Stories

Machel Penn Shull of 'Machel's Ranch' TAKES CHARGE AT MILLE FLEURS Mardi Gras 2012...

 Think its easy organizing social events? Check out Machel Penn Shull, of Machel's Ranch Social Column, taking charge of the photo opp at Mille Fleurs on Mardi Gras Day for an upcoming column. Identify the ladies in the photo for bonus points. Or check them out next month at Machel's Ranch. 

And then there's the observer from fringe unit...

 MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE ABBEY...

Adios...

Two From Don Bauder on Rancho Santa Fe's Own: Lady Catarina, Charles Brandes and 'The News'

(Photo:  Lady Catarina Pietra Toumei, left, with attorney Gretchen Von Helms at U.S. District Court, San Diego.)

Daily newspapers still report titillating items regularly. Early in February, the shapely Lady Catarina Pietra Toumei was charged in Manhattan with claiming she was a representative of the storied Guggenheim family as she tried to peddle fake diamond, gold, and oil investments. She is a social butterfly residing in Rancho Santa Fe (where else?). Trouble is, prurient readers could get this news for free online many hours before the newspaper reported the story the next morning.

So, it was not surprising that only a few days after the lady (who may or may not be a countess) dominated front pages that the big Sacramento-based newspaper chain McClatchy reported a 10 percent plunge in its January advertising revenue, compared with a year earlier. McClatchy’s earnings were about cut in half during the period. The stock plunged 12.2 percent that day.

Admittedly, the adventures of the comely Lady Catarina Pietra Toumei are more captivating than the plunging profits of McClatchy Company. But the ad sales drop of the newspaper company does interest us old fogies who concentrate on (1) money and (2) the media. Bottom line: it’s clear that investors, and perhaps the daily newspaper industry itself, are convinced that advertisers will continue to migrate to digital media, and even though dailies are stepping up their own efforts to make money online, it’s a losing battle. Ink and paper will continue in sick bay.

Daily newspapers are slashing costs, but that won’t be enough. There are rumors that the San Diego Union-Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, and smaller papers owned by MediaNews Group could consolidate under common ownership. Hedge funds that have scooped up debt of overleveraged Southern California papers “are intent on driving consolidation,” says columnist James Rainey of the Los Angeles Times. The individual newspapers would retain their identities and news staffs but would combine efforts in advertising sales, distribution, printing, and human resources, says Rainey.

Such consolidation would no doubt lead to even more personnel head chopping. But would more pogroms work? Wall Street analysts don’t think so. They think the future of the daily newspaper is grim. “We are skeptical of the New York Times’ ability to keep reducing costs, and are concerned that the company will run out of fat to trim and have to cut into muscle, hurting the quality of its product,” says Joscelyn MacKay of Morningstar Research. “The growing number of free online information sources continues to weigh on New York Times’ core business,” which is newspapers, representing 84 percent of sales.

Newspapers are 78 percent of the revenue of Gannett, the largest publishing chain. Free online competition hurts. “Circulation volumes are falling, and advertisers are shying away from newspapers,” says MacKay.

Standard & Poor’s says McClatchy suffers from “migration of advertisers to the Internet.” Ditto for the Washington Post, which is also burdened by its ownership of Kaplan, Inc., a for-profit college operation that could lose some of its federal funding because of past and present misbehavior.

Morningstar quit doing research on E.W. Scripps stock. In 2008, E.W. Scripps created a new entity for its fast-growing cable networks and interactive media. Now the original media chain has only laggardly newspapers and TV stations; the websites associated with the company account for a small percentage of revenue.

Today, the question is whether the iPad and other “tablet revolution” products will rescue the daily newspapers. Investors doubt it.

The stock market seems to agree with analysts’ skeptical views. Newspaper stocks are far off their all-time highs, although they are now up from their very depressed 2008–2009 lows. Example: Gannett stock sold for $91.38 in 2004. In the depths of the bear market in early 2009, it plunged to $1.85. On Friday, it closed at $16.98. McClatchy sold for $76.05 in 2005 and sank below 50 cents in 2009, as Morningstar warned it was worth nothing. On Friday, it closed at $4.24.

(Investor Charles Brandes, with ...third wife Tanya, has seen money under his management drop dramatically.)

This brings us to Charles Brandes, San Diego money manager. His firm, Brandes Investment Partners, bought into McClatchy at $44.50, becoming the media company’s largest institutional shareholder, with 14.63 percent of the stock. Then the Brandes firm committed one of Wall Street’s unforgivable sins: selling near the bottom — in McClatchy’s case, 70 cents. Similarly, the firm bought into Gannett between $36.50 and $55.50, becoming the largest shareholder with 11.25 percent of the stock. It dumped the stock in late 2009 for an average price of $7.21 — less than half the price it closed at on Friday, $16.98. (Copley Newspapers dumped the Union-Tribune near the bottom of the market too.)

Brandes also got into a lot of other stinkers, such as Countrywide Financial, the scandal-plagued mortgage pusher that Bank of America tried vainly to purify; Washington Mutual, a similar organization seized by the government in 2008; Royal Bank of Scotland, which fell under the watch and ward of the British government; and Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation), which went under U.S. conservatorship.

Charles Brandes’s investment strategy is to buy undervalued assets and wait until the stock price gets more realistic. A couple of decades ago, newspapers’ profit margins were around three times those of the average company. A former manager with the firm thinks that Charles Brandes kept expecting newspapers’ profits and stock prices to return to the good old days. He was not grasping “the reality of what was going on in print media — falling subscriptions, falling revenues. There was a paradigm shift” that more alert analysts perceived.

In 2005, Brandes Investment Partners had $101.9 billion under management. That’s down to $47.8 billion. But Charles Brandes built one of San Diego County’s most expensive homes. It’s 54,000 square feet on 30 Rancho Santa Fe acres and is worth at least $35 million. He lives there with his third wife, the lovely Tanya, and their enormous collection of cars and other chattels of the rich and chic. Meanwhile, he is having a knockdown, widely publicized divorce battle with his second wife.

Charles and Tanya are quintessential Beautiful People of the San Diego party set — pictured in the Union-Tribune in mid-2008 with David Copley at Cannes, for example.

On October 23, 2009, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and David Copley put on a soiree to honor His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. Charles and Tanya were there to socialize with the prince — and with Lady Catarina Pietra Toumei, another invitee.

I didn’t see it covered in the daily newspapers.

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 (While attending the University of Wisconsin, Don Bauder held a number of posts at the campus newspaper, including editor in chief. He received a bachelor's degree in business (1959) and a master's in journalism (1961) and then spent four years in advertising and PR. In 1964, he joined the Chicago bureau of Business Week magazine as reporter/writer. In 1966, he got the job as bureau chief in Cleveland.

Don left Cleveland in 1973 to become financial editor and columnist for the San Diego Union. When the Union and Tribune merged in the early 1990s, he remained at that post; in '95, he was named senior columnist at the Union-Tribune. He retired from the U-T in March of 2003 and began writing his weekly column for the Reader in April of 2003. He started up his Reader blog — Scam Diego — in September of 2007.

In 1985-1986, Don wrote Captain Money and the Golden Girl (a book about a local Ponzi scheme), which stayed on the L.A. Times best-seller list for more than two months. He's been married for nearly 50 years and has two sons.)

View from Machel's Ranch: 'Sunshine fills Rancho Santa Fe with inspiration and parties'

(From left: 1. Timothy Nunn, Artist Joelle Blouin and her agent, Edward at Legends Gallery in La Jolla; 2. Make your Valentine’s reservations at Mille Fleurs this year! Chef Martin Woesle is featured here with Jill Drouin and Joe, two of Mille Fleurs’ fantastic staff members; 3. Order you flowers or chocolate covered strawberries from Lemon Twist on Valentine’s Day, located on Del Dios Highway across from Cielo. Photos: Machel Penn Shull.)

How do you keep yourself inspired every day? Do you ever get up and think, “This is it, same thing as yesterday. How long will life continue on with this same routine?” Yes, life can be boring, methodical and sometimes just plain humdrum. What do you do when this happens? Do you decide to pity yourself? Feel like life is predictable and what is the point?

 I admit the reason I am writing this is because I encountered these feelings this week. Yes, I too, can find the eucalyptus trees and the design of the perfect landscape in California just a bit on the blah side. While winter is happening elsewhere in the world, we are constantly blessed with pretty amazing weather. No reason to whine about that, right? Well, we must hibernate, recharge, regroup and reinvent ourselves. Even though there are moments that can eclipse us that make us feel bored, we must remind ourselves of each and every blessing. I recently looked through some of my photos and thought, “These pictures show a beautiful life.”

I soon realized that although it’s tempting to indulge in idleness, we must stop ourselves from this pitfall. The challenge is to remain upbeat, youthful and hopeful with each new day. We may think we know what’s going to happen and that we’ve got it all figured out. However, life still remains a mystery … just like the nature of true love. With the “Month of Love” upon us, I found some fun events in and around the Ranch. Happy Valentine’s Day Rancho Santa Fe!

