CALIFORNIA FALL IN SANTA BARBARA!

All photos in this post by Coco of COCOCOZY

A pomegranate tree on the grounds of a vineyard in the Santa Ynez valley. (above)

Sorry I didn't post on Friday or the last few days. Was running off for an autumn weekend in Santa Barbara...one of the most beautiful places around I think.

Had a wonderful time of relaxing, dining, wine tasting, pool lounging and more. It was absolutely delightful.

Imagine a long drive in a convertible up the coast, with the top down, gorgeous weather and great company.

We stayed at Bacara.  It was so pretty.  I had been to Bacara once about 10 years ago, not too long after it had opened, and the resort was not quite up to speed.  This weekend however Bacara was just lovely.  The grounds looked beautiful, the ocean views were spectacular, the service was great and the pool was the perfect place for a bit of people watching and early afternoon napping.

Ventured out to the Santa Ynez valley for wine tasting on Saturday afternoon. Stops included Rusack Vineyards and Beckmen Vineyards.  We had wine and cheese outside at Rusack and enjoyed the beautiful views of the vineyards.  At Beckmen we met the wine maker and learned a little about what it takes to make grapes into wine.

The grape vines and views at Rusack winery. (above)

A blue boat on the grounds of the Beckmen Vineyards. (above)

Fountain in the front circular drive at Bacara. (above)

This weekend at Bacara - the weather and the views from the pool were perfect! (above)

Bloody Marys overlooking the water - the Pacific Ocean! (above)

Amazing dinner at the Wine Cask in Santa Barbara - I recommend the bread pudding for dessert! (above)

Spoke on the phone with best of friend AM on Sunday as we were heading into Santa Barbara to walk around town for the afternoon before heading back to Los Angeles.  As you know, best of friend AM lives in NYC.  AM was headed to the store to get candles and supplies for her family (hubby JE and cute kiddies LE and JE III) in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.  Felt like we were in a California bubble, while the rest of the country was dealing with real life.

Reality check: It is now 6:00am on Monday (today) - I woke up at 4:30a.  I am madly trying to figure out blog posts for the week and am responding to emails.  I also have an 8:15am weekly meeting at COCOCOZY HQ with CM and JW...we will go over goals for the week for COCOCOZY.  Then I will head off to my real job where we are right in the middle of a major project. Busy Monday! I have so much catching up to do after taking a full 2 days off.  I would do it again and again though.  It was a perfect weekend.  Is that possible?  A perfect weekend?

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  My thoughts are with everyone on the East Coast who is in the path of the storm.  I hope you and your loved ones stay safe and your homes stay intact.  xo


All photos in this post by Coco of COCOCOZY