Category Archives: Resources

Missing a Farmer’s Market in Mission Viejo? We’re Getting One!

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It will be owned and operated by Verge Hagopian, a former teacher at Mission Viejo High School. He’s driven by an interest in healthy eating, and as such, the 40-60 vendors participating will only be offering healthy food.  If you get thirsty while you’re there and want a soda, for-getta-boud it.  Hagopian says soda is unhealthy and you won’t find it sold there.

The farmer’s market will start in January 2012, every Friday morning next to the Mission Viejo Library.  The exact hours haven’t been announced yet, but I’ll post it here later.

For more details, read Peter Schelden’s online article about the new Farmer’s Market at the Mission Viejo Patch.

Printer doggedly works to improve the lives of animals worldwide

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I met Rene Bruce tonight at the Irvine Dog Park.  I was there with my two dogs, Molly and Noodles, and my foster terrier puppy, Skoshi whose first time it was to go to the dog park.

Rene was there with two of his dogs.  I watched how in sync he was with the dogs, quietly and easily calling out commands, both dogs obeying happily.  I was in awe because that’s not the way it is with my little pack.  I continued to watch him for a good 45 minutes, transfixed.  It became a little cold, so gathered my brood, attached leashes, and readied to go, passing Rene who was now on the bench next to me.

Something inspired me to stop and ask if he trained his dogs himself. He did, something that comes naturally to him and has since he was a child.

I learned that he works closely with an animal shelter as a volunteer, don’t recall which one, working with dogs that are unadoptable due to aggression and other problems.  He has a high success rate, in fact, one of the dogs at the park was one of his graduates.

Rene is an entrepreneur and inventor. Perhaps in another blog, I’ll write about that part of his life, but for now, he’s the co-founder of Print4aPet.com, a printing company that offers all the things you might expect from a printer and more, but his prices are more economical and 20% of his gross goes to an animal in need, whether it be a dog, dolphin or turtle.

If you’ve ever been to Orange County Animal Services, you will have seen orange and blue signage.  It was created and donated by Rene.

He’s currently working with a name you may recognize, the founder of PETA, Alex Pacheco.  The website is 600million.org, its purpose to help save millions of stray dogs globally due to overpopulation.

If you have ever loved an animal, please help support the work Rene is doing by having your printing needs met through his business.  You’ll save money and help animals at the same time.

Print4aPet.com, 2104 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA  92705
Phone: (866) 744-1629
Email:  info@Print4aPet.com.

He provides printing services not only in O.C., but anywhere.   Please pass this on to your animal loving friends and family, and organizations you may be involved with.

Rene is an interesting guy.  His life hasn’t followed a traditional path.  Learn a little more about him at his blog.

Animal Communicator to Speak at Event. Bring Your Questions!

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The OC chapter of the International Association for Near Death Studies (IANDS) is hosting speaker Frances W Greenspan, an animal communicator.   She speaks with animals both here and to those who have crossed over by tuning in telepathically to their spirit/higher self to ask questions and receive their answers.

She’ll be speaking on the death experience of animals, their afterlife, and how it compares to that of humans.

Frances has appeared on numerous pet related radio shows, in print and online magazines, and is author of the book “What Do Your Pets Want You to Know? My Story of Animal Communication”.

She’s also an artist, specializing in illustrations of animals.  She was recognized by Cat Fancy Magazine as one of the most gifted animal artists in the world.

Feel free to invite all your pet owner friends and everyone else who has an interest in this topic or near-death experiences to join us.

This is an ever-growing area of interest according to the producer of Fox LA News.  At OC IANDS’ meeting last month, they were there filming segments for a piece on near-death experiences.  It will be televised Monday, October 10th, 2011 during the 10pm news hour.  The story will also be on their website after it plays.

Q & A will follow her talk.  If you have questions that are not necessarily animal related, but concerning near-death or any spiritually transformative experience, you’re welcome to ask those as well.  Group members with first hand knowledge of these kinds of experiences may join in to help answer those questions.

Afterwards, everyone is invited to a no-host dinner beginning 4:20 pm at Mimi’s Café, 17231 17th St., Tustin, CA. The restaurant phone number is 714-544-5522.

We encourage a donation of $10 per person for our expenses, but no one is turned away.  RSVP at robinbarr1@cox.net.

OC IANDS meets the 2nd Saturday of each month, from 1pm-4pm at Unity Church of Tustin, 14402 Prospect Ave., Tustin, CA. Drive to the back of the church, turn left, and park.  The first room you come to will be the classroom where we meet.  If you get lost, call Robin at 949-290-1949.

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

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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.

Temple of Light Spiritual Wellness in Lake Forest, CA

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If you’re interested in alternative healing resources and classes, astrology, telepathy, universal laws, mediumship, crystal therapy, sound and vibration healing, psychic skills, energy work and more, Temple of Light Spiritual Wellness offers a trans-denominational spiritual center with more than 40 spiritual healing modalities to the community.

Take a look at their website and calendar of events.

