Bonnie Magazine April-May 2013

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bonnie

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m a g a z i n e published by Big Monkey Group LLC

address 1017 L Street #731 Sacramento, CA 95814 telephone 1.888.289.0521 fax 1.866.298.0408 www.readbonnie.com publisher

SHAWN CRARY editor GAYLE R. ROMASANTA advertising director NOEL FIELDING advertising executives LISA ADAMS KRISTEN CRAIG MICHELLE HAYES SUSAN HARTLE art director SHAWN CRARY web and graphic design LOUIE AMBRIZ contributing writers STEPHANIE GARCIA CHERISE HENRY CHRISTI REYNOLDS MISS KNOW IT ALL CORINNE VAN HOUTEN photographers LOUIE AMBRIZ EMILIE BOURDAGES PHOTOGRAPHY MEMORIES BY MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY accounts receivable/payable ERNESTO GALLARDO advertising inquiries advertise@readbonnie.com story ideas or comments gayle@readbonnie.com billing questions billing@readbonnie.com bonnie magazine isand distributed to over 550 high-traffic locations throughout the Greater Sacramento Region. 19,000 copies are printed. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of copy or comments submitted to Big Monkey Group LLC, and/or bonnie magazine.

Contents may be edited for clarity and length. ©2013 BIG MONKEY GROUP LLC

ON THE

COVER

Cover model Elizabeth Anaya, shot on location at The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento.

Photo by Emilie Bourdages Photography. Makeup by Christi Reynolds Makeup Artistry.

Hair by Angela Nimcheski.

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{inside} 9 27

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FITNESS//

Skip Rochette, 81-year-old fitness guru

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FASHION// Special spring occasion dresses

17 FAMILY//

Tubman House promotes healthy transitional living 27 ART & WINE//

Tip your glass to nearby stomping grounds

42 POP CULTURE//

Designer vagina’s...yep, you can buy one

IN EVERY ISSUE 22//Mobilizing Leadership 30//916 Events 34//Retail Therapy 36//I Love...

37//Ask Miss Know It All 38//Snap Shots 41//Fab University 46//Life Transformation 48//Reviewed 50//She-tistics {sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

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can’t believe it’s already the fourth issue of bonnie Magazine. Even though it’s only been four issues, I’ve learned a lot along the way. A few things I learned about being a women’s magazine editor:

Being accountable to a large audience (about 79,000 readers) helped to keep me healthy and lose weight for my monthly Life Transformation articles. Getting healthy means sacrifice, strategy, and breaking long-term habits. As this month’s featured inspirational woman, 81-year-old personal trainer Skip Rochette told me, “It’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do in your life.” Check out Skip’s amazing story written by Stephanie Garcia on page 6. She was a joy to talk to during our photo shoot, and she gave me a pep talk about sustaining a healthy new me. Read more about this month’s Life Transformation on page 46.

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PHOTO BY // GENA ROMA PHOTOGRAPH

I’ve gone through two Victorinox Swisscards over the last ten years. It’s an essential that saves me in a pinch. Every day I use this tool for something—filing nails, cutting a piece of thread, paper, or price tags off of brand new clothes, picking a stray lettuce leaf from my tooth, writing down an important note—you name it. With a pen, small blade, scissors, toothpick, tweezers, pin, and file, it’s handy. It also fits anywhere, since it’s the same size as a credit card.

A Season of Learning and Growing

gayle’s gab

SHOW & TELL

I also learned a lot from bonnie writer Cherise Henry’s article about the nonprofit organization, Waking the Village’s Tubman House, a transitional community serving young parents and their children. Cherise went into the interview unsure of how open the women would be, and how they would react to discussing their life at Tubman House. She was greeted with light, love, and wisdom. In a world filled with individualistic goals and ideas—one idea still holds true: it still takes a loving village to raise women and children. Find out how Tubman House accomplishes helping young women and their families on page 17.

+ WOMEN, TALK TO ME! I’d love to hear what you thought about this issue— what you liked, what you could do without, and what you’d like to see in the next issue. gayle@readbonnie.com

We’re also trying something new for this issue—we used local model Elizabeth Anaya for our cover. As I’m beginning to learn, there are so many fabulous local designers in this region, along with talented models, and a hot Fashion Week that happened this past March. Sacramento has come into its own in this respect. Sacramento is getting even more national coverage, with Sacramento designer Richard Hallmarq on the reality television show Project Runway. London, Milan, New York...Sacramento? Certainly our area’s fashion presence has expanded tremendously over the past couple years. bonnie is proud to be the newest contributor to the scene–this issue, we bring you trends in spring fashion, see pages 9-15.

I hope you enjoy this issue and what our team put together. After you read it, go outside, plant some tomatoes, smell some flowers, and be kind (to others and yourself).

Gayle R. Romasanta // editor

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fitness

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Fit and Fabulous One woman’s story about overcoming depression with exercise

BY // STEPHANIE GARCIA PHOTO BY // EMILIE BOURDAGES PHOTOGRAPHY MAKEUP BY // CHRISTI REYNOLDS MAKEUP ARTISTRY

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n January of this year, Skip Rochette turned 81 years old—but don’t let her age or her two recent hip replacements fool you— she’s in shape, completely focused, and healthier than most people half her age.

For more than 40 years, Rochette has been whipping her clients into shape in their home gym, and most recently, at Snap Fitness in El Dorado Hills where she’s currently a personal trainer. “I’ve been training my body for 40 years, and training myself for 50 years.”

Rochette’s life story is something you would see in a movie. In 1950-1951, she played professional baseball with the Arthur Murray Girls’ Baseball team where she was a pitcher for two years. She coached her sons’ baseball team in the 60s, at a time when women were not coaching sports. In fact, nine boys switched teams because their fathers wouldn’t think to have a female coach—until her team won five titles.

Rochette has done it all, including seeing the entire United States from the comfort of her bicycle—twice.

She tells stories about her life as if they were no big deal, with perseverance, and an attitude towards life that probably saved her own.

Rochette grew up in Long Island and settled in Hyde Park, New York, where she was married at the age of 20. As a homemaker raising five children, Rochette did what most women did after the chores were done, she would hang out with her girlfriends.

“Every day, we would get together at one house,” she said. “While the children played, we would sit around and complain and drink.” Rochette would have a few drinks just to get the courage to go home.

Home was not a happy place.

Rochette’s then-husband was an abusive man, and hit her often.

Alcohol helped her tolerate her unbearable spouse. “I felt worthless,” she said. “He berated me—he had me convinced that my opinion didn’t count, and that I couldn’t do anything on my own.”

Slowly, she realized that she had become dependent on alcohol.

“One cocktail was not a problem, but soon, I saw that we were all drinking four or five every single day,

and waking up to have another.”

Rochette was a 30-year-old mother of five children when she had her personal wake-up call. “I just woke up one day and decided I needed to stop drinking—so I did, cold turkey.”

While her friends continued to host play dates, Rochette picked up their kids and got out of town. “I didn’t like seeing the kids around all that drinking, so I would pick them up and take them out for the day, or even camping for the weekend.”

But day trips with the kids and time away from home did not stop the constant abuse. At age 39, Rochette found herself severely depressed, and on the verge of suicide. “I remember driving toward a bridge and at the last moment, I turned away. I knew I needed help because killing myself that day seemed logical to me.”

Rochette wanted to get better. She had to care for her children who were 13, 11, 9 and 7-year-old twins. She relied on the only thing that she knew made her feel strong—exercise—and regularly visited a therapist. “The only thing I had confidence in was being an athlete,” she said.

An athlete her whole life, it had been years since she had maintained a regular fitness routine, so she had to start from scratch. “At first, I could barely lift five pound weights.” But as her body got stronger, her mind began to come around too. “Back then, no one talked about depression,” she said. “But I got myself out of it, through working out.” Rochette’s mission is to help her clients realize that they can overcome depression and other ailments with a stringent workout regime.

“Exercise changes the brain, and once the body starts coming around, the brain follows.” Soon, she got strong enough to leave her marriage. “I felt strong physically and mentally. I knew I could take care of myself and the kids alone.”

Rochette devised a plan to leave her husband. First she met with

continued on page 51

{sacramento’s {sacramento’s lifestyle lifestyle magazine magazine for for women} women}

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SHOP DOWNTOWN AUBURN

Exclusive Advertising for Downtown Auburn Businesses. To participate, contact Susan Hartle @ (650) 575-1502.

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fashion

Take advantage of spring and slip into a feminine and flirty dress. There’s a color and silhouette for everyone.

Don’t forget to accessorize with a statement necklace or dainty earrings, or a bold, bright attitude.

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Model // Elizabeth Anaya Joseph Ribkoff pink dress, $260 Felicia Strati // Sacramento

HAIR Angela Nimcheski Sacramento MAKEUP Christi Reynolds Makeup Artistry Sacramento LOCATION The Firehouse Restaurant Old Sacramento PHOTOGRAPHY Emilie Bourdages Photography Roseville

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Models // Elizabeth Anaya and Victoria Rivera Red zipper chevron dress, $39 Triangle necklace, $16 Jade stripe maxi, $64 House of Harlow spike necklace, $89 Heart Clothing Boutique // Sacramento

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Model // Kristie O’Brien Misope black and white stripe dress, $35 Triple blue ring set, $14 Rire Boutique // Sacramento Janell Lacayo one-of-a-kind vintage up-cycle and brass ball chain necklace, $20 Nectar // Sacramento

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Models // Victoria Rivera, Elizabeth Anaya, and Kristie O’Brien (on Victoria) Blue flower dress, $59.99 Heart Clothing Boutique // Sacramento Coral necklace, $24 Hammered gold cuff, $15 Rire Boutique // Sacramento

(on Elizabeth) Coral dress with gold studded collar, $49 Owl necklace, $15 Heart Clothing Boutique // Sacramento Gold armor ring, $16 Turquoise knotted bow belt, $22 Rire Boutique // Sacramento

(on Kristie) Emerald maxi dress, $42 Rire Boutique // Sacramento Gold bracelet, $15 Gold hoop earrings, $9 Heart Clothing Boutique // Sacramento

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Models // Kristie O’Brien and Elizabeth Anaya Ya Purple dress with sequin neckline, $48 Rire Boutique // Sacramento Leopard knuckle clutch, $36 Heart Clothing Boutique // Sacramento My Story Teal Dress, $38 Triple floral necklace, $32 Rire Boutique // Sacramento

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Model // Victoria Rivera Joseph Ribkoff navy dress, $298 Felicia Strati // Sacramento

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family

It Takes a Village to Raise a Family Tubman House Teaches Women

and their Families Sustainability, Happiness, and Health

BY // CHERISE HENRY PHOTOS BY // MEMORIES BY MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

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ridget Alexander, 45-year-old executive director and co-founder of Tubman House, is intricately part of this village that raises families. Her brown hair is thrown back under a stylish yet simple scarf. She tells me before the interview she’s a no makeup kind of gal. Lucky for her, her beauty inside and out bears no such need for cover-up.

