Happy New Year!

2011 was a happy, healthy year -- we couldn't ask for more!

The boys are in Kindergarden and Preschool, reading every superhero book that has ever been published, riding bikes and razors, taking karate classes and keeping Steve and I guessing what they will come up with next!

Our highlight this year was a trip to France with Steve's brother, sister and their families (rented a house in Provance and had 8 cousins ranging in ages 2-13 running wild -- oh mon dieu!) When we returned in August we adopted a little hound puppy and named her "Remy" after the town where we stayed.

We're looking forward to 2012 and working with the community since the New Year, as always, will be what we make it... Here's to family, friends and a great future!

Gaby & Steve

Improving Neighborhoods

2012 will no doubt be a political year, already we are drowning in daily news coverage preparing for the November presidential election. But what about in our own neighborhoods?

I was very happy to hear that my close friend, Mat Kostrinsky, would be running for City Council to represent newly formed District 7, the neighborhood where I grew up: San Carlos in San Diego, CA. I was even more excited when I heard from Mat that one of his key focus areas would be to improve efficiency and service through e-Government (an area that I have focused on for the past ten years as a founding member of GovPartner and where sadly San Diego is woefully behind).

Mat and I met back in 1999, I had just moved back to San Diego from Washington D.C. where I met my husband Steve and had been working for a US Governor. Mat was working for Senator Dianne Feinstein and although I was in touch with many community leaders for work, I became friends with this particular colleague who stood out from the rest. I got to know his lovely wife, Dr. Jen Kostrinsky, and we had our boys at almost the same time so we enjoyed birthday parties and playdates.

When I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2009, Mat was one of the first friends who contacted me wanting to know how he could help. He shared the sad news that his sister Hayley was also fighting the same diagnosis (it turned out we were seeing the same oncologist). It was then that I really got to know Mat's family and it was devastating when Hayley passed away in early 2010. To this day, I can see how Mat is driven to do good things in life knowing we can never waste a single moment.

For this past decade that I have known Mat, his family and close friends, I have seen a man who is caring, honest, intelligent and surrounded by a community that loves him as much as he loves them. I saw how hard he worked on a playground project at the same park where I used to play softball as I child. I saw him working diligently at community events and heard from others about what a stand-up quality guy he was. I greeted him at the finish line for the Susan G. Komen walk and congratulated him on again setting a goal to help others.

And now I want to ask you to get to know Mat and support his efforts to become a San Diego City Councilman. Mat is dedicated to our community, to representing the neighborhood where he grew up and to improving San Diego as a whole, for our children and fellow constituents.

In this season of elections it is rare that you get to support an actual friend, but what better way to place the public trust into hands that you have seen tested and that you know are dedicated and decent.

Please visit his website http://www.mat4citycouncil.com and help make San Diego the nation's finest city again, one neighborhood at a time!

THE TIP: Elected office should be something leaders are called to do. Look around you and find people that are trustworthy, hard workers, fair and considerate. Encourage them to consider public service and think about where you too can help out for a season or two... a local non-profit board, planning commission, etc.

Happy New Year!

Photo courtesy of Dandelion Dreams Photography

Happy, happy days!

Hi everyone, what a fall, winter, spring and summer it has been.... Since being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer last September, the seasons all blended together.

But friends and family reassured me all along the way that this would only be a season in our lives and sure enough it seems the worst is behind us.

I'm done with the chemo, surgery, radiation... The final pathology report showed that the 6mms on the pre-surgery MRI were actually benign, which means the chemo, your prayers, everything worked as well as we could have hoped: "complete resolution" meaning I am now cancer free :)

The photo above is of Steve and I at ComicCon, the boys had such a great time that day! Evan just turned 5 and Alec is the sweetest yet toughest little 3 yr old you ever met. I'm having a great time with family, getting back into the swing of things, still fearful some days that the cancer can come back but enjoying every moment of life nonetheless -- perhaps even more than before.

I'm slowly getting back into work for GovPartner. Pitched a column for an international magazine that the editor liked enough to make a two-part series. So it feels good to be writing again and to know I've still "got it" ;)

I don't know if the Friends With Class site will continue. For now, there are so many thank you cards to write, so many friends to catch up with... and I now find myself providing support for a dear cousin, friends and friends' family that have recently also been diagnosed with cancer. We have to all fight this together, you all made such a huge difference for me to know I wasn't fighting alone.

I'm happy to now be able to show others that you can get through anything, you will be stronger than ever and life falls into place once you realize that no matter what happens you will be fine.

