Your Health - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Kinderwood Farms is Where Fairy Tales Come to Life

Jamie McFaden — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 23:39:24 +0000

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 old storybook. As you approach this magical mini farm-climbing a fairly steep hill—you’re instantly greeted by their signature black-and-white cat Katinka, who often pops out of the back of a truck or weaves through the greenery to welcome you with warmth. Near the front door, a turkey might strut by, a pig might wander near, and the man of the house, Mack (short for Macdonald—yes, he really does have a farm, E-I-E-I-O), will greet you with a kindness straight out of a fairy tale. Then there’s Lauren, Mack’s wife, nursing their sweet baby boy, Rex. With her luscious Ariel-red hair and a super cool vibe that’s equal parts mermaid and homestead queen, she draws you in with her genuine warmth and hospitality. Lauren will likely offer you her signature sparkling cranberry water cooler or her fresh made sourdough, maybe some FRESH goat cheese that they just made early in the day—regardless of what it may be – they sure know how to HOST and make you feel like family. Not to mention, Lauren loves to teach and is eager to share knowledge and experience with all ages. She taught my daughter how to make fettuccine from scratch and taught my mom tips on how to make the perfect sourdough. (You’ll have to ask her when you go too!) Two main castmates of the house: Georgie and Nicky (known as the protector of the farm) they are both super friendly dogs. In fact – all of the animals are quite friendly (love snuggles and pets) and similar to a storybook, dogs, cats, goats, pigs all can share the same space and are happy to hang with each other and humans! Pretty amazing and for many feels surreal. Once you arrive and realize this storybook is real, you won’t want to leave. In fact, Kinderwood Farms offers a cozy room with bathroom to rent, so you can stay for a few days and fully immerse yourself in the magic. I discovered Kinderwood Farms while searching for places where my kids and I could volunteer and connect with animals. Make sure you book in advance, the farm is a mini oasis that is by reservation only. Though I don’t have a farm (yet!), I believe that pursuing any dream starts by putting yourself in the right environment. This farm was exactly that—an outside-the-box experience filled with animals, nature, and heartfelt community. And both Lauren and Mack explained one of their goals is to inspire others to do the things that bring JOY. When I asked them both about what brings the most JOY in their life right now without hesitation – they both said, “Rex” and then Mack shared in fact watching Lauren as a mom and Mack are the best! Lauren and Mack are extraordinary hosts, blending culinary, artistic, and hospitality talents to make you feel like you’re not just visiting a farm—but stepping into a home and a story unfolding. You might even get to milk goats, make cheese, or sample bread fresh from the oven. They offer so many nourishing experiences! They’re doing things differently—breaking away from the typical bay area lifestyle. My daughter Sofia put it perfectly: “Lauren and Mack are like two angels God sent to earth to show us how to live.” Having lived in Greece at 17, milking goats in a village, I recognize that rare, beautiful feeling—something so unique many never get to experience. That’s why I wanted to share their story, to show that living against the grain might just be the best way to live in today’s fast-paced, hustle-driven world. In a culture that can feel cold and competitive, who doesn’t want to slow down, enjoy nature, connect with animals, savor home-cooked food, and be part of something bigger than ourselves? Kinderwood Farms is that “modern village” bringing community and sustainability to life. They also host fun events like Goat Yoga, teaming up with Beer 30 to bring baby goats along—imagine a tiny goat on your back as you flow through a child’s pose! Lauren and Mack are passionate about community-led participation and sustainability. Both highly educated, warm, and hardworking, they care deeply for every one of their animals, all of whom have brilliant names and big personalities. Which some of the guests have even had the opportunity of helping choose names..and all very creative! On my last visit, we arrived with a gift for their newborn baby—only to find a baby goat born that very morning! Holding and feeding that sweet little creature felt like the most magical, real-life fairy tale moment. Then to all of our surprise my son who is 1.5 bottle fed one of the baby goats. Of course, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns—these two work tirelessly, cleaning, caring, building, nursing, and feeding. Mack is usually crafting something new, while Lauren juggles motherhood, cooking, and even sailing (she’s a sailing expert!). I’ve encouraged them to consider adding a Kinderwood sailing experience—imagine that! If you want to experience magic, community, and the kind of life that feels like a storybook come to life, Kinderwood Farms is waiting for you. They have a goal of reaching more people. To inspire balance and share their JOY with others. I even asked them to share if they could have an extra hand right now in the business what would it be and they both said with marketing and sharing what they love with more people out there. If that sounds like you or you just want to help a boot strap business and love animals be sure to reach out. Some tips for those looking to start a homestead lifestyle from the pros: Get a mentor Google is great for many things but learning from someone is most important Be part of a community (having a village mindset and meeting local farmers helps! Chickens are a great place to start! You can still live your lifestyle and a perfect way to check out farm life (And have some delicious eggs) Check them out here: kinderwoodfarms.com

