Pacific Pride Foundation's Royal Ball

Dina Landi and Rebecca Riskin of Riskin Associates support the PPF at the Royal Ball.

Set on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific ocean, ten minutes north of our office in Montecito, the beautiful Bacara Resort & Spa hosted the Pacific Pride Foundation's annual Royal Ball. Event planner extraordinaire Merryl Brown created a magical evening full of surprise for over 500 guests. Rebecca Riskin attended along with partner Dina Landi of Riskin Associates to support the Foundation, which provides services to the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities of Santa Barbara.

The event was hosted by an impressive list of honorary chairs including actor Neil Patrick Harris and his husband, Iron Chef Cat Cora and her wife and a number of other prominent members of the LGBT community and straight supporters. A feast for the senses, guests enjoyed a delicious offering of culinary creations including short ribs and onion rings resting atop a bed of mashed potatoes, elegantly served in martini glasses. American Idol alum Miss Frenchie Davis performed along with extreme stilt performers, torque acrobats and go-go dancers who wowed guests with their own incredible performances. Acclaimed LA DJ Mike Bryant ensured the dance floor was packed well passed the stroke of midnight.

Performers kept guests begging for more/

The ball brought together a community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight supporters to share an evening of fun and fundraising in support of the Pacific Pride Foundation. The Foundation is the only organization on the central coast providing the LGBT community with HIV and AIDS services and education as well as a number of important counseling services for members of the community such as sensitivity training for law enforcement and teens.

Peek inside a Hollywood director's one of a kind Carpinteria compound

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Montecito and its surrounding coastal communities is known for its relaxed and luxurious California lifestyle, so it's no wonder that LA's elite flock to the casual oceanside towns to unwind. A stone's throw from our offices in Montecito, high in the hills of the seaside town of Carpinteria, Hollywood heavyweight Joel Schumacher, known for the Batman films of the 90s, and more recently for directing Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum in Phantom of the Opera, has collaborated with noted Santa Barbara architect, Don Nulty, to create a truly one of a kind compound. As if plucked from a forest in the snowy Sierras and gently placed in one of California's most desirable beach towns, the property beautifully marries rustic yet refined finishes with breathtaking views of the Pacific ocean. Upon stepping through the grand foyer, ocean views are the centerpiece to the expansive living room with soaring ceilings and furnished to the nines with plush couches and cozy blankets perfect for enjoying the impressive fireplace.  The home features three incredible bedrooms in the main house, a loft designed to take in the surrounding views, a masterpiece of a kitchen, and a spacious guest house just off the key-shaped pool with additional guests quarters. A gem of a hideaway, the entire home begs to entertain, relax, and recharge all who step onto its special property.

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Al Fresco Entertaining

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Montecito is known for its beautiful surroundings and fantastic climate, including incredible ocean views, epic mountain vistas, hidden meadows and rolling hills, which beg to be enjoyed with al fresco dining and entertaining. Here, we highlight some of the most enviable outdoor spaces in the area!

Local Indulgences for your Valentine

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Cupid's favorite holiday is already upon us and in Montecito romance is in the air! In case Valentine's Day snuck up on you, Riskin Associates can recommend a few ideas from local favorites to help you make the evening special.

1. No Valentine's Day is complete without a bursting bouquet of red roses. Show your affection with a "Love's Divine" arrangement from Gazebo Flowers. Love's Divine Bouquet, starting at $230

2.  Cloak her in colorful cashmere! This beautiful Franco Ferrari Barabba Air Paisley Colorblock Scarf  will keep her looking and feeling ready for Springtime ahead! Franco Ferrari Barabba Air Scarf, $298 at Dressed.

3. Is your man the king of the golf course (or does he think he is)? Treat him to a round at one of Santa Barbara's luxury golf courses. Sandpiper's championship course, which has been rated by Golf Digest as one of the Top 25 in the country, overlooks the Pacific Ocean, offering a beautiful break from the boardroom. Sandpiper Gift Cards can be purchased in the online store.Rounds start at just $139. 

4. Indulge your special someone and yourself (bonus!) with a couple's massage at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. The Spa Ojai has been listed by Conde Nast Magazine as one of the Top 25 North American Spas. Spa Ojai's Customized Together Massage, 50 minutes $145, 100 minutes $290 (price per person).

5. Can't jet to Italy for the weekend? Visiting Olio e Limone for a romantic Italian dinner is the next best thing! Hand made pastas and an extensive wine list promise you and your date a Valentine's Day meal to remember.