Alexander explains Tubman House is a nonprofit organization launched in 2003 with Blithe Raines, co-founder and program director, and provides approximately 18 months of housing and universal support for Sacramento’s homeless and parenting young adults, and their children. “It allows the residents to get busy living, rather than surviving.” She says with a look of sheer gratification that nearly 120 young adults and their 90-100 children have thrived and graduated from the program over the last 10 years.

Based in two houses and serving eight families at any given time, each resident experiences healthy living, intensive case management, parental coaching, and educational support to fully prepare them to graduate from the program as leaders in their own day-to-day lives, in the lives of their children, and communities where they reside.

Residents come into the program with various backgrounds and life situations. Some come from abusive relationships and families, some with drug addictions, some with debt through continued on page 18

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TUBMAN HOUSE continued from page 17 the roof. Every resident is different, but all come for the same reasons: to overcome their current struggles and become the person they know they can be— for themselves, for their children, and for their communities.

“If the will is there, that’s all we need,” says Alexander.

Kim, 20, is a program graduate, Sunomie, 21, is soon graduating, and *Selena, 20 is a program newbie. All three young, beautiful women sit with Alexander and me in the Tubman House living room. Kim and Sunomie are quite relaxed and playful, ready to talk about their experiences at Tubman. Selena, although cheerful, is a bit more reserved having not yet experienced or gone through the skill building done at Tubman.

Kim, Sunomie, and Selena all have young children; five total, all under the age of four.

Sunomie and Kim both experienced having their second children while living at the Tubman House, and Sunomie and her husband were the first to be married at Tubman. You can see the bliss and gratefulness in her eyes when she talks about the very special, and unique, wedding experience.

Kim and her fiancé graduated the program last year and are now living in affordable housing with their two young children.

“No other program serves families the way Tubman does, especially allowing the dad to come through the program,” she says. “We learned how to be in a relationship together, be better parents, and break the cycle from the lives we came from.

We were taught a better way of living and how to be successful in your own way.”

When there’s an opening in the program, Alexander contacts the bonnie magazine

{sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

“No other program serves families in the way Tubman does. We are taught a better way of living...”

Kim // Tubman House Program Graduate

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next person on the ever-growing waiting list to come in for an interview with the community (the “community” are the collective residents and staff members of the Tubman House). The potential resident attends the interview and is required to bring an essay describing who they are and why they want to be a part of this program.

Once accepted, the new resident moves into one of the two homes. If she has children, they come with her. The father of the children has the option to join, too. To be truly effective, all residents are required to dedicate themselves to the program entirely. It’s a huge commitment that, if completed successfully, will pay off in even grander ways throughout the course of their lives.

Each house has a live-in house director to establish consistency and overall culture of the home.

Homes are full-service with a living room, children’s play area (inhouse childcare), laundry room, furnished kitchen, front and back yards, two to three bathrooms, four bedrooms, garage, study space with computers and internet connection, and phones.

“Living in a community of other young adults, residents learn from staff and each other how to get along, support one another, and work as a team to establish a safe, clean, and joyful home atmosphere,” says Alexander.

Each resident works with coaches and house directors to establish individual short-term and long-term goals, and find and layout the path on how to get there. “You can actually create the road to your goals,” Kim says. “You come here and they ask about what you want to do and want out of life… and they help you.”

Tubman House provides numerous services to help

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residents reach their goals. This includes building relationships with doctors and counselors; enhancing life skills through weekly workshops and morning meetings with Tubman coaches; addressing psychological problems and addiction problems; learning about healthy living by staying active and having a scheduled daily routine; strengthening parenting skills through workshops and relationship clinics; finishing GEDs and attending local colleges; and planning for a life-long career for stability.

Recently, financial woes rocked the Tubman House community when major federal funding was cut. With a lot of hope and action, the community came together for fundraising efforts, seeking additional support from outside sponsors. “Nearly 60 percent of our funds went out the door with no notice. We almost went under,” said Alexander. “People just rallied around us, it was amazing. To be honest we’re a stronger agency because of it.”

Kim says that although she was almost a graduate of the program at the time, she felt devastated because she “just couldn’t imagine Tubman not being here and not able to do for other people what it did for our family.”

Alexander shares good news that the funds have been restored and approved for the next several years giving some much needed wiggle room in the Tubman House budget. The women light up with joy and sense of relief for the entire Tubman community.

“It’s a metaphor, really, for what we do here at Tubman.

Cutting federal aid made us realize how much we need to be self-sufficient, just like these women. Ultimately, what you’ve been through will make you a stronger woman because of it.” continued on page 20

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“If the will is there, that’s all we need.”

Bridget Alexander // Tubman House Executive Director and Co-Founder

TUBMAN HOUSE continued from page 19 In 2009, Waking the Village (overarching program that runs Tubman House and Art Beast) launched Art Beast Children’s Studio - an arts exploration space for children, generates funding for the program, provides employment to Tubman clients, connects Tubman’s parents to the broader community of parents, and facilitates aftercare by providing all current and former clients with free memberships.

“The biggest challenge for me is wishing we had the capacity to keep our residents within a

program in the next phase of their lives, once they graduate from Tubman,” says Alexander.

“There’s a dangerous learning curve once they go into the world outside of Tubman. I wish we were able to provide a program for that next phase.”

Alexander’s greatest achievement is that she, simply put, loves her job. And through all the hardships Tubman House residents have endured, struggles while going through the program, and the day-to-day stress a wonderful nonprofit like this brings, Alexander lives with an everlasting smile on her face, and on her heart. b

*name changed to protect privacy

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit www.wakingthevillage.org to support the Tubman House. . {sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

Tubman House services include:

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Building a support network Build relationships with a doctor, counselor, dentist, employer, college counselor, childcare provider, and Tubman coach.

Enhancing life skills Residents engage in weekly workshops, morning meetings, on-site child development duties, household management and meetings, nightly community dinners, and coaching sessions. Every Friday, Tubman directors or guest speakers lead interactive workshops on various topics including active citizenry, environmental issues, stress management, birth control, nutrition, healthy relationships, and job skills.

Improving interpersonal skills

Each house models a healthy and regenerative community that sustains, and is sustained by, all its members. By operating as a miniature version of larger society, residents are allowed to practice the skills of community living in a safe space before carrying them into the larger, real world.

Strengthening mental health

Childhood trauma, neglect, abuse, and abandonment have had a devastating impact on residents.

Workshops and coaches teach healthy ways to express anger, resolve conflict, and establish boundaries. Community living provides a model of healthy relationships where residents can rebuild trust and learn the give and take that maintains a community. Proper nutrition and sleep also improve mental wellness.

Supporting physical health Residents benefit from healthy meals, full nights of sleep, checkups, and regular exercise, and are connected to the doctors, specialists, and medical coverage needed.

Budgeting Upon entry, coaches assist residents in filing for back taxes, applying for financial aid, and connecting to sources of support. Residents save 75% of all income, including college financial aid.

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On-site child development program Tubman’s parent and child development directors lead seven hours of daily activities including art, song, outdoor play, a language rich environment, and activities to nurture motor, emotional, and cognitive development.

Connection to Early Head Start and Nurse Family Partnership Home visitors teach parents to encourage development and expedite connection to services.

Family recreation, and baby and me time Daily quality time ensures parents learn the interactions that promote physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.

Parental coaching Parenting coaching and workshops empower parents to make informed choices about nourishing, disciplining, and promoting development.

Pre-natal support Coaches guide residents in prenatal care, act as a labor coach during the birth, and provides lactation support to new moms.

Maintaining a child-friendly environment All agree to keep the TV off until the children are sleeping, to keep anything dangerous off the floor, to talk about topics good for children’s spirits, and to protect them from danger.

Connection to childcare services Residents learn how to fund future childcare and develop skills to find a quality program.

Education Youth need to pursue careers that will provide a lifetime of meaning and stability to effectively lift a family out of poverty, provide income to sustain housing and provide meaning to sustain the spirit. Residents are encouraged to attend college for credits toward a degree or career certificate.

Job securing and career planning Residents develop skills to secure and retain jobs, learn where to search for jobs, anticipate interview questions, and learn to read a paycheck, estimate their monthly pay, and determine the hours they need to work to make ends meet.

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mobilizing

LEADERSHIP

California Women Lead’s Women’s Empowerment Day at the Capitol Keynote Speaker Confirmed

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oin luncheon keynote speaker State Board of Equalization member and 2014 candidate bonnie magazine is proud to partner with for State Controller Betty Yee and be the organization California inspired to lead. Yee is a native of San Women Lead—bringing issues Francisco and a proud product of its K-12 public affecting the lives of women around the state. schools. Yee was born to immigrant parents who established a laundry and dry cleaning business in the Parkside District “Empowered Women of San Francisco and Panel” Will Inspire You operated it for 30 to Take Your Career and Your Public Service to years. The second the Next Level oldest of six children, Yee grew up speaking California Women Lead is proud to announce our “Empowered no English at home.

Women Leaders” panel made up As with her siblings, of women leaders from the public and private sectors. The panel when not in school, she worked the counter of will inspire women to reach their leadership potential. Moderated her parents’ business, interacting with customers,

by Oakland City Auditor Courtney and often translating for her parents with Ruby, assemblymember Kristin Olsen, former Sacramento City vendors, as well as assisting in financial councilmember Lauren Hammond transactions for them. Yee’s work ethic was and Sacramento Metro Chamber board member Christi Black will modeled after her parents, who never closed the ENGAGE and EMPOWER on how women can and should lead. business other than on Sundays and holidays, and never took vacations.

Courtney Ruby Oakland City Auditor

Courtney Ruby is serving her second term as Oakland’s elected city auditor. Courtney is committed to creating a model city auditor’s office that will work to ensure accountability and transparency in government for all Oakland citizens. In March 2010, an Association of Local Government Auditors peer review team found the office of the city auditor met the highest government standards in performance auditing.

Ruby is a certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner.

She has dedicated her life to the service of others and to ensuring that organizations manage their financial resources effectively.

