“Machel’s Ranch” February 2012 column “Pick More Daisies & Celebrate Your Birthday Always.”

“Machel’s Ranch”

“Pick More Daisies and Celebrate Your Birthday Always”

Newspaper Columnist, Machel Penn Shull writes bi-weekly for The Rancho Santa Fe News in Rancho Santa Fe California, USA

By the time you read this I will be forty-one years old. Since my last column, Whitney Houston Died. Starting last year—right right before my birthday—I  become incredibly nostalgic for a good friend that is no longer here. The pop star’s death reminded me of the person I missed. You know, how events can trigger past wounds to resurface…death is not easy.  Life continues to go on, change, and  fill the gaps left behind of those that leave us. Their impact on us will never be removed. The photos that were snapped will always remain the same. We can take those memories with us and keep them close to our heart. Choose to remember all of the joy they brought to us, even after they are gone. We must continue to celebrate their memory.

          We may not like what happens. In fact, it might be quite painful. What is important is how we let this event shape us and ultimately effect us. My favorite philosopher, which I often mention in my column is late Norman Vincent Peale. One of my favorite lessons I learned from reading  his books was this one suggestion: “Seek gifts inside your problems.” Inside each challenge is an important gift that can change our circumstances with dynamic proportions. Life can be difficult when dealing with grief and loss So, it is up to us to find our souls, ourselves and inside the  battle for recovery. Dare to find the joy even when the ‘signs’ may seem wrong, life seems awry and don’t forget to pick a few more daisies along the way. Be joyful for it all and let the memories carry us through during our darkest moments. With that said, I don’t have a problem with telling you I am thrilled to turn forty-one, celebrate and feel all that life can bring. Thanks again, for reading my column each week.
AROUND TOWN
On February 10th, I received an email from Lonnie, the sweet woman that we adopted my two new kittens from after my cat had died around Christmas time. With new energy and excitement, these beautiful kittens have brought much joy and love to my family. Lonnie now has new kittens that are ready to adopt. Here kittens have had their shots, have been vaccinated and are also micro-chipped. For a price that is average to adopting at a shelter, these cutie pies are rescued, too. Here is beautiful photo of the two kittens—Sophie and Lily—that I adopted from Lonnie. To find the photos of the kittens available, just look up “Fur.Ever  San Diego” and you will find the photos of the new kittens that need a home. Here is Lonnie’s number, too: (858)-731-6059. We just are so happy with our new babies!
On February 11th, The Auxiliary of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities celebrated  with their 34th Annual Gala, “Magical Moments,” at Estancia La Jolla Hotel. This event raises a significant amount of money for the resident assistance fund for the retirement community of Seacrest Village.  Here are some wonderful photos from this amazing fundraising event for the Bloch and the Levine families. Thank-you, Alyssa Law for sharing these photos with “Machel’s Ranch” and the Rancho Santa Fe News. For more information on Seacrest Village, here is their website: www.seacrestvillage.org.
On February 13th, “Ski Week” started for Rancho Santa Fe students and others in the San Diego weekend. For the holiday week, I took Jackson and a couple of his friends to a fabulous place nearby in Escondido. The rain did not detour us! What fun these boys had at Mr. Paint Ball USA, located right near Wohlford Lake. Here is a great shot of  Brett Vitale, James Coit and Jackson Tuck suited up in their paintball gear that day. If  you are looking for a fun excursion, this is a exciting way to spend the day—especially if  you have boys! Here is their website for more information on this paintballing location: www.mrpaintballusa.com.  Thanks Elise and Lori for letting me take the boys that day. We all really enjoyed it.
On February 14th, When lovers and friends celebrated Valentine’s and love I caught up with Sheila Malek, one of my very first clients when I used to work in advertising in the newspaper industry. Last year she relocated her business Ellie’s Tailoring & Best Formal Wear in Encinitas to a fabulous new location, which is right by Henry’s Market off of Encinitas Blvd. Sheila is a wonderful person that has many happy customers that always come back to her shop because she does such an excellent work and has such a personal relationship with each of her clients. Here is gorgeous photo of Sheila with her family during the Week of Love. If you need any tailoring or need to rent a tux for prom, here is the place to go: www.bestformalwearsd.com.
On February 18th, I stopped by Stumps Market in the Ranch to pick-up two delicious sandwiches made fresh from their deli department. A little tip from me if you love their deli, call ahead so you don’t have to wait and they are ready when you arrive. I have always loved the staff there and the owners, Dirk and Matt. I am sure if you live in the Ranch, you may be one of their many customers, too. To my delight, I ran into Allison Hess, Avalon and Gillian Chaffer selling the infamous-must-have-once-a-year-so-do-stock-up Girl Scout cookies. Here is a photo of the three of them that day, nestled in between the post off ice and Stumps. They were representing Girl Scout Troop #1106. Thanks so much for the cookie girls. You made my day!
If you have a story you would like to share with Machel, you can contact her at mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com.
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“Machel’s Ranch” The Rancho Santa Fe News-February column

