Oregon Family Magazine

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O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

y a d i l o H 10TH ANNUAL

DADS HUMOR SEASON FOR BELIEVERS

BENEFITS OF CITIZEN SCIENCE

MAGIC IN THE MIDDLE AGES

GIFT GUIDE

In times of sickness and wellness, we are with you every step of the way.

Karen Ortiz, M.D., F.A.A.P., brings genuineness and compassion to each patient visit and strives to help children and their families be well, physically and emotionally. Proficient in medical Spanish, Dr. Ortiz recognizes that each family is unique and focuses on building lasting relationships, from birth through young adulthood.

To schedule an appointment, call 541-HUG-KIDS. 995 Willagillespie Road, Suite 100 • 541-484-5437 • www.EugenePeds.com

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

DECEMBER 2021

Eat Smart, Waste Less A family of four could save up to

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DAD’S HUMOR Dad’s Eye View A Season for Believers CITIZEN SCIENCE What is it, and why is it important?

TRAVEL Experience Lane County Great Gift Experiences for the Holidays

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10TH ANNUAL

OREGON FAMILY

Holiday

GIFT GUIDE

MOVIE REVIEWS Kids: Clifford the Big Red Dog Parents: Red Notice

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EDUCATION Discovery Box Magic and the Middle Ages

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GIFT GUIDE 12th Annual Holiday Gift Guide !

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WEE ONES ParentingNow™ Fingerplay Songs that Teach Skills

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RESCUE SPOTLIGHT Doggie: Thor Kitties: Lanegan

ON THE COVER

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Oregon Family Mascots and daily motivators, Lucy (5, Goldendoodle) and Frank (10mos. Sheepadoodle).

Frank is relentlessly in motion, ready for any offer to play, walk, work, or run.

Lucy is the best dog ever, relentlessly tolerant of the new addition.

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

DECEMBER 2021

JACOB PACE / EUGENECASCADESCOAST.ORG

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FAMILY HEALTH Taming Holiday Stress

Reducing Holiday Stress

BY PILAR BRADSHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P. EUGENE PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES

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HE HOLIDAY SEASON IS a time of much excitement and joy, but let’s face it — it can also be a stressful time.

Despite our best intentions, it’s common for families to get overwhelmed trying to do so much in such a short amount of time.

Add in the loss of routine, the hassles of travel, altered sleep patterns, big emotions, and gatherings (especially in the time of COVID), and the holidays can present extra challenges for kids and parents.

TRY THESE TIPS TO HELP ADD CALM TO THE SEASONAL CHAOS:

Plan ahead. Let your child know in advance when specific things will happen. Having a plan and keeping kids in the loop is a huge stress reliever for them.

Prepare for traveling. Plan frequent breaks during long car trips and be sure to bring plenty of toys or activities and healthy snacks for the ride.

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Stick to routines as much as possible. Regularity is comforting to children, so when it comes to things like naps, baths and bedtime, try to keep your normal schedule, especially when traveling.

Pare down your plans. Avoid squeezing too many activities into one day and remember it’s OK to say no to some holiday events rather than pushing yourself and your child past your limits.

Create downtime. Find opportunities to practice calming techniques with your kids such as listening to music or reading a book.

Taking even a 15-30 minute break can give parents a breather and help kids recharge, decreasing the likelihood of a meltdown.

Give grief a voice. If there has been a divorce, a loss of a loved one, or other big change to the holidays, let your kids express their feelings in art or words. Avoid pressuring kids to feel joyful and instead provide a space where you can encourage them to share their true feelings with you.

Give back. The holidays are a great time to instill in kids the importance of helping others. As a family, find ways to donate toys or other needed items, or volunteer your time to support a nonprofit in the community.

Remember, years from now our children won’t recall specific holiday events as much as they will remember how they felt during those times. Focus on meaningful moments instead of trying to pull off a holiday fit for a Norman Rockwell painting — even if that means everything on your to-do list doesn’t get done. Time spent together is what matters most in the long run. ✦

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Our Contributors 1

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28 YEARS

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Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly, year-round via direct mail in the greater Lane County area, and at over 150 high-traffic commercial locations. For information regarding Every Door Direct Mail, please visit www.dmachoice.org or www.optoutprescreen.com.

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PUBLISHER Pacific Parents Publishing 1. ROBYN ANDERSON Robyn Anderson is the education coordinator at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

Learn more at mnch.uoregon.edu 2. PILAR BRADSHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P. Dr. Pilar Bradshaw practices the full spectrum of pediatric medicine, seeing patients from birth to young adulthood. Named as 1 of 7 “Favorite Pediatricians” by Parents magazine, she believes in the ability of parents to embrace the joys and challenges of raising children.

3. RICK EPSTEIN A Dad’s Eye View contributor, also awardwinning columnist, and journalist. Author of Rookie Dad (Hyperion) and The Right Number of Kids (McKenna Publishing Group). His wife and three daughters run a living laboratory in which he is constantly tested, analyzed, and experimented upon. It’s as if a guinea pig could write.

4. BONNIE HARRIS Bonnie is Oregon Family Magazine’s resident Movie Review Master Extraordinaire. She enjoys watching movies of all kinds, and has been doing movie reviews for over 9 years and counting. She lives in Eugene with her family, enjoys gardening and cooking.

5. KELLI MATTHEWS Kelli Matthews is our gift guide reviewer extraordinaire. Sampling lotions, testing toys and sipping bubbly is hard work, but someone

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has to do it. When not compiling the best of the best to share with readers, she teaches public relations at the University of Oregon. Kelli lives and works in Eugene with her two boys and her high school sweetheart.

6. TAJ BARNHART MORGAN Taj Barnhart Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.

7. RODDY SCHEER Journalist and photographer specializing in environmental issues, the outdoors and travel.

When he is not out in the field taking pictures, Roddy runs EarthTalk, the non-profit Publisher of the syndicated EarthTalk Q&A column and the EarthTalk.org and Emagazine.

