

He says, “I started playing around with that and I really enjoyed it.”

Michael says, “Photo realism was fun for a while BUT I knew what they were going to look like from the beginning. It is much more fun to start something and not know where in the heck you are going with it. And to just try different things…and if it doesn’t work…it doesn’t work.”

One of Michael’s favorite pieces is one that he created on a 3x4 foot canvas. His inspiration was graffiti that he discovered, over on a traffic sign by Clovis West.

The graffiti was a stencil of a 1950’s glamour shot of a woman. He took a picture of this stencil and made photo transfer images of her on to a painting. He says, “Even though it is graffiti, I thought it was pretty cool.

I made multiple images of her and various sizes…a close up of eyes, a close up of lips, etc., etc.” He used a combination of photo-transfer, acrylic-paint and spraypaint to create this piece.

Making use of photo-transfer, acrylic-paint, spray-paint, gypsum-board, joint-compound, and even sometimes metal pieces; Michaels art is fascinatingly daring to

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Born in Southern California, his family moved to Fresno when Rudy was about 5-years-old. He says, “When I got here I didn’t speak English so I thought I was in another country.” Rudy struggled throughout school because of his lack of English and it continued to be a poor subject for him, he turned to art as a way to overcome that debility. He says, “Art transcends languages…there are no barriers.”

In school Rudy had an art teacher, Dick Monroe, who sparked his interest in lettering. From there he started learning how to do lettering and ended up in the sign industry. He then spent a majority of his time as a sketch artist and graphic designer for local businesses. Halfway through his career, Rudy formally earned his B.S. degree in Graphic Design from San Jose State University.

Having earned his teaching credential from Fresno State University, Rudy currently teaches color-pencil art, calligraphy, and cartooning at Allards (an art supply store in Fresno, CA). He also substitutes at The Institute of Technology and occasionally teaches his own classes and workshops.

Rudy feels that today a lot of people dismiss doing freehand art because of computers; he encourages that all students with an interest in art, have a sketch-book. He says, “Really all ideas start with scribbling or doodling and that is how you work out compositions and that sort of thing.”

Dennis attended Chouinard Art Institute, (now known as California Institute of the Arts), where he received his commercial arts training. He says, “Growing up there was a young man in my neighborhood, who was also an artist…his name was Robert Wright. I learned a lot from him. He kind of guided me along the way and I guess you can say he was my first mentor. I followed his footsteps which led me to go to art school because he was going to the same art school.”

After graduating from college, Dennis and a partner opened a studio in Hollywood, California. While working at the studio, ‘Creative Source’, Dennis did a lot of work for the entertainment industry such as creating record album covers, billboards, and movie posters.

He created works of art for some big-name companies such as Walt Disney Enterprises, MCA Records, Marvel Productions, and La Face Inc. Passionate about illustration, but even more passionate for fine art painting, Dennis says, “I love drawing people and still-lives.” Dennis works impressionistically with oil-paint…creating pieces that convey his dynamic and critical brushwork.

Presently, Rudy is passionate in acrylic and color-pencil art. He enjoys drawing landscapes, portraits, and stilllives. His portraits are beautifully crafted to portray an emotion of the subject that is expressed so exquisitely.

Massively talented, the Valley is blessed to have Rudy Murrietta making his mark in our community.

Dennis Lewis Fabulously talented, Dennis Lewis credits his mother for inspiring him to become an artist. He says, “I became interested in art when I did my first drawing in elementary school because my mom praised it so much. It was a landscape with dinosaurs and volcanos exploding; my mom was so thrilled by it, that it gave me the inspiration to pursue this crazy field.”

Dennis admits that painting isn’t always easy…he says, “One of the hardest things about painting is coming up with a concept…something that tells a story. I spend a lot of time really trying to tell an idea before I actually apply paint to canvas.” One particular painting of his is titled ‘The Rose Sharon’; it is based on the Psalms of Solomon (From the Bible). He says, “That is one of the most incredible poems that I have every read.

My wife posed for that painting.

It was one of my first attempts at getting back into oil and I am very surprised that it came out well. Maybe it is because I am in love with my wife.”

Good-humoredly modest, Dennis belongs to quite a few organizations. He creates air force art for The North West Air Force Arts Program, which allows him the opportunity to meet a lot of people who serve in the air force. He is a signature member for the Society of Western Artists and is also a member of the Masterpiece Christian Fine Arts Foundation.

As one of the original founders of Riverpark Art Studio, Dennis Lewis is very passionate about traditional art and giving back to the community through teaching.

He currently teaches graphic design at The Institute of Technology and he loves it. He enjoys being in a position where he is able to give back to the community through his teaching. He says, “If you are going to work

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two-thirds of your life, why not make it something that you enjoy doing?”

Artist, educator, son, husband, and father; Dennis Lewis spends his life doing what he loves.

Steve Austin Born and raised in Southern California during a time of horses and hot rods, artist Steve Austin is the most recent addition to Riverpark Art Studio.

After serving in the air force and working in industry, Steve found himself in Fresno while on his way to Sacramento…he says, “I was taken by this no-nonsense, hard-working agricultural community.”

During his 30’s he became a freelance cartoonist. He picked up some work creating automotive-oriented cartoons for Peterson Publishing Company on a regular basis. Steve also was blessed with the opportunity to create a variety of commercial type art, including architectural and medical illustrations.

Steve Austin is a multi-talented artist. He chooses to work in many mediums. His humorous illustrations are primarily done in pen/brush-ink and watercolor, while his traditional commercial work is done in any medium…including digital.

Today, Steve is striving to improve his traditional pleinair technique and his portrait and figure paintings in oils and watercolors. He and his wife will be celebrating their 50th anniversary next year.

For more information on Riverpark Art Studio, their art classes, or any of the artists… please visit www.dennislewisfinearts.blogspot.com Photography: Stephanie Avila

While working at a major oil company, Steve would lampoon his bosses and co-workers with drawings and cartoons; they were supportive and encouraged his talent so his talent grew. From there he says, “While taking academic classes at Fresno City College, I took an Art History class and that really started to change my perspective…” Steve doesn’t have a formal degree in art but he has taken numerous classes and workshops in the art-field.

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(R)urban

By Stephanie Avila

hoods, bags, etc. Some of the pieces are rugged mixed with a bit of sweetness or simplicity mixed with harsh.

There is really something for everyone and each individual piece is an exclusive one of a kind piece of art.

Ruben started dabbling in design when he was 17 and just recently released his fashion line, (R)urban, to the public with the help of local business owner Linda Whisenant. Linda and her husband Doug Whisenant are the owners of Free Bird Company, a local consignment boutique with two locations located in Fresno, CA. Linda says, “We started by displaying Ruben’s bags and they got such a big response, so he started adding on new pieces.” Each piece that Ruben creates is special. Not one piece is ever the same as another.

Linda says, “Each time Ruben finds a unique piece of fabric, it speaks to him and the design comes out of whatever he sees in that fabric. Each piece is an individual piece of art and each item is unique. He doesn’t come up with a pattern and create a bunch of something.” Because Ruben’s line is so unique, Linda

A unique fashion line has launched in the suggested to Ruben that he create a special tag for his Tower District and it is taking the Central Valley to new clothing. She says, “So that way people will recognize scales in the realms of fashion. that they have a Ruben exclusive.”

Fresno native, 19-year-old Ruben Salinas is the brainchild behind ‘(R)urban’; a uniquely rough style that is rapidly becoming popular among youth and adults that want to add a bold statement to their wardrobe.

His collection includes: vests, skirts, shorts, reversible

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Ruben says that the inspiration behind his design is just the feeling of wearing something a bit dramatic but still casual. He says, “I like making things that will make people think, ‘Wow! I never thought about something being made like that’.”

