My Santa Barbara | Story Time: New Children’s Library Springs Into Action

barnard_101315L_047-EditMayra Benitze leads preschool story time at the Santa Barbara Children’s Library. Photo by Amy Barnard.

Mayra Benitze leads preschool story time at the Santa Barbara Children’s Library. Photo by Amy Barnard.

By Leslie Dinaberg

Cue the super hero music. The air sizzles with excitement as the audience scrambles to find their favorite spots and story teller Mayra Benitze urges her preschool-aged team of mighty avengers to “zip your lips, put on your capes and sit down criss-cross applesauce style.”

Watching these mini super heroes transform into “super listeners” is almost as much fun as watching the transformation of the new library.

It was fire prevention week and Benitze kept her legion of little literati (at least 50 strong) under a magic spell with books about Sparky the firehouse dog; learning to stop, drop and roll; singing and dancing; and of course, more books to read aloud.

Preschool story time takes place every week, and thanks to the beautiful new children’s space—which takes up the entire below ground floor—is a lot livelier than it used to be. Wiggly story times for toddlers and babies, reading hour with ARF! trained therapy dogs, music and movement for infants and toddlers, and bilingual story times are just a few of the programs that take full advantage of the welcoming new library.

The Children’s Library also offers teen book clubs, computer stations; free tutoring and homework help and thousands of books to inspire readers of all ages.

This story originally appeared in the winter 2015/16 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Cocktail Corner: Why Wine is Good for You!

Courtesy Corks 'n Crowns

Courtesy Corks ‘n Crowns

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

In honor of the holiday season, here are some reasons why wine is good for you!

A glass of wine a day may keep depression away! A group of researchers from Spain found that “those who drank moderate amounts of alcohol (5 to 15 g a day) were less likely to suffer from depression. Additionally, those who drank a moderate amount of wine on a weekly basis (two to seven small glasses a week), were found to have an even lower risk of depression.”

Wine is heart healthy. Two studies, one in Germany and one in Israel, suggest different approaches as to how merlots and cabernet sauvignons and other types of red wine offer heart-healthy benefits.

Drinking wine lowers the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, according to study at Amsterdam’s VU University Medical Center, moderate drinkers have 30% less risk than nondrinkers of developing type 2 diabetes.

Resveratrol, a component in red wine, was seen to improve physical performance, heart function and muscle strength similar to the affect exercise has on the body. In fact, according to a new study out of The University of Albertadrinking a glass of red wine may have the same affect on the body as an hour at the gym.

Photo Courtesy of Urban Wine Trail

Photo Courtesy of Urban Wine Trail

Drinking wine can promote longevity. A study of 2,468 men over a 29-year period, published in the Journals of Gerontology found that wine drinkers have a 34% lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, “More than 100 prospective studies show an inverse association between moderate drinking and risk of heart attack, ischemic (clot-caused) stroke, peripheral vascular disease, sudden cardiac death, and death from all cardiovascular causes.” In other words, wine can reduce the risk of heart attack.  

Wine can lower the risk of stroke in women. “A study of more than 80,000 women found that low to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a 17% to 21% reduction in risk of stroke.”

Wine is good for our local economy. According to statistics on the Santa Barbara Vintners website, the Economic Value of Wine Grapes in Santa Barbara County (2014) is $155,255,791 and the Economic Impact of Wine in Santa Barbara County (2011) is $789,000,000. So drink up, my friends!

(For still more reasons why wine is good for you, check out Jen Reviews for some healthy wine recipes and more.)

And while you’re at it, why not buy a few bottles for Santa and his helpers. Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 18, 2015.

SB Style File: Holiday Stress? Try Coloring Inside the Lines!

Excerpt from "100 Things to Draw With a Triangle," by Sarah Walsh.

Excerpt from “100 Things to Draw With a Triangle,” by Sarah Walsh.

When young children need to “settle down” there’s something very calming about focusing their energies on a coloring book, which is probably why adult coloring and doodling books have become so popular.

I finally got around to trying out some of the coloring books and, I have to say, coloring inside—or outside—the lines really is a great stress reliever. It’s also a fun gift idea.

Here are some of titles to check out, all of which are widely available at local bookstores and craft stores:

20 Ways to Draw a Star and 44 Other Far-Out Wonders from the Sky and Galaxy_cover_web_large

20 Ways to Draw a Star by Studio SSS – A new take on the world of sketching, doodling, and designing that encourages you to take a step-back and think about all the different ways to draw something.

