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Beecause Closure: Hello, Instagram; Goodbye E-Newsie and Jen Chase.

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Jen Chase here…TJS’s content director. And it’s with a pinch of sadness, a cup of half-hearted cheer and a 16-ounce TJS Singleton of cold-pressed positivity that I write you for the last time as the voice of this very special company.

After 5 years of working with Jamie Stephenson Goguen and Marcella Williams —penning and editing original words for everything from TJS’s tagline and standards to website content, Facebook posts, op-eds, invites, bios, signs, menu descriptions, e-newsie articles, and print ads that have helped create a company persona as compelling as the Queen Bees’ drive to WHealth™-up Vegas one juice at a time—TJS is tweaking how it communicates with you, its dear bees. And moving forward, the bulk of its energies will be poured (heh) into growing the TJS Instagram account, where TJS can showcase the beauty of its daily cold-pressing labor and all the glorious bees within its hive.

As companies grow (four stores in as many years!), so grows clarity about which efforts offer the best ROI (for our purposes here, our bees’ “return of interest”). And since this company intersects Vegas’s wellness and dining industries—industries that at times shine brightest when more lenses and fewer words tell a product’s story—TJS is dimming the lights in one deli case so it can turn ‘em up in another in hopes that you’ll get even more from the brand.

Moving forward, TJS invites you to bee a part of its thousands-strong hive of Insta followers—and if Facebook is your social flavor of choice (even though it’s hella harder these days for businesses to find their way into your feed)—you can absolutely still find TJS there, too…but the blog The Humble Bee and its sister e-newsie, “From The Humble Bee,” will no longer, well: bee. It’s Jamie’s and Marcella’s hope to pour their efforts into other juicy avenues as they improve upon the brand you’ve come to crave (and sorry not sorry I just can’t help myself from penning those pour poor puns).

As for me, I’ve deeply loved writing you through this company’s wholehearted platform. From funny to food-for-thought features, TJS gave me the freedom to tackle topics that made me proud to associate them with this brand….

• In Polyjuicery: Bee In Love With More Than One , I used the punny veil (okay I’m done now) of how harrrrrd it is to pick a fave TJS juice as a way to discuss polyamory and society’s shifting perspectives on love and marriage.

Polyjuicery: Bee In Love With More Than One (juice…or, person).

• The following year, I got to work with TJS COO and Co-Founder Marcella Williams on an inspirational editorial where she shared her personal account of what it was like to mindfully bring together different corners of the same family—hers— in, On Blended Families: They Take A Hive.

Marcella and her family, Christmas 2016. (l-r) Marcella; Sophia (9); Damian—on top (8); Maximus—on the bottom (8); and Drew (17).

• And last summer, Marcella’s words were the basis for my own navigation into the waters of a new family of my own with this man, which I wrote about in Coupling with Kids the Second Time Around.

Marcella’s words continue to guide me as I create a life with someone who chose me to partner into his second-time-around fam.

From helping parents get kiddos to drink green juice by giving it a funny name, to rounding up spend-worthy favorites in articles like this guide to fly honey products, to shining TJS’s star in my first feature for Mastercard™, to interviews with TJS honey supplier—local company Annsley Northwest Naturals and its owner, Dee Drenta—I’ve used my two decades in journalism and my Master’s degree-smarts for TJS good, not evil. (My last feature about TJS’s involvement with Sofar Sounds was pretty fun to write, too.)

Since I met Jamie and Marcella in 2013, my personal passions have often mirrored TJS’s standards: eat for health more than not; bee good to and for the environment we live in; and value time, energy and people…not things or circumstances. I’ll miss contributing to this brand, but I’ll treasure the joy of using my words and ethics to wholly support something I believed in: a company founded by two women who are leaving their hometown WHealthier than they found it.

It’s been dreamy writing for you, dear bees. Thanks for the acceptance you’ve shown this brand’s beeautiful little voice, and for the respect and virtual high-fives you’ve given my creativity and effort. It will be remembered.

With gratitude and love,  jen.

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TJS Editorial: Coupling (With Kids) The Second Time Around

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What happens when you and your Exceptional Other aren’t the only considerations in your blossoming relationship? When your one-plus-one equals an immediate four (or five, if you count the on-the-periphery parent that helped make yours or your love’s children possible)?  

When it comes to coupling the second time around even simple math can be tricky math…but it doesn’t have to be. Especially if we’re willing to lean on the openhearted bees in our hives who are equally willing to share their been-there-done-that-and-here’s-how-to-nail-it perspectives.

