mama NORTHWEST
november 2012
MAGAZINE
SPOKANE | SPOKANE VALLEY | LIBERTY LAKE | COEUR D’ALENE | SANDPOINT
SERVICES: Contraceptive care Preconception counseling Family Planning Menopausal management Management of common health illness Infection screening and treatment Well woman and annual gynecological exams Prenatal, labor, delivery and postpartum care Presence throughout labor Breastfeeding education Breast and Cervical Program
SERVICES: Routine pelvic exams and annual check-ups Low-risk and high-risk pregnancies Total pre/post-natal care Vaginal hysterectomies, abdominal hysterectomies, tubal ligations, and other laparoscopic surgeries Gardasil vaccinations In-office Adiana and endometrial ablations (performed by Scott Schade, M.D. at the Rockwood Gynecology Center; 801 W. 5th Avenue, Suite 515)
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table of contents
holiday cooking pg. 24
features 12 inside the dimple
ever wonder what makes those adorable little indentations on your baby’s cheeks? check out this article and wonder no more
24 the haycock factor
local writer, julia ditto, recounts her family’s relationship with food during the holiday season in this humorous essay
26 crazy about coconut
oh the many wonders of coconut oil...explore the ins and outs of saturated fats and why coconut oil defies the standard
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table of contents
infant massage pg. 16
departments 07 Publisher’s note
22 Feature
11 momentum
26 WHOLE HEALTH
18 PIPELINE
28 PIGGY BANK
20 APPLE OF MY EYE
30 marketplace
mamas in business - south perry yoga tree lighting ceremonies around town
november events you shouldn’t miss
we make local kiddos famous for a month
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what’s in a dimple?
the magic of coconut oil
ten philanthropies for the season
local business showcase
T:8.62"
T:11.125"
ANYONE WHO BELIEVES
The fight against cancer isn’t up2 somebody else. It’s up2 me. It’s up2 you. It’s up2 every single one of us. Every time you give, you have the power to accelerate collaborative cancer research to save lives now. We can’t waste another minute. We can’t lose another life. This is where the end of cancer begins. DONATE NOW. Call 888-90-STAND or visit STANDUP2CANCER.ORG. 100% OF YOUR DONATION GOES TO COLLABORATIVE CANCER RESEARCH.
mama
Publisher’s note
november belongs to the men. we think that we are at the helm of the holidays; we rise at dawn to prep the turkey, we decorate for not just thanksgiving but immediately after the bird has cooled we are putting up christmas or chanukah too, we shop like lunatics on black friday and never stop making lists of all the gifts we need to be on the lookout for. so how can november belong to the men? while we weren’t looking they claimed the best role of all...while we struggle to accomplish the above mentioned list of craziness, those rascals just sit back and enjoy it. this year make a point to share the work and the reward with the men in our lives. happy november
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The five season sisters...what’s that you say? There are only four seasons. That is just what calendars and science books want us to believe! The most amazing season of all, the season of Reflection, is often forgotten. As we move from Autumn into Winter there lives just a few short weeks of quietude, thoughfulness, peace and most of all reflection. In the fleeting moments before turkeys burn, families squabble, gifts get bought, and resolutions get set...we reflect. 8
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mama NORTHWEST
MAGAZINE
inspiring & empowering today’s mamas
publisher emily olson emily@nwmama.com managing editor tammy marshall tammy@nwmama.com creative director emily olson emily@nwmama.com advertising SALES sales@nwmama.com
mama NORTHWEST
MAGAZINE
november 2012
contributing writers tammy marshall, julia ditto, lisa fhagen-shay, allison ford MAGAZINE INTERNS sara fugelseth Northwest Mama Magazine 2600A E. Seltice Way #306 Post Falls, ID 83854 509.979.2028
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All rights reserved. No part of this publ ication may be reproduced without written permission from publisher. Photographs, graphics,and artwork are the property of Northwest Mama Magazine © 2012 Printed in the USA
SPOKANE | SPOKANE VALLEY | LIBERTY LAKE | COEUR D’ALENE | SANDPOINT
One Doctor, Two Locations
Countless Custom Smiles 509.892.9284 www.DrScottRalph.com LIBERTY LAKE ORTHODONTICS E. 23505 Appleway Ave. Suite 204 SOUTH HILL ORTHODONTICS E. 3154 29th Ave. Actual Patient
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Payment Plans No Referral Necessary
mama momentum
IDeas & Opinions interviews in the news local trends
n o s t a l g i a
/ nŏ-stăl’jə / noun: A bittersweet longing for things, persons, or situations of the past; the condition of being homesick; a yearning for the return of past circumstances
It’s the Holidays again and with that comes that old familiar feeling, nostalgia. A sick feeling in your gut that has you longing for the past: friends you’ve lost, family not with you to celebrate, oppotunities missed and sometimes even entire lives you could have lived had you taken a different path. Nostalgia is like the best friend you secretly can’t stand...you feel good when you first see her but as the conversation lingers you start wish you could get away. So, how do we combat these Holiday blues? Act before you can think. So, you really miss that friend you let slip away? Don’t be shy...pick up the phone, do a google search, find her and reach out. You think you should have taken that job you were offered last year? Reach out to them and see if they will put you on the short list. Lastly, if what you long for no longer exists, give yourself permission to take the time to just be sad. nwmama.com
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light
it up by Tammy Marshall
November brings more than just freezing temperatures & snow...it also brings the thrill of holiday tree lightings, festivities and parades. Here is what’s happening in your neck of the woods.
