Giving back is good and that's what had me compile this list. These are the people in Portland who make my life worth living. Each place and person on this list is a master at what they do. And they've been tested out by me personally, so I vouce for all I write here. Enjoy!!


Number One Full Service Healer: Dr. Roger Batchelor

[image error] For mothers who are tired of taking their kids to the doctor, sitting in germ infested waiting rooms, being given yet another prescription for antibiotics and watching your child be sick—all winter long. Roger is a natural healer who does acupressure and moves energy in kids—who are so sensitive, they respond very quickly. He prescribes herbs and gives mothers great tips on home care for issues like insomnia, sore throats, upset tummy and of course, viruses. My kids have been seeing him for three years now and we have not had one round of a serious illness. I take that back, we've had one ear infection and did have to do antibiotics but then he was there for the follow up care and we've had nothing since. Zero, nada, zip! He's affordable, will bill your insurance and available. (And yes, he's my husband! See how much I like his work??)


Number One Energy Worker: Dr. Tamara Stoudt
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Tamara came recommended to me by several sources and I've seen her only twice. Both times, she has been wonderful. She is the real deal—a woman totally tapped into higher consciousness via her attention to detail and compassion. Roger is amazing for health issues, chronic pain and with the care of kids. Tamara is a BIG gun who is better than a therapist when it comes to healing wounds of the soul!


Number One Man to Readjust Your Whole Attitude: Jacob Gudger
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Jake is a young man, just out of college, who had the very good sense to spend his time becoming a teacher of The Goal Achiever program developed by Bob Proctor (of The Secret fame). Jake provides you with a booklet, a set of CD's and six weeks of his personal coaching through the Goal Achiever program and I'm here to tell you—DO IT! Jake changed my life and the life of several of my close friends. The investment-to change your life-is $995.00 and that is cheap in contrast to one more day of being stuck mired in old conditioned patterns, habits and attitudes around your self worth, money, your life purpose and relationships. Jake WILL change your life and your life direction.

Number One Best Astrologer: Carol Ferris
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Tell her I sent you. Carol Ferris has been reading my charts, and the charts of everyone I know, for nearly thirteen years now. She saw more about me than I could possibly comprehend. She predicted my many year run of publishing with Simon & Schulster and has become a trusted advisor on matters of life energy, partner choices and business decisions.

Number One Favorite Restaurant: Screen Door & Porque no?

Screen Door is Southern cuisine and is run by Nicole and David, a great couple with a new baby boy! They are great people, very hard working and they produce some of the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. Ever.

Porque No? is mexican and run by a wonderful woman and a great dance teacher, Claire (and her husband Brian). I love both these places and am at them a couple times a month. The service is great, the food is fresh NW and the atmosphere at both places is sensational.

Number One Hamburger in Portland: Bamboo Sushi

If you have to eat a hamburger, do it right. Kobe beef, so tender it melts in your mouth, served on a brioche bun. Share with a pal beucase it is too much for one person. I adore these hamburgers. And if you can't get a burger, because they are out, the rest of the menu is stunning! Perfect. I love Bamboo.

Number One Yoga in Portland: Root Whole Body

And I say this for several reasons. The studio is simply beautiful and going there, if you take the time to use the sauna and showers, is a real treat of self-pampering at an affordable price. Root also is home to several wonderful instructors: Chia Rafelson is truly the most amazing, compassionate and insightful instructor I have come in contact with. Sarah Robinette is also quite wonderful and a mainstay in my yoga regime. And Jay Fields is a treat for those who want deep, core understanding of the body. Another worthy mention is Joel Schudde.

Number One Tea House: Heaven's Tea

Paul is a tea master who takes you to an entirely new dimenstion when it comes to drinking and utilizing tea in your life. I personally drink several pots of tea a day, from seven in the morning on. I drink tea when I teach as well and Paul has guided my tea choices to be more healthy and conscious. I had no idea I was consuming pesticide loaded tea. Now I drink tea from 1500 year old trees and bushes, that brings me to a place of instantaneous calm and peace.

Number One Photographer: Staci Vriese
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[image error] Staci got me into her studio, with my kids in tow, in about a day of notice. And she took simply gorgeous shots of me and that wasn't easy. I was wearing sweats and no makeup when I arrived. We worked together for about an hour and the work was complete. She even took photos of my kids. She was a dream! A dream and a heart felt woman on top of it. If you are looking for gorgeous shots of your family, your kids or yourself—run to see Staci.

Number One Real Estate Guru: Stephanie Wiarda

Stephanie treats you like royalty and has an exquisite eye for detail and beauty. No wonder, she used to run an art gallery I believe. The woman works overtime for you and keeps on working even when the deal is done. Tell her I sent you. She is a gem. You'll never let her go.

Number One Auctioneer: Steve Dorsey

Yes, I used to be married to Steve and this is us with out wonderful boy, Spencer! And Steve is still the best damn auctioneer in town. If you have a fundraiser coming up and need to get the job done, raise a lot of money and have a great time, Steve is the guy. He works his tail off for you and is a real person. He listens and gives great advice. This year he was in New York, auctioning for the Parkinson Foundation and here in Portland worked for several schools and for WorkStock. He will raise money for your organization. Guaranteed.