readers’ picks

I AM ENOUGH
submitted by Jan in Mission Viejo
Leather and handcast metal affirmation bracelets with three different messages: "I am enough," unconditionally Loved," and "Blessed." Each bracelet comes in a variety of eight leather colors - many of them metallic, bright patent leather. They are $24.95. Shipping is free. Use coupon code LOVED for 10% off.
www.lovedunconditionally.com

SEASON AFTER SEASON
submitted by Barbara in Costa Mesa
Great little designer clothing outlet of really good quality stuff in a little center called Mesa Verde Plaza. What a find! 1525 Mesa Verde Dr. E., Costa Mesa. 714.432.1224
www.seasonafterseason.com

COTTON IDEA STUDIO
submitted by Victoria in Laguna Beach
Cotton Idea Studio, in the Cannery Village area, is a unique and very appetizing shop featuring unique greeting cards, stationery, and invitations. Owner Mindy Gayer offers expert assistance. 409 31 St. in Newport Beach. 949.673.8000
www.cottonideastudio.com

FEEL GREAT
submitted by Marin in Santa Ana
Back to Basics in Westcliff is an amazing wellness center for any ailment/concern you have. They have skilled chiropractors, fantastic massage therapists, and THE BEST acupuncturist! I have used all of their services and am a better person because of it. I can't say enough good things about this team of professionals. Check them out, you deserve it! 949.650.0736
www.backtobasicsnewport.com

BEST MORNING WORKOUT
submitted by Lydia in Newport Beach
For the past few years, I've been doing a boot camp on the beach in Corona Del Mar with G.I.Jessica It's a great group of women and men that come and Jessica puts us through the paces. The workouts are three times a week and pretty reasonable at $144 per month. I just want others to know about it because it's such a nice way to start the day and Jessica is awesome! Try it once.
www.gijessica.com

SWEETSPOT BAKERS WORKSHOP! WOW
submitted by Julie in Newport Beach
SweetSpot Bakers Workshop at the Irvine Spectrum is awesome! We had my daughters birthday party there this weekend and what an amazing time we all had! Even the adults. Kids decorated their own cupcakes! They got to wear chef hats and aprons they decorated too. Service was awesome and party was reasonably priced. Definitely a hot spot for parties and to stop by and get ready made cupcakes! Delicious!
www.sweetspotbakery.com

GREAT NEW WORKOUT!
submitted by Jennifer in Newport Beach
New Yoga and Spin studio in Eastside Costa Mesa call YAS. It is an amazing workout and the owners and teachers are super friendly and incredibly motivating! If you haven't tried this place out yet - run over there noe! You won't be sorry! First class is free! 291 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa 949.515.8888.
www.go2yas.com

BEST WINE AND CHAMPAGNE SERVICE FOR YOUR PARTY
submitted by Marguerite in Newport Beach
Pierrick Bouquet is a cute French wine and Champagne specialist who will invite French romanticism into your party! My guests and I were impressed by the service and high quality of his wines and food pairing selections. A recommendation: the Champagne & Parisian macarons tasting! 949.887.9732 pierrick@pierrickbouquet.com
www.pierrickbouquet.com

GREAT FIND
submitted by Melody Handy in Newport Beach
I just came across the best store while running into Picnics for lunch. Oh Scrap! is a scrapbooking store but they have so much more. I found the best Christmas cards. I bought the best USC magnetic board and album. They also have the best Mom Agenda that I think I need. Great gifts and nice people. Such a darling store. 427 E 17th St # B Costa Mesa. 949.645.3334.
www.ohscrap.net

WOW!
submitted by Lorraine in Corona del Mar
Paula's has a fantastic collection of hip clothes and the space is inviting and relaxing to shop. I could stay for hours and still not see everything. It is worth a short drive to Tustin see this great find. 139 W. 1st St. Suites B & C in Tustin. 714.838.0800
www.shoppaula.com

PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT
submitted by Lynne in Newport Beach
Absolutely delicious silk travel and lounging essentials from Silk 'n Dreams. I read about these beautiful silk essentials and bought one from the website--a gorgeous silk and minky blanket, with a silk pillow, eye mask and ear plugs in a zip up carry tote. It is luxuriously soft and eco-friendly! They come in several fun silk patterns. Everything is machine washable and made in Santa Ana. So, your purchases support our local community. It's a perfect gift for anyone on your list.
www.silkndreams.com

JEWELRY AND ART FOR THE MODERN GIRL
submitted by Mary Anderson in Corona del Mar
This site has really hip jewelry that is all handmade and the artwork is modern with an organic feel. I bought a painting and wear my earrings everyday.
modernsurfacesartgallery.com

OASIS CHILD & REJUVENATE STUDIO
submitted by Sasha Desmarais in Laguna Beach
Oasis Child is a green retail store and organization in Laguna Beach. They sell organic baby clothes, toys, and other fun items that used to be so hard to find. The kids classes for kids are awesome: Spanish and French, Itsy Bitsy Yoga, music...more than I can remember. This store is run by two holistic moms on a mission! Love it. 380 Glenneyre St. in Laguna Beach. 949.715.7755.
www.oasischild.com

NOT JUST SCRAPBOOKING
submitted by kathy in Newport Beach
I finally went into this beautiful store called "Oh Scrap!" all my friends have been raving about it. It is absolutely charming! And the bathroom is almost more spectacular then the store itself. I am not a huge scrapbooking person, but you don't need to be, they have every beautiful thing for projects and cards too. I also saw that they are selling the most fantastic holiday cards. Like I said I am not a scrapbooker, so I am taking my pictures in to them and they are putting together a book for my husband's 50th birthday for me. The owners are delightful and I had the best time sitting and chatting with them. Go see for yourself, you will feel like part of the family! 427 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa.
www.ohscrap.net

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS WITH YOUR LOGO
submitted by Suzanne in Newport Beach
Our company just ordered some of the cutest shirts and bags for our upcoming tradeshow and now we're having them work on our executive holiday gifts! They seem to carry everything that you can put your own brand/logo on which is great for promoting our next ad launch. I think everyone wants their logo on merchandise..cool stuff!!
www.thebrandmarket.com

FITNESS
submitted by Mary in laguna beach
Great program hard work and lots of fun! Very supportive and knowledgable. I would recommend them to everyone! Three locations in Orange County: Monarch Beach, Dana Point, and Tustin. 949.831.7934.
www.afitclub.com

BEST BROW SHAPING IN OC
submitted by Samantha in Mission Viejo
I have major eyebrows. I have tried everywhere in Orange County, but no one has been able to shape them perfectly until I met Rayda. She's an expert and she gets them right every time. I love getting them done by her! She is a hidden secret in Orange County. 16099 Goldenwest St. in Huntington Beach. 714.841.6624.
www.thebrowandskinstudio.com

TEN WATERFRONT
submitted by Mickie in Newport Beach
Check out the new Ten restaurant on the Balboa peninsula. Unlike the other Ten, it is more intimate and right on the water with great sushi and the most innovative cuisine I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Talk to the young, enthusiastic executive chef and try some of his cutting edge dishes using molecular cooking! This is the most interesting blend of talented chefs in one place that you are ever likely to find. There is something to suit every type of taste so everyone will be happy. 2406 Newport Blvd in Newport Beach. 949.723.9400
www.tenwaterfront.com

BEST OUTDOOR BOOTCAMP!
submitted by Jan in Dana Point
The best outdoor bootcamp around! They are motivating, empowering and inspiring. Great job ladies!
www.Afitclub.com

A FIT CLUB
submitted by Elizabeth in Mission Viejo
I have been going to Fit Club in Monarch Beach for the last 3 months, and it is truly the most fun and enjoyable exercise program I have been a part of. The classes are very challenging, yet the instructors make sure that everyone works at a level that is appropriate for their level of fitness. The best part, is that the trainers really know their stuff, and they push you, but not in an intimidating way. If you want to get toned this is the bootcamp to join!
www.afitclub.com

MELANGE COOKING
submitted by Julie in Irvine
Check out this great new cooking school - the new place to go to eat, learn, and socialize! This is a must see!
www.melangecooking.com

FOOT CARE/BODY TOO!!
submitted by Sally in Huntington Beach
Zen Foot Care in Huntington Beach is an incredible experience, not only is it for feet, but the entire body, for only $35!! 16466 Bolsa Chica St in Huntington Beach. 714.846.1500.

