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About 10 Miles from Avalon....is White's Landing

 

Years ago I was a camp counselor in White's Landing on Catalina Island, off the coast of California. I describe that summer as "THE BEST SUMMER OF MY LIFE".  I was 19 years old and my adult life was just beginning. 

 
It was a CRAZY summer and so much fun!  I met so many wonderful people and so many memories that I cherish to this day.  We "camped" for about two months in those canvas tents in the picture above and we taught our campers many things as they came to experience Camp White's Landing, which was a Girl Scout Camp at the time.  We taught them to windsurf, sail a boat, canoe, snorkel, and we hiked many trails around the camp.  We taught them the Girl Scout way of doing things, we sung many songs around the campfire and many s'mores were eaten around those fires. I can still hear the strumming of the guitar of the musically inclined counselors. We could identify the constellations in the sky, the stars were plentiful to see in the night sky they did not have to compete with the city lights. 

 
We would get a day off, once in while and we would take the Boston Whaler into Avalon for the whole day....and boy did we have a great time in Avalon. So many memories were made in town.  Going to see bands in the Casino, hanging out at the pier, meeting new people to add to our memories. This past weekend I had the opportunity to go back and be a camper again, it was a Counselors reunion trip.

Camp White's landing has changed a bit but not much.  Hurricane Marie last season wiped out the Pier so we couldn't land in Avalon and take the boat into White's so we ended up going by a charter boat and landing at the Isthmus.

 The Isthmus is actually called Two Harbors...this is the harbor where our boat docked and we came ashore.

The water was the prettiest shade of blue and so clear you could see the bottom.

There were lots and lots of sailboats.  I would love to sail over and drop anchor here and just live here for about a month.  Just floating on the water and snorkeling every day.

Or I wouldn't mind renting a little bungalow on the shore, I wouldn't be too picky.

There were lots and lots of palm trees swaying in the wind.

The visitors that are moored in the harbor take their zodiacs or smaller boat to town to hit the one and only bar or the general store.....

or they might get a bite to eat in the restaurant or grab an ice cream cone at the general store.

Looking from the bar you look back and can see the harbor.  You can rent kayaks to tootle around the harbor or ride around the itty bitty town.

As I was walking to meet my van, that was going to take me into White's Landing...this cute little house was calling my name..."Tiny Mite"!  {that was my camp name, everyone gets a camp name at White's}.

You know I was in love with this house the minute I saw it, with the shell wreath and the beach sign that says, "Life is better at the Beach"...oh I couldn't agree more. Wouldn't you love to live here or just rent this cottage for a week? Where do I sign on the dotted line?

This darling, little shingled house painted blue with red geraniums in terracotta pots and succulents in a wire basket on the wall..I wonder if the owner of the General Store lives here? The general store had the cutest merchandise and I did pick something up for the Cottage on Cullen as a small souvenir.

Just to the left of the French Blue Cottage is the other side of the island, the other Harbor, that's why it's called Two Harbors {the Isthmus}. You can stand in this spot and see both sides of the island..isn't that cool?

Leaving the Isthmus we are on the road to White's Landing on a very bumpy, dusty road.  Many of my pictures came out blurry from all that bouncing.

On the backside of the island, here is a campground, not sure which one it is though.

Finally, arriving to White's Landing, this is where we eat at with the gorgeous ocean front view.

It is a bit of a rocky beach but taking a swim in the ocean was so refreshing. 

From the beach looking  into the campground you can see buildings where you can check out equipment and the tents where you sleep or you can haul your sleeping bag and sleep on the beach too, which is what we did the first night and woke up to this...

this beautiful  sunrise!  Sleeping under all those stars at night was so blissful, falling asleep to the lapping of the waves on the shore.

It was a beautiful, beautiful morning.

I enjoyed myself this past weekend: snorkeling in the sea, kayaking in the ocean, paddle boarding, reuniting with old counselors and meeting new friends. 

