We hope this issue finds you enjoying some much needed sunshine and any trips that you and your family may embark upon.
We appreciate all of your messages, words of encouragement and support as we have stepped into the Title Sponsorship of this publication. It was great to meet many of the contributors at our first MomsTown meet up. Stay tuned for more events and ways to bring the community together through this amazing opportunity.
As we continue to navigate this post pandemic world, we have seen our market in flux over the past 12 months. With the historic rise in interest rates and slowing of the “Great Reshuffling” as we called it, we saw our market slow due to buyer pull back in the fall and winter months.
Conversely, coming out of the holidays newly fueled buyer demand saw some lift in price in the early spring. Buyers that had not been able to purchase last year due to the frenzy and had opted to rent were back in the market with adjusted expectations. This demand did spark some price increase with multiple offers once again becoming the norm.
The biggest change locally has been the lack of the “desire Seller” in our area. Sellers that typically move up, move down or move around for a view, pool or location have stayed put. We are calling this the “hunkering down” phase. We are seeing homeowners stay in their current homes due to locked in low interest rates and just add that pool they’ve always wanted or remodel their kitchen instead of opting for a new home.
Fast forward through the spring market and we did see the highest sale ever in San Elijo Hills with our sale of 927 Pearl Drive in the Estates at $3,550,000. We are honored that the Farber Family entrusted us with the sale of this beautiful property. As eXp Luxury certified agents, our access to this platform allowed us to have incredible reach for promoting this home. You will find more information on our eXp Luxury program in this issue.
As the summer selling season is in full swing as of this writing, we are seeing signs of the same cyclical patterns we did prior to the pandemic. Sellers that need to sell are putting their homes on the market but the inventory remains at extremely low levels creating more price velocity making it a great time for sellers to maximize their equity.
We look forward to continuing to be your trusted source to help your family make informed decisions that are right for you. Now more than ever local expertise and experience are needed to navigate this market as “when to sell” or “when to buy” becoming more relevant considerations. I am a battle tested Realtor who has always been committed to being ahead of what is around the corner not only for our team but also our clients.
If you’d like to showcase your business and advertise with MomsTown, please reach out to Mary or Heather to give your business a boost in 2023!
Summer is here and we have a lot to celebrate!
This month’s cover mom, Stephanie Brown, is the founder of The Rosie Network. Stephanie and her team work every day to celebrate independence by helping military families start and run small businesses. You’ll find strength in her story on pages 12 & 13.
July 16th is National Ice Cream Day, but we think any day is a good day to celebrate ice cream. And, if you’re looking for creative flavors then a must-try is Wynston’s Ice Cream in San Marcos. Local mom, Sarah Wynn, could not have imagined what would be churned up when she gave her husband an ice cream maker as a gift. To find out what came next, turn to page five.
On July 5,1946, the two-piece bathing suit made its debut. First created by a French designer, a Carlsbad designer is continuing the tradition right here on our local beaches. July 5th is National Bikini Day, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than with Netta Ziv, the Carlsbad mom making a splash in the bikini business.
Those are just a few of the local moms we’re shining a light on this month. We’re also proud to announce that MomsTown is launching a new podcast, “How Mom Made It! ~ in San Diego!”
Launching Fall 2023! Using your phone, click on the QR code and listen to the trailer!
Warmly, Heather & Mary
Everyday begins and ends with you
Your light touches every dark corner
Your heat warms every cold night
Without you, nothing can grow
Your rays are life giving and sustaining
There is nothing stronger in the universe
Nothing brighter
Nothing more beautiful
Jeana is a mother of three young children, a technology professional, a wife and an innovative thinker and passionate creative. Whether she's revolutionizing technology processes, bandaging scraped knees, or exploring new artistic endeavors, she continually strives to push boundaries, inspire others and leave a lasting legacy.
It’s safe to say two scoops of ice cream are better than one; which means two ice cream stores are also better than one. MomsTown is excited to share that a local fan favorite, Wynston’s ice cream in San Marcos, just opened a second location on Highway 101 in Del Mar.
We had a chance to speak with the owner, Sarah Wynn. She says the business started with an ice cream maker and a few dinner parties. Today, the Wynns are churning a passion for ice cream into a fabulous-fun-filled-family-owned business.
MOMSTOWN: Please give us a quick introduction; tell us a little about yourself what you’d like our readers to know?
SARAH: I am Sarah Wynn and my husband Chris and I moved to San Diego just over 7 years ago. After having moved every 2 to 3 years for the previous 14 years, we were thrilled to have found that we had moved to a warm and inclusive community here in San Elijo. Soon we were going to sports games with our kids' friends and families and headed to BBQs and backyard drinks with friends.
MOMSTOWN: How did you get started in the ice cream business?
SARAH: Part of our love of gathering has always included a love for food and sharing good eats with friends and family. Also, part of our previous traveling and moving had us ice-cream adventuring in every town with our kids. Putting those passions together in a new community, we began taking homemade ice-cream to dinner parties. Pretty soon we were making it for neighbors and tastings in the front yard of our Thorley Way front yardigans (LOL) and then began getting requests for pints. Before we knew it, we were speaking our long time dream of owning our own ice cream shop someday to our entire community and it was as if everyone was helping us search for the opportunity together.
MOMSTOWN: What does your business and serving ice cream mean to you?
SARAH: Sharing joy and happiness. The one place that always brings
joyful memories for both of us is gathering with friends and family around food and, specifically for Chris, it was with ice cream while camping during the summers with cousins. While our dream of entrepreneurship was always in the back of our minds, and owning our own business for our retirement dream, ice cream is the passion that flows through Chris’ veins and the desired creation of joyful memories for everyone flows through mine. It is essential to look for good in a world full of hardship. No one escapes it. But you can pause and slow down to create the beautiful memories and joyful moments that last a lifetime. Even when it’s a moment created by one scoop of ice cream.
MOMSTOWN: What has been the greatest joy in starting Wynston’s?