She is the former vice-chair of the budget advisory committee for the

continued on page 24 bonnie magazine

Yee serves as one of five members on the California State Board of Equalization, the nation’s only elected tax commission. She represents close to 9 million Californians in the First Equalization District, comprised of 21 counties primarily along the northern and central California coast. It also includes the entire San Francisco Bay Area — the home to many of the state’s most prominent industries, such as biotechnology, health care, high tech, financial services, wine, and tourism. Yee was elected to this office

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first in November 2006, receiving over 1.5 million votes, or 65% of the votes cast. She was re-elected in 2010, earning over 1.6 million votes, or 63% of the votes.

Prior to serving on the Board of Equalization, Yee served as the chief deputy director for budget with the California Department of Finance, where she led the development of the Governor’s budget, negotiations with the legislature and key budget stakeholders, and fiscal analysis of legislation on behalf of the administration. Earlier, Yee held senior staff positions on several fiscal and

policy committees in both houses of the California State Legislature.

Her legislative career began when she served as a senate fellow with the senate committee on health and human services. Preceding her legislative experience, Yee served as a county public health commissioner and worked in the nonprofit sector.

Yee is a strong advocate for mentoring and supporting women, youth, and those from diverse communities who are seeking to enter or are pursuing opportunities in public service or elected or appointed office. Yee currently serves as vice president of California Women Lead, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership training, networking opportunities, and policy discussion forums for women serving in or seeking elected or appointed office.

With demonstrated leadership in serving and as a responsible steward of our tax dollars, Yee is looking to continue serving the public as a fair, yet tough-minded, disciplined State Controller, California’s independent fiscal watchdog. If elected, Yee will continue to restore and maintain California’s fiscal health so that the doors of opportunity in the Golden State may stay open for all.

Yee will be joining California Women Lead as the luncheon keynote speaker at the “Women’s Empowerment Day at the Capitol” on Monday, April 29, 2013 in downtown Sacramento.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.cawomenlead.org. Space is limited.

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Where are California’s Women?

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BY // RACHEL MICHELIN

arch was Women’s History Month —a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women. There were news articles written, Facebook posts made, Tweets sent—all praising the incredible accomplishments of women. This year, in particular, it appeared women had a lot to celebrate. If you read the papers or watched the news, you’ll believe California women have come a long way when it comes to holding political office. California boasts electing the first woman Speaker of the House, first state to elect two female United States senators— Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and the first in the nation to elect an African American woman as Speaker of the Assembly.

But, while the outlook for women nationwide seems brighter, the number of women running for— and winning—elected office in California is dropping, in some cases dramatically. Unfortunately, the most significant drop is occurring at the local level where women traditionally start their political careers.

According to research conducted by California Women Lead, in 2006 women held 37 of the 120 seats in the State Legislature —an all-time high. However, after the 2012 election, women’s representation decreased.

Post-election, there are only 32 women in the Legislature representing less than 30% of legislative seats, even though women represent 51% of California’s population. Out of 296 County Board of Supervisors seats, the number has dwindled to 67. The decline at the local level means fewer women will be groomed for state legislative office in the Rachel Michelin is executive director and coming years.

CEO of California Women Lead.

Negativity, the high cost of campaigning, and the complex roles women juggle have taken a toll on women candidates. In 1992, term limits opened opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups to run for higher office. That year, dubbed “The Year of the Woman,” saw a surge of women winning seats that were previously held by men. However, 20 years later, those gains made in 1992 are dwindling away. continued on page 24 {sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

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WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT DAY continued from page 22 City of Oakland and former board finance chair for a local nonprofit that is dedicated to ending the cycle of homelessness.

Ruby, a graduate of American University, began her accounting career with Deloitte & Touche as a public accountant and was later recognized as a Deloitte & Touche Alumni Role Model. Ruby’s career has also included several key leadership roles, including deputy chief financial officer of the 1996 democratic national convention, deputy chief financial officer of the democratic national committee, and chief financial officer for the Illinois Department of Human Rights.

Ruby is a member of the California Women Lead State Board of Directors and a fierce advocate for women in leadership.

Kristin Olsen, Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen is a committed and respected leader with a reputation for

Courtney Ruby

Lauren Hammond, Commissioner, California State Gambling Control Commission; former Sacramento City Council Member

Lauren Hammond was elected to the Sacramento City Council in 1997, making her the first African American woman in Sacramento history to be elected to the council. After serving for over a decade, she retired and was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as a commissioner on the Gambling Control Commission where she has served for the past two years.

Hammond is a long time community leader and neighborhood activist and has lived in Sacramento for most of her life. While on the city council, Hammond sat on several local joint power authorities. She is also a mem-

Kristin Olsen

reform, problem-solving, and hard work. In 2012, Olsen was selected by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation to be a part of its prestigious Emerging Leaders Program.

The program brings together rising leaders, both republicans and democrats, from all over the United States to participate in a conference at the University of Virginia.

Born, raised, and now raising her own family in Modesto, Olsen has a passion for the communities, businesses, and people of California’s Central Valley and foothill communities. She previously served on the Modesto City Council from 2005 to 2009, where she stood up for fiscal responsibility, public safety, and economic development.

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A vocal advocate for youth and education, Olsen previously served as the assistant vice president for Communications & Public Affairs at California State University, Stanislaus, where she directed the university’s marketing and communications programs and serves on the Board for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)—an organization promoting volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children.

ber of the National Coalition of Black Women (NCBW), the Florin Road Foundation, as well as a Class IX member of the American Leadership Forum (ALF). In 2007, she received the Sacramento State Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award.

Throughout her elective career, Hammond worked on district issues like sidewalks to schools, traffic management, expansion of youth services, and economic development. She also used her voice as an elected official to address citywide concerns including youth empowerment, predatory lending education, smart growth policies, and neighborhood equity.

Hammond is a graduate of C.K. McClatchy High School, Sacra-

{sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

CALIFORNIA’S WOMEN continued from page 23 Women today are accomplished multi-taskers. We raise children, care for elderly parents, hold down demanding jobs, keep homes in order, pursue degrees or second jobs, and volunteer for local community organizations. We are so many things to so many people, that the added stress of running a campaign or serving in public office is not all that appealing. But the skills women bring to government—consensus building, negotiating, and patience —are desperately needed at a time when many levels of government are facing partisan gridlock. The very skills we, as women, use in our everyday lives uniquely qualify us for positions in the public policy arena.

While resolutions were adopted in March honoring what women have done, words on paper are not enough. Women in California are at a critical juncture. We must rally and support each other in the pursuit of elective office, or face further erosion of our voice in making public policy. The truth is women were responsible for the multitude of laws that have significantly improved the status of women and families in California—health coverage for mastectomies, birth control pills, and osteoporosis screening; paid family leave and child care; and enhanced protections through programs on child support and domestic violence.

Organizations like California Women Lead are there to make certain women have the skills and resources to throw their hats into the ring.

Join us now: we have a great deal more history to make.

Lauren Hammond mento City College, and California State University, Sacramento, and is past president of the California Women Lead State Board of Directors.

Christi Black, Executive Vice President, Edelman Christi Black is a respected marketing communications and public affairs consultant, business executive, and civic leader. Her professional expertise includes public affairs, behavior-change marketing, and consumer education.

Black joined global public relations firm Edelman in 2012 after 10 years with Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide. Prior to that, she coowned Deen+Black Public Rela-

Christi Black tions, which had offices throughout California when it was acquired by Ogilvy in 2001.

Black is in line to be the 2015 chair of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest and most politically active chambers in the country. She has a long history of civic engagement, and has served as president or on the board of directors for many nonprofits and business organizations throughout the years. Black has a California Community College Lifetime Teaching Credential in allied health, and was accredited by the PRSA in 1999. In 2012, the Sacramento Public Relations Association honored Christi with a “Lifetime Achievement Award.”

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april//may >> 2013

art & wine

A Celebration of Creative Expression

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Art and Wine in Sacramento BY // CORINNE VAN HOUTEN

A

rt and wine go together like peanut butter and jelly or pizza and beer. That’s why you see art in so many wineries and why so many galleries serve wine at art exhibitions. This is because both wine and art are products of human creativity. One is a delicious liquid made from the earthiest of ingredients—soil, rain, wind, yeast and microbes all feeding on the lovely grape. The other a product of individual expression that may be beautiful or ugly, amusing or boring, but, like wine, stimulates our own creative juices. continued on page 28

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PHOTOS BY // CORINNE VAN HOUTEN

ART & WINE continued from page 27 If you think you have to go to Napa and Sonoma to taste great wine or to San Francisco to see great art, think again. Sacramento is a rich and culturally diverse city replete with wine bars, galleries, and a world class museum (the Crocker Art Museum), offering plenty of opportunities to taste delicious wines and view interesting works of art.

A good place to start your art/ wine exploration is The Old Sugar Mill which is located just south of the Pocket off I-5. With ten wineries offering tastings, this is a fun place to taste wines from different wineries without driving, though it’s good to keep in mind that you still have to drive home! Also, even in warm weather you should remember to bring a coat or jacket. Every time I’ve visited, I’ve been glad I’ve brought something to keep out the chill. The wineries are Todd Taylor, Heringer Estates, The Three 3, Carvalho, Clarksburg, Elevation 10, Merlo Family, Rendez-vous, Due Vigne, and Draconi’s. All are based in the Clarksburg area. I have yet to visit all the wineries (though I intend to soon), but I particularly enjoy Clarksburg Winery and The Three 3. At the time I visited, photographs of brilliant scarlet, gold, and blue sunsets on the Delta by Michael Pieretti (www.deltalove. com) were exhibited on the brick walls in the cavernous central area.

Rail Bridge Cellars is a fun place to go for a drink on a Saturday afternoon or evening (the only day they are open to the public). Their tasting room is situated in the penthouse of the Elks Tower on 11th Street and you can enjoy tasting one of twelve bottles of wine while watching the sun set over the Sacramento skyline. You can also purchase a glass and head down to the balcony on the floor leading to the tasting room where you can relax on the terrace with a view of Sacramento at your feet. It is open from 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. every Saturday and you have a choice of tasting six wines for $10.00, all 12 for $20.00 or you can buy bonnie magazine

Top: The inviting interior of Rail Bridge Cellars tasting bar. Right: Artwork by Jim Rivas at 58 Wine Bar.

a glass for $5.00. I’m especially fond of the Lattice Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and the Right Bank (Merlot/Cab Franc blend).

At the time I was visiting, Chris Lango’s Pages of History was on exhibit. Old newspapers headlining major events and bizarre advertisements mix with posters of famous musicians from Billy Holiday to the Rolling Stones.