Goodbye White's Landing until I see you again!  There is a special place in my heart with new memories and new friendships gained on this beautiful trip.

The Flora of Santa Barbara

One of the things I love most about any city or town has to be their abundance of flowers and plants.  I think when a city is lush with foilage it makes it so beautiful.

It can be colorful red geraniums or tall Palm Trees...

...cascading plants in terracotta pots or prickly succulents...

I think this is agave or maybe aloe vera....not quite sure...

I especially like them planted in galvanized buckets...

...or on a trellis over some smokey blue garage doors.

Climbing ficus against the white stucco of buildings and terracotta style roofs looks very pretty, very Spanish. 

It abounds in downtown near outdoor restaurants, near pathways or climbing up walls.

Isn't this clay planter pretty with the creeping vine all around it?

 

Not only did I find the flowers and plants intriguing but the People Statues was such a neat added touch to downtown Santa Barbara's landscape.

 

Not only do the hotels, shops and restaurants have well kept flora in the gardens or in planters, so do lots of the home owners.  Their gardens were so pretty and in all different styles of plants.

This home had lots of hydrangeas under the windows and succulents in two galvanzied buckets..

Loved this little cottage with a wrap around picket fence....just a block from the beach.

A Craftsmen style home with a garden full of California Natives...{my Mother's favorite}.

Spanish Style homes are plentiful in the area...with lots and lots of planted succulents.

I even spotted an English Cottage home..with slate shutters.

But my favorite Santa Barbara home was the one with shingles and the gambrel roof...

...it had a little dormer over the front door.

With a sundeck above the front door and a fragrant hedge to block peeking eyes {who me?}. Don't you love the eyebrow window up top? 

Santa Barbara..you are a beautiful place....I picked up some momentos..

to remember this California town, a bamboo surfboard-shaped cutting board and a Santa Barbara Mission Hand towel that I'm going to sew into a pillow.   I've always wanted to have different pillows all over my home with all the destinations that we've visited as a family.  So begins another collection.....until we meat again Santa Barbara.

My Favorite Places to Eat and Shop in Santa Barbara

This post is going to be dedicated to almost all the shopping and eateries that we were able to get to on our Girls Getaway.  State Street is the main drag in downtown Santa Barbara where most of the places are but there are plenty off the beaten path too. I can't tell you how many times we walked up and down State St. to go shopping or go have lunch or dinner.  I sure did put in my walking quota for the whole year!  There were so many shops...some old favorites like Restoration Hardware and some unique to the Santa Barbara area shops. One of my favorite shops was Rooms and Gardens for it's California Casual Decor.

When I think of a California Beach Home...I can see plenty of elements found in this shop that you would decorate with.  From the stripy rugs to the rattan chairs and all the warm woods.

Lots of kitchen products, blue and white china, as well as squishy pillows and deep set slipcovered couches!

Speaking of pottery, they had one of my favorite type of terracotta pots with the scalloped edges with moss encrusted on the outside. I bought one a few years ago and a soccer ball killed it!

Perfect for a ivy topiary from Trader Joes.  Take a look at this wood door...perfect patina with the wrought iron hardware!

This anchor American flag was my very favorite piece in the whole store..I wish I could of taken it home with me....but it was pricey and not in my budget at this time.  I think it would look perfect over my fireplace mantel. It's she a beauty? 

Going out their backdoor you come into this cobblestone courtyard...

 with chickens!!!  Can you believe it...the cutest little courtyard with a henhouse out back..I bet they love their view...they can see that cute little anchor flag from their coop. 

Another great piece of architextural salvage are the white shutters and the cylinder birdhouse painted in my favorite color with a shingled roof. 

I think it would of been nice if they had a few more plants in cute pots for sale..that would of taken this store up a notch or two. 

They had Dash and Albert rugs and I was really, really tempted to pick one up for my kitchen, but I was not inclinded to carry that sucker up and down State. St.  I should just order one online. 