SARAH: Honestly, the surprise joy of working together as a couple has been incredible. I found a new sense of purpose with my “career,” as we are soon to be empty nesters. Our daughter is a freshman at UCSC, and our son is graduating from SMHS next year and they both work at the shop when they are able. Finding my purpose was unexpected as we grew the dream from Chris’ passion for ice cream, but I found a love for working with the crew and customers that felt I had been searching for it my entire life. I adore people and I love chatting and it was a lifelong dream to find a job where I can just talk! LOL
To be fully transparent, Chris and I are opposite personalities, so we worried it would be challenging to work together. The belief in me and trust to make our business decisions on the marketing, social media, crew training and networking for additional locations on the business development side has pumped a level of confidence into myself that I didn’t realize I had the capacity for. We have bumped heads from time to time on ideas but found that if we reach into each other’s communication styles, we are usually trying to get to the same solution.
MOMSTOWN: What has been the hardest part about building your business?
SARAH: There have been many different obstacles and challenges that range considerably. From a global pandemic, to the pure physical part of the job at my age (LOL), to the hiring and training a crew to speak
as we speak, and work like we work, to managing my life balance with family needs that were big over the last few years, it has been a life lesson in adaptability. Luckily Chris is a calculated risk taker and while I am a nervous nelly on the inside, I trust his calculated spreadsheets and decision making enough to know when it’s safe to jump with him over those decision cliffs.
MOMSTOWN: What tips would you offer to other moms who are thinking about turning their creativity/hobby/passion into a business?
SARAH: Start with speaking your dream aloud with friends. It will then get more comfortable speaking the dream to strangers and before you know it, there is an army of people believing in you that have their ears open for opportunities. All of our opportunities for spaces to lease have been creative solutions with friends and community just overhearing conversations and jumping in on our behalf. Make the product or do the thing, whatever that thing is, and test your market. Choose honest feedback. Be willing to pivot and think creatively with your expectations. Managing your expectations with room to wiggle will allow you to see opportunities that you may not have considered. And be tenacious and keep asking for creative opportunities. A no is only a no until it’s a yes.
MOMSTOWN: Finally, what are the most popular flavors and what is your favorite flavor?
SARAH: Our award winners are the F.T.W. (For the Wynn) Chocolate and Old Reliable (Vanilla). The top sellers of our ALWAYS (Classic & Nostalgic) are the Cookies IN Cream and our THAT Cookie Dough. I have many favorites as you would be with your very own children. When I’m in a classic mood, it’s always our chocolate. We use a Dutch chocolate with depth to the flavor that reminds me more of my growing
up years in Brazil and our trips to Europe. My favorite SOMETIMES (our rotating creative flavors) is probably Banana Pudding as it hits a nostalgic note for me from my childhood picnics with family in Alabama. Chris’ favorite is probably Midnight Munchies with his homemade sugar crumble of potato chips, pretzels, crackers and caramel swirl.
LOCATIONS:
San Marcos 250 N City Dr Suite 7 San Marcos, CA 92078 Parking structures easily accessible on either side of main roundabout (858) 923-1411
HOURS
M-Th - 12pm-10pm F-S - 12pm-11pm Sun - 12pm-10pm
Del Mar 1202 Camino Del Mar Suite A Del Mar CA (858) 208-3756
HOURS
Daily - 12pm-10pm
by Jenna Hermans
Communication consists of two parts: expressing yourself and listening to others. Communicating isn’t only about getting your ideas and concepts heard and acted upon, it also requires that you listen, understand, and take action on what other people say. This is called active listening and if you do it right, you’ll find that effective communication is less about talking and more about listening.
You know that listening is a much-needed skill let’s go over how to do it right. Active listening means to focus completely on the person speaking, understand their message, comprehend and integrate the information, and respond thoughtfully. In order to actively listen, you must make a conscious effort to not just hear what someone is saying but to also really absorb it — to digest the information and truly understand.
SHOW YOU'RE LISTENING
1. Turn your body to face the person talking to you.
2. Make and maintain eye contact.
3. Notice nonverbal signals, such as facial expressions and body language. All of this is a part of the conversation and the information they’re telling you. Are they tense? Open and loose? Are their arms crossed defensively? Are they rubbing their eyes as if they’re tired or upset?
4. Don’t impose your opinions or go immediately into problem-solving mode unless invited to do so.
5. Nod your head, smile, and make affirming noises, like “yes” and “uh huh.” It sounds small, but doing these things shows you’re listening and encourages the speaker to continue.
Make eye contact. Don’t look at your watch or phone (place your phone facedown if needed). Try to refrain from fidgeting or playing with your hair or fingers.
Eliminate distractions. If you can, silence your phone or even turn it off. If you’re on a video conference call, don’t try to check your email or play a game. You’ll lose focus and the speaker will pick up on it.
Pay attention. Don’t plan what you’re going to say next while someone is speaking. If your attention is on what you’re going to say, you aren’t fully able to hear what is being said.
Take notes. In more elaborate discussions, tell or ask the person if you can take notes so you can jot something down and come right back to listening. If you notice a distraction, return to listening. If you do get distracted, like the doorbell rings during a call or your kid melts down, notice the distraction and come straight back to listening.
Avoid drama dumping. I have a colleague with a teenage daughter and her friend group has an effective way to stay out of the drama dump that I think is brilliant. Before they text a dramatic situation or feeling (I mean, they’re teenage girls!), they ask, “Is it a good time to talk to you about something heavy?” And if they need to vent, they clarify, “I just need to vent; feel free to respond later!” Go teen calm!
Don’t interrupt. Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts to completion before you respond with your questions or thoughts.
Repeat back. Paraphrase the other person’s words to make sure you heard them correctly and to validate their thoughts. You can say, “So what I’m hearing you say is . which makes you feel like ” or “I want to make sure I understand can you repeat ?”
Ask questions. To show you are engaged and to clarify meaning, you might ask something like, “What do you mean when you say ?”
Ask open-ended questions. Seek first to understand instead of to be understood. By showing curiosity and interest in the other person’s perspective, you gain their trust and they will share more honestly.
You can’t be empathetic if you’re judging someone (even silently) as they’re talking,. Making judgmental statements or judgy body language (eye-rolling, dismissive hand-waving) will stop the other person from sharing. Extend respect, compassion, grace, and forgiveness to the degree that you would like it extended to you.
For more tips on how to create more calm in your life, visit Jenna’s website at JennaHermans.com
Splish, splash! It’s swimwear season!
We recently reached out to a local mom who knows how to celebrate summer in style! Carlsbad mom Netta Ziv is the founder and head designer of Naya Swimwear. Netta says she started the swimwear line with a vision to create a brand that reflects her personality while helping women and girls to feel beautiful, trendy, optimistic and comfortable, especially at our most vulnerable in a bikini.