Spokane The Ice Palace Located at the Pavillion at Riverfront Park, the ice skating village is open for the season. Riverfront Park, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. SpokaneRiverfrontPark.com. Santa’s Arrival at River Park Square If you plan on going downtown on this day for anything but a glimpse of the man-in-red himself make room for the scores of people who are there to see him. Free. 808 W. Main DowntownSpokane.org. Nov. 16, 6:30pm Santa Express Shop This store opens for the holiday season and is set up for youth (ages 4-12) to be able to purchase inexpensive gifts for their family. Proceeds benefit the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Crescent Court, 2nd Level, 707 W. Main Ave. 509.448.2900. VanessaBehan.org. Nov. 23-Dec. 23
North Idaho Campbell House Holidays The historic Campbell House next to the MAC will open on specific days , showcasing Victorian-era Christmas traditions and decorations. NorthwestMuseum.org. Nov. 25-26, Dec. 21-24, Dec. 28-31 Christmas Tree Elegance Trees gorgeously decorated by the people of the Davenport Hotel in partnership with the Spokane Symphony will be on display. 10 N. Post St. Spokane. SpokaneSymphonyAssociates.org. Nov. 26-Dec. 7 Mobius Kids Santa Breakfast This annual event, held at the spectacular Davenport Hotel, will feature fun activities, delicious pastries and the man himself. $25. 10 N. Post St. MobiusSpokane.org. Dec. 1st 8:30-10:30 am
Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Parade During this grand holiday celebration, the parade will start on 8th and Sherman and head towards Northwest Blvd. The finale will result in more than 2 million Christmas lights on surrounding trees being lit while carolers serenade and fireworks go off. CoeurdAlene.org. Nov. 23 at 5 Festival of Trees More than 40 trees will be lavishly decorated and auctioned off in a benefit for Kootenai Health. Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. 2nd St. Coeur d’Alene. CDAResort.com. Nov. 24-26 Fantasy Cruises to the North Pole Beginning Nov. 26th and running several times per day, a cruise ship will leave the dock and set sail past spectacular lighting displays and end up at the North Pole! $17. Youth 12 and younger free. Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. 2nd St. Coeur d’Alene. CDAResort.com.
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{mamas in business}
shawn brow owner of south perry yoga
A reflection of Mother Earth. She gives of herself constantly, in selfless service- her very act of giving is her nourishment; her source of joy and contentment. Her lessons are heartfelt, born of wisdom and experience. As children her lessons sow the seeds of learning which come to us later on the wings of our intuition. There are few if any words needed when she guides us with her radiant smile and gentle touch. When we are lost or frightened, Mother Earth can dry our eyes with her soft soothing winds, while her tendrils of gravity provide us a new sense of grounded presence. Her gentle ways contrast to those times when she offers a strong determined voice of affirmation and will. On any given day our Earth mother may well rumble and spew fire, a reminder of her inner strength and vitality. As mothers, we are ever the amalgam of transformation, struggling to find inner and outer balance, in the end offering it all up as boundless love. definition of mama by Shawn Brow. MAMA: Tell us about the opening of South Perry Yoga. SB: It all began in Nov 2005, amid the dust and rubble of a renovation for the Haran Irish Dancers, as we watched our daughters take flight in their Irish shoes. Sandy Nolting and I had recently met at a yoga teacher training in Seattle, and also learned we both practiced yoga locally with Alison Rubin at Harmony Yoga. As we sat sipping tea, we shared ideas of putting our new found teaching skills to
use, and how as medical professionals, we might eventually direct our energies toward therapeutic aspects of yoga. At the time, our vision was twofold: not only could we bring yoga to the Perry district, we could also support the Irish dance community through rents. By the following spring, South Perry Yoga was offering classes to a handful of local residents in the morning hours before the Haran Irish dancers arrived after school. MAMA: What does yoga mean to you? SB: My love affair with yoga began in 2001, while studying ballet with Sandra Olgard. It was at her suggestion that I tried yoga, which eventually led me to Alison Rubin. I recall feeling after that first class, as though I had somehow ‘come home’, and was baffled how yoga had escaped my attention until then. Yet, I also believe it was a case supported by the proverb, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” I was ready, and Ally appeared. Though my college pursuits were science based, completing a Masters in Clinical and Anesthesia Education, I have always loved movement and dance. Yoga was a perfect balm for my aging body, craving grace, strength and flexibility. As an ancient tradition, Yoga has strong roots in both art and science. As all anesthesia providers discover, while there is much to know about the physiology of the brain, heart and lungs, there is an equal education needed in the”art” of creating a well balanced anesthetic.
