A Couple of Lime Sweethearts Making A Difference!

by Jeanne Barrett (August 2, 2010)

Jane Rowen Lester and Tracey Rowen Irish are sisters making a huge difference in the lives of children in Southern California.   It all began two years ago, when both Lester and Irish had experiences that affected them, involving children at a local hospital.   For Lester, the call began when she heard of a child battling stage 4 kidney cancer at her children’s school.   Even though she did not know the child personally, she could relate as a mother to what it would feel like to have a sick child.   So she made up a gift bag and took it to the little girl at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).   She left the gift bag at the information desk, where she was told how fortunate this little girl was to have so much support.   She discovered not all the children have this much support, and that left an impression on Lester.   Similarly, Irish had a 16-year old close family friend in the hospital with a head injury.  For the five days he was in the hospital, his family would share with Irish how sad it was for the other children who were all alone in the hospital, without family support.  “CHOC admits all children, regardless of their ability to pay for the treatment and accepts them even if they don’t have insurance.  When some kids are hospitalized, their parents can’t always be there,” explained Lester.  Some parents have to continue working to support other family members, while some are single parents, who can’t be at the hospital night and day.

The reality of sick children being alone in the hospital really hit the sisters hard.  Both have children of their own, and the thought of not being there for their children was heart wrenching.  So the two put their heads together and began buying crayons, coloring books, and little toys to give to the children who were in the hospital.  They worked closely with the hospital administration to find what worked and didn’t work for the gift bags.  From this dedication came their non-profit organization called  “inCourage Foundation.”

The two sisters have backgrounds that work in perfect harmony for their nonprofit.  Lester was a lawyer for years and her legal background helped incorporate inCourage as a California not-for-profit company. Irish is an artist, who designed the colorful logo and background artwork for the website.  Irish also designed a coloring book for the teenage children in the hospital.  “We found the older children weren’t interested in the store-bought coloring books that are geared towards younger children.  My second daughter, Brittany, also created some designs in the coloring book for the teens,” shares Irish.  The yellow starfish logo also has special meaning for the sisters.  It represents a well-known “starfish story” – where a man is surrounded by hundreds of starfish on the sand, and he begins to throw them back in the ocean, one at a time.  Another man walks up and tells him he’ll never get all those starfish back in the sea. He tells him not to bother trying to make a difference.  And as the first man picks up another starfish and throws it back in the water, he says, “Well, I made a difference for that one!”

And the sisters are making a difference, one bag at a time.  Since the inception of the program back in March, 2009, they have delivered over 500 bags!  Not only that, they have garnered donations from various companies that have boosted the goodies in the bags.  Toy companies Mattel and Charisma have donated items for the bags.  The newest donations will be coming from the Los Angeles Angels Baseball Team of Anaheim.

“We are constantly working with the hospital to get their input on the bags and upgrade the bags for the children,” explains Lester.  Currently the sisters deliver 60 bags to the hospital every two weeks.  They vary the bags for the age groups of the sick children.  The feedback from the hospital has been great.  Budget cuts have decreased staff and they don’t always have nurses to engage the children all the time.  The gift bags provide great comfort and give the children something to do while they wait for treatment and visitors.

Lester and Irish volunteer their time 100 % for their foundation.  They want the children in the hospital to know that people are thinking of them and care about them, and they want to the parents to know they are not alone.  One bag costs only $10 to make, so a simple donation of $20 ensures that two children are guaranteed bags of creativity and fun. Plus, the generous toy donations really boost the gift bags, so the children get some amazing items.

Thank you, Jane Rowen Lester and Tracey Rowen Irish, for taking a sour situation and making it sweeter!   The simple act of caring for children in need is a beautiful example for all!

For more information about the inCourage Foundation, check out the website at: http://incouragefoundation.org

Let's EMBRACE this Lime Squeeze!

by Jeanne Barrett (July 2, 2010)

Ms. Mead has many attributes that make her a sweet choice for this month.  She is an accomplished travel writer and television producer who has also been teaching yoga for more than twenty years.  She is a trained Doula and enjoys focusing on prenatal yoga.  She recently left an advertising job with sound benefits to focus on her passions.  “After having kids and turning 40, I needed a reboot for my professional life.  I had loved the work I’ve done in media for many years, but the industry has shifted and my inner landscape had also changed,” says Mead.  

Besides keeping up with two young boys of her own, Mead has begun to make every effort to keep babies around the world embraced in warm blankets of love.  “I felt this visceral need to do work that was meaningful.  Yes, I need to support my family and I do want work that is fun and rewarding, but trying to find the synergy with all my skills and passions was the challenge.  So now I have cobbled together a crazy schedule - writing, blogging, teaching yoga to kids, pregnant moms, adults and seniors, and volunteering for EMBRACE,” says Mead.

