805 Local Holiday Guide

Visit the Big Guy at Paseo Nuevo

Santa will hold hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday until Dec. 13, with Sundays running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

From Dec. 14 – Dec. 23, the big guy will be available daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to make sure all kids can get those last-second requests in.

On Christmas Eve, Santa has to get on the road a bit earlier, closing up his annual appearance with a 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift.

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Miracle at the Funk Zone

It’s hard not to get in the holiday spirit when you’re surrounded by beautiful ornaments and lights and all the jolly fellows at Pearl Social. Also enjoy their limited time HOLIDAY bar menu with fun cocktails like the Bad Santa and Jingle Balls Nog.

MIRACLE AT THE FUNK ZONE IS HERE NOVEMBER 19 THROUGH DECEMBER 31!

The international smash ‘Miracle’ pop-up Christmas bar

http://www.pearlsocialsb.com/

Parade of Lights at the Harbor

SANTA BARBARA

December 12 families visit winter wonderland on the pier in Santa Barbara harbor for the 35th annual parade of lights.

VENTURA
Ventura Harbor celebrates the holiday season with it’s 45th Annual Parade of Lights! Join us for a very striking boat parade and Harbor Village festivities on December 17th & 18th, 2021!

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ROCKS AND DRAMS HOLIDAY

Celebrate in true holiday fashion at the newly reopened Rocks and Drams downtown on on California Street with full bar and kitchen now open!

SANTA at the Collection at Riverpark

Grab a holiday flavored cup of joe from Raggamuffin (candy cane latte or matcha? count us in.) , take pictures with the tree, fun for the kids AND the fur kids to take pictures with Santa himself.

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Our Family Favorite Thanksgiving Table Recipes

Kat’s Jambalaya

Ingredients:

1 Onion
1 Large Green Bell Pepper
1 LB Smokes Sausage
1 TB Olive Oil
4 C Cooked Chicken
3 C Uncooked Long Grain Rice
2 cans French Onion Soup
1 can 14.5 oz Chicken Broth
1 can 14.5 oz Beef Broth
3 tsp Tony’s
3 tsp Tabasco

Sautée first three ingredients in hot oil in dutch oven.Stir in chicken and remaining ingredients.Cover and bake in oven at 350 for 1 hour 10 minutes. Stir midway through.

Kylie’s Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

1 bag fresh cranberries
1 orange zested
1/2 c fresh orange juice
1/2 c water
2 TB brown sugar
Pinch of cinnamon

In a sauce pan over high heat, bring the orange juice, water and sugar to a boil. Add the cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon and return to a boil. Reduce the heat boil gently for about 10 to 12 minutes until most of cranberries have burst open.

Morison Stuffing

1 lb. sage pork sausage (or your favorite variety)
½ cup onion diced
½ cup celery diced
1 tsp minced garlic
1 TBS butter
1 TBS olive oil
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 TBS minced fresh rosemary
1 TBS minced fresh sage leaves
1 TBS minced fresh parsley
12 oz package herb seasoned stuffing
4 cups chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9x13” pan, set aside.

Combine stuffing mixture and chicken broth in a large bowl, gently stirring every 2 minutes until the liquid is absorbed by the stuffing. Set aside.

Place sausage in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until it just begins to brown (about 5 minutes), breaking it into small pieces as you cook.

Once the sausage begins to brown, add olive oil and butter and stir until butter is melted.

Add onion, garlic, celery, rosemary, sage leaves, and parsley and cook until veggies are soft and sausage is browned (about 5 minutes).

Add salt and pepper and stir to combine.

Add sausage mixture to the bowl with the stuffing and mix until evenly combined. Taste the stuffing and adjust the salt and pepper as desired.

At this point, you can use this stuffing to stuff a turkey or bake as described in the next steps:

Add stuffing to the prepared baking dish.

Bake 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven until the top is set and slightly browned/firm. I personally love a crunchy top, but if you like it soft you can bake it covered with foil.

Serve warm!

