Atkins Nursery "Enjoying Fruit at Their Prime Time."

Atkins Nursery

"ENJOYING FRUIT AT THEIR PRIME TIME."

Feature and Photos by Maggie Ramos

When we go grocery shopping, by nature, we often take the time to find the perfectly shaped oranges, avocados, apples, pears, etc., but is the appearance of the fruit the most important element? In reality, the external look of the fruit may not be the best indication for selection. Often when we get home and slice open the perfectly shaped fruit, we are filled with disappointment since it doesn't taste as good as it looks.

On the other hand, what do you think about having a healthy, juicy, and sweet piece of fruit not only produced in a healthier manner but also picked at a prime time? This is the essential ingredient which determines selecting the best produce available. Don’t you want to enjoy a great piece of fruit without being disappointed?

Well farmers markets not only offer fresh produce, but they are also locally grown; which means the transit distance and time to get the fruit to your table is shortened. Therefore, when we cut open our fruits on our tables, we can happily be satisfied after enjoying a fruit picked at its prime time.

Because farmers markets farmers are local, we also have the opportunity to purchase directly from some growing grounds at a wholesale price. Perhaps you want to grow your own fruit on your own tree in your own backyard? Well, Atkins can help you select and care for your own fruit trees.

The best farm that I have come across is Atkins Nursery; which is located in the North County area of San Diego in the outskirts of Fallbrook Ca. I have to admit Atkins became one of my favorite growing grounds to purchase from, because they carry over 400 variety of trees that you can purchase and grow your own fresh fruits on your own property. They also have a large selection of fresh herbs that can be enjoyed directly from your own home garden.

Atkins is one of the few growing grounds, which carries a variety of rare or hard to find fruits. For example, exotic tropical fruits, including passion fruit, chirimoyas, guavas, pitayas, dragon fruit, mangos, jujube apples, papaya, pomegranates, and the list goes on.

Atkins has been in business for over 55 years; therefore, you will find expertise from experienced growers, they are especially good when it comes to avocado and other fruit trees.

Fresh healthier eating's is reflected in our general wellbeing and can be seen in the glow of our skin and enhanced energy and stamina from eating a healthy diet which is not full of manufactured food, but natural food, grown locally.

Victor Gonzalez is the owner and CEO of Atkins Nursery and a Master Grower. He can best direct you when it comes to growing or experiencing great fresh fruits. You can visit his growing grounds at 3129 Reche Rd. Fallbrook Ca. 92028. Tel~(760) 801-3605 cell Office (760) 723-1610

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1. BUBS Naturals

CHANGE YOUR DIET, CHANGE YOUR LIFE

In Southern California, fitness is a way of life. When you go to grab a latte, you have the option of customizing it to be sugar-free, dairy-free, or organic. When you go out to eat, you can get your burger made “protein style,” devoid of that pesky carbohydrate-filled bun, or go for a “skinny” entrée; a calorie-reduced amalgamation of what was your meal. These changes in your diet are definitely a great decision, but it is consistency in any nutritional plan that makes for lifelong results.

BUBS Naturals is a supplement company dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. It began as a way to pay tribute to business owner Sean Lake’s Navy SEAL friend, Glen “Bubs” Doherty. “Bubs,” a local Encinitas resident, was named the Union-Tribune “Person of the Year” for his bravery in the Benghazi, Libya terror attacks. As a way to honor Doherty’s memory, Sean started the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation alongside Doherty’s family. This foundation has the mission of helping Special Ops soldiers transition to civilian life through educational scholarships and recreational opportunities. 10% off all sales are going DIRECTLY to this organization.

Doherty lived a life dedicated to this country and health and wellness, so it is no surprise that this company has those aspects as its cornerstones.

“Bubs talked about proper nutrition as the best compliment to hard work. We had mason jars of pre-workout powders, various proteins, post-workout supplements, hydration powder, and of course...metamucil®...because as he’d say ‘you just can’t get enough fiber.’ To say the BUBS brand is inspired by him is only part of the story. This is a tribute to Bubs and a way of life. It is a life of constant evolution and self-improvement where you work hard and play harder.”

