As Californians, we are not used to all this rain that we’ve been getting, but we sure do need it.  Maybe it’s because of this increase in precipitation, but the Spring air seems extra brilliant and vibrant this year. It’s also motivated me to want to do some Spring cleaning, which is new for me.  I have always been a “clutter bug” or a “pack rat,” according to my mother. It seems the older I get, the less I want to be surrounded by clutter, but the irony is that I have a hard time getting rid of things.

During quarantine, like the rest of America, I watched The Home Edit on Netflix and bought all the see-through containers at Target. But good intentions didn’t organize my pantry and other closets.  Here we are three years later and I decide to try again. This time I knew I needed help. With Randi and Lynsie from Bins + Baskets spending an afternoon with me editing and organizing, I have an Instagram-worthy pantry that I could have never done on my own. They were able to use all my Target bins and added a few more. Later, when they were done, Randi posted my pantry’s transformation on their company’s page and said an organized space just makes you feel bet-

ter, and she’s right. I do feel lighter and fresher; now I just need to do the same thing to the rest of my house (insert deep sigh).

Part of having a more organized kitchen helps you see what you have in order to plan better dinners, or at least that’s what I’ve heard.  I’m still not much of a cook. In my household, my husband plans and executes most of our meals just like Julie Willis’s husband. In her Humor at Home article, “Substitute Chef:  What’s for Dinner?” she writes about the times her husband is out of commission and dinner duty falls to her. It’s a funny read that I could relate to 1,000 percent. To find out how she managed during his hiatus, turn to page 20.

The month of April gives us Springtime flowers and fun, and it’s also the time for the annual Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference (BWBC) where women from all over the County come together to share ideas, resources, and support to empower each other. In this month’s article, “Hello, Happy (Business) Mama,” on page 12, we shed some light on this Conference and highlight the women in charge. Written by a friend of the magazine and guest writer, Janelle Capra, she interviews five of the women responsible for this fabulous event to discuss motherhood, community, and leadership. Thanks to NaTesha “T” Johnson, Founder & Owner, Upside Productions and Chair, BWBC; Deanna Blaise, Senior Vice President, Member Services at Valley Strong Credit Union and Vice-Chair BWBC; Dayna Nichols, Advisory Board Member, BWBC; Colleen Bauer, Owner, My Fairy Godmother and Executive Board Member, BWBC; and, LaMeka Ross, Human Resources Advisor, Aera Energy and Advisory Board, BWBC.

This Conference features all kinds of businessmen and women, including a lot of entrepreneurs, and they hold workshops on how to make your business succeed. As parents and caregivers, we can help our children have a business mindset.  In Callie Collins’ article, “11 Ways to Encourage Entrepreneurship in the Next

Generation,” she writes about how we can use everyday tasks and games to teach business. To read all about her tips ranging from fostering creativity to instilling routines, turn to page 17.

This month as you are either enjoying the new world around you or Spring cleaning indoors, this is a fabulous month where we can start a FRESH, CLEAN slate! Don’t forget to come to visit us at the KCFM Summer Camp & Adventure Fair on Thursday, April 20th! Can’t wait to see you all in person!  It’s been too long and we are so happy to be Back!