He also gets inspiration from stuff that is rugged and imperfect.

He says, “Everything now, as I see it, is trying to be perfect, so I try to make stuff rough and imperfect.”

Ruben finds a lot of the fabric for his pieces from local thrift stores in Fresno. He says, “I try to take what people don’t want and I then try to make it into something good.” He also says, “I like the idea of not knowing exactly what fabric is there, so it gives me a bit of a challenge making something and I like mostly all fabrics because I like the idea of making anything and everything. I do enjoy working with canvas for messenger bags and I love making rucksacks.”

As a child, Ruben and his 4 sisters and 2 brothers lived with an aunt…his parents were deceased. He says, “My siblings and I live very separately, but all very close (we all live in Fresno). We grew up very sheltered, but slowly we ended up leaving my aunt, either by growing up or by running away. I ran away when I was 16 to another family member’s house. I’m kind of glad I did, because leaving allowed me to have the opportunities to explore my love for design.”

Remember to clean it and service it every now and then because when my sewing machine stopped working, I was so sad and mad” “Sewing pins are your friends, use them ALWAYS.”Ruben Salinas (R)urban is truly making a bold statement in the Valley.

To check out Ruben’s design and selection please visit Free Bird Company, located in the heart of Fresno’s Tower District.

“I am very quiet and cautious. Designing helps me to say things and create certain things I would not say. It’s like I speak through what I make in ways in which I wish I was.”-Ruben Salinas Photography: What If Photography Make-Up: Dollface Mua Hair: Beth Reiland Model: Paige Packard

Ruben’s advice for someone who wants to start designing would be to just start anywhere. He says, “Play around with any fabric you can get ahold of. Don’t be afraid of making something that is ‘out there’ or very simple. Even if you have no knowledge of designing... don’t be afraid to just try it. Everything I now know is self-taught.”

Also, from experience, he says, “Know your sewing machine!

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Unrestricted Love

By Stephanie Avila

When faced with hardship we usually must decide between two options: let it destroy us, or rise above it and become stronger. When Guadalupe Aguilar-Oftedal (Lupe) crossed paths with hardship, she didn’t fall; she was inspired to fight back through education, faith and learning to let go.

Born in Fresno, CA; during a time when women had midwives, Lupe was born at ‘home’. She says, “I was born at home and for a long time I had no papers.

So when I started school, I used my baptism papers. I didn’t get a birth certificate until I was 18-years-old.”

Growing up, education was very important in Lupe’s household…her mom instilled a strong value on it. After graduating from High School in 1977, she attended Fresno City College. But after a little over a year of college; she ended up leaving school to go to Texas where she was married. Marriage landed her in Germany where she worked civil service for the military.

After 8-years in Germany, she found herself back in the United States with a marriage that had dissolved.

She says, “I ended up back in Fresno and I could NOT

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find a job…it was hard. Most of my background was in law but it was all hands-on.”

Picking herself up after a broken marriage, and jobless, at the age of 35; Lupe chose to go back to school.

She attended the Craig’s School of Business at Fresno State University and graduated in 2001. During that time, she was taking care of her brother who was very ill and that inspired her to want to open a business in the hospice industry. She says, “I kept seeing this abandoned building and one day I just said ‘I have to do something to help other people’. So, I tried to buy the building…but I couldn’t get the funding.”

Devastatingly, Lupe’s mom became ill; Lupe sold her house so she could move in with her and take care of her. She says, “I got a little cot and I put it right next to her bed. That was my bed until she passed away.”

Even though she had a full-time job Lupe took care of her mom until she passed away…her priority was making sure her mom had everything she needed. She says, “I took care of my mom for a year and a half at home. People would call me and say, ‘let’s go here’

or ‘let’s do this’…but I didn’t, my priority was with my mom. My culture is that we take care of our own, we don’t dump them in a rest home.”

“True friends are the ones that are going to stand by you no matter what, they are going to be there and they are going to help you.”-Guadalupe Aguilar-Oftedal Her entire life, Lupe devoted all of herself to taking care of people. She devoted all of her years to working for companies…and when a time came when she needed some time off due to getting hurt, she was left jobless. She says, “When the company that I worked for said, ‘you’re dismissed because you can’t do your job anymore’…well that was a slap in the face because I was there all the time. I never even took time off when my mom was sick. I was there when they needed me and they couldn’t support me when I needed them.”

Rather than hold onto anger, she says, “I dusted myself off and moved forward. You can’t move forward if you hold onto anger and that revenge. I got over the hurt and the anger.”

Community Love A week to the day that she buried her mom is when Lupe met Martin Oftedal, her husband. She says, “The first words that came out of his mouth were ‘well your mom sent me to take care of you’. We didn’t hit it off right away but we have been married 5-years now and I don’t regret it. We balance each other out. If you can’t count on each other then you are in trouble.”

Tower love, Lupe and Martin met in the Tower District and it’s no coincidence that they chose to open their vintage/thrift boutique, Bebe O’s, in the Tower. Martin says, “The Tower holds a very special place in our hearts.”

Lupe says, “Originally, I had the intent to open a hospice business…but something kept telling me ‘no…do something different’.” So she started talking to a lot of her friends and to kids in her neighborhood and she listened to what they had to say. After much thought and searching and struggling to find and keep employment, Lupe created her own job (Bebe O’s).

Although Lupe didn’t open her hospice business, she created a business that would still allow her to help people and give her the opportunity to give back to the community. She says, “It’s not all about having to go to school…it’s a lot of street. But it all starts with a higher power. God has given me what it takes to make Bebe O’s and to be able to help the community as well as help other vendors get their stuff and name out there.”

Martin says, “At Bebe O’s, we just want to make a small impact on our community; whether it is helping to feed and clothe those that have fallen on hard times or help someone find a new wardrobe.”

So far through Bebe O’s, Lupe has been able to help the community enormously. This Past January for instance she and Martin heard a story on the news about people in the area that didn’t have any food. She says, “The kids were crying and they didn’t like living like that, so we collected food, shampoo, soap, and necessities. More people got involved and together we were able to collect and deliver all of this great stuff, along with pizza and cupcakes, to these families. The kids were really happy.”

Bebe O’s also does the Cancer Awareness Event in October. Lupe says, “There are lots of men, women and even children out there that have the disease. It has touched everyone’s lives. There isn’t anyone that we know that doesn’t know someone who has either had it or has it. It is just an ugly disease and I wish that there was a cure. It’s hard. There is no way that we can control it, but if we can find a little bit of something that can help find a cure…then it’s worth giving to”.

When asked why she does what she does to help, Lupe says, “I just do it out of the goodness of my heart. I just feel like it is something that I need to do.”

Lupe is an amazingly strong woman. Regardless of the pain that she has lived through, the hardships that she has had to overcome, and the cruelty from people that she has chosen to forgive; she continues to help people and love unrestrictedly.

Photography: What If Photography

Envisioning An Emmy!

By Jenny Toste

I remember the first time I saw an Emmy – the sleek golden body shining in the light, its impressive size, the gleaming globe…I couldn’t believe I was holding “a real life Emmy”!

My senior producer at Good Morning, America had casually mentioned she had to pick up her award, but I wasn’t prepared for the shiny statuette she pulled out of the box.

At the mention of the word “Emmy,” images of stars, flash bulbs, and red carpets had floated into my head.

It was hard for me to believe that I knew someone who’d won.

And I wanted one, too!

But my Emmy dreams were tucked away (or so I thought!) after I finished my New York internship, went back to Baylor, and landed in Fresno after graduation.

I had deliberated dreams of Duke Divinity School, working in national politics, and reporting, but since TV is not something you can easily go back to (and I’d met my husband on my second day in Fresno!), here I was.