The BEST Mai {MEAN} Tai ever was found on the pier at Longborder's Grill. It had a great view of the pier and the ocean on both sides.  It also came with cute little hibiscus flower skewers, it's all in the presentation. 

 This li'l cupcake shop off of State. St. we had to go to because my fellow Square Peg had seen them on Cupcake Wars, it also had a cafe attached to it and was darling so I had to snap up a few pictures of the cafe.

It was very homey with the iron stove and brick fireplace. 

We got there at the end of the day so most of the cupcakes were gone I really like Red Velvet ones so I was disappointed that they were out so I got a lemon one which was good.  Moist but it was at the end of the day so not the freshest.   

They also have a shop in Carpenteria and I took this picture when we went on our vacay last time.

I liked this shop better with the industrial edge it had, the concreate floors the metal chairs and it was a lot bigger...but I did not get to taste one of the cupcakes, next time.

This little shop called PUNCH was packed with  a lot of retro style things, it was like a trip back in time!!  Very fun store to shop in and browse going back several decades.

This is a new restaurant opened this past month called the Benchmar, they had some great appetizers and I liked the Sangria, it was very fruity and refreshing.

They had this in the outdoor patio area....don't those plants look fake...nope they are the real deal.

You know I'm all about "cute things", those little darling red striped napkins had my name all over them...as well as those aqua blue water bottles, they say it's "devil in the details".

Had to take a zip into Restoration Hardware. Wow!  Look in awe at that chandelier, the reclaimed wood with the iron,  I think that would make a perfect fit in the family room over the sofa. I did need to pick up my Crack { No Crack Cream from RH in Belgian Linen} too so that was my reason for paying a visit to this shop.  I can't always afford their beautiful merchandise but I gleam ideas from there decor. 

Just looking at that white urn with succulents looks perfect on this vanity. I love the moodiness of this store with the dark gray walls and the wood finishes. I know my home is a lot different than this style but I can take the parts of it and use it in my home.  The juxtaposition of the crystal chandelier with the rusticness of the wood or the rusted iron.  That is what I'm drawn to. 

We didn't stop here to eat or drink but when I walked by I thought it looked like a neat place...so I snapped a quick picture.

This restaurant by far was voted hands down by all my Square Pegs {Friends from HS}  as the best food we ever had in our life!! The stuffed Squash Blossoms...to die for we ordered as an appetizer.  I had Scallops as my main encourse....oh my gosh it was orgasmic, yes it was!  And I'll say that here on the internet because it truely was!! 

Sorry for the bad Cell phone picture I was enjoying my food too much to haul out my camera. 

Toma is just North of the pier about 3 or 4 blocks.  I highly recommend this place if you are looking for ambiance and GREAT GREAT Food!!  It was so delish that I will definitely be back the next time I'm in Santa Barbara.  That's my recount of our trip on the food and shopping part.  One more post on SB to go.  It is a must see town if you are in California, there is also Solvang that you should visit too. 

I {heart} my State!

 

 

Living in California has it's perks...we live about 30 minutes from the beach, this picture was taken at Laguna beach last weekend. That water was so crystal blue only in Hawai'i have I seen it so turqoise blue.

 

We have the most beautiful sunsets....well on par with Hawai'i they have beautiful sunsets too..

 

                       {Hanalei Pier at Sunset with lone surfer}

   In Laguna they have a shingled cottage/craftsman with cremy white trim style resort called The Montage and it overlooks the majestic Pacifc Ocean, just beautiful!  Would I love to stay there for a special occasion. Let's see anniversay passed, 50th birthday passed....Ok...I got work on the REASON why we need to stay here....

 You can find lots and lots of Lavendar as you walk along the path towards the stairs that lead to the beach.  

 

Beautiful Sandy beaches at Crystal Cove..

which captures the Golden Hour of Sunset...

isn't this sunset so beautiful.....what is not to love about California and it's beaches..