“Machel’s Ranch”
“Sunshine fills Rancho Santa Fe with Inspiration and Parties”
          How do you keep yourself inspired everyday? Do you ever get up and think, “This is it, same thing as yesterday. How long will life continue on with this same routine?” Yes, life can be boring, methodical and sometimes just plain “hum-drum.” What do we do when this happens? Do you decide to pity yourself? Feel like life is predictable and what is the point? I will admit, the reason I am writing this is because I encountered these feelings this week. Yes, I too, can find the eucalyptus trees and the design of the perfect landscape in California just a bit on the blah side. While winter is happening elsewhere in the world, we constantly blessed with pretty amazing weather. No reason to whine about that, right?             Well, one must hibernate, recharge, regroup, reinvent themselves. Even though there are moments that can eclipse us that make us feel bored, we must remind ourselves of each and every blessing. I recently was looking through some of my photos of and thought, These pictures show a beautiful life.” I soon realized that although it’s tempting to indulge in idleness, we must stop ourselves from this pitfall. The challenge is to remain upbeat, youthful and hopeful with each new day. We may think we know what’s going to happen and that we’ve got it all figured out. However, life still remains a mystery…just like the nature of  true love. With the “Month of Love” upon us, I am some fun events in and around the Ranch. Happy Valentine’s Day Rancho Santa Fe!
Around Town
            On January 28th, Karian Forsyth, one of my top five women I love to feature in “Machel’s Ranch” held her first 2012 monthly spa party in The Crosby. Under a hot Saturday afternoon, these ladies enjoyed fine pampering and good company and excellent food that day. I turned out to be the unlucky one that last minute was unable to make do to some unexpected turn in events, which prohibited me from indulging with some of my favorite friends. Here is a stolen moment from that day that shows these women making the most of their time by sharing their souls and time with each other. How wonderful.
            On January 30th I received some exciting news about one my favorite friends’ family members. Claude Whitney—a superior judge in Orange County for over 30 years—turned eighty-one old on a fabulous Sunday with his loved ones. Talking about making life fun and worth living, Claude is a black diamond skier that “Ski’s for Free” since he is over seventy years old. From Skiing in Aspen, Telluride and Deer Valley nothing is going to slow down Claude Whitney. Here is a beautiful photo of him surrounded by his wife and loved ones,  Happy Birthday, Claude. Meredith MacDonald is the very proud step daughter of Claude Whitney.
            On February 1st, I stepped into my husband’s shoes and helped out at Lemon Twist—the flower shop/fruit-stand in the Ranch across from Cielo. While, the sunny day brought in steady customers, I helped organize and figure out new exciting gifts for Valentine’s Day for locals in the Ranch. Lemon Twist is famously known for the delicious chocolate covered strawberries, which is a mouth-watering pleasing gift for any loved one. But did you know Lemon Twist is also a gift/floral shop with specialty items, gift baskets, orchids, caramel chocolate popcorn, and beautiful bouquets? For any questions or to call for your order in advance, please call (858)756-0826. Ask about the “special” for chocolate covered strawberries, too. I will be there all day on Valentine’s Day. Stop in and see us. I will have my camera to capture this wonderful holiday we love to celebrate at Lemon Twist.
            On February 2nd, I stopped in at my favorite restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe—Mille Fleurs. If you have read my column over the years then you know that this restaurant has always had a special place in my world. From amazing birthday parties, to summer parties, I have enjoyed the ambience, the food, the staff at the best French restaurant in Southern California. I met briefly with Chef Martin Woesle. Chef Martin has been the chef at Mille Fleurs for over 27 years. I find out the ‘skinny’ on Valentine’s Day at Mille Fleurs. Check out www.millefleurs.com for details for this amazing special going on  that if you want to woo your loved one, Mille Fleurs is the place to be: (858) 756-3085.
            On February 3rd, I ventured to La Jolla to Legends Gallery where I work part-time weekly, which I absolutely love. Art has been one of my passions and obsessions most of my life. So when I met Roree Mayhew, the director of Legends, a few months ago, you can just imagine me doing a little “Audrey Hepburn” smile all the way to my car parked a couple of blocks away, ironically next to a chapel. (Prayers do work wonders you know.) A few months later, I am excited to be selling art and meeting the artists there. On that note, Joelle Blouin—a top selling Canadian artist from Quebec City has risen to quick acclaim in the art world. Only 26 years old,  Joelle has gone from one gallery to seven in under one year. Her bold colorful paintings of city skylines are magnificent. Here is a link to her website to see some of her other work, or you can always contact me directly to for more information on her paintings: www.joelleblouin.com.
On February 5th, I attended Karian and Tom’s Super Bowl party in the Crosby. What can I say? These photos speak for themselves. Here are two group shots of the guests that came in high style for one of America’s favorite past times.
SAVE THE DATE On Thursday February 16th, don’t miss out on a must attend Fashion event happening in La Jolla. San Diego Food Bank’s Chris Carter was kind enough to invite me to this fabulous day at the Second Annual “Fashion Plates” Luncheon and fashion show designed by TV personality, Leonard Simpson. The silent auctions starts at 10:30 sharp, which is followed by the luncheon and fashion show. This event will be held at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla. To reserve your tickets, please contact Megan Mills at (858) 863-5121 or visit their website at  www.sandiegofoodbank.org.
If you have a story you would like to share, please feel free to contact Machel at mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com
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Rancho Santa Fe News, “Machel’s Ranch” January 2012 ~ Adopt a Pet and Stay healthy this year