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Surf City Line Dance Brings People Together One Step at a Time

Jamie McFaden — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:40:20 +0000

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 miss – and her warm, welcoming energy is the greatest bonus. Niko has an inspirational story, I am thrilled to share as I hope it will inspire someone else to take the PLUNGE on a dream. I met Niko over a decade ago while training Fitness Instructors The Popular Jillian Michaels “Bodyshred” method. We hit it off instantly, her personality is bright and calm, passionate and enthusiastic – I reconnected with her years later while hosting a 30 day Self- Care challenge. She reached out to me expressing her life shifts and how she was feeling extra life stress, from her beloved mother passing, to not feeling motivated and stuck – she was wanting a shift and not sure how to move the needle. When asked what her DREAM self-care looked like, at that time she mentioned wanting to launch a line dancing brand but having NO idea how to make it reality. She has worked a steady job for many years and the idea of launching something was intimidating. Over the 30 days, she not only crafted her brand, website, assets, launch date – she was what we would consider a A+ student in every way. Showing up for herself and also others in her life knowing it was time. She LISTENED to her inner voice. And teamed up with other women in the group who supported each other every step of the way. She kicked off her first class at the Old Saloon on Portola and that morning I called her and said she wasn’t sure if anyone would show up.. Niko had over 50 people show up that night! Ever since last April, she has had weekly classes, led private events, pop ups all over the bay area! Her and her husband Johnny are pioneers in the bay area and I got to experience it with my whole family at the Woodhouse Brewing Co and Niko had over 100 people dancing together, laughter, joy and a great workout! May this story be one which inspires you to take time and listen to what your heart is telling you. Usually there is a whisper and often we try to pretend we don’t hear it. Niko said “the support has been life changing, I know I am not alone and we have create this big community and we love each other!” She continued sharing, “People are telling me each week how much fun they are having and the new friends they are making. They look forward to dancing each week. It is bringing joy to the community which feels so good. The best part is we have all ages from 8-90 years old dancing together and having a great time!” Niko is especially humble and when I asked her how the community can support her she said the best thing is to come out and try a class – no experience required, all ages and you can come with a partner or even on your own and make new friends! Be sure to follow surfcitylinedance.com/ and check out a class. Niko hosts weekly classes and does lots of private events – so you can even book her for yours. I asked Niko what she has learned from this experience, “if there is something you are passionate about and want to try it – GO FOR IT!”

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Local Legend Honored in Wake of Mental Health Struggles

