2. I
t’s a beautiful Monday afternoon as I pack my bags
to drive 20 minutes south on the 101 from Santa
Barbara to Summerland. The windows are down, the
sun is shining, and my mother is co-pilot. The Jack
Johnson song on the radio sets me in relaxation mode and
I can’t help but crack a smile thinking about the ocean-side
ambiance ahead. I call in pizza from the Honor Bar Market,
and pull over in Montecito to pick up girls night essentials—
McConnell’s Boysenberry Rosé Milk Jam and Vogue.
As we drive into the little beach town and admire the
shingled shops on Ortega Ridge Road, I already feel as
though I am on vacation. We arrive at 2525 Banner Avenue
where we are greeted by tall hedges, wooden steps and
small sign that reads The Lazy Hummingbird. A tropical
and beachy atmosphere sets in while I cross a tree covered
bridge and arrive at the Sky bungalow. As I insert the code
into the door handle I cannot help but think how easy
“check-in” is.
Windows line the entire penthouse, and the ocean shines
through every room. From the private deck, I look out to
the front yard, a common lawn with four white Adirondack
chairs for the guests of each of the three bungalows (Sand,
Sky, and Surf) to enjoy and interact with each other. The
property and the ocean are mesmerizing. I take a seat on
the bench and the crisp breeze engenders a complete sense
of harmony with my surroundings. It’s that time of day
where everything seems to shine brighter and reflections are
physically and mentally clearer.
Lazy DaysPhotographed by Meadow Rose
Written by Elena Tico
I walk into the kitchen and see an island bearing a
bottle of St. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. Two glasses and a
wine opener are perfectly placed. The open shelves
are filled with beautiful white dishes; the skylights
and white subway tile complement the sleek high-
end stainless steel appliances.
The bungalow is filled with local art pieces—vintage
surfboard and palm tree photographs printed on
wood, and oil paintings of rolling green hills are
boldly beautiful on the crisp white walls. In the
bedroom, there is a piece of art that reads “Sum-
Ohm-Land.” I know I chant Ohm at the end
of a yoga session, but what does it really mean?
It is a reminder that the entire universe is never
still, but always moving. I can hear the sound of
Ohm through the wind that blows through the
penthouse—it is the silence that allows you to take
in your inner thoughts and the moment. Which is
exactly what I do.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, my mom is opening our
bottle of red wine, and making a salad to enjoy with
the pizza. I contribute a few red tomatoes from the
front yard garden—a touch that makes our salad.
We enjoy our dinner on the balcony and stare into
the soothing motions of the ocean.
80 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 81
3. To soak in the last of the sunlight, we ride
the Lazy Hummingbird’s French cruiser
bikes to Lookout Park and Summerland
Beach. We are the only souls on the beach,
it’s our own private paradise. The waves
crash against the sand while the sun slowly
sets, and I imagine living in Summerland.
The smell of salty air would never tire. The
feeling follows me home while I slowly
ride up the hill and the sea breeze cools me
down.
The ocean views have vanished and bright
moonlight surrounds us. We scroll the
television for movies and come across one
of my favorite Oscar winning films, Walk
the Line. The film perfectly suits the chic,
vintage vibe of the Sky bungalow. A guitar
hangs above us and art of Miles Davis is
placed beside us. Our girls night is now
complete as I retrieve our McConnell’s ice
cream and scoop my mother and I dishes.
Before bed, I enjoy a hot bath in the free-
standing bathtub, mixed with Kai bathing
bubbles. I reflect and appreciate the details
and décor of the Sky bungalow. The amount
of creative energy and effort that went into
making this remarkable rental inspires me.
We awake to the same
gorgeous blue views
and I am still stunned
by the beauty of
Summerland. While I
have enjoyed plenty of
day trips, spending the
night is a significantly
different experience.
The short drive back
to Santa Barbara allows
me to reflect on my
getaway and reminds
me how lucky we are
to be surrounded by
the ocean. Because,
a wise Pinterest pin
once stated, “If you’re
lucky enough to live by
the ocean you’re lucky
enough.”
*
THE LAZY HUMMINGBIRD
2525 Banner Avenue
Summerland, CA 93067
thelazyhummingbird.com
82 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 83