MOMSTOWN: Tell us about you and what inspired you to start a swimwear company.
NETTA: As a young girl growing up on the coast of Israel, I became enthralled with the sea. I would walk through dense banana groves to arrive at Mediterranean beaches, spending sun-soaked days floating in the warm water. I became the sea child that I am today; a product of the sea.
I have always had a creative mind, spending my time drawing, painting or sewing "interesting" looks.
Fashion became a way to express my creativity, making people feel good, bringing color to the world and smiles to everyone my designs interact with. I quickly realized that fashion could actually become a way to make a living while pursuing my passion. After my acceptance to Textile Design studies in Shenkar Design Institute, a new spark propelled me forward and opened up doors for me that I never knew existed. Textile is the core of everything in fashion. My understanding of the role of textiles enriches how I express what is inside my mind onto a canvas, an expression of art on fabric. During the third year of my studies, I discovered swimwear design. That is when everything started to come together. To combine my passions for the sea, the waves, the sand and all its creatures with fashion, colors and trends.
MOMSTOWN: How did you come up with the idea to start Naya Swimwear? How did you come up with the name of your brand?
NETTA: I founded Naya Swimwear during my last year of school my final project was surf-wear and beachwear inspired by Polynesia, and girls just started reaching out to me and asked if I can make them a suit. So I started by sewing custom suits by myself, at school after hours. My business grew first from word-of-mouth while living in Tel Aviv in a tiny one-bedroom apartment. Girls would come choose the print they wanted and I would create the swimsuit of their dreams, measuring and fitting them according to their own unique bodies. It was hard work doing this alone, sometimes stretching long hours into the mornings, but it was worth it to see the girls’ smiles when they tried on the suits, looked in the mirror, and finally loved what they saw.
Each Naya Swimwear piece starts with a drawing. I hand-draw and paint each print in my collection. The
designs are printed on high-quality fabric, tested for quality and durability then cut and sewn. My inspiration comes from travels. In Hawaii, I discovered the vibrant colors that exist in nature, flowers in shapes I’d only imagined possible and exotic fish and animals unlike anywhere else. Even the name Naya is from the Hawaiian word Na’ia which means Dolphin. In India, I absorbed the richness of hues and the expressiveness of patterns. I started my swimwear line with a vision to create a brand that reflects my own personality but also enables women and girls to share their own vision with me, to feel beautiful, trendy, optimistic, and comfortable, especially when we are most vulnerable in a bikini!
MOMSTOWN: What brings you the greatest joy in turning your creativity into wearable art?
NETTA: My main motivation is to create swimwear that provides women with confidence. When I see the smiling faces of my “Naya Girls” when they look in the mirror, I know I’m on the right path. As part of this, I look at female entrepreneurs, succeeding and making their dreams reality, and look up to them. Naya Swimwear is a way to express my vision of women all over the world, in all sizes and colors, wearing my art my “Naya Girls.”
Another huge achievement that I am proud of is, turning Naya Swimwear into a sustainable brand, using only recycled and sustainable materials. I have already made the change and use recycled fabrics made from plastic bottles and fish nets as well as fabric remains, and use sustainable materials for my hang tags and liners.
MOMSTOWN: What has been the greatest challenge in starting your business?
NETTA: The main challenge is being a female entrepreneur in the fashion industry, without any connections to start with. Swimwear is widely known as being particularly competitive and harsh. There are so many swimwear companies and today, anything can be bought online for an inexpensive cost.
I use the highest quality and sustainable materials for manufacturing because I believe the material and fabric are an important part of a comfortable, functional suit that will last for years.
Another challenge is funding and to be able to manufacture high-quality sustainable products at an affordable price. The risk that I am taking in not using cheaper materials is daunting but non-negotiable, for me and my brand.
In 2019, I left Israel, and moved to San Diego to expand Naya Swimwear to the U.S. market. Moving to a new country and starting a business is very challenging
and exciting at the same time. My experience running the business in Israel gave me the courage to pursue this goal, but I still needed to start the entire production process and getting the word out from scratch here in California, which makes it challenging but so exciting.
There is so much potential for growth and awareness for one-of-a-kind swimwear designs made for all body types. I have already seen the success of the Naya brand with those women and girls in larger sizes and with bustier figures.
MOMSTOWN: What advice do you have to help others follow their passions and dreams?
NETTA: Persistence and not to let the ‘No’ bring you down. Just suck it in, let it go and keep going.
MOMSTOWN: How can MomsTown readers find your swimwear, clothing & accessories?
NETTA: I learned that there is a real challenge for women who don’t fit into a ‘type' the bustier ones, or those with different proportions to find a swim suit that fits their body, and is still trendy and cheeky. Working together with these women, I designed special cuts for real women busty, curvy, and everyone in between. I want my clients to feel like they have found trendy swimwear that fits their body perfectly.
Netta's line is available online: nayaswimwear.com
Customers seen by appointment @ Netta's studio in Carlsbad (858) 333-9203
naya@nayaswimwear.com instagram.com/nayaswimwear
AS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST THE OUTSIDE WORLD, SKIN IS THE BODY’S LARGEST ORGAN AND TAKES ON AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MAINTAINING OVERALL HEALTH. WHILE PRODUCTS LIKE SUNSCREEN AND MOISTURIZER CAN HELP SKIN THRIVE, HEALTHY SKIN STARTS FROM WITHIN, WHERE FOOD AND BEVERAGE CHOICES CAN PLAY A KEY ROLE.
One example is grapes: Emerging research suggests consuming grapes may help protect healthy skin even when exposed to UV light, which is known to be damaging. A study published in the journal “Antioxidants,” in which people consumed 2 1/4 cups of grapes every day for two weeks, showed increased resistance to sunburn and reduced markers of UV damage at the cellular level.
This study reinforced previous and similar findings published in the “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.” Grapes are also a hydrating food (82% water content) essential to healthy skin.
TO HELP TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN, CONSIDER THESE SKIN-FRIENDLY HEALTH TIPS:
PROTECT SKIN WHILE OUTDOORS
While perhaps an obvious step to some, one of the most direct ways you can protect skin is by applying sunscreen most experts recommend 30 SPF or higher before heading outdoors (and reapply every 1-2 hours). Additionally, consider wearing protective clothing, such as a hat large enough to shade your face and neck. If you plan to spend extended time in the sun, opt for a lightweight, long-sleeve shirt and pants for maximum skin coverage.
