Several of my friends and I had dinner recently at a mutual friend’s home in Lake Sherwood. She was using Teflon cookware to prepare the meal.  A few of the guests admonished her for being irresponsible because she was using Teflon cookware. My friend, who is a Chef had no idea that the Teflon surface had possible health hazards. She stated that she used it because the non-stick surface was convenient. We educated her about possible risks involved.

Teflon has been linked to a flu-like illness, coined the “Teflon Flu“. This flu is caused by using Teflon ware at temperatures that are higher than the cookware is meant for. It is safe to assume burning a Teflon product is an indication of utilizing too high of temperatures, thus unsafe, but an unsafe temperature can be reached before burning the products. Currently, the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) is investigating the chemicals used to make Teflon products. The chemical compounds have caused cancer in animals so it is only a matter of time before a link is found to cancer in humans.

Despite all of this, it may be unnecessary to throw your best Teflon ware away. Instead, research safe practices of your Teflon products to insure that you are not putting your family or yourself at risk.

By: Lauren Rauschenberg

I keep my horses in Bell Canyon and tried, had fitted and bought my two latest saddles while there. Danielle Greco with CWD came to the Bell Canyon Equestrian Center to fit my Stallion Constant and I.   CWD is known for its innovative saddles and advanced technology used to create a variety of saddle options for horse owners.  More so than that, it is one of my favorite saddle brands.  I bought a wide tree CWD saddle for Constant and I love it.   Along with that, I also purchased a Devoucoux saddle for young Jumper Cambrio and a CWD wide tree saddle for my Jumper Luka.

Finding the right saddle can be a daunting process. With so many English Saddles to choose from and the uniqueness of horses how do you properly fit a saddle to a horse?  This is important because horses must be comfortable to perform at their peak.   If the saddle doesn’t fit your horse properly it can lead to injury as well.

After years of fitting saddles to my own horses, I have a few tips and tricks for other horse owners. When initially fitting a horse, first try on the saddle without the saddle pad.  This is important because riding without the saddle pad will more readily show any issues with the saddle.  Once you have fitted your horse with the saddle, take him or her for a ride. There are four key items that you need to look for during this ride: if the saddle is resting flat on your horse’s back, how the saddle flaps are resting against your horse’s shoulders, insuring there is 3-4 fingers-width between the pommel and your horse’s withers and if there is clearance along the length of the gullet.  If all of these factors seem to be in line, then this saddle is most likely a good fit for your horse. Lastly, insure that this saddle is comfortable for you! Having a properly fitted saddle will provide you with the right amount of grip as well as security. This process can be long, but it is well worth it for the sake of you and your horse while riding.

By: Denise Zago

This weekend on March 31, there will be a healthy living expo held at the Agoura Hills and Calabasas Community Center from 9am to 3pm. All residents of the local community are invited to come for an array of fun and health oriented activities. The rock climbing wall will be open, organic food will be sold and exercise classes are being offered free of charge. The Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation is putting on this expo for the second time after the success of the event last year.

The executive director, Karen Malatesta describes the event as something that can cater to each age group. Along with the activities being offered, The Rotary Club of Calabasas is sponsoring a blood drive during the event. The following link www.calabasasrotary.org is to sign up for donations but walk-ins are also welcome. The Expo will be featuring some of the most popular exhibitions from last year as well as new additions so it should be another big success.

On April 1 at 11am, Sweet XO will have its grand opening in Agoura Hills at the Twin Oaks Shopping Center. The shop blends an array of dessert choices into one bright and colorful location. Customers may choose from products such as baked goods, a yogurt bar, or candy as well as a variety of gifts including Zipz Shoes. Sweet XO also advertises itself as a party venue with a private room and exclusive event planner Eric Welch from The Amazing Kid .

The developer, Scott Ehrlich from Woodland Hills stated “Our goal was to create a place where everyone would want to explore, taste, hang out, and connect”. The team behind Sweet XO includes retail merchandiser, Michelle Craig who has worked with Anthropologie and Fred Segal in the past.  Ehrilich and Craig are very passionate and energetic, which is reflected in the store’s slogan, “Life in Full Flavor, Full Color and Full Fun!” There are not many things that the whole family can agree on, but a love for Sweet XO will definitely be one of them.

By: Lauren Rauschenberg

There are many reasons and theories as to why horses colic.  My horse Luka recently had an ileal impaction.  The doctors suspect that the culprit was Bermuda hay.  Luka’s regular diet consists of Oat Hay/3-way hay and Alfalfa.  Due to the time of year, the hay was sour and Luka would not eat it.  He was given a replacement of Bermuda hay, a seemingly innocuous hay. 

