The Holiday Edit
A Calendar of Pleasure and Presence
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Remember last December when you subsisted on a daily diet of cheese platters and small talk and Michael Bublé holiday carols all before crawling into bed for a round of online shopping?
If the invites and cyber sales flooding your inbox this week hint at more of the same this season, why not Marie Kondo your social calendar and gift yourself a month of pleasure instead, centering intention and simple delights around the bustling culture of holiday giving.
Each week and through December, we’re offering a simple list of Central Coast gems that we believe capture the essence of joy and connection, culture and consciousness. In other words, a mindful ending to a vibrant year.
From December 2 - December 8 this is where you’ll find us:
If the invites and cyber sales flooding your inbox this week hint at more of the same this season, why not Marie Kondo your social calendar and gift yourself a month of pleasure instead, centering intention and simple delights around the bustling culture of holiday giving.
Each week and through December, we’re offering a simple list of Central Coast gems that we believe capture the essence of joy and connection, culture and consciousness. In other words, a mindful ending to a vibrant year.
From December 2 - December 8 this is where you’ll find us:
Monday
You're already brooding on Monday, so why not slink into the new Lion's Tale with a few friends and kick off the week dipping chilled oysters in mignonette while sipping low-ABV highballs fortified with champagne and amaro. The dim lighting and boudoir-like interior will help you ease into the week with Lauren Bacall confidence.
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Tuesday
For the final 2024 installment of Mandy Jackson-Beverly's Lunch with an Author series, she's tapping into the mythical allure of Jacqueline Kennedy with Dawn Tripp's newest historical fiction work "Jackie." Over a three-course seasonal lunch, guests will enjoy a Tripp and Jackson-Beverly discussion centered around the process and inspiration for reimagining an outsized life. Throw on a day dress, bring a friend, and prepare to make new ones in this always endearing, midday break from the daily grind.
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Wednesday
An artisan market dedicated to wellness and sustainability against the backdrop of El Encanto hotel's lily pond? Yes please! Now in its second year, the Mindful Market curated by PALMA Colectiva features 20 local purveyors with gift offerings for the consciously cool, including plant-based camembert from Sprout Craft Creamery and chic bolo ties from Jeanne Ceramics. Valet parking and Pacific ocean views are complimentary.
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Thursday
If you've had the pleasure of taking in the explosive energy of Michelle Dorrance and her irreverent dance company, then you are already privy to her heart-warming blend of tap, contemporary, and ballet set to hypnotic soundtracks. This season's production is no exception as UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the troupe in a jazz-infused rendition of The Nutcracker Suite, complete with tap-dancing mice and a swinging arrangement by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, all under the twinkling stars of The Arlington. Park a few blocks south of the theatre and take in First Thursday festivities including a Bibi Ji wine station and Revolver pizza at The Eddy and a fine art "Winter Otherland" at Art & Soul featuring works by Colette Cosentino and Kellen Meyer.
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Friday
As you head into the weekend, raise your festive flag and head over to the funk zone, where this year's Miracle Bar is a shimmering vision in ivory and silver, with giggle-inducing cocktail names and retro bar snacks to keep you in the holiday spirit all evening long. Before you head into tinsel town, pop by Kelly Clause's art gallery just down the street for pre-party drinks and a charming selection of sea-inspired artwork and apparel.
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Saturday
By now holiday fatigue may be starting to settle in, and we have the perfect Saturday antidote with ARM Studio's Transformation Salon. Stroll on over after the farmers' market and before you tackle another round of shopping for a series of mind and body treatments that will refresh and reset your inner equilibrium. From mini, 20-minute offerings of acupuncture and reiki to Marma Warrior treatments and complimentary warming tonics from Heritage Goods & Supply, this is self-elevation at its most pleasurable. Special guest Lou Sagar from New York City's The Alchemist's Kitchen will be on hand to lead two informative discussions on the healing properties of microdosing and end of life approaches that utilize the power of plants and mushrooms. Use this link to reserve a treatment timeslot.
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Sunday
What better way to wind down the week than with an afternoon at A Riviera Cookie Exchange, where community inspiration and sharing eases the burden of holiday baking. Dating back to 17th century New Amsterdam, the cookie exchange concept is simple: bake four dozen of your favorite cookies and head over to the exchange, where you will receive a hostess box to fill with treats from all other participants. Refreshments will be served, and each participant will be entered to win a dazzling gift basket filled with goodies from our local businesses. Enter your cookie HERE
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