The rocky coast of Northern California even shroaded in clouds are picturesque.

I love living in California, yes I know we deal with traffic and the occasional earthquake...that is the down side...but with scenery like this...and the weather that is sunny most of the year,  it just can't be beat.

Walking barefoot in the sand in 30 minutes .....it's just a perk.   Have I mentioned that we can be on the slopes in 45 minutes....in the winter.  That is a post for another day.  But for now...as the school year is in session and we won't be seeing our beaches as much as we do in the summer we know it's only a 30 minute car ride to dig our toes in the sand and soak up the sun rays.  We LOVE you California! 

 

 

Santa Barbara....Girls Getaway

We needed a quick "Calgon take me away" Getaway with just the girls, {Square Pegs, my tromies}...

We stayed at the Mason Inn which was a block away from the beach, We would not recommend this hotel if you plan to stay there...but...

The Franciscan Inn looked really nice, we peeked into an empty room and walked the grounds...that is on our list to stay there the next time Calgon calls!

Hotel Milo was really nice looking, it over looks the pier and the harbor...I'm sure it is quite pricey. 

The weather was so beautiful the whole time we were there....not a cloud in the sky.

What I love most about Santa Barbara is all the apartments, homes, hotels are lush with colorful foilage....tons of Bouganvilla hanging from trellisess.

Or Mandavilla Vines.....and palms..

If there was not a trellis or pergola to be found a white picket fence will do...

Isn't this a cute little cottage home?   Would of loved to peek inside..

This cute little home had some succulents planted next to the picket fence and some Hydrangeas under the window...

next to the Hydrangeas was the little porch..

With a galvanized bucket overflowing with succulents....I'm a sucker for anything galvanized and any succulents will do.

Saw this cute little craftsman style home on our walk to State Street.

Hiding behind this fence was a French Tudor style house.

 When I saw this Nantucket style home I yelled "STOP the car!!" I need to take a picture of her isn't she beautiful..Did I not tell you,  I have a bumber sticker on my car that says, "I break for Cottages", {not really I need to get one make up}

Yes, shingles and and nice cream colored trim...

Lucky people.....this house was overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean...

What a view, eh?  

but Santa Barbara is known for their Spanish influence in the architexture, we saw lots of clay tile roofs. Floors lined in Saltillo tile and lots and lots of bouganvilla.

If you'd like to take the train to Santa Barbara it is takes you right to State Street which is the main drag with lots and lots of beautiful shops, restaurants and antique stores {Mr Incredible and I were here when we got married in 1998 and our favorite thing to do was shop for antiques as a newlyweds}.

 We got a lot of excercise walking up and down state street.   I'll share in my next post the BEST restaurant we ate at and the cutest little Calfornia Coast beach style home furnishings with Chickens in the back courtyard...I wanted to move into that store right then and there....

 

 

 

On Crystal Cove Time

 Going back in time.....yes going way back...

 
Life at the beach moves at a slower pace...where life was more simple...

The ocean where the dolphins...come to play..fish jump out of the water, where treasures are found.

My daughter and her friend first spot the dolphins and decide to swim out to see them...a magical moment, {my camera died right after they started swimming to greet them.}

 

Snacks after the "mermaids" spending time in the water 24/7 in the water...

Where little dudes eat too much Pirate Booty!!  

The historic museums at The Cove....where you can learn about the History of The Crystal Cove Cottages...the film makers of Hollywood would use this location to film movies of the 50's. 

 A little yellow,wood planked house museum and a Knick Knack shop...to pick up momentos from Jewlery or signs to remember your time spent here.

Each little ceramic plaque announces it's use...or the name of the cottages...

You can see the umbrellas on top of the bluff where you can get the "Date Shake"....

 

or eat at The Beachcomber...for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner...