FILL YOUR PLATE WITH HEALTHY, HYDRATING FOODS
Nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables, can play an important role in achieving an overall balanced diet with adequate hydration. Enjoying the goodness of fresh or frozen Grapes from California can provide extra hydration and a boost of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols that help protect the health and function of the body’s cells, including those in the skin.
Drink water throughout the day, and for added flavor, infuse with fruits like frozen grapes. Simply rinse, pat dry, remove from the stems and freeze the grapes for 2 hours in a single layer on a sheet pan for flavorful ice cube replacements.
MANAGE STRESS
Whether it’s caused by a lengthy to-do list or general anxieties, stress can negatively impact skin health while even exacerbating certain conditions. Managing stress can offer a reprieve in multiple ways, including encouraging healthier skin. Some simple ways to relieve stress include exercising, getting enough sleep, lightening or limiting your workload, scaling back on to-do lists and making time for things you enjoy.
For an easy, refreshing way to add grapes to your menu and stay hydrated on warm days, try this Frosty Grape Hibiscus Slush for a subtly sweet, fruity tea in frozen form.
Prep time: 15 minutes, plus freezing overnight Servings: 6 (1 cup each)
9 hibiscus tea bags
6 cups boiling water
3 cups Grapes from California purée (green, red, black or mixture)
4 - 1/2 Tbsp frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 - 1/2 Tbsp lime juice (optional)
STEEP tea bags in boiling water. Remove tea bags and stir in grape purée, lemonade concentrate and lime juice, if desired.
POUR into ice cube trays and freeze overnight until firm.
IN BLENDER blend until slushy, stirring as needed.
NOTES: If not using ice cube trays, freeze mixture in large container about 1 - 1/2 inches deep. Let soften slightly then break into pieces with knife before blending and serving.
Nutritional information per serving: 80 calories; 1 g protein; 21 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 0 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.
Everybody, no matter their age, can benefit from daily physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young children should be physically active throughout the day for growth and development. Despite the common misconception that children are in perpetual motion, the CDC reminds caregivers to encourage children to be active when they play.
“Physical activity is important because it is critical in assisting with gross motor development and helps support development in other areas,” saya Khy Sline from KinderCare Learning Center’s education team. “Children thrive when we give them the tools to use their bodies and muscles in new ways and make mind-body connections.”
Consider these five activities to encourage children to get moving:
1. BLOW BUBBLES Appealing to children from infancy on up, seeing bubbles floating around can encourage babies to reach out and try to grab them, building arm strength and coordination. Toddlers and older children can run around the patio or lawn chasing bubbles and watching them pop.
2. BUILD A TUNNEL Whether indoors or out, made from furniture covered with sheets or cardboard boxes, tunnels encourage children to move over, under, around and through, which helps them explore new ways of moving while also building coordination and balance.
3. PLAY HIDE AND SEEK As they dash around trying to find the perfect hiding spot, children build spatial awareness and their understanding of where their bodies are in relation to other people and objects.
4. PLAY RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT This classic game helps children build coordination connecting the verbal instruction with the physical movement while also teaching them impulse control, an essential executive function skill. Get creative with instructions and add variations like tip-toeing, crawling, hopping and more.
5. WALK THE LINE Draw a line on the ground using chalk outdoors or painter’s tape indoors and encourage your children to walk along the line. This activity helps children improve balance and coordination. Get creative and add in a challenge by drawing a wavy or zig-zag line. Once your children get the hang of following the line, ask them to think of other ways to travel along that space, such as hopping on one foot or skipping.
For more ideas to encourage physical activity among children visit kindercare.com
With near-endless sunshine, world-class theme parks and abundant outdoor experiences, California is an ideal destination to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
To make it easy for travelers to plan their trips, the 2023 California Road Trips guide includes 13 action-packed itineraries that begin and end at one of the state’s 27 commercial airports, highlighting how easy it is to fly into any region of the Golden State and hit the road.
This guide’s cover star, Dwyane Wade, a three-time NBA champion, dad and owner of Napa Valley winery Wade Cellars, moved to Los Angeles after his retirement in 2019. Wade says California granted him a soulful landscape and muchneeded quiet time.
While California’s world-renowned coastline provides a dramatic backdrop, adventures can be found in every region of the Golden State. Featured drives take travelers to both cities and classic small towns, family attractions and far-reaching, otherworldly landscapes. A few sample road trip itineraries include:
► “Animals, Desert and Offbeat Art” combines kid-friendly experiences like LEGOLAND California and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with the rich arts culture and stargazing opportunities in Borrego Springs.
► “Cactus and Cocktails” explores both the cosmopolitan pleasures
of Palm Springs and the rugged sceneries of Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve.
► “National Park Adventures” is a 412-mile adventure that begins at Fresno Yosemite Airport and explores the wonders of Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
► “Road to Gold” is a four-day trek that begins in Sacramento, explores Lake Tahoe and meanders back through Gold Country with photo opportunities at every turn.
► “Innovation and Agricultural Bounty” features a San Jose-based itinerary that showcases cuttingedge arts, charming seaside villages and bountiful farmlands on a 238-mile journey.
TO ORDER A GUIDE, GO TO: VisitCalifornia.com/Travel-Guides
Supporting the community that generously supports us We’ve donated 50,000 meals in the name of our clients.
No One Can Thrive on an Empty Stomach
Help us put an this Summer Season.
THE ROSIE NETWORK IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION FOUNDED BY LOCAL MILITARY SPOUSE, STEPHANIE BROWN, AFTER SPENDING HOURS SEARCHING ONLINE FOR A CONTRACTOR TO DO REPAIR WORK ON HER HOME. PREFERRING TO HIRE A VETERAN, A VISION WAS BORN TO PROMOTE MILITARY FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, ROSIE’S LIST WAS LAUNCHED — THE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND SEARCH TOOL — FEATURING VERIFIED VETERAN AND MILITARY SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESSES. UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEX NEEDS OF SMALL BUSINESSES, THE SERVICE2CEO PROGRAM WAS DEVELOPED TO EDUCATE AND EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION OF MILITARY-CONNECTED ENTREPRENEURS!
