Pumpkins & Pancakes

Bundle up the kiddies this Sunday morning and head to South Coast Plaza for a Halloween breakfast party.
Pancakes will be provided by Plum's Cafe and there will be activities galore! Face painting, arts & crafts, balloon artists and skateboard demonstrations are just a few of the fun goings-on to enjoy.
There will also be a silent auction and opportunity drawing for the parents.
Tickets cost $30 each and proceeds benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA works against child abuse and creates healthy environments where kids can thrive.

The New Hot Spot???

So many parties and so little time! 

Well, this is probably a party that you might want to attend. Yes, it is on a Wednesday, but if you haven't stopped into the Newport Beach Commonwealth Lounge this is the time!

Let's give a friendly welcome to newest hot spot and show our support. The location is spectacular, the atmosphere has everything and the owners are good guys!

Free Concert!!!

Isn't it wonderful when a town comes together to show off it's charm and embrace the holiday spirit!?!?
Enter Balboa Island....
The merchants of Marine Avenue have come together and organized a free concert for the community. The classic surf rock band, "The Surfaris" will be performing and the 200 block will be completely shut down for pedestrians to dance, wander the street and shop as the sun sets.
Multiple sponsors are offering promotions that will enhance the evening fun.

Amelia's Restaurant will have "Grab-and Go" items to buy.

Barney's Barkery will have $10 Pumpkin Collars.
5 Seas will have 20% off Ella Moss and Splendid clothing.
Classic Kids Photography will have Halloween Snapshots in their studio.

HOM Real Estate will have appetizers and drinks.

And more...

Get Your Group On...

...or just click here and join Groupon.
Groupon is an amazing online tool that benefits customers and merchants. First Groupon negotiates huge discounts on popular local goods, services and cultural events. Second, these specials are offered online to subscribers via free daily emails. Once a minimum number of people agree to buy, the deal becomes activated. Members of Groupon get a great deal and businesses get tons of new customers. 
Some examples of deals that have been offered:

The Blog Log

I know, I know...I really need to be more religious about posting. I guess I'm still formalizing what direction I want to take this blog. Mostly, I want to tell people about things and places in the area that they might not have known about or really appreciated. Yet, I still want to weave in personal stories, but I haven't figured out how to do that yet.

Be patient...I'll figure it out. (I am always prepared for constructive criticism...if you have feedback, please give it to me.)

What I don't know how to figure out is ways to get more followers?!? I suppose that I have to put out consistent content, so somebody would want to keep checking back to my site. One thing at a time...my work has to come first and the people will follow. LOL.

Have a great day everybody.

Gidget Goes Posh...Bosh Style

Noel at Bosh Images frequently offers her time and talent for charitable purposes. Recently, she scheduled family sittings for CHOC Glass Slipper Guild members and forwarded half of the proceeds back to CHOC. I asked to have photos taken of me and Gidget. Because this wasn't the typical photography session, we arranged a special "pet shoot" at the beach. 

You can check out Noel's Blog. She actually featured Gidget in her recent piece called Dog Days. I highly recommend you consider Bosh Images when it's time to schedule photography for your family or pet. She is a breath of fresh air with a talent catching warm personal moments on camera.

Macho Macho Man!

Thank's to my dear friend, Ash Mash, I can't stop thinking about the "Macho" salad from Bandera's Restaurant in Corona del Mar. This entrée makes my mouth water just thinking about it. It includes chunks of rotisserie chicken, tomato, avocado, goat cheese, toasted almonds, corn, dates and my favorite, cornbread croutons. 

Ash Mash lives down in San Diego and frequently drives up to Orange County for a dinner at this delectable restaurant. This week, she had mentioned driving up for dinner and now I can't get this upcoming date off my mind. I can't wait a week!!! In fact, I might just drag Ben there this evening, so I can indulge in a Banderas feast twice within 7 days!

Besides their fantabulous meals featuring their freshly roasted chicken on the spit in their kitchen, they have a few other items that have put them on the map. They have grilled artichokes, cornbread in the skillet and devilled eggs. 

And, for dessert they have a banana cream pie that is just scrumptious.

Something else that you should keep in mind before planning your dinner at Banderas....bring your own wine! They don't charge a corkage fee! For real!!!! Enjoy.

Friends of Gidget

Gidget is the littlest love of my life ad she has lots of friends. Abby 1 and Abbey 2, Chloe, Rocky, Mack, Fern and Caymen are just a few. 
Over the recent months, I've been blessed with a new person whom I befriended because of Gidget. Laurie, the owner of Barney's Barkery on Balboa Island, has grown very near and dear to my heart. She is the reason that Gidget is always dressed in the cutest of collars and pampered, as all puppy princesses should be. (Yes...Gidget has me wrapped around her little finger.)
Anyways, Laurie and her lab, Barney, recently asked me to help their store with some fresh marketing ideas. Of course, I was not only happy to help but excited to get involved. First we are creating a Facebook Page, second we will be creating a blog and third we will be updating the Barkery website on a more frequent basis. 
Barney's Barkery has SUCH cute stuff. I may be partial, but their collars and leashes are some of the cutest around and the prices are VERY reasonable. Any size, width and pattern all cost the same, $19.95. Laurie will create things to order, should you want a matching set that isn't in stock or even a harness. Feel free to check out a sampling of her things online and place an order! 
I hope you will support this local store and become a fan on Facebook!!!