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Seasons Greetings: AwesomeBox = A Great Gift

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Here are some examples of AwesomeBox designs, courtesy photo.

Here are some examples of AwesomeBox designs, courtesy photo.

It’s always tough to find affordable, creative gifts for loved ones—especially during the holiday season—but the AwesomeBox (www.awesomebox.com) is something unique and well, ahem, awesome. More than a simple photo album or personalized photo gift (both of which are also great for the holidays), AwesomeBox allows users to build a customized box of memories, stories and photos packaged into a one-of-a-kind printed gift.

It’s also a great group gift to collaborate with family or friends, because you can send out invitations to multiple people to contribute their photos and their memories. In fact, one of the most unique parts about the AwesomeBox experience is how easy it is to get everyone involved in the gift giving process.

Receiving a special gift like an AwesomeBox can evoke a powerful response, courtesy photo.

Receiving a special gift like an AwesomeBox can evoke a powerful response, courtesy photo.

I made one to surprise one of my family member this year, and lots of people are getting in on the fun. In fact, recently, fans have collaborated to make AwesomeBoxes as gifts for Beyoncé, Drake, Jon Stewart and Leonardo DiCaprio’s birthdays, and fans are currently making one for Taylor Swift. But, you don’t have to be a celebrity to get an AwesomeBox.

Add pictures from Instagram, Facebook, your phone or computer, and send out invitations to others to contribute. Then design your cards and sequence them to tell a compelling story. You can even add music to your card to co-create a custom playlist. Best of all, a 10-card AwesomeBox is just $19.

Receiving a special gift like an AwesomeBox can evoke a powerful response, courtesy photo.

Receiving a special gift like an AwesomeBox can evoke a powerful response, courtesy photo.

It’s so simple to create, and the memories last a lifetime. In three simple steps, you’ll have the perfect gift:

1.    Create a private online webpage to honor your special someone.

2.    Invite friends and family to upload photos and heartfelt messages from around the world.

3.    AwesomeBox turns everything into a box of 10 to 100 colorful printed cards that they’ll pour over for years!

We even have a special coupon code where you can save 25%: HOLIDAYGIFT.

Here are some examples of AwesomeBox designs, courtesy photo.

Here are some examples of AwesomeBox designs, courtesy photo.

Check it out, and let me know what you think.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 9, 2016.

 

 

Seasons Greetings: Reusable Wrapeez

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Wrapeez reusable gift wrap is great for the holidays, courtesy photo.

Wrapeez reusable gift wrap is great for the holidays, courtesy photo.

There’s nothing better than a holiday product that keeps on giving, except perhaps one that also saves you time. 

There’s a new invention called Wrapeez, a reusable stretch fabric gift wrap! That’s right, now, you can have a nicely wrapped gift in less than 20 seconds. 

Just stretch it, wrap it, and reuse it. No scissors or tape required. It easily stretches over different shapes and sizes, such as toys, balls, clothing boxes, gift cards, and more.

Simplify your season with Wrapeez reusable gift wrap, courtesy photo.

Simplify your season with Wrapeez reusable gift wrap, courtesy photo.

Not only is it easy to use, there’s no paper waste, the produce is eco-friendly and reusable. Good for the planet, beautiful, and convenient—now that’s what I call a wrap!  

For more information and to purchase Wrapeez, visit www.wrapeez.com or Amazon.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 10, 2016.

Help Secure Isla Vista Youth Projects Forever

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Courtesy Isla Vista Youth Projects.

Courtesy Isla Vista Youth Projects.

I had the opportunity to visit the Isla Vista Youth Projects Children’s Center site yesterday on a Women’s Fund site visit and was so impressed by what I saw. For the 2015-16 grant cycle, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara granted them $75,000 to help them get one step closer to completing the purchase of the Children’s Center, ensuring that 160 low-income child care spaces remain available.

Coincidentally, Isla Vista Youth Projects (IVYP) recently launched a campaign to raise $300,000 to qualify for $300,000 in matching funds to purchase their building in Isla Vista and successfully close Phase I of their capital campaign. Along with the Children’s Center,  Isla Vista Youth Projects serves over 2000 children and families annually providing high quality childcare, education and activities for children 0 – 5 years old.

