Yesterday, we headed out to the wine country for a break.  Highway 154 was being cleaned of rock and debris by Cal-Trans which had fallen on  the road as a result of the heavy rains.  On two occasions, we were stopped as traffic was reduced to one lane.  On the way home, I took this picture of the view across from our car. Happy Friday! 02/24/2017

Yesterday morning, our very good friends from Los Angeles called to ask us to join them for a picnic lunch at their favorite winery in the Santa Barbara wine country.  Luckily, we were able to clear the decks and take off.  On our way on Hwy 154, we  noticed this new sculpture at one of the horse ranches. What a great salute to the days of old! 02/16/2017

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After our jaunt to the Santa Barbara Farmers Market, we decided to have lunch in Los Olivos, and then visit the winery one of our friends loves and raves about.  As we drove up to the San Marcos Pass we could see the thick layer of fog over the ocean and parts of the city. This custom motorcycle passed us. We were delighted that we could take a picture of it, as it ended on the street where we parked.  We love the backseat driving teddy bear! It was a lovely warm day, in Los Olivos (our lunch destination).  There was a light breeze, just enough to make 80 degrees enjoyable.  Los Olivos was lively as usual.  We loved the Barbecue food truck, and its brand, Barbecue in the Stix.   They were parked by Zinke wines tasting room.  People were tasting wine and eating barbecued tri-tip and a li... 02/13/2016

This is one way to repurpose rusty tools.  We loved these now art shovels we found at Woeste's in Los Olivos. Written by Ron & Alexandra Seigel-ABOUT:  Napa Consultants, International is the leader in brand strategy for the luxury real estate industry.  They work exclusively with professionals who are passionate about gaining or sustaining market leadership. With an expertise in personal branding, company branding, luxury real estate website design and social media marketing they help their clients become the breakaway brand in their marketplace. 12/11/2015

Every so often when we need a break or a change of scenery, it is easy for us to head to the wine country, a half an hour away!  We usually have lunch at Sides Hardware & Shoes.  No hardware or shoes are sold, they just kept the name of the building, where in the late 1800's shoes and hardware were sold.We have never been disappointed in their offerings, and one of the main things we look forward to is their soups.  They use local organic ingredients, and then do something creative.  The cup of soup (served in a cup with saucer) in the picture above is cold gazpacho made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc.  It is topped with a squiggle of chipotle, aged balsamic vinegar, olive oil and garnished with purple basil buds. Sides is also known for their homemade bacon, "cured, roated, smo... 09/03/2015

The plastic flamingo is an example of American kitsch. Kitsch is a German word for art that is considered inferior, tasteless copy of a style of art, a worthless imitation of art of recognized value).  In some parts of the United States, folks replicate the prank of the students at the University of Wisconsin who "flamingoed"(now a verb) a hill near the campus with over 1000 plastic flamingos on the first day of class. Last time we were at Woeste's, our favorite garden treasure store in Los Olivos, we spotted these handcrafted metal flamingo sculptures.  They are an improvement over their plastic cousins and definitely in a class of their own!What do you think? Written by Ron & Alexandra Seigel-ABOUT:  Napa Consultants, International is the leader in brand strategy for the luxury real e... 08/25/2015

 On a recent trip to Los Olivos, we once again visited J.Woeste, the fun and quirky garden store!  In a previous post we shared with you the "Antique Toy Trucks Garden Planters".  We noticed two new offerings, the VW bus and another red truck towing an AirSteam.  All three are suitable for a plant, and yes, it is lined and waterproofed.If you are ever this way, take a moment to stop in and enjoy this plan.  It is one of our smile landmarks...as you walk around you are bound to find something to smile about!   Happy Wednesday! Written by Ron & Alexandra Seigel-ABOUT:  Napa Consultants, International is the leader in brand strategy for the luxury real estate industry.  They work exclusively with professionals who are passionate about gaining or sustaining market leadership. With an expert... 08/19/2015

This trio made us smile, and we think it would make a perfect gift for someone who likes to smile. Happy Wednesday! Written by Ron & Alexandra Seigel- ABOUT:  Napa Consultants, International is the leader in brand strategy for the luxury real estate industry.  They work exclusively with professionals who are passionate about gaining or sustaining market leadership. With an expertise in personal branding, company branding, luxury real estate website design and social media marketing they help their clients become the breakaway brand in their marketplace. 08/05/2015

Yesterday, we made our journey to the Santa Barbara Wine Country.  After a superb lunch in Los Olivos at Sides Hardware and Shoes, we walked over to Woestes Garden Treasures.  There were so many wonderful new treasures that would make for an instant smile, like this metal butterfly sculpture...Or. perhaps this red one would fit your decor.  And we were thinking what a great housewarming or closing gift this type of art would make! Written by Ron & Alexandra Seigel-  ABOUT:  Napa Consultants, International is the leader in brand strategy for the luxury real estate industry.  They work exclusively with professionals who are passionate about gaining or sustaining market leadership. With an expertise in personal branding, company branding, luxury real estate website design and social media ... 08/02/2015

We loved this old fashioned gas pump on Grand Avenue in Los Olivos, Califoria.  Los Olivos was made famous by the movie, Sideways, a few years ago.   It makes anyone wordless, the concept of buying fuel  for 5 cents a gallon...Now that would be an extraordinary luxury! Happy Wordless Wednesday, Cheers, Ron & Alexandra WATCH VIDEOS  Buzz-Worthy Luxury Real Estate Websites   Personal Branding Case Studies   Company Branding Case Studies   About Language of Luxury  - JOIN THE LOL COMMUNTIY -   GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!    Linked In, Facebook, Active Rain  Follow Us on Twitter: LuxuryMarketing 01/15/2013

For wine lovers everywhere, the Santa Barbara County Vintners Association is presenting their 30th Annual Wine Festival on April 20th through the 23rd.  We have a wonderful friend from Napa who never misses this event.  She is a   wine connoisseur and has the distinction of having earned the prestigious silver tasting cup of a Chevalier de Tastevins. In simple terms, she knows her wines. The highlight of the weekend is on Saturday, April 21st, when every one of the 100+ wineries gather on the outskirts of Los Olivos from 1-4PM to present their wines.  Local food eateries as well as catering companies will be treating the paricipants with their gourmet treats, and the vintners will be pouring and answering questions.  Our Santa Barbara County wineries produce some of the best Pinot Noir... 04/08/2012

Los Olivos Real Estate 2010 Market Update* It's the beginning of a new year, so many people are waiting anxiously to hear how many homes and condos were sold in Los Olivos CA last year, what the average sale price was, and how it compared to 2009.  Here you go: 2010                                                    2009 5 Los Olivos Homes 9 Los Olivos Homes Average Sales Price $1,102,800 Average Sales Price $778,710 236 Days on Market 184 Days on Market $341 per square foot $429 per square foot 1 Los Olivos CA Foreclosure     2 Los Olivos CA Foreclosures 0 Los Olivos  Short Sales     1 Los Olivos  Short Sale * Based on the information from the Central Coast Regional MLS. The Association, the Multiple Listing Service, nor Mint Properties guarantees or is in any way responsible for its a... 01/19/2011