8. SANDI SCHWARTZ Sandi Schwartz is an author, journalist, and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. Her new book, Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer, comes out in the spring.

Learn more at www.ecohappinessproject.com.

EDITOR Sandy Kauten GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Springer Design & Illustration ADVERTISING Sandy Kauten • 541.683.7452 sandy@oregonfamily.com Christi Kessler • 541.484.0434 christi@oregonfamily.com OREGON FAMILY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 21732 • Eugene, OR 97402 541.683.7452 Email: info@oregonfamily.com Web: www.oregonfamily.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/OregonFamily

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1993 Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of, nor an endorsement by this publication. © 2021 Pacific Parents Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without prior expressed written permission from Pacific Parents Publishing.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

DECEMBER 2021

A Dad’s Eye View

A Season for Believers

BY RICK EPSTEIN

“D

OES SANTA REALLY ‘KNOW if you are sleeping’?” asked my middle daughter Sally, then 5, in last year’s run-up to Christmas. We were driving somewhere, just the two of us.

“I don’t know,” I said. “He could know in some magic way.”

“I think he just looks to see if any lights are on,” she said.

“Could be,” I said.

There was a minute of silence while Sally mentally examined a couple more lines of the song, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” For her, these were mystic verses of holy writ, handed down to edify the faithful. But Sally is a freethinker. “I don’t think he ‘knows if you’ve been bad or good,’” she said. “I think he doesn’t care. I think he just brings you presents no matter what.”

Sally is pretty good, but not so good that she doesn’t feel threatened when someone says, “You’d better watch out.”

At age 4, Sally sat on Santa’s knee at a Christmas party, and when he asked what she wanted, she told him, “A glass of water.”

As silly comedy, this went over pretty well, and that’s what I thought it was.

But when I quizzed her later, Sally explained that water is the lump-of-coal type of present that Santa would leave for bad children. By asking for water, Sally was trying to meet the issue head-on so she and Santa could laugh it off together, elf to elf.

When Sally’s big sister Marie had been 8, she asked me to mail a letter she’d written to Santa.

DECEMBER 2021

“May I read it to see what you’re asking for?” I asked.

“No,” she said. “This is an experiment. I want to see if there really is a Santa Claus.” Her faith in Santa was weak, but her faith that her dad would respect federal law and not open Santa’s mail was strong (and misplaced).

It wasn’t long before that Marie and I had a frank talk, which caused her to discontinue her investigations and dedicate herself to helping her younger sisters enjoy the magic of the season.

Last summer, I overheard her telling Sally that Santa has magic cameras in every home to monitor the behavior of each child. (I’d only known about the ones he has in banks, stores, schools, parking lots, tunnels and on street corners and bridges.)

But Sally has a suspicious mind. One evening last spring she was sitting beside me on a couch, speculating upon the Tooth Fairy.

“I think a reg’lar person puts money under the pillow and takes the tooth,” she said, then suddenly

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

turned and pointed at me: “It’s you!” Shocked innocence was written all over my face and Sally backed off.

This year, Sally is asking Santa for “a Kit doll” – one of the expensive American Girls dolls.

She has asked a mall Santa for the doll, but he was not a Santa to inspire confidence. So to make sure, she’s going to send a letter to the North Pole.

Our youngest, Wendy, age 3, communicates with Santa the same way she does with anyone else she sees in storybooks. She talks right to the picture. In the middle of being read to, she’ll say, “Hey Santa, y’know what?”

She has no trouble believing. She also believes that our neighbor’s collie can talk and that her dad is the king of the world.

It’s wonderful to live among believers.

Sometimes I

like to hold the round head of one of my little girls in my hands and think about Santa and all the elves and reindeer that live in there. I hate to think there’ll ever be a day when there are no more heads around here that contain such marvelous stuff. In the meantime, we’ll be putting out our cookies and milk on Christmas Eve and looking for circumstantial evidence the next morning.

And this year I’m conducting my own experiment. If Sally does get a $110 doll for Christmas, it’ll prove there really is a Santa Claus. Or that her parents have lost their minds. Or both. ✦ Rick can be reached at rickepstein@ yahoo.com. But please know that even the harshest criticism only makes him feel important.

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

DECEMBER 2021

Why Citizen Science Is Important

BY SANDI SCHWARTZ

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Y CHILDREN AND I recently spent an afternoon at our local park helping the science community by taking pictures of local plants and animals. We used the Seek app by iNaturalist (a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society) to explore the variety of species in the park. And, I have to say, my kids were so engaged in this activity, and they did not want to go home. They found it so fascinating that the app would identify for them the details about a plant or animal just by taking a picture of it.

This experience opened our eyes to notice new flowers, leaves, trees, and wildlife around us that we may have missed before. The app also makes it fun for kids because they can earn badges for recording more observations of different types of species and participate in special challenges. Not only does iNaturalist help kids learn how to identify wildlife and plants and encourage them to spend more time outside, but they are also helping experts collect data through citizen science.

WHAT IS CITIZEN SCIENCE? According to the Oxford Dictionary, citizen science is “the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world by members of the general public, typically as part of a collaborative project with professional scientists.” Citizen science involves volunteering to collect scientific data and is a way for our children to gain science experience and directly help the scientific community.

Through citizen science, government offices and other organizations engage the public in addressing societal needs and accelerating science, technology, and innovation. With citizen science, we can play a role in the scientific process to help address real-world problems like climate change and biodiversity.

Volunteers have varying levels of expertise, from kids in their backyards to members of high school science clubs to amateur astronomers with sophisticated home equipment. Technology like apps make citizen science more accessible today than ever before. Projects typically involve volunteers collecting data like counting the number of a certain type of bird they see in their neighborhood or taking pictures and submitting them through an app like iNaturalist.

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PROJECTS • Audubon Christmas Bird Count: Initiated in 1900, this is the nation’s longest-running citizen science bird project. The bird count runs from December 14 through January 5 each year.

