MomsTown NEWS - JAN/FEB 2023

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Welcome to the first chapter of 2023! This year we’re taking these words quite literally. Each edition of MomsTown will be featuring a semi-blank page designed, intentionally, just for you. This month, the focus is on helping you create the life you crave. To get started on your first chapter this year, check out page nine.

If you feel your heart is yearning for a little more adventure in the upcoming months, then we have the guide for you. Vanessa Elle Wilde is a mindset activist and adventuress. Vanessa shares how she’s been filling her heart with adventure amid personal angst. She recently returned from hiking the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain and is sharing a painful and personal story about what she has learned along the way.

MomsTown is also honored this month to feature newly re-elected Mayor of San Marcos, Rebecca Jones.

Purpose and joy abound in this month’s edition. On page four, you might notice a familiar face. Owner of Auntie Jen’s Pet Care, Jennifer Bagwell, shares with us the joy she gets every day serving our local furry family members.

We’ve also turned to several other local experts to get a wide array of advice on everything from how to build a wardrobe capsule (page 15) to how to help get your kids into college (page 19). Interior design expert, Dasha Hervy is mixing the new year with some old favorites for an elegant twist in your home.

Finally, we’d also like to announce, The Huff Team’s Ilana Huff has been awarded the North San Diego County Realtors “2022 Realtor Award of Excellence.” Congratulations, Ilana and the Huff Team!

If you’d like to submit a story idea, send it to Heather@MomsTown.com or Mary@MomsTown.com

We welcome submissions about anyone making a positive impact in the community.

Warmly, Heather & Mary

LOCAL UMBRELLA MEDIA publication

San Diego CA

PUBLISHER

Inspired Media, Inc.

Reproduction or duplication of any part herein requires written permission from Publisher (Inspired Media, Inc). All information herein is correct to the best of Publisher’s knowledge as of publication date. Corrections should be forwarded to Publisher at: PrintingandMail@gmail.com.

If you’d like to showcase your business and advertise with MomsTown, please reach out to Mary or Heather to give your business a boost in 2023!

Heather@MomsTown.com OR Mary@MomsTown.com.

C oming this fall!

MomsTown is excited to announce the launch of its latest podcast featuring the creativity and ingenuity of moms.

MOMSTOWN PRESENTS:

How Mom Made It! Stories, Expert Tips & Secret Little Gems for Success

If you, or someone you know, would be a great guest, please share!

SEND GUEST SUGGESTIONS & TOPIC IDEAS TO: Heather@MomsTown.com OR Mary@MomsTown.com

TUNE INTO MOMSTOWN’S FLAGSHIP SHOW: MomsTown365 Go to MomsTown.com

ADVERTISING

Heather@MomsTown.com OR Mary@MomsTown.com

Paid advertisements or advertorials herein are not endorsed or recommended by Publisher; therefore, Publisher shall not be held liable for business practices of advertisers. Publisher or MomsTown, Inc. not liable for images or content accepted in good faith.

AUNTIE JEN & her doggone great life!

I want to work like a dog, doing what I was born to do with joy and purpose. I want to play like a dog, with total, jolly abandon. Oprah Winfrey

IN READING THIS QUOTE ABOUT DOGS BY OPRAH, WE GET THE SENSE THAT SHE MIGHT HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR, JENNIFER BAGWELL. JENNIFER, OWNER OF AUNTIE JEN’S PET CARE, COMBINES PURPOSEFUL WORK WITH PLAYFUL JOY. YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN JENNIFER AROUND TOWN AND WONDERED ABOUT HER STORY. WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK ABOUT HOW SHE STARTED AUNTIE JEN’S AND THE SERVICES SHE AND HER TEAM OFFER NEIGHBORS.

MOMSTOWN: Tell us about Jennifer Bagwell! Please share with us what you’d like our readers to know about your background.

JENNIFER: I’m Jennifer Bagwell, a.k.a. Auntie Jen! I moved to California nearly 20 years ago, as it had always been my dream to live here! I have two kids who were raised here, and are now adults. My background is in finance, however, after staying home to raise my children I knew that I didn’t want to return to corporate America. I’ve always loved animals, and when I was young I would beg my neighbors to let me take care of their pets!

MOMSTOWN: Tell us about your business and the services you offer.

JENNIFER: Auntie Jen’s Pet Care is a team of experienced animal care professionals, providing dog walking, puppy socializing, in-home pet sitting, overnights, and cage-free dog boarding. We care for any and all kinds of furry, feathered, and scaled family members. Based in San Elijo Hills, our team services Carlsbad, San Marcos and Vista.

MOMSTOWN: How did you get started in this line of work?

JENNIFER: While my youngest child was still in elementary school, I started realizing that someday, my kids wouldn’t need me much at all anymore! So I started thinking of how I

could earn extra money, while still being home for them after school each day. While searching online, I stumbled across a post from someone looking for a dog walker. This would end up being my very first client, and the start of Auntie Jen’s Pet Care!

MOMSTOWN: What do you love most about your business?

JENNIFER: Caring for animals is truly a dream job! My days are mostly spent outdoors, walking, enjoying nature and playing with dogs!

MOMSTOWN: What is the most difficult part of the job?

