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! 

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

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

SANTA BARBARA PUBLIC MARKET

Need a place to take Dad for Father's Day? How about the Santa Barbara Public Market?! It's a great place for lunch. I recommend the Bangkok Street Noodle soup from Empty Bowl or a burger and Spicy Fried Broccolini from Belcampo Meat Co.

And for dessert, the BEST ice cream in Santa Barbara from Rori's Artisanal Creamery. Dad's favorite is a double scoop of Serious Dark Chocolate and John Martin (coconut ice cream with coconut shreds and chocolate) -- yum! 

Here are a few more of my favorite purveyors from the market.

No better gift for Dad than some French salami, right? These guys are from Culture Counter.

Or a nice bottle of wine from Wine + Beer.

And then I always like to get a little grocery shopping done at Foragers Pantry before I leave.

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