San Joaquin Woman Jan 2013

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The

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Fabulous page 7

FEAR IS A TREATABLE CONDITION page 16

The Magazine For San Joaquin Women ■ January 2013

say I have my head in the clouds, what with all the crime and economic challenges, but I like my rose-colored glasses. I am a firm believer that thoughts become things, so I choose to focus on what I want, not on what I don’t want. It works! I have seen the proof time and time again.

The Body Mind and Spirit edition of San Joaquin Woman magazine is by far my favorite. While working on it, I get to discover people and places in our community that fit perfectly into my philosophy that a healthy spirit leads to a healthy body and peace of mind.

We are pleased for you to meet our cover girl, Rochele Lawson, so you can discover why she really is The Queen of Feeling Fabulous. Take a peek at the Sea Salt Cottage, a charming little wellness-oriented boutique in downtown Lodi. We are also thrilled to bring you another great article from Eunice Green of Green’s Nutrition on the Miracle Mile. Her second installment in SJ

Woman is all about ridding yourself of those nasty little fears that hold you back from achieving what you really want. We hope you are enjoying our new feature, I am San Joaquin Woman.

We will continue to introduce you to the diverse community of women we have right here in San Joaquin County with this continuing feature. If you know someone you want us to feature, please let us know. And as always, tell us what you think and what you want to read about in future editions of SJ Woman. Email us at sjwoman@recornet.com and don’t forget to “like” us or

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true. I hope you all did as well. But 2013 is here, and it is full of even more promise. Some may

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or me, it was a difficult goodbye to 2012. I had an outstanding year full of dreams come

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HappyNewYear

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— Lao Tze

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Editor

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Karen Bakhtegan

“If there is right in the Soul, there will be beauty in the person.

If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the home.

If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.”

Publisher Roger Coover Publications Director Deitra R. Kenoly Editor Karen Bakhtegan Graphic Designers Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein Contributing Writers Jennifer Torres Siders Dr. Hymavathi Kunamneni Kim Robinson Eunice Green Anna T. Hirsh Dan Rafter Timothy R. Schulte Charleen Earley Susan Michener Spracher Contributing PhotographerS Lindsay Ortez Amy Phipps Cover photo by Lindsay Ortez www.lindsayophotography.com

leave us a message on our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/RecordSpecialtyPublications.

Namaste!

Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/RecordSpecialtyPublications San Joaquin Woman magazine is published six times a year by The Record, 530 E. Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202. All information written for publication in San Joaquin Woman magazine is believed to be accurate. Readers must assume all responsibility for their own actions based on this information. Occasionally a product or company may be named in an article, but does not constitute an endorsement of said product. San Joaquin Woman magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Photos and content become the sole property of San Joaquin Woman magazine and may be used, published or edited without limit or obligation to the author.

Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the publisher. For more information, go to sanjoaquinwoman.com.

To advertise in San Joaquin Woman magazine, call (209) 546-8200

Contents

January 2013

BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT 7 The queen of feeling fabulous 12 Healing through the mind & body connection 16 Fear is a treatable condition 38 Complimentary medicine 209 MOMS 13 From baby to Einstein 21 Tot Culture

HOME LIFE 26 Lights, color, relaxation Chromatherapy bathtubs

FOOD 30 Vegetarian potato recipes FINANCE 33 HEALTHY BANK ACCOUNT

BEAUTY 36 Manasra spa I AM SAN JOAQUIN 18 Teri Eisert 40 NEVA LONGORIA

PEEK A BOUTIQUE 42 Sea salt cottage

BODY, M IN D & S P IR IT

Rochéle Lawson

By Jennifer Torres Sider PHOTOS BY Lindsay ortez www.lindsay0photography.com

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s a teen, Rochéle Lawson never dealt with

embarrassing acne – she gave herself herbal facials that kept her skin clear.

Suffering from what turned out to be an undiagnosed ulcer, she soothed herself with ginger tea.

“I’ve always been doing holistic stuff, ever since I was a kid,” says Lawson, who has worked as a registered nurse for more than 20 years. “I played with it, but I didn’t know the science behind what I was doing. I just knew it worked.”

Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an

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Over the years, Lawson invested serious study into the wellness

got there differently. What makes Ayurveda so beautiful is everybody is

practices that she says have made her the “Queen of Feeling Fabulous,”

treated individually. Everything is uniquely designed to restore and bring

even while juggling career, marriage, parenting and other commitments.

you back to balance. It’s a really good preventative medicine.”

Trained as an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner and a certified meditation

At the start of a new year, when many women are reassessing their

specialist, she opened the Health, Healing and Wellness Company, a

lives and resolving to make positive changes, Lawson encourages them

center based in Tracy, where she helps clients reduce stress, improve

to make wellness a priority.

health and maintain balance in their busy lives.

“As people, especially as women, we don’t put ourselves first,” Lawson notes. “We take care of our family, our husbands, our kids. We’re on our cell phones, our Facebook accounts. We’re just going – that’s the way life is.”

dieting, exercise and relaxation. She also works with clients in one-onone or group sessions.

And from March 7 to 9, she is hosting a “Blissful Living Retreat” in Napa. Limited to 25 participants, the event will “take people from

Ayurveda is a traditional form of medicine that originated in India.

their everyday, ordinary, chaotic, stressful, hectic lives and put them in a

Practitioners focus on balancing different “energies” within the body.

place where they can totally relax, rejuvenate and restore their balance,”

Lawson says she combines the principles Ayurveda with her knowledge

Lawson says.

of Western medicine to help people stay grounded – even if they can’t quite slow down.