So in the spirit of this, our back-to-school issue (#FallIsTheNewNewYearAfterAll) comes a narrative from TJS Content Director Jen Chase that might not have been possible without TJS Co-Founder Marcella Williams’ gorgeous advice in her June editorial on blended families.

Jen Chase, Jen Chase’s right hand, and the left side of Parker Corwin’s cheek. Kind of.

Two weeks ago, I posted that pic of my love Parker and me on Facebook with the following caption:

Who could’ve known that glances across a college acappella stage would lead to the love of my life. Anyone who questions life’s inexplicable tribulations: This.

(And since hashtags make me laugh…)

#WhatLoveLooksLike
#FinallyLivingOutLoud
#HeMakesTheBestEggs
#IAmTheLuckiest
#NotEngagedSoStopItGirls

As a stand-alone post it was a far cry from earth-shattering. Or so I thought. In my short 3 years on Facebook I’ve seen lots of folks post endearing pics of their significant others. At face value, I didn’t think mine would seem so special.

But it was.

…Far too busy figuring out how to say we were public, neither of us changed our status. Irony, oversight or totally unnecessary? Inquiring minds wanna know….

It was, because just as I’d carefully tappa-tap-tapped out my post seated so paper-close to Parker you couldn’t have slipped a sheet of Dunder Mifflin between us, he thumbed his side of our story on his iPhone. And in the aftermath of digi-inking the carefully chosen words we read aloud to each other before becoming Facebook Official, we received a ton of likes and some of the kindest comments imaginable from friends and fam who supported this very public yet very technical announcement that we are in fact a couple.

(And.good.effing thing we went public when we did. Because being overshadowed? By these two overachievers? #CantCompeteWithJamKat.)

On the surface our pic looked like two goofs in love. But the reality behind the smiles and social media was that they represented nearly 20 months of balancing a relationship we’d kept on the down-low with some and out loud with others. The “others?” Folks we’d methodically chosen to unfurl our relationship with: mums, sisters, BFFs you can’t hide jack from, and a few who could tell at first blush that after our starts and stops with pivotal people in our former lives, we’d quite obviously found our personal holy grails.

Meeting the girls? Priceless.

But the “some” who’d had zero idea that Daddy was dating? Parker’s daughters, ages 8 and 5. And they’re the “some” who made our e-reveals so sweet, since we wrote them the night of the day Parker painstakingly curated as the day to say that while Jen’s fun in a pool, a sucker for a “spa day” and the maker of uplevelled almond milk…”she’s not my friend; she’s my girlfriend.”

While our future talks had been appropriately tempered with both #daydreaming and #HopeForTheBestPlanForTheWorsting (as only the formerly spoused, difficultly uncoupled can relate to), I’d been readying for my hopeful new role for a long time. From child development blogs and evil-doer step-parenting articles to my mind’s constant screening of Stepmom, being 42 and still (yet?) not having my own child has made me highly attuned to absorbing all I can about co-parenting kiddos who aren’t mine.

I’ve known I have the tools: former nanny; younger sis with several significant special needs. I dated a wonderful man with equally wonderful twins. I love children and  know my proverbial mommy gene runs hot. But it’s never run hotter than during this relationship with the man I show daily, somehow, some way, that I was put on this earth to love him, admire him, respect him, and care for him. And, for his kids.

The girls didn’t seem to care that I traveled with Daddy to visit their grandmother up in Vermont without their knowing…but if they knew we were with horses, in the woods in winter? Might be a different story. #WhatHappensInVTStaysInVT

Don’t gag. Like most grown-ass women little girls I’d fantasized about my future love. Wherever we went, harps were gonna play, haters were gonna hate and we were finally gonna hear what it sounds like when doves cry. It took about a decade of significant loss—a parent; a marriage; intimate friendships and relationships—but I was gifted. And he’s dreamy.

It didn’t take long to become hard AF to temper waiting to game out what I could already picture as our family-of-four’s future. That is, until the perspective of Marcella Williams.

(And for those who knew I’d get here eventually, thanks for sticking with.)

When I met Marcella in 2013 I admired her graceful juggle of life, independence, #mompreneurship, and deep commitment to motherhood. And like the attuned confidante she is, she listened and advised on the topics she could tell were important to me…suggesting I get tested to ensure me girly pipes are whistle-clean in case having a baby is in my future, and not to forget adoption and fostering. Yaknow. Just in case.

Marcella’s advice always insinuated that “knowledge is power,” and that partner or not, a woman’s future is in her own hands. When she learned Parker was my future and that he has two little girls, our convos deepened. A step-mum and a birth mum, she’s also helped her own step- and bio-kiddos navigate their relationship with their new step-mum, too. And when she spoke, I soaked in her best practices for navigating what one day would become my blended little family:

Be forgiving. Be thoughtful. Be grateful. Be respectful. Be kind. Be patient. 

