Tag Archives: Leslie Dinaberg

Dug Uyesaka: Long Story Short

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A collection of work by Dug Uyesaka will be on view at Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art beginning Oct. 20. Courtesy photo.

A collection of work by Dug Uyesaka will be on view at Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art beginning Oct. 20. Courtesy photo.

The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum opens its fall season with a diverse collection of art objects and images by Dug Uyesaka, on view from October 20 through January 14 in the museum (955 La Paz Rd.).  A free, opening reception for “Dug Uyesaka: Long Story Short” takes place on Thursday, October 20, from 4-6 p.m. in the museum.

Uyesaka, a third generation Japanese-American, enrolled at UCSB in 1975 and was mentored by art faculty William Dole, Howard Fenton, Bob Thomas and Richard Ross.

"Guided by Voices II" by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy photo.

“Guided by Voices II” by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy photo.

“He is such an integral part of Santa Barbara’s art scene,” says Judy Larsen, R. Anthony Askew professor of art history and museum director. “He is a UCSB art graduate; a frequent exhibitor at art exhibitions around town; and an art teacher at Laguna Blanca School. Our mid-career retrospective of Dug’s work will showcase his amazing oeuvre—from prints to paintings and drawings, from collage to assemblage.” 

"Smoke" by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy photo.

“Smoke” by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy photo.

The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art is free and open to the public Monday–Friday, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 13, 2016.

Style File: Think Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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lemongrass love by jane iredale October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which not only helps build awareness about this terrible disease, it also brings a flurry of mostly pink products, specially formulated to help the cause.

One of my favorites is actually not pink: Jane Iredale‘s new limited edition Lemongrass Love Hydration Spray. Produced in collaboration with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Lemongrass Love is a 100% natural, 30% organic aromatherapy facial spritz that conditions and protects all skin types while leaving skin looking smooth and revitalized. Not only is a pleasant, refreshing way to cool off and condition your skin, 100% of the profits (not just proceeds) from the sales of Lemongrass Love will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national education and support organization whose mission is to connect people with trusted breast cancer information and a community of support.Charity wrap scarve

The Charity Wrap’s scarves are another great way to do good and look stylish when your outfit calls for a little extra touch of beauty. Made of 100% Viscose, they are long (33” wide x 35” long) and great for layering. Ind addition, The Charity Wrap is offering 20% off with the code fightforpink when you make a purchase through them. 

Mixed ChicksOne my favorite hair products, Mixed Chicks, has a great promotion going on this month. Every year, Mixed Chicks uses pink caps on their leave-in conditioner and for the month of October. One dollar from each sale of leave-in conditioner at mixedchicks.net goes to Save the Ta’Ta’s. 

Another great hair product, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, offers a limited edition pink design was created in partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Oribe dry texturizing sprayAn alternative to dry shampoo, this invisible dry hair spray builds incredible volume and texture and supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation to increase breast cancer awareness for women across the country.

Want to commemorate your breast cancer recovery date or the date of someone you love with a special memento? During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Not Just Any Old Day mark your special cancerversary date with pride and gratitude on a stylish Calendar Key Pendant that features a pink ribbon charm and a Swarovski crystal. Not Just Any Old Day donates a portion of all proceeds to the American Cancer Society.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 6, 2016.

Style File: The Wonder of Wunderbrow

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Wunderbrow Eyebrows are the one thing  you can get into shape without exercising, but that doesn’t mean they’re without their own challenges. After trying dozens of shaping and shading products, I’ve finally found something unique: WUNDERBROW semi-permanent eyebrows.

This is a safe, one-step solution to eyebrow shaping with origins in the United Kingdom.  Formulated with “Permafix Gel Technology” and Hair Fiber Complex,  WUNDERBROW creates a perfect set of brows in less than minutes. Instead of just a wand of color, color and fibers are fused together to create a natural look that lasts up to 72 hours.

