Age Gap Friendships Offer Insight, Growth, and Lasting Bonds

SAFE AT HOME: Local Crime Prevention Efforts

Part Three of a Three-Part Series

While Carol Willis enjoyed a vacation at her parents’ house, burglars ransacked her Orange County apartment and took everything of value.

“When I discovered what happened, I was horrified,” said the marketing executive. “Before that, burglaries were just statistics I heard on TV. I never dreamed it could happen to me.”

The Shock of Being Burglarized

Willis’ reaction is common, said Lt. Ross Moen of the West Los Angeles detective division. Despite the 186,000 burglaries reported in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties in 1992, many people never expect it to happen to them. “They are usually very shocked that their safe haven has been invaded,” Moen said.

Emotional Impact Beyond the Loss

For many, the emotional toll of a burglary is worse than the material loss:

• Violation of privacy: “Your private space has been invaded,” said psychologist Mory Framer of Barrington Psychiatric Center.
• Loss of safety: “Security has been breached, and people feel violated,” Framer said.
• Personal intrusion: “People see their home as an extension of themselves,” added Dr. Louis West of UCLA.
• Gender impact: Women may feel the emotional violation more acutely due to deeper psychological connections to their home environment.

Common Reactions to a Burglary

Emotional responses vary but often include:

• Helplessness: “You may think no one cares when the police have no leads,” Framer said.
• Anger: Directed at the thief, the police, society, and oneself.
• Loss of irreplaceable items: Items with sentimental value, such as jewelry or family heirlooms, can be especially painful to lose.
• Fear and anxiety: Many victims struggle with sleep and feel unsafe at home.

A Personal Story: Multiple Break-ins

Carol Willis experienced three more burglaries after her initial one. “It was the later break-ins that really hurt because they took jewelry with sentimental value,” she said. She now keeps all valuables in a safe deposit box.

Fear and Long-Term Effects

“It’s very frightening to have your sense of security breached,” Framer said. Victims may:

• Feel unsafe
• Have trouble sleeping
• Remain hyper-vigilant for months

“You’ve been intruded upon, and it’s OK to feel badly,” Framer emphasized.

What to Do After a Burglary

• Don’t make drastic decisions: Avoid moving immediately—give it time.
• Take preventive action: Educate yourself and get involved in community safety efforts.
• Contact local police: Invite them to speak about burglary prevention.
• Join or start a Neighborhood Watch: This builds community support and reduces crime.
• Don’t overreact: Taking precautions is empowering, but don’t isolate yourself or live in fear.

Realities of Crime

Even when precautions are taken, burglaries can happen again. “There is no absolute immunity,” Framer warned. Willis moved to a better neighborhood, but was burglarized again. “I thought I’d done everything right, but it kept happening,” she said.

When to Seek Professional Help

Amy Stark, a Santa Ana psychologist, suggests getting help if you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions:

• Do you have chronic insomnia?
• Have you lost your appetite?
• Is it hard to perform daily functions?
• Are you frequently agitated or anxious?
• Do you have recurring nightmares?
• Are you using alcohol or drugs for comfort?
• Are you too frightened to leave the house?

When Your Neighbors Are Burglarized

Mory Framer says it’s normal to feel relief that it wasn’t you. But don’t distance yourself—support your neighbor instead:

• Stay connected: Avoid isolating your neighbor or blaming them.
• Offer help: Clean up, bring food, or offer emotional support.
• Don’t minimize: Acknowledge their emotional pain.
• Take action: Work together to improve neighborhood security.

Explaining a Break-In to Your Children

Helping children process a burglary requires sensitivity:

• Let them ask questions: Repetition is part of how they process trauma.
• Reinforce safety: Show them new locks or alarm systems and explain how they work.
• Expect sleep issues: Sleeping in your bed for a few nights is okay.
• Manage your emotions: Talk to another adult about your fears—not your children.
• Set an example: Children recover more easily when they see you coping well.

Since her marriage seven years ago, Willis hasn’t been burglarized again. But the fear remains. “Every time I lock up, I think about it,” she says.

Dried and Gone to Heaven

August 28, 1993 | JULIE BAWDEN DAVIS | SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Fresh flowers with an afterlife, dried flowers are gaining new respect for their versatility as well as staying power. They impart their own particular look to a room and are being used in a wide range of interior designs from the most modern to the most traditional.

