New Year, Fresh Home

What better way to roll in the new year than with a clean and safe home. Check out our recommendations to keep your home ready to tackle 2022.

Safety First

Check all carbon and smoke detector batteries

Check your homes sprinkler system if it has one

Check that your fire extinguisher isn’t expired (lol, only some but they have an average life of about 12 years )

Check your disaster readiness kits are stocked in an easy to find location

Check your dryer vents are clean! Lint may seem harmless but it is highly combustible.

Clean your gutters, drains and downspouts if needed to prepare for any rain we may get in the new year ( ask us for our favorite professionals in your area)

If you have sewer lines vulnerable to root intrusions, now would be a good time to have a plumber come check if the lines need to be cleared. Small cost to clean compared to a line replacement later.

Check your HVAC filters and registers that your family is breathing in clean air 2022

Check your HVAC and A/C coils that they are efficiently working (ask us for our favorite professionals in your area)

Cut back your trees or foliage that touch your home to prevent later maintenance or pests

Spruce up the curb appeal

Power wash your driveway, walkways, walls and roof

Wash your windows inside and out

Ask us for our favorite crew in your area!

Take inventory

Now would be a good time to go room to room and take note of any new valuables you may have accumulated over the holiday season. Go through your home and take a video or photos to save to the cloud to document. Since you’re on the topic now would be a good time to get reacquainted with your insurance and what it covers.

If you think there could be room for improvement contact our friends at the Weiser Agency.

Pumpkins and Portraits 2021

Hobie's First Day

I had HEAVY mom guilt recently over sending Hobie to daycare. I was having crazy thoughts like “Maybe I shouldn’t work so much”, or

“Maybe I could be home with him more.”

Then, I saw a few posts in my mom group from other families needing assistance in the hours before 8 am and after 5:30 pm because of their work schedules. That was a major eye opener for me. Yes, I do work crazy hours but I am unbelievably blessed that I get to drop off and pick up my kid every single day. I get the joy of him running through the school yard and jumping into my arms. I am blessed to be the one deciding what my non-negotiable hours are.

Growing up my dad was a blue collar linesman that required him to be at work super early in the morning, and my mom worked a 8-5 front desk job at our local insurance company with no flexibility. So now- instead of feeling guilty, I feel empowered and grateful for being in the position to send my son to daycare and to be the one he sees in the pick up line. So to all the parents just MAKING IT WORK, I see you, and I respect you.

Kat Hitchcock

Halloween Haunts 2021 Local Edition

SANTA BARBARA

Spooky Zoo, October 11 to 31, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Get ready for a fun and festive Halloween spell-ebration at the Santa Barbara Zoo. While visiting the animals, discover frightfully fun decor and photo ops. Tasty treats and booo-zy adult beverages will be available to quench your ravenous hunger and thirst. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, cloth or surgical face coverings that cover your nose and mouth must be worn while in the zoo. Additionally, no costume head or face masks will be permitted. Since this is a kid and family-friendly event, please keep costumes child-friendly and do not include gore or realistic weapons. Learn More

Cost: Free with Zoo admission. Online reservations are required.

Witchy Paddle on Halloween, October 31, 11 a.m.

Enjoy a bewitching paddle tour this Halloween! Glide between boats and explore the Santa Barbara coastline with your spellbinding crew. Arrive in a witch costume and receive 25% off your rental from Paddle Sports Center. Learn More

Cost: $30/hour

Halloween Monster Mash at Paseo Nuevo, October 31, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join DJ Frank in Paseo Nuevo’s Center Court for a Halloween Monster Mash. Don your best costume for an early evening of family fun, trick-or-treating, and a few additional surprises. Learn More

Monstera Mash: A Boo-tanical Stroll through Lotusland, October 28-30, 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3:30 p.m.

Guests are in for a boo-tanical experience as they stroll through a thrilling and chilling garden party at Lotusland. Around every corner, discover mysterious surprises, spooktacular decorations and creepy creatures. Costumes are encouraged for all ages. Space is limited. Call (805) 969- 9990 for reservations. Learn More

Cost: Members: $35/adult, $20/child ages 3-17, free age 2 and under. Non-Members Thursday & Friday: $60/adult, $30/child ages 3-17, free age 2. 

Trick or Treat on State Street, October 31, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy a safe and fun trick-or-treating experience in downtown Santa Barbara this Halloween. Bring the whole family in costume to the many shops and storefronts of State Street, and collect individually wrapped treats, candy, stickers, prizes and toys.

