5 CALI GETAWAYS TO TAKE BEFORE THE END OF SUMMER

(The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay)

Are you looking to have one more fabulous getaway before the end of summer? With less than a month of official summertime left, I've made my list of Top 5 California resorts to ensure a grand finale to your 2015 summer season. Let's go!

1. POST RANCH INN, BIG SUR.  

High atop the cliffs of Big Sur, the 39-room resort is surrounded by incredible mountain and ocean views. The rustic-luxury hotel offers a world-renowned restaurant, an infinity pool, spa and plenty of romance. So much romance that the resort has an 18 and up age requirement. And don't forget to stop by the amazing Big Sur Bakery while you're in the area!

2. THE RITZ CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY

Set upon a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay is located 23 miles north of San Francisco. The resort was completely renovated and refurbished in March of this year, with rooms decorated in cool blue and grey tones, to match its oceanic surroundings. The resort features two championship golf courses, so bring your clubs.

3. SAN YSIDRO RANCH, MONTECITO

Rated by Forbes as the #1 Hotel in America, San Ysidro Ranch is nestled in the Montecito Foothills of Southern California's wine country. The ranch occupies 500 acres of coastal landscape, just a few miles from downtown Santa Barbara. Their private cottages are individually and uniquely decorated, all including fireplaces or stoves. Their property also includes 17 miles of active hiking trails, a hillside pool and sumptuous gardens. I also hear that their extensive and impressive wine list is a BOOK to behold. 

4. MONTAGE, LAGUNA

Located on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific, the 30 acre beach resort is located in the heart of Laguna Beach. The resort features 248 Craftsman style rooms, all featuring ocean views. The hotel is also home to three restaurants, two pools and a renowned spa. If you are looking for the quintessential California beach resort, this is the place.

5. CALISTOGA RANCH, CALISTOGA

Located in a secluded Upper Napa Valley canyon, on 157 oak lined acres, Calistoga Ranch is a luxury retreat completely engulfed in nature. The Ranch's culinary team sources only the finest organic ingredients to create seasonal dishes to reflect the area. The resort offers wellness classes, such as yoga and Tai Chi. Check out their chicken coop and bocce court on the way to their indoor/outdoor spa.

Now I want to go on vacay too!!! xx

IT'S ICE CREAM SEASON: RORI'S ARTISANAL CREAMERY

Santa Barbara-based Rori's Artisanal Creamery is one of our all-time favorites and we were more than happy to go and eat their ice cream for "the sake of the blog." If you find yourself in the Santa Barbara area and needing the most delicious organic ice cream, Rori's has two locations: one in Montecito at the Montecito Country Mart and the other in downtown Santa Barbara, inside the SB Public Market. 

Why we love Rori's: 

Their grass-fed, organic ice cream, made with Straus Family Creamery dairy, is some of the creamiest ice cream I have ever tasted. They also make their own regular and gluten-free cones. 

Their cute SB Public Market location.

Take some to go!

Fresh mint patty and John Martin (coconut and chocolate chunk) on a gluten-free cone went down real easily.

B ate the top and the bottom of his vanilla cone. Can't wait for my next Rori's scoop! xx

MONTECITO'S THE HONOR BAR

Nothing makes me happier than a daycation to Montecito (Santa Barbara), and The Honor Bar (from Hillstone) is a favorite spot for lunch. It's a small setting with a small menu (which is always a good sign).

The Macho Salad (chicken, avocado, almonds, dates, goat cheese, corn) and Flat Iron Steak with Chimichurri. Toddler hand not included. 

Some great chairs to lounge in while having something refreshing to drink.

Really a pleasant setting to get you into that daycation state of mind.

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.