Remember when you were a kid and believed fairy tales were real? When enchanted forests, magical creatures, and happily-ever-afters felt within reach? Then you grew up, became a parent in the Bay Area, and realized life doesn’t quite look like that anymore… or does it? While growing up can feel like a harsh awakening, there are extraordinary people out there who create their own reality — living outside the box and proving that a precious, storybook-like life is possible. Welcome to Kinderwood Farms, a small, enchanting farm with over 70 animals, just minutes away from places like Mentone and New Leaf Market, yet feeling like you’ve stepped right into an…
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Surf City Line Dance Brings People Together One Step at a Time
Out of all the types of self-care there is ONE that has been linked to the greatest determining factor of someone’s overall health: SOCIAL self-care. In a world where so many of us are feeling isolated, on computers all day and overwhelmed – it’s time we bring some “old-school vibes” back! Looking for something fun to try with the whole family, that has made a HUGE comeback since the 80’s/90’s it will get your heart rate up, boost your social life and enhance your brain health? Look no further than local Line Dance Sensation, Niko Takaoka, founder of Surf City Line Dance. It is an experience you don’t want to…
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Embracing the Best of Summer
The beautiful weather, gorgeous flowers in bloom, the camps, vacations and hopefully some R+R. Personally, This year is the first time I decided not to put my kid in any camps and zero planned vacations and use the summer to explore and be on the NON scheduled summer. So far, we are really enjoying it and as a working mom it forced me to take off some time that I too really needed. Living in a time where there seems to be much uncertainty, stress and added unnecessary pressures – I hope this will remind you whether you have a packed summer or a loose one like me – making…
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Celebrating Our Fathers
Let’s cheer this month for all the dads who take their job in fatherhood to heart! Our kids, families and communities are blessed to have you in our lives and the world is better because of YOU. One father in particular I am going to feature in this month’s article is someone who has been so generous and kind and a pillar in our community, yet expects nothing in return – he is a father and “like a father” to many, a leader in the Santa Cruz community – none other than the owner of Growing Up in Santa Cruz, Brad Kava. Brad and I met a few years back…
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Local Legend Honored in Wake of Mental Health Struggles
Capitola homeowner and Greek Bay Area Legend, Sam Anagnostou — or as I knew him, Uncle Sammy, my uncle who felt more like a father and best friend, the one who taught me to surf — a true ray of sunshine. He loved the ocean. He believed in the healing power of the waves and the warmth of the sand beneath your feet. And his theory of seagulls + eagles will live on eternally- reach out and I will gladly share it with you. As it is a reminder that we are all connected even if we are different. If you ever met him, you’d remember his kindness, the jokes…
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Why Neighbors Matter for Your Self-Care Routine
In the wise words of Fred Rogers, “I’ve always wanted a neighbor like you,” something our entire world needs most right now. In this column, I am sharing one of the most vital elements of self-care and it relates to COMMUNITY. The people we are around. The social relationships we have, impact our lives in a massive way. With election around the corner, I couldn’t help but write about a personal encounter with one of the candidates in our very own community, that has shown me the VALUE of neighborhood and reminds me of Mr. Rogers himself. As a kid, I loved watching Mr. Rogers – his kindness, empathy,…
