Laura McIntosh - HER LIFE Magazine

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®28contents6 WElCOME10 HEALTH12 cosmetic surgery14 Beauty16 Beauty Basics18 Inspirations24 CravINGs26 Recipes3428 Culinary32 SPOTLIGHT34 TRENDSETTER40 MOTHEr's Perspective42 GREEN LIVING44 FINANCE4846 HOME48 SPOTLIGHT50 SCENE AND BE SEEN54 LOVE AND RELATIONSHIP56 SHE SAID YESlAURA MCINTOSH18BRINGING IT HOME58 TIE THE KNOT64 CALENDARThe star and creator of Bringing It Home with Laura McIntosh wants toreconnect you with the eating experience. Through her captivating weeklyprograms aired throughout California on such stations as KXTV – Sacramento;KFSN – Fresno; KTVU – San Francisco and KOLO – Reno; and nationally onIonLife and Resort & Residence TV, she endeavors to reacquaint her audiences withthe roots of the foods they eat.4 HERLIFEmagazine.com

®Staff and ContactsEditor-in-ChiefKimberly Mullenkimberly@herlifemagazine.com209-327-3797Photography DirectorBre Baszlerbre@herlifemagazine.com209-712-3920Account ExecutivesAshley Braisashley@herlifemagazine.com209-327-6366Paula Grothauspaula@herlifemagazine.com209-918-4480Boo Mariano-Junqueiroboo@herlifemagazine.com209-640-0120EditorMarilyn Wrightmarilyn@herlifemagazine.comCreative DirectorCasey Jonescasey@herlifemagazineDesign and ProductionBecky Longbecky@herlifemagazine.comArt DirectorElana Bellelana@herlifemagazine.comContributing AuthorsLisa Allen, Fran Benavidez, Chandra Blackwell, Adriana Brogger,Joseph R. Burlin, M.D., Ann E. Butenas, Kristen Doyle, Jaime Lee,Angela Smith, Candi Smith, Catie Watson, Marilyn Wright,Laura WynnContributing PhotographersBre Baszler, Dawn Kelly Photography, Kristen Doyle, La VeneStephens, Red Carpet Studios, Stephanie Baker, Studio MohsohTo contact HERLIFE ® Magazine:1300 W. Lodi Ave, Suite KLodi, CA 95242For advertising call (209) 224-8810, Fax (866) 665-4499www.herlifemagazine.com8 HERLIFEmagazine.com© 2011 by HERLIFE ® Magazine of Central Valley is operated locally by Kimstry,llC, an independently owned and operated franchisee of HERLIFE Magazine,llC. To reach national headquarters, call 913-402-6994.© 2011 by HERLIFE ® Magazine. All rights reserved. Although some parts of thispublication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permissionbe obtained in writing.HERLIFE ® Magazine is owned by Kimstry, LLC and is a free publication distributedlocally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selectedspecialty stores, doctor and dental offices, medical spas, hair and nail salons,tanning salons, public libraries and numerous other high traffic locations. Pleasecall for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements,nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.SUBSCRIPTIONSSubscriptions are available for $20 (for 12 issues). Please go to www.herlifemagazine.comor mail a check made out to HERLIFE ® Magazine, to the above address.

healthMeditation—Benefits andImportanceIt might seem like a buzzword, oreven an empty promise. Meditation,defined as continued orextended thought, reflection or contemplationis, at its essence, a calming ofthe mind. In today's constantly noisy andfast-paced world, meditation may seemthe antithesis of what we are ‘supposed’to be doing. Recent research, however,shows clear benefits to slowing down.Scientists cite changes in the brainfor the positive benefits people reportafter establishing a consistent meditationpractice. The New York Times reportedmeasurable changes in gray-matterdensity in the hippocampus, a vital areaof the brain for learning and memory.The study followed those who meditatedfor approximately 30 minutes a day foran eight-week stretch, and comparedthose results to a control group that didnot practice meditation. The controlgroup showed no changes.Researchers at MIT and Harvardrecently published findings in the journalBrain Research Bulletin that people whowere trained to meditate over an eightweekperiod were better able to controlspecific types of brain waves called alpharhythms.In the article, neuroscientist andsenior author of the paper, ChristopherMoore, says, “These activity patternsare thought to minimize distractions, todiminish the likelihood stimuli will grabyour attention. Our data indicates thatmeditation training makes you better atfocusing, in part by allowing you to betterregulate how things that arise will impactyou.”While the scientific studies arefascinating, it means little if the statisticsdo not translate to benefits for everydaylife. Meditation has been shown to havevery specific health benefits. First andforemost, experts contend that when10 HERLIFEmagazine.comBy Lisa All enpracticed regularly, meditation allows aperson to reach a state of consciousnessthat encourages the body to heal. Benefitsthat stem from this include better sleep,more energy, clarified mental capabilitiesand more stable emotions.CNN.com cited a study that suggestsmeditation lessens pain. In the studyof 15 men and women, researchersmeasured the participants’ reaction topainful stimulus both before and after a20-minute meditation training over thespan of four days. During the secondinstallment, when the participants wereinstructed to meditate, they rated theexact same pain stimulus as being 57percent less unpleasant and 40 percentless intense on average than the firsttime they were exposed to the painfulstimulus of 120-degree heat on theircalves. “That’s pretty dramatic,” saidFadel Zeidan, Ph.D., the lead author ofIn today'sconstantly noisyand fast-pacedworld, meditationmay seem theantithesis of whatwe are ‘supposed’to be doing.the study and a postdoctoral researcherat the Wake Forest University Schoolof Medicine, in Winston-Salem, NorthCarolina. Furthermore, the reportedreduced pain reaction was substantially

cosmetic surgeryQ:“Why do they call cosmetic surgery ‘plastic surgery’?”A:In the phrase, “plastic surgery,” the word “plastic”comes from the Greek word “plastikos,” meaning “tomold or shape.” Thus, plastic surgery as a specialtyis concerned with the correction and restoration of form andfunction and “reshaping” patients to a better life.“I lost a lot of weight and have tons of skin hangingQ:from my upper arms. What can be done about that?”the patient. The procedure is called Otoplasty [“o-toe-plasty”].The ear is made up of a plate of cartilage with skin on eitherside. The skin contributes very little to the shape of the ear; itis the cartilage that makes an ear look prominent, cupped, orconstricted. In Otoplasty surgery, incisions are invisibly madein the fold behind the ear and the cartilage is manipulated andreshaped [using permanent sutures] thus creating a natural,pleasant, and balanced look to the ear. A head dressing is wornfor a week afterwards. The ideal time to correct prominentears in children is right before they start school. Although mostpeople think of this surgery for children, nearly one-third ofOtoplasty surgery is performed on adults.A:This is a very common problem following weightloss and can be a very disturbing and embarrassingissue for patients. They are unable to wear manyforms of clothing because the skin of the upper arm hangsdownward, often to a considerable degree. Fortunately there isan excellent outpatient procedure to correct this problem. It iscalled Brachioplasty [“break-e-o-plasty”]. In this procedure thefat and the skin of the lower arm are removed leaving a scarstrategically placed on the inside of the arm so that if the armis its normal position against the body the scar is undetectable.Patient satisfaction is extremely high.Q:“My grandson’s ears stick way out and other kidstease him about it. Is that difficult to fix?”A:The surgery to correct prominent ears is anenormously rewarding procedure for the surgeonand the patient’s family because of the excellentresults that are usually achieved and the wonderful benefits to12 HERLIFEmagazine.comAdverTOrial“I have really bad stretch marks on my tummy. I hateQ:them. Can anything be done about that?”A:When patients experience a period of rapid weightgain the skin will stretch to accommodate theincreased body volume. In most cases the naturalelasticity of the skin will compensate for the changes in the skindue to the stretching. However, in some cases, the deeper layersof skin [the dermis] actually tears instead of stretches. Whenthis occurs the more superficial layers of skin will remain intactbut they will appear very thin and streaky due to the breakdownof the deeper dermal layers. These streaks are called “stretchmarks.” Unfortunately, once they occur, they are permanent.There are many marketing claims promoting improvementwith this product or that procedure, but I am unaware of anytreatment that consistently improves or removes stretch marks.If you have questions or would like to hear about a certaintopic relating to cosmetic surgery or skin care, please submit yourquestions to our Facebook Page—HERLIFE of Central Valley.


