TRACY'S TIPS FOR clearing the clutter

Want to begin 2021 with that 'fresh start' feeling? Begin with purging your clothes.

Getting rid of your own clothes is often the easiest place to start because the decisions you make don’t require input from someone else. The faster the decision, the faster the results. Seeing results quickly will motivate you to keep going and build the momentum needed to purge other parts of your home.

Here are my favorite tips and tricks to say goodbye to those clothes you don’t like or wear and hello to the clothes you love:

TIP #1: Sort your clothes into yes, no and maybe piles. Giving yourself a maybe pile will help you spend less time hemming and hawing between yes and no. Start to sort through your maybe pile either right away or within 7 days.

TIP #2: Make your yes, no and maybe decisions in ten seconds or less. A walk down memory lane, stirring up emotions will only stall your efforts to accomplish your goal of purging your cloths. The longer you think about it, the less of a chance you’ll finish.

TIP #3: When saying yes to keeping something, ask yourself these three questions:

▶ Does it fit well? ▶ Does it feel good? ▶ Does it look good?

Let’s be honest, if it doesn’t fit, feel or look good you will always choose something else to wear. The only reason you’re holding on to those clothes is for negative reasons that don’t serve you. That’s just not good for your Feng Shui. But, that’s for another article.

TIP #4: Use large, strong trash bags to contain the clothes you’ll be getting rid of. It will make it easier to transport them to their new home.

TIP #5: Decide ahead of time where your donated clothes will go. Planning in advance will make your clothes leave the house faster. The faster your clothes leave your home the faster you will feel the “2021 Fresh Start Feeling!

Tracy Paye MissOrganized.com Tracy@MissOrganized.com

purita Sy-Quia painting ordinary into extraordinary

When you first discover these images are paintings you can’t believe it. The detail is incredibly intricate. When the shock of learning the images are paintings starts to subside you feel yourself being drawn into the canvas. The artist, Purita Sy-Quia, is a Carlsbad mom with an international following. We’re lucky to have her in our community and we wanted to share her story with you. PURITA, PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am the youngest of four children. I was born and raised In Manila, Philippines. I got married when I was 27 years old and moved to New York in 1994 with my husband, Dondi. We then moved to Cincinnati, OH where my two girls were born. After 12 years there, we moved here to Carlsbad. My oldest, Jamie, is now 25 and lives in Los Angeles. My youngest, Ana, is 21 and is a senior in college. Although I’ve occasionally painted professionally throughout the years, I've been fortunate enough to be able to devote most, if not all, of my time to being what I love most...a mom. HOW AND WHEN DID YOU START PAINTING? WHEN DID IT BECOME MORE THAN A HOBBY? SY-QUIA FAMILY PHOTO

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to draw or paint. Although she didn’t do it professionally, my mother was a prolific artist and an art collector. I was surrounded with art all my life. Sometime in college, I started focusing on portraits just for fun. A friend commissioned a painting after seeing a portrait I painted of my grandmother. That’s how it all started. I was, at first, unsure about painting professionally but my mother encouraged me to pursue it. I have my mom to thank for always believing in me and encouraging me. HOW MANY PAINTINGS HAVE YOU BEEN COMMISSIONED TO PAINT?

Oh, a LOT! I’ve been painting off and on since I was 20 yrs old. IT MUST BE GRATIFYING. HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL WHEN YOU SELL A PAINTING?

It is gratifying for sure but it’s always bittersweet to part with my paintings. I think most artists know exactly how I feel. You get used to it after a while. We pour ourselves into our paintings so they are truly a piece of ourselves. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF ART?

Although I've dabbled in abstract and impressionism in the past, my current focus and interest is now hyper-realism. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?

I get it everywhere, really. I follow many artists and I am constantly perusing instagram and other media outlets. I get a lot of my inspiration from artists around the world — especially Filipino artists. With technology, we are fortunate nowadays to be able to get inspiration and learn from different artists anywhere, anytime.

HOW MUCH TIME GOES INTO EACH PIECE?