Around Town

On Jan. 28, Karian Forsyth, one of the top five women I love to feature in “Machel’s Ranch” held her first 2012 monthly spa party in The Crosby. On a hot Saturday afternoon, these ladies enjoyed fine pampering, good company and excellent food that day.

I turned out to be the unlucky one that at the last minute was unable to make it due to some unexpected events, which prohibited me from indulging with some of my favorite friends. I have included a stolen moment from that day that shows these women making the most of their time by sharing their souls and time with each other. How wonderful.

On Jan. 30, I received some exciting news about one my favorite friend’s family members. Claude Whitney — a superior judge in Orange County for over 30 years — turned 81 on a fabulous Sunday with his loved ones. Talk about making life fun and worth living; Claude is a black diamond skier who “Skis for Free” as he is more than 70 years old. From Skiing in Aspen and Telluride to Deer Valley, nothing is going to slow down Claude Whitney.
I have include a beautiful photo of him surrounded by his wife and loved ones. Happy birthday Claude. Meredith MacDonald is the very proud stepdaughter of Claude Whitney.

(From left: 1. Hostess, Karian Forsyth poses with some of her gorgeous guests at the Forsyth’s Super Bowl party Sunday; 2. Claude Whitney celebrates his birthday with his wife Cici Whitney and the MacDonald clan; 3. First Spa party of 2012 under a golden sun.)

On Feb. 1, I stepped into my husband’s shoes and helped out at Lemon Twist — the flower shop/fruit-stand in the Ranch across from Cielo. While the sunny day brought in steady customers, I helped organize and figure out new exciting gifts for Valentine’s Day for locals in the Ranch. Lemon Twist is famously known for the delicious chocolate-covered strawberries, which is a mouth-watering, pleasing gift for any loved one. But did you know Lemon Twist is also a gift/floral shop with specialty items, gift baskets, orchids, caramel chocolate popcorn, and beautiful bouquets? For any questions or to order in advance, call (858) 756-0826.

Ask about the “special” for chocolate covered strawberries, too. I will be there all day on Valentine’s Day. Stop in and see us. I will have my camera to capture this wonderful holiday we love to celebrate at Lemon Twist.

On Feb. 2, I stopped in at my favorite restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe — Mille Fleurs. If you have read my column over the years then you know that this restaurant has always had a special place in my world. From amazing birthday parties to summer parties, I have enjoyed the ambience, the food and the staff at the best French restaurant in Southern California. I met briefly with Chef Martin Woesle. Chef Martin has been the chef at Mille Fleurs for more than 27 years. I found out the skinny on Valentine’s Day at Mille Fleurs. Check out millefleurs.com for details on this amazing special going on if you want to woo your loved one. Call (858) 756-3085 for details.

On Feb. 3, I ventured to La Jolla to Legends Gallery where I work part-time weekly, which I absolutely love. Art has been one of my passions and obsessions most of my life. So when I met Roree Mayhew, the director of Legends, a few months ago, you can just imagine me doing a little “Audrey Hepburn” smile all the way to my car parked a couple of blocks away, ironically next to a chapel. (Prayers do work wonders you know.) A few months later, I am excited to be selling art and meeting the artists there. On that note, Joelle Blouin — a top selling Canadian artist from Quebec City — has risen to quick acclaim in the art world. Only 26 years old, Joelle has gone from one gallery to seven in under one year. Her bold colorful paintings of city skylines are magnificent. Visit joelleblouin.com or contact me directly for more information on her paintings.

On Feb. 5, I attended Karian and Tom’s Super Bowl party in the Crosby. What can I say? These photos speak for themselves. Here are two group shots of the guests that came in high style for one of America’s favorite past times.

SAVE THE DATE

On Feb. 16, don’t miss out on a must-attend Fashion event happening in La Jolla. San Diego Food Bank’s Chris Carter was kind enough to invite me to this fabulous day at the second annual Fashion Plates Luncheon and fashion show designed by TV personality Leonard Simpson. The silent auctions starts at 10:30 a.m. sharp, which is followed by the luncheon and fashion show. This event will be held at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla. To reserve your tickets, contact Megan Mills at (858) 863-5121 or visit sandiegofoodbank.org.

Style Matters with Penelope Voisen: THE THANKSGIVING TABLE TOASTING AMERICA'S RICHNESS...

Ah, Thanksgiving – the holiday that toasts America’s richness and bounty as no other.

When we think of the loving labor that goes into preparing dinner for relatives and friends, it can anything but a holiday.  The Thanksgiving table allows us to keep the day special, beautiful, and relaxing without being stuck in the kitchen.

Whether you’re having a San Diego style get-together, celebrating somewhere in the country, or somewhere in between, holiday decorating should be consistent with your personal style and the look of your home.

The focal point for any dining room is the table.  How well you dress your dining table can transform your dining room from day to night, or season to season.

Starting ahead of time will help keep things organized in preparing your table for the Thanksgiving gathering.  One of the biggest pleasures of entertaining for me is dressing the table.  I love to spend time experimenting in setting what I think will be the perfect tablescape – from the dishes to the centerpiece to the candles, even the background music.

Staging the table sets the tone for a special meal.  When you lead guests into the dining room, you want them to see a beautiful, inviting place that you, the hostess, created to make them feel special.

 Today, tableware, linen, flatware, serving dishes, plates and glassware come in many intriguing colors, shapes, styles, and materials.  The choices are virtually endless when choosing a scheme for your Thanksgiving table.  Presenting your favorite collection in a creative, imaginative way, makes the difference between a so-so meal or an unforgettably elegant and charming one.

Linens, in any table setting style, define the look of the dining table.  For a formal, traditional table, using white or off-white, usually works best.

Heirloom, or fine china, sterling silver flatware, and fine crystal are expected at a formal table.  Other elegant touches to build on might include oversized, textured chargers in a metallic finish.  Mixing sterling and other classic touches add a luxurious  element to a formal table.

Decorative place cards are often used to give a warm welcome to guests.  It’s fun to mix modern touches in a formal setting.  A soft, fresh floral arrangement in a modern clear bowl or vase, or a more earthy arrangement using greenery and fruit can contrast a classic formal setting.

There are hard set rules to break about table setting style, so it’s always challenging and fun to pare down a formal adaptation as to not risk being too stuffy.

One of my favorite lines of fine china is Haviland.  Haviland has been manufacturing French porcelain china at its factory in Limoges, France since 1853.  I spoke with their National Sales Manager, Maureen Ferrel, to find out what the latest trend is at Haviland.

“Fashion for the table, Laque de Chine is getting a lot of attention right now,” she said.   “This is Haviland largest and most successful launch ever.  Laque de Chine is available in a dozen dreamy colors with gold and platinum trim, and be a stand alone pattern, or used as complimentary pieces to an existing collection.”

In a more casual, rustic setting, centerpieces and other table decorations should celebrate nature.  The simplest arrangements using pumpkins, gourds, apples and nuts, along with fresh floral and greenery work well.  Baskets, pottery,  or terracotta containers  work best for their textures and country feel.  Theses special touches make us feel thankful when we sit down to the Thanksgiving table.

A rustic Thanksgiving table demands earthenware, stoneware, and ceramics as opposed to china.  Wood accented flatware is wonderful when pared with these dishes, however silver seems to always go with everything, as silver adds a little sparkle to any table.

Other elements for the dining room should be lots of soft lighting, votive candles, and even a crackling fire in the fireplace, would blend to create a gracious, relaxed, elegant setting to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast.

Eating and drinking should be reveled in and make most of the celebrating feeling thankful.   May your Thanksgiving table, whether formal or rustic, be simply stunning, and the day enjoyed by family, friends, fabulous food – and plenty of football!

F'in advisor Steve Sexton, legalite Mike Walters, and Kerman Beriker from the Inn at RSF

 (San Diego Entertainer Magazine goes all puffy at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Enjoy!)

Each month San Diego Entertainer Magazine presents entertainment and lifestyle segments on E&L TV. The show airs the first Sunday of the month at 5pm on Channel 6 (CW).

Past shows have included segments with financial expert Steve Sexton, local artists like The Riders, and local businesses from the Coronado Boathouse to Vasseur Day Spa. In this month’s show, you’ll be treated to find even more great San Diego stories.

The show is hosted at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. This location is a true San Diego staple for visitors and locals alike. It’s a hot spot for celebrities and has played host to past presidents and Hollywood royalty. It’s tucked in the hills in North County San Diego and overlooks rolling hills and riding trails, giving guests a taste of the country just a few miles from downtown. Hear from Kerman Beriker, the managing director at the Inn about what makes the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe so special.

In the September show you’ll also see a familiar face — expert financial advisor Steve Sexton. Steve has been providing financial advisories to Entertainer readers for over 2 years now, and we’re happy to share more advice on how to manage finances in these turbulent economic times. In Steve’s segment you’ll also learn more about finding money that has “fallen through the cracks” and how many people in San Diego have used those monies to help charities in need.

Community Resource Center (CRC) Uses Rancho Santa Fe Fund to Deal with Looming Food Shortage 

Tickets:  $75 each

VIP Table Packages:  $1,000 

(Reserved seating for 8 guests with select wines and extras) Tickets are available online at  http://www.crcncc.org or by phone at 760.230.6305.)

