Category Archives: Consumer

Weekend Camp for Women, Mothers and Others, of ANY Age or Shape. 2 for 1 Expiring 6/27/10. I’m In!

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15 years ago, Patti Londre attended Camp GetAway as a guest, and loved it so much, she bought it!   It takes place in Angelus Oaks, in Southern California’s beautiful San Bernardino Mountains. This is NOT hard-core camping, ladies! Real bathrooms, HOT private showers, electric outlets. Rustic, heated cabins with several bunkrooms each; peaceful decks. To bunk with your friends, register early!  This is good old fashioned camp fun.  Yoga, archery, seminars, karaoke, scrapbooking, dance class, tie dye, chick flicks.

Facility Photos

Do Everything (or nothing)

Website for Camp Getaway

It occurs on Friday, October 1 to Sunday, October 3rd to noon shortly after brunch.

Accommodations for the disabled or with special needs.   Patti’s running a promo that expires on June 27 – Two for one, in other words, $295 for two women!  That includes lodging, 5 meals and all activities with exception of spa treatments. See site for info on those. Modest fees apply for some crafts.  I called my girlfriend I’ve known since high school (Van Nuys High, 1969 – go Wolverines!) and we’re going!

If you just want to attend, it’s $295 (still worth it, wouldn’t you say?)  until August 15th, then price goes up.  Patti says its common when women come up alone, but they don’t stay alone for long, unless they want to.  “I came alone and left with friendships that will last a lifetime.”  Amy B, Tempe

Weather: October: days 65°-75°   nights 40°-65°

If you have dietary needs, just let them know.  Note: the sample itinery shows canoeing, but from October until the summer, it’s not available.

Honestly, at $150 each, you can’t go wrong.  Grab your mother, your daughter, friend, niece, aunt, a stranger on the street – just go!

Laguna Hills Nursery on Jeronimo Has Closed. Now Occupied by Living Green Nursery

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This may be old news to some of you since it occurred about 45 days ago, but I just found out and was very surprised.  George and Grace Matsuoka had owned a successful nursery in Pasadena and in 1968, had an opportunity to sell the business.  In 1970, he purchased the property on Jeronimo, starting Laguna Hills Nursery.  George and Grace’s children grew up helping their parents with the nursery, and when the older couple began to experience health problems, their son Gary and his wife, Nancy, took charge in 1994.

Gary started researching and developing his own ideas about Horticulture in 1995.  He worked to perfect his skills at propagating, growing, product development, marketing and teaching.  By the late 1990’s, Laguna Hills Nursery was thriving.  It was known for the quality and selection of roses, fruit trees, ornamental trees and perennials.

Unfortunately, by 2007,  both of Gary’s parents had passed on and the nursery’s property had to be sold to settle the family’s estate.  Gary and Nancy moved Laguna Hills Nursery to Foothill Ranch in 2008 for a year, then leased back the old property in 2009.  The bad economy led to a decision to close to store by May 2010.

The new owners, Living Green Nursery & Garden Center, are quite nice, says Gary, and wishes them well.

For those of you who loved the potting soils and planting mix that Gary developed, he’s looking for established retail outlets in Orange County who will be able to offer it.

The Laguna Hills Nursery website is still up and says you can reach Gary and Nancy at the email addresses below.  It seems they may still be able to help you with some of your gardening needs.   gary@lagunahillsnursery.com, nancy@lagunahillsnursery.com

Mission Viejo’s Frapys Yogurt, My Favorite, Now Offering Caramel Green Apple + More New Flavors

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I’ve written before about Frapys and why they’re my favorite yogurt shop, which includes their use of super-premium quality yogurt (Click Here).  Went there last night with a friend and found a few new flavors, most of which were out of this world:  Lowfat Caramel Green Apple (OMG!), Nonfat Butter Brickle and Coconut Cream Pie, both excellent.  Not a new flavor but still may be my favorite, and the most popular, the shop owner tells me,  is the Italian Kiss Gelato, with the richest tasting chocolate I’ve ever experienced in a yogurt.  Another favorite is the Lowfat Dulce de Lecha, a  caramel-type flavor.  I’m not a fan of tart flavors, but if you are, there’s quite a few, and two choices of No Sugar Added – strawberry/banana and chocolate.  They offer a lot of flavors, more than Yogurtland, and are generous with giving you sample cups to try out all the flavors you’re curious about.  $.35/ounce

24001 Via Fabricante, one block west of Jeronimo off of Alicia Parkway. (949) 215-3100, Open 7 days a week, 11am-11pm.

They’ve recently opened a 2nd store in Lake Forest, but offer less flavors.  23600 Rockfield Bl.  (949) 462-9400, Mon-Thurs and Sun, 11am-11pm; Fri and Sat, 11am-12 am.