JENNIFER: The most difficult part of this business is that dogs don’t live forever. Since I started Auntie Jen’s 11 years ago, many of the dogs that I started with have passed away. It is heartbreaking to say goodbye to dogs I’ve known, loved, and spent time with for many years.

MOMSTOWN: What do your clients love most about the services you offer?

JENNIFER: My clients love the fact that they can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their pets are well taken care of, when they are away at work or on vacation. We send photo text updates, so that families see their dogs having fun while they’re away!

MOMSTOWN: How important are your services to the community?

JENNIFER: Auntie Jen’s is very important to the community, as we serve over 150 clients! We receive many recommendations for pet care from current clients, so we continuously grow and care for more animals in our community.

MOMSTOWN: How do the dogs in your care benefit from your services?

JENNIFER: Dogs need exercise to remain happy, healthy, mentally stimulated and agile! When their families are busy, our team is there to make sure they get the exercise and attention they need to thrive!

MOMSTOWN: What tips would you offer to other moms who are thinking about turning their passion or hobby into a business?

JENNIFER: If you are thinking about potentially starting a business, make sure that it is something that you truly enjoy doing. If you love what you do, you will be a smashing success! There is nothing better than waking up every day, and being excited about going to work!

Adventure Calls!

what does adventure look like to you?

Is it “base jumping” off tall buildings in a squirrel suit, or a long trek through physically challenging terrain? Is it moving to another country, or a 3- month silent meditation retreat in the Himalayas? Or does adventure look like managing a business during turbulent times, raising great kids or running a household?

Adventure can mean different things to everyone, but having an adventurous mindset is key to experiencing wild fulfillment every day!

VANESSA ELLE WILDE

It’s about living in the moment, navigating the fluctuations of challenges and change with curiosity, being willing to learn and grow, and to one day, tell your stories by a cozy fire and a cup of tea.

During the scorching summer of 2022, my son faced a life-changing battle with addiction. There were moments it seemed inevitable that it would consume him, but with an indomitable spirit, we persevered. Grappling to maintain an unwavering support system and team of experts caring for him around-the-clock, I personally experienced intense anxiety, and after three visits to the emergency room, I learned I was having panic attacks.

As he entered a second rehabilitation center, I seized the opportunity to set out on an adventure unlike any other.

Madrid was the gateway to a once-in-a lifetime journey! After 3 months, 5 countries, numerous trains and planes, and 8 days hiking on the Camino de Santiago - I experienced countless awe inspiring moments that filled me with new energy and vitality. Even if my feet had reached their limit, the adventure was worth every step!

Day 4 of my journey along the Camino taught me a valuable lesson: having the right mindset can take you further than shoes and backpacks ever could! With each new upbeat thought, I felt stronger in body and spirit. Even if I had lost all else on that path, embracing a spirit of exploration and discovery meant nothing could stand in my way of success.

So

Maybe you do move to another country, climb Mt. Everest, start a family or a business. Or maybe, this year is about creating stability and taking extra care of yourself in more subtle ways.

However life calls, consider each day an open invitation for adventurehow you live out that adventure is entirely up to you.

I’ll be here, cheering for you, from somewhere in the world.

PROMPTS TO CULTIVATE THE ADVENTURE MINDSET

Who is your muse and what can they teach you about stepping into an adventurous life? What qualities do they possess that you would like to emulate?

With a life full of experiences, you have the power to tap into an exciting mixture of memories how can you use them as inspiration for new journeys?

What does it mean to live with an open heart and positive expectations?

What journey would you like to take in 2023? MAKE A PLAN

ABOUT VANESSA

Over the past year, I have been creating playful and daring way for women in business to cultivate a life that produces the experiences they deeply desire.

To learn more, connect with me: vanessa@yesliving.com

as you embark on this new year, eager for a fresh start, with a sense of promise and hope, why not give yourself the gift of adventure? Open your heart to all possibilities and embrace each moment with a sense of awe. Unleash your inner explorer and make 2023 an unforgettable journey!

The adventure mindset is about meeting the unknown with an open heart and positive expectations

HAPPY NEW YOU! IT'S A NEW YEAR!

Embrace this glorious New Year. A more vibrant and energized you is in the making!

TO GET STARTED ON YOUR JOURNEY, ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS TO BEGIN CREATING THE LIFE YOU’RE CRAVING!

Which parts of my life cause the greatest amount of fear, anxiety, embarrassment, or discomfort?

What are the ideal versions of those challenging situations?

Which changes would bring the greatest improvements to my life?

How have my current habits contributed to my current situation?

What new habits can I develop to reach my goals?

What is my current tolerance for discomfort? How do I currently handle uncomfortable feelings?

What is the vision I have for myself 12 months from today? What does my life look like?

NEW YEAR'S JOURNAL

prompts to chart your growth path in 2023

by Emily Stark

I’VE GIVEN UP ON NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS. BY THE TIME SANTA HAS COME AND GONE, SCHOOL AND WORK PARTIES HAVE ENDED, AND THE PILE OF DECORATED COOKIES I’VE CONSUMED OVER THE LAST MONTH HAS PILED UP AROUND MY WAISTLINE, MUSTERING UP THE MOTIVATION TO SIT DOWN AND LIST A BUNCH OF AUDACIOUS GOALS IS VERY OFF-PUTTING. BUT THE FORWARD-FOCUSED COACH IN ME REFUSES TO ALLOW THE ONSET OF A NEW YEAR TO PASS BY WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGMENT. SO THIS INTERNAL STRUGGLE HAS BEEN RESOLVED TO AN ANNUAL JOURNAL DATE.

