Prepare yourself...

It's time to eat!!!


Beginning January 21st, some of the most popular Newport Beach restaurants are opening their doors for Restaurant Week! It continues through January 27th and all involved offer price-fixed three course menus for VERY REASONABLE prices. Check out the participants!
For example, Amelia's Restaurant on Balboa Island is offering a phenomenal menu that includes 3 menu choices. (For reservations click here or call 949.673.6580)


Mangia, mangia!

Ride for a Cause

"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway."

- John Wayne

Since 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation has been committed to groundbreaking cancer research and education at the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI).  Patients from over 40 foreign countries and 48 states in the US have come to JWCI for assistance in the management of difficult cancer problems. 

To raise money, JWCF has hundreds of committed "team" members who independently host events. Tomorrow there will be a Mountain Bike Ride in Foothill Ranch, starting and finishing at the Oakley headquarters. There will be a Wahoo's truck there serving breakfast burritos and a raffle with lots of fun auction items.  All proceeds will benefit the research and eduction of the JWCI.

 I will continuously post local events that Team Duke members are hosting. If you want to check for yourself, feel free to check the John Wayne Cancer Foundation website.

‘Twas the midst of the holidays and the Chargers just lost,

 The rain was coming down and there was a rainy layer of frost.

 It was much to my surprise that I made it into the theater,

 My heart felt instant warmth from the array of candy canes and glitter.

But really… it was a crumby day. The weather was cold and wet, I was running late and I couldn’t help from being in a drab mood. I should have known that my evening was going to change for the better when I pulled into the Grove of Anaheim and was fortunately directed to a premium parking space at no extra charge. Umbrella in hand, I quickly ran to the entrance and found my seat.

On this particular night, the Anaheim Ballet  was performing The Nutcracker, a heartwarming story of a little girl and her doll. Together, they live out her dreams that include graceful dancers, concerto masterpieces and seasonal decorations that tantalize all of the senses.

The lights dimmed and with the first strum from the symphony, the stage came to life and I felt warm inside. Really! My heart was filled with excitement and the child within me was sitting on the edge of her seat watching every detail move across the stage. Just before the intermission, I enjoyed what was going to become my favorite part of the performance. Slowly sneaking across the stage were dancers dressed as mice and then finally an oversized character that pranced around holding his hunk of cheese. What fun! The show included humor and the talent was incredible within this local company.

Not to be overlooked, the venue was an especially perfect fit for this act. The Grove headlines famous artists, cover bands, comedians, and some specialty plays. For an additional price, concert go-ers are able to include dinner with their ticket and settle in well before the crowds arrive. I remember years ago, I attended a New Years Eve concert and opted for the dinner package. The food was enjoyable and it was a memorable event.

Orange County has many venues, but few offer comfortable seating with the option to come early and be served. I’d highly recommend visitors and locals stop into the Grove for a performance; whether it be a musical act or something more thoughtful, like a ballet performance. My evening with The Nutcracker started off my holiday season on a high note and I’ll be sure to return again for more fun in the future.

Quack-tastic!

On a daily basis, the employees of Live Nation are entered into a drawing for tickets to random events. Just recently a friend of ours/employee of Live Nation got an email notifying him that he was the lucky winner of 2 tickets to a Ducks game at the Anaheim Honda Center. He wasn’t able to attend; ironically, because it was a day game and he had to work. Fortunately enough for Ben and I, our wonderful friend forwarded us the offer and we cleared our schedule to attend our first NHL game!

We drove up a few minutes before the puck hit the ice and joined the masses through the crosswalk and into the chilly arena. Quickly, we were directed into a private elevator and we were escorted to a premium level lounge that offered service throughout the game. Ben and I were in hockey heaven!

Although our home team was not victorious, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thanks Live Nation!

SOUTH COAST PLAZA'S GIFT FOR YOU!

While you’re out holiday shopping at South Coast Plaza you can come home with a coveted Tiffany & Co. crystal vase to keep, or give as an ideal holiday gift. It works like this: Simply present $850 or more in same-day receipts for purchases made Dec. 1-9 at any of South Coast Plaza’s boutiques or restaurants to receive a complimentary Tiffany & Co. crystal vase. You can redeem the gift at two designated South Coast Plaza locations.  (*Offer excludes purchases made at department stores: Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sears and Bloomingdale’s, The Orange County Performing Arts Center and The Westin South Coast Plaza. One gift per person, per day, while supplies last. The vase cannot be returned or exchanged at Tiffany & Co. Purchases of South Coast Plaza Gift Certificates are not eligible for this offer.) 3333 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa.     714.435.8571 ****Post is courtesy of Greer's OC! Thanks Greer for this awesome tip.

Season for Giving

Liz Smith and I with Michaela Periera, KTLA
news anchor, and Nia Long

Yesterday I was lucky enough to share a heart-warming experience with my mom and dear friends, the Smith family. Herb is not only the patriarch of the Smith clan but the president of the Los Angeles Mission. With Herb's wife, mother and daughter, my mom and I drove up to Skid Row to work with a large team of volunteers serving Thanksgiving dinners to those less fortunate than ourselves. 