Luka has been all over the world and eaten all different types of food, so we were not concerned with changing his diet.  However, after a week in the hospital and almost losing Luka, we learned that Bermuda Hay has the reputation of causing colic and more specifically, an ileal impaction.  Just when we thought we knew everything about horses.  I am happy to report that Luka is home and feeling better.

By: Roger Ewing

Our three Ewing & Associates offices have again placed Toys for Tots collection boxes in Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Sherman Oaks.  The collection boxes will remain in place through December 22, 2011. Toys of all monetary value will be distributed to needy children. Often, there are few gifts for children over the age of 10 so a special consideration for these children is always appreciated.

To find our offices, visit the links below:

Agoura Hills Office
Calabasas Office
Sherman Oaks Office

By: Sher Hann

Historic McCrea Ranch, located at the base of the Norwegian Grade, was home to legendary film actor and western movie hero Joel McCrea. Originally purchased in 1933, the ranch has a long tradition of dry land farming. Joel and his wife of 57 years, movie star Frances Dee, raised their three sons here, living a simple lifestyle and actively participating in the community. The family, along with hired hands, farmed and ranched the land, raised feed crops for animals, and ran an average 150 head of cattle. In 1995, the McCree: family donated 225 acres of the ranch, including the family home, to the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD).

The new 1,400 square foot Visitor Center, which includes an exhibit/display area, meeting room, restrooms, and an expansive deck, will offer a variety of interpretive, educational and programming opportunities. The Visitor Center vividly portrays family ranch life during the 1930s -1950s.

The Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation exists to honor and preserve the legacy of Joel and Frances McCrea by raising and managing funds to support the restoration and preservation of McCrea Ranch.

Public access to the McCrea Ranch Visitor Center will initially be managed through scheduled programs with CRPD. As the trained docent and volunteer base expands, and funds are available, hours of operation will be established allowing the Visitor Center, as well as other parts of the ranch, to be open to the general public.

For the visitors center, call 805.495.2163.

By: Lauren Rauschenberg

Most riders have a dominant side, one that is stronger than the other and bears more of the rider’s weight in the saddle to compensate for the weaker side; however, many aren’t aware that they have straightness issues. Elizabeth Hanson developed Equestrian Pilates, a fitness program featuring three routines, to help riders become aware of and fix common posture, balance and flexibility issues while strengthening the areas of the body that are most important for proper riding. Here, excerpts from Hanson’s “Equestrian Pilates” e-book provide insight about one-sided weaknesses and exercises to remedy this common problem.

Understanding One-Sidedness

The muscles of the stronger side are shorter, causing the rider to lean to that side. Straightening the rider’s posture requires stretching the muscles of the dominant side and strengthening the muscles on the weaker side. Riders who are stronger on their right side should stretch their lower back and both the right and the left leg, focusing more on the right side. The left leg and abdominal muscles need to be strengthened so riders can support themselves with their core to be able to open the hips and use the legs as aids instead of using them to stay in the saddle.

To read further about equestrian Pilates, go to: http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/equestrian-pilates.aspx

By: Lori Einhorn

If you want to have a wonderful dining experience and enjoy the atmosphere at the same time, take a ride to Jinkey’s Cafe in Agoura Hills. This casual restaurant offers great food choices including healthy alternatives along with amazing chili and mouth watering omelets. They are known for their hearty south of the border option like the Santa Fe Scramble, Yucatan Quesadilla, Huevos Rancheros and the Desperado. They also serve a great lunch and dinner, but be prepared to wait. It is worth it!

Saving our local schools in Calabasas

By: Karen Lee

Roughly $200,000 in donations is needed to rescind 80 percent of notices of potential layoff issued for the Las Virgenes School district. That’s why about 15 volunteer parents spent Tuesday night calling families throughout the Las Virgenes Unified School District, asking for donations to help 51 teachers and counselors keep their jobs.

Phone banks were set up at our own offices Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty in Calabasas and the Farmers Insurance in Agoura Hills, and will continue from the same locations through this Thursday.

The fundraising campaign, dubbed Save Our Schools, kicked off in February and has so far raised $291,000, said Karen Kimmel, the district’s chief business official.

Reaching Save Our Schools’ initial goal of $1 million would help all of those employees stay on staff, Kimmel said.

Keep up the hard work! Let’s make this happen.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.