BUBS Natural Collagen Protein is the miraculous result of honoring Bubs and our bodies. As described on the company’s website, Bubsnaturals.com;

“Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. But naturally, with age, the body’s production of collagen slows down. Collagen’s essential benefit is promoting health and healing from the inside out. Scientifically speaking, the amino acid glycine found in collagen supports metabolic functions. The proteins and amino acids in BUBS’ collagen help strengthen skin, promote increased elasticity, and benefit smoothness while supporting healthy hair and nails. Studies show that collagen is critical to the support and reconstruction of joints (cartilage / synovial fluids) and is indispensable if used as a recovery tool in regenerating muscles after exercise.”

This keto-friendly, NON-GMO, USA produced protein powder is our favorite new supplement. It’s unflavored, so here at SDWM, we love the fact that we can put it in LITERALLY anything. From coffee, to orange juice, to acai bowls, putting this collagen protein in your day is easier than you think. It’s all natural ingredients and 18g of protein per serving, paired with Hydrolyzed, Grass Fed & Pasture Raised Peptides, make this protein in a class of its own.

Visit www.bubsnaturals.com to shop now!

2. HSI Groove Master Kit

I have read countless advertisements for hair products which claim that they will do away for your need for a trip to the Salon. Well in the case of HSI Groove Master Kit, it is the honest truth. Well, unless you want a haircut. For that you still will need the Salon, but for getting that perfect hairstyle for any special occasion, or just that special night out, who needs a professional?

There are so many good points to this new product that I don’t know where to begin. First of all, you can create whatever type of curls you desire with a simple click to change the curling barrel. You can go from corkscrew curls to loose beachy waves in minutes. You are no longer limited by the one barrel at the end of your curling iron because HSI Groove Master has ten interchangeable barrels in just one curling iron. In a hurry? The HSI Groove Master Kit heats up in just 60 seconds. That’s not

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all, the people at HSI have also included a heat-resistant glove to protect users from accidentally burned fingers.

One of the main reasons we continue going back to the salon for that perfect hairstyle is that we can’t get to those hard to reach spots, so we always manage to have one side of our hair looking good, while the other is obviously lacking. This outstanding product solves this problem with a 360-degree swivel cord which makes it easy to curl even those tough to reach locks.

HSI Professional is a long time manufacturer of quality curling irons, flat irons and hair dryers which are loved by pros and novices alike. There was no detail left out in the creation of this marvelous hair salon in a box. They even provided a carrying case so you could take it with you on trips or to your office, so you are always ready for that impromptu happy hour or last-minute business function.

We put it to the test with the ladies of San Diego Woman Magazine, and in less than twenty minutes we were all party ready. Go online today and order your HSI Grove Master Kit and be the envy of your next event.

For more information visit https:// www.hsiprofessional.com/.

3. Tranquilo Soothing Mat

When a product hits the market, there is often the question of where it originated and how? At San Diego Woman, this is often an important bit of info we like to know before we decide to test out a product and feature it in our Magazine.

Featuring the Tranquilo Soothing Mat was a no-brainer. First off, with a new granddaughter, I totally understood sleep deprivation as I often do overnights to give her working mom, my daughter, a reprieve. Since it has been decades since my children were this small, I forgot how important getting the little one to sleep is, and sometimes how difficult it can be. This was until I did a product test on the Tranquilo Soothing Mat. When I learned that the creators and team behind this product were a Maternity Nurse, Seasoned Mom, and a Loving aunt, I knew the product came out of love and need. So I gave it a try.

I wanted to give a great big hug to the creators. The fussing stopped, sleep came quickly, and this tired Grandma enjoyed the sight of a happy sleeping little angel. So, what is the Tranquilo Mat and how do you get one?

The Tranquilo Soothing Mat helps babies to sleep by mimicking the sounds and motions of a mother’s womb using vibrations and white noise. It helps babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. How does it accomplish this? It has four levels of vibration and two heartbeat settings. The Mat has a removable and washable 100% cotton cover, is CPSIA safety tested, has no weight limit, has a water-resistant interior and can run continuously or can be set to shut off after 60 minutes. The Mat comes in two sizes, large which is great for the crib or bassinet and a smaller one great for on the go use in car seats or visits to grandparents homes. The Tranquilo Soothing Mat is best for ages 0-6 months.

If a happy infant is what you desire and a good night’s sleep is what you crave, pick up a Tranquilo Soothing Mat today. Visit https://www.tranquilomat.com/

4. Romp and Roost

Leave it to a Mom to come up with a product that was lacking in the market. Owner and Creator of Romp and Roost, Ashley Whitman, did just that. As an entrepreneur and mom, Ashley knew what it was that she needed to make life easier for her and her children. She searched for it, but it didn’t exist, so she did what any entrepreneur in a similar position would do, she created it.