EMILY STARK

EMILY STARK

Resolutions set up a make-or-fail format, while journaling is a way to reflect and build meaningful intentions that will inspire rather than stacking more to an already heavy to-do list.

Science backs the idea that writing down your goals makes them more likely to be achieved. In an article for Forbes, Mark Murphy, a leadership expert, writes, “Neuroscience Explains Why You Need To Write Down Your Goals If You Actually Want To Achieve Them,” reporting that people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them because there is a high probability of seeing the goal again (placed on your work desk or another spot you frequent). The writing process helps our brain deeply remember our goals, so actions to move toward actualizing our goals are more prone to fit into our busy lives.

These 10 journal prompts will help unpack personal and professional growth values, ideas, and ambitions. Working through a prompt will start broadly and then narrow down into a goal. I recommend allowing yourself to write freely without worrying about grammar or spelling.

1. WHAT THREE EVENTS OF LAST YEAR WERE MOST MEANINGFUL FOR ME? WHY? 2. WHAT PROFESSIONAL RISKS DO I SEE MYSELF TAKING? WHY ARE THESE IMPORTANT?. 3. WHO HAS BEEN AN INFLUENTIAL ROLE MODEL FOR ME RECENTLY? WHY HAVE I CHOSEN THIS PERSON, AND WHAT HAVE I LEARNED FROM THEM?

Conclude your responses with small actionable steps will help you migrate toward the goals you’ll discover through your journaling. The journaling process will build a meaningful story to attach to actionable steps and the larger goals, which will serve as a strong motivator. To help transform your journal responses into goals, consider:

What reoccurring themes do I notice in my responses?

Emily Stark is an experienced career coach & CPRW on a mission to empower working and return-to-work mamas.

To reach Emily go to: marketable-mama.com @marketablemama | 919-270-9114

LEARNING NEW THINGS CAN ENRICH YOUR

1. PROVIDES SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT Who doesn't want to be known for being an interesting conversationalist? You'll have plenty of fodder to share with others.

2. EXPOSES YOU TO NEW THINGS Learning about new information expands your mind. You become a more interesting and thoughtful person when you gain new knowledge.

3. YOU MIGHT FIND THAT ONE THING THAT MAKES YOUR HEART SING For example, signing up for a class you’ve been wanting to take but haven’t made the time for, can unleash your creativity.

4. LEARNING IS REFRESHING Learning excites your mind when you take in new info. You're seduced to learn more and more. It's great to feel like your mind is renewed in some way, and learning every day contributes to that feeling.

5. COMBATS BOREDOM When you learn something new, it helps you avoid a hum-drum existence. Jazz up your life simply by acquiring new information.

6. GIVES YOU SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO If you know that each day after work, you're going to search the internet with your iPad to research your currently favorite topic, you've got something to look forward to during your work day.

7. YOU AFFECT THE LIVES OF OTHERS Something you learn and share could have a profound impact on another person. At the very least, you might trigger someone's curiosity to the extent that they delve more into a topic you've shared.

8. YOU SET AN EXAMPLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN There's nothing that gets children interested in reading and scholarly topics like

TOP 11 REASONS

TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW EACH DAY

LEARNING SOMETHING NEW EACH DAY IS EASY. SOME PEOPLE READ VORACIOUSLY AND ARE A BEACON OF KNOWLEDGE. OTHERS TUNE IN TO THEIR FAVORITE YOUTUBE CHANNEL, LISTEN TO A PODCAST, TALK WITH THEIR NEIGHBOR OR GO TO WORK TO LEARN. KNOWLEDGE IS ALL AROUND YOU EVERY DAY.

LIFE IN MANY WAYS:

observing their parents expressing excitement about learning. Plus, seeing parents open a book, magazine or newspaper every day inspires kids to want to learn, too.

9. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Sir Francis Bacon, an English philosopher and writer who lived during the 17th century, once said, "Knowledge is power." When you have knowledge, you have the power to achieve many things.

10. YOU'LL BE INTELLECTUALLY STIMULATED Get your intellectual juices flowing by opening a book, watching an informational video or listening to a new podcast.

11. YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE WILL BE ENHANCED Learning provides you with an escape when you need it, knowledge when you seek it, and a great pastime.

There are so many reasons to gain new knowledge daily. Expand your mind, set a good example for your children and gain some power in your life. Overcome boredom, cultivate great conversation and positively impact the life of another human being. You'll achieve all of these things and more when you focus on learning something new every day.

HOW MOM MADE IT! serving the community

THIS MONTH’S HOW MOM MADE IT! FEATURES THE NEWLY RE-ELECTED MAYOR OF SAN MARCOS, REBECCA JONES. WE HAD A CHANCE TO CHAT WITH HER ABOUT HER VISION FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MOM IN POLITICS.

