Monthly Archives: December 2011

A Pebble Beach Christmas

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This Christmas, my husband and I decided to go with a friend and celebrate the holiday at Roy’s Restaurant at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach. It was one of those crystal clear, gorgeous days which I’m sure made the many tourists and golfers very happy.

I can remember as a child, Christmas day would be like a ghost town ~ all the stores, restaurants and more would be closed and if there was anything you needed, you were out of luck. Today, it’s quite a different scene. Pebble Beach was a hot spot with people actively playing golf, riding bikes, shopping, and patronizing the restaurants. Some families were decked out in their finest and others were comfortably in their jeans…anything goes.

We decided to take the 17 Mile Drive, and no matter how many times I have done this, I am still in awe when I drive by these enormous homes on huge lots with stunning ocean views. Who are these people? And what do they do for a living? And what do the inside of these homes look like? How I’d love to knock on one of these doors and ask for a home tour.

One of the more modest appearing homes ~ albeit this is a side entrance ~ but doesn't it look like when you pass through that gate, you're walking into an enchanted forest.

As we drove through, I had to capture all these gates that, I can only imagine, lead into a wonderland of beauty.

After an incredible meal at Roy’s, we lingered around for a short time enjoying everyone’s cheerful holiday spirit.

And for the grande finale to the day, we witnessed this incredible sky at sunset. What a beautiful end to a beautiful day and wonderful Christmas celebration.

Stunning sky at sunset.

How Do You Entertain a “Martha Stewart” for Christmas?

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Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a…..SCREEEECHHH…..wait…whose house is this? Because it’s certainly not mine! We’re wrapping last minute gifts, prepping food, scrubbing toilets and cleaning the house for family arrival. There’s lots of stirring going on around here.

For goodness sake, I have Vicki Petulla of The Creeping Fig fame coming over for Christmas Eve dinner. I should have urns filled with white hydrangeas with holly berries draped over the edges and placed strategically on top of vintage books. I need to write up my “menu board”, cut up my select cheeses for my antique wooden cheese board, make lemon-cucumber-mint water so it can properly steep, I need a burlap something somewhere…oh, who am I kidding?!? I’m tired from just writing all of that.

Let’s be real, I’ll be lucky if the poinsettias on my front porch are still hanging on for their dear lives. “Menu board”, ha! I’m not even sure what I’m serving yet, hopefully I have some crackers in my cupboards and some old cheese in the fridge drawer. And let’s face it, if you’re not wearing dog hair within the first 2 minutes of arrival, then you haven’t been properly greeted.

Dinner will be ready when the smoke alarm goes off, dessert will be the highlight of the evening because it will be some creation from Icing On The Cake (if I remember to pick it up) and then we’ll open our presents ~ exchange gift receipts ~ and only after all of that will we be able to exhale.

Of course, I jest…somewhat. But I can tell you this, with every imperfection throughout the evening, there will have been double the love behind the intention. The evening will be filled with laughter, shared memories of Christmas’s past, maybe a tear or two in memory of my mother and our first Christmas without her, conversations of army men and WWII (nephew and the hubby) and the room will be filled with abiding love. By all accounts, it will be another perfect family holiday. My wish for you this holiday season is that your Christmas is as perfect as our Christmas…imperfections and all!

Okay, gotta go…have to go lay down some pea gravel and plant some succulents before Miss Vicki arrives. Happy Holidays to all !

Holiday Celebrations at Solage Calistoga

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As most of you know by now, I work two days a week at a commercial architecture and interior design firm, AP+I Design, Inc. Each year, it is my pleasure to plan the annual overnight (and very secret) holiday party. The owner of the firm, Carol Sandman, loves surprises and she likes to keep this event a secret up until the day of the event. Yep…the day of the event.

Early in the morning on the day of the party, all the employees gather for the formal announcement of the location. At noon, everyone scurries off to gather their belongings…and significant others…and make their way to the resort. This year the party was held at Solage Calistoga, an Auberge Resort.