Community Resource Center’s 29th Annual Holiday Baskets Program is the largest comprehensive holiday distribution program of its kind in San Diego County, and expects record registration requests among North County families this year.  However, current food shortages at CRC could force dramatic cuts in the numbers served at Holiday Baskets this December.  

“We serve over 9,000 individuals a year through our food, shelter, and domestic violence programs, and the current food crisis is having a ripple effect on everything we do for the community,” says Laurin Pause, CRC Executive Director.  Federal budget cuts have significantly reduced food allotments nationwide to distribution centers like CRC.  The agency has struggled to keep pantry shelves stocked, and has been unable to stockpile supplies of food for Holiday Baskets and other emergency distributions.  “San Diego County still has not received its federal allotments for food distribution to households in crisis, and when we do get it, we expect a twenty five-percent reduction in the allotment.  It’s not looking good.”  This news comes on the right as CRC begins its planning for the renowned Holiday Basket’s Program which distributed more than 48 tons of food to local families in need last year.

For the first time since the endowment fund was established at the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, CRC has decided to withdraw earnings to help bridge the gap.  “It’s not ideal, but we feel compelled to access our auxiliary funds to ensure our food supplies remain adequate in the face of these reduced allotments.  If CRC doesn’t do this, there’s nowhere else in our community these struggling families can turn to.  We are it.”

In 2010, over 200 groups and organizations and more than 1,600 volunteers come together to brighten the holidays for over 1,400 households through CRC’s Holiday Baskets program.   A total of 6,400 individuals were served by the annual program, with children accounting for roughly half of those served.  CRC manages year-round programs for food and rental assistance as well as a comprehensive domestic violence services program that includes Carol’s House, a confidentially located shelter in North County.

CRC’s annual fall fundraising event will take place in Rancho Santa Fe this year, and is part of the organization’s effort to bring critical funding to its programs.  The event, “Autumn Equinox – September Soiree in Rancho Santa Fe,” will take place at Villa de Flores and aptly promotes themes of harvest and passage.  Autumn Equinox includes an array of auction packages, hors d'oeuvres, wine, and much more.

Rosalie Cushman Considers: The Incomparable Grand Del Mar...

There is an ineffable quality about the 249-room Grand Del Mar resort.  Still, like the painter straining to convey the essence of a beautiful woman, I take a stab at describing one of the most remarkable resorts in the San Diego area.  I’ve been fortunate, indeed, to spend some time with both Warren Sheets, Designer for The Grand Del Mar’s exquisite interiors, and Tom Voss, President of the Manchester Grand Resorts Group and have come away from both encounters even more awed by The Grand Del Mar’s creation.  

But let’s go back.  About eight months ago a friend asked me for lunch at one of the resort’s restaurants.  I arrived alone and upon walking into the lobby, my heart stopped.  Well, maybe not stopped but certainly it skipped a beat.  Struck by no ordinary beauty, I was instantly immersed into a Mediterranean cascade of art.  An avalanche!  I felt transported to Tuscany, an immediate and profound mood of old-world excellence and beauty that felt voluptuous, reverent, inviting, and comforting.  Yes, comforting.  It was impossible for me to not be affected.   A staff person asked if I needed any assistance, and upon my telling her “no, I was just meeting a friend for lunch,” the woman discretely stepped back, leaving me to bask in the beauty.

Now let’s go forward.  Upon meeting first Warren Sheets then conversing with Tom Voss I have come to learn many facts about The Grand Del Mar, some of them captivating and all of them, impressive.  In addition, while walking with Warren through the hotel one day I learned of his amazing artistic eye, fusing 16

For example, the columns standing in the lobby are made from cubic stone imported from Verona craftsman, an Italian family who has been artisans for over 300 years.  The carpet Warren selected incorporates his own medallion design that is also threaded throughout the hotel in various locations; on wall coverings, parchment lamps, even grille work.  In stunning Italian tradition, his chosen frescos fix the visitor’s eye on floors, walls, and ceilings.  Warren told me he was “very passionate about designing this place – I couldn’t do it any other way”.   Essentially, he has incorporated the most massive amount of beauty I’ve ever seen in this kind of facility, without it being a museum.  Yet it does not feel formal or fussy; quite the opposite, actually.  Remarkably, the five-star, five-diamond resort is not just beautiful, it is so very comforting.

 Age-old wisdom claims that beauty is therapeutic, healing at its core; that it offers a respite from the grist of ordinary life.  Beauty speaks its own language and at its best, connects us mere mortals to both a primordial yet celestial level.  There seems to be an avalanche of this connectedness in the design at The Grand Del Mar and that is the very thing that creates its’ uniquely comforting quality.  And if that sounds odd, just go there and you will know of which I speak.

Later, when chatting with Tom Voss, President of The Grand Del Mar, time and again he spoke of feedback from guests who repeat, “It is so beautiful here”, a theme that reverberates like an echo in a canyon, right along with the guests who return for subsequent stays.  When guests are asked ‘what they’d like to see changed’, Tom indicates their most frequent answer is “not a thing!”  He also told me they frequently hear guests who, coming to the resort for the first time say, “your website doesn’t do it justice”.  Well, the grace of a place is not subject to translation through electrons always and while a picture can be worth a thousand words, being there can be worth a million.

In addition to its beauty, I was to learn that The Grand Del Mar has an excellent Tom Fazio designed golf course, an elegant Spa, the renowned Addison Restaurant, along with Amaya and M Club dining rooms (my lunch was phenomenal, by the way).  The Grand Del Mar now sports a new Equestrian Center, not to mention the fabulous pools.  The resort is situated beside the 4,100 acre Los Penasquitos Preserve with three and a half miles of hiking trails complete with a naturalist on staff.  And while it is easily accessible to numerous San Diego activities, from the Zoo to the Del Mar Race Track to Sea World or the beach, it is the beauty of the place and retreat-like quality guests come for and return to. 

“It is completely in nature,” Tom Voss tells me.  “It is so beautiful,” the guest comment cards thrum over and over again.  In a turn, Tom says “so many guests don’t ever even leave the grounds,” he confides, almost perplexed.  It seems that between the art-inspired interiors, conscientious and caring staff, fabulous food at a person’s fingertips, why would they?  The place is intoxicating.   For my part, I could so easily set up camp in the Great Room just off the lobby, very near the library, living out the rest of my life there!

It is all so very beautiful. 

For additional information on The Grand Del Mar, visit www.granddelmar.com.  Warren Sheets current projects include two home designs in Rancho Santa Fe.  For additional information on Warren, please visit www.warrensheetsdesign.com.

Country Friends spring membership luncheon brings 23 new members and help for local groups

                                    (Photo: Betsy Heightman, Shelly Dew, Annie Garcia, Melissa Brown)

The Country Friends, based in Rancho Santa Fe where their Consignment Shop is situated, moved their Spring Membership Luncheon plus Fashion Show east and enjoyed the amenities of the Rancho Bernardo Inn.

More than 140 women came to shop May 4 and enjoy the styles presented by TRE Boutique (The Rare Earth), with outlets in Del Mar, Carlsbad and 4S Ranch. Thirty ensembles from the shops owned by Rochelle Johnson and Sheree Vihon were paraded.

The event co-chairwomen were Anna Waite and Kathe Votsis.

Among those attending were Yvette Letourneau, Cheri Salyers, Terri Chivetta, Laing Rikkers, Deborah Cross, Sophia Alsadek, Tonita McKone, Jo Ely, Laureen Bolstad, Donna Ahlstrom, Andrea Muir, Eileen Menees, Edna Sahm, Betsy... (more)

BREAKING NEWS 11 P.M. - HELEN WOODWARD ANIMAL CENTER 'SPRING FLING' KICKING IT  UNTIL DAWN...

 Several hundred of Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego's finest are dining, dancing and doing the Bow-Wow-Wow at Helen Woodward Animal Center as the Wayne Foster Entertainment conglommeration fills the Big Tent with the sounds of forever.

 (Robin Shull and Machel Shull hosted the best Lemon Twist table ever at the best Spring Fling in memory.)

The event kicked off at 5:30 p.m. with hors d-oeuvres for those who dared compromise appetites before the big restuarant for-all. I couldn't get to ALL of it, but what I did BLEW MY MIND (and stomach buds).  Everything was so good, ummmm, yum. Some faves were the lambchops from somewhere that wasn't listed in the program, Sbicca Bistro's I don't what it was, but it was gooood, Zel's Del Mar pizza, Trulocks fish in batter something that brought me to my knees, Lemon Twist choco-covered-strawberries. I couldn't find Phil's BBQ, but they were supposed to be there. Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, Firenze Trattoria, Cin Cin, THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

 Broadway Tails, as the 'Spring Fling' was known also feaured silent and live auctions, presentations and awards, opportunity awards and even a special lounge where people and the pets that own them could hang for a few.

As soon as we know, we'll let you know what they took in to help the center's varied and important operations throughout the year. But we gotta get ito our doggie bag for some more of them lamb chops. YEOWWIE...

(Photos above: Live auction and dancing or somethng done in the 'impressionistic' style...)

Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 23rd Annual Spring Fling is Saturday, June 4

 Promises! Promises! That’s Entertainment! 

Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 23rd Annual Spring Fling

We’re making, “Promises Promises” that guests will say, “That’s Entertainment” when Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) hosts its 23^rd annual Spring Fling fundraiser, “Broadway Tails,” on Saturday, June 4, 2011. 

The Spring Fling presented by The Fish Market and EDCO, is San Diego’s premiere black tie event in support of animals and people in-need. The curtain rises at 5:30 PM (until Midnight) under the Center’s covered arena at 6461 El Apajo Road. 

“Most of the upper level tickets have been sold, but we still have a few seats in the other levels,” says HWAC Special Events Supervisor Meghan Trejo. “Co-Chairs Kerry Appleby Payne, Elizabeth Wohlford MacLeod, and Charlene Hooker, with Honorary Chairs Steve and... (more)

Clean Your Closets For a Great Cause! Rancho Rags For Riches at Fairbanks Village Saturday April 16th!

 The ‘Rancho Rags for Riches’ Rummage Sale to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego, will be held on Saturday, April 16 from 7:00am-12:00pm at the Fairbanks Village Plaza.

The Rummage Sale features clothing, household items, electronics, small appliances, and indoor/outdoor furniture. To donate, items can also be dropped off on Thursday, April 14th, and Friday, April 15th. For more information, contact andrene.dz@gmail.com orterridavis1@gmail.com.  

The sale is taking place at Fairbanks Village Plaza,16236 San Dieguito Road in Rancho Santa Fe. Proceeds will benefit individuals with disabilities through United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego.

Also on the Beach & Cuntry Guild plate to benefit United Cerebral Palsy San Diego:

May 9

2nd Annual Ladies Spring Golf Classic

Santaluz Golf Club

42nd Annual Dia Del Sol

Rancho... (more)

The Arc of San Diego’s annual gala, The Jewels of San Diego, is back this spring...

 (This story is courtesy of the Arc of San Diego. For more consider the source here...)

The Arc of San Diego is the largest, most comprehensive service provider for people with disabilities in San Diego County. It serves over 2,500 children and adults with disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome each year.

For the past 60 years The Arc has been offering a wide range of services including early instruction for infants and toddlers, adult day programs, residential care, independent living skills training, vocational training and employment placement programs.

The Arc of San Diego’s annual gala, The Jewels of San Diego, is back this spring with a fresh, new twist. The Carrousel du Louvre Fashion Runway Extravaganza will take place on April 9 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.

Event Chairs Phyllis and John Parrish are long-time supporters of The Arc of... (more)

'Machel's Ranch' -- Milestone birthday allows us to take time for reflection...

By the time you read this, I will have entered into a new decade. Yes, that’s right. I am turning 40 this month. I thought I would share with my readers that fact. I must be honest, approaching this number has been quite an introspective time for me. I tend to reflect and digest this last decade with open arms to my mistakes and victories.

One of the happiest periods of my life has been in the newspaper business. It sort of came to me by accident when my son started kindergarten at Roger Rowe Elementary. I met a photographer at his school, inquired about a job and the next thing you know I am knee deep in newspapers cluttering my car for the next seven years.

What I have learned from this is sometimes a new circumstance will occur. Your life will shift in a way you had not planned. Then you end up happier than you could have ever imagined. Coincidentally, this issue is my three-year anniversary of writing “Machel’s Ranch.” So cheers to you, readers. Cheers to finding new opportunities and the ability to make each day count.

Around Town

On Jan. 27, I received some exciting news from Anthony Sorge. His son Matthew and his buddy Jake Johnson were given a private lesson by former Padre Adrian Gonzalez. The Johnsons and the Sorge family won in an auction a private batting session right before baseball tryouts. How exciting for these two boys.

On Feb. 5, my good friend Jill Sorge hosted a Sadie Hawkins pre-dance party. The actual dance was later that evening at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. The theme, famous couples, had all of the students dressing in fashionable costumes.

On Feb. 8, Ranch resident Corky Mizer celebrated his birthday with an intimate celebration with just a few of his good friends. Some of my column regulars just happened to be on hand, too, for this special evening. Many of you know Tom and Karian Forsyth. They are one of the best-dressed couples in Rancho Santa Fe. I just saw them the other night at Mille Fleurs looking like they had arrived straight from the ski slopes in Aspen, Colo. I am one of their biggest fans. Nothing brings a smile to my face more than a gorgeous couple that also looks stunning, too. Happy Birthday Corky! You also look fabulous.

On Feb. 14, the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary held their weekly meeting at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Celebrating Valentine’s Day, the Rotarians enjoyed their lunch and each table was decorated with flowers and balloons. One of the treats for that meeting was chocolates from Allure Chocolat. Some of the current events mentioned at that meeting included, Rotary Happy Hour, which will be at 5 p.m. March 3 and The Rotary Rummage Sale, which will be held March 26. 

The Community Center is allowing drop-off items for this event on Wednesdays, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. I have included two photos from that meeting, one is of the two local chiefs of Rancho Santa Fe and the other is a beautiful photo of the Manion sisters.

That very same day, exciting things were happening for Lemon Twist. If you are unfamiliar with this name, Lemon Twist is a local produce/flower gift business that was established in Rancho Santa Fe more than30 years ago by Katie Shull.

In 2007, Lemon Twist burnt down from the Witch Creek Fire. So you can imagine after three years how excited Katie Shull was to see her business finally resurrected. Her son Robin Shull manages the property. I have included the photo that captures the excitement that day of being open again on one of the busiest days of the year.

On Feb. 15, I received a chic photo taken straight from New York City’s Fashion Week. Del Mar residents and newly married couple Tony and Bianca Macaluso were up close and personal with the models. Here is a photo from that day, which features the designer, Herve Leger. Thanks so much for keeping me in the loop. You two are such jet-setters.

Fashionlush XXX with Cardiff's Erica Stolman - Get out of that funk and into those Charlotte Olympia kicks; Followed by Nylon at Fashion Week '11 Jeremy Scott Video...

“I love the youngster hippies reppin’ their personal style way better than I ever did when I was growing up. If our beautiful city starts to evolve and appreciate the art of fashion, originality, and creativity — then we could really make our way up in the fashion food chain.”

 -- Erica Stolman http://www.fashionlushxx.com/

Erica also is manager of Pret A Porter clothes, 673 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075, (858) 481-5114, Hours: 10 am - 6 pm Mon-Fri 10 am - 4 pm Sat. 

Dreamin' of Charlotte Olympia kicks

Well, lately I have been in a funk...

Don't you just have those days where you just can't figure out what to wear... and you end up leaving the house looking way less cute than you thought?

Well, that is how I have been feeling lately. I have been searching for an answer to this "so-so" fashion approach my life has take. More clothes is definitely not the issue (you should see my closet), too many choices?

Maybe... gotta go through my closet soon. Yet, as none of these are the issue- I think I figured out the real quick fix to this problem. I am sure all of you know this, but the best way to spice your look up is definitely some awesome shoesies!!

You are out and about, and if the girls outfit is jeans and a white tee, some killer shoes always make you drool and identify her as "best dressed". You know you do it, we all do. So I think I will allow myself to browse some outfits based around shoes- and tomorrow, rain or shine, I am putting my flat over the knee boots in the back of the closet, and slip into my most fun pair of sky highs.

Now, only if I had some Charlotte Olympia kicks (most notably- the fruit shoe), I'd be set... but I don't- so therefore I improvise.

xx, fashionlush

MILK KILLS

thanks to NYLON, we were given this fabulous snippit of Mister Jeremy Scotts' fashion week 2011 show. Wish I were there, one day!!

'Machel's Ranch' - Ranch’s own Julien Hug remembered on his birthday

Julien Hug’s birthday is in the beginning of February. I want to acknowledge his beautiful parents, Denise and Bertrand Hug.

You raised an amazing son and all us who were lucky enough to know him feel blessed that he was part of our lives.

I hope this town keeps his memory alive by supporting Mille Fleurs. 

I even wrote a column a couple of years ago and called it my “My happy place, the secret’s out,” based on different vignettes that all took place under the stars at their beautiful restaurant.  Thank you, to the Hug family for filling my life with so many wonderful memories. Sometimes, it’s more important to remember than to forget.

It’s more important to keep those memories alive, with fond wishes and gratitude toward his family.

Around town

On Jan. 26, Little League had makeup evaluations at Richardson’s field in Rancho Santa Fe. Boys from all age groups that missed the weekend tryouts showed up in droves for this popular division in San Diego. Let’s just say if makeup day is any indication to how this season is going to be, it going to be a dynamite season. I just want to say thanks to all of those in charge in the Rancho Santa Fe Little league for taking time out of your busy schedule to be a coach or an assistant.

You know what they say, “Play ball!”

I have featured a photo from the Celebrity Tournament at Rancho Valencia on Jan. 29. I have it on good authority that was also local resident Jason Barry’s birthday that very day. Happy belated birthday Jason.

 

Later that day, Ranch resident Violet MacDonald’s daughter-in-law, Meredith MacDonald, celebrated her stepdad’s 80th's birthday up in Newport at the luxurious Balboa Bay Yacht Club & Resort. If you’ve ever been privy to eating lunch or dinner there, you know firsthand that the view from your dining table is filled with expensive yachts lining the harbor.

