Riviera View

If you happen to be driving up the 101, through Northern California, and are in dire need of a killer facial, head east on the 29 and stop in to see Tomoko Simons at Spa Solage . It will be well worth the detour. I promise. While you're at it, soak in the resort's glorious ambiance designed by Napa Valley's most well known, living architect, Howard Backen of Backen, Gillam and Kroeger. And if spa treatments make you hungry, Solage is enjoying its first Michelin Star so bring your appetite along.

In 1998 floral designer Erin Taylor opened botanik , a charming flower shop just a stone's throw away from the Pacific Ocean in Summerland, California. Her specialty: small succulents daintily arranged in aged terra-cotta pots. from Veranda, September 2007 Over the years, and with much hard work, Erin's business thrived and expanded into the cottage next door. Erin added both home and outdoor furnishings, textiles and accessories to her repertoire. This past Martin Luther King day I took a quick stroll through her shops only to find delight in every corner. all photos - Riviera View The outdoor garden entrance. Today's arrangements. A classic. The entrance to the Garden Store. Once inside... ...great merchandising and eye to detail. Time for bulbs already? (I'll leave that to you gardeners.) Orchids bursting through the roof. So pretty. Step inside the home store next door to find more design bounty. Naturally finished case goods. Great lamps and textiles. Seriou...