At 58 Degrees and Holding, you have a large selection of wines to choose from as well as a bar where you can order a tasting or a glass while enjoying small plates created by Chef F. J. Villalobos. When I was there, I had a delicious wild mushroom flatbread while tasting two blended wines (the “Beautiful Blend duet”); a Lastour Merlot/ Cab Franc/Petite Verdot and a Tablas Creek Patelin Syrah/ Granache/Mourvedre/Counoise.

Both were yummy. The eclectic artwork caught my eye. From

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N

Of the many events celebrating wine and art in the Sacramento area, here are a few upcoming events: Vacaville Art & Wine Stroll Saturday // May 4th, 10:00 a.m.

The Old Sugar Mill

Annual Art, Wine, and Cheese Fundraiser // Saturday, May 8th, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. // Old Soul Bakery, 1716 L Street

35265 Willow Avenue Clarksburg // (916) 744-1615

Art & Wine Affaire El Dorado Hills // Saturday May 11th, 10:00 a.m.

Rail Bridge Cellars Penthouse Lounge

Alameda Park Street Art and Wine Festival // Saturday, July 17th, 10:00 a.m.

921 11th Street, Penthouse Sacramento // (916) 492-2530

Raley’s Grape Escape // Annual festival that takes place at the beginning of June raleysgrapeescape.com

58 Degrees and Holding

1217 18th Street Sacramento // (916) 442-5858

Vacaville Annual Art, Wine, and Brew Festival // first week of September artwineandbrew.com

Downtown and Vine

1200 K Street #8 Sacramento // (916) 228-4518

Revolution Wines

2831 S Street Sacramento // (916) 444-7711

abstract oils to collages of scrap materials to stick figures and brightly colored images of rabbits and cows, I found the work very appealing. Asking who the artists were, I was surprised to discover that they were all the work of one man, Jim Rivas.

Downtown and Vine, like 58 Degrees, offers a variety of California wines such as Iron Horse, Deloach, and Fiddletown Cellars.

Eleven wineries are always available with a twelfth rotating monthly. Gregg Lamer and Kate Chomko are happy to answer any questions you have and they also offer small plates, including artisan cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery, that are perfect accompaniments to their wine. This month wines from Buena Vista are available. I decided to order the Fiddletown Cellars wine flight which included a 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel, 2010 Concerto Barbera, and the 2010 Private Stock

(a blend of Barbera and Alicante Bouschet). All of came from grapes in Amador County and all of which were deeply satisfying. Beautifully serene photographs of vineyards and other landscapes by the artist, Michael D’Agostini, are exhibited year-round.

Another great place to visit is Revolution Wines which is located not far from the Natural Foods Coop on S Street. Like 58 Degrees and Downtown and Vine, the food is delicious as is the wines. However, where both the other wine bars serve a variety of wines from different wineries and areas of the world, Revolution wines are almost all made from local grapes. Almost all are the result of their winemaker, Craig Haarmeyer, who came to Revolution Winery in 2007. Not only is he a gifted winemaker, but he is very personable and open to discussing wines with anyone who drops by when he’s in the tasting room. The

artist of the month for April is Susan Raines who describes her colorful, almost psychedelic photographs as “photo-digital” art which are the result of “multiple exposures, blending, digital painting and editing.”

All of the wine bars and some of the wineries offer special deals for Happy Hour. You can just drop by, give them a call or check their websites to see the hours. Both Rail Bridge Cellars and 58 Degrees participate in Sacramento’s Second Saturday Art Walk. b

+ Corinne Van Houten is a freelance writer, art critic, and wine-lover based in Sacramento. For more information visit her at www.corinnevanhouten.com.

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916

EVENTS bonnie magazine has partnered with Sacramento365.com to highlight upcoming events that we think our bonnie readers will love.

6

Fight for Air Climb Wells Fargo Center Each year, too many lives are lost to lung disease and this is your chance to climb, raise money and make an impact in their honor.

Cost: $25 + fundraising. (916) 585-7664 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441742971/Fight_for_ Air_Climb_2013

6 As the year-round source for Sacramento events, Sacramento365.com features comprehensive listings of arts, cultural, and recreational activities, allowing you to see and experience all Sacramento has to offer. Here’s what’s happening this month.

Ongoing-April 21 The Mountain Top Capital Stage Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Play, The Mountain Top’s soulstirring storytelling fuses theatricality with spirituality to reach a summit that will leave audiences breathless.

Cost: $22-$38. (916) 995-5464 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441719220/The_Mountain_Top

Ongoing-May 5 Master Harold… and The Boys

Sacramento Theatre Company This intimate play explores how both love and hate can influence our lives.

Cost: $15-$46. (916) 443-6722 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441669912/Master_Haroldand_the_Boys

Crocker Art Museum Mike Plante, Short Film Programmer for the Sundance Film Festival, will curate an evening of short films inspired by the works on view in the exhibition Approaching Infinity: The Richard Green Collection of Meticulous Abstraction.

Cost: $6-$12. (916) 808-1179 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441745789/Short_Film_ Showcase_with_Mike_Plante

4

River Cats Baseball: Opening Night Raley Field The Sacramento River Cats open their 14th season in West Sacramento against the Las Vegas 51s.

Cost: $8+ (916) 371-4487 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441746532/River_Cats_ Opening_Night

Begins from Hyatt Regency Sacramento Tour participants will be guided down Sacramento’s original main street exploring the beautiful architecture with many stories dating back to the mid-1800s.

Community Center Theater Come out and enjoy this MozartCoronation Mass with the Sacramento Philharmonic & the Sacramento Opera Chorus.

Cost: $18-$114. (916) 732-9045 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441696509/Mozart_and_ More

6

Festa di Vino Scottish Rite Center Prep your stomach and cleanse your palette. Festa di Vino features music, dancing, auctions, and the area’s best wineries and restaurants ready to impress.

Cost: $45. http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441741529/Festa_di_Vino

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The Blackout Entertainment Event Guild Theater Take part in an evening of live musical performances, poetry readings, and a comedy act.

Cost: $10. (916) 208-7638 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441745289/The_Blackout_Entertainment_Event_2013

Ongoing-June 27 Gourmet on K Culinary Tour

Sacramento Philharmonic: Mozart & More

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45th Annual Bockbierfest

6-Sept 29

Cost $68. (800) 979-3370 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441745241/Gourmet_ on_K_Culinary_Tour

Sacramento Turn Verein

Excursion Train Rides

Enjoy lively German music, Bavarian folk dancing, German food, coffee cake, and Bockbier flowing like the Sacramento River.

California State Railroad Museum

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Cost: $20 (Children $5). (916) 442-7360 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441748025/45th_Annual_Bockbierfest

Cost: $10-$15. (916) 445-6645 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441744936/Excursion_ Train_Rides

Short Film Showcase with Mike Plante bonnie magazine

{sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

Experience the sights, smells, and sounds, as your train rolls along the levees of the Sacramento River.

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Author Talk & Book Signing: Sacramento Chronicles Central Library Sacramento history enthusiasts are invited to hear local author Cheryl Anne Stapp discuss her new book, Sacramento Chronicles: A Golden Past.

Cost: Free. (916) 264-2920 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441746556/Author_Talk_ Book_Signing_Sacramento_Chronicles

9-14

Broadway Sacramento: Billy Elliot the Musical Community Center Theater Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, this joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true earned unanimous critical acclaim on Broadway and won 10 Tony Awards.

Cost: $24-$86. (916) 557-1999 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441649347/Billy_Elliot_the_Musical

11-13

Lord of the Dance by Michael Flatley Three Stages Performing Arts Center This mesmerizing blend of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance is played out by forty dancers over twenty scenes on a grand scale of precision dancing, dramatic music, colorful costumes, and state-of-the-art staging and lighting.

Cost: $39-$59. (916) 608-6888 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441670159/Lord_of_ the_Dance_by_Michael_Flatley

11-14

Banjo-Rama 2013 Clarion Inn & Conference Center A fun time is on tap for the weekend with afternoon workshops, jam sessions, and plenty of music. Come by, bring a friend, meet the stars, and listen to great banjo music.

Cost: $10-$39. (916) 412-3020 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441740956/BanjoRama_2013_

12-14

Just Between Friends Maternity & Kid’s Consignment Sale Folsom Sports Complex

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Cost: Free-$2. (916) 320-1127 http://www.sacramento365.com/event/ detail/441741488/Just_Between_Friends_ Maternity_Kids_Consignment_Sale

12-May 5

Runaway Stage: 42nd Street 24th Street Theatre Based on the classic 1933 movie musical of the same name, 42nd Street is a delightful throwback that the entire family will enjoy.

Cost: $21-$25. (916) 207-1226 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441726761/42nd_Street

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Art 21 Screening of “Paradox”

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Electric Run Cal Expo Electric Run is a 5K run, a show, participation art, and celebration of life.

Cost: $60-$65. http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441743341/Electric_Run

20-21

Indian Arts & Crafts Market California State Indian Museum Native artisans from all over California will be participating in this event. Enjoy shopping for artwork, baskets, gourds, jewelry, soapstone and elkhorn carvings, drums, and much, much more.

Cost: $3. (916) 324-0971 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441744957/Indian_Arts_ Crafts_Market

KVIE Studios

20-28

See an exclusive screening of “Paradox” from Art in the Twenty-First Century, the only prime time national television series focused exclusively on contemporary art. The event features light refreshments and the screening.

Various locations

Cost: Free. (916) 641-3663 http://www.sacramento365.com/event/detail/441742730/Art21_Screening_of_Paradox

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Monthly Wine Dinners: Eponymous Winemaker Robert Pepi

Sacramento International Film Festival The Sacramento International Film Festival is proud to host some of the world’s best filmic talent both globally and locally with over a week of films, workshops, and special events.

Sacramento Swap Meet Sleep Train Arena

Cost: $69. (916) 443-1234 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441746664/Monthly_ Wine_Dinners_Eponymous_Winemaker_ Robert_Pepi

Cost: $8. (916) 955-8777 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441743307/Sacramento_ Swap_Meet

Memorial Auditorium Joe Bonamassa, one of the world’s greatest guitar players, is also evolving into a charismatic blues-rock star and singersongwriter of stylistic depth and emotional resonance. His ability to connect with live concert audiences is transformational.

Cost: $59-$89. (916) 808-5291 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441743484/An_Evening_with_Joe_Bonamassa

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Sutter Children’s Center Wellness Festival

Fremont Park

Fairytale Town

Sacramento Beer and Chili Festival will feature a chili cook off competition (industry and individual) and unlimited beer tastings provided by local breweries. Live music, bike valet, and a Kids Zone with crafts and face painting will all be part of this event. Proceeds benefit the Sacramento Artists Council.

