Happy Twenty-Sixteen

Ivanka Trump, Real Estate Mogul & Mother Inspires Women

As women, we have the challenge of taking on a number of identities or roles such as mother, wife or career person. But what is the best way to decide how to divide our time between business and family? Ivanka Trump inspires working mothers how to best spend their time for the road to success in both personal and professional spheres. 

IVANKA TRUMP | Interview by Fortune Magazine

Ivanka shares how to best spend and leverage your time for the most productive outcome:

"My life is architected around priorities that I've set for myself...My priorities are family first. That doesn't mean that I'm not extremely driven or focused." She emphasizes the importance of organization and honestly asking herself at the end of her day, "Was I with my kids when they needed me? Or was that business meeting necessary for me to attend?" 

Her company reflects the workplace emphasis shift in our society from hours-in-the-office to productivity, performance and results. This recognizes the flexibility needed for women in the work place and provides a place for them to thrive. 

As women in the workplace, there's also this nagging pressure to always be choosing between work or family and with that comes a plate of guilt on the side, no matter what we choose. We need to let ourselves off the hook and see that we're accomplishing a lot by having both a family and job in the first place. And instead of choosing one or the other, you choose both, because they are both important to having a happy, healthy and balanced you. 

I relate to Ivanka's inspirational words as a mother-of-two and luxury real estate professional of twenty-four years. Balancing my real estate business and family has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences of my life. Like Ivanka, I don't compartmentalize my life, but rather what has helped me tremendously over the years is remaining fluid with my clients and becoming a master at leveraging my time for others. 

 SUSAN PATE | Realtor with Village Properties

Over $35,000,000 sold 2015

Adele balances success, fame and family - How does she do it?

So many women today walk a tight rope in balancing their personal and professional lives. Adele sheds light on how she's accomplished success and fame yet family is what has brought her the most purpose.   

"When I had him (son) my whole life made sense" 

 ADELE | Interview by Shad 

But how does she manage to juggle the pressure of work and family? In her interview with Shad she opens up on how she has strict boundaries, "When I'm at home, I'm at home. When I'm at work, I'm at work". The pertinent point in what she's saying is that as women we need to be present and fully engaged in whatever we're doing. So if we're helping our kids with their homework, that we're not thinking about the ten million other tasks that need to get done. Or if we're in the office, we're not wishing we could be with our kids. This is obviously easier said than done, but practice makes perfect. If we're in the habit of stopping ourselves in the moment from being a million miles away, we'll have happier children and a productive work life.

Adele’s words strike a personal chord in my own life as balancing my business, husband, children and pets is one of the greatest, most rewarding challenges I’ve ever had the privilege of experiencing. However, I don't really think in my case it is a balance; but rather it's been an ongoing juggling act. When our newborns entered our lives through adoption at the ages of 40 and 41, John and I were already well established in our careers. The children brought incredible inspiration and joy that only added a greater purpose to our work lives. I can’t believe they’re already 15 and 16 years old and looking at which colleges to attend. It's been a bit of a blur at times and in a short 16 years, a blink in time.

What has helped me in business is evolving and staying fluid with my clients and becoming a master at leveraging my time for others.  My clients are all business people or retired high-powered professionals and I think most of them have children, young and/or grown and out of the house.  Knowing each of my clients over the years has enhanced my life and the lives of our children.  Now Matthew plays golf with some of them and Taylor babysits for others. We’re one big happy family.  And in my case, we’re one big happy extended family through the miracle of adoption.

 SUSAN PATE | Realtor with Village Properties 

Over $35,000,000 sold 2015

Ice in Paradise

This holiday season why not take the family and try something new at Santa Barbara's"Ice in Paradise" skating rink.  

For a long time, there were dreams in paradise. Then there were plans in paradise, fundraising in paradise, and construction in paradise. Now, finally, there is Ice in Paradise. 

Two rinks on the floor of Ice in Paradise, the long-awaited skating facility adjacent to Girsh Park in Goleta, received their first coats of ice in October. Steve Heinze, a Santa Barbara resident and retired National Hockey League (NHL) player, watched the lines being painted on the NHL-sized (200 feet by 85 feet) main rink on Monday. “I’m getting heart palpitations,” he said.

A twist of an oft-quoted expression explains how this project came about: “If they come, it will be built.” People from colder climes who came to live in Santa Barbara while retaining their passion for ice hockey became prime movers in bringing Ice in Paradise to reality.

The 46,500-square-foot arena needed some finishing touches before the grand opening took place in November, but it had a full-fledged opening day on Saturday, October 10. 

