Gifts from the Heart

“It was an enchanted evening!”
“I missed my prom in 1936 because I had joined the Army.”
“It’s a dream come true!”
These were statements from SCV seniors who attended The Senior Prom, sponsored by the Fil-Am Association of SCV held at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Sunday, November 14.

We’ve been dreaming of a White Christmas...but we probably won’t get one here in the Santa Clarita Valley. It’s more likely to be sunny and hot with the unpredictable weather, lately. Yet don’t fret Bing Crosby fans, family and friends are what the Holiday Season is all about, whether or not it snows.

Wherever you go you are surrounded by advertising… on the bus, in the stores, on television, radio and billboards along the streets or large signs, “Vote For Me” of people wanting your vote in elections.
So what is the connection between art and advertising?  It is the creator.  Advertising is the keen observer of society.  Advertising has had a long, vivid history and what we see of it today is the outgrowth of the Victorian age. 

There are some beautiful Christmas-themed limited edition and original works of art available, each with its own unique style, and all of them prized by collectors.  Collectible art is a wonderful gift, and can be the start of a family tradition.
Some notable artists:
Dean Morrissey will delight the young and the young at heart with his Father Christmas series of limited edition prints, and his fanciful Redd Rocket wagon. Dean’s beautifully illustrated books have won awards and brought joy to many.

It’s late in the evening and the bright laptop screen glows blankly back in anticipation of something clever or simply something at all.  What do we write, after all this is our very first with The Magazine of Santa Clarita writing editorial?  What continues to come to mind, over and over again is, “why?”  Oh, not why write the editorial, but why begin a chocolate business?  In reply, we ask, “Why not?”

We are excited to have opened our doors in the Patios at the Valencia Town Center Mall. We’ve heard so many great comments from residents already about how happy they are that they don’t have to drive to our Glendale, Northridge, and Topanga locations. We look forward to serving the Santa Clarita community.

In sunny Santa Clarita it is hard to think about Christmas time being a cold season, but low and behold we will have some chilly weather; whether or not it is before Christmas remains to be seen.  But in preparation for those unforeseen cold nights Ma Maison has always designed and manufactured the most luxurious and comfy faux fur throws. 

The life lessons my sweet dog, Visa taught me.  I no longer worry about my dog dying, in fact I don’t worry about anyone I love dying.  What my sweet dog Visa taught me was that if I am to worry; I should worry about: did I say good morning beautiful, did I give her a hug, did I celebrate and find joy with her in the moment, did I give her a treat, did I take but a moment to throw her the ball and did I tell her how much I love her, each day, everyday.  Visa also taught me that miracles do happen we just need to humble ourselves and ask.

Nanci Olmos, owner and operator of Clarice’s Cake & Candy Supplies, is a lovely woman who always has a smile for her customers and is ready to answer any questions you might have. Having been in business for 23 years this past June, Nanci states, “I am proud to have been given the opportunity to carry on Clarice’s name. She is a great lady who recently turned 90 and I am honored that she allowed me to carry on her tradition.”

The holiday season is here, and there’s no better time than now to get a jump start on finding the perfect gift for your loved ones.   Make your gift extra special by creating a one of a kind present, a masterpiece made by you.  At Bead & Gift Company, you will find everything you need.  
“I became interested in beading about ten years ago as a way to express myself artistically,” says Allana Riesenberger, owner of the Bead & Gift Company. “Selecting colors and shapes and stringing beads along a wire is very simple and instantly satisfying.”

Holiday gift giving ranges from the necessities in life to the completely outrageous.  You’ve probably received everything from socks to the infamous fruitcake.  Sometimes you may get asked if there is something special you would like to have (aside from some occasional peace and quiet).  It’s probably easy to rattle off a number of everyday things you may normally get for yourself, but what about something special, something you would think of for a friend or loved one, but not necessarily for yourself.

Congratulations to Sharon Ventrice and Mia Zumsteg!
We had such a hard time deciding on the October winner we decided to feature two photos.  Thank you to Sharon Ventrice of Valencia for submitting her adorable grandson Connor in a pumpkin patch and Mia Zumsteg for her beautiful fall photos. 

Celebrity Tribute, Zonta’s largest fundraiser of the year, will honor Wayne Crawford on Friday, November 5, 2010, at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills.  Call the Zonta line 661-252-9351 for event reservations and enjoy the Celebrity Tribute evening of fun!
LifeForward monthly scheduled workshops begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m., offer “Easy, Delicious, Cheap & Nutritious Meals” to be presented on November 6, 2010; speakers will be a chef and nutritionist. 

The holidays are a special time to honor our mothers.  What a perfect time to show our love and appreciation to such a divine individual.  Many mothers are gentle, loving, patient, kind and these are just a few wonderful qualities they possess.  They give so much of themselves, usually wanting little or nothing in return.
Why not treat your mom to a beautiful mothers ring?  A personal gift she can treasure forever. 

When journalist and animal welfare advocate Michelle Sathe turns 40, she bypasses a midlife crisis for a cross-country journey.  But this isn’t just any road trip.  Along for the ride is Loren, a rescued pit bull whom Michelle fell in love with while volunteering at The Brittany Foundation dog rescue in Agua Dulce.

Many of us like to keep active outdoors.  For those who enjoy day hikes or the occasional trial ride on any of the great trails around Santa Clarita, or for that matter any trail, this article is for you.
Fortunately, most of us never have had any trouble during our outings; however, occasionally a hiker goes missing and even dies on what most would consider an easy day hike. 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to give someone a gift that they can enjoy for years to come?  Ma Maison has the perfect solution for this gift giving holiday season: Home Décor Oil Candles…What you say?  These “Lifetime Candles” are gorgeous glass containers filled with natural elements and candle oil.  The jars will retain their original design while serving the purpose of an odorless, clean burning and non allergenic candle.