“Machel’s Ranch,” The Rancho Santa Fe News
Karian Forysth's Summer Spa Party, Who needs Hollywood when you live in The Crosby?
Do you sometimes feel like a book chooses you? I do. An avid book reader and a frequent shopper at Book Tales in Rancho Santa Fe, you could say that I’ve had this experience on several occasions at different moments on my own life’s journey. Sometimes in life, it feel like there are synchronicities existing, pulling your subconscious to find just what you might need during challenging moments and a reprieve from your normal “day to day” moments. “Good Grief,” by Lolly Winston just happens to be the book I am referencing. The clever title and the book cover of a pair of pink bunny slippers worn by main character Sophie Stanton actually gives you the impression of a slightly upbeat tone within the pages of this novel. But this book is anything but a lighthearted. However, sometimes it better to take the road less traveled and find a more concise perspective than you might have had before.
Around Town
On Aug. 20, I woke up excited to see the sun was out in full force, without one cloud marking the blue sky. Why? Because every other Saturday or so I make my favorite stop at the Book Tales, the second hand bookshop in the Ranch right next to the library. Yes, as you read above, I just love this place. And, on this particular day my good friend Shannon Elle came with me to visit this enchanting bookstore. I have included a photo from that day of all of Shannon’s books that she found with Nancy Miller. Nancy informed us she has been part of the Library guild for 30 years and has a passion for books, too. So, do take my advice and stop by during the week before 4 p.m. or on Saturday. If you love books, you won’t regret it.
On Aug. 26, I had the pleasure of enjoying a spectacular evening at Mille Fleurs. If you didn’t know, this is one of the busiest times of the year there because of Del Mar’s racetrack season.
When my husband and I arrived, I do believe there was a stretch limo parked out front, a Roll Royce adjacent to the bank and piano bar guests lined up right outside to squeeze in to the already packed bar. Every table on the courtyard was filled with beautiful people dressed in cocktail attire and the dining room was packed inside, too. The energy felt electric that evening. I have never been happier to be out again in the evening in Rancho Santa Fe. I have featured a fun photo of a well known face around town Advertising Assistant Manager, Krista Lafferty from the Rancho Santa Fe News on the right of my husband, Robin Shull with Shannon Elle seated on his right side. Shannon is working as a hairstylist in Del Mar. An inside fact: Krista, Shannon and I worked briefly together in 2006 for another newspaper and what fun those days were, too!
On Aug. 27, the weather continued to shine. Not only was it sunny, but it also felt almost unbearably warm for the first time in awhile. I had the wonderful pleasure of looking forward to one of my favorite events, a spa party at Karian Forsyth’s home in The Crosby.
I’m sure if you’ve read my column you know that this is featured every so often and I must say, I love writing about that day. With the weather being absolutely perfect, who knew the food and wine could be, too? Of course, at Karian’s home every vase, every photo, each plate and glass exemplify her personality with verve and color. Throwing a party takes talent, but to coordinate that feeling of exquisite sophistication found down to a fork in your hand takes real talent. And, that Karian has, not to mention just being one of my most supportive friends, ever.
Tried and true, I know I can count on her word and as a friend that always cares. How lucky for me. Here is a gorgeous photo of just some of the ladies that day. I feel it captures the fun we were all having. Thanks, Karian, for always bringing a bit of glamour and “girl time” back into my schedule!
Later that day, as I was leaving the Crosby through the side gate that leads right through San Dieguito Trails, I snapped this photo of a tranquil resting spot that might be a hidden jewel in Rancho Santa Fe. If you go hiking soon, you must seek out this lovely secluded spot right near where you park at the bottom of the trail. Also, don’ t forget, we lose an hour coming up shortly this fall, so enjoy the longer days and take advantage of the sunset before we roll back the time the first week in November.
On Aug. 29, the roads were packed before 8 a.m. in the Ranch with every man, woman, student and child vying for a spot in the line for the first day of school. If you missed the memo from Roger Rowe School’s new “Tardy Policy” and your child is a student, do please keep reading.
Starting this year, if you are even one minute late without a legitimate reason, you will have to live with the image of your child sitting in detention for one hour during lunch break. You will then be notified of this and have to live with the fact that it was your fault. Wow. I guess they know how to get the point across. Let’s just say I will be leaving 15 minutes early each day to avoid Jackson hanging out in the detention room. Good luck parents! Don’t be late this year to school. I have included a picturesque photo of the new campus that is now still only one year old. The construction time was hard to suffer through, but wow, was it worth the wait, right parents?
