Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Butterflies Alive!

Butterflies Alive Guide

at the 
Museum of Natural History
until September 7th

Experience the magic of Butterflies Alive! as you walk through a beautiful garden filled with flowers, luscious greenery, and more than 1,000 free-flying butterflies. Watch as the butterflies flutter past you, and see them as they drink nectar from nearby flowers. Butterflies Alive! will offer many memorable opportunities, so bring your family, friends and cameras.
Entrance into exhibition included with Museum admission. 

Museum Members free; Adult (18-64 years) $12; Senior (65+ years)$8; Teen (13-17 years) $8; Child (2-12 years) $7; Child (less than 2 years) Free.

Monarch Caterpillar

Observing the "Chrysalis"

Monarch Pupae

one of Mother Nature's miracles!

Butterflies APP Itunes, Iphone, Exhibit, alive, monarch

SB museum

Museum

Just past the Old Mission

2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara
805-682-4711

10:00 AM–5:00 PM



Thursday, August 21, 2014

GEN Y IS READY TO BUY A HOME!

GenYReadytoBuy.jpg

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Santa Barbara Kennel Club Dog Show August 23rd and 24th








Earl Warren Show Grounds
Las Positas and Hwy 101
Santa Barbara Kennel Club Dog Show
Saturday, August 23rd & Sunday, August 24th, 2014
Earl Warren Showgrounds [ more... ]
Santa Barbara

Simi Valley Kennel Club Dog Show
Friday, August 22nd, 2014
Earl Warren Showgrounds
Santa Barbara

Concurrent Specialties
Bulldogs on Saturday August 23rd
2 Concurrents for French Bulldogs
on Saturday August 23rd and Sunday August 24th
please see premium list for more information

The Breeder's Showcase 2014
Over $15,000 in Prize Money
Saturday, August 23rd, 2014
Earl Warren Showgrounds
Santa Barbara

Sighthound Spectacular – Saturday, August 23rd, 2014
for more information contact Abbe Shaw
Download Sighthound Spectacular 2014 pdf flyer ]

FOR SPECIFIC BREED JUDGING TIMES GO TOWWW.JBRADSHAW.COM
Exhibitor's DinnerSaturday, August 23rd, 2014
for all exhibitors and handlers

Bullygangza – Saturday, August 23rd, 2014
for more information contact Desi Murphy
Download Bullyganza 2014 pdf flyer ]

Foreign Bred Competition
Sunday - August 24, 2013
Entries taken on Saturday, August 23rd
see premium list for more information

For more information regarding
The Breeder's Showcase contact:

Desi Murphy: desichowman@gmail.com
Connie Miller: 269.375.8846

Visit the Breeder's Showcase Page ]







Thursday, August 14, 2014

August Home Tips by Fidelity National Home Warranty

 
August 2014
Thinking of Selling Your Home?
Consider these tips to catch the attention of prospective buyers.

Lighten it up: A bright home appears to be more welcoming than one that's dark and sullen. Do everything you can to add some light to your space such as taking down drapes or changing their fabric. Other tips include using light colored lampshades, cleaning windows, and replacing fluorescent bulbs.

Satisfy their sense of smell: 
No one wants to buy a home that smells like a gym bag. To make your home smell nice and fresh for prospective buyers, add a few scented items to every room: potpourri, flowers, air fresheners. You can even go the extra mile to do your dirty laundry (yes, the smell of it can filter into any room), or bake a pie or a loaf of bread before buyers pop by.

Declutter: Every prospective buyer will look at a home and picture their items in it, from art to larger pieces of furniture like couches and televisions. They won't be able to do that if your space is full of knick-knacks and clutter. It is important to clear your shelves and walls of as many little objects as you can before you start showing your space (just don't go overboard; you still want your space to look lived in).

Pricing is incredibly important: Talk to a real estate agent to get a good idea of what your home may be worth.

Create curb appeal: First impressions count. Make sure your home stands out by clearing your front yard of weeds or dead leaves. Spruce up the window trim or repaint it with a brighter color. Fix loose patio stones or seal cracks in your driveway.

Be ready to show your space: 
Prospective buyers can contact their real estate agents to see any space at a moment's notice, so when trying to sell your home, it's best to be prepared for last minute pop-ins. Keep your space neat and tidy and dust bunny free; wash the dishes; make sure your laundry is done or in the laundry bin; and, put pets in a separate area so buyers aren't alarmed when they walk through the door.

