SBIFF INTRODUCES FIRST ANNUAL ARTISANS AWARDS

Posted on January 21, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Gone Girl composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, courtesy SBIFF

Santa Barbara International Film Festival, in conjunction with Variety, will present the first annual Variety Artisans Awards, which will take place on Tuesday, February 3, at the Arlington Theatre, moderated by Variety’s Seinor Vice President Awards Editor, Tim Gray. The Tribute evening will celebrate those essential to the filmmaking process and who have exhibited the most exciting and innovative work of the year in the fields of Cinematography, Costume Design, Editing, Hair & Makeup, Production Design, Score, Song, Sound Editing & Mixing and Visual Effects. The audience will be treated to a unique and lively discussion with the honorees about their individual crafts and the ways in which their fields all support and rely on each other.

The Variety Artisans Award, will be presented to:

Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Gone Girl (Score)

Dion Beebe, Into the Woods (Cinematography)

Steven Noble, The Theory of Everything (Costume Design)

Sandra Adair, Boyhood (Editing)

Bill Corso & Kathrine Gordon, Foxcatcher (Hair & Makeup)

Suzie Davies, Mr. Turner (Production Design)

Shawn Patterson / Tegan & Sara, “Everything is Awesome” from The Lego Movie (Song)

Richard King & Mark Weingarten, Interstellar (Sound Mixing & Editing)

Joe Letteri, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes & The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (VFX)

For more information, or to purchase tickets please visit www.sbiff.org.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on January 20, 2015.

Cocktail Corner: Everything You Need to Know About Molecular Mixology

Posted on January 16, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Parks and Recreation, courtesy NBC.com

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Want to know about Molecular Mixology? Here’s the real lowdown from Parks & Recreation.

And by the way, this hilarious show just started its final season. (Pawnee drinking game, anyone?)

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 16, 2015.

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.”

Style File: Winterizing Your Hair

Posted on January 9, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Aviva’s Hair Rescue Renewal Masque, courtesy photo

Colder weather can take a toll on your tresses. Luckily, there are loads of great products to “winterize” your hair—here are a few tips:

#1 Use a moisturizing deep conditioner.

“This will give your hair all the hydration it needs to sustain the cold winter weather. You should aim for a deep conditioning treatment once a week,” says board certified dermatologist, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum. If you color or straighten or otherwise chemically treat your hair, Anna Urban, CEO of AVIVA, recommends “a hair mask like Aviva’s Hair Rescue Renewal Masque 1-2 times per week to repair damage and restore elastic, while protecting from the drying effects of UV rays.”

#2 Avoid shampooing too often.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum, courtesy photo

“Everybody loves the look and feel of freshly washed hair, but shampooing too often strips your hair of natural oils, drying it out faster,” warns Nussbaum. Products made with Argan Oil, like Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum, are great styling tools for all hair types. It repairs and nourishes as it de-frizzes, with no residue and no color-fading. There are also some great new dry shampoo products on the market, such as Batiste Dry Shampoo, which is particularly good for brunettes, since it doesn’t leave any white residue behind.

Batiste Dry Shampoo, courtesy Facebook

Tip #3 Try air drying your hair.

“Put down your blow dryer or stick to one blow dry session a week. Too much heat will guarantee dry split ends in the winter,” says Nussbaum.

Tip #4 Take a hair supplement.

“Your body needs the correct amount of nutrients in order to maintain or achieve healthy hair. Aviva Advanced Hair Nutrition supplement contains biotin, and 18 other essential nutrients to keep your healthy and full of life,” says Nussbaum.

Tip #5 If all else fails, wear a hat.

Aviva Advanced Hair Nutrition, courtesy photo

Goorin Bros. Hat Shop (802 State St.) has some adorable options for winter, including a great selection of warm felt, wool, and cotton fedoras, beanies, flatcaps, newboy and wool ivy hats. These also make great gifts (hint, hint!).

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 7, 2015.

Santa Barbara Printmakers Best Impressions at the Arts Fund

Posted on January 5, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Arts Fund

Opening on January 9 at the Arts Fund, BEST IMPRESSIONS consists of works by ten artist members of the Santa Barbara Printmakers who were awarded top prizes in recent annual exhibitions organized by the group and juried by art professionals from universities, galleries, and printmaking organizations in our region.

Artists with work on view are David Graves, Yessy Kim, Inés Monguio, Jerilynne Nibbe, Patti Post, Karen Schroeder, Garrett Speirs, Don Zimmerman, Siu Zimmerman and Pamela Zwehl-Burke.