Pumpkins and Portraits 2021

Hobie's First Day

I had HEAVY mom guilt recently over sending Hobie to daycare. I was having crazy thoughts like “Maybe I shouldn’t work so much”, or

“Maybe I could be home with him more.”

Then, I saw a few posts in my mom group from other families needing assistance in the hours before 8 am and after 5:30 pm because of their work schedules. That was a major eye opener for me. Yes, I do work crazy hours but I am unbelievably blessed that I get to drop off and pick up my kid every single day. I get the joy of him running through the school yard and jumping into my arms. I am blessed to be the one deciding what my non-negotiable hours are.

Growing up my dad was a blue collar linesman that required him to be at work super early in the morning, and my mom worked a 8-5 front desk job at our local insurance company with no flexibility. So now- instead of feeling guilty, I feel empowered and grateful for being in the position to send my son to daycare and to be the one he sees in the pick up line. So to all the parents just MAKING IT WORK, I see you, and I respect you.

Kat Hitchcock

Halloween Haunts 2021 Local Edition

SANTA BARBARA

Spooky Zoo, October 11 to 31, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Get ready for a fun and festive Halloween spell-ebration at the Santa Barbara Zoo. While visiting the animals, discover frightfully fun decor and photo ops. Tasty treats and booo-zy adult beverages will be available to quench your ravenous hunger and thirst. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, cloth or surgical face coverings that cover your nose and mouth must be worn while in the zoo. Additionally, no costume head or face masks will be permitted. Since this is a kid and family-friendly event, please keep costumes child-friendly and do not include gore or realistic weapons. Learn More

Cost: Free with Zoo admission. Online reservations are required.

Witchy Paddle on Halloween, October 31, 11 a.m.

Enjoy a bewitching paddle tour this Halloween! Glide between boats and explore the Santa Barbara coastline with your spellbinding crew. Arrive in a witch costume and receive 25% off your rental from Paddle Sports Center. Learn More

Cost: $30/hour

Halloween Monster Mash at Paseo Nuevo, October 31, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join DJ Frank in Paseo Nuevo’s Center Court for a Halloween Monster Mash. Don your best costume for an early evening of family fun, trick-or-treating, and a few additional surprises. Learn More

Monstera Mash: A Boo-tanical Stroll through Lotusland, October 28-30, 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3:30 p.m.

Guests are in for a boo-tanical experience as they stroll through a thrilling and chilling garden party at Lotusland. Around every corner, discover mysterious surprises, spooktacular decorations and creepy creatures. Costumes are encouraged for all ages. Space is limited. Call (805) 969- 9990 for reservations. Learn More

Cost: Members: $35/adult, $20/child ages 3-17, free age 2 and under. Non-Members Thursday & Friday: $60/adult, $30/child ages 3-17, free age 2. 

Trick or Treat on State Street, October 31, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy a safe and fun trick-or-treating experience in downtown Santa Barbara this Halloween. Bring the whole family in costume to the many shops and storefronts of State Street, and collect individually wrapped treats, candy, stickers, prizes and toys.

Learn More

Cost: Admission is free.

Ghost Village Road, October 31, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

From spooky and creepy to fun and sweet, dress in your Halloween best for this trick-or-treat. The storefronts along Coast Village Road are eager to welcome you and your little ones with candy, treats, and other goodies this Hallows Eve.

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Cost: Admission is free.

VENTURA

HALLOWEEN AT THE HARBOR:

Witches Paddle
We are excited to brew up our second annual Ride of the Ventura Harbor Witches! We are scheduled to “fly” Friday, October 30th approx 3:30 pm. Getting dressed in your best witch costume and renting your broom to fly across the sea may seem like a bunch of hocus pocus but it is also the perfect way to get in the Halloween spirit!

Halloween Seaside Skeletons
On Halloween Day, several skeletons will have escaped the harbor hearse and are on the loose in the Village! Join us on Saturday, October 31 anytime from 10am to 5pm (in your spooky costume + mask) and find the skeletons for a chance to win a spooky prize pack from Ventura Harbor businesses. Use #SeasideSkeletons and tag @venturaharbor when posting photos! Click here for all contest details.