They are water resistant with impressive staying power. You simply apply the product (the wand is similar to mascara) to clean, dry brows in the direction of hair growth. You can just fill in sparse spots with feathery strokes or apply over the entire brow for a more defined look. WUNDERBROW is designed to remain in place until you are ready to remove.

For more information, visit WUNDER2.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 29, 2016.

A Day Away: Palm Springs

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The pool at the Hyatt Palm Springs, photo by Hayley Danner.

The pool at the Hyatt Palm Springs, photo by Hayley Danner.

By Leslie Dinaberg

A recent quest to experience “two sides of the desert” has convinced me that the Palm Springs area has something for just about everyone to enjoy.

I began my adventure in the heart of the city at Hyatt Palm Springs (285 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760/322-9000, palmsprings.hyatt.com), where I stayed in a plush suite overlooking the golf course, within walking distance of many downtown hot spots. Actually, the Hyatt itself is a hot spot, with a lively and creative bar scene both inside at the SHARE Small Plate Bistro & Wine Lounge and outside at the Hoodoo Outdoor Cocktail Garden, which features live music and fabulous people watching.

Dinner our first evening was at the recently renovated Mr. Lyons (233 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760/327-1551, mrlyonsps.com), a local institution for more than 70 years. Evoking the Hollywood glamour of yesteryear, this fine dining steakhouse features black and white marble, wood, brass, leather and velvet interiors, along with a menu that carnivores will adore.

Brunch the next day was at the charmingly eclectic Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge (849 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760/325-8490, eight4nine.com). Located in the vibrant Uptown Design District in what used to be the Palm Springs post office, the restaurant features loads of white with brilliant pops of color and whimsical decor. Every bite was delicious—we’ll definitely return next time for dinner and to sample the inventive cocktail menu.

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Golf Course, courtesy photo.

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Golf Course, courtesy photo.

Our stomachs sated, it was time to head to the other side of the desert. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells (44600 Indian Wells Ln., Indian Wells, 760/776-1234, indianwells.regency.hyatt.com) is a mere 25-minute drive, but this luxurious resort is a world away from the bustling downtown area. Located on 45 acres of lush gardens, this beautiful property has seven pools, golf, tennis, a spa, a salon and much more. Our spacious room once again overlooked the golf course, a pleasing site, even for those of us who don’t play.

Instead, I visited the resort’s Agua Serena Spa. It’s a blissful place, and treatments include the use of a relaxation room, eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, Jacuzzi and a reflection patio, where the sounds of dancing waters wash all of your worries away.

I could have happily stayed in the spa for several more hours, but, instead, I dressed for a fabulous private dinner that included a sampling of many dishes from the Hyatt’s romantic Lantana restaurant. Executive Chef Chris Mitchum talked us through an inspired spread that highlighted local ingredients from Coachella Valley.

Then it was on to Indian Wells Tennis Garden (78-200 Miles Ave., Indian Wells, 760/200-8400, iwtg.net) for an impressive behind-the-scenes tour that included a look inside two center court stadiums, the international pressroom and owner Larry Ellison’s private Nobu Restaurant, which is only open once a year during the annual BNP Paribas Open every spring. We also met vivacious singer Mindi Abair, who headlined that evening’s Desert Lexus Jazz Festival, along with Brian Culbertson and the Boneshakers. Not only is this a great venue for tennis, but it’s a wonderful spot to listen to music under the stars.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tram, courtesy photo.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tram, courtesy photo.

Although I had been to Palm Springs many times in the past, this trip was my first time on Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (1 Tram Way Rd., Palm Springs, 888/515-8726, pstramway.com). What an amazing, majestic capper to the desert experience! I can’t believe I had never done this. Ascending 2.5 miles up into the sky on the world’s largest rotating tramcar is almost an indescribably breathtaking experience as the tram journeys up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon. A 10-minute ride from 2,643 ft. at Valley Station up to 8,516 ft. at Mountain Station took us from desert heat into more than 50 miles of snow-covered hiking trails and beautiful terrain. The pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park offers a “third side” of the desert experience and was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.

Whether you prefer your getaway action-packed, full of pampering or enjoying nature, there’s a desert destination designed just for you.

