If you need a new dentist, here’s why I recommend mine

May 5, 2011 by robinbarr

Shervin Ahmadnia, DDS, Family Forest Dentistry

Excellent work

Affordable prices

He’s a doll. (My 85 year old mother had a crush on him)

He’s gentle, patient and wants you to be happy

Friendly staff

I’ve been his patient since 1998, and have had crowns, fillings, teeth whitening, teeth cleaning

Did I mention he’s affordable?

Accepts Medi-cal, credit cards

Anyone I’ve recommended him to are very happy

He offers an in-office dental plan that saves me money every year. As a single person, no children, it costs $105/year. Saves money on all dental work. No claim forms, deductibles, or annual maximums, and coordinates with other dental coverage. If you go in, ask about it.

Open:
Mon, Wed, Thur – 8am-7pm
Tues, 8am-6pm
Every other Saturday, 8am-2pm
Friday-closed

22855 Lake Forest Dr., Suite B, Lake Forest, CA 92630 (between Muirlands and Rockfield, north side of street in strip mall)

(949) 583-1558

A New Bundt Cake Store in Mission Viejo

May 4, 2011 by robinbarr

The minute you walk in the door of Nothing Bundt Cakes, all your senses come alive with the scent of fresh cake. Your eyes don’t know where to go first–everything is so colorful, pretty, cute, happy. Bundt cakes in a variety of sizes, daisies and ribbons in different colors and patterns to choose from to decorate your cake.

It’s a gift shop also with girl-y plastic gloves for washing dishes or gardening, paper kits for simple customization for your cake, colorful tableware and cake plates.

The cakes are moist and absolutely out of this world. You can check it out yourself because everyday, they set out plates with samples of two of the available flavors.

The owners of this franchise store are Donna and Ismael Zamora.

Portola Plaza (Marguerite & Santa Marguerite Parkway)
27746-A Santa Margarita Parkway, Mission Viejo

949.859.1377

Monday-Friday: 9AM-6PM, Saturday: 10AM-6PM

Email: missionviejo@nothingbundtcakes.com

Mission Viejo Library closed 4/15-25 but you can download books anytime.

April 14, 2011 by robinbarr

I’m jealous, the library is getting new carpeting. The planned closure forced me to try their book download service. It was easy, but had to download some free software first. Not only can you download books for reading on the computer, but other compatible devices, i.e. smart phone, PDA, iPad, iPod, more. There’s a collection of audio books available as well.

This service works for PC’s as well as Mac’s, can ‘check-out’ up to five items at a time, and choose whether you want a one or two week check-out time. It’s pretty cool, and something I’ll use even after the library re-opens because I’m all about convenience.

To get started, click here for the Mission Viejo Library eBooks and eAudiobooks page.

Free outdoor circuit fitness course in Lake Forest

April 11, 2011 by robinbarr

Fitness Course @ Saddleback Church

Saddleback Church recently installed an outdoor fitness course free for the community regardless if you’re a church member or your religious affiliation.

If you are hungry after your workout, you can visit the Refinery on campus. It offers healthy options, such as agave-glazed salmon tacos, lemon herb chicken wraps and rice bowls, all at very reasonable prices.

Now this is a find! I have to check it out!

Saving Bubba, an abandoned, friendly little 3 yr old basenji mix

April 8, 2011 by robinbarr

Bubba was abandoned in the Mission Viejo area, rescued by a woman with a huge heart who’s unable to take him in herself, but is knocking herself out to help him, even offering to pay for his shots. A few of us are trying to help her and Bubba get him into a loving home. He’s smart, funny and mischievous and the perfect age for a family with active children. What a perk! They can wear one another out!

With his satellite-dish ears and striking red merle and white coat, Bubba has a unique appearance. What’s more, he is very sweet and gets along with other animals. What’s not to love? I would take him in a New York minute but my HOA prohibits more than two pets, probably a good thing since I would be overrun with cats and dogs by now.

Bubba is at Orange County Animal Care at 561 The City Drive South, in Orange. His I.D. number is A1085397. Though this shelter strives with everything they’ve got to reduce euthanizing animals, overcrowding can cause it at this shelter.

Let’s save Bubba. He has so much love to bring to you and a long life ahead of him.

Lake Forest’s Living Green Nursery–free classes

March 23, 2011 by robinbarr

Red Baron peach tree blossom

Living Green Nursery has launched their new website, and it’s lovely. Here are the class offerings for the rest of March through April. For May and June classes, visit their site.

March 26: Square Foot Gardening – Special guest Greg Stevenson
Square foot gardening is the easiest and most efficient way to grow flowers and vegetables, especially in urban environments. Join us and learn the secrets of success.

April 2: Edible Landscapes – Justin Galias
Make your garden into a culinary landscape with plants that are both beautiful and have edible parts. Come learn how to make your backyard your own farmer’s market with Living Green Nursery.

April 9: Tomatoes and Warm Season Vegetables – Erick Lux
Everyone loves vegetables, and they’re even better organic and locally grown. With Living Green Nursery’s help you can grow your own! Join us for an exciting and informative foray into the world of this season’s vegetables.