For me, yoga has brought me full circle “back to the breath”, a parameter we monitor with the utmost vigilance during anesthesia. The quality, rate, depth, ratios of breathing, provide a similar framework for a pranayama practice. Yoga has also been instrumental instilling a greater sense of compassion and regard for the fears we all face when undergoing surgery. For many patients, there is an underlying need to control, yet there is an inevitable element of surrender and trust. These same themes, although perhaps not as frightening as surgery, can be found on our mats. The challenges we meet in our lives and in our yoga practice, can empower us. They are gifts which bring clarity and understanding of higher callings and mysteries of life. MAMA: Tell us about South Perry Yoga and the renovations. SB: The historical building South Perry Yoga now calls home, and fondly “the Buddhio”, is a physical reminder of “yoga in action”. Built in 1908 as Grant Elementary’s original gymnasium, it has played host to a movie theater, church and martial arts center. Now, with nearly 2 years of renovations completed, it provides a winter home for the South Perry Farmers Market, community yoga instruction, dance, Tai Chi, and a Sunday Dharma school.
PHOTOS COURTESTY OF SOUTH PERRY YOGA
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message
from margaret Exploring the highs, lows, troubles and triumphs of motherhood through the sage advice of one of our region’s most notable mamas, Margaret.
A {Mamas in Business Continued} Through rehabilitation of this historical structure, as an interconnected community, we are bringing back its’ original vibrancy as a place to gather, share stories, our hearts and wisdom. In time, it will host Perry district Art Walks, an after school theater program, concerts and acoustical music venues. I smile when I imagine that with care, the Buddhio could live to see another 100 years; when the babies of today may share stories with their grandchildren, about the gifts of yoga and unity, long after my last breath has passed. MAMA: Why Yoga? SB: Originating in ancient India, “yoga” is a term describing the physical, mental and spiritual disciplines based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. While the Yoga Sutras focus on discipline of the mind, Hatha yoga concentrates on health and purity of the body. The Sanskrit root “yuj,” (pron. “yug”) means “to join”, “to unite”. Beyond the idea of unifying the body, mind and spirit, the word “yoga” is a reminder of our interconnectedness. It supports the idea that my actions, words and thoughts have repercussions for others. It is the “ripple effect” in the greatest sense of the term. MAMA: What makes you different? SB: There are many yoga opportunities in town, and beyond our physical location perhaps we are more “alike” than different. When it comes to perceptions of “difference” and whether we find something enjoyable, it is best left to experience. At South Perry Yoga, you will find something that fits, and if you are curious, we have a pass just for that.