Santa Barbara Printmakers is a group of artists dedicated to producing fine art prints using etching, woodblock, collagraph, linocut, clay, lithography and solar plate processes. Their distinctive marks on paper were produced by hand and press printing, and represent a wide range of artistic expression and techniques.

The exhibition, curated by Don Zimmerman,opens with a reception on January 9 from 5-8 p.m. and extends until February 28. The exhibition will be held at The Arts Fund Gallery, located at 205-C Santa Barbara St. in the Funk Zone. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday-Friday from noon-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from11 a.m.-4 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 2, 2015.

Local Lowdown: Class-y Gifting

Posted on December 29, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

By Leslie Dinaberg

In a season chock-full of stuff, the notion of learning a new skill, or improving upon an old one, through taking a class is a great way to give someone a gift that keeps on giving—providing memorable experiences and perhaps even spurring lasting new interests. Here are some class-y gift suggestions for everyone on your list.

Courtesy Eat This, Shoot That!

Eat This, Shoot That!

One glance at Instagram is all it takes to know that food shots are all the rage. Learn how to take fantastic food and travel photos while tasting delicious food and drinks in and around Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone with this unique tour. (800/979-3370, 805/699-6719, eatthisshootthat.com) Eat This, Shoot That! owner Tara Jones and her crew take you to taste and shoot at Deep Sea Winery, Santa Barbara Shellfish Co., Lucky Penny, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, Riverbench Winery, Koval Confections and Seven Bar + Kitchen. In addition to photography tips and nibbles and tipples, the tour also offers tidbits of Santa Barbara history.

Polo Play

Learn the fast-paced game of polo at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, where John Westley’s world-renowned polo school has taught players of all skill levels for more than 20 years (805/729-2812, sbpoloschool.com). The club offers a variety of options to learn to play polo for beginners and to fine tune polo skills for more advanced players.

Make Music

Studies have shown that learning music enhances brain power, improves memory and boosts performance. What a great gift to give to someone at any age! Learn to sing or play an instrument at Santa Barbara School of Music (805/699-5594, schoolofmusicsb.com), where the goal is to make learning to sing or play an instrument a fun, rewarding and positive experience.

Santa Barbara Centre for Aerial Arts, courtesy photo

Up in the Air

Has the same old, same old exercise routine gotten stale? Santa Barbara Rock Gym’s skilled staff teaches aspiring rock hounds of all ages everything from beginner climber safety and climbing techniques to advanced bouldering skills (805/770-3225, sbrockgym.com). For a completely different type of high flying fun, check out Cloud 10 Jump Club (805/617-3900, cloud10jumpclub.com); with almost 19,000 square feet of trampolines to play on, the club is also home to the C10 “Air Academy” training center for trampoline and tumbling classes, camps and flipping clinics. Also up in the air for fun and fitness are classes at Santa Barbara Centre for Aerial Arts (805/284-8785, sbaerial.com), including intensive stretching and conditioning, static trapeze, aerial sling, the art of balance and more.

Dance Fever

Dance to your heart’s content at Santa Barbara Dance Center (805/899-2901, santabarbaradancecenter.com), where lessons are offered in Brazilian dancing, Bollywood fusion, world dance, salsa, Argentine tango and more. Arthur Murray Dance Center (805/963-6658, arthurmurraysantabarbara.com) gets students out on the floor for a wide variety of Latin, country Western and ballroom dances, including the waltz, jitterbug, fox trot, cha cha, Texas two-step, swing, Polka, merengue, quickstep and more.

Adventure Awaits

Yearning to get out on the water? Santa Barbara Adventure Company (805/884-9283, sbadventureco.com) offers standup paddling lessons, surf lessons, paragliding and kayaking. Santa Barbara Sailing Center (800/350-9090, sbsail.com) has more than 40 charter boats in its program and a large staff of instructors to accommodate sailors of all levels. In addition to one-on-one lessons, it also offers plenty of live-aboard instructional vacation options to choose from, as well as regularly scheduled group classes.

The WOODS Art Studio offers creative mixed-media classes, date nights, art parties and more. Photo courtesy The Woods Art Studio.