Romp and Roost is a large playpen for one or two children. It includes a divider which can be inserted when using the playpen for two infants or toddlers, when the divider is left out it provides a large safe area for a single child to sleep, play, or even safely learn to walk. When two infants or toddlers utilize it, one

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can be playing while the other can be sleeping, and you can rest assured both children will be safe and happy. This product is a lifesaver to the parents of twins who no longer have to carry two pack and plays or bassinets with them when they travel.

Our Moms gave it a whirl and were thrilled with it. They used it during a staff meeting when two of our staff were invited to bring in their children to our weekly meeting. With a two-year-old and an eleven-month-old occupying the Romp and Roost, we were actually able to get through a meeting undisturbed.

I watched amazed at how well it worked. The infant was enthralled with what the two-year-old was up to and just sat watching quietly and happily, and when the toddler got wind of her attentive admirer, she did even more to entertain her audience. All I can say, and the moms agreed, what a great invention! Go to http://www.rompan-

droost.com/ for more information, to purchase it directly, or to find stores near you where you can pick up a romp and roost of your own.

5. The Chocolate Pizza Company

It started as a dream of a 15-year-old who was mopping floors in a small town chocolate shop. He knew that one day he would own this shop and build it into a national brand. At the age of 21, the dream of owning this business became a reality. Today Ryan Novak has turned this small chocolate shop into a national brand. After trying their products, it is not hard to understand why.

Currently, Chocolate Pizza® is so in demand that it has been ordered by Chocolate Lovers on six continents. Their Chocolate Pizza®, their signature item, has so many varieties it is a challenge to pick which one you want. The chocolate is decadent, rich milk chocolate or dark chocolate with homemade English toffee from a recipe dating back to 1919, ground and mixed in.. The mixture is then poured into real pizza pans, topped by hand with your choice of toppings, and served in a custom pizza box. Let me tell you, this item will make you forget that calorie counting, trust me it is worth it.

To my surprise, they also provided me with a sample of their Peanut Butter Wings® If your mouth is not watering now, just wait until you hear about this creation. Imagine crisp, rippled potato chips covered in creamy peanut butter and drenched in your choice of rich milk or dark chocolate. The salty-sweet combination in every bite is a taste masterpiece so distinctive it has been granted a federal trademark. Their Peanut Butter Wings® are to die for as is every product they create.

Besides making these amazing taste sensations The Chocolate Pizza Company®, will custom make items and even provide favors for your wedding or special occasion.

All I can say is thank you, Ryan, for making chocolate lover’s dreams come true.

To order go to https://www.chocolatepizza.com/about-us/.

6. Swell Coffee

At San Diego Woman Magazine, we enjoy nothing more than to review local companies that love being in San Diego. This definitely describes Swell Coffee. Swell was founded by John Vallas in 2011. Vallas is passionate about creating a coffee that is roasted to its most flavorful moment. Their coffee is roasted fresh, bagged, and shipped that same day to arrive fresh for your enjoyment. The result is amazing specialty roasted coffees which are unique in flavor and quality. Once you try Swell, you will never want to have another brand of coffee. The topper is that you don’t have to stand on long lines to get your favorite cup of coffee anymore. It will come to your door, so you can get out of bed and have that taste you crave without getting out of your pjs.

Swell is a San Diego specialty coffee roaster that believes in the value of single origin. They search the globe to find the most amazing coffees that they can responsibly source. Swell was born

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from a passion to live life to its fullest - friends, family, surf, good health, and great coffee. They continuously explore the globe to discover new flavors while keeping their feet in the sand in sunny San Diego, California.

Swell is a coffee subscription service which guarantees you will never find yourself without great coffee on hand. The subscription can be adjusted to meet your individual coffee drinking needs and preferences. As Swell Coffee notes, “Running out of Coffee is never Swell.” To find

out more, and start experiencing this outstanding product in your own home, go to: https://swellcoffeeco.com/

7. KRUPS Savoy 2 XL Thermobrew

Coffee Maker

In recent years Coffee has become a new art form and no one has done it better than KRUPS with the release of their latest the KRUPS Savoy 2XL Thermobrew Coffee Maker.