I wish I could say just a few days! But because my style is very detailed and requires a lot of time, one painting usually takes at least a month. YOUR ARTWORK IS MESMERIZING. IT IS SO DETAILED AND HARD TO IMAGINE THAT IT IS ALL DONE BY HAND! HOW DO YOU DO IT!?

Oh thank you for your kind words. I just really enjoy it! When I paint, I quickly slip into the zone and lose track of time. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and love doing detailed work.

WHAT TYPE OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES DO YOU USE?

I work almost exclusively with oil on canvas. I like both Gamblin and Windsor & Newton oil paints. I keep things pretty basic. I use walnut oil if I need to make my paint more fluid and Gamsol mineral spirits to thin my paint and clean my brushes. To achieve all the detail, I use really small, fine brushes. I wear them out pretty quickly and go through a lot of brushes for each painting. Once the paint is completely dry, I always put a couple of layers of Gamvar satin varnish to finish it off.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE FOR YOUR ARTWORK? WHAT’S YOUR VISION?

Now that I have more time to myself, I just want to keep having fun painting. Fortunately, I have a lot of commissions lined up now. I also just started producing and selling archival ” limited edition” prints of a select few of my paintings. They are reproductions using the highest quality fine art printing method. I do not mass-produce my paintings and only sell 10 prints of each. Aside from wanting to be able to share my work with more people, I wanted my two girls to have a piece of me by saving a print for each of them. WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU OFFER OTHER ASPIRING MOM CREATORS & ARTISTS?

Just keep painting! Have fun but, like most things, painting requires practice and discipline. Remember that art is subjective and you will not please everyone, so paint what makes you happy! HOW COULD SOMEONE PURCHASE A PAINTING?

Most of my paintings are commissioned. All original paintings I have done are with their respective owners now. I do, however, have signed archival “limited edition fine art prints” for sale.

If you are interested in having a painting commissioned or would like to acquire a print, please contact Purita directly by calling or texting at (760) 216-9092 or emailing to pl_syquia@yahoo.com

ASHLEY'S HOBBY TURNS INTO A business blessing

Ashley Lowman-Hawney is a local mom, wife and a maker from Carlsbad. She is the creative force behind Ataraxia Handmade, a line of clay jewelry, macrame pieces and custom hand-lettered gifts. Ashley shares with us how she turned her creative hobby into a profitable business.

HOW DID YOU TURN YOUR HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS?

It was absolutely a hobby! I started it as a way to channel my anxiety and depression into a more positive outlet. In fact, my business name, Ataraxia (at-uh-rack-see-uh) Handmade, is named for the feeling of being free from anxiety. It was important to honor that because it is a huge part of my life.

At some point, I had a ton of stuff and nowhere to put it, so I offered it for sale. What do you know? People liked it, and actually BOUGHT STUFF. I was, and continue to be, blown away by all of the support I’ve received from my friends and family. I am so grateful.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

This is a super-hard one for me. I’m inspired by all kinds of things! The colors in a TV show my son’s watching, a shape I see on Pinterest, mindless creating that just kind of comes together. I take little pieces of everyday life and mush it together to create my pieces.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU HAVE TO OVERCOME WHEN STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?

I suffer from Imposter Syndrome. I have had to be pushed out of my comfort zone so many times just to get where I am. I am constantly saying to myself, “Why would anyone want to buy from you, ya amateur?” Thankfully, I have some great people in my life that quiet that voice just enough for me to move forward. DO YOU HAVE ANY INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS YOU CAN SHARE WITH OTHER MOMS?

Just go for it. Live authentically. Love hard. I’m rooting for you!

To learn more about Ashley and to support her business visit AtaraxiaHandmade.com.

KIMBERLY STAMM Broker / President, CA License #0F23554

DKR & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE SERVICES (800) 331-3001 FAX: (877) 260-7474 Licensed in CA, OR, AZ and now TX!

Better Coverage, Better Rates, Better Service!

INSURANCE COVERAGE Are you really covered?