Solage is located in the quaint town of Calistoga. Since its debut in 2007, Solage has garnered acclaim and numerous awards from many leading travel, dining, spa and lifestyle publications. They house a Michelin Star restaurant ~ SolBar, Travel and Leisure has named them on the 500 World’s Best List, Conde Nast has placed them on their Hot List, Best Spa List and the accolades go on and on.

The resort is comprised of individual cottages that include two bikes for getting around the resort or to go downtown. They operate on an eco-friendly philosophy incorporating an extensive recycling program, use of solar panels, non-toxic cleaning products, organic produce and much more ~ which makes a group of architects and designers very happy.

Complimentary bikes come with each cabin for use during your stay.

Individual cabins adorned with holiday wreaths.

Of course, we were primarily here for the holiday party but a few of my coworkers were able to experience the incredible spa with its signature mud treatment, mineral water therapies and many other incredible offerings.

Solage did a great job of coordinating our event, from the reception hour through dinner and dancing. The room was decorated with simple, yet festive, trees with twinkling lights and natural branch wreaths. We had a roaring fire pit set up outside for those who wanted a little fresh air and to quietly mingle. As always, the party was a success and everyone had a great time. This is a great group of people and it’s really such a pleasure to work with people that I truly admire and enjoy.

The day after the party, everyone is on their own time. My husband and I were staying an additional night, so we decided to take advantage of the hotels complimentary Mercedes Benz rental program. The weather was absolutely gorgeous so we chose the convertible model and decided to drive over to the adorable town of Healdsburg. As we were leaving the resort that morning, we saw several people from our group riding into town on their bikes for breakfast.

Greg and Alison enjoying their breakfast at a local bakery.

The resort offers a complimentary Mercedes Benz rental program for up to 4 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spent the day strolling through Healdsburg and I discovered some really adorable shops. My favorite was a store called Tallulah’s, just recently opened a few months ago. It is owned by two fun women, Kim and Denise, who decided to open a store that reflected all of their favorite things. The store is brightly colored with pinkalicious trees dangling beautiful ornaments, designer (Hermes, Chanel) scarves framed for hanging, fun modern furniture, pillows and much more.

My other favorite store was a floral and home store called Uniquely Chic. My sister would think she had died and gone to heaven in this store. The store has a French motif, with all items in neutral colors, shiny silver accessories and incorporating the natural greenery of the florals they sell.

For lunch we came across a bakery, slash coffee house, slash deli that had the most incredible food. We sat outside on the front patio and listened to the singer/guitar player.

The following day after checking out of the hotel, we took our time driving home, hitting all the cute little towns along the way. It was a must that we stop in Yountville and go to my husband’s favorite bakery, the Bouchon Bakery, where there is always a line out the door but well worth the wait.

We ended the day in Half Moon Bay at the Moss Landing Distillery contemplating what an incredible weekend we had. Now I have my eyes set on our next trip to Bacara in Santa Barbara.

Check out the photo gallery for more pictures of the party and the adorable towns we drove though.

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Buy Gifts That Keep On Giving

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This holiday season as you’re doing your shopping, why not consider making your purchases from companies that give back. Give a gift that keeps on giving.

Here are a few companies that give back to the community. Click on the picture and it will take you to the company website. Feel free to recommend more companies that do the same. Happy Shopping!

Greyston Brownie's Moto: "We don't hire people to bake brownies. We bake brownies to hire people."

As seen in Oprah - Footzyrolls is proud to be a contributor to The United Way.

Joan Hornig Jewelry worn by Celebrities. 100% of the profit goes to the buyer's choice of charity.

Winemaker Ron Mondavi created One Hope and donates half of the profits to charity.

Philosophy supporting the joyful heart foundation.

Gifts that Give donates 20% of merchandise purchased to the charity of the shopper’s choice.

PUNJAMMIES™ are made by women in India rescued from forced prostitution seeking to rebuild their lives.