An inside tip if you are looking to change up your lunch box selection, call Tim Cusac, the owner of Caffe Positano in Rancho Santa Fe. He has wonderful, healthy and affordable lunch choices on his menu. He also delivers daily to all the schools in the area. Here is his number: (858) 759-1940. For those of you who may not place the name together with the shop, it’s the main coffee shop on Paseo Delicas, and there is also a location in Fairbanks
“Machel’s Ranch,” Another Summer To Remember
Karian Forsyth, Elaine Gallagher with friends at Mille Fleurs on Open Day
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.
“Machel’s Ranch,” also featured in the Rancho Santa Fe News
“The Importance of Being Earnest in our Friendships”
Columnist Machel Penn Shull, "Machel's Ranch"
Oscar Wilde once said, “A true friend stabs you in the front.” Originally, I was planning on sharing an over-the-top sappy friendship quote. However, after reading that, I redirected my thoughts on the subject. Figuring out the darker shades in our relationships is just as important as highlighting the sunny-side of things, too. So, I read a few more quotes from all sorts for famous important dead people that have made lasting impacts on society, like Thomas Jefferson, Helen Keller to Aristotle. I became quite inspired by their insights on why we need and have friends in our lives. Then I stumbled across this quote by Saint Jerome, which struck a never with me. “The friendship that can cease has never been real.” So, here is my question to you. Do you have enough courage to be honest with your feelings if that means risking a friendship?
If we don’t have the nerve to be real in our most intimate circles, than why bother faking it? Life is too short to be boggled down by unwanted drama and those that do noy truly care for the ‘real you.’ Yes, I have had my heart broken by close friends in the past. However, over time I have learned to be wise and less needy for useless acquaintance-ships. Quality verses Quantity, right? Here is one last quote by author Samuel Paterson that pretty much says it perfectly: “Books, like friends, should be few and well chosen.” Now let’s focus on some ‘live individuals’ here locally under the eucalyptus trees that appear to be having a ‘storybook summer.’
Around Town
Karian Forysyth's Birthday party
On July 9th, Karian Forsyth celebrated her birthday in high style under a perfect blue sky in The Crosby. I do believe all of the clouds disappeared just for Karian’s special day! I’m sure you recognize Mrs. Forsyth as one of my featured regulars in my column. What’s wonderful about Karian is she has the gift of making you feel like a celebrity. All of her guests are spoiled and pampered without exception. The women that attended enjoyed exotic salads and appetizers, while sipping champagne poolside. There was even a Hollywood Psychic giving personal reading for anyone that was brave enough to find out their future. (You can count me out on that one!) Oxygen Medical Spa was also on deck pampering the ladies with the latest facial treatments. Here are a few photos from that day. Happy Birthday to one lovely woman that is definitely my ‘real’ friend I and I feel am blessed to be in her inner circle. For more information on Oxygen Medical Spa, check out www.oxygenmedicalspa.com.
On July 10th, I celebrated my wedding anniversary with my husband, Robin Shull. We managed to squeeze in a quick ‘getaway’ to Laguna Hills the night before. On our way back to San Diego, we stopped at one of my favorite beach towns—San Clemente. And, what’s a romantic couple to do on a Sunday there? Enjoy sipping some of the best hot tea and eat crumpets together, while holding hands. I being a bit ridiculous, but yes, that’s what we did. We also met a lovely student/waitress, Erica Shrader. Her charm and warm personality was honestly such a delight. If you need a quiet adventure with your loved one or your girlfriends, this is worth the trip up the coast. From Rancho Santa Fe, I would say its only 40 minutes away. Here is more information on my favorite tea house—www.poshtearoomandcafe.com. I
have featured a cute photo of Robin with the lovely Erica we met from that day. Yes, I am a trusting woman!
Elaine Gallagher with good friends at Pre Opening Day Races Fashion Show
On July 20, “Opening Day at The Races,” at the Del Mar race track clogged the 5 freeways from both directions. If you were lucky on that day, you had a driver or you arrived by limousine. Otherwise, you were one of many fighting for a parking spot, then schlepping to the track in your heels across the dirt parking lots…that is if you happen to be a female attending the races that day.( Men’s shoes appear to be easier to navigate across the dirt lots.) Just thought I would throw a little reality from my own personal experiences in from the past. My great friend Bianca and Tony Macaluso invited us to attend in their private box. Unfortunately, this year and recent time off prevented both us from making it that day. Here are some gorgeous photos from their luxurious day at the races. They also celebrated their one
SAVE THE DATE: Mark your calendars for the CD release of local celebrity singer, Sacha Boutros for September 22nd at “Anthology,” starting at 7:30 p.m. Sacha sings locally here in San Diego, and is booked world-wide on tours from Europe to Japan. She was also listed at one of the top 10 jazz musicians in the U.S. in 2008. I attended Sacha’s CD release a couple years back and it was a smashing evening. If you love jazz, trust me, you won’t want to miss this event! For more information on other local performances, here is her website information: www.sachaboutros.com.