The IV Youth Projects team is racing to meet this matching fund offer by the end of 2017. To date, IVYP has already raised over $1 million for this capital campaign and a successful $300k for $300k match campaign will close out Phase I of their capital campaign.

“For over 30 years, the Isla Vista Youth Projects has offered the children of Goleta and Isla Vista a safe, healthy and vibrant place to spend their days while their parents were hard at work. This campaign ensures that we can continue to offer this service to thousands of children in the future without the threat of losing our treasured home,” says IVYP Executive Director LuAnn Miller.

“The cost of real estate and skyrocketing rents are direct threats to community serving organizations across the County of Santa Barbara and IV Youth Projects is no different. We have a rare opportunity to match every dollar raised and secure our home forever.” says IVYP Campaign Committee member Dr. Yonie Harris.

IVYP’s capital campaign has already secured support from the likes of the Santa Barbara Foundation, Hutton Parker Foundation, Towbes Group, DiPaola Family Foundation, Kennedy Family, Orfalea Foundation, Mosher Foundation, Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, Wolfe Family, Casey Family, Cox Communications and more.
For more information on the campaign or how to donate, please, go to www.ivyp.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 8, 2016.

 

Style File: Yes To Shampoos and Conditioners

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Yes To conditionerI try to get my fruits and veggies in wherever I can, and the Yes To line of shampoos, conditioners and skin care products are super clean, widely available, inexpensively priced, top notch natural beauty products. 

I recently tried—and really liked—the Yes To Ultra Moisture Coconut & Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.Yes To Shampoo

The coconut contains hydrating fatty acids that naturally moisture the hair (and skin), it also smells like a tropical vacation. Other products in the line feature Farmer’s Market staples like tomatoes (for acne prone skin), cucumbers (for sensitive skin), grapefruit (for uneven skintone), blueberries (for fine lines and wrinkles), and carrots (to naturally protect and nourish your skin and hair).

Not only can you feel good about getting your fruits and veggies in this way, the Yes To company also states, “Our products are tested on YES TO employees, friends and family, but never (ever) on animals. We are against animal testing and ensure our manufacturers adhere to this same principle. YES TO believes in safe and effective testing alternatives, while ensuring product and consumer safety. Reinforcing our commitment, we are Cruelty-Free and a certified member of the Leaping Bunny Program, the highest standard for companies committed to no animal testing.”

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 3, 2016.

 

Cavalia’s Odysseo is One Wild Ride

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Odyesseo "Freedom," photo by Jak Wonderly.

Odyesseo “Freedom,” photo by Jak Wonderly.

If you’re looking for a perfect way to entertain the whole family this holiday season, Cavalia‘s new Odysseo show is just the ticket.

Odyesseo "The Fairies," photo by Pascal Ratthe.

Odyesseo “The Fairies,” photo by Pascal Ratthe.

This magical spectacle blends jaw-dropping equestrian artistry with Cirque du Soleil level acrobatics and music, as well as beautiful costumes and incredible set design. It’s really quite a magical experience, and well worth the drive to Irvine, where it’s playing through January 8 (under a giant White Big Top at the junction of the I-405 & the SR-133).

Odyesseo "Finale," photo by Lynne Glazze.

Odyesseo “Finale,” photo by Lynne Glazze.

The production is so unique that it’s hard to describe. “Odysseo marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at never-before-seen levels. A veritable revolution in live performance, Odysseo comprises a list of superlatives: the world’s largest touring production and traveling big top, the biggest stage, the most beautiful visual effects, and the largest number of horses at liberty,” according to the promoters.

For once, they aren’t exaggerating in the least.

Odyesseo "Carosello," photo by Dan Harper.

Odyesseo “Carosello,” photo by Dan Harper.

The 65 horses and 48 artists who star in the show take you on a journey into a dreamy world of the planet’s most unforgettable landscapes. This is a show you won’t soon forget. For tickets and information visit www.cavalia.net/Irvine‎.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Odyesseo "The Angels," photo by Andrew Miller.