It’s a personalized approach that Western medicine alone can’t always deliver, she says.

“In traditional medicine, 100 people going in for high blood pressure are all going to get the same medication,” she explains. “But they all

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Her website – rochelelawson.com – offers free tips on stress relief,

S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an

The retreat will feature instruction, spa treatments and carefully planned dinners.

“It’s like a mini-vacation, but you’re going to be nourishing your body, your mind and your spirit,” she explains. “You’ll leave able to go out and be the best that you can be for those that you love and care about.”

“It’s like a mini-vacation, but you’re going to be nourishing your body, your mind and your spirit,” she explains. “You’ll leave able to go out and be the best that you can be for those that you love and care about.”

For more information about Rochéle Lawson and her work, go to rochelelawson.com or call (209) 321-6001

B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT

Don’t

worry, be happy!

BY KIM ROBINSON

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JANUARY 2013

H

appiness is a state that many of

changes our paradigm of control. Physics

happiness which greatly contributes to our

us claim to aspire to. When we’re happy life

taught us to believe the universe is based on

overall health.

seems joyful, easy and more carefree. Yet if I

matter. Quantum physics shows new biology is

Our thoughts originate the signaling

were to ask you the question, “how happy are

based on the idea that the universe is governed

messages. If we subject ourselves to a heavy

you,” what would your answer be? In school

by energy. Positive energy contributes to good

dose of negative input, we will probably suffer

we’re all taught to read and write, yet few of

health.

from stress-induced illness. When the mind is

us learned how to use our minds to create

Our thoughts literally send messages to

stressed, the level of immune protective cells

our most important survival skills: health and

our cells. Cells become diseased because they

goes down. However, when we’re emotionally

happiness.

are instructed in some way to do so by our

relaxed, the number of protective cells goes up.

Our thoughts, beliefs and self-talk have an

brains. By changing our beliefs, we change

So if we practice meditation, positive thinking

immense impact on our physical health because

the messages to our cells, enabling us to heal

and other methods to create a relaxed mood,

they contribute to our happiness. From simply

ourselves.

immunity against disease improves.

having the blues to being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, science is providing proof that our thoughts can affect our brain

“Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.”

chemistry, which in turn affects our physical

Albert Schweitzer

and mental health.

Negative emotions such as fear and stress

I recently heard it said that many Americans

The use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

not only make our bodies more susceptible to

live on caffeine and Prozac, that we use

(CBT), Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT),

disease, they can actually cause it. Those same

substances to manage our moods, and ward

Earthing, meditation, visualization, positive

biochemical mechanisms created between our

off feelings of depression and anxiety. That

self-talk, affirmations and reconnecting to

minds and bodies that work against us may

the four top-selling items in grocery stores–

nature are all powerful ways to create the

also be utilized to work for us, though. In other

caffeine, sugar, alcohol and nicotine–are the

health and happiness we all deserve.

words, our most powerful pharmacy resides

drugs we use to manage our energy and keep

right between our ears.

us happy.

Our minds have the power to bring mental, emotional and physical healing. By changing

Our minds communicate with cells in our

Instead of these unhealthy options, we

the way we think, we can have vibrant health,

body through neurochemical and vibrational

would do better to discover ways to increase

with no nasty side effects. So as the saying

signals. The science behind this communication

the release of healthy chemicals such as

goes, don’t worry, be happy because you really

is called epigenetics. The word epigenetics

dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and

do have everything you need to think yourself

literally means “above the genes,” meaning

endorphins into our bloodstreams. These

healthy.

the mind controls the genes. Epigenetics

chemicals produce messages of calmness and

Do you have a question for Kim?

Email your questions to kimrobinsonintuitive@gmail. com, and you may find your answers in the next edition of San Joaquin Woman magazine.

Kim Robinson is an intuitive life coach in Stockton. Combined with her unique gift of intuition, her non-standard approach helps people deal with issues such as grief, low self-esteem, anger, depression, substance abuse, compulsive behavior, financial difficulties, sexual abuse, control issues, and weight and eating disorders, just to name a few. www.kimrobinsonintuitive.com Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an

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209 M OMS

From Baby to Einstein

january 2013

Toys and games to make your kids smarter? It takes more than a product to make your child smarter – it takes you. Try these five things you can do today to improve your child’s basic skills

B

By Anna T. Hirsh

aby Einstein, Brainy Baby, Galloping Minds – the children’s educational

1999). “There is absolutely no evidence that these products work. Rath-

video market is awash with colorful, pricey multimedia products and

er than brain building, these products are brain eroding. They keep kids

packaged smart-toys that claim to boost cognitive development from the

occupied, but the child is then taken away from occupying itself, taken

moment your child leaves the womb. However, recent studies suggest that

away from independent thinking and learning how to self-motivate. Just

not only are these claims false, but, in fact, parking your toddler in front of

putting the word ‘brain’ or ‘Einstein’ on a package doesn’t mean it will

these popular DVDs and videos can actually lead to decreased language

do anything for your child.”

ability and a smaller vocabulary in children age six to 18 months old.

