Fountain - January 2013

Volume 11. number 1

www.thefountain-onl ine.com january 2013

note:not an off ic ial publ icat ion of San el i jo Hi l ls Development Company, i ts Guest bui lders or the San el i jo Hi l ls Community Associat ion

There is one thing most people have

in abundance on January 1st: motiva-

tion. When that clock strikes midnight,

we are all motivated to make huge

changes in the new year. When we’re

talking about clean slates, a shiny new

year is as clean of a slate as you can

get. And there is nothing more moti-

vating than starting a fresh new year.

enter the new Year’s resolution.

Page 18

facebook/sehfountainFollow The Fountain on Facebook Happy New You!

Sarah Schofield, from San elijo middle School band, shares

a special and funny moment with her Dad: one of the best

things about being in band, other than learning how to

play an instrument, is getting to teach my dad how to play

“Twinkle Twinkle little Star” on the trombone for our first

concert. my dad did not practice very much, and when the

night of the concert came, I knew I would be in for a good

laugh. The parent band was hilarious!

Page 15

This year, reach out. reach out to a friend or family member

when you need help. reach out to a friend or family member

who looks like they may need help. And even though some may

look like they’re ok, stop for a second and look again. Are they

really ok? Could they use a hug, a reassuring word, a kind note or

a piece of chocolate (chocolate always works for me!)? everyone

does. Will we reach out this year, and touch someone’s heart? Will

we help, support and reassure? of course we will, that’s what we

do in San elijo Hills.

Page 6

Happy New Year, San Elijo Hills!

San Elijo Middle School Band – Parent Night and Students’ Performances

Your San Elijo Hills And OCR Specialists

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the fountain: page 5www.thefountain-onl ine.com

Volume 11. number 1

january 2013

this month...fountainthe

Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. The Fountain is a monthly publication highlighting house, home and commu-nity building. The Fountain accepts free-lance contributions, though there is no guarantee that unsolicited material will be returned. The Fountain is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appear-ing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or advertisers. We reserve the right to restrict all advertisements to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy.

Our mission for The Fountain is to connect San Elijo Hills residents to each other and to key resources with the goal of build-ing community in San Elijo Hills and the greater San Marcos area.

We moved to San Elijo Hills in 2001 as part of the first four families to move into the Cedar Crossing development. The Fountain is a great example of what can happen when neighbors build strong relationships and get busy putting their ideas and skills together for the good of the community.

We hope you find this community publica-tion reflective of our excitement to be in San Elijo Hills and our desire to build something that brings us all closer together. We invite you to join in the fun and get involved.

O F F i c E

Fountain Media Group, Inc. 1501 San Elijo Rd. S, Ste. 104-202

San Elijo Hills, CA 92078 (800) 497-1309

www.fountain-inc.com

P u B l i S H E r

Tim Minjares Publisher

(800) 497-1309 x707 [email protected]

E d i TO r i a l

Karishma Sinnott Community Editor


Mike Minjares Managing Editor


S a lE S

Melissa Granados Sales Director


c O N T r i B u T i N g w r i T E r S

Shawna Allard, Dr. Ronald Moss, Jennifer Gill, Karishma Sinnott, Nimish

Shrivastava, Lauren Lanni

community news

on Your DoorSTeP neWS & eVenTS HAPPenInG In SAn elIJo HIllS 6

CHrIS orlAnDo: CITY CounCIl THe YeAr AHeAD In SAn mArCoS 10

In Your bACkYArD neWS & eVenTS HAPPenInG In AnD ArounD SAn mArCoS 11

CAlenDAr of eVenTS Don’T mISS WHAT’S GoInG on In Your CommunITY 13

school news

SAn elIJo elemenTArY SCHool neWS & eVenTS 14

SAn elIJo mIDDle SCHool neWS & eVenTS 15

meet your neighbor

THe WHITTAker fAmIlY DAnA, WAVerlY, CArTer, CHrIS 16

business highlight

I loVe mY HAPPY DoGS/PooPY CArrIer 22

IGnITe bISTro AnD WIne bAr 22

community lifestyle

garden Composting for Your Garden and the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

health Food Allergies .......................................................................................................... 17

health Happy New You! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

food Wonderful World of Vegetables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

health How to Rewire Your Brain ....................................................................................... 20

puzzle Nth Puzzle Corner ................................................................................................... 20

l i festyle Insurance Checklist for 2013 ................................................................................... 21

FountainMediaGroup inc.

publications that build community

page 6 : the fountain www.thefountain-onl ine.com

SAn elIJo HIllS

on your doorstep

monTHlY NEw grOuP! The SEH women’s running/walking groupfirst meeting on January 12, 2013.

Stay fit. Stay healthy. Stay moti-vated. Join other women in your neighborhood who like to run, jog, or walk. All fit-ness levels are welcome. The SeH Women’s running/Walking Group meets every Saturday from 8-9am in front of Café ren.

Contact: Tina van Hamersveld, [email protected] (760) 420-4851

monTHlY women’s wisdomThis networking group for women meets on the 4th monday of each month here in San elijo Hills from 6-9pm.

Contact: Judy foster, [email protected]

fIrST TueS

San Elijo Hills’ Moms’ clubnew group for moms in the San elijo Hills, old Creek ranch and Venzano. A great time to meet and socialize. Park days, field trips, play dates, scrap booking and moms night out. The more the merrier!

Contact: De Anne Crossman, (760) 529-3231

fIrST TueS

wiSEWe are a group of Women who gather for business and friend-ship.

Contact Shawna (760) 744-1294 or Angela (858) 735-0511 or join us on facebook at facebook.com/WiseWomenInSanelijo.

WeeklY luNa Moms club and Stroller StridesInterested in connecting with other moms? Join the local lunA moms Club every friday at 10am at the lower Tot lot (by water feature). Stroller Strides Class, mon-Wed-fri from 9-10am.

Contact: bre Hamideh, [email protected]

onGoInG

cluBS & EVENTS

It’s here already. January is here. 2013. The begin-ning of another year. A year of endless possibilities, new prospects, opportunities to shine, to help, to support, to share. A year of new friendships, or the renewing of old. The beginning of another year where children grow up, get bigger, taller, more mature, more independent. A year to spend with your significant other, your family, your loved ones. It’s all brand new, right? Time to start afresh?

In a way, yes, I suppose it is a brand new day. But only if we start as we mean to go on. I suppose some of you will call it a “resolution”, but I choose not to use that word. It seems so ominous and daunting. I know I’ve said it before, but it’s the truth. Every year, I try really hard to make a promise to myself. It’s not necessarily something I want to change about myself, sometimes it is something I hope to achieve. Last year I wanted to make sure that the year didn’t go by without me stopping to appreciate all that I have been blessed to have been given. Looking back on 2012, I feel that as a family, we all truly made the most of our year. We had many hiccups along the way, some small, some a little bit bigger, but the one thing that I learned from last year is that when I needed help and support, I had it. Every time. Every day. All year long.

I think that one thing we all do as human beings is take people for granted. I know that even though I say I don’t take friends and family for granted, I really do. I take for granted the fact that my husband will be my right hand every day, picking me up when I’m down, helping out with our home and kids, solving the Giant Math Problem that is Pre-Algebra that is beyond me, working from home on days when I just can’t be in two places at one time. I just know that when I need him, he will be there. I also take for granted that my kids will be good kids, that they will work hard at school, and try to go above and beyond what is required of them. More than anything else, I hope and pray that I have instilled in them what is really important – not sports, or popu-larity, or grades, but kindness, respect and reciprocity. I take all this for granted, but I also recognize that being a parent and a spouse and a friend and a daughter and an employee is hard work, and that I will fail at times along the way this year.

My biggest fault (and I have many) is pride. When I was in Catholic school, they always said to us that we needed to be humble, because “Pride Goeth Before a Fall.” I don’t think of myself as being a prideful person; in fact, I tend to doubt myself more often than not. Confidence is something I work on; it isn’t innate to me. But, what I seem to have an excess of is pride, in that I cannot get myself to ask for help. I don’t know how to. It chokes me. It makes my palm sweat when I have to ask for assistance. My friend, Debbie Lawes once said to me, “You are always quick to offer help, now sometimes take help when it’s offered to you.” And she’s right. It’s not that I don’t want to ask for help; it’s that I feel like I’m failing when I do. And that’s not right. And

Editor’s letter

reaching Out...when we Need it Most

it’s something I will work on this year, because more often than not, in 2012, when I got stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, it was because I couldn’t find it in me to reach out and ask for help.

I know I’m not alone in this. I know that San Elijo is filled with people who are always there to lend a helping hand. I know that many times I have said to a friend, “Why didn’t you call me, I would have helped you!” And she has responded, “No, I had it under con-trol.” Under control. Room parents and PTO parents and soccer moms and dads and CCD teachers and working moms and single parents – they juggle and stretch themselves to the utmost to get everything “under control.” Those two difficult, tiresome words. We seem to have this need to have everything under

control. Well, the fact is that most of the time we do have it well taken care of, but in those cases when we don’t, we need to know that there is a village out there to help.

I have a village, right in the palm of my hand. My friend Tina and I share a very early drop-off each morning, so that neither of us has to be up and moving

at 6:45am daily. For one whole year, my friend Kim offered to pick up my children for me on early-release Wednesday afternoons while Liam napped. It wasn’t a carpool; she hardly ever let me reciprocate, she just did it so that I didn’t have to wake a sleeping baby. For one year, my friend Mohana shared a 4:30pm pick-up duty so that I didn’t have to drag a baby to school twice in an hour. My friend Nancy, who has all three of her kids in school, is always quick to say, “I don’t have children today till 3 o’clock, let me help you.” I have a friend, Mamta, who is my sounding board, listening ear, emo-tional punching bag for those days when you don’t need physical help, but you do need a mental health break. And, I have John. Every day my husband calls on his way home from work to ask if he can pick anything up for me. And sometimes I say yes. But mostly, I say, “No thanks, I’m fine.”