Mead is referring to the EMBRACE Infant Warmer Project.  Founded by a team of Stanford and Harvard Engineers in 2009, this nonprofit organization aims to help premature and low-birth weight babies born in developing countries.  The group created a blanket that literally warms at-risk premature newborn babies, giving them a better chance of survival.  Hypothermia is a major cause of death and illness in these babies, and newborns are unable to regulate their body temperature in the first few days of life - so keeping the newborns warm in low-income countries is vital.  Unlike a traditional incubator that can cost up to $20,000, the infant warmer (which looks like a tiny sleeping bag) requires no electricity, is portable and reusable, and is safe for the babies.  Launched in India last year, this nonprofit project goal is to save the lives of 100,000 babies and to improve the lives of almost a million infants in the next five years.

When Mead heard about this project, she wasted no time in getting the word out about EMBRACE.  She emailed family and friends, blogged about the project and sent invitations to everyone she knew to the opening of the movie “BABIES,” which debuted in May 2010 and supports the EMBRACE Project.   And Mead took it one step further – she formed EMBRACE Yoga.  Every Friday, Mead teaches yoga in San Francisco pro bono – and the class money is donated to the Embrace project.  She believes this builds community and her students have “embraced” the class.  Says Mead, “The Bay Area is a hard place to raise a family and stay true to your ideals and passions.  Teaching yoga and working for Embrace creates a mutual balance with the rest of my personal and professional life.  I feel good about what I’m doing, and I want to share my passion with others.  Yoga can be infectious and life changing, and doing work that you feel good about is meaningful and priceless.”

Congratulations, Darya Mead, for making a sweet choice to follow your ideals and help babies in need around the globe!

If you are interested in learning more about EMBRACE, check out the website! http://embraceglobal.org/  

Lime Squeeze Mom With A Tangy Karate Chop!

by Jeanne Barrett (June 3, 2010)

In the limelight this month is an amazing woman named Ludette Storozinski.  To the children at her daycare, she’s known as Auntie Lu – but to most others who know her, she is Sensei Ludette.  The “Sensei” title is one of respect for the high rank she holds in karate.  This title is befitting for a woman who is a karate teacher and a mentor to many.  With the June 11th opening of the movie “The Karate Kid,” martial arts are all the rage for children and adults alike.  But unlike in the movie, a true martial artist works for years to achieve their goals – and in most cases, karate becomes a way of life.  Ideals such as perseverance, patience, discipline, and tenacity are embodied in karate – and in Sensei Ludette.

“I started karate 12 years ago, because I wanted to do a family activity with my children. Life gets so busy and I wanted to do something that we could all do together,” explains Sensei Ludette. “It was intimidating at first, but it helped me with my confidence and it helped me overcome obstacles.”

Being a single mother, Sensei Ludette found the karate dojo to be a second home for her, often having her children do homework and eat dinner at the dojo.  In almost six years, the family of four had moved up the ranks together (through ten belts) each receiving the highest rank of black belt.  “If you want something in life, you have got to make it happen. You have to stay positive.”  Five and a half years after receiving black belts, Sensei Ludette and her two daughters became second-degree black belts – which gave them all the title of Sensei. “Martial arts has helped my children get through life and to make good choices, even through the teenage years. It has helped them pursue their dreams and get over any insecurities,” shares Sensei Ludette.

Giving back to the community is just another aspect of martial arts - whether it be through teaching others, (which is a requirement after you receive your green belt at ISDI in San Mateo), or through supporting charities. At the ISDI, an annual fundraiser in the form of a “kick-a-thon” or karate tournament raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “It’s a great cause, as all the money goes towards the children fighting cancer and other diseases.  I love giving back to the kids who need help,” says Sensei Ludette.

And this past year, Sensei Ludette had her own struggle with cancer.  “Karate has helped me to feel normal this past year. When going through such a big ordeal, you need to feel as normal as possible.” Karate helped Sensei Ludette fight her cancer battle and she has kept up with classes throughout the year. “You just have to say you CAN do it!” says Sensei Ludette. She offers this advice: “When your child wants to quit something, it’s your job as a parent to tell them NO!  It’s your job as a parent to have them finish what they started. You wouldn’t let them quit grammar school, so you have to let your children follow through a commitment, like karate.”

Sometimes the most difficult accomplishments are the ones that carry us through life. “Karate is the hardest thing my kids have ever had to do.  It’s taken a lot of discipline.” And it has proved to be one of the best roads taken in Storozinski’s life!