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newborn baby is completely and totally dependent on its caregivers. They have left the safety and comfort of the womb and are now thrust into a cold, noisy, confusing, new environment. They can’t use words yet to tell us when they are hungry, wet, have a sore tummy or are often just plain frightened. What do our babies need? When we listen to our hearts we realize that babies need reassurance that they are going to be taken care of. They need to feel safe. As their needs are met, through touch and physical contact, they begin to believe that they are safe and their confidence blossoms. They are bonding! Bonding is that powerful “falling in love” connection between a baby and its parent which grows and lasts a lifetime. In those early days, through the bonding process, we lay the foundation for their future relationships. It’s important to know that not every parent and baby will fall in love and bond in those first moments after birth. Moms will often comment that they feel terrible because they didn’t feel that huge bond the moment the baby was born. Please know that it can take time. Massage is a beautiful way to stimulate that bonding for moms and dads. When we do massage with our babies, we find a comfortable place to sit, we turn the heat up and our phones, tv, and computer off. We put on soft music. We are going to spend a few tender minutes massaging and being fully present with our baby. It’s amazing. Talk about falling in love!! During an infant massage class, I sometimes have
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the opportunity to massage a baby. I may not know him or her well at all, but I can feel myself falling in love with that baby and know that the feeling is reciprocal. Massage creates an exchange of energy between two people which is profound. I could talk endlessly about the emotional benefits of infant massage but there are also many physiological benefits too. Through touch, brain cells are triggered which helps aid in brain development and can result in higher IQs. Touch can help to stimulate nerves responsible for digestion and therefore promote weight gain. Stress hormones are lowered in response to gentle touch so babies sleep better and have a higher developed immune system. Babies with colic can experience great relief through massage. Research shows that high touch societies have less crime and violence. I am convinced that the way we will create a kinder, gentler and healthier human race is to create it one baby at a time. The more our babies get their needs met and receive gentle, respectful, nurturing touch the more they will become kinder and gentler children and adults. Margaret Hildahl is a local advocate for new parents. She is a certified infant massage therapist of 25 years, the owner and operator of Mother’s Haven for 10 years, and a teacher and guest speaker at many child birth classes offered at area hospitals.
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family friendly must see & do local events fun activities
mama p i p e l i n e
d av i d
sedaris David Sedaris may well be the closest thing the literary world has these days to a rock star! His speaking engagements are now consistently standing-room-only, a far cry from his early days as a housecleaner in New York City. Sedaris made his comic debut recounting his strange-but-true experiences of his job as a Macys elf clad in green tights, reading his SantaLand Diaries on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition. His sardonic wit and incisive social critique have since made him one of Americas pre-eminent humor writers. David Sedaris is the author of the bestsellers Barrel Fever, Holidays on Ice, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.
Wednesday November 14th @ 7:30 Fox Theater in Spokane
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PHOTO BY ANNE FISHBEI
November 1-March 3: Riverfront Park Ice Palace Riverfront Park’s Ice Palace covered outdoor rink invites you to enjoy the best of winter and the best of Spokane. With over 750 pairs of skates, the most public skating, indoor seating and just plain fun, the Ice Palace is a great family or date activity. Open Tuesday-Sunday through March 3, 2013 with extended holiday hours. The GIANT Screen IMAX, 1909 Looff Carrousel, SkyRide over the Falls and Mini-Golf are also available to experience
November 12: ElementaryAge Family Night On the second
Monday of every month the Human Rights Education Institute puts on an evening of fun and learning activities and games. HREI, 414 W. Mullan Rd., Coeur d’alene. 208.292.2359. HREI.org. 4-5 pm
November 14-18: disney on ice Dare to dream Spokane
Veterans Memorial Arena 720 West Mallon Avenue Spokane, WA
November 17-18: Holiday Craft Fair
Many artisans will sell their holiday wares, sales of which will partially benefit the library. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. 208.769.2315. CDALibrary.org. 10 am-5 pm
November 18: The Storytelling Company
November 2-11: A Christmas Carol-The Musical
This family event will feature many local artists presenting tales and tall tales to the audience. $10; $6, youth 12 and younger. Ivano’s Ristorante Italiano, 103 S. 1st Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho. 208263.0211. StoryTellingCompany.com. 5-8 pm
Spokane’s Christian Youth Theater presents this Dicken’s Christmas classic as a musical. Visit Scrooge, Tiny Tim and all the vividly created characters who are almost as much a part of Christmas as Santa. $12; $14, at the door; $11, youth. The Bing, 901 W. Sprague. 509.487.6540. CytSpokane.com.
November 23: Cool Yule - A Musical Holiday Show Coeur
d’Alene Summer Theatre and the Coeur d’Alene Resort present Cool Yule, a stylish, original holiday musical production written by Roger Welch. Visit www. cdasummertheatre.com for more information
November 10-11: Fall Folk Festival Listen to and explore the world of folk music. This weekend will provide crafts, music, fun games and food to youth. Free. SCC, 1810 N. Greene St. 509.624.1848. SpokaneFolkFestival.org.
November 10: Discover Tech: Power It Up!
Youth are invited to learn about electricity through wind turbine models and squishy circuits. Free. Downtown Library, 906 W. Main Ave. 509.444.5331. SpokaneLibrary.org. 11:30 am-12:30 pm
November 10: Spokane Symphony Presents: Video Games Live! See inset for more information. $25. The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. 509.624.1200. SpokaneSymphony. org. 8-10 pm.
November 10-11: University High School Craft Fair
Beautiful handmade goods by local artisans will be available for sale. $2; youth 14 and younger free. University High School, 12420 E. 32nd. 509.891.5278.