The Growing Popularity of Dried Flowers

Dried flowers hit the design scene a couple of years ago and have continued to grow in popularity. RoxAnn Johnson, an Orange-based interior designer and owner of Faux Foliage & Florals, says:

“People like dried flowers for many reasons. While fresh flowers are wonderful, they don’t last long and are seasonal. A dried arrangement can brighten up a house in the middle of winter when there isn’t much in the garden.”

In addition, dried flowers are more eco-friendly. “Unlike silks, when you dispose of dried flowers, they naturally decompose, which is important in this age of environmental awareness,” Johnson adds.

Techniques for Drying Flowers

Drying flowers and foliage requires experimentation and patience. There are three basic and relatively simple approaches:

• Air drying
• Glycerin absorption
• Silica gel crystals

Each of these methods works best for different types of plants. While there are few hard and fast rules, the results always vary somewhat, just like flowers themselves!

Flowers and Plants Ideal for Drying

Many gardeners love drying flowers because it allows them to preserve some of their favorites. Doris Loeffler, a Villa Park gardener, shares her enthusiasm:

“It’s really exciting to cut beautiful flowers and then wait to see how they will dry. It’s also a lot of fun to see flowers you grew in your garden on display indefinitely in your home.”

Loeffler’s favorite flower for drying is statice, which remains bright and vivid in color. Other great choices include:

• Roses (especially two-toned varieties)
• Larkspur
• Queen Anne’s lace
• Lavender
• Coreopsis
• Gaillardia red plum
• Sunflowers
• Wax flower
• Strawflower
• Heather
• Baby’s breath
• Mustard
• Yarrow
• German statice

Herbs like marjoram, oregano, mint, and poppy pods are also excellent for drying. Dried fruits and vegetables, such as apricots, onions, apples, and pomegranates, can be great additions to floral arrangements.

Considerations When Drying Flowers

Before cutting flowers from your garden, be aware that their appearance will change once dried. For example, rose heads shrink and change color:

• Deep red roses turn dark grape
• White and pink roses become pale yellow
• Yellow roses turn mustard-colored

Using Dried Flowers in Home Decor

Dried flowers are versatile and fit various interior styles. According to RoxAnn Johnson:

“Dried flowers give a friendly atmosphere to any home. They fit in modern and Southwestern decors, and are especially attractive in Victorian, country, and traditional interiors.”

Here are some ideas for using dried flowers in home decor:

• Entryway or Dining Room: Create an arrangement in a shallow terra-cotta pot with crushed Styrofoam, adding roses, heather, or German statice.
• Flower Basket: Fill a basket with crushed Styrofoam and a variety of dried flowers. For a country look, add raffia bow.
• Cut-Flower Basket: Use a large oval basket and arrange flowers as if freshly cut from the garden. Good flowers for this include larkspur, roses, and eucalyptus.

Final Tips for Decorating with Dried Flowers

When using dried flowers, consider your home’s decor. For instance:

• Roses with baby’s breath are perfect for traditional and Victorian homes.
• Sunflowers complement a country look.
• Statice works well in Southwestern designs.
• Larkspur and dried artichokes can make a stunning addition to contemporary interiors.

Dried flowers can also be used to soften masculine or heavy decor, such as in a bedroom with wood and dark colors.

Conclusion

Whether you’re creating a seasonal display or a permanent decor element, dried flowers offer both beauty and practicality. With proper drying techniques and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy nature’s blooms long after their growing season has passed.

‘Having In-Laws Stay Over is Like an Olympic Competition,’ Says One Hostess

Challenges of Hosting In-Laws

For the parent of young children, already busy with work and running a household, having guests can feel like one more responsibility. For grandparents who are used to coming and going without considering a child’s needs, the chaos that children bring can be nerve-racking. And for newlyweds trying to get to know their in-laws, having guests can feel a lot like being on trial.

How Personality Affects Hosting Visitors

Whatever your circumstances and whomever is visiting, how well you handle having visitors depends a lot on your personality.

• “The more easygoing you are, the easier it is to have guests,” says Alexandra Rosenberg, a Newport Beach clinical social worker.
• “If you are more perfectionistic and controlling, it’s harder to have your routine broken and your space invaded,” she adds.

