Exotics by the Guy is a locally owned and operated custom store that offers a wide variety of the most sought-after foreign and rare snacks, drinks, cookies, and candy. They also offer Naruto cards, Pokemon Cards, Love Stickers, Croc Charms, Funko Pop figures and so much more. Exotics by the Guy has been in business for eight years with five-star reviews.
LORI ARMSTRONG
Kingdom Games are locally owned and operated custom gaming stores with three Lake County locations, offering a wide variety of new and used video games, accessories, and an array of tabletop games, including Magic The Gathering-related products.
Sister’s CoffeeHouse is a locally owned and operated custom coffee shop specializing in a variety of hot and cold drinks and mouth-watering grab-go breakfast and lunch options. They take pride in fresh ingredients and stress putting love in every custom order. Their delicious drinks range from Blue Raspberry Shakes to Caramel Frappes with sugar-free and Keto options available. How about a Lavender White Mocha with Blackberry drizzle?
I am happy to present to you our thirteenth local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – Grillagan’s Island. Grillagan’s Island is a locally owned and operated custom fast-serve restaurant specializing in a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, fresh burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, homemade soups, and salads with gluten-free and vegan options available.
Our recent Lake County business featured was Jon Martin & Nick Hough, owners of Stitched Designs LLC, who chose to Pay it Forward to Baylee Grove, owner of Rock N’ Rolled Ice Cream.
Stitched Designs LLC is a locally owned and operated custom apparel, engraving, embroidery, logo design establishment that caters to and supports our local community – everything from headwear and t-shirts to signs for special events. They are located in Middletown and have achieved a high positive rating from their customers.
I am happy to present to you our tenth local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – Barbecue By Biasotti. Barbecue By Biasotti is a locally owned and operated barbecue establishment that caters to and supports our local community – they will soon be opening a restaurant in Middletown! Barbecue By Biasotti (BBB) earned the Best BBQ & Catering award in the Best of Lake and Mendocino contest.
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.
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.
