Are you a Whole Foods fanatic? The newest South OC store at 23932 Aliso Creek Road opens Wednesday. It’s OC’s fourth Whole Foods Market. I’ve been press-visiting since the hard-hat tour to check in on the progress and talk with the Laguna Niguel team. Time flies, as the big day is here. You’ll find when you visit that the theme of the store is designed to reflect the neighborhood’s environment: that of a hiking/outdoors community with many green elements such as reclaimed barnwood materials and many sustainable slants. The in-store demos, pizza bar and cafe make it quite a gathering spot.
(photo credit: Laguna Niguel Patch)
Highlights that Whole Foods Market Laguna Niguel shoppers can look forward to enjoying include:
In-store demo kitchen will offer a series of different cooking classes taught by our executive chef and well-known local chefs. There will also be regular wine and beer tasting events held to highlight different selections that can be found in the store.
Seasonal and locally sourced conventional and organic produce
Full in-store bakery with a team of dedicated bakers creating freshly made breads from scratch, muffins, scones, cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, and special diet selections like vegan and gluten-free treats.
A large bulk and raw foods section featuring heirloom beans, sprouted nuts/grains/flours with a focus on unique ingredients for cooking nutritious meals from scratch.
In-store kitchen that features handcrafted pizza, in-house chips and dips, custom-made sandwiches, rolled-to-order sushi, organic salad bar, hot soups, meals-on-the-go and Weekday Deals.
Whole Body section with a focus on sports nutrition as well as personal-care items to care for the whole body along with nutritional supplements and vitamins. There will also be six local vendors with baby related products featured in the department.
Café seating for 150 with free Wi-Fi, 12 checkouts and plenty of parking.
The temps are up, the search for swimwear is on, and Macy’s has hot looks just in. I previewed the Macy’s 2012 Swim Fashion Collection and among my top picks are this chic Kenneth Cole Reaction Cover Up.
I love the printed tunic style, the bright colors and boatneck design. And I have to say, it’s scored me many compliments poolside lately (which is a beautiful thing when you’ve just had a baby).
I wore the cover up last weekend at the Montage in Laguna Beach, and I loved the fabric’s lightweight ways. What’s nice is that you don’t have to worry about it matching your suit because it covers you to mid-thigh. Another style plus is the easy, breezy fabric no matter how hot the temps go.
Macy’s has many stylish swim styles in their new collection, such as the looks below. Get out there, have a great summer, and beautify your body (whatever size or shape). And remember, it’s not just what you wear, it’s how you wear it. So walk the walk when you hit the beach or pool.
What overworked Mom wouldn’t want to win a relaxing, unforgettable Mother’s Day at the St. Regis Monarch Beach complete with a world-class Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch for the whole family at Motif Restaurant, an indulgent salon treatment for Mom at The Salon at Spa Guacin and a day for the family at the resort’s stunning pool.
I’m thrilled to offer this exclusive $500 package to one lucky OC Family reader.
I know the winner will absolutely love the day. My family and I recently visited the St. Regis for a weekend, and I can tell you it was effortlessly fabulous (of course). The staff was exceptional and the grounds were beautifully immaculate. We all enjoyed the pools, the kids hit the surf, my girl and I had lovely Afternoon Tea time together, and the whole family was quite impressed with the Sunday Brunch at the Motif Restaurant.
The Brunch was deliciously indulgent with many different stations from an omelet bar and pancake station (with choices like m&ms that the kids and my husband flipped over). There really was everything you could imagine, and the dessert bar wow’ed. You can view the Mother’s Day Brunch menu here.
The lucky Mom will also be pampered at The Salon at Spa Gaucin, while she is treated to a blowout style.
So how exactly do you win? It’s quite easy (just the way we like it, right).
To win, simply do 2 things:
1. Comment and tell me here what you’re looking forward to most this Mother’s Day.
2. In just a few sentences (less than 100 words), simply email why you would love to win the day away. Husbands, kids and friends may also nominate a Mom to win. Email answers to St. Regis at srmb@kitchentablepr.com by May 7th. All are encouraged to enter and all answers will be equally fantastic.
Just be sure to comment here and email answers by May 3rd. St. Regis will then pick the OC Family winner May 7th (I couldn’t pick; I might pick everybody).
