Super Moms Face Challenges TOGETHER

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There are 5 Feature Story Articles Available:

• Feature: Super Moms Face Challenges Together
  When my 3-year-old threw the mother-of-all-fits in the check out line of Target a few weeks ago, I should have abandoned my shopping cart and left. Instead I tried to hold my screaming pre-schooler in one hand and place my much-needed items on the conveyer with the other. My 1st grader held the baby while I tried to keep my composure, wondering how many sympathetic eyes were on me. I could just hear the other customers thinking, “That poor woman!” On the other hand, surely there were others viewing this public tantrum and saying, “I’ve been there before.”
  
  
• Feature- A New Hope for Homelessness
  With the many organizations working in our community to help those in need, the challenge of homelessness can seem a bit less intimidating.
  
  
• Getting Connected 2 Family
  It’s a special time of year when we think of family more than ever. The holidays and the choices we make for them will determine how we remember them in years to come. Many of us will struggle with hard times, or perhaps the loss of a loved one this year. There are many emotions and reasons this time of year can be very special or very challenging. But this year, we have a new way to find each other for comfort and joy!
  
  
• Local Club conjures up Horror, Music, Flicks and Fun
  The Horror Dolls dance troupe is the Central Valley’s first and only horror-themed theatrical dance troupe. Kaci, Katie and Saida pay tribute to the genre of horror by performing their choreographed routines that incorporate makeup, prosthetics and gory props.
  
  
• Family Night is Back in Style!
  The modern American family has become lost in the land of technology as everyone from Mom, Grandpa, teenagers and on down to your pre-schooler, are engaged on their laptops and cell phones, working, Instant messaging, watching Hulu, or texting instead of talking. Do you remember a time when you came home from work or school, sat down for dinner and then had a rousing game of Monopoly together?
  
  

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There are 4 Spaces Articles Available:

• Holiday Illusions
  For me this year is all about injecting as much joy, and fun as possible, next year could be about new members in a growing family. Who knows what’s next, when you create Holiday Illusions anything is possible.
  
  
• A Special Edition Home!
  A big part of what I do would have to fall into the category of Interior Editor, instead of Interior Designer. Is your room bursting at the seams? If you’re overwhelmed with decorating, then I suggest you try your hand at becoming the celebrated Editor-in-Chief of your Special Edition Home!
  
  
• Home Office Options That Will Inspire You!
  As more and more people go to the office by way of their hallway, I think it’s time we give the home office the attention it deserves. Working at home can be a tricky proposition. The challenge is not to get distracted by all the demands of maintaining a household, and stay focused and inspired. Whew, that’s a tough bill to fill!
  
  
• Home Sweet Home
  If it’s true what they say “home is where you hang your hat”, and “there’s no place like home”, then we need to take a hard look at what we are calling home.
  
  

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There are 5 SoundTRACKS Articles Available:

• America’s next BIG band on the rise: DELTA SPIRIT
  This March Visalia's Sound N Vision Foundation turns 5 years old! The non-profit foundation has enriched the valley by providing weekly music, art, and multicultural events that feature national touring artists from just about everywhere around the world. The foundation has also raised money for various local charities and global-aid benefits.
  
  
• Introducing Visalia’s Romanced Records/ An Evening with Jake Shimabukuro
  If you've gone down to the Visalia Fox Theatre box office to purchase tickets, chances are you bought them from Ryan Stillwater. Then, when you attended the event, you probably saw Ryan Stillwater buzzing around the theatre as the evening house manager; ensuring that your concert experience was superb.
  
  
• HARPER SIMON plays VISALIA this DECEMBER!
  Having one of America's best songwriters as your father can surely be viewed as a blessing or a curse when trying to launch your own career as a songwriter and musician. But Harper Simon (son of Paul Simon) has meticulously cultivated an album of songs that prove to the world that though the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, Harper Simon definitely uses the blessings of his voice and musical talent to perform his own unique music. Harper Simon is stepping into the spotlight as his own man.
  
  
• Vampire Weekend
  Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut was released on January 29, 2008 to worldwide critical acclaim. They have graced magazine covers, played numerous sold-out shows across the world, performed on Saturday Night Live, The Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Late Night With Conan O'Brien. They are one of the biggest success stories of 2008.
  