This year, I know I will be fine most of the time. But on those days when I’m not fine, when I feel like I can’t do it alone, I hope I remember that I am blessed to be surrounded by people who love and support me. And I’m sharing this with you because when you feel like you need help, remember that there are people around you that will help if you let them in. Let them in your thoughts, in your worries, in your mind. We at The Fountain will always be here. If we can help you, we would love to! If we can’t, we might know someone who can. This year, reach out. Reach out to a friend or family member when you need help. Reach out to a friend or family member who looks like they may need help. And even though some may look like they’re ok, stop for a second and look again. Are they really ok? Could they use a hug, a reassuring word, a kind note or a piece of chocolate (chocolate always works for me!)? Everyone does. Will we reach out this year, and touch someone’s heart? Will we help, support and reassure? Of course we will, that’s what we do in San Elijo Hills.

kArISHmA SInnoTT

Happy new Year, San elijo Hills!


eVerY WeD Network San Elijo!Don’t miss the Wednesday morning networking group. network San elijo! meets at Yogurtutopia here in San elijo Hills every Wednesday from 7:30-8:30am.

Contact: lauren lanni, [email protected] remember to “like” us on facebook at facebook.com/networkSanelijo.

WeeklY San Elijo Hills women’s clubSeHWC is a philanthropic and social group that includes women of all ages. members live in San elijo Hills and surrounding communities. for more club informa-tion, please contact martha kaloogian, SeHWC President, at [email protected] or visit www.sehwc.weebly.com.

remember to “like” us on facebook.

WeeklY San Elijo running clubThe San elijo running Club meets regularly for a variety of runs. beginners to sea-soned athletes are welcome. Times and locations are subject to change but you can find information about upcoming runs at http://www.meetup.com/running-meetup/ or contact Dax at the number below.

Contact: Dax ross, [email protected], (760) 473-5621

SAn elIJo HIllS

on your doorstep

onGoInG

cluBS & EVENTS San Elijo’s Matrix Bu10 wins Presidio league

The Matrix BU10 became the first San Elijo-based team to win the Presidio league. The boys are all dedicated soccer players and their hard work has been rewarded with a great season by win-ning The Manchester Cup, The La Jolla Labor Day Classic and now the Presidio League! The boys are still to play the Presidio Cup and the State Cup which starts at the end of January. This year, the boys will defend all these titles and will also represent San Elijo and the USA when they play in the Liverpool Knowles soccer tournament in Liverpool, England. Aim High. Go Matrix!

Last December, 10 families in the Cedar Crossing Neighborhood of San Elijo Hills coordinated their Christmas light dis-plays to blink and wink to the sound of music. If you tuned in to FM87.9 as you drove through their neighborhood, you would find that the lights on the houses kept the beat and rhythm of the music on your car radio.

The Brockett Family started this project in December of 2011, and by February of 2012 had their Christmas lights synchronized to music. Soon, this planning reverberated around the cul-de-sac, and after hours of planning, labor, programming, coordinating and sequencing lights to music, the homes on Archer Road’s cul-de-sac were ready for their close up.

It truly was a remarkable display of talent, hard work, commitment, organization and, most of all, community. Many hands made this show possible! Thanks to all the families for taking the time to make our holiday light drives and walks so special, and full of holiday cheer. Most of all, thanks to the Brockett children for being Santa’s Special Helpers, and handing out candy canes to all the people who came by to see the light show, right here in Cedar Crossing.

Holiday Cheer at its BestCedar Crossing Comes to life Santa and mrs. Claus

Come out to PlayThe Rentch Family lives in the Saverne neigh-

borhood of San Elijo Hills, and they shared a story of Christmas cheer that made us smile because it is a perfect example of community that is so much a part of where all of us are blessed to live.

On December 1, at 8am, over thirty children were surprised to find Santa and Mrs. Claus in their neighborhood! Santa and Mrs. Claus came out to share donuts and hot chocolate, participate in a craft, and spread some holiday cheer. Of course, every child got to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what their special wish was for Christmas. Santa and Mrs. Claus had to leave, but we are sure they will be back next year. So, children of San Elijo, you better watch out, you better not cry, Santa has been known to come to this town!

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SAn elIJo HIllS

on your doorstep

The energy level is high and the San Elijo Hills Women’s Club (SEHWC) has big plans for the New Year 2013! We are growing our membership from our current number of 45 to an even larger number of caring, giving women to work toward our goals of supporting the five charities that we sponsor, as well as our Scholarship Program. Here are some of the things we have planned for 2013:

Our January meeting features the exciting White Elephant Auction, where one person’s cast-off is another person’s treasure. The bidding can get wild and popular items are always competitive.

February reminds us of hearts and our guest speaker will be Patty Boles, Founder and Director of Straight From The Heart. Patty will provide an overview of what their organization does with their outreach, advocacy, and training for foster families in the San Marcos area, as well as their Straight From The Heart Thrift Store on the corner of Bent Avenue and San Marcos Boulevard, San Marcos. We will also host a Mock Baby Shower with new baby items and clothing to be donated to Straight From The Heart.

During the months of February and March, we will have a Clothing Drive for Second Chance, an organization which provides counseling, training, and mentoring for parolees and others re-entering the work force. Please bring your gently used business attire and accessories to the drop-off box located at Hometown Realty during both months. Last year we took an

San Elijo Hills women’s clubSan Elijo Hills Women’s Club Activities and Events Planned for 2013!

entire van full of clothing for participants and, with your help, will exceed that amount this year.

In addition to what’s already been mentioned, there are many more things planned and exciting things coming for this calendar year. Our Annual Charity Fundraiser will be held later in the year and we plan to build on the success of

this year’s fabulous International Food Festival event. In July, we will be at The Angel’s Depot Packing Non-perishable Food for over 900 seniors living below the poverty level. Throughout the year, we will hold two Food Drives in front of Albertsons for The Angel’s Depot. Another ongoing program will be collecting donations for the SEHWC Scholarship Program, present-ing the award to a deserving female high school senior at San Marcos High School. Proceeds from our portion of the San Marcos Holiday Boutique held in November provided an outstanding start toward our goal for the 2013 Scholarship Award. And we will again co-host the 2013 Holiday Boutique with the City of San Marcos.

If you are a woman who has an interest in helping others, reaching out to the community and forging friendships along the way, please visit our website at www.sehwc.weebly.com or contact us at [email protected] for more information. We meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm and welcome new members any time!

A D V E R T O R I A L

Advances in Contact Lenses Technology As the New Year begins,

many of us have made the resolu-tion to exercise and live healthier lives. However, it can be dif-ficult to exercise when glasses are bouncing up and down on your face, falling down, or fogging up as you run, bend, and stretch! For many people – even those who rely on pro-

gressive or bifocal glasses – contact lenses may be the solution to provide clear vision while enabling a healthy lifestyle. Contact lenses can also help people feel more confident in their appearance, and offer a respite for those that would other-wise have to wear thick and heavy glasses.

Many people have been told in the past that their eyes or their prescriptions were not suitable for contact lens wear. However, times have changed, and contact lens technology has significantly improved over the last few years. While before, choices were limited, these days there are numerous brands, materials, lens designs, and wear schedules that can fit almost everyone’s individual needs. For example:

Daily disposables (for the occasional wearer, chil-dren, or people with dry eye or allergies).Monthly/Bi-weekly disposables (for the average contact lens wearer – someone who wears their con-tacts 5-6 days per week)Toric or Astigmatic contact lenses (for people with moderate to high amounts of astigmatism) Multifocal contact lenses (for people who need to wear reading glasses, bifocals, or progressives)Custom made soft lenses (for people with extremely high or unusual prescriptions)Rigid Gas Permeable “hard” contacts (for people with high or unusual prescriptions, corneal problems such as keratoconus, or for those that require very sharp crisp vision)

Contact lens materials have also changed sig-nificantly over the past few years. The last genera-tion of soft contact lenses were made of plastic polymers which provided good comfort, but poor oxygen breathability. (Oxygen breathability is an important factor in safe and comfortable contact lens wear, as the cornea gets oxygen from the envi-ronment directly through diffusion – a contact lens sitting on the cornea can block that process.)

The newest generation of contact lens materials offer superior oxygen breathability - silicone is incorporated into the polymer which allows more oxygen to pass through the contact lens directly to the cornea. These new materials can afford up to ten times more oxygen to the cornea than the previous generation of contact lenses,

providing superior comfort and wearability.

For those who have been unable to wear con-tacts in the past due to dryness or dry eye - new research has shown that Omega-3 fish oil supple-ments (1200mg/day taken orally) can significantly improve the tear film. Many patients who were previously unable to tolerate contact lenses are actually now able to wear contact lenses comfort-ably for 8-10 hours with the introduction of fish oil into their daily vitamin routine. In addition, advances in re-wetting eye drop technology have improved the wearability of contacts while per-forming visually demanding tasks like computer use, reading, and long-distance driving.

Better contact lens care products have also enhanced the comfort and wearability of contact lenses. One-step hydrogen peroxide based clean-ing systems such as Clear Care and OcuSoft offer a high level of preservative-free disinfection for those with sensitive eyes, or those who are allergic to various contact lens solution preservatives. The newest multi-purpose solutions (such as Opti-free

Pure Moist, RevitaLens OcuTec, and BioTrue) offer increased comfort and moisture for everyday con-tact lens wear.