Even if you’re laid-back, there are some inherent stresses when relatives visit. In some cases, relationships with in-laws can create havoc. In others, family issues may cause friction, says Ron Hirz, a psychiatrist who has been working with individuals and families for over 20 years.

Wendy Vallier’s Experience with In-Laws

Wendy Vallier, a property manager in Anaheim, shares her experience with in-laws who visit twice a year. Her mother-in-law, who is 73, stays for a week, and her husband’s siblings sometimes visit as well.

“Having in-laws stay over is like an Olympic competition,” says Vallier. “A great deal of preparation is required to execute a flawless performance, and through it all, you pray for good marks from the judges—your in-laws. I only wish I had to endure this grueling event every four years.” She says that her mother-in-law expects a lot of attention, which has become increasingly difficult to provide.

Overcoming Family Tension

Vallier also mentions the challenge of not having the familiarity she enjoys with her own family. “There are ongoing family grievances that existed long before you came into the picture,” she says. “For instance, I once said something about my husband’s sister in front of my mother-in-law, and she looked at me as if I had lost my mind.”

Handling In-Law Visits Smoothly

Many people find it especially difficult to manage when in-laws visit because of how courteous they must be. Jeff McMillan, a college professor in Santa Ana, shares that while he likes his girlfriend’s family, he finds it hard to be on his best behavior for extended periods of time.

Secrets to a Successful Visit

Sharon Whatley, a writer in Tustin, believes that the keys to a successful visit are planning ahead and making things as simple as possible:

• Prepare the guest room, buy household supplies, and cook meals a few days before the guests arrive.
• Keep meals simple. “Instead of breaking your back trying to meet the standards you see in magazines, realize that the food doesn’t have to be exotic, and the house doesn’t have to be spotless,” says Whatley.

Managing Expectations

Having a proposed schedule that includes free time is a great way to manage expectations, says Hirz. “This gives your guests a chance to get away or rest by themselves, and it gives you a chance to unwind or get things done,” he explains.

If no car is available for your visitors, consider arranging a rental so they can explore on their own, making the visit much less stressful.

Dealing with Difficult Relatives

If you’re dealing with a strained relationship with a visitor, it’s important to establish boundaries. Rosenberg advises gently telling the person that you are an adult and can make your own decisions.

If direct confrontation is not possible, seek the support of others, such as your spouse, to help communicate your boundaries.

Finding the Positive in Challenging Visits

When all else fails, remember that the visit won’t last forever. “There is a part of us that enjoys company,” says Rosenberg. “Let that part come out and play, and you’ll probably have a pretty good time.”

All the Wishing and Working Out in the World Can’t Change Your Body Type, But You Can Work with What You’ve Got

We are each born with one of three body types that we must live with all our lives: round and soft, pear-shaped endomorph; muscular, hourglass-shaped mesomorph; or long and lean ectomorph. While many people may have traits from multiple categories, we typically represent one body type more than the others.

How to Identify Your Body Type

To determine your body type, try this simple test: Encircle one wrist with your other hand’s middle finger and thumb. If they don’t touch, you’re likely an endomorph. If they just touch, you’re likely a mesomorph, and if they overlap, you’re likely an ectomorph.

While your body type cannot be changed, many people try mightily to alter it, leading to frustration. Studies show that 75% of people are dissatisfied with some aspect of their appearance, a sentiment echoed by personal trainers and counselors alike.

Common Struggles with Body Image

Despite looking great to others, many people struggle with body dissatisfaction. Media, especially magazines, portray unrealistic body types that many aspire to attain, often leading to frustration and feelings of inadequacy.

As expert Stacy Rae Roberts states, “We’re all ruled by genetics. If your mother has wide hips or your father has a lean upper body, chances are you’ve inherited these traits. Working out will improve your shape but won’t change it.” It’s essential to work with your body, not against it.

Embracing Your Body Type

Here are some tips on how to stay fit and healthy while accepting your body type:

Endomorphs

Endomorphs tend to have round, soft, curvy bodies with more weight distributed at the hips and thighs. They have small to medium-sized bones and shorter limbs relative to their trunks.

• Famous Endomorphs: Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton, John Candy, Roseanne Arnold, and Tom Arnold.
• Exercise Recommendations: For endomorphs, burning fat is key. Engage in 20-60 minutes of low to moderate-intensity aerobic exercises like swimming, walking, and bicycling three to seven days a week. Additionally, use lower weights and higher repetitions for weight training to create long, lean muscles.