Click here if you want to donate to the Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure, you can support my friend Melissa's team. She's the first mom from my son's playgroup to reach out and organize meals from the other moms, check in on me, just an amazing woman (and photographer, I should add -- check out http://www.dandeliondreamsphoto.com/).

Big hug to everyone, I'm looking forward to start seeing you all at events around town again and excited that some of you are coming in from the east coast for a chance to catch up in person as the summer wraps up!

XOXO, Gaby

PS: I'm planning to attend the Moms In Business Unite Conference in September, and the International City / County Management Assn (ICMA) annual conference in San Jose in October -- let me know if I will see any of you there!

Dear friends, today I write with sad but hopeful news...

As many of you already know, I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in late September and have been undergoing intensive chemotherapy. My apologies for unanswered email about classes, the holiday family fair or your vmails to check in on how we're doing...

We're actually doing quite well. There is no history of cancer in my family, so this was an absolute shock that turned our world upside down. But my prognosis is good and already Friday marked the halfway point for the aggressive chemo regimen, which I decided to do through a clinical trial. We are praying that my MRI tomorrow will show a reduction in the tumor before I go on to the second round of chemo -- so pray with us!

How can we thank so many of you that have sent cards, meals, care packages...? It has truly left us humbled at the amount of love and well-wishes. We hope this holiday season brings you much joy and peace, and we are excited for the new year with new adventures and opportunities to create memories!

All our love-
Gaby, Steve, Evan and Alec

This photo was taken on the day I lost my hair. I'm actually getting used to the new hairdo and my 2 and 4 yr old boys swear I'm still a Mommy-princess :)

Pegasus Rising

A few weeks ago I was looking for a program where I could spend an hour a week volunteering with horses as a way to calm my mind during this challenging time as I undergo chemo. As many of you know, I have always loved horses. And even though I certainly couldn't ride during this time, even being around them would be theraputic for my soul...

Well I found the Pegasus Rising Program and as it turns out this is a herd of Arabian horses that were rescued last year and is now being rehabilitated to serve as therapy horses for U.S. veterans and others in need.

I had a chance to visit the herd a few weeks ago and it was amazing to see that despite enduring such terrible conditions before being rescued, this herd is still friendly, positive and offering their kind souls to help humans. These are wild horses in the sense that they have not been "broken" or ridden, and I admire the project's goal to keep them this way as they also train them for therapy.

One horse in particular came to me immediately and was so intense in taking in my scent and standing firmly next to me as if to let me know she understood and would help. This was Lady Avalon (above) the lead mare in the herd. As the organization's president, Gary, explained to me this horse also has cancer and seemed to innately understand that I faced the same hardship.

Please take a moment to learn more about this wonderful organization: http://pegasusrising.org/ I went to their site to "adopt" Lady Avalon and can't think of a better gift than helping to keep this herd together so that they can in turn help others in need.

I'll be sure to post more photos and info as I plan to help this organization with the same passion I brought to Habitat years ago. And as I get better I will surely take any opportunity to visit the herd again and embrace the strength and support that only a noble horse's spirit and soul can provide. (below is the herd in therapy with a veteran -- there are heroes all around us!)

Amazing support from amazing people...

In addition to Steve, my boys, two sisters, parents and family, I am even further humbled to see what a wonderful community of friends we have. So many of you have just been amazing in reaching out to see how we're doing, sending books that have helped me keep a grip on things, bringing a meal over when I was just too sick from chemo to cook for my boys, sending lovely scarves for my bald head, cozy socks, mindless magazines and movies to help pass the time...

My long-time gal pals from high school (Ali, Brooke, Beth, Kathryn, Amy, Staci, Molly, Dana, Michelle, Keri) have been relentless in their support from all corners of the country, and the moms in my playgroup (above) have only known me since Evan was born but have just been there getting me through each day. My firm GovPartner has been amazing, and so many of you that I met through FWClass have also been incredibly generous and supportive: Laura at VPG, Liz Dang, my SDBargainMama Stacy... my apologies now because there are just too many to list and there really is a thing called "chemo brain" where I swear my brain cells are most affected by these strong drugs...)

And do you remember way back in the Fall of 2007 I sent out an email asking our friends to "Help find a bone marrow match for Lisa"?

As always you all responded then with generous hearts and showed up at a bone marrow drive here in San Diego to sign up and become part of the registry -- a national registry that ultimately DID find a match for Lisa!

Well, I kept getting emails asking "How is Lisa doing?" and am so happy to report that she is doing great! In fact, Lisa has been a tremendous support for me now, especially since I know the words come from another mom who has been in the same situation....

One message in particular that Lisa sent me sticks with me every single day - as a nurse at Sloan once said to her: "A positive mental attitude won't heal you, but a bad mental attitude will kill you."

