Michael Polenske used to grow grapes for Blackbird, his wine brand. Now, he nurtures artists in and around Napa and Sonoma counties.   Michael Polenske knows how to make things grow. In his former career as president of J.P. Morgan’s Western private banking division and in his later roles at Chase Manhattan, he grew financial […]

Small in size but big on personality, a collection of not-so-large homes highlights why the demand for modestly scaled dwellings is on the rise.   An explosion of interest in the “tiny house” movement has ignited the imagination of Americans from every walk of life in recent years.   Makers of these miniature marvels tout […]

THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES JACKSON HOLE’S PRIVATE LUXURY EXCURSION GIVES GUESTS EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO YELLOWSTONE’S MOST ELUSIVE PREDATOR — WOLVES.   Before the sun breaks the horizon behind Jackson Hole’s famed ski slopes, a small group gathers inside the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole’s lobby. Ready to face Wyoming’s winter, they’ll soon huddle […]

JEWEL CONTINUES TO SHINE BRIGHT ON AND OFF STAGE.   Renowned singer-songwriter Jewel carved out a distinctive path in the music industry, venturing into the genres of folk, pop, country, opera and blues. With over 30 million albums sold and four Grammy nominations under her belt, including her hugely successful debut, “Pieces of You,” she […]

LOCAL SPA CULTURE SETS THE GLOBAL BAR IN SELF-CARE. A LOOK AT A TROIKA OF SWANKY SANATORIUMS THAT DELIVERS BIG FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RANKINGS.   GOLDEN DOOR SAN MARCOS, CA Regarded as the pinnacle of wellness retreats, this legendary sanctuary is the apex of rejuvenation for the body, mind, and spirit. Established in 1958 by […]

A NEW WAVE OF “PASSIVE HOUSES” PROMISES TO ALTER THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND IMPROVE HEALTH, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND COMFORT FOR HOMEOWNERS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.   This 3,940-square-foot, five-bedroom dwelling’s energy efficiency is but one of its many selling features, thanks to the passive house principles that drove its design and construction. With virtually […]

BOLD SHAPES, BRIGHT COLORS AND SLICK TRANSPARENCY LEAD THE CHARGE WHEN PAIRED WITH SAN DIEGO LIVING THAT SOARS WITH URBAN EDGE.   FASHION DIRECTION BY DENISA PALSHA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZEV STARR-TAMBOR Shot on location at 700 Front Street, 2202 & 2203, San Diego, CA 92101. Listed by Gregg Neuman and Paul Roberts of Berkshire Hathaway […]

HOW A PROLIFIC HOLLYWOOD ACTRESS FOUND HER PURPOSE AWAY FROM THE BIG SCREEN.   Nikki Reed isn’t your typical movie star.   She has a chicken feed mill in her kitchen, worries about the chemicals in her clothing, composts with worms, dreams of her daughter being a farmer, and gets starstruck by anthropologists. In the […]

Above Featured Image: Coco Royal lime green evening gown by Dundas available at Dundasworld.com. Dolce&Gabbana Logo Plaque Platform Sandals available at Dolcegabbana.com. Shot on location at 9874 Orange Ln, Escondido CA. Listed by Tim Van Damm (Lic#: 02011614) of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. Visit bhhscalifornia.com to see more of this spectacular property.