Video Games live with the spokane symphony Video Games Live™ is an immersive concert event featuring music from the most popular video games of all time. Top orchestras & choirs perform along with exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussionists, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive entertainment experience! This is a concert event put on by the video game industry to help encourage and support the culture and art that video games have become. Video Games Live™ bridges a gap for entertainment by exposing new generations of music lovers and fans to the symphonic orchestral experience while also providing a completely new and unique experience for families and/or non-gamers. $25.
Wednesday November 10th @ 8:00 Fox Theater in Spokane
November 23-24: Festival of Fair Trade Peruse and possibly
purchase sweatshop-free goods made by people-in-need and artisans from around the globe. Kizuri, 35 W. Main Ave. 509.448.6561. FestivaloffairTrade.com. 10 am-5 pm
November 24: Canines on the Catwalk
This dog fashion show will feature many adorable pups in cool and cute outfits. A must for the animal-adoring child. Proceeds benefit Spokanimal. The Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln St. 509.850.0737. The5ifthElement. com. 6-10 pm
If you have an event that you’d like included in the pipeline email emily@nwmama.com
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apple of my eye
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apple of my eye
OPPOSITE PAGE: Stormy THIS PAGE (clockwise from top left): Hailey, Bella, Addison, Charlie, Madison, Sophia
submit your favorite photos for consideration in future issues. we love making local kids famous so visit nwmama.com to enter the apple of your eye nwmama.com
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who knew?
inside the dimple by Allison Ford
W
hy are dimples so desirable on our face, but cringeworthy when we find them on our butt? Who’d have ever thought that one little skin imperfection would be so alluring and endearing, yet another would be the scourge of every woman over the age of twenty?
they are usually the same size. It’s much less common to have a dimple on only one side of the face. We associate dimples with youth because for many people, they only last through childhood. As we grow and age, our skin and muscles stretch, and sometimes dimples disappear.
Dimples just might be the most desired flaw on the human body. They’re a symbol of youth, of impishness, and of innocence. But dimples are still a flaw, and even though the face claims the vast majority of dimples, it’s not the only place they can show up.
From Top to Tush
The Most Fabulous Facial Flaw
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Although facial dimples are the most recognizable, dimples can actually occur anywhere on the body where there is pliant skin and a layer of fat beneath the surface. Dimples on bony parts of the body like hands or feet are unlikely, but it’s possible for them to occur on buttocks, breasts, or stomachs.
A dimple is a minor imperfection in the skin, caused by a shortened muscle, the zygomaticus major, which runs from the middle of the cheekbones to the corners of the mouth and lifts up the corners of your lips when you smile. When this muscle is not correctly formed, whether it’s attaching to the wrong part of the jawbone or it’s simply too short, the result is a dimple. The shortened muscle pulls at the skin, creating the little peck that appears on the cheek, just above the corners of the mouth. Most people’s dimples are only visible when they smile—that’s when the shortened muscle tugs at the skin most—but some people’s dimples are visible at all time.
One highly recognizable place for dimples is the lower back. Colloquially known as the “Dimples of Venus,” these small lateral indentations occur at the base of the spine, directly above the buttocks. They are the result of a shortened ligament that reaches from the spine to the skin. These dimples, sometimes called “back dimples,” occur much more often in women. They’re often seen as an incredibly desirable characteristic, but like other dimples, they are genetic, so there’s no exercise or weight-loss program that will lead to developing them.
Dimples are dominant genetic traits, so it only takes a single gene to inherit a parent’s dimples. If one or both parents have dimples, there’s a high probability that their child will have dimples, too. Even the look of a particular dimple is inheritable, and some families’ dimples are particularly deep, particularly large, or very recognizable. Most dimples occur bilaterally, that is, on both sides of the face. Everybody has two zygomaticus major muscles, and
Another more unusual dimple is a sacral dimple, which is a cleft in the skin that occurs directly above the crease of the buttocks. Some sources say that about one in twenty babies are born with this skin imperfection. Usually they’re shallow and nothing to worry about, but deep sacral dimples can sometimes become problematic as a child ages, when dirt, oil, and hair make their way into the indentation, possibly causing an infection. Keeping the area clean
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is usually enough to prevent complications, and for many children, the dimple goes away as they grow. In extremely rare situations, a sacral dimple can be a sign of a more serious condition. If it’s very deep or accompanied by swelling, pain, or other signs of inflammation, it’s wise to have it checked by a doctor. Spina bifida is a condition where the skin surrounding the spinal cord does not properly fuse shut, and a sacral dimple is sometimes an indicator of this neurological defect. However, the vast majority of sacral dimples are harmless and don’t need any medical intervention.