 

 

Claude Whitney — a former judge in Newport — enjoyed his long life with all family members, along with his wife CC Whitney of Newport Beach. Thank you for sharing your lovely event with me. Here is a photo from that day, which features their family together for that special day.

On Jan. 30, longtime Ranch residents Dottie and Ed McCrink celebrated their 90th birthdays (they both turned 90 in January) in style with family and friends at the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club. More than 100 guests arrived in fine fashion for this special occasion. Some events eclipse others, and this was definitely a special night. I feel blessed to say that Dottie and Ed are my grandparents by marriage.

The McCrinks moved here in the early 1970’s, and have been an integral part of this community since then. All six children were on hand, including their many grandchildren. I have included four photos from that evening. Also Patrick Galvin, president of the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary, was there as well with his gorgeous wife. They are featured here, along with Dottie and Ed McCrink. Ranch residents Bill and Carolyn Fleischman were there, and I have featured Laurel McCrink with her niece, Natalie Shull.

On Feb. 2, Elaine Gallagher sent some very important information to me regarding someone local who is spreading the word in fighting breast cancer. Local San Diego resident Andrea Scheider has written a book called, “You A Not Alone: Life After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis,” in hopes of educating and reaching women on how to prevent and detect breast cancer. I have included a photo of Andrea here. If you know someone with breast cancer or would like to find out more information for yourself, please check out Andrea’s website at thriveandsurvive.net. She has a wonderful quote listed on her home page that states, “The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next,” by Migon McLaughlin. Elaine Gallagher, thank you for connecting me with your good friend Andrea Scheider. Her book looks like a winner read.

Save the date

Don’t miss the Grand Opening on March 12 — just around the corner. In case you don’t know, Lemon Twist is the only business that burnt down during the massive Witch Creek Fire in 2007. Local resident Katie Shull started the business, which is located across from Cielo, more than 30 years ago. In the meantime, before the grand opening, Lemon Twist is already open again, after temporarily closing due to wintertime. I have featured a photo here of it, so you can make your way down to buy some local organic produce. For more history on Lemon Twist, visit www.lemontwistfruitstand.com. If you would like to order some chocolate covered strawberries for your sweetheart or a large tray for your co-workers, call (858)-444-6060 with your order in advance.

 

Two Fox 5 KSWB-TV views of 'V'-Day - Ex-boyfriend blows up real good for Jeff 'n Jer; Vows renewed at San Diego County building...

Say what one will about V-Day, Valentine's Day -- and this year, for some reason, seemed to feature a lot of backlash in the form of 'Single Awareness Day,' thanks for the heads-up, Kimi Evans -- but it went from heads (mannequins resembling ex-boyfriends blowed up, blowed up real good) to kind hearts (county-officiated wedding renewal vows) and coronets on Monday around San Diego County.

For those curious about the day, Fox 5/69, KSWB-TV, had two reports, fair and balanced, presenting each side in the Valentine's Day argument. First video up, the con, as in now-KyXy 96.5 radio personalities Jeff and Jer blowing up the holiday in the viral way. Second video, a look at the pro-, as San Diego County officials continue a local Valentine's Day tradition of $100 wedding vow reneals at the county building on the embarcadero. This years renewals also were available for gay couples married legally during the 6-month window before state law changed.

Valentine’s Day & Win Your Wedding at San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, Calif.

San Diego Botanic Garden is offering a one-of-a-kind romantic evening on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2011.  From 5 – 7 pm, couples will enjoy a sunset stroll through the Garden, complete with special touches including champagne, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cake, chocolate, music, a professional photo and rose for each couple, photo booth and more. Couples will also have the chance to win a special all-inclusive wedding at the Garden.

 The highlight of the evening, one lucky couple will win the wedding of their dreams, valued at over $15,000 courtesy of San Diego Botanic Garden and several wedding vendor partners.   The wedding package includes:

• Use of the SDBG Lawn House Garden for a Wedding/Reception for up to 50 guests with tables and chairs
• A full hot catered lunch provided by The Abbey Catering & Event Design
• Photography provided...

Fashion session with Cardiff's Erica Stolman - She accessorizes With Marc Jacobs and CVS..

 “I love the youngster hippies reppin’ their personal style way better than I ever did when I was growing up,” says Stolman. “If our beautiful city starts to evolve and appreciate the art of fashion, originality, and creativity — then we could really make our way up in the fashion food chain.” -- Erica Stolman http://www.fashionlushxx.com/

Samintra Starr and Erica Stolman of Pret-a-Porter boutique in Solana Beach. 

Samintra Starr owns Pret-a-Porter boutique in Solana Beach, managed by Erica Stolman. They design dresses, custom jewelry, and separates (hello, shoulder-less chambray shirts!) that fit like a dream. Located in a tucked-away spot inside Solana Beach Town Center — around the corner from Sun Diego — Pret-a-Porter carries the private labels alongside merch by Skova and ANM. The stock sweeps easily from classic to avant-garde, a populist range that’s a result of Starr’s years as a stylist in L.A.

Stolman has a fashion blog at FashionLushXX.

These are her thoughts on fashion for the up-and-coming fashionista:

So, what are you wearing in this shot? 
This is quite the mishmash outfit — it was for a photoshoot, so more jewelry than I would ever wear normally. The t-shirt I am wearing is a vintage Coca-Cola tee with slogan "Coke, Good All the Way Down,” yet I cut the shoulders out to spruce it up a bit. I got the shirt from Home in Encinitas. 

The polka dot vest I am wearing was from Goodwill, it was a long, old-lady type blouse (probably part of a pantsuit at one time). I cut off the sleeves and turned it into a vest. The shoes are Jeffrey Campbell leopard Pixies, sent to me as a fabulous gift from Jeffrey Campbell. The chain around my leg was some weird chain belt I had that I never wore.

As for the gobs of jewelry?
I am also wearing some studded color leather bracelets from Target, spiky elastic bracelets from Forever 21, a vintage sterling silver cuff my Mom gave to all her bridesmaids at her wedding (a real gem of mine), a Marc Jacobs happy Buddha bracelet, and a cheapo little watch from CVS. 

Rings: My David Yurman pink tourmaline ring I never take off that my dad gave me, a vintage Navajo beaded ring that I got from the Community Resource Center thrift store, and a turquoise stone ring that was my Grandma’s.

And the lipstick is from...?
[It’s] actually a bright bright bright teal eyeshadow by Makeup Forever [that] I mixed with some Rosebud Salve from Sephora.

Your go-to pieces at the moment?
Knee-highs are awesome, paired with a short skirt, a super worn-in vintage Harley tee, and a scarf or sick jacket...Oh, and of course high, high heels — probably my Sam Edelman Zoey Booties. 

What are your favorite boutiques in S.D. right now?
I like Pret-a-Porter in Solana Beach — not only because I worked there and the store is close to my heart, but the custom clothes are amazing and the owner can really make or reconstruct anything your little heart desires. I also love LF, mainly because they are one of the only retailers in S.D. that has Jeffrey Campbell. I also have been a fan of Home in Encinitas and North Park. The buyers are very picky and only bring the best goods, so I don't have to dig much. 

And as far as vintage shops?
Mainly I am a thrift store shopper — except for my shoes. I shop thrift stores not only because I like to save my money (for expensive shoes), but I love the thrill of finding a good piece. I also love to get stuff that I can bring home, reconstruct, and sew into something awesome. I am a fan of the Community Resource Centers, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Amvets. I don't have any specific location for any of them, because you really will never know what you find! I have came across a black rabbit fur vest for $4, Missoni, DVF, et cetera.

Most thrilling score as of late?
Oh man, I totally just grabbed this awesome Acne black silk dress with shoulder cutouts that is slouchy and totally doesn't show my shape at all — yet the dress is still extremely sexy in its own right. The best part though, found it at a thrift store which clearly didn't know what it was or how awesome it was and let it go to me for 7 bucks. It was the Community Resource Center in Encinitas... yay me. 

Your beauty essentials?
My beauty essentials would include my darkest black Almay eyeliner (best eyeliner yet), Bare Minerals makeup, Maybelline basic mascara (you know, the pink and green one), Rosebud Salve lip balm, Anastasia Brow Kit, and a spritz of my John Varvatos perfume. It is rare that you will ever catch me out with my nails and toes painted. I recently just fell in love with Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail designs, they are these stickers (kinda like Minx, yet way cheaper) that you stick to your nails and they last for 10 days, seriously. They come in a ton of different colors and patterns, and come off just like nail polish. Great idea!

Let's talk San Diego style. What excites you, what bugs you?
Style wise, S.D. has a handful of people with great style. I like the beachy-chic hippie look that S.D. has always been able to pull off. I am not a fan of the all done up, short dresses and strappy heels, too much cleavage, “I only party Downtown” look. 

S.D. has a new wave of fashion junkies coming in. I love the little youngster hippies reppin’ their personal style way better than I ever did when I was growing up. I have really seen a change in the fashion scene in San Diego, and it is about time. I really think that if our beautiful city starts to evolve and appreciate the art of fashion, originality, and creativity—then we could really make our way up in the fashion food chain!