So then, if you care more about your child’s relationship with learning

“I think they’re dreadful,” says Jane Healy, PhD, an educational psy-

than about Oscar-worthy animation, here is some expert advice on what

chologist and author of Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our

you, the parent, can do to boost your baby’s brainpower – no remote

Children’s Minds – and What We Can Do About It (Simon & Schuster,

control necessary:

Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an

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1 2 3 4 5

Sit down with your child to play, interact and talk

It may sound simple, but with the stress and bustle of everyday life, sometimes parents forget that their children are watching them, listening to them and learning by example. “[Videos] may be entertaining but they are not educational,” says Ari Brown, MD, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Communications and Media, Elk Grove Village, Ill. “Studies show that children under two years of age do not understand the content or context of a televised program. But if the same information is presented by a live person, an older infant or toddler will ‘get it’ and learn from it.” “Be with your child,” Healy says. “Watch your children and respond directly to them. Your child’s brain is brilliant. It knows what it needs, and will seek it out if you allow it the opportunity.”

Reading on a daily basis, starting by two months of age

Reading with your child, even at a very young age, aids in their comprehension, critical thinking and understanding of the function of language. “Creating a lifestyle of learning starts in infancy,” Brown, author of Baby 411 (Windsor Peak Press, 2003), says. “If reading/looking at books, for example, is just a routine part of a child’s young life, it will stick with him. The same actually goes for a diet heavy in television – but do you want that to be routine, too?” By reading to your child, more of the focus is on language, providing your children with the building blocks – words – that will allow them the ability to express a need, ask a question, settle problems, write, read and more.

Keep unnecessary stimulation to a reasonable level

Make the most of teaching moments

Most importantly, have fun with your child

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Keep in mind that it’s not just kid-targeted videos and programs that can be disruptive to your child’s learning process: Sometimes SportsCenter can be the culprit. “Don’t turn the television on to watch your own shows while your child is around,” Brown says. “Background television is distracting for a child’s inner voice that they use to concentrate, not to mention something that distracts you from paying attention to your child.”

It is a parent’s responsibility to provide materials, experiences and opportunities that the child can choose from as if selecting from options in a cafeteria, Healy says. The parent can then physically and verbally expand on that experience to increase their child’s understanding. “If you are stacking blocks,” Brown says, “count how many you can put on top of each other. If you are at the grocery store, give the vocabulary word for each item you put in the cart.”

At the same time, Brown says, it is also highly beneficial to give your child independent play time starting as early as four months of age. “Learning by problem solving independently is powerful stuff!” she says.

“There is too much stress and pressure on children today, to be like little adults,” Healy says. “Life doesn’t always have to be a lesson. Have fun together, laugh together, enjoy life – this is something the rest of the world is not always going to be able to teach them.”

B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT

By Eunice Green, NHD

is a treatable condition I

n working with people, I have discovered

that so much of what ails them, stems from

with it, that there is nothing they can do about

workings of the body.

it. Often they think that just pushing through

The world that we live in at times seems

will do the trick. And sometimes it does. If you

In my health consultation practice, I find

like a scary place, and our modern technology

push through the fear and create a success, that

that the fear of poor health, fear of the results

with the deluge of information that is at our

will make you feel better. But, what if you push

of the tests that are given by their MDs, fear

fingertips consistently doesn’t help. It really

and push and do not create success? Does that

of not having enough energy, fear of getting

and truly is TMI – too much information for

compound the fear and give validation to it?

older... all of these fears perpetuate more poor

our own good. We learn of every disaster,

health.

worldwide, within hours.

fear.

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symptoms that all is not well in the internal

What most people don’t realize is that fear is a treatable condition.

Fear is a potentially dangerous condition,

I find that in talking to other business

It is a condition that stems from your

and the repercussions of living in a constant

owners, often it is fear that holds back growth

own beliefs, often the beliefs you have about

state of fear cause numerous health issues.

and success. So many business people have the

yourself. Not about others, not even about

When we face a threat, our endocrine

“what if” syndrome and usually the “what ifs”

what others think of you – it is so much about

system releases glucocoritcoids and other

are not about what if this venture succeeds, but

what you think about yourself.

hormones which activate the systems that

more often it is negative, fearful thoughts that

Those belief’s are not based on facts, but

we need to protect ourselves. This is very

are most prominent. So often these worries

on factors that come from past experiences,

beneficial in the short term, but if that fearful

and fears are not even rational, but based on

past thoughts, things we’ve heard in the past...

stress continues, it will cause a weakened

a perception that comes from a faulty belief

And then we adopt those as true, whether

immune

system.

system, cardiovascular

damage,

they are or not. It is our own self-talk, our

gastrointestinal problems, allergies, headaches,

What is interesting is that most of these

own judgments about ourselves that causes

insomnia, impotence and even short-term

people know and acknowledge that they have

these thoughts to create fear. The sneakiest

memory problems. Fatigue and depression are

this fear, and they truly feel that they are stuck

thing about fear is that it convinces us that

S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an

JANUARY 2013

our possibilities are so limited, and that our

of emotional trauma. The only sense that can

known as anxiety. Taking a few minutes to stop

perceptions are true. This sneaky aspect of fear

make a difference in releasing those emotions

and meditate will calm the mind and body,

is what keeps us imprisoned and trapped, and

is the sense of smell; nothing else, not hearing,

allowing for clearer focus of the tasks at hand.

keeps us from reaching our full potential. Fear

speaking, touching… nothing else will work on

Being able to focus and function in more clarity

creates illusions – illusions that are limiting,

those emotions – including the fear emotion.

allows one to have more control over one’s

easy to learn. What is so amazing about EFT is

Different oils will affect different types of fear,

own personal actions, and will help in reducing

that it isn’t a process that takes weeks to learn

and can often be the key to feeling supported,

the fear-filled anxious feelings. Prayer can give

and then weeks of application before it works.

and gives the courage to move forward.

you a peace and a haven from troubling and

and that is not only a deadly disease, they can also create deadly diseases.

