Judy Foreman Knows Santa Barbara

Want to sleep like Angelina and Brad?

Hästens of Koping, Sweden has been manufacturing hand made beds one at a time without any synthetic materials since 1852. The company recently awarded Spencer and Karen Simcik owners of Santa Barbara Mattress and Hästens of Santa Barbara the 23rd official retail store in the U.S. Located on tree lined De La Vina Street just seconds from downtown Santa Barbara's retail hub State Street, is their newly renovated showroom. A must stop for anyone looking for luxury bedding.

"Most Americans invest more time and research buying an automobile or flat screen television set than a bed where they spend half their life." Says owners Spencer and Karen. A good night's sleep adds more value to our lives as we grow stronger, become healthier and have more energy to spend during our waking hours.

 
Photo by David Yamamoto

The prices are substantial but when you know what went into making the bed it makes perfect sense. The benefits are worth checking out. Yes, Brad and Angelina have the top of the line at 65 thousand dollars, but the Santa Barbara showroom has others like the 2000T at a lesser amount but they are still a whole new price point. The beds promise, thermal regulation, reduction of pressure points, spinal alignment, and unparalleled comfort. Definitely, for those with a passion for beds. The new Santa Barbara Store features Hästens beds, accessories, including Hästens specialty down pillows, duvets, luxurious linens and its signature blue-and-white check sleepwear.

Sweet Dreams!

Hästens of Santa Barbara
909 De la Vina Street
805-965-0174
www.SBHastens.com

What's new at kate on Coast Village Road?

All American Santa Barbara girl and former NYC runway model Kate McMahon has re-merchandised her Coast Village Road women's clothing boutique to carry antiques and home furnishing items as well. According to Kate the response has been outstanding. She already has to replenish her stock, which ranges from cowhide club chairs to books, vintage fabrics, wrought iron screens, armories and small mid-century end tables. Local celebs Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi stopped in after eating lunch at Tre Lune Italian eatery and carried home a ton of goodies. In addition to Kate's best buttery soft t-shirts and her hand knit sweaters, the shop is filled with fresh cut wild flowers designed by Eileen Avolio.

Breath of fresh air!

kate
1137 Coast Village Road
805-967-8500
www.kateboutique.com

Want to Do It Five Ways?

Packing for a summer trip has never been easier when you take along an Abi Ferrin satin charmeuse top in dreamy summer prints that hint of the sea, and solids like hot pink, lush green, and breezy ocean.  This versatile silhouette  is featured at Susan Pitcher's Dressed Boutique on Coast Village Road in Montecito's fashion row. Top can be worn five different ways, from very sexy off the shoulder with jeans, to a chic and sophisticated pairing with dress slacks.  Perfect for day to evening, it’s a piece that will become one of your favorite items for in town events, and will take up very little room in your suitcase. Top off with a great pair of earrings from Azaara, and you’re ready to do it five ways or maybe your own way!

 

Dressed/Ready
1253 Coast Village Road
805-565-1253
www.dressedonline.com

Want to eat like you're in Europe?

 

Ann and Craig Addis owners of the specialty fine food  emporium Metropulos since 2004 celebrated their fifth year anniversary in business on Sunday May 3.  Located on the corner of Yanonali and Santa Barbara Streets in the funk district of downtown S.B. walking distance from Stern's wharf.

The Northern Mediterranean fine-food market contains stainless steel display shelving filled daily with imported dry goods, breads,  pastas, olive oils, vinegars and olives.  The black and white ceramic tile floors and high arched ceiling and terra cotta walls set the stage for a memorable gourmet treat. Refrigerated glass cases are filled with international cheeses, olives, salads made daily, meats, homemade sandwiches on fluffy foccacia bread from D'Angelo Bakery and custom desserts. Spanish, Italian and California Wines are also available.  Metropulus Fine Foods makes one feel like they have stepped into a European city or at least an ethnic neighborhood market in New York, San Francisco or Chicago. You can eat in or eat out and catch some rays on their sun-filled patio.

While Metropolus does not do on-site catering, they do prepare specialty platters for parties year round which are filled with their signature food combinations.  Bon Apetito!

Metropulos Fine Food Merchants
216 East Yanonali Street
805-899-2300
www.metrofinefoods.com
Monday - Saturday Closed Sundays

Where is Maison K?

Photo description: Sideboard made of reclaimed wood from France, Driftwood console with glass top from the Philippines, Finely embroidered silk wrap from India, hand craved wooden hearts from Peru, green jade bowl from China, marble fountain from India and a mother of pearl inlay table from Syria.

Check out this quaint two-story commercial space  in the  fashion corridor of Montecito on Coast Village Road and visit Kimberly Phillip's store Maison K who has moved her existing business down the block. The stylish and beautiful Ms. Phillips felt the architectural style of the building would allow her to have her own 'Maison' which in French literally means 'house'.  Maison K has been a favorite shopping destination for locals and tourists for the past 6 years.  Featuring an International cornucopia of antiques, vintage, new furnishings and gifts, Kimberly carries treasures from designers she meets traveling the globe.  Some of Kim's favorite things include  Alexis Bittar jewelry from New York, Byzantine style jewelery from Istanbul, silk shawls from India, Astier de Villatte ceramics from Paris, Kevin Obrien textiles from Philadelphia, photography from  Brian Hodges, Marcello Lucini of Air del Sur home decor from Buenos Aires, leather sandals from Bali, and hats from Panama and Equador.