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: It has several bird-related citizen science programs including NestWatch, Project FeederWatch, and Great Backyard Bird Count.

• FrogWatch USA: This is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in which participants report the mating calls of local frogs and toads.

• Monarch Watch from University of Kansas: Involves tagging and tracking migrating monarch butterflies during their annual North American migration.

• National Geographic BioBlitz: This event focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time to get a snapshot of biodiversity.

• Project Budburst: With climate change being its focus, this project involves monitoring the leafing, flowering, and fruiting of plants.

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One of the oldest examples of citizen science is the Christmas Bird Count sponsored by the National Audubon Society. Since 1900, the organization has organized the bird count that runs from December 14 through January 5 each year. An experienced birder leads a group (called a circle) of volunteers as they collect information about local populations of birds. More than 2,000 such circles operate across the United States and Canada. This wildlife census contributes to bird conservation efforts.

BENEFITS OF CITIZEN SCIENCE Although most people do not realize it, citizen science can help us feel happier and calmer for several reasons. Most citizen science projects take place outdoors. We know that spending time outside around nature can help reduce stress and boost our mood. When we are engaged in a project to take pictures or count a specific type of plant or animal, we become very focused and lost in the moment.

Therefore, citizen science can stimulate mindfulness, which also has been shown to tremendously improve well-being. Finally, volunteering, especially outdoors in nature, helps us feel better as we give back to others and our community.

According to researchers Karen Makuch and Miriam Aczel, citizen science projects can benefit both the physical and mental development of children, and lead to increased levels of environmental stewardship and protection. They explain that part of this results from children being part of a team and community, having a purpose and role, and being involved in a structured activity when working on citizen science projects. These experiences tend to boost self-confidence, advance

self-efficacy, and improve mental health in general.

Overall, citizen science projects that provide an avenue for children to connect with nature lead to many educational, psychological, and personal benefits. Seeking out citizen science projects in your community can help both your children and the planet thrive.

WHERE TO FIND CITIZEN SCIENCE OPPORTUNITIES There are citizen science opportunities for kids of all ages and levels.

Your family can get involved from your own backyard or through a more organized group like a school nature or science club. Besides the national programs included below, you can check with your county or state Department of Natural Resources for ways to get involved. ✦

RESOURCES • CitizenScience.gov: This searchable database provides a government-wide listing of citizen science projects.

• SciStarter: Provides a database of more than 3,000 vetted projects and events searchable by location, topic, interest, and more.

• Zooniverse: The world’s largest and most popular platform for people-powered volunteer research.

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Have realistic expectations.

All children misbehave at times and it is inevitable that you will have some discipline hassles.

Trying to be the perfect parent can set you up for frustration and disappointment.

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

DECEMBER 2021

SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY RENEWABLE BUILDING MATERIALS

Working forests like this one use carbon sequestration to lock atmospheric carbon into the wood of growing trees. Some of that wood becomes the durable wood products used to build your home. New trees are planted. The cycle continues.

Together, SPI and Seneca are proud to uphold our legacy of sustainability, and look ahead toward a bright future of renewable building products and sustainable forests.

DECEMBER 2021

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Experience LANE

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COUNTY

Great Gift Experiences for the Holidays

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BY TAJ MORGAN

JACOB PACE / EUGENECASCADESCOAST.ORG

EEL LIKE WE ALL have too much stuff? Research on happiness supports investing in the things that really bring fulfillment — like time together and finding new adventures.

Here are some regional ideas for gift giving experiences to fill your heart, not your house.

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SNUGGLE UP IN THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS. The McKenzie River region is recovering, rebuilding and re-emerging in the aftermath of wildfires — and it’s a great place for you to do the same. Stay along the river with your family in a beautiful, cozy lodge or cabin and spend the days fishing, soaking in hot springs and walking in the woods. After a mountain getaway, you’ll feel revitalized, and your visit will also contribute to the community’s recovery, so you can feel doubly good.

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FALL IN LOVE WITH LOCAL THEATER. Get season tickets at one of two recently remodeled theaters. These beloved community theatre groups strategically utilized the pandemic downtime to spruce up their performance venues and now they are ready to welcome us back. For 2022, the Cottage Theatre, a long standing stable of outstanding local talent, will be debuting with “Mamma Mia!” in Cottage Grove. And the Very Little Theater (VLT), which has presented top notch theatre in Eugene since the 1920s, will roll out a host of new productions including “Little Women” and “Murder on the Orient Express.” Explore all our local community theatre for more inspiration!

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THROW AN AXE. Instead of tossing darts, imagine heaving an entire axe at your target! Try out your best logger look and wear closed-toe shoes. To throw axes you must be at least 12 years old. The Oregon Axe lounge also has a 21-and-over drink service with a two-drink maximum. Reservations for axe throwing lanes are recommended.

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GRADUATE EUGENE / EUGENECASCADESCOAST.ORG

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SIGHTSEE ON THE RIVER. Spend an afternoon on the Willamette River soaking up nature’s seasonal beauty. Jet boats are able to skim the shallows and go fast, so you can see all there is to see. Spot osprey, deer and more along the banks. Check out Scenic Jet Boat Tours and 2 Rivers Jet Boat Tours for touring options.

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RIDE AT SUNSET. A horseback ride along the beach at sunset is probably on everybody’s bucket list. C&M Stables makes this dream come true with comfortable and scenic trail rides. Choose from a variety of options including lead-rope corral riding for children. The horses here are loved and well-cared for, each with their own sweet story.

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GOLF INDOORS. Winter golf? The weather’s always perfect indoors at the Topgolf Swing Suite! Compete for the best sports scores while perfecting your golf swing, soccer kick, baseball pitch or dodgeball throw. The Topgolf game inside the Graduate hotel includes comfy lounge seating, bar and food service and your choice of games.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

DECEMBER 2021

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TASTE WINE DURING CELLAR SEASON. Just for the parents, we offer some time away and a visit to local wineries.

