WILDWOOD KITCHEN IN SANTA BARBARA

Our dad takes pride in knowing what's happening on the food scene and we're always happy to follow along on his adventure. So we were thrilled to hear that Wildwood Kitchen had opened it's doors at The Mill in Santa Barbara.

It was so lovely to spend a "wintery" afternoon, bundled up in jackets, as the sun lowered behind the building wall. 

As the mother of a toddler, I love nothing more than having an early dinner. And we're always on the hunt for good BBQ so this was such a great find.

Nothing like some good fries.

This is a BBQ Sampler with smoked chicken, pork ribs, tri tip and coleslaw -- all so good (as you can see, we dug in before the picture was even taken). And I think the chili was the best I've had.

Their signature BBQ sauces, one beer-based and the other with hints of coffee.

And we, especially Mila, loved exploring The Mill's beautifully landscaped courtyard.

See you again soon, Wildwood! 

GLAMPING AT EL CAPITAN CANYON

Over the weekend, we went "glamping" at the beautiful El Capitan Canyon. This is my level of camping. Especially with a two-year-old.

Here's how they describe it on their website - "Enjoy services and amenities typically found in a traditional resort, yet it’s minimalism without deprivation… comfort without over-indulgence. The glories of nature without the overbearing manufactured hand of man. Experience the natural beauty of the environment in a camp-like surrounding with all the creature comforts we have come to enjoy and expect."

You can chose between various types of cedar cabins or a luxury safari tent. We stayed in a "Creekside King," which was one room with a kitchenette and bathroom. Those rooms come with small fridges but my friends instructed me to bring a large cooler with ice packs which worked brilliantly. I kept it on our porch for the three-day weekend and my food was still cold at the end of the trip. 

Spend the day outside hiking in nature, play sports on their grassy field, swim in their heated pool, bring the kids to their playground or bike to the beach. 

Then return back to camp to make food on the grill!

And just because you are camping, doesn't mean you can't enjoy a good cheese platter! Just buy your favorite cheeses and crackers ahead of time, pack perishables in your cooler, bring parchment paper and/or wood platters and you are set!

And if you don't want to bring food, El Capitan has their own cafe and market with almost anything and everything you could want.

Their adorable country-style market.

We enjoyed a break from cooking on the campfire and ordered Sunday breakfast at the cafe.

Peaceful and pretty surroundings outside the market/cafe.

This guy had the best time! Can't wait for next year!! xx

THE NEW AND IMPROVED ROXBURY PARK

Beverly Hills' Roxbury Memorial Park was our childhood park growing up and it holds a really special place in my heart. It recently underwent a beautiful renovation and is now better than ever. At over 11 acres of beautiful greenery, it boasts two (SHADED!!!) playground areas, a sand/water play station and almost every sport court/area imaginable. Even if you don't have kids, it is a great place to go and relax with a book and get some fresh air. I like to consider it The Westside's mini-Central Park. 

I love these pathways taking you into and around the path. The abundance of trees is really lovely. 

The park has a lot to offer. You can play croquet, basketball, tennis, volleyball, lawn bowling, baseball and soccer to your heart's content.

Pretty pots and plants along the tennis courts.

Basketball and racquetball courts in full effect.

The lovely lounge area just outside of the recreation center, overlooks the park.

Super clean BBQ area.

Quintessential all-American baseball field.

I used to kick a ball around this field with my dad. Ahhh. Childhood memories....

As a parent myself now, I cannot express my gratitude enough for these shaded play areas!!!

Brixton couldn't get enough of the sand and water area.

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Roxbury Memorial Park is located at:

417 South Roxbury Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

NOTE: All parking surrounded the park is metered. Please note all parking signs. It is still Beverly Hills after all! ;)

xx