Here is the view from our Balcony...at dusk...waiting, waiting,

 Watching the sunset....the beautiful sunset....one special day at the beach gone by.

 Yep, it's a time to regroup, refreshe and get some R and R just what I needed.....Love you Crystal Cove.....see you next time!

Guess Where I'm Headed for a Couple of Days?

Do you recognize this place?

 

Ok...let's walk farther down the beach.....

 

I've written about this historic, special place a few times on my blog...

It's a place were you can find sea glass, sea shells and soak up all the sea salt air to your hearts content.

It's right off Pacific Coast Highway...

 

You guessed it!  It is Crystal Cove!!  I'll be going for some R and R!!  Ready to stick my feet in the sand, swim in the salty sea, take lots of pictures and hang out with good friends.  Hope your having  a relaxing summer so far.....I LOVE California!!  My Dear Crytal Cove....ready or not here I come!

 

 

 

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San Francisco, Now and Then

After one of Madison's early games we headed to the beautiful and chilly city of San Francisco!!  Our first stop was straight over to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.  The only time I have ever been to San Francisco was a road trip with my Mother in 1988, I have never felt closer to my Mother than on that trip, such great memories were shared and had.  I miss my Mom soooo much! 

This picture was taken in July of 88 and it was very overcast the whole time we were there.  We also took PCH {Highway 1} and drove up the scenic coast and stopped in Monterey, went to Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  My Mother loves to go to Missions {she would often go to Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, Ca.to pray} so a visit to  Santa Inez Mission near Ojai was a must, we also went to the Scandanavian city of Solvang. I loved Solvang and want to go back again.  It was one of the best trips I've ever had in my lifetime.

The "home" of Al Capone...Alcatraz, you can take boat rides to Alcatraz, which we didn't do, the tickets to go onto the island were very expensive but there were boats going out into the harbor and around the island which I hear is better then going into the prison itself. 

One of my favorite things to do is drive up and town the steep streets of San Fran, I felt like I was on a roller coaster!!  My eldest daughter was a little freaked out going down them, some of them were very, very steep.  I loved driving my Mom's Jeep {stick shift} when we were there.

Here I am...getting ready to get behind the wheel.

Another San Francisco staple is the Trolley Cars....riding them up and down the hilly streets....stopping to go shopping.

San Franciso has lots of great stores and museums, the home of Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn.  We didn't do any shopping this trip, let's just say 50% of the Mader family are NOT shoppers...I bet you can guess which 50%. 

The Victorian Homes in the city are so beautiful especially on Knob Hill! I saw one beautiful home and the owner was out in the garage...I yelled,  "I LOVE YOUR HOUSE!"  The image above was taken when My Mom and I were there.  We didn't see "The Painted Ladies" as they call them either then or now {insert sad face}.  Maybe next time when I do a Girl Trip with my HOMIES.

This Russian inspired home got my attention, look at all the details in the architexture, but we did manage to go down the Crookest Street...Lombard Street....

at 100 miles an hour....Mr. Incredible was doing San Francisco in a blink of an eye...I wish I got a shot looking up the street because it was lined in beautiful hydrangeas.....you can see the tops of them over the embankment.  The street is now closed off for the summer, the residents are tired of all the traffic, don't blame them.  So were were lucky to experience it. 

Since there was so many pictures I took I'll be breaking up this post into 2 posts....If you have been to San Franciso, what are some of the tourist places you have been to and what do you suggest I see when I go back on my "HOMIE" trip.

 

Crystal Cove {twice in one year} Whoop, Whoop!

We are LUCKY Ducks....it could not of been more perfect, the timing...coinsiding with my BFF's birthday we were able to take advantage of a cancelation at The Crystal Cove Cottages AGAIN. Remember my first post on July 4th and here about the Historical Museums then about the Beaches Movie, that was filmed in this special slice of beachy life....yep my BFF {who reminds me of Claire Dumphy }.. who like Claire doesn't give up ...is very, very persistant, she was able to book us a Crystal Cove Cottage to get away for a girls getaway weekend to Celebrate Mary's 48th Birthday, whoop, whoop!!