Odyesseo “The Angels,” photo by Andrew Miller.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 4, 2016.

“Please Don’t Touch the Art”

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Bebop by Dan Levin.

Bebop by Dan Levin.

Dan Levin‘s solo art show, “Please Don’t Touch the Art” at Restaurant Roy (7 W. Carrillo St.)  will include a “one night only pop up store” during the reception on December 1, during 1st Thursday from 7-11 p.m. Levin’s Lonely Hearts altered playing card decks, shirts, candles and small assemblages will be available for sale on Thursday, in addition to a room full of larger works that will be up until the end of January.

For more information visit danlevin.com, and https://www.facebook.com/danlevinart.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 29, 2016.

Local Dish: Fall Desserts at Finch & Fork and Outpost

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Fried Carrot Cake is part of the fall dessert menu at Outpost at the Goodland. Courtesy photo.

Fried Carrot Cake is part of the fall dessert menu at Outpost at the Goodland. Courtesy photo.

There’s something about this cooler weather that makes sweets taste even sweeter. Lucky for us, our local chefs have some new treats to share this fall.

At Outpost at the Goodland  (5650 Calle Real, Goleta) Chef Nick Bajal has added a few new things to the dessert menu, including Rice Flour Cake Tres Leche (with Puffed Black Rice and Yuzu Cream); Kaffir Lime Flan (with Chocolate Crumble and Marinated Strawberries); Matcha Green Tea Eclairs (with Coconut Eclairs and Grilled Peach); Mexican Spiced Chocolate Pudding (with Salted Carmel Whipped Cream and Crispy Sugar Cookie) and Fried Carrot Cake (with Burnt Orange Sauce, White Chocolate Creamed Cheese and McConnell’s Vanilla Ice Cream).

Over at Finch & Fork (31 W. Carrillo St.), Chef James Siao also has some new sweets to savor: Sticky Toffee Cake (with Local Dates, Brown Butter Whipped Cream and Maple Almond Popcorn); Cream–sicle (with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Mousse and Ginger Orange Crumble Orange Granita) and S’more Pot De Crème (with Chocolate and House Made Marshmallow Graham Cracker Crumble).

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 15, 2016.

Style File: Natura Bissé’s Pure Air = Pure Bliss

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Natura Bisse Bubble Pure Air at Bacara Resort & Spa, photo by Savannah Johns-Pedrocchi.

Natura Bisse Bubble Pure Air at Bacara Resort & Spa, photo by Savannah Johns-Pedrocchi.

Bacara Resort & Spa (8301 Hollister Ave., Goleta) recently added Spanish cosmetics brand Natura Bissé to its world-class 42,000-square-foot Spa and Wellness Center, and as a special treat, had a pop-up appearance of Natura Bissé’s infamous Bubble Pure Air last week.

I was one of the lucky ones who got to be the “girl in the plastic bubble,” and my facial was amazing! The bubble creates an exclusive place to perform treatments where according to a company spokeswoman, “the air guests breathe is 99,995 percent pure. The exclusive experience allows spa goers to immerse themselves in a serene environment filled with soft aromatic notes that take guests on an exquisite journey to well-being. It is a singular experience, providing exceptional results that rejuvenate and purify.”

I have to agree: it felt great and my skin has never looked better!

Established in Barcelona, Natura Bissé has become a worldwide success in the cosmetics industry as one of the fastest growing beauty companies with a strong commitment to research and innovation. The Bacara has launched a new treatment line and service menu with Natura Bissé, with special pop-up appearances of the Bubble Pure Air, so stay tuned for your chance to be the next girl (or guy) in the bubble.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 12, 2016.

 

CALM at Heart: Awakening

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CALM supporters stand up loud and proud to give financial support to the nonprofit at this week's luncheon. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

CALM supporters stand up loud and proud to give financial support to the nonprofit at this week’s luncheon. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A fun afternoon to celebrate and reflect on the healing work of CALM was just what the doctor ordered this week.

CALM—which is an acronym for Child Abuse Listening Mediation—takes on the critical mission to prevent, assess, and treat child abuse in Santa Barbara County. The nonprofit provides comprehensive services for children, families and adults, and has done so since its inception in 1970.

