Like everyone, my travel schedule has significantly changed during 2020 — way less flying, more road trips. However, I feel fortunate to live in a place where there’s still a lot to see and do so close to home (yes, even while wearing a mask and keeping distant from others). Over the last couple of months, Nick and I have been particularly fond of taking advantage of Santa Barbara wine country, where outdoor experiences were already the norm pre-Covid-19, including wine tastings.
Last week it felt like my mind was still in March when I was legitimately surprised that it was staying light out so late. Haha! Yikes. Now that Memorial Day has passed, I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that summer is pretty much here. While I’m super excited to get out and enjoy the season, I’m going to be easing back into life in the real world… until we know how things pan out over the coming weeks, summer for all of us will likely involve a lot more time at home than past summer seasons. So, sticking with the ‘stay-at-home’ theme, here are the four things I’m digging this week:
Since Mother’s Day is this weekend, the four things I’m digging this week would also happen to make great gifts for the deserving ladies in your life. I use three of these products regularly so I can totally vouch for them. And as for the wine, I taste a lot of rosé on a regular basis… these are some Santa Barbara rosés I’ve had recently that I think mom (or you!) might like.
Another week of self-isolation down… whew, did that fly by. In case you missed my last post, we’re in week two of my new blog series, Four Things — a lighthearted series designed to provide you with something other than bad news to read during these strange times. It’s pretty simple: every week, I’ll share four things I’m digging right now. It may include a wine, a recipe or just something I think is useful at the moment. Here are this week’s four things. Oh, and Happy Earth Day!
While we all continue to adjust to a new normal, I’m keeping a positive outlook that life will someday soon be less about social distancing and more about socializing. Who knew how much we’d miss the simple things we all take for granted, like a hug from a friend or buying groceries without worrying? And the news? Yikes. Though I am checking the news (probably way more often than I should), I’m also seeking out lighthearted distractions right now — and maybe you are too. Such is the inspiration for Four Things.
I have to admit, I’m still in shock about all that is going on right now. These are strange, uncertain and unnerving times, but I’m trying to stay positive that we will all get through this together soon (at least sooner than later). While unprecedented, it’s moments like these that we are reminded of what’s really important — the people and communities we love and keeping them safe. If you are self-isolating at home like I am, and I’m assuming you are, then you may be looking for ways to eat and drink well at home while still supporting local businesses.
Want to know a little secret? Breakfast used to be my least favorite meal of the day. I didn’t mind it so much as a kid, but throughout college and my 20s, brunch was more about the experience of being with friends — one I hoped would take place after 11am so I had a better chance of ordering lunch food (and maybe sleeping in). Fast forward several years and I have learned to appreciate (and really enjoy!) a good brunch. I often get asked for recommendations for brunch in Santa Barbara and can confidently say I do have some suggestions. So, in no particular order, here are my top spots for brunch in Santa Barbara (plus a few honorable mentions).
I’ve been to Walla Walla, Washington on several occasions, but it had been over four years since I’d last visited. So when I had the opportunity to travel there this October through Walla Walla’s #WWander experience, I was eager to go and see how much this small, yet burgeoning wine community had grown. The verdict: quite a bit.
I admit I do a terrible job at making time for myself. Between my family and work obligations, I have very little time for regular chores, let alone a whole day for uninterrupted “me” time. For this very reason, I was excited to attend the Valley Wellness Collective’s inaugural retreat in Santa Ynez. Sure, I was eager to have an afternoon away from my laptop, but I was also hopeful I’d leave feeling refreshed and maybe more grounded. Turns out it was just the non-wine-related day in Wine Country I needed!
A friend was giving me a hard time the other day. She said I write so much about Santa Barbara wineries for magazines and cover them on my Instagram, but rarely ever include them on my blog. And you know what? It’s true. I admit that as I’ve gotten busier and busier over the years, my blog has taken a back seat. Oops. Taking that to heart, it’s about time I write a piece on a Santa Barbara County winery, don’t you think? One that stood out recently is Pence Vineyards & Winery.