Jamie McFaden — Fri, 09 May 2025 07:38:15 +0000

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 that made your cheeks hurt, and the way he made you feel seen, even if you were a stranger. His heart was always on his sleeve, and a bandana was around his hair to keep it smooth. Sam was more than a beloved surfer and adventurer. He was a real estate powerhouse, a dedicated father, a loyal friend, and a beacon of light anywhere he’d go. He made life feel like a celebration.But behind that bright smile, and what looked like a dream life to those looking in, Sam battled deeply with his mental health the past few years. On April 12, 2025, Sam lost that battle. His passing leaves a massive void — in our family, in our community, and in the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him. But more than anything, it left us with a clear and urgent message: Mental health matters. And it matters for everyone — mothers, fathers, children, neighbors, even the people who seem like they have it all together. To honor his life and raise awareness, we will gather for a special Paddle Out in Sam’s memory in July 2025, at the Getty. Details will be shared soon — and everyone is welcome.If you’re reading this and you’re struggling — or someone you love is — please hear me when I say: You are not alone. Sam was the kind of person who would become friends with EVERYONE he came in contact with, offer a genuine compliment in line at the grocery store, or drop a funny joke that would make your whole day. He gave so much light to others — but in his hardest moments, he truly struggled. And that’s why it’s so important that we talk about this. That we check in. That we show up. For ourselves and each other. As Jim Carrey once said:“Depression is your body saying, I don’t want to be this character anymore. It’s too much for me. You should think of the word depressed as DEEP rest — your body needs deep rest from the character you’ve been trying to play.” This May, while we celebrate mothers and spring blooms and sunshine-filled days, let’s also hold space for real conversations around emotional wellness. Let’s remind each other that it’s okay to not be okay — and it’s more than okay to ask for help. Here are three simple things I practice daily to support my mental health — I hope they help someone out there, too: Start with stillness. Whether it’s prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in gratitude — take a few minutes every morning to breathe, listen, and center yourself. Even noticing the waves, birds, or breeze can rewire your brain toward calm. Let go and let God. We are souls in human bodies, carrying heavy loads. It’s easy to keep piling on more — responsibilities, expectations, pressure. But there’s deep strength in surrender. Go to the ocean, close your eyes, and ask for guidance. Listen to the whispers. Lead with love. Depression often makes people feel like a burden. But love — for yourself, for others, for this wild and beautiful life — is one of the greatest tools for healing. Love more, judge less. Choose connection over isolation. Lastly, build your village. Support systems save lives. Reach out. Check in. Find your people. Be someone’s person. Mental health doesn’t fit neatly into a system. It’s layered, complex, and deeply human. But with awareness, compassion, and action, we can shift the stigma and create real change. In the U.S., at least 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness each year. And many more go undiagnosed or silently suffer. May is our reminder to do better — together. Let’s talk about it. Let’s normalize it. Let’s care more. And let’s never forget Uncle Sammy — his light, his laughter, and the legacy he left behind.

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Why Neighbors Matter for Your Self-Care Routine

Jamie McFaden — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:22:39 +0000

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, ability to address difficult conversations and educate myself and others on ways that we can show up in the world as a KIND human. Something I believe the world needs more of. The neighbors in Capitola have all been so sweet – and one in particular: Gerry Jensen. Gerry is someone who raises the bar of what it means to be a high quality neighbor. I met Gerry years ago and he is always the guy who goes out of his way to check in. To see if anyone needs a helping hand… and I am about to share some of the ways he has impacted my life. He is always the person in the neighborhood helping others, and supporting all of the local business’s. He is so hands on in the community and it has a ripple effect. A while back, I was home and heard a loud bang at around 3am, my daughter was sleeping and we were alone. I nearly jumped out of bed and was afraid of what it could be. Guess who came to make sure all was safe? Gerry did… when I forgot to close the gate and worried our dog would get out… thanks to Gerry… I could go on and on and I know he does this for the whole neighborhood He started a non profit all about random acts of kindness and this is how he shows up everyday. He helped to fix our fence when it started to pull from the ground, there have been a number of ways he has shown up and helped, he is the guy who is constantly lending a hand. He’s this way with EVERYONE I’ve ever seen him interact with. A real STAND UP human… like Mr. Rogers. He and his lovely wife, Heather, are a superstar couple who I recently learned met when they were both single parents. They worked super hard to get to where they are today and endured many challenges along the way. They have four daughters combined together and are the type of family who showcases the real American dream, and LOVE. Gerry is the dad who made every cheer, sporting event and also helps to raise his grandkids. They are kind, generous and one of his daughters Genny even became our neighborhood sitter/mom helper. Once again, part of this community self-care and support. Reminding us that It takes a village… This family is one that I believe our community, and our world can learn from. Even the simple things like eating a meal together is a lost family connection in our busy world today. I decided to write this article about Gerry because he is an exemplary parent in our community and I hope to see him on Capitola City council. Regardless of your personal political views, one thing I am certain we can all agree on is this world would benefit from more kindness and love. Like the ocean in our town, each of us have a ripple effect as we walk through this earth and change starts within our community. I am thankful for the parents in this community like Gerry Jensen. To learn more about him you can go gerry4capitola.com Most of all I encourage you to go and meet your neighbors, see how you can get involved in the community and remember that our kids learn by how we show up, not by what we tell them to do…How will you show up for your neighbors this month? Send me your favorite ways to support the community to jaimemcfaden.com