All coffee enthusiast know that the brewing temperature plays a huge part in the final flavor of the coffee, KRUPS uses a Thermobrew technology that maintains temperature for optimal extraction.

In addition, the oversized showerhead evenly wets grounds for a smooth even brew while the Flavormix Tube retains heat and balance of the coffee flavor which can be adjusted to coincide with the exact way you like your coffee, regular or bold.

This coffee maker even allows you multiple programming, so you can set it for one leisurely time on weekends and another when you have to rush out the door to get to work.

This brand new coffee maker, just launched in April of this year also has a 14 cup capacity which means you won’t have to be running back and forth to the coffee maker to stick in another pod. At San Diego Woman Magazine, we were all thrilled with it at our weekly staff meeting when there was no waiting around to make your own individual cup of coffee.

So, when you get right down to it what does all of this technical coffee jargon mean? A delicious, flavorful cup of coffee possible in your own home without waiting on lines for your morning brew.

Visit https://www.krupsusa.com/ to order a KRUPS online or to locate a store near you that carries this amazing machine.

8. BUMP IT OFF

Leave it to a single mom of two, otherwise known as the Goddess of Gadgets, to come up with this unique and versatile product. Who would have thought that one item could be used for everything from brushing your pets to using it on yourself in the shower?

BUMP IT OFF is a reusable silicone sleeve that fits on your hand in multiple positions, enabling you to concentrate scrubbing power in the palm of your hand or on your fingertips.

Since BUMP IT OFF is made from 100% silicone it is non-toxic and dishwasher friendly if placed on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Unlike your traditional sponge BUMP IT OFF is antibacterial and will not absorb odors, so it will always be clean and ready for the next task at hand.

With so many varied uses pick up one for each room of the house.

Go to http://www.goddessofgadgets. com/

9. Fresh Patch

It’s been about six months since I adopted my adorable French Bulldog, Miss Mocha. She has brought an insane amount of joy into the lives of my boyfriend and me. Along with that joy, however, is a new normal. This normal includes bringing her everywhere (due to some unexpected anxiety issues) and puppy-proofing everything Miss Mocha would come in contact with in her environment.

Puppies bring along with them a certain ability to make everything smell like… well… puppy. Keeping a growing

dog inside a studio-sized apartment while two people work full-time jobs leaves the inevitable to occur. Bathroom messes were a problem we faced early on. We invested in jumbo-sized pee pads that left our room smelling like a public park. Our fur child also had a propensity to find them very entertaining and tore up as many as we put down.

After so many frustrations with training our adorable bulldog, we searched for a solution. Insert here our knight in shining armor, FRESH PATCH. FRESH PATCH is a revolutionary service that sends large cuts of grass in a sturdy cardboard box straight to your door on a weekly or monthly basis. These grass patches are fresh, lush, and green. For someone like me who faces not only time challenges with giving walks to my pup, but also the outdoor space to do so, FRESH PATCH was a godsend. Miss Mocha took to the patches, so naturally, it was as though she trained herself. We placed the patch on our balcony, and at first, she would sniff it, walk over it, and come back in. Then, we started using training techniques to show her this was her new bathroom. By the time another patch found its way to our door, Miss Mocha was loving having her own personal potty right outside. She was actually waking me up in the middle of the night to go on our balcony rather than use a pee pad we apprehensively kept

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around. Within about two months, she completely transitioned to the outdoor patches, and these grass squares being so fresh, we’ve been able to keep them for longer than I even thought.

For anyone looking to give their pet the joy of the outdoors, I fully recommend FRESH PATCH

Order some and make your Pet happy. Go to https://www.freshpatch.com/

10. DONA BELA SHREDS

They say that everything has already been done, then there are DONA BELA SHREDS. DONA BELA SHREDS is a fashion accessory line that upcycles textile remnants & designs them into unique, one-of-a-kind creations.

DONA BELA SHREDS are created for the fashion-forward, eco-conscious woman. The creators have found a way to use fabric scraps that often ended up in landfills to create beautiful neck, wrist, and headwear. They are unique looking and will definitely have heads turning. The color palettes used are bold and eye-catching. There are a variety of styles, and each piece is a one of a kind creation. Not only are DONA BELA SHREDS changing the way we look at neckwear, but they are a company that shows their charitable side donating $1 from every piece of neckwear sold.