and wraps for different looks. For an office party, pair it witha boyfriend blazer. For a cocktail party or family gathering,wear it with a beaded or sequined sweater. For a more formalevent, drape a richly embroidered or fringed shawl around yourshoulders.According to Style.com, one of the top fashion trends forFall/Winter 2011 evening wear is the “borrowed-from-the-boys”tuxedo. Women’s tuxedos in black or white, in a variety ofluxurious fabric and embellished with sequins or embroiderywere shown on the runway by Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren,Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, while Givenchy showed atux jacket over a slim skirt. If you don’t want to go with theTo add some holiday styleto an outfit you wearthroughout the year, look foraccessories that add aseasonal touch.complete tuxedo look, try a tuxedo-style jacket over an elegantdress or pair tuxedo with a long-sleeved top or sweater.To add some holiday style to an outfit you wear throughoutthe year, look for accessories that add a seasonal touch. Aclutch purse made from a bright luxe fabric or decorated withbeads, crystals or embroidery will dress up even the simplestoutfit. For a glamorous party look, invest in shoes embellishedwith metallic studs or sequins. Gold or silver shoes, either flatsor strappy heels, are another way to add glitz to a holiday outfit.This is also the season for sparkly drop earrings, bold necklacesand eye-catching cocktail rings.Flip through any fashion magazine and you'll see thatthe world's top designers have included retro looks from the1950s through the 1980s in their collections. This has been acontinuing trend for several seasons and it means that almostany dress length from maxi to mini is in style. It also means thatclassic vintage and vintage-inspired clothing and accessoriescan be the focal points of unique holiday outfits. Nipped-waistdresses with full skirts, slim pencil skirts, sheer blouses, dressyhats—these are just a few of the vintage items that are perfectfor holiday parties.Besides retro and vintage fashion, Elle Magazine reportsthat another big trend this season is unexpected combinations.If you'd like to make a one-of-a-kind fashion statement thisholiday season, think about eclectic combinations. Picture aleather biker jacket over a traditional little black dress, a furchubby over a sequined dress or distressed jeans worn with adressy blouse and heels. Offbeat accessories, including anythingwith feathers, are another great way to add some eclecticstyle to your holidays. For inspiration, look at some of the partyoutfits worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, Carey Mulligan, ChloeSevigny, Rachel Zoe and Kate Moss.HERLIFEmagazine.com 15


inspirationsLaura McIntoshBringing It HomeIt’s dinner time and you’re hungry. You’re also a verybusy individual. Perhaps you have a job, kids, volunteeractivities, the kids’ activities, pets, family, and friends,all of which collectively tend to absorb an appreciable amountof your time. However, you’re famished, so you instinctivelyopen the refrigerator door and just grab the most accessibleitem in there, scarf it down, and then dash off to what’s next onyour agenda.Healthy? Probably not. Satisfying? Not really. It’s merelysustenance and just enough to get you through the eveningahead, but in the long run, it’s most likely doing more harmthan good.That’s where Laura McIntosh comes into the picture.The star and creator of Bringing It Home with Laura McIntoshwants to reconnect you with the eating experience. Throughher captivating weekly programs aired throughout Californiaon such stations as KXTV – Sacramento; KFSN – Fresno; KTVU– San Francisco and KOLO – Reno; and nationally on IonLifeand Resort & Residence TV, she endeavors to reacquaint heraudiences with the roots of the foods they eat.You probably don’t think much about how the food youdevour gets from the plate to your mouth, much less howthat food got to the plate in the first place. Take one step backfrom that, and do you even know exactly from where yourfood came? We’re not talking about the local grocery store orconvenience store. We are referring to the ingredients thatcomprise the foods you are eating and their origination points.Got you thinking, didn’t it? When you stop to connectthe dots from the first seed planted all the way to your palate,there’s a veritable story to be told, and once you begin tounderstand the process and appreciate the connection, eatingbecomes what it was meant to be: a pleasurable experiencedesigned not only to properly fuel and sustain your physicalwell-being, but to become a focal point for family gatheringsand friendly get-togethers.Even if you are strapped for time, Bringing It Home withLaura McIntosh has some decidedly exciting recipes thattake mere moments to prepare, providing a mouth-watering18 HERLIFEmagazine.com

“I want tosee peopleback inthe kitchenagain andappreciate it.”BY Ann E. ButenasPHOTOGRAPHY BY Bre Baszler of BW Black & Whites photographywshot on lOCATION at the home of Tim and Laura McIntoshFlOWErs provIDED by belle's lODI flOWEr shopHERLIFEmagazine.com 19