Ask your eye doctor if you are a candidate for contact lens wear, or if there have been any advances in contact lens technology that could be beneficial for your visual needs!

by. Dr. Mika Fu

Dr. Mika Fu has been a resident of San Elijo Hills since 2005, and has been serving the eye-related needs of San Elijo Hills and the greater San Marcos commu-nity since 2008. Dr. Fu received her doctoral degree from the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO), her Master’s Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Bachelor’s Degree from Occidental College. She completed internships providing broad clinical experience at the Naval Medical Hospital San Diego, Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital, and the Center for the Partially Sighted in Santa Monica.


SAn elIJo HIllS

in your backyard

The inaugural year for our U5 Jamboree program was a stunning suc-cess with over 100 four year olds participating every Saturday. These players were coached by their parents under the direction of Coaches Ross and Tom – our trainers from AYSO Soccer Camps.

We expanded on our Free Friday Night clinics that were conducted by Mike Hovenic and his trainers, and this year we devoted one Friday night to Goal Keeper training. Mike was recently inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions as a Coaching Legend in San Diego. The attendance at these clinics has been huge. We will look to make changes so that the players will continue to benefit from these sessions as the attendance grows.

congratulations to our regional champions!In addition to the regular season, Region 1505 has a small playoff tour-

nament for our U10 and U12 divisions. These divisions enjoyed a mixture of Pool Play games and Bracket play to determine the Champions. The teams enjoyed the excitement of playing “under the lights” of Hill Top field. Congratulations to all the players for attaining the title of Regional Champions.

aYSO Spring Turbo SoccerRegion 1505 brings the fast-paced 3v3 Turbo soccer back again this

Spring. Registration is now open; fees are $35 for an 8-game season that will start the beginning of March. There will be no practices and the games will be on the fields here in San Elijo on Sundays. Details on the season and registration are available on our website (www.sanelijoayso.org).

aYSO Matrix Evaluations in FebruaryAYSO Matrix – San Elijo continues to grow. The excitement for the

program has been tremendous. Stay tuned and check our Matrix website (www.matrixse.org) often as evaluations will take place in February. Aim High!!

2012 San Elijo AYSO Regional Champions

boys u10 – red Storm: Aiden best, Sterling emerson, Will Grumann, kaden Haviken, Dylan middleton, Dylan morton, Christian Park, max Polentz, Tyler rapp, evan Wilson, Coaches brian morton and eric Grumann

Girls u10 – red fury: rebecca baumann, katja brion, brooklyn Hahn, Izzy Herrera, Caroline leung, kailee martin, estella Prince, Zoe raymond, mckinzie Thatcher, elisenne Yun, Coaches ryan martin and mark Herrera.

boys u12 – men in orange : Gavin Allison, Andrew Carpino, Sean Cornell, liam Hoffman, Jacob Hommel, Aidan katson, Garrett lycett, noah robbins, Jordan Salazar, Jack Schaumann, nathan Whiting, Vance Winstead, Coach Peyton Winstead.

Girls u12 – Purple Thunder: Isabel Coca, Anastasia Dominguez, Jessica Dominguez, emily Hogan, Hailey Hulse, monique Johnson, Delanie mcelveen, bella mora, Zoey reade, neha Sahota, Sophia Swofford, kylie Wilson, Coach Adrian Dominguez.

Youth Soccer continues to grow and thrive in San elijo through the quality programs offered by San elijo AYSo region

1505. membership for our fall Core and Competitive programs grew to over 850 players combined. We would like to

thank all the players and parents for choosing San elijo AYSo; the largest and most comprehensive soccer program in

the Hills!

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SAn elIJo HIllS

in your backyard

CHrIS orlAnDo: CITY CounCIl The year 2013 will be an active year in the City of San Marcos with several projects underway and others scheduled to begin. Here are just a few highlights:

The Creek Project – If you have taken Via Vera Cruz to San Marcos Blvd. recently you have noticed

significant work in the Creek District. What you see are the preparations for the District’s initial infrastructure, which will include a widening of Discovery, the addition of a new road parallel to San Marcos Blvd. called Creekside Way, channel improvement to the creek, pads for the initial development, and portions of the creek promenade, a walking path along the creek. While the city is still grappling with the impact of the state’s elimination of redevelopment, which was a primary funding source for infrastructure, these initial projects are funded and will get underway in 2013.

university District – Phase Two of The Quad student housing develop-ment, which is the first project in the University District development (between Barham and Twin Oaks Valley Road), is currently under construc-tion and is scheduled to open for the start of Cal State San Marcos’ fall semester. In 2013, the Third Phase of The Quad will begin construction, and plans for the other phases of the University District, a mixed-use com-mercial and residential center, will be outlined.

borden bridge – The bridge connecting Borden Road with Woodard Street, which is currently under construction, will be completed in 2013.

The Year Ahead in San Marcos

This new connection is expected to alleviate congestion on San Marcos Blvd. near City Hall and the Civic Center Plaza, as well as help east-west traffic flow throughout the city.

Sr78 Auxiliary lane – The addition of the new lane on the 78 freeway that is currently under construction will be completed in Spring of 2013. This new lane, along with the improvements to the Nordahl Bridge and off-ramp, and the Nordahl Road/Montiel Road intersection, will significantly ease congestion in that impacted area of the city.

Park Construction and Improvements – Construction will begin on Connors Park, which is adjacent to San Marcos Elementary School. In addition, several improvements will be made to Bradley Park at the corner of Rancho Santa Fe and Linda Vista Road.

Additional Projects – The Palomar Station Project, a residential and com-mercial development at the intersection of Las Posas Road and Armorlite Drive, is anticipated to begin construction in 2013. This residential and commercial project includes a walking bridge over Mission Avenue that con-nects the Sprinter Station to Palomar College. This will help ease traffic on Mission. The residential portion of Alta San Marcos, which is at the corner of Twin Oaks and Village Drive, is also nearing completion. Construction on the commercial portion of that project, which includes small shops and restaurants, is scheduled to get underway in 2013.

While these are just a few of the highlights of the year ahead in San Marcos, it’s clear 2013 is shaping up to be a busy and productive year.


SAn elIJo HIllS

in your backyard

city of San Marcos Offering Make-up Tips and Tricks workshop

The City of San Marcos will be offering a hands-on “Make-up Tips and Tricks” workshop at the San Marcos Community Center on Saturday, January 12 from 12-4pm. Participants must be at least 15 years of age. The cost of the workshop, including refreshments is $35. A $15 (cash) material fee will be collected at the door.

In this hands-on make-up workshop, participants will learn how to achieve a professional cover-girl look. Topics to be covered include color matching, contouring, highlighting and eye liner techniques. Workshop taught by Michele von Entress, a highly trained and talented make-up artist who has worked with numerous celebrities and television networks.

For further information or to register, visit www.san-marcos.net or call (760) 744-9000.

Just us girlz! Event Offered for Young ladies

San Marcos Community Services will present Just Us Girlz! on Saturday, January 26 from 9am to 2pm at the San Marcos Community Center. The deadline to register is Thursday, January 24.

Just Us Girlz! is a special personal enrichment event for girls aged 10 to 15 years. Girls will learn tips from the pros on hair, makeup, etiquette, communication and much more! Girls will also do a mini photo shoot, receive a goody bag and enjoy a delicious lunch. The cost is $25 per girl for San Marcos residents and $30 for non-residents.

Register by Thursday, January 24 at the SM Community Center, or online at www.san-marcos.net/justusgirlz. Register early, space is limited!

restaurant week is Back!

From January 13 through 18, experience cuisine that tickles your taste-buds and isn’t heavy on your wallet. Restaurant Week features discounted prix fixe menus from 180 different restaurants all around San Diego County. Lunches range from $10-20 and Dinners from $20-40.

Choose from such restaurants as:Via Italia Trattoria Island PrimeKelvin at the W San Diego Taste of Thai Del MarCafe Coyote Cucina Urbana

Restaurant Week comes only twice a year, and it’s a great way to experi-ence some of San Diego’s finest dining with someone you love.

Visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com for more information.

As a certified personal trainer, Steve Bostwick could easily help men and women sculpt their physiques and tweak their diets every week. But he’d rather focus his efforts on work-ing with children, particularly kids with special needs. It’s a topic that hits close to home for the 39-year-old Carlsbad resident.

Five years ago, he and his wife Lauren discovered just before their daughter Avery’s first birthday that she had a rare genetic condition and as recently as two years ago she was also diagnosed with autism. Both diagnoses present their own set of challenges but they can both result in global motor skill delay which is the case with Avery. This set of circumstances forced the family to head in a very different direction with their lives.

With Lauren working as a recruitment executive, they decided Steve would give it a go at home. Through trial and error with his daughter’s day-to-day schedule, which included occupational, physical, speech and behav-ioral therapy appointments every week, Steve discovered something else: along with her diagnoses came low muscle tone. A lifelong physical fitness devotee, he’d always maintained a regular schedule of going to the gym and staying in shape. Now he wanted to find a routine that would help Avery gain muscle tone and along with it, confidence in herself.

Working out of his home, at clients’ homes and even at local parks, Steve, who obtained his personal training certification through the National

The Secret to Finding One’s inner Strength

Association of Sports Medicine, is now finishing his Pilates schooling. He’s named his new business venture “UP: Unlimited Potential.” He emphasizes core strength to all of his clients and continues to see improvement in his daughter’s capabili-ties. According to the experts, the way to obtain core strength is to be able to move in a “proprioceptive environment.” In other words, it’s the body’s ability to sense the movement and position of muscles with-out visual guides.

