In January of 2008, the rain seemed like a ominous sign to go home.. Sitting at a traffic light in Encinitas, while the green arrow flashed on my dashboard, I had the distinct feeling that if I didn’t make that appointment, I might be missing out on a golden opportunity. That meeting just happened to be with the publisher of The Rancho Santa Fe News. Luckily, my instincts serve me well. I remember sitting with Jim Kydd discussing my column. We bounced ideas back and forth to each other, and he liked the idea and wanted to run with column, if the editor approved.        As you might have guessed, two weeks later, “Machel’s Ranch” appeared in next issue. and I’ve been sharing stories with you ever since that almost ill-fated rainstorm moment. I’ll never know what might have happened if I hadn’t made it. I do know that sometimes you can’t make up a for moment and if you miss it, it’s gone for good. Seven years in Hollywood taught me that lesson all too well.

            Four years later and many things  have changed with time but there are a few ‘constants’ that have stayed the same, like in my column for example—my featured regulars. These women have been making an appearance in “Machel’s Ranch” since the beginning. After really thinking about it, I figured out Rancho Santa Fe has the making of its own  reality show that doesn’t have anything to do with the word “desperate.” This town is full of winners, families, moms and moguls. And, only the eucalyptus tree have privy to the secrets lives of some of the Ranch locals, unless you happened to be a girl with a camera and a pen and paper to document these happenings. After four years of  “Machel’s Ranch,” I am introducing the cast of these chic women that bring verve and flavor to the inside pages of the Rancho Santa Fe News.

In 1999, I met Jill Sorge. Big, fat and pregnant, I wasn’t one of those beautiful skinny pregnant women that could show a bit of their mid-drift with a black pair of leggings. Due to some complications I ended up looking more like a linebacker in a jean jumper that lacked the sophistication I witnessed at the market in the Ranch. Needless to say I was horrified. Just when I thought fatness and loneliness had taken me down the black hole, I met Ranch resident, Jill Sorge at a Christmas party. A former model and soap opera actress, Jill and I hit it off immediately. Her beautiful face, and kind words of “Don’t worry, you lose the weight,” helped me see the light and new beginnings. Jill had had three kids and looked fabulous. If she can do it, I can, too, type attitude bonded us together for life. Jill has been appearing in this column from the beginning. From her many activities associated to Santa Fe Christian—all three of her children go there—and other events she invites me as her guest, Jill’s schedule to running to homes in San Diego could give any of these featured reality show regulars a run for their money. A consummate friend and an amazing human being, God answered a prayer when I met Jill.

In 2001, I met Meredith MacDonald at a Gymboree class in Solana Beach. As each mom went around in the baby circle describing their day, when Meredith spoke up about her wants and needs, “I can’t wait for my baby to go to sleep and have some fun again.” You could say my ears perked up immediately. Me, too, I thought. Well since then, Meredith and I have had some fun times, laughs and silly moments. With a personality like Elizabeth Taylor, you know the type that attract the attention when they enter the room, you could say being friends with Meredith was like being back in Hollywood again. Every where we went in the Ranch life felt grandiose and exciting. Always dressed impeccable and wearing Chanel 5 accentuate with the perfect Prada bag with a million dollar smile, Meredith MacDonald could be an instant hit on any television show.

In 2005, I met Krista Lafferty, while working in the newspaper publishing business. thirteen years younger than me, you wouldn’t immediately pair us together. Krista tall slender build and can-do attitude has always made her a ‘force to be reckoned with’ in personal and professional settings. I was immediately drawn to her ambitiousness and dedication the the newspaper industry. Krista has been featured in “Machel’s Ranch” as one my closest friends and co-workers around town. From Thyme in the Ranch lunches to our Mille Fleurs moment, Krista’s youth and vibrant attributes have added much delight to these pages and excitement along the way. At my bridal shower, I credited Krista for helping me meet my husband, Robin. I was with her when we met at Mille Fleurs in 2006.

In 2006, I met Karian Forsyth at Mille Fleurs with her husband Tom. I can still remember thinking, “Who is that glamorous couple out on the patio?” Well you could say that Karian and I became fast friends. From her impeccable style to her powerhouse personality, Karian Forsyth when you meet her gives you the feeling she stepped off a chartered jet from Aspen and you can’t wait to find out what’s been going on in her glamorous world. The featured spa parties that have become one of my favorites in Rancho Santa Fe are hosted by Karian at her house in The Crosby. Rumor has it around town that she recently turned down Matchmaking reality show because her life is already filled to the brim. Karian Forsyth has been a ‘constant’ since the very beginning of “Machel’s Ranch.”