TRICK OR TREAT AT THE COLLECTION

The Collection at RiverPark invites Super Heroes, Witches, Ghosts and Goblins to collect sweet treats!

Princesses, pirates and pumpkins, gather around! All are invited to stop in for a spell and enjoy fang-tastic treats at The Collection at RiverPark’s annual trick-or-treat event on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 5 – 7 p.m.

Attendees who complete their passport will be entered for a chance to win a spooktacular Collection grand prize. This wicked event fills up fast so mummies and daddies are strongly encouraged to RSVP as soon as possible. Tickets are reserved for children only; one ticket per trick-or-treater.

CLICK HERE

Trick-or-Treat Through Downtown Ventura!

October 30 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

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The Downtown Ventura Halloween Dance Party!

October 29 @ 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Join us on California & Main for this devilishly delightful outdoor, hi-energy, spectacular good time!

DJ Steve Perez of 103.3 KRUZ will be in the mix playing all the best dance hits of yesterday and today, guaranteed to move your feet!

The stage will be decked out with spooky lighting, decorations, and killer sound to create an amazing experience not to be missed!

Show off your Halloween costumes on Main Street! Bill Michaels of 95.1 KBBY will be awarding prizes around 8pm!

Prizes include: Tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain, San Diego ZOO & Safari Park, Gift Cards and much, much more!

Located at:

California & Main Stage, Downtown Ventura 

Friday, October 29, 2021

6pm-9:30pm

Free Entry, All Ages welcome!

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From Neighborhoods to Motherhood

From Neighborhoods to Motherhood

The other day we redid our team photos since we welcomed our new team member, Kara. As most of you know now, I am about 5 months pregnant and the idea of having a business photo with a huge belly terrified me to the point where I had to pose extremely awkward to be able to photoshop my growing belly out of the shot. Honestly, I feel ridiculous in the photo to the left.

I have this fear that if people know I am pregnant they won’t take me serious in business. Unfortunately, I know a lot of women who feel the same way. 

At the end of the day I have realized that being a mother has bettered me professionally.  I have never been more focused or more determined. I now have two different reasons to wake up every morning. I want to be better not only for myself, husband and my team but these two little humans that will watch my every move. I want to be better for you, for me, for them. This message is me facing my fears. I hope I can inspire you to do the same.

KAT HITCHCOCK

Traditions! Mardi Gras

Traditions!

This time of year I always love to celebrate the Mardi Gras. On Saturday I spent all afternoon making my Aunt Kathy’s famous gumbo. It has taken me a full 10 years to master, it is no easy dish. As many of you know I am from a small town in Southeast Texas my family is deep-rooted in the Cajun traditions. Now having my son here it’s extra special to play some fun Creole music and cut into a big colorful King Cake. I have been in California for some time now, but I always feel it’s important to continue the family traditions no matter how far away from home you are. These little traditions give us a sense of belonging and help us celebrate generations of family that I hope to pass down to my son in hopes he may keep the memories and tradition alive. 

Business of the Month: Alex Montoya

Business of the Month: Alex Montoya

Vegan Creme Fresh Panna Cotta with Chocolate Date Soil & Balsamic Reduction @calamigosranch

From architecture to culinary arts. Putting Ventura's foodie scene on the map! I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with innovative Alex Montoya who is just 25 years old and has been in the industry for 7 years and now established as the executive chef at local's favorite Fluid State downtown Ventura. He had a humble start as a dishwasher at the famous Spencer Mackenzies while he was in school to become an architect. 

He is proof that you can do whatever you have a passion for- if you put your mind, heart and soul into it. No culinary degree yet he is ahead of the curve in every way. He has an unconventional approach combining food with artistry and lines from his architecture background. 

Butterscotch Yo Pop: House Butterscotch Frozen Custard, Chocolate Pecan Hard Sell, Speck Salt.