Followed by be patient. And more be patient. 

You can actually read her editorial about blended families right here. I’ve read it, like, 20 times, because it typifies the kind of co-parent I want to be for and with Parker; for his girls; and alongside the girls’ mum whom I’ve yet to meet. And knowing I can only control my behavior, I feel deep peace in knowing that already in the young history of this growing foursome, Parker and I are committed to showering the girls with as much positivity as possible as we show them that the addition of someone in their life doesn’t subtract someone else. In fact, joy multiplies when we groan-ups remember those tenets above and kick our egos’ collective ass.

I’m beeyond grateful I have a true north for my step-parenting compass and that I received it from a beeautiful woman who was willing to open herself to help open me. Marcella is why I wanted to share this with you. You know. Just in case you need it. Because as we like to say around here at The TJS (wait for it), #ItTakesAHive.

When littletons take the camera you never know what you’ll find….

When littletons take the camera you never know what you’ll find…take two.

 

In the last 20 months, building a relationship with the love of my life and preparing to co-parent beside him has at times broken my heart as much as it filled it. Lots of stealth tears. Intimate eyelid kisses. Pep talks. Kajillions of texts and memes to pave the way for it all to start coming together. And like Game of Thrones and killer pour-overs—#thingsworththewait—the girls’ well being had to come before our ache to spend more time together. It took faith. Lotsa fucking faith. Faith that wasn’t about staying positive until there was an outcome, but staying positive no matter the outcome.

And for us, the outcome’s still a-coming! We still live an hour and twenty apart but are committed to “more time together than not.” We’re super conscious of everyone’s need for Daddy Time (and the occasionally requested time with me…*blush*). And, we’re striving to see all sitches from all angles since we won’t be the only two parents in the game. But in this world that, in my opinion, views openheartedness as weakness—where success often means being tough, tired, busy, and worst of all, just a little bit hangry to get.shit.done—we vow to project love, and meeting each one of us exactly where we’re at. I want the girls to see Parker and me navigate our relationship and our corporation of four with genuine lightness, positivity, patience, faith, and respect. I want them to see us touch. Laugh. Kiss. Be silly. Be willing to drop everything for each another as fast as we’d drop it for them. I want them to see that I unabashedly love them. And when they’re old enough, I want them to understand it’s hella easy for people to profess love from proverbial rooftops (and for lotsa folks that works, so no judgment, Hunnies); but that in Daddy’s case, his forever keeping their best interest in mind and my implicit trust in him was the best and only path for us…20 months of waiting or not.

So many core relationship values go unlearned until the ink’s long dried on a divorce decree. But if we can model love for our kids from the get-go so they may learn to apply, appreciate, give, and demand love and respect from their first coupling or marriage, not their second or third, we groan-ups have a shot at changing what love looks like. In our case, now that the girls know Parker and I are a team, they’re finally getting to see what I’ve known since my reconnecting with their father 18 years after we first met singing at Wheaton College (the one in Massachusetts): I was made for him, and he was made for me.

So were they.

#WhatLoveLooksLike

 

 

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Bee Wanderlusty: Coastin’

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We’re continuing our annual recs for desert-leaving trips between now and Labor Day (beecause though it bee August, there’s still.so.much.time. to get your vacay drive on!)

This feature? Shares the gorge coasts of Oregon and Cali from a bee in our hive who knows ’em well: TJS District Manager Amber Cariker. 

What kind of traveler would be down with these choices? “These places connect me to the Earth, and to a community of people who are present and open-minded,” says Cariker, who’s managed the beejesus out of TJS’s three locations for the better part of a year. “I am very interested in cultivating growth in my life, and I feel an overwhelming sense of connectedness to spiritual environments. Now, I think these places run slower than the average vacation, but for the right vacationer or family, I feel these places will also help people slow down, oberve more, appreciate the stillness, and explore the unknown without fear.”

(What she said.)

Wanna slow down? In her words, here’s Cariker’s turn-by-turn account. And since, around here, if Cariker says it we beelieve it, we’re going out on a limb to say we think you should, too.

California

Avila Beach=Slice of Amber Cariker’s Heaven.

Avila Beach 

Take Avila Beach Drive to San Luis Bay Drive and then take the street for See Canyon. You should have an off-road vehicle, but let’s just say it’s been done in a Honda civic.

“You’ll drive through windy roads of rich color—trees and lush tall golden grasses—until you come out into Los Osos Road where you’ll find a treat….