Toward that end, he utilizes medicine balls, stability balls, BOSU balls, elasticity bands, balance disks and a wide range of exercises in his various one-on-one sessions. Whether he’s training clients young or old, with some clients facing disabilities and some not, Bostwick knows the importance of tailoring the sessions to their individual needs and goals.

When asked what sets him apart from other personal trainers, Steve quickly answered: “I feel that given our circumstances, I have developed the level of sensitivity that’s needed toward kids with special needs as well as a certain knack when communicating with their parents. It’s important that we’re all on the same page.”

To schedule a private one-on-one session for your child, contact Steve at either (858) 344-3373 or [email protected].

Sheraton Carlsbad Ocean Pearl Spa Holiday Packages

It’s time to pamper yourself this January. Visit the Sheraton Carlsbad’s Spa for these sweet escapes.

Sweet Escape Thursdays, Every Thursday, 5-8pmEnjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and petite desserts

with your choice of 25-minute spa treatments.Choose from the following treatments:Muscle & Joint Massage Jade & Ginseng Detox Massage

Lavender Mint Foot Treatment Clarisonic Express Facial

Clarisonic Back Facial

Reservations required. Spa treatment selections subject to avail-ability. Contact the spa directly to escape, (760) 827-2700


SAn elIJo HIllS

in your backyard

During the last week of October, 20 middle school stu-dents from Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad traveled to the Calavera Hills and Robertson Ranch Habitat Conservation Area to collect native seeds, rake dead grasses and help restore areas of the preserve that have become overrun with invasive plant species.

As part of the school’s Service Learning program, students have been working at the site for a year under the guidance of Patrick McConnell, San Diego Preserve Manager for the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM).

Last spring, Pacific Ridge students helped plant over 500 native plants and improved irrigation in a small section of the 250-acre preserve. Currently, they are combining science with service by de-thatching areas of ground while leaving adjacent areas alone. When the native plants start to grow in January, students will study the impact of the de-thatching, sci-entifically testing the theory that the treated areas will show more robust growth.

Built into the curriculum and the school day, the Service Learning program at Pacific Ridge School guides students as they take abstract concepts from the classroom and apply them in real-world situations.

Pacific ridge School Students use Science as a civic and Service learning Tool

Service Learning integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich each student’s academic experience, teach civic and ethical responsibility, and strengthen communities for the common good.

“This is exactly the kind of partnership we strive for,” says McConnell. “Promoting conservation values through education is part of our mission. And, the Pacific Ridge students provide a significant amount of hands-on attention to the project.”

The relationship between CNLM and Pacific Ridge School spans roughly five years, and is beneficial to all involved, according to McConnell.

Students are also sprouting six varieties of native seeds in labs on the Pacific Ridge School campus. When the seedlings are well established, students will plant them on the property, helping to preserve this dedicated natural preserve. The conservation area includes sensitive native habitat, restored agricultural land, and hiking trails for public enjoyment.

For more information about Pacif ic Ridge School and its service learning curriculum, visit www.pacif icridge.org. For more information about the Center For Natural Land Management, visit www.clnm.org.

Tidepooling – January 8-14, 24-28

At various times, we will be at low minus tides, and this is the best time of year to explore San Diego tide pools. This is a free and family-friendly activity.

Polar Bear Swim – January 1

La Jolla Cove Swim Club invites you to join them in their annual New Year’s Day polar bear swim at 10am at La Jolla Shores. This is a non-competitive splash, and more information is available at www.lajollacove-swimclub.com.

lEgO Train city – January 1-18

Come to a mini world made entirely of LEGO bricks, and visit a col-lection of LEGO toys that show the transition of wooden LEGO trains to modern day brick trains. This is a World Premier of some of the oldest LEGO trains in existence. To learn more, visit www.sdmrm.org

Martin luther King Jr. Parade – January 20

Honor Martin Luther King Jr. at the Embarcadero with a parade of floats, high school bands, dance and drill teams and more.

del Mar antique Show – January 20-22

This show will be held in O’Brien Hall in the Del Mar Fairgrounds, where over 200 antique dealers from the western United States gather to sell items, repair, restore and appraise heirlooms. Visit www.calendarshows.com for more information.

National Baseball and Softball Expo – January 26-27

The National Baseball and Softball Expo will take place in Balboa Park, where manufacturers, retailers, resellers, collectors, and players will gather for two full days. Learn skills and techniques from pros, meet the San Diego Padres, buy memorabilia, play games and shop. For more information, visit www.nbsexpo.com

Fun Things to do this January in San diego H.D.R. Martial Arts Comes to San Elijo Rec Center

H.D.R. Martial Arts is a community-based, family-friendly program whose mission is to pro-vide the residents of San Elijo excellent martial arts training and education. We provide the opportu-nity for the whole family to train together and we encourage it. Offering a strong foundation in basic martial arts techniques, forms and self-defense. Developing strength, endurance, coordination and self-confidence.

H.D.R. Martial Arts teaches traditional Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Yudo. We begin students on a lifelong journey in the study of the martial arts. We produce martial artists, not just black belts, who have mastered the basic techniques through thousands of repetitions, who are conditioned to apply their training through practical and real world exercises, and who are disciplined through the attention to detail paid to their basic techniques; but above all, we produce martial artists who are confident and successful, who apply what they have learned in the Dojang to their daily lives.

Instructor Mike King holds a 4th degree black belt from the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and has studied at The Oriental Moo-Do School of Escondido for the last 15 years under Master Fred P. “Skip” Leonard.

For more information, contact Mike King at [email protected], or call (760) 532-3223.

Consider a life-changing education for your middle or high schooler.

Join us for an Admissions Open House on January 12th.

(Schedule information available on our website.)

Carlsbad, California COLLEGE PREPARATORY

Within a community of supportive teachers and eager classmates, Pacific Ridge students develop into confident and engaged young people who are prepared for college and beyond.

Engaged in the classroom

Engaged in the world

Pacific Ridge School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.


JAnuArY

calendar

January 1-18, leGo Train City, www.sdmrm.org

January 1, Polar bear Swim, www.lajollacoveswimclub.com

January 2, 7:30-8:30am, network San elijo!, Yogurtutopia, [email protected]

January 2, farmers’ market, CSuSm, 3-7pm

January 4, 10am, lower Tot lot, lunA moms Club, [email protected]

January 5, little Italy mercato, 9am-1:30pm, www.littleitalysd.com/mercato/

January 6, farmers’ market, CSuSm, 10am-2pm

January 8-14, 24-28, Tidepooling at low minus Tides

January 8, 7pm, San elijo Hills Women’s Club (SeHWC), [email protected]

January 8, 9-11am, WISe meeting, visit www.facebook.com/WiseWomenInSanelijo



January 9, Daddy and me Storytime, 6pm, San marcos library


January 12, 8am, SeH Women’s running/Walking Group, [email protected]

January 12, make-up Tips and Tricks Workshop, (760) 744-9000


January 13-18, restaurant Week, www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com







January 20, martin luther king Jr. Parade

January 20-22, Del mar Antique Show, www.calendarshows.com

January 23, Daddy and me Storytime, 6pm, San marcos library



January 24, Just us Girlz!, (760) 744-9000



January 26-27, national baseball and Softball expo, www.nbsexpo.com




January 31, 6pm, monterey ridge monarchs Celebrate Art, (858) 673-4255

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SAn elIJo elemenTArY SCHool

school news

Mark Your calendars:

January 14 - return from Winter break

January 14 - PTo meeting, 9:15am, koC

January 21 - no School - martin luther

king Jr. Day

January 25 - flag Salute and Coffee Chat

January 25 - multicultural night

January 30 - Dine out

Happy New Year!We will be starting the New Year off with our Second Annual Multi-Cultural Night on January 25

from 6 to 8pm. The night will be rich with performances, food, crafts and much information about the many cultures that we have in our school. If you would be interested in sharing your culture with our school, we would love to hear from you. You do not need to have a child in the school. We invite all organizations, clubs or individuals to share their cultural knowledge with SEES. Please contact Juli DeFilippis at [email protected] with any questions or interests.

Thank you!The Fundraising Events team would like to thank San Marcos Edwards Cinemas for the fresh popcorn

for the after-school movies. A big thank you to all the volunteers that helped out during the movies and to Flippin’ Pizza for the discounted pizzas for the December movie. Our next SEES fundraising event will be “Teacher Experience Raffle Week” February 5-8. Every student will have the chance to win by purchasing raffle tickets for $10. The winners will be drawn at a special after school flag salute February 8. More informa-tion will be sent home in the Wednesday envelope.

We definitely want to thank Jersey Mike’s for a successful dine out week and Jamba Juice for the after-

school smoothies.

Share Your Story!Do you have a story or article idea you’d like to

see in The fountain? Give our editor karishma,

a call at 800-497-1309 x714 or

[email protected]

We look forward to

sharing your story with the community!