  
• Swedish Grammy Winners Abalone Dots play Visalia
  Abalone Dots come from a small town in Sweden called Vastervik on the outskirts of Stockholm. The talented musicians -- Rebecka Hjukstrom (age 22), Louise Holmer (age 25), Elin Mork (age 24), and Sophia Hogman (age 24) -- have played together for six years and have already become a top-selling artist on RCA Sweden since the release of their debut album in 2007, "From a Safe Distance". The album hit #2 on the iTunes sales charts.
  
  

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There are 5 On The Money Stories Available:

• Saving, Splurging and Haggling- Oh My!
  Even if you’re trying to cut back on spending, let’s face it, it’s the Holidays; you still have to shop-and maybe even treat yourself to the occasional splurge. Given the current economic climate, this holiday season there’s no better place to troll for discounts than the Web.
  
  
• Take Some Pepto and Call Me Tomorrow
  t’s perfectly normal to feel nervous in a scary market. We are all human. While it’s OK to feel nervous during these types of markets, it is NOT OK to act on the fear.
  
  
• The Bloody Truth About Investing in Real Estate
  Bad times typically make for good buys. Successful investors have historically made their best investments during times of market turmoil. Baron Rothschild, an 18th century British nobleman and member of the Rothschild banking family, is credited with saying that "The time to buy is when there's blood in the streets." He should know. Rothschild made a fortune buying in the panic that followed the Battle of Waterloo against Napoleon. But that's not the whole story. The original quote is believed to be "Buy when there's blood in the streets, even if the blood is your own."
  
  
• Opportunites in Agriculture
  There is some mind-bending stuff percolating in the agricultural markets. In fact, the setting recalls the one that set off the big move in oil prices in recent years...
  
  
• India: Attractive Investment? Or Not…
  The biggest slum in all of Asia, Dharavi, lies right in the heart of India’s Manhattan, Bombay. Over some 520 acres live 600,000 people, with one public toilet per 800 people. It is a place of unbelievable filth. Yet many people in India seem to ignore such slums. Yet there is a lot of good in India. And the promise of India, even now, is still enormous.
  
  

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There are 5 Tech Hero Stories Available:

• In Pursuit of Pure Science
  NASA needs $2 billion dollars a year over the next 4 years to help America maintain it's leadership roll in space. As of this writing, it doesn't look like that funding is going to come through. Russia and our European allies are eager to take the lead, and plans are already in the works as this relates to the decommissioning of the Space Shuttle fleet late next year. As other countries start to take over what has traditionally been a decidedly American roll, it will be interesting to see what spin-off technologies they produce that benefit the rest of us.
  
  
• What is all the Bing About?
  Bing.com is a search engine that replaces Microsoft's Live.com site. Bing launched at the beginning of June, and it is definitely a shift from the Google way of doing things. America again proves its ability to produce fantastic technology the rest of the world can benefit from...even in a down economy.
  
  
• The End of the Chalkboard
  My wife works at one of the poorest elementary schools in a nearby school district. Imagine her surprise when the school installed in her classroom an interactive learning device the size of a chalkboard called a Promethean Board.
  
  
• The Alternative Existence!
  It is a fact that we cannot be in two places at once...or is it? If you've ever wanted to experience what it would be like to live in another world, to live through the eyes of an alter ego that can shop, build houses, fly, attend a rock concert, and even conduct corporate meetings virtually, then you are ready for SecondLife.com.
  
  
• Like MS Office, But Free
  Free software that actually works as good, if not better, than paid software is becoming an established trend on the internet. The driving force behind this phenomenon are software developer communities that are volunteer based and quality minded. The software many such communities produce is known as Open Source Software because the source code is not hidden and can be modified by anyone that has the inclination to do so.
  
  

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There are 5 Life With Lisa articles available:

• Exercise for Energy?
  So does this sound familiar? “I know I should get up and move but I don’t feel like it.” This is all of us at one time or another. The best thing for us is to exercise the right way in the right amount. Sounds tricky huh? Many studies have shown that once a person begins to move-even just walking around the house- they will have more energy and will feel like moving more.
  