This story was originally published in the Fall 2016 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Cocktail Corner: Celebration of Harvest Weekend

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Warren Beatty to Receive SBIFF’s Kirk Douglas Award

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Legendary filmmaker Warren Beatty stars as Howard Hughes in RULES DON’T APPLY, which Beatty wrote, directed and produced. Photo Credit: Francois Duhamel.

Legendary filmmaker Warren Beatty stars as Howard Hughes in RULES DON’T APPLY, which Beatty wrote, directed and produced. Photo Credit: Francois Duhamel.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) will honor Academy Award winner Warren Beatty with the 11th annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film at the Bacara Resort & Spa on December 1, with all funds raised supporting SBIFF’s free year-round educational programs.

Known for his iconic roles in films such as Bonnie and Clyde, Shampoo, Heaven Can Wait, Reds and Dick Tracy, all of which he produced; Beatty’s next film, Rules Don’t Apply—an original story which he wrote, directed, produced and stars—will be released on November 23.

“Warren Beatty upholds the highest artistic standards of the film industry,” says Kirk Douglas, original award recipient. “His choice of material has entertained us as well as made us think more deeply about the world we live in. I’m delighted he is accepting this recognition of his extraordinary talent.”

Since 2006, the annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film, which this year coincides with Douglas’s 100th birthday, has been awarded to a lifelong contributor to cinema through their work in front of the camera, behind, or both. Past honorees include Jane Fonda, Jessica Lange, Forest Whitaker, Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, Harrison Ford, Quentin Tarantino, Ed Harris and John Travolta. All funds raised from the event will be used to support SBIFF’s free educational programs, like its 10-10-10 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competitions, Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies, National Film Studies Program, AppleBox Family Films, 3rd Weekend and educational seminars.

The 32nd annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place February 1–11. For more information, please visit sbiff.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 20, 2016.

Welcome to Jennabunkport

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Writer Jenna McCarthy shows off her She Shack, Jennabunkport. Photo by Jenna McCarthy.

Writer Jenna McCarthy shows off her She Shack, Jennabunkport. Photo by Jenna McCarthy.

Writer Jenna McCarthy’s she shack is 140 square feet of home office heaven.

By Leslie Dinaberg

Living—and working—in a 100-year-old farmhouse certainly has its charms, but as her children grew bigger and houseguests came and went, writer Jenna McCarthy (Everything’s Relative, The Parent Trip, Lola Knows a Lot) longed for, as Virginia Woolf once wrote,”a room of one’s own.”

“I longed for a space that was all mine, somewhere I could sneak away to and write in peace, somewhere my kids wouldn’t be barging in every four minutes asking me if I know where their sparkly pink headband is or wanting me to referee such life-or-death arguments as ‘whose turn is it to hold the remote control,'” says McCarthy.

Author Jenna McCarthy is right at home in Jennabunkport, her writer's cottage. Courtesy photo.

Author Jenna McCarthy is right at home in Jennabunkport, her writer’s cottage. Courtesy photo.

When her husband, Joe Coito, suggested she needed a writer’s cabin, McCarthy was online looking at sheds in a heartbeat. Both spouses know their way around a tool belt—they once flipped a house on the TV Show Property Ladder—so when McCarthy couldn’t find the perfect ready-made shed, they bought plans online and built it themselves. “We were able to do things like buy a reclaimed door and modify the plans to make it fit. We copied the siding and trim of our house so it would look as if my little shed had been on the property all along.”

Her husband built her a desk, and her daughters helped with painting, sanding and hammering. “My mother’s day present this year was a coat of primer,” she laughs.

The inside is warm, cozy, bright and filled with things that bring joy and inspiration, like the six-foot giant octopus they made from a canvas curtain.

Author Jenna McCarthy's daughter Sasha, with Syd the giant octopus that graces Jennabunkport. Courtesy photo.

Author Jenna McCarthy’s daughter Sasha, with Syd the giant octopus that graces Jennabunkport. Courtesy photo.