I was lucky to land a job at KSEE 24, working on the assignment desk, listening to scanners and directing photographers.

I wanted to be on the air and believed in “dressing for where you want to be,” so every Saturday and Sunday I skipped the jeans and sneakers for a suit and heels instead.

Sure enough, in a few months I was given the opportunity to do Saturday morning weather. I’m thankful for the faith they had in me, since I still cringe when I look at old tapes!

But I worked hard to improve and ended up as the weekend weather anchor and fill-in reporter, one time working 36 days straight just for the opportunity (and because I needed the money)!

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After three years I moved to CBS47 to be the morning weather anchor, and over the past five years, I’ve crafted my dream job – minus the 2am wakeup call.

I enjoy the people I work with, the stories I do, the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives…and it’s just plain ol’ fun!

So imagine my surprise when I found our noon news show had been submitted for an Emmy. I didn’t know you could win one without being a star or tied to national news.

And when we ended up as a finalist for a regional Emmy, I was elated! It truly was an honor just to be nominated (since we didn’t win that year), and I loved the title “Emmy-nominated weather anchor”…

Recently, I was listening to a national radio program on my way to work and heard celebrity aura reader and psychic Pam Oslie making surprising sense about quantum physics and parallel universes.

I instantly felt a connection, looked her up online, and found her living in Santa Barbara.

I “convinced” her to come to Fresno (she felt a connection too & said there are no such things as ‘coincidences’!), and over dinner we had a fascinating conversation about cutting-edge science, how all things are connected, and the power of the mind.

many people get to do that?), but I also got to “thank the Academy” for my award!

During her visit, Pam also told me that I’d “manifested” a beautiful life for myself – from meeting my husband and having the baby boy we’d both always dreamed of, to my work in television and getting that Emmy I’d wanted so many years ago.

Now as I look back, I see how things worked out at each step when I knew what I wanted and proceeded with the belief that it was going to happen.

You can believe a number of different reasons for why things worked out, but I think the important part is that focus on your goals.

By envisioning what you want, you prepare yourself, so that you’re ready when opportunities happen, and you can make your dreams literally come true… one way or another!

Judging from my experiences – and my golden friend sitting on my mantle – there really aren’t any coincidences….

I hadn’t thought much about this year’s Emmy nomination until Pam told me, “If you want to win, just envision winning it over and over. Don’t force it – just see it in your mind’s eye until it seems like fact.”

Sure enough, the next week I got a call asking me to present at the Emmy’s, so suddenly I was on my way to the ceremony and picturing myself on stage accepting the award every chance I had – during my massage, while falling asleep, daydreaming.

By the time I went to San Francisco, it felt like a given that we were going to win – and we did! Not only did I get to say the words, “And the Emmy goes to…” (how

Jenny Toste is the Morning Weather Anchor for CBS47 On Your Side. When she’s not super busy, she enjoys going to the mountains, watching scary ‘80s movies, and playing golf with her husband. They have a 3-year-old son and a rescue dog, Buster. Jenny just finished her Masters in English Literature at Fresno State and hopes to one day write a book.

You can read more of Jenny’s stories and about her favorite places and upcoming events on her blog at www.CBS47.tv

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Snapshots

Youth Band Spotlight

MKC

(Mimi Kama Chama)

By Stephanie Avila

Mimi Kama Chama-A Swahili term meaning ‘I like to party’!

A musical combination of Ska, Reggae, Rock and Roll, and a dash of Punk Rock; best describes the flavor of local youth band MKC. The band consists of five members: Rico Torres (Lead guitar and vocals), Spencer Smith (Guitar), Brian Sharp (Bass), Gabe ‘The Sanch’ Sanchez (Drums), and Christopher Bivins (Keyboard). Four of the members (minus Gabe Sanchez) recently graduated from Bullard High School. Gabe currently attends Bullard High as a junior.

Christopher says, “There is nothing better than jamming with fellow musicians. I enjoy being able to make music with really talented people.”

Founded in 2011, MKC has grown tremendously over the past year; originally starting with two-members (Rico Torres and Spencer Smith). The group has played at several prestige locations in the Valley, including ‘Club Retro’. This July they will be performing at Club Babylon in Tower District.

Currently, the band is working hard to master tracks for a CD that will be released to the public very soon. For now, you can check out some of their tracks by going to Facebook and searching https://www.facebook.com/MimiKamaChama “We are pretty much down to play our music anytime and anywhere; I’m just all about spreading love across the cosmos.”-Christopher Bivins (keys) Photography: What If Photography Wardrobe provided by BeBe O’s

Student Athlete Spotlight

Dedication Defined!

Bianka Marie Garcia, 17-years-old 12th grade, Central High School

By Stephanie Avila

“I love soccer. It’s really fun. It’s great. If I could play it forever then I would.”-Bianka Marie Garcia For close to 15 years now, 17-year-old Bianka Marie Garcia has been passionate about soccer. She says, “Soccer is my life. Without soccer and my family, I don’t know where I would be.”

Bianka’s passion for soccer began when she was 3-years-old and her parents (Fernando and Laura Garcia) handed her a soccer ball. Laura (Bianka’s mom) says, “My husband is the one who used to play adult league and we just got her out there one day in our backyard. We gave her the ball and it was amazing…we couldn’t believe how good she was at her age.” Laura says that soccer came naturally for Bianka. She says, “We put some cones out and said ‘do this’ and she would do it.”

Bianka recently played soccer for San Joaquin Memorial but she will begin playing for Central High School this next school year. She does great academically and holds a 3.43 GPA that she is trying to increase.

She says, “School is hard at times, but I manage to keep good grades so I can continue playing soccer.”

She also plays indoor soccer and she plays for soccer club ‘East Fresno Fusion United’. She says, “I prefer to play center mid but I can play any position.”

The Fresno Bee recently named Bianka ‘The Best Midfielder in the Valley’. Also, recently she has been invited to try out for the Mexican National Team. She will be going to compete in the U-17 and U-20 and possibly be called up to the Olympics.

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Dedicated, Bianka works hard to stay fit and build her strength and endurance so as to be the best that she can on the field. She says, “I love exercising to keep in shape. I have been training at Velocity Sports Performance (which is now called SPEED) and it has helped my performance a lot.” Currently, to help tone up, Bianka has been doing Cardio Kickboxing.

Bianka’s parents are very supportive of their only daughter’s passion for soccer. Laura says, “She is a very good daughter and I can’t ask for more. She never gives me any trouble. I am happy with her.” She says, “Bianka would rather be at a game or exercising then out with friends. And for her age you would think that maybe she might be more into boys…but no no.

My husband and I are very proud of her.”

Bianka has overcome some challenges on the soccer field, such as being picked on. She says, “Girls have been mean to me because of the skill that I have. I’m a lot stronger than a lot of the girls because I train every day. I have overcome these challenges by just ignoring them and doing my own thing.”

For side work, Bianka ref’s soccer games for little kids through Central Unified and sometimes she helps her parents out in their business. She also rides horses and volunteers at The Boys and Girls Club.

As far as future plans go, Bianka says, “If I don’t get the opportunity to do soccer pro, I want to do pediatric dentistry. I have always liked kids. I love kids.” She says, “But my future goals are to play college soccer, play professional soccer and maybe be a Pediatric Dentist.”

With the passion and dedication that Bianka demonstrates for the sport of soccer, she is the definition of dedication.

Co-Sleeping

A safety issue or a better way for your baby to sleep?

By Beth Warmerdam are against placing infants to sleep in adult beds for safety issues. They say that the practice puts babies at risk for suffocation and strangulation, and increases the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The AAP recommends room-sharing, in which a baby sleeps in the parents’ room in their own crib or bassinet.