In a time when politics seems to divide, a local mom is focusing on bringing community together. The newly re-elected, Rebecca Jones, is starting her second term as the Mayor of San Marcos. She says what she enjoys most about her work is bringing people together, getting things done and making a difference for the residents of San Marcos.

MOMSTOWN: Tell us about Rebecca Jones! What would you like our readers to know about your background?

REBECCA: I have lived in San Diego County nearly my entire life, I grew up mostly in Ramona and El Cajon. I had a fairly turbulent childhood with my parents divorcing when I was 12, ended up moving a fair amount and attending 3 high schools in San Diego County. My mom showed me what hard work looked like, as a single mom of 3 she decided to start a small business cleaning homes and dental offices to support us. I helped her on weekends and during the summer, I would consider myself growing up quicker than I should have but these experiences also made me who I am today. My mom worked hard and while it may not have been an ideal childhood in some ways, it prepared me for life by

teaching me to work hard and exposed me to lots of different people which helped me see life through many different perspectives. I believe these experiences always remind me that we are all trying to live our lives and become the best versions of ourselves regardless of where we are at any given time in our lives. It also taught me that hard work is vital to success and that success looks different for each one of us. Community is the meshing together of different and unique people that come together for the success of all of us as a collective community.

MOMSTOWN: How and why did you decide to get active in politics?

REBECCA: I first moved to San Marcos is 1987, moved away and ended back here for good in 2000 when I was pregnant with my 2nd child, my daughter Natalie. In 2001 the city council was considering a change of use of a park near my home. I met two councilmembers that became mentors for me, Pia Harris Ebert (a registered Democrat) and Hal Martin (a registered Republican). They both encouraged me to get both more involved and grow my love for our city into a life of service to San Marcos. As my kids grew older and the small business that my ex-husband and I owned together needed less of my attention, I worked on a couple of other land use plans that I disagreed with and ultimately decided that opposing projects was negative, wanting to become part of the team that made these decisions to create a great place to live rather than fight decisions became an attractive solution. This is when I decided to serve at some point when the timing was right for my family. In 2006 my ex-husband was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, this derailed my running for election in 2006, by the end of the year he was in remission and the doctors were telling us to start to live our lives again. I applied for an appointment to the city council for the balance of Jim Desmond’s city council seat in January of 2007, was selected, and the rest is history! I was elected

REBECCA JONES

in 2008, 2012 and 2016 to the city council and in 2018 as our city’s first female Mayor. This year I was re-elected for my second term as Mayor of our incredible city with over 64% of the community voting to continue with my leadership. I am very proud of these results, my highest margin of victory in my 5 elections.

MOMSTOWN: What accomplishments give you the greatest joy?

REBECCA: Each time I am told by a community member how much they love our city and living here I remember that the last 16 years our city has changed significantly and that I have been part of these changes. Each day that I meet residents and our next generation of young leaders and they tell me all of the reasons they love our community I am reminded of why I love to serve and how blessed I am by our community.

MOMSTOWN: Is there anything that you haven’t yet been able to accomplish that you’d like to see happen?

REBECCA: Absolutely! I am always talking about how vital a balanced transportation system is and how much technology affects how we travel to continue to live our lives the way we want to live them. Our quality of life isn’t optimum when we are spending so much of lives in gridlock. I have two ideas that I’ve continued to work on and I believe will help address this- an intracity shuttle and dynamic sequencing “smart” lights. Unfortunately, the wheels of government can be slow, the last 4 years the global pandemic has prolonged timeframes and affected funding. The intracity shuttle will be implemented through North County Transit District (NCTD), our regional transportation agency, starting as a pilot project. When NCTD is able to bring their workforce back to pre-pandemic levels so they are able to reinstate their regular routes they will be moving forward on this shuttle project.

During the pandemic the city replaced nearly all of our traffic signal controllers, are currently running pilot projects and we are ready to move forward on artificial intelligence (AI) technology when we are financially able. These two items cannot move forward until the cur-

rent large capital improvement projects that are underway are completed and we are able to study how traffic flow changes. All of the construction projects are slated for completion by mid 2023.

MOMSTOWN: What is the best part about being a mom in politics?

REBECCA: Definitely showing my kids and other young people how one person can make a difference! I speak to a lot of groups of youth- school classes, sports teams, scouts and lots of other service groups, I tell all of them that they should always look for ways to give back to the community and find something that you are passionate about!

MOMSTOWN: What is the most difficult part of your job?

REBECCA: In the beginning I found it difficult to accept that I wasn’t able to make everyone happy. I’ve learned that in politics it is not possible, but if most people look at the job you are doing, trying your best to balance all of the challenges and that your heart is always one of service you are definitely on the right track!

During the pandemic I learned a lot about people- there are some people that will always oppose you no matter what your accomplishments are and how hard you work for them. The isolation magnified the hurting hearts of some people that made many of them lash out. I would say that these people are definitely a minority, most people are incredibly supportive and reach out quietly to have honest dialogue whether it is positive or negative, often explaining things clears up a lot of questions and people appreciate being heard and listened to. The toxic people that are brave on social media are not everyone, I still believe that most people are both good and have a positive contribution to community, my job is to help bring everyone to the table and serve all to the best of my ability. It isn’t always easy but I believe all challenges in my life have uniquely qualified me for serving as Mayor!