“We christened her Syd, and she’s one of my favorite pieces in Jennabunkport, the name we chose for my shed, because, yes, we name everything,” says McCarthy.

“I’ve always considered myself fortunate that I get to do what I love to do all day with my familyís enthusiastic support. Now I get to do it in my own little paradise, one that is far more than an office; it’s a 140-square-foot reminder of how lucky and loved I am. And it’s all mine.”

Another view of the interior of Jenna McCarthy's office, Jennabunkport. Courtesy photo.

Another view of the interior of Jenna McCarthy’s office, Jennabunkport. Courtesy photo.

This inspirational message graces the wall of author Jenna McCarthy's she shack, Jennabunkport. Courtesy photo.

This inspirational message graces the wall of author Jenna McCarthy’s she shack, Jennabunkport. Courtesy photo.

This story was originally published in the Fall 2016 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Cocktail Corner: Aperitifs That Play Well With Others

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Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

The French word apéritif, like its Italian counterpart, aperitivo, comes from the Latin aperire, meaning “to open.” These “alcoholic appetizers” are a European tradition, designed as delicious, low-alcohol lead-ins to a meal.

Some classic apéritifs include Vermouth, Campari, Dubonnet, Lillet and Aperol, all of which can be satisfyingly sipped on their own—or mixed with soda, juice, and ice.

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

We recently tried a new entry to this category, Jardesca. Created in the wine country of Sonoma, it’s a blend of botanicals with three sweet and dry artisanal white wines. I quite liked it on its own.

If you want to get a little more complicated, try a Jardesca Spritz.

Pour three fingers of Jardesca (3 oz) over ice in a stemless wine glass or rocks glass

Add 2 oz of Prosecco or sparking wine

Top with your favorite seasonal fruit or an array of fresh herbs.

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

Photo Courtesy Jardesca.

For other recipe options click here. Jardesca is available locally at C’est Cheese (825 Santa Barbara St.) and Montecito Village Grocery (1482 E. Valley Rd.). Check it out and let me know what you think.

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 September 9, 2016.

 

 

Cocktail Corner: Tasty Tidbits

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The Lark, courtesy photo.

The Lark, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

I can’t believe that summer is almost over. There’s been a lot of news on the bar beat the last few months. Here are some highlights:                

One of Santa’s Barbara’s favorite dining destinations, The Lark (131 Anacapa St.), was recognized by Wine Enthusiast in their sixth annual issue of the “Best Places to Drink Up In While Dining Out.” As a winner of the “Not to be Missed” category, The Lark was recognized for their outstanding wine program curated by Wine Directors Chris Robles and Vern Kettler. The wine list at the Lark focuses on smaller production wines made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, and which reflect a sense of place. Grape varieties for which the Santa Barbara area is known and their international counterparts are the focus. With few exceptions, all American wines are from Santa Barbara County. Wine Enthusiast editors state that “Chef Jason Paluska’s wine friendly foods are inspired by farmers’ markets—smoked pork belly, for example, might come with roasted berries, pickled summer peppers and candied brittle of fat local almonds.” The Lark is the only recipient from Santa Barbara this year, and one of 22 restaurants awarded in California. See the full list here. 

J. Wilkes Wines, courtesy photo.

J. Wilkes Wines, courtesy photo.

J. Wilkes Wines has opened a new tasting room in downtown Los Olivos at 2963 Grand Ave.  The space highlights a distinct wine tasting experience including educational aspects focusing on the region’s unique AVA’s, an entertaining quiz and private Winemaker Office Hours with winemaker Wes Hagen. 

The J.Wilkes brand was launched in 2001 by wine industry veteran Jefferson Wilkes and after his passing in 2010, the label was relaunched by the Miller Family, a fifth-generation California farming family, as a tribute to Jefferson’s unwavering love of the region.  J. Wilkes, under the guidance of accomplished winemaker Hagen, is dedicated to producing wines from the greatest American Viticultural Areas (AVA’s) on the Central Coast.  Their new tasting room and education center in Los Olivos boasts an experience that gives insight into these regions and their wines and provides visitors with information about the area’s AVA’s including Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills and Paso Robles.  