Enjoy fun games, gardening and nutrition workshops, height and weight checks, and more at this free celebration of active and healthy living. Sutter’s medical personnel will also be on hand to answer questions and provide information on childhood diseases and epidemics like diabetes, obesity, and more.

Cost: $15-$40. (916) 716-2319 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441726845/2nd_Annual_Sacramento_Beer_Chili_Festival

Cost: Free. (916) 808-7462 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441744408/Sutter_Childrens_Center_Wellness_Festival

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Join for a special dinner that features the best wineries in Northern California paired with regionally inspired cuisine prepared by Chef Jason Poole and the culinary team at Dawson’s.

An Evening with Joe Bonamassa

6

Sacramento Beer & Chili Festival

Cost: TBD. (916) 524-5138 http://www.sacramento365.com/admin/event/detail/441746961

Hyatt Regency Sacramento

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4 GREAT DATES

Don’t miss out on a chance to participate in this huge traditional style swap meet and see a variety of classic car parts and cars.

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Born to Ride for Wildlife Beatnik Studios The benefit event to protect wild animals includes complimentary food, beverages, a live performance by Cool Black Kettle, silent and live auctions, and a raffle to win a 2013 Harley Davidson Sportster.

Cost: $50. (926) 447-3085 x202 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441728526/Born_to_ Ride_for_Wildlife

continued on page 32

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Sacramento Earth Day Celebration

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Jewish Heritage Festival: Celebrating 65 Years of Israel

Southside Park

20th St. & Capitol Ave.

The 7th Annual Sacramento Earth Day Celebration will be filled with diverse business, non-profit, cultural, and government vendors with practical information, goods, and services for saving money, living healthier, and protecting the environment. There’ll also be great entertainment, activities, and cuisine.

You are invited to the biggest party of the year as the Sacramento region’s Jewish community celebrates Israel’s 65th birthday!

Enjoy a street fair in Midtown Sacramento with live entertainment, food trucks serving Mediterranean fair, shopping, exciting activities for children of all ages, and much more. Learn about Israel’s past and present history and its contributions to the world.

Cost: Free. (916) 444-0022 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441746433/Sacramento_ Earth_Day_Celebration_2013

Cost: Free. (916) 486-0906 http://www.sacramento365.com/event/ detail/441745937/Jewish_Heritage_Festival_Celebrating_65_Years_of_Israel

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Photo Credits: Sacramento Beer & Chili Festival, Kati Garner, Sutter Children’s Center Wellness Festival, Dina Heidrich, Sacramento Earth Day Celebration, Eric Frederickson

Just Between Friends maternity and children’s consignment events are a savvy shopper’s dream! These are not retail stores, but rather savings extravaganzas with 50%-90% off baby gear.

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916 EVENTS continued from page 31

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Vintage 2013: Vintage Goes Green North Ridge Country Club Enjoy an evening with a cool vibe showcasing not-to-be-missed experiences with eclectic beverages and bites in themed rooms, all to benefit Stanford Youth Solutions. The night will be highlighted by a special presentation by America’s Got Talent finalist, sand artist, Joe Castillo.

Cost: $100-$125. (916) 344-0199 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441746926/Vintage_2013_Vintage_Goes_Green

26-28

California Spirit Festival Masonic Temple The California Spirit Festival is home to a collaboration of yoga, dance, meditation, kirtan, and community.

Cost: $279. (916) 798-5643 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441742635/California_ Spirit_Festival

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Don Williams Crest Theatre They came to call Don Williams “The Gentle Giant” in the decades he was a dominating country hit maker because of his unique blend of commanding presence and a laid-back, easy style.

Cost: Free. (916) 782-2909 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441744946/7th_Annual_Art_Studio_Trek

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Day of Giving for the Arts Various locations This first-ever 24-hour challenge for the arts is a very exciting opportunity for arts organizations to receive a match for every donation made. Special events will take place throughout the day.

Cost of donations. (916) 808-3992 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441744958/Day_of_Giving_for_the_Arts

29-30

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Mondavi Center - Jackson Hall With electrifying energy and soulful spirit, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brings both their artistic legacy of outstanding performance and newly choreographed works to Davis.

Cost: $35-$68. (530) 754-2787 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441648167/Alvin_Ailey_American_Dance_Theater For additional May events visit www.readbonnie.com/916-events or www.sacramento365.com.

Cost: $38-$65. (916) 974-1357 http://www.sacramento365.com/event/ detail/441740946/Don_Williams

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Wildflower Wonders Soil Born Farms American River Ranch This year’s Wildflower Wonders will be a showcase of native plants in their natural habitats of the greater Sacramento region. There will be many walks & talks, plus a Discovery Zone for kids.

Cost: $5. (916) 812-2876 http://www.sacramento365.com/ event/detail/441746370

27-28

7th Annual Art Studio Trek Roseville/Rocklin/Granite Bay Twenty-one artists in the Roseville, Rocklin, and Granite Bay areas will open their studios, demonstrate art techniques, and offer their artwork for sale.

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+ For more info on other Sacramento events visit www.Sacramento365.com or simply scan this QR code with your smartphone.

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{get organized}

retail therapy

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Jar-o-Pet Treats

We sure love our pets, don’t we?

After cleaning out that cabinet of expired pet treats, consolidate all pet goodies into one quick and easy, unbreakable jar for easy storage.

$8.99 Petsmart 1738 Watt Avenue // Sacramento (916) 973-8391

Kid-friendly Flexible Tub

Lightweight and flexible, use this multipurpose tub for a variety of needs including keeping kids’ outdoor and/or pool toys nice and tidy all season long.

$5.99 Target 6507 4th Avenue // Sacramento (916) 503-3678

Lose the Paper

Run a paperless home office with NeatDesk desktop, a high-speed duplex desktop scanner and filing system. It scans receipts, business cards, and documents in one batch, while the software identifies, extracts, and organizes key information.

BY // CHERISE HENRY

$399.95 www.neat.com

In the spirit of the big spring clean, we’ve gathered some simple, yet helpful, gadgets to keep you organized after a little de-cluttering.

The Clutter Breakthrough Book + Workbook

Local resident and author, Kelli Wilson, is an expert in clutter and disorganization. Her book takes the reader on a journey to find their own personal source of peace and happiness, and how to maintain a clutter-free lifestyle.

$14.95 - $39.95 A Simple Plan Consulting Orangevale // (916) 765-6104

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The New and Improved To-Do List

PC Magazine listed Any.Do as one of the top organizing apps around. With a 4.5 star rating from 48,589 reviews, and over a million users, it’s worth a download. The free app organizes tasks you want to accomplish with alerts, seamless cloud design, notes and more.

www.any.do

Kitchen Helper Shelf Use these simple shelves to add storage space without the look of extra clutter.

Perfect for stacking items in kitchen cabinets, pantries, craft closets, bathroom cabinets and more. Take advantage of vertical space that is oh-so-often lost.

$9.99 Home Goods 9674 Bruceville Road // Elk Grove (916) 714-4300

Stylish Lidded Bin

Just because you’re boxing up items for closet storage doesn’t mean it still can’t be fun and stylish. Use these large, lidded bins to store anything from blankets to shoes to magazines to scarves—you name it!

$25.98 Target

6507 4th Avenue // Sacramento (916) 503-3678

Simple Jewelry Box

Keep track of all smaller, loose jewelry items like rings and earrings in this canvas jewelry box for safe keeping.

$6.99 Home Goods 9674 Bruceville Road // Elk Grove (916) 714-4300

Decorative Necklace Stand

Display and organize your favorite accessories (perfect for long necklaces!) on this decorative Frenchinspired jewelry stand. Simple and organized, just the way we like it.

$24.99 Home Goods 9674 Bruceville Road // Elk Grove (916) 714-4300

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{i love...} BY // CHERISE HENRY

We want to know what the ladies are lovin’ every month in our I Love… section. This month we stopped by Capitol Avenue in Midtown to find out what women LOVE about springtime here in Sacramento.

Shirley Bellenback

Monica Novoa

50 // Librarian, State of California

54 // California State Employee

“I love the camellia trees. I visit Camellia Grove over in Capitol Park and it’s just beautiful right now. I take walks every single day… it’s great this time of year.”

“I love that on lunch breaks we can go outside and enjoy the sunshine, take a walk, and get some exercise!”

Alex Hansen + Noah 22 // Esthetician + Restaurant Server “I love being in Midtown in spring time and taking my dog for a walk. [The] Beauty of Midtown is that you can walk everywhere, and this time of year is perfect!”

Melo Taylor 26 // Restaurant Server “I enjoy bike rides with all the trees in bloom, along the river, and of course up and down the streets here in Midtown.”

Sharon Garcia 39 // California State Employee “I love when the sun is out with a small breeze, sitting outside watching people, and enjoying the weather, listening to the birds with all the trees in bloom. The kids and I will take walks along the trails too – we all love it.”

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{sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

Brianna Pringle 20 // Massage Therapist “I’m from Minnesota so I’m loving the weather here in California! It’s a nice change from what I’m used to.”

Whitney Huffnagle 26 // Massage Therapist “The trees, the flowers… I think Northern California has one of the most beautiful spring seasons. And this is the only place I’ve ever lived where women wear spring dresses and ride bicycles. I love it!”

april//may >> 2013

ASK

MISS KNOW IT ALL When your bff is unavailable, or you’re too embarassed to ask mom, advice is just a click away! Submit your anonymous questions at www.readbonnie.com/ask Dear MKIA, I love my husband dearly, but ever since we had our baby, I just don’t care about sex anymore. By the time I get home from work, get dinner made, and get the baby to bed, I’m just not in the mood. I know it’s making him feel bad. Help! >>Sadly, I think that this is one of those common things that a lot of women go through after having a baby. I have NO idea why. Let’s see, you just gave birth, which studies statistically show that your body gets completely messed up—hormones and other working parts—will not return to “normal” for approximately one to 18 years. Next, you have to wake up at least one to five times a night to keep the little human quiet, alive, and happy. Then, you get up to get ready for work, and leave the house for eight or more hours. While at work, you start thinking about that recipe you “pinned” for bacon crusted chicken with a side of fresh cut strawberries, garnished with mascarpone...perfect. Stop by the store on the way home, really quick.