One of the potential safety issues is when you practice bed-sharing in a household in which someone smokes, whether it’s one of the parents or another adult in the house.

When you have a new infant in the home, sleep is one of the biggest issues you will face. When will your baby sleep? How long will she sleep? When will you sleep? And one of the more controversial questions, where will the baby sleep?

In the United States, the norm seems to be for babies to sleep in a crib, whether in their own room or in their parents’ room. However, more and more parents are now choosing to bring their new baby into bed with them at night, a practice commonly thought of as co-sleeping or bed-sharing. Whether it’s better to have babies sleep independently or with their parents comes down to what works best for each individual family, but there are possible benefits and drawbacks to each situation.

Both the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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“When there is co-sleeping in a house with smoke, the danger of SIDS goes up,” said Dr. Kathleen Dyer, a professor in Child and Family Sciences at Fresno State, whose research includes infant sleep. “We think this is because if there is smoke in the house, the adults are likely to have smoke in their skin and on their hair. When the baby is physically close to the parent at night, they will breathe the same set of oxygen.

Smoke is hard on a baby’s immature system.”

Whether co-sleeping in a non-smoking household is more dangerous than babies sleeping independently is controversial, and not everyone agrees with the views of the CPSC and AAP. “The Safety Commission published a study of babies who died by suffocation or overlay, and concluded that adult beds are really unsafe places for babies,” Dyer said. “That finding gets a lot of press, as it should.

However, for any scientist who looks at that study, the quality of that data doesn’t warrant that conclusion.”

Overlaying refers to a parent or caregiver rolling over or against an infant during sleep. Dyer said that when

a baby dies in a parent’s bed, the reason behind the death is not necessarily known. When there is no known cause, they will just write it down as an overlay death when that may not necessarily be the truth.

“The data doesn’t give us any reason or way of knowing if these were suffocation or SIDS deaths,” Dyer said. “The other thing they didn’t do was control for smoke in the house or adult drug use, including parents on cough and cold medication when sleeping.

These are good alternative hypotheses for why kids might have been suffocated.”

Furthermore, Dyer said that the Safety Commission’s conclusions contradict everything that researchers know about infant sleep. She referred to research that has been done by Dr. James McKenna, who runs the Mother-Infant Sleep Lab at Notre Dame.

“He has found absolutely zero indication of a mother impeding her child’s breathing during sleep,” Dyer said. “When the mother’s brainwaves say she is asleep, she actually does parenting things, such as patting the baby. All the evidence is that mothers sleeping with babies have a sense of where their baby is.”

Some research actually indicates that bed-sharing can reduce the risk of SIDS because co-sleeping parents and babies tend to wake up more often throughout the night.

While the debate continues on whether co-sleeping in and of itself is dangerous, there are certain factors that do make a child sleeping in an adult bed a safety hazard.

“With a crib, it’s mandated by law that they have to be made a certain way to be safe,” Dyer said. “For example, you can’t sell pillow top mattresses for kids.

Parents can’t accidentally buy a crib whose slats are too far apart, because only the ones that are safe can be legally sold. With adult beds, there’s nothing like that. We have things in adult beds that are not safe for babies.”

Infants need to sleep on their backs on firm surfaces, so they should not sleep on any sort of pillow top mattress or other soft surface. The bed should not have heavy adult bedding; instead, a light baby blanket should be used for the baby. The bed needs to be clear of any stuffed animals or pillows. Babies also should not sleep anywhere that they can fall into a crevice, which includes beds pushed up against walls and couches.

“If a baby is going to suffocate, they are probably going to do it by getting stuck between a mattress and wall,” Dyer said. “You introduce that risk if you put them in an adult bed up against wall. Parents don’t want the baby to fall off the bed, so they push a dresser next to it, but that just introduces the next hazard.

Babies can also get stuck between sofa cushions.”

And, of course, parents should never co-sleep with their children if they smoke or are under the influence of alcohol or any kind of drugs.

“If you want to co-sleep, you have to really take care to make it a safe space for your baby,” Dyer said. “It’s not really that complicated. It just takes a little thought on the part of the parent.”

So why do some parents choose to sleep with their babies while others prefer to have their babies in their own crib? “Every parent’s reason varies”, Dyer said.

She categorizes those who choose to co-sleep into three different categories: circumstantial, reactive, and intentional co-sleepers.

The first group is made up of those parents who simply find it easier to co-sleep with their babies, without any ideology behind it. For example, mothers who breastfeed may find it simpler to have their babies in bed with them, so they can easily breastfeed throughout the night. This also happens to be one of the more substantiated benefits of bed-sharing.

“One of the demonstrated benefits of co-sleeping is getting people to breastfeed more,” Dyer said. “The more calories they are getting, the more frequently mom’s body is producing, all of this is going to lead

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to successful breastfeeding. This is for sure a benefit.”

The parents who make up the second group of cosleepers are who Dyer likes to think of as the reactive co-sleepers. They typically are the parents who find that their babies ‘demand’ this kind of sleeping arrangement.

“These are the people who say, ‘I’d really rather she sleep separately, but I can’t get her to go to sleep.

She’s always bothering me, so I’m just doing it,’” Dyer said.

The final group is made up of parents who make the deliberate decision to co-sleep because they think it is the most beneficial thing for their child.

“Intentional co-sleepers are those who say, ‘I just really think this is good for my baby. I don’t care what the doctor says, I think it’s good for us,’” Dyer explained.

“Those folks will co-sleep from birth on. They’ll cosleep for years. To me, this is the most interesting group, because they are making a decision that puts them at odds with their culture.”

Of course, there are also all the people who believe that the baby is best off in their own crib. Dyer said that, through her research, she has come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter where the baby sleeps.

What matters is how the parents respond to their children.

“It never really matters what you do, it matters how you do it,” Dyer said. “What’s important is that you respond to your child’s needs in a way that you pay

attention to what works and what doesn’t. It’s not a matter of where you put your baby to sleep, it’s a matter of how you put your baby to sleep.”

The transitions in and out of sleep are very important, Dyer said. These transitions can be anxiety provoking, especially to a baby.

“Drifting off into unconsciousness, you have to be trusting that you are in a safe environment,” Dyer said. “And then as babies are transitioning back out of sleep, they need to know they are safe. These transitions are really important psychologically. In babies, they happen so often because they are in and out of sleep so many times a day. The way in which we respond to these transitions is where attachment might be formed.”

Nobody has the right or wrong answer to whether a family should co-sleep with their baby. In the end, it’s up to the parent to make the decision that is right for their individual family. But remember, if you do make the decision to share your bed with your baby, make Photography: Nicole Vargas Platinum Imaging

Blue

Aaliyah’s Breath-Holding Spells

By Melissa Normart

On September 16th of 2010, only 15-months after giving birth to my handsome boy Charles, I gave birth to a beautiful 4-pound baby girl. I named her Aaliyah. Aaliyah and Charles have made my life complete. I am so madly in love with my little family and I would do anything in this world to protect them.

At the hospital, Doctors conducted a CT scan of Aaliyah’s head. They took an x-ray of her spine and did some blood work. Everything came back okay and she was sent home with some ibuprofen for a concussion. I was told to wake her up every two hours that night.

Just three days after my Aaliiyah’s first birthday, is a day that will haunt me forever. I walked in to the room and saw Aaliyah standing up on her new toddler bed.

I told her ‘Liyah sit down you’re going to fall baby girl’ and as I was walking toward her she flipped head first to the floor. I went to pick her up and there was no sound (not even a cry) coming from her little body. She wasn’t breathing. She wasn’t moving. She was lifeless.

Paramedics arrived and took her vitals but they still were unsure about what was going on with her. They rushed her to Valley Children’s Hospital.