To order your own Dona Bela Shreds go to https://www.donabelashreds.com/. 11. PodPockets

If you are the lucky owners of one of the most popular Apple products, the Apple AirPods you will be relieved to know that you can protect your investment. The PodPocket Airpods Case has won rave reviews from users and sellers alike. It is the most reviewed case on Amazon. The PodPockets AirPods Case is molded from high-grade silicone making sure that your AirPods have a secure fit and won’t slip out of the case. It comes with a premium key ring and clasp so that it can be attached to a bag or keychain. Don’t take a chance that your AirPods may be stolen if you turn your back for a moment. By having them attached to your bag or keyring, you can be certain that they are safe and within reach at all times.

The easy access along the bottom allows you to charge your AirPods without having to remove them from the case, and the safety it provides. This keeps them secure at all times. This company is so sure that you will be thrilled with this product that they provide a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

At San Diego Woman our editors who own the Apple AirPods and tested the PodPocket agreed with the rave reviews. They loved them and wouldn’t give them up for anything. Visit https://podpock-

ets.com/ to order your PodPocket today!

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12. Ohbases

The home page of their website says it best,”OhBases makes effective, unpretentious products for the betterment of Mom & Baby.”

But there is more to Ohbases than just that. Their products are wonderful, and you know when you use them that all of the ingredients are safe, not only for you but for your most precious cargo…your baby.

As a new Grandma, I was happy to be able to sample products from such a fine company that truly cares about their customers. Ohbases search for ingredients from plants which have been farmed organically and are of the highest quality. These ingredients are chosen for their therapeutic value and practical everyday application.

OhBases Little Face Cream is a product I love and felt confident massaging a little on my granddaughter’s precious little face. It is a gentle, all-natural moisturizer made with all-natural ingredients that keeps your baby's facial skin soft and smooth. Is there anything more soft than a newborn babies skin. This product helps to keep it that way. It is made with soothing Calendula and flower extracts, OhBases Little Face Cream only has natural ingredients to enrich and care for the skin on your baby’s face. I could see a difference when using this cream to help protect her delicate skin against dryness and chapping.

Let’s not forget mommy or grandma. I particularly liked their product Bee My Magic Pot, which transform your skin to a younger naturally healthy and radiant glow! OhBases blends raw honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis to make an amazing nourishing moisturizer that can minimize fine lines and wrinkles... and who doesn’t want to ward off those wrinkles.

These are just two of there great products. So far I have not found one that I did not like. Oh and let’s not forget the thoughtful applicator that comes with these items, no messy hands or nails after using it. Try some for yourself and your little one. You will be thrilled with the results.

Get some for yourself at https://www. ohbases.com.

13. Ecuadane

This is probably one of the most beautiful blankets you will ever own. Calling it a blanket does a disservice to the product, it is actually a work of art. Ecuadane’s unique hand-woven blankets are crafted by artisans in Ecuador and procured by three sisters who set out on a journey to share their culture with the world. The name Ecuadane is a combination of Ecuador and Denmark. The three young founders chose the name to honor the countries where their parents were born. Their family traveled often, and the girls decided that needed to introduce others to the hidden treasures of little-known places around the globe. They even managed to take it a step further and donate a portion of the proceeds to orphanages in Ecuador.

These beautiful blankets are versatile and can be packed in a travel bag or in your car to be used for all your travel needs. Made of a high-quality blend of alpaca and synthetic materials, Ecuadane’s blankets are lightweight, breathable and durable and perfect for indoor or outdoor use. They’re also machine washable and don’t itch!

The blankets are made in Otavalo, Ecuador by a family who has been doing so for generations. The art and design of which will continue to be passed on for generations to come. Own one of these artisan creations and know that it will start a conversation with anyone who sees it, for its unique look and feel.

Support Ecuadane in their quest to share the beauty of the world with as many people as they can, and by doing so, they will help preserve these cultures one blanket at a time.

To order your Ecuadane Artisan Blanket go to https://www.ecuadane. com/.