Once home, kiss the family and immediately start cooking. But, then you see the laundry has piled up, so you start cleaning, dusting, and organizing in between sneaking in cuddle time with the baby. Hopefully, you find time to read your mail, text a friend, and call your mother. By the time the baby is ready for his/her first threehour sleep cycle, you relax with a glass of wine, or water, and put your feet up. Your body relaxes. You talk to your hubby about your horrible work day. You feel a surge of guilt creep in about working too much. And you get depressed and know that SLEEP is the only option. So you lay your head down, only to feel a boner stuck to your backside. Yeahhhhhhh, sorry buddy. If I had one ounce of energy left, I’d work out.

I have no idea why you’re exhausted.

KIDDING—as women, we are screwed—

no pun intended. Ladies—we need to take care of self before we can take care of anyone else. Here’s my advice: • If there is some way you can divide the household duties so that you can feel relieved, then maybe you’d have more energy. But then there’s that “I’m mom, wife, and no matter what— you will never be able to clean the way I clean” mentality. Try to put it aside. Can you afford a housekeeper, even if it’s once a month?

• Try to tell your spouse that this is a phase and once you all get eight hours of good sleep on a consistent basis—then this will change. Also let him know that a clean house and folded laundry is particularly erotic. (hint, hint.)

• If you think it’s more serious, visit your doctor and see if you’re experiencing postpartum depression and/ or a decrease in hormones.

• If this is more serious—as in he doesn’t turn you on and you’re repulsed by his presence and OH MY GOD WOULD YOU STOP EATING AND BREATHING AROUND ME —well mama, you’ve got to look deep in your heart and see if this is fixable at all.

A healthy mama is a happy mama.

And ain’t no one happy if mama ain’t happy.

Dear MKIA, When my ex has our 14-year-old son for the weekend, he allows our son’s girlfriend to spend the night. They both know I don’t approve, they say nothing’s going on, and they don’t care what I think. What can I do? >>Buy a car seat lady because this is exactly where it’s headed— I know because I watch MTV. In all honesty, I can’t believe that there’s not one, but TWO parents who think this is ok—your ex and that little girl’s parents. My advice is to call a lawyer and see if there’s anything illegal going on here. Your ex is clearly showing the world that he lacks parenting skills and because both kids

are underage, this could be a big deal. If that doesn’t work, show your son a Google search on STDs. Maybe it will help him wrap up his package before he makes a delivery of the human kind.

Dear MKIA, My daughter has adopted a “raw” diet. She eats everything raw, even hamburger and eggs. She feels a lot of pressure from her peer group to be thin and she won’t listen to what I say. I’m afraid this fad diet is going to make her very ill. >>Is this for real? She eats raw hamburger and eggs? The pressure to be thin is a terrible thing to see our teenagers go through. My first instinct is to spike her food with laxatives and then after she has a few days of diarrhea, maybe she will stop. But this also might be what she is looking for—a quick weight loss solution. You don’t say how old your daughter is, so I will guess that she is under 18 years of age.

Therefore, she gets her food from your fridge, with your funds. Stop buying raw meat and eggs (you can survive). If she wants to eat raw, look up raw food diets and adopt that lifestyle, because I hear it’s a very healthy one without all the salmonella. If that doesn’t work, talk to your family doctor. Intervention isn’t just a (great) television show.

Dear MKIA, I was putting away laundry and found a couple of marijuana cigarettes in my son’s drawer. I was curious and (I can’t believe I did this) smoked them myself!

Last weekend, I heard him yelling at his little brother, thinking that he had taken them. I don’t want to tell my son and admit what I did, but I don’t want him to blame his brother either, what should I do? >>You naughty mother. You fold and put away laundry for your teenager still? Shame on you! He’s old enough to do chores now, and maybe if he had a list of them, he’d be too busy to smoke pot.

I’m not mad at you for smoking the pot. What else were you going to do?

Throw it away—pfffft.

But if you heard him yell at his younger brother about it—why didn’t you step in at that moment and confront the kid?

This was a great learning experience for

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both boys—“don’t do drugs, give them to mommy so she can do them,” or something along those lines.

He is a child. You are an adult. He needs to be grounded, take everything away, and unplug all electronics—even the TV. Talk to your son. Why is he doing it? Is he sad? Is he struggling with pain, hurt, loss, sexuality, boredom?

Is he ADHD? I ask that because pot slows those fast thoughts down, trust me, I know. Kids don’t just start smoking pot because they are happy, healthy, and active. It could be innocent experimentation or something worse, but one thing’s for certain—you’ll never know until you talk to him.

Dear MKIA, I’m in sales and I’ve come to the realization that the only way for me to get ahead is to get rhinoplasty.

It wouldn’t be a huge change, just narrowing my nose a little bit, kind of like how Angelina Jolie made her cute nose more striking and defined after she went under the knife. I’m fine with getting cosmetic surgery.

I’ve done my research and know who to go to and I have talked this over with my family. I am ready for the change and I’m very excited for it. However, I have a seven-year-old daughter. What do I tell her when she sees the new mommy? I have to tell her the truth. She knows about “nose jobs” already, since she’s heard my husband and me talking about it and talking about all the celebrities who have done it. Will I hurt her own self-esteem or change the course of her life because I get a nose job? >>In one word, yes. Look, we all have something we want to change about ourselves, but you need to be mindful about the example you’re setting for your daughter. She’s seven. If she’s already aware of the conversations you and your husband have had about rhinoplasty and the celebrities who have gone under the knife (most of them end up looking like plastic cats, by the way), you’re showing her that mommy doesn’t like her nose, and she is surely going to look in the mirror at her own nose, face, body, and want to change hers too. How sad is that?

Leave your nose alone. It is not the “only way for you to get ahead” in sales.

There are many other ways to succeed, like motivational seminars, books or working harder. Haven’t you ever heard of sleeping your way to the top? Geez.

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april//may >> 2013

Hairless In Roseville

Olga Howerton before and after shaving her head for St. Baldrick’s for childhood cancer research. Here she holds a photo of Emma, 4, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2.

PHOTOS BY // SASHA LEAHOVCENCO

BY // STEPHANIE GARCIA

On Saturday, March 2, the Keaton Raphael Memorial and St. Baldrick’s Foundation partnered together to host their annual St. Baldrick’s Celebration fundraiser in Roseville. Hundreds of supporters gathered at the Westfield Galleria mall to shave their heads in the name of cancer survivors.

During St. Baldrick’s head-shaving events, volunteers raise money for childhood cancer research by pledging to shave their heads in support of cancer patients who often lose their hair during treatment. Each participant or team raises money to raise awareness and money for cancer research and treatment.

As a hair stylist for Supercuts, Olga Howerton has been shaving heads at the event for the past three years. This year, she decided to take the plunge and have her hair shaved in support of cancer patients around the world.

She didn’t do it with anyone in mind; she did it with everyone in mind. “I thought about the families who tell me their stories every year at this event (sic),” She said. “And I was inspired by their stories. I thought if I can help raise money and donate my hair to help, then why not?”

Howerton, 30, has worked for Supercuts for eight years now. Three years ago, she was asked to shave heads for this event. “After the event was over, I volunteered the next two years.”

This year, Howerton and her team comprised of 21 Supercuts locations raised more than $27,000 for childhood cancer research.

For the past year, Howerton concentrated on growing her hair out. Before her head was shaved, she became very anxious and thought she might have a panic attack. “I was shaking, and then they cut off my pony tails and I started crying,” she said. “I was scared to see myself bald.”

As they cut off 20 inches of hair, Howerton reminded herself why she was there, and this helped her focus. “I think women define themselves by their hair, and mine was gone. It was very scary, but I love it now. My hair can grow back.”

Next year, Howerton will once again be shaving heads out of the kindness of her heart. “If you can do something to help these families—then why not?“ Will she shave her hair again? Don’t count her out. “Everyone should do this at least once in a lifetime,” she said. “I love my head right now, and I might just do it again!”

For more information on how you can organize or participate in upcoming events, please visit www.stbaldricks.org.

snap shots

bonnie magazine

{sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

Howerton has her head shaved in the St. Baldrick’s celebration fundraiser. PHOTO BY // SAMANTHA DEVORE

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Supercuts hairstylists at the head shaving event at Roseville’s Westfield Galleria. PHOTOS BY // SAMANTHA DEVORE

Piper Finerty raised $4,600.

Howerton shaving Courtney Tluczek’s head.

Howerton shaving Ashlynn Mcleod’s head.

KCRA 3 news reporter Chris Riva asking Taylor Paul and Kyle Raphael why they wanted to participate in St. Baldrick’s day.

Howerton getting a congratulatory kiss from her husband, Sam Howerton, for shaving her head.

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O FP

april//may >> 2013

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FAB

UNIVERSITY Keep your party look simple and low maintenance, so all that you will need to tuck into your evening bag is your ID, keys, and gloss.

Cheers, it’s Party Time!

BY // CHRISTI REYNOLDS

Lighten up on the eyes, focus on your lips and cheeks, and think PINK for your next party or event. This fun punchy shade instantly implies youth, health, and happiness. Pink brightens, and when applied with the right pop of shimmer and glow, it is the perfect transition from those matte powders and smoky winter grays to a fresh and cheerful look for spring. By keeping your party makeup fresh and fun, you won’t be the one having to worry about your smoky eye’s inevitable fade out by night’s end.

Ditch the powder blush and creamy lipstick, and choose a classic lip and cheek stain like Benetint

by Benefit Cosmetics. This rosy tinted and scented liquid has been a go-to for professional makeup artists for decades (it was rumored to have been purchased by the gallon by the late, great professional celebrity artist Kevyn Aucoin). Just a few strokes blended quickly on the apples of the cheeks will create a perfect party flush. Dot a bit of Benetint’s ‘best friend’ Highbeam, a pearly pink cream highlighter, along cheekbones and blend with your fingertips for that perfect red carpet glow.

Skip the lip pencil. Just dot a bit of Benetint on the lips as well to create a rosy pink stain that will last through hours of cocktails and conversation. Simply glaze with a shimmery pink gloss like Bobbi Brown Bellini for a sparkly shine that will be easy to touch up, no mirror required!

Lighten and brighten your eyes. Choose a sheer shimmery wash of a pinky beige or soft bronze eyeshadow, like MAC All That Glitters or Retrospeck. Sweep one shade along lids and blend up to your brow bone. Add definition with a bit of black or brown eyeliner just along your lash lines, and add some wispy false lashes for fun.

Try Ardell Demi Wispies lashes, available at almost any drugstore.

Apply false lashes AFTER all makeup is complete, even mascara. Add a thin layer of adhesive (I recommend DUO) and let it dry until tacky on the lash band before attaching along your lash line. This way, the false lash won’t slip around, and it will stay put! One last coat of mascara to blend and done!