“Machel’s Ranch”

            On New Year’s Eve, my beloved kitty died. What a devastating way to start the New Year of 2012. With much reflection and love for my cat that I have had for 8 years, I must tell you this moment hurt deeply, but also helped me realize the beauty in our every day gifts. My son, husband—plus my family was in town—grieved for the loss of our pet. We felt lucky to have her for as long as we did. This experience was once again a reminder to me how precious time and life is each day.  This was unexpected.

            What I can tell you as a farm girl from Missouri? My kitty Audrey had a tremendous life. I do know that I never took her for granted. I tried extra hard to always let her know how much she was loved by me. Having many kitties over the years, you can only guess that this is a familiar feeling (grieving when they die) that I have adjusted to with time. If you are a pet owner, than I am sure you know what it feels like to lose your beloved animal. With that being said, we have adopted a rescue kitty that has been saved from a “high kill” shelter. What I have learned from this traumatic week is there are so many animals out there that need a home. Please adopt an animal this year in 2012. If you can’t do that because you already have too many pets, please donate to an animal rescue shelter. Life is gift and so was my beautiful kitty, Audrey. Make time this year in 2012 to give love to an animal that will also fill your life with much joy and comfort. Happy New Year Rancho Santa Fe. I adopted my kitty from a wonderful woman named Lonnie that devotes much of her life to saving animals. Here is her contact information: Fur.ever@yahoo.com. Thanks Lonnie for being a ‘real live angel’ to animals in need.