The two story space with a killer ocean view  is full of light and levity with creamy walls with white trim.The natural oak floors give the first floor of the shop a raw wood look and the second floor showroom has a serene sea-grass floor-covering which complements the home furniture.  Kim's signature palette of 'neutrals and naturals 'like soft white,  gold, brown, silver, beige, and green are all in soothing harmony and mesh with handmade authentic materials such as wood, bone, shell, metal, clay, silk ,cashmere, silver, gold, iron and crystal.   Maison K is also a favorite of high profile clients like Charlotte Moss, Gary Oldman and John Salladino.

There is definitely no place like home or Maison K.

Maison K
1159 Coast Village Road
Montecito
805-969-1676
www.maisonkinc.com
open 7 days

Bill Poett says "Play Hard - Life is Not a Spectator Sport !"

Bill Poett, a sixth generation Californian brings his love of learning and adventure in the outdoors to every client he works with. A husband, father and personal coach, his adventures  have taken him all over the world and allowed him to work with and train peak performers in law enforcement,  the military, the corporate world and entertainment.   A licensed pilot and skydiver Bill holds 11 martial arts degrees in three different systems.

Bill is a certified personal trainer at the Montecito Athletic Club adjacent to the Bird Refuge, plus a Sports Fitness Specialist certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.  An ultra- light backpacking and survival specialist Bill Poett conducts Performance ABC’s experiential hikes for men and women and conducts retreats and runs Backcountry Adventure camps.

Bill's passion includes helping people turn their lives around physically and emotionally  especially now when the economy is stressing everyone out! He is currently offering a  special discount off  his normal rates,  believing that "exercising  is the best stress- buster of all."  Just do it.... with Bill!

For more information contact Bill at 805-637-8598 or wpoett@aol.com. 

 

Hot Art - Hot Artist! R. Nelson Parrish

Third generation Alaskan born artist R. Nelson Parrish, a 29 year old former ski racer and now surfer has piercing blue eyes and chiseled features.  Nelson boasts an M.F.A. from U.C.S.B. and is currently featured at a solo art show ‘From the Studio’ at cutting edge home furnishings boutique Cabana Home located in Funk Zone of Santa Barbara. Show runs through 6/24.

Parrish, takes organic wood grain shapes adds bold colored stripes through a process of constant additive, and reductive layering  of sanding, painting and  high gloss polishing. The end result is stunning! “I am better when I am moving like a race car,” Parrish says “fast is natural for me.  I use color in my art as my language. Each piece represents an investment of time and sweat equity!” 

Cabana Home owners Caroline and Steven Thompson will host an informal breakfast with the artist on Saturday morning June 20th at 10 a.m. where you can meet Nelson up close and very personal!

Cabana Home
111 Santa Barbara Street  
805-962-5900
www.cabanahome.com
www.rnelsonparrish.com

Things are Tweeting Up at the Canary Hotel

Things are all a ‘twitter’ at The Canary Hotel the latest luxury boutique style hotel in downtown Santa Barbara. On Monday  nights starting June 1st from 5:30-8:00 p.m. locals and hotel guests can attend a wine and cheese tasting event at their rooftop patio "The Perch”. 

Come meet different Vintners from the wine regions of California and enjoy delicious artisanal cheeses and tweet your way through the evening. Enjoy killer views and romantic sunsets. What a perfect place to nest and to kick off summer and your week!

Cost is $20.00 per person advance reservations recommended.

Canary Hotel
31 West Carrillo St.
Santa Barbara, CA
(805) 884-0300
1-877-468-3515
www.canarysantabarbara.com

Jano Stack! The Wrapper of Montecito, California

Jano Stack is not Queen Latifah but boy can she wrap!  Wrap you up she will in one of her delicious and luxurious 'one size fits all' Waterwave cashmere throws which are a generous 51 by 65  inches plus 6 inch fringes which come in over 30 amazing colors. Trying to buy just one is really the problem! The range of shades from pistachio to chocolate brown, orange, coral, turquoise, buttery yellow, royal blue and hot pink to name a few  sound more edible than wearable. Throws can be used over a formal gown, at a rock and roll concert, plane trip, holiday party,football game or chilly night on the beach or for just being "cozy bozy" in your own Casa.

At $225.00 each piece can include free monogramming and Jano's signature formal or kitschy gift wrap and card plus she mails nationwide!  It is the 'necessary accessory' that never goes out of style and will be 'thee' cherished birthday , Christmas, wedding,  teacher appreciation, house warming, anniversary. new Mom or baby heirloom for generations to come.

P. S. For the greenies in your life she carries bamboo throws at $125.00 which at half the price  of cashmere , is machine washable and can be monogrammed  too. Think college kid!

Jano's studio is located on a magical tree lined lane in the historic  hedgerow district of Montecito( just around the corner from Oprah).

Wrap on sistah!

janostack@earthlink.net
or 805-570-5027
by appointment only