IN THIS MONTH’S HOW MOM MADE IT! COVER STORY, WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH UP WITH STEPHANIE AND ASK HER WHY SHE STARTED THE ROSIE NETWORK AND WHAT IT MEANS TO OUR COMMUNITY.
MOMSTOWN: How did you come up with the idea to start The Rosie Network and what is the mission of the network?
STEPHANIE: Any military spouse will tell you, the washing machine (insert any appliance) only breaks down when our service members are deployed. Standing in a flooded laundry room desperately trying to locate a plumber in a new neighborhood on Angie’s List and Craigslist, it hit me. Why isn’t there a way for American consumers to find verified veteran and/or military family-owned plumbers (insert any service/product)?
Two years later after Rosie the Riveter Rosie's List was born. Today, Rosie’s List is the largest database of verified veteran and military spouse-owned businesses in the country. Sounds great, right? But that’s only part of the story. After talking to hundreds of military entrepreneurs, I realized they needed more than just a List, they needed a Network. It was from these conversations that The Rosie Network was born.
Fast forward a decade later and we have helped launch and grow tens of thousands of veteran and military spouse-owned small businesses around the globe through our free, national award-winning Service2CEO program, mentorship, and national alumni network.
MOMSTOWN: What brings you the greatest joy about starting The Rosie Network?
STEPHANIE: Few things are more rewarding than watching your efforts make a difference in the lives of a community you love. When a young military spouse, who heard you speak at an event, sends an email about how you
inspired her to launch that business she’s been thinking about for years or, you read the testimonials of veterans and military spouses who have graduated from your program and how it has impacted them, those are the moments when you know it was all worth it.
Mind you, none of what The Rosie Network has accomplished would have happened without our incredible team and those who value and support the work we do every day.
MOMSTOWN: What has been the greatest challenge in growing the network?
STEPHANIE: In the early days of The Rosie Network I had more time to meet and mentor young military spouse entrepreneurs. I miss that. You struggle and work hard to build something meaningful, but we all need to fill our cups every now and then. Mentoring young entrepreneurs does that for me.
MOMSTOWN: How does The Rosie Network serve military families, veterans, spouses, and kids?
STEPHANIE: Small businesses are critical to our nation’s economy and we believe those who have served our nation have earned the
right to the American Dream of small business ownership. The Rosie Network’s national awardwinning programs train, mentor and empower thousands of military-connected entrepreneurs to launch and grow every year. Our newest program, the Military Kidpreneur Camp, is helping military teenagers around the globe enter the world of entrepreneurship and network with each other!
MOMSTOWN: What advice do you have to help others follow their passions and dreams?
STEPHANIE: Don’t go it alone. Life is hard enough and starting
a business can be frustrating and lonely. Build a team around you of mentors, advocates and professionals. So many successful business owners welcome the chance to help others.
Define what success means to you and don’t compare your definition to others. Your journey is unique.
MOMSTOWN: Do you have specific tips for aspiring entrepreneurs?
STEPHANIE: I’m often approached by entrepreneurs who become frustrated. There’s so much to do, it can become overwhelming and too often we just give up. Don’t. Building a business is like
eating an elephant, you can only do it one bite at a time. So make a plan and set small goals. Accomplish something every day! If things aren’t working out, then be willing to pivot.
MOMSTOWN: How can MomsTown readers get involved and/or support the work you do?
STEPHANIE: Military families live in communities all over our country. Some of them are teachers, volunteers and, yes, small business owners. My ask would be to find those small businesses and support them. If you think The Rosie Network is making a difference, please consider donating to our mission.
To learn more visit: TheRosieNetwork.org
Social media has become a primary marketing tool for entrepreneurs and small business owners (SBOs). With millions of daily active users and limitless opportunities for engagement, social media platforms provide effective, low-cost marketing opportunities to promote products and services, connect with customers, and build brand loyalty.
Melinda Staab MS Marketing Melinda.Staab@gmail.com
ROUGHLY ONE-THIRD OF AMERICANS REPORT HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FROM HOME FULL-TIME. WHILE THIS CAN BE A HUGE BENEFIT FOR MOMS WHO ARE ALSO JUGGLING SCHOOL, ACTIVITIES, MEALS, DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENTS, ETC. — WORKING FROM HOME ALSO COMES WITH ITS OWN SET OF CHALLENGES, THE MAJOR ONE BEING DISTRACTIONS
Here are a few tips to help working moms manage their time effectively, decrease distractions and increase productivity and focus.
1) TIME BLOCKING The ADD is strong with me. A few years ago I discovered the “Be Focused” app, based on the Pomodoro Technique. Using this technique, you can set 25-minute (I do 45) stretches of focused work, followed by 5-minute (I do 15) breaks. During that time, I ignore all distractions and focus 100% on the task at hand. When the timer goes off, I step away and take care of anything else outside of that task. Whether it’s an app, or just a time you set on your phone, time-blocking can be extremely helpful for our mom brains that are used to doing 25 things at once!
2) ESTABLISH A ROUTINE Like most things, a daily routine takes practice and patience before it becomes second nature. Having a consistent routine with specific times for personal and professional responsibilities can create a sense of structure, reduce stress and help you check things off of your list in all aspects of your life. There will always be things that come up and fires to put out, but having a consistent schedule will help to keep those instances from derailing your entire day.
3) CREATE A DEDICATED WORKSPACE Separating your workspace from your personal space is not always feasible. If you don’t have a dedicated office, find a spot in your home that’s quiet, bright, calming and clutter-free. As tempting as it might seem, DO NOT work from
I
your bed or your couch. While having a dedicated desk is ideal, a lot of us will end up working at the kitchen table or island. Just try to make sure that one piece of the above-mentioned established routine is clearing off the kid-chaos and syrup spills before you get to work.
4) SET BOUNDARIES Let your family know what your working hours are and when you’ll need uninterrupted time to work. You can also have visual signs that let them know that you’re in go-mode: closed door, and even hanging a sign or something more bold and colorful for the younger members of your crew. Amazon sells push on/off red lights sends the perfect “stop” message!
5) EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT Taking time during your day to reset and recharge is a crucial, but often ignored, part of increasing productivity when working from home. When every vantage point is a reminder of all of the things that we need to get done at home, we tend to just toggle between work and home responsibilities. But science shows that exercise and movement has just as many mental benefits as physical, even if it’s in just 10-minute breaks! So during those scheduled 15-minute breaks (Pomodoro), hop on the bike, walk/jog around the block or find a 10-minute yoga video (there are TONS). Your body and your brain will thank you! (no, folding laundry does not count!).
There are many other ways that work-from-home moms can set themselves up for success. Hopefully these 5 tips spark some ideas for you, and can help you as you continue to be the amazing, talented and strong woman that you are! I’m cheering you on!
my
I am in the driver's seat. I transform my life and form the building blocks of my destiny.
I have the chance to build the life I deserve, and I am excited to take this chance.
I HAVE THE MOTIVATION TO CREATE THE CHANGE I NEED IN MY LIFE
All the power I need is already within me, and I can access this power quickly and easily. This gives me the confidence and motivation I need to create changes that move me forward.
There can be times when change is frightening and difficult, but I know I have the power to push through and make that change.
I AM THE ONLY PERSON WITH THE POWER TO TRANSFORM MY LIFE
I get to build and create the life that I deserve, that I am entitled to, and that I crave. All options and opportunities are available to me.
My life is mine to build, and I feel excited by this possibility. This joy gives me the motivation I need, and I know my dreams are always within reach.
There are so many opportunities to change my life and live my dreams, and I feel excited to create the life I deserve.
1. If I picture my dream future, what does it look like?
2. What small steps can I take today to change my life?
3. What motivates me to be the best version of myself?
have the motivation to create change in
life. . .
THE SAME FIVE QUESTIONS, FOCUSED ON ADVICE AND INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN AND MEN OF ALL AGES AND STAGES.
THIS MONTH, MOMSTOWN IS TOASTING TWO LOCAL WOMEN WHO HAVE SPENT YEARS BUILDING THEIR CAREERS. KHARA SERRATO HAS MADE A CAREER OUT OF GIFT GIVING AND LISA RAY HAS BEEN IN THE LUXURY HOTEL INDUSTRY SINCE GRADUATING COLLEGE.
IF YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS ABOUT LOCAL FEMALE BUSINESS OWNERS, ARTISANS AND COMMUNITY ENHANCERS THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE PROFILED, PLEASE SUBMIT THEM TO HEATHER@MOMSTOWN.COM OR MARY@MOMSTOWN.COM
Lisa was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area and moved to San Diego in 1998, and San Elijo Hills in 2003. She has two daughters — Kennedy (19) just finished her freshman year at Cal Poly SLO, and Quinn (15) just finished her freshman year at San Marcos High School. She also has an 8-month-old black lab mix named Jesse (named after Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad). Lisa has been in the luxury hotel industry since college and now works for Pebble Beach Resorts selling three hotels and four golf courses, mostly working with major financial and insurance companies worldwide.
KHARA SERRATO, owner of KHARA COLLECTIVE
Khara Serrato is the owner of Khara Collective, a female owned and operated small business located in Carlsbad, CA. Our focus is to support all of our customers — from individual orders to large corporate or event gift orders. We’ll save you time while making you a gift-giving rockstar! Open weekdays (10-4) and Sat (11-2). Mention that you’re a “neighbor" and receive 10% off of your order! Follow @KharaCollective to see what’s new!
1. If you could give any advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?
♦ Always take the meeting ♦ Trust your gut/intuition
♦ Just because you are here right now, doesn't mean you have to stay here
♦ Wear sunscreen, always! (especially on your face, neck & hands)
2. What’s a book that you’ve read, at any point in your life, that’s influenced you and/or impacted your life? How so?
Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan A non-fiction with some simple every day/ situational advice! Just read it...you'll thank me later! I think I've re-read it 4 times now, its that good!
3. If you could pick anyone to serve as your mentor and/or business coach, who would it be?
My loyal friend and longtime customer, Jamie Sigler O'Grady. She is the brilliant mastermind behind her agency, J Public Relations. Jamie has given me some of the best advice and guidance thus far as a business owner. She's built her brand and expanded into five locations, all the while being a mother, wife, friend and more! She's forward-thinking and I always gain a new idea from every conversation we have!
4. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a dental hygienist! I thought of it as a career that a computer could never take away, and you could find a job in almost any city if you ever moved. As a hygienist, you can work as much or as little as you like and still earn a respectable income. That said, I became a mother and never finished college. Life then lead me to own my full-service gift shop business!
5. What’s your favorite way to healthily relieve stress?
Two words: DOUBLE PEAK
If I need a stress relief, I go get lost on a walk to the top! You'll also often find my husband and I (and our dogs) in the back of our vehicle enjoying a sunset & getting lost in the moment!
kharacollective.com
instagram.com/kharacollective
5933 Sea Lion Place Ste. 107 Carlsbad, CA 92010
(near Bressi Ranch)
khara@kharacollective.com
(760) 496-8373
1. If you could give any advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?
Wear sunscreen EVERY DAY even inside and on cloudy days. I’m passionate about this! I started this regimen at 27 and wish I had started earlier. My girls are tired of hearing me preach about this!
2. What’s a book that you’ve read, at any point in your life, that’s influenced you and/or impacted your life? How so?
Attached (by Rachel Heller & Amir Levine): I wish I had read this book in my late teens. It’s a roadmap to understanding the psychology of how people relate and attach to each other. I’ve always been fascinated by psychology, and particularly human psychology, but also animal psychology. Anything that deep dives into what causes behavior grabs my attention and sucks me in!
3. If you could pick anyone to serve as your mentor and/or business coach, who would it be?
Andrew Huberman Neuroscientist & Professor at Stanford School of Medicine. I’m obsessed with his philosophies and his podcast “Huberman Lab." I’d love to have him as a mentor. He’s a genius at teaching all things mind and body related. I’ve already learned so much about human physiology and the brain/human behavior. As an example: How the gut microbiome, sleep & sunlight affect the brain. I’m a sponge just absorbing up all his content!
4. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a school teacher when I grew up. I have so much respect for our educators! I even went to college for elementary education but, somewhere down the line, the corporate sales world sucked me in and I’ve been in the luxury hotel industry for 30 years!