MOMSTOWN: What do you think about the state of American politics? And, what is your hope for our future generation?

REBECCA: I do not like partisan politics and I don’t like labels. There is a very toxic climate currently in our country. I intentionally work hard to serve everyone and leave politics out of all of the decisions that I make. The truth is that many times politicians say they are working for everyone but their actions do not match up. Our job as a society is to find balance, balance in life and balance in working together, that is the key to relationship. No relationship is successful if any one participant gets everything they want, it doesn’t work. I will continue this mindset and never forget these val-

ues that were instilled in me as a young girl. We all have a part in moving forward, each one of, regardless of our financial or status in life, each one of us has a contribution to bring to relationship and community.

MOMSTOWN: At the local level, what would you like to see happen in 2023 for the city of San Marcos?

REBECCA: There will be several construction projects that will be completed this coming year. Our residents have been very patient (which I’m grateful for) with all of the happenings that seem to all be wreaking havoc at once! The Creek Infrastructure, the extension of Discovery Road, improvements on Barham and Twin Oaks, the construction at North City and the construction of the Kaiser Permanente are some of the most notable. All of these projects are decades in the making and are finally happening. Kaiser Permanente was first put on the planning maps in the 80’s. When these road construction projects are complete, we will be studying how traffic has improved and how we can continue to provide better mobility options as well as traffic flow. The future of transportation will be very exciting as I believe, based on history, that technology innovation is going to explode significantly in the next 5 years and beyond.

MOMSTOWN: What tips would you offer to other moms who are thinking about getting involved in their community? And, what would you say to a mom who is maybe thinking about a political career?

REBECCA: Don’t shy away from being a leader in your community, you don’t have to be conventional in your approach, be you! If you find yourself wanting to serve, others asking you to serve and a heart to serve everyone, don’t fight it!

EACH EDITION WE’LL BE ASKING LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS THE SAME FIVE QUESTIONS, FOCUSED ON ADVICE AND INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN AND MEN OF ALL AGES AND STAGES.

THIS MONTH, MOMSTOWN IS TOASTING TWO LOCAL WOMEN WHO HAVE SPENT YEARS BUILDING THEIR CAREERS. CASSIE DUDLEY IS THE OWNER OF PURE MEAL PREP AND JENNIFER MARTIN WORKS AS THE DIRECTOR OF RISK MANAGEMENT FOR ALSTON CONSTRUCTION.

IF YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS ABOUT LOCAL FEMALE BUSINESS OWNERS, ARTISANS AND COMMUNITY ENHANCERS THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE PROFILED, PLEASE SUBMIT THEM TO HEATHER@MOMSTOWN.COM OR MARY@MOMSTOWN.COM

1. If you could give any advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?

Say “YES” to every leadership opportunity that comes your way. You will learn so much from being a leader, and even more from the mistakes you may make. You will look back on those leadership roles and realize how much richer your life has become and, more importantly, how you made a positive difference in someone else’s life.

2. What’s a book that you’ve read, at any point in your life, that’s influenced you and/or impacted your life? How so? (fiction or non-fiction)

Director of Risk Management

Alston Construction alstonco.com

Strength in the Storm. Creating Calm in Difficult Times by Eknath Easwaran. When I was younger I read a lot of self-improvement books with ideas on how to adopt daily practices to create a prosperous life. While those books were helpful, what I realized is that those practices are easy to implement during calm times before you have a family, face a health issue, lose a loved one, have a relationship challenge or encounter a financial crisis. During tumultuous times, I needed help on how to navigate the ‘new’ normal and this book helped me find calm and peace even during chaos. This book teaches you how to make small choices every day that help build a better family, work environment or community, with specifics on finding the calm center of chaos. The author explains to take your time, showing how it is the mind, not external events, that drives a sense of urgency and restlessness.

3.

If you could pick anyone to serve as your mentor and/or business coach, who would it be?

I would love to have a mentor who believes that career success is achievable while making a difference in the lives of others and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I am open to suggestions!

4. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a news reporter. I didn’t tell anyone or think I could actually do it, but it was something I thought I would really enjoy because I love listening to people and their stories.

5. What’s your favorite way to healthily relieve stress?

Hike in the hills of San Elijo, take a Cyclebar class, or Beach Yoga with my good friend Adrienne at Perfect Balance Fitness. If I don’t have time, which is often the case, I listen to my Calm app, drink a green tea, or walk outside.

THE momstown5

Owner & Operations Director of Pure Meal Prep SD PureMealPrepSD.com Cassie@PureMealPrep.com

1. If you could give any advice to your 18 year old self, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self that the trials and tribulations of being young really won’t matter in one to five years. As a young woman, it is easy to feel as if it is the end of the world if your relationship with your boyfriend ends or you don’t get into a certain college. Yet, as you grow older and look back, you will be thankful that those circumstances changed because they brought you down the path you were supposed to go down and made you into who and where you are today.

2.

What’s a book that you’ve read, at any point in your life, that’s influenced you and/or impacted your life? How so? (fiction or non-fiction)

Really the only book that has influenced my life would be the Bible, as it has been the thing to guide me and almost raise me in a way. There are a lot of areas that talk about how to treat one another, how to turn the other cheek when wronged, how to love, how to give grace instead of judgment, how to serve others, and how to be understanding even when you don’t understand.