Learn More

Cost: Admission is free.

Ghost Village Road, October 31, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

From spooky and creepy to fun and sweet, dress in your Halloween best for this trick-or-treat. The storefronts along Coast Village Road are eager to welcome you and your little ones with candy, treats, and other goodies this Hallows Eve.

Learn More

Cost: Admission is free.

VENTURA

HALLOWEEN AT THE HARBOR:

Witches Paddle
We are excited to brew up our second annual Ride of the Ventura Harbor Witches! We are scheduled to “fly” Friday, October 30th approx 3:30 pm. Getting dressed in your best witch costume and renting your broom to fly across the sea may seem like a bunch of hocus pocus but it is also the perfect way to get in the Halloween spirit!

Halloween Seaside Skeletons
On Halloween Day, several skeletons will have escaped the harbor hearse and are on the loose in the Village! Join us on Saturday, October 31 anytime from 10am to 5pm (in your spooky costume + mask) and find the skeletons for a chance to win a spooky prize pack from Ventura Harbor businesses. Use #SeasideSkeletons and tag @venturaharbor when posting photos! Click here for all contest details.

TRICK OR TREAT AT THE COLLECTION

The Collection at RiverPark invites Super Heroes, Witches, Ghosts and Goblins to collect sweet treats!

Princesses, pirates and pumpkins, gather around! All are invited to stop in for a spell and enjoy fang-tastic treats at The Collection at RiverPark’s annual trick-or-treat event on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 5 – 7 p.m.

Attendees who complete their passport will be entered for a chance to win a spooktacular Collection grand prize. This wicked event fills up fast so mummies and daddies are strongly encouraged to RSVP as soon as possible. Tickets are reserved for children only; one ticket per trick-or-treater.

CLICK HERE

Trick-or-Treat Through Downtown Ventura!

October 30 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Learn More

The Downtown Ventura Halloween Dance Party!

October 29 @ 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Join us on California & Main for this devilishly delightful outdoor, hi-energy, spectacular good time!

DJ Steve Perez of 103.3 KRUZ will be in the mix playing all the best dance hits of yesterday and today, guaranteed to move your feet!

The stage will be decked out with spooky lighting, decorations, and killer sound to create an amazing experience not to be missed!

Show off your Halloween costumes on Main Street! Bill Michaels of 95.1 KBBY will be awarding prizes around 8pm!

Prizes include: Tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain, San Diego ZOO & Safari Park, Gift Cards and much, much more!

Located at:

California & Main Stage, Downtown Ventura 

Friday, October 29, 2021

6pm-9:30pm

Free Entry, All Ages welcome!

Learn More

From Neighborhoods to Motherhood

From Neighborhoods to Motherhood

The other day we redid our team photos since we welcomed our new team member, Kara. As most of you know now, I am about 5 months pregnant and the idea of having a business photo with a huge belly terrified me to the point where I had to pose extremely awkward to be able to photoshop my growing belly out of the shot. Honestly, I feel ridiculous in the photo to the left.

I have this fear that if people know I am pregnant they won’t take me serious in business. Unfortunately, I know a lot of women who feel the same way. 

At the end of the day I have realized that being a mother has bettered me professionally.  I have never been more focused or more determined. I now have two different reasons to wake up every morning. I want to be better not only for myself, husband and my team but these two little humans that will watch my every move. I want to be better for you, for me, for them. This message is me facing my fears. I hope I can inspire you to do the same.

KAT HITCHCOCK

Business of the Month: Alex Montoya

Business of the Month: Alex Montoya

Vegan Creme Fresh Panna Cotta with Chocolate Date Soil & Balsamic Reduction @calamigosranch

From architecture to culinary arts. Putting Ventura's foodie scene on the map! I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with innovative Alex Montoya who is just 25 years old and has been in the industry for 7 years and now established as the executive chef at local's favorite Fluid State downtown Ventura. He had a humble start as a dishwasher at the famous Spencer Mackenzies while he was in school to become an architect. 

He is proof that you can do whatever you have a passion for- if you put your mind, heart and soul into it. No culinary degree yet he is ahead of the curve in every way. He has an unconventional approach combining food with artistry and lines from his architecture background. 

Butterscotch Yo Pop: House Butterscotch Frozen Custard, Chocolate Pecan Hard Sell, Speck Salt.

He was the executive chef at The Ventura Wine Company's "Cave" restaurant for nearly 7 years and has now made the leap into the downtown Ventura scene at Fluid State Beer Garden.  Truly inspiring background and story.