Enjoy cheerful chauffeured transportation, coordinate custom tours to favorite wineries in South Willamette Wine Country or stay close to downtown Eugene and visit the many urban wine bars which bring the vineyard experience to you.

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TAKE AIM AT TARGETS. Blast the clay birdies with your best buddies. A daily membership rate is offered for those just trying it out. Sign up for shooting instruction or choose from sporting clays, skeet, trap and five stand games. If you haven’t been, Creswell Clay Target Sports offers a comfortable club house adjacent the outdoor ranges — a perfect place to relax after target practice.

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VISIT THE SEA LIONS. One of the must-do experiences of a lifetime, descend 200 feet into a cavernous marine cave to see bellowing sea lions. This family-owned attraction is also a family-favorite with cliffside walking paths, educational exhibits and a gift shop.

Learn the history of the Sea Lion Caves and all about the wild Steller sea lions that inhabit it.

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PUZZLE YOUR WAY OUT OF A ROOM. Escape the Room Oregon offers several different scenarios from spies to bio-hazard labs. There are a variety of ways to play including private room rentals (with minimums) or joining others. Gift certificates are available!

MELANIE GRIFFIN / EUGENECASCADESCOAST.ORG

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CRUISE THE SAND DUNES IN AN ATV. Intrigued by those mountains of sand? So was writer Frank Herbert when he visited Florence in the 50s. Inspired by the vast expanse of endless sands, he later wrote the science fiction book “Dune”, released this year as a movie. Go cruising up and over the sand mountains on a dune buggy tour or independently with an ATV rental from Ocean Breeze ATV Rental.

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BOOK A GUIDED OUTDOOR ADVENTURE. The Cascades Outdoor Center in Westfir will get you started on the right track. Based in the charming Westfir Lodge adjacent the historic Office Covered Bridge, the recreation guides can orchestrate all types of outdoor adventures and tours for you from snowshoeing along nearby trails to river rafting and mountain biking trips — seasonally-based, of course. ✦ Visit www.EugeneCascadesCoast.org/gift-ideas for even more things to do as family gifts.

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

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Family Movie Night

Loveable Big Red

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

New best friends.

T

HE ADVENTURES OF CLIFFORD the Big Red Dog were some of my favorite childhood books, and his new movie brings much of that innocent charm to the big screen. Definitely geared for younger viewers, Clifford the Big Red Dog features every doggie site gag imaginable from slimy flying slobber and whizzing on a tree, to drinking out of the

toilet and doggies sniffing hello.

But imagine that it all happens with a huge, ten-foot-tall, bright red pooch who doesn’t have a clue that his puppy antics leave destructive mayhem in his wake.

Amazingly, the supporting live actors hold their own with their oversized red star, and while their characters are fairly goofy, they’re also likeable and memorable. Darby Camp, who plays Clifford’s owner Emily, earns a gold star CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG for her performance of Paramount Pictures, Rated: PG a twelve-year-old who does a lot of growing In theatres & Streaming on Amazon up after adopting and

protecting Clifford despite his outward appearance. When her cute little puppy becomes an overgrown oddity, Emily and her Uncle Casey must find a way to hide him from the building’s manager, Emily’s mother, and most of all, from a greedy genetic developer who wants to use Clifford for experimentation.

After several madcap chases through the streets of Harlem, Clifford and his humans find refuge with Emily’s friend, Owen. Always the geeky genius, Owen discovers the location

of Mr. Bridwell, who Emily believes magically transformed Clifford and who must have the ability to transform him back.

After finally outsmarting the bad guys and the police, Emily and her neighborhood friends find Mr. Bridwell, but he can only help if Emily finally stands up for herself. Good thing she’s had a lot of practice defending Clifford on this wild and wacky journey. Emily makes her case for keeping Clifford and even her mom has to admit that a big red dog can be an asset.

FOR the PARENTS

Triple Trouble

RED NOTICE Flynn Pictures, Rated: PG-13 Streaming on Netflix

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ESPITE THE WALL-TO-WALL action, the incredible stunts, and the eye-catching lead actors, there’s a moment in Red Notice when Nolan Booth, played by Ryan Reynolds, ironically hums the theme to Indiana Jones and you realize that you’re watching a very expensive rerun. Only now we have three swashbuckling, risk-taking, wise-cracking protagonists, but the narrative doesn’t come close to the original adventurous spirit of Spielberg. That said, Red Notice hurtles the characters around the globe in search of three priceless Faberge-like eggs once owned by Cleopatra and double cross overlaps triple cross. It’s sort of a mystery how this thrilling farce will finally end, but this film was made for the eye candy and the action, not the necessarily the story. There’s a small twist in the third act that’s perfectly crafted to guarantee a Netflix sequel, and given Red Notice’s debut streaming numbers,

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Locked into the bargain.

I’m sure it’ll be popular. Maybe next time around, Ryan Reynolds will shift his tongue-in-cheek banter into a more genuine character, but Dwayne Johnson can stay the same dapper, oversized, good-natured counterpart that we’ve come to love. Pop some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the escape into Hollywood’s make-believe art thievery.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

DECEMBER 2021

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

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Discovery Box A real unicorn horn?

A BIT OF

MAGIC!

BY ROBYN ANDERSON MUSEUM OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY Do you believe in magic or magical creatures? Before you say, “no,” stop and think. Do you make a wish as you blow out your birthday candles, or pick up a penny for good luck? Does your nightlight scare away the monster under the bed? Maybe you suspect that Bigfoot really does live deep within the forest, or that mermaids splash around off the Oregon coast? Many of us practice magical thinking more than we might realize. But why does a belief in magic persist in our modern, scientific world?

WHEN DO WE MOST OFTEN USE MAGICAL THINKING? When we make a wish or believe in the power of a lucky object, we feel confident and hopeful. From an important test to a big game, a boost in confidence can help us be at our best!