Lake Forest’s Living Green Nursery–free classes

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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

Throwing a birthday party? Three PERFECT parks and why

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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.

No Healthcare Coverage Due to Economy? Free or Low Cost Clinics Available in OC

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Click on Orange County Health Care Agency.

Although not free, the Minute Clinic (located in select CVS Pharmacy locations) are less expensive than a doctor’s visit, and staffed by physician assistants and nurse practitioners.  Click HERE for info on their Mission Viejo location at La Paz and Marguerite Parkway.

 

 

 

Dial 511 To Check SoCal Traffic Conditions Before Leaving the House or On the Road

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Traffic jamI didn’t know this existed until today!  It’s a free travel information service that provides traffic, transit and commuter service information in Orange County, Los Angeles and Ventura counties via a toll-free phone number, 511, and website, www.Go511.com.  It can even help you plan a trip on a bus or train or find a carpool or vanpool partner.

Calling 511 directly provides you with:

  • Traffic, including freeway travel times and speeds, road construction and traffic incidents
  • Trip planning such as bus and train schedules and a trip planner that helps you find the best transit route for your trip
  • Commuter services including finding a vanpool or carpool partner or locating a park-and-ride facility near you
  • Bike information such as bike maps, how to take bikes on buses and trains and links to area airports and taxis
  • Latest weather in your neighborhood or any other city in Southern California

A new year, desire to get fix-it jobs done, but concerned about expense?

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A few people who used my excellent handyman due to my recommendation, suggested I write about him again since many people don’t go too far back scrolling through a blog.  His name is Daniel Tena and he happens to be a licensed contractor.  His rates are very reasonable, so don’t let that be reason not to call or get your projects, big or small, finally done with–especially if there’s a danger issue involved.  His contact information is: Cell ph:  949-485-8458 , Home ph:  949-365-1085.

Here’s the link to the original blog which provides more information.  http://wp.me/pTlhh-8k

Revealing my wonderful handyman

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Daniel, the handyman

Don't let him kid you. His hair is all gray!

Yes, I love to share resources – that’s apparent from this blog.  But I was worried about sharing info about my handyman, Daniel, a licensed contractor, because I had visions of having to wait weeks for him to be available.  Can you blame me?  He’s on time, has fixed every problem I’ve handed him, he’s organized and neat when he works, and his hourly rates are extremely reasonable.

On the personal side, he’s a family man, somewhat urbane, quiet, gentle and kind. My two little dogs took to him instantly and kept trying to sit in his lap when he was working.  Spanish is his native language, and his English could stand improvement, but somehow, all gets communicated and the job gets done just fine.

He works all of south OC, Mondays through Saturdays.  Here’s a quick list of work he does:

Plumbing (doesn’t install water heaters)

Electrical

Painting (no more than one room at a time)+ touch up jobs

Carpentry (small jobs, no flooring)

Installs shelving

Repairs tile, walls, doors, shower doors, window and sliding glass door frames, gates, patio covers, water damage to bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors.

Installs lights, fans

and if it’s not listed here, ask him!

Daniel Tena, Ant Tena Handyman, Contractor’s License #953341

Cell ph:  949-485-8458 , Home ph:  949-365-1085

Highest consumer-rated auto mechanics in Saddleback Valley

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Are you familiar with Yelp.com?  If not, it will become your new best friend if you base a lot of your purchasing decisions on testimonials as I do.

Yelp is an online city guide that helps people find cool places to eat, shop, drink, relax, find a doctor or hair stylist, car mechanic or dog groomer, and on and on – all based on the informed opinions of an active community of locals. There you’ll find rants, raves and everything in between.  They use a 5 star system, 1 representing the lowest rating, 5 stars, the highest. Did I mention that Yelp is free?

I’m looking for a mechanic and thought my readers would appreciate seeing the search results.  Even if given five stars, I don’t consider them unless there are 5 or more reviews.

I will first post the link for the highest ranked mechanic by far, Corner 3 Garage in Lake Forest, 44 reviews, all 5 star ratings.  Further below, I’ll post the link for the rest of the results that came up.

Corner 3 Garage – Yelp Review results

Other auto mechanic reviews for Saddleback Valley

Who’s hiring for temporary and permanent positions

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In case you missed this in the OC Register, it’s worth posting here:

Hyundai

Macy’s

Various mentioned within article

Ingram Micro

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man worryingFear. Stress. Worry. Lack of sleep.  All common triggers for painful canker sores (inside the mouth) and embarrassing, painful cold sores (outside the mouth).  Here are two problem-solvers that are topical, safe for all ages, and work like nothing else you’ve tried. www.ColdSoresBegone.com, www.CankerSoresBegone.com

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.

Looking for something interesting to do in OC?

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OCBuzz.com is a wonderful resource chock full of OC activities, events and venues for any age group and families. Be sure to sign up HERE for their free, weekly fun and entertainment events e-newsletter.   Do you have an upcoming event you would like listed?  Click HERE for their free event listing.