NOTE! Since this interview Alex has made the leap to Calamigos Ranch in Malibu where he is the head Pastry Chef. We are so happy for him and all his new endeavors. Definitely recommend following him and experiencing one of his dishes first hand.

Follow Alex and see his newest creations and where he is currently @alex_montoya

Pink Panther: House Pink Peppercorn Churro, Black Spice Tea Frozen Custard.

Bar Snack Coming Soon- Thai Salmon Skewers:

Atlantic Salmon, Sweet Chili Thai Marinade, Toasted Sesame Seed, Green Onion, Guajillo Dust.

Business of the Month: Cearnal Collective

Business of the Month: Cearnal Collective

This month we had the honor of interviewing Mel Brown and Natalie Greenside who work on the interior design team at Cearnal Collective. Over the past 35 years, The Cearnal Collective has grown from founding-principal Brian Cearnal’s dining room to a dynamic 15-person architecture and interior design firm recognized for its landmark contributions to Santa Barbara’s architectural legacy. They are responsible for many well known projects in town including the reconstruction of the 1923 Carrillo Hotel to what we now know as our beloved Canary Hotel. Check out or interview and learn more about them at www.cearnal.com

Business of the Month: Timber and Wool, Cindy Baker

Business of the Month: Timber and Wool

Ya’ll know we are ALL about girl power…in a previously male dominated industry ourselves we always admire hard working women in all industries. Early last month we were looking for a great flooring contractor and instantaneously more than one of the agents in our office responded with Cindy’s name and number. She seemed to be all the rage and after we met her we understood completely.

She is not only a flooring contractor but her design eye and her service skills are bar none. We could not wait to interview her! Watch our full interview with her to learn about Cindy, her business and the path that lead her here.

Follow Cindy @timberandwoolsb

Go check out her beautiful showroom located at 310 E Haley St, Santa Barbara

Or check out her portfolio at https://www.timberandwoolsb.com/

Business of the Month: Santa Barbara Sailing Center

Business of the Month: Santa Barbara Sailing Center

We’re on a boat! 🚤⚓️ This month with the recently elusive California sun made an appearance long enough for us to get out on the docks and hop on board with Arianna Kamp who is the director of business development at the Santa Barbara Sailing Center.

Kat and her crew love coming to see Arianna since her husband, Matt Hitchcock recently got his sailing license. It’s truly a magical place to learn how to sail or just cruise the harbor and take in the salty air and cool waves. Seeing Santa Barbara from a different perspective on the water is something everyone should experience without a doubt.

Arianna has been at the Sailing Center for 10 years, starting as a Kayak guide and eventually leveling up to director of business development. You can tell by the enthusiasm in the way she speaks about being on the water that she truly has a passion for her work and who could blame her?

If you are in Santa Barbara area or thinking of making a trip to SB we highly recommend one of the many activities the Sailing Center has to offer! Learn more at www.sbsail.com

USE PROMO CODE: HitchcockRE for 10% off of your harbor activities for the day

Business of the Month: Lila Boyce, Anacapa Architecture

Business of the Month: Lila Boyce, Anacapa Architecture

We were super excited to sit down this month with Lila Boyce of Anacapa Architecture to learn more about how she became an architect and a little of what they do at Anacapa. Lila is a Santa Barbara native who's love of architecture grew from the time she was a child since her father was an architect. Anacapa is a full-service architecture, planning and interior design firm. Specializing in hospitality, custom residential and urban infill mixed-use projects, our experienced team develops innovative designs that enrich the way we live. The founder, Dan Weber, has created an amazing team of like-minded individuals, including Lila. Watch our interview with her and see some of their projects, their office space and get Lila's opinion of the changing architecture scene in Santa Barbara.

Learn more at: www.anacapaarchitecture.com

@anacapa_architecture

Contact Lila: lila@anacapaarchitecture.com

Business of the Month: Cutler's Artisan Spirits

Business of the Month: Cutler’s Artisan Spirits

This month we had the honor of interviewing Ian Cutler. Ian owns Cutler’s Spirits in the Funk Zone and is a 5th generation Californian- born and raised in Oakdale, California. Ian has followed in his family’s footsteps in the distilled spirits industry, dating back to 1915 when his great grand father Duke was a prohibition moonshine bootlegger.