Newspaper Columnist, Machel Penn Shull writes bi-weekly for The Rancho Santa Fe News in Rancho Santa Fe California, USA

            On December 24th, Rancho Santa Fe sparkled under the night sky. With the downtown area festive with holiday lights and all of the restaurants, retailers and banks decorated for Christmas, who needed snow? Not us, anyway. This was the first Christmas in awhile I stayed in town for the holidays. Ed and Dottie McCrink have been Ranch residents for many decades. Each Christmas the McCrink siblings all come in town for the holidays. Here is a wonderful photo of Laurel McCrink with sister Katie Shull, along with Violli and Trudi. They look fabulous in their red festive attire, don’t they?
        On December 26th, I decided to capture the beauty of winter in Rancho Santa Fe. I pulled over (I do this often and it drives my son nuts!) by my son’s school to walk the trails near the Rancho Santa Fe golf course. The the naked blue sky filled the air with perfection, as the autumn colors of reds and yellows shined in the bright sunlight. The walking trail had peaks of light beaming across the leaves, as I strolled next to the golf course photographing the trees. Here is one photo from that day. The trees look beautiful in the Ranch right now.  This is also an excellent way to stay in shape; take a two mile walk three times a week. Don’t forget to make time for yourself in the New Year. I do!   
   

Real Estate Agent Priscilla Wood with cuddly friend. One of Rancho Santa Fe's premier Real Estate agents.

 On December 30th, My sister’s family stopped in to Legends Gallery in La Jolla to see me. If you haven’t heard, I work part-time as a fine art consultant in La Jolla. Do you need art? We sell Rockwell, Chagall, Miro, Dr. Seuss, Mackenzie Thorpe and De La Nuez to mame just a few of the artists we carry. Here is a wonderful photograph from that day.         

On January 3rd, I connected with a girlfriend of mine, Priscilla Wood. Do you know Priscilla? You may recognize Priscilla from my column before. She is a co-leader in the SMARTY division in the San Diego area, an entrepreneurial group for women. I just found out that Priscilla enjoyed a glorious hike up to the Hollywood sign on New Years Day and she said it was absolutely breathtaking. What you may already know is Priscilla is part of the Mike Taylor Real Estate Group in Rancho Santa Fe. Do you need to find a listing? Priscilla is one of the sharpest Real Estate Agents in town. She is one to watch in 2012. Here is her website information: www.Priscillawood.com. I am looking forward to going to my first SMARTY event this month. I will have to fill you in on the details beginning of next month.
SAVE THE DATE: Fresh Start Surgical Gifts 20th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament for Kids will be at the Morgan Run Golf Course on March 18th and 19th this year. Here is an incredible figure from Fresh Start—in 2011 provided 1,473 medical treatments to children that need our help with changing their life. If you would like to donate to this wonderful organization, please visit their website at www.freshstart.org. Here is a group shot from last year’s celebrity event in Rancho Santa Fe.
If you would like to contact Machel regarding a stoy you would like to share with her readers, email her at machel@coastnewsgroup.com
 

Fresh Start Celebrity Golf Tournament.

 

Machel has been writing stories and covering social events in Rancho Santa Fe since 2008. Her column is featured by-weekly in Rancho Santa Fe Newspaper, which is published by Jim Kydd.  If you are looking to advertise in this newspaper, contact Krista Lafferty at  Klafferty@coastnewsgroup.com. 
 
Newspaper Columnist, Machel Penn Shull writes bi-weekly for The Rancho Santa Fe News in Rancho Santa Fe California, USARancho Santa Fe News, “Machel’s Ranch” is a newspaper column that Machel Penn Shull writes about Rancho Santa Fe, California  USA. With over 10,000 in distribution, you can pick up your copy in the green newspaper bins in The Ranch.“Machel’s Ranch” “Adopt a an Animal and Stay Healthy in 2012″      
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Happy New Year in 2012, “Dare to be the Nice Guy in 2012″

Happy New Year in 2012. Don't forget to look up~

What do I want to tell you on New Year’s Day in 2012? Life is a gift. Don’t waste it. Life is precious. Don’t be a whiner. Life is amazing. Don’t be predictable. Life is a gift from above, and yes, life hurts sometimes, too. Sometimes we lose those we love, a pet might die, or we move away from friends and family members that we normally see each day.

 How to cope? Believe in the goodness this world has to offer. Believe in daily miracles that remind us to be present so we don’t miss them when they happen. Believe in your loved ones. Don’t nag them. Don’t be overly critical. Life is tough enough without someone that we love judging us all the time.