From the article: Secrets to impressing home buyers bysheknows.com
Reduce Clutter in 60 Minutes or Less!
You can complete this entire list of clutter-reducing projects in an hour or less.

• Toss 10. Grab a trash bag. Find ten items in your home that you no longer need or want and put them in the bag. Toss the bag in the trash or put it in your donation box, and never look back.

• Clear a surface. Find at least one cluttered surface, like a coffee table or dresser top, and completely clear it of all clutter-swiftly dumping any trash.

• Toss old magazines. Go through your home and gather any old magazines or newspapers you've already flipped through. Recycle or donate them today.

• Weed out five. The thought of weeding out your entire filing system may seem daunting, but anyone can weed out just five file folders.

• Pick through a junk drawer. Whatever you can't identify or is clearly junk (meaning you'll never use it) gets tossed.

• Toss anything expired. Go through your fridge and medicine cabinet, gathering anything perishable that has expired. A good day to do this is on garbage day, so you can hand off what you've collected to the trash collector.

• Dump junk mail. Quickly go through your pile of mail and dump anything that is clearly junk mail.

• Put things away. While carrying a large shopping bag with handles, go through your home putting at least eight things that are not in their correct place in the bag.
Celebrate August with a Batch of Homemade Cupcakes! Enjoy!
Bake Your Best Cupcakes with These Tips
Consistency: A consistent size is necessary to even baking (otherwise you will be stuck with a pan of cupcakes in which some are under-baked and others are over-baked). Rather than eye-balling your batter, try using an ice cream scooper instead.

Finger Press: Right out of the oven, the cupcakes should be able to take a bit of pressure from your fingers and still be able to bounce up. Cupcake tops may still be a little sticky right out of the oven, but they will continue to cook in the minutes after.

Frosting Fix: To gauge whether frosting is sufficiently mixed, taste it for texture: it should be creamy rather than grainy. If it's grainy, keep mixing.

From the article: Top 10 Tips For Better Cupcakes by Katie Quinn
Helpful Links
Renew
Manage Account
Homeowner Tips
 
August Home Warranty Tip:
Keep the plumbing running by repairing minor drips and leaks as they occur and avoid flushing anything but toilet paper down the toilet.
 
Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
Ingredients:

8 oz. soft cream cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

3 cup flour

2-1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup dry cocoa mix

2 cup water

1 cup oil

2 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoon vinegar

40 cupcake liners

Directions:

Blend the cream cheese, egg, 1/2 cup sugar and a pinch of salt. Add mini chocolate chips. Set aside.

Mix together flour, 2 cups sugar, baking soda and cocoa. Add water, oil, vanilla and vinegar. Pour this mixture into liners. In the center of each drop 1 tablespoon chocolate chip cream cheese mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Friendship is Sharing a Sweet Cupcake.—Marie Williams Johnstone

This information has been provided as a public service by Fidelity National Home Warranty and does not imply that these items are covered by its home warranty contracts. For details about FNHW coverage, please see your contract specifically or visit our website athomewarranty.com.The information contained within this newsletter has been obtained from third parties and is believed to be reliable. FNHW assumes no legal responsibility for the accuracy of this information nor endorses the recommendations of any third party.
For Service Call 1-800-308-1420

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Santa Barbara's Gardening Micro-climates

Santa Barbara is Gardening Paradise

an amazing variety of flora


Cactus Orchids

Sunflowers
Stag Horn Ferns

Cymbidium Orchids



Epiphyllums


Curly Willow


Epiphyllum



Banksia Rose


Cecil Bruner Rose



Epidendrum Orchids

These are all plants grown in my garden.  If you would like information
about what grows naturally in our area, visit the following gardens:

Alice Keck Park a public garden, located on the
corner of Santa Barbara and Arrellaga Streets




Designed by local Landscape Architect Grant Castleberg
on the grounds of the former El Mirasol hotel, donated to the City.

and

Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, a local non-profit garden,
located at 1212 Mission Canyon Road
805-682-4726
for hours of operation and directions, click here:




both are great examples of indigenous plants to our locale.

Plant it and it will grow!