After her accident, I felt like there was something different about my princess. Every time she would get hurt or tried to express any kind of emotion; she looked like she couldn’t breathe. Two months after her accident, I was changing her diaper; she was really fussy and did not like the idea of having her diaper changed. Suddenly, her cry turned into a dry cry, her back arched, her face turned blue, her chest gave a few jerks, her body went stiff as a board, her jaw locked, and she completely knocked out. Once again, I saw my child lifeless. I can’t even explain the emotions I was feeling.

Valley Children’s Hospital diagnosed Aaliyah as having ‘Breath-Holding Spells’. Never hearing about this, I did some research and found out that breatheholding spells can be terrifying for parents. Just as the name implies, kids hold their breath until they pass out. This spectacle, which can happen in healthy children between 6-months and 6-years of age, is most common around age 2. Although disturbing to those who witness them, breath-holding spells are not harmful and pose no serious health risks. A spell typically lasts only a few seconds before a child regains consciousness and resumes breathing normally. In most cases, breath-holding spells can be predicted and even prevented once triggers are identified. Kids usually outgrow these spells by age 5.

I have watched videos on breath-holding spells and none even look like my daughters spells. I have also spoken to a few other parents via email whose children have passed away from this condition. One child passed away while asleep and another child could not start breathing again after a spell and passed away.

My daughter has had every test possible to figure out why she gets these spells and the only answer I ever get is that there is nothing I can do but wait for her to outgrow this.

As a parent my heart is broken. I live in fear of losing my child even though 99% of the time she’s fine.

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I wake up throughout the night and put my hand on her chest…just to make sure she’s breathing. I’m her mother and I feel like I can’t even protect her from this.

I wanted to share my daughter’s story in case someone out there might be going through this. My Aaliyah is a beautiful little girly-girl. She is very smart and loves to carry her purse and wear her bracelets. She loves to laugh and she brings so much joy into my life and her brother’s life. I know my daughter is not ready to fly with the angels yet. I am determined to make sure she lives to her fifth birthday and many more.

When I had my children, I chose to forever have my heart walk outside of my body…my heart is heavy with fear. I have learned to put that fear aside so that I can survive and be there for my children. When there are days that I can’t put it aside, I just get on my knees and I pray. I pray that this obstacle in my family’s life will pass.

Photography: Stephanie Avila

Breast is Best August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month

By Julie Casillas

(WIC Registered Dietitian, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)

Nothing is more nutritious and more important to the development of a newborn baby than mother’s breast milk. In honor of August being Breastfeeding Awareness Month, here are a few facts about the importance of breastfeeding to the baby and the nursing mother.

Breastfeeding helps nursing mothers get their “girlish” figure back Although breastfeeding does help burn calories, there are many other reasons that make breastfeeding healthy for the nursing mother. Breastfeeding is known to lower the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Also, the hormones released during breastfeeding help the mother’s uterus shrink and return to its normal size.

Breastmilk vs. Formula A mothers’ breastmilk provides nutrients and antibodies that store-bought formula cannot match. These nutrients help stimulate an infant’s immune system, increase brain development, aid with proper digestion and lower the chance of childhood obesity. The long-term benefits of breastfeeding an infant include a lowered chance of asthma, allergies, some childhood cancers, stroke and heart disease.

Working and Breastfeeding Going back to work may be difficult for a breastfeeding mother. However, a mom shouldn’t feel guilty for returning to work. Breastfeeding and working takes time and commitment. Remember the following: Nurse your baby before you leave for work Hand express or pump your breastmilk during breaks or when you feel a letdown. Breast pumps are available for purchase or rent.

Take a small cooler for your breastmilk. You can store your breastmilk at room temperature for 6-8 hours in an insulated cooler bag for up to 24 hours, or in a refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nurse your baby when you are home in the evenings and on days you are not working.

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Know the laws about breastfeeding in the workplace.

California Civil Code 43.3 allows a mother to breastfeed her child in any location, public or private.

California Labor Code 1030 provides that employers need to allow a break and provide a room other than a restroom for a mother who desires to express breastmilk in private.

California Assembly Concurrent Resolution 155 encourages the state and employers to support and encourage the practice of breastfeeding by striving to accommodate the needs of employees.

Know your breastfeeding resources There are several resources in the Central Valley for breastfeeding mothers.

Fresno County EOC WIC Program Breastfeeding Support Line (559)263-1380 La Leche League of Fresno & Clovis Mother to Mother Support (559)265-3301 Mother’s Resource Center (559)459-6288 Babies First Breastfeeding Task Force www.babiesfirstfresno.com 1(800)640-0333

Fruity Recipe

Summertime is here and there is nothing more tasty or delicious than a piece of fruit. Fruits provide many nutrients like potassium, fiber, vitamin C, and folic acid. Help your children grow big and strong by eating more fruit.

Here are a few tips: -Remember to eat whole or cut-up fruit. It provides a lot of dietary fiber.

-Add fruit to your breakfast, lunch, and dinner and snack on fruits throughout the day.

-Add fruit like berries to plain ice water to give it a great taste.

-Always keep fruit available. If your children see it, your children will eat it.

Here is a healthy recipe loaded with healthy and delicious fruit.

Fruity Peanut Butter Sandwich 2 slices of whole wheat bread 2 teaspoons of peanut butter 1 peeled and sliced banana 1 sliced strawberry Or 1 cup of fresh fruit Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on each slice of bread. Spread pieces of fruit on the bread and place the slices together.

Photography: Roxanne Burket

Nutritional Information (per serving) Calories 364; Fat 18g; Protein 13g; Carb. 40g; Fiber 7g; Calcium 43mg; Iron 2mg; Vitamin A 2.4mcg; Vitamin C 2.2mg; Folate 28mcg These recipes can be found in the Let’s Cook! Cookbook by Northeast Valley Health Corporation. These recipes were provided by Fresno County EOC’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program.

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MORE Fitness Myth Busters!

Myth #1: Spot reduction works!

By Erik Traeger

Spot reduction means trying to lose body fat from a specific part of your body by doing exercises that work that body part. For example: trying to lose flab from under your triceps by doing a bunch of triceps exercises, or doing a bunch of sit-ups or crunches to burn fat away from your tummy.

The truth is that you lose fat from your extremities faster than you do from your midsection. This is because your body is very efficient; it is more efficient to store fat around the center of gravity of the body. Women tend to store fat around the hips and thighs, men tend to store fat in their belly.

The other BIG reason why spot reduction doesn’t work is that exercises that work one particular body part (such as triceps extensions and abdominal exercises) work smaller, weaker muscles and burn less calories. The more calories you burn, the more fat you lose. You would be much better off using larger, multiple muscle groups to lift heavier weights, and burn more calories.

Myth busted!

Myth #2: Calorie counters on cardio machines are accurate.

The truth is that most machines overestimate how many calories you are actually burning. Some machines may be more accurate than others if they ask you for factors such as your gender, age, and weight…but even then it is not exact.

I have rowers and a bike in my gym. After just one minute of maximal-effort on the bike, it says that I have burned 85 calories. One minute of max-effort on the rower shows I’ve burned only 26 calories. Rowing should burn more calories than cycling since rowing involves more muscle groups than cycling (legs only). Experts believe that some companies purposely program their machines to overestimate how many calories are being burned.

You feel better when you think you burn more calories.

If you spend the same amount of time and effort on two different machines, and one machine says you burned 300 calories and the other machine says you burned only 250, which machine would you use? The company

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that overestimates calories burned stands to sell more machines.

Myth busted!

Myth #3: Fat is bad for you.

The truth is fat is an essential part of a well-balanced diet. Fat is one of the three macro-nutrients your body needs to survive, along with carbohydrate and protein.

Fat provides energy, especially during aerobic activities.

