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From Kim:

A new pair of binoculars inspired a winter outing to the "Bird Forest," so nicknamed by my granddaughter Amelia. Known to most as "The Ramble," in New York's Central Park, the area is a 36-acre forest located on the Atlantic Flyway - the bi-annual bird migration path. Over 230 species have been spotted here in passing, while 40 are year-round tenants.  I love the winter months when you get to see the beautiful architecture of the trees, their trunks and branches fully exposed - and it's so much easier to spot birds! The cardinals are particularly enchanting given we don't see them in California.  This wild forest garden is a welcome delight in the middle of this cacophonous city.

From Kim:

Can you place this shot?  I think it could be one of numerous places in the world - a resort in California, or Spain, Greece or.... Turkey!  All of these destinations have in common the sea and sunshine, architecture and flora, a mood and stylistic expression that I consider classic Mediterranean Style.  This hotel is located in Alacati Turkey. It's astonishing how much it felt like Santa Barbara, with its palm trees, blooming oleander and bougainvillea climbing the walls of adobe and stone buildings roofed in red tile!  It's a wide wonderful world with both unique and familiar touch stones along the way.

From Kim:

This is not some far off tropical paradise but rather, in our own backyard, at Summerland Beach Lookout Park. I was on my way south on 101and the sunset sky and magnificent clearing winds begged me to exit and enjoy the show from this cliff-top view. The low slung clouds sailed like giant galleons through the sky. The sea was flat and rippled all at once. The leaves, trees and bushes sashayed madly all about as the celestial colors merged from blue to lavender to pink, coral, gold and indigo. What a California winter delight.

From Kim:

Speaking of metallic glimmer and glamour, this stunning window at Bergdorf Goodman, representing Music, was my favorite among several hot contenders. Somehow, someway, BG manages to outdo themselves each holiday season with spectacular displays. Their windows are showstoppers, viewers blocking sidewalk traffic, standing in awe of the creative and logistical brilliance of each design. On another holiday note, here in Santa Barbara check out A Tuba Christmas downtown just off of De la Guerra Plaza. The creative magic of the holidays is alive and well from coast to coast!

Happy New Year from MAISON K!

From Kim:

Seeing Wild recently reminded me of my brief stint on the Pacific Crest Trail last November. We were on a mere portion of the trail in Big Bear, an 18-mile day-trek after a blizzard had completely blanketed the landscape. At first daunting, the beauty of the vistas overlooking hundreds of miles of the most dreamy winter wonderland was compelling. It was a grand experience walking amidst majestic, towering, snow covered pines, the only sound our soft footsteps. It was a challenging yet magnificent day that had a beginning and an end. I can't imagine the fortitude it took to complete the 1,100 mile trip Cheryl Strayed undertook - so inspired - and put on my hiking shoes the next morning.

Why these are the perfect gifts for every woman

These scarves are a year-round favorite for the simple reason that every woman loves a garment that fits and flatters – The perfect gifts for every woman! It’s practical as a warm layer, is versatile thrown over a suit, dress or jeans; and adds a lot of style. A great value at $95.

Handcarved feathers of bone and horn, set with sterling and diamonds, have an organic, yet sophisticated sparkle. Each necklace comes on an adjustable leather cord. $295–$595

I love our little main street in Montecito, Coast Village Road. It's a charming stretch of five blocks that packs a stylish punch with a wonderful variety of small businesses.

What makes Coast Village Road special?

MAISON K is featured in the magazine's December article, "Around Town – Coast Village Road," alongside our fellow shop owners and restauranteurs. Here are some highlights of what makes our neighbors so special:

• Kendall Conrad for gorgeous leather purses
• Silverhorn for dazzling jewels
• Tre Lune's pollo saltimbocca is a must
• So De Mel for designer bikinis made in Brazil
• Cos Bar carries my favorite Tom Ford fragrance, Neroli Portofino
• Lucky's steak sandwich and warm spinach salad are a favorite
• Allora for beautiful dresses
• Los Arroyos makes an amazing crab enchilada
• Ara has exquisite 24-karat jewelry

As you can see, the variety of businesses is a collection of tasty flavors and worldly styles. And, of course, we'd add MAISON K's treasures from Paris, Morocco and India to the list!

Visit us online or in store and we'll help you find that special gift from our variety of personal accessories, home decor and signature candles. See you soon!

I love our little main street in Montecito, Coast Village Road. It's a charming stretch of five blocks that packs a stylish punch with a wonderful variety of small businesses.

What makes Coast Village Road special?

MAISON K is featured in the magazine's December article, "Around Town – Coast Village Road," alongside our fellow shop owners and restauranteurs. Here are some highlights of what makes our neighbors so special:

• Kendall Conrad for gorgeous leather purses
• Silverhorn for dazzling jewels
• Tre Lune's pollo saltimbocca is a must
• So De Mel for designer bikinis made in Brazil
• Cos Bar carries my favorite Tom Ford fragrance, Neroli Portofino
• Lucky's steak sandwich and warm spinach salad are a favorite
• Allora for beautiful dresses
• Los Arroyos makes an amazing crab enchilada
• Ara has exquisite 24-karat jewelry

As you can see, the variety of businesses is a collection of tasty flavors and worldly styles. And, of course, we'd add MAISON K's treasures from Paris, Morocco and India to the list!

Visit us online or in store and we'll help you find that special gift from our variety of personal accessories, home decor and signature candles. See you soon!