MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

As Mother’s Day approaches, and we continue to walk through another beloved holiday in the middle of this pandemic. We have the opportunity to be creative and work with our local businesses and experiences to set a new course of direction for all our gifting needs.

These challenging times allow us to take advantage of the services that have long been offered but perhaps unknown to the general public. Our local boutique gift shops offer personal shopping experiences. Local wineries and hotels can help you create a unique day or weekend package to use now or in the future. Salons and hairstylists will put together personalized bags or baskets with a gift card, products, and other items readily available. Restaurants and caterers are at your fingertips, bringing home your mother or wife’s favorite meal or dessert. Not to mention items you may already have at home that you can customize.

There are many options, so to pin it down, here are a few ideas and tips to help make your Mother’s Day gifting one for the records books because we all need a little sunshine, and what better way than to celebrate these special women in our lives.

Personal Shopping

Having a shop owner as your personal shopper is a unique experience for sure and who would know their product more. The success of this type of shopping is all up to you, so here are a few things to help give guida n c e By Hayley Mattson

to your personal shopping experience: • Photo of your mom (or loved one) • Three words you would use to best describe her; outgoing, loving, scheduled, humorous, thoughtful, giving, to name a few, get your kiddos involved too • Three things your mom loves and enjoys; coffee, reading, taking photos, cooking, gardening, grandkids, antiquing, etc. • A magazine or book your mom loves; Paso Robles Magazine, Colony Magazine, The Notebook, The Moment of Lift, anything she has on the kitchen counter, nightstand or coffee table • Direction, what are you looking for; two-three gifts that can be put together in a cute bag or basket, one significant gift, a few small items that you will be joining with other products from a different source or location or you can let them know you have no idea and they will guide you • Finally, your budget, regardless of what that the amount is your personal shopper will be able to assist and let you know what they can provide, this is key to the success of your experience and outcome so be sure to plan accordingly

A few Local Shopping Resources: The General Store, Paso Robles; Reminisce Antiques, Paso Robles; Anna and Mom, Atascadero; Farron Elizabeth, Atascadero; Hope Chest Emporium, Atascadero; Indigo

Clothing, Atascadero.

Local Outing and Getaway

As with our small shop owners, our local economy is driven by touring our beautiful area, so why not use our local resources to create an experience she will not forget. Here are some packages that can be put together just by calling your favorite winery or hotel: Picnic pairing with your local wineries • Contact your favorite local winery • Request a cheese platter and two bottles of wine • Ask them to write down the types of cheese and descriptions of any other items on the tray along with details about the wine and why they chose to pair it with the food, note; this may take a few days to prepare so be sure to give them that time • Let them know this is a gift, and they will package it for you in a bag or a basket depending on your budget • Finally, your part is to plan where to have the picnic, ask your littles where they want to go, whether it be in your back yard or a remote location, whichever you choose it is sure to be unique, just remember to bring something for the kids to enjoy too. Getaway with your local hotels • Determine if you want to plan a stay-cation now or a future date • Contact one of the beautiful hotels we have along the Central Coast within San Luis County • Let them know that this is a gift for Mother’s Day and what are their local specials and the dates required to use by • Request, no contact room service, coffee in the room and two local restaurants that you can pre-plan meals while visiting • Request that flowers be in the room upon arrival and a bottle of champagne, wine or sparkling water • Ask if they can send you an e-card with all the details so you can place in a card for your loved one • Finally, have your kiddos make a beautiful card or pick one up from one of your local gift shops, along with a puzzle or some flowers to present or drop off on Mother’s Day for her to enjoy

A few Local Winery and Hotel Resources: Tooth & Nail, Templeton; Aron Hill Vineyards, Templeton; J. Dusi, Paso Robles; Rava Wines, Paso Robles; Adelaide Inn, Paso Robles; Hotel Cheval, Paso Robles.

