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

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WEDDING AT BACARA

Our close friends renewed their vows at Santa Barbara's Bacara Resort & Spa over the holiday weekend. We thought it was the perfect excuse to spend a few days relaxing at the oceanside retreat. I was reminded how the grounds at the resort are some of the best around. And the wedding, overlooking the ocean, was very special. Here's a peak.

I love this huge succulent and cactus planter as you pull up the the entrance.

Gorgeous green and white blooms greet you in the lobby.

Drool-worthy orchids and peonies.

Let's get cozy by the lobby fireplace,

My favorite part of the resort -- lush grounds surrounding the Spanish-style villas. 

Brixton was in Heaven being able to explore and run around the resort grounds.

B's Outfit -- Sweatshirt:  Mimobee via Eggy, Pants: Nununu, Shoes: Nike, Air Jordan's

The Bistro patio, complete with ocean breezes.

Power breakfast. Though it isn't on the menu, they will custom-make any omelette you'd like.

Post-brekky walk to the beach.

Pool time! 

The wedding ceremony, on the outside grass of the Beach House restaurant, overlooked The Pacific. The the flowing white hupppah, housed a crystal chandelier and was tied with gorgeous pink and white flowers. STUNNING.

Guest chairs ready for the ceremony at sunset.

Drinks awaiting thirsty guests during arrivals.

The gorgeous and intimate dinner in the wine cellar.

I loved the incorporation of artichokes and fruit into the florals. And the signature rosemary lemon drop cocktail was sublime.

Mom and Dad having a rare night of raging. 

Dessert and dancing under the stars. So lovely. xx

Design: Donna Isham & Brownstone Designs

Styling: Brownstone Designs

Florist: Snipping Violets

UPSTAIRS AT PIERRE LAFOND

The next time you take a trip to Santa Barbara, I highly recommend stopping in the town of Montecito, just south. Pierre Lafond has quite a setup there with his Wine Bistro and Montecito Market, along with his wife's Wendy Foster and Upstairs. Today we're exploring Upstairs, a beautifully curated shop of unique pieces for home, gifts and the kids. 

I'll have to tell Twink to add these to her next Kitchen Towel Guide.

I spy some good Rifle Paper Co. options in there.

Cozy blankies for snuggling.

I'm gonna need to add this Maileg bunny to Mila's birthday wish list.

Oh hey, beautiful Jess Brown doll.

The best Atsuyo et Akiko selection I've seen in a store.

MONTECITO'S CORAL CASINO BEACH AND CABANA CLUB

Anyone who knows us knows we are massive fans of Santa Barbara and Montecito. It is a special place with fabulous restaurants and activities that we will be covering in the coming months. But for starters, I will let you in on a little secret: The Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. Located on the beautiful Channel Drive, it is across the street from the The Four Seasons Biltmore and housed on the gorgeous Butterfly Beach. Though Coral Casino is a private, members only club, you can gain access to the amenities (including an Olympic-sized pool, two restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness center & sweeping ocean views) during your stay at the Four Seasons. Sweet!

Walking path to Channel Drive from The Four Seasons Biltmore.

The Olympic-sized pool is on the main deck facing Butterfly Beach.

I dig the personal shades on the lounge chairs.

I dig even more the oversized hooded towels for perfect face covering.

A pool-side mojito.

Fish tacos also ordered from the Coral Cafe pool-side menu.

And for all of the parents out there: A 94 degree, 1.5 foot-deep kid pool filled with toys and paddle boards. Ocean-side, no less. 

Access to Butterfly Beach is just a step away from the club.

Little B enjoying the fresh ocean air.