 Have faith! Have fun, and find bliss. Force yourself out of your thoughts, so you can recognize the beauty, even in the ordinary things. Don’t be a baby! Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Remember, that just when you think life has hit an all time low, you can still spiral downwards. This may not sound optimistic this last line, but it is indeed true. Why think like that? So you can be aware of how lucky you are each day. Life is wonderful!

Life is gift. I am not going to give you one of those reality checks with out terrible the world we are living in because I don’t believe that one bit. Life is not fair. Yes, it can be cruel. But be brilliant, be bold, dare yourself to march ahead and grab the next bar up on the ladder. Dare to believe in your dreams of impossibility…

There is a house I often see. Each time I drive by, I think, “I’m going to live there one day!” Well, the house is a pretty expensive property. In order for this to happen, some other amazing things might have to happen, too. I may never live there. But what fun is it to dream as a drive by it. Why not think big like Norman Vincent Peale always suggested?

 Like good ol’ Clint Eastwood’s character in “Bridges of Madison County” said to Meryl Streep’s character in the kitchen–

 “The old dreams were good dreams, too. They might not have all come true, but at least I had them.” (This isn’t verbatim.)

 What’s my point. 2012 is our year. Your year. Your thoughts. Your life. Reach out into the unknown and discover the person you’ve always dreamed of becoming. Dare to soar into new heights. Dare to dream impossibilities.

 Be kind and loving. Be nice always. You know that saying “Nice guys finished last?” Well, guess what? That’s right.  Would you like to know why that doesn’t matter, you know about coming in last bit?” Because the nice guy doesn’t care. The nice person has a heart and is here to make your day better, too and are not just out for themselves.

DARE TO BE NICE in 2012. You might just win a few new friends and find nuggets of goodness hanging from the sky because of your own personality change. Dare to be yourself, and dare to believe in every day miracles.

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The Rancho Santa Fe News, “Machel’s Ranch”

“Machel’s Ranch” The Rancho Santa Fe News
 A Marine Battalion Remembered this Christmas. Dedicated to my Father, William Ray Penn”
            Every holiday season my Father remembers a bloody battle that left most of his platoon dead on Christmas Eve. This would be during the early years of Vietnam War when  he was just a young man. Now some forty odd years later, this tragic day still eclipses any joy he could normally feel during the holidays. Serving in the most highly decorated battalion in the history of the Marine Corps, I never this fact until recently. Why? Because what he remembers are the faces in his platoon, and his friends that did not live to see that New Year that one fateful night. If I could have just one wish this season, it would be that my my Dad could be free of pain just for one Christmas, without remembering that awful tragedy , which forever stripped away part of his soul from us…I know he could never do that. His heart will always be there instead, remembering and never forgetting.
            While we worry about what to wear for our holiday party, somewhere out there is a wo

William Ray Penn &William Ray Penn Jr. William Ray Penn Sr. is a proud Marine that fought in the most decorated Marine Battalion ever in the history of the marines, due to one significant battle at Christmas time in 1966 in Vietnam.

man or man in uniform fighting for us to make sure we are able to celebrate freely. Meanwhile, someone has died for us to have this right. Families have grieved over the loss of their loved ones. It is important to remember these facts this season. We must remember those that have sacrificed their souls to make sure that we are still free. I wish for each brave American soldier much love and blessings. Without you, America would be lost. Without your devotion, pride and dedication, how might our country survive? Please, let us unite, stand proud as Americans and remember those who serve and the veterans of the United States this holiday season.