Montana De Oro

The Spanish translates to “Mountain of Gold.” And from Los Osos Road, you’ll drive all the way to the end and exit at Montana De Oro. Quite a long drive, but there is an area that becomes very wooded. You’ll park and use the man-made wooden stairs to begin a trek through the trees into the forest. Staying on the trail, you will come across a rich, dark brown sand that will then lead you to a slivered opening of ocean rocks and a beautiful quiet state beach. Bring a blanket and a picnic. You won’t want to leave.

Shell Beach.

Shell Beach

A beach…with cliffs? This is THE place to watch a sunset. But you should also visit in the morning when the tide is down, and collect some pebble-like beach sand to build your at-home terrarium. The post-vacay high you feel from seeing that sand will take you back to Shell Beach with every glance. #NaturesGiftShop

Joshua Tree

Pappy and Harriets in Pioneer Town (Insider intel? Take Pipes Canyon road to get here).

So, nostalgia. I grew up dancing next to my parents on the planked hardwood floors, and the walls are cement with colored bottles in them like an old biker cantina! Harriet used to make all the food and desserts from scratch and when Pappy passed on, she sold the business to a Power Woman couple. They have gone on to turn it into an amazing music venue where Paul McCartney played last year, and they are about to have some amazing upcoming concerts: Bonobo, Iron & Wine, City & Colour.

Pioneer Town was a product of the early Western movie genre. Gene Autry helped the making of it, but it never really made amazing movies. Pappy and Harriet’s is the landmark of the Pioneer Town, but go and you’ll also be able to “walk the town” and soak in the western buildings. To think they’re now having contemporary concerts under the stars….

The Art Queen

Green enough forya? Photo courtesy of Tumblr.

Want some kitch in Cali? Head to “The Art Queen” and walk to the back of the Museum of Crochet, a sprite little building shaped like a lime-green viewfinder. When you see a key in the door, turn it. Go inside. You’ll find it filled with vintage crochet animals and sundries that’ll surely make you smile.

Sam’s Spa in Desert Hot Springs

In the heavenly place, mineral pools and soaking tubs are surrounded by grass and a man-made lake with fish and birds. Plus, there are peacocks that roam around the pools while you’re hanging out.

Peacocks, people. Peacocks. Need I say more?

Portland Oregon

Sauvies Island. Beeauty just beeyond Portland.

Sauvie Island 

This slice of heaven is great for two reasons. First: berry picking! (Entire pick-your-own flats for only $12-$15…in a place like this.) Second? Walk the aisles of lush fruit trees before heading to your next (and last) stop: The river. A river, you ask? Yes: Sauvie Island is the largest island that runs along the Columbia River…which, you can get to from the main road. If you choose to drive to the river (and I absolutely think you should), take a blanket and lay beside it. And don’t forget your parking pass for the day. I doubt you’ll want to leave.

The Overlook Park

Second on your Portland Nature Itinerary? Overlook Park.  (“Skidmore Bluffs” is also what I’ve heard it called). Many years ago, a family allowed its back yard to be turned into a park. It is now open to the public, and at first glance you feel like you’re entering a grassy field where an umbrella of a tree drapes over a bench overlooking the city, a forest park, bridges, and train tracks. But really, it’s so much more. #SeeingIsBelieving.

Where to eat, you ask? Dove Vivi features cornmeal-crusted pizza with toppings like sautéed red onions

#CouldItBeMagic? At Dovi, we say yes.

and corn and roasted poblano peppers. And Por Que No?—which, mind you, you’ll never find without at least a 30 minute wait—is beyond colorful and layered with art and lanterns and serves luscious agua frescas (cantaloupe, papaya+coconut, mango+lime, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera)…among other delicious bits. Definitely get the chips and salsa and sample the eclectic menu…especially veggie options like the seasonal taco. (Last one I had was beet, turnip, pumpkin seed, and rutabaga. A-m-a-z-i-n-g!)

Want some shoppin’? Hit Paxton’s Gate. There’s one in San Francisco, too (the original location), and no joke: #FavoriteStoreInTheWorld. It’s like the Natural History Museum…but a shop: taxidermy; bones; gardening supplies; dehyrdrated seeds and pods; books on making your own products; science; and odd collections of amazing things.

TJS Travel Edit: Bee Wanderlusty—LA

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Nope: Bee Wanderlusty’s not a new Singleton (though it should be, right?).

No, Dear Bees. This is better.

See, summer solstice was but a blink ago yet Vegas is bees-knees deep in obscene heat. That means it’s time for The Juice Standard’s annual summertime get-the-hell-outta-dodge suggestions for non-desert trips you can sked between now and Labor Day with peeps you’ve deemed travel-worthy.