  
• Six Moves a Day
  Do you like the idea of practicing Pilates but just can’t make time to get to class? So why not learn these six great moves you can practice daily? These challenge and tone your core. All you need is a space to lie down and stretch out, like the floor. While practicing these exercises your goal will be to not hold your breath and keep your navel drawn in during the movements. Give them a try!
  
  
• WHOOA! Slow it Down! The Aging…
  Research shows that regular aerobic exercise can decrease our biological age by 10 years or more by improving cellular function.
  
  
• How to Make YOU a Priority!
  We all know the why of exercise but the real struggle is the “How” to exercise. How to exercise pain free and how to “fit” exercise into our lives is the biggest struggle for some.
  
  
• The Benefits of Pilates
  Pilates was invented in the early 20th Century by Joseph Pilates. He combined Eastern modes of exercise such as Yoga and Tai Chi with Western practices such as aerobics and weight training to create his exercise method. The emphasis of Pilates is to lengthen and strengthen the muscles. The Pilates Body is like a dancer’s body: agile, long, lean toned and trim. Joseph Pilates promised that in ten sessions you will feel the difference. In twenty, you will see the difference and in thirty you’ll have a whole new body. Pilates benefits everyone from post-rehabilitation patients to athletes.
  
  

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There are 5 The Good Juice Stories Available:

• It Comes From Napa
  This month, love is in the air. With love, comes Valentine’s Day and with Valentine’s Day, comes a nice dinner (and hopefully you ladies received some diamonds!). So what should you drink with that special someone while enjoying a fantastic meal? I’ve got just the answer for you, and yes, it comes from Napa. The first wine is Cain Cuve NV6. Cain Vineyard & Winery is cradled in a spectacular bowl overlooking the Napa Valley from the crest of the Spring Mountain District.
  
  
• A Great Excuse to Try Something New- Holiday Time!
  It's always this time of year when everyone is worried about pairing wine with holiday foods. Let me just start by saying that if there is a particular wine that you love drinking with dinner, and would much rather just drink that, then by all means, do so! The right wine to pair with dinner is always one that you will enjoy.
  
  
• Screw Tops- Learn to Love ‘em
  While I wait to hear back from Mr. Chris Ringland (winemaker for R Wines), let’s discuss the screw top (something you will see on many of Ringland’s wines). Screw top wines. Love them or hate them, this trend is finally starting to win over wine drinkers. I’m pleased to finally see this, as it means I don’t have to constantly tell people the advantages of screw top bottles over the traditional cork. First of all, you’re virtually guaranteed a good seal.
  
  
• Talented Winemaker Chris Ringland / and This Weizenbock
  This month, I take us back to Australia to focus on a very special and talented winemaker, Chris Ringland. You might remember reading about everything from Marquis Philips to 3 Rings and, most recently, the FU Shiraz. Before I get into a Q&A session with Mr. Ringland, I’m going to give you a little history on my favorite winemaker.
  
  
• The Big Brewski: Savanna Dry Premium Cider
  Take a look outside at your thermometer. If it’s anything like mine, it will read “stupid hot”. It should never be so hot outside that when you turn the garden hose on, you have to wait two minutes for the water to cool from a boil. It’s times like this when even a light beer can seem heavy. Believe it or not, this is when I suggest you turn to a cider. I know, it sounds risky, but you’re just going to have to trust me on this one—because we’re not just talking about any cider here.
  
  

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There are 5 Hey Bartender articles available:

• Congratulations to Jay Amaro
  This month Valley Trends readers have selected Jay Amaro from Isla Tequila Bar and Grill our Bartender of the Month!
  
  
• Trends Bartender of the Month, Heidi Matthews
  We are honoring Heidi Matthews from the Visalia Country Club this month! Heidi was nominated for her friendly service and ability to know what her customers want before they order.
  
  
• 2009 Bartender Servers Recap
  2009 Trends Bartenders and Servers Recap
  
  
• Congratulations to Jordan Heaton
  This month we had a great time meeting Jordan Heaton from Azul Mexican Grill, Trends Bartender of the Month!
  
  
• Congratulations to Art from Applebee’s
  He has a FLARE for it! That would be Art Schlater from Applebee’s! Yes, we witnessed the art of “Flare Bartending” during happy hour at Applebee’s as Art was completing his shift. Not only did we have some great cocktails but the show wasn’t bad either! Art has been in the business for 11 years and 4 years have been behind the BAR.
  