3.

If you could pick anyone to serve as your mentor and/or business coach, who would it be?

Okay, this might sound so silly but I would actually love to be mentored by Kris Jenner. The fact that she has been able to launch so many different successful businesses alongside her children, and seems to know exactly how to make any newspaper heading into a good thing is quite shocking. She seems to have time management and marketing down. I would love to be able to learn all of those things from her and get her insight on branding.

4. What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was younger I wanted to be an interior designer, and so I became one. I went to college to get my degree in interior design, got an incredible job, and then after a couple of years I realized it wasn’t what really made me happy and what I was meant to do with my life. I had already fallen in love with the food service industry. It helped me pay my way through college and I enjoyed serving people far more. I then met my husband at a restaurant (he was the chef and I was the manager) and we decided to open a Meal Prep Company which was able to fulfill both our passions of serving others.

5. What’s your favorite way to healthily relieve stress?

I really enjoy swimming. It is such a stress-reliever to go under water, swimming laps, blocking out all the noise, and just clearing my head in a quiet, peaceful way.

JENNIFER MARTIN, MBA CASSIE DUDLEY

when a bit of old needs a bit of new

by Dasha Hervey Sea and Pine Interior Design

seaandpine.com

IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, WE HAVE CLEARED THINGS OUT THAT WEREN’T WORKING FOR US. THIS COULD BE SOMETHING MENTAL, PHYSICAL, OR SOCIAL. WE DID THIS BECAUSE WE NEEDED TO MAKE SPACE FOR OURSELVES, AND WE FELT BETTER BY DOING THIS. IT’S QUITE A PHENOMENON.

What about those remaining items that that you don’t know what to do with that you achingly want to embrace, but simultaneously seek a fresh approach. How do you begin when it all can feel so daunting?

When it comes to interior design this old-new theme is something that I am frequently asked about.

THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE:

A. Keep what you love

B. Toss what you hate

C. Integrate your love items into your space

D. Add something you find inspiring

Identify what you like and why. Is it a keepsake that brings a sweet memory, an antique that holds noteworthy value or something completely ridiculous, like my giant ceramic frog that sat on my lap all the way home from Thailand. I adore him, actually them, I bought two.

I encourage my clients to integrate their coveted objects into their home. It is completely possible to design with what you love while achieving a curated look in your space. The term old and new has been around forever. But how you put these items together takes a clever eye and perhaps a professional to assist you.

A BIT OF OLD NEEDS A BIT OF NEW

This creates an element of surprise and interest. If you walk into an old hotel, and all of it is old, there’s nothing interesting, and the brain may say this is boring. But if you add modern wallpaper and an edgy chandelier to the environment the design will pique your interest. The contrast of the ages makes the room interesting.

This can equally be said in styling your home. You may have an old sideboard. Paint it, jazz it up with candles, a tall gold-finished modern vase, a fern in an antique vessel. The elements and juxtaposition of history will instantly create a worthy vignette.

The French are exceptional at this. Old is not going away, nor is history, historic buildings, floorings, and traditions. What the Parisians have done is added modern pieces as an element of surprise that instantly creates swoon-worthy rooms.

One of my favorite ways to play this concept through is with art. A collage that includes one piece that adds an element of surprise is an instantaneous way to create this effect.

And you can reverse the process. If you have a modern home and your grandma just granted you her favorite ottoman, count yourself lucky. Give it a new life and it will be the conversation starter at your next party.

We feel comfortable with the familiar, by adding in the unexpected we can bring a little joy to the next object and ourselves. Smartly blending old and new is a straightforward design tool that can easily be integrated into your own home.

Have a Happy Old & New Year!

REVIEW!

OLD IS NEW? That is to say that old can be made new or mixed with new to add interest and even intrigue. ♦ GET YOUR HANDS A LITTLE DIRTY and revive a keepsake or historical piece to bring some history into the room. ♦ OLD IS HERE TO STAY? Indeed it is. It's not going away any more than history itself and the lovely artifacts the years lend. ♦ A LITTLE JOY can come from that next object we renew and blend into our decor (blend or create a focal point, that is). ♦ STAY CALM & DESIGN ON (and if you need a little help...that's okay, too... that's what we're here for)

DASHA HERVEY

WAYS TO BALANCE WORK & 7 life with a toddler!

contributed by Katie Pierce

We all know that finding balance while juggling multiple responsibilities at once isn’t an easy task. As a mom, tending to your toddler better while trying to meet your work and personal needs may sound too good to be true. It takes a lot of practice, patience, perspiration, and persistence to multitask without neglecting other needs.

Knowing that toddlers require a lot of our attention and are highly dependent on parents, how do we keep it all together?

Why work-life balance matters

With a good work-life balance, you can have the physical, mental, and emotional energy to give to your toddler to help facilitate development and learning. What’s good about a well-balanced life is that you can enjoy life’s fullness, feel healthier and energetic, cope with stress, prevent work burnout, and feel powered to nurture family relationships and growth.