experience that suggests hours were spent in preparation.Exactly how did this dynamic lady with a flair for cookingand presentation find a place on the airwaves to share her loveof food with the world? “I grew up with amazing cooks,” sherecalled. “Both my grandmother and my mother loved to cook.However, I will confess that over the years, some of the recipeslost their creativity, and I wanted to liven things up a bit.”With a background in theater, Laura is no stranger to thestage. However, some of her professional life plans were temporarilyput on hold when she met her husband, got married, hadkids and emotionally supported her spouse as he pursued hiscareer as a professional baseball player. When her husbandretired from sports, Laura realized it was her turn to focus onher professional desires.“That was about ten years ago when cooking shows, nowall the rage, were emerging on the scene,” she commented.“The shows were great, but none of them, in my estimation,seemed to point to where the food comes from and how it getshere. That’s the perspective in which I was interested.”(At this point in the dialogue, I learned that cabbage takes55 days to grow. Wow! All I knew up until then was that ittakes me exactly 24.5 minutes to drive to the store, grab somecabbage, pay for it and make it back home. I never gave muchthought to how long it takes for the cabbage to develop andmake it to my store in the first place! What would I do if it nevereven made it to the store?)With the show now in its seventh season, Laura has cometo realize that her viewers are understanding, learning andgrowing in knowledge about the places from which their foodcomes. Laura opens the doors to the scenes behind the food,while partnering with the farmers, innovative chefs, and greatideas that are not only fun and flavorful, but practical and easyto prepare, no matter what your schedule.From a winning show come winning recipes, too, andBringing It Home with Laura McIntosh was a 2007 EmmyAward and 2005 James Beard Award nominee. The show hasalso garnered the Albertsons 2004 Presidents PartnershipAward, a host of Telly and Aurora Awards, as well as the 2008Communicator Award.For Laura, though, it’s all about the land. Currently residingeast of Stockton, Laura grew up in Linden and hails fromfive generations of farmers. Because of this upbringing, Lauraappreciates the necessity for sustainability in agriculture.“We must embrace that end and embrace our farmingcommunities,” she urged. “Farmers are not only feeding us,but they are feeding their own families, while at the same timere-energizing the land for generations to come. If we don’tadhere to such practices, we risk losing our food sources andcould potentially become a third world country.”With her show, Laura takes viewers directly to the fieldto meet the farmers and to see the birthplace of where foodbegins…the dawn and awakening of the meal, if you will. “Ourshow travels all over the country, as well as the world. We havevisited with farmers from coast to coast as well as in Spain,Tasmania and Costa Rica,” said Laura. “We are the only showthat goes where the food grows.”laura also highlights “chef specialists” who come on theshow and out into the field to show her audiences the bestuse for certain ingredients. Laura then has the chefs preparea few recipes for viewers to duplicate, two of which mustbe consumer-friendly and one to essentially showcase theirculinary artistic presence.An inspiring person in her own right, Laura is continuallyworking to capture innovative ideas to bring to the kitchen.Her recent project pairs her with Frito Lay in a series of onlinevideos that showcase quick, easy and simple recipe ideas thatencompass a cornucopia of healthy and flavorful ingredientsthe whole family will love, and the only thing missing is theextra time it takes to prepare them.“I want to see people back in the kitchen again andappreciating it,” she smiled. “Most of us take it for granted thatthe food is in the store and we just have to purchase it. There isso much more to it than that, which is precisely what we wantto convey to our audience.”laura and her team also highlight how you can growsimple ingredients in your own backyard, and she practiceswhat she preaches, as she has a family garden and various fruittrees in her yard.With 26 new episodes a year, this weekly show keepsLaura and her crew constantly on the move, and she showsno sign of slowing down anytime soon. “We have more travelshows on the agenda and are ready to bring new and innovativerecipes to people,” she commented.Just as the eating experience should be enjoyed with family,Laura makes sure to incorporate her family into her careerregularly. Her husband Tim, now a scout for the New YorkYankees, brings his share of culinary skills to the table when itcomes to all things barbeque. Daughter Lucianna, a student atSan Diego State University, frequently accompanies her momon tapings and is the food photographer for the show. Youngerdaughter Julianna, a sophomore in high school, is quicklydeveloping her talents as she assists technically with the editingprocess back in the studio.laura is also partners with her brother Daniel Moznett intheir production company, M Entertainment (www.moxzy.com).As executive producer of the show, Daniel has provided hisexpertise on over 200 episodes since its inception in 2002.When Laura is not busy bringing goodness to your table, sheloves to kick back and relax on the beach, enjoy parties with20 HERLIFEmagazine.com

her family, and, yes, she loves to cook.While her ambitions are propelling her to evenbigger and better things, Laura admits her mainfocus is to educate, and sometimes that comes witha bit of trial and error. “At the end of the day, if I amdoing the right thing and giving back to others insome small way, then I have done my job.”For more information on Laura and her show,visit her on the web at www.bringingithome.tv. Youmay also view some of her exciting videos on her ownchannel, Laura McIntosh Bringing it Home, on YouTube. For more information regarding both local andnational television channels on which to watch theshow, go to www.bringingithome.tv/did-you-know/show-info. You’ve been warned, however. From plateto palate, meal time will never be the same. Appreciationfrom where your food comes tastes unbelievablyamazing. You may even want seconds! You will havetime to enjoy more, too! The only ingredient whencooking that Laura hopes to use in small quantities istime. What you can expect, though, are heaping helpsof fun, laughter, flavor and great ideas!“At the end of the day,if I am doing the right thingand giving back to others insome small way, then I havedone my job.”HERLIFEmagazine.com 21 21


enjoyed a very elegant crème brulee. Yes, in the same place we had sushi. It was rich andperfect! There are lots of other great dessert options, too. Again, something for everyone.Shangri La is a place you’ll definitely want to check out. You will find something you’llenjoy on the extensive menu.They've also got a great kids' menu with things your kids will actually like. We sampledthe menu on a busy Friday night. There were plenty of families and groups with children.As a mom of four kids, it’s great to see a place with delicious, healthy food that is so familyfriendly.Owner Paul Van and his staff were super friendly, very welcoming. They do their best tomake sure that your experience is memorable to keep you coming back for more.I'm also told that Shangri La offers a fun music night on Fridays from 10-12pm. There isgreat music played by a DJ who offers all the bells and whistles for your listening pleasure.I understand it’s a great time to relax and kick back with some sake and apps and just enjoylife. During this time of year, you might have friends or family in town that you haven’t seenin a while and might be looking for a great place to take them. Well, look no further becauseShangri La delivers!Owner Paul Van recommends people call ahead and make reservations to make sureyou have a table ready and waiting for you since it can get busy during dinner hours.Shangri La Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar is located at 203 S. School Street, #A in Lodi,California. For more information visit www.shangrilaasianbistro.com or call 209-366-0539.Shangri-La isa great placewhether you arehaving lunchwith the girls orheaded outwith the wholefamily forsushi night.Adriana Brogger is an assignment editor and writer for the #1 rated television news station in the Sacramento, Stockton andModesto areas, KCRA – 3. When Adriana is not working or spending time with her husband and four little boys she is buried in atextbook as she pursues a Master’s Degree. She enjoys reading, writing, playing with makeup and watching YouTube tutorials, untilher real life of work, dishes, laundry and messy little boys comes calling! If you know of a great local restaurant that would welcomea visit by Adriana, please send an email to kimberly@herlifemagazine.com.HERLIFEmagazine.com 25 25

culinaryOrganizing YourHoliday BakingBy Lisa Allen28 HERLIFEmagazine.comAsk people to share theirfavorite aspects of theholiday season and manywill wax poetic about the trays of cookies,fudge and other sugary treats that filltheir homes with sweet smells and theirkitchens with calorie-laden snacks thatembody the very essence of the holidays.But those treats don’t usually justappear, and for a home baker the mostchallenging part of holiday baking (afternarrowing down which recipes to includein the yearly bake-a-thon) is keeping theseason-long extravaganza organized andefficiently run.To make actual baking time smooth,it is important to get a grip on everythingbefore the season hits. Beginning witha list of clear and precise recipes, anorganizational tool that fits you and a bitof time, recipes can be tallied, calendaredand scheduled so that last-minute tripsto the market don’t derail your goodintentions.Those organizational tools are asdifferent as the bakers themselves; someprefer paper and pencil, others an Excelspreadsheet and still others applicationsfor their smart phones or tablets. Regardlessof the method chosen, the importantthing is to create a master list ofingredients necessary to make shoppingless complicated. By entering each recipeinto an Excel spreadsheet, for example,tallying the total amount of butter orflour necessary for all intended recipes isa snap. Further organizing that list intogroups of perishable and non-perishable