Similarly, many of us have small things that we do to prevent bad luck—like throwing spilled salt over our shoulder or knocking on wood. Even if we know we’re being silly, we do these things just in case, to quiet the nagging voice in our heads asking, “why risk the bad luck?”

All these small actions or thoughts can give us a sense of control— just as we see about 1,000 years ago in the Middle Ages.

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MAGIC IN THE MIDDLE AGES The Middle Ages—dating from 500 to 1500—were full of uncertainty, mystery, and danger. In medieval Europe, the belief in magic and magical beings helped people explain why things happened, especially things that went wrong. Medieval people tried to use magic in their daily lives to control what happened.

Come visit the Museum of Natural and Cultural History’s newest exhibit, Magic in Medieval Europe, to explore the many ways magic was intertwined with Mandrake root everyday life. You’ll see a real unicorn horn (or is that a narwhal tusk?), mandrake root, and bezoar, and discover how people in medieval Europe tried to use these magical items. You can make your own house sprite but be sure to leave it a treat—an unhappy house sprite can cause loads of mischief! And, you can try using a medieval method to interpret your dreams, hopefully with more success than in Professor Trelawney’s stuffy classroom!

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Stay tuned to our website (mnch.uoregon.edu) and follow us on social media for the latest on our winter lineup of online and in-person programs.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

DECEMBER 2021

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Fun with Fingerplay Songs Fingerplay songs teach listening skills and language development

BY PARENTING NOW

As

THE RAIN SETTLES IN for the winter season, parents often start looking for indoor activities to keep their busy toddlers and preschoolers engaged. Singing and listening to music, specifically fingerplay songs, is a fun way to entertain your child, while also building connection.

Fingerplays are short songs that are paired with finger movements or body actions to “act out” the story. Even if you’ve never heard of the term “fingerplay songs,” you’ve likely heard one before or even sang one yourself — “Itsy Bitsy Spider” is the perfect example!

When you sing fingerplay songs with your child, they are building on lots of important skills, including: • Listening • Rhythm • Creativity and imagination • Cause and effect • Sequential thinking • Large motor skills • Coordination • Language development Here are a couple fun fingerplay songs to sing with your toddler and preschooler:

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1, 2, 3, 4, 5 1,2,3,4,5! (pop fingers up, one at a time) I caught a fish alive! (put palms together, making swimming motion) 6,7,8,9,10! (pop fingers up, other hand) Then I let it go again!

Why did I let it go? (gesture both palms up) Because it bit my finger so! (right hand “bites” finger on left hand) OUCH!

APPLE TREE Way up high in the apple tree, (hands in air) Two little apples were smiling at me. (point two fingers) I shook the tree as hard as I could, (shaking motion with hands) Down came the apples, Yum, they were good! (rub tummy) (Repeat with other fruit)

Don’t you know that someday, You will be a butterfly?

Tiny little tadpole, swimming by a log, (finger swims) Don’t you know that someday, You’ll grow up to be a frog? (hop hand like frog) Don’t you know that someday, You’ll grow to be a frog? (ribbit, ribbit, ribbit!)

Your child’s ability to listen and respond appropriately to a fingerplay song is the foundation for learning about impulse control, logical consequences, and thinking skills. The more you sing fingerplay songs with your child, the more opportunity your child has to practice these skills—all which helps lay the foundation for future learning! ✦

CREEPY CATERPILLAR Creepy, creepy caterpillar, (fingers crawls like caterpillar) Crawling, crawling by, Don’t you know that someday, You’ll grow up to be a butterfly! (thumbs together, fingers fan like butterfly).

These songs are from Parenting Now’s Squishtivities series, which is currently being offered as a drop-in program every Wednesday from either 10 am to 11 am, or 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. To see the full calendar of events offered, visit parentingnow.org. Fingerplay songs can also be found on Parenting Now’s YouTube channel--look for the Circle Time videos!

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

DECEMBER 2021

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Holiday

GIFT GUIDE

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L

by Kelli Matthews

ittle did we know that the first holiday gift guide we did 10 years ago would turn into such a fun project with so many great ideas to share every year. I only have a few guidelines when choosing items: they can’t be “mainstream” toys but need to be a little off-the-beaten-path. I love things that get kids thinking, moving and active or engaging with their family. This year, the list is wide-ranging with ideas for ages newborn (new baby niece to celebrate!) to teenagers. I hope you find some great ideas that you may not have thought of before.

Soft & Sweet With a new baby in the family, I was excited to hear about the HOWDY BABY BOX subscription.

The box features ethically made baby and kids products from women-owned businesses in the U.S. for ages newborn through 24 months.

The box I got was beautifully curated and would make any new mama swoon with delight.

Available at: https://www.howdybabybox.com Preschool farmers will love the KULLERBU FARMYARD PLAY TRACK. A fun twist on a train set, the track comes with two sneaky farm “animals” (Selma the sheep and Simon the pig) that your track builder has to try to catch. The farmyard sounds add to the fun! Perfect for ages 2 - 8.

Available at: https://www.habausa.com/ There’s literally nothing softer (or sweeter) in the entire universe than a SLUMBERKIN. This year, a few new friends came to visit — Dragon and the Caring Crew. Each Slumberkin encourages emotional growth through a story. Dragon reminds us that creativity comes in many forms and is something we can all do. The Caring Crew’s How to Bee Helpful set includes five minis and promotes caring and kindness. Available at: https://slumberkins.com/

DECEMBER 2021

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Moving & Grooving The iconic original, ROLLERBLADE, will have your teen or tween rocking and rolling. The Advantage Pro X.T. from Bladerunner has both men’s & women’s styles and sizes available and is a perfect starter skate for inline skating. The skates have an easy closure system, extra foot support and a durable frame to help with balance. Plus: it comes in hot pink! Available at: rollerblade.com or via Amazon or Dick’s Sporting Goods.