December 19th, 12:30 & 5:00pm the Ice in Paradise Skating Club will present skating show called "A Sky Full of Holiday Stars on Ice", which should be fun for the whole family. 

Click on this short video to watch more on the grand opening...

To read more click here for the full article and more information.

Happy Thanksgiving

Give Thanks . Give Back . Lifeline 4 Paws

"Our biggest satisfaction is seeing a broken, neglected dog transform into a beautiful, healthy, happy pet living in a home." 

 CHRIS HOGAN | executive director | Lifeline 4 Paws

LIFELINE 4 PAWS

A dog maybe a man's best friend, but when it comes to sick and injured canines, their best friend maybe Lifeline 4 Paws. A non-profit established and supported by the Hogan Family Foundation in Newbury Park, Lifeline 4 Paws works with more than 100 dog rescue groups and veterinarian teams to sponsor medical procedures and treatments for all dog breeds. 

Lifeline started out in 2004 as a traditional small-breed rescue organization, says executive director Chris Hogan. "We placed about 40 dogs," she says, "but then we started to wonder, 'Isn't there a way we can do more?' " The foundation had the funding, while other groups had the large volunteer pool. "We thought we could partner with them and sponsor surgery [for injured dogs]", says Hogan. "Then they could place them, it would be a good fit." 

Indeed it has been. Since 2007, Lifeline has helped more than 2300 dogs, working locally with Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond, Camp Cocker Rescue, and SAFE Animal Rescue. In the last few years, in partnership with other groups, Lifeline has expanded it's vision to cover free spray and neutering programs to help prevent unwanted litters. It has also partnered with organizations to offer humane education classes, which help kids learn about compassion to animals and give them first hand contact with animals. As for the future, "Our biggest hope is what every rescuer hopes: that there's no need for animal rescue." Written by Kelly Kirlin from 805living.com.

Enjoy this short video clip below that will bring warmth to this Thanksgiving Season. 

A Harmonic Convergence of Fall Style

by GINA BORGIA and KRIS JANNEY • photography BRIAN LEAHY • model LISA DILLON

hair DUSTIN JASON  makeup AMBER ESPARZA from WALTER CLAUDIO SALON • location The Goodland – A Kimpton Hotel

Nightcap sleeveless black lace jumpsuit, Rowan.

Balance Sacred Heart necklace, Outpost Trading Co.
Chie Mahara red lace-up heels, Romp.

          

Left: Ramy Brook dress, Allora by Laura.

Gianluca Tombolini boots, Romp.

Fabiana Filippi Boucle sweater, Antoinette.

Silver and turquiose bracelets, Outpost Trading Co.

Right: Calypso St. Barth chiffon maxi, Bonita.

Paisley silk scarf, Tienda Ho.

Gimos jacket, Allora by Laura.

The Hatter felt hat, Chasen.

VSA Designs earrings, Outpost Trading Co.

Calypso St. Barth chiffon maxi, Bonita.

Paisley silk scarf, embroidered throw, Tienda Ho.
Blue Topaz ring, ARA.

For more information on this article go to DiningandDestination.com

Crushcakes Café Hands Off Montecito Location to Bree’Osh Bakery

Crushcakes Cafe owner Shannon Gaston announced that the four-months-old Montecito location will be closed and the location will become the Bree’Osh Bakery. (Gina Potthoff / Noozhawk file photo)

The Crushcakes Café in Montecito has closed after a mere four months as the business readjusts to accommodate its recent merger with Simply Pies.

Crushcakes owner and Santa Barbara native Shannon Gaston sent a message to customers late last week noting that as of Monday, she would no longer operate at 1150 Coast Village Rd., Suite E, which opened in May as a fourth Crushcakes location.

“Since our purchase of Simply Pies, we have become increasingly busy,” Gaston said, adding that the decision was made with a heavy heart.

“We want to focus on what we do well and in order to do that, we will be passing our Montecito shop to friends of ours.”

A new concept called Bree’Osh Bakery has opened at the storefront in October, she said, offering coffee, savory breakfast, lunches and brioche.

According to the eatery’s Facebook page, Bree’Osh is a café and food truck run by a French chef desiring “a friendly and hipster atmosphere.”

Gaston called it an authentic French bakery and coffee shop owned by friends — Pierre and Nelly Henry — specializing in homemade brioche with local ingredients.

“You will enjoy the savory brioche buns with poached eggs, French cheese and a delicious béchamel sauce and love the sweet brioches with chocolate, almond cream or with ‘praline rose,’” she said.