(You do have folks you’d bee willing to travel with, right?)

To kick off a few non-desert travel articles, we’re starting with by far the easy-peasiest local(ish)drive: LV—>LA.

To the rest of the world, Los Angeles may be a backdrop for all-things glitz and glammy, but when desert heat hits friggin’ 118, La La Land’s cool is the one we crave…both in vibe and thermometer.

Carrie Stamps: Our in-house graphic design and LAexpert extraordinaire.

So this month, sharing a litany of her fave LA haunts is TJS’s Carrie Stamps—owner/founder of Vegas-based Scaled Design Studio—whose graphic-designy nose for style, beauty, function, and fun helps guide her to the goods in LA and beyond.

“Los Angeles is an easy destination for a weekend getaway,” says Stamps, who along with TJS Creative Director Mallory Dawn is charged with designing our dedicated inbox e-newsie, From The Humble Bee, and with making TJS print and digi-collateral look luscious.

“After a 45-minute flight from Las Vegas (or a short 3-4 hour drive), LA’s temperature drops 20 to 30 degrees and offers vibrant city life mixed with beach life.” 

Stamps is always looking out for local favorites and hidden gems (“I love the outdoor hikes, beach activity, restaurants, museums, culture and walkability in West Hollywood—WeHo—and I’m such a foodie, I have one million restaurant recommendations!”). Her best insider intel for experiencing any city? “Get out and see and do! Walk the streets. Get lost. Try something new and different.”

Don’t mind if we do, PrettyGirl. Below are places Stamps has deemed worth visiting over and over…no matter how you like to spend your time.

Get to the Griffith at night.

For Love Of The Great Outdoors

Hikes? In a city? You bet, says Stamps. “City hikes like Runyon Canyon and the Hollywood sign get crowded and touristy, but they are a worthy view. However…hiking to Griffith Observatory overlooks all of LA. A sunset hike is a real treat when it’s dark, you’ll see all the city lights for as far as the eye can see. For a real dose of Mother Nature, Topanga State Park just above Malibu is a short drive.

Broad+Museum_la_jeff+koons_la+museums_what+to+do+in+la_flowers_fun+things+to+do+in+LA_yayoi+kusama_art_art+exhibition+in+la_fashion+meets+art_fashion+blogger_Savvy+javvy_lichtenstein+art_infinity+mirrors_broad+infinity+room

Boldly hit the Broad.

For The Love of History

Hardly mere collections of old dusty stuff, LA museums are as varied as wallet-busting retail on Rodeo. “The Broad, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and The Getty offer worldly art and culture,” suggests Stamps. “The Museum of Ice Cream is a sweet treat, and The Getty is even free!”

Say yessabel to Ysabel.

Get Into My Your Belly

Beehold this summary of Stamps’ faves and you’re welcome in advance.

Get Outta My Your Belly

What goes in must come out, right? LA is notorious for its beautiful people…and how do they get their beauty? Exercise. While a fave activity is simply renting a bike on the beach in Santa Monica or jogging the beachy boardwalk from Marina del Rey, to Venice, to Santa Monica, these brick-and-mortar haunts are 100 percent Stamps-approved:

For The Love Of Nightlife

Living in Las Vegas has taught Stamps a thing or two about what appeals in a club. Rest assured these are top-notch pics for hottt (er, cool?) LA nights. #StilettosNotRequired

Piñata District doesn’t disappoint.

For The Love of a Weekend Market

“Melrose Place Farmer’s Market and Melrose Trading Post are great things to see and do on Sundays!” says Stamps, adding that not-to-miss sights also include Grand Central Market and Piñata District in Downtown LA.

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TJS Editorial—On Blended Families: They Take A Hive

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Memorial Day may bee the unofficial start to summer but we all know what really kicks off this season: the last day of school.

With today’s family as hexagonal as a honeycomb as opposed to old-school triangle or square, there can be many more personalities to traverse beyond mom, dad and kids during these seemingly endless wonderful weeks of vacation. From potential step-sibling rivalry to navigating niceties with your former spouse’s new one (#CoParentWithoutStepMurder), building a blended family with grace is certainly the #ParentingGoal but it’s not always easy…or is it?

Can building a blended family really be as easy as keeping an open mind, respecting all the parents involved and always keeping the needs of the children front and center? It can…but it takes work; patience; and maybe even some presents (though not for the fam member you might think).