Trends you're loving right now?
Trends I love include but are not limited to: chunky/sky high heels, flared jeans (thank goodness they are coming back), knee highs, deconstructed clothing, military pieces, fringe, wavy hair, too much being just right, excessive amounts of jewelry, shoulder-less tops, maxiskirts, newsboy hats, and ombre hair.

Trends you’re over? 
Most likely for life: kitten heels, capris, denim skirts, Lululemon as daytime apparel, strappy stilettos, shants, skintight dresses, dresses that are low in the front and the back, fedoras, platinum blonde hair, tights worn with t-shirts, Uggs with skirts.

Style icon?
Edie Sedgwick has always been a front runner, the 1960's in general, Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, and Andy Warhol.

Sewing machine of choice?
I use a basic Singer. I had a fancy machine when I started sewing and it was great for a while. Yet when I was going to and from school and constantly dragging the machine with me, you notice the tensions will get thrown off quicker than you would want. Tensions keep your stitches legit and strong. I realized that I could just as easily buy a basic Singer for the same price and it works just as well — if not better than — my big old fancy machine.

Most surprising style tidbit?
My favorite thing to wear is my fleece one-piece pajamas. I was a kid my mom dressed me more awesome than I dress now or will probably ever dress.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm looking for a job in the fashion industry, so if you read this, employ me!

Pret A Porter

673 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Solana Beach

(858) 481-5114 

 Products: women's clothes accessories

Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm Sat 10 am - 4 pm

'Machel's Ranch' -- Special moment restores faith in life's beauty -- Mille Fleurs, Luanne Rice, Rowe School and more...

Sometimes life takes time to heal. There could even be a few moments when it feels like the gray clouds won’t break. But when we least expect it, a ray of sunlight will find us and remind us that this world is still a beautiful place. Dreams can come true. Of course, I am speaking from my own personal experiences recently. I am speaking of loss from last year and how circumstances can change our outlook when we aren’t prepared for the change.

 

This week in my column I feel so lucky to share with you a dream-come-true moment for me. How this day brought the hope back to my eyes and showed me passages and chapters in my own journey. How what we cannot change will change us forever but there are gifts in unseen circumstances that can teach us beautiful life lessons. Don’t forget to keep believing in your fondest desires. When you least expect it, your shining moment could unfold for you, too.

Around town

On Jan. 7, Mille Fleurs’ bartender Jill Drouin invited my husband and I over for dinner. Can you say gourmet cook and should enter one of those cooking reality shows? Jill made us a delicious exotic salad with European cheeses, candied pecans on top of mixed wild greens. Sounds simple but so mouth wateringly delicious. The main course was a risotto with candied pumpkin squash in a white sauce. Then boyfriend Paul Savage, Robin and I enjoyed a fun game of Scrabble and discussed things like the Droid verses the iPhone. I have included a gorgeous shot of Jill and Paul for my column. I might add that Jill and I bonded two years back when we went skydiving together. You could say an experience like that could make anyone become fast friends!

On Jan. 10, I had the incredible privilege to meet my favorite author walking this planet, New York Times Bestseller, Luanne Rice. If you haven’t discovered her trademark fiction novels yet, she has written 30 novels and is promoting her next novel, “Silver Boat,” which comes out in April 2011. The back story on this meeting is quite contemporary really. We became friends on Facebook five years ago, becoming pen pals via the Internet. So imagine me this month finally meeting my mentor in the writing world as I walked across the San Diego Convention Center in the midst of the Library Conference coming face to face with Luanne. I am sharing with you my ray of light moment that reminded me that little dreams do come true on occasion. Coincidentally, 12 years ago when I started reading Luanne’s novels, I had no idea we would become friends through a social network and be I would considered “her best friend on Facebook.” I’ll take that, thanks Luanne.

So to any of you reading this who might be experiencing a rough patch right now, just know it’s only temporary great moments will come again. Take my advice, don’t miss out on Luanne’s newest novel, “Silver Boat.” There is indeed a silver lining inside this beautiful novel. I had the privilege of reading the unedited version last year.

On Jan. 13, ...My good friend Krista Lafferty attended the grand opening event of Massage Heights in Encinitas. Ranch residents, this is an amazingly short drive to this new wonderful business that caters to relaxation at its finest. Heavy thread count sheets are just one of the perks you might miss at other locations. I met owner Dean Goldschmidt and Retreat Director Brenda Videnoff that night. Krista and I received a private tour of all of the rooms and then enjoyed fabulous finger-foods with other invited guests. I have included two photos from this event.

On Jan. 14, the fifth-grade class at R. Roger Rowe Elementary participated in The Walk Through the American Revolution. I was thrilled to watch the three competing classes re-enact this monumental moment in U.S. history. Each classmate was asked to memorize certain vocabulary words, plus act out what character they were assigned. I’ve never seen more enthusiastic children that actually seemed to care and love being in school that afternoon.

I have included a photo from that day. Congratulations to the R. Roger Rowe fifth grade class members and to your exuberant spirits. I walked away inspired.

Later that evening, my husband I and joined previous ad manager Denny Fallon in celebrating the purchase of his new beautiful condo in Old Towne San Diego. Denny is a fabulous host. He made a delicious fish with pasta, and fresh Dungeness crabmeat with homemade cocktail sauce for his guests. Charlene Done and Johnny Nipkur were also there celebrating the start to a wonderful year to Mr. Denny Fallon. I have included one photograph from that evening.

On Jan. 16, I drove to Fairbanks to pick up my son from a sleepover he had in the Ranch. Tony and Jill Sorge have been Ranch residents for years. Their son Matthew is one of Jackson’s closest friends. Tony is actively involved in The Rancho Santa Fe Little League, and had a championship under his belt from 2006. He will definitely be assisting this year again. I have included this photo of Tony with my husband Robin from that beautiful sunny day in the Ranch. Tony had just shown us his own personal batting cage he had built that even had a radar detector for pitching! Now that’s what I call first class practice for any lucky boy.

Thanks so much for letting me share that day with the readers Tony, and good luck this season.

Sabrina Cadini's La Dolce Idea - How to color your parties: BLUE

Blue is one of the primary colors and it is considered a universal color for being present in nature (think about the ocean or the sky). It has a calming effect and it can help you sleep – this is why blue is a good color for bedrooms. It is also ideal for reception areas as it is formal, conservative and balancing. 

In fashion, blue is the least "gender specific" color, having equal appeal to both men and women. And as such, it is one of the most favorite colors for special events: it will enchant guests of both genders.

(Picture: Courtesy Eyerisworks – www.Eyerisworks.com)

Popular combinations include:

*Blue and white (made popular with the influx of blue and white china. In Feng Shui, blue is a magnificent color and this is one of the most calming combinations because it brings the energy of unlimited sky and happiness to your home)

*Bright blue and strong orange (a powerful contrast that gets your party going. Be careful, though: one of the colors should dominate and the other used as an accent. Try a rich satin royal blue linen with orange napkins for an interesting combination, and keep the same palette in the lounge or seating area with orange pillows or blue votives)

 *Blue and pastel colors (a perfect environment for children’s parties: imagine a delicious candy station complete with giant lollipops and colorful cupcakes!)

*Blue, red and gold (a vibrant combination that creates positive energy) – This scheme is shown in the picture, one of my recent weddings that incorprated the bride’s Asian heritage (red napkins) and the groom’s passion for sailing (blue linens). A touch of sophistication was added with gold chair covers and charger plates

*Monochromatic scheme (I love to play with different shades of blue when it comes to fabrics, china, draping, and lighting). 

Floral arrangements are easy to create with blue in mind: my favorite varieties are hyacinths (not only beautiful but also fragrant), hydrangeas (I love their fullness!), delphiniums (available in different shades of blue), iris (so elegant!). The best way to enhance blue flowers is to combine them with the contrasting or accent color that you select for your palette: orange calla lilies, Vendela roses (a delicate cream shade), yellow tulips, or delicate pink peonies for a memorable event! 

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Editor's note:

Sabrina Cadini, of La Dolce Idea at La Jolla, has gracously agreed to provide tips, advice and information about event and wedding planning. Ah-Ha! will post these at 3 p.m. Thursday each week, allowing you to plan and enjoy for the weekend, and beyond.

Sabrina began her career in event and wedding planning in Italy, where she was born.

She had the opportunity to meet amazing designers while modeling and working as a TV announcer. "They could turn a bare studio into an incredible, and colorful, setting for a TV show, or photo shoot, with different materials, lighting, decor, and fabrics," she says.

At that time, Sabrina started helping friends with their parties, then social and corporate clients, creating the perfect setting for their events.

After moving to the United States, Sabrina volunteered on several boards and coordinated some fundraising events. She began managing events on a larger scale for medical conventions across North America as a tour operator and meeting planner.

Weddings and special events were her greatest passion. By fusing creativity, Italian style, and fashion into impeccably planned occasions, La Dolce Idea created singular and personal celebrations for many clients.

Sabrina was designated as a Professional Bridal Consultant by the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), the oldest, and largest, training organization for wedding professional in the world. She is co-director of  ABC, San Diego Region.