Before you sigh and give me credit for being such a philanthropic young woman, I have to give you some more details. As I was expecting to suit up with latex gloves and a hair net before dishing up green beans and mash potatoes in the buffet line, Liz (Herb's daughter) handed me a list of celebrities that we were going to be "in charge" of. Yep! I got to work with the Smith family and coordinate the special guests. 

Sarah Drew from Grey's Anatomy

My mom with Ally Walker
from Sons of Anarchy

On every traditional holiday, the LA Mission gathers some wonderful local talent to serve some of the less fortunate residents of the county. On an annual basis the Mission provides nearly 600,000 hot meals. They also give over 210,000 articles of clean clothing and more than 130,000 nights of safe lodging. In addition to the celebrities that volunteer their time, the Mission gathers more than 6,000 people throughout the year to donate over 23,000 hours of community service. 

Kathy Smith with
Brandon Molale

The Mission extends its welcome to anyone that wants to serve. Please click here if you are interested in getting involved in their inspiring endeavors. If you are so inclined to make a monetary donation instead, please click here. 

Liz Smith with Chad Rogers from Bravo TV's
Million Dollar Listing and Greek cast mates
Andrew West and Amber Stevens

With Blair Underwood

Everything Richardson: Floating Parties

Everything Richardson: Floating Parties

Floating Parties

The Christmas season is upon us. I know this, because I got my first invite for a Boat Parade party today!!! 

The Boat Parade is an annual tradition for the city of Newport Beach and the main symbol of the season. All locals know about it and many non-locals drive from miles away to see it. It really is a spectacular sight. Dozens upon dozens of boats get dressed up with strands of lights, sparkley décor and festive natives joyous to celebrate the holiday season. Vessel owners are sure to realize how many friends they have around Boat Parade time, because anyone and everyone flock to the floating parties on the bay.

In high school and college I always got stuck working at my parents restaurant on Balboa Island, Amelia’s Restaurant. The 5 nights of the Boat Parade were always extremely busy for the Island businesses. Once I got married, my husband and I would sometimes watch the parade from the bayfront of Balboa Island. Surprisingly enough, I’ve never actually watched the parade from the water! This year I will have 2 events to attend. The first is at a house on Lido. (This is the invitation that I just received.) It should be a great party. I actually leased the house to a client and I’m very excited for him to take full advantage of his waterfront views! The second party will be pretty awesome, too. A dear friend of mine owns a boat and keeps it docked at Bay Island. This is where the Boat Parade route begins. He isn’t actually entering is boat in the parade, but we will invite a lucky selection of common acquaintances, stock the galley with appetizers, good wines and cheerful spirits. Without leaving the dock we will have front row seats of all the action.

First thing first, turkey day is upon us. Come Black Friday, I will start sending out invitations of my own. I am just giddy thinking about my first Christmas season with Parade parties!

To Reunion or Not to Reunion

10 years ago I proudly wore my navy cap and gown and received my diploma from Newport Harbor High School. What great memories! 
During the first couple years of college, my group of friends tried to stay in touch. We visited one another at our universities and partied together for the annual Jimmy Buffett concert at Irvine Meadows Amphitheater. Some of the girls and guys kept in closer contact than others, and I really didn't hold onto too many relationships. I embraced my new college friends and quickly started working and enjoyed spending time with people around the office. I guess by year 5 out of high school I had lost touch with the majority of my fellow Sailor alumni. In the last year I have reconnected with a good number of people through Facebook. It is fun to see pictures of babies, boyfriends and some of the unbelievable things that people have experienced since high school. 
My question about the upcoming reunion is this...Do I need/want to get back in touch with everybody from my graduating class? I feel like it is going to be a whole lot of fake smiles, "how are you?"s and "let's get together"s. C'mon...we probably lost touch for a reason and we both know we won't really get together. 
How horrible is this!?! I sound like such a scrooge and I'm typically the positive type. I guess Ben has swayed my decision a bit. He makes fun of people that go to high school reunions  and generally doesn't like doing social things very much. (We'd spend every night on the couch playing video games and drinking beer, if he had his choice. LOL. Such a guy.) His line of work doesn't require him to do much networking. Mine does...I guess that is my answer. For work alone, I should go to my reunion. I know, I know...
So the real question is if I decide to go, how can I convince Ben to go. More importantly how can I get him to enjoy the evening?!? Hmmm

Gidget Turned One!

It may have been a dreary and drizzly day, but we were having a partay at our house! Miss Gidget turned one year old yesterday and we had lots of fun.

Friends and family gathered to celebrate the sweet 34 pound pup that has stolen our hearts. She raced in the rain, played catch with the kids and munched on every treat that she could get her sweet little paws on. Ben and I agreed that we were not going to say "no" on this special day. She didn't take advantage of us, but poor Ben nearly killed his arm from throwing the ball over and over and over again for nearly 4 hours straight! As for me, I let her snuggle really close in bed and nuzzle her furry little bottom onto my face basically suffocating me. What was I to do??? I couldn't push her off, because it was her day!