Sunday, August 3, 2014

Polo in Santa Barbara

Last Chance Tournament

You don’t need to be a member of the club to enjoy world class polo in a stunning setting. The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club hosts practices and tournament games throughout the week from the months of April through October. The public is welcome on all of these days, with Sundays being the Tournament Finals and the only day we charge a small admission fee of $10. Please call the Club at 805-684-6683 or check out the tournament section of the website for detailed game times. sbpolo.com

Santa Barbara Polo Event
Saturday, August 3rd
Village Properties Sponsored 
2014 High Goal Season

Clients were invited to join Village Properties Agents
to enjoy the match from the comfort of our Corporate Tent
and enjoy a
scrumptious catered lunch and refreshment


What a day and match it was!


front and center!


thirsty? 


fabulous setting


Action!


Very Exciting!


lots of scoring
It was an amazing day at the game of Royalty!


Friday, August 1, 2014

Viva La Fiesta! Santa Barbara Fiesta July 30 - August 3rd


Here is an updated Fiesta Schedule




2014 Event Calendar: Old Spanish Days

Every Day of Fiesta

Courthouse Fiesta Tours; 10:00am–3:00pm FREE
Guided tours will be led every half hour of this beautiful Moorish-Spanish building. Meet in the Mural 
Room at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara
For more information please call (805) 962-6464 or visit the information desk 
located in the lobby near the main archway. 

Santa Barbara Mission Docent Tours; 11:00am-4:00pm $$
Come explore the Queen of the Missions during special docent led tours. Thursday tours are at
11:00am, 1:30pm & 3:00pm. This beautiful landmark is located at 2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara
For more information and pricing please contact the 
Santa Barbara Mission at (805) 682-4713
.
El Mercado de la Guerra; 11:00am–11:00pm, FREE
Stroll through a colorful Mexican market (across from City Hall) to feast on
American foods with proceeds supporting local Santa Barbara County non-profits, shop for crafts and 
souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment all day and into the early evening. Mercado De la Guerra is 
located in De La Guerra Plaza on the first block of East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara



El Mercado Del Norte; 11:00am–11:00pm, FREE
Come for the fun and the food, stay for the music and dancing! Check out our four distinct 
"neighborhoods" for all the family: the food court where you can watch daily entertainment and enjoy 
Fiesta foods with proceeds supporting local Santa Barbara County non-profits; the Fiesta Bazaar for 
souvenirs; Fiesta Carnival with rides and attractions for the kids, and the Crazy Horse Cantina for icy 
cold beer, margaritas and live entertainment in the evening to get you out on the dance floor. Mercado 
Del Norte is located in Mackenzie Park at the corner of State Street and Las Positas in San Roque 

Casa Cantina; 12:00 noon–12:00 midnight $$
Celebrate Fiesta where it all began as Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation presents the 11th 
annual Casa Cantina in the courtyard of the historic Casa de la Guerra. Part of the annual Old Spanish 
Days Fiesta celebration, locals and visitors alike are invited to relax, sip a cold drink, and celebrate at 
the home of Fiesta! Held at Casa de la Guerra, 15 East De la Guerra Street, Santa Barbara
Entrance fee required for general public, free admission for SBTHP members. For more information 
please call (805) 965-0093. This is a twenty-one and over event, ID is required.

Las Noches de Ronda (“Nights of Gaiety”); 8:00pm, FREE
A splendid variety show of music, singing, fiery Flamenco from Spain, and vivid Folklórico dances 
from many regions of Mexico. Held at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens

Friday, August 1st, 2014


Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo (Competencia de los Vaqueros); 7:00am & 12:00noon, $$
Junior Tri-Counties riders compete in Breakaway Roping, Tie-down Roping, Team Roping and Barrel 
Racing. Riders compete in the Non-Pro Stock Horse Class and Buckaroo Class plus eliminations for 
the Open Stock Horse and Hackamore Classes. 
This event is held at Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara. 
For tickets and information visit http://www.sbfiestarodeo.com, 
call (805) 967-6331, or visit the Showground’s box office during Fiesta. 

El Desfile Histórico; 12:00 noon, FREE
The Fiesta Historical Parade is one of the largest equestrian parades in the United States. The parade 
starts at the west end of Cabrillo Boulevard, proceeds east along the beach, to State Street, then up 
State Street to Sola Street. Viewing the Parade is free but there are shaded Reserved Seats available 
for $15.00. Call (805) 962-8101 to purchase Reserved Seats. 