Grow Artsy

Get out a paintbrush and get back to nature at the same time at The WOODS Art Studio, a fun sunlit outdoor studio in the Santa Barbara foothills, where LeAnne Iverson offers both private and small group classes in mixed media painting, collage, Photoshop techniques, acrylics, art journaling, mosaics, found object construction and art parties (including bachelorette gatherings, date nights and singles nights) for children/teens and adults (646/369-7277, facebook.com/thewoodsartstudio). For a more traditional approach, Santa Barbara Museum of Art (805/884-6457, sbmuseart.org) offers a wide variety of studio art classes at Ridley-Tree Education Center, including instruction in watercolor and acrylic painting.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine, Winter 2014/15.

Local Lowdown: Christmas in the Sand

Posted on December 29, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Santa Claus on Santa Claus Lane, historic photo by SB Vintage Photo

Shopping Santa Claus Lane | By Leslie Dinaberg

Santa may be gone*, but the shopping scene is alive and well on his namesake street in Carpinteria. Tucked just south of Montecito, amid the soothing sounds of the sea—and occasional toots from the train—the eclectic Santa Claus Lane is home to an impressive variety of charming shops displaying everything from garden goodies and home decor to surf supplies and casually elegant clothes.

Porch is a unique shop “where shelter and nature converge.” Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Porch

A unique shop “where shelter and nature converge” into distinct art and home accessories and furniture.

1. PORCH, 3823 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-0300, porchsb.com.

Ze Bird is an ever-evolving treasure trove for the home. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Ze Bird

Original artwork plus a design and consign business makes this an ever evolving treasure trove for the fashionable home.

2. Ze Bird, 3825 Santa Claus Lane, 805/318-1818, zebirdsb.com.

Hawthorn, photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Hawthorn

This clothing and accessories boutique embodies the casual elegance of the Santa Barbara lifestyle.

3. Hawthorn, 3817 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-6474, facebook.com/hawthornpadarobeach.

The Garden Market on Santa Claus Lane offers unique gifts like Mama’s Preserves. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

The Garden Market

This tranquil little bistro is a great place to relax in the outdoor garden, or shop for unique gifts and treasures.

4. The Garden Market, 3811 Santa Claus Lane, 805/745-5505, gardenmarketsb.com.

Reed Interiors offers a variety of stylish lighting, as well as flooring, furniture and more for the home. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Reed Interiors

This design showroom offers flooring, stylish lines of furniture, lighting, accessories, window treatments, wall coverings, upholstery and more.

5. Reed Interiors, 3821 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-7583, reedfloors.com.

Hummingbird is a chic boutique on Santa Claus Lane. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Hummingbird

A chic boutique carrying women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, eyewear, art and gifts.

6. Hummingbird, 3823 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-5800, hummingbirdcarpinteria.com.

a-Frame Surf Shop, photo by Mercedes Lowe.

a-Frame Surf Shop

Whether you’re looking for surf lessons, the latest in surf gear or the coolest in clothing and beach wear, they’ve got you covered.

7. A-Frame Surf Shop, 3785 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-8803, aframesurf.com.

Holiday on the Lane

Santa may have retired, but he’ll be back for a visit at the Santa Claus Lane Annual Block Party on Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

*The jolly red giant moved to Oxnard in 2003.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine, Winter 2014/15.

Style File: Glamming it up for the Holiday Season

Posted on December 22, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Limited Edition Smoke & Mirrors Smoky Eye Kit by Jane Iredale, courtesy photo

‘Tis the season to be decadent with your makeup look. Turn on the sultry this holiday season with these fun products:

Limited Edition Smoke & Mirrors Smoky Eye Kit by Jane Iredale helps create luxurious, pigmented eyes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The kit holds eight shades and a “how-to” guide to create your favorite smoky eye looks, from elementary to sophisticated.

Jane’s Signature Gilded Collection 24-Karat Gold Dust, courtesy photo

Channel your inner diva with Rihanna’s two shades of VIVA GLAM Lipstick by Mac Cosmetics. Her new cool mauve shade and original blue-red with frost finish, both apply with a subtle shine and gold sparkle. Every cent of the selling price of VIVA GLAM goes toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and the lipstick includes a limited-edition, soft velvety red packaging features RiRi’s signature.

Eye Shere Liquid Eye Shadows in Opal Silk and Gold Silk by Jane Iredale are quick-drying liquid eye shadows that add some glam but won’t crease or smear.

A special night out calls for all-over shimmer. Apply Jane’s Signature Gilded Collection 24-Karat Gold Dust all over your shoulders and décolleté. Or try it on your earlobes for an unexpected dazzle that complements your favorite braid, pony or dressy updo.

