February 5th, 2015 at 12:00 pm
We’ve all been there at some point. Despite the weeks of cute little Cupids in the windows, and festive pink-and-red hearts everywhere, you glance at the calendar and the first tingles of adrenaline rush through your body: You’ve totally forgotten about Valentine’s Day. Whether it was work tying up your time, or the kids’ soccer practice crunching your schedule, or if you just plain old forgot about the holiday, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways for you to save the day and look like a hero or heroine with these last-minute (yet heartfelt) Valentine’s Day gifts: (more…)
February 5th, 2015 at 10:00 am
Whether you’re a single looking for a soulmate or a couple seeking to rekindle the flames of romance, the upcoming three-day Valentine’s Day weekend is fraught with possibilities. Dinner for two? Dinner alone? Box of chocolates for your sweetie? Or gobble a box for your private pity party?
We asked two well-known Southern California matchmaking specialists for advice about how to make the best of what can be either a tough or terrific time for those on both sides of Cupid’s arrow.
“If you’re a couple, you’ve got the money and are successful, get out of town, do the weekend deal,” said Patti Stanger, aka “The Millionaire Matchmaker” on Bravo TV. “Take a day trip. Find the cute little country town that’s not too far from your house. Go into nature, go for a hike. If it’s cold and snowy, you can get a cabin in the woods with fires brewing. Think romance. It’s the one time of year it falls on a three-day weekend, so utilize it.
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February 4th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
What:
If you love photography and good food, this is the event for you. Take a 2-½ hour walking tour to a variety of Santa Barbara eateries and tasting rooms. Participants will sample eight different tastings. The Funk Zone tour starts near the beach and heads to three restaurants, two wine bars, one distillery, and one brew house. You’ll learn a bit of Santa Barbara history as well as take breaks for mini photo lessons.
Where:
Near Cabrillo Boulevard and State Street (exact location provided with ticket purchase)
When:
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February 3rd, 2015 at 2:00 pm
What:
Enjoy a two-hour guided cruise around one of the most beautiful lakes in California while you learn about the migratory bald eagles and other waterfowl that take refuge from the harsh winter of northern locations in the safety of Santa Barbara. If you’re lucky, you might even see an early spring fawn with their does as they come down to the lake to feed and drink.
Where:
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
222 Highway 154
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
When:
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February 2nd, 2015 at 2:00 pm
What:
If selfies and smartphone photos don’t fulfill your facial photography needs, learn portraiture from a pro in this two-day workshop at Brooks Institute Extension. Created for artists, advanced amateurs, and newcomers to photography, “Magic of Portraiture” focuses on using light and honing people skills.
Photographing the human form can be daunting, and utmost care must be taken to build a trust between subject and photographer. Discover the elegance of window light and how to find beautiful light in environmental situations. Instructor Joyce Wilson also will cover how to style, direct and guide subjects for relaxed, natural poses. Day 1 includes working with models to experiment and try new techniques. Day 2 is a critique, demo and working session with Photoshop and Nik software to enhance and create professionally finished and artistic interpretations of the images captured.
Participants should bring digital camera and lenses, CF/SD cards, battery charger and extra batteries, external hard drive, and card reader. Laptop is optional. Macs for editing will be available on Day 2.
Where:
27 E. Cota St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
When:
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