Not every indentation on the body is a dimple.
Cellulite on the lower body is caused by gaps in the connective tissue beneath the skin, which forces fat to gather in small pockets. It’s not caused by tiny muscular irregularities like true dimples. Many women love the look of a cleft in a man’s chin, but those ridges are usually caused by variations in the jaw bone itself, not the skin on top. Our affinity for dimples probably won’t go away anytime soon. They make us think of cherubic children and the innocent days of childhood. For anyone not born blessed with this flaw, hope is not lost, thanks to modern medicine. It’s now common for surgeons to offer a dimple-creation procedure, recreating the effect of this muscle mistake for the truly dimple-desperate.
COURTESY OF SMALL BEGINNINGS PHOTOGRAPHY
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T
he panic hits me about the same time every year, much like it did this morning while I was snuggling on the couch with my sevenyear-old son right after he woke up.
“We’ve got a lot of fun stuff coming up, don’t we buddy?” I said, resting my cheek on the top of his head and basking in the quiet moment we were sharing. “Thanksgiving is coming up, and then Christmas. Just two more months to go!” WHAT? I almost choked as the words came out. Two months! Also known as eight weeks! Also known as less time than it takes for a manicure to chip or an entire story arc to begin and end on “Parenthood”! Any mother knows just how quickly a week can speed by. And to think that I have only EIGHT of those before I am expected to instill some sense of gratitude in my children; bake a magnificent Thanksgiving feast; find just the right gift for everyone on my list; demonstrate through baked goods to my neighbors/kids’ school teachers/ mailman just how blessed I am to have them in my life; and create a whimsical Christmas wonderland that will both delight and entertain my family until the last present is ripped open on Christmas day??? Cue the cold sweat and racing heart. Don’t get me wrong. I love it all. The holiday season is my favorite time of year: the cozy feeling
that permeates our home; the fall and winter decor; the anticipation of wonderful things in store; and the FOOD. For me, it’s all about the food. When I was a child, every Thanksgiving was spent not only with my parents and two brothers, but with a group of three other California ex-pat families who had moved to Spokane from the Bay Area at the same time we did. Because we all lived within a mile of each other, we would have a progressive dinner and walk, drive, or sometimes even cross-country ski from house to house as we ate our Thanksgiving feast. We’d start with salads and appetizers at the Holdaway’s, and then move to the Rands’ for some serious game-playing. The Humpherys often hosted the main course, after which we’d head across the street to our family’s house for countless pieces of pie and a game of “Murder in the Dark.” The pie portion of the evening was always my favorite part because, honestly, my mom makes the best pies in the entire universe. To understand just how delicious her pies are, consider the fact that, one summer four years ago, when my parents were evacuated mid-dinner because of the Valley View Fire raging dangerously close to their house, my mom WENT BACK to retrieve the pie she had sitting on the counter for dessert. Yes, they are worth risking death for.
haycock f aplanning c t o for r panic and
byJulia Ditto
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My mom comes from a long line of phenomenal cooks. It’s in our genes (and our jeans, too, I guess) that you go butter or you go home. In my family, we have to deal with something called “The Haycock Factor”: “Haycock” being my mother’s maiden name, and the “Factor” being a tendency to go way, way, WAY overboard when it comes to cooking and baking. Can some dinner rolls be purchased from the store? Well then, I think instead I’ll grind my own flour and make a double batch from scratch, thank you very much. Would a couple pies be plenty to feed the crowd after dinner? Then I think we’d better bake about ten more, and how about a couple cheesecakes, too, just in case someone doesn’t like pie-speaking of which, we should hand-churn some ice cream, don’t you think? Do you think our guests would like mashed potatoes with their turkey? Then how about I make mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, a casserole made from butternut squash and home-baked bread cubes, and pair it all with a butter-reduction sauce that must be served at PRECISELY 86 degrees Fahrenheit at the EXACT moment guests sit down for their meal? Sounds good. HAYCOCK FACTOR. One holiday meal that is seared in my memory is one that I didn’t even technically attend. My husband and I got married eleven years ago, ten days before Christmas. He comes from a large family (six siblings!), and his three married siblings had been working off a schedule for years where they would all be in town one year for Christmas and then be at their in-laws the next Christmas. As luck would have it, the year we got married was a “Ditto” year, and, since my two brothers weren’t married yet and we had no such schedule to keep up on my side of the family, my husband and I fell in line with the Ditto holiday rotation schedule.