To honor the onset of this, the Season of Together Time, this beautiful first-person account written by TJS COO and Co-Founder Marcella Williams shines a light on her personal experiences with her own children, and what it takes to bridge the byways of today’s blended family.

In May 2004, I found myself married and soon realized it was a package deal since, overnight, I became not only a wife, but a mother…and a stepmother at that. I had entered my stepson Drew’s life when he was just 5 years old and was even there for his first day of kindergarten, yet I had no idea how to be a stepmom since I was just learning how to become a wife. Luckily for me I had the best teacher: Drew’s mom, Kelly.

Marcella and her family celebrating Christmas—together!—in 2016. Pictured (l-r): Marcella, Maximus (8), Damian (8), Sophia (9), and Drew (17).

You always hear the drama-filled stories of blended families and thestruggles that ensue. But this story is different. This one is filled with love and gratitude, and I’m hoping it will act as a reminder that it doesn’t ever have to be ugly between birth parents and stepparents unless a family chooses it to be. And I can tell you from experience that ugly serves no one…least of all, the child.

Shortly after the wedding, we were settling into our new house…adding all of the finishing touches that turn a space into a home. While I was adjusting to new surroundings and new roles, I began to wonder if I would be a good stepmom. I wondered if I had the empathy, patience and kindness I knew it would take to be the kind of caretaker that Drew deserved. So when I was in doubt, I chose to look no further than toward the one who brought him into this world.

Honestly, I felt so lucky that I even had the inclination to do it! Kelly was one cool mama and we instantly became friends. And it was through that friendship that we were able to be the best moms for our son. (Because that’s exactly what he became the day that he and his father and I married: “Our” son.)

Together we discussed schools, homework, bedtime, and even had great communication about disciplinary actions. In other words, if Drew was grounded because he did XYZ at my house, the same rules applied in Kelly’s home, and vice versa. When we began to notice some missteps in his personality—a little more argumentative, a little less attentive at school—together, we quickly ascertained that what Drew needed was structure. Going back and forth mid-week between her home and ours wasn’t what he needed, and without second-guessing it for a moment, Kelly volunteered to let Drew stay with his dad and me Monday through Friday (which instantly made life easier on our boy since school was around the corner from our house).

Faces of well-adjusted happiness: Marcella’s family. Pictured (l-r): Damian (8), Drew (18), Maximus (8), and Sophia (9).

This move impressed me beyond measure, because in one swift decision Kelly proved herself secure enough to put aside her ego for the sake of what was best for Drew. Her grace and mental agility proved to be one of many lessons I learned from her and called upon as different situations unfolded during our evolution as a blended family.

Fast forward to the following May. Mother’s Day was around the corner and when Kelly came to pick up Drew, she had a special present for me. It was my first Mother’s Day present, a Dooney and Burke purse which, until that point in my life, was the nicest purse I had ever owned. I was honored and shocked, to say the least. It was such a heartfelt gift that I still have because of the memory attached to it. She didn’t have to gift it. She didn’t even have to show me kindness, or go above and beyond to bridge gaps or pave roads for better communication. Yet she did. Why? Because it wasn’t about her or me, but about him, our son Drew, who is now 19.

Today, I strive to be similar and supportive for my own birth-childrens’ stepmom. I want her to know that I am rooting for her to succeed every step of the way. I know she has no intention of replacing me, or turning the kids against me. And I know this because I left my ego back in 2004.

But I also know this because I am confident in my role as their mommy. When my three children asked me if I was happy or sad that Baba (Greek for “Dad”) was re-marrying, I smiled with sincerity and assured them that they were so lucky, and that his new bride was just one more person to love them. This assurance helped them be more accepting of her. It helped the transition to be more smooth, and it minimized any extra stress they may have had during what society deems as an intrinsic time of challenging change.

People do not always remember what you said or did, but they do remember how you made them feel. I always work to ensure my kids know that they can express their concerns, their dreams and their struggles without fear of judgement or condemnation with me. With me, they have a kind ear and unconditional love.

So. If I could lend advice to my children’s new stepmom (or any new step- or co-parent), it would be this:

  1. Bee Patient. Great relationships aren’t built overnight. They take time, and an endless amount of compassion and nurturing (and that goes for both the co-parent/stepparent relationship, as well as the relationship between the children and new stepßparent). Count the mini victories rather than wait for the big reward. It could be a genuine smile from across the room from a child who is grateful to see you at their school performance, or their rush to you when they fall off your bike.(Also…bee patient in the warming up of your partner’s ex. Patience is very important at this time.)
  2. Bee Forgiving. When children go back and forth between homes it can take a toll on their spirit. There is generally a transition day or two where they need to adjust to your house rules. In a perfect world, both houses would have the same ones, but that is not always the case. Learn to work with your situation, not fight against it.
  3. Bee Thoughtful. When you make plans, whether together or apart from the stepchildren, think about how it effects the entirety of the group. Make sure your actions cannot be deemed as alienation. Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself how you would feel. This goes for the children as well as any step-parents.
  4. Bee Grateful. The universe has blessed your child(ren) with more people to love them. While old wounds may not be healed, and words may have gone unsaid, your children have new beginnings and need your support to see the brighter side of the situation. They will look to you for guidance in these ever-evolving relationships. They will mimic you. So lead by example with a grateful heart.
  5. Bee Respectful. Do not bad mouth anyone in front of the children. Just don’t. It is very hurtful for the child to ever have to hear ill words about someone they love so much. No child deserves to feel that pain. Honestly, I can’t stress this enough other than to say just.don’t.do.it. Remember: The child will remember what they hear, and when they grow up, they will resent the badmouther, not the badmouthee.
  6. Bee Kind. And bee kind especially to yourself. Don’t buy into the whole “love them like your own.” That does not happen overnight. (Truth? Sometimes it never does.) You did not fall in love in a day, and you did not give birth or help conceive them. Allow time to play its role. Bee friends first. And do not beat yourself up if your “motherly” or “fatherly” instincts don’t kick in right away. Remind yourself that you are doing the best that you can, and trust that through consistency in your words and actions, you will in fact build bridges and mend gaps.

Together—collectively—we are raising the future leaders of this world, and that’s something that has never taken just one person. It truly takes a hive.

 

5 From The Hi5e: Summertime ‘Bee Inspired’ Gift Guide

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We bees know what we like when it comes to the hive-and-honey stuff. And with end-of-year teacher-present time just weeks away (and plenty of reasons to pre-stock hostess or birthday gifts for the summer), we’re having a little summertime funnertime with a roundup of beeautiful honey-inspired stuff we love.

Whether it’s for your face, your belly, your bod, or your walls, there’s honey- and bee-inspo all around. And we luv that, since, yaknow, we think bees are the proverbial bees’ knees.

(And hey: Since we can’t possibly try everything out there, if you’ve some things you want us to shine a light on, reach out and touch us by contacting TJS’s Content Director Jen Chase at jen@juicestandard.com and we’ll consider your suggestions. After all…#ItTakesAHive!)

May Lindstrom’s Honey Mud 

As creamy and dreamy as a TJS nut milk, this mud might be your new favorite way to get clean by getting dirty.

What? Daily wash and occasional enzymatic face mask for bees with temperamental skin.

Why? If your complexion requires orchid-like care, this magical mud is a gentle yet potent combo of raw honey with bee pollen and propolis; white halloycite clay; colloidal silver; and witch hazel, mixed with a variety of the most exotically concocted oils that smell like a cross between sweetly chocolated molé sauce and a rain forest. Made in small batches in Los Angeles by May Lindstrom (who created her treats to salve her own problem-child skin and now has a cultish following), when asked about the mud, the company’s wholeheartedly helpful Director of Care, Elena Alarie, wrote to specifically say that, “hormonally reactive skin will especially love the Honey Mud.” It’s divine.

Mike’s Hot Honey

This. This on everything. Use it. A lot.

What? Spicy honey made in Brooklyn, New York, by infusing the sweet stuff with chilies.

Why? “Sweet heat” at its finest, this crack-in-a-bottle truly is hella versatile. We like it for topping off avo-toast; dribbling it over nut-studded Greek yogurt; stirred into tea; and for drawing our initials on every blessed slice of our favorite well-done take-out veggie pizza.

 

Medicine Mama’s Sweet Bee Magic™

For when you want that one thing that does errything? Grab this.

What? An all-in-one balm designed to relieve skin irritations and is safe for the whole family.

Why? This one-‘n-done jar of goodness quiets the chatter of your noisy, over-stuffed medicine cabinet by replacing different lotions, potions and salves with one thing that’s safe for pretty much every skin issue. From being a regular old moisturizer to an ointment for burns, cuts, scrapes, buggy-bites, cold sores, and even sunburns, similar to May Lindstrom’s Honey Mud, Sweet Bee Magic™ also contains honey, bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly…all of which, when combined, are incredibly healing.

Hexagonal Shelves by Grace Sarris

Grace Sarris’ hexagonal shelf, hung solo.

What? A set of five hexagonal-shaped shelves that are as useful as they are beautiful…especially for the bee-lover in your life.

Hexagonal shelves, grouped.