Celebrating this organization at the beautiful Coral Casino was a heartwarming affair. K-LITE’s Catherine Remak served as master of ceremonies, introducing a new video highlighting the organization’s work throughout the county, with offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc providing prevention and early intervention programs, treatment programs and clinicians who work closely with individuals, families, teachers, administrators and law enforcement.

The theme was an afternoon of mindfulness, and it truly was.

Images of CALM at Heart: Awakening event at the Coral Casino. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Images of CALM at Heart: Awakening event at the Coral Casino. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

CALM staff members spoke from personal experience about their prevention programs across Santa Barbara County help parents and children heal from their traumatic pasts. CALM Chief Executive Officer Alana Walczak gave a moving presentation about the importance of being there and being leaders for our community’s most vulnerable people. Jennifer Freed, PhD, co-founder of AHA! (a local nonprofit committed to transforming the world by empowering teens to create peaceful and connected communities), was the keynote speaker, focusing on mindfulness practices.

CALM was founded in 1970 to reach stressed parents before they hurt their children. CALM continues to be the only nonprofit agency in Santa Barbara County focusing solely on preventing, assessing, and treating child abuse and family violence through comprehensive, cutting-edge programs. CALM offers children, families, and adults a safe, non-judgmental, caring, and strength-based environment to heal and increase family well being. For more information about all of CALM’s services, please call 805/965-2376, or visit http://calm4kids.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 11, 2016.

Vocalosity Contest Winners & Free Master Class Announced

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Photo courtesy Vocalosity.

Vocalosity performs at the Granada on Nov. 11. Courtesy photo.

The highly anticipated a capella performance, Vocalosity, comes to The Granada Theatre on Friday, November 11, as part of the Granada Theatre Concert Series. From the artistic producer of Pitch Perfect and The Sing Off, Vocalosity takes a cappella to a whole new level with a show stopping theatrical performance featuring 10 dynamic voices singing some of today’s most popular hits.

Vocalosity explores all genres of music – from tenth century Gregorian chant and classic choral, to barber shop quartet and bouncing doo-wop all the way to The Beatles and Bruno Mars. Combine that, with movement and choreography from Sean Curran (Stomp original cast member), and you have an exhilarating evening of song unlike anything you’ve ever seen or heard, live on stage!

Photo courtesy Vocalosity.

Vocalosity comes to the Granada Theatre to perform on Nov. 11, courtesy photo.

The Granada Theatre recently announced that a cappella group AIRPLAY has been selected as the winner of the A Cappella Performance of a Lifetime Contest and will have the exclusive opportunity to perform as the opening act for Vocalosity‘s Santa Barbara performance. AIRPLAY originated in Santa Barbara, when founding members Antonio, Bobby, Jeff, and DJ formed UCSB’s all-male a cappella group, “Brothas from Otha Muthas” (BFOM). BFOM remained an all-male group until Jane joined after being a member of the Tritones in San Diego. Ben, also a Tritones alumni, joined soon after and AIRPLAY was born!

To add even more excitement around the show, Vocalosity’s artistic producer Deke Sharon, is coming to The Granada Theatre to host a Master Class on Monday, October 24, 7 p.m. The Master Class will be open to the public—FREE for all singing enthusiasts of our community in the McCune Founders Room at The Granada Theater. Deke will be coaching the winning group, as well as other contest participants.  The Granada Theatre is extending an invitation to this exclusive Master Class to all vocalists and singing enthusiasts in the community, offering a unique opportunity to learn from one of the greatest creative minds in a cappella music! This class is FREE and open to the public, no tickets required.

Deke Sharon, photo courtesy Vocalosity.

Deke Sharon will teach a free master class at the Granada on Oct. 24, photo courtesy Vocalosity.

Don’t miss the Vocalosity performance, with special guest a capella group, AIRPLAY, opening the show at The Granada Theatre on Friday, November 11, 8 p.m. Tickets maybe purchased online here http://ticketing.granadasb.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=7986, or by calling The Granada Theatre Box Office at 805/899-2222.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 21, 2016.