Yes scary thoughts come all the time, but thanks to the support from so many of you I have been able to keep a positive attitude and know that I too will make it past this difficult time.

Please be sure to read about the Pegasus Rising Project, which has has provided me support from four-legged friends, and I will post more pics of these new members of my support team soon :)

Is Summer Really Over?

Greetings from Montreal everyone!

I'm in this beautiful city for the 95th annual ICMA conference, and maybe it was the stormy skies last night or the fact that everyone is back to work... but we finally have to admit that summer is over :(

Let's relive our favorite summer memories and extend it just a bit longer... Click here to learn about our favorite summer moment and share yours!

September sure snuck up on us, and the long-awaited Moms in Business conference is tomorrow Sept 16. But guess what? You can win a free ticket... click here to learn how.
One person that is happy September is here is Chef Mark Gold because Eva Restaurant is finally open!

And not just open, but OOOOpened to absolutely rave reviews. Click here to see photos of the beautiful new restaurant and read more... And with the end of summer means time to stock up on a new KleenKanteen and other green favorites at Natural Kidz.

A big THANKS to our friend Kathryn for the awesome 20% off from your full order!! And thank you also to Jill at Facelogic for extending Spa Week - we will be there to face the Fall fresh-faced and ready!

See you again soon!
Gaby & Steve

Eva Restaurant Opens to RAVE Reviews!

Eva Restaurant is finally open, and just about every day I see a new rave review about Chef Mark Gold's new "home" - just a few are below!

Digital City Fall Dining Preview - The Seasons Hottest New Restarants

LA Weekly - "I just left the open house at Eva...it was packed, great vibe, very intimate, gorgeous black & white prints on walls, and of course the food was amazing! I don't know what Mark puts in his dishes, but I always want more...this guys food has soul!!!!"

Urban Daddy - "Just settle in by a window, and soon you'll see what he felt like cooking for you—all the food will come out on platters, to be served family-style, and yes, the all-inclusive price includes some free-flowing wine from bottles opened that week."

Mattatouille - "My dad's main course was a thick slice of poached beef tenderloin, nearly sous-vided (not exactly that preparation, but similar), and sided with an array of browned cauliflower and tender broccoli... My father was completely enamored by this dish, marveling at the combination of earthy vegetables and the stellar tenderloin."

EAT: Los Angeles Food GPS Review - "Gold grabbed the keys only three weeks ago, but the space is already camera-ready."

And our favorite YELP - "OMFG! This restaurant JUST opened and it's amazing! The hospitality of the staff is 5 stars alone!" and "OMFG is soooooo right!!! You know how you usually read these & think...should I believe this? IT WAS AMAZING from start to finish, every delectible little bite of food we ate, appetizer to entree to dessert was inspiring. Eva is your FAV. NYC corner restaurant that you miss so much...smack in the middle of LA... go figure... and the wine... who knew....such a deal... go now before...the masses find it...hurry...why are you still at your computer????? go........"

Favorite Summer Moment

Well we got many more beach days in this summer than last and it was so much fun! The water is still warm in Del Mar and at La Jolla Shores so we're not letting go of those fun memories with the kiddos just yet...

But when we think of our favorite summer moment, it is without a doubt a night that the we spent away from the kids, at the Coldplay concert in July.

It was so much fun, we had great tickets, the band was just terrific and we got to see them with my cousin Poncho and his wife Alicia who were visiting from Guadalajara (they loved it too!)

Click here to see a video we took at the show, and submit your favorite moment via the comments box... we can't wait to hear it!!

Gaby & Steve

THE TIP: Never park in the free parking at Coors Amphiteater where we saw Coldplay! We thought it was pretty cool that free parking was provided fairy close to the theater, but didn't realize that they let out every other lot before that one and so we sat in the car for one hour after the show until they finally opened up our lot!!

Best Facial - Review

Well, it's no longer a secret that Facelogic Spa provides the best deal in town ($59 for their signature facial). But I had to write a review on how amazing the actual facial is...

I've had great facials at La Costa, Spa MD, The Well in Palm Springs etc and my facial at Facelogic last week was a wonderful little retreat without having to splurge and head out of town to a resort :)


Maybe I expected just a standard facial like I've also had at the places I sometimes get my haircut. But as I stepped into a dark, quiet space with relaxing music and aromatherapy scents all around I could tell this would be different...

First was the "zero gravity" weightless chair which was AMAZING in and of itself. The NASA design makes it so that you take all weight off of your back even as you lay back to enjoy the facial.


The rest was an awesome mix of cleansing, head, neck and hand massage, face mask, steam, a treatment, etc. It was really amazing and much more than I expetced -- be sure to ask for Melissa, she was awesome as are all of the gals there!


