Happy New Year!

Auld Lange Syne

 celebrating 30 years of friendship
a trip down Memory Lane for 5 couples

 having round-robbin dinner parties
appetizers with Proseco -guest

 We are hosting this NY get together
Prime Rib Roast- host - red wine
Sauteed Salmon- host - white wine
Roasted Veggies- guest
Popovers-guest
Roasted Potatoes-guest
Lemon Souffle-guest
Coffee & chocolates

Cymbidiums are also excited to bring in the New Year!

Wishing you all a very healthy, adventurous and prosperous

New Year!

Come visit beautiful Santa Barbara!

After the Rains.....

Mother Nature's Year End Display in Santa Barbara...

 Photo by Tom Modugno

 photo by Mike Mallen

 Photo by Tom Modugno

Photo by Dan Seibert

all photos from Noozhawk; http://www.noozhawk.com/

Merry Christmas from Santa Barbara

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

 night time photo of the Santa Barbara Mission
by Eva Kirkpatrick

  from our home to yours
and a
New Year filled with Prosperity and Peace for All!

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park Tour

Docent Led Tour

Every Saturday 10 am

Free

Park Entrance across from Sandyland and Ash avenues in Carpinteria

This docent led tour provides history of the landmark's rescue and geology, flora and fauna

Information:  684-4060

Saturday Weekly Santa Barbara Tours of Interest

Historical Museum Docent Tours

13 E. de la Guerra St., Santa Barbara

2 p.m. Saturdays
Free for all
805 966-1601; or http://www.santabarbaramuseum.com/





Gladwin Planetarium Shows
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Museum Admission
2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara
$10-adults; $7 seniors 65+ and teens 13-17; $6 children 2 and under
December 19 - December 31
Planetarium Admission-$4
Twinkle, Twinkle for Little Stars-11:30 am, 2:15 and 4 pm
Santa's Starry Ride; 12:15 pm
Winter Sky for Little Dippers 1 pm
Discovery Zone 1:15 pm
Astronaut 3 pm

Maritime Museum Docent Tours

113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, Santa Barbara

2-3 pm Saturdays

$7-general; $4-seniors, students & youth; under 2 yrs-$2

805 886-9078; http://www.sbmm.org/

Historic Santa Barbara Walking Tour

meet on the steps of City Hall by De la Guerra Plaza

10 am - noon

Walking tour covers post 1925 earthquake architecture, landscape designe and history of Santa Barbara.  Presented by Architectural Foundation of Santqa Barbara.

no baby-strollers or dogs.

Free to children 3-12; $10 general.

805 965-6307; http://www.afsb.org/

Rancho La Patera and Historic Stow House Tours

304 N. Los Carneros Road, Goleta

2-4 pm

$5-adults, free for children 12 and under

Boat Parade of Lights Sunday, December 12th

Silver Bells and Winter Swells

25th Annual Parade of Lights

Festivities begin with Santa's Village event at 3:00 pm on the City Pier

Santa will visit and he is bringing 10 tons of snow for children to play in

Enjoy the fun of Holiday Music

Admission is FREE 

30-50 boats decorated to the theme "Silver Bells and Winter Swells" will light up the shore.

Fireworks display will follow the boat parade

more information: 

http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/Resident/Things/Waterfront/Annual _Parade_of_Lights.htm

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair-Dec. 11

Craft Show by SB City College/Adult Ed Student Artists

December 11, 10 am - 4 pm

Free

Wake Center

300 North Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara

The Fair will feature more than 80 local artists' work, including jewelry, paintings, ceramics, pottery and glass

10% of the proceeds will go to SBCC/Continuing Adult Ed Foundation

The event will include food and music.  There is plenty of free parking available

As a personal note: this is one of the best art fairs around!  Many of these artist are truly proficient at their craft.  It's a great venue for wonderful, bargain priced treasures!

Open House at The Reagan Ranch Center

Thursday, December 9th

4:30 - 6:30 pm

Open House

Hosted by Senator Tony Strickland

at the Reagan Ranch Center

217 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA

to make sure there are enough refreshments, please

RSVP 306-8886, or email to matt.guthrie@sen.ca.gov 

Jazz Harmony

Christmas with Vocal Point

Sunday December 5, 2010

3 pmn and 7 pm

Free Methodist Church

1435 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara

Special Guests:

Debbie Denke Jazz Combo

Jon Crosse

James Antunez

and

Santa Barbara Noel Carolers

$15 general admission, credit cards accepted

729-2627

A benefit for Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz Foundation

Music Education Programs

Annual Holiday Parade

Miracle on State Street

Friday, December 3, 2010; 6:30 pm

State Street from Sola to Cota

information:  805 962-2098
http://www.santabarbaradowntown.com/

Christmas Walk Dec. 1st

La Arcada: A Santa Barbara Gem

Tucked away in the Center of Santa Barbara lies a piece of Santa Barbara history and one of its most unique jewels.  In true Santa Barbara style, with entrances on State Street and Figueroa, La Arcada is a quaint and charming substitute for the larger malls.  La Arcada boasts some of Santa Barbara's top restaurants and art galleries as well as hosting a number of unique retail boutiques and services.  Tile-lined walkways, fountains, sidewalk cafes and beautiful sculptures decorate the lush landscape.

come enjoy the Holidays with us here at La Arcada!

information and photographs taken from the La Arcada Website.  For information on current happenings and more history of this fabulous mini-mall visit:   http://www.laarcadasantabarbara.com/

Holiday Faire in Carpinteria

Saturday, November 27th

10 am - 3 pm

FREE

at the

Carpinteria Historical Museum

956 Maple Avenue,Carpinteria

over 80 Artisans, Live Folk Music and more

old fashioned toys

refreshments and food booths

arts and crafts

baked goods

Santa in person!

While you are in Carpinteria....be sure to stop at two of my two favorite stores...
both are decorated for the holidays!

Whimsy Antiques on Linden and a second store on 7th Street
take a walk down memory lane in this unique vintage and antique store

 Susan Willis on Carpinteria Street (near the Carpinteria Street South offramp)
fabulous holiday gift and decor and the unusual and unique! 

If you are returning to Santa Barbara, stop for a late lunch, early dinner or just a cup of coffee and delicious snack at the Garden Market on Santa Claus Lane, (appropriate this time of year).  Delicious eats, wine, and a wonderful outdoor patio. Say hello to my friend and proprietor Tammy diMatteo!

Happy Shopping!

Happy Thanksgivng!

May You and Yours have a Beautiful and Reflective Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude."  ~E.P. Powell

Carpinteria - "Safest Beach"

Visit the Charming Carpinteria Valley 

Incorporated in 1965, The City of Carpinteria remains a small and charming seaside community just 12 miles south of  the idyllic City of Santa Barbara, and 15 miles north of Ventura along Highway 101 and the blue Pacific. Known as having the "safest beach" in California, the beautiful public beach area includes a campground and miles of sandy beach and easy free parking.

Linden Street on the ocean side of Hwy 101 is known for its charming local boutiques, vintage-antique shops (see my post on Vintage Treasure Hunt II), candy and chocolate shop and lots of locally owned restaurants. Dining ranges from super casual to fine dining and include The Spot (fabulous hamburger stand at the bottom of Linden near the beach), the Hot Dog Man, on the Casitas Pass off-ramp), Clementine's in the purple house on Carpinteria Street; a family owned restaurant which serves fabulous "family style" dinners including home made bread and pies. Santa Claus Lane located just south of the City offers several fun dining experiences, including the wonderful Garden Market. There's not a bad meal to be had in the Carpinteria Valley. Across the street from Clementines is the not to be missed Eye of the Day Nursery and Garden Boutique.

Via Real which runs parallel to and north of Hwy 101 (from Santa Monica to Nidever at the Polo Grounds)  features numerous nurseries open to the public for purchasing locally grown orchids and/or native and exotic garden and house plants. One of my favorites is the Island View Nursery, located on Nidever. Several nurseries also offer landscape design areas for enjoyment and ideas to take home. Several times of year the Commercial Green House Growers offer a tours to the public.  Check with the Chamber of Commerce for details.

photo by Jill Marx from the Carpinteria Chamber Website

The City of Carpinteria includes 7 square miles with 4.5 miles being ocean.  The Carpinteria Valley , much of which is still agricultural incorporates 11.6 square miles. City Population is 14,271.  Climate is moderate with an average temperatures in the 60-80s range.  Rainfall is approximately 17-18 inches annually.

photo by David Powdrell from the Carpinteria Chamber Website

The Chumash Indians, the area's first inhabitants, referred to this beautiful seaside valley as Mishopshono, meaning "correspondence", as it was a center of trade. One of the reasons the Natives were so advanced is due to the natural oil seepage in the area, which provided material to keep their canoes water tight. In 1769 Spanish Explorers lead by Gaspar de Portola came upon a group of Chumash splitting redwood logs, hand-hewing planks and constructing large, seagoing canoes they called tomols. The soldiers promptly dubbed it La Carpinteria, or the Carpenters Shop.