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Top 10 Self-Care Tips for Parents

growingupsc — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:49:32 +0000

Ah, September! The air is crisp, the leaves are starting to change, and school bells are ringing once again. With the hustle and bustle of fall, it’s the perfect time to prioritize self-care and set yourself up for a thriving end of the year. Let’s face it, the holidays will be here before we know it, and with them comes the whirlwind of activities and responsibilities. And, of course, the return of cold and flu season (did it ever really leave?).To help you navigate this busy season, I’m sharing my TOP 10 self-care tips for parents and families: Pay It ForwardSelf-care extends beyond yourself. Being part of a community and spreading kindness can enhance your well-being. Invite someone to join you in a healthy activity and share the joy of self-care. Investing in your health is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and the world around you. Prioritizing family wellness allows you to enjoy each moment together fully. Life is filled with ups and downs, and as we settle back into the school routine, see how you can implement some of these tips.After the past decade working on self-care and health initiatives – I can say over and again, health is our greatest wealth! I’d love to hear your favorite self-care routines or any requests you have. Reach out to me at jaimemcfaden.com Thank you for being part of this journey with me for over a year! I love sharing and supporting you, and I appreciate your continued support. We truly are better together.Here’s to a healthy, happy fall season! Taste the RainbowMake eating fun by seeing how many natural colors you can incorporate into your meals each day. Bonus: Spend some quality time learning about nutrition with your family. For my favorite fall recipes, subscribe to my newsletter at jaimemcfaden.com Move Your BodyDaily movement is essential. Whether it’s a walk, a gym session, a new class at pleasurepointyoga.com/ Pleasure Point Yoga, try a line dancing class surfcitylinedance.com/ a hike, or a dip in the ocean, find ways to nourish your body with activity. Establish a Sleep RoutineWith kids back in school, bedtimes might be a struggle. Create a sleep routine that works for both you and your children. Quality sleep is crucial for everyone’s health. One tip that is helpful – practice a wind down time instead of electronics have everyone read together or quietly. Stretch 5 min before bed and share with your family members something you love about each other. All simple and effective ways to calm nervous system before bed 🙂 Limit Screen TimeIn our digital age, this can be tough. However, creating screen-free times at home can enhance family connections. Visit the library, check out books, and enjoy learning together the “old school” way. Create set times ex: dinner, on walks, where you are screen free together! Create Your VillageSupport is key take time this season to Expand your village. If you see a new face at school or in your community, extend a hand of friendship. Join a club or walking group to enhance your social wellness. Remember, “It takes a village” applies to parents too. Just Say NoTake something off your plate this fall. Declutter your to-do list to make room for what truly matters. Start today, continue this week, and carry on through the month. Try Something NewWhether it’s a new restaurant, a paint night, or any other activity, trying something new can bring fresh excitement into your routine. Make Space to PlayPlay is vital for both kids and parents. Children learn best through play, and adults often need a reminder to let loose and have fun. Write down some of your favorite playful activities and choose one today! Create a List of Fall FavoritesWhat are you looking forward to this fall? Maybe a new recipe, a scenic hike, or exploring a new place. Fall is a beautiful time to discover something new. By Jaime McFaden

