Wine. Bread. Cheese. Crackers. Friends. Lively Conversation. These are all things that I imagined when I wanted to gather my friends together one afternoon, but I was tired of going to the same places that we always go, sitting at tables the whole time, only able to speak to the person who sat next to you. Until I discovered...THE STONEHAUS! I'm in love. They serve wine flights, half glasses of wine, full glasses of wine, bottles of wine, as well as tea, coffee, salads, paninis, and cheese/cracker plates. People can chat at the tasting bar or at small tables inside where they can move around and mingle. Outside there are fireplaces, heat lamps, and blankets for all to enjoy. I bet you know where I will be a lot during the summer nights or after work. I have found a gem!
http://www.the-stonehaus.com/
Wine. Bread. Cheese. Crackers. Friends. Lively Conversation. These are all things that I imagined when I wanted to gather my friends together one afternoon, but I was tired of going to the same places that we always go, sitting at tables the whole time, only able to speak to the person who sat next to you. Until I discovered...THE STONEHAUS! I'm in love. They serve wine flights, half glasses of wine, full glasses of wine, bottles of wine, as well as tea, coffee, salads, paninis, and cheese/cracker plates. People can chat at the tasting bar or at small tables inside where they can move around and mingle. Outside there are fireplaces, heat lamps, and blankets for all to enjoy. I bet you know where I will be a lot during the summer nights or after work. I have found a gem!
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http://www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/spa/ This is heaven on earth, my friends. The Four Seasons has a reputation for excellence and high standards for a reason. The spa at the Four Season in Westlake Village is no exception. I found a deal on Travel Zoo: http://tinyurl.com/b92qptd, and it was worth every penny! Typically, one treatment is about $150, and with this deal, you pay $199 and get a facial AND a massage, PLUS a glass of champagne or a smoothie. We sat poolside with our drinks and ordered lunch (additional cost) as well. They brought our lunches to us on trays and we dined in the California sun in January! This is why I pay a premium to live in this state. It was a perfect day. Definitely worth a stop if you can ever manage it! I've already bought another deal! https://www.cinepolisusa.com/ Once you recline these chairs, they have you! You have encountered the ultimate level of comfort while watching a movie on the big screen. This is the way to do it, folks. Viewing the latest 3-hour thriller while reclined in a comfortable leather seat, with a button closeby and ready to push asking the attendant for a cafe mocha or menu item that will be brought directly to your seat--yes, this is how to watch a movie. The only problem is that once you see a movie at one of these theaters, you feel like a peasant when you return to the regular theaters. We saw The Hobbit in 3D on New Year's Eve, and this is my new favorite way to celebrate New Year's Eve. If you see a movie around 6ish, then you get out of the theater around 9:30-10 and can then return home for a couple hours of snacks and games. Before you know it, the ball is dropping, you are toasting your friends, and then kicking them out so you can go to bed. A perfect evening. Sole Soothing Nail Spa
966 S Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 594-8884 I have been to a lot of nail salons, and the teacher in me wants to pull the manager and staff aside at most of the salons to teach them how to treat and greet their clients. Just like I teach my own sons to look people in the eye and say "nice to meet you", I feel like people in the business of service should never underestimate the power of these basic human courtesies. Sole Soothing Nail Spa is a stellar stop not only because of its beautifully zen designed salon and talented technicians but especially because of the friendly and genuinely courteous staff. No one yells across the salon, you don't feel like the employees are talking about you in another language, and the friendliness of the staff contribute to the warm and relaxing atmosphere. It was a little busy when I got there but I didn't feel like they rushed me through my appointment--I received one of the longest foot massages ever and my technician greeted me, remembered my name, and said, "Nice to meet you," while maintaining direct eye contact. It's these little things that make a difference, and that is why I am sharing this stellar experience. One of my favorite local stops is the beach right by the Padaro Beach Grill (http://www.padarobeachgrill.com) in Carpinteria, CA. The restaurant has changed ownership many times over the years; it is a fabulous stop--casual and great for families. I have not visited there recently under the new management but they have received many rave reviews online (http://www.yelp.com/biz/padaro-beach-grill-carpinteria). Just a little north of the restaurant is a pathway that leads across the train tracks to the soft sandy beach. There is public access to this beach but it is always quiet and seems very private. I see dolphins there often, and the day spent there is always magical.
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Dr. Stella ErbesDr. Stella Erbes is a teacher at heart. Her passion to teach and help others has led her to compose this site full of resources. Dr. Erbes is a university professor and teaches education courses which help prepare future teachers. She hopes that the lessons prepared here will lead her readers to exceptional food, unforgettable travel, and better living. Stop to Visit
July 2018
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