A heartfelt good luck to everyone. And wishing you and your family a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Want the younger you back? What overworked mom doesn’t? Through May 31, Burke Williams is inviting you to “spring into regeneration” with their new signature Anti-Aging Facial. I visited last weekend for the treatment, and can tell you that you will love it (all of it: the facial, foot rub, hand soak, back massage and all). While the spa has always carried anti-aging products that they incorporate into their facials, this new treatment is fully focused on anti-aging. The special pricing is $169 (regularly $195+).
The treatment is quite innovative, using a blend of plant stem cells (who knew?) and illuminating concentrate. Specifically, I’m told it’s a combination of H2V R3 Transform and Matrixyl Peptides that lifts, firms, brightens and evens the skins tone while repairing damage (and yes, we’ve all damaged our faces with the sun, toxins and our kids may have aged us just a little too).
The relaxing 75-minute facial was quite interesting, combining what seemed 5-10 different steps from cleansing, a peel, airbrushed stem cells, special moisturizing layers, extractions and more. Who knows exactly the steps when you’re laying there eyes closed, and you won’t exactly care, as long as the spa-ahh continues, right?
In addition to turning back time on your face, they treat your hands, chest and give you a wonderful rub-away-your-worries shoulder and back massage, as well as a foot massage.
As you can probably tell, it really was a head-to-toe rejuventing, relaxing time. Now do I look 25 again? It’s not a fountain of youth, but re-setting your skin and kickstarting healthy skin is so important periodically. It’s also a great opportunity to put yourself first and your best face forward again.
I visited the Orange Burke Williams, but it’s also available in Mission Viejo.
And if you’re interested, the spa offers memberships, such as this April offer with their new Deluxe Membership: for $119 per month, Deluxe Members receive one complimentary 80-minute Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Style Facial per month plus access to the spa facilities every day at a reduced members price.
Have you been to the Island Hotel in Newport Beach? Or maybe you’ve still not heard of it? After recently spending some time there, I’d like to share 5 Top Reasons for Orange County locals to swing by this swank stop. . The hotel is located near Fashion Island and formerly was the Four Season’s till 2005. It is a frequent stop for business travelers with its prime Newport Beach location, but you may be surprised at the local happenings scene. The hotel itself is quite posh with a decadent lobby, fine dining, a tropical pool atmosphere and an intimate spa, and the hotel rooms have a spectacular view of Newport. That said, let’s get into the 5 Top Reasons locals should swing by the Island Hotel.
1. The new dining menu at Palm Terrace Restaurant. The restaurant is quite divine, particularly with their all-new menu. Dining there can range from a fancy date night out to a family outing to a casual morning breakfast meetup. The food is California Coastal cuisine and farm-to-table inspired with love for local fresh ingredients. The Chef whipped up various courses from the all-new new menu for my family to try. The presentation and flavor were equally fantastic. The Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread was a great Small Bite starter and a perfect share for a group. For lunch, try the Grilled Cheese Panini (California white cheddar and organic artisanal rosemary bread) with Tomato Basil Soup, both were rather light and satisfying. The Caprese Salad with Irvine Ranch Tomatoes and local Burrata was delicious. For an entree, the Puttanesca, a pappardelle pasta with capers, tomatoes and peppers had an excellent spicy kick. The kids, of course, favorited the Palm Terrace Mac and Cheese (with new orrecchiette pasta with truffles and taleggio sauce). For dessert, we were sinfully spoiled, as you will be. The Pastry Chef brought out four different desserts, which are an ideal way to go when dining there, as the portions are smaller and it’s great to sample a bit of everything. A must-have is the Blueberry Blood Orange Ginger Ice Cream (magic molded inside a ring of sweet streusel), it’s really out of this world. The Grapefruit Mint PannaCotta Honey Tuile was refreshingly unique. The Lemon Cheese Tart had just the right zest, and children will undoubtedly enjoying digging into the Eclair Sundae. It really was such a relaxing time, and locals should note the 50% Monday menu pricing (quite a savings). Also, the restaurant will be having a Mother’s Day Brunch served alfresco at Palm Terrace Restaurant from 11 am-3pm with stations from sushi and saki, omelets and mimosas, quesadillas and margaritas plus live entertainment. (By the way, the pool cuisine was quite good too).