FEMALE FOCUSED CARDIOLOGISTS North Coast Cardiology

Dr. Katherine Ludington and Dr Pargol Samani are thrilled to announce the expansion of their successful comprehensive heart and vascular care program into North County. North Coast Cardiology has provided caring, thorough and woman-focused heart health to the Encinitas community for 10 years. Now, a new office in Oceanside makes it more convenient for patients to choose from either location. Dr. Ludington graduated from Stanford University and has a special interest in women’s heart disease. Dr. Samani trained at UCLA and her focus is preventative cardiology for men and women. Please call our office at (760) 753-0220 to make an appointment or visit www.NorthCoastCardiology.com for information about our offices and caring staff. Operational Accounting

JENNIFER BARNES Pro Back Office

As your business grows, Pro Back Office will surround you with the talent and expertise needed to track revenue, expenses and profitability as well as maintaining the appropriate levels of governance, risk, and compliance. Whether you need day to day transactional accounting or a seasoned CFO or consultant for your strategic initiatives, Pro Back Office will exceed your expectations. We are hourly, onsite, or remote, P/T fractional resources from the CFO to the Staff Accountant. We can be your entire department, or we can fill the gaps. Our Team Is Your Team.

Office:858-622-1681 Jenniferb@probackoffice.com https://www.facebook.com/ProBackOffice https://twitter.com/ProBackOffice https://www.linkedin.com/company/3599313/?trk=tya h&trkInfo=clickedVertical%3Acompany%2Cidx%3A11-1%2CtarId%3A1430502859749%2Ctas%3Apro%20 back%20office https://www.instagram.com/probackofficephoenix/?hl=en https://www.yelp.com/biz/pro-back-office-san-diego

DoYou Want To BeA Writer For San Diego Woman Magazine?

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Robert Tussey

Change is difficult, seemingly impossible. From racial bias to gender bias to age bias, across the board society has a mandate for change that is rarely met with open arms. Whether we like it or not people don’t enjoy altering their perceptions and beliefs. It takes generations for real change despite legislation and good intentions. That said, altering ‘societal norms’ is necessary for the progression and growth in a forwardthinking world. Join the crowd or sit on the sidelines, either way, it’s going to happen.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about discrimination against men. Articles and blogs and vlogs all speaking about men being marginalized and many men taking umbrage at the fact we are being pushed into the corner of the conversation on equality. One man is suing a women’s group [Here in San Diego] for not including men in one of their events – a girl’s night out dancing. For generations, women have wanted to join men-only clubs, gyms, organizations, Boy Scouts (Boy Scouts will now be called Scouts as the young ladies join the ranks), the military, corporate boardrooms and such, and it has taken its toll on the larger issue of gender equality. And, men are fighting back with the same argument. Why not?

On the one hand, if women want equality on all issues, then we have to extend men the same courtesy (look, I know that for years men ran the world – I don’t disagree with that point). Some women are arguing for this lawsuit. On the other hand – why? Some say the natural flow of this change will include men. I don’t see it that way. I have watched, for decades, this battle for what’s right against what’s wrong. From the feminism of the sixties to the neo-feminism of today, the battle call is the same, me first. I have always been on the side of equal pay and equal treatment. My ten years of articles in this magazine support that. But I am also seeing the trend of marginalization of men as a means to achieve equality for women. Men, for centuries, have had it their way. But, not all men were the bad guys. It truly is time for an aggressive change for women. But do not leave the good and true men out of the equation. I have said many times over the years that a partner in change is far more effective than leaving your advocates at the altar.

If total equality is the goal then shouldn’t we leave the seats up and the doors unopened? You get the picture. If we can agree that we are all in this together, then we better make this work for all. Our world is moving faster than at any time in history, and we all need to be on the right track making the necessary changes to build a foundation of equality and equanimity. Anything less will drag us all down in an age where too few have too much power.

I am truly an advocate of equal rights between the sexes. I am not in favor of litigious individuals looking for a way to make a buck, while they attempt to make you believe they are doing it for the good of our country. For decades women have suffered the lower pay for doing the same job, and to date, in 2018 they are still being penalized for not having a penis.

Now some greedy men are saying, wait being at the head of the herd for centuries just isn’t enough. We need to crash an innocent “Girls Night Out,” to make a point. But, what point are they making? That their life would not be complete if they don’t ruin an event for women. One where women can let down their hair and not care about their makeup being perfect or wearing that dreaded pair of spanks. Do men not realize how much work most women put into looking perfect around men. Do men not realize that many of the hoops we jump through are for them to think positively about us? Once in a while, a woman or women’s group will give other women a break. Hey, let’s enjoy a night out when all we think about is having fun, not how we look or what the men in the room will be saying about us.