Christmas Countdown: The “Always Believe” Ornament

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This year, I put a quote on my Christmas card from one of my very favorite holiday books, The Polar Express ~ “Sometimes the most real things in this world are the things we can’t see.”

This quote almost describes me to a T. I live every day in blind faith. I have always chosen to believe that there is a higher power that guides me, protects me and that whatever happens is meant to be and everything will work out as it should. So when I came across this ornament, that simply says “Believe”, I was immediately drawn to it as it summarizes how I live my life on a daily basis.

I believe in true love, I believe in hope, I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt and that most people have good hearts. I believe we are all here to learn a lesson and to spiritually grow and I absolutely believe in angels and other worldly things that I cannot see.

Another reason this ornament is special to me is because I specifically chose to purchase it at a store called Tara’s Angels in San Juan Capistrano. Some of you may be familiar with this story as it was well publicized on many TV shows in the 1990′s. Tara Moore was teenage girl who had become passionate about angels. Immediately prior to her unexpected death, one evening she had asked her mother ”When you’re finished with your work on this plane of existence, do you think you can go do more important work elsewhere?” The question would haunt her mother later that night when Tara, a passenger in a van, died in a crash.

Shattered by her death, her parents were convinced “there had to be a reason.” They came to believe that there were signs that Tara was still, somehow, with them: first, a single angel-shaped cookie left inexplicably on the kitchen counter, and they later found a song titled “You’re an Angel” lying on the floor of Tara’s room.  ”We know she’s here,” said her mother, Sandy. “It’s just being open to it.” Her parents then decided to open an angel store, Tara’s Angels Bookstore, where they could give people hope, like they had come to know.

This story is so inspiring to me, as I feel it’s an affirmation that there is more out there than just what we can see. You only need to open your heart and just BELIEVE.

Christmas Countdown: Besties, Ornaments and Fondue

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Last night was my annual Christmas ornament exchange with my besties. We’ve had this ornament exchange tradition for probably close to 20 years now, but the truth is, it’s just another great excuse for us to get together.

The tradition is always the same, each year we will either hit our favorite go-to restaurant, The Wine Cellar, or one of us will host it at our home. This year, Sabina offered to host it at her beautiful house.

The not-so-shabby view from Sabina's house.

We loaded the table with our always-standard fare of salad, cheese fondue, veggies and our favorite libations….and let the conversation roll.

Sabina served the fondue goodies on a platter she purchased on a trip to Positano, Italy earlier in the year.

Conversation is the one thing that is never lacking when you get together with your best friends. We never know where our conversations are going to lead us. There are times where we’re just silly and laugh, there are times where emotions are high and tears may flow ~ we talk about nothing and we talk about the most important things in our lives.

Sabina's wine cellar.

Last night, feeling nostalgic reminiscing over all the Christmas‘s we’ve spent together..and a few bottles of wine later, we started talking about how much we all meant to one another. How, when you’ve been friends for as long as we have, you become a part of the fabric of one’s life.

These women are without a doubt strongly woven into my life and a part of my foundation. They make me laugh when I’m down, they listen when I need to vent, they support me when I get a hair-brained idea (which is often), and they have made me a stronger, more confident woman knowing that they have my back.

This may be sounding trite, but if you have this type of deep-seeded relationship in your life you understand what I’m saying. Relationships of any nature take some effort, and friendships are no different. We make it a point to get together on a regular basis so we don’t lose touch and it is well worth the effort.

So, here we are at another annual ornament exchange. We pick our numbers to see who goes in what order, the lucky high-numbered person steals the best ornament and we laugh and say we can’t wait to do it all over again next year.

Today’s ornament is my newest acquisition from last night. This proud little bird will join my flock of ornaments and will become a reminder of this wonderful evening and the subject of conversation for years to come.

To my best friends, Dana, Michelle and Sabina, my sister, Vicki and my husband ~ I thank you for all the love and support you consistently give me. I am one lucky girl!!!