Estée Lauder’s All Night Glamour Set, courtesy photo

Decisions, decisions? If you can’t make up your mind, check out Estée Lauder’s All Night Glamour Set, a limited edition offer available now at Macy’s in La Cumbre Plaza (with Estée Lauder purchase) includes just about everything you need for non-stop glamour, packaged in a studded black patent evening bag. Items include: Deluxe Eye Shadow Compact with 9 Best-Selling Pure Color EyeShadows, Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Hot Kiss, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil in Mocha, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Gel EyeLiner in Onyx, Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara in Black and Modern Muse Eau de Parfum Travel Spray.

And while you’re out looking fabulous for the holidays, don’t forget to capture the moment with a selfie or two! Enjoy.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 18, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Stocking Stuffers

Posted on December 22, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Wine Twirls, courtesy photo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |

Make your Christmas morning memorable by celebrating the art of celebrating with these fun, cocktail-themed stocking stuffers.

Wine Twirls

These pretty little “wine twirls” make sure your white wine stays chill right where it counts—in the glass. Just put them in the freezer ahead of time, then pop one into your glass and twirl, swirl and sip away to your heart’s content.

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses

These pretty pink Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses are perfect for adding subtle saltiness to your favorite tequila. Not only that, they come from Salt Cave Santa Barbara, also known as North America’s Largest Himalayan Salt Cave right here at 740 State St., with a second location to purchase merchandise at 32 W. Anapamu St.

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, courtesy Salt Cave

Whiskey Stones

Your favorite whiskey drinker will savor the scotch even more when he/she adds these chilled whiskey stones to their next dram. Milled in Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the US, these cubes also come in cute, themed icons such as fishing, Paris, skull & crossbones and more.

Bubi Bottles

These versatile Bubi Bottles are portable, scrunchable and BPA free … need I say more! Not only will they hold your adult beverages, in a pinch they can be used as an ice pack or a hot pack, making them great gifts for everyone on your list.

Cocktails Galore Drink Coasters

Cocktail Coasters Courtesy After 5 Catalog

A collage of drink names artfully displayed—the Cosmopolitan, Manhattan, Martini, Mojito, Mai Tai, Gin and Tonic, Pina Colada, Screwdriver and more —will set the cocktail mood at your next bash. Set of four coasters from the local After 5 Catalog comes with its own stand made from durable hardboard.

Vapur Vintage Flexible Wine Carrier

The most portable way to transport your vino without the weight of a breakable bottle, this Vapur Vintage Flexible Wine Carrier is outfitted with an easy screw cap and a peekaboo window. What better gift than portable way to let you keep the party going wherever your adventures take you.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 19, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Ensemble Theater Company and K-9 Pals Partner for Pets

Posted on December 19, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

K-9 Pals and ETC are partnering to promote pet adoptions. Courtesy photo.

In conjunction with promoting the new comedy, The Best Brothers—in which dog ownership is featured prominently—Ensemble Theatre Company has partnered with local nonprofit dog adoption agency, K-9 Pals, to raise awareness about the growing need for homes for dogs in Santa Barbara.

The Best Brothers, playing now through December 21 at the New Vic, focuses on estranged brothers who are forced to come together in the wake of their mothers untimely, yet hilarious, death. While reconciling their mother’s estate, one point of contention raises its head over and over again: who will care for mom’s beloved Italian Greyhound, Enzo? Enzo represents the unconditional love that can come from a dog, even during times of great distress and upheaval in life. This idea, that a dog can change a person’s life, led to the inevitable teamwork between ETC and K-9.

K-9 Pals finds homes for dogs after an owner’s death, and offers a safe environment for sheltering, feeding and training dogs who are waiting for homes. More than 1,200 dogs are taken into Santa Barbara shelters each year. As part of the awareness partnership, K-9 Pals has brought dogs in need of adoption to the New Vic before each matinee performance of The Best Brothers – December 21 is the final event. Adoption events begin one hour prior to the performance. The public is welcome to attend the adoption events, socialize with the dogs, and learn more about the adoption process. A ticket to the play is not required.

K-9 Pals and ETC are partnering to promote pet adoptions. Courtesy photo.

For more information about K-9 Pals, including steps in the adoption process and how to donate, visit www.k-9pals.org. To purchase tickets to The Best Brothers, contact the Ensemble Theatre Company Box Office at 805/965-5400, or visit www.etcsb.org. The theater is located at 33 W. Victoria St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 17, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Top Shelf Gifts

Posted on December 12, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Grassini Winery offers one of the many local wine clubs, a great gift idea for just about anyone! Photo courtesy Grassini.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |

It’s that most wonderful time of the year once again—from wine clubs to spirits, to gifts that give back and ideas that are sure to impress—here are some of our favorite holiday gift ideas for just about everyone on your list.