Anyways, Gidget looked bigger this morning. We were positive that she grew another few inches and put on a few more pounds, but it wasn't true. By breakfast we realized that she was the same little puppy and we were just love-struck parents. 

Now that we have professed our love to our pooch and spoiled her rotten, we realize that we might have taken it a bit too far. Oh well, she has yet to chew a pair of shoes or do anything too naughty so it was only fair to spoil her and reward her for making this past year a wonderful one for our little family. 

Tommy to a "T"

Tommy Bahama is spoiling Orange County! Out of 13 restaurants in the United States, we get a second TB location. Newport Beach offers the upscale Island Grille and now Laguna Beach has the Beach Bar & Grill. Both venues offer the tropical relaxed setting that Tommy is known for, but the new Beach Bar that sits on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Laguna Avenue boasts a sneak peak of the surreal view of our lovely Pacific Ocean. On a day like yesterday when I enjoyed my 5:15 reservation for a "preview dinner", I watched the sun set and the sky turn red against the horizon of Catalina Island. WOW!!!! Maybe it was the crispy Ahi Tuna Taco sitting in front of me and the Baja Margarita made with scratch sour in my hand, but a piece of me felt like I was in paradise. 

As all evenings do, the night turned dark and the lights dimmed. Quickly this daytime site for families and tourists turned into the new local hot spot. The faint sounds of tropical music became dulled by conversation and laughter.

Our dinners were served and I scarfed down my Smokehouse burger and fries. The Prime Angus beef patty was moist, the bacon was thick and full of taste and the bun was prepared to perfection. Somehow, the Mahi Mahi was the star of the entrée course and stole my burgers thunder. The fish was grilled flawlessly and it was served over a bed of fruity quinoa with a dash of Dungeness crab to garnish the plate. Yum yum. As I looked around the restaurant, I noticed plates going back to the kitchen were completely clear. Obviously, we were not the only table that enjoyed the food!

Some of the other items that looked fascinating were the Lobster Corndogs and Shrimp Avalon appetizers. For the main, the Swordfish Sandwich caught my eye, as well as, the Steak Salad that was served with Maytag blue cheese and fresh watercress. To finish, the Root Beer Float sounded fun, but I saw a good number of Banana Cream Pies served throughout the restaurant.

We let our full stomachs settle as we meandered to the retail part of the venue. I picked up a dress that donned the TB spirit and captured the pure essence of Laguna Beach. How quickly this establishment was able to absorb the beauty of it’s new location with an artful yet lively menu and fun classy line of beachwear. I suppose TB does embody all of the key elements of Laguna Beach.

Without a doubt TB will flourish during the tourist season. Hopefully it will thrive in the off months, too. As a local, make sure you stop in, check it out and show your support. At the very least, indulge yourself with one of their signature cocktails and enjoy a few minutes at the bar.  

Good luck Tommy! Your staff was wonderful and I enjoyed a nice evening with you. I hope you have many years of success ahead. 

Happy Monday!!!

Monday Night Football, that is!
I'm a Colts girl. Not really sure why...maybe it is because the electric blue looks good on me, but most likely it is because I am a Peyton Manning fan. I follow football based on the mug shots and tight pants. What! I'm a girl!
Well, the Colts are playing tonight and Ben asked me out on a date. It is much needed, as we have both been so busy lately and not able to spend much time together. He said that I could pick any place that I wanted. After lots of searching online and asking around, I decided on Bluewater Grill in Newport Beach. They have a great happy hour during the weekdays that lasts from 3:30 - 6:30pm. During football season, they extend this happy hour for the entire Monday Night Football game!
I called ahead to hear what they were offering and my mouth is already watering. Between the $4, $5 and $6 appetizer menus, I can't decide! From oyster shooters and shrimp ceviche to sliders and tenderloin dippers, each item sounds delicious. I promise to extend this post after I have frequented the spot and gorged on as many cheap dishes as Ben will allow me to order! LOL
GO COLTS!!!
______________________
I can proudly say that the Colts won, despite the fact so many of their skilled players were out and Peyton had to work with a rookie team. 
We did some how work up a $55 bill and that was only for the first half of the game?!? I guess $5 here and $5 there adds up pretty quickly. Ben and I sampled each of their house wines by the glass. Our favorite was the Pinot Noir. It went surprisingly well the simple sourdough and butter that comes with every order. We tried the fish tacos and the shrimp ceviche. Both were good, but we'll definitely go back for the $2 oyster shooters. ($4 for a pair.) Yum yum! The crab and artichoke dip was supposed to be their most popular item, but we passed on that tonight.
Overall, it was a good night. The happy hour wasn't amazing, but the service was good, the atmosphere was warm and the sampling of food was complimentary to the Colts win against Houston. 
Sweet dreams to foodies everywhere.

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!!!