If you have an event or would like to share a photo with Machel, please e-mail her at mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com. Machel Penn Shull writes for various publications in San Diego.
“Machel’s Ranch,” featured Rancho Santa Fe News
Via de la Valle for the first time toward our new home in the Ranch thinking how
beautiful the eucalyptus trees were hanging over the road. I was pregnant with
my son and driving this huge U-haul with some of my past cluttered in the back
in packed boxes. I had no idea then what to expect. I had never heard of Rancho
Santa Fe. To be honest, I thought it sounded like a place in New Mexico. Tears
were streaming down my cheeks as I drove quietly to my new home. I must admit, I
was apprehensive and afraid. What kind of life would I find in San
Diego?
Jill Sorge and Columnist-Machel Penn Shull-fast friends since 1999
celebration, I am also remembering my beginnings in the Ranch. Now looking back,
I wish I could have whispered to my younger self, “You just hit the jackpot, but
you don’t know it yet!” That’s how I feel today. Sometimes it takes a while to
discover a place and to understand its own worth on our journey. “Presents” can
also come in the form of change. In the beginning, losing what we know might be
hard. Sometimes what we don’t want to happen can turn out be a blessing in
disguise. Celebrating my son’s life here in the Ranch and getting to know this
wonderful community has been truly a gift in my life.
Town
anticipated Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball tour at San Diego State’s Viejas Arena.
Wow, I must say as a Lady Gaga fan myself, that’s thrilling! I have included a
picture of Ali Acosta, Dylan Mulvaney, Tony Sorge, Lauren Sorge and Kassidy
Brown. I’ve always found it odd how Lady Gaga calls her fans her “little
monsters,” but the term has stayed and it seems they love it. Thanks for sharing
the photo.
celebrated his 11th birthday party at the Ultra Zone Laser Tag down in San
Diego. I had the good fortune of driving two of his buddies — Brett Vitale and
Brandon Catledge — along with Jackson down to the party.
Jackson Tuck's 11th Birthday party in San Diego
We met his other good
friends Matthew Sorge, Chloe Temple, Atiana Smith, Holden and Reese MacDonald at
the location. I included an exuberant group photo of them from that day and one
of me with Jill Sorge — my very first friend in Rancho Santa Fe. Thanks to all
of his good friends for coming out and making the day perfect.
Sorge. They were headed down to see the overflow at the dam at Lake Hodges,
which has been a local tourist attraction lately.
monster Hodgee, it’s a fun tidbit of information to know. Just like the infamous
Loch Ness body of water in the Scottish Highlands, our very own Lake Hodges may
have its own monster living in the dark crevices down below. You must check out this website that documents the history of its sightings at: http://www.hodgee.com/. I love mystery stories like that.
in Rancho Santa Fe — Caffe Pasitono in Fairbanks. This will be the seventh
summer that owner Tim Cusac has delivered gourmet coffee, pastries and
sandwiches to the Ranch. A popular stop right after school is the Rancho Santa
Fe Sandwich Shop, which is also owned by Tim. You can see the children lined up
outside in the courtyard waiting for soft serve frozen yogurt. Congrats, Tim on
bringing so many lovely choices for the residents. One of my favorite items at
his Sandwich Shop is his freshly made chicken salad. I must add, it’s “divine”
as my sister would say.
author Luanne Rice will be here locally at Warwick’s Book Store, located at 7812
Girard Avenue in La Jolla at 7:30 p.m. Luanne Rice will be in town promoting her
newest novel, “Silver Boat,” which is published by Penguin. If you are an avid
book lover or loyal fan of Luanne’s, this will be a night you must attend.
Luanne Rice has written 29 novels and many of her books have been made into
films. The New York Times Book Review has referred to her writing as “Exciting,
emotional, and terrific.” I couldn’t agree more. I have also featured a photo of
Luanne Rice here in my column. For more information on this event, visit to
warwicks.com, listed under upcoming events.
New York Times Best Selling Author, Luanne Rice coming to La Lolla