LET'S ASK THE EXPERT: KIMBERLY STAMM

If you run a home-based business, have employees, ride an E-Bike, or live in an area where wildfires are a risk, you might be surprised to learn what you don’t know about your insurance coverage. To get clarity on some common misconceptions, we turn to Kimberly Stamm of DKR & Associates, a local family-run insurance business.

QIs a “home-based” business automatically covered under a homeowners policy? A: NO. If you run a home -business you must call your agent/ carrier and see if a “business endorsement” is available to add onto your current homeowners policy. Depending on your business activities, you may not be eligible for a business endorsement, if its available. If this is the case, give us a call to discuss your options.

QThere are a lot of E-Bikes on the road these days. Are they covered under a homeowners policy?

A: Do not assume coverage is provided under your homeowners policy. You need to check with your agent/carrier, as these bikes are likely excluded or coverage is questionable.

QThe gig economy has been getting a lot of attention lately. What do we need to know about the NEW CA-AB5 law that went into effect 1/1/2020?

A: There is an ABC test you can take to see if your employee truly is an independent contractor or not. Just because you want to pay your “employee” on a 1099 basis does not mean you are not responsible for their Workers Comp coverage.

QAre tools for a construction business covered under an auto policy if a vehicle gets broken into? A: Most likely not. Business-used items or tools are not covered under a personal or commercial auto policy unless the carrier offers an endorsement for such. A better option is an Inland Marine policy. QWhat if a home is located in a high fire line area and a homeowner cannot find a carrier to cover their home? A: California Fair Plan may be the only option. This program does not cover all aspects of a traditional homeowners policy so a homeowner would also need to purchase a DIC (Differences in Conditions) policy to fill those gaps.

QOur final question: What does DKR stand for? A: The first initial is for my husband, David, who is Vice President. The next initial is mine and the last initial is our first born, Racquel. Of course, most of our clients know that since then we had a beautiful surprise, Victoria, and some jokingly asked, where will she fit in? Our answer is simply that she represents the "Associates" part of our family-run business.

MomsTown thanks Kimberly, David and the Stamm family for their support and helping to make this publication possible.

CA Lic# 0E34870 AZ Lic# 197233 OR Lic# 685057 License Number: 0F23554

CHERYL: THINGS TO DO with your kids

We’d like to thank Cheryl Meyer for reviewing a fun day trip for kids. Cheryl Meyer has lived in San Elijo Hills for 19 years. She and her husband, Mike, have two beautiful children: Addy, nine, and Benji, four. She’s a stay-at-home mom, but before that worked in marketing and owned her own jewelry design business.

THIS IS HER STORY

2020 being the year of the pandemic and social distancing, I knew I was not going to be able to plan a party for my daughter’s ninth birthday. I recently found a private tour of Sugar Sweet Farm in Encinitas. Your small group may experience the farm, complete with a private masked-guided tour, and meet farm animals, up close and personal, for $120 for an hour and a half.

When we arrived at Sugar Sweet Farm, we felt we had escaped to the countryside. A “Happy Birthday” banner was hung for my daughter over a graceful pergola of vines shading a picnic table adorned with tablecloth and flowers. Our tour guide, Raelynn, met us and the first animal to greet us was a beautiful brown bunny named “Honey Bunny.”

Next, we entered the goat and llama section. One friendly goat nibbled on the hem of my dress and started chewing on my purse! We learned that llamas are the “watchdogs” of the farm, protecting the other animals from predators like coyotes and bobcats.

From there, we entered the “nursery,” where two adorable baby goats; a girl named Tinkerbell, and a boy named Lincoln (Tink & Link). Both of my kids fed the baby goats while their “babysitter” llama, named Butterfly, looked on.

We then visited the equine area and got to scratch behind the ears of Gabriella the donkey, and pet two miniature horses, Starbuck and Ladybug. Gus, a gorgeous Holsteiner horse at 17.2 hands tall, greeted us, along with Princess, a quarter horse who does the pony rides during Sugar Sweet Farm's camps for kids, held in the summer.