Carpinteria Museum Flea Market



The Carpinteria Valley Museum of History includes exhibits of Chumash artifacts from the hunting and gathering culture of these industrious Native Americans along with the history of the great Mexican cattle-ranching period and farming history of the Valley.  The Research Library is open for research by appointment only.  805 684-3112; www.carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org

Ongoing Events:

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Docent Tours:  Sat. 10 am Sandyland/Ash Avenues 806 684-8077

Certified Farmers Market and Creative Arts Market:  Thursdays, Linden Ave; 3-6 pm

Flea Market: Museum of History, 956 Maple Ave; last Saturday of the month 8am-3pm, (except May, Nov and Dec)

For more information contact the Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce at 805 684-5479; www.carpinteriachamber.org

Miracle on State Street Dec. 18 & 19

Pure Holiday Magic

State Street Ballet Presents

The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 18 - 2pm & 7pm

Sunday, December 19 - 2pm

at the

Granada

Tickets:  805 899-2222

on line at http://www.granadasb.org/

If you haven't seen the Nutcracker in theater you haven't lived!

Mesa Artist Tour Sunday Nov. 14th

Mesa Artist Studio Tour

Sunday November 14, 2010:  11am -4 pm

Morgan Green

Susan Belloni

for a tour map and artist information:

www.santabarbaramesaartists.com

805 962-5619

Thank you Veterans!

Empty Bowls Lunch

Sunday, November 7th

13th Annual Empty Bowls Lunch

Historic Rockwood Women's Club

located in Mission Canyon, near the Santa Barbara Mission

seating between 11 am and 2 pm
dress-casual

a benefit for The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

Tickets on sale for $25, call 805-585-5244

Santa Barbara's Historic Cultural Arts District

First Thursday - November 4th

Get some Culture Downtown Santa Barbara

An evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara on the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and cultural art venues offer free access to Santa Barbara's rich cultural scene in a fun and social environment from 5-8 pm.  Attractions such as live music, artists receptions, exhibit openings, demonstrations and wine tastings are featured at participating venues.  In addition, State Street comes alive with public performances and interactive exhibits.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES: PIANOS ON STATE
Various Downtown Locations

Pianos on State is a collaborative musical experiment coinciding with the 2010 New Noise Music Festival and Conference. Pianos will be placed at various locations up and down State Street from November 4-7th. Amateur and professional musicians alike will be scheduled to perform and during open times anyone is welcome to sit down and play. the event will raise awareness for the 2nd Annual Instrument Drive 4 Youth taking place on December 31, 2010 that collects new and used music instruments and equipment for disbursement through the school district and other non-profit organizations.

For more information call 805 962-2098 or visit www.santabarbaradowntown.com

Exercise Your Right To Vote Today!

PLEASE VOTE TODAY!

Conocurs d'Elegance Santa Barbara

24th Santa Barbara

Concours d'Elegance & Vino d'Elegance

Andy Granatelli, Grand Marshall

Saturday, October 30th 10am - 4pm

Car Show
general admission both days $20 

Vino d'Elegance

Trick or Trunk - Halloween Activities for Children

Sunday, October 31 10am-4pm

Concours d'Elegance

Vino d'Elegance

Awards Ceremony

Musical Entertainment

Art Exhibition

Halloween Activities for Children

This event is family friendly!

Located at the

Santa Barbara Polo & Raquet Club

3300 Via Real, Carpinteria, CA

For Event Tickets and Information
for specific ticket costs and inclusions be sure to visit
http://www.elegantcars.com/

800-594-7734 or 805-884-9977

Trick-or-Treat Santa Barbara Style

Friday - October 29 6 pm

Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum

Upstairs at Paseo Nuevo

Pumpkin Carving Contest & Wine Tasting

all ages are invited to submit a pumpkin between noon Thursday and noon Friday

to be eligible for awards.

Kunin Wines will offer tastings with a focus on autumnal  pairings as part of the

Downtown Organization's epicure.sb series.  Free.

Saturday, October 30; 7-11:30 pm

Canary Confidential Cocktail Party 

Canary Hotel 31 W. Carillo St, SB

Live music, champagne bottle service, Trick-or-Tweet door prizes,

photo booth and specialty drinks.

$35 advance, $40 at door. 884-0300

 

Downtown Santa Barbara Safe Trick-or Treat

Sunday October 31st noon-3pm

Along State St bet6ween Sola and Gutierrez Streets and at Paseo Nuevo

The Downtown Organization welcomes costumed children and their families to visit participating business to provide treats, candy, stickers, coupons, balloons & fun to trick or treaters-Free

 

Shop for Costumes

at the following locations:

World of Magic, 322 State Street, Park in lot 12

BiZerk 432 State Street

Victorian Vogue 4289 State Street

Simply Halloween 290-B Storke Road, Goleta