SAn elIJo mIDDle SCHool

school news

Middle School Band Performanceby: milaya Sinnott

This year as my elective in middle school, I chose band. One reason I wanted to do it was because I would get to see parents playing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. I play the flute and my mother will not go near a stage, so my father had to do it. Let’s stop for a moment and picture this. Your DAD playing the flute. Honestly, I didn’t think he could do it. The first thing my father said when I gave him the flute was, “Twenty minutes, twenty minutes and I will be perfect.” Yeah, right. After several useless attempts of trying to tell him how to hold the flute, I was hearing, “Wah wah wah! My fingers hurt.” And, “How do you play a Bb again?” I was sick and tired. Here is a warning to all kids out there – A parent’s worst nightmare is having their kids teach them things they can’t do. Have you ever known that you were right and your parents kept telling you that you were wrong? They kept saying it over and over and over and over. AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!! It must be a pride thing. However, despite all my complaining, I was so proud seeing my Papa up there playing. Although it was squeaky and not exactly harmo-nious, it was music to my ears. Oh, I forgot the costumes. He he he. The parents were dressed in wigs and sunglasses. Let me repeat that, WIGS and SUNGLASSES for a PERFORMANCE. The best part was, the day after the concert, my Papa said, “I forgot the notes.” My poor little sister is going to have to teach him all over again, next year. Good luck with that!

San Elijo Middle School Band – Parent Night and Students’ PerformancesWithout music, life would be a mistake. - friedrich nietzsche

Parent Bandby: John Sinnott

My leg kept shaking with nervous energy as I sat under the hot lights of the stage. I looked around at my band mates, and saw some pretty funky characters. Dark glasses hiding the eyes. Long, unkempt hair giving a wild look that made it clear this band was all about the music. I had prepared for this moment for weeks, and so had my fellow band mates.

I heard the MC announce us – the cheer-ing and chanting began to rise in volume. The curtains shifted and start-ed to rise and the screams filled the air. I cracked my neck, my knuckles, and got ready to bring down the house.

I took a deep breath, and raised my flute to my lips.

I played with com-plete concentration, but probably hit 25 percent of the notes, despite my hours of practice. I thanked God for the loud trumpets, trombones, and clarinets, as well as the better flute players beside me. No problem, I thought – no one can hear my screeching or wailing, and I am sure I look like the experienced player.

When our performance of “Rock Star” (“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”) was complete, the auditorium erupted with the cheers of kids, and a smile lit our faces.

We were dressed in wigs and dark glasses (I had managed to break my own just before the performance), and probably looked and sounded a bit off, but that was all part of the fun.

Mr. McGhee was right – our kids loved the performance, even if we were much less accomplished than our own children; Beginning Band mem-bers in the San Elijo Middle School Band. Either we would play well, and the kids would have fun, or we would make fools of ourselves – and the kids would have fun. It was a win-win proposition.

If your child joins the San Elijo Middle School band, and you have the opportunity to participate in the Parent Band performance, I recommend that you dive in and do so. It really was an enjoyable experience for all.

Thank you to Mr. McGhee and assistant coach Nancy Hackert, for providing this opportunity and to all the other parents who participated. Besides being fun, it really went a long way to increasing my appreciation for exactly what my daughter, Milaya, was managing to do in this band. I am so happy that she (and I) chose to participate.

Parent Band by: Sarah Schofield

One of the best things about being in band, other than learning how to play an instrument, is getting to teach my dad how to play “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” on the trombone for our first concert. When I started teaching him, I showed him the music book. He looked at the book and said, “What are the slide positions?” My dad did not practice very much, and when the night of the concert came, I knew I would be in for a good laugh. The parent band was hilarious! We were surprised when we saw that each parent was wearing a wig and sunglasses. My dad was dressed like Elvis. I ended up laughing the whole time, but you know what? They were really good, better than I thought they would be!

Photos Courtesy of: eric lendvai, Sarah Schofield, The Dorny family, Deborah Pay.


people in your neighborhoodmeeT THe

Meet The whittaker Family – Dana, Waverly, Carter, Chris

The Whittaker family is one of San Diego’s newest additions, and we are so glad they chose to lay down roots in our community. After having lived in Las Vegas for 18 years, Chris says that San Elijo Hills feels like Shangri-La. What they are used to is a place where everyone is hustling in a dog-eat-dog, concrete jungle, where people drive in and shut their garage doors behind them. When they finally drove into San Elijo Hills to their new home, it was late at night, they couldn’t see much, and all they heard were frogs in the creek, and smelled jasmine and orange blossom.

When the Whittaker family woke up on their first day in their new home, they were happily surprised. Surprised because they had purchased their home sight-unseen, but having thoroughly researched the area, the schools, the street views, the Google map location, and the reputation that San Elijo has for being an idyllic place to raise a family. And they were not disappointed. As they looked out their Promontory Ridge balcony and saw the view of the hills, they knew they were home.

And in some ways, what they really did was come back home. At least this is true for Dana, who is originally from San Diego, and moved to Vegas after college where she met Chris. Dana’s mother and sister live in Temecula and El Cajon, and with baby number two on the way, the Whittakers knew that they wanted to be closer to family.

Family is for them, as it is for all of us, the foundation of their life. Their little boy, Carter, is six years old and a kindergartener at San Elijo Elementary. He has really found himself a key piece in the jigsaw puzzle that is the neighborhood of children in Promontory Ridge. Carter loves being in school, and especially looks forward to his after-school class called “Radical Reptiles”. Chris says that Carter runs around the neighborhood with friends till he is sweaty and tired, and then may sit still to do a puzzle or play with LEGOs.

Carter can also be found playing with his younger sister, Waverly. At 15 months of age, Waverly is walking around, eating Mexican food (her favorite!), scrunching up her nose, batting her big blue eyes, and pointing her finger at her brother, saying “No!” She keeps her parents on their toes, and always entertained.

Chris and Dana will hold the prize for being the couple who can plan and perfectly execute a wedding in three days. Yes, three days! Chris pro-posed to Dana on a Saturday night in Maui, and they managed to have a beautiful wedding, com-plete with wedding planner, cake, flowers, photog-rapher, videographer, guitarist and of course, the perfect dress, all in three days.

This go-get-’em attitude is very much a part of Dana’s vocabulary. Chris says that his wife, a pro-fessional life and business coach, is driven by her work and family. She goes to work to inspire real estate professionals and other working moms, and then comes home to husband, house and kids, and all the feelings that you can only get from family.

Chris is the CEO of REI, a real-estate team, and has focused on short sales, foreclosures and has worked for banks selling bank-owned properties. At the end of some long, exhausting transactions, he loves knowing that he has helped someone with a home. When he’s home, he is a hands-on dad, sharing in the little things that make life so complete.

When the Whittakers aren’t working, they can be found eating at Las Olas or Jake’s Del Mar. Chris and Dana love to volunteer when they can at the elementary school, and they all try to focus on being healthy and taking care of themselves. In the year 2013, they hope to spend more time get-ting to know the rest of their neighborhood, and finding themselves more entrenched in the community they now call home.

Call NOW for Enrollment! 760-753-4513

Christ Presbyterian Preschool 7807 Centella Street La Costa, CA 92009

www.christpresbyterianchurch.net

CPP License #372005402 We are a non-profit organization.

CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL“Where Your Child’s Spirit Can Soar”

• Accepting Preschoolers from 2 1/2 to 5 years old

• Flexible Days & Flexible Hours (Open 7am - 6pm)

• Small Class Sizes • Friendly, Fun Environment • Qualified, Nurturing Teachers


cOMMuNiTY liFESTYlE: gardEN

bY: SHAWnA AllArD

I have a compost bin and find it very easy to use. I am amazed at the amount of green waste we generate to put in our compost bin. It feels good to know all that green waste will go back into my yard and make every plant thrive. Best of all, my husband Peter and I are preparing the soil for our organic vegetable garden.

To have a fabulous garden in the spring, you need to prepare your compost now. Composting is easy. You can build your own compost bin for as little as $20, or purchase a pre-made composter at your local garden or home improvement store. A properly managed composter has little smell to it, is easy to maintain and is good for the environment.

Composting helps:

• Reduce landfill space by recycling green waste. All those banana peels, apple cores, egg shells and more can be recycled into your compost bin. Even fallen leaves in your yard can be added to your compost.

Composting: A Win/Win for Your Garden, and for the Environment

• Add nutrients back into the soil. A gardener can spend a fortune on fertilizers every year. Why not make your own fertilizer and save money while helping the environment?

• Improve and correct soil issues in areas with a lot of sand and clay.

• Keep dangerous chemicals out of the ground and water table by providing a natural alter-native to traditional fertilizers.

• Keep many common plant diseases in check by increasing plant health and vitality.

Molly is a landscaper who first taught me how to start composting. I recommend her class for accurate, useful guidance. You will be composting and smiling.

Molly Olberz is the author of The Pocket Guide to Vegetable Gardening. Molly will be teaching a comprehensive composting workshop on Saturday, January 19, from 1 to 2:30pm. The fee for the class is $25. To register for the class or purchase her Garden Guide, please visit her website at www.terraearthdesigns.com or email her at [email protected].

Throughout the year, Shawna Allard keeps us informed on all the ways to stay environmentally friendly. This month, we thank her for

teaching us about composting. – editor’s note

cOMMuNiTY liFESTYlE: HEalTH

bY: Dr . ronAlD moSS, boArD CerTIfIeD AllerGIST

Food allergies are not as common as other allergies. Up to four percent of adults have food allergies. However, food allergies can result in life threatening reactions and the CDC has reported that food allergies result in over 300,000 ambula-tory-care visits a year among children. Scientists estimate that 15 million Americans have food allergies including 6 million children. If you have a food allergy, your immune system overreacts to a particular protein found in that food. Symptoms can occur when coming in contact with just a small amount of the food and can be life threatening.