Integrative MedicineBy Dr. Lisa HuntPhoto by Dawn Kell y PhotographyValley Wellness Center offers a holistic approach tomany medical conditions using principles of cuttingedgeIntegrative Medicine. Our goal is to achieve optimalwellness by combining the best of traditional Western Medicinewith Holistic Medicine. True improvements in quality of life(energy, mood, brain function, sex drive, weight control) can beachieved and maintained over time. As well, many degenerativediseases such as vascular disease (strokes and heart attacks) andbrain aging (Alzheimer’s and dementia) can be prevented. Byreplacing hormone levels back to what we had during our youth,many of the unfavorable effects that appear as we age can be reversed.While we don’t claim to have found the fountain of youth,hormone replacement therapy holds great promise for promotinga healthier longevity. Strength, energy, productivity and goodoverall health should be experienced throughout all stages oflife from youth to old age. We can attain good health if we makethe right choices: a nutrient rich diet, exercise, stress reductionand hormonal supplementation. It’s important to remember thatevery aspect of our lifestyle can affect hormone balance andhormone balance can influenceevery aspect of our lives. Why notstrive for better health and betterquality of life?For more information on IntegrativeMedicine please contactValley Wellness Center, 209-577-2799 or visitwww.valleywellnesscenter.com.Dr. Lisa HuntLisa J. Hunt, D.O., is the Medical Director of Valley Wellness Center in Modesto whosemission “is to build on every level of your health to achieve the best quality of life.”She is board certified in Family Medicine and Holistic and Integrative Medicine. Shespecializes in anti-aging treatment, natural thyroid replacement, menopause/andropause therapy (includingbio-identical hormone replacement), strengthening the immune system, neurotransmitter analysis/replacementand nutritional support guidance.30 HERLIFEmagazine.comAdverTOrial


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watching had afforded her peers. Although she had livedmy personal childhood fantasy of raising and riding horses,she’d never seen The Brady Bunch or Gilligan’s Island, andhad no TV sitcom theme songs in her musical repertoire.And although she certainly had no trouble making friends,she felt excluded from a huge facet of cultural discoursebecause, like it or not, television is a huge part of society,and a huge connecting point for the members thereof.While kids today are likely to connect with their futurepeers over a wider range of technology-based phenomena,such as YouTube clips and video games I couldn’t begin toname, TV still plays a part in their cultural landscape. So alittle bit of it can help kids feel included in that landscape.THE BADAs we all know, however, too much TV is not goodfor anyone, let alone kids whose bodies and minds arestill in the developmental stages. The American Academyof Pediatrics still discourages any television for childrenunder the age of two (because the first two years are such acritical time for brain development), and no more than oneto two hours a day for older kids. We’ve all read the studiessuggesting that excessive television viewing can result ina variety of unhealthy factors such as obesity, attentionproblems (resulting in problems at school), and aggressivebehavior. In recent years, studies have suggested that kidswho watch too much television are more likely to becomebullies when they reach elementary school—and evenmore recent studies are suggesting that excessive televisionwatching decreases life expectancy! So, unless it’s your goalto raise short-lived, unhealthy bullies who get bad grades,it’s probably a good idea to limit TV time for your kids.And from a practical standpoint, one of the biggestdownsides of allowing too much TV viewing is that kidsdon’t develop the ability to entertain themselves, whichmeans that when the TV goes off, they expect someoneelse (usually you) to provide entertainment. And whileit’s certainly not a bad thing for you to spend quality funtime with your kids, it’s important for them to learn to playindependently, for their own sakes—and for yours.THE PRACTICALWhen it comes to television and our kids, we all tendto focus primarily on the “How Much” and the “What”;how many hours they’re spending in front of the tube, andwhat they’re watching. What we often miss, however, is the“Why.” The reasons that kids watch television can rangefrom helpful (learning about dinosaurs, or winding down inpreparation for bedtime) to unhealthy (avoiding homework,chores or more social activities). Paying attention toyour child’s motivation for watching television can be animportant factor in deciding when we need to turn the TVoff.And finally, setting specific rules for TV watching inyour household can keep you on the “Good” end of the TVspectrum.HERLIFEmagazine.com 41

green livingGoing Green and What It MeansBy Candi SmithGoing green is the coolest concept going for individuals,businesses and organizations. If you proudlyproclaim you’re green-friendly, friends think you’rethoughtful, consumers think you’re working for more than thealmighty dollar and people donate to be associated with yourcause. But what does going green really mean?As explained by the website www.All-Recycling-Facts.com,“Going green means to live life, as an individual as well as acommunity, in a way that is friendly to the natural environmentand is sustainable for the Earth. It means contributing towardsmaintaining the natural ecological balance in the environment,and preserving the planet and its natural systems andresources. It also means taking steps, whether big or small, tominimize the harm you do to the environment (including thecarbon footprints you leave behind) as a result of inhabiting thisplanet.”There are five basics principles of going green, one ofwhich is to reduce pollution which releases toxic substancesinto the environment. For instance, shampoo, soaps andcleaning detergents wash chemicals down sinks and drains,which eventually make their way to rivers and reservoirs. Doyou know how many pesticides, man-made fertilizers andhormones were used to make that fast-food burger you atetoday? And let’s not discount the greenhouse gasses and toxicsubstances released into the atmosphere from the cars, bussesand cabs that transport us every day. Reduce the overall impactof pollution by switching to organic cleaners and personalgrooming products that are made from nature-based productsand are readily biodegradable. Make the switch to organicallygrown food because it’s much healthier and more nutritious.And resolve to drive less and use public transportation morebecause automobiles are, hands down, one of the largestsources of air pollution.The next green principle is to conserve resources becauseas the rate of human population continues to rise, our resourcesare not keeping up with our consumption demands. We cutdown more trees to produce paper, and extract more fossil fuelsto drive machinery and automobiles, but the planet’s supply ofoil and coal is not infinite, and we must find other resources.According to a World Wildlife Fund report, “Humans are usingmore than 20 percent more natural resources than the Earthcan produce. Between 1970 and 2000, the populations of land,freshwater and marine species have fallen by about 40 percent.At this rate, we would outstrip the Earth’s capacity to supportlife very soon.” The crux of the matter is that human beingsneed to learn to evaluate what we need (not what we want),and live within our necessary consumption needs.A third principle is to conserve energy, especially in theform of natural gas, coal and oil, and to continue exploringalternate sources of “sustainable energy” such as solar andwind energy. Conserving energy takes many forms, from turningoff lights in your home and office when not needed, drivingless and supporting manufacturers that use alternative forms ofenergy.Our fourth principle is to reduce consumption and waste,which in turn reduces pollution and conserves energy. If consumptiondecreases, so does the energy and resources neededfor production. And by reducing production, we decrease the42 HERLIFEmagazine.com