2. A great hotel should you have guests in town. So many are traveling on business these days and bringing their families along for pleasure. The Island Hotel is a great happy medium for both. The family can play at Fashion Island or the beach during the day and meet up at night after work is wrapped. The contemporary rooms at the hotel are quite spacious with multiple balconies, lounge sun chairs and dining tables, as well as wi-fi and flat screens. Rates start from $199.
3. Sunday poolside BBQ fun. The summer Sunday BBQ parties will be kicking into summer swing soon. We visited last year, click to take a video look at the scene. It makes for a great Sunday away for locals for celebrating a birthday, Father’s Day or just a fun day at the pool. Locals are invited without a hotel stay required. Now, do note that there is construction going on currently nearby the hotel (new PIMCO office building), but there’s no construction on Sundays, so the BBQ fun is ideal pool time.
4. The Spa at the Island Hotel. Locals are welcome at the intimate 4,000 sq. ft. Spa, and now is a pefect time with Mother’s Day coming up. My girl and I had a sweet girly day out with manis and a Love Me Pedicure. The special pedicure (normally an off-the-menu spa treatment) blends all kinds of fruits (from mango and strawberry to mandarin and apple) with a Love Me Ice cream foot bath, vanilla sherbet rinse and vanilla icing. My girl beamed with the special time me spent together. To book the 45-minute pedi and also possibly add a mani, call the spa at 949-760-4992.
5. The Palm Terrace Lounge. Finally, the hotel lounge is a great GNO time. Ring up a fellow Mom to catch up over a Lemondrop Martini perhaps. It’s close by, just the right amount of dressy causal and is perfect after a day of nearby shopping.
The Island Hotel Newport Beach, a great OC stop, or stayover, for locals and your out-of-town guests.
Sometimes pictures speak louder, and muddier, than words…
My family ran today’s March 31 “Spring Break at the Lake” Irvine Lake Mud Run, and it’s clear as mud that they’ll be back next year. My kids planned to do the kids muddy puddle race at noon, but they decided to jump in with my husband last-minute in the for-real adult race. So they kinda mud-snuck-in with the big people. (You may have to be 12 and older to run the adult course, but we’ll keep that to ourselves.)
What a great time for a great cause, and it built good steadfast “no-quitters here” character in my kids. The kids were so proud of themselves, and the stories went on all day about how they lost their shoes in the mud, were armpit-high in the stuff, had mud caked in their hair and everywhere, sunk so low in the bubbles, and on and on.
A muddy look at the filthy fun before and after below.
They traversed hills, trails and obstacle courses on the 5k off road course across Irvine Lake. My kids said it was like the show Wipeout.
The kids got a real workout and all involved look like they were seriously spent at the end … happily spent.
My husband got fire-hosed down and the kids showered up on site.
Good times all around and the race benefited the Gavin R Steven’s Foundation whose mission it is to find a cure for blindness in children caused by Leber’s Congenital Amourousis.
Here’s my OC Family exclusive pre-show look at the classic ballet, Sleeping Beauty, that is coming to Orange County March 24-25 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.
I talk with the show’s Artistic Director and cast, as well as some adorable little girls who came to meet FBT‘s fairies in the upcoming performance.
It was a precious day as the little girls dreamed of laced-ballet shoes, gliding across the stage and the magic of the Sleeping Beauty story.
In this modern day, a handsome prince may not solve a girl’s every dilemma, but I think it’s a grand, beautiful ballet to experience in person. And we all need to get lost in a timeless love affair and share the classic arts with our children.
The March performance is virtually sold out, but you can still get tickets to the two-day ballet. Visit festivalballet.org to secure tickets.
Have your kids been after you to see The Lorax? As a writer, I was actually the one suggesting the flick this time. I wanted to see what the classic children’s writer, Dr. Seuss, was up to and how it would play on screen.