Our parents live fairly close to each other, so when it came time for caroling on Christmas Eve, the Ditto clan decided to make a stop at my parents’ house. So excited to see them all, I stood on the doorstep with a big smile as I heard my mom’s footsteps approach. The door was thrown open, and there I was, standing in the cold, singing an off-key Christmas carol with my relatively unfamiliar new family, and I looked inside to see my two brothers and step-dad sitting around the dining room table, warm and cozy, eating a lavish Christmas Eve dinner on the fine china I had set the table with a hundred times, and laughing about stories that I knew all the punchlines to. It was a defining moment in my life, one where I had to finish my song, give my family a warm hug, and then fight the urge to run into that warm,familiar environment and instead turn to my new husband and walk back down the pathway with him. I take it as a good sign that it was so hard for me to turn away from my family’s Christmas Eve meal that night. Isn’t that what we want for our children: a feeling about the holidays that is so warm and compelling that they can hardly stand the thought of NOT being a part of it? And that’s why, even as I stare at the impossible eight weeks ahead of me and take deep breaths to calm my racing heart, I look forward to the holidays with giddy anticipation. It’s a time for me to create for my children and my husband the undeniable sense that they belong; that they are loved beyond measure; and that there is so much joy and goodness to celebrate in the world. And if all that celebrating happens to be around a table filled with pies, well then I say, all the better!
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whole health
cuckoo
for
coconut by Lisa Fhagen-Shay
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whole health
What can treat almost anything from cradle cap to athlete’s foot, make your hair and skin look great and fix those squeaky hinges? Coconut, a seed not a nut, produces these remarkable benefits. Coconut oil (CO) in particular can be used as a remedy both internally and externally for a vast array of ailments.
A
s you may know, coconuts or cocos nucifera, are native to tropical areas of the world, in countries like India, the Philippines and Brazil. They have been used there for thousands of years as a prominent ingredient in the local diet and medicinal applications. The coconut palm is so highly valued among Asian and Pacific Islanders it is referred to as “The Tree of Life.” With such high demand one would think that the price of coconut oil would be exorbitant yet a 16 oz jar will typically sell for around $10 and is easily found online and in most health food stores. Unfortunately, coconut oil has received a bad rap because it is a member of the saturated fat family even though it holds so many health benefits. So, what is a saturated fat and why does coconut oil defy the standard? Let’s examine the fats:
According to the World Health Organization, American Dietetic Association and the American Heart Association, saturated fats have been linked to heart disease and since the 90’s we have been conditioned to believe that consuming saturated fats is the leading cause of arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The difference is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of molecules called fatty acids. There are two systems of classification for fatty acids. The first, which may sound more familiar, is the saturation level; saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Another system of classification not seen on nutrition labels is the molecular size or length of the carbon chain within each fatty acid. Most fats in our diet, either from animals or plants, are long-chain fatty
acids. CO is composed predominantly of medium-chain fatty acids or triglycerides (MCFAs or MCTs) and is generally considered a good source of energy as it is easily metabolized by the body. MCTs are used in the treatment of a variety of ailments with a malabsorption component. Of note, MCTs are not recommended for diabetics unless under supervised medical treatment and for those with liver problems due to the added stress they may put on the organ. Lauric acid comprises about half the fatty acid in CO and is also found in breast milk. Lauric acid has been found to have antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Combined, these amazing attributes mean coconut oil has a longer shelf life and can be kept unrefrigerated for much longer than other. Lauric acid has been found to increase total cholesterol more than all of the other fatty acids; however, lauric acid increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good” cholesterol as well. As a result, lauric acid has a more favorable effect on total HDL cholesterol than any other fatty acid, either saturated or unsaturated. So, what does coconut oil do? For consumption, about 1-2 tbsp of extravirgin coconut oil ingested daily, along with a low fat diet, satisfies hunger cravings by giving you a more full feeling. Spread it on toast, cook or bake with it or dare to try it in a smoothie. If you don’t like the coconut smell and taste of extra virgin CO, try refined Coconut Oil. For hair, CO is great as a hot oil treatment, I recommend heating it up in a double boiler rather than the microwave since nuking has
a tendency to change the molecular structure of things. For dry brittle hair, apply a dime sized amount of room temperature CO and smooth into hair before bed for more manageable healthy looking hair. If you are bored on a Friday night try mixing CO with your favorite ingredients like Shea butter, olive oil, vegetable glycerin and essential oils. Experimenting can be fun and very rewarding if you find a blend that is right for you. CO has also been reported to treat dandruff and cradle cap, as well as growing eyelashes longer! For your skin, when applied after a bath, CO gives the skin a nice glow. Mix with olive oil and your favorite essential oil and you have calming massage oil. Because of its anti-bacterial properties, CO is great for use on problem skin and is an all natural way to banish wrinkles, dark spots and even acne! Mix with tea tree or oregano oil for an athlete’s foot remedy. Mix with honey and vanilla for a delicious lip balm. If you are breastfeeding, soothe dry cracked nipples with a shmear and feel good that baby is getting a safe and even tastier treat. Apply on a newborn’s tushy to keep the meconium from sticking. Whip up homemade relief by adding ingredients like zinc for diaper rash or aloe vera gel for eczema. It works well as an all natural alternative to “goo be gone” or even as a lubricant but keep in mind CO may not be latex friendly! The uses and combinations are endless plus CO is safe for animals and babies and is free of all those scary chemicals. This seed from the Tree of Life truly lives up to its moniker.