Flor y Canto; 7:00pm, FREE
Here is a rare opportunity to see the original Spanish California dances & songs of the 19th century. 
Interwoven with historic narration, the musical numbers are accompanied on replica acoustic 
instruments. These unique songs & dances are performed by local residents in authentic costumes
much as they would have been 150 years ago. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the show! Held at the 
Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. 


Las Noches de Ronda (“Nights of Gaiety”); 8:00pm, FREE
A splendid variety show of music, singing, fiery Flamenco from Spain, and vivid Folklórico dances 
from many regions of Mexico. Held at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens


All other venues as outlined above are also open

Saturday, August 2nd, 2014


Kiwanis Fiesta Pancake Breakfast *; 7:00am-12:00pm, $$
The Kiwanis club will be hosting the 61st Annual Fiesta Pancake Breakfast this year. Over 4,000 
guests are served at this event and all proceeds go directly to support activities that benefit children in 
south Santa Barbara County. Held in Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 
93101. Tickets are $6.00 each and are available by contacting Alvinn Wallace at (805) 967-1860.
PCB2010082.JPG

Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo (Competencia de los Vaqueros); 8:00am & 12:00noon, $$
Junior Tri-Counties riders compete in Breakaway Roping, Tie-down Roping, Team Roping and Barrel 
Racing. Riders compete in the Non-Pro Stock Horse Class and Buckaroo Class plus eliminations for 
the Open Stock Horse and Hackamore Classes. This event is held at Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 http://www.sbfiestarodeo.com, 
call (805) 967-6331, or visit the Showground’s box office during Fiesta. 

Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show; 10:00am – 7:00pm, FREE
Walk by the beachside and peruse a diverse gathering of artisans and crafts people displaying a wide 
variety of paintings, carvings, pottery, and other handcrafted wares for sale on Cabrillo Boulevard, 
west of Stearns Wharf. 

83rd Annual El Desfile De Los Niños (Children's Parade); 10:00am FREE
The charming Children's Parade is organized by the City Parks and Recreation Department. Young 
people of Santa Barbara, their parents, and other parade participants don traditional costumes and 
celebrate the rich culture of the area. Parade proceeds down State Street, from Victoria Street to 
Ortega Street. Viewing the parade is free. To participate in the parade please call the Parks and 
Recreation Department at (805) 564-5418 for information and an application. Ice cream for Parade
participants is sponsored by MarBorg Industries.


Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival; 5:30pm $$ 
Enjoy an afternoon of amazing music by several mariachi bands and singers at the Historic Santa 
Barbara Bowl, 1122 North Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. For tickets or more information 
please contact the Santa Barbara Bowl - www.sbbowl.com or (805) 962-7411.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado; 11:00am-9:00pm, FREE
Come enjoy one of the best traditions of Fiesta. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado serves up a wide 
array of authentic Mexican cuisine and entertainment. Visit a local secret at 227 North Nopal Street 
and experience homemade goodness for the whole family!

all other venues as outlined above are also available same times on Saturday

Sunday, August 3rd, 2014

Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo (Competencia de los Vaqueros); 8:00am & 12:00noon, $$
Junior Tri-Counties riders compete in Breakaway Roping, Tie-down Roping, Team Roping and Barrel 
Racing. Riders compete in the Non-Pro Stock Horse Class and Buckaroo Class plus eliminations for 
the Open Stock Horse and Hackamore Classes. This event is held at Earl Warren Showgrounds

Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show; 10:00am – 6:00pm, FREE
Walk by the beachside and peruse a diverse gathering of artisans and crafts people displaying a wide 
variety of paintings, carvings, pottery, and other handcrafted wares for sale on Cabrillo Boulevard, 
west of Stearns Wharf. This event is free.

West Coast Symphony 46th Annual Free Fiesta Concert; 3:30pm FREE 
Bring the family, snacks, and lawn chairs for an afternoon of beautiful music conducted by 
Christopher Story VI at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens

Viva La Fiesta...until 2015!
(information and photos obtained from OldSpanishdays-Fiesta.org)
most photos by Fritz Olenberger