Category Archives: Consumer

The Meat House is opening soon in Mission Viejo

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The Meat StoreThey call themselves the modern revival of the neighborhood butcher-only better, offering a wide selection of expertly butchered premium beef, poultry, veal, lamb, and pork, their legendary marinades, fine cheeses, fresh produce, artisan breads, prepared side dishes, Boar’s Head Deli products, delectable desserts and pastries, and my personal favorite, prepared foods.

Not all their locations carry wine, and it’s not clear if Mission Viejo will, but if so, they carry over 200 varieties from around the world, which are hand selected by The Meat House’s Certified Wine Educator.

They’ll be located in the Gateway Shopping Center at Alicia Pkwy & Jeronimo, across the driveway from Saddleback Urgent Care.  Telephone: (949) 548-6328

Website:  http://www.themeathouse.com

Trick-or-Treating idea-Stop in at Frapy’s Yogurt

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They have candy to pass out and kids 10 and younger can have a small free cup of frozen yogurt. Try the pumpkin flavor!   Older than that? 20% off.   If you haven’t tried their Chocolate Kiss flavor – you’re in for a treat (without the trick).  Ask for a sample first if you don’t trust me!

FRAPYS – Mission Viejo
24001 Via Fabricante (off Alicia, just west of Jeronimo), #1004
(949) 215-3100
Open daily
11 am to 11 pm

FRAPYS – Lake Forest, 23600 Rockfield Blvd., (next to Buffalo Wild Wings). They won’t be open on Halloween (Sunday), but the 20% off applies for anyone on Saturday. (949) 462-9400,  11 am to 10 pm Mon-Saturday.
LAKE FOREST LOCATION IS CLOSED SUNDAYS

A cold sore’s early warning symptom can fill you with dread like nothing else

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Two long weeks – that’s what you have to look forward to with a honker of a cold sore on your lip soon after you feel the early warning ‘tingle’.  Let me guess — when you feel the ‘tingle’,  you have an event coming up that makes the eruption occur at the absolute worst time!  No, I’m not psychic, that’s just the way it rolls.  Personal experience.

This guy did a video on Cold Sores Begone™, what a character!  A hood indoors?

You can buy it locally – Whole Foods Market, Mother’s Market, Sprouts, Henry’s Marketplace.

Ladera Ranch’s Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery-updated review

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A few months back, I posted a highly positive review for this family style restaurant. After visiting several times since then, I still like the place, but must note that both I, and whoever I happen to have along with me, notice that most times, some part of our meal is not quite right – the baked potato may not be cooked all the way through, baked carrots still somewhat hard when served, salmon overcooked.

With that said, when it’s brought to the server’s attention, this restaurant bends over backwards to make it right.  The food is served again done right, lots of expressed desire that you’re happy, and usually, they throw in a free desert.  Without a doubt, Corky’s wants you to have a good experience with them.

Just be aware of this when you visit Corky’s, and don’t be shy about speaking up. They want to know where there’s weaknesses in their operations so they can make corrections.   The food is good, provide generous portions, and I’m still a good customer.

Soil class at Living Green Nursery tommorrow, Sat, 10/23

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It can be confusing choosing the right soil with all the different brands available today.  Living Green Nursery has chosen EB Stone Organics as their preferred fertilizers and soils.   At 10:00am, Duane Wheeler from EB Stone will be onsite presenting an indepth talk about what’s in various products and how to choose the right one for you.

RSVP to events@livinggreennursery.com

Living Green Nursery 10% Off anything coupon on rainy days, no expiration date

25290 Jeronimo Rd, Lake Forest, (949) 768-4733 (former location of Laguna Hills Nursery)

www.livinggreennursery.com

Warehouse sale in Foothill Ranch tommorrow thru Sunday- products for all ages. Think Halloween & holiday gifts!

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Innovage Warehouse SaleI’ve written previously about the Innovage Warehouse and the 2x a year sale they run. The prices are ridiculously cheap, and there’s something for everyone.  They’re running an extra sales event this year coming up tommorrow, Fri, 11am-7pm, Sat, 9am-5pm, and Sun, 9am-5pm.
The directions are little difficult to read on their ad.  I’ll share how I get there from Mission Viejo at Alicia and Marguerite Pkwy:

I drive north on Marguerite, turn left on Santa Marguerita Pkwy and continue after the street name changes to Portola Pkwy.  Turn right on Lake Forest, take the 1st right on Pauling.  Location on right, 19511 Pauling.