There are still so many areas in which women are not allowed to participate. Read the cover story, and maybe it will hit home that in 149 years there has never been a female major league baseball player. How many women are down at Petco Park with picket signs and filing lawsuits?

No one denies the fact that business has been a bastion of male society for years. So why do men have a problem when women organize and attend seminars and other functions to help them gain knowledge of the business world. It was noted in the 70’s that lower-income youths needed some help in being able to attend college, so they could compete with those who were better off economically. These wealthier students most likely received a better education during grades k-12. I don’t recall stories about well-off high schoolers objecting or suing those who were given opportunities to better themselves and their station in life? No, they welcomed the new competition and believed, in the long run, it would be better for our country. Why can’t men feel the same way about these women-only networking events, unless they are afraid of having to compete with women? Maybe the fact that more women are opening businesses today than men does give them a reason to fear allowing women to get up to speed in the business arena.

I guess we will have to start banning man caves too pretty soon, and maybe all dressing rooms at spas or gyms now have to be open to both men and women since wouldn’t we be discriminating calling an area the Women’s Locker Room and not allowing men to enter? Restrooms would have to come under fire as well. No more men’s or women’s restroom since that is discriminating telling a man he can’t go in a women’s restroom. Do we realize how out of control this concept can become?

If men have chambers of commerce with men’s groups and women have networking events that are women focused, why is there such an issue? I truly would understand and agree if a service was only available to women and not men, but there are many men’s organizations out there that provide the same service as women’s groups. So what makes it so necessary for these men to join in on the women organized and run events.

At San Diego Woman Magazine, we have male writers and contributors, we provide topics that may be of interest to both men and women, and as you are reading, we run a He Said/She Said column allowing both the male and female opinion to be voiced. Should we be forced to change the name of our publication to appease a group of men who find it distasteful? At San Diego Women all men are welcome to attend any of our events or functions, but rarely are they busting down the doors to attend. Why is this? Because I do believe both genders need time to bond with their own gender. Not everything has to be a group activity.

The Girls Night Out event was not the only recent lawsuit. It seems a local law firm has been specializing in these sort of cases, with positive outcomes. I do understand the need to speak up when you feel you are being discriminated against, but how about suing for $1 if you are only doing so to prove a point or champion a cause?

Judith A. Habert

Success-How Do We Measure It?

By Debbie Storms

DREAMS, WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF? Grandiosity, riches, mansions, and finding your prince charming? Well, we all are not Meagan Markle, right? So do we just want more possessions and are those true measurements of success? Is the desire for more, what is blinding us from what we already have--and should already be grateful for. Counting your blessing will change your life. An attitude of gratitude is a choice for today. Don’t wait for your happiness to come tomorrow, celebrate this day.

I say, roll out your own red carpet! Follow your path with an open heart because it will lead you to feelings of extreme gratitude. Bringing goodness into your life will keep you in harmony with yourself. If you can make the best of how things turn out then you are on your way to having a successful life.

The key to really living for yourself is learning how to grasp the awareness that you are enough. This begins with you; your happiness is an inside job. Success is not bestowed upon us by others. Instead, we feel it from within. The great Maya Angelou’s take on success was, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Your personal core values define who you are.

People who consistently maintain a sense of gratitude report a number of personal benefits: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The measures of success that go beyond money and power have been told to be our gratefulness for; well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving. We have all been given so much that we take for granted. With our use of things such as wonder and giving, we ought to be as generous as possible.

We should be measuring the heart and soul of humanity, rather than weighing the material items in our lives. The heart and soul of humanity are internal and not external in nature. Therefore, success is not a thing, but a process. Greater contentment comes your way with more actively and passionately engaging in life. As it has been said, life is a journey, not a destination.

Walk your own red carpet that is focused on your passions, and your soul will blossom. Allow yourself and others the freedom to be who they are. If you lead from inside, then you can find true happiness. Expressing gratitude will teach you to focus on what you have and not on what you don’t have. The more that you look, the more you will find. You will become inspired to be your best self. Then you can form your life sculpted by your own true happiness.

Having gratitude despite the ups and downs of your circumstances and finding contentment in either circumstance will bestow richness into your life. It is with gratitude that life becomes rich. Then you are lead to a life, filled with happiness, that is reaping the benefits of your most successful life.

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah Winfrey

How do you measure success? Don’t fear to look at what you already have. Expressing gratitude is the only path to finding what you really want.

Debbie Storms dstorms88@gmail.com