There’s no mistaking a CHANCE BASKETBALL. The L.A.-based company has bold and vibrant patterns that inspire kids to get out and play. Chance Athletics believes in spreading the love through donating products and raising funds for communities that need them through organizations like Boys & Girls Club, Hoops for Haiti, and Project Backboard.

Available at Target or https://wearechance.com/ The magic of bubbles really never gets old. When the American Bubble Company offered to send BUBBLE TREE BUBBLES to try, we couldn’t resist. The bubbles are the first-ever eco-friendly sustainable bubble system that uses a non-toxic bubble solution made in the USA. The bubbles come in aluminum bottles with poppy, vibrant designs. And the refillable bubble system saves money — there’s no need to purchase replacement bubble wands and containers. Available at: https://bubbletreeusa.com/, Amazon and Target.

We’re not a golfing bunch, but my teenager has been begging for a set of clubs. I don’t know much about what to get and don’t want either a discount set that won’t last or a crazy expensive set that may not be right for him in the long run. I was lucky to learn about STIX. The company fits our budget and his interest level — plus they look cool. Available at https://stix.golf/

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My baseball-obsessed sons are preparing for the next season, so I was thrilled to learn about the BACKYARD LEAGUE GAMING BASEBALL. It is regulation size and weight and connects via Bluetooth to the user’s smartphone. It tracks catches, drops, and other metrics and features up to 70 hours of battery life on a standard 2032 watch battery. With activities and global leaderboards, kids can keep the game going year-round. Available at: https://backyard-league.com/

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DECEMBER 2021

Outdoor play needs outdoor gear. Oregon Family favorites, LONE CONE MUD BOOTS come in tons of adorable and kid-approved prints and are made to keep toes warm and dry in any weather (rain, mud and snow!). Available at https://www.lonecone.com/

The ORIGINAL STOMP ROCKET® STUNT PLANES gets kids out and moving, but it also helps enrich those STEM skills. Dead simple, but endlessly entertaining! No batteries required, and the soft tips means fun that is safe. Plus, as a sneaky educational bonus, they have to think about gravity, motion and force (whether they realize it or not). Also available at Target, Target.com and Rite Aid.

DECEMBER 2021

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Fishing and living in Oregon go hand in hand, but finding a good rod and reel for young kids is challenging. If you’ve got an angler-to-be that’s ready to be on the water with mom and dad, the SHAKESPEARE EZ-GROW fishing kit is a great gift. For kids as young as four, the rod starts at 2’10” rod with an oversized handle knob and extended length push button and extends to 4’5” for kids up to eight. The large handle knob and push-button extender can easily be removed as little hands grow for comfort during use. Available at: https://www.purefishing.com/

It’s winter in Oregon so getting outside isn’t always an option. The GYM1 DELUXE INDOOR PLAYGROUND might be the perfect way to get your kids moving.

It converts from a pull-up bar to a kids’ jungle gym, providing various lively indoor activities for the whole family. The pull-up bar has six different attachments: indoor swing, rings, trapeze bar, wood-and-rope ladder, and a knotted rope for swinging or climbing. Holds up to 300 pounds.

Available on Amazon.

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Thinking & Doing We’ve featured dozens of OSMO products and extensions in our gift guide and they never disappoint. The latest, OSMO DETECTIVE, is a globe-trotting adventure that takes kids to the world’s most famous cities, searching for clues to help solve mysteries, using a real magnifying glass and physical maps. Available for iPad or Fire. Available at https://www.playosmo.com/, Wal-Mart or Target.

When you’re young, there’s still a lot of excitement about getting something in the mail just for you — you can be pretty sure it’s not a bill. MAILPOP meets this excitement with a weekly mailed envelope with a newsletter, activities and a papercraft. Sign up at https://www.mailpopkids.com/

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If you’ve got a young engineer in the making, the TENI AND TAYO SOLAR POWERED CAR KIT gives kids the material to build and paint their own solar powered car from scratch. The kit works like a puzzle, which my kiddo found frustrating at first (where’s the directions?!), but he quickly got the hang of it and was proud of his finished car. We also love that Teni and Tayo is a woman-owned business and celebrates diversity in all its products with just a “pinch of Africa.” Available at https://www.teniandtayo.com/

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Sometimes our gift guide recommendations are hard to explain but stay with me. BLINKS tabletop game is a tabletop game powered by artificial intelligence. Each game piece is responsive to your touch, works with the other pieces, and thinks for itself.

Every piece knows its own game and can also learn new games. In short — it’s amazing (wow! Did you see that?!) and a ton of fun.

Available at https://move38.com/ or Amazon.

Whether your kid is a bookworm or you struggle to get them to sit still and read for 20 minutes a day, OWLCRATE, JR. for ages 8 - 12, can help.

The box comes with a brand new hardcover book, activities, stickers and other goodies. It’s beautifully presented and my reluctant reader loved exploring everything inside.

And we’ve been reading the book together, which has been a delightful pre-bedtime routine. There’s also an OwlCrate for older kids (ages 14+). Available at: https://www.owlcrate.com/

A portable Bluetooth speaker is becoming a “must-have” for kids on the go.

The SPEAQUA bluetooth speakers are designed to bring your tunes wherever you go. The Barnacle speakers are waterproof and have a suction cup to stick anywhere. The major bonus is that the Barnacles can store up to 2,000 songs directly on the speaker, so you don’t need wifi or a phone to enjoy music.

It’s shockproof, dust/sand proof with a 5-8 hour battery life and it even floats. Available at: https://speaqua.com/

Imaginary play is everything. The HESS CARGO PLANE AND JET is a brand new option from this award-winning company.