In 2008, I met Elaine Gallagher at Delicias. I remember thinking, “Wow a beautiful blonde with a perfect smile, who is she?”  Well, we soon became friends. I do think I pursued Elaine you could say. Her beauty is actually second to her kind spirit and good heart-warming soul. Her stories have added heart and glamour to these pages. As a savvy real estate agent—Gallagher & Gallagher—and a mother of a successful son that directs movies in Hollywood, Elaine makes it all look so easy, with upbeat attitude and sweet soul.

Thank-you readers for reading “Machel’s Ranch.” You never know what’s going to happen in the next two weeks in Rancho Santa Fe.  Be ready, I’ve got my camera!

 

Can you believe that schools starts in Rancho Santa Fe in less than two weeks? As I watch each store pile up more school supplies in their front

aisles, it’s apparent the summer sand crystals are washing away with the tide of the season. Most commercials you see on television are bombarding you with last minute school specials. We’re almost not allowed to enjoy the last two weeks because we are being constantly reminded that the school calendar is already upon us.

Then let’s go back to school! Let the line-ups at Ranch schools begin. Watch out you late sleepers. You’re in for a shocker. If you are running a couple of minutes behind schedule, yes your child will be marked late. Why? Because in the last week of August, the Ranch will be clogged with families and teachers vying for the best parking spot, dashing for last minute lunch items at Stumps Market, and the quick coffee grab at Café Positano on Paseo Delicias.

I’m sure the line will be around the corner. Are you ready for the rush? If not, that’s OK. You’ll find your groove.  The early morning commute will find that familiar routine, as the scattered fall trees in the Ranch  begin to drop their leaves.

On that note, what better way to begin the “Back to School Madness” than to remember a few of the summer events in 2011? Here are some some of the few exciting social gatherings that happened “Around Town,” while the kids were at the beach.

Around Town

In June, Deana Carter of Carter Financial hosted Ladies Night Out. If you were lucky enough to be in on one of Rancho Santa Fe’s most familiar faces guest list, than you enjoyed an evening of pampering. According to my sources, the luxurious night included make-up artists, jewelry, samples of exotic olive oils, delectable chocolates, wine and fun networking.

One of the highlights of the party that evening was an introduction to Fresh Start Surgical Program. Fresh Start Surgical program is a charity that helps raise money for children born with deformities, or have been disfigured by child abuse, accidents or disease. The money raised by Fresh Start goes directly to reconstructive plastic surgery for these children. For more information, check out their website at freshstart.org. Thank you Deana for sharing photos from your fabulous event this summer. I’m sure we will see more of Deana this fall, too.

In July, The Del Mar Race track opened to the crowd, the hats and to the women and men wearing them in high style. While those lucky enough that made it to Opening Day squeezed into the Turf Club and other sections at the track, the rest of North County happened to BE stalled in their cars and staring at the bumpers on the 5 freeway.  And yes, I do have one more photo to share (some events are so big you can never give them enough coverage) from one of the most anticipated days in San Diego. 

These lovely women featured were seen looking fabulous at the  Mille Fleurs after party. Who said you had to live in Hollywood to find beautiful women?

Later in that month, a separate party did occur at the Turf Club, too, by one of Rancho Santa Fe’s well known residents, Elaine Gallagher.  Elaine celebrated her birthday with family and friends in a private box all to themselves, while watching and betting on the ponies. I must share with you that Elaine ranks up as one of the prettiest blondes in Rancho Santa Fe, along with the Holcombe sisters.  

But more importantly she is a genuinely sweet person, and I count myself lucky to know Elaine. Here are two photos from that party bash. If you are looking to buy real estate in this area, check out listings here: gallagher-gallagher.com.

Rounding out July’s calendar happens to be The Ranch’s very own Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club. Besides tracking through the Grand Canyon earlier in the summer, this dynamic group hung out with some Navy Seals! Wow, now check out this photo sent to me from Rancho Santa Fe’s very own patrol chief, Matt Wellhouser. 

In August, Lemon Twist fruit stand promoted their infamous chocolate covered strawberries by offering a free berry giveaway to customers that spend just $10 on their shopping spree there. And, did you know that eating high calorie desserts is totally out and eating healthy fresh sweets is the current trend?

Well, at Lemon Twist it surely is. And, if you happen to be in involved in the “World of Dating,” you better be watching your mid-section, too. Here is an example of what one Ranch resident opted for her birthday cake celebration with friends: one cupcake for the candles and handy light delectable dipped berries for all of the guests. Let just say the strawberries went fast, and no one had a sugar crash under the hot sun.

If you are wondering, the chocolate is imported from Europe in three flavors; white, milk and my favorite, the dark chocolate. Heavy in antioxidants and low on the glycemic index, check out lemontwistfruitstand.com to place an order, or just swing by Lemon Twist, located in Rancho Santa Fe across from Cielo and The Crosby on Del Dios Highway.  You might even catch me there helping out my husband sometimes on the weekends!