And then, there’s always Google Maps you can use for directions.

Mission Viejo Dog Park Updates

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puppies playing

Is this cute or what?

Susan Sellers runs www.mvdogpark.com. To receive updates as they occur, sign up at her site.

She also happens to be a member of the award winning Del Lago Trio. Visit their site.

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If you or your family are feeling frazzled and prone to cold sores or canker sores, let Cold Sores Begone prevent the eruption altogether, and Canker Sores Begone to heal that oral ulceration in hours to a few days.

Affordable Vet Who’s Actually Good? Apparently so.

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Affordable vet, Laguna HillsDr. Maged Kerolos purchased Affordable Spay and Neuter (ASN) from Dr. Wheaton last year, who went on to open Alicia Pet Care.   Unlike under Dr. Wheaton’s ownership, ASN is now a full service veterinary practice.  You can find them in the shopping center where Big Lot is located on Alicia just west of the 5.

I have to reveal I haven’t yet had an opportunity to bring either of my dogs to Dr. Kerolos, but their medical records are being sent from my old vet to Dr. Kerolos as we speak. Why? When I was at the shopping center the other day, I decided stop in to talk to the staff and get a feel for the place.

I was immediately greeted by a friendly young woman.  I asked about the doctor and a few other questions.  Scott, the office manager, came to join the conversation and was helpful and informative as well.  I asked about prices (really affordable, i.e. office visit, $40).  What convinced me to make the switch was a customer who was there waiting for her dog.   She heard my questions and said to me, I’m a nurse at Mission Hospital and I know about health care delivery.  Dr. Kerolos is excellent, very thorough, explains everything, doesn’t make you feel rushed.  She has 3 dogs she brings there, and said due to her recommendation, many Mission Hospital employees are bringing their pets to Dr. Kerolos as well.  She added that Scott was also excellent as a resource and tech, in fact, all the staff are good.

That’s what I needed to hear.  I’ll keep you posted on my actual experiences with ASN over time.

Here’s a link to ASN Testimonials. Note that some of the earlier entries were written while under Dr. Wheaton’s ownership.

They’re located at 24861 Alicia Pkway, Suite D, Laguna Hills, CA  92653; Ph 949-768-1314.

I recommend this twice-a-year, weekend warehouse sale in Foothill Ranch. Fri, 8/20-Sun, 8/22

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I’m not much on garage sales but inspite of the heat in and outside the warehouse, I go to this sale every year. My particular interest are the informercial products I see on TV but use willpower not to buy, that often appear right here at the sale at greatly reduced prices.  And there’s always a few other chotskies I pick up as well.  Lots of stuff in the $1-$10 range.  Get some, a lot, or all your holiday shopping here, it will save you a fortune.  Beware, no refunds or exchanges. And dress cool. This weekend starting tommorrow (Friday).

Innovage Warehouse Sale

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Imagine the dreaded early warning symptom of a cold sore, but you’re able to easily prevent it before it starts. Cold Sores Begone™

Local organic farm has added Wednesday drop off location in Mission Viejo on Via Fabricante with boxes of fruits and vegetables

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Many small family farms are going directly to the local food supporter in the form of a weekly subscription basket.  Customers get truly local, ‘just harvested’ freshness.  Product in a grocery store is often 14 days old and has, on average traveled 1500 miles, losing nutrition and flavor along the way, not to mention increasing air pollution and fossil fuel consumption.  Having your organic fruit and vegetables harvested and delivered directly from a local farm provides a fresher, tastier alternative.

Other benefits include a greater variety of selection, preserving farmland and open space, and keeping money within the local economy.

As a member of Morning Song Organic Farm‘s subscription service, a weekly package of fresh fruit and vegetables is delivered in several drop off locations in south OC. The closest to Saddleback Valley is at Mission Viejo’s Gateway Rehab & Wellness Center at 24002 Via Fabricante. The service is available to the general public as part of the facility’s wellness outreach. However, people don’t have to be patients and can simply drop by the facility, fill out a Morning Song Farm agreement and their box of fruits and veggies will be available for pick-up on Wednesday afternoons.

Find out more about the service by calling 949-454-8811.