He was the executive chef at The Ventura Wine Company's "Cave" restaurant for nearly 7 years and has now made the leap into the downtown Ventura scene at Fluid State Beer Garden.  Truly inspiring background and story.

NOTE! Since this interview Alex has made the leap to Calamigos Ranch in Malibu where he is the head Pastry Chef. We are so happy for him and all his new endeavors. Definitely recommend following him and experiencing one of his dishes first hand.

Follow Alex and see his newest creations and where he is currently @alex_montoya

Pink Panther: House Pink Peppercorn Churro, Black Spice Tea Frozen Custard.

Bar Snack Coming Soon- Thai Salmon Skewers:

Atlantic Salmon, Sweet Chili Thai Marinade, Toasted Sesame Seed, Green Onion, Guajillo Dust.

Business of the Month: Cearnal Collective

Business of the Month: Cearnal Collective

This month we had the honor of interviewing Mel Brown and Natalie Greenside who work on the interior design team at Cearnal Collective. Over the past 35 years, The Cearnal Collective has grown from founding-principal Brian Cearnal’s dining room to a dynamic 15-person architecture and interior design firm recognized for its landmark contributions to Santa Barbara’s architectural legacy. They are responsible for many well known projects in town including the reconstruction of the 1923 Carrillo Hotel to what we now know as our beloved Canary Hotel. Check out or interview and learn more about them at www.cearnal.com

Business of the Month: Timber and Wool, Cindy Baker

Business of the Month: Timber and Wool

Ya’ll know we are ALL about girl power…in a previously male dominated industry ourselves we always admire hard working women in all industries. Early last month we were looking for a great flooring contractor and instantaneously more than one of the agents in our office responded with Cindy’s name and number. She seemed to be all the rage and after we met her we understood completely.

She is not only a flooring contractor but her design eye and her service skills are bar none. We could not wait to interview her! Watch our full interview with her to learn about Cindy, her business and the path that lead her here.

Follow Cindy @timberandwoolsb

Go check out her beautiful showroom located at 310 E Haley St, Santa Barbara

Or check out her portfolio at https://www.timberandwoolsb.com/

Business of the Month: Santa Barbara Sailing Center

Business of the Month: Santa Barbara Sailing Center

We’re on a boat! 🚤⚓️ This month with the recently elusive California sun made an appearance long enough for us to get out on the docks and hop on board with Arianna Kamp who is the director of business development at the Santa Barbara Sailing Center.

Kat and her crew love coming to see Arianna since her husband, Matt Hitchcock recently got his sailing license. It’s truly a magical place to learn how to sail or just cruise the harbor and take in the salty air and cool waves. Seeing Santa Barbara from a different perspective on the water is something everyone should experience without a doubt.

Arianna has been at the Sailing Center for 10 years, starting as a Kayak guide and eventually leveling up to director of business development. You can tell by the enthusiasm in the way she speaks about being on the water that she truly has a passion for her work and who could blame her?

If you are in Santa Barbara area or thinking of making a trip to SB we highly recommend one of the many activities the Sailing Center has to offer! Learn more at www.sbsail.com

USE PROMO CODE: HitchcockRE for 10% off of your harbor activities for the day

Business of the Month: Lila Boyce, Anacapa Architecture

Business of the Month: Lila Boyce, Anacapa Architecture

We were super excited to sit down this month with Lila Boyce of Anacapa Architecture to learn more about how she became an architect and a little of what they do at Anacapa. Lila is a Santa Barbara native who's love of architecture grew from the time she was a child since her father was an architect. Anacapa is a full-service architecture, planning and interior design firm. Specializing in hospitality, custom residential and urban infill mixed-use projects, our experienced team develops innovative designs that enrich the way we live. The founder, Dan Weber, has created an amazing team of like-minded individuals, including Lila. Watch our interview with her and see some of their projects, their office space and get Lila's opinion of the changing architecture scene in Santa Barbara.

Learn more at: www.anacapaarchitecture.com

@anacapa_architecture

Contact Lila: lila@anacapaarchitecture.com