Montecito Luxury Gift Guide: For Her

As the third installment to our 2012 Montecito Luxury Holiday Gift Guide, here’s a look at some fabulous gifts for her. Better hurry guys...you've got less than two weeks! Happy Holidays! PART 3: FOR HER

1. Girls love to dress up for the holidays. This leather trim sequin jacket will keep your sweetie well dressed for any holiday party...from a formal office celebration to New Years Eve on the rooftop. DIANI Boutique Rag & Bone Faren Jacket, $655

2. For an extra special someone, surprise her with an 18 karat gold and diamond splurge from Montecito boutique Masion K. Maison K Adel Chefridi 18kt Diamond Necklace, $1,295

3. The perfect hostess gift for your coastal friends! This beautiful sea-inspired wine chiller is sure to please. Coast 2 Coast Collections Star Home Coquilles Nautilus Cooler

4. Hitting the spa for year-end rejuvenation is at the top of every woman's list this year. Why not combine the perfect spa package with the incredible views at Montecito's Butterfly Beach? The Biltmore's Coastal Escape package includes a green jade rice body scrub, avocado citrus body wrap, custom facial, spa mani/pedi and lunch on your own private terrace. Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara Spa Coastal Escape Package, $785

5. Ideal for anyone on the go, this light yet cozy cashmere travel wrap can complement any outfit. Upstairs at Pierre Lafond Cashmere Travel Wrap, $360

Montecito Luxury Gift Guide: For Him

As the second installment to our 2012 Montecito Luxury Holiday Gift Guide, here's a look at some fabulous gifts for him. Happy Holidays! PART 2: FOR HIM

1. With warmer temps and a year-round outdoor lifestyle, what Montecito guy wouldn't want his very own outdoor gourmet pizza oven? This little beauty will be the hit of the party, and blends in fabulously with other stainless steel outdoor kitchen hardware. Its gas flame mimics the heat of a wood-burning pizza oven, and can cook a perfect neopolitan-style pizza in just 3 minutes.  Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Artisan Fire Pizza Oven, $6,495

2. If Tom Brady is wearing UGGS, perhaps your guy will want to? While UGGS may still be a brand that registers primarily with women, the Santa Barbara based company has stylishly expanded their men's line.  These cozy velvet slippers are irresistible, complete with the infamous sheepskin lining. UGG Mens Ascot Velvet Slippers, $130

3. The perfect stocking stuffer for guys of all ages! Saxs Fifth Avenue has stocked up on the ultimate man refuelling system, complete with face wash, shave cream, moisturizer, lip balm, soap and hand salve. Kiehl's Since 1891 Ultimate Man Refuelling System, $58

4. What Montecito holiday isn't complete without a trip to the beach? Stylize your man with Ray-Ban's latest twist on their classic aviator style with luxurious leather touches, available at Nordstrom.  Ray-Ban 'Outdoorsman' 58mm Polarized Aviator Sunglasses, $239

5. Generally the waves are great this time of year on the Central Coast. These locally made custom wood surfboards are as light as foam boards but should last a lifetime and look amazing. Made with a 100% recycled foam core and highly sustainable wood, the Sugar Glider is a classic longboard available between 9' and 9'8". Timberline Surfboards Custom Sugar Glider Longboard, $1,800

Montecito Luxury Gift Guide: Deck The Halls

To get everyone it the mood for the holiday season, we've put together a 2012 Montecito Luxury Holiday Gift Guide. Each week we'll cover a new topic, including gifts for the home, him and her. Happy Holidays! PART 1: DECK THE HALLS

1. This year succulents have become in staple in home decor, adding beautiful accents in seaside communities such as Santa Barbara and Montecito.  This gorgeous faux succulent wreath by Botanik of neighboring Summerland is the perfect addition to holiday decor and will last year after year.  Botanik Succulent Wreath $195

2. What could be more luxurious than toasting family and friends with a crystal-clad champagne flute? Swarovski Crystalline Toasting Flutes, $390

3. Don't forget the perfect wine for your upcoming holiday parties. Look locally for a varietal that will wow even the most discerning guest. Just this year, Wine Spectator awarded Vogelzang Vineyards with an outstanding rating for their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, receiving 92 points. In sunny Santa Barbara, a Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with appetizers and seafood even during the winter holidays. Want to really impress your guests? Purchase the entire 180-acre Santa Ynez Valley Vogelzang Vineyard, currently listed with Rebecca Riskin & Associates. 2010 Vogelzang Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Reserve (12 bottles), $384; Vogelzang Vineyard, Happy Canyon, $7,250,000

4. When decking the halls, don't forget to deck your pooch! To make a real impression at your next holiday gathering, fasten this striking genuine leather bow tie on your favorite four-legged friend and turn on the charm. D.O.G. Pet Boutique Bow Wow Tie Collar, $69.95

5. Deck the halls of your Santa Barbara or Montecito Beach Home with a fabulous driftwood tree. Restoration Hardware's decorative trees are handcrafted by artisans with natural driftwood and promise to provide the perfect touch of seaside shabby chic. Restoration Hardware Driftwood Tree (35"), $125

beautiful kitchens: eat your heart out (part two)

As promised, today we bring you part two of our kitchens feature. We briefly spoke about the importance of a well-appointed kitchen these days, especially with a cultural shift in how Americans use their kitchens. In other words, increasingly more people are using their kitchens as a central social zone in their homes, foregoing separate dining rooms in favor of enjoying meals directly within the kitchen itself. Here are some more of our favorite kitchens from various Montecito real estate listings-- ones we definitely want to spend time in.

1. We love how this kitchen places bright, white marble with dark cabinetry and hardware; it creates a sleek, yet prominent contrast.