Habit Burger Grill has opened and BJ’s Brewery Restaurant now offering gluten-free pizza! Life is good!

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The Habit Burger Grill is now open at The Orchard Shopping Center at 23632 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest, (949) 206-9110.  Hours:  Mon-Sat: 10:30m-9:pm; Sun- 11am-8pm.  Had a burger/fries, quite good but line was out the door.

Just went to  BJ Brewery Restaurant for the first time today. What took me so long?  The food is excellent and priced reasonably.  I’m looking for recommendations on your favorite menu items at BJ’s, so please comment below with your suggestions.  But that’s not the news. For those that can’t eat gluten, they offer pizzas made without it!
GLUTEN-FREE THIN CRUST PIZZA
Gluten-Free Thin Crust Pizza – Cheese 8.95
Gluten-Free Thin Crust Pizza – Add One Topping 9.95
Gluten-Free Thin Crust Pizza – Add Two Toppings 10.95
Gluten-Free Thin Crust Pizza – Add Three Toppings 11.95
Gluten-Free Thin Crust Pizza – Add Four Toppings 12.95
A flavorful, herb-infused, 10-inch crust baked to a golden brown and topped with your favorite gluten free toppings. All BJ’s Classic Toppings listed are gluten-free with the exception of meatballs.

24032 El Toro Rd. in the Laguna Hills Mall near Just Tires.  949.900.2670

Hours
11am-12am Monday-Thursday
11am-1am Friday
10am-1am Saturday
10am-12am Sunday

BTW, both of these restaurants are on the noisy side, if that’s an issue for you.

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Do painful canker sores stand between you and you’re ability to eat with joy?  What are you waiting for?  Get non-toxic, topical Canker Sores Begone™ to get rid of them within a day or two (varies among individuals). Helps cankers due to any cause except from acidic food.  Available at Mother’s Market, Whole Foods Market, Henry’s Marketplace (not Laguna Niguel), Sprouts, and www.csbegone.com.

How to prevent a cold sore caused by the sizzling summer sun

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Here you are with a beautiful sun-kissed summertime tan, and it’s ruined by the appearance of a cold sore infection right on your mouth triggered by over-exposure to the sun.  There are ways to help avoid it:

  • Wear a lip balm with the highest SPF factor you can find when you’re out in the sun. Don’t forget to reapply after you eat or it has worn off.
  • Keep your immune system strong by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and manage stress though the many ways that are available to do so, i.e. meditation, exercise, yoga, breathing exercises, hypnosis, Tai Chi, relaxing while listening to spa-like music.

If you still feel the dreaded early warning symptom of an outbreak, you can abort it instantly by applying a few drops of topical, herbal Cold Sores Begone™ to the area as soon as you feel the tingling sensation.  The cold sore will not erupt, and you’ll be good to go.  It’s a life saver, especially when you have something planned where your appearance will be  important for you to feel attractive and confident.

Cold Sores Begone™ has been recommended by PREVENTION and NATURAL HEALTH Magazines, and safe even for small children.   It sells for $11, and available in selected health food stores, such as Whole Foods Market, Henry’s Marketplace, Sprouts, Mother’s Market & Kitchen and others.  If it’s more convenient, Cold Sores Begone™ can be ordered by calling 888-877-6315, or online at http://www.csbegone.com, which ships out by the next business day for only $2.

Living Green ‘Eco-Conscious’ Nursery Event Thurs, 7/1-Free Food & Cocktails, Kids Activities, Live Music

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This is the new nursery that has moved into the well known Laguna Hills Nursery building that opened May 6th.  It’s lovely to walk through, and can’t help but notice there’s something different about it – and there is.   Living Green is where you can come to learn about eco-conscious living, with displays through the influence of an interior decorator, who happens to be the owner, Joanna Perlman along with her husband, David Itzikman, and Randy Smith, one of Southern California’s largest wholesale growers.

This Thursday is their Grand Opening event with festivities from 4pm-9pm.  From 4-6pm, kids can enjoy hands-on gardening, pot painting, and more.

They’ll have the BBQ going offering free, delicious tastings from Living Greens Catering, live flamenco music, give-aways, and demonstrations throughout the evening on:

  • succulent container planting
  • rose maintenance
  • veggie & herb gardening tips

In-store specials are being offered now and run thru next Sunday.