Mesomorphs

Mesomorphs have medium to large bones, with well-defined muscles. They excel at building muscle and often find it easier to stay in shape compared to other body types.

• Famous Mesomorphs: Demi Moore, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jane Fonda, and Magic Johnson.
• Exercise Recommendations: To stay lean, mesomorphs should perform 20-60 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercises such as running, dancing, and jump roping. Strength training with moderate weights and high repetitions is crucial to avoid muscle bulk and maintain lean muscle definition.

Ectomorphs

Ectomorphs are typically lean and long, with a tendency to have trouble building muscle. Their limbs are long, and they often have a high fat-to-muscle ratio.

• Famous Ectomorphs: Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts, Michael Jordan, and Cary Grant.
• Exercise Recommendations: Ectomorphs should focus on both aerobic exercises (like running or cycling) and strength training with progressively heavier weights to build muscle. Abdominal exercises are also essential to strengthen the lower back and improve posture.

Mental Tips for Embracing Your Body Type

In addition to physical exercise, mental and emotional acceptance of your body type is essential for overall well-being:

• Accept Yourself: Focus on making your body a wonderful place to live by working with it, not constantly battling against it.
• Don’t Set Conditions for Acceptance: Self-acceptance should not be contingent on losing weight or achieving a specific body image. Embrace where you are today.
• Focus on Your Strengths: Regularly look in the mirror and focus on your positive attributes instead of dwelling on perceived flaws.
• Keep an Image Journal: Write down situations that trigger negative feelings about your body and discuss them with someone. Often, comparing yourself to unrealistic media images can cause undue dissatisfaction.

Conclusion

Understanding and accepting your body type can lead to a healthier mindset and better overall health. By aligning your workouts and mindset with your natural body type, you can become the best version of yourself, both physically and mentally.

Exer-Cleaning: Get Fit While Cleaning

To get a good “exer-cleaning” workout, you’ll probably need to change your cleaning methods a little. “When doing cardiovascular work such as vacuuming and dusting, pick up the pace,” Tom says. “Also exaggerate movements more than usual and take more time with some tasks than you might otherwise.”

Cardio-Vacuum

Vacuuming is a high-energy chore that is comparable to brisk walking, says Jerry Tyler, a personal trainer. “Vacuuming not only provides cardiovascular conditioning, but it also works your legs and shoulders.” To cardio-vac effectively:

• Exaggerate your movements and switch hands frequently to give both sides of your body a comparable workout.
• Vacuum nonstop for at least 20 minutes to start burning fat.
• If you need more cardio, try jogging in place after vacuuming.

Deltoid-Dust

Make dusting an aerobic activity that will also work your arms and shoulders. Quickly and briskly dust, using not just your forearm and hand but your entire shoulder. Do circular movements until the muscle starts to burn and then switch arms.

Workout and Wash the Car

Washing the car is a good cardio workout that works your arms if you keep moving. Remember to change arms frequently to balance the workout.

Stair-Climb

If you have stairs, they provide a great workout. Running steps and bleachers is a common training exercise for athletes. Stair work conditions your legs and provides an aerobic workout.

• Try making several trips up and down the stairs while cleaning.
• To add variety, do backward and forward lunges off the bottom step.

Strength Training Exercises

Once you’ve completed the cardio-cleaning, it’s time to do some resistance exercises to strengthen muscles.

Firm-and-Tone with the Dishes

When unloading the dishwasher, instead of bending over, do squats. Hold the dishes close to your body, keep your back straight, and lower yourself slowly to a sitting position. Stand up slowly and repeat 20-40 times for a good leg and bottom workout.

Strength-Train with the Groceries

Make a weightlifting session out of bringing in the groceries. Paper bags typically weigh between 8-10 pounds. Carry them close to your chest and perform squats with two or three bags. Perform 15-20 squats per bag.

Upper Body Exercises

Use canned goods or jugs of milk and water to work your upper body. Perform exercises like biceps curls, triceps extensions, and bent-over rows. Repeat each movement 12-15 times to strengthen your arms and chest.

Strengthen Thighs While Polishing the Floor

To work the inner and outer thighs while cleaning, move side to side when vacuuming or mopping the floor. You can even slide across the kitchen floor for a fun workout. Use a slide board to safely strengthen these muscles.

