We moved to the Santa Cruz Mountains 4 years ago. Our house is conveniently located in between Los Gatos Downtown and Santa Cruz. When we moved here we did not know what was waiting for us. It was a wonderful surprise to find out that the people here are very hospitable, social, helpful and caring. First, we were surprised by a welcome basket with many local goodies from our neighbor and a welcome party that our wonderful neighbor organized for us. Then we were astonished that here, people will come to help in any situation. We felt at home!
Beautiful redwood trees, foggy mornings, sunshine in the afternoon, friendly mountain people who wave when you drive by, and a strong and active community is the core of our mountain life. We volunteer, raise funds for our mountain school, celebrate, participate and show up together. We camp, party, have local wine and beer together too. Our kids spend a lot of time with each other which makes us all feel like we are a part of a big family.
What I also like about mountain living is that the use of natural wood in furniture designs. And because we are located close to many wineries such as Loma Prieta, Wrights Stations, Villa Del Monte Winery, Burrel School, we see many items made out of different kinds of wine barrels! It is very creative and beautiful to see a wine barrel chair or a table or even a bathroom vanity or an outdoor kitchen made from wine barrels!
Loma Prieta Winery
Barrel School Winery
Villa del Monte Winery
Loma Prieta Winery
For instance, this beautiful and unique outdoor kitchen was a collaboration of our mountain friends Azadeh Nolan and Jim Nolan who both run local mountain businesses, Beyond the Barrel and Adroit Handyman Services.
I have never seen anything like that! It has running water connected to it and a gas tank! You can BBQ, clean and host your gatherings outside with a glass of wine by your unique and special wine barrel kitchen!
Jim Nolan, the owner of
Adroit Handyman Services also made this Date Night Redwood Table for me and my husband! It is perfect for a couple to enjoy a date night on the mountain or two friends to have some tea and talk. We love our bar-height date night table where we can see the view of the mountains and enjoy a glass of local wine or beer!
Azadeh Nolan and Jim Nolan also created this gorgeous guest bathroom vanity featuring their favorite Villa Del Monte Winery logo on a wine barrel. It is also extra special because Jim and Azadeh live in Villa Del Monte neighborhood.
Another local business that our family likes is Barrel Dreams. We have barrel adirondack chairs mady by Barrel Dreams that are so comfortable and have wine glass holders! It is an extra touch that makes these chairs so unique.
And this beautiful setup was inspired by the Santa Cruz Mountains.
As an Event Planner at Dina's Deluxe Events, I find many inspirations for our events from everyday life.
Our particular rustic mountain style inspired me to create many of the events for my clients that included wood and wine barrel decor elements.
This client asked for a rustic and elegant style and I created this design for a birthday table.We used wine barrels and a wood slab with a touch of lace.
Lavender flavored desserts were custom-made by
Ana's bakery in Almaden, San Jose.
Strawberry, lavender, pistachio and vanilla flavor desserts were treats and decorations at the same time.
I also used some burlap, wooden chairs, fresh flowers, lavender and rose petals for youthful look.
All guests enjoyed catered Italian food at this guest table decorated with candles, flower petals, flowers and two layers of green burlap in different shades.
Another celebration that was inspired by our beautiful mountain life is this Wedding Anniversary for a lovely couple in Menlo Park.
These clients asked for a Boho Picnic Celebration that included a gourmet dinner with several appetizers, main courses and desserts served at picnic tables, live guitar music and cocktails at the bar.
It was a beautiful evening filled with the warm rustic colors of wood, the aromas of the rosemary table garlands and delicious cocktails and food.
We used wooden picnic tables, blankets, pillows and wine barrel cocktail tables for this event setup.
I hope this little piece brought some inspiration and more appreciation of our beautiful mountain life. We say that we are so lucky to be here!
"I like the mountains because they make me feel small, they help me sort out what's important in life."
-Mark Obmascik
By Dina McMahon
Collaborator: Azadeh Nolan, Mountain Community Leader and my friend
Editor: David McMahon, my husband and best friend
Local Mountain Businesses mentioned in this post:
Event Design by Dina's Deluxe Events
Outdoor Kitchen and Vanity by Beyond the Barrel, by Azadeh Nolan, email: azzalu@gmail.com
Other Local Businesses mentioned in this post:
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