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Do the WAVE Heading Into the New School Year

growingupsc — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 03:37:54 +0000

As the new school year begins, parents all over are gearing up for another transition. Whether your kids are in public, private or homeschooled – there is going to be an adjustment period that can be a challenge. It can also be a very exciting time and a wonderful opportunity to prioritize family self-care. This year, I invite you to focus on your entire family’s self-care as we get back into our fall routines. As a big fan of systems to help keep me and my family moving and grooving, I will share my signature WAVE system to support yours too. Through WAVE: Well-being, Awareness, Vision and Energy we can ensure that our families are supported and prepared for the coming months ahead. Well-BeingWell-being is the foundation of all self-care. Taking some time before the summer is over to reflect and prioritize what that means for you and your family is a great place to start! As parents, overwhelm and stress can feel normal – yet taking some time to prioritize wellness will support you and your family so much. Often times this first step is the hardest and once we take it the rest can fall into place. Create some family exercise or routine you can do like taking a morning stroll together or maybe even certain days you walk or bike to school. Encourage communication in your home to allow each family member to have a voice that is heard. Create calming bedtime routines that support everyone getting good rest – adding in some calming breathing or family meditation can help too! AwarenessThis involves parents to take a look in the mirror both physically and mentally to be active and present in your kids lives. (As well as your own). So many parents come to me after they are so burnt out and don’t know how to bring any kind of self-care into their lives. I fully understand as a parent how difficult it can feel to make yourself a priority and also know how vital it is for the whole family. Grab a calendar that the family can all see. Put important dates and also fun ones that everyone can see and know what’s going on. Make a list together of any goals, yearly or monthly to keep each other accountable and supported. Do some outreach. Parent groups, activities for your kids – start to see what groups and communities you’d like to be a part of this year. Remember – you are not alone. VisionThis is all about creating clarity for a roadmap to success. Taking some time as parents to evaluate and look over the year ahead is a great place to start. Family rituals: Create some fun family rituals that give everyone a chance to take steps towards the bigger vision. This can look like a special family outing, weekly check ins or even a daily gratitude practice – in our home we do a rose and thorn or what did we learn and how did we have fun each day. Paint a picture of the things you are looking forward to this new school year, practice a visualization exercise and set some intentions for the year ahead. EnergyThis is your action steps. Energy is everything, its within and around us at all times. How we show up each day will play a part of the whole. And as a family it is important we can all work as a team especially when navigating new routines. Create space for your family. This is one myself and many others find difficult. As much as we’d like to say yes to all the things, make sure you are creating space for your family to have some relaxation and bond. Find the activities that work for YOUR family. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, the best parenting advice I’ve ever received or given is do what works for YOUR family. 🙂 Remember to map out time for the adjustment period back to school.Eat nourishing foods, move your body and spend time together. Family is the base foundation for our wellness. Most of all – remember this is a new year – lots of exciting times ahead. And each child and parent will feel their own feelings. Let’s come together and honor ourselves and each other. Be kind and make this year ahead a beautiful one! By Jaime McFaden. For more tips on self-care and to sign up for one of my live events make sure you join my newsletter jaimemcfaden.com. Do the WAVE Heading Into the New School Year. Happy Back to School!

