TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
We Have No Reason to Not Get Along: An Interview with The Cake Mamas
By Heather Hetchler
An interview with the mom-stepmom duo, The Cake Mamas, owners of a successful cupcake bakery in California and stars of The Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.”
Everything but Your Teeth
By Stacy Spencer Thompson
An excerpt from the in-progress memoir, The Blue Behind Us, which chronicles Stacy Spencer Thompson’s experiences becoming a stepmother.
Eyes Wide Open: An Interview with Gregg Ockun (Part 1)
By Mary T. Kelly, M.A.
Gregg Ockun, husband to StepMom Magazine publisher Brenda Ockun, figured out early on what priorities he needed to have in order to maintain a healthy relationship with his wife, as well as meet the needs of his two children.
Tension Tamers
By Peggy Nolan, MA, RYT
Do you spend most of your day with your brow furrowed and jaw clenched? Is the stress of being a stepmom keeping you up at night? Here are five ways to reduce and feel relaxed.
DEPARTMENTS
Brenda’s Corner
Letter from the publisher.
Urban Stepmom
Lisa Bagshaw on the double life of the childless stepmom.
On the Money
Laura Petherbidge with a father’s guide to sharing the truth about money with his kids.
Legal Matters
Lara Badain, Esq., offers information for divorcing stepparents.
Social Network
School Open Houses: Some stepmoms want to attend while others steer clear. We asked our Facebook followers for their thoughts.
Life on the Tipping Point
Ms. Taken on reaching fulfillment through stepparenting.
House Rules
Susan Swanson, Ph.D., LCSW, shares a judge’s sound advice for parents and stepparents.
Fitness Zone
Valerie Waldron Hedlund debunks seven common fitness myths.
The Inside Scoop
Emily Bouchard, MSSW advises stepmoms not to take hurtful comments personally.
From the Kitchen
A special recipe from The Cake Mamas!
Stylish Stepmom
Heidi Ducato with some cool back-to-school items.
Journal
Words of Wisdom