Susan, Michelle and Sabina (Dana is taking the picture)

And to the rest of you I say, take the time and effort to nurture your relationships by showing your gratitude and appreciation because you will be the one who will reap the benefits in the end.

Christmas Countdown: The “Make No Judgement” Ornament

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There is a saying that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. I truly believe in this statement. We may not realize the reason in the moment, however, in reflection the picture usually becomes clear. I am reminded of this as I look at today’s ornament.

Several years ago, my husband and I went on a Caribbean cruise. As cruises do, although more flexible now days, we were assigned at a dinner table for 10. On the first evening, eight of us had arrived on time and started to introduce ourselves and get to know one another. Approximately about 20 minutes late, the last couple strolled up to the table. Now keep in mind, the four couples at the table were Caucasian and the last couple was an African-American couple.

The man was large and in a loud colored suit and his wife was beautifully decked out. It was apparent that they looked a little uncomfortable as they sat down. In seeing this, I immediately introduced myself and started asking them questions to help put them at ease. After a few minutes, everyone else jumped in and by the end of the meal, we were sitting at the loudest table from all our laughter.

My husband and I immediately bonded with this couple. We ended up taking many shore excursions with them and spent every evening talking over drinks. As they became more comfortable with us, it was later revealed that the reason they were late to dinner that first night was because they were so uncomfortable at the first table they were assigned, they asked to be moved. They then thanked us for making them feel welcome and comfortable when they arrived at our table. This is a couple that has faced some discrimination and, at that moment I realized, we never know what someone is going through unless we walk in their shoes.

Through our conversations, this couple learned that I collect ornaments from all my travels. While on an excursion in St. Thomas, they came walking up to me with a package in their hands and presented me with this ornament. They made the statement that every year when I put it on my tree, I should think of them…..and every year I do. We kept in touch with this couple for years, even taking another trip with them to Las Vegas, but we have since lost touch. Although this couple turned out to be friends for just a “season”, I will always remember them and remember the lesson that I learned that we must never make judgements on what we do not know.

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

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I’m starting to feel the holiday spirit! I managed to wrap a few presents today….

…and bake some cookies. Wish I could say this was some secret family recipe but it’s just Pillsbury Peppermint Sugar cookies. Quick and easy, keeps life simple.

My husband, the Tominator, managed to devour them all and the plate is now empty. :)

 

Christmas Countdown: The “Hey Lady, you want a real fake Rolex watch?” Ornament

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Today’s Ornament 

I picked up this ornament in Istanbul, Turkey which is definitely one of the most unique and fascinating places I have ever been. For starters, the architecture is completely unique to what we know here in the US. The Blue Mosque is probably the most famous structure with it’s rocket shaped towers looming over the city. Then, unexpectedly as you walk through town, the horn goes off for the Islamic Prayer Call which is quite eerie the first time you hear it.

The most fun is walking through The Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is a sprawling complex that houses shops, restaurants, even a couple of mosques and more but it’s the vendor’s that sit on their benches outside the shops that have you in stitches. The lines they use to try to reel you into the stores are hilarious. I really believe they have to be part comedian to be hired for the job. My favorite line was “Hey Lady, you want a real fake Rolex watch? $5″ So I asked him, “Well is it real or is it fake?” and his answer was “It’s real fake.” :) I didn’t buy myself a real fake Rolex watch that day but I did buy this Turkish slipper ornament and each time I look at it, I’m right back in the Bazaar bartering with that funny man. **smiles**smiles**smiles**

Christmas Countdown: My Happy Place Ornament

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Today’s Ornament 

Today’s ornament is a local one. I call this one “My Happy Place” ornament because this is  from Santa Cruz, CA ~ one of my favorite spots to chill and just be myself. The kayak represents my favorite sport, ocean kayaking and I love the easy-going, Beach Boy vibes of a woody…I can hear California Girls playing now. When I see this ornament, it puts a smile on my face, I feel the warmth of the sunshine and I’m floating on the water amongst the sea lions and otters. For me, this is my heaven. What’s yours?