Many food allergies are first diagnosed in young children, though they may also appear in older children and adults. Eight foods are respon-sible for the majority of allergic reactions: Cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat. It is estimated that about 85 percent of children who are allergic to milk or eggs will out-grow their food allergy, and just about all children who are allergic to soy or wheat will outgrow their allergy, too. Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, or shellfish are generally lifelong allergies; however, studies have shown that approximately 20 percent of children may outgrow their allergy to peanuts, and about 10 percent outgrow their allergy to tree nuts.

Many people who think they are allergic to a food may actually be

Food Allergiesintolerant to it. Some of the symptoms of food intolerance and food allergy are similar, but the differences between the two are very impor-tant. If you are allergic to a food, this allergen triggers a response in the immune system. Food allergy reactions can be life threatening, so people with this type of allergy must be very careful to avoid their food triggers.

A careful history and allergy skin tests aids in the diagnosis of food allergy. Strict avoid-ance and the use of epinephrine by injection, to prevent or treat severe reactions, are the only current treatments for food allergy. Research in this area provides hope for future effective treatments.

For allergic diseases like hay fever, asthma, and food allergies, allergists are doctors who have the specialized training and experience to make the proper diagnosis and effectively treat these com-mon problems.

Ronald Moss MD, is a board certif ied allergist in Encinitas and a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, and a Fellow of the American College of Allergy and Immunology. He can be reached at (760) 436 6404 or www.rmossmd.com.



bY: JennIfer GIll

There is one thing most people have in abundance on January 1st: motivation. When that clock strikes mid-night, we are all motivated to make huge changes in the new year. When we’re talking about clean slates, a shiny new year is as clean of a slate as you can get. And there is nothing more motivating than starting a fresh new year. Enter the New Year’s Resolution. Every year, millions of people set goals for themselves to achieve in the coming year. And setting goals is important because it gives us something to focus on and work toward. But all the moti-vation in the world will not help us reach these newly set goals without one very important factor: follow-through.

Most of the time, our goals are pretty intimidating: lose weight, be more active, quit smoking, get rid of debt, etc. Big goals are wonderful to have but they’re also really daunting. Waking up on January 1st with an enormous goal can be so overwhelming, you might as well just go back to bed. But with a little planning, you can muster up all the follow-through you’ll need to reach those goals.

A good strategy to keeping your New Year’s resolution, or reaching any goal for that matter, is to start small and build your way up to a big one. That way it’s a little easier than starting with one huge goal that may be difficult to reach right away. Let’s face it: we want results and we want them now. And when we don’t get the results we want right away, we give up. We may be successful at first, but once that first temptation comes, or we get sidetracked somehow, we can’t get back on track. We can’t reach that goal. And when we don’t reach it, we get discouraged and give up all together. Often our New Year’s Resolution is over before the end of January.

Not this year! All you have to do is develop your small-step plan and follow-through. For example, if you really want to lose some weight this year, give yourself the goal of losing five pounds in January. Then, take a look at your eating and physical activity habits. A good way to do this, before even trying to cut your calories or be more active, is to keep a food and physi-cal activity journal. Write down everything you eat and all of your physical activity for about two weeks to get an idea of your regular habits (make sure your time period includes a weekend!). Write down when, what and how much you eat for every meal and snack, as well as when you are active (if you’re active). Once you know where your trouble spots are, you can take small steps to reach your larger goal of losing weight. If you drink a lot of sugary drinks, for example, one small step would be cutting out one or two sugary sodas a day. Just stick to the plan.

Happy New You!

Even with the best intentions, sticking to the program isn’t always doable. An important aspect to reaching a goal is to know when it’s time to ask for help. If you want to eat better, hiring a nutritionist to develop better eating habits may be better than trying to figure it out on your own. Seeing a financial plan-ner to help you learn ways to save money and pay off debts can help you be more financially secure. That initial investment will pay off in the long run. If your goal is to be more physically active, perhaps even start a running routine, a good place to start would be to contact a running coach. Working with a coach one-

on-one or joining a running program will increase your chances of success immensely. Learning how to get started the right way can help keep you injury free and actually enjoy running. Many people think they can’t run or they hate it because it hurts when they run. Often times, there are small changes you can make that will make running actually enjoyable. We at Sole Health and Wellness can help you learn to love running! And we can write up a nutrition plan for you too! Already an experienced runner? Sign up for a race you’ve always wanted to do. Registering for a race is one of the best ways to keep motivated and keep running. Then contact us and we’ll get you on the right track to have your best race.

Being successful isn’t just about reaching those huge goals. That first step is often the hardest to take. Just making the decision to start takes cour-age. But one step turns into two and before you know it, you’ve reached that first goal. And then the next. Before long, you’ve reached that huge goal and far surpassed everything you thought was possible.

Think of it this way: we all have to start somewhere. There is nothing wrong with taking small steps to accomplish a larger goal. There is more success in taking our time and actually doing what we set out to do than jumping in head first, failing and giving up.

Here’s to a Happy New You in 2013!

Jennifer Gill, MPH, is an RRCA-certif ied running coach, licensed sports nutritionist and the Founder and President of Sole Health and Wellness which offers individual, com-munity and corporate-based running and nutrition programs designed to help individuals get more active, get healthier and live happier lives! Group running programs are available right here in San Elijo Hills! For more information, check out www.solehealthandwell-ness.com or email [email protected].

We are so blessed here at The fountain to have so many talented residents who happily contribute articles to us. These articles are

thoughtfully written and very informative, and we learn from the expertise of our contributing writers. Jenn Gill helps us this month with

reasonable goals for a healthy and happy new Year. – editor’s note


cOMMuNiTY liFESTYlE: rEciPiE

bY kArISHmA SInnoTT

We all wake up in January with this feeling that we are going to start the year healthy, and stay that way all year long. Well, some people have tremendous will power and do the right thing every day, every month, all year long. I can’t say that I’m one of those people. I can tell you that my dad passed away from cancer before he turned 65, and my mother-in-law passed away from cancer before she turned 65, as well. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 53. So, obviously, I take health very seri-ously, and know each day that I am grateful for the life and body that we are blessed to have.

However, I am not one of those people who can pick up a raw cauli-flower and eat it on the go. I might eat raw spinach, but I definitely prefer it well seasoned. I believe really strongly in moderation, and not deprivation. In our family, we eat a copious amount of fruit and vegetables daily, but I try to make it fun. Not time-consuming, not strenuous, but fun. Is it always completely fat-free? No. But neither is it slathered in butter, cheese or oil, just varied, well-seasoned and tasty.

If you have trouble getting your children (or adults) to eat vegetables, try these different ways of serving them:

Carrots are delicious, but carrot sticks every day can get awfully bor-ing, can’t they? Try this – first of all, start with “real carrots”. If you can get them at the farmers’ market, even better. If not, just buy whole carrots that haven’t already been peeled and cut into funky shapes. I know that I sound like a food snob at her worst, but I promise you, it just tastes better. Along with those fresh carrots, buy a bag of parsnips. Parsnips are the not-so-well-known cousin of the carrot. Believe it or not, the parsnip is richer in vitamins and minerals than carrots. It is also a good source of potassium, fiber and energy.

My favorite thing to do with parsnips and carrots is to cut them into large wedges or sticks, lightly toss with olive oil, season well with salt and pepper, and roast in a 425 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, turning once at the ten-minute mark. The natural sugar in the veggies caramelizes, leaving you with incredible flavor that is just unbeatable. Throw these vegetables in at the bottom of a pan with a roast for a meal in one pot.

Parsnip puree is delicious! Have you ever tried it? You may want to give up the mashed potatoes forever once you do. Boil the parsnips in a pot of seasoned water till tender, then puree as you would mashed potatoes, using 2% milk, a wee bit of butter or olive oil, salt and pepper. If you’re not ready for this, try replacing half your potatoes with parsnips, and then maybe three-quarters of your potatoes with parsnips; ease yourself into the new flavor profile – I think you’ll love it!

Green beans, asparagus, broccoli and cauliflower are all fine steamed, but if you roast them, their flavor is completely enhanced. I even stick my asparagus on the grill every chance I get. Some lemon zest, a wee bit of

butter or olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar), some sliced almonds, and your veggies have had a make-over.

Left over roasted vegetables make the best soup! Just blend the roasted vegetables with stock (chicken or veggie), add fresh herbs, some lemon zest and juice, garnish with crou-tons (easy way to recycle left over bread), a dollop of Greek yogurt or light sour cream, and serve with a sandwich or panini.

My mother never expected me to eat boiled/steamed veggies, and I think this is why

I love them so much now. I puree spinach and add it to my lasagna sauce all the time. My kids love it that way! I puree cooked spinach and aspara-gus into a Bechamel Sauce (recipe available easily online), and use it for “Green Mac and Cheese” or “Asparagus Lasagna”. I make a dip with Greek Yogurt, fresh herbs, the zest of a lemon, some lemon juice and a sprinkling of Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning for the kids to dip carrots, celery, jicama and sugar snap peas in while they watch a movie. They eat the whole con-tainer of Greek Yogurt that way, and devour the veggies as well.

Here’s another fun way to eat a not-so-well-known vegetable – spaghet-ti squash. Take a whole spaghetti squash, cut it in half, season with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 400 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Let it rest for ten minutes, and then scrape away into long, noodle-like strands. It looks a lot like angel hair pasta, and tastes delicious with pasta sauce, Parmesan cheese, meatballs or veggies. It is a wonderful, gluten-free way to enjoy “pasta”. Use it as a bed for grilled chicken or salmon or shrimp or tofu. The children get a kick out of scraping the squash (mine did) into noodles, and tend to slurp and eat it along the way.