Stretching

Stretching is essential after exer-cleaning. Reach for items and hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Stretching helps prevent injury and improves flexibility.

Additional Tips

• Exercise at least 20 minutes, three times a week, for cardiovascular health.
• Weight training can be done once a week to maintain muscle tone.
• Keep good posture while exer-cleaning, and stop if you experience pain.

Inexpensive equipment, like dumbbells and exercise tubing, can add variety to your exer-cleaning routine. Floor exercises like pushups, sit-ups, and leg lifts are also great additions.

Conclusion

Exer-cleaning is a fun and effective way to incorporate fitness into your daily routine. By combining housework with exercise, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle while keeping your home clean.

Understanding Your Body’s Internal Clock: Tips for Better Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep—or a good day’s sleep if you prefer—is easier when you’re in sync with your body’s internal clock.

Body temperature, exposure to light, and what you eat all affect how your circadian rhythm runs.

While many of us use an alarm clock, research shows that when our bodies are free from time constraints, an internal gauge helps us maintain a natural sleep-wake cycle.

“Researchers have placed people in caves and allowed them to free-run,” says sleep specialist Sarah Mosko, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at St. Joseph Hospital. “Without clocks, participants followed their own sleep-wake patterns.” Some were “night owls,” while others were “larks,” waking up early.

Studies show that your body temperature influences sleep. “When our body is cooler, we sleep, and when it’s warmer, we’re generally awake,” says Mark Brayford, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Western Medical Center in Anaheim.

Understanding Circadian Rhythms

Night owls and larks tend to sleep the same amount of time, despite different wake-up times. For instance, a lark may sleep from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., while a night owl may sleep from 1 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. On average, people need 7.5 hours of sleep, although the range is between 4 to 10 hours.

Adjusting Your Internal Clock

If you’re looking to change your sleep patterns, start by tracking your circadian rhythm for a week. Record how alert you feel at each hour of the day on a scale from 1 (sleeping) to 10 (very alert). Stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time each day to spot a pattern.

To shift your sleep schedule, begin waking up at your desired time each morning, no matter how much sleep you got the night before. With consistency, your body will adapt over several weeks.

Using Light Therapy to Reset Your Clock

Light exposure plays a crucial role in resetting your circadian rhythm. For earlier wake-ups, expose yourself to bright light in the morning. If you want to stay up later, try light exposure in the afternoon.

• Use a light box if natural light isn’t available.
• Start with 20 minutes to two hours of light exposure, depending on the intensity of the light box.

Tips for Maintaining Your Sleep Schedule

Once you’ve reset your sleep schedule, stick to it rigidly. Avoid staying up late unless absolutely necessary, as it can cause you to revert back to old patterns.

Healthy Sleep Practices

• Practice healthy sleep hygiene: Avoid working or engaging in stimulating activities before bed. Allow your body to wind down.
• Exercise regularly: But don’t exercise within two hours of bedtime.
• Eat on a regular schedule: Avoid eating large meals within four to five hours of bedtime.
• Avoid disruptors: Be mindful of factors like travel and shift work, which can throw off your sleep cycle.

Dealing with Travel and Shift Work

• Jet lag: Stick to the new time zone, and expose yourself to morning light when traveling east.
• Shift work: Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, sleep in a dark room, and manage your sleep environment.

Conclusion

Respecting your body’s natural sleep patterns can improve your overall health and energy levels. By understanding and adjusting your circadian rhythm, you can achieve better sleep and feel more refreshed.

Tustin: Quiet Neighborhoods, Excellent Schools, and a Convenient Location

Rich Kaufman, who co-owns two bakeries in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar, was immediately drawn to his future home in Tustin. “I was flooded with childhood memories of my grandma’s house,” he said of the 1934-built home. “The huge arched doorways, big windows, wood floors, and squeaky doors all really appealed to me.”

His only concern was whether his wife, Lara Kaufman, would like the home, but she agreed to the purchase without hesitation.

Lara Kaufman said, “The house’s interior design is old Art Deco, and it has a lot of personality.” Last April, they bought the 2,000 square foot, three-bedroom house for $330,000.

Since moving in, the Kaufmans have also grown fond of Tustin itself. Lara Kaufman appreciates the town’s small-town atmosphere, a welcome change from their previous beach area home. “People are down-to-earth here and very friendly,” she shared. “I don’t have to worry about putting on makeup to go to the store. And unlike some areas, there are many young couples like us who are starting families.”