It provides cushioning for the internal organs to protect them. It provides insulation, and it stores the important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. A diet insufficient in fat would be unhealthy, just as a diet that has excessive fat.

Fat should comprise about 30% of your total daily caloric intake. There are three types of fat: unsaturated, saturated, and trans. Unsaturated fats are good because they lower your cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease. Be careful with saturated and trans fat because they increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Myth busted!

Erik Traeger is the owner and head instructor at SPEED Sports Performance, CrossFit Combat Fitness, Fresno Indoor Boot Camp, and the Russian Kettlebell Club of Fresno.

Beware!

Playing in the hot summer sun can have dangerous consequences

By Beth Warmerdam

“During the hot summer months in the Valley, when outdoor temperatures can rise above 100 degrees, young children are more susceptible to dehydration because they do not lose heat quickly and do not sweat effectively,” Juarez said.

Summer is here and kids are out to play.

They’re running around the playground, tossing the football in the yard, playing in the swimming pool.

Unfortunately, summer also brings increasingly hot temperatures and poor air quality, especially in the Central Valley. When you combine these outside conditions with strenuous play, dangerous situations can arise.

As kids run around in the heat, their bodies lose fluids and their body temperatures rise. This can lead to dehydration and overheating, both of which can become life-threatening situations.

“Dehydration occurs when your body loses too much fluid,” said Dr. Yvonne Juarez, MD, Chief of Pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente Fresno. “Dehydration can occur in anyone at any age, but it is particularly dangerous for babies and small children.”

A child has an increased chance of becoming dehydrated because a greater portion of their body is made of water and they have a higher metabolic rate, so their body uses more water.

Children are at greater risk of getting dehydrated and overheated than adults for several reasons.

Their kidneys do not conserve water as well as an adult’s kidneys. “Kids also evaporate more fluid from their bodies than do adults”, Juarez said. Children’s natural defense systems are also not fully developed, and they can get illnesses that can lead to dehydration.

In order to help prevent kids from getting dehydrated or overheated while playing, parents need to be diligent in making sure their children are drinking plenty of liquids and cooling down if needed.

“Children depend on their caregivers to provide them with food and fluids and if they aren’t drinking enough, they are more at risk for dehydration,” Juarez said.

She recommends making sure your child drinks plenty of water before, during, and after they play.

“This is extremely important when it is hot outside and they are exerting a lot of energy,” Juarez said. “Encourage your child to drink extra fluids; even a sports drink, every 15 to 20 minutes.”

Children between the ages of 4 and 10 should drink at least six to 10 glasses of liquids to replace lost fluids.

Water is the healthiest option when it comes to what they should drink. Juices with high concentrations of sugar and sodas with caffeine can pose problems for dehydrated children. A popsicle while playing is a tasty option for keeping a child well hydrated.

Parents should dress their child in lightweight clothing,

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and it’s recommended that they wear a hat to shield their face from the sun. Parents should change their children into dry clothing as soon as they come inside, especially if their clothes are drenched in sweat.

If possible, kids should try to play in a shady spot and avoid being active in the direct sunlight. If they are going to be playing in the sun, especially for periods of more than 15 minutes, kids should be wearing sunscreen.

“Sunscreen is important, especially here in the Valley where temperatures often exceed 100 degrees during the summer months,” Juarez said. “Children need to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 whenever they are outdoors.”

In addition to being aware of high temperatures, parents also need to pay attention to the air quality.

“Children’s lungs are especially sensitive to the harmful effects of air pollution because they breathe rapidly and inhale a high concentration of pollution relative to their weight,” Juarez said.

When children exercise, they breathe more through their mouths than their noses, allowing pollution to be inhaled more deeply into the lungs where it can cause permanent damage.

Juarez advises keeping children indoors when the air quality index is 151 or above. This index can be found at http://airnow.gov and is usually reported in the news.

“Go outside early in the morning and on days where smog may develop,” suggests Juarez. “On days that air is stagnant and temperatures reach over 90 degrees, smog levels usually peak in mid-to-late afternoon.”

Knowing what to do should your child become dehydrated or overheated is important because quick action can make the difference between recovering from a slight headache and a trip to the emergency room.

Some of the early symptoms of dehydration include mouth and eyes that are drier than usual, urine that is darker than usual, tiredness, dizziness, crankiness, and complaints of headaches. The early stages of mild or moderate dehydration may be corrected by controlling fluid loss and replacing fluids.

“Make sure to have your child stop all activity and rest.

Make sure they are out of the sunlight and lay them down in a cool spot,” Juarez said. “Take off any extra clothes. Have them drink water, a rehydration drink, or a sports drink to replace any lost fluid. Allow your child to drink as much as he or she wants.”

The child may start to feel better in a few hours, but it can take as long as a day and a half to replace the fluids they lost, so it’s important that they take it easy

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for at least 24 hours.

Sometimes dehydration and overheating can become very dangerous and warrant a trip to the emergency room. If your child is showing decreased alertness, and their symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness become more severe or frequent, you should take them to the hospital as soon as possible.

Children who become severely dehydrated are in serious danger because it may mean that they no longer have enough fluid in their body to get blood to their organs. If this happens, they can go into shock, which is a life-threatening condition.

Children who become overheated are also of serious concern. Sweating and blood flow to the skin are what help to keep our bodies cool. When our bodies are no longer able to transfer enough heat to keep us cool, heat-related illnesses occur.

“Heat-related illnesses can turn into medical emergencies, even with immediate treatment, and can be life-threatening or cause serious long-term problems,” Juarez said.

To make sure you never have to worry about rushing your dehydrated or overheated child to the hospital, remember to pay special attention to them when they are playing in the hot summer sun.

Photography: Roxanne Burket

Cool Blue for School Backpack Designed by Allee Marderosian, courtesy of iLoveToCreate速 Created by Lauri Eaton

Head back to school with your own unique style to tote all your school essentials. Tulip速 Permanent Fabric Dye in bright, bold color will help you stand out in the crowd!

Materials Needed: Tulip速 Permanent Fabric Dye Teal Miscellaneous Supplies White cotton backpack Bucket large enough to fit backpack

Instructions: For best results, please read all instructions before beginning project. Refer to photo for color and design placement.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Moisten backpack with water until damp, but not dripping.

In bucket, mix dye according to package instructions.

Briefly submerge entire backpack into dye. Remove backpack and then re-dip lower half only and let set 6-8 hours or until desired color gradient is achieved.

Rinse backpack with cold water until water runs clear.

Wash and dry separately. iLoveToCreate速 www.ilovetocreate.com (05/23/12) (web12_079)

Family First Magazine 37

MR. PFRIZZLE’S MAGIC SCHOOL BUS TOUR “In Search of the Elusive Effective Educator”

By Joel Pflugrath Author’s note: My apologies to the “real” Mrs. Frizzle for “borrowing” her magic school bus as a vehicle to write an informative yet hopefully entertaining piece about public school teaching. Learning theory and public education policy are, well, painfully boring to many readers. Here it’s served with a spoon of honey, and a side of ham.

It’s a new school year, and our intrepid education correspondent, 4th grade teacher Mr. Earl Pfrizzle, is about to make his opening remarks to a new group of parents who are eagerly awaiting the start of the annual “What Makes a Good Teacher Tour. Let’s jump on board the “Parent’s Magic School Bus” with Mr. Pfrizzle’s 4th grade parents’ group and do some snoopin’ around.

“Today, parents, you will learn about what most educational experts agree are the essential elements of effective teaching. At the end of our tour you’ll be given a Teacher’s Report Card in order to fairly evaluate any grade school teacher. Are there any questions? Yes… Mr. Harvey.”

“Why bother grading teachers, Mr. Pfrizzle? With teacher tenure even failing grades won’t get you fired.