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Creating Summer Routines

growingupsc — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 04:37:17 +0000

Let’s face it, summer is the time of year where kids are out of school, vacation mode is turned on and we become notorious for losing track of routines and rituals. Part of this is great, especially if you’re sitting on a beach enjoying a vacation. However there are still things that every mom or dad will have to take care of – work, or planning the daily meals. It can end up feeling more stressful at times, because many of us are still juggling while our kids are off. Leading to, yep, you guessed it..summer feeling like MORE work! Not to mention, summer comes and goes quick — often times families feel like they wanted to do more together and with our busy, tech induced lifestyles— we can get wrapped in the “chill mode” so much that we forget to make quality time a priority. The good news- summer can be filled with fun and quality time being present and making core memories with the family. The big difference is finding ways to balance the planning with the vacation mode still activated. Here are a few great tips to help you make the most of summer 2024 with the whole family and create your ideal summer routine which will lower stress for the whole house. Get your calendar outWhether you use a traditional pen and paper calendar or google calendars, write out everyone’s activities and imagine you were having someone come to house/kid/pet sit – what things would you put on the list? Once you write it all out you can start to see where there are busier times or more time for chill.Taking 1-2 hours to map out July/Aug events can also be really helpful for the whole family.Kids and adults both thrive with some kind of routine so even a loose one can be helpful Set your new routinesIt can be really easy to get “off track” during summer and binge eat, watch Netflix or simply just not really take care of your wellness Plan a few am/pm activities you can do MOST days that will give you movement, nourishment and quality time Taking a family walk daily, cooking together and trying some outdoor activities is a great way to practice self care together Family PlansHave everyone help to make a list of summer activities you would like to doChoose a few things you can do this week and make them a priorityEach week have your family look over the list and pick a few things to do together Make your HEALTH a priorityJust because it is summer doesn’t mean it’s time to forget the MOST important thing: SELF-CARE.Create some fun ways to be active with your family BE in the momentMost important – make sure you are embracing these moments with your family.If you have to work – see if you can schedule certain days off to just BE with the ones you loveTurn electronics off when you can to be as present as possible. Set aside time for screens so everyone can have some balance Take things off your plate that are NON essential or create a list of PRIORITIES and take everything that isn’t OFF your list right now Kids are only kids for a short period- making the most of this time together is going to impact everyone in your family so make sure you are spending your precious energy wisely and doing what is MOST important for your family this summer. Want to learn more family self-care tips? Join my newsletter jaimemcfaden.com and get my free self-care. By Jaime McFaden

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Three Things You Won’t Regret This Summer

growingupsc — Thu, 30 May 2024 20:05:30 +0000

Summer is here and we are in the midst of the months where the weather has shifted and we can celebrate the sunniest time of year. What often happens for parents during the summer months is often that it can feel difficult to balance work and family time while keeping everyone entertained. It is also usually full of big decisions around camps, trips and even considering how to keep the house clean. To maximize your joy, center some focus around finances and organizational skills this summer. Read more for how to do that and still have fun! Here are some tips for parents on how to stay social and still focused this summer through doing what makes you truly HAPPY. With countless options for summer camps, travel plans and social activities – it can be overwhelming, stressful and VERY pricey to create the ideal summer plans for the whole fam. One of the most simple things we can do this summer is remember to CHOOSE things that truly bring JOY to our lives. Many parents who are working share they want to spend more quality time with their family during the summer and yet can be difficult to schedule time – this is your reminder— TAKE the time off and plan some fun activities with the people you love most. It will be well worth it in the long haul. As for travel plans, we are blessed to live in the coast of northern California where there are beaches for hundreds of miles either direction and nearby mountains, even theme parks are just a drive away. Take some time today, even if your whole summer is already mapped out -( hi my type A friends 🙂 and check in – what are you doing this summer that fuels your JOY and fills your bucket. Make a list of all of the activities you would enjoy and choose a few to sprinkle in. Especially if they are related to self-care ! A recent article was released studying what parents often REGRET once their kids grow up and you might make some different decisions considering these important life lessons many parents say they wish the knew sooner! A messy house is OK – If you are choosing between the dishes and spending time playing a game with your kid – let the dishes sit till tomorrow. This was one of the biggest regrets from parents as they looked back. I know it’s hard to choose and as parents we are constantly choosing and making decisions for multiple people so just ask yourself sometimes if you can play more instead of clean. Or better yet – make cleaning into a game for the whole family! Don’t work so hard – work will always be there but these moments you spend with your family are changing every second *literally so make the most and see if there are ways you can pull back a bit of work this summer to have some fun (free activities below) Quit worrying – one of the biggest regrets across the board is parents wishing they didn’t worry so much about so many things (eating the right foods, making enough money, keeping the house clean, being the perfect parent, the list goes on and on…) If you find yourself in the loop of perfection – see if you can challenge yourself this summer to LET GO. Need some tools? Reach out to me on IG @jaimemcfaden Here are also some of the top favorites when asking many parents locally and guess what— they are FREE: Create a campout vibe in someone’s yard – or even the beach and teach your kids (or even yourself) how to pitch a tent and celebrate being outdoors Choose a hike you haven’t tried yet and pack a picnic and your family – Big Sur has a number of great hikes and if you want to stay close check out Land of Buddha Medicine trail Volunteer at a local farm – did you know there are many local farms (some even with baby goats) that you can volunteer at? Then there is always Capitola and SC music in the square activities ongoing and twilight movies to check out Check out the free admission museums and activities that you probably have walked by a bunch of times. Make it into an adventure! Local art events – there are always local art events that you can check out and often meet some of the artists Santa Cruz is one of the best places to check out all sorts of wildlife from butterflies to dolphins and whales. Take some time to soak it all in Most of all, make the moments count. These days may seem long at times with our children yet as we notice as they grow – time really does fly by. Before you know it your kids will be grown up and you will look back on times like these and my hope is this will remind you to cherish life as it is NOW. Wishing you a blessed June and here is to a summer of being intentional and having fun doing things that bring us joy and closer to our family. Jaime McFadden is the #1 Best Selling Author of “Waves of Self-Care: It Takes a Village” jaimemcfaden.com