If you would rather slurp or drink your veggies, call Lorenzo Lietti at BluKale for one of his delicious juices, which he will deliver to your doorstep (www.blukale.com). If you are better at drinking your vitamins than eating them, there really isn’t a more nutritious way to do it, and it’s as easy as a point and click away. You can’t beat Lorenzo’s veggie juice home delivery.

I know that sometimes it’s just easier to grab carrot or celery sticks from a bag, or to steam or microwave vegetables. The thing is that even though it may be faster, the veggies have completely lost their flavor already. I can’t say that I blame any child or adult for not wanting to eat those veggies with gusto. None of these ways I’ve suggested are strenuous at all. And if you need help, never hesitate to call or email me. I’ll be your veggie hotline! Try these new ways to eat vegetables, and let me know what you think. If you have a delicious way you serve your greens and beans, email me at [email protected].

Happy Eating!

The Wonderful World of Vegetables – Easy Ways to Make Them Yum!

Rancho Encinitas Academy

Grades Pre-Kindergarten-Eight

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Grades Pre-Kindergarten-Eight

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Excellence in Teaching – Excellence in LearningTae Kwon Do City of San Marcos | San Elijo Rec Center

1105 Elfin Forest RoadDevelop physical and mental discipline through a community focused, family friendly cross discipline martial arts program. Offering a strong foundation in basic martial arts techniques, forms and self-defense, developing physical strength, endurance, coordination and self-confidence.

Tae Kwon Do City of San Marcos | San Elijo Rec Center




City of San Marcos | San Elijo Rec Center



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Intro Tae Kwon Do: (4-5 yrs) Tuesday/Thursday 4:15-5:00pm

Tae Kwon Do: (5yrs - Up) Tuesday/Thursday 5-6:00pm

Register online:http://activenet.active.com/sanmarcosreg

or at the Community Center$45.00/month. New Classes start monthly

For more info contact:Mike King (760)532-3223, [email protected]

A white marital arts uniform is required and may bepurchased from the instructor for $25



bY: AlexAnDrA DonnellY, lCSW, DCSW

How to rewire Your Brain and Make Those New Year’s resolutions Stick!

Here’s the deal – it’s really quite simple – our brains are wired for making, and then keeping habits. Habits that reinforce pleasure, like enjoying delicious food, romance, laughing – all release the chemical dopamine in the brain, which in turn floods the body with very pleasurable feel-ings. In turn, repeated behavior deepens neurological grooves in the brain, making habits incredibly difficult to break. As humans, our brains prefer habitual behavior, because it’s comfortable and familiar.

That’s what makes this time of year, when many of us try to break bad habits and develop good ones, so hard. For example, quitting smoking, excessive use of alcohol, eating too much junk food, etc...

Don’t panic-there is a solution!Figure out your trigger: There’s a reason you drink too much at parties or sit down with a bag of cookies every night: It feels good. Whether it’s to ease social anxiety or stress (the drinks) or to relieve loneliness and depression (the cookies), habits are formed when a behavior is linked to an emotion.

Find a replacement habit: People don’t really break habits; they just replace them. So, to break a bad habit, find a new, healthy one to replace it. Walk after dinner instead of watching three hours of television. Eat an apple, not a box of cookies, before bedtime. Consistently repeating a healthy behavior is the best way to rewire the brain.

Keep the good habit going for three weeks. Most people can maintain a new habit for two weeks. Studies show that if you can get through that two-week mark, you’ll most likely continue with a new habit as it becomes second nature

Get the right kind of support.Studies show that new habits are difficult to keep when people lack support. The best prognosis for breaking a habit, is to find professional support – a doctor, a weight loss program, psychotherapy – and ask for support from friends and family who encourage and reinforce positive changes.

Exercise. Research shows that consistent exercise increases the level of a key protein (BDNF,) which encourages the growth of new neurons in the brain. In fact, it is essential for rewiring

the brain and creating new healthy habits. Interestingly, low levels of this key protein are linked to alcoholism and other destructive habits. Better yet, to cre-ate those new neurons, exercise doesn’t have to be excessive; it can be as simple as consistently walking each day.

Happy New Year San Elijo!

Alexandra Donnelly, LCSW, DCSW is a licensed psychotherapist practicing here in San Elijo. Feel free to contact her at [email protected] or at (760) 845-5074.

Alexandra Donnelly lives and works right here in San elijo Hills, and we are so lucky to be able to use her as our resource for articles on

family, children, life and relationships. This year, when you make that resolution, read Alex’s article first – it is sure to help you as you plan

for the new year. editor’s note

cOMMuNiTY liFESTYlE: PuzzlEbY: nImISH SHrIVASTAVA, reSIDenT, WooDleY’S Glen

Nth Puzzle Corner

Last year, I introduced this column with a puzzle from old Russia that showed how locks and security work in modern world. Keeping a secret in our modern world is not easy but in this digital world, there are many com-plex machines and algorithms that take care of keeping our messages, data and other things secure. But for thousands of years, many used just paper and a pen to keep their messages secure and secret. Cryptography (derived for Greek words “Crypt” meaning secret and “Graph” meaning related to writing) has been around since ancient Egypt and Greek civilizations.

Today, we start with some simple methods of Cryptography. The sim-plest method is substituting letters with other letters (maybe with letters one or two ahead or behind). Can you decipher the following?

1) IBQQZ OFX ZFBSRules for substitution could be a bit more complex. Can you solve the

following – it’s still substitution, but a little more advanced.

2) R OLEV HZM VORQL SROOHAnother way to keep a secret is by jumbling the letters up with some

kind of rule – this is called transposition. Can you uncover this secret? (Hint: the “key” is 5)

3) tauhtiatenneifuibflosuThe last cipher for today is challenging. One can jumble up letters and

also use rows and columns to mix the letters up. Try to figure out this one. (Hint: the key is “easy”).

4) hsoislthrttgeyobntaoianmseieexnrlpiulynxI feel compelled to give another hint as this one is not so easy – create

a “box” of rows and columns of letters from the above.

Good luck!

If you cannot wait for the answers to this puzzle, contact Nimish at [email protected], and he might be persuaded to share them earlier!

Do you sometimes feel like your brain needs a workout? I do! our thanks to resident puzzle guru, nimish, for making us exercise our

minds with his thought-provoking riddles.


cOMMuNiTY liFESTYlE: liFESTYlE

bY; lAuren lAnnI, lAnnI InSurAnCe of CAlIfornIA

With the New Year comes your annual review of finances, including your insurance. Even minor changes that happen to us any given year can have a dramatic affect on your insurance coverage needs, and your agent is the trained expert who can advise you properly with each year.

First, take the time to gather the below information. Then, make an appointment or check in with your agent by email or phone. Fill them in on any changes that have happened to you and your family this year.

Home Insurance: Make sure you let your agent know if you have purchased a new home or rental in 2012, or if you have renovated, updated your roof, boxed your eaves, or made any other significant changes to your home. Consider your deductible. Ask your agent if it makes fiscal sense to raise it and save monthly.

Auto Insurance: Make sure your cars are up to date and that any cars you may have sold have been removed from the policy. You’d be surprised how often people forget to notify their carrier that they sold a car. Make sure you add or remove Comprehensive and Collision coverage based on the age and condition of your car and your circumstances.

Life Insurance: When you look into your estate planning each year, remember to also check your life insurance policies. Do you need to change beneficiaries? Did you place your assets into a trust this year? Do you need

Insurance Checklist for 2013

more or less coverage if you have added to your family, have children who are financially independent, gotten married or divorced, or bought a home?

Business Insurance: Did you start a new business, open any new locations, or add a new employee in 2012? Did you change the nature of your operations? Make sure you update your Business Policy and Workers’ Compensation to reflect that fact. Update your employee benefits policies as well. Now may be a good time to check your group health rates and see if you qualify for lower premiums or a new plan.

Health Insurance: Review your plan. Do your deductible and Out Of Pocket Maximum make sense for your family this year? If you have an HSA, make sure you are funding it correctly.

Earthquake Insurance: Have you considered Earthquake insur-ance? Remember this is not part of your homeowners’ policy in California so you will need a separate Earthquake policy if you would like your home covered in the event it obtains earthquake damage.

Discounts: Check to see if there are any new discounts that your company has introduced this year, or if you have become eligible for any existing discounts.

Liability Coverage: Consider upping your liability coverage on your home or renters policy if you have added a pool, adopted a dog, or have any new drivers in the household.

Finally, make sure to practice safe driving and encourage your family to do the same. The number one way to save on car insurance is to have a driving record free of tickets and accidents.

With a quick review to properly update your insurance coverages you will be on your way to enjoying a fiscally responsible 2013.

We at The fountain asked lauren lanni, of lanni Insurance (located right here in San elijo Hills) to help us with a checklist for 2013.

The first of the new year is always a good time to change batteries, make appointments for annual physicals, get eye exams, but also to

take a close look at what matters most – your home, your health, your family. our most sincere thanks to lauren for helping us with this

comprehensive list. – editor’s note

You are not yet

the person God created you to be.

But He has a plan to transform you into that person. Join us on the journey!

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business highlightSAn elIJo HIllS

Bonnie Ropka has been a resident of San Elijo Hills for three years, and in those three years she has walked hundreds of dogs as part of her “I Love My Happy Dogs” dog-walking service. Bonnie is not just owner of a successful dog-walking service, but is also a mom, a wife, and now an entrepreneur who has started a simple but clever and useful widget for all dog own-ers to carry dog waste, called the Poopy Carrier.

Bonnie says that when she started walking dogs in the trails and on the streets of San Elijo Hills, she noticed that people would pick up after their dogs, and then leave the bags on the side of the trail or road, with the intent of picking them up on their way back. This is because, fortuitously, dogs seem to relieve themselves at the beginning of your long walk, so that you are forced to carry around a stinky bag until you can find a trash can or make your way back home.