Personal Chef & Spirits

This happens to be one of my personal favorites; if anything positive has come from the health crisis, this is it. Having local chefs from our five-star restaurant’s meal plan for us a few days a week or month could not be any better. Here is a way to best utilize their services: Mother’s Day

Personal Dining Experience • Choose your Mom or Wife’s local favorite restaurant • Plan your meal, whether it be a picnic, candlelight dinner or brunch at home • Call ahead give them as much advance notice as possible so you can coordinate picking it up and the at home cooking arrangements if needed along with any special beverages, they may offer • Request that they email you a specialized menu or details regarding the order and what you will be serving • Print out your menu or have the kiddos write it and place in a frame from home you already have to set the table the day of • Go out and pick some flowers from your yard or a have local florist drop off a beautiful arrangement for your loved one and enjoy the special day

A few Local Restaurant and Florist Resources: Odyssey World Café, Paso Robles; Thomas Hill Organics, Paso Robles; Red Scooter Deli, Paso Robles; Cider Creek Bakery, Paso Robles; Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, Paso Robles; Tooth & Nail, Templeton; Pacific Harvest Catering, Templeton; Colony Market & Deli, Atascadero; Guest House Grill, Atascadero.

Regardless if you decide to use your local resources or items that you already have at home, being together (in person or virtually) and enjoying the moment appreciating all she does and has done is what the real meaning is all about. The greatest gift you will ever know is to love and be loved in return.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mommas and women who step-up and fill that significant role. 

Shop Entrada for Mother's Day

What are the odds that three businesses sitting side by side with each other all have mothers working beside their daughters? Well, it’s true! On Entrada Avenue, in Atascadero, the owners of Black Sheep, Farron Elizabeth, and Anna & Mom all have their mothers working beside them.

Vintage boutique, Black Sheep, was opened in June of 2019 by Tiffani Pryor. Her passion for unique vintage finds developed into also supporting local artists, woman-owned businesses, and giving back concept companies. Pryor carries locally owned Rosen Skincare, Cloud Bench Jewelry, Wildly Pine Jewelry, and more. In the shop, Pryor creates macrame and weaving art pieces and displays them for sale in the store with custom options available.

Pryor always related herself as the black sheep of her family, inspiring the name of her vintage boutique. Her mother, known beloved as Mother T, has become a face customers look forward to seeing when visiting Black Sheep. Mother T believed in Pryor and her vision for her vintage store from the start.

“My mother and I are a team,” says Pryor, “we have bonded over this adventure, and Black Sheep continues to bring both of us so much joy and a deeper mother-daughter relationship.”

Black Sheep has not only let Pryor embrace her enthusiasm for vintage clothing, but it has ignited a passion for supporting her local community. Pryor understands the importance of small businesses and advocates for them to use teamwork.

Next door to Black Sheep, shoppers will find clothing boutique, Farron Elizabeth. Owner Farron Walker is currently celebrating the store's fifth anniversary! She opened the store in April five years ago after falling in love with the charming downtown of Atascadero.

Farron’s boutique carries attainable and affordable clothing and accessories. Customers can also shop Farron Elizabeth at farronelizabeth.com for added convenience! With free shipping and returns, customers can buy online and experience the same in-store feel and customer service.

Karla Falk, Farron’s mother, shares a love for fashion with her daughter.

“It’s comforting having your mom around, and it's just nice being around By Camille DeVaul

her—I can bounce ideas off of her, she has a really good sense of fashion,” says Farron.

Many customers have made friends with Farron and her mother. They work harmoniously together to create an atmosphere that feels like home to customers. Her store and employees can relate to women with all body types and stages of life.

On the other side of Farron, Elizabeth shoppers will find children and mother boutique, Anna & Mom. Anna Pecharich, the owner of Anna & Mom, fulfilled her dream of opening her retail store in August of 2017. Here, shoppers can find unique clothing and gifts for children ages newborn and up! When Pecharich opened her shop, she decided to offer clothing and gifts for mothers when they come to shop for their children. When Father’s Day comes around, they have the perfect gifts for dad too!

Building the store was an act of labor of love. With the help of her mother, Pecharich built the store into what it is today.

Pecharich says, “My mom and I have always been really close.”