The perfect accessory to your pink party look is a touch of bronze glow.

Shimmer any skin your party dress exposes (shoulders, neckline, collarbones, even shins!) by buffing on a body Bronzer like Laura Geller’s Baked Body Frosting—a sheer mineral pressed powder with just the right amount of color to get you glowing!

+

MEET OUR MAKEUP MAVEN

Christi Reynolds is a beauty, bridal, and commercial makeup artist for the Sacramento and Bay Areas. For Christi’s complete bio and portfolio, please visit her website at www.sacramentomakeupartist.com.

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bonnie magazine

april//may >> 2013

pop culture

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THE BY // CHERISE HENRY

bonnie magazine

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april//may >> 2013

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Vagina

A Look into Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedures Plastic surgeries performed in the United States have nearly doubled since 2000, accounting for approximately $10 billion annually. It’s probably no surprise to hear breast augmentation, Botox, nose reshaping, liposuction, and face-lifts are the top choices for women, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. continued on page 44

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april//may >> 2013

DESIGNER VAGINA continued from page 44 What about vaginoplasty… heard of it? Perhaps you’ve heard the stories about men asking the doctor to “add an extra stitch down there post-birth” to tighten things up a bit.

Vaginoplasty is, indeed, a procedure to tighten a woman’s vagina that has become more loose from vaginal childbirth and/or aging.

Some surgeons claim it can even improve sexual sensitivity—a claim, however, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has strongly challenged.

As with other operations, vaginal rejuvenation or “designer vagina” procedures are either reconstructive surgery (improves the function of a body part) or simply cosmetic surgery (changes the aesthetics of essentially normal anatomy). Cosmetic procedures are claimed by some plastic surgeons and gynecologists to incur the same benefits to women as with other like surgeries including beauty, self-esteem, and confidence.

A prime example is labiaplasty, a procedure that focuses on the labia major (the larger, outer vaginal lips) and/or the labia minor (the smaller, inner vaginal lips) to esthetically change the size or shape, typically making them smaller or correcting an asymmetry between them. According to ACOG, women’s genitals naturally have a wide range of normal appearances that are anatomically correct.

So why are women opting for these vaginal rejuvenation procedures? Is it for the woman herself, or is it really to better please her sexual partner? And who’s to say what a woman’s vagina should look like? Unlike other popular and visually obvious procedures like breast augmentation or Botox, public display of the woman’s vagina is pretty private. So where does the comparison, and desire to change come from?

Dr. Michael Goodman, who has offices in Davis, specializes in vaginal rejuvenation procedures and bonnie magazine

is well-known in his field of expertise. According to Goodman’s website, “many women with grown children are now seeking renewal of vaginal tissues, both to increase their ‘feeling,’ sexual satisfaction and to enhance the sexual experience they have with their loving mate.”

After a little research through online vaginal rejuvenation forums, several women explained their reasoning behind their decisions.

“I have always known that my labia were not quite normal. Even as a teen I had problems wearing certain clothing or swimsuits not only due to the cosmetic bulge but also the discomfort. When I became sexually active the problem was much more noticeable as my labia would often catch and cause pain with sex.” “…I only got it done because of other health reasons—I’ve had E. coli in my bladder for 5+ years and it would never clear up because of all the excess tissue down there. But in all honesty, I should have gotten this done five years ago, but I’m not the type to go changing my body.”

“My boyfriend of a few years never minded the [excess] labia, he actually thought they were ‘cute and unique, but I can only imagine how badly this can affect women and their confidence and sex life.”

Vaginal rejuvenation procedures can run upwards of $5,000 - $12,000+ and typically take three to six weeks for full recovery. It’s definitely not chump change, or an easy recovery.

Women’s genitalia are not one size fits all (yes, we know how that reads), nor is one exactly like another. At the end of the day, it is up to the woman herself to make the decision, not the doctor (unless medically advised, of course), not the sexual partner.

Most importantly, women considering vaginal surgery should do their own in-depth research and talk openly with their doctor to discuss concerns, surgery expectations, and possible non-surgical options.

It’s the only vagina you’ll get, ladies. Be good to it. b

{sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

There are many kinds of vaginal rejuvenation procedures.

Other rejuvenation procedures include:

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Revirgination. A surgery called a hymenoplasty repairs the hymen to mimic its original, virginal state, before a woman was sexually active. Because of the strong religious convictions surrounding the importance of virginity in some cultures, this is among the most controversial of cosmetic vaginal surgeries.

Clitoral unhooding. Some surgeons are marketing a procedure called clitoral unhooding, which removes the tissue that normally covers the clitoris.

G-spot amplification. The front wall of the vagina, some experts believe, holds the highly erotic G-spot, an especially sensitive stimulation site for female arousal and orgasm. The G-spot amplification procedure involves injecting collagen into the front wall of the vagina, theoretically to increase pleasure.

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life transformation

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april//may >> 2013

Learning to Embrace Change and a Healthier Me BY // GAYLE ROMASANTA

I

did it. I am done with my 21-day adventure cleanse that I followed from cancer survivor Kris Carr’s book, Crazy Sexy Diet. How do I feel? I feel good— lighter and with more energy. I also feel conflicted, like, now what? Do I keep going, everyday, being a healthy individual? Or do I go back eating pancakes on Saturdays with a cup of coffee and half and half? Personally, I love the memory of eating fattening weekend breakfasts. But I also love this new sense of self I have. For 21-days I hardly had any sugar (mostly agave syrup in my green smoothies), no caffeine, no meat, no gluten, no processed foods, and an 80/20 diet of 80% raw green vegetables/ fruits, and 20% cooked grains/ vegetables/tofu.

My days usually looked like this, with some variation of recipes: Morning/breakfast Water and lemon juice 16 oz. green smoothie made with broccoli sprouts, cucumber, kale, romaine lettuce, flaxseed oil, unsweetened coconut milk, coconut oil, agave syrup, and avocado Herbal tea Lunch Salad filled with rainbowcolored vegetables Flaxseed oil, agave syrup, and balsamic vinegar dressing Miso soup with seaweed and tofu Dinner Salad filled with rainbowcolored vegetables Flaxseed oil, agave syrup, and balsamic vinegar dressing Brown rice and stir-fried vegetables and tofu If I was out driving around town, I frequently ate at Andy Nguyen’s on Broadway for a vegan lunch or dinner. The Green Boheme on Del Paso Boulevard also saved me with their raw meals when I needed a green juice quickly. They also make amazingly good and satisfying raw

dishes (ever had a raw tostadacomplete with raw “sour cream?”).

However, I gave myself one free day where I ate with abandon, and that was my birthday dinner of a French frisee salad, with lardoons, and a poached egg on top. Delicious. My husband also brought home a Game of Thrones T-shirt and Baskin Robbins ice cream cake.

Because, well, that’s what old Gayle loved on her birthdays—anything related to my favorite books and an ice cream cake.

So now I’m stuck between new Gayle and old Gayle. New Gayle has been morphing and becoming a vegetarian/vegan who meditates, takes green algae supplements and drinks aloe vera juice, whereas old Gayle wants to go to the Wicked Spoon buffet in Las Vegas and go buck wild.

In my past life I was a Law Vegas buffet connoisseur. In my new life, I drink coconut milk and eat hemp seeds with my salads.

It’s scary to change—even if it’s for the better. Luckily for me, as editor of bonnie, I get to meet so many women who have changed for the better and live to tell us about it.

One woman was Skip Rochette, an 81-year-old abuse survivor, and personal trainer. Yes, she trains others to

get physically fit and she’s 81. She’s pretty badass and still lifts weights.

You can read her story on page 6.

When we were at her photo shoot, she began teaching me how to stand up straight. It’s not as natural as you think. Then she said, “Love yourself a little bit more, stand up straight.”

And then she began telling me about her life and how she has no fear. “I divorced fear years ago. I have no fear,” she said. She then began to tell me that instead of feeling fearful and deprived of my new life, I should feel excited about the new me I was creating. I should be excited about all the new clothes I was going to be able to wear. I also should be excited that I was becoming healthier. She also said changing my eating habits would be “one of the hardest things you’ll do in your life.” A week later, she sent me an email that read, “Don’t EVER put a limit on what is possible for you.” Wow. How’s that for a wise woman?

So here I am at a crossroads.

Which way do I go? Back to the old me? Nope. I won’t. I can’t. I will have a frisee salad with lardoons and poached eggs once a year. But no, I won’t go back. I won’t go back to high blood pressure, high cholesterol Gayle whose calves couldn’t fit into a regular size rain boot. Regular

Baseline Statistics Weight: 178.6 lbs. // Waist: 41 ¾” Thigh: 25 ½” // Chest: 43 ½”

Workout: No exercise per doctor’s orders

After 24 Weeks

6 Weeks

Weight: 158 lbs Waist: 35” Thigh:23.5” Chest: 39”

bonnie magazine

{sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

12 Weeks

18 Weeks

24 Weeks

30 Weeks

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PHOTOS BY //EMILIE BOURDAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

size boots, rain or cowboy, fit me now with some wiggle room. I like aloe vera juice. I surprisingly, appreciate, if not like the routine of having a green smoothie in the morning for breakfast. Which is fabulous really. Who would have thought I could move deeper into a healthy transformation after four months?

From now on, I’ll do what Skip Rochette told me to do, and love myself a little bit more and stand up straight, eat my vegetables, and to never limit what is possible for me.

Who knew eating vegetables and eating clean could open up a whole new world?

I don’t think I could have gotten here without all the inspiration I get from all the lovely, healthy women I interact with through my work at bonnie and those who have been part of my series since day one, including Time to be Fit. I am now out of the technically “obese” category. This calls for a green smoothie toast! b

Right before this photo, Skip taught me how to stand-up straight and correct my posture so that my muscles were holding my body up rather than my bones.

INSTANT GRATIFICATION I wanted to keep my post chemical peel glow and looked to one of my favorite skincare websites, www.drbaileyskincare.com for recommendations.

I ended up getting the products in Dr. Bailey’s antiaging kit with glycolic acid. It included Replenix Exfoliation Scrub, Replenix Power of Three Cream, Vitamin C Anti-Aging Professional Treatment Serum, Citrix Sunscreen SPF 30, and Glytone Exfoliating Lotion #2. I think going on my 21-day cleanse and using all brand new skin products wasn’t a good idea.