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A Tribute to Motherhood: The Heroes of Everyday Life

growingupsc — Sat, 04 May 2024 21:49:47 +0000

Let’s be real. Motherhood is a lot. A lot of love and a lot of juggling. A lot of joy and a lot of messes in the kitchen. From pregnancy to 24/7 caring for our babies, and all the way until kids become adults – the job of a mom never ends and sometimes even means hiring a babysitter to come so you can just clean for a couple hours. Or Reheating your coffee 10x each morning and doing more with one hand than you could ever imagine, moms are basically magicians without a wand. Today we are raising awareness in this story to the ones who deserve some extra love and support most: MOMS. Moms are usually the first to say YES to help someone else and the last to ask for help. Taking time hat mom’s are “supposed to do” and part of it is based on the divine nurturing that moms innately have within. Instead of just taking one day this month to honor these incredible women – this story shares some of the greatest ways we can celebrate moms all year long, and gives you some fun ideas to give to these women and give them some extra love. Mothers are the backbone of society and according to the US Census Bureau, there are about 85.4 million mothers in America alone. Moms are usually the ones who bear the brunt of juggling multiple roles. They are caretakers, providers, teachers, cheerleaders and the first to take care of everyone else and put themselves last on the list. A study from University of California found that children who are nurtured by their mothers from a young age, tend to have healthier and more productive lives. Whether you are close with your own mom, or if you’ve experienced the loss of your mother, dedicate some time this month honoring the mothers in yoru life who make it better. So how can we celebrate our mamas in may? Here are some self-care tips and meaningful gestures that help moms feel loved and appreciated. As a mom of two, I can wholeheartedly see why MOMSTRONG is such a popular hashtag and why I created a business and brand that supports moms creating time for self-care. Here are some gifts that are worth more than money you can share with a mom you love: Acts of service: All moms can truly appreciate an extra set of hands. Even the moms who you have it all together are usually hanging on by a thread. Offering to do something for a mom you love like babysitting, cleaning the house, cooking her a meal, any way that you can help take something off her plate is probably the number 1 gift moms want. Handmade/personal gifts: A letter, a photo, something personalized that a mom can cherish for decades to come is such a perfect way to honor her and show her special thoughtful love. Quality time: Most moms are also juggling so many things at once, it is hard to feel present. Taking a mom you love to go on a nice walk, pracitce some yoga or do something together that you can enjoy and be present together is another gift that she can cherish for a lifetime. Motherhood can often feel like a 24/7 job filled with many hats and the pressure in our world to be a “perfect” mom can often weigh a lot on moms shoulders. I have a FREE self-care guide you can give to a mom you love simply by getting on my newsletter jaimemcfaden.com Moms need support just like everyone else and the more we can support one another the better we can show up for others. By Jamie McFadden