  

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There are 5 Private Lessons articles available:

• GOLF IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES…
  At least is seems like it for most golfers. You never know what you are going to get when you swing the club. You might shank it, or slice it. You might hook it, or pull it dead left. You might even take a mighty swing and whiff it, hitting nothing but thin air.
  
  
• Practice Makes Perfect-Winterizing Your Golf Swing
  Here we go again with another brand new year, and I still can't figure out where 2009 went. That was a fast one. Wasn't it? Hopefully, you were able to make some improvement in your golf game in the past season.
  
  
• IT IS A BEAUTIFUL TIME OF THE YEAR FOR GOLF
  We chatted just a bit last time about the change in the weather, and it is now here. This is the time of the year to forget about hitting the golf ball longer and simply work on your swing. I believe I shared with you that about thirty-five or so years ago I committed to hitting at least one if not two or three extra clubs into the greens. That discipline did wonders for my game.
  
  
• The Smell of Autumn is in the Air!
  Fall is here in Visalia, and this is, in my opinion, the very best time of the year to play golf in our area. The weather is normally absolutely perfect. Course conditions are about as good as they can ever be, and just the feel and smell of autumn in the air is a marvelous change from the intense heat of the summer. It's time to get the golf clubs out and head for the driving range or to the course to play.
  
  
• Summer Golf is Here
  Well, we knew it had to get hot some time, and summer is definitely here. Many of you will still go to the golf course in this weather and do your best to enjoy a round of golf. There are just a few little tips for the summer heat which will really help you to keep on top of your game.
  
  

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There are 5 Shades of Green articles available:

• Making your little Pumpkin “Green” for Halloween
  This Halloween, opt for a fun way to create safe and eco-friendly make-up for your children or for yourself (lots of fun adult events going on around town after Trick-or-Treating is over). This idea can make the night more than just putting on a costume and getting candy. Since it falls on a Saturday night this year, you have a little extra time to enjoy the dress-up part with your children.
  
  
• Being Green on the Green
  Growing up in Iowa, the days that you could go golfing were limited to the spring and summer months. With winter temperatures below zero, and two feet of snow in the winter, it was nearly impossible to golf year-round. Some of my die-hard golf buddies would get creative, and make golf into a winter game using florescent balls and snow shoes.
  
  
• Eco-Friendly Weeding
  Keeping your yard & garden beautiful and weed free doesn't mean you have to drench it in chemicals. There are lots of ways to kill weeds without synthetic chemicals that can kill other plants, ruin soil, contaminate water and potentially be dangerous to people and pets. Here are some natural ways to keep those weeds from taking over:
  
  
• Saving the Green while being Green
  With Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger asking Californians to reduce their water consumption by 20 percent to ease the state’s drought conditions and cities imposing mandatory water restrictions, a creative new way to maintain a beautiful green yard is emerging.
  
  
• Saving the Green while being Green
  With Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger asking Californians to reduce their water consumption by 20 percent to ease the state’s drought conditions and cities imposing mandatory water restrictions, a creative new way to maintain a beautiful green yard is emerging. This new trend in lawn care can save you some green and "go green" all at the same time. Drought, high water bills, and restrictions on water use have created a new trend for lawns in the Valley, paint them green!
  
  

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There are 5 So You Think You Can Cook articles available:

• The Flavors of Asia
  I just got off the phone with my brother David, congratulating him on his recent engagement. He and his fiancée Yuki just returned from Yokahama, Japan where she is from. My brother felt it important he put his best foot forward and inform his future in- laws in person of his intent to marry their daughter. I am very happy for him but I’m already thinking I’m probably going to have to save my pennies for a trip to Japan hopefully for an authentic wedding…
  
  
• “Order Up” the Holidays Are Here!
  Days like today remind me of my childhood growing up in San Francisco. The fall weather matches the summer months in the financial district along with businessmen enjoying walking to and from work in suits and ties, the sound of cars honking, the occasional jack hammering in the distance and the clanging and ringing of a cable car traveling up California Street.
  
