Thursday, July 28, 2011

Santa Barbara Goes Greek!

38th Annual Greek Festival


This wonderful annual event
is free to the public


Oak Park

Monday, July 25, 2011

Concerts at La Patera Ranch

Music at the Ranch
Rancho La Patera
304 North Los Carneros Road
Goleta
Free
Tuesday Evenings
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Presented by
Goleta Valley Historical Society
bring a picnic and enjoy dinner alfresco in
the beautiful gardens of theRanch

July 26th
Somos Son
"Sensational Sounds of Cuban Salsa"
August 2nd
Donna Greene & The Roadhouse Daddies

August 16th
Spencer The Gardener

info:  805 6981-7216



 

Friday, July 22, 2011

Preserving Santa Barbara's Bounty

Home Grown turns into Home Made!

The Santa Barbara South Coast Area
 is referred to as "Paradise"
with good reason... 

 Almost anything grows in our temperate climate..

 especially good things to eat, which makes
living sustainably fun and easy.


and sometimes nature brings us such amazing bounty...


that even when sharing with everyone we know...
there's still so much left...


that I have taken up the age old art of preserving,
canning and 'putting up' nature's bounty!
my friends and family now look forward to receiving
preserved gifts from my kitchen

The Santa Barbara Newspress' Food Section
this past Thursday featured a fabulous
 article on locals who preserve, pickle and
can... some for profit and some for fun.

Check into Cindy Shipp's fabulous blog: 
I  attended her demonstration at
Whole Foods today

Cindy also teaches classes on this fun and
practical hobby....check out her website

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Santa Barbara is Butterfly Country!

Butterflies Alive!


Summer is in full swing....
Our butterfly garden is alive and well...
creating lots and lots of new Monarch Butterflies!



Here is a Pupea...a Butterfly Cocoon
waiting for the Crysalis to complete
and turn the caterpillar into a gorgeous
Monarch Butterfly!

 Several years ago we discovered how to
cultivate a "butterfly garden"...
not only to attract the adult Monarchs to lay their eggs,
but to have the food for the caterpillars!

Milk Weed is a pretty little plant which
propogates itself very easily
and attracts Monarch caterpillars by the droves!

It is fascinating to observe them devour an entire plant..
and then go to their "resting place" to create their
little house which allows them to transform themselves
into gorgeous, stunning and amazing Monarch Butterflies!

The work of the caterpillar to create their
'pupeas' is heartwrenchingly difficult!!
However, the 'Crysalis Event'  is like a miracle!

Observing the "butterfly" leave the pupea
unfold her wings...dry her wings
and take flight is a miraculous event!

We are sooo blessed that the Monarch
Butterflies have made our gardens
home!



Saturday, July 16, 2011

Favorite Santa Barbara Restaurant

Jane's

located just steps down from the
historical Arlington Theater
1311 State Street
Jane's has just celebrated a second year anniversary!

A younger sister of The Montecito Cafe...
Jane's is a new face with an experienced
history!


Jane is a family owned and operated business. The restaurant is named after my grandmother, Jane. She encouraged my parents, Mark & Margaret Huston to open their first restaurant, the Montecito Café and so we thought it suiting to pay tribute to our beloved matriarch by naming this restaurant after her. Photos of Jane adorn the restaurant and depict her years living abroad as well as many of her other adventures. For anyone that knew her she was one of a kind. Jane loved all people and welcomed everyone into her home. We hope that this restaurant will live up to her warm persona and that you will be able to enjoy our family recipes and friendly service. I look forward to seeing you soon,
Jane Chapman
http://www.janerestaurantsb.com/
4.5 rating on yelp
Charming atmosphere in a historical part of
upper downtown Santa Barbara
(you can ride the trolley to this location)
Jane's is a great place for lunch or dinner
Serving Santa Barbara cuisine, much of it local and
seasonal fare.  Bring your pickiest eaters..
I'm adventurous, my husband is meat and potatoes
We both love the food, service and atmosphere
The coconut cake is devine!
Oh, and if you love the decor and atmosphere
my talented husband, Architect Doug Reeves designed
this restaurant!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Music Academy's Summer Festival

Summer 2011
Magic, Music and Masterclasses

The Music Academy of the West and her gifted young 
musicians who participate in the Academy's Program
bring magic to our community every summer. 
Her historic and beautiful Campus, Mira Flores is
located in Montecito, just stept from Butterfly Beach and
the historic Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel.

Truly a Santa Barbara Lifestyle Perk, here are some of
the Summer Festival Programs:

Academy Open House
Thursday, July 14, Miraflores Campus
Masterclasses, a tribute to Marilyn Horne, a garden tour,
and an introduction to the Luria Education center.
ALL events are FREE
(supported by Montecito Bank and Trust)

Note: The Miraflores Campus and grounds have recently
undergone a major restoration,
including the addition of up to date technology.
This stunning site and her historic buildings are
truly worth visit!