Why? Whether hung singly, in groups or all together, these shelves made from reclaimed wood by artisan Grace Sarris can be used to create an eye-catching focal point or as a thematic link connecting different rooms in a

house. Plus, they’re all the better for being sold in Sarris’ Etsy store, since we here at TJS love to #supportlocal. (The Internets is considered local, right?)

 

Bee Pollen by Moon Juice

Chewy, citrusy and kinda floral, this is the tastiest straight-from-the-jar pollen we’ve tried.

What? A month’s supply of jarred bee pollen, sold by veritable adaptogen alchemist Amanda Chantal Bacon’s California-based company, Moon Juice.

Why? This stuff? So not your mother’s bee pollen (and if you were fed this stuff as a kid it’s not your bee pollen, either!). With a consistency unlike most of what’s out there, Moon Juice’s bee pollen is chewy and almost citrusy with a floral nose (and yeah, sounds like we’re talking wine). We’d normally stick to local bee pollen for its allergy-fighting properties, but this stuff is so bomb—and, so rich with protein and vitamin B-everythings—we don’t care that it’s not from our neighborhood…we crave it straight from the jar.

TJS Edit: Bees Finally Land Endangered Act Protection

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General Mills is doing its darndest to put eyes on GM cereal boxes by hollering out a key ingredient that’s not in Honey Nut Cheerios any more:

Buzz. Buzz The Bee.

Where’d Buzz go?

In a campaign that’s almost as deft with its hashes as we are (#ArentWeSoBloodyHumbleAbout #ItTakesAHiveAndTheOtherFunnyHashtagsWeDrop), GM’s #BringBackTheBee hash accompanies a white cut-out of where Buzz’s cartoony bod used to flit on Cherrios boxes. It’s the conglomerate’s not-so-small attempt—and maybe a little silly?—to bring attention to the United States’ dwindling population of a healthy handful of bee species that pollinate a kajillion handfuls of food.

But the attempt might’ve worked.

In January 2017, it was widely reported that the 40-year-old Endangered Species Act (EDA)—signed to protect innocents from extinction in the animal, insect and plant world—might go bye-bye if our new administration had anything to do with it. (Full Fairness Disclosure: For at least the last 8 years, Republicans have tried to loosen the EDA’s grip on rules and regs that could make way for more logging, drilling and other digging activities that twitterpate the hearts of non-Democrats far and wide.)

If the EDA was going down the proverbial toilet, so would the fight to add the rusty patched bumble bee—a bee that in the last 20 years has seen a 95 percent existence drop despite once being prolific across 13 mid-Western states. But that didn’t happen. And on March 21, ol’ Rusty beecame the first bee protected by the EDA when it was added to the U.S. endangered species list. Finally, after being fought for by the Xerces Society and the Natural Resources Defense Council—two U.S. orgs that, much like the EDA, exist to protect bugs and stuff—Rusty’s chance of survival just got a solid.

If all of this is still a little Wha? to you—if Colony Collapse Disorder isn’t the CCD you’re used to, and you still wonder what the bee fuss is all about, here’s why this is a BFD:

Every third bite or sip you take today is thanks to a bee.

Let that sink in.

Aside from the water you drink to, yaknow, survive…bees are the next most important thing in the ecosystem—in your ecosystem—beecause you’d starve without them. Yet the plight of one of the most important cogs in the universe’s machine of life continues.

Pesticides vs. Parasites…who’s right?

Both sides of The Great Bee Argument include what we refer to as “The P. vs. P. Debate”: Is it pesticides or parasites that do the bee killing? Each contests it’s the other. And though everyone has an opinion they have a right to, it’s pure fact that more than three dozen bumble bees (and another few hives’ worth of honey bee species) are pollinators, which means many of them need help. Many.

Thankfully, people are paying attention. This front-section feature from a February Sunday New York Times by Stephanie Strom is nice storytelling that tells a newsy tale about farmer Bret Adee and his family in Bakersfield, Calif., doing their part with human-directed crop pollination to help these little fuzzy buggers live amid the changing landscape of farming.

(We think you should read it. Click here.)

Plus, as we wrote about in our Earth Day piece, places like the Honeybee Conservancy are also out there doing what it takes to inform all of us everyday folk what we can do to try to help our honey-loving friends.

So with this new endangered designation, we can go into April knowing that the administration and the entities that filed the attention-bringing suit in D.C. district court all helped give the bee a badly needed wing-up. It’s something we here at The Juice Standard think about with near cyclical, sacred-ical consistency…saving the bees. Beecause honestly, it’s this profound and really this simple: #SaveTheBeeSaveYourself.

(#TakeThatGM)