I’m a tax attorney – if I don’t do MY job, I get fired.

Teaching is more vital to our country’s future than taxes – why aren’t teachers held more accountable?”

Mr. Pfrizzle fights the urge to roll his eyes. “Yes, I do agree with you that teachers are more important to society than tax attorneys. But in a way, we’re held

accountable on a daily basis by that classroom of students. If you don’t keep them engaged in interesting and meaningful learning activities, there’ll be problems! But classroom management is just one part of our job. Much of what a teacher does goes unnoticed – that’s why we’re on this tour. Let’s go dig up some facts about teachin’.”

“Okay parents, everyone, have a seat. Mr. Harvey!

PLEASE don’t put your bubblegum in Mr. Stumple’s ear.”

A frustrated Pfrizzle mutters to himself… Geez, their kids are better behaved than they are. Ah… anyway…

“Let’s continue our adventure folks!”

“The first stop on the tour is our nation’s capital. Yes, Mr. Harvey, you’re right, that’s Washington DC. No, you can’t have a Jolly Rancher as a reward for answering a question I didn’t ask. But still, good knowledge!”

“As we all know, the best ideas about everything – including education – come out of Washington, right?

(I know some of you are grimacing.) That’s probably why the Obama administration is proposing to spend $4 billion – in their words – ‘to identify and cultivate effective teachers.’”

“No, Mr Stumple, effective teachers are not grown like hybrid tomatoes in a green house. But, wow, you really have a creative imagination. Maybe YOU should be working in Washington. As they say in Washington, NO idea is too absurd. Besides, if you dress up any proposal in a $4 billion suit it’s bound to look presentable.”

“Yes Mr. Harvey – you have another question about governmental policy in education? Do I know how many zeroes there are in $4 billion? Mr Harvey, you’re a tax attorney. I’m sure you know the answer is nine. Yes, I know that’s a lot of money. No, I don’t know how far that many dollars lined up end to end would stretch, but I have a feeling it won’t make it to our classrooms here in Central California. Someone should tell Washington we’re sweating just to buy enough pencils and binder paper to last the school year.”

“By the way, Mr. Harvey, if you’d take the bubble gum out of your ears it’d be much easier for you to hear me.” Mr. Pfrizzle mutters to himself… And his daughter is so pleasant... One of my best students. Go figure!

“Okay parents, maybe government doesn’t have all the answers. Let’s go to our next stop. I think you guys are really in for a learning experience.”

The Parent’s Magic School Bus pulls up outside a large glass and concrete building – an educational research facility. “Why is everyone inside so sad?” a curious parent asks. “You’ll understand that far better when your daughter becomes a teenager,” a somber

Mr. Pfrizzles informs. “Their sadness comes from years of being ignored.”

Among those sad faces are Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) researchers David Baker and Gerald Letende, who have found from studies on the value of homework dating back to 1994 that “Not only did we fail to find any positive relationships,” but the overall correlations between national average student achievement and national averages in (amount of homework assigned) are all NEGATIVE! Even more disturbing is that further research has shown that the younger the student, the more negative the effect. It seems that kids don’t like pulling double shifts any more than their parents!

“So why are teachers still assigning so much homework?” a concerned parent asks. Mr Pfrizzle can only shake his head. “Tradition… non-existent expectations… fear of being different… It’s just, maybe deep down, we feel that we’re not doing enough during the school day, so we end up putting it back on the kids and parents. It’s really unfair, and it can needlessly cause conflict in otherwise happy families.”

“Okay parents, time to move on. And this time I mean you! Everybody off the bus! We’re going to do some PE!”

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“But doesn’t PE take away from academic time, Mr. Pfrizzle?” a perplexed parent asks. “NO! It’s just the opposite! Physical activity is THE essential element in optimum brain performance.”

“Well, I’m sorry, but you don’t have a choice in this one, parents, because I’m talking about your children.

It’s time to get off the bus and ask THEM what makes a good teacher.”

Mr. Pfrizzle is a big fan of the book “Brain Rules” by molecular biologist John Medina, who presents research that indicates exercise “acts directly on the molecular machinery of the brain itself – it increases the creation and survival of neurons – exercise actively improves cognition.”

The children are certainly not shy about making their opinions known as to what they think about their teachers.

“Maybe some of you have forgotten how mind-deadening passive sitting can be,” Mr. Pfrizzle reminds the parents. “Do you pay close attention when you’re bored out of your gourd? Then why would you expect your children to be any different?”

Mr. Pfrizzle hesitates before adding, “According to John Medina, it would be hard to construct a worse environment for learning than your typical classroom!”

There is an audible gasp from the parents.

“Maybe we’ve heard enough from the experts, Mr. Pfrizzle,” an obviously distraught parent interjects.

“My brain is starting to hurt.”

“But we still haven’t visited the most important of all the educational experts,” Pfrizzle says. He warns, “Don’t you want to hear what they have to say?”

“To be honest, I don’t think I can take in much more,” a tired Mr. Harvey pleads.

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“I like my teacher, Mrs. Downs, because I know she misses me when I’m not at school,” says 2nd grader Amy. “With Mrs. Mitchell I don’t ever worry about asking a ‘stupid’ question. I know she’ll always support me, and she’s never judgmental,” says 6th grader Trinity.

“Mrs. Espinosa is great! Almost NO homework! I’m learning more in her class because we work like a team. Everyone helps everyone, because everybody is good at something. Like, I’m great at art and music, but not so much at math. Anyway, now I’m getting B’s on my math tests ‘cuz I get so much help. I never got help at home like I do in her class. I really feel good about myself because of her!” says 7th grader Tiana.

As the parents and children pile in their cars, Mr. Pfrizzle looks at the “Teacher’s Report Card.” Hmmm… I wonder how I’d grade myself?

Photography: JB’s Photography

THE TEACHER’S REPORT CARD This is a 20 item assessment. Each positive response is worth 5 points to the teacher.

1. Regularly engages the students in an activity-based curriculum.

2. Is basically an empathetic and caring person.

3. Uses testing and grades as a tool to guide and inform instruction.

4. Uses technology to augment instruction.

5. Is open and communicative with parents.

6. Freely admits when mistakes are made, and is willing to make corrections.

7. Has an ongoing commitment to improve teaching practices.

8. Does not assign busy work. Does not track long lists of missing assignments.

9. Incorporates at least four hours of physical activity within the school week.

10. Avoids sending home schoolwork that should be done during the school day.

11. Encourages reading outside the classroom.

12. Teaches good citizenship using real life incidents to demonstrate positive character traits.

13. Advocates for victims of bullying.

14. Keeps records of academic growth based on hard data gained from the use of valid assessment tools.

15. Has an active intervention program for those stu dents who have tested below grade level.

16. Uses small group instruction when possible.

17. Actively engages parents’ help in the classroom for activities like literature circles and art projects.

Note to Parents If you had difficulty compiling a score on these 20 common criteria for assessing teacher effectiveness, it’s an indication that you may need to get more involved in your child’s education. This can be difficult, especially for working single parents, but the number one indicator for student success is PARENT involvement!

Scoring 1. 90-100 points A for excellent.

More teachers fit in this category than you’d think!

Just ask a teacher!

2. 80-85 points B for good.

Still could be a great teacher, maybe needs some seasoning – no, not paprika!

3. 70-75 points C for average.

Quit giving so much homework. Try some PE for a change!

4. 60-65 points D for poor.

Maybe they’re a new teacher. Give ‘em a break, and a lot of help – or urge them to go into school administration.

5. 55 or less F for failing.

You really need to advocate for your child’s edu cation. Try working with the teacher – avoid being adversarial.

