October 26, 2006

Almaden woman pens ‘The Girlfriends Guidebook’

Offers referrals on businesses, doctors, etc.

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Looking for a good pediatrician, roofer, beauty cream, financial advisor or kids’ hair salon? All this and more can be found in Annette Mackaness’ “The Girlfriends Guidebook,” a tactical guide of referrals, tips and advice for informed South Bay living.

Annette Mackaness’ book, “The Girlfriends Guidebook” is the perfect fit for this season of her life. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“The idea all started with my Las Madres group,” said the energetic, petite Mackaness. “We would compare notes about the best vet, cool kids’ activities, appliance repair person or spas. Someone said we should keep a list of all this needed information. I started a journal of third-party referrals and now it’s “The Girlfriends Guidebook” with the best of the best.”

The process started as the collection of referrals grew when Mackaness requested feedback from the hundreds of e-mails she sent out requesting services “that people could rave about.” Mackaness even created a Web site where the guidebook may be downloaded.

“I’m from Southern California and I really had to rely on my new friends to learn my way around the South Bay,” said Mackaness. “Over the past 14 years if I’ve ever needed a good referral, I’d ask my friends. I named it ‘The Girlfriends Guidebook’ because it was my girlfriends that I always went to when I needed referrals. I also wanted to raise awareness for women’s and children’s charitable organizations.”

Mackaness admits that there is a place in her heart for volunteer work. She donated her time at Next Door Solutions for Domestic Violence for two years, but left after finding out that raising her three children, 8-year-old Matthew, 5-year-old Bobby and 2-year-old Alayna, was a full-time job.

She manages to volunteer at her kindergartner’s classroom once a week and leads a Bible study class at St. Timothy’s, but wanted to do more. She desires to raise awareness of charitable causes and organizations focusing on children and family issues and has a section regarding local, national and international groups that will benefit from a donation of $3 from each sale of “The Girlfriends Guidebook.” She’ll even donate to local schools if that’s your preference and recently contributed $48 to Williams Elementary School from sales of the book.

“The Girlfriend’s Guide is awesome,” said new Almaden resident Sarah Benson. “I moved here last December from Chicago. I met Annette at a mother’s group and she brought us a meal after we had the baby and dropped off a guide. It saved my life. I was looking for advice on doctors, pediatricians, dentists, schools, places for dinner, pretty much everything and it was all in the guide. I use it all the time and really depend on what other trustworthy moms and friends recommend.”

But Mackaness isn’t stopping there. She still is collecting referrals and plans to publish updated copies yearly for her tactical guide to South Bay living. Besides local restaurants and activities she’s included Las Vegas, Tahoe, Scottsdale, Carmel eateries and even a Disneyland survival guide. And she’s also creating “Welcome Home” gift baskets, which include the guide for new homeowners, as well as wine, glasses, candles and a gift certificate.

“We don’t chose doctors, vets, hairdressers or other important service providers in our lives without the referrals of trusted friends,” said Almaden resident BJ Bushur. “This is a great resource for anyone who’s dissatisfied with their current service providers or need new services for the first time [first time moms, new pet owners, new to the area]. Since I know Annette and many of the people who contributed to the Girlfriends Guide, I trust their advice. I like the format, too, by category of things ‘real people’ need.”

Almaden resident Rhonda Kutche concurs, calling the Mackaness’ guidebook “very user-friendly, entertaining and an easy read!”

Written with wit and candor, “The Girlfriends Guidebook” showcases everyday consumers’ experiences with bay area services, medical professionals and the like. Mackaness own love of spas, beauty items and health clubs is in the Just for Us Girlfriends section. And be sure to read the unfortunate events chapter where Mackaness shares what to do if your purse is stolen—culled from personal experience.

“The Girlfriends Guide is very useful,” said New Almaden Quicksilver Museum Park Interpreter Terri Sanislo-Williams. “There is nothing like the voice of experience. It’s invaluable for women but guys like and use it as well. It’s a great source book for living in the area.”

When Mackaness isn’t collecting referrals, she’s running every morning at 5:30 a.m., enjoying Mommie and Me tumbling and Time for Twos with the kids, gardening and cooking her favorite recipes for her husband Jim that, of course, she has listed in “The Girlfriends Guidebook.”

“This is my community service project in this season of my life with the kids,” said self-admitted Type-A personality Mackaness. “I’ll keep doing it if people find it useful.”

For more information on “The Girlfriends Guidebook,” visit www.girlfriendsguidebook.net or email at girlfriendsguide@sbcglobal.net.

Meet Annette Mackaness at her first book signing of “The Girlfriends Guidebook” at Unwined, 6946 Almaden Expressway. [At the PW Shopping Center] on Nov. 16 at 7:30 pm. Call (408) 323-WINE for more information.