Academy Festival Orchestra
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra's Peter Oundjian and the
Academy's talented Fellows commemorate the
100th anniversary of Mahler's death by
performing his celebrated Symphony No. 5
8 pm, Saturday, July 16, Granada Theatre

for an event schedule:  http://www.musicacademy.org/

Sunday, July 10, 2011

The Royals Were Here!

The "Fascinator" has conquered Santa Barbara

Prince William and  Duchess Kate
 visiting Santa Barbara!


Santa Barbara is all a twitter...
Prince William played polo on Team Royal Salute
 at the Santa Barbara Polo Club
Saturday, July 9th
The Foundation Polo Challenge

For you "Fashionistas....
Kate was wearing a Jenny Packham 'deGournay'
hand painted silver & marble grey
 handpainted chinoiserie silk dress

LK Bennett Shoes and LK Bennett
Natalie clutch
(http://whatkatewore.com/)

A benefit for American Friends of the Foundation
of Prince William and Prince Harry
The event began at 10 am... included a
private drinks reception with the players
a hosted bar, and a 3-course catered lunch
by  Celebrity Chef Giada De Laurentiis.
The festivities concluded with The Duches
presenting the winning trophy

and the winner is...

Team Royal Salute
Captained by Prince William who scored 3 times
to the delight of the Santa Barbara crowd

I have dear friends who attended (and invited me..just
couldn't justify the $400)


I think our very own Princess Diana (escorted by Prince
Kipley Von Lytel) won the
Fashionista Fascinator Hat Award!



Friday, July 8, 2011

International Orchid Fair

Earl Warren Show Grounds
Friday July 8, 9 and 10, 2011
10 am - 4 pm
Admission - Free
Parking $5


Santa Barbara Orchid Estate's International Orchid Fair has grown from a
small gathering on the estate's lawn to a grand, three-day affair that dominates
the sprawling Earl Warren Show Grounds.  Now in it's 31st year,
the Fair plays host to orchid professionals, hobbyists and collectors alike,
many whom travel from the far corners of the globe to attend.

The show will feature speakers, book signings, orchid care
demonstrations and an irresistible open-air market.
Over 35 Vendors hailing from such places as Japan, China,
Australia, and Central and South America.

Author Steve Manning, author of "Discovering New Orchids"
 will speak at 7:30 Friday at the
Louise Lowry Davis Center, 1232 De la Vina St.
Reservations for the 'no host' speaker's dinner held
prior to the meeting, contact Gene Baum at

Thursday, July 7, 2011

And the Winner of my Drawing is...

Winning is always fun!


Karen Clark, owner of the delightful Vintage/Antique
Store Whimsy in Carpinteria 
won the drawing of this gorgeous book,
 Friday Evening, written by local author and chef
Michele Carbone.  The book is available at Amazon.com
and Chaucers.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Movie Classics in the Sunken Gardens

UCSB Arts & Lectures Presents...
Friday Nights in the
Courthouse Sunken Gardens!!!

FREE


family friendly....bring your blankets, lawn chairs and popcorn
and get ready for Summer Nights and the Classics

Top Hat, Swing Time, Ziegfield Girl, The Gang's All Here,
The Ziegfield Follies, On the Town, Singing in the Rain,
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

beginning Friday July 8th
every Friday night at 7:30 until August 24th

(Every Wednesday at 7:30 at UCSB Campbell Hall)
beginning Wednesday July 6th

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy Fourth of July!

The Declaration of Independence
In Congress, July 4th 1776

We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that
they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these
are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit ofHappiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are
instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from consent of the governed. That
whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the
People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on
such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely
to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Wishing You a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Fourth of July Events in Santa Barbara

Celebrating America's Birthday
Santa Barbara Style
Monday July 4th


Mission Arts Collective
Annual Art & Crafts Show
2227 Garden Street
(corner of Pueblo and Garden)
Free admission
10 am - 5 pm, July 4th

Spirit of '76 Parade
Downtown Santa Barbara
1pm - free
Begins at Micheltorena and State Street
travels down State Street to Cota Street

Fourth of July Concert
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa Street
Presented by Spirit of '76 Association
Music Academy of the West
and local musicians
4:30  pm free
bring your blankets and beach chairs

Santa Barbara Sparkle
Cabrillo Boulevard
11 am - 7 pm
all events free
live entertainment, food and crafts,
musical entertainment
9 pm  fireworks at West Beach

Carpinteria Independence
Parade
6th Street and Linden Ave
5 pm - free

Rancho La Patera
and Stow House
Old fashioned 4th of July
304 N Los Carneros Rd, Goleta
11 am - 4 pm children free, $6/adults
Hay rides, pony rides, live music
barbeque and beer

Goleta Fireworks Festival
Girsh Park
7050 Phelps Rd, Goleta
4 - 9:30 pm; $6/general, $4/3-12
live entertainment, food booths,
face painting and games

Forester Baseball Game
Santa Barbara's
Championship Collegiate Baseball Team
UCSB - Caesar Uyesaka Stadium
3 pm on July 4th
$3/adults, $1.50 Senior, Kids FREE for the 4th
Celebrate America's Birthday
with America's National Pastime
Wishing you a safe and fun Fourth of July