My Favorite Things & The Best of The Best

Orange County has been my home since the day I was born. I have loved it all my life and still find it to be a magical place. If you're new to the OC or have been a long-time resident of Orange County, I bet you'll fall in love with these places, just like I have. Enjoy!

The Best of the Best for Food & Fun in Orange County

The Sawdust Festival in the Summer and During the Holidays
http://www.sawdustartfestival.org/

The Orange County Performing Arts Center - something for everyone
http://www.ocpac.org/

The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts - reminds me of an opera house in Europe!
http://www.cerritoscenter.com/

The Hollywood Bowl
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/

The Groundlings - Comedy Troupe in LA
http://www.groundlings.com/start.htm

The J. Paul Getty Museum - Beautiful architecture and amazing views of downtown LA
http://www.getty.edu/

Beautiful holiday walks on almost any beach, but especially...
Big Corona, Corona del Mar
Heisler Park, Laguna Beach
Main Beach, Laguna Beach

Seasonal activities and free (or almost free) music in the evenings at...
Fashion Island, Newport Beach
The Irvine Spectrum, Irvine
The Hyatt Newporter (jazz festival is great, but not free)

Best Places for Coffee and Pastry

Zov's Bistro, Tustin
http://www.zovs.com/

Pacific Whey Bakery, Newport Coast
http://www.pacificwhey.com/

Best Place for Casual Brunch

Madison Square and Garden Cafe, Laguna Beach
http://www.madisonsquare.com/

Best Places for a Funky and Fun Lunch

Memphis Cafe, Santa Ana
http://memphiscafe.com/index1.html

Zinc Cafe, Corona del Mar
http://www.zinccafe.com/

Best Places for a Lovely Dinner

Studio, The Montage Resort, Laguna Beach
http://www.montagelagunabeach.com

Sapphire Grill, Laguna Beach
http://www.sapphirellc.com/

Sage in Eastbluff, Newport Beach
http://www.sagerestaurant.com/

Brasserie Pascal, Fashion Island, Newport Beach
http://pascalnpb.com/

Best Place for Wine and Cheese

The Loft, The Montage Resort, Laguna Beach
http://www.montagelagunabeach.com

Best Place for Authentic Mexican Food

Avila's El Ranchito, Corona del Mar
http://www.avilaselranchito.com/

Best Stylist and Colorist

Brian Kudsi, Kud'Ci Salon, Corona del Mar
949.675.5053

Best Massage Therapist

Marjorie Panzer, IMT, Corona del Mar
949.673.8088

Best Ultra Lush Day Spa

Spa Montage, The Montage Resort, Laguna Beach
http://www.spamontage.com

Best Affordable and Still Lush Day Spa

Nina Montee Day Spa, Santa Ana
http://www.ninamonteespa.com/

Best OC Charity

Southern California Bulldog Rescue
I'm very proud to be a volunteer with this group of dedicated animal rescuers. We'd love your help and support!
http://www.socalbulldogrescue.org/

Things that are making me laugh...

Yahoo Odd News

The Darwin Awards

CNN - The Funny News

Piglet the Bulldog - my bulldog! - "Gimme More"



YouTube Video: Chad Vader - Day Shift Manager