What a Professional Organizer Did For My Bathroom Linen Closet

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I have ADD.  Consequently, certain things, even if relatively simple, can overwhelm me. That’s why I can’t cook – too many details involved – chop this, braise that, a pinch of this, don’t forget the garlic toast!  Friends who come over for dinner expect that I will have brought something in, and prefer it that way, LOL!   It’s ironic that I love organizing, it’s almost a hobby, and most of my home and garage are very well organized, but for some reason, the linen closet in my bathroom threw me into a tizzy every time I tried to address it.

Gail Gray, a professional organizer and owner of A Fresh Start, is a member of a professional organization I belong to for women business owners, Savor the Success.   The Orange County Register sent out a query looking to do a story on a professional organizer, and follow her through a job. The small business public relations company she uses, PublicityPro’s, was able to set it up.  I offered up my disheveled bathroom linen closet.

Gail showed up with a variety of baskets,  containers and wire shelf stands to see which would work best.  She completely cleared out the closet and grouped the contents into ‘categories’ or things of a ‘like’ kind.  After a couple of hours, this is what she accomplished:

Top Half of Cabinet

BEFORE

AFTER


A tip from Gail – keep your sheet sets together by taking one pillowcase and open it.  Slide in the folded sheets and remaining pillowcase(s), and fold the end of the outer pillow case over.  There! No need to go through separate stacks of pillow cases, flat sheets, and fitted sheets to pull the set together.  Take a look at the top shelf on the right. It’s hard to see in this picture, but Gail also suggested to put a note on each sheet set, secured with a a safety pin, to identify which set was which. Is that a good idea or what?  I chose to do this only for the set of linens at the top of the shelf,  “Guest Linens”.  The rest I could easily identify by sight.

Bottom Half of Cabinet

BEFORE

“Out of clutter, find Simplicity. From discord, find Harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
— Albert Einstein, scientist


AFTER

Do you know what it is to look for something and go right to it?  That nothing is being knocked over as you look or reach for it?  I love how it looks and makes me feel, giving me a sense of peace, a feeling that all is in order.

I secretly want her to leave her husband and kids and move in with me.  I think I could keep her busy organizing every nook and cranny of my home.  Until then, I have to be satisfied looking forward to our next appointment date when she will set up a more productive workspace in my small home office.  I can‘t wait!!

Gail just happens to be on the cover of OC Family Magazine this month.  Click here. Then click at top of page to Page 8-Page 9.  You’ll see a picture of her on the left with her two young sons.  Don’t make the mistake I did living with a cluttered space that weighed me down,  wasted time looking for things, a source of frustration that chipped away at my sense of personal power reflecting back my inability to get it done.  An Organizer will direct the effort, sorting items, creating order out of chaos.

If you’re interested in getting a consultation with Gail, her contact info is here,  A Fresh Start.

Listen Online to Your Favorite So Cal Radio Stations Choosing From Quick Categorized List

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It’s from a site called RadioTime where you can listen to most radio stations, AM or FM, all genres (Talk, Rock, Family, Adult Standards, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Christian, Korean – you name it).  With a few clicks, you can even find radio stations all over the world in the same all-in-one-place convenient list format for stations in that region.

Click HERE for the website that covers So. California.  From there you can easily search the website for all the goodies it has to offer relating to radio entertainment.

For music, my favorite genre is Adult Standards, and was glad to find a couple of radio stations with that format, although my go-to station is only offered online – Martini In The Morning.

Lake Forest Residents Offered Free Document Shredding for Identity Theft Prevention

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Click HERE for details. What a great service!  City of Mission Viejo, are you listening?!

The City of Lake Forest doesn’t offer the service for businesses.

To search if your city offers this program, do a search on ‘shredding program & [City of ____, CA]’.

If not, there are pay-for-service companies that offer it.  Do a search for ‘shredding services + [your city/state]’.

Waba Grill Teriyaki House-Tasty Food, Healthy & Surprisingly Inexpensive

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Earlier this month, I wrote about another very good, reasonably priced restaurant in Mission Viejo called the Grill Hut, which serves kabobs or plates of vegetables, chicken, or steak, most meals under $10.