Many people feel that just raising our self-esteem will do the trick; they feel that if they say enough affirmations, that will change the way they think. But if you are just saying without believing, it is futile.

So what are some of the treatments that we can use to change what we believe? And then go the step beyond belief to knowing – deep in your heart, mind and soul?

EFT – Emotional Freedom Technique, often referred to simply as “tapping,” is an amazing breakthrough that can be used successfully to “let go” of fears and phobias by readjusting a disrupted energy charge. That sounds complex, and yet, I assure you, it is one of the simplest and fastest ways to clear up fears, and it is so

Results can often take place in just a few

Coaching is a marvelous tool in overcoming

fearful thoughts. It can create the balance that

minutes. This does depend on the severity of

fears. Having a mentor to guide you, to assist

our minds and bodies need to keep all bodily

the problem, and on the individual experiencing

in readjusting old, faulty beliefs, and knowing

functions working properly.

it, and the level of motivation. Even with very

there is a supportive partner in your quest

Yes, fear is a treatable condition, and it is a

severe issues, there is a noticeable difference

for moving forward and being your own

condition that should be addressed before the

the first time “tapping,” and the longer you

authentic self, can erase so many fears that are

health consequences become serious. Don’t be

persistently work, the more success will be

unfounded.

a victim of fear – treat it. similar

Eunice Green, NHD has been in the

Essential oils can play a powerful role in

treatments for dealing with fear. In the

wellness industry for over 20 years and earned

emotional healing. There is a gland in the limbic

course of our busy days, we often become

her Doctorate in Natural Health in 2005. As

system of the brain that is called the amygdala.

overwhelmed with all the things we think

well as having a Nutritional Consultation

In 1989, it was discovered that the amygdala

“must” be completed. Feeling overwhelmed,

practice, she is the owner of Green’s Nutrition

plays a major role in the storing and releasing

one may move into a fear reaction commonly

on the Miracle Mile.

achieved.

Meditation

and

prayer

are

Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an

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I am San Joaquin

WOMAN Teri Lynn Eisert

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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an

JANUARY 2013

Age: 41 Occupation: Permanent Cosmetic Technician / Artist How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: I moved to Lodi just before I was 21, moved away to Galveston, Texas 7 years ago, and back to Stockton 4 years ago.

The people who mean the most to me: Other than the given, which would be my kids, parents and husband, my stepmother, Annette Turrentine had a huge impact on raising me. Cindy Jines had a huge impact as my mentor during a major change in my life, and Rita Sperling has been a constant and reliable advisor.

Favorite SJ County place to take friends when they come to visit: I love to go to the outdoor concerts that are available through the City Art Commissions, boating out on the Delta, the many outdoor food and wine festivals, and of course, the Ports and Thunder games!

A key event in my life and the impact it had on me: The move I made to Galveston brought a much broader view of arts and music to my world. It’s somewhat of a mixture between Santa Cruz and Old Sacramento. I was forced to relocate back to the Valley after losing almost everything in Hurricane Ike. I will always be grateful for the close community and accepting friends that I had made there. The openness and creativeness that were so alive in the atmosphere has made me really appreciate my talents more, and never take them for granted. The galleries I worked in down there, have really inspired me to continue to grow and expand in many different mediums, rather than being locked into one type of art. I have tried not to let that feeling go as I have rebuilt my life here in Stockton.

Favorite sports team: Lord’s Gym Softball Team and Port City Roller Derby What I’m reading now: The Screwtape Letters, The Kingdom of the Cults and The Hobbit Favorite vacation destination: South Lake Tahoe Hobbies: Mural painting, knitting and crocheting, crafting and scrapbooking, refurbishing and repurposing old furniture, mosaics, sewing and quilting, camping, rafting, bike riding, gardening Pet: Miniature Schnauzer Leila, and soon going to own a goat because my daughter is in 4-H at Durham Ferry Outdoor Education & Agricultural School in Manteca.

Favorite food/dessert: Almost all fresh fruits and vegetables, and German chocolate cake.

I “give back” by volunteering with the following organizations: My first 2 years back in SJ, I was a Lodi City Art Commissioner, in which I was involved in many activities, my favorite being Lodi Project Art. This is a community collaboration of mosaics that were designed and made by volunteers, and placed in various parts of the city. I support Children’s Dream Works, which is a scholarship organization in Lodi and Christmas giveaway for under-privileged kids. I PHOTOS BY linsday ortez lindsayophotography.com

volunteer at Helping Hands in Stockton, which is a food and clothing ministry through Lakeview Assembly. There are many events throughout the year for backpack giveaways, Thanksgiving turkey donations, as well as weekly food distribution to the homeless of Stockton. I painted murals in both Helping Hands and The Lord’s Gym, which is overseen

by Lakeview Assembly, as well as painted murals in both the north and south locations. I have also taught classes at Lakeview Assembly for global crafting opportunities. (example: we made, and painted Parachutes for Columbia, in which parachutes are made and donated for the use of dropping books, bibles, and emergency radios into guerilla warfare camps. I am currently working on the design for the next Stockton Mural Project. This was started with “The Dear Stockton...” live art and is continually growing throughout various parts of the city. I am also currently volunteering for The Tokay Thunder Football Team, to decorate their float for the Christmas Light Parade this December.