At long last, bottles of Cutler’s spirits are now available for purchase in the tasting room.

Cutler courtesy photo

Ian Cutler, courtesy photo

You can now come directly to the distillery to purchase your local favorite spirits. Personally, I’m partial to the spicy, cinnamon-tastic, delicious Grandma Tommie’s Apple Pie Liqueur,  but Cutler’s Artisan Spirits also has its own Gin, Vodka and 33 Bourbon Whiskey, all of which are high quality and locally produced. (the tasting room and distillery is at 137 Anacapa St., Suite D, in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone).

Some of the fare at Lama Dog and the Nook, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Some of the fare at Lama Dog and the Nook, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

 

 

 

The first two tenants at The Waterline, a commercial mixed-use project at 116-122 Santa Barbara St. in the Funk Zone, have opened for business and both have quickly become local favorites: the Nook by Master Chef Norbert Schulz, and Lama Dog Tap Room and Bottle Shop. Craft beers (and a few wines) paired with fabulous, high quality food is a win-win for the area. Try the House-Made Bratwurst or the Rock Fish Tacos with one of 20 interesting rotating beers on tap.

Ah … it’s a great way to keep that summer feeling going all year long!

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 September 2, 2016.

 

 

MCASB LAUNCHES 2016 DREAM HOME RAFFLE

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MCA Santa Barbara Dream Home Raffle, courtesy photo.

MCA Santa Barbara Dream Home Raffle, courtesy photo.

Are you dreaming of a beautiful Santa Barbara home with city and ocean views? Here’s your chance to win that dream house, and support Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) at the same time!

The MCASB Dream Home Raffle has been the primary fundraiser for the Museum of Contemporary Art for over a decade.  This entrepreneurial way to fundraise has been a successful way to bring free arts programming, world-class exhibitions, and contemporary art to the Central Coast.

This year, the grand prize is a 4000+ square foot home that sits on three acres and has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a separate studio unit with an office. From city lights to the Pacific coastline to the Channel Islands, the MCASB Dream Home offers a luxurious way to experience the best of Santa Barbara. In addition, more than 2,500 prizes are available throughout the raffle, offering participants a 1 in 20 chance to win.

MCA Santa Barbara Dream Home Raffle, courtesy photo.

MCA Santa Barbara Dream Home Raffle, courtesy photo.

Since the raffle began in 2005, it has raised over $6 million, helping host over 100,000 visitors, directly funding free arts programming, and bringing world-class exhibitions to Central Coast audiences and beyond.  In just the last year, MCASB raffles have impacted community members.

In addition to winning the dream home or a $3 million cash prize, there are numerous options for those who have a winning ticket, including luxury cars, vacations, MacBook Air, cash prizes and more.  For a complete list of prizes, visit SBHomeRaffle.com.

MCA Santa Barbara Dream Home Raffle, courtesy photo.

MCA Santa Barbara Dream Home Raffle, courtesy photo.

Tickets must be purchased by October 21. During the raffle, two early-bird drawings will be held. The grand prize drawing is November 11. Winners will be announced on SBHomeRaffle.com.

 

To enter the Raffle, call 888/402-9222 or go toSBHomeRaffle.com. and register online. Ticket purchasers must be 18 years or older, have U.S. residency and meet other requirements in the Rules and Regulations as specified at SBHomeRaffle.com.

MCA Santa Barbara Dream Home Raffle, courtesy photo.

MCA Santa Barbara Dream Home Raffle, courtesy photo.

MCASB is a nonprofit, non-collecting museum dedicated to the exhibition, education, and cultivation of the arts of our time. Formerly Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum (CAF), MCASB is the premier venue for contemporary art between Los Angeles and San Francisco. MCASB is located at the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center Upper Arts Terrace downtown. Exhibitions are also on view at MCASB Satellite @ Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara at 121 State St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 1, 2016.