And now, my new find, the Waba Grill Teriyaki House at 25800 Jeronimo just off Alicia Pkwy in the same shopping center as Jack-in-the-Box.  Unless you’re compelled to stay in the car when ordering food, the Waba Grill will get you in and out just as fast if not faster than ‘Jack’.

More important, the food is very tasty and  made with 100% all natural ingredients, no MSG.  All meats are charbroiled, no oil is ever used for cooking, nothing is fried.   They have ‘drive-thru’ prices.  Examples: Chicken Bowl, $5.09; Chicken Salad Plate, $6.99; Salmon Plate, $7.89; Half-Half Veggie Bowl (half rice, half veggies, chicken & steak), $5.75.  Cooked fresh to order, low fat, high protein, low calories.   You need to give this place a try.

Phone orders ready within 15 minutes.  Phone:  949-380-8803

They have 15 other locations, 3 in our area:  Lake Forest, Irvine, and Santa Ana. Website is www.wabagrill.com.

Organic Cafe to Open on Crown Valley in Mission Viejo on Mother’s Day

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Dr. Thomas DeMoss of ChiroCare will open A Little Bit O’ Heaven,  an organic café with an outdoor dining patio, on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9th,  at 27652 Crown Valley Parkway next to ChiroCare and across from the Kaleidoscope Center. The menu will feature organic foods (including South American style Arepa wraps), and an organic coffee, tea and fresh fruit juice bar.  The cafe will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call 949-364-6082.

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When toddlers and young children develop canker sores inside the mouth, there are lots of tears from the pain, especially when they try to eat or drink. Here’s the safe, quick solution. Apply Canker Sores Begone™ several times a day, and it should resolve within a day or so. It’s herbal, non-toxic, and endorsed by PREVENTION and NATURAL HEALTH Magazines so no need for concern giving it to your little one. This remedy won’t be effective for cankers triggered by acidic food.

I Recommend this Alterations Shop in Laguna Hills

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The shop name is Expert Alterations.  Kyle is the owner, and he’s gifted with the sewing machine.  In fact, he owns several machines for working with different types of fabric.  He can copy an item of clothing, and make certain kinds of upholstery.

I’m pretty, pretty picky, and was pleased how meticulous the work was, in fact, he went the extra inch (no pun intended) on a few things. Another woman, also picky, thought his work was excellent.

He’s at the corner of Paseo de Valencia and Alicia Pkwy next to Hello Nails and in the same shopping center as Yogurtland. The address is 25401 Alicia Pkwy, #G.

949-707-4911

Monday & Saturday, 12pm-5pm
Tuesday thru Friday, 10am-6pm

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Dental procedures trigger canker sores inside the mouth? Swab your mouth and tongue with Canker Sores Begone™ before and after the dental visit to prevent a canker sore outbreak.  Only $11.  Purchase at Mother’s Market, Sprouts, or Whole Foods Market.

Finally Found Healthy, Delicious Alternative to Fast Food Restaurants

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The restaurant is called The Grill Hut-Fresh Kabobs on Mesquite Fire. One is located in Laguna Niguel, but it’s their newest location I went to on Los Alisos in Mission Viejo (north of Marguerite Pkwy).

Frankly, I don’t eat kabobs because I’ve found in the past they’re too highly seasoned for my stomach, and cause indigestion for hours. Don’t ask me why I chose to eat here. I was very hungry, at the shopping center, and there was the Grill Hut. Happy to report I had no problem with their seasoning, yet the food I ordered was flavorful.

Another thing – I don’t like eating breast of chicken, tastes like a shoe. But the young woman who worked there convinced me to try it. Woohoo! It’s the juiciest, most tender I have ever eaten. I’ll be ordering it again. In case you’re wondering, they marinate the chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

You can order the chicken in a salad, a wrap, main dish, ala carte, as a low carb meal, or a chicken kabob a la carte with hummus (only $5.99!). Starting April 5th, 2010, they’ll be offering the chicken in a pita sandwich.

I also tried their ground beef kabob. Doesn’t sound very interesting, does it? Well, let me tell you, it’s out of this world. And I really appreciate how they remove the stick for you before serving. (Have I told you I’m all about convenience?)

If you order the kabob main dish, it includes choice of two items: Garden green salad, grilled tomatoes, basmati rice and bread. The kabobs are available in the ground beef ($7.99), chicken ($8.99), steak ($9.99), veggie ($6.99), and fish ($9.99).