BEAR FLAG FISH CO.
submitted by Jenny in Costa Mesa
The yummiest fish tacos EVER! And the swordfish plate was unreal. If you have not been yet, it is a must! The owners are wonderful. MUST MUST GO TO SPOT!
www.bearflagfishco.com/

GOURMET BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW
submitted by Lindley in Newport
Le Bistro offers a great breakfast/brunch selection with a waterfront view. They have a variety of sweet and savory crepes. The Crab Benedict and a glass of fresh mango juice is my favorite breakfast combo by far. Friendly, attentive service, delicious food, and a relaxing view - perfect! 3448 Via Oporto Newport Beach 949.675.9116

A VACATION WITHOUT HAVING TO LEAVE TOWN
submitted by Megan in Newport
The Hyatt Huntington Beach Resort & Spa offers a Beach Butler. You can reserve a cabana on the sand, or a 9 foot umbrella. It comes with lounge chairs, water, towels, lunch, even sunblock and sand toys. It was so nice to relax on the beach without having to schlep everything down ourselves. I felt like I was definitely on vacation. To round off our relaxing day of fun we used their bonfire service. Our spot was ready and waiting for us. Our kids couldn't have been more excited. The roaring fire, a bucket full of everything you need for s'mores and the chairs set up fireside, each with a towel draped over the back, and two attendants catering to us.
http://www.toesonthenose.com/advhyatt.html

HEALTHY FRESH PRODUCE
submitted by Barb in Costa Mesa
Craving fresh fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices? Join the locals and make a quick stop at Grower's Ranch (on Old Newport Blvd. at 20th Street - next to Skosh Monahan's). Delicious seasonal produce is neatly displayed, along with fresh breads, dairy products, some wine and free popcorn for customers. Fresh herbs are kept in a cooler in the back and available from the friendly staff. If you bring your own bags they will enter your name in a monthly drawing for a $10 gift certificate. Their wholesale trade services over 100 local businesses. Check out their website for weekly specials and more information. Grower's Ranch at 2016 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa. 949.642.6025
www.growersranch.com

THE CELLAR IN FULLERTON
submitted by Heather in Newport Beach
The Cellar is an amazing, romantic French restaurant in the heart of downtown Fullerton. They serve the best lobster bisque in all of Orange County and the hot Grand Marnier souffle is to die for. Perfect for any special occasion, The Cellar's underground ambiance was created by the same craftsmen who designed Disneyland "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction. The impressive, extensive wine list features more than 1400 selections from around the globe and service is sophisticated without being stuffy. They also have a great late night happy hour on Fridays featuring drink specials and complimentary appetizers. The Cellar Restaurant is a culinary gem not to be missed! 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. 714.525.5682.
www.cellardining.com

THE RETREAT SALON
submitted by Liz in Costa Mesa
The Retreat Salon offers a promotion for Bumble and bumble shampoos and conditioners. For a limited time, purchase a litre size conditioner and receive the shampoo free! The Retreat Salon at The CAMP 2981 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa 92626 949.557.2097

CUSTOM MADE COLOR COORDINATING MEN'S APPAREL
submitted by Nelson Wade in Newport Beach
Men looking for assistance in color coordinating fabrics with custom made to measure suits, custom shirts, ties and more can contact Nelson Wade, a visiting tailor, who provides consultations on coordinating fabrics, and design styles for clients in the OC.
www.nelsonwade.com

THE CROW BAR
submitted by Jackie King in Long Beach
The Crow Bar is a great new restaurant in Corona Del Mar on the Pacific Coast Highway. They serve fabulous food, fabulous drinks and I love the Villeroy & Boch crow plates they have for sale! $75/each. The chef's pairing of flavors is wonderful and the price is just right. Their flatbreads are to die for too! 2325 E. Coast Highway, in Corona del Mar. 949.675.0070
www.thecrowbarcdm.com