Arts + Culture

Artist by Nature

Hilary Brock finds solace in Santa Barbara’s beauty Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn | Photography by Josh Gruetzmacher “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” –Pablo Picasso The favorite quote of local artist Hilary Brock reflects her deep desire to enliven the lives of others through art. “My paintings are meant for those that are weary and need rest for their eyes, their minds, and their souls,” shares the Santa Barbara native, who began painting pictures depicting the...

Finance + Legal Services

2025 Financial Outlook

Montecito Bank & Trust's Jorge Morales, CFP, shares expertise Article by Jorge Morales | Photography by Christian Lee Since 1975, the talented team at Montecito Bank & Trust have been committed to making the communities they serve better places to live and work. Here, Jorge Morales CFP, Financial Advisor at MB&T shares his expertise about the best ways to manage your money in the new year and beyond. What’s new regarding financial planning in 2025? In 2025, there will likely be updates...

Event Planning + Services

The Gathering

A magical day by magical women Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Amy Stanfield Have you ever gathered with a group of 170 women who supported you before you knew them? You can find these gatherings, and in my experience, they’re called women’s circles. Professional coach and community builder Jess Clark of The Connected Co. created the ultimate women's circle in our backyard. This fall, I attended The Gathering , and it overflowed my cup. It didn’t fill me up in the self-love...

Home + Design

Masterpieces

Keefrider custom furniture: a local workshop like no other Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn | Photography by Keefrider At age 11, Jay Keefrider had a vision to build a bookshelf for his mom’s National Geographics. “I pitched the project and got the green light,” recalls Jay. “Little did I know it would lead to a lifetime love of woodcraft.” Jay gained an appreciation for perfectionism in craftsmanship as a teen, landing his “dream job” at the workshop of master craftsman and sculptor, Jack...

Health + Wellness

Healing for Life

Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn Santa Barbara Longevity Center offers evidence-based strategies for rejuvenation and detoxification to promote health, boost the immune system, and help clients feel their best. With the mission to make Santa Barbara the next Blue Zone, Dr. Leslie Valle, MD, MBA, and her team of talented, experienced professionals at Santa Barbara Longevity Center specialize in helping clients revitalize their health. Taking a holistic approach to medicine, Dr. Valle employs a...

Fitness

Take The Plunge

Boost your mood with contrast therapy Article by Meaghan Clark Tiernan | Photography by Provided In 2021, a group of scientists concluded that “cold-water immersion is a well-tolerated therapy that is capable of significantly improving mood in young, fit, and healthy individuals.” But we’re not all 21 and willing to participate in UCSB's annual “ The Plunge ,” where participants jump into the icy Pacific Ocean in support of the Marine Conservation Project. At the risk of sounding luxe, I’d...

Shopping

Gift Guide: Nature Enthusiast

Give a piece of paradise Article by Meaghan Clark Tiernan Santa Barbara’s rocky mountain ranges and eternal 70-degree days mean seeking renewal outdoors isn’t just a benefit, but a requisite. This season, gift something for the nature enthusiast in your life, from one-of-a-kind hand-collected driftwood art to a visit to the largest Himalayan salt cave in North America. 1) Indulge Amboise Picnic Basket by Les Jardins de la Comtesse , Nomada Deco, $130 Living in any of the Nomada Hotel...

Style + Beauty

The Jewelry Edit

Legacy jewels from Belrose Estate Jewelers Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Emily Merrill There’s nothing like a sweet family story to warm us, especially around the holidays.  Belrose Estate Jewelers has been a State Street gem since 2007. The three-generation family-owned store is operated by Joe and Sarena Schweke, a father-daughter duo. The business started on the East Coast, where Joe’s parents opened an antique jewelry shop in 1967 on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Joe grew up...

Event Planning + Services

Oh, What Fun

A girl's dream slumber party come true Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Tristin Tracy Sometimes, you have to wing it. You want to make your kids' dreams come true and pull it off with a little help from friends (actually, a lot). The friends who helped make an 8-year-old girl's pajama party dreams come true were like-minded moms also with a dream: Rachael de los Cobos and Lauren Iglesias, who feel every celebration should be magical and memorable. Rachael and Lauren launched ...

Travel

Cruising the Danube With AmaWaterways

Article and Photography by Ben Malkin What better way to explore the former Austro-Hungarian Empire (I’m a history buff) than by skipping planes, trains and automobiles and letting AmaWaterways do the cruising up the Danube! Before boarding, we explored Budapest on our own. As evident in the photos, we were enchanted with magical evenings near the Danube with the river and beautiful illuminated buildings as the backdrop. When we arrived in Budapest the Obuda Secret Food Tour introduced us to...