Sun is good. Coming from Oregon, I have a deep appreciation for sun. After days, or weeks, or months of rain, grateful Oregonians come out of the woodwork to frolic on a sunny day. They step out of their living rooms and turn off their TV's. They wear shorts and walk their dogs and play Frisbee. Here, the sun is usually generous. It's not as much of a rarity to be able to take a bike ride, walk on the beach, have a barbecue, or spend a laid-back weekend gardening, reading a book, or just watching butterflies...there are plenty of activities to satisfy your summer impulses in Santa Barbara.
Relax on the beach with this issue of Woman and read about the local girl from San Marcos High School who emerged as top model at the age of 17. Kathy Ireland is now the head of her own company, an author, a busy working mom, and still calls Santa Barbara home, after all. Looking for a summer adventure with the kids? Spend an afternoon at your nearest library. Browse their reading schedule and choose from puppet shows, storytelling events, or undercover mystery capers. Nothing says summer like the smell of barbecued steaks, burgers, skewers, or filets. Whip up some potato salad, grab some charcoal and invite some friends over, our recipes and grill tips are sure to get you fired up for your next cook-out. If you're feeling the need for a change of place, Hawaii is only a half-day away. Find out where to stay and what to see when you decide to head for the islands. It's time to lose those socks, wiggle your toes, and slip on a pair of fun sandals. Accessorize for summer with our feature on this season's "Objects of Desire." One local woman will soon be wiggling her toes all the way to the salon — meet the winner of our Woman Makeover Contest and find out why she so truly deserves a day of luxury.
I still try to keep in mind how the sun felt for the first time after a long, rainy winter in Oregon. It helps me remember to step out of the living room, turn off the TV, and just watch the butterflies.

Enjoy summer,

Merry Young
Editor

Feature
A conversation with Kathy Ireland
Kathy shares her success story with the local community she knows and loves most.
by Merry Young

Finance
The Importance of Emotional Investment Planning
Aging parents and care giving: financial and personal planning concerns.
by Mary Ellen Tiffany and Terease Chin

Travel
Fall in Love with Hawaii
Pick an island, any island...it's only a half day away.
by Ann Willard-Bevans

Books
Summer Story Time at the Library
The library's summer schedule for a variety of story hours and special events.

Garden
Neighborhoods have room to grow
Community gardens offer local residents gardening and gathering space.
by Merry Young

Health
Herbal alternatives for women's health
Ten helpful herbal remedies for common women's health ailments.
by Cathy McNease

Fashion
Objects of Desire: Hot summer accessories
Accent your summer wardrobe with the latest jewels, totes, sandals and belts.
by Tracy Pfautch

Food
Fired Up: Sizzling barbecue recipes and grill tips
From the main course to dessert...and everything on the side.
by Len Jarrott

Fitness
Exploring Movement: Nia classes
Go places you've never been before: Nia takes you beyond fitness.

and more
Woman Makeover Contest
Meet the winner of our essay contest and find out why she deserves a day of luxury.

Making Her Mark

Events Calendar

Horoscopes

Contributors

Local Resources