Living Green features a variety of drought tolerant plants and succulents, an array of organic vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees, and beautiful ornamental plants. Overlooking the nursery are fun planting stations where kids and adults can get their hands in the dirt and assemble their own succulent, color, or herb containers.

They’re committed to being a vital and active resource in the community.  Exciting plans include a weekend farmer’s market, exotic bird viewings, and educational, interactive expert seminars and workshops, and field trips for adults and kids.  Justin Galias, the Community Programs Director/Garden Consultant, is there to incorporate The Living Green Philosophy and Mission into classes and activities for the community, which includes community fundraising.  The Organic Youth Learning Project is an ongoing agrotherapeutic special needs service learning project, the goal of which is to provide a safe and educational environment for kids and adults with exceptional needs.  Agrotherapy is a broad and expanding entity in the field of special education.  Jason can be contacted at the nursery or on his cell phone, 714-353-2147.

The place is awesome and I look forward to what the following months will offer.  We’re fortunate they chose the Saddleback Valley to be the home of their community based, forward thinking nursery and garden center.

Location:

25290 Jeronimo Road (nearest cross street is El Toro Blvd.)

Lake Forest, CA 92630-4900

Phone: 949-748-4733

Two New Eatery Finds in Ladera Ranch, Both Fantastic!

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How about a friendly family restaurant, open 24 hrs/day, serves breakfast anytime, and everything is home made.  I happened by  Corky’s Restaurant and Bakery a few days ago and woohoo, my new go-to casual restaurant.   I had the Pot Roast dinner – out of this world.  Chunks of flavorful, tender beef, and in case you were wondering, no gristle.  Included a large dinner roll (fantastic!), delicious mashed potatoes with gravy, and salad or soup.  I chose the soup of the day, tortilla soup –  home made, fresh, wonderful. $9.99.

Warning!  Their portions are huge. Unless you’re a voracious eater, plan to share it or take some  home with you.  The hot fudge brownie with ice cream is $6.99 but could feed 4 people.  Omelettes?  Haven’t tried one yet, but they use 5 eggs.   They’re not making up for poor quality with quantity – no siree Bob!   It’s the delicious, fresh home cooked meals I remember from my childhood.

Don’t believe  me – read the reviews on their site, found under each of the meal menus on the left column.   I’ll start you off here with their breakfast menu. Click on Read Comments.

27522 Antonio Parkway, Ladera Ranch, 949-364-4439 (located at Crown Valley & Antonio in shopping center on the east side of Antonio).

NEXT UP………..

Jerry’s Wood-Fired Dogs (hot dogs, that is)

This hot dog joint is what I consider to be a wave of new-wave hot dog/sausage eateries opening up lately.  Another one is Berkeley Dog, which I’ve heard is good but haven’t been there yet.  They’re located at 25522 Marguerite Pkwy. #101, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692,  (949) 455-1888. (At Oso & Marguerite near Rubio’s & Del Taco).

At Jerry’s Dogs, I ordered the hot dog with grilled peppers and onions with mushrooms. Probably the best hot dog I’ve every had.  They also serve these hot potato chips, and they’re excellent.  I heard two different customers while I was there exclaim “I just LOVE them!”.

Lots of hot dog/sausage and toppings to choose from.  Here’s their website.

I’m interested to hear your feedback.  If you’ve tried any of these restaurants, including Berkeley Dog, or others in the Saddleback area that deserve a rave, please comment below.

Bob Hope Timeless Melodies Presentation – This Sunday, 6/27 @ 7pm

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If you haven’t been attending Larry Maurer’s Timeless Melodies presentations, you have really missed out.  They’re fabulous!  I’ve even enjoyed it when it’s featured someone I didn’t feel particular affinity for.  Plan on coming, and bring someone you think would enjoy it.   Somehow, it just gives you a lift  You won’t be sorry.

In the Mission Viejo Council Chamber this Sunday, June 27th at 7:00 pm for a NEW Timeless Melodies presentation by Larry Maurer: Bob Hope: Memories and Laughs From vaudeville dancer to international celebrity, Bob Hope captured our hearts and made us laugh for over 70 years. Larry traces the wonderful history of America’s greatest comedian. This is one you won’t want to miss. Tickets may be purchased at the door beginning at 6:30 PM for $10.