My favorite quotes: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” — Winston Churchill “Truth will be truth, regardless of a closed mind, ignorance, or the refusal to believe” — Napoleon Hill “Keep on Keepin’ on” — Joe Dirt

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e r u t l u c t o t

209 M O MS

JANUARY 2013

n e m & n e m o w e l t t i l n i San Joaqu

Ashton 22 months

Cole 6 years

Logan

Campbell

Age 3 years Chico/Lodi Grandparent: Ann Kerr

4 years

Stockton Parent: Lilia Dunnihoo

Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an

21

Braydon Isaiah

1 year Stockton Parents: Brandon and Eliza Evangelista

Rocky Zamarripa

2 years old Stockton Parent: Lydia Ocasio

Derek III

Jordan

18 months Stockton Parent: Vanessa Busby

2 Years

Jaliana

11 months Stockton Parent: Michele Ehret

Danielle 14 months Lodi Grandparent: Jill Finch

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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an

JANUARY 2013

Madilyn 2 years

Michael

4 years Galt Grandparent: Bonnie Patrick

Brooklyn

21 months Lodi Parents: Frank and Kelli Nasca

Carlie

1 year Stockton Parents: Tara Newsome and David Coffey, Jr. Grandmother: Karen Good-Coffey

Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an

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famil

MIKEY

2 years old

MORGAN 8 months

Taylor 4 years

Stockton Parents: Laci and Michael Midgley 24

S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an

H OM E LIFE

Lights, Color, Relaxation!

Colored lights in the bathroom add function and flair to tubs, showers and faucets

By DAN RAFTER

C

olor has always been an important part

of Denise Turner’s life. The president of Alta Lorma, Calif.-based Color Turners makes a living advising companies on what colors they should add to their toasters, chairs, tables and other merchandise to help them sell better.

Simply put, certain colors on certain products put consumers in a buying mood.

Turner is also a believer in the power of chromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine in which practitioners use colors to help heal anything from excessive acne to seasonal affect disorders to insomnia.

Critics deny that chromatherapy has any healing properties, and take issue with the lack

26

S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an

JANUARY 2013

of scientific evidence to support these claims.

and red when it becomes hot. Beyond that,

says.

But whether or not those claims are

it’s simply a way to jazz up the kitchen or

For those who are ready to illuminate their

substantiated by science, consumers are drawn

bathroom, and is often offered in combination

bathrooms with chromatherapy, first consider

to colorful options. For years, home accessory

with other luxury options such as heated

the cost. A luxury Jacuzzi with colored lights

companies spruced up their product offerings

surfaces and aromatherapy.

can set someone back more than $5,000,

by adding new colors to entice buyers. And

Luxury bath heavyweight Jacuzzi has

depending on which options are selected.

now, manufacturers of bathtubs, LED lights,

received

from

Color light kits are available for DIY

faucets and light bulbs are grabbing onto the

consumers to their chromatherapy (one

enthusiasts at a fraction of the cost. Amerec

chromatherapy trend.

colored light in the tub) and illumatherapy

offers a light kit for a steam room ceiling for

Some of these products are meant to help

(lighted jets) that they expect all luxury bath

about $330, and Mansfield’s chromatherapy

harried homeowners sooth away the stresses

lines to offer these options in the future,

system is a programmable system with seven

of the day. Some, like temperature-sensing

according to customer service representative

light settings for $350.

faucets, add function to the fun – they serve

Marissa Chapa.

such

positive

responses

as an indicator of how hot the water is. The

“It gives an additional sense of relaxation

LED lights are blue when the water is still cold

and comfort to the overall feel of the unit,” she

For a smaller dash of color, many models of sink and bathtub faucets or showerheads with LED lights are available for less than $100.

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FOOD

You Say Potato…

I say Delicious Potatoes are a hearty replacement for meat if you are opting for a vegetarian diet. These recipes are so packed with flavor they won’t leave you asking “where‘s the beef?”

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, sliced celery 1 (32-oz.) container chicken broth (reduced sodium) 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes (1 26-oz. jar marinara sauce) 1 lb. russet potato, peeled and cubed 2 teaspoons dry basil Garlic salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 3 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

Mushroom Tart in Potato Crust

Ingredients

Tomato Potato Florentine Soup Directions

Heat oil in a large saucepan; add onion, celery and carrots and cook for 5 minutes to lightly brown. Stir in stock, tomatoes, potatoes and basil. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Let cool slightly, then puree in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour back into saucepan and stir in spinach; cook for a minute or 2 more to wilt spinach.

Add a small swirl of basil pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to each bowl for added Italian flavor.

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2 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes* 2 green onions, sliced, divided 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, divided* 1/4 tsp. pepper, divided 2 eggs, beaten, divided 1 1/2 tsp. olive oil 4 oz. (1 1/2 cups) assorted mushrooms (such as white, crimini, shiitake and oyster), sliced 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese* 1/4 cup milk 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped, or 1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning Recipes and images courtesy The United States Potato Board For more delicious potato recipes visit www.potatogoodness.com

JANUARY 2013

This makes a great vegetarian main dish. Any cheese will work.

Try manchego, Parmesan, fontina or mozarella. Works well as a special holiday dish, too.

Directions

Combine potatoes, half the green onions, half the Parmesan cheese and half the pepper in large bowl. Stir in half the eggs and mix until well blended. Coat 8-inch tart pan (with removable bottom) with butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray. Spread potato mixture evenly on bottom and up sides of pan.

Place tart on baking sheet and bake in preheated 475ºF oven 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 375ºF. Heat oil in large skillet over high heat. Add mushrooms and cook three minutes; remove from heat. Stir in feta cheese, milk, thyme and remaining green onions, Parmesan cheese, pepper and eggs. Pour mushroom mixture into potato crust. Bake 10 minutes or until set.