5. What’s your favorite way to healthily relieve stress?
I relieve stress many different ways, from daily red & infrared light therapy, strength training, focusing on nutrition, meditation and, yes, sometimes (more than sometimes) COCKTAILS! I’m also a skincare research junkie. It’s calming to for me to binge on educational YouTube videos about the efficacy and science of ingredients.
Brand new stunning art deco remodel! Single story villa with a fun pop art vibe! Open floor plan with an eat in kitchen, separate bar area, Fireplace in living room. In-house laundry room. Offered furnished so you can walk right in and start Enjoying it. Beautiful views from the covered patio of the golf course, plenty of room to expand and build a pool.
OFFERED AT $570,000
Single story villa in highly desirable location with PRIVATE POOL \& spa on the Cielo #8 fairway. Fine finishes & furnishings with pops of color throughout for that quintessential Palm Springs vibe.
Single story POOL VILLA with stunning mountain views is now available. This home sits on the Vista #2 fairway. Enjoy amazing sunsets while sipping a cocktail in your pool! Updated kitchen and offered fully furnished. 2 car garage and laundry inside. Large primary suite with lots of light, a soaking tub and sliding door for quick access to spa.
OFFERED AT $535,000
Keeping the body healthy from the inside has tremendous benefits that may help you survive any negative aspects of the summer season. The primary component that strengthens your shield to combat heat is food. Yes! All the food you intake during the summer season will have effects, accordingly. Maintaining a light and balanced diet and avoiding heavy meals during hot weather will pay off!
“FEW THINGS GO TOGETHER LIKE THE WEEKEND BRUNCH & "BRUNCH BOARD WITH A TWIST." WHETHER THAT MEANS GATHERING WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH, IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO SLOW DOWN AND BRING YOUR LOVED ONES TOGETHER FOR A LIGHTHEARTED MEAL. CATERING TO A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT PALATES REQUIRES A DIVERSE MENU OF DISHES RANGING FROM FRESH FRUIT AND BAKED GOODS TO PROTEINS AND MORE. A KEY INGREDIENT TO BRING ANY SPREAD TOGETHER: ENVY APPLES, WHICH ARE A NATURAL CROSS BETWEEN BRAEBURN AND ROYAL GALA APPLES. ALSO, TRY THE "GRILLED SWEETPOTATO & BLUEBERRY SALAD!" AS ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE VEGETABLES THAT’S EASY TO ADD TO A VARIETY OF RECIPES FOR FLAVOR AND NUTRITION ENHANCEMENT, SWEETPOTATOES CAN BE A KEY INGREDIENT IN SIMPLE OR ELEVATED, SWEET OR SAVORY DISHES ALIKE. WHETHER THEY’RE COOKED ON THE STOVE, BAKED, MICROWAVED, SLOW-COOKED OR GRILLED TO A PERFECT DONENESS WITH A CRISPY CHAR, THEY CAN BE AN IDEAL ADDITION TO BETTER-FOR-YOU SUMMER MEALS.
Pair with other brunch favorites in shareable dishes. The naturally white flesh of Envy Applies doesn’t brown as quickly as other apples, making them easy to savor while enjoying time with loved ones.
2 Envy Apples, sliced boiled eggs, halved
cooked bacon
bananas, sliced berries
miniature pancakes
edible flowers, for garnish
2 - 3 Envy Apples, for garnish
On a breakfast platter, artfully arrange sliced apples, halved boiled eggs, bacon, bananas, berries and pancakes. Garnish with edible flowers and whole apples.
Find sweet brunch recipe inspiration at EnvyApple.com
This Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad offers all the tastes of the season with spring salad mix, fresh blueberries, walnuts and bleu cheese. Topped with homemade lemon honey vinaigrette, it’s a light yet filling meal fit for warm days, thanks in part to the superfood that takes it to new heights
3 medium sweetpotatoes, peeled and sliced
2 Tbsp olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
4 cups spring salad mix
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup bleu cheese crumbles
Find
TO MAKE LEMON HONEY VINAIGRETTE: In bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and honey. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
PREHEAT GRILL TO MEDIUM HEAT. Drizzle sweetpotatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill sliced sweetpotatoes on each side about 5 minutes, or until sweetpotatoes are tender and slightly charred. Remove from grill and let cool.
lemon wedges, for garnish
(optional)
6 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 -1/2 Tbsp honey
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
TO ARRANGE SALAD, spread spring salad mix onto large platter and top with grilled sweetpotatoes, blueberries, walnuts and bleu cheese crumbles.
TOP WITH LEMON HONEY VINAIGRETTE
GARNISH WITH LEMON WEDGES, IF DESIRED
ever notice how we crave lemoninfused foods during hot weather?
There are many reasons our bodies crave lemons and lemon-infused foods, including scientific reasons such as lack of Vitamin C and lack of stomach acids, but the no-brainer is that lemon is refreshing! When it's hot, we want refreshment! We naturally get hotter during the summer and we get thirstier, and our bodies quite literally tell us what we need so we must listen!
TRY THE SWEET & TANGY SUMMER CLASSIC "LEMON BARS " WHILE LEMON IS A TRADITIONAL SUMMER FLAVOR, YOU CAN ADD A LITTLE EXTRA TO YOUR GATHERINGS – FROM PICNICS AND BRUNCHES – WITH THIS CLASSIC DESSERT. QUICK AND EASY TO MAKE, THESE LEMON BARS FEATURE A SOFT CRUST AND A TANGY, SWEET FILLING TOPPED WITH POWDERED SUGAR.
THE UNFORGETTABLE "LEMON CHEESECAKE WITH FRESH FRUIT" HAS THE SMOOTH, CREAMY TEXTURE OF CHEESECAKE MIXED WITH A HINT OF TART LEMON JUICE. TOPPED WITH RASPBERRIES, MINT AND ORANGES, THE BURST OF FRESH FRUIT ENHANCES THE CHEESECAKE FLAVOR. IT’S THE PERFECT SWEET TREAT FOR SUMMER FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WITH ITS BRIGHT COLORS AND VARYING FLAVORS.
Find more recipes perfect for summer at Culinary.net
IN LARGE BOWL whisk 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, cornstarch and salt.
Using pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Press mixture into bottom of baking pan. Bake 18-20 minutes.
On a hot day, there is almost nothing better than trying something new that sounds refereshingly delicious. Throw your apron on, prepare your kitchen and have some fun!