The story has a cool concept, plays out well with imaginative, big-screen color pops of animation and has a lot of heart. The movie centers around a boy out to find a real live tree , to impress a girl, in his new-age, all-plastic world. It’s a simple story rooted in the evils of greed and ego, and the boy out to save the day with simple humanity and respect of life and nature. It’s funny, colorful and entertaining. I’m glad we went to see it and it gave the kids a healthy reminder of what’s important in the disguise of a fun afternoon Sunday at the movies.
We caught the flick at UltraLuxe cinemas at the Anaheim Gardenwalk, and if you haven’t been, it’s a great, luxe land to see a movie. I say “land,” as the place is huge with many different attractions there, such as the cafe kitchen down kind of a secret corridor.
They have a full movie-themed menu at the UltraLuxe Star Class Cafe with great warm paninis, blended drinks for the kids, desserts, even beer and wine. I had the Betty White, hummus, spinach and cheese panini and the kids went for the Tom & Jerry PB&J panini and Willy Wonka Nutella.
And after we downed the healthy stuff , we ordered the popcorn and Milk Duds. It’s wild to have it all available at the movies and dine in such a swanky spot. I guess people throw big parties there too (Twilight parties, pre-Oscar bashes, birthday parties), so keep it on your radar if you have a movie-themed event coming up maybe.
Another good-to-know about the UltraLuxe cinemas is their Baby showings, no it’s not movies for babies (who wants to watch that?). It’s totally for the parents, a chance for parents to see a movie they want to see but have the sound low and lights dimmed to make baby happy enough to let you keep watching your flick. Kinda brilliant really. They even have Vallet Stroller Parking, funny.
So many still don’t know about all the offerings of UltraLuxe (which also has D-Box motion seats and 3 theaters for adults only, where you can take your beer or wine into the showing.)
We try out this California-company’s electric “Revolution” ride. The Pulse Charger is the first electric scooter from the company; it debuted late last year.
Because it’s all about the kids, I let mine give it a go.
Here’s a look and their kid-speak thoughts on the Revolution in Green. By the way, I love how my girl hardly lets her brother get a word in, and how she continues to tell me to get outta the way).
My advice? If you have two kids, you may want to get two (you know what I’m talking about).
Charger Electric Scooter Features
• 24 volt sealed lead acid rechargeable battery system
• 100 watt motor
• UL rated charger included with charge completion indicator lights
• Power on/off toggle switch with LED indicator light
• Maintenance-free belt drive system provides instant and smooth power
• Variable speed twist grip throttle control
• Single charge run time of up to 45 minutes
• Composite oversized deck allows for multiple foot stances and increased control
• 140MM cast polyurethane wheels
• Max speed up to 10 mph
• Ages 8 and up (120 lb. max weight)
You can buy it online for $99 or find it in-store many places around the OC from Target to Toys R Us to Sports Authority.
My feature story in the March issue of OC Family Magazine. … I have a host of ideas including locales, tips, apps and more from around the globe if you’re looking to getaway.
Picture this: You and your family lounging and laughing with everyone on “island time,” sipping something fresh and fruity. Who doesn’t love a good “Hey, we’re on vacation” vacation? The rules are bent, the chores are chucked and everyone gets a chance to reconnect and unwind as fond memories become etched in sand – or your getaway landscape of choice. TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, says over 90 percent of Americans are planning to take more than two leisure trips this year, with 79 percent planning to spend $3,000 on their vacations.
My family and I tend to do the weekend escapes. But I must say that every time a dreamy Atlantis commercial comes on and that aqua eye-candy splashes across the screen, my whole
family starts dreaming of a long, lazy week in the Bahamas. So with Spring Break near, I hunted around for the best trips tips, apps, sites and getaways, from the U.K. to our own backyard. It’s time to break out the brochures, websites and passports, and let the planing begin.
Finish reading the full print story at OCFamily.com, pages 94-98 or just click “Planning the ultimate family vacation on the cover.
It’s OC’s fourth Whole Foods Market. I’ve been press-visiting since the hard-hat tour to check in on the progress and talk with the Laguna Niguel team. Time flies, as the big day is here. You’ll find when you visit that the theme of the store is designed to reflect the neighborhood’s environment: that of a hiking/outdoors community with many green elements such as reclaimed barnwood materials and many sustainable slants. The in-store demos, pizza bar and cafe make it quite a gathering spot.