Jill Olsen, the mother of Pecharich, is a recent breast cancer survivor. After taking a year away from the store to recover, she is happy to be back beside her daughter and granddaughter, Isabella Pecharich, who also loves to work in the boutique.

“she will step in or step out; however, I need her,” says Pecharich. “I’m so fortunate that my mom can do that with me.”

Customers can look forward to some exciting changes coming to Anna & Mom soon!

The downtown Entrada area of Atascadero is blooming into a lively area for dining and shopping. On the first Friday of each month, shops in the area are open until 8:00 PM, which coincides with their Art, Wine, & Brew Tour happening every three months! During the Art, Wine & Brew Tour, guests can stroll around City Hall and enjoy tastings and other offerings from merchants throughout the area.

It is more important now than ever to support your community by shopping small. What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than to stop by spending an afternoon helping this trio of strong women-owned businesses who all have their mother’s by their side. 

as we continue to experience major lifestyle changes due to COVID19 pandemic, it’s more important now more than ever to stay positive and creative with our time. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updated information and funny videos!

Miserable with Allergies?

In addition to providing you with some effective immune support products, this beautiful Spring weather has those prone to allergies feeling a bit miserable. The Natural Alternative is stocked up with your favorites for this glorious time of year!

LifeSeasons BreatheX Allergy & Sinus Support supports immune function, normal histamine production and relieves sinus congestion. BreatheX provides sinus support and soothes nasal passages with quercetin and bromelain which help maintain healthy sinus tissues and Vitamin C that supports immunity and normal histamine production. The citrus bioflavonoids promote blood vessel integrity and healthy immune response and nettle leaf calms histamine production. BreatheX has been awarded “Best in Class” for relief from allergy symptoms. Now on sale 20% of during the month of May!

Matthew’s Honey is our local honey that customers love! Exceptionally rich in nutrients and savory sweet, this antioxidant rich honey is a great compliment to oatmeal, tea, coffee or whatever needs a touch of healthy sweetness!

To keep nasal passages clear, try an ancient secret – the Neti Pot! It can be used daily while showering to remove dust, pollen, excess mucous and other irritants. Used with a saline solution (we also carry the special salt), you gently rinse your nasal passages to soothe and moisten when they feel dry and irritated.

As an alternative to Neti Pot, try Xlear saline nasal spray to alleviate nasal congestion and relieve sinus pressure. The key here is to reduce the irritant’s ability to adhere to nasal membranes, washing away dust and pollen that triggers an allergic response resulting in runny nose and watery eyes. This simple spray is natural, fast & effective, and safe for daily use!

We are working hard to continue to restock supplements, especially immune and allergy support products. If you call us at (805) 237-8290 with your order, we can ring up for you and have ready for curbside delivery. If you are not able to pick up, we certainly can mail to you.

If you wish to place an order or just need some support during this critical time, please call us – we are here for you!

The Team @ The Natural Alternative Nutrition Center got allergies?

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DIAGNOSIS, PRESCRIPTION OR TREATMENT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL COUNSELING WITH A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

antique equipment show at Santa Margarita Ranch

For the ultimate All American Memorial Day weekend, step out into the fresh air and tour the Best of the West Antique Equipment Show at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch!

Starting Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24, guests are welcome to explore and enjoy the equipment that helped build America into the country it is today. More importantly, the weekend is dedicated to remembering and honoring veterans who have given their lives for our country.

The Best of the West Antique Equipment Show is a Pioneer Day committee event. Santa Margarita Ranch poses as the perfect location to enjoy a family gathering outside and teach the younger generations about the heritage of our area.

Due to COVID-19, the Pioneer Day Committee has decided to proceed with caution for the event and are continually monitoring the current situation.

Tom Madden, Pioneer Day committee member, says, “We don’t want to do anything that’s going to jeopardize anybody’s health.”

The decision to cancel or postpone the event will be made by local, state, or federal officials. Until that decision is made, the show must go on! Anyone who has attended the past few years at the show knows Santa Margarita Ranch has the acreage to adapt to social-distancing rules and still be fun.