100 Things to Draw with a Triangle_Cover Large

100 Things to Draw with a Triangle by Sarah Walsh – Think of all the possibilities! Stars, snowflakes, trees, gifts and more! Doodle your way to getting into the holiday spirit, this book includes 112 pages of art prompts and inspiration based on one simple geometric shape, a triangle.

adult coloring book

Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Patterns by Blue Star Coloring – A book to let you relax, decompress, and let your inner child out to play for a while.

Change Your Life One Doodle at a Time_Cover_Web_Large

Change Your Life One Doodle at a Time by Salli S. Swindell – Making small changes through this fully illustrated, interactive art doodle journal is about embracing change in many ways, and seeing it as a positive force. Features 150 art prompts.

Portable Color Me Happy_Cover_Large

Color Me Stress-Free, Color Me Fearless, Color Me Calm, Color Me Happy – by Lacy Mucklow and Angela Porter – Organized into therapeutically­ themed chapters, these books examine the benefits of putting pencil (or crayon, marker, and ink) to paper and offers adults an opportunity to channel their anxiety into satisfying, creative accomplishment. Also available in smaller, portable versions that fit perfectly inside a stocking!

9781633220515_Cover_WebLarge

Doodling for Bookworms by Gemma Correll – Your favorite book nerd will love this great activity book filled with literature-themed prompts from Shakespeare, George Orwell, and Jane Austen.

9781633220522_Cover_WebLarge

Doodling for Tree Huggers and Nature Lovers by Gemma Correll – This sassy journal is packed with more than 50 fun and inspirational prompts, doodling exercises, and outdoorsy factoids—perfect for those who love the great wide open.

enchanted_forest

Enchanted Forest by Johanna Basford – Fall under the spell of the #1 New York Times Bestseller with a magical coloring book that takes you through an enchanted forest to discover what lies in the castle.

Tangled Gardens

Tangled Gardens Coloring Book by Jane Monk – This book helps you create a warm and inviting garden while you wait for spring to return.

Tangled Treasures Coloring Book_Cover

Tangled Treasures Coloring Book by Jane Monk – Jump into the relaxing spell woven by Zentangles with the meditative action of coloring.

Happy coloring!

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 17, 2015.

SB Style File: Stocking Stuffers

Tis the season … here are some of our picks for stylish stocking stuffers she is sure to love!

IT Brushes for Ulta Your Face & Eye Essentials Set, courtesy photo.

IT Brushes for Ulta Your Face & Eye Essentials Set, courtesy photo.

IT Brushes for Ulta Your Face & Eye
Essentials Set
IT has a nice set of four brushes to line, define, smoke out and blend, plus the allover complexion brush for all your basics from foundation to blush to illuminizer! Includes Complexion Brush, Shadow Brush, Crease Brush, Smudger Brush and Liner/Brow Brush from Ulta (7000 Market Pl. Dr., Goleta) or ulta.com.

 

Jane Iredale Smoky Eye Kit 

Jane Iredale Smoky Eye Kit , courtesy photo.

Jane Iredale Smoky Eye Kit , courtesy photo.

Five step-by-step looks are included on the fold-out ‘how to’ guide. These highly pigmented shadows are simple to blend, sensitivity-tested and long-lasting for stay-put, gorgeous, crease-free color. The kit is packaged in an artful travel box with a mirror and dual-ended application brush and makes a beautiful gift. Each kit includes eight versatile shades. Available at Nordstrom in Paseo Nuevo (17 W. Canon Perdido St.) or janeiredale.com.

 

Mineral Fusion Lipstick Butter in Vine, courtesy photo.

Mineral Fusion Lipstick Butter in Vine, courtesy photo.

Mineral Fusion Lipstick Butter
From nude to coral to blackberry, Mineral Fusion’s mineral-pigmented lipsticks add a beautiful pop of color and are made with Cocoa Butter which provides rich moisture and prevents future flaking, plus Argan Oil softens the surface of lips and penetrates deeper to renew and nourish parched tissue. This  100% Vegan and  65% Organic product is available locally at Whole Foods (3761 State St.) and MineralFusion.com.

 

Whim Holiday Collection 
Exclusive for the holiday are 10 new shades of the 5-free nail lacquer: Sage of Innocence,

Whim Nail Lacquer Holiday, courtesy photo.