Sabrina has a collection of ideas, news, information, pictures, and trends from the event and wedding world at her blog, Something Dolce at http://ladolceidea.wordpress.com/

And, of course, La Dolce Idea's website at http://www.ladolceidea.us/site/#/home/

Follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/ladolceidea and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/LaDolceIdea

Ah-Ha! is honored by Sabrina's gracious contributions to our community's ongoing conversation.

Style Matters with Penelope Voisen -- 'Rest easy in a romantic master bedroom retreat'

 The ultimate romantic master bedroom should be your personal retreat, your private domain.  It should be blissful, luxurious, and reflect your personality.  Surround yourself with things that make you feel good, which are comfortable, and add a bit of luxury to your daily routine in creating your master bedroom.

 Master bedrooms are the most enjoyable rooms to decorate.  As Cupid’s big day approaches, many of us give thought into how our master bedroom looks and feels.  To be truly romantic, the master bedroom should be comfortable for both men and women – not too frilly, and not too masculine.  Choose a palette based on your favorite colors, and combine furnishings, textures, patterns, and fabrics that express your style.

 The one design element that grabs your attention when you enter the bedroom is the bed.  How the bed is dressed sets the mood for the room.  Bed linens can alter the style of the room – from formal, to rustic, to contemporary.  The bed should be as big as possible and extremely comfortable.  After all, we spend more time in our beds than any where else.  If follows that the bed should be the most thought out piece of furniture in our homes.  Invest in a high quality mattress set, and dress it in the very best linens you can afford.  After all, the bed is your place to curl up (with or without children) and be restored.

I love pillows – whether you stack them or prop them, pillows are important design accessories for the bed and they offer extra support.  Depending on the size of the bed, two or three European shams, two or three standard or king shams, and multiple decorative ones add extra allure to a bed.  Mixing and layering pillows is a good rule to follow when making the bed.

 Never leave the box spring uncovered.  On the right bed, a dust ruffle not only covers the box spring, but also acts as a visual frame to the linens on top.  Dust ruffles can be made in may style, and should be long enough to graze the floor.

When choosing furniture for the master bedroom, mix styles and finishes to create a more personal, interesting, and evolved over time feel.  Matching bedroom furniture groups are not popular in today’s design world.  Unusual and individual pieces with character are more stylish.

Bedside tables are important pieces that work hard in a bedroom.  These are the exception when it comes to matching pieces, however varying the styles can create much interest.  I love Bombay chests as bedside tables.  They are unique in shape, and offer storage as well.  Matching chests such as these can be stunning in a bedroom.  Bedside tables should be 28 to 30 inches in height.  Nothing is more disastrous to the design of a bedroom than tiny little bedside tables.  Other wonderful bedside tables are mirrored styles.  They’re glamorous and add sparkle and dimension to a room.  

Headboards today are available in numerous designs.  Four-poster beds are still very popular, as are upholstered headboards.  I love upholstered headboards, as they are comfortable when reading or watching television, and can be made in variety of styles from traditional to contemporary, and they provide an opportunity to repeat color and pattern in a bedroom.

Seating areas in a bedroom are important spaces to place that cozy, comfy armchair or chaise to curl up and relax in.  A spot by a fireplace for upholstered chairs and ottomans is the ultimate.  Add a small table to place a cup or glass, a book, or the newspaper, and you may never leave.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a boudoir, take advantage of the space and set up a mirrored dressing table.  It’s a place to take time for nighttime rituals that bring the day to a close.  Add touches that seduce the senses.  Fragrance is important in a bedroom.  Set out your favorite scented candles, potpourri, and fresh flowers.  Romantic mementos are nice to display, or a collection of family photos.

The master bedroom is the most personal room in your home.  Allow yourself to feel indulged here, and at the end of the day, you can happily close the door to be alone – or together.

Rancho Santa Fe - The Best Kept Secret: Wealth TV video from Crystal Pyramid productions

"Rancho Santa Fe is a community north of San Diego where some of the wealthiest people in the world live -- this video takes you there," says Patty Mooney, the video producer and overall production guru.  Mark Schulze is the videographer, and photography director. Patty wore yet another hat here as editor under the Crystal Pyramid Productions banner. The team made this video in 2008 for Wealth TV, a San Diego-based lifestyle and entertainment allowing viewers behind-the-scenes looks into lives of the rich and famous. The channel has been available on a limited subscfription basis with a web site at http://www.wealthtv.com/.

Patty is a video producer, partner in two companies: Crystal Pyramid Productions, an award-winning San Diego video production services company at crystalpyramid.com; and New & Unique Videos, a stock-footage library of contemporary and archival images from around the world. Camera... (more)

'Machel's Ranch' - Wrapping up holidays and looking to the new year in the Ranch...

 Happy New Year Rancho Santa Fe! With New Year’s resolutions in full swing, don’t expect to read my thoughts on what to do this year. Instead, look forward to those offbeat stories the other papers might miss, plus photos that capture the smiles of residents around town that have their own story to reveal this year in “Machel’s Ranch.”

Since I was out of town for the last two weeks, luckily I have Ranch residents that were kind enough to share their stories and photos with me in this issue. 2011 will be exciting for all of us! Thanks so much for continuing to support our paper by picking it up and reading our pages. The Rancho Santa Fe News is a family-owned and operated business that has been here in North County for more than 24 years.

Around town

On Dec. 13, Ranch resident Gary Bobileff embarked on an amazing journey called, “Operation Christmas Spirit: The 2010 Believe in Santa Tour.” Departing from Carlsbad, Gary flew to Washington, D.C., first to visit “Wounded Warriors” at Walter Reed. Then on to New York City to connect on a flight to Kuwait City. In Kuwait, Gary was met by representatives of our Armed Forces, then transported to Command Headquarters located at Camp Speicher just outside of Bagdad. Make sure you don’t miss a more in-depth look at Gary’s trip in Rancho Santa Fe News reporter Patty McCormac’s featured story this issue. Thanks Gary for the photos, and I look forward to seeing both you and Maggie in the New Year (Maggie is his wife, who I feature quite often in my column). Also, In case you are looking for a Ferrari this year, Gary sells them! His website is www.bobileff.com.

On Dec. 27, Elaine Gallagher shared some exciting news about her son Michael Gallagher — a YouTube sensation with his Totally Sketch Channel — who was spreading the word this holiday season about some good news on cancer research. Elaine asked in her e-mail, “Please take 8 minutes of your time to see this video ... you’ll be glad you watched this. It’s about hope and second chances in life.” That sounds absolutely wonderful to me. Since I just lost a good friend to cancer last year, I just had to share this with my readers. Here is the link: youtube.com/watch?v=IaOyY1NAVLQ . I have also featured a photo of Elaine with her son Michael last summer at the Del Mar Turf Club. Don’t they look picture perfect?

On Dec. 28, while Rancho Santa Fe was being drenched in rain storms, I was stuck back in zero degree weather in ice and snow with my family for seven days. Cabin fever and lots of movies and too much food basically sums up the trip, with of course the wonderful fact my entire family was under one roof for seven days. Grandparents, parents, teenagers, young babies, you name it, 17 in one house, stuck in the snow. Let’s just say, luckily I love my family. However, California has been my home for 22 years and I’ve grown used to the sunny weather here in San Diego. Here is a photo of my sister with her husband and my son, and nieces and nephews from the day we unwrapped gifts. This photo felt sort of “Norman Rockwell-ish” to me.

On Jan. 3, The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary held their first Rotarian meeting of the year at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. President-elect Alan Balfour was introduced by President Patrick Galvin and Michael Taylor was named Rotarian of the Week. A rummage sale is coming up at the Community Center on Jan. 22. Please drop off items for donation on Wednesdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. I have featured two photos from that first meeting of the year. Thank you to Chief Matt Wellhouser for always keeping me up to date on the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary.

On Jan. 5, I met with Byron Spratt, one of the owners of one of the coolest new workout places near Rancho Santa Fe — The Greenasium. Located just right off of Encinitas Boulevard, this is an accessible, upscale alternative for Ranch residents to get in shape for the New Year. The owner’s philosophy is to “provide the best customer service in an environmentally friendly fitness studio setting has ahs human-powered electricity generating equipment.” Sound futuristic? It’s not. It’s contemporary with a relaxing spa appeal with first class personal attention, The Greenasium is located at 1465 Encinitas Blvd. right by Brett’s BBQ. For more information, visit www.the greenasium.com. Thanks for the tour Byron! Get in shape for 2011.

Save the date:  Jason Barry shared some exciting news with me right before Christmas regarding The Celebrity Poker Tournament he is hosting at Rancho Valencia on Jan. 29. Here are some the exciting celebrities that will be there: Mike Sweeney, Bud Black, Bruce Bochy, Trevor Hoffman and Bret Boone, just to name a few. Featured here is Jason Barry last year with the owner of La Jolla’s CJ Charles. First prize will be a $10,000 men’s watch, second prize is a trip to Cabo San Lucas. For inquiries, please call Jason at (858)-756-4024.