The post A Tribute to Motherhood: The Heroes of Everyday Life first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Disconnect to Reconnect

growingupsc — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 03:53:22 +0000

In a world where mostly everything we do is ONLINE, how are we making space to connect within and with each other in our community. It is no surprise that the mental health crisis is on the rise. In 2024, San Mateo county declared state of emergency for loneliness – the first county ever to do so. The impacts of isolation from the pandemic in 2020 are still on the rise. Not only is it affecting adults but having a massive negative affect on our children too. What does this mean for you reading this? How have you been impacted by the pandemic isolation and how has it affected your children? Everything has a ripple affect just like the ocean and if we are unaware or masking – often it can lead to bigger, long term issues. Let’s look at some stats and see how we can increase our social self-care and create healthy boundaries with our devices. Nearly 20% of children that have been recorded struggling with a mental health issue. That is about 1 in every 5 kids. Throw the high amounts of screen time, video games and social media in the mix and it is no surprise children and adults are getting diagnosed left and right with mental health disorders. The pressure we live under is constant and now stress and anxiety rising. According to the Kaiser Family foundation, kids 8-18 are spending over 7.5 hours on screens per day. And the reality is much more when you think about how many schools are using screentime now too. On the flip side to this, the number 1 marker for health and wellness studied over time is our social relationships. When we have high quality social connections, we thrive physically, mentally and emotionally. This starts within ourselves and our home. Then radiates into our community. The first step is taking care of yourself: physically, mentally and emotionally. I am a huge fan of village style living and creating deep bonds within our community. Creating deep connections and social interactions to increase our health and wellness. Instead of feeling like there’s no solution, I’ve pulled together some great self-care tips to enhance your social well being and lower screen time which will decrease negative effects Join a local meet up or group activity ex: Surfing moms, mom walk collective,jugglers in capitola on Tuesday, a meet ups SC. You can find a listing and jump in to meet some new people and start an activity maybe you’ve been wanting to try. Reach out to your local friends and see if someone wants to join you. Create screen FREE times that you and your family can all stick to. Start small like no screens at dinner table, bathroom or on a walk – once you get used to it you can add more and replace that time with something fun. Plan a fun meet up with someone you love and spend quality time without screens – take a hike at Nisene or trot around pleasure point. Embrace the beauty in nature with someone and build your bonds. Spend time getting to know your neighbors – this is such a great way to connect and bring back old traditions where neighbors are friends. Make a weekly/monthly family plan for outings and create a list of activities you can do together that are without screens – this is also a great way to bond with one another. Family wellness – this one is HUGE in our house, as a busy mom of two – if i don’t workout WITH my kids, I probably won’t get it done. Good news, you can get a great workout and fresh air at the same time. And bring your furry family members too! Spark up a conversation at your local coffee shop, restaurant or wherever – so many people are weary of being the first one to say hi, you might surprise yourself by just saying hello to someone could be your new friend! Come join me for a local meet up – make sure you are on my email list go to jaimemcfaden.com and join the newsletter so you can be up to date on my upcoming events! As you read this, think about other ways you like to practice social self care and get your calendar out to mark some dates 🙂 Another great thing that stems from our social connections is accountability, as a health coach this is number 1 marker of success. When we have healthy connections, we tend to live healthier ourselves. The first step starts within, take some time to disconnect so you can reconnect. And spread some love around today!

The post Disconnect to Reconnect first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.