Stop by to see them at 208 N. El Camino Real, Suite C - Encinitas, CA 92024 (TJ Maxx/BevMo shopping center). Or call them at 760.840.3223 (FACE) to book a facial.


THE TIP: Faceogic also carries great products (I bought a moisturizer with SFP 15 and foundation coverage) and makes a great spot for a spa party for your group.

We held our "National Mom's Nite Out" party there and it was awesome to hang out with the gals, enjoy a bite and a drink and the disappear for the awsome facial to rejoin the party glowing and relaxed :)


Products and "Mom's Spa Party" photos above by Rowell (http://www.photosbyrowell.com/)

Why boys need parents....

This was my favorite picture in an email I received today which hit home to the daily trials and joys of parenting two boys!

The photo actually also reminds us of what it feels like to wake up every day and imagine the craziness that awaits us... but somehow we take it all on and it's a fun ride after all :)

Live From Del Mar...

Blogging live from Del Mar... kind of makes me feel like Anderson Cooper here, I wish :)

But I just finished a presentation on the "Style Stage" at the Head to Toe Women's EXPO in Del Mar with our instructor Marcy Morrison (that's us in the photo above presenting and then me blogging!)

We talked about "Finding Your Dream Job" and it was such a treat to share my own experience from jobs in Washington DC, Los Angeles, with governments all over the country and now launching Friends With Class.

There were so many great questions -- this is such a tough time right now for people looking to find their Dream Job, but we had one woman show up to share her success story following the tips Marcy laid out in her book. (that's her below!)

We had people sign up for our next "Career Class - May 11th" on the spot and share tips among themselves.

Gotta go now because the next presentation is starting, I just met author Tedde McMillen and want to hear all about her "Million Dollar Cup of Tea" -- another great success story!

THE TIP: Get out there and network, listen to other people's struggles,success stories and get inspiration from those going through the same situation as you. I learned so much from the questions audience members asked us. Thanks everyone who came out!!

Welcoming a New Baby Boy!

Congratulations Yoly and Brian on the arrival of the adorable Ethan Benicio born at 7:29 am on Sunday - 5 lbs 14 oz.

Mom is recovering nicely and Dad is absolutely BEAMING. So are Ethan's little cousins ;)

Interesting View of the World

This is a very interesting way to see the world, and a reminder that we have so much to be thankful for.....

It is the Miniature Earth slideshow and shows you what the world would be like if only 100 people livedon it.

http://www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htm

What do you think?

THE TIP: You need to travel far from your home, your life, to look back in and better understand what you have.

Gaby's time in South Africa and Tunesia -- and Steve's summers in Indonesia and Panama helped us see how blessed we are. And while we try to improve other's lives with things like shelter and clean water they continue to bless us with examples of true selflesness, hospitality, wisdom and love.

Facelogic Grand Opening - Favorite Find!

**Update: For the Grand Opening Event and during the month of March, Facelogic is offering 2 for 1 facials! If you bring a friend, you receive two 50 minute facials for $59 (just $29.50 each)! It’s an amazing way to try their services.

Also, the Grand Opening Event is on March 21 from 10am – 2pm with giveaways to the first 100 guests and the grand prize: a free year membership to Facelogic!

Our favorite prize that day: Everyone gets to see Wayne and Jill playing awesome rock music (see below for that background!!)**

There is a terrific new spa opening in Encinitas that touts something that is music to our ears: “Affordable Luxury”... it is called Facelogic Spa and this Favorite Find opens its doors on March 7th!

The concept at Facelogic is simple…offer high-end facials, facial waxing and signature product at an affordable price. A favorite in these stressful times is the anti-aging facial for younger looking skin, acne facials are a hit with teens and something like microdermabrasion is offered to men and women to help sun damaged skin and remove dark spots.

Each facial includes a 20 minute hand, arm, neck, shoulder and scalp massage. Just lean back in one of Facelogic’s unique “Zero Gravity Chairs” and let your stress melt away. We love FaceLogic's tagline "Don't be afraid of the 'P' word..."

Don’t be afraid to PAMPER yourself! Facelogic is pure pleasure, pure luxury, purely affordable.

Visit Facelogic Spa at 208 N. El Camino Real, Suite C - Encinitas, CA 92024 or call (760) 840-3223 (FACE) to book an appointment!


THE TIP: Many of you saw Facelogic spa owner Jill Johnson on the Bravo TV show "Welcome to the Parker" and so you know that having reviewed the best spas at five-star hotels, Jill knows what kind of treatments and service will be top notch!