Ingredients

2 pounds peeled potatoes, halved 3 bell peppers (orange, red and yellow) 1 small onion, peeled and thinly sliced 1 cup thinly sliced, coarsely chopped fennel (white bottom part only) 1/2 tablespoon olive oil 3 tablespoons basil pesto 3/4 pound thinly sliced part skim mozzarella cheese, divided 1/4 cup shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese, divided* 3 tablespoons kalamata olives, pitted and chopped

Deep Dish Potato Torta Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Place potatoes in a steamer basket with a small amount of water.

Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 20 to 30 minutes or until tender. Let cool, then cut into thin slices.

3. Cut peppers in half, discard stems and seeds. Place peppers on foil-lined baking sheet and flatten with hand. Bake for 20 minutes or until browned and blistered.

Wrap peppers up in foil to steam for 10 minutes. Remove skin from peppers and cut into strips. Press between several layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.

4. Saute the onion and fennel in olive oil for about 20 minutes or until very soft, stirring frequently. Stir in the pesto and cook for several minutes more.

5. Spray a 9-inch deep dish pie plate or spring form pan with non stick cooking spray and place on a foil lined baking sheet. Cover the bottom with one third of the potatoes, half the peppers and half the cheese. Spread the onion mixture evenly over the top and cover with another layer of potatoes and peppers. Cover the top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with olives.

6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, tenting the top with foil after 30 minutes.

7. Let cool to room temperature and cut into thin wedges. Makes 16 wedges.

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FIN AN C E

january 2013

A Healthy

Bank Account 4 Simple Steps to Save $10K a Year Here’s how to reorganize your finances to bank over five digits in just one year without feeling deprived

By Timothy R. Schulte

T

en thousand dollars is a lot of money. It could be a large portion of a new car, part of a down

payment on a home, a big chunk out of student-loan debt or a sturdy stepping-stone on the path to retirement.

But as large as the number looks, $10,000 also is a realistic annual savings goal. And it doesn’t require an enormous salary or fancy financial products – just some smart planning and self-discipline.

“There’s no magic-bullet formula,” says Bambi Holzer, president of Bambi Holzer Financial, a division of Brookstreet Securities, Beverly Hills, Calif. However, Holzer outlines four steps that can help you can help you make the most of your money. Take a look.

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1. Assess what you’re spending A smart savings plan starts with a clear audit of expenses. “Assess what you’re spending, what – if anything – you’re saving and what you’re putting on credit cards (adding more debt),” says Holzer. Take a bank statement, checkbook or credit card bill, whichever logs your expenses, and highlight the essential items: rent, groceries, medicine, car payment, etc. For individuals, this may be a shorter process because there’s no shared income or expenses. For couples, it will require looking at what each person brings in and each spends.

2. Adjust your expenses Write down your essential expenses – the ones you highlighted. Then take a

Have a goal in mind, and pride yourself by looking at the results each day. The progress will have a strong emotional impact and, literally, make your life richer.

look at the non-highlighted ones: the premium cable package, the daily latte runs, the dinners out, going to the movies. Go through those expenses and look at what you can do less of and what you can change. Skip the fancy steakhouse for a more affordable dinner, or cook it yourself. It’ll cost $20 for two people to go see a movie, but they could watch one at home for about $5 – or stay in and catch up on your TiVo from your pared-back cable package. Medium coffee instead of the large. A phone package that allots you ample minutes for your talking needs, not one that gives you unlimited. It’s all discretionary, says Holzer, also the author of “Financial

Bliss: A Couple’s Guide to Merging Money Styles and Building a Rich Life Together” (Amacom, 2007).

Determine what you’re saving from your adjustments. Unless you actually save it – literally write the amount down and transfer it to a separate account or savings plan – it’s just psychological. It’s important to move the money so you can physically see your savings.

3. Have a money talk Whether by yourself or with your spouse or significant other, have a conversation about money. Talk about what’s important with your money. Don’t make it like a diet, says Holzer – deprivation will lead to failure. And remember to put in what Holzer calls “mad” money to be used for something pleasant: for example, going out with buddies for wings or buying a pair of shoes. Just like the other “you” expenses, you want to keep them in moderation. For example, take a shorter or more local vacation rather than flying off to an exotic destination for a week. “Give yourself some perks,” Holzer says.

4. Go beyond saving “Determine how you can save beyond your normal expenses,” says Holzer. Ask yourself how much you actually have that you could put into forced savings, like a 401(k) plan at work or an automatic monthly transfer to a savings account. If it’s done automatically, you don’t miss it, and compounding and earning interest can add up significantly, says Holzer. A little here and there can add up.

“Ten dollars a day, that’s $3,650 a year… without it being too onerous,” she says.

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B EAUTY

A day spa that lifts more than your spirits

By Charleen Earley PHOTos BY AMY PHIPPS www.onthephippside.com

W

hen a woman feels good about herself, so do those around

her – which is one of many great reasons why Manasra Aesthetics Medical Spa does what it does – helping women look and feel their best.

From laser hair removal, facials, and wrinkle treatments to Botox, body sculpting and full body massages, there’s more than one way to reverse the aging process and find stress relief, and Dr. Ali’s spa, located in Lodi, is just the place to get your pamper and treatments on.

Saying bah-bye to shaving is another benefit.

“The majority of my clients tell me that they’ve only had to shave one or two times just after one treatment,” said Dr. Tareq Ali M.D., a board-certified physician who has been practicing emergency and family practice medicine since 1993, with a special interest in aesthetic medicine since 2006.