A high-flying adventure awaits with six button and motionactivated flying sounds and lights. There’s a lot to discover with retractable folding jet wings, push-button cargo bay doors and a hidden slide-out ramp to maneuver. The jet is 14 inches long and has a wingspan of 15 inches. It’s hours of fun! Available only at https://hesstoytruck.com/

DECEMBER 2021

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Around the Table Who said politics can’t be fun? ELECTION NIGHT is fun and educational. Winning the electoral college includes a lot of math! Two players or teams battle for critical electoral votes in the race to win the presidency. To get there, you have to sharpen your U.S. geography and political system knowledge and stay on your toes. Good for ages 8 and up.

Available at https://sempersmartgames.com/ and Amazon.

The original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie was released 50 years ago! Still a classic, you can celebrate with a rewatch and the new GOLDEN TICKET family board game. Use strategy on every move and play your Wonka Candy cards to collect as many Wonka Bars as you can. When the last Wonka Bar is picked up, everyone opens up their collection to see who’s got a Golden Ticket! Play as one of the movie’s original characters, including Charlie, Veruca, Violet, Mike and Augustus.

Start with the beginner side of the board and move to advanced mode when you’re ready. Available at Target.

GHOSTED is a fun twist on the traditional game of Clue. It’s “whodunnit” murder mystery game where you’re the ghost trying to solve your own murder — which character had it in for you, what wacky weapon did they use and why did they want you of the picture? This game is a new family favorite with quick play, easy directions and lots of laughs and silliness.

Available at Target.

I’ve got a Revolutionary War-era fanatic in my house (Thanks to Hamilton the Musical), so we were excited to try the SPIES OF LIBERTY escape room style game from Escape Notice Games. Players are all members of the Culper Spy Ring where they help George Washington outwit the British forces and turn the tide of war in favor of the patriots. Historic spycraft tools help players solve puzzles, read ciphers, navigate vintage maps, and uncover hidden codes - it’s beautifully and thoughtfully done and we had a lot of fun. No internet required! The game works best for 2 - 6 players, ages 14 and up (but my 9-year-old could join in). Available online at EscapeNoticeGames.com and Etsy.

Who Runs the World? Girls!

A glitter-filled inflatable chair? Yes, please! AIRCANDY has fashionable, affordable and easy-to-use inflatable chairs. The chairs are jumbo and comfortable like a bean bag, yet strong enough to hold up to 250 pounds.

AirCandy is made with heavy-duty PVC material and is 100% waterproof. Available at https://www.poolcandy.net/ and on Amazon.

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Oregon-based LOVE AND XO JULIA is a curated collection of clean skincare and beauty products and accessories for tweens and young teens just beginning their self-care journey. We love that the ingredients are all sourced to be good for young skin and the products help young adults kickstart their experience with selfcare and confidence. The products make them feel good and support wellness. Available at: https://loveandxojulia.com/

names, short sayings or cute messages, and you can also add a colorful heart bead. The chain is sterling silver or 14kt gold fill. https://www.isabellegracejewelry.com

Your favorite fashionista will love the fun new ALPHABET BEAD NECKLACE from Oregon Family-favorite, Isabelle Grace Jewelry.

Personalize with her name, her favorite people’s

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DECEMBER 2021

Mom’s Gift Guide M

oms - and mom-types - deserve distinctive gift ideas for the holidays. We found some amazing ideas for our 5th annual holiday gift guide for moms. Take a look!

Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice Brooklyn-style crumb cake is something special and CLARKSON AVENUE CRUMB CAKE CO. knows what it takes. The company has regular and seasonal flavors, but also a build-your-own option to get just the perfect creation. Clarkson Avenue ships their freshly made cakes nationwide so you can give the cake as a gift in person or have it shipped to Mom’s door. https://clarksonavecrumb.com/

E

xotic sauces can make boring dinners, well, less boring. AFRICAN DREAM FOODS has a set of sauces that include things like Southern Braal (a BBQ sauce with an African Twist) or Jalanasco Fermented Jalapeño (tangy and mild and great for eggs). If Mom prefers hot, African Dream can deliver with African Ghost Pepper, the hottest of the hot sauces.

Available on Amazon.

Our world food travels to find great gifts take us to BAZODEE FOODS, a Caribbean, Venezuelan and Trinidadian inspired brand that infuses great flavors as a marinade and also celebrates the foods that create family bonds.

What’s better for a foodie Mom? All Bazodee sauces are all natural, vegetarian, gluten and preservative free.https://bazodee.com/

DECEMBER 2021

Chocolate and wine make for a very safe gift idea for most moms.

SUGAR PLUM’S Wine Box Truffle Assortment features a 12-piece assortment of handcrafted chocolate truffles all beautifully laid out in a wine bottle-shaped box. The coffee caramel flavor was my favorite. Yum! https://www.sugar-plum.com/

With beautiful packaging, easy step-by-step instructions, the MULLED WINE GIFT SET has recipes and spices for 4 recipes. The idea of heating wine and infusing it with spices may seem odd, but this beverage is one of the most iconic winter cocktails all over Europe. Known as gluhwein in Germany, glögg in Sweden, and vin chaud in France, this mulled wine cocktail set makes a great gift. https://www.cookinggiftset.com/

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Self-Care Comes in All Shapes & Sizes I’m on a boycott of “regular” pants. I mean, really, joggers should be much more acceptable in more contexts. Here’s TASC PERFORMANCE to the rescue! The clothes are insanely soft and comfortable and the company is sustainably-driven. The fabric is an innovative bamboo and organic cotton that performs like activewear (or lounge on the couch wear) but without chemical enhancement for wicking, sun protection, breathability or odor control. Joggers, leggings, sweatshirts and more available at: https://www.tascperformance.com/

Made right here in Eugene, Oregon, MOOD NORTHWEST CANDLES immediately set the tone in the house to “calm.” We are a sister founded, woman-owned company that pour candles with sophisticated and multidimensional fragrances. The added touch of an intention stone on top of each candle is a reminder to stop and breathe it all in.