Whim Nail Lacquer Holiday, courtesy photo.

Dreaming in Glitter, Cocktails & Fairytales, Blush & Bows, When the Clock Strikes, Moonlit Moments, Sapphire Slipper, Let’s Cuddle, Thyme to Celebrate and Sheet Embrace. Sold at Ulta (7000 Market Pl. Dr., Goleta) or ulta.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 19, 2015.

 

SB Style File: Santa Barbara Greeting Cards

The American Riviera postcard set by Santa Barbara Greeting Cards. Photo courtesy Donna Greene

The American Riviera postcard set by Santa Barbara Greeting Cards. Photo courtesy Donna Greene

Looking for a special gift this holiday season? How about a trip to Santa Barbara in a tin? Donna Greene’s new venture, Santa Barbara Greeting Cards, offers two beautiful sets of cards and postcards spotlighting iconic Santa Barbara scenes that will appeal to both locals and visitors.

“Living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, we know how spoiled we are, and a new line of cards with a dazzling array of stunning colors is proof positive of the paradise that we live in. Having these cards is like belonging to an exclusive club — ‘You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave (Santa Barbara),'” says Greene.

Both the greeting card set and the postcard set, have 12 breathtaking photos, come in a custom tin beautifully printed with more scenes of Santa Barbara and come with an engraved bamboo pen.

The sets are available online at santabarbaragreetingcards.com. They are also available at Chaucer’s Bookstore (3321 State St.) and Santa Barbara Arts (1114 State St., Ste. 24 in La Arcada Plaza).

The Quintessential SB greeting card set by Santa Barbara Greeting Cards, courtesy photo.

The Quintessential SB greeting card set by Santa Barbara Greeting Cards, courtesy photo.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 18, 2015.

SB Style File: A Taste of Ojai Culinary Salts

A Taste of Ojai Culinary Salts, courtesy photo

A Taste of Ojai Culinary Salts, courtesy photo

We’re always looking for unique, local products and private Chef Robin Goldstein‘s new A Taste of Ojai Culinary Salts are the perfect gift for chefs, both near and far. Available in a variety of flavors, including

Lavender: French Grey Sea Salt + Organic Lavender

Chile Garlic: Sea Salt + Organic Jalapeno, Paprika, Cumin, Garlic, Onion and Cayenne

Pink Moment: Himalayan Pink Sea Salt + Pink Peppercorns

Wild Fennel: French Grey Sea Salt + Wild Fennel

Lemon Rosemary: Sea Salt + Organic Rosemary and Ground Lemon Peel

Mediterranean: Sea Salt + Organic Thyme, Lavender, Basil Marjoram, Fennel and Rosemary

The salts can purchased online here as well as at a variety of holiday boutiques around town, including this weekend at Jingle SB holiday pop-up shop at Impact Hub Santa Barbara, 1117 State St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 16, 2015.

Editor’s Pick: Santa Barbara International Film Festival

attend the premiere screening of 'MacFarland, USA' at the 30th Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on February 7, 2015 in Santa Barbara, California.

Photo courtesy SBIFF

One of the highlights of my year is always Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which offers a whirlwind 10 days of more than 200 films, tributes and symposiums that range from American indie films to world cinema and everything in between. We can’t wait so see what the organizers have in store for this 31st annual event. | Feb. 3–13. Various locations, downtown Santa Barbara. 805/963-0023, sbiff.org.

–Leslie Dinaberg

This story originally appeared in the winter 2015/16 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Editor’s Pick: Kids Helping Kids

kids helping kids

Photo courtesy Kids Helping Kids

There are a lot of ways to learn about philanthropy and economics, but the San Marcos High School Kids Helping Kids program has to be one of the most interesting and unique. Over the course of 11 years, students have volunteered more than 10,000 hours of work, resulting in $700,000 being raised for charitable purposes—to improve the lives of disadvantaged children both globally and locally. This year’s completely student-run annual gala benefit concert features Needtobreathe as headliner, with an opening set by Johnnyswim. | Jan. 8-9. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org, kidshelpingkidssb.org.

(Editor’s Note: A second concert, on Jan. 8, has been added and is not yet sold out.)