On our last stop, we met Major Tom the turkey and his wife, Dolly Pardon.

Our tour ended at the picnic table. I brought birthday cupcakes and Raelynn gave us bags to collect fruit from the trees.

It was a wonderful birthday experience for life in this socially distanced time!

For more information on Sugar Sweet Farm and how to arrange a tour go to: SugarSweetFarm.com or check them out on social media. SUGAR SWEET FARM Encinitas CA 92024 e.sugarman@me.com 858-264-6525

VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

HOW MOM KAREN FERNANDEZ makes learning fun

Karen Fernandez is an educator, author and homeschool mom. She has taught young readers for over 30 years in California and early literacy is her passion. Her personal mantra is that reading and writing should be easy and fun for children. She loves sharing reading and writing tips with parents who are the first and best teachers kids have.

Karen holds a Master’s degree in Education and is a Reading Recovery Teacher. Her tactile alphabet book ABC Trace and Say was the winner of the Moonbeam Children’s 2014 Gold Medal for early literacy and winner of the prestigious Mom’s Choice 2015 Gold Medal for reading.

BACKGROUND: I started teaching in the early 1990s when there was an abundance of money for teacher training, especially in the area of early literacy. I taught kindergarten, first grade and reading for six years in an inner city school that had enormous poverty. Children often came to kindergarten without any preschool skills and therefore struggled as beginning readers. I took part in a three-year training program out of New Zealand on early literacy during this time and went back to college to get my Reading Recovery Certificate. Next, I worked in Poway School District where I taught four years as a Reading Recovery Teacher and kindergarten/first grade teacher. I also mentored new teachers and helped create a district-wide literacy assessment program. Moving closer to home, I taught Kindergarten in Carlsbad School District for two years and then had a baby girl. When my daughter started school I became a reading tutor in the Encinitas School District. In 2004 I published my tactile alphabet book to help parents give their kids a head start on letter sounds and letter formation. I still tutor kids privately and speak about the importance of early reading intervention at schools and conferences.

IDEA TO CREATE BOOK: It was during my early teaching years that I was trained to use multisensory teaching to help young students learn letters and numbers. I used sheets of sandpaper with the letters and numbers written on them so students could trace them and feel how letters were correctly formed. I also used shaving cream and chocolate pudding on painting paper for kids to trace letters and numbers, and salt and sugar trays for them to trace as well — anything to help kids remember letter sounds and how the letters were made. When my daughter was learning her letters, I created an alphabet book out of cardstock and glued sandpaper letters on each page so she could trace the letters. I knew I should be providing daily tactile opportunities for her to practice making letters with salt, sand, paint, pudding, etc. On the days when that didn’t happen I used the book I created. She loved it and I loved that she fully engaged in hands-on learning. I knew parents needed something easy like this to help their own kids learn letter sounds and letter formation BEFORE they started kindergarten. Learning to read and write is a birth to age 9 journey. So I created my alphabet book to put excellent, researched reading training in the hands of parents.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE CREATING BOOK: My biggest challenge when creating ABC Trace and Say was finding a way to make it tactile. It took months of research before I found the company that would make my book not only an alphabet book that taught correct letter formation and letter sounds but one that was tactile so that kids could FEEL the letters as they traced them. I wanted it to be a hands-on, multisensory learning experience for children. I also had a challenge finding a publisher who wanted to publish it with the tactile component. Most only wanted my book without the tactile letters because it was too expensive for them to replicate. I chose to self- publish because the multisensory part was what engaged kids and set the book apart. My newest book, 123 Trace and Say, is a farm-themed number and shape tactile book for young learners and will be out soon.

ADVICE: For moms who want to have a side hustle or create a niche job or product — just do it! Jump in and get started because there will never be a perfect time and life will always happen and something will always come up. I have had slow times when it was difficult to allocate the time I wanted to my books and times when I could push through and get a ton done. But even on my worst days I am glad I took a chance and created and published my idea. I love that it helps kids and helps parents help kids become readers and writers!