Tag Archives: SB SEasons

Cocktail Corner: SB Premiere of Somm Into the Bottle

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Somm Into the Bottle

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Wine and movies pair together exceptionally well—especially at the beautiful private screening room at the Bacara Resort & Spa, featuring blu-ray technology and a surround-sound audio system—so it’s fitting that this is the spot for the Santa Barbara movie premiere of SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE, the sequel to the 2013 cult hit SOMM.

Writer/Director Jason Wise’s SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE takes us deep into the seldom seen world that surrounds the wine we drink. How many people understand how wine is produced? How it is grown? What goes on in the cellar? From those questions to how many hands touch a bottle, to why wine costs what it costs, to how certain wines end up on a wine list, this movie offers a never before seen, insider’s look into the world of wine.

After the premiere, you can enjoy tastings by Bacara’s famed Executive Chef Vincent Lesage, as well as vintages from 11 esteemed Santa Barbara County wineries pouring an outstanding selection of wines. It all takes place on Saturday, January 16 at the Bacara, 8301 Hollister Ave.

“Bacara’s appreciation for fine wine is evident in our 12,000-bottle Cellar and onsite Foley Wine Tasting Room,” says Shashi Poudyal, general manager of Bacara Resort & Spa. “We share the filmmaker’s fascination with this intriguing world and are honored to screen a film about one of our favorite passions.”

The schedule is as follows:

2:30 to 4:30 p.m. SOMM Screening & Audience Q&A with writer/director Jason Wise and local master sommelier Brian McClintic, who appears in the film.

4:30 to 6 p.m. Wine & Chef’s Tasting Reception

Featured Wineries at the Reception:

PENCE

Scar of the Sea

Palmina

Silver Wines

Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards

Presqu’ile

Rancho Sisquoc

Sunstone Winery

Baehner Fournier

Imagine Wine, LLC

The Valley Project

The cost is $80 per person and tickets must be purchased online at BacaraResort.com. Hope to see some of you there. 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 January 1, 2016.

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

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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!

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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 Alberta, drinking 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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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388dfd0e0ef2fc342248749708fcbefb

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.