“I’m getting calls every day from people saying ‘please don’t cancel it By Camille DeVaul

because if this all plays out by then, we’re all going to need something to do,’” says Madden, “your event is so spread out that it would be the perfect kind of event.’”

Tickets are now available online or can be purchased at the gate. Weekend passes are $25, and day passes are $10 with children ages 10-and-under free. Guests can also opt to camp at the grounds for an additional fee. All proceeds from the show will help fund the Best of the West Show and annual Paso Robles Pioneer Day festivities.

Each morning the gates open at 8 a.m. and close that evening at 5 p.m. Food and beer sales open at 10 a.m. with plenty of options, including the Farm Bureau Trip Tip, 4-H Burgers and Corn, 805 Taqueria, and more. At noon each day, all operations will pause for a military salute with the flag in the car and train area. A military parade follows the salute at 12:30 p.m.

Throughout the day, depending on current social distancing guidelines, guests can enjoy a tractor parade, earthmoving demo, plowing demo, blacksmithing, and so much more! A favorite crowd activity is taking a ride on the train. Not just any train, but a steam engine from Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and passenger coaches from Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad from the 1950s! Train rides begin each morning at 9:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Trips leave about every 60 minutes, and separate tickets for the train can be purchased in person for an additional fee.

about every 60 minutes, and separate tickets for the train can be purchased in person for an addi- tional fee.

In addition to trains and antique farming equipment, military aircraft from WWII are on display and take a flight throughout the weekend.

“We’ve had the B-25 every year,” says Madden, “and that model of airplane was instrumental in the first attack on Japan in 1942, the surprise Doolittle raiders attack and we have other military aircraft that come.”

Sometimes veterans take a ride in the B-25. Military tanks and other equipment are also displayed at the show. Veterans themselves own many of the aircraft on display.

In the past, on Friday, the first day of the show, school field trips were scheduled to come and explore the show. About 300 to 400 third and fourth graders from around the county get to go and explore the ranch and take train rides. There is something for everyone to enjoy there.

Madden mentions that he loves, “Anything old that can teach history, and I love the train there.”

The Best of the West show is an opportunity to teach students how Memorial Day weekend is more than just the start of summer — it’s about honoring those who have given their lives for our country.

Students have so much fun; many of them end up coming back with their families. The event is so vast and spread out you could attend all three days and see some- thing new.

For the best possible expe- rience, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking! Hats are recommended for hot days or even days when we expect a few light sprinkles. A schedule is available online so visitors can plan their visit accordingly.

Locals from around the county bring equipment and tractors from various decades. “It showcases the mechanized progress of 20th

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Guests can enjoy a tractor parade, earthmoving demo, plowing demo, blacksmithing, and even ride on a steam engine from Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.

WWII military equipment, like the B-52 will also be on display.

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century America,” says Madden

In 2017, the show’s biggest year, there were several hundred pieces of equipment on display. Andy Brown, with ABI Construction, Carson Wiley from Arroyo Grande, and Dwight Peterson, are just a few of the many locals who bring in their antique machinery. Joel and Terry Switzer bring their gas engines, trucks, and some cars to show. Switzer, Peterson, and others also sponsor a Friday night gathering for all the sponsors.

The Hansen family is also heavily involved in putting on the Best of the West Show. They bring in their Cat 60 and are instrumental in getting volunteer truckers as well as getting other businesses involved with the show.

It has become a community effort to put on the show. Entirely run by volunteers, the show is becoming a tradition that many look forward to every year.

JB Dewar is known as the “rockstar” of the community not only for their contributions to Pioneer Day and the Best of the West Show but for their tractor restoration kids and more. They have been donating oil and fuel to the tractors for as long as anyone can remember.

Memorial weekend is known to be the kickoff of summer, but more importantly, it is dedicated

to remembering and honoring veterans who gave their lives serving. This year, we will have many people to thank for their service to our country in more ways than one.

“We want first responders, doctors, nurses, paramedics and everybody out there to know we got your back and we love you and appreciate you,” says Madden, “They are on the frontlines of something different from war but equally as devastating to those who are impacted.” 

For more information on tickets, trailer camping, and all the show has to offer visit: bestofthewestshow.com