
Five Memorable Valentine’s Day Something Somethings (Under $45!)

I love this stuff. Betcha you will too...
A few of my picks guaranteed to tickle the fancy of anyone on your list. Most are unisex too! More importantly, I’d like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for your support. Wishing you a memorable holiday filled with lots of adventures and beautiful memory-making. Happy Shopping! …
With those long, leisurely, sunshine-y days officially here, time to load up on the SPF. Of course, sunscreen is a year-round necessity and now more than ever (don’t forget behind the ears, tops of the hands and feet too!). I stick with the more natural brands and they’ve all been successfully road-tested by our family. I have fair skin and not a sunburn in sight! Here are my top picks…
These summery tops for girls are so darn cute you’ll wish they made them in adult sizes! And, almost all of them are under $12. Time to stock up…
As those warm-weather days begin to roll in, kick your look into high gear with these dreamy must-haves…
The Resort At Pelican Hill, Newport Coast, California
The Riviera – Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Just a short hour and a half drive north of Los Angeles (about 90 miles), Santa Barbara is referred to as the American Riviera. Nestled on the glistening Pacific Ocean, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is perched right at one of the area’s must stunning beaches, Butterfly Beach. The property’s bountiful gardens and lush vegetation coupled with the classic Spanish Colonial style of the main lobby and accommodations envelop you in relaxed luxury perfectly reminiscent of the ultra chic Rivieras in Spain, Italy and France.
Light Filled Guest Rooms at The Biltmore
Resort Pool
The light, sumptuous rooms, including suites and cottages, are cozy and elegant; most have private patios for sitting back and admiring the surrounding foliage. Butterfly Beach certainly beckons, but there’s just something so alluring about the main resort pool – its jungle setting complete with Kentia palms and Australian tree ferns always makes me feel like I’ve been transported to a tropical rain forest. And, then there’s the attentive pool staff who offer complimentary tasty treats like fruit kabobs and smoothies. I’m happy lounging here all day long with a final early evening beach stroll as the cherry on top.
Coral Casino Beach Club
Should you book a Premier level room or above you’ll also be treated to complimentary access to the glamorous Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, just a few steps from the hotel. This private membership social club dates all the way back to 1937 and underwent a recent and very wow-worthy renovation. Glamorous ocean front lounging and dining, a larger-than-Olympic size swimming pool (50 meters + 1 foot), Fins – a fresh squeezed juice and snack bar, a kiddie pool heated to 94 degrees, and Four Seasons service await you. A definite Coral Casino must: take in the sunset, spectacular views and local, sustainable gourmet preparations by booking a dinner reservation at Tydes Restaurant.
Traveling with kids? Kids For All Seasons is the ultimate hang out. Drop off for ages 5-12 is anytime between 9 am – 4 pm. And, a very thoughtful touch… it’s complimentary and the kids have a ball.
Ocean View Rooms at The Spa
In the mood for a little pampering? Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore has you covered with the arrival of Jose Eber salon. This posh, intimate location offers cuts, color, makeup, and blow-dries. Should you care to stay in your robe, simply request services in the privacy of your guest room. Indulge yourself some more by spending an afternoon in the Spa. I especially love taking in the salty air and hearing the soothing sounds of the ocean from the treatment rooms – the Raindrop Essential Oil Massage is the ideal way to end a day of ultimate bliss.
Majestic Fig Tree
Often times it’s all about the little things, and nothing makes me happier than just strolling along the charming pathways, admiring my favorite, awe-inspiring tree, the majestic Moreton Bay Fig tree that dates back to the 1800’s and simply breathing in this tropical paradise.
Places to eat and things to do while in Santa Barbara: Rori’s Ice Cream for decadent, small batch, artisanal frozen delights. Brophy’s Brothers on the harbor for fresh seafood and sumptuous views. The Santa Barbara Zoo. The Santa Barbara Courthouse for a dose of culture. Wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley (about an hour drive). Santa Barbara Public Market off of State Street – a gourmet food mecca. Ganna Walska Lotusland – a private estate in Montecito that is now a non-profit botanical garden.
Italian Seaside Village – The Resort At Pelican Hill
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Upon arriving at this architectural masterpiece, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve landed on Italian soil. The entire design of the resort takes inspiration from the work of 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, famous for his palatial homes on the Venetian countryside and his philosophy of grand scales and impeccable symmetry. Wrap yourself in Mediterranean-like splendor as you gaze across the the sprawling Tom Fazio designed golf course to the unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean. The 100 year old olive trees, along with pine, cypress, fig and pine trees adorning the property, create an impeccable environment of classic Italian authenticity.