18. Plans and implements meaningful field trips.

19. Takes on “stipend positions” (extra-curricular ac tivities).

20. Does all of the above without a lot of “bellyaching.”

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Keep Gray Days Bright Back to School 2012

From the Notes of Abbie Mast (Owner of local children’s boutique Gaga Chic) This season expect to see texture and depth with a lot of layering. Mod prints are back with a Scandinavian touch! For toddler girls, keep it fun and young with bright cotton dresses or fun graphic tops paired with full skirts and layered with leggings. You will want to grab the hi/low maxi-skirts and dresses for the 5-17 year crowd. Colored denim with dolman-sleeve tops are comfy and offer a stylish edge.

For boys, we will be seeing boarding-school style meets 80’s rocker. Licensed tees are a huge trend and designers and parents love the nostalgia driven rock band or vintage star wars designs. These

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tees paired with denim and a retro zip-cardigan look refreshed and sophisticated enough to take on the monkey bars at any school yard!

Deep tones like purples and burnt orange with pops of neon green and hot pinks will keep grey days bright. We also love that camp green is back again for both girls and boys; it’s a great color, acting as a neutral to buy for outerwear! Navy with grey and soft caramels offer a sophisticated balance to the more vibrant shades you’ll see this fall. You will also see Lace and Wool pairings for a Modern Vintage flare.

Scarves add a bit of whimsy with polka dots and a bright mix of colors. Also, look out for funky backpacks and retro lunch bags. Hair Accessories are huge for girls, from basic bows to vintage adorned hair clips.

Photography: Nicole Vargas Platinum Imaging Photography

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Magical Closets

By Stephanie Avila

It’s the day before a special dinner date with your significant other, or that rare night out with your girlfriends, or even that important job interview.

What do you wear? If you are looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and really express your personality; vintage attire or simply adding a vintage accessory to your style is a definite way to help you make a statement for any event or occasion. Vintage is unquestionably for the person who prefers to wear quality pieces that are unique and that stand apart from the mass production line of ‘Big Box Stores’.

If you have had the pleasure of growing up in the Central Valley, then you are most likely familiar with our Tower District and Downtown Fresno District. Both of these districts are rich in art, culture and not only that…but they are filled with treasures called ‘Thrift Stores’ and ‘Thrift Consignment Stores’! Fresno’s Thrift Stores are magical closets that take us back in time. You can walk into one and find your favorite childhood toy or that special bracelet that grandma used to wear. It wouldn’t even amaze me if you were to find a dress from the 1950’s…you know, like the ones that June Cleaver wore from that episode ‘Leave it to Beaver’.

Now this is how you make an entrance!

I was introduced to the owners of Free Bird Company, Linda and Doug Whisenant, through Kevin Chavez, fashion photographer and owner of What If Photography. Free Bird Company, which has two locations in the Fresno area, has an upscale time machine in their Tower District Location! Well…it’s not a real time machine, but seriously, anyone who walks into Free Bird Company’s Vintage Consignment Room is sure to be taken back in time.

The Vintage Room is filled with exquisite vintage clothing, bags, jewelry, hats, shoes and accessories; from eras such as the 1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s, 1950’s, and up to the 1980’s. Owner Linda says, “We have people walk in here and the look on their faces says it all. It takes them back to when they were young and they say it brings back memories. We enjoy the faces that we see when they come through the door…they are in awe.”

Free Bird Company’s Vintage Room is absolutely a Swank Vintage Boutique that has exclusive vintage

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items that will definitely help anyone make a statement for any event or occasion. It is a collection of exquisite beaded gowns, flapper dresses, angels flight pants, original bellbottoms, June Cleaver style dresses…it is simply dreamland for a vintage collector. Owner Doug says, “We always wanted to add on an addition to our store, which is very retro mixed with current trends. We wanted to do something a little more different than what most vintage and thrift stores are doing.

I wanted to take it a notch up.” He says, “Some of the pieces are designer originals. We have some dresses done by Mr. Blackwell who is a famous designer from the 1950’s. A lot of his pieces were worn on the red carpet.”

A majority of the pieces that can be found at Free Bird Company originally belonged to Carole Love (a very talented artist, theatre singer and actress). Carole has been a devoted collector of costumes and beautiful garments throughout her years in the performing arts and she has traveled all over the world. During her

travels she built a wide-ranging and gorgeous collection that can now be seen and purchased at Free Bird Company. Carole feels that unless you get into the higher prices, today’s fashion has really suffered when it comes to fabric quality. Carole added another note…she says that she really misses the glamour of the past. “Grace and poise make the garments look better. The woman should make the dress look better and not rely on the dress making her to look better.”

Have you ever had that moment…that one when you walk into a room and the woman across from you is wearing the same exact dress or blouse as you? That moment is nothing short of Horrifying!! A way to be sure that you won’t be wearing the same dress that the woman across from you is wearing is to explore magical closets such as Free Bird Company’s Vintage Room. Don’t be afraid to “Express Yourself!”

Incorporation!

So you never thought about wearing vintage but now you just can’t help but want that cute little gold purse that (local to the Valley) model Paige Packard is holding? When it comes to adding vintage to your wardrobe, it’s all about starting small. Do not seize the first intricately beaded dress that you see when you’re used

to wearing simple. Start by adding a vintage accessory; such as a handbag, a hat or a brooch to one of your everyday outfits…then move up. Linda says, “Start with a piece you love and build from there. Pick your focal point and the rest you can just add.”

Joe and Angie, owners of Tower District’s Vintage Rose Tea Room, are not naive when it comes to knowing how to make a statement. The Vintage Rose is totally inspired by the vintage days of elegance. The setting of the Vintage Rose made for the perfect backdrop for Model Paige to express the beauty of the vintage pieces that we chose for her to showcase for this article.

For more information on The Vintage Rose Tea Room please visit https://www.facebook.com/vintagerosefresno/info

Warning!

Be prepared for a sizzling amount of compliments from friends and family and even strangers. Vintage clothing, vintage jewelry, and vintage accessories are nothing short of attractive and they make for great conversation starters.

Photography: What If Photography Make-Up: Dollface Mua Hair: Beth Reiland Model: Paige Packard

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All That Glittered Is Gold..

Eye Makeup

By Suzie Garcia Mua

Antique and luxurious…these are the two words I think of when it comes to the color Gold. With that in mind, the goal with model Paige Packard (magical closets) was to keep the makeup simple, while using contrasting colors. I used light golds and mid-tone browns.

By following the below steps, you too can create this look.

1. Use an eye makeup primer both above and below the eye. It covers imperfections and helps your eyeshadows obey.

2. Use a champagne eyeshadow, in either a powder or creme form. I used a powder on Paige.

Apply the eyeshadow to the upper eyelid and into the crease.

3. Apply eyeshadow, in a soft medium-brown color, to the crease area. Begin at the corner of the inner eye and extend it outward slightly beyond the outside of the eye. Make sure to keep the color above the lower lash line and blend until a light hue of brown is achieved. No harsh lines.

4. Place a highlight eyeshadow at the inner corner of the eyes and just under the arch of the eyebrow. Preferably white shadow mixed lightly with gold pigment eyeshadow Photography: What If Photography Hair: Beth Reiland

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5. Place a second highlighter underneath the eye with a cream hue 6. Apply a liquid or gel gold eyeliner to the upper eyelid and tilt the end slight upward…this is called a fishtail. Line the bottom lid with a soft brown liner and continue over it with the gold gel liner.

7. Finish the look by shaping your eyebrows with a soft brown shade and applying black mascara to upper and lower lashes.

Suzie Garcia Mua is one of the Central Valley’s most talented, diverse and creative Makeup Artists with a natural, innate sense of style! For more tips from this experienced fashionista follow her at http://facebook. com/dfmakeupartist Or www.Facebook.com/dollfacemuah