With spacious, climate-controlled rooms (each room has its own thermostat), high-quality, state-of-the-art equipment, and beautiful, peaceful interior decorating by his wife Sahar, your first step into the spa will instantly take you to a serene state of mind and spirit.

“We worked very hard at making this facility look nice, and to make our clients feel comfortable,” added Dr. Ali.

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JANUARY 2013

Recovery time will also give you peace of mind, since the downtime for most of his treatments are minimal.

Hair removal mending is only 10 to 15 minutes, where most fillers and Botox will take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours of healing, with little bruising.

“Our treatments are minor invasive procedures,” assured Dr. Ali, who uses evidence-proven products such as Jan Marini, Vivite and Latisse.

Your pocketbook will also reap the benefits, since the special pricing Dr. Ali offered during the holiday season, he decided to extend into this New Year until Valentine’s Day, offering mostly 40% to 50% off laser hair removal, chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments.

Of course, in order to undergo some of the treatments, clients must be reasonably healthy, not pregnant, or on blood thinners.

“At the end of the day, my client’s health is more important than beauty,” said Dr. Ali, who won Patient’s Choice Awards in 2008 and 2009.

Manasra Medical Spa 1520 W. Kettleman Lane • Suite C • Lodi, CA 95242 www.manasramedicalspa.com

B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT

happy

New Year!

BY Dr. Hymavathi Kunamneni, PhD., Clinical Psychologist and Spiritual Life Coach

OR IS IT? I

t’s that time of the year when we decide to make resolutions to

make us better in many different ways. Somehow the “new year” means we need to be a “new me.” Does that mean we are not good enough as we are? So we decide we need to make promises to better manage money, time, relationships, our weight – the list is endless. We want to do all this so that we can feel better and be happier, right?

My questions to you are: What really makes us happy? What do we need right now to be happy? Is it really true that we will be happy once we lose weight? Or make more money? Or buy that new car?

JANUARY 2013

Don’t get me wrong. We might be more comfortable or be excited when we make changes about our health or money management or purchases – but for how long?

My belief is that happiness does not depend on outer things, but on our state of mind. Joy and bliss is what we experience when the

If you would like some support to get there, I invite you to attend

mind is restful, not fighting with a perceived reality. We can choose to

my complimentary five-class series titled “Fall in Love With Yourself All

accept reality, and be happy right now. It is our thoughts and beliefs

Over Again,” sponsored by St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Stockton. Let

that get in the way. That is what stops us from loving ourselves totally

this class be a Valentine Day’s gift to yourself and your loved one. I will

and unconditionally as we are, and prevents us from being truly happy.

be your instructor, guide and coach as we practice mindfulness, guided

For instance, I was very excited when my husband surprised me with

visualization, and reflective listening so that you can become empowered

a brand-new car. The first couple of days it felt as though I was floating

to live in bliss! This five-part series begins February 14 for five consecutive

on luxury wheels. I felt so lucky and I loved everything about it.

Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Medical Center.

After a week passed, I was not thinking of my car as I routinely got in and out of it, except when someone complimented me on it. And now, it actually feels like a burden as I worry about scratches and the costs to maintain a new vehicle. So – do I now go look for something new to give me that excitement again?

The fact is that this car is more comfortable than my previous car, but my happiness level changed with my mood and the fading of newness.

The car gives me comfort but not happiness or excitement anymore.

The fallacy is that comfort equals happiness.

The same goes for a new slim body, more money, or a new job. The outer things don’t give us any feelings, as they do not have any feelings.

What creates our feelings are our thoughts. Our mind and where it takes us is the center of our experience.

Life is as good as your relationship with yourself (see class opportunity below). Do you let life’s events control how you feel? You can take control of your feelings and thoughts. Do you sometimes feel as though you are not good enough? You can reach that place of peace within yourself. Are you a people pleaser? You can learn to please yourself first and then others.

We can be our own worst critic or best friend. What we do to ourselves is what we do to others. Are you being nice and loving to yourself? If not, you can choose to like yourself and be your best friend right now, even if nothing outside changes, but only if you are willing to drop the thoughts that get in the way. I realize this takes practice and sometimes help, but we all have it within ourselves to find true joy and happiness, and it begins with loving ourselves for who we are.

For more information, call (209) 467-6550 or email Jim.Linderman@dignityhealth.org or visit my website at InternationalStressReliefAcademy.com

I AM SAN JOAQUIN Age: 30 Occupation: Claims Processor at Blue Shield of California How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: I was born and raised in Lodi. So I’ve been here 30 years. I did a few years of traveling abroad, but Lodi is home.

The people who mean the most to me: There are a lot of people who mean a lot to me. However, there are a few people who mean the most to me. There are three sets, the first person being my Lord and Savior, because without him and his strength I’m not sure where I would be today. Second, there are my two amazing children, Mahkai (8) and Kalani (5).

Being a single mother, I couldn’t ask for a more awesome set of kids that bring more joy, happiness and laughter into my life. Last but definitely not least my parents: I was raised by Thomas and Deborha Longoria; these two amazing parents are my rock and my strength, and have shown me that life has its challenges but to never give up, and just because there might be a speed bump, we should keep fighting.

Favorite SJ County place to take friends when they come to visit: When friends come to visit the San Joaquin County I love taking them to Lodi Lake Nature area – not only do I enjoy it, but my kids love playing there, along with feeding the ducks in the lake.