  
• Soups that Satisfy
  As the temperature drops, our minds wonder to warm comfort foods, especially the foods that stick to your ribs and are loaded with great flavors. I have just the ticket to warm you up- Our New England Clam Chowder! This version is very simple, full of flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your craving for a delicious meal.
  
  
• Back to School Survival Kit
  It’s been said that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. But when watching little children play with and devour their food it is an all over adventure and one of life’s simple pleasures! Introducing Mathew Merten, our third child, born on June 1, 2008. As you can see Mathew has a good appetite and for the most part will eventually wear and eat anything served him.
  
  
• You Really Shouldn’t Mess with a Good Thing! Check out Caesar Salad!
  n 1986 after graduating from Fresno State with my degree in Ag business and no money in my pocket I moved home and commenced in beginning my career in food service. I joke to my friends and acquaintances that I am taking the winding road to production agriculture. This will be my 21st year in food service and 14 years as a restaurant owner. And that doesn’t include my time working for my dad at his deli’s in San Francisco. But that’s another story.
  
  

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There are 4 Trends Traveler articles available:

• The Great Ocean Road An Australian Experience of a Lifetime
  In November, our family embarked on the adventure of a lifetime and headed down under. My husband and I boarded a 13-hour flight from LAX to New Zealand and another 5-hour flight from New Zealand to Melbourne with our 3 and 5 year old daughters. Although everyone thought we were crazy traveling so far with the girls – it was a trip we will never forget! Our 20-day adventure took us through the most amazing cities and countryside throughout Australia.
  
  
• A Trip of a Lifetime to a Different Way of Life
  Imagine this! You, your best friend, beautiful September weather and travels through Europe! This is how I recently spent my time and I am excited to share some of my experiences with you.
  
  
• The View from Above - Hiking Half Dome
  I live in California Hot Springs and practice Dentistry by trade. I love our Central Valley and marvel at the huge supply of awesome sights and places to visit, most an easy day trip from where we all live. Recently, I found myself in Yosemite Park, standing high atop one of the world’s most famous granite monoliths-Yosemite’s Half Dome. The Dome towers above the Valley like a huge father lion watching over its pride. What an amazing site!
  
  
• Once In A Lifetime
  It was the middle of the week and we pulled up to the immaculately kept grounds of the Castle Leslie Estate, in the village of Gleslough, County Monaghahan, Ireland. Rumored to be haunted! Little did we know that we would be the only guests for the night! Now, if this were an ordinary hotel, you might think, “What’s the big deal?” But here…here their home is your home. The rule being if the door isn’t locked feel free to explore.
  
  

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There are 5 Hooked Up articles available:

• Bass Fishing - The THREE South Valley Connections
  When you think about Visalia, the first thing that comes to mind most likely isn’t bass fishing. Go ahead, try thinking about Visalia...think hard now. See what I mean? You probably came up with agriculture, our great downtown area or even, the Gateway to the Sequoias.
  
  
• Sportsman’s Warehouse, New in Town…
  When you go into Sportman’s Warehouse you’ll find fishing stuff galore. I mean real fishing stuff, from accessories for bass boats, float tubes, rubber worms, bass plugs, jig heads, paint for jigs, to bass fishing books and videos. Trout flies? By the bin, saltwater gear? By the row. Rubber worms of every color, size and brand. I heard one bass fisherman exclaim, “It’s like dying and going to heaven.” Hmmm, that may have been me.
  
  
• THE NEXT BIG THING -YOU BE THE JUDGE
  Wouldn’t you know it, just when drop shotting became productive for me; a new bass lure comes on the scene. It’s called LASER LURE and its high tech all the way.
  
  
• Lake Kaweah Fishing in September/October
  Ahh...September and the Lake Kaweah bass are schoolin'. You can spot these schools by looking for tell-tale signs. The action of the storks, seagulls, and an occasional pelican on top of the water usually means the bass are pushing shad up from the bottom. With shad in the middle, it's like a Kaweah Lake rodeo.
  
  
• Obsession: Fishing For Bass with the Visalia Bass Club
  The only thing that can dampen the “fishing for bass obsession” is the Central Valley heat. If you’re new to this area, August and into September are son-of-gun months because it’s so darn hot. This has already caused the Visalia Bass Fishing Club to turn to plan “B,” holding its bass tournaments in the relative coolness of the night.