It’s Not a Gang; It’s a Club…

A wine club, that is, which is the perfect gift for all of the wine drinkers on your list. You can’t go wrong with so many great wineries in Santa Barbara County. One of our favorites is Carr Winery, which offers three different options, including the red wine only Luxury Club, which includes six bottles of new releases as well as one bottle made exclusively for club members. Members also get a free tastings at the totally cool Quonset hut tasting room, access to private events, a 20% discount on wine purchases, logo items and private parties, and when you refer your friends you receive a free bottle of wine.

Carr Winery barrel room, courtesy photo

Grassini Family Vineyards offers four different wine club options, all of which include discounts on shipments and purchases, complimentary tastings for you and your guests in their charming downtown tasting room in historic El Paseo, club exclusive events as well as complimentary or discounted tickets to other special events and priority access to limited-production bottlings. For more information on local wine clubs, visit Santa Barbara Vintners, sbcountywines.com.

Drink to Your Health

Bluecoat American Dry Gin, courtesy photo

Gin lovers will appreciate a prescription for Bluecoat American Dry Gin, a beautiful blue bottle that not only tastes delicious and looks impressive on your bar, but also is made from organic juniper berries, which have spicy, earthy notes instead of the pungent pine-tree flavors of regular berries. Juniper, found in all gin, is reputed to relieve bloating cramping and gas.

Give Back

Almost anyone will appreciate a gift of wine or spirits, but why not up the ante a bit with gifts that give back to worthy causes at the same time.

For example, Stemmari Wines is partnering with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). The Sicilian wine brand will donate part of their proceeds in support of the SOWF programs to benefit the military’s special operation forces and their families. This Stemmari lineup won’t break you bank, either, as all are less than $15. Wines include

Fonseca Bin 27 in Artist Series gift box, courtesy photo

Stemmari Nero d’Avola, Stemmari Pinot Grigio, Stemmari Pinot Noir, Stemmari Moscato, Stemmari Baci Vivaci (100% Grillo), Stemmari Dalila (80% Grillo, 20% Viognier) and Stemmari Contodoro (80% Nero d’Avola, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon).

Also worth checking out is Fonseca’s 2014 Limited Edition BIN 27 Erik Parker Artist Series, which showcases Parker’s creative water-inspired art and Fonseca BIN 27’s support for the Waterkeeper Alliance and their mission to advocate for environmental issues surrounding our waterways. This delicious ruby port is perfect for a cold winter’s night, and a purchase will support the needs of our environment.

Teeling Small Batch 750ml Whiskey, courtesy photo

A Twist on the Traditional

Since 1782 the Teeling family has been crafting Teeling Irish Whiskey, a small batch bottling that consists of hand selected casks, which are given further maturation in Flor de Cana Rum barrels, giving this whiskey an extra sweet and smooth rum-finished vanilla flavor.

For the Man or Woman Who Has Everything

Hall Wine’s Gift of Indulgence

If (lucky you) money is no object, for a mere $18,000 HALL Wines offers a “Gift of Indulgence,” pairing wine with experiences that are sure to impress. The package from owners Craig & Kathryn Hall (Kathryn is most known for being our United States Ambassador to Austria under the Clinton administration as well as being a lifelong vintner, and Craig is the author of business-focused books and owns HALL Financial) includes first class airfare for two to and from Napa; a three-night stay at the new luxury boutique SENZA in Napa Valley; private tours of multiple vineyards and a wine blending session with HALL’s award winning winemaking team, led by Steve Leveque, among other perks.

A Weekend in Wine Heaven

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

The World of Pinot Noir comes back to the Bacara Resort March 6-7, and is a must attend for pinot lovers. This fabulous annual event includes two days of in-depth tasting seminars and excursions, grand tastings, a Burgundy seminar and tasting and gourmet, locally influenced lunches and dinners. I had so much fun at last year’s event; I can’t wait for this one!

Santa, I hope you’re reading this.

Cheers!
Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 12, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

LeslieDinaberg.com

Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

SBIFF INTRODUCES FIRST ANNUAL ARTISANS AWARDS

Cocktail Corner: Everything You Need to Know About Molecular Mixology