Around Town
            On Thanksgiving day in Rancho Santa Fe, families were celebrating in grand style. The McCrinks’ held their family gathering this year at Ed and Dottie McCrink’s seaside condo in Del Mar. I am sure many of you know Dottie and Ed McCrink. They have been longtime residents of The Ranch for many decades. What many of you may not know is that Ed McCrink is still very active in running a metal company here locally, KVA Stainless Steel Company. KVA  has garnered recognition internationally, and has already been featured in the Los Angeles times. As visionary in the steel industry, Ed McCrink has patented a new high-strength martensitic stainless steel fabrication process to produce tubing for custom bike frames, and other structures and components. Here is a gorgeous shot of three lovely ladies from the McCrink clan that day: His wife, Dottie McCrink, granddaughter Natalie Shull, and Laurel McCrink, his eldest daughter. Laurel is also the Vice President of KVA. If you would like to find out more info on Ed’s company here is a link: http://www.kvastainless.com/bicycles.html.
         Dottie McCrink, Natalie Shull & Vice President Laurel McCrink of KVA Stainless Steel at Thanksgiving celebration.   On the other side of the Ranch, Violet MacDonald was opening her home to her family, which included one of her favorite granddaughter’s Reese MacDonald. Violet is an active member in the Garden Club here in town and has been featured on several occasion in San Diego Home and Garden Magazine for her own immaculate garden that surrounds her property in Rancho Santa Fe. I have also include a picture-perfect-photo of Holden and Meredith MacDonald, whom are also part of this clan here in the Ranch. Violet is very proud of her family! Thanks for sharing the holiday photos.
            On November 28th, I we ventured out to Pauma Valley for some fresh air, and to enjoy my In-law’s ranch. As we droved down into the valley and the sun cascaded over the rolling hills, I found myself smiling from within…Could it be that the Ozark Mountains (where I am from in Missouri) exists out here in California? Well, who knew God’s country was just right around the corner? You would think that someone would alert the media to these things. It seems, I guess, one must discover ‘heaven on earth’ a little later in life. You could say that I’m definitely like Ava Gabor’s character in Green Acres:“Darling I love you, but give me Park Avenue.” I love both. But, trust me, take a drive out past Lake Wohlford one weekend and enter into a valley full of citrus, wild peacocks and avocados. You won’t regret it. Here is a photo I captured of a peacock casually hanging out on the rooftop that weekend.
            On December 2nd, Karian and Tom Forsyth celebrated Tom’s birthday with many friends inside the exclusive gates of The Crosby. Robin and I are always thrilled to go their holiday party and this year was no exception. Unfortunately, my family came down with the flu that weekend, so I was only able to stop in briefly to snap a few photos for this week’s issue. Woe to the life of a working girl. (I’m semi-kidding.) Well, what can I tell you? The party was decked out with private waiters, a local musician playing, fine food and champagne flowing over the flute glasses. The guests—that I saw that arrived early—looked smashing in their glittery holiday attire. Oh the joys of the holiday spirit, holiday wonder and how wonderful to have a friend like Karian and Tom. Thanks, for always including me. I love you guys.
DON’T FORGET: Don’t forget to Old Mission San Luis Rey De Francia in Oceanside needs your support. Still facing closure due to retrofitting state demands, this historical landmark is priceless to our community and to the state of California. Also, take a tour if you haven’t, yet. Admission for adults is only $5.00, senior citizens $3.00 and Active Military and dependents may enjoy this tour free of charge. What a perfect ending to this column. Don’t forget to save this Mission! Here is the information: https://www.sanluisrey.org/donations/form.html
If you have a story you would like to share with Machel, please email her at mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com.
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“Machel’s Ranch,” The Rancho Santa Fe News “Daylight Savings Time”

Are you excited about daylight saving time? I am. I don’t mind losing that extra hour of sleep if that
means I can have more time after work and school to enjoy all of the wonderful events
that take place during springtime. Now that spring has officially arrived, make
sure you don’t miss out on some of life’s more sublime pleasures like taking a
hike one of San Diego’s many trails. One right under your nose here in the Ranch
is San Dieguito Trail. There is an entrance just right across from Cielo that
you can access easily off Del Dios Highway.

Just because we live close to the beach, don’t forget to take advantage of the Ranch’s rugged natural
landscape that can offer a quick reprieve to your busy week. Here is a link in
case you would like more information on out local trails in the area:
sdrp.org/trails.htm. Just make sure you wear the appropriate shoes for your
hike. My advice would be to go with a friend. There’s always safety in numbers.
I have included a candid photo from some local residents right before they
ventured out on San Dieguito’s trail. Now let’s find out some other exciting
stories that have been taking place in Machel’s Ranch.