pollution factory emissions and delivery of those products tothe marketplace creates. Reducing waste means less pollutionby incinerators and landfills, and limited energy and resourcesneeded for waste disposal companies. If we repurpose items(shabby chic is so in!), we also limit the production of newmaterials. And recycling allows us to contribute unwanteditems so they can be made into something new. Resolve topurchase items that are made from recycled products.Finally, protect Earth’s ecological balance. The All-Recycling-Factswebsite is clear about the harm we have alreadycaused our fellow inhabitants: “To make way for societaldevelopments, we have destroyed natural habitats to manyplant and animal species. We have been carrying out deforestationand clearing of natural grasslands at alarming rates, forreasons such as to extract resources such as paper and tin, orsimply to get more land for developments such as farming,building of cities and landfills. In the process, we have strippedother creatures of their habitats and lives. With the destructionof forests, we are also hindering the Earth’s ability to cleanitself of excessive pollutants and carbon dioxide, resulting in aless ideal climate for both ourselves and other living organisms.Whether it is for ethical reasons (taking responsibility forthe harm we have caused), or for selfish reasons (to ensurethe continued health of our human species and the Earth weinhabit), we need to do something today, before it is too late.”The Carpenters once sang, “Bless the beasts and thechildren, for in this world they have no voice.” Make the choiceto go green today so you can help bless all of our tomorrows.HERLIFEmagazine.com 43

financeBUDGETINGBASICSBy Lisa All enFew words elicit such an immediate desire to changethe subject as “budget.” People often define theword in a restrictive sense, as a list of what theycannot purchase because they do not have the “money in thebudget.”Savvy financial minds, however, see a budget simply as aplan that serves as an initial and vital building block of soundfinancial circumstance. Budgets, like paychecks, come in allsizes and forms but serve two united goals: to gauge a person’scurrent financial status and provide a map of how to achieve agreater level of financial security.Knowing how much money is available for both necessitiesand luxuries is an essential bit of information whenformulating a budget. Simply put, a budget is nothing morethan a breakdown of what money is coming in and where itgoes. Analyzing income and expenses and planning what to dowith the excess (or how to alleviate a shortage) is the objectiveof a budget.Tracking income can be as simple as glancing at a pay stubif you hold a traditional job. Married couples might combinethose income figures into one, and self-employed individualswill need to track each revenue source to see a completepicture of all income. Those whose income is seasonal shouldrecord accurate amounts for each month, to make long-termplanning a bit more realistic.Once an anticipated income is factored, it is time toanalyze expenses. As Yogi Berra famously quipped, “If you don’tknow where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.”Experts agree that you can’t fully understand your financialhealth unless you accurately track all expenses. Larger andmore static categories, such as housing, utilities, child care andthe like, should be relatively simple to assess.It’s the variable expenses, though, that can wreak havocon the pocketbook. Lunches out, trips for a latte, a randombirthday gift and such can eat up funds that might be sockedaway for savings or investments. Experts recommend trackingdaily expenses, even those you might think inconsequential,for anywhere from one to three months. The length of timeis important to get an accurate overall picture, and to allowfor aberrations due to holidays or other sporadic life events.Dividing last year’s variable expenses by 12 will give you aSimply put, a budgetis nothing more thana breakdown of whatmoney is coming in andwhere it goes.benchmark of what your numbers might look like.Tracking these expenses can be as simple as jottingevery purchase in a small notebook that you keep with you atall times; another option is to use a smart phone applicationor a computer program to tally expenses. The website www.investinganswers.com cites eight must-have apps to improvefinancial health, including Pageonce and Mint.The next step is a simple act of subtraction. From the totalincome amount (typically for the month), subtract all expenses.The subsequent number is how much money is still available tospend, save or invest. Analyzing debt is another important step.If the number is a negative number, the first objective will44 HERLIFEmagazine.com

e to find places where money is going that could be reduced oreliminated. This is where David Bach’s infamous “latte factor”theory is applicable, as many experts recommend pluggingthe tiny holes that seem innocent but are usually responsiblefor financial hardships. Taking an honest look at your variableexpenses, analyze what you can do without. Eating out insteadof cooking at home, expensive coffee drinks or cocktails duringhappy hour and other expenses add up quickly. It is a personalchoice of what must be eliminated, but doing so is the first stepto a brighter financial future.If the number is positive, the next decision is how tohandle the overage. Creating a list of both short- and long-termgoals will help determine how to appropriate that money, andin what amounts. Paying down large debts must be balancedwith saving and investing.Regardless of numbers, the basic tenets of paying yourselffirst, maintaining a cushion in case of financial disaster orunexpected events and being aware of the numbers is vital.Understanding both current conditions and having goals forthe future help make the daily decisions of whether you arespending money wisely–or if that money would be smarterspent elsewhere–a bit easier, which means budgeting canactually decrease stress rather than be a cause of anxiety.There are a multitude of sources both online and throughyour financial institution that will help with budgeting; a fewinclude www.mint.com, www.pageone.com andwww.chaseone.com.HERLIFEmagazine.com 45

homeNatural Holida yDecoratingBy Lisa TarantoAs the holidays approach, we may be relishingthe idea of decorating with dazzle. Glitzy lights,shimmery ornaments and blinged-out embellishmentsare abundant, but holiday adornment doesn’t have to bebought or manufactured to pack a punch. Decorating naturallyand organically is not only popular this holiday season, but it issimple, easy-on-the-wallet, good for the environment and mostimportantly, elegant and unique. So leave the LED lights andplastic tinsel in the attic this year; go natural with your holidayhome.WelcomeThere’s nothing like the front door to get a head start onnatural holiday decorating. Your entryway porch and door cangreet holiday visitors without the help of artificial decorations.Try evergreen garland to outline the door and a beautifulpinecone wreath hanging in the center. On the porch, prop anantique sled near the doorway and hang an evergreen wreathfrom the top.Hunt and GatherPine cones seem to be everywhere this time of year, sowhy not bring nature home this holiday (and all winter) with aworld of pinecone ideas. Turn large pinecones upside down inan urn to create pinecone topiaries. Add several sizes of smallpinecones to a tall basket and place by the mantel. Place a largewooden bowl in the center of a kitchen or dining room tableand add several pinecones for a unified look. For outdoors,place several pinecones in outside planters. Add naturalgarland and holly berries to welcome visitors.While you are picking outpinecones, look for othernature-based items such aslong sticks and branches.While you are picking out pinecones, look for othernature-based items such as long sticks and branches. Placethem on tables and benches and decorate with greenery,garland or small wooden ornaments. And don’t forget themistletoe. Check local tree farms for this natural holidaytradition and a bit of fun.To infuse the kitchen with a burst of exciting color, tryfilling a large, clear bowl or vase with oranges. For amazingaroma, insert small cloves into each orange peel. Severaloranges combined can act as a table centerpiece while providingeasy access to a healthy holiday snack.Gourds and PumpkinsHarvest time means a bounty of squash and gourds thatmake for great organic decorating. For a great tabletop display,46 HERLIFEmagazine.com