Bonnie also wanted to keep her hands free so that she could walk her dogs, and hold her son, Giancarlo’s hand, while walking in the trails. In June of 2012, Bonnie came up with the idea of designing and creating a dog bag carrier. So she bought a sewing machine and fabric and supplies and made a prototype. Then she found a supplier in China, came up with a sample, and after many months of trial and error, the Poopy Carrier was born.

This was a life-changing journey for Bonnie. She learned how to budget and trademark and create patents. She learned to be patient and ask questions

Bonnie ropka – I love my Happy Dogs/Poopy Carrier

and make phone calls. She sewed and created and Skyped and corresponded with her Chinese suppliers, and patiently read copious amounts of information and laws that come with starting up your own busi-ness. And all this while she continued to be a working mother of a three year old. We should hope Bonnie feels a sense of pride and accomplishment because it is never easy to start a company on your own, and to know that the Poopy Carrier is being sold in Pet People (Del Mar and Mission Valley), and online at www.poopycarrier.com, should make her realize that

her vision is in fact a reality.And real it is because Bonnie’s Poopy Carrier will be featured on QVC’s

“Sprout Program,” where four new products are highlighted on QVC’s web-site, and put to a vote. The winner gets to sell their items on QVC the very next day. Voting will run January 1-5, and every vote counts! To vote for Bonnie, visit www.qvc.com/QVCSprouts.content.html

It’s funny how creativity is born from some of the most mundane, daily jobs. We have all walked our dogs, holding the stinky bags in our hands, wishing that we could dispose of them instantly. Well, you may not find a trash can immediately, but now at least your hands can be free to walk safely, to hold a dog leash, to carry a bag of groceries, to push a stroller, or to hold your baby boy’s hand (for as long as he will let you)!

To learn more about I Love My Dogs or Poopy Carrier, contact Bonnie at [email protected].

I’m always looking for a place to go on a date night with my husband, or a casual lunch date with a friend. Recently, my friend Launa asked me to lunch at Ignite in Carlsbad. I almost said no, because it seemed to be jinxed for me. I was supposed to go there for my birthday last year, and that was the night that we had the power outage that lasted three hours. I was supposed to go there again with a friend for lunch and her son came down with the stomach flu that very morning. I felt like every time I made a plan to go to Ignite, something would happen to thwart that plan. And I really wanted to go try it. Not just because I had heard good things about the food and service, but also because one of the bartenders is a San Elijo resi-dent, and you know how we feel about supporting our own. So, I finally made it to Ignite, and when I did, it was twice in two weeks. Isn’t that ironic? What can I say? When it rains...it does seem to pour.

If you haven’t been, you’re missing out. There are so many delicious things on the menu, some that we tried, and others that I can’t wait to go back and sample. Try the tempura battered asparagus with Bearnaise sauce. I have never ever eaten asparagus in this way, and I think I have been missing out. Crisp tempura batter, crunchy asparagus and the most luscious, buttery, tarragon flavored sauce you have ever had. Yes, it’s not the healthiest thing in the world, but once in a while, it’s ok to splurge, espe-cially when it’s in moderation. And, if you pair the fried asparagus with their market salad, you really are paying off that debt. Fresh farm greens, thinly sliced pears, cherry tomatoes, grapes, nuts and a sherry vinaigrette that is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Try their “Smokin’ Lunch Special” for ten dollars, where you pick from the market salad or a Caesar salad, and one of their Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas. Roasted garlic and

restaurant review

ignite Bistro and wine Spot mushroom is one of my favorites, my husband liked their “Ignite Pizza”, with pepperoni, fennel sausage and caramelized onions. I think next time he might want to try their “Man Candy” – sweet and spicy bacon – seems like an appropriately masculine hors d’oeuvre. I’d like to try their Ahi poke tacos, or their Firecracker Thai Calamari Peanuts, or perhaps the Blackened fish tacos. I don’t see how I could go wrong with any of those choices, do you?

If you are bringing your family, don’t worry about the children, they will have plenty to pick from. They can pick from choices like sliders with french fries, mac-and-cheese or pasta, grilled or fried chicken, or they can design their own pizza and watch it bake! You know that if they put

broccoli on their pizza themselves, they are sure to eat it!Sometimes you eat an incredible meal in an atmosphere that is stuffy

or pretentious. Ignite is none of these. The wait staff, both times that I went, were incredibly polite, knowledgeable and patient with children. The service was impeccable, and sometimes that is even more difficult to find than good food.

Perhaps you want to leave the children at home and go for Happy Hour, and make the most of their specials, which include $3 beer and wine, $6 pizzas, $5 appetizers, and $10 for such things as Steak Frites, Lobster Mac and Cheese and Prime Rib with mashed potatoes. Wouldn’t it be fun to stop there for Happy Hour and then go across the street to Cinepolis for a movie night with a friend or spouse?

Really, we don’t need to go far to find ourselves delicious food, a varied and eclectic choice of wine and beer and fabulous service. It’s literally, right in our backyard, at Ignite Bistro and Wine Spot in Carlsbad.

Hi Neighbor!

Can you believe how fast 2012 came & went? Does that ever scare you? The way each year seems to go faster than the last?

At the tree lighting event last month, I looked at that big tree & remembered the fi rst SEH Tree Lighting event I attended in 2001. There were only a couple hundred people there & when they called us over to light the tree, you couldn’t even see it because it was shorter than the average adult. It was such a Charlie Brown tree.

A lot has changed since then.

If you’re like us, you moved into SEH to give your kids a fantas-tic childhood. Great schools. Fun neighborhoods. Trails. A small town vibe. The best life you can possibly afford for them.

There was a point about fi ve years ago where we looked around & realized - we had created the ‘perfect life’ for our family. Our kids had the best of everything. We had great friends. We built a busi-ness here in the community, served on the fi rst school PTO, went to numerous ground-breaking ceremonies & enjoyed being a founding family.

But, when you hit 40 - a funny thing happens. Even in the most ‘perfect’ environment. The ‘upward/forward’ motion you’ve been working toward in your life, starts to turn the other direction.

You’re working so hard, running so fast, giving so much, that one day you look around & realize things aren’t as ‘perfect’ as they seem.

• You’re so busy that you’re not enjoying the good life you’re working so hard for

• Your body is not as ‘forgiving’ as it has been • Health issues start creeping up

When you reach this stage of life - you have some choices to make. You can continue down the path of decline or you can turn it around.

It seems like an obvious choice - but here’s the problem.

We have too many misconceptions about what ‘healthy’ is. We think it’s about diet, exercise, olive oil, juice, ‘all natural’ & giving up your favorite things.

That’s what we thought, but after years of studying & applying what we’ve learned about our bodies, nutrition & health, TK & I now know why this wrong information kept us stuck for so long.

How can you make the ‘right’ choice - when you don’t have accurate information? Or time?

We were so busy trying to create the best life for our kids, our family - and yet, the very things we were sacrifi cing to provide for them were costing us our lives.

Maybe that sounds a little over dramatic…but I’ll bet you feel it, too.

The good news? When you get the right information & get rid of the myths – getting healthy is SO MUCH easier than you think.

Today, TK & I are in the best shape of our lives. The magic we have experienced in our health, our marriage, our family…has been abso-lutely transformative. I honestly had no idea life could be this good.

It would have been easy to just go on living our happy healthy lives, but TK and I just couldn’t go back to life as usual without sharing what we’ve experienced. We have too many friends in this community going down the same path we were on – trying so hard to make healthy choices, raise healthy kids, create a ‘perfect’ life.

It kills us to know you’re never going to get there with the infor-mation & strategy you’re using.

And, you’re not going to hear it from the fi tness industry, medical industry or food industry – because it doesn’t require any special products, tools or pills. All it requires is a willingness to challenge your assumptions & to make minor tweaks -- baby steps that build on each other.

TK & I have spent the last several years carving a path to share with you. We have dedicated our lives to helping people who want to live vibrant healthy lives, have rich marriages, happy kids & who plan to not only watch their grandkids grow up, but to be right there in the action, feeling awesome.

You can break out of the cycle. You can absolutely:

• love your body (even after 40) • have constant, unstoppable energy (without any

special beverage)• watch your kids take ownership of their own health & wellness• have the ‘perfect’ life you envision (and more)

One of the advantages TK & I have of being a little ‘older’ here in the community is that we can help you see the future.

When your kids are out of school, when you’re working hard to get them through college, when your house gets older, when your body is more worn, when your sex life gets squeezed out by life…that’s when you’ll wish you had started investing in your health today.

• Not through another gym membership you don’t have time to use• Not through another diet that you know is not going to

work long-term

But, by learning what it really means to be healthy & working with someone who has been there & can guide you more quickly to lasting results.

On the phone, in our offi ce or in your home, our private health coaching can absolutely transform your future. Whether we meet with you one time this year, once each month or once a week, it’s worth it. The only hard part is the fi rst step – making the call.

Call or email us today to get started: [email protected] or [email protected] or (760) 593-7060

In health & feeling awesome,

The Kitchen Skinnywww.thekitchenskinny.com

P.S. Don’t let another year slip by because each year counts & you can never get it back.

Is this the year it all turns around for you?

Karen & TK

*Standard text-messaging rates apply. Hometown Realty CA DRE License #01793242

www.My-HometownRealty.comSan Elijo Hills Town Center | 1501 San Elijo Road S., Ste. 101 | 760.798.1784

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Documents

Fountain - January 2013