Thank you, Sensei Ludette, for pursuing your dreams, being positive and encouraging others in the process!

If you are interested in learning more about the International Self Defense Institute (San Mateo, CA), please visit www.isdikempo.com

If you are interested in contributing to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, please visit www.stjude.org

May 21, 2010

A St. Patrick's Day "Lime Green Squeeze"
by Monica Ho Ehlers (March 17th, 2010)

It's no doubt that Helen Bowen strives to live a green existence.  She makes sure to buy locally grown, seasonal organic produce to reduce carbon dioxide impact.  As a rule of thumb, her family doesn't eat shiny fruits or vegetables.  "They don't grow on trees," commented Bowen, a lacto-vegetarian of 20 years.

Bowen is also green-minded when it comes to her business, "Ella and Ruby", a gown rental shop in Belmont, California.

"It has always shocked me because men can rent a tux but women can't rent gowns or dresses for special occasions.  It speaks loudly to me that these dresses are going to be worn again as opposed to hanging in the back of someone's closet," she explained.

Bowen uses a certified green organic dry cleaner and garment bags made of recycled organic stretchy cotton that is similar to that in reusable grocery bags.  "It's very important that my customers aren't breathing in toxic chemicals and that my business is not adding to the CO₂ process."

She makes a consistent effort to reduce transportation costs and pollution--again reducing the CO₂ process.  "Recently, I had a request to ship a dress to Oregon and I had to decline because it goes against my ethos of transport," she added.

When a client shops at "Ella and Ruby", it's like being in a showroom from the 50s, where women felt pampered and not rushed.  What a stark contrast to the usual 30-minute visit to a department store, where often times the result is walking out empty-handed.

By the time a client visits "Ella and Ruby" for her appointment, Bowen has already hand-picked a selection of six to eight dresses, based on size, style and the type of event the client will be attending.”  In a shop, you often have to wait in line and grab a size when you see it.  You don't always have that flexibility when you walk into a store.  You can buy a dress for $300 and only wear it once but you can rent the same genre of gown from me for $40.  There's no reason women can't look glamorous on a budget".

Renting a dress allows for one to be more stylishly daring.  "There's no commitment and less of a need for practicalities.  A woman can be more adventurous if she's not purchasing," Bowen said.

As well, "Ella and Ruby" provides a selection of shoes to try on with dresses so clients can get an idea of what they will look like in different heights and styles.

She lives green; she gives green--to chosen charities that are close to her heart.  A portion of each gown rental goes to one of the following organizations on an annual basis: The American Diabetes Association, The American Stroke Association, The Nemaline Myopathy Association, and The Peninsula Boys and Girls Club of San Mateo.

Empowering women on the Peninsula to live fashionably large with a small pocketbook, nurturing the earth and supporting those who help others, thanks, Helen for adding a green "twist" to being this month's "Lime Squeeze"!

To find out more about Ella and Ruby, please check out Helen's website http://www.ellaandruby.net or check out the Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ella-Ruby/196710132065

September 5, 2009

Look for her Livin' Lime articles this month! 

Aussie Supermum Makes A Difference 

PERTH, AUSTRALIA  –  The word “supermum” is an understatement when used to describe Anne Rankine.  She and her husband, Greg, are “Livin’ Lime” every day by fostering newborn babies.  Their children, Rachel (10) and Jake (8), are fantastic with the precious bundles of joy and have learned some important life lessons of their own.

“The loveliest part of fostering newborns, besides the obvious cuddles and smiles, is the effect it has had on my family,” Rankine noted.  “Rachel and Jake are learning about day-to-day baby care, parenting and compassion for others – the power of love and pride in themselves for helping another human being in need.

“Rachel and Jake have adjusted really well,” she added.   “I’m still trying to get them to change nappies, though!  When the babies go, the kids are very resilient.   They may miss them for a day or two, but they just get right back into life.   We keep a special photo album of our foster babies.”

Anne and Greg met in the United States in 1989 at a summer camp.   Anne worked with children with special needs.   She completed her graduate diploma in education with an emphasis on early childhood studies.   She also worked as a child support worker at a refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence situations.

“When I was 39, I started to have a mid-life review,” she noted.   “I loved my life but knew there somehow had to be more.   It was then that Greg and I decided to attend an information night on fostering services.   We chose to foster for the pre-adoption program 18 months ago and have never regretted a minute of it.   There are so many childless couples on the waiting list.   What a gift they will receive!   I feel honored to be a part of this amazing process.”

The Belmont-raised mother of two moved to Australia 14 years ago and settled in the beautiful Perth Hills.

