No one does beach and nautical chic like photographer Matt Albiani and Ron Brand. Matt has an entire book devoted to the subject, Lifeguard on Duty, and the duo own the Mate Gallery store in Montecito curated with maritime accessories, book, objects, photography, and more. Now you can experience their aesthetic in a summer rental […]

The highlight of my recent trip to California was visiting Montecito. It’s an idyllic town in Santa Barbara where a few people I know live. They say once you visit Montecito, you will buy a house there and will I am not sure about the three month deadline, I could definitely see myself living there […]

There are so many wonderful stores in the Montecito Country Mart such Kendall Conrad, Merci to Go, and Hudson Grace, but I was most excited to finally see my friend Matt Albiani’s Mate Gallery. The nautical themed jewel box is filled to the brim with seascapes, first edition books, knick knacks, clothing, and more. It’s […]

I was away last summer so I missed the opening of Grand Banks, an award-winning oyster bar on a historic wooden boat on a pier along the Hudson River. It’s been described as the Hamptons in the city and that’s what it looks to me too. The “menu features sustainably produced oysters, ingredient driven seasonal plates, and nautically […]