This is the check in area....not our cabin, ours was right on the beach not up on the cliff...

We arrived right when the sun was going down over Catalina Island....what a beautiful sunset....

We stayed at the Shell Shack...each of the Cottages have a ceramic plaque with it's name and number on it....

It has a long wide front porch and a back patio for BBQing...

Great looking teak chairs {matches the one on my porch}, well come on in..

to the left we have a small living room with a sofabed to accomodate more guests...above the sofabed is an original shell art picture...

To the right of the door is an antique brass bed....I was the lucky duck getting to sleep on it.....I love me an antique iron bed...

Walking past the brass bed we come into the dining room with a farmhouse table and bench great for dinner or playing board games {there is no TV or computers} which I LOVE about The Cottages, no phone although we did have our iphones...

Pass the dining room table you have another door to the wrap around porch and back patio then the bathroom in the corner of the cottage...Look at all that beautiful wood...but I think I'd paint it all a creamy white leaving some wood beams exposed.

The bathroom with fresh white towels for the guests.

On the other side of the bathroom is the vintage kitchen...complete with Big Chill frig...{I covet this frig }

Taking early morning walks after Coffee on the beach...it was a beautiful day...I saw some kids in swim trunks in the ocean....

It was not as crowded like the 4th...but the weather was better!!   November in California.  That's why we love it here...

This area is phase III,  there are about 15-20 cottages awaiting to be refurbished.  We imagine what it would of been like to be living during this time..the 20's and 30's drinking cocktails {not wine} wearing vintage swimsuits and enjoying unspoiled California and the beaches. 

This is a recreated museum in the time and place the Cottages was in it's heyday..

the museum has an Hawaiiana theme going on, the prints, the bamboo furniture...

An Ice Cream maker in Robins Egg blue {oh I wanted that}......and other odd old items....in a vintage kitchen.

Love that saying....

It was so nice to get away and stroll on the beach and then after we checked out we headed to..........my favorite Garden/Gift store on the coast.....can you guess which one?   

 

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Our annual trip to Carp...

Every year we go to Carpenteria, i dream of retiring to a cute little beach house over looking the pacific ocean..just like this one.

I mean...who wouldn't want to live here right?  If you have never heard of Carpenteria, it is a very quaint, sleepy beach town just a bit south of Santa Barbara.   There are quite a lot of small beach bungalows to feast your eyes on, if you are like me and are content with the small and the cute cottage-style home.

...love her color...so calming...so robin's egg blue..so me!

Now...look at that fish sculpture..."give the neighbors something to talk about"....

this one with the cute picket fence has cute dormers and a brick porch..

tudor style with charming windows...

Last time we were here this was a Bed and Breakfast....now it is some lucky duck home...

this is the Linden House which was a charming store last time we came to Carp ..now it is a Vacation Rental..go here to see the inside.

petite and cute..

charming little shell gift shop...

the girls loved shopping in here, lots of trinkets to take home to remember their trip by...

lots and lots of antique stores....

this one had a cool looking abalone, shell chandelier...great for a beach house

this was the only store i bought anything in....but i did ask the owner to buy..

this Dutch Door too...she politely declined....boo hoo...

it came complete with a shelf attached to the back....

here is the other Whimsy store on the main street....

this was a really cool looking cupcake store...

it was decorated very industial chic with cement floors and lots of galvanized steel stools and pretty cupcakes..I wondered to myself if they have been on Cupcake Wars, do you watch that show?  We do!! 

So i do think if we ending up retiring to Carp {that's what the locals call it} I'll get myself a Vespa like this to tootle around town....

this is really, really small town livin'...this was all the traffic on a Saturday afternoon....Stores close early which my mini shoppers found out.