April 16: Moss Baskets & Spring Color- Paul Thornton
Nothing says “welcome to Spring” like floral color. Living Green will show you wonderful ways to use color in your garden. From moss baskets to color bowls—say hello to Spring with Living Green Nursery.

April 23: Fruit Trees – Justin Galias
Fruit Trees provide the benefits of ornamental trees, with the added benefit of being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Come find out how you can grow your own delicious fruits at home.

April 30: Shade Gardening – Paul Thornton
Shady areas can be challenging, but Living Green Nursery will show you solutions to enable the growth of flourishing landscapes. Come and learn the variety of durable flowing plants and decorative foliage you should choose to ensure year-round luscious growth in trouble spots.

Location: 25290 Jeronimo Rd., Lake Forest (former location of Laguna Hills Nursery)

Phone: (949) 768-4733

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 9am-4pm

Milo’s Cafe video. Sell-out dog/human crowd!

March 13, 2011 by robinbarr

Watch the heart-warming video taken yesterday for Milo’s Cafe opening day on Lake Forest Patch. Can’t wait to take my two little ones, and try some of that delicious looking healthy food! The rescue groups were there also with beautiful, loveable-looking, wanting-to-go-home-with-you dogs.

Throwing a birthday party? Three PERFECT parks and why

March 12, 2011 by robinbarr

Even though I don’t have children, I find myself enjoying and learning from the mom-focused articles written by Sharlene Earnshaw, a freelance writer for the blog, Lake Forest Patch. I just read one of her articles that I know will be of particular interest for those of you with children or grandchildren, “Three Perfect Parks for Throwing a Party”.

If you’re not already a subscriber, I recommend registering for the Lake Forest Patch, which serves Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills. There’s a sign-up box in the upper right corner of the site. There are also Patch blogs for Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, and Laguna Niguel. Find their links at the bottom of the Lake Forest Patch page.

BTW, for children or adults prone to cold sores, make sure to a apply lip balm with a high SPF factor if there will be lots of exposure to the sun. If the early warning symptom of a cold sore occurs inspite of the lip balm, make sure to have pocket size Cold Sores Begone™ in your pocket or purse — it will prevent the eruption. It’s available online, or locally at Mother’s Market, Henry’s Marketplace, Whole Foods Market, and Sprouts.

Whole Foods Market coming to Laguna Niguel

March 4, 2011 by robinbarr

Now I’m happy. One of my two favorite health food stores, Whole Foods Market, is coming to the hood. My other favorite is Mother’s Market. Whole Foods is a beautiful store, having a more ‘corporate’ big-chain feel, while Mother’s Market has the charm of an independent, although they have expanded to seven stores from their original store in Costa Mesa.

Whole Foods Market has leased the space formerly occupied by Tall Mouse, a crafts store, located on Aliso Creek Rd. between Alicia and La Paz. There’s a Soup Plantation restaurant in the shopping center. It’s due to open Winter 2011. I don’t know if that means any day now or toward the end of year, but I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.

Fresh & Easy-10 exciting reasons why it’s the go-to place to shop for families

February 24, 2011 by robinbarr

Sharlene Earnshaw, writer for the Lake Forest Patch, wrote a very good article on Fresh & Easy with information I didn’t even know, and I shop there! It includes one perk that I’ve never seen before — preferred parking for adults with children. Hmmm, I don’t have children. Anyone interested in renting out one of yours for an hour or so? 🙂

The new Fresh & Easy in Lake Forest is located at El Toro Road and Trabuco.

Milos Cafe–a dog-friendly, healthy restaurant opening soon in Lake Forest

February 18, 2011 by robinbarr

I can’t wait for the opening of Milos Cafe! The owner, Scott Sellman, projects the opening for 2-3 weeks from now. Take a look at the partial menu! Once you go to that page, you can download the full menu. Scott’s inspiration for this restaurant is his love for animals, good food, and health consciousness.

Listen to what a cool thing he’s doing. On the patio will be two pens for dogs to play, one for larger dogs, the other for smaller dogs. Rescue groups will be invited to bring their dogs to play in the pens as well, allowing them a chance for adoption. Customers who are considering adoption can see how their dog gets along with a rescue dog of interest. Both customers and rescue groups using the pens will be required to sign releases that their dogs have been vaccinated and will be responsible for the dogs’ behavior.

He’s attracted a great chef, Michael Pedersen, who has a wealth of credentials, including Planet Hollywood, HI; Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades; Hotel Nikko, Culinary Concepts, and more.

Scott has created strong relationships with dog charities all because of the adoption of his two dogs on the same day, Milo and Jake. Milo is a mix of American Bulldog and Sharpei. Jake is a pug, and both were adopted on the same day in February, 2009. Brave dad! Both are graduates of PetSmart obedience school, but Jake has aspirations to be an actor and furthered his education by attending Hollywood Paws in, where else? Hollywood.

Their passion is poker.

These dogs are very hip and today, sharing a Facebook page with Scott. Go over and ‘like’ them and keep updated on their interesting lives and Milos Cafe news. www.Facebook.com/MilosCafe.

Milos Cafe location: 26771 Rancho Parkway, Lake Forest.