Guest Room at The Resort at Pelican Hill
If you’re looking for a true home-away-from-home experience, the Villas, ranging from 2,100 – 3,500 square feet, are a must. You have an option of two, three or four bedrooms complete with a gourmet kitchen and dining area as well as a private garage, butler service, private clubhouse and pool, and very own Piccolo restaurant.
Coliseum Pool
Acqua Colonnade at The Spa
Looking for a little quiet me time? The 23,000 square foot Spa at Pelican Hill is a relaxation oasis. Indulge in one of their exclusive treatments like the Coastal Renewal scrub and massage utilizing organic botanicals grown in California. Or simply drift off on a cozy lounge chair inside the vaulted ceiling Aqua Colonnade after a dip in the decadent Roman-soaking pool. They even offer yoga classes in the Spa fitness studio, wellness classes and personal training. Whatever you choose, this is the place to kick start your health regime.
Festa Dell’Autunno
Italians know exceptional cuisine and boy do they have that down. From the homemade gelato made fresh daily on property to the authentic offerings of fresh pastas, meats and wines at Andrea Ristorante & Bar, Pelican Hill immerses you in all of the culinary delights that Italy has to offer. Not to be missed, Festa Dell’Autunno October 10-12 – their annual three-day event celebrating the autumn season with Italian traditions and festivities. The Italian Street Festa is one of the highlights featuring regional foods, live music and art amidst the the olive trees.
Places to eat and things to do while along the Newport Coast: A day trip to the quaint Balboa Island – don’t forget those tasty Balboa Bars (chocolate dipped ice cream bars) and Frozen Bananas. The most delectable Japanese cuisine and sushi at Bluefin. Shopping at Fashion Island. Orange County Museum Of Art for some culture. Spend the late afternoon at Crystal Cove – 3.5 miles of a marine reserve just minutes from the resort followed by dinner right on the beach at The Beachcomber – pure bliss!
It’s easy to make those dreamy visions of the mediterranean a reality with visits to Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore and The Resort At Pelican Hill, minus the hassle of overseas travel – two ultra memorable Southern California coast destinations that will forever stay with you.
Daily Deflector Moisturizer with SPF 50+ by Kate Somerville
Part of any beach day or simply just spending time outdoors includes loading up on sunscreen (and reapplying every 80 minutes of course). We also know that our skin can get burned even when it’s cloudy or overcast outside, so I pretty much wear sunscreen year round, minus a few pouring rain days. Following are a few of my tried and tested, all time favorites. They sink right in, have anti-aging ingredients, don’t leave any white residue, have never left me with bumps or breakouts, and even more exciting, they all help your skin look incredibly smooth and youthful…
Skin Perfecting Screen by Radical Skincare
Radical Skincare – Skin Perfecting Screen with SPF 30
Just discovered this and I’m a huge fan because it lives up to its name. It’s an ultra light, non-chemical cream with SPF 30. It’s also packed with antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals (those things that age us). My skin instantly looks extra smooth and glowing thanks to one of the ingredients – diamond powder, which blurs lines and imperfections. And, it can be applied under or over makeup.
Daily Deflector Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ by Kate Somerville
Daily Deflector Moisturizer with SPF 50+ by Kate Somerville
I’ve been using Kate’s products for years and am always happy with the results. This oil-free formula is a triple threat – it hydrates, has SPF 50+ sun protection and is filled with coveted anti-aging benefits. A couple of the fancy ingredients include: Matrixyl™ 3000 which reportedly helps reduce the visible depth and volume of wrinkles on the face and Shitake Mushroom, a skin tightener that helps improve the look of sagging skin. It’s said to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and I can tell you that it definitely does.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
SkinCeuticals has been a major part of my beauty arsenal for years. I’m very loyal to their serums and have posted about them in the past – click HERE. This baby is super lightweight, contains beneficial plankton extracts and added plus, it’s water-resistant. The sheer tint also boosts your skin tone for a soft, alluring glow.
Here’s to smooth, ageless and protected skin!
Butter Cake at California Pizza Kitchen
Lobster Roll Flatbread
Lobster Roll Flatbread at California Pizza Kitchen
OK, need I say more? The authentic taste will have you thinking you’ve just landed on the shores of Maine. I could easily eat several orders of this.
California Roots
California Roots at California Pizza Kitchen
The new cocktail additions alone are worthy of a visit. This refreshing concoction is made with Fresh Avocado & Mint, Agave Sour, Fennel, Vodka and Salt Rim. Fancy right?
Hearth-Roasted Halibut
Hearth Roasted Halibut at California Pizza Kitchen
Talk about a sophisticated dish. I devoured every morsel of it.
Butter Cake
Butter Cake at California Pizza Kitchen
Give me strength here! This slice of perfection must have come straight from Cloud 9. I’m weak even thinking about it.
Enough of the daydreaming. I know exactly where I’m having dinner tonight…
How To Have A Safe Beach Day with Elycia Rubin