It was such an overload, my skin started to break out, and looked tired and inflamed. So I cut back for a few weeks and reintroduced everything slowly into my skincare routine, one product at a time. That helped tremendously, so far so good. Dr. Bailey told me that I would see results over time with evenness and tone. I’m finally beginning to see improvements in my skin and my glow is coming back. Another nice thing I discovered? The Glytone Exfoliating Lotion did wonders for the Keratosis Pilaris (bumpy chicken skin) on the back of my arms. For more skincare information, check out www.drbaileyskincare.com. {sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

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april//may >> 2013

{reviewed}

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Naturally Organic Nail Care

BY // STEPHANIE GARCIA

If you’re going to show off your toes in public like sandwiches on a platter, girl, they better look presentable!

Don’t be that woman who always wears sandals to work, but never takes care of her feet. Try any of the new nail trends like organic or 3-D nails for fun. bonnie ladies happily reviewed the newest nail trends so they could look proper from head to tootsie toes.

bonnie magazine

Owner // Danielle Rebensdorf Reviewed by Kimberlee Kline Wilson Danielle uses organic materials in a quiet and serene setting. “What I am putting into your body is the same thing that I am putting into mine. I don’t want toxic products on my body, so I wouldn’t want it on yours. Organic products are better for you and better for the environment,” Danielle says.

Danielle also uses water-based nail polishes, but the color will only last a day or two. Danielle chooses to use conventional nail polish so that the color stays. However, she uses less toxic nail polish. “The evil three is Formaldehyde, (DBP) Dibutyl Phthalate, and toluene. I only use polish without the evil three,” she says. If you’re looking for a more gentle, less toxic manicure and pedicure, this is the place to visit. Our reviewer Kimberlee said it was the best pedicure she ever received.

10100 Fair Oaks Boulevard Fair Oaks

By Appointment Only (916) 995-9254 Specializes in: eco-friendly Price range $40-$90

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Nail Palazzo Owner // Tommy Le Reviewed by Paige Wise If you are searching for a nail salon in a prime location with a chic setting, look no further than Nail Palazzo at the Palladio in Folsom. Our reviewer, Paige was pleased by the fashionable décor accented by metals & crystal chandeliers. The prices were comparable to many salons in the area—$26 for spa pedicure, $15 for a manicure. Paige was pampered by Kim, who was friendly and engaging.

There wasn’t any chit chat or banter amongst the employees making her feel awkward or left out. The manicure and pedicure lasted just over an hour for both. This is definitely a plus if you want a quick manicure and pedicure. Bonus—private party room for adults and/or kids get-togethers. Good nail polish selection. Paige branched out from her usual dark and went with bright pink. Her cuticles were groomed and her nails looked cleaned and fresh.

310 Palladio Parkway, #709 Folsom (916) 983-2895 www.nailpalazzo.com Specializes in: affordable prices in a prime location, good for parties Price Range: $15+

april//may >> 2013

High Maintenance Nail Salon and Spa

Tokyo Nail Bar

Owner // Kat Strand Reviewed by Emilie Bourdages Owner // Kathy Ford Walking into the salon, our reviewer Emilie Reviewed by Stephanie Garcia was greeted warmly by happy faces. The front Newly located inside of Revolution Gym nail room was very vibrant and had the options and Fitness, Kim Ford provides a unique type for nail color and any charms or 3D accessories; it of manicure/pedicure in a private and relaxwas almost like being a kid in a candy store. Emiing room. Known for her Minx nails, Ford uses lie could feel her eyes getting big when the girls a technique taught to her by the founder started showing her all the charms and themes of Minx, Naja Green of West Hollywood, for the 3D art. Emilie explained that she wanted California. something that wouldn’t clash with certain Using a “cut to fit” technique, Steph reoutfits. She picked a very popular combination of ceived a Dashing Diva pedicure, where Kathy a gel color with pink sparkles called “June Bride” takes paper decals and adheres them to the and a pearl bow charm for each ring finger. nails. This provides almost any type of design Emilie’s manicure and pedicure was a true from leopard print to colorful peacock feath- work of art. “I am very happy I was introers, your nails will look like they took hours to duced to Tokyo, I love the quality of service paint in such detail. and how my nails turned out and I will defiFor the manicure, Ford used a gel polish nitely go again!” She says. with iron powder built into the solution. She 545 L Street, Suite 2021 then held a special magnet over the polish, (Located in Downtown Plaza) and the iron powder in the polish created nail Sacramento art that looked like waves.

(916) 813-9079 Ford offers a unique and fun way to get a Noelis4real@aol.com manicure/pedicure. From traditional maniwww.tokyonailbar.com cure/pedicure to Minx, Dashing Diva, or Rock Specializes in: 3-D nails Star adhesives, this salon is different, unique, Price range: $20+ and it rocks!

2960 Fair Oaks Boulevard (Inside Revolutionary Fitness) Carmichael (916) 342-5115 www.gotminx.com Specializes in: Minx Nails, Rock Star applications and “Dashing Diva,” a cut to fit manicure and pedicure.

Price range $40-$90

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Face and Body Emporium Owner // Luca Powell Reviewed by Cherise Henry Face and Body Emporium is a large salon and beauty product center combined. You walk in the door to a vast array of beauty products, from hair to face to skin to nails.

Towards the back you’ll find the hair salon with several stations, and then off the side and tucked away in its own semi-private area is the nail portion of the salon. The space is quaint enough to offer some solitude for a few hours of manicure and pedicure peace.

Sara, the manicurist, was very kind and provided great service. When our reviewer, Cherise, asked her opinion for spring colors, she was more than happy to select several options to try on before choosing the final color. It made the experience a little more personable and fun. The treatment itself, the OPI, was wonderful. The exfoliating scrub and mask made it a few levels above the normal manicure and pedicure.

Cherise recommends it, as her nails looked wonderful and Sarah was so attentive.

5050 Folsom Boulevard Sacramento (916) 455-5050 www.faceandbodyemporium.com Specializes in: one-stop beauty and nail product shop Price range: $30-$60

{sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

bonnie magazine

50

april//may >> 2013

Sacramento River Cats Forbes Magazine listed the

as the most valuable team in all of Minor League Baseball in 2012.

{She-tistics} BY // CHERISE HENRY

Random statistics and facts to pique your interest about the world around you.

Approximately

3,000,000 women in the USA sport tattoos.

Capitol Park World Peace Rose Garden is one of America’s 10 best rose gardens, according to the All-American Rose Selections committee.

According to Sciencedaily.com, women

like to know when their boyfriend or husband is upset, while men like to know when girlfriend or wife is happy.

Mary

It is illegal to be a prostitute in Siena, Italy, if your name is:

Women are twice as likely as men to use emoticons in text ;-) bonnie magazine

{sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

april//may >> 2013

51 PHOTO BY // EMILIE BOURDAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

SKIP ROCHETTE continued from page 7 several divorce lawyers. They each told her that if she left, she would only get the kids—nothing more.

She vividly remembers the day she was going to serve her husband divorce papers. “I saw him coming down the street and I hid in my daughter’s room,” she said. “He wouldn’t hit me in that room, in front of the kids.”

That was the scariest day of her life, and he was very angry. Begrudgingly, he granted her the divorce. Rochette got exactly what she wanted. “I got the kids—and I got free,” she said. “I have two lives; pre-divorce, and post-divorce.”

Rochette continued to exercise and she also took on other jobs to maintain the household. Things started to look up for her and the kids, and she was soon offered a job as a personal trainer at the gym where she worked out. This would be a changing point in her post-divorce life.

“Excercise changes the brain, and once the body starts coming around, the brain follows.”

—Skip Rochette // Personal Trainer

Top: Skip on her 50th birthday with her sports memorabilia and map of her upcoming 11,000 mile bike ride. Bottom: Skip in the Yukon in 1987 when she traveled 15,000 miles by bike at age 54.

For the next ten years, Rochette stayed in New York and continued to train people at the gym. Her confidence was growing and she was always challenging herself physically.

One particular challenge was to ride a bike across the United States. “My first goal was to leave my husband, and I accomplished that, so why not try something new?” she said.

At the age of 51, she took on an 11,000 mile bike ride. The ride would last six-and-a-half months and she would need to save a lot of money to afford the opportunity. “I worked 90 hours a week—as a dental hygienist, a bagel shop manager, and a fitness instructor,” she said. Her 21-yearold daughter and 19-year-old son accompanied her and they rode together to California.

Two years after that bike ride, her

+

daughter moved to Balboa Beach in California. “She called me one day and said that she found a great house to rent, but needed another roommate, and would I be interested?” It took ten minutes for Rochette to decide to leave her New York life for the blue waters in Newport Beach.

Leaving a lifetime in New York may seem terrifying to some, but it didn’t deter Rochette. “Fear is waiting for your abusive husband to come home and see divorce papers,” she said. “This would be an adventure—so why not?”

That was 30 years ago. Since then, Rochette has settled in El Dorado Hills. She is a personal trainer at Snap Fitness and she takes great pride in seeing her clients transform not only their bodies, but their lives. “My clients have to talk and communicate with me.

I guide them. I’ve become a life coach.”

If you’re up for the challenge from a trainer who refuses to listen to excuses, visit her website at www.i-get-you-fit.com.

Randall Rapetti is one of Rochette’s clients. Rapetti says that Rochette is one of the top ten people who have influenced his life. At first, Rapetti was uncertain if Rochette would be able to train him. “I remember thinking, “who is this little old lady?” But after a few workouts, he remembers thinking “this person is amazing.” He credits Rochette’s knowledge for teaching him how to work out correctly.

“Skip has inspired me, taught me how to work out properly. I don’t know of anybody who’s inspired me as much as Skip,” he said. “I’m 58 years old and started working with Skip four years ago,” said Rapetti.

“She’s an incredible human being.

I’m a runner, and I run faster when I am thin, and I lost fifty pounds working with her. I’m winning races in my age group and I owe it to her.”

She recently added the title of Golf Fitness Specialist to her list of accomplishments—a hobby she picked up at the age 70. In golf, Rochette has shot her age at 75, 76, 77, 78, and 79. At age 80, because of arthritis, she had both hips replaced and is looking forward to playing golf again by June. And, she aspires to win Athlete of the Year one day.

Her body and mind have the vigor of a woman half her age, but her words are spoken from the heart of a wise woman.

“I want to live, not just exist,” she said.

A mantra she has lived with for the past 40 years. She maintains a close relationship with her five adult children and her eight grandchildren. She says that her kids are her biggest accomplishment. “My kids all love and respect each other—I couldn’t do any better,” she said. b

{sacramento’s lifestyle magazine for women}

bonnie magazine