Rich Kaufman enjoys the quiet, pastoral feel of their North Tustin home, surrounded by neighbors with horses and mini-orchards.

According to Melody Streur, a realtor with Century 21 Academy in Tustin, the city’s sedate, low-profile atmosphere is one of the reasons people move to and stay in Tustin.

“Once people move into the area, they tend to stay,” said Streur. “Residents generally have a strong sense of family and enjoy the quiet lifestyle Tustin offers.”

Strong Community Bonds

Mike Sackett, a longtime resident, explains that his Tustin neighborhood has been quiet since the day he and his wife, Blanche, moved in 36 years ago. “It’s never been really noisy here,” he said. “The neighbors have always gotten together to help one another, and the fire department was once all volunteer.” Today, Mike continues to help neighbors with outdoor projects.

Family-Oriented Neighborhoods

Blanche Sackett remembers the day they found their home. “We were looking for a four-bedroom home for our two children and my mother. We looked in Santa Ana, but when we found this model home, I knew it was the one,” she said. They purchased the 1,300-square-foot house for $13,180 in 1956. Today, it would sell for about $220,000.

Top-Rated Schools

Many families choose to stay in Tustin because of its highly-rated schools. Both Tustin High School and Foothill High School have produced numerous National Merit Scholars. Principal Duffy Clark of Tustin High says, “Around 90% of our students go on to college, and in the last decade, we’ve sent more students to West Point than any other high school west of the Mississippi.”

Foothill High School boasts similar academic success. Janis Jones, the school’s principal, notes that 96.5% of the 1992 graduating class went on to college, with many attending Ivy League universities such as Harvard and Stanford.

Location and Housing Options

Tustin is centrally located, just eight miles from John Wayne Airport and 12 miles from the beach, making it a convenient spot for shopping and travel. The city offers a wide range of housing options, from affordable homes to luxury estates.

• The average home in Tustin sells for $349,000, typically 2,200 to 2,800 square feet with 2 to 2.5 bathrooms.
• Larger estates range from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet, priced between $500,000 and $2 million.
• Smaller homes of 1,200 to 1,700 square feet cost between $195,000 and $225,000.
• Two- to three-bedroom condos average $153,000 for 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.

The allure of Tustin is so strong that it even attracts residents from other cities. For example, Judy Oku moved to Tustin after living in Irvine for 13 years. “We love it here,” she said. “It’s nice and quiet, close to shopping, and we can even walk to the movie theater.”

Historical Background

Tustin was founded in 1868 by Columbus Tustin, a farmer and buggy maker. Its growth was slow compared to neighboring cities, and it wasn’t incorporated until 1927. The city remained a small farming community for years, with its pace of life reflecting that tradition.

Changes Over Time

Over the years, Tustin has transformed, but many longtime residents still cherish the city’s quiet, small-town charm. Hugh Robinson, a retired Marine, fondly recalls the 1950s when he and his wife, Marion, bought a home for $18,000—now valued at $200,000.

“At the time, there were few homes and it was peaceful at night,” said Hugh. “An orange grove sat behind us, and the smell of orange blossoms filled the air when in bloom.”

Notable Landmarks

Despite modern changes, Tustin still retains historic buildings, such as the Knights of Pythias building from 1925. It houses the Chamber of Commerce, Tustin Historical Society, and some unique businesses like a vintage clothing store and an old hardware store. Other popular spots include the health food restaurant Rutabegorz and McCharles House Restaurant in a Victorian mansion.

Demographics and Population Statistics

• 1992 estimated population: 53,524
• 1980-90 population change: +32.3%
• Median age: 29.5 years
• Annual income: $20,933 per capita; $42,832 median household

While the city is more crowded than in years past, many long-term residents still find Tustin an ideal place to call home. “We’ve grown with the area, and we’re here to stay,” says Marion Robinson.

Store Listings

EROGENOUS ZONE

• Classics by J & J 100% Silk Two-Piece Set: Long-sleeved shirt with one pocket and loose-fitting pants in red or white ($120, sizes small, medium, large).
• XTC Leather Teddy: Sleeveless with lace front and spaghetti straps, attached garter straps ($80-$110, sizes 34-38).
• Loves Delight Baby-Doll Teddy: Black or white, fishnet and lace top, spaghetti straps ($24, sizes small, medium, large).