1 UNGRASP THE GUILT

To let go of guilt fully, stop beating yourself up over choices and circumstances that didn't or won't work out. Believe that everything is okay as long as you’re doing the best that you can with your best intentions for your family and at work.

2 MAKE MORNINGS MOTIVATING

Pressure and the feeling that you need to rush or clock in to work as soon as you wake up surely don’t start mornings well as they don’t give you enough downtime to gear up and plan your day. To avoid this, start planning your to-do list and do time blocking ahead of time.

3 CREATE & ORGANIZE A FAMILY CALENDAR

Making time for your family, especially for your toddler, is critical both during weekdays and weekends. A family calendar may include due dates of bills, a list of school and family events or activities, birthdays, and many more. This way, you can keep track of the important family moments you shouldn’t miss.

4 BE AWARE

Awareness means being able to identify swiftly if there’s something that has to be taken care of immediately. This also means extending grace to yourself when you feel like you’ve made a wrong move or heeding what your body or mind needs.

5 COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR COMPANY EMPLOYER

To keep boundaries, it’s crucial to communicate with your HR representative or employer regarding your negotiables and non-negotiables between personal or family life and work. However, it’s crucial to align first with your arrangement with your company and know how much time you can take off. By knowing such information, you can further justify your proposal terms, gauge their feasibility, and identify alternatives that’ll allow you and your company to meet halfway.

6 LIMIT DISTRACTIONS

Let’s admit it, it’s difficult to stay focused when non-urgent or not-so-important undertakings keep stealing our attention— may they be beeping devices or other non-priority tasks. You may consider setting time limits when checking emails or making calls and reducing screen time to maximize physical moments.

7 REST & REJUVENATE

A refreshing and unrushed rest allows you to recharge, take care of your personal needs, and gear up for another long day as a working mom. You can do this by making time for your hobbies or leisure activities, skincare routine, exercising, regularly getting a good night’s sleep, and many more. If you feel pressured to look after your children in your downtime, what’s good is that you can also take them with you, and share your personal leisure moments with them. As you hit the gym with your toddler, consider visiting play gym for babies, too.

Rest is never a waste of time, so make sure to keep it a priority. Without enough rest, it’s hard to be effective in the things that you do and manage your time better.

THE BOTTOM LINE

As a working mom, it’s not easy to balance everything at once. There will always be days when we feel we won’t be enough. And that’s okay, as long as you do your best.

Instead of feeling stuck, appreciate yourself more often, rest if you must, and don't miss celebrating little joys as a career woman and a mom. You can also consider the tips above to help you balance work and life.

tips for getting kids into college

by Kelly Crotty

THE PROCESS CAN BE DAUNTING! IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS, I HELPED MY OLDEST TWO CHILDREN WITH OVER 60 COLLEGE ESSAYS AS THEY APPLIED TO A COMBINED 28 COLLEGES. OUR FAMILY HAS VISITED 32 CAMPUSES. I’D LOVE TO USE MY KNOWLEDGE TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THIS PROCESS.

KELLY CROTTY

My name is Kelly Crotty, and I love to help families with the college search and application process. Whether it’s researching schools that would be a great fit, staying on top of application deadlines, writing compelling essays, editing and re-editing those essays, obtaining aid, or planning travel to see colleges, I can help with all of it! My years of experience as a professional magazine editor have really helped college applicants develop tight, clear content, and I can help edit essays so that they sound as sophisticated and polished as possible. Over the past few years, I have edited hundreds of college essays.

HOW I CAN HELP YOUR STUDENT

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Good grades and involvement throughout high school are huge factors in college applications. Now is definitely the time to start the process and make a list of potential schools to research and visit. Current high school freshmen and sophomores should be researching and ideally visiting schools to know where they would like to apply. Good grades, involvement, work experience and community service, ideally four years of a language, test scores...all of these are important from freshman year on. Current high school juniors should have a solid list of schools to which they plan to apply and start their applications, activities, and essays by the winter/spring before senior year. I’d love to help your student break down this competitive process into less intimidating steps, making it less stressful for the family!

I charge by the hour. I find that people like this method; they can pick and choose what they want to do themselves and what they’d like me to help with. I’d definitely recommend having me start on a spreadsheet for your student that will encompass a bunch of information for the schools they’re interested in.

If you need help navigating the college entrance journey, contact me. I''m here for you!

KELLY CROTTY kellywhitecrotty@gmail.com 760-473-0478 kellycrotty.wixsite.com/my-site-5

TASTY, HEART-HEALTHY DISH-

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with about 38% of American adults diagnosed with high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. These cooking tips can help you prepare heart-healthy meals that could help improve cholesterol levels by reducing excess saturated fat and trans fat.

Cook Fresh Vegetables the Heart-Healthy Way — Roasting, steaming, grilling or baking can help bring out the natural flavors of vegetables. Adding herbs and spices can also help make veggies tastier, including combinations like basil with tomatoes, oregano with zucchini, dill with green beans or rosemary with peas and cauliflower.

Reduce Saturated Fat in Meat and Poultry

The amount of saturated fat in meats can vary widely, depending on the cut and how it’s prepared. Opt for poultry and fish over red meat and look for lean cuts of meat with minimal visible fat, which should be trimmed away before cooking. Also limit processed meats such as sausage, bologna, salami and hot dogs, which are often high in calories, saturated fat and sodium.