2. Country style kitchens tend to feel the most inviting and easy to spend time in. The use of open spaces and an immediate eat-in area makes this one feel particularly social.

3. Another lovely country-style kitchen, this more charmingly-sized space uses lots of bright white, light countertops, and a bit of sheen to maximize cheerfulness. This creates a perfect balance between refreshing and cozy.

4. Country kitchens can take on a Mediterranean flair, like this one, which has a touch of Tuscan villa and looks out over the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez mountain range.

5. Kitchens with less space can still be spectacular, with beautiful beamed ceilings, gleaming granite counter tops,  stainless steel appliances, and stone tile back splashes.

beautiful kitchens: eat your heart out (part one)

Over the years, kitchens have become a more and more important part of the home. Throughout most of the history of the kitchen-- especially in high-end homes-- it was closed off from the rest of the home, considered more of a workspace than a living one. The popularity of cooking as a creative outlet and admirable skill encouraged the trend of open kitchens, eat-in kitchens, and kitchens suited for socializing in. Today, the kitchen can be the most important room of a home and many buyers will make decisions based primarily on this room. A well-appointed kitchen can be a spectacular place to spend time with family and friends, and thus a major selling point for a home.

We adore lovely kitchens and appreciate the many styles that can be done. Here are a few of our favorites from our current and recent Montecito real estate listings:

1. Between the view, eat-in kitchen, and center island, this Mediterranean kitchen was certainly designed to spend some quality time in.

2. This very white kitchen with over-sized spaces and counter tops, and a pitched ceiling achieves a very heavenly feel.

3. This kitchen, in a modern, Spanish-style home, features another white-based space that is far from bland. Dark accents and exquisite details make it feel refreshing yet opulent.

4. Stainless steel and sleek lines make this contemporary kitchen so beautiful, you'll forget there are other rooms to relax in.

5. Vintage-style appliances make this country kitchen an incredible and unique living space.

These are merely but a few impressive spaces; we'll be back soon to showcase some more exceptional kitchens, including old world Mediterranean styles and kitchens that make a small space a gorgeous one.

Luxury Portfolio features La Pumada for its "captivating ceiling"

Recently, one of our favorite high-end real estate affiliations, Luxury Portfolio, chose to feature our La Pumada property alongside a group of properties with "captivating ceilings."

Indeed, intricate, hand-painted ceilings grace the living and dining rooms of this estate. The amount of craftsmanship and artistry that has gone into this ceiling-- along with the similarly exceptional details that cover every corner of the house-- make this property the gem that it is. Such intricacies seem almost dreamlike and otherworldly, and thus walking through La Pumada feels downright heavenly.

We don't like to play favorites, but if we had to, La Pumada would be at the top of our list.

More photos of La Pumada, a Montecito estate.

Here are a few other captivating ceilings Luxury Portfolio featured:

1. A very jungle-like, natural ceiling on this Sierra Blanca Estate, Marbella Golden Mile, Spain:

2. Quite contemporary in composition, the ceiling of this Moroccan Villa works beautifully with the traditional shapes and patterns, Marrakech, Morroco:

3. We love the sleek, yet natural look in this Architectural Estate, Beverly Hills, California:

4. For those with ultra-chic, avante garde taste, who never grew out of their love for tree houses, the Villa Due Mari fulfills dreams, Sardinia, Italy:

popular home styles for 2012

Yahoo Real Estate published an interesting article today about the most popular home styles of 2012. We decided this would be a great opportunity to discuss their findings and showcase the many beautiful listings we currently have that fit each category.

1. One of the most popular styles right now is the modern home. Clean lines, simple floor plans, and easy, open spaces. The modern design leaves out decorative details in favor of industrial materials like glass, steel, and concrete.

Our property on Olive Mill Road honors the modern style with bold splashes of color and unique architectural details.

While not overtly modern-esque, our newly-built Hot Springs property features an open, flowing floor plan, geometric lines, and a clean aesthetic in a modern style. The home's Spanish flair adds a bit of intrigue for contemporary style-lovers who want a bit of detail.

2. Neo-Mediterranean homes look fantastic on Montecito and Santa Barbara foothills and coastal cliffs. Local architects have always recognized this and built (and continue to build) in this style accordingly.

One of our most stunning properties is a Mediterranean home graciously overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

A brand new construction, this next home features state-of-the-art amenities with a grand, old-world feel.

One of the most beloved features of the Neo-Mediterranean style is its eye-catching, red spanish-tiled rooftops. Another newer construction, this Mediterranean beauty graces the foothills and overlooks Montecito's one-of-a-kind coastline.

Ornate details, while out of place in modern homes, can figure beautifully into the Mediterranean style. In this home, intricate details warm up grand spaces.

3. Craftsman style homes have captured the adoration of Americans across the country for over a century. They are perhaps one of the few distinctive styles that have timeless charm.

Our historic listing on Ashley Road offers the best of the style, with a wrap-around porch, and decorative brackets and gables. Its artistic details make every room feel special and it looks like it belongs among the giant oak trees that decorate its landscape.