INTIMATE CONCEPTS

• Shirley of Hollywood Lace Teddy: Stretch lace teddy with lace-up front and low V-neck ($26, sizes small to 4X).
• Empire Chiffon Baby-Doll Set: Sheer black with lace and embroidered roses ($25, sizes small to 4X).
• Shirley of Hollywood Body Stocking: Cracked-ice fishnet with lace-up front and low back ($49, sizes small, medium, large).

KRISTEN’S LINGERIE

• Varena Floor-Length Cotton Nightie: White cotton gown with button-down front and small cotton bows ($90, sizes small, medium, large).
• Tzzz Cotton Pajamas: Short-sleeved top with shorts, available in pink, sea-foam green, or blue ($30, sizes small, medium, large).
• Charmeuse Night Slips: Pullover slip-style nighties in peach, pink, purple, or red ($20-$60 depending on silk quality).

LEONARDO’S BOUTIQUE

• Blanche Long Chiffon Gown: White chiffon with sheer lace top and pink chiffon bottom ($180, one size).
• Circa 2000 Teddy: Hawaiian flower print teddy with spaghetti straps ($30, sizes small, medium, large).
• Nan Flower Teddy: Satin V on stomach, mesh sides, lace at bikini line ($37, sizes small, medium, large).

LINGERIE FOR LESS

• Cassi L Silk Chemise: Knee-length with crisscross back, available in red, white, black, or blue ($30, sizes small, medium, large).
• Escante Floor-Length Gown: Black, red, fuchsia, or white, with V-style lace under-wire bra ($40.99).

MARIE’S BOUDOIR

• Shirley of Hollywood Multicolored Chiffon Teddy: Sheer back and spaghetti straps ($38, sizes small, medium, large).
• Terry Rousso Ivory Gown & Robe Set: Lace and chiffon, with beading ($80 for the set, small, medium, large sizes).

PHYLLIS CAMERON LINGERIE AND AT HOME WEAR

• Lucie Ann Tropical Floral Gown: White with floral pattern in coral, purple, emerald ($32, sizes petite to large).
• Wild Mint Full-Length Gown: Ivory-colored cotton with embroidered sleeves and hemline ($96, sizes small, medium, large).

THE PLEASURE COMPANY

• Shirley of Hollywood Satin Camisole & Tap Pants Set: Loose-fitting ivory satin with spaghetti straps ($30, sizes small, medium, large).
• Shirley of Hollywood Chiffon Baby-Doll Nightie: Red, white, blue, or black with matching panties ($40, sizes small, medium, large, 3X).

Dancing can also be a relaxing change of pace. Linda Hagood, a psychotherapist in Orange County, regularly recommends that her patients dance as a way to escape life’s daily pressures. She takes her own advice, ballroom dancing about twice a week.

Conclusion

Dancing is a fun and effective way to stay fit, relieve stress, and improve overall health. Whether you prefer hip-hop, ballroom, or free-style, there’s a dance style for everyone to enjoy while boosting their fitness levels.

Amending Your Clay Soil

Avoid These Amendments

• Vermiculite: Holds water and can cause soil compaction.
• Peat Moss: Retains too much water and isn’t ideal for clay soil.
• Sand: When combined with clay, it creates a cement-like mixture.
• Lime: Increases soil alkalinity, which should be avoided for plants sensitive to high pH levels.

Saving Existing Plants from Root Rot

If your plants are suffering, the issue might be root rot caused by excess water. Root rot can be detected when the leaves appear wilted, brown, or yellow despite regular watering.

To diagnose root rot, you can perform a simple test:

• Use a soil probe or metal tube to extract a sample from the root zone.
• Give the soil a sniff. If it smells like rotten eggs, root rot is likely the cause.

To save the plant, Kawaratani recommends punching holes around the root zone to allow excess water to drain. Cut back on watering and fill the holes with sand to promote better drainage.

Plants That Thrive in Clay Soil

While amending clay soil can improve its condition, some plants naturally tolerate clay soil better than others. Here are some plants that thrive in clay soil:

• Acacia
• Alyssum Perennial
• Bamboo
• Blue Atlas Cedar
• California Lilac
• Common Yarrow
• Crimson Spot Rockrose
• Dwarf Plumbago
• Fernleaf Yarrow
• Western Redbud