herlife spotlightBikram YogaBy Ann E. ButenasPhotos by Bre Baszl er"Abody in motion cannot be depressed.” Wow!That is a truly powerful statement, and itcomes directly from a source who is wellacquaintedwith the overall benefits of physical activity on alllevels: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.Meet Helena Monica. For the past decade, she has beenan avid practitioner of Bikram Yoga, introduced to the artaccidentally on purpose. Helena has led a very fit and activelifestyle most of her adult years. All throughout high school, shewas an avid swimmer and spent summers as a lifeguard. Shetook up running at age 27, but chronic back pain forced her toquit pursuing that endeavor by age 35.Compromised over the years by severe scoliosis, Helenaloved the benefits of exercise, and when she was no longerable to run, she knew she had to find something to replace thatactivity. As such, she purchased a cornucopia of yoga DVDs andstarted focusing on the discipline every day, mainly engaging inVinyasa Flow yoga.another modality of exercise.After a while, her dedication to this practice reduced theappearance of the hump in her back. She was feeling stronger,healthier and more energetic. She even noticed an appreciablechange in her body as it began to take on a beautiful shape.Realizing she had found something that created positivechanges in her life, she decided to open her own hot yogastudio—Bikram Yoga, located at 2341 Pacific Avenue in Stockton,so that others could enjoy all of the exciting benefits it hasto offer.“The science of yoga can remold the body and bring itback to its original blueprint, physically, mentally and spiritually,”she stressed. “However, this particular type of yoga has tobe done in a heated environment.”Bikram Yoga, developed by Indian yoga guru BikramChoudhury in the early 1970s, is comprised of a series of 26postures. These postures work together to benefit every part ofthe body, giving all of the internal organs, the veins, ligaments"A body in motion cannot be depressed."Shortly thereafter, a friend of hers encouraged her toattend a hot yoga class. Confident and ambitious to experiencethis twist on her newfound routine, Helena soon realized thatthis was no ordinary workout. “I literally had my butt handed tome that first class,” she laughed. “In fact, I couldn’t even finishthe class.”However, she did not give up. She continued to pursue herlove of yoga, most notably hot yoga, for 90 minutes a day, fivedays a week. It soon became a way of life for her, and not justand muscles everything they require to maintain optimumhealth and peak performance.A certified Bikram Yoga instructor, Helena has a studiothat has been designed to always obtain the proper temperature,which is 105F. It is at this level that clients can optimallyengage in the postures. “When the muscles are heated, it allowsthe bones to take shape,” explained Helena. “The musclesand bones work as a group. Each position must be held for atleast ten seconds for the benefits to take place. This is what48 HERLIFEmagazine.com

allows the muscles and bones to reform and reshapethemselves.”For those who don’t think Bikram yoga allowsfor any cardiovascular benefits, think again! Bikramyoga is quite the cardiovascular workout. It causesthe blood to thin and travel to parts of the body neverbefore reached through typical forms of cardiovascularactivities. “This type of yoga builds beautiful bodies,”"Bikram yoga is quite thecardiovascular workout."noted Helena. “It also serves to heal joints, supportthe immune system, relieve allergies, contribute to ahealthier state of mind and essentially bring your bodyto its optimum level of health and performance.”As Helena previously noted, yoga is life. “At its core, itis self-realization,” she said. “It separates the soul fromthe ego and allows you to surrender and listen.”Helena has worked daily on her own self, eradicatingthe ego and setting the stage for her to become, inessence, a spiritual teacher to her students. “I havelearned so many lessons of spirituality through yogathat I want to pass on to my students,” she noted.While Bikram yoga is strenuous, Helena indicated thatone does not have to be good to get started, but continued, “Youdo have to get started to become good at it.”As one of 1,000 certified Bikram yoga instructors in thenation, Helena has many opportunities for people to come toher studio and discover not only a great form of fitness, but todiscover their authentic selves, as well.For more information, class schedules, and fees, visitHelena’s studio on the web at www.bikramyogastockton.com orcall at 209-948-9642. Voted the #1 Yoga Studio by KCRA votersand San Joaquin Valley Magazine, Bikram Yoga in Stockton isdefinitely the place to discover!HERLIFEmagazine.com 49

scene and be seenCaring for Mephotography by Studio MohsohSt. Joseph’s Caring For Me eventwas held at Lincoln Center onSeptember 29th. Guests enjoyedfood and local wine tasting, a healthforum, fashion show and shopping.Lodi Health andWellness Festivalphotography by Bre Baszl erThe Lodi Chamber of Commerce, the City of Lodi Park and Recreation andtheir business partner, General Mills, presented the 1st Annual Health andWellness Family Festival at Lodi Lake on September 28th. The festivalstarted off with the General Mills 18th Annual Trix Run. The entire day was FREE forthe whole family, with lots of information and give a ways on healthier living andlifestyle products.50 HERLIFEmagazine.com

scene and be seenGrape Stomp at Harney Lane Wineryphotography by Bre Baszl erHarney Lane Winery hosted the first annual “Stomp Away Breast Cancer”Grape Stomp on October 1st. Participants enjoyed wine from Harney LaneWinery, Guantonio’s wood-fired pizzas, raffle items and of course, stompinggrapes! Proceeds from the event benefited Geweke’s Caring for Women Foundationwhich began in 2006. The foundation has helped breast cancer patients buyfirewood to heat their homes, pay rent, funeral expenses, car repairs, mortgagepayments, PG & E bills, medication and so much more. For more information on theGeweke’s Caring for Women Foundation, please visit www.pink-october.or/lodi/.52 HERLIFEmagazine.com

love & relationshipsAskJaime LeeBy J aime LeePhoto by La Vene StephensQ:I just found out I am going to be a mommy! What isa romantic way to tell my husband he is going to bea dad?-Erin, LathropA:Dear Erin,Congratulations Mommy! Being a new mommymyself, I remember thinking of all the romanticways I would tell my husband that he was going tobe a daddy. Unfortunately, that all went out the window, partlyfear, partly excitement, lead to the typical “OMG, does this saypositive?” I had always fantasized about a long romantic walkon the beach or a candlelight dinner where I would tell him, “Iwant you to meet someone.” I would take his hand and place iton my tummy and say, “I want you to meet our baby.” Or there'salways the sweet baby outfit with “Daddy's little angel” embroideredon it that you sneak into his T-shirt drawer. Either way, itshould be something very special and private between the twoof you. Unless he is a die-hard Brian Wilson fan and would lovefor you to throw it up on the scoreboard at the Giants game.But a baby is different, a baby is a beautiful life that the two ofyou created, so in my opinion keep the announcement betweenMom and Dad. But if your excitement and nervousness interfereswith your elaborate plans and you just blurt out the babynews, I promise you it will still be a precious moment. Goodluck!Jaimee Lee rocks the airwaves on Kat Country 103’s,“DJ Walker in the Morning Show!” She has givenrelationship advice to her girlfriends and thousandsof listeners over the years. Now you can ask her thesecrets to a long-lasting and happy relationship.Jaimee Lee has been happily married for eightyears and is expecting her first baby in September!Please email Jaimee Lee with your love and relationshipquestions, jaimeelee@herlifemagazine.com.54 HERLIFEmagazine.com