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups, plus 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus additional, for topping
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 -1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon zest
3/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup light cream, half-and-half or milk
HEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES
Line 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil; allow overhang. Grease foil with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
MAKE FILLING: In medium bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, remaining flour, lemon zest, lemon juice and light cream.
Pour filling over hot crust. Bake 15-20 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. Grasp foil overhang and lift from pan. Cut into bars. Sprinkle powdered sugar over bars before serving.
Fresh fruit is finally in season. When the sun is out and kids are hitting the pool, it’s also time to indulge in some sweet fruit flavors. Watermelon, berries, bananas and more can all be found near perfect ripeness at grocery stores or farmer’s markets during the warm summer months.
ingredients
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
3 eggs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Find more recipes perfect for summer at Culinary.net
IN MEDIUM BOWL combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan.
IN LARGE BOWL beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs, fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
POUR INTO PAN. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly pressed.
Chill in refrigerator until completely cooled. Arrange orange slices around border of cake and place raspberries in middle.
TOP WITH MINT LEAVES
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 orange, peeled and separated
8 raspberries
mint leaves, for garnish
Delicious & VERY easy to make!
Keri is the owner and designer of Keri Michelle Interiors, a client-focused boutique design firm based in North County, San Diego. Known for her simplistic, inspired designs, Keri has found her niche in creating timeless spaces by seamlessly blending earthy elements with a casual coastal take on residential interiors.
TO SEE MORE OF KERI’S PROJECTS: kerimichelleinteriors.com Instagram @KeriMichelleInteriors
As an interior designer, this is often one of my most asked questions via direct message or in casual conversations. Even in my own home I am often asked which paint color we used and although I love our Simply White by Sherwin Williams walls, it doesn’t mean that is the right white paint color for your home.
White paint will absorb anything and everything in its way. For example, a tan colored sofa or a blue comforter will have a direct effect on the hue of the white paint that you select. Blue will cast a blue undertone or tan will cast a brown undertone. Windows play a large role in the appearance of white paint, as well. The natural light coming in will have a huge impact on your space.
What may look great in your friend’s or neighbor’s home does not mean that same paint color will work or even look the same in your space.
It’s almost impossible to name my 5 favorite whites because each home carries its own color. However, I realize there are hundreds of whites out there so do your research and search top trending interior white colors.
White Flour by Sherwin Williams
Alabaster by Sherwin Williams
Simply White by Benjamin Moore
Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
I suggest requesting sample sheets from Dunn Edwards, Farrow & Ball, Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore of the ones you’re interested in. Hang the samples in different rooms around the house. Notice how the white paint changes color throughout the day and evening and from room to room.
After you have narrowed the paint selections down to one or two of your favorite colors, buy a sample and paint it in several different rooms (minimum two coats and prime first as the current paint undertone will affect the color).
Don't overthink it!
If the color makes you feel the vibe you are seeking, then it's probably the right choice. Paint, test and play until you find it!
If your experience as an adult child is anything like mine, you may have found yourself in battle with your parents around the topic of downsizing and eliminating “clutter.”
It is rarely about the “stuff” and generational differences make it an even more challenging task. Letting go of unrealized dreams and identities as well as accepting the reality of death makes something as simple as taking items to donation, fraught with emotion.
As the owner of Silver Linings Transitions, I frequently present on the topic of downsizing. It is not uncommon to hear “I’m just going to let my kids deal with my stuff.” THIS is such a bad idea. When my grandmother died unexpectedly, my family fought over her belongings as she didn’t make clear who would get what. A favorite lamp promised to me was given to a cousin. The worst thing a person can do is leave their possessions to be dealt with while their family is grieving. Either they’ll fight about it or they’ll flee and have it all dumped.
IF DOWNSIZING IS ON YOUR HORIZON, HERE ARE SOME TIPS THAT CAN MAKE THE PROCESS EASIER.
1. Have an open and honest conversation about why downsizing is important. Give them an opportunity to express their fears and concerns about aging and eventually dying. Perhaps this is an opportunity to have the conversation many of us avoid? Starting with empathy is critical when working through this incredibly emotionally charged process.
2. Think of the process and refer to it as “rightsizing,” which is a much more positive spin. What do they need to live comfortably and safely?
3. Start with the low-hanging fruit, rather than nostalgic items, to gain momentum. Tackle pantries and medicine cabinets where there is no attachment. Next do clothing and books. Don’t forget storage units, attics and basements.
4. Clear off a dining room table or a large surface and gather the most important items. The “what would you grab in a fire" and the "MUST stay in the family heirlooms."
5. Identify their “Top 10." Use a platform like Artifcts.com to photograph, share and record stories of the most significant items.
6. Encourage your parents to designate their wishes. The lamp promised to me by my grandmother from the time I was a little girl was given to a cousin because my grandmother didn’t tell anyone else her intentions. You can create your own document or use a platform like Fairsplit.com or Pinventory.com.
7. Schedule a family show and tell. Set a date, either in person or by Zoom, to give your parents time to think about what they want to share and what the significance is of their belongings. If possible, family members can come prepared to take these items.
8. Have your parents pack what I call a “Tequila Box”. This is the box of love letters and other things they may not want opened. Have them write “Do Not Open” and seal it with a bottle of tequila and a humorous note. Most people have at least one family member who will ignore the label. Leaving behind a fun item is a way to acknowledge death will happen and add levity and some humor to the experience.
Silver Linings Transitions, a San Diego-based senior and specialty move management company, assists clients who are rightsizing (downsizing) to smaller homes or senior communities or decluttering and organizing in their existing homes.
North County mom-of-three Jami Shapiro started Silver Linings Transitions 10 years ago while going through a divorce. Her company provides career opportunities for those re-entering the workforce after taking time off to care for families.
Jami Shapiro Founder, Silver Linings Transitions Jami@SilverLiningsTransitions.comFor more tips on downsizing, visit our website SilverLiningsTransitions.com
CARLSBAD 92009
ULTIMATE LUXURY in the highly desirable neighborhood of The Ranch in Carlsbad. This stunning, popular floor plan is complete with a carriage style guest suite and 3 car garage. OWNED ELECTRIC SOLAR 14.74KW system! Walking distance to award winning Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School, Diegueno Middle School and La Costa Canyon High School. Minutes to restaurants, shopping, parks and local North County beaches. Convenient to Highway 5.