Ian first came to Santa Barbara 1999 when he attended UCSB pursuing a major in chemistry. It wasn’t until 2013, over 80 years since Old Duke Cutler started the family in the distilled spirits business, Ian Cutler revitalized the Cutler heritage in distilled spirits, following the same dedication to providing the finest possible spirits to thirsty locals pioneered nearly 4 generations ago.

Cutler’s is now Santa Barbara’s first LEGAL distillery. Their spirits have won numerous awards and mentions including Best of 805. They are dedicated to producing top quality spirits, using fresh local ingredients. Every spirit produced at Cutler's Artisan is made with a passion for the craft of distilling spirits.

If you’re in or near the Santa Barbara area you can visit their distiller at:

137 Anacapa St. Suite D
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Sample your favorite spirits in their gift shop and tasting room. Open Thur-Sun 1pm-6pm.

If you want to find Cutler’s Spirits near you visit their location finder on their website. (Kylie’s hint: if you are in the Ventura county area and can’t drive up to Santa Barbara - a handful of your favorite restaurants and bars carry Cutler’s as well as Sam’s Saticoy delivers- just visit the link to find where!)

You can also check out their tasty craft cocktail recipes!

Business of the Month: Lauren LaForge of SouthWestern Consulting

Business of the Month: Lauren LaForge of SouthWestern Consulting

Tell us a little bit about your current business and how it works:

I am a business and sales coach, speaker, and corporate trainer. When someone asks me what I do, I joyfully respond, "I help people make more money." However, that's the brilliant thing with sales coaching- often times making more money is simply the by-product of having more control over your day, implementing new habits & systems, and living intentionally. Coaching is that exciting plunge into getting an outside opinion from an expert on how to best and most efficiently grow your business. It's sharpening your ax rather than just chopping away with a dull blade. It's getting new energy, vision, perspective and strategies for you & your business; Improving how you lead, prospect and close new business. It’s getting ahold on your day with time management, email management and delegation strategies custom tailored for you & how your brain works. No two coaching experiences are the same because everyone is looking to grow in a different way and at different speeds. 

How long have you been doing this? 

Over the last 16 years I have been in sales and started and sold two businesses. I have been coaching and speaking since 2014.

What made you get into this field? I know you were a business owner and entrepreneur prior to this, how did that lead you to where you are now?

I feel like this career was meant for me. I started out in sales at 18 years old selling educational reference books door to door. At a young age, I learned the art of selling, being resilient through rejection and the importance of being persistent to reach your goals. Thankfully I did well, I started to speak and train others and eventually started my own businesses.  I realized that I loved building businesses and solving problems and now I get to do that everyday with business owners and sales people around the world. 

What do you enjoy most about what you do? What's your why everyday?

I get such satisfaction over helping people achieve their goals and improve their business. I love to solve problems and bring a positive change into the lives I work with. It is fascinating that by helping people slow down and work on their business they are able to speed up strategically and reach some phenomenal success. 

I saw you have a fairly big team on your website, how many coaches and other members do you currently have at Southwestern Consulting?

We have over 150 coaches nationwide and across 7 countries.

Does Southwestern Consulting coach people nationwide or just locally? 

We coach people from around the world and obviously lots of great people here in Santa Barbara as well.  Clients usually get paired with a coach based on their personality style and the area they want to grow in. That said, I am here locally and am personally involved with everyone who signs up for coaching in Santa Barbara whether I coach them directly or indirectly. 

What do you think is the number one reason someone should consider your services?

If you are eager to become an improved, more focused, organized, fulfilled version of yourself, I’d challenge you to check out coaching. Yes, the main thing we do is help people make more money (which is great) but usually in the process there is phenomenal growth in other areas of your life as well like multiplying your time, feeling more purposeful, generating more qualified leads and getting systematized.

How does one hire or begin working with you or someone from your team?

You can set up a one-on-one Business Action Planning Session with me over the phone or in person. From there we can discuss your goals, what obstacles are getting in the way and see if coaching is a good fit for you. I also do complimentary sales training workshops for sales teams so they can experience our style of training and see if we’d be a good addition for their team. 

When you are not hard at work helping people achieve their goals, what do you enjoy doing in Santa Barbara? (Could also be i know you live in Santa Barbara, what makes you enjoy it here? Why have you chosen to call this home... ) 

I don’t know if there is a non-cliché answer to this question! :) I’ve chosen to call Santa Barbara home because of the amazing quality of life and community here. After living in San Diego for college and running a business in LA, being in Santa Barbara is just so peaceful and enjoyable. I love the 5 minute commute anywhere, the easy access to a

www.southwesternconsulting.com