she said yesSamantha Stokman and Kyle Perez willbe married on Friday, June 8, 2012.But, how did they meet and how did theproposal happen?By Maril yn WrightPhotos by Steph anie BakerKyle and Samantha met their freshman year of high school. Kyle wasSamantha’s first big crush and they actually dated as freshmen. They wereeach other’s first boyfriend/girlfriend. It was an innocent kind of puppy loveand they broke up before their sophomore year for no reason other than they wereyoung. They have talked about their freshmen year relationship and they have bothadmitted that they thought they were each other’s “The One” back then. It’s funnyhow things work out.The spark was finally rekindled six years later at Samantha’s sister’s 2007wedding. They started dating later that summer and now four years later they areengaged!Kyle asked Samantha to go to dinner on March 29, 2011, after work. They wentto a local country club set deep into the Diablo Grande Hills. Kyle and Samantha lovegoing out to eat and both love the scenery at the restaurant. Samantha didn’t thinkanything of it at all. It was a gorgeous evening, so when they got there they grabbed adrink and decided to take a walk on the cart path before sitting down for dinner. Oncethey were out of sight, Kyle got down on one knee and asked Samantha to marry him.She was so shocked and so unbelievably happy to hear that question, and of course,she said YES!Their relationship is unique because it is not only obvious to Samantha and Kylethat they were meant to be together, but also to all of those around them. Samantharemembers when she started dating Kyle (the second time around), everyone wasalready asking them about marriage. The happy couple realizes their friends andfamily could see that they had it right and shouldn’t let each other go.The most important thing to the couple for their wedding day will be to ENJOYthemselves. It is such an important and special day for them and they want it to foreverbe a wonderful memory.Kyle and Samantha are getting married at their local church on June 8, 2012. Thisis the same church that Samantha’s parents, her older sister, and Kyle’s older sisterwere married in. The reception will be in Samantha’s parents' backyard. They are justlooking forward to having a big celebration with their closest family members andfriends (which is 350 people, believe it or not!) and dance the night away.56 HERLIFEmagazine.com


tie the knotAshley Gipson&ChrisBraisTied the KnotSeptember 10, 2011By Fran BenavidezPhotos by Steph anie Briggs of Red Carpet StudiosIn its purest form, true love has a way of elevating aperfect couple like Ashley Gipson and Chris Brais tonew heights of happiness. Then again, this Stocktoncouple’s engagement story started out–literally–as a diamond inthe rough, or in the sand, as this story begins.One afternoon last July, while Ashley, an Account Executivefor HERLIFE Magazine was home paying bills and managingthe couple’s bank accounts, she noticed a large chunk ofmoney missing from their savings. Reasoning that it wasn’t likeher boyfriend of 5 ½ years to take out so much cash at once,his partner couldn’t help but wonder what he might be up to.Suspicious bordering on furious, she went ahead with plansthey had made to spend a few days alone near the beach inAptos, vowing to confront him when they returned home fromthe trip.After having dinner at Capitola Village’s Paradise BeachGrille, the couple took a walk along the beach at Chris’s insistence,while Ashley wanted to go dancing at nearby Zelda’s.“I told him he was an old man and needed to have some fun!”she recalls. Chris laid out a blanket and brought out a bottleof Ashley’s favorite wine, a 2005 Silver Oak Cabernet and twoglasses. “It was one of the most romantic things he’s ever done,’she says.Whatever doubts were left in Ashley’s mind after enjoyingwine and listening to the waves turned to melted butter asthey stood on the moonlit beach, as Chris dropped to one58 HERLIFEmagazine.com

knee, proposed and presented thestunned love of his life with a beautifuldiamond engagement ring that wouldherald the beginning of their happilyever after. It was so dark she couldn’teven see the ring, and through all hertears she was speechless!With special friends and closefamily in attendance, CatherineGipson-Maxey walked her beautifuldaughter down the aisle as Chris andAshley exchanged wedding vows onSeptember 10, 2011, on the first tee atthe Stockton Golf and Country Club.The bride’s exquisite weddinggown evoked the glamorous style ofold Hollywood in form-fitting laceand organza and accompanied bya mid-length veil accented with astunning Ashley-original black andwhite feathered hairpiece. The gownwas custom designed by Ashley andNancy of The Elizabeth in Lodi. Thebride carried a wedding bouquet ofblack and white Calla lilies accentedwith black feathers.Dressed in elegant black gownswith tresses done up in fingerwaves, each of the seven sparklingbridesmaids wore different coloredshoes of their choosing, along with aglitzy splash of red lipstick for pizazz.The attendants sported sunglasses andblack tuxedos.Upon entering the reception hall,guests were treated to a trip downmemory lane with the Wedding Wall,featuring original wedding picturesof married and engaged guests' ownspecial day.After a cocktail hour, thereception followed at the StocktonGolf and Country Club overlookingthe Stockton Channel. As thewedding party was introduced, thebridesmaids waved black and whitepompoms to football’s fight song,“Back in Black,” followed by thenew Mr. and Mrs. Brais, both avidOakland Raider fans, who enteredthe ballroom amidst a roar of cheersand clapping to AC/DC’s song,“Hells Bells,” followed by a raucouswedding party huddle celebratingthe Big Day!No detail was left out as thebride used her unique creativityin designing everything from herhandmade wedding and showerinvitations to the reception’s placecard holders fashioned from winecorks she collected. The tables weredecorated in black and white damaskwith centerpieces of clear vasesfilled with floating white calla lilies.After the delicious sit-downdinner was served, heartfelt toastswere made, garters and bouquetswere tossed, and cake was cut; thenwhat followed was a lovely eveningBUSINESSES THAT SHAREDIN THE LOVEVenue/Caterer:Stockton Golf & Country ClubPhotographer:Red Carpet StudiosFlowers:San Francisco FloralDJ/PhotobootH:Elite EntertainmentdreSS:The ElizabethcaKE:Cold Stone Creamery, LodiVideograPHERS:Forever Forward ProductionsBRIDE'S HAIR & MAKEUP:Megan HarveyBRIDESMAID'S HAIR & MAKEUP:Megan Harvey & Victoria PenacereMony MUSIC:Elegance Harp & FluteringS:Annette’s JewelersHERLIFEmagazine.com 59