The new owners, a husband-and-wife duo hailing from France, told Noozhawk they had been searching for the perfect location for months before Gaston offered them the visible Coast Village Road spot. They hope to open within two weeks.

“We are really excited about this experience,” said Pierre Henry, who brings years of expertise working under some of the best bakers in Paris. 

For the entire article in the Noozhawk by Gina Potthoff, click here.

For more information on Bree'Osh, click here.

Newly Priced - Rancho San Leandro

    

308 ENNISBROOK DRIVE | MONTECITO CALIFORNIA

4 BEDROOMS . 6 BATHROOMS . 6600 SQ FT . 5.96 ACRES
OFFERED AT $7,950,000

Rancho San Leandro is situated atop a ridge in Montecito, commanding stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. This historic property boats as its centerpiece one of the oldest and most authentic adobe homes in California.

This beautifully landscaped property of nearly 6 acres comprises olive groves, rose gardens, private courtyards & professional quality equestrian facilities, all within the guard-gated security of Ennisbrook. Just minutes from Montecito's Upper & Lower Villages, Rancho San Leandro offers incredible privacy in truly idyllic, natural surroundings. 

This incomparable offering grants the potential owner all the benefits of residence within Montecito's elite Ennisbrook estates, along with the elegant historic ambiance of one of Santa Barbara's County's oldest buildings, and the luxury of modern conveniences within the context of truly authentic Early California lifestyle. 

Amenities: Butler's Pantry, Horses, Remodeled Bath, Remodeled Kitchen.

For showings or more information contact:

Susan Pate - 805.895.9385 - montecitolifestyle@gmail.com

Watch this short video for unobstructed panoramic views of Rancho San Leandro: 

Click here for more information on this exquisite listing.

Shape Up Your Wake Up

Going out for breakfast used to be a rather predictable affair, but lately chefs have been ditching the two-eggs-plus-two-bacon-strips-plus-two-pancakes formula for something much more exciting, and diners are catching on. "In America, we are strong on going out for dinner," says Recipes Organic Bakery (myhomerecipes.com) owner Michelle Arntz, who married into an Australian family and has been visiting that country for more than 20 years. "But in Sydney, the culture is going for breakfast, and not just on weekends - every day."

For years, whenever Arntz traveled to Sydney, she studied breakfast menus and ate beautiful, original dishes. Inspired to bring the robust breakfast culture of Australia back to her home in Santa Barbara, Arntz opened Recipes Organic in 2012 in an Old Victorian house she bought on Santa Barbara Street. Today, the cafe features organic organic, source-conscious dishes not found anywhere else, such as her Sweet Corn Veggie Fritters and Pineapple Ricotta Pancakes with cream and toasted coconut.  

Tired of the blue plate special? These inventive dishes make it easier than ever to rise and shine.

Taste Food | By Jaime Lewis | Photograph by Gary Moss

Gatsby at the Bacara Resort & Spa

FITZGERALD INSPIRED FASHION FINDS ITS WAY

INTO SANTA BARBARA STYLE

Jacket and Pants: Piazza Sempione, Antoinette, $530 & $1355, Bracelets: Lara Noel Hill, Antoinette, $330, Rings: Katie Diamond/Denise Betesh, Bonita, $428, $188 & $1950, Shoes: Sam Edelman, Nordstrom, $140

TOP: Dress: Made By, Bonita, $598, Bracelet: Ziio, Antoinette, $669, Gloves: Vintage, Victorian Vogue, Shoes: Steve Madden, Nordstrom, $80. ABOVE LEFT: Dress: Victor & Rolf, Antoinette, $1235, Shoes: Robert Clergerie, Antoinette, $550, Hat: Vintage, Victorian Vogue. ABOVE RIGHT: Dress: Nightcap, Hawthorn, $216, Bag: Mary Y Sol, Hawthorn, $154, Shoes: Alberto Fasciani, Antoinette, $1290, Hat: Dorfman Pacific, Antoinette, $45, Necklace: Momo’s March, Hawthorn, $312, Bracelets: Pure Mermaid and Lara Noel Hill gold bangles, Antoinette, $310, $105, $95, & $330, Rings: Katie Diamond, Bonita, $428, $188 & $1950.

Blouse: Pier Antonio Gaspari, Antoinette, $495, Dress: Jen’s Pirate Booty, Blue Eyed Girl, $216, Shoes: Martin Margiela, Antoinette, $735, Bracelet: Lara Noel Hill, Antoinette, $669, Gloves: Vintage, Victorian Vogue.

For more info on this article go to DestinationandDining.com