Use Liquid Vegetable Oils in Place of Solid Fats Some fats are better for you than others. Liquid vegetable oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower, soybean and olive oil can often be used instead of solid fats, such as butter, lard or shortening. If you must use margarine, try the soft or liquid kind.

to prepare

ingredients

Salted water

1/4 cup tequila or white vinegar

2 tsp lime zest

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

2 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp chipotle pepper canned in adobo sauce, minced, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce

1 - 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat discarded nonstick cooking spray

3 bunches asparagus spears, trimmed

1/4 tsp salt

Find more heart-healthy recipes and tips for lowering cholesterol at heart.org/cholesterol

Heart Association

Find more heart-healthy recipes and tips for lowering cholesterol at heart.org/cholesterol

1/2 tsp black pepper, divided 2 tbsp canola oil or corn oil

IN SMALL BOWL stir tequila, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. Pour into large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and seal bag tightly; turn bag to coat. Refrigerate 2-12 hours.

PREHEAT GRILL TO MEDIUM-HI

LIGHTLY SPRAY grill grates with nonstick cooking spray.

IN LARGE DISH sprinkle asparagus with salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle with oil. Turn asparagus over to coat.COOL prior to serving.

REMOVE CHICKEN from marinade. Discard marinade and wipe most of it off chicken. Sprinkle chicken with remaining pepper.

GRILL 8-10 MINUTES or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Transfer to plate and cover with aluminum foil.

PLACE ASPARAGUS ON GRILL facing opposite direction of grates. Grill 7 minutes, or until tender but still crisp

SERVE asparagus with chicken

Find more heart-healthy recipes and tips for lowering cholesterol at heart.org/cholesterol

IN MEDIUM BOWL mix yogurt and honey.

LINE 9-BY-13-INCH BAKING DISH with parchment paper. Use spatula or knife to spread yogurt over entire bottom of dish.

POUR chopped nuts over yogurt. Use fingers to slightly press into yogurt.

TOP yogurt with mango, blackberries and blueberries and slightly press into yogurt.

COVER with plastic wrap or foil and place in freezer overnight.

TO SERVE: Lift parchment paper from baking dish onto cutting board. Use hands to break bark into pieces

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association

Recipe courtesy of the American

KEEP HEALTH TOP OF MIND. WHEN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO OTHER CHILDREN EXPOSES THEM TO ILLNESSES LIKE COMMON COLDS, STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEMS CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PERFECT ATTENDANCE AND A FEW DAYS OF ABSENCES.

To help boost your children’s immunity, consider these tips from the experts at Healthy Family Project:

Eat Healthy Foods — Focusing on foods that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help boost immunity by protecting the body from free radicals that cause inflammation and damage cells. For example, vitamin C boosts the function of immune cells and foods high in fiber help keep the digestive system healthy.

Broccoli provides a good source of vitamin C, but if your kids aren’t big fans of the green veggie, turn to these Broccoli Tater Tots for an easy way to sneak some greens onto the family table. Due to their high vitamin C content, mandarins are another perfect addition to family diets. Their small size makes them easy to pack in lunches, toss in a bag or enjoy in a sweet treat like Frozen Creamsicle Yogurt Bites.

Get Plenty of Sleep The Sleep Foundation recommends 9-11 hours of sleep each night for kids ages 6-13. Proper sleep helps regulate the body’s biological rhythms, helping people stay healthy. Exercise Regularly — Whether your children participate in sports or just enjoy playtime, encourage exercise to help boost the immune response, particularly during colder months when they may spend more time indoors. Reduce Stress — Adults aren’t the only ones who experience stress. Talk to your children about anxiety, stress and mental health, as stress can leave them feeling run down while weakening the immune system, leading to less energy for fighting illnesses. Drink Water — Hydration plays a major role in keeping immune systems functioning properly by aiding the production of white blood cells, which are important for fighting off infection.

to prepare

PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES

ingredients

2 russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

cold water

2 cups broccoli florets

1 large egg

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp garlic powder

IN LARGE STOCKPOT cover potatoes with cold water. Cover and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce to low and simmer 3 minutes. Add broccoli; don’t stir.

COVER AND COOK 4-5 minutes, or until tender.

DRAIN

IN LARGE BOWL mix egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and garlic powder until just combined.

IN FOOD PROCESSOR pulse potatoes and broccoli 8-10 times until finely grated. Add to breadcrumb mixture and stir to combine.

USE TABLESPOON to scoop potato mixture into 40 mounds.

Find more immunity-boosting recipes at HealthyFamilyProject.com

SHAPE EACH into oval and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.

BAKE 10 minutes

FLIP AND BAKE additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

PLACE one piece of parchment paper on baking sheet that fits in freezer.

PEEL AND SEPARATE mandarin into individual slices.

PLACE one big scoop yogurt in small bowl.

DIP EACH mandarin slice in yogurt, covering about half of each slice.

PLACE individual mandarin slices on parchment paper.

ADD sprinkles.

FREEZE at least 1 hour or overnight if adding to lunchboxes.

Find more immunity-boosting recipes at HealthyFamilyProject.com

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project