Save the date:  One of the biggest events of the year, Helen Woodward’s  Broadway Tails, will be the 23rd annual Spring Fling held on the Helen Woodward Animal Center Campus. Black tie is optional, but take my advice and look fabulous. It’s one night this year New York Broadway meets Rancho Santa Fe. Buy your tickets now, or if you are looking to sponsor this event, call Kerry Appleby Payne at (858) 204-7920.

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Machel Penn Shull is a mother and is involved in marketing and sharing time with her friends and loved ones. Machel’s background includes PR/Marketing, advertising and copy-writing for multi-million dollar companies in North County in the San Diego area.With Two years of extensive writing programs at UCLA and one full length novel under her belt, Machel now concentrates primarily on her column, Machel’s Ranch, and writing stories for digital and print magazines.Her previous background includes:Model for  in Los Angeles. ST. IVES APRICOT SCRUB Campaign; National commercial and print. This campaign reached Mademoiselle, Goodhousekeeping, Cosmopolitan, and Entertainment Weekly, The Women’s Home Journal.

***Appeared on NBC’s Reality Show, “Who Wants To Marry My DAD, Season 2,

Sitcom appearances on: Married with Children, Flying Blind, and Life Goes OnStarred in action thriller the Shining Blood, as the lead heroine.Wrote and produced the play, “Carried Away”, which was picked up by HBO workspace theatre.Machel currently lives in Rancho Santa Fe and writes as a freelance columnist.What you may not know about Machel Penn was that she was an accomplished flutest for over 10 years, competing on a national level. She also performed Improv at the world renowned Comedy Store in Los Angeles during the mid-1990s..For more of Machel's blogs and columns visithttp://www.machelpenn.com/

 Sabrina Cadini's La Dolce Idea - How to color your parties: WHITE

White is usually considered the color of perfection. For events, it is one of the most popular colors today and I find it ideal to combine with every other color. 

As an alternative, use white as the foundation of your event and play with different colors that create energy and put your guests in the right mood for mingling and dancing. At the recent BizBash L.A. Expo, celebrity planner Mindy Weiss talked about how to add depth and character to white events: use color strategically. This could be shocking pink pillows on white lounge furniture, amber draping on the walls, or blue lighting on the dance floor.

Don’t forget metallic accents such as silver or gold (I love these Marquis Tealight Holders by Z Gallerie – www.ZGallerie.com).

Here is how white can be the star at your next party. No more snowflakes or ice themes: white is hot in every season!

White and ivory can be perfect for a romantic wedding, while accented with cobalt blue and orange or yellow it can give a high-energy twist to a fun celebration.

Notice how white is used to create a very elegant setting for this outdoor party. The use of chic banquettes and silver chairs makes a beautiful contrast against the coral and green in pillows and floral arrangements (courtesy: Special Events Magazine). 

If you opt for white flowers, you can use orchids, roses, dahlias, calla lilies, freesia, hydrangeas, tulips, depending on the season and the formality of your party.

 A great example on how to turn an ordinary ballroom into a “wow” space for your event. Here, lighting transforms an all-white room into a dreamy place (courtesy: Special Events Magazine). 

Serve a signature drink such as a decadent and rich White Chocolate Martini and you will have a successful party!

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Editor's note:

Sabrina Cadini, of La Dolce Idea at La Jolla, has gracously agreed to provide tips, advice and information about event and wedding planning. Ah-Ha! will post these at 3 p.m. Thursday each week, allowing you to plan and enjoy for the weekend, and beyond.

Sabrina began her career in event and wedding planning in Italy, where she was born.

She had the opportunity to meet amazing designers while modeling and working as a TV announcer. "They could turn a bare studio into an incredible, and colorful, setting for a TV show, or photo shoot, with different materials, lighting, decor, and fabrics," she says.

At that time, Sabrina started helping friends with their parties, then social and corporate clients, creating the perfect setting for their events.

After moving to the United States, Sabrina volunteered on several boards and coordinated some fundraising events. She began managing events on a larger scale for medical conventions across North America as a tour operator and meeting planner.

Weddings and special events were her greatest passion. By fusing creativity, Italian style, and fashion into impeccably planned occasions, La Dolce Idea created singular and personal celebrations for many clients.

Sabrina was designated as a Professional Bridal Consultant by the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), the oldest, and largest, training organization for wedding professional in the world. She is co-director of  ABC, San Diego Region.

Sabrina has a collection of ideas, news, information, pictures, and trends from the event and wedding world at her blog, Something Dolce at http://ladolceidea.wordpress.com/

And, of course, La Dolce Idea's website at http://www.ladolceidea.us/site/#/home/

Follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/ladolceidea and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/LaDolceIdea

Ah-Ha! is honored by Sabrina's gracious contributions to our community's ongoing conversation.

'Machel's Ranch' - Reflecting on my year 2010 at Rancho Santa Fe...

In February of the year, I had the good fortune of being invited to Julien Hug’s 35th birthday party. That evening I had never seen Julien more thrilled to celebrate his birthday with his loved ones.

Jen Keslick — Julien’s girlfriend — presented the most marvelous chocolate cake that I have ever seen. After he blew out the candles, everyone cheered and clapped for our dear friend. I will never forget that night in February when we all sat under the stars enjoying each other, celebrating Julien’s birthday. Thank you Jen for inviting us that evening. It will truly always be a night to remember.

In the end of springtime, I started writing a “Hat Feature,” which basically entailed me running around the Ranch looking for women wearing hats (I should have thought of that issue before I decided to do it!). However, I had some great fun stressing about the feature and managed to find some lovely women looking fabulous. I have included a photo of Ranch resident Karian Forsyth featured with one my best friends, Meredith MacDonald. We met on a Friday at Mille Fleurs and you can imagine how excited I was when I had found someone in a hat to photograph. Good times, pretty girls and a hat to feature in my column! Thanks Karian and Meredith for always looking so lovely in the photographs around town.

At the beginning of the summer, Rancho Santa Fe Little League came to a close with heavy hearts for my son’s team — The Durham Bulls. They lost in the playoffs. However, look at this photograph! Have you ever seen a happier group of boys? I felt like this photo was worth repeating because it represents the glory and the fun all young boys must feel even after not winning the game. Their spirits are alive and they do not look sad with defeat and proud to be part of a team. Thanks so much to all of the parents who lend their time and support to make Rancho Santa Fe Little League a wonderful experience for everyone. I look forward to next year’s season, too. Beware! I will be there with my camera.

In early June, I woke up early one morning to help make 1,000 strawberries for the Spring Fling Event, Best in Show, held at Helen Woodward. If you’ve ever attended one of the Spring Fling Events, you know firsthand it’s on the “must attend” event list in Rancho Santa Fe. I had so much fun that night! I wore an apron, cleared trays, sampled food and ran into some of my favorite Ranch residents. I am sharing a photo here of myself with Katie Holcomb and her sister Rosie. They are both long-time residents who I am always thrilled to see when I am around town. I believe my smile tells the story of how much I love these two beautiful women.

In August, Karian and Tom Forsyth had their first co-ed spa party. Let me tell you it was a great success. Hot and sunny with drinks in hand, guests mingled as they sat poolside in the Crosby. I took this group photo of some of the guests that day. One of the best hot summer days of the year! A big thank you to Tom and Karian for always being so fashionable and making Rancho Santa Fe look feel like Hollywood. But most of all, for being my good friends and always including me at your incredible parties.

In September, I attended a Rancho Santa Fe Rotary meeting in late September. I had the honor of being the guest of President Patrick Galvin. He had asked me to attend so I could be privy to hear the guest speaker, the executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in San Diego, speak about her own personal fight against cancer. With heart, love and conviction, I was moved by Laura Farmer Sherman’s imploring speech urging all of us to help in the fight against breast cancer. Krista Lafferty is featured here with the guest speaker and John Farris. Krista is all smiles, too, because her mother is also a cancer survivor.

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Machel Penn Shull is a mother and is involved in marketing and sharing time with her friends and loved ones. Machel’s background includes PR/Marketing, advertising and copy-writing for multi-million dollar companies in North County in the San Diego area.With Two years of extensive writing programs at UCLA and one full length novel under her belt, Machel now concentrates primarily on her column, Machel’s Ranch, and writing stories for digital and print magazines.Her previous background includes:Model for Elite in Los Angeles. ST. IVES APRICOT SCRUB Campaign; National commercial and print. This campaign reached Mademoiselle, Goodhousekeeping, Cosmopolitan, and Entertainment Weekly, The Women’s Home Journal.

***Appeared on NBC’s Reality Show, “Who Wants To Marry My DAD, Season 2,

 National commercials for Budweiser, Adidas, GM Motors and ST. IVES and other regional spots for California and other areas of the United States.

Sitcom appearances on: Married with Children, Flying Blind, and Life Goes OnStarred in action thriller the Shining Blood, as the lead heroine.Wrote and produced the play, “Carried Away”, which was picked up by HBO workspace theatre.Machel currently lives in Rancho Santa Fe and writes as a freelance columnist.What you may not know about Machel Penn was that she was an accomplished flutest for over 10 years, competing on a national level. She also performed Improv at the world renowned Comedy Store in Los Angeles during the mid-1990s..For more of Machel's blogs and columns visithttp://www.machelpenn.com/