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piggy bank
10
your local 4-h
philanthropies worth donating your time or cash to
4-H prepares young people to step up to the challenges in their community and the world. Using research-based programming around positive youth development, 4-H youth get the hands-on real world experience they need to become leaders. 4-H reaches every corner of our nation— from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities. With a network of more than 6 million youth, 540,000 volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni, 4-H helps shape youth to move our country and the world forward in ways that no other youth organization can. visit 4-h.org
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second harvest
Fighting hunger, feeding hope: Second Harvest brings community resources together to feed people in need through empowerment, education and partnerships. Second Harvest has been leading the hungerrelief network in the region since 1971. Second Harvest distributes more than 1 million pounds of donated food each month to help people in need in 26 counties in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Partnerships with more than 250 neighborhood food banks and meal centers make it possible to feed 48,000 people each week. visit 2-harvest.org
pend oreille players association
Pend Oreille Players is a small theatre company in a small town, but they serve quite a large area. They work very hard to present good quality productions while involving as many youth from the area as they can. Between the youth group, POPIT, the youth production in November, the multigenerational productions in April and June and Theatre Camps throughout the summer they manage to keep young people quite busy. They seek volunteers with any skill level they might have. visit pendoreilleplayers.org
Alexandria’s House VOA
Alexandria’s House is a transitional living facility for pregnant and parenting teenagers (ages 16-21) and their babies. Established in 1990, Alexandria’s House serves pregnant and parenting teenagers who are homeless or in transition to living independently, lowincome and seeking stability and progression in school, employment or treatment services, or unable to live with family. visit voaspokane.org
cancer patient care At Cancer Patient Care, they know that the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is hard enough without the difficulties that come from being unable to work, pay the electricity bill, buy gasoline for the car, stay warm in the winter and put food on the table. Cancer Patient Care offers these types of assistance and much more! visit cancerpatientcare.org
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piggy bank
W
ith Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s all around the corner there is no better time to remember those local nonprofits that make our communities brighter, warmer and more supportive for us all. We’ve selected ten philanthropies we think are worth your help, either in dollar or deed. There is no such thing as misplaced compassion, so whether you support one of the philanthropies below or a neighbor down the street, we salute you and your efforts this holiday season.
hearing oral program of excellence (hope) Located within the Washington State University / Eastern Washington University Hearing and Speech Clinic, HOPE School is the area’s only listening and spoken language preschool for children with hearing loss. The non-profit program offers a comprehensive, state-ofthe-art preschool for families who want their deaf and hard of hearing children to learn to listen and talk. visit spokanehopeschool.org
big brothers big sisters inland northwest
For more than 45 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18. visit nwbigs.org
the humane society
As the nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization, The Humane Society of the United States has been a leading voice for animals for more than 50 years. They believe in a truly humane society, and work to reduce suffering and create meaningful social change for animals in every way possible. visit www. humanesociety.org
transitional programs for women Transitions operates five separate programs, each serving women and families in different ways: Transitional Living Center provides temporary housing for women with children, Educare provides childcare for the TLC house, Miryam’s House provides shelter for women without children, Women’s Hearth is a safe place to gather downtown Spokane and New Leaf Bakery Café offers women on-site job training. visit help4women.org to learn how to help.
Idaho drug youth
free
Idaho Drug Free Youth (IDFY) is a community based drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention program that educates and supports Idaho students. Teens in the Idaho Drug Free Youth Program take pride in their commitment to remain drug, alcohol and tobacco free. They are recognized by their communities as the most powerful vehicles of change: young, motivated, inspired people who celebrate their commitment to making healthy choices every day. visit idahodrugfreeyouth.org
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marketplace
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When You Imagine Their Future...
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