Everything about these candles is thoughtful and intentional. Available at https://www.moodnorthwest.com

Cold floors in the morning be gone!

NAOT SLIPPERS take self-care up a notch with mattress foam padding insoles and a soft fleece lining keeps your feet warm. The Recline, Unwind and Quietude styles are all perfect for Mom gifts this holiday. Seriously.

Your mom wants these slippers.

Available at: https://naot.com/

For something entirely different, the WICKED SKATEWEAR Impala Skates are less about lounging and more about Mom finding her inner skate goddess. I’d bet that version of Mom isn’t too far under the surface. The Impala Skates are the classic 4-wheel style with an undeniable 80s vibe and so fun! If your Mom is like me, though, pick up a pad pack while you’re there — that inner skate goddess isn’t as graceful as she used to be.

Available at: https://wickedskatewear.com/

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Say what you will about giving socks, nothing beats a great pair and a great pair with a great cause is even better. HIPPY FEET is sock company on a mission to help homeless youth.

Hippy Feet focuses on providing transitional employment opportunity to young people (ages 16-24) who are experiencing homelessness — helping them get back on their feet. And these are great socks. https://hippyfeet.com/

Sloppy sweats and your partner’s old t-shirt to sleep in is fine, but if you want to get something a little more special for mom, The SLEEP SHIRT will be a hit. The brand is female founded, sustainable and size inclusive. The classic, charming style is comfortable and cozy — no more sloppy sweats! Available at: https://www.thesleepshirt.com/

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DECEMBER 2021

Beauty is More than Skin Deep

Time sneaks up on all of us and mom may be fighting the effects of age on her skin. Do not tell her that! But rather, give her skincare that heals skin. FACTORFIVE SERUM combines human stem cell derived growth factors with copper peptides.

Made in America, the serum is hydrating without being heavy and even with a short amount of use, I could see and feel the difference in my skin. https://factorfiveskin.com/

Mom skin is often dry skin. GRAYDON’S MOON BOOST SERUM is richly hydrating, velvety smooth and smells like sunshine. It is a great antidote to the inevitable winter skin blahs. Pair with a skin care set like Clean Beauty Starter Kit and mom skin will be happy skin. https://graydonskincare.com/

Portland native Raina Rose founded FOLK POTIONS, a line of herbal infused slow skincare. Calendula Oil makes my skin exceedingly happy and the body oil is made from Calendula blossoms grown and dried by Vibrant Valley Farm on Sauvie Island. The Magic Face Oil and Magic Face Balm smell and feel amazing. https://folkpotions.com/ La Jolie means beautiful in French and the collection from GITANNE SKINCARE lives up to it’s name. If mom hasn’t added face oil to your skin care routine, she should. This set is a great introduction and an easy, everyday routine with Aurore Resurfacing Mask, Rosé Serum and Unscented Belle de Jour Day Cream. Products are made in small batches in Sonoma, CA. https://gitanneskincare.com/

If mom could use relief from the “week from hell” (who are we kidding… the year from hell?), WALTON WOOD FARM has you covered.

This tongue in cheek gift set has a phenomenal sugar scrub, whipped body cream and lip balm, all with a yummy grapefruit and brown sugar fragrance. https://waltonwoodfarm.com/

A Little Bling is the Thing

We love gift ideas that have a great story.

AZURA JEWELRY is woman-owned and founded because of the power a simple piece of jewelry can have on your state of mind, confidence and well-being. The Crescent Moon Necklace is a perfect choice for Mom. The base metal is 925 Sterling Silver and goldplated with a thick 14k yellow gold coating. Available at: https://azurajewelry.com/ Mom, mommy, mama … whatever name you have for your mom, SINCERELY SILVER “MAMA” NECKLACE can be personalized with any endearing word for her. Three styles and metals to choose from mean you can

DECEMBER 2021

find exactly the right style. Each has a simple, minimal design that complements any style. Available at: https://www.sincerelysilver.co/

My favorite products from this year’s guide come from WORLD FINDS jewelry. World Finds accessories are designed in Chicago and hand made in India through a long-term partnership with artisans that creates dignified work and meaningful opportunities. There are so many styles to choose from - with prices that will fit any budget - but the Kantha items are my favorite. The repurposed fabric beads feel handmade with warmth and texture unique to these designs. Don’t miss the Cause Collection and Kantha Collection bracelets - they make perfect gifts for teachers, coworkers and friends.

Available at: https://www.worldfinds.com/

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Rescue Spotlight

M

eet THOR! This handsome 6-year-old Labrador retriever mix is ready to find his perfect forever family! He is a very friendly, social pup that loves everyone he meets! He has a medium energy level so he would love to accompany his family on daily walks, explore the coast, and play outside with toys. Thor loves treats and he promises to be your best friend after a little affection and belly rubs. We love his goofy smile and calm demeanor.

Thor has beautiful black fur with dark, brown eyes. He weighs between 55 and 60 pounds and is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. He would thrive being the only pet in the home to start out but once he gets comfortable he could potentially do well with a friend. He has a good history with kids but should go home with older kids who can respect his space when he wants it. Thor would make a wonderful companion to a family looking for lots of love and fun!

Greenhill Humane Society open seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. Cat adoptions are on a first come limited capacity basis. Dogs and small animal adoptions are by appointment.

For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org.

T

he Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents LANEGAN, a male tabby teenager kitty about 9 months old. He is extremely affectionate, gives nonstop purrs and hugs, and has yet to meet a cat, dog, or human he doesn’t love!

He’s a special needs kitty with constipation issues, but he’s now on a daily regimen of easilyadministered medications that are working perfectly. This will be a lifelong regimen, and he’ll need to be carefully monitored, but his loving personality makes it all worthwhile! He is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, negative for FIV & FeLV, and in excellent health. To meet Lanegan, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org.

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DECEMBER 2021

Eugene’s Premiere Musical Theater Company Help Us Celebrate our 42nd Season!!

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DECEMBER 2021