With school starting at the end of August, I have some exciting news! For you Ranch moms out there looking for a nanny this school season, I have found a recommendation.  A former employee of Mille Fleurs, Nina Hunt sent some exciting news to me regarding her good friend that she met in Germany, Liza Jehle, who is a nanny-for-hire.

Yes, that’s right. Now I know I have your attention. Liza has experience in Germany and the United States as a full time live-in nanny, caring for children between the ages of 6 to 11-years-old. Liza also attended  UCLA for one semester. She is fluent in German and English. If you are looking for some much needed help, you can e-mail Liza at lizajehle@gmail.com.  

She also has a list of referrals and references upon request for any family seeking her for employment. I have featured a photo of Liza here. Thanks Nina for putting me in touch with Liza and supplying me with some much needed excellent information for someone needing help.

In February of the year, I had the good fortune of being invited to Julien Hug’s
35th birthday party. That evening I had never seen Julien more thrilled to
celebrate his birthday with his loved ones. Jen Keslick — Julien’s girlfriend —
presented the most marvelous chocolate cake that I have ever seen. After he blew
out the candles, everyone cheered and clapped for our dear friend. I will never
forget that night in February when we all sat under the stars enjoying each
other, celebrating Julien’s birthday. Thank you Jen for inviting us that
evening. It will truly always be a night to remember.

In the end of

springtime, I started writing a “Hat Feature,” which basically entailed me
running around the Ranch looking for women wearing hats (I should have thought
of that issue before I decided to do it!). However, I had some great fun
stressing about the feature and managed to find some lovely women looking
fabulous. I have included a photo of Ranch resident Karian Forsyth featured with
one my best friends, Meredith MacDonald. We met on a Friday at Mille Fleurs and
you can imagine how excited I was when I had found someone in a hat to
photograph. Good times, pretty girls and a hat to feature in my column! Thanks
Karian and Meredith for always looking so lovely in the photographs around
town.

In May, I had the great honor of being the photographer to cover
the Kids Korps event in the Ranch. Believe it or not, I’m serious. I had the
work camera draped over across my shoulders and I must admit I was feeling like
Lois Lane while I snapped photos of the arriving guests. Maggie Bobileff and
Denise Hug have appeared together more than once and mainly it’s because they
are two of the best-dressed women in Rancho Santa Fe. Thank you Maggie and
Denise for always being so gracious and allowing me to photograph you at the
events.

At the beginning of the summer, Rancho Santa Fe Little League
came to a close with heavy hearts for my son’s team — The Durham Bulls. They
lost in the playoffs. However, look at this photograph! Have you ever seen a
happier group of boys? I felt like this photo was worth repeating because it
represents the glory and the fun all young boys must feel even after not winning
the game. Their spirits are alive and they do not look sad with defeat and proud
to be part of a team. Thanks so much to all of the parents who lend their time
and support to make Rancho Santa Fe Little League a wonderful experience for
everyone. I look forward to next year’s season, too. Beware! I will be there
with my camera.

In early June, I woke up early one morning to help make
1,000 strawberries for the Spring Fling Event, Best in Show, held at Helen
Woodward. If you’ve ever attended one of the Spring Fling Events, you know
firsthand it’s on the “must attend” event list in Rancho Santa Fe. I had so much
fun that night! I wore an apron, cleared trays, sampled food and ran into some
of my favorite Ranch residents. I am sharing a photo here of myself with Katie
Holcomb and her sister Rosie. They are both long-time residents who I am always
thrilled to see when I am around town. I believe my smile tells the story of how
much I love these two beautiful women.

In August, Karian and Tom Forsyth
had their first co-ed spa party. Let me tell you it was a great success. Hot and
sunny with drinks in hand, guests mingled as they sat poolside in the Crosby. I
took this group photo of some of the guests that day. One of the best hot summer
days of the year! A big thank you to Tom and Karian for always being so
fashionable and making Rancho Santa Fe look feel like Hollywood. But most of
all, for being my good friends and always including me at your incredible
parties.

In September, I attended a Rancho Santa Fe Rotary meeting in
late September. I had the honor of being the guest of President Patrick Galvin.
He had asked me to attend so I could be privy to hear the guest speaker, the
executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in San Diego, speak about her
own personal fight against cancer. With heart, love and conviction, I was moved
by Laura Farmer Sherman’s imploring speech urging all of us to help in the fight
against breast cancer. Krista Lafferty is featured here with the guest speaker
and John Farris. Krista is all smiles, too, because her mother is also a cancer
survivor.

A very special thanks to the editor Laurie Sutton who is always
so gracious and allows me to make adjustments even past deadline. And, to all of
The Coast News Group for including me as part of your wonderful publishing
business. I feel very blessed and proud to be part of the newspaper world.

Read more: Coast
News Group – Reflecting on my year 2010 in Rancho Santa Fe