Jill's husband and co-owner, Wayne Johnson, is also top notch in his field as a musician who played guitar for The Manhattan Transfer and plays in Bette Midler’s band for “The Showgirl Must Go On” at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Look for details of a time when Wayne might be playing live at the spa for added star-treatment!

Photography Tips

Well the "Little Snaps" class has started and I am getting the greatest shots of the kids at the New Children's Museum. The photo above is one of my favorites -- there is a really neat white dome exhibit (kind of like an igloo) that filters the light in an amazing way and this photo of Evan looking at Alec makes think this is what we all look like sometimes... a little foggy and hard to figure out!

Another cute photo is below from the "rain on tin roof" exhibit (see little brother in the window?!) This venue just has the coolest little spots to take pictures... click here to see more shots. I can wait to see the pictures developed from Evan's camera; he's in the igloo below taking photos of the other kids.

THE TIP: Amanda showed me how to set my camera (ISO at 400) to get really sharp photos. The CF card fills up quickly and I'm sure the files are huge but they look great!

Tough Times, Don't Give Up

I don't know what got into me the other day, but I had this song in my head... "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel. I had been thinking about so many friends who have been laid off, stressed out as their home values plunge below what they paid, small businesses closing, marriages falling apart, little kids in the middle of it all...

When I finally played the song, I was surprised that it made me cry.... it made me think more of the wives that provide tender support as their men go another week on unemployment or find untenable options before them.

You can hear the song at the link below - is it just me or is it eerie how true the words are today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJWurqWTeSk

Please offer whatever support you can to friends going through tough times... there are so many right now.

We focused our classes at the start of this new year to try to have an empowering attitude to these difficulties. We grouped a Resume Workshop, Career Seminar, Budgeting & Saving Workshop and "How to Launch a New Business" and "How to Get the Word Out" into a "More in 2009" series (click here to check it out).

You can take all classes, just one a few -- whatever will help you. Email me if you have been laid off and we'll get you into these seminars at a reduced rate, at least 50% off (gabriela@friendswithclass.com).

THE TIP: It's time to save more, find ways to earn more and be more supportive of those that just need to hear the words "Don't give up, you still have friends... Don't give up, we don't need much of anything... Don't give up."

Happy Holidays... in the Snow!!

We hope that everyone has enjoyed the last few days with family, friends and peace in your home and heart! Our Christmas was lovely at home, and in the mountains just east of San Diego we lived out the spirit of a winter wonderland in the snow :)

Check out the photo above -- snow in Julian CA! Just one hour from our house. We knew the storms that brought so much rain to San Diego had to have dropped some snow in the mountains, but we had no idea how much snow, how light, dry and fun it would be, and how easy it was to get there (click here for a current Julian snow and weather report).

We drove into the small town of Julian last Saturday morning, and had brunch at the Julian Cafe (40 minute wait - so the kids slushed around in the snow on the sidewalks while we walked around and waited). The apple cider was delicious, Buffalo Bill and other dressed up characters around town stopped by! (below is Alec hanging out and watching snow melt, dogs and horses pass by...)


There was no need for chains on the tires for the snow, but there was a moment of drama when my dad's car was stuck because the tire could not get traction to back up and pull out from his parking spot on a steep hill. A shopkeeper gave us cardboard to put under the icy tire, a bunch of helpful men helped push the car to gain traction and we were off to go sledding...

We had so much fun playing in the snow that we are going back again tomorrow; hope to see many of you there!! It is such a perfect family day -- we went with my parents, and grandma, aunts, cousin and niece who are visiting. As we watched Alec eat snow, Evan and Sophie sledding down the hill after making snow angels atop a gorgeous, silent hill looking into the woods, my cousin (who usually prefers Bloomingdales and Bebe) exclaimed -- "wow, and you get to enjoy all of this for free!"


THE TIP: As we were driving out of Julian (at 2 pm) there was a huge line of cars backed up on the road into town.... so we advise you get there early as it seems the town gets very crowded for lunch and afterward.

Also, you will be tempted to pull over and play in the snow as soon as you see it on the ground -- hang tight and drive another few miles to where it is less crowded and the show is REALLY deep and fresh :)

See below - can you believe how much snow there was?!

Track Santa!

How cute is this website that allows you to track Santa as he makes his way to our homes this year!

www.noradsanta.org

Thank you to friend Joelle for sharing the website, along with the complete press release for how this all started in 1955!!

THE TIP: There are many schools of thought on the topic of Santa, but we say live the fantasy as long as you can! We love listening out the window with our boys (Alec may not know what he's listening for exactly) and have even added to the Christmas lore by also having the Christmas Mouse that visit us every December :)