–Leslie Dinaberg

This story originally appeared in the winter 2015/16 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Editor’s Pick: Parade of Lights

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Parade of Lights, courtesy photo

Santa Barbara is always a beautiful place to celebrate the holiday season, and one of the most unique and charming events is the annual Parade of Lights, when boat owners literally “deck the hulls with bows of holly” and lots of glorious lights, then motor, sail and paddle between Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Breakwater. | Dec. 6, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Santa Barbara Harbor. santabarbaraca.gov.

–Leslie Dinaberg

This story originally appeared in the winter 2015/16 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Cocktail Corner: Seasonal Cocktails at the Goodland & Potek Pop-Up

Outpost at the Goodland Red Rooster Highball, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Outpost at the Goodland Red Rooster Highball, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Goleta’s hippest hangout has upped its game even further recently, both The Goodbar and Outpost at the Goodland (5650 Calle Real, Goleta) have bold, fun new cocktail menus from lead bartender Chris Burmeister.

The already extensive—and very creative—menu now includes a dozen new sippers between the two bars. My friend Laura and I got to taste them recently, along with some sensational seasonal bites from Executive Chef Derek Simcik.

First up (from the Outpost menu) was the sweet and spicy Red Rooster Highball. Made with Sriracha Mango Cordial mixed with Aviation Gin, Marie Brizard Orange Curacao and fresh lime juice, this is a pretty, aromatic and delicious drink!

The Goodbar Feelin' Renegade, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The Goodbar Feelin’ Renegade, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Feelin’ Renegade—and who wouldn’t be after that Red Rooster Highball—the next cocktail was a lovely balance of Cynar, house falernum, cinnamon syrup, fresh pineapple and fresh lime. It tastes like Santa Barbara’s autumn in a glass, mixing the traditional fall flavors with bright fruits and citrus (from the Goodbar menu).

Also from the Goodbar is the Backseat Driver, an expertly blended concoction of  Maker’s mark, housemade English bishop, averna, fresh lemon, demerara and angostura bitters.

Spoon Fight at the Outpost, courtesy photo.

Spoon Fight at the Outpost, courtesy photo.

Another Goodbar star was West of Autumn, made with sweet potato maple syrup, blended with Barrel Aged Flor de Cana Rum, Amaro Montenegro, Dolin Sweet Vermouth and chicory-pecan bitters, this comforting and delicious drink made my tastebuds sing.

Also new at the Goodbar is Eve’s Fault, which features George Dickel Rye, LeCompte Calvados and Kronan Swedish Punsch, a flavorful liqueur with hints of toffee, smoke, molasses and leather. Served with a large Apple Cider ice cube, this well-balanced cocktail hits is perfect for the season.

Tullamore Dew and Cold Press on Draft from the Outpost, courtesy photo.

Tullamore Dew and Cold Press on Draft from the Outpost, courtesy photo.

When the weather gets cold, the coffee gets spiked, and Outpost has a unique twist on traditional Irish Coffee with its Tullamore Dew and Cold Press on Draft, topped with hand whipped Chartreuse cream.

Also on the sweet side, available at both Outpost and the Goodbar is Burmeister’s Housemade Irish Cream. The classic, creamy sipper is amazing, served neat, on the rocks or with hot coffee.

Check out the website at outpostsb.com/menu/ for the complete menus.

Housemade Irish Cream at the Outpost and Goodbar, courtesy photo.

Housemade Irish Cream at the Outpost and Goodbar, courtesy photo.

Everything the Outpost Chef Simcik makes is music to my tastebuds, but diners are really in for a treat next week, when he’ll pop up at Potek Winery (406 E. Haley St. #1) for an intimate wine dinner on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

The four-course menu, perfectly paired with Potek’s notable wines, includes:

Thai Crab Salad

shaved avocado, green curry coconut, roe, shrimp puff

Pairing: 2013 Kick On Riesling

Brulee Bone Marrow

foie, pickled carrot, balsamic, mustard seeds

Pairing: 2012 Tierra Alta Grenache

Beef Cheek 

Seasonal bites from Outpost at the Goodland, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Seasonal bites from Outpost at the Goodland, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

squid ink, umami bomb broth, quail egg, root vegetables

Pairing: 2013 Sanford and Benedict Old Vine Pinot Noir

Trio of Desserts

Ritz Crackers and Foie

Reese’s Bacon Cup

Mango con Chili

Pairing: 2014 Potek Kick On Ranch Riesling Ice Wine from Barrel

Seating is extremely limited, and can be reserved by purchasing tickets at muniwine.com. The cost is $75 per person.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 4, 2015.