A key event in my life and the impact it had on me: When I was three years old, my father Thomas was involved in an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, and

brain damaged. My sister Raquel was seven and brother Thomas was five, so not only was my mother Deborha raising three kids, she was also taking on a huge responsibility of taking care of her husband who was now not able to care of himself. When seeing my mother having to take on all these tasks, all three of us kids knew growing up very fast and helping mom out as much as possible was a must. However, Mom never forgot about her three babies, always taking time for us as well. 27 years later, my mom is still taking amazing care of my dad. Those two people are what keep me going, just knowing it could always be worse. They are my true heros!

Favorite sports team: The San Francisco Giants, not just because they won the 2012 World Series, but because they have always been my team whether they win or lose.

What I’m reading now: Sun Stand Still: What happens when you dare to ask God for the Impossible? by Pastor Steven Furtick Favorite vacation destination: Negril, Jamaica. I have been vacationing there for the last two years, and love the people, the hospitality, and most of all the respect that the country gives us Americans that come to their country.

Hobbies: My hobbies USED to include softball, and rugby, and I would play as much as I could. However, since I have become a mother (and a single mother at that), my hobbies are my kids’ hobbies, which consist of football, baseball, T-ball, going to the park, and every other fun thing that an 8and 5-year-old love to do.

Sports I enjoy: I love baseball; the Giants have my heart. I love football; the 49ers are my football team. However, my favorite football player is Troy Polamalu, #43 on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pet: The last pet I owned was my bird, Voyager, who passed away last year. I had him for about 15 years. He was my little buddy – he talked to me every time I walked in and out of the front door. He was the best little guy ever.

Favorite food/dessert: Chicken enchiladas.

I “give back” by volunteering with the following organizations: I give to an organization that hits very close to home, the Susan G Komen foundation. It is an organization that provides funding for breast cancer research, education, and community involvement. In 2001 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, so making sure that women young and old have the correct information is so important to me. I also volunteer at my local church, The Gathering Place in Galt. We feed area homeless and less fortunate out of our church’s thrift store at 700 E. Pine Street in Lodi.

My favorite quotes: “Give your smile to everyone, but give your heart to only one.”

Favorite childhood memories: Being raised in the country and living the country life. Playing with our friends in the walnut orchards, grape vineyards, riding horses, dirt bikes, forever memories with forever friends.

PHOTOS BY linsday ortez lindsayophotography.com

I am San Joaquin

WOMAN Neva Longoria

FEATURE

peek-a-boutique

O

By Susan Michener Spracher PHOTOS BY linsday ortez lindsayophotography.com

ne might expect to find a shop named Sea Salt Cottage by the

sea shore. What a pleasant surprise to discover it nestled in downtown Lodi. Tucked under a striped awning, the shop offers a treasure trove of wellness remedies, fun boutique items and its namesake stuff – sea salt.

Sea Salt Cottage, owned and operated by Raychel Hug-Lusk and her husband Andrew, was born of Raychel’s entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to provide natural healing products. Healing is something she knows much about. After an epic rise in the nursing field, Raychel found after 10 years that she had hit the ceiling in terms of advancement, and also the wall in terms of a work schedule. 100-hour workweeks left little to no family time, so she decided to put her work ethic and vision of wellness into play by opening the shop almost two years ago.

Raychel views nursing as an art form that offers wellness not just by medicine giving, but by employing the human spirit of offering a hug, a touch of the hand or a minute to talk. This led her to carefully select products to relieve stress, provide balance and natural pain management.

Everything in the shop is natural, organic, preservative- and parabenfree, locally made whenever possible, from the United States or certified fair trade.

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The scent of the sea permeates the air at Sea Salt Cottage. While browsing you’ll find remedies such as Shower Bursts – half spheres placed in the shower with ingredients to aid with cold and flu or even a hangover. There are treatments like Vital Vapor Balm or Dream Cream for sports injuries, and natural patches that can be applied to the skin to treat migraines or muscle aches and pains. Believing that laughter is the best medicine, Raychel also offers fun, handcrafted and unique boutique items such as books, cards, scarves, relaxation CDs and candles.

The biggest item in the shop is the sea salt.

Known for its curative properties, sea salt comes in many delicious forms at Sea Salt Cottage. There are Pink Himalayan sea salt blocks for cooking food on to enhance flavors, and lamps said to cleanse the air and promote a feeling of calmness. Cooking salts also come in unique flavors such as Black Truffle. Bath and scrub sea salts are available in scents of Grapefruit Mandarin, Sweet Pea, Summer Beach, Citrus Basil and the unique Dragon’s Blood. There is also the opportunity to blend your own bath soak, scrub, massage oil or soap using a variety of essential oils.

Sea Salt Cottage offers the atmosphere of an old time apothecary.

Stop in and treat yourself to refreshment.

Sea salt cottage

13 N. School Street, Lodi • (209) 339-8400 Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sea-Salt-Cottage

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Paris

An Evening in

Happily Ever After Begins here at

Stockton’s Bridal Gala of the Year! ~ Presented by~

University Plaza Waterfront Hotel & Valley Wedding Pros Join us with the best of the best wedding professionals in the San Joaquin Valley for the ultimate high-end bridal event for today’s contemporary and stylish couples!

Thursday, February 21, 2013 $10 in Advance ($15 at the door) VIP ONLY 5-6 PM • General Admission 6-9 PM Red Carpet, Live DJ, Passed Hors d’oeuvres, Passed Bubbly, Extraordinary Runway Event, and Thousands of Dollars in Prizes from our fabulous vendors...

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For more information visit our website at www.universityplazawaterfronthotel.com feb r u a r y 2 0 1 2 110 W. Fremont Street, Stockton, CA 95202