Hiking on San Dieguito Trail in Rancho Santa Fe

Around
Town

At the end of February, one of my dearest friends, Meredith
MacDonald, celebrated her birthday at the plush Ritz restaurant in Newport
Beach. If you haven’t been to the Ritz, it’s feels like something out of New
York with the big round leather seats under romantic lighting as music fills the
restaurant. Here is a gorgeous photo of Meredith with her mother, CC Whitney,
from their special mother/daughter birthday outing. Thanks for sharing the photo
from that special weekend.

On March 12, I headed entered the exclusive
neighborhood of The Crosby. I just love it when I pull up to the gates, and say
to the attendant, “Karian Forsyth, I’m here for the spa party.” As the sentence
rolls off my lips, I feel like I’m watching one of those reality shows with all
of the gorgeous women decked out in their pearls and gems as they sip fruity
cocktails, while the cameras roll.

This is how Karian’s parties feel:

Karian Forsyth's Spa Party in The Crosby, Rancho Santa Fe

opulent, elegant and fabulous. I usually spend a good hour getting ready to for
these Saturday once a month events, which ends up with me trying to wrangle some
outfit together that leaves me feeling less than perfect. But then again, that’s
why I’m having a treatment done, right? I have included one photo from that day
that captures the relaxed day of luxuriating all of guests enjoyed as they
waited poolside for their rejuvenating treatment. Thanks, Karian! I wouldn’t be
surprised our local resident ends up on her own reality show. Stay
tuned.

On March 13, I was down at Lemon Twist with my husband Robin Shull
when his parents and good friends all arrived to enjoy a Sunday hike on the San
Dieguito Trail.  One of the local residents is none other than Trudi Crockett,
one of San Diego’s local artists. For the last 18 years Trudi has had the divine
pleasure of painting as her first profession and supplying fancy resorts all
over Southern California with beautiful impressionist art of their hotels. Visit
Trudi’s website at resortimpressions.com if you would like to purchase art from
well known local artist. I have included the photo that day of all the hikers
that enjoyed the wonderful weather that Sunday.

On March 15, I received
some exciting news that Sheila Malek, owner of Ellie’s Formal Wear in Encinitas,
has launched her own fashion page blog on Facebook. Sheila shares some quick
tips and how to get that great fashion look for any occasion. Visit
facebook.com/#!/pages/Ellies-fashion-talk/200054936673699. Check it out. Sheila
gives advice on how to use your current wardrobe and lists the latest fashion
trends at this link. If you are looking for some direct tips, she has a style
team waiting for you at Ellie’s Tailor Shop. Her direct number is (760)
944-0539. Here is a lovely photo of Sheila with her daughter that was recently
taken over the holidays. Check out her link to find out how you can look like a
supermodel, too. Thanks for keeping me informed Sheila!

On March 17, I
connected with one of my favorite women in Rancho Santa Fe,
Elaine Gallagher. She had recently celebrated with friends in Del Mar at Club M at the
Bently Charity.

A GRAND TiME Elaine Gallagher celebrating with friends at the Grand Del Mar Club M. Courtesy photo

I have included a fun shot from the event, plus another photo
that captures the beginning of her journey as a health coach. Last year, Elaine
lost 30 pounds on the Medifast diet, which has to her link on
yestosuccess.tsfl.com. If you would like to take steps on how to improve your
diet and need direction, Elaine is someone locally that can help you to find
your path to losing weight, feeling and looking great, too.

Save the date

On April 8, Men Against Breast Cancer will be honoring local residents
Phil and Amy Mickelson. For more information on this event, check out
menagainstbreastcancer.eventbrite.com. Marc Heyison is the found of Men against
Breast Cancer, which is the first and only nonprofit organization designed to
educate men on how to be effective caregivers if breast cancer strikes their
family.

Marc also helped co-author a book in 2008, “Frankly Speaking
When Someone You Care About Has Breast Cancer.” If you someone you love has
breast cancer and you need guidance, you can contact Marc directly at Marc
@menaganstbreastcancer. org.

Read more: Coast
News Group – An extra hour of daylight to enjoy local spring activities

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