Food + Beverage

Spooky Sips

This Halloween Twist On a Classic Will Be Sure to Treat Any Party Guest Article by Sarah Suput | Photography by Lena Britt Photography During the fun of Halloween, nothing can transform a cocktail faster than activated charcoal. The flavor remains unchanged and yet the darkened drink will add a special seasonal flair. Perfect for a party or even as a treat for two while the candy is passed out! Our take on a margarita has the ideal balance of spicy, sweet and salty. Be careful... You just...

Food + Beverage

Shrimp Fra Diavolo

A Spicy Twist on a Seafood Staple Article by Anna Vocino | Photography by Provided Fra diavolo means “the brother of the devil.” This sauce is often confused with arrabbiata sauce as they are both spicy, but traditionally, fra diavolo is made without pancetta. It’s perfect with shrimp or shellfish. Serves: 4  Ingredients: 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups) 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided Salt and black pepper 1 medium onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon red...

Food + Beverage

Welcome to: The Good Life

Discover Rotating Wine and Beer Selections That You Won't Find Anywhere Else Article and Photography by Matt DeMarcus One of the SYV's most cherished traditions is our unwavering dedication to wine production. With nearly 300 different wineries, there’s always a risk of catching a case of choice paralysis or fatigue. But there in the heart of downtown Solvang, there is a place that prides itself on variety and the celebration of a local assortment of award-winning and world renown wines and...

Life + Culture

From Their Farm, To Your Table...

Motley Crew Ranch Brings Regenerative Farming Home Sweet Home Article by Brianna Haley | Photography by Jasmine Gonzalez Tucked away on a sprawling 700 acre property, you will find a husband and wife who are fighting to provide their local community with direct access to local agriculture. I know that sounds like it should not be difficult in the Santa Ynez Valley, but ironically those “local” sections of our grocery stores just don’t seem to be that local anymore. The cost of producing...

Food + Beverage

Harvest 2024

From Our Ground, To Your Glass Article by Ryan Smith | Photography by Christian Rodriguez Keith Saarloos shares the evolution of his family’s journey from apple farmers to respected winemakers, a story marked by humor and perseverance. The heart of their tale unfolds each harvest, capturing their resilience and passion. In 1999, Larry and Linda Saarloos purchased an apple orchard in Ballard Canyon, hoping to supply a local market. Their dreams hit a harsh reality when the entire apple crop...

Home + Design

Flames in Fashion

Blending Tradition and Modernity with a Santa Ynez Valley Twist Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Lena Britt Photography In the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, where the sun-kissed hillsides whisper tales of old, resides a creator whose artistry blends the rugged spirit of the West with the free-spirited bohemian vibe of coastal living. Meet Natascha Ruiz, the passionate soul behind Flame Kissed, where each hat tells a story as unique as the hands that craft it. Pyrography, derived...

Arts + Culture

Capturing Life Behind the Lens

Looking for the Perfect Shot In Its Natural State Article by Ryan Smith | Photography by Sister B Studios Rancho Del Sueno, translated to “Ranch of Dreams” is the backdrop for Sister B Studios. On a recent SY afternoon, I caught up with the masters behind this fire-brand photography business. Within moments of the interview, it became very apparent these sisters were less about photography and more about capturing emotions that will be felt for decades, and they do it with an old-school flare...

Home + Design

Fall Hairstyling Trends

Courtenay Miller of Bluestone Beauty Collective and Studio M Hair Design Shares Hairstyling Trends For The Season Article by Brianna Haley | Photography by Sara DeMarcus Let’s talk about Hairstyling Trends! What do you see on the horizon for the fall 2024 season? We are starting to see the layered bob stick around even as we trend into fall and winter. Lots of fringe layers, face-framing bangs, and concentrating on fullness around the face. There is still a lot of longer hair around but the...

Shopping

Slow Fashion

Sustainable and Stylish Essentials for the Slower Santa Ynez Lifestyle Article and Photography by Becca Nuss In our Valley, we do our best to lead an intentional lifestyle. Our community prides itself in supporting local. Buying our organic produce at Finley Farms, shopping at local boutiques, enjoying locally grown and produced wines, this list goes on… These priorities encourage a slower, more thoughtful, and quality way of living.  Generally, in today's world, you can't help but notice a...

Life + Culture

Advice For Kids

Insight from the Santa Ynez Valley City Lifestyle Team Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Lena Britt Photography What is the best advice you have received and would want to share with the younger generation? Sara: "Life is short but sweet for certain". As with many adults, my perspective has changed so much over the years, but like fine wine, life has only gotten better with age! Matt: If you could tell your 12 year old self anything, what would it be? Sara: Work hard, stay focused...