in the valleyNOTE: All calendar events must be received by November 1stfor the December issue and adhere to our guidelines. Emailkimberly@herlifemagazine.com for guidelines and tosubmit entries.4 NovemberThunder Goes Pink VILocation: Stockton Arena; Stockton, CADate: November 4th - 5thTime: 7:30 PMDetails: St Joseph Medical Center and StocktonThunder presents the Sixth Annual “ThunderGoes Pink” an event to raise funds for the fightagainst breast cancer. The first five events haveraised over $187,000. Attend the game and youcan help raise much needed funds by purchasingtickets. $2 from every gate and groupticket sold for the event will be donated by theThunder to the event beneficiary, St Joseph’sFoundation – Breast Cancer Services. Onceagain the Thunder will wear special pink jerseysduring both games. The pink trimmed jerseyswill be available via both silent auction and atthe game. The majority of the jerseys availablefor bidding via live auction immediately followingthe Saturday contest. For more informationcontact 209-373-1500.5 NOVEMBEROur Troops Our HereosLocation: Van Ruiten Winery: Lodi, CADate: November 5thTime: 5:30 - 9:00 PMDetails: Wine tasting, live music, appetizers,commemorative wine glass, silent auction, raffleand much more fun and all the funds go to benefit“Lodi Support Our Troops.” Tickets are $20.00.Call Julie McKinley at 209-224-1225 or JulieMiller at 209-327-2048. Some of the best beer,wine, cheese and nuts the Central Valley has tooffer! There will also be midway games, cashgiveaways and much, much more! Live music,authentic German brats and live radio. Gatesopen at 5:30pm and the event ends at 10:30pm.Call 209-577-5757 for more information.64 HERLIFEmagazine.com10 NOVEMBERClassics III: New HorizonsLocation: Atherton Auditorium/San JoaquinDelta College; Stockton, CADate: November 10th and 12thTime: Call for informationDetails: Recognized worldwide as the foremostmaster of the bandoneon and concert accordion,Peter Soave has established himself asthe leading soloist of his generation throughhis commanding stage presence and vibrantvirtuosity. Mr. Soave’s playing, says composerand conductor Duilio Dobrin is the “stunningmajestic, monumental testimony of a man wholives, breathes, and feels every note. The musicianshipis beyond words!” Local composer MaxSimoncic helps to celebrate our anniversary yearwith a magnificent premiere. Contact StocktonSymphony at 209-951-0196.12NOVEMBERHeatbreaker Led Zeppelin TributeLocation: Grand Theatre Center for the Arts;Lodi, CADate: November 12thTime: 8:00 - 11:00 PMDetails: Experience the ultimate rock tribute toLed Zeppelin in the live musical performancestarring Heartbreaker, the West Coast’s mostspectacular Led Zeppelin tribute show. You willbelieve Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Jon Paul Jonesand John Bonham are playing right before youreyes. Contact 209-831-6274 for more information.Childbirth PreparationLocation: Lodi Memorial Hospital: Lodi, CADate: November 12thTime: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PMDetails: Lodi Memorial Hospital offers a one-daychildbirth – preparation on November 12th from9:00 Am to 4:30 PM. Cost is $45.00 per couple.For more information call 209-339-7520.The First Sip - Lodi Harvest CelebrationLocation: Lodi, CADate: November 12th and 13thTime: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PMDetails: This two-day weekend event offers anopportunity for guests to immerse themselvesin Lodi wines while traveling from winery towinery throughout the Lodi appellation. Tastethe first sip of the 2011 vintage as well as newreleases. Visit your favorite winery, explore newones, meet local winemakers, tour vineyards andenjoy this delightful experience that Lodi WineCountry has to offer! Tickets are $35 in advanceand $45 the day of the event. Contact 209-365-0621 for more information.13NOVEMBERHoliday Open HouseLocation: Lincoln Center; Stockton, CADate: November 13thTime: 12:00 - 5:00 PMDetails: Don’t miss Lincoln Center’s kickoff ofthe holiday season. Holiday Open House. Thisfree, fun family event returns Sunday, November13th. Enjoy holiday décor, store promotionsand sales, live musical entertainment and otherwonderful seasonal surprises. Our beautiful treewill be up and decorated and Santa is making hisfirst appearance of the season. Enjoy train andcarriage rides and live reindeer too. Bring yourcamera to capture the special moments. Moreinformation visit www.lincolncentershops.com.16NOVEMBERStork ToursLocation: Lodi Memorial; Lodi, CADate: November 16thTime: 6:00 - 7:00 PMDetails: Parents-to-be are invited to attend a freeStork tour. Prospective parents may view thelabor, delivery, recovery and nursery areas of thehospital and ask questions of the nursing staff.Call 209-339-7520 to register.Big Brother/Sister ClassLocation: Lodi Memorial Class; Lodi, CADate: November 16thTime: 3:00 - 4:30 PMDetails: Lodi Memorial Hospital offers a BigBrother/Sister preparation class. This class is forchildren ages 3 – 8. It will help youngsters adjust

to the arrival of the new baby. The cost is $10for the first child and $3 for each additional. Call209-339-7520 to register.24NOVEMBERWine and Roses Thanksgiving Dinner BuffetLocation: Wine and Roses; Lodi, CADate: November 24thTime: 12:00 PM and 3:00 PMDetails: let Wine and Roses do all the work andyou enjoy a relaxing meal with your family andfriends. Adults $45.00, Children 6 – 12 $17.00,and 5 and under $5.00. So taste the wonderfulcreations of Chef Didier and sip Champagne,coffee and tea. For reservations, call 209-371-6160 orrestreservations@winerose.com.29NOVEMBERLadies Night OutLocation: Harney Lane Winery; Lodi, CADate: November 29thTime: 6:00 - 8:30 PMDetails: Ladies, bring your favorite group offriends to Harney Lane Winery. You will experiencea great time while shopping and enjoyingwine by the glass, small bites and much more.Call Jorja at 209-365-1900.SAVE THE DATE1 decemberFANTASY OF TREESLocation: Modesto, CADate: December 1stTime: 6:00 PMDetails: Begin a holiday tradition andsupport hospice services for terminallyill children in our community. Being heldat the Del Rio County Club, this cocktailreception and live auction of “designer”trees will benefit Gabriel’s Friends,Community Hospice pediatric services.Tickets are $75 per person. To purchasetickets, please call the Community HospiceFoundation at (209) 578-6372.4 december2011 Omega Nu Home TourLocation: Lodi, CADate: December 4thTime: Noon to 5 PMDetails: The event offers attendees theopportunity to tour five unique homes inLodi while squeezing in quality time withfriends and family during the busy holidayseason. Guests can also tour HarneyLane Winery to savor a glass of Lodi’saward-winning wine while samplinggourmet cheeses, artisan breads anddecadent desserts. Tickets will be availableTuesday, October 18, 2011 for $25and can be purchased at Pret, House ofCoffees, or from any Omega Nu member.All proceeds will benefit Lodi area nonprofits.26 AugustHERLIFEmagazine.com 65


Effortlesshome improvement®BeforeAfterContractor’s Lic. #8865372303 S. Stockton St. • Lodi, CA209-334-4060 • www.classicdesignftc.comHours: M-F 9-5 • Sat 10-5

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