Our recent Lake County business featured was Itzia Rico, owner of Studebakers Coffee House & Deli, who chose to Pay it Forward to Caitlin Andrus, owner of Oak Boutique. Oak Boutique is a locally owned and operated women’s and children’s clothing store that features a variety of clothing, bags, jewelry, accessories, children’s & inspirational books with specialty clothing for the locals, and so much more.
LORI ARMSTRONG
I am happy to present to you our eighth local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – Studebakers Coffee House & Deli.
The Men’s Place is a locally owned and operated barber shop that specializes in men’s hair. Marisol Fernandez is a licensed cosmetologist and barber, offering quality haircuts in Lake County, California. You can book appointments online and her positive ratings are through the roof with many repeat clients. Marisol provides a friendly, fast and convenient service. The Men’s Place is located in North Lakeport in the same shopping center as Chalerm Thai Bistro.
I am happy to present to you our sixth local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – Sky Shop Autobody & Detailing.
I am happy to present to you our fifth local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – Terped Out Kitchen.
I am happy to present to you our fourth local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – A + H General Store.
Our latest Lake County business feature was Gillian Gallagher, owner of The Angry Baker Kitchen Store, who chose to Pay it Forward to Sandra Campos, owner of Fixin’ It Up with Sandra. The catch is that I will not choose the next business to interview, but the current spotlighted business will choose who I will interview next. Local businesses will Pay it Forward. Fixin’ It Up with Sandra is a unique store offering homemade and hand-selected distinctive gifts – everything from homemade festive wreaths to room sprays to a wide array of homemade candles and more.
I am happy to present to you our second local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – The Angry Baker Kitchen Store. The Angry Baker Kitchen Store is a boutique kitchen store offering unique gifts, expansive classes, gift registry and gift cards. Gillian has been known to create some mouth-watering temptations available at her store – everything from shortbread cookies to vanilla white chocolate cupcakes and much more.
Our local businesses deserve some love after the challenges from Covid-19 and our recent struggling economy. Every month two Lake County businesses will be highlighted through a unique series of questions. The catch is that I will not choose the next business to interview, but the current spotlighted business will choose who I will interview next. Local businesses will Pay it Forward.
What is it about Christmas that leaves most of us feeling nostalgic? Is it a notion or a magical childhood for the fortunate filled with wonder looking back as they grow old? But what about those who struggle with overwhelming sadness during the long holiday season?
Out of nowhere sharp pains struck the upper portion of my chest that brought me to my knees. I knew I suffered from a rare heart disease as my dad’s coroner advised me to seek the professional opinion of a cardiologist. Being further studies were still being done, I immediately called my doctor and more precise tests were done to narrow down the mysterious culprit.
These days we are learning the importance of mental health. Being a good mother doesn’t mean surrendering your happiness for your child/children but balancing your genuine happiness. I think most of us have been there when we are exhausted from volunteering, being there for your kids, your spouse. There is a better way. Here are a few reasons you should start (if you are not already) discovering your own happiness.
Social Anxiety is not as common as shyness. An individual suffering from social anxiety exhibits a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms that can either deliver mild distress or leave one feeling momentarily debilitated. It’s never too late to know the difference and make changes in our lives. If powerful negative thoughts are controlling your life, get help and talk with a professional or confidant. We have one life. Don’t let years pass by without being the best version of you.
Lisa Jones greets me from the back room as her cheerful assistant, Kathy, leads me down the long hallway to a large room oozing with creativity. The professional and sturdy sewing machines are strategically placed throughout the room. These are not your grandmother’s Singers as these immense and elaborate seamstress tools display a more professional presence. I introduce you to Throckmorton Jones…What is Throckmorton Jones? Founding designer Lisa Jones will tell you it is a boutique, gallery, and atelier offering unique custom clothing and accessories for both men and women.
Our lives are a beautiful set of stages, and no two stages or journeys are identical. Happiness is seen through a different lens for us all. If we are wise enough to embrace our failures as we age, we learn these mistakes are merely stepping stones to a better place. Keep learning. Keep moving forward. Never limit yourself.
There are times in this life that we must be our own doctor and refuse to throw up our hands and give up. Life is short. No one will do it for you.
Every step we take in this life ultimately leads us to where we are meant to be. Pay attention to your talents and what it is you love to do. The simplicity of it all may surprise you when you accept the flow of life.
My father left us all with a gift. A gift of celebrations we shared, mistakes we made and mistakes made by our ancestors. This treasured keepsake continues to teach me and my children the importance of keeping a journal and leaving a legacy, which can provoke a positive conversation. Although we cannot predict the future, we can certainly try to make the best out of this life and not tread on others.
When was the last time you cut an onion and slowly the tears poured, your eyes ached and you said never again? Have you ever felt the sting from a toxic relationship? We repeat the unpleasantries over and over again, thinking we are stuck with the virulent relationships that suck our soul from our being.
For most of us, when we rush our tasks, they are usually not completed as well as when we take our time. Whether it be taking the kids to school, getting ready for work, writing that essay; we miss key points, lack that polished project, become sloppy and sometimes are even responsible for accidents.
It was in that moment we all agreed Grandpa needed an immediate medical diagnosis as the dreaded disease reared its ugly head. That same month Grandpa was diagnosed with an early onset of Alzheimer’s; marked by symptoms of dementia, which grew increasingly worse. We gathered mountains of information about the disease, being most grateful for the opportunity to spend time with Grandpa and understand the condition doesn’t change who they are.The positive information that remains vivid in my mind is what NOT to say to someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
What happens when someone clearly expects us to fail? Depending on your personality, it motivates us to either prove them wrong or prove it to ourselves, which often leads to performing better. Underdogs are humble by nature. Remember that we all fall short at times in this life and expectations can make or break us. Life is filled with insurmountable obstacles and a supportive and determined framework of believing in yourself, against all odds, can clear the fear and doubt that hold you back.
There are times in life we may feel like sitting on our pity pot, which is understandable. The damage to our psyche comes when we forever sit on that pity pot. Life isn’t perfect. Try your best to find that rainbow.
We are on this earth for a short visit and disputing senseless battles take up your valuable time and energy. Sometimes being victorious is not the most important aspect in life, but making the best use of your time while here on earth can do wonders for you.
Sometimes in this life we encounter individuals, often family, that challenge our patience and attempt to hurt our feelings; without meaning to do so. We can maintain a healthy balance in our minds by understanding those who have good intentions and also removing those from our elevator that are toxic. Know the difference. Life is short and your peace matters.