“I love living in Australia for many reasons,” Rankine said.   “The people are so friendly, the lifestyle is as laid back as you want it to be, and the landscape is diverse.   I also love Vegemite on toast!”

The family enjoys an acre of land and a cottage-style home surrounded by eucalyptus trees, wildflowers, and wildlife.   Imagine waking up to the chatter of kookaburras, parrots, and red-tailed cockatoos.   How about befriending a scorpion, blue-tongued lizard, or kangaroo? 

“Currently, we have our winter crop of broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, sprig onions, spinach, and herbs,” she said.   “The kids each have a dwarf apple tree in a pot to look after, as well as blood orange and a nectarine.   My lemon tree is my favorite.  The smell of the blossoms can lift my mood any day.”

Now that’s "Livin' Lime" down under, and we are proud to acknowledge Anne Rankine as our "Lime Squeeze" of the month.

A Mom who manages to SQUEEZE it all in…

by Antonia Ehlers (June 4th, 2009)

Fitness instructor Monica Ehlers felt guilty when she left her kids to teach group exercise.  She was, after all, MOM.  A friend suggested Monica create a class where families could work out together.  After teaching fitness classes for 22 years, she developed Moms’ Gym and Gym Daddy classes based on the way she played with her own daughters in the park.

 “A lot of moms view exercise as one more thing to do on an unending list,” said Ehlers, who was wearing the Livin’ Lime Chocolate Brown Tank when we talked.  “Children are less active these days because technology is so convenient.”  Moms’ Gym addresses both challenges. 

It is a sad fact, one out of every three children in the United States are considered obese.  She and her six instructors teach classes from South San Francisco to Menlo Park in Northern California.  There are several different formats offered to families with children between the ages of 18 months and 10 years old.

The best part is that parents don’t need to find a babysitter to work out – they exercise with their tots, using them as weights while having a ball.

“We use kid-friendly songs and add a fitness twist so everyone can relate on some level.” said Monica, a self-proclaimed goofball. 

“The only thing serious about the class is the workout.”

Games like “Fetch with Yo’ Momma” get hearts pumping as moms retrieve bean bags tossed by their children.  Try doing “Kid Jockey” (lateral squats and lunges) with a 40-pound toddler on your back – that’s serious business!  Monica gets dagger eyes during this portion of the class, however, moms always return… they feel great after the class. 

“My job is to make parents and kids laugh while they play.  Our classes build self-esteem.  The moms leave in a better mood and the kids go home for a nap.”

Monica, we appreciate how you are in the moment, combining your passion and your family. You are a true Lime Squeeze!

For more information about Monica's Mom Gym and Gym Daddy, check out www.moms-gym.com.

She Squeezes through Tangy, Sour, and Sweet in 3hrs 57mins

by Antonia Ehlers (April 20, 2009)

Boston Marathon Results
Overall:  14901 out of 22849
Female: 5029 out of 9302
Age 40-44 Female: 972 out of 1644

As she crossed the finish line on April 20, Michelle Ladcani heaved a bittersweet sigh of relief, she ran the event with sprained ankle.  “I feel awesome I did so well with an injury, it hurt for every step of the 26.2 miles,” Ladcani said several hours after the grueling race.

The weather was chilly – 48 degrees with 20-mile-an-hour winds. Ladcani wore a white Lime Tank which she customized with sparkly green and silver.  Michele heard lots of “Go Livin’ Lime!” shout outs along the way with plenty of cheers. In addition to finishing the race in less than four hours, Ladcani raised $2,754 for Brigham and Women’s hospital. Overall, $4 million was raised for charities in this year’s race.

Ladcani’s long-term goals include running a 3:30 marathon and an ultra marathon – as long as she can find a babysitter. The multitasking mother of two children and three stepchildren lives in Belmont, CA. She balances a 35-hour work week as a technology analyst with running 12 miles each week during power lunch hours. While her coworkers munch on quesadillas and chicken wraps at a local restaurant, Ladcani can be spotted in her pink Livin’ Lime tank top and striped track shorts. Most likely, her hair is twisted into a smart ponytail and she is blasting Quiet Riot, Night Ranger or Twisted Sister on her MP3 player.

“I love running because it’s peaceful and I feel like I have some control in my hurried, hectic life,” Ladcani said. “I would love to run Boston again and hope I can do it with my children one day.”

Michelle Ladcani is squeezing in every bit of training she can before the Boston Marathon. 

This weekend she is participating in the Mermaid Run of Mountain View (CA).  A half-marathon event comprised of 1000 women competeing in 3 events.  (5k, 10k & half-marathon)

In our efforts to support Michelle, we will donate 10% of all our sales between now the the Boston Marathon to her cause. 

Thank you,

Marie