Their food is fresh, meats have not been frozen nor is any preparation done in a microwave.

Here’s a link to their website where you can view the menu and learn a little bit more about them.

Honestly, there’s just no reason to eat at McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Quizno’s and the like when for similar cost, your food can be fresh, healthy and delightful.

Locations:
MISSION VIEJO: 28815 Los Alisos Blvd, Mission Viejo, north of Marguerite Pkwy in the Von’s Shopping Center. As soon as you drive into the shopping center, turn right, you’ll see it on the right.
(949) 855-8411

LAGUNA NIGUEL: 27020 Alicia Pkwy at Pacific Park, in the shopping center food court area near Rubio’s. (I’m told they’re the highest money earning restaurant in the shopping center.)
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Do you have a big event coming up, like a wedding, job interview, a reunion? Stress is a common trigger for a cold sore. You’ll kick yourself if you get one knowing that a dab of Cold Sores Begone™ could have prevented the whole thing at the tingle. Get it now.

Want to Communicate With Your Pet (Here or Passed Over) or Ask a Question About Yourself?

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A friend of mine, Frances Greenspan, is an animal communicator, among other things, including artist, and teaching maven how to sell on ebay.
http://iteachhowtosellonebay.blogspot.com/
http://whatdoyourpetswantyoutoknow.blogspot.com/
http://www.franceswgreenspan.com
 
She’ll be offering animal communication at the Temple of Light Spiritual Wellness Center, where they’ll be hosting a psychic fair tommorrow, Saturday, Mar 6th, Lake Forest, 10AM-3PM.  Others will be there offering:

  • Clairvoyance
  • Mediumship
  • Angel Therapy
  • Bio-Feedback Analysis
  • Tarot
  • Animal Communication (pictures only please!)
  • Numerology
  • Astrology
  • Reiki
  • ThetaHealing
  • Spirit Art
    Intuitive Energy Work

Sessions start at $20 for 20 minutes.

Click here for more info

Office Depot on El Toro Rd Has Closed

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This really took me by surprise. The closest Office Depot locations are now in Irvine and San Clemente.

If you like frozen yogurt, you must go to Frapy’s.

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If you prefer premium frozen yogurt, and even better, at $.35/oz and 24 flavors to choose from, go to this coffee bar style yogurt shop on Fabricante, which is one block West of Jeronimo off of Alicia Parkway. Creamy, delicious flavor. My two favorite are Vanilla Gelato and Chocolate Kiss Gelato. Magnifique! Golden Spoon is more expensive for what I find is inferior yogurt. Frapy’s also has flavored coffees and muffins. In fact, new for the decadent, they offer a plain vanilla or chocolate, semi sweet muffin for the purpose of adding to your yogurt. It absorbs the flavor of the yogurt, with the texture of the muffin – oh my gosh, I want one right now! Must mention how clean and calm the place is. Easy, quick stop off if you often travel Alicia, Los Alisos, Jeronimo or Muirlands. It’s located closest to Alicia, just past Rubio’s and Italian deli which both recently opened at Fabricante and Alicia. Open til 11pm everyday.

Trager Approach-You owe yourself a one-hour session if you’re carrying any stress or anxiety

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I’ve written about the Trager Approach before (See Archived Blogs on right side of page), but just had another session yesterday and am  inspired again to share the Trager Approach with everyone.  The profound soothing, calm and relaxation you experience is what you’re really looking for, but don’t quite achieve, when you receive a traditional massage.

Click HERE to watch a Trager session.

“Trager work is one of the least invasive forms, using gentle rocking and bouncing motions to induce states of deep, pleasant relaxation. It helps the nervous system’s communication with the muscles, so that it can be used as a method of rehabilitation especially by people suffering from traumatic injuries, post-polio syndrome, and other chronic neuromuscular problems.”                                               – Andrew Weil, M.D.

The Trager Approach is also for everyday stress that’s held tight in the body, the cause of illness, and a host of other physical, behavioral and emotional complaints.

A local practitioner:   Glennda Adair
$65/hr
Phone: 949-707-5691  Email:  glennda.adair@cox.net
Located in north Mission Viejo near the intersection of Marguerite and Santa Marguerita Pkways.

Prevent Xmas or New Year’s Eve COLD SORE from making a guest appearance

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‘Tingling’ symptom?
  No need to panic.

  

            1.   Apply a few dabs.
            2.   Infection aborted. 
            3.   Good to go!

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