Fest of Ales - Have Your Beer and Drink it Too

One of Orange County's top fun and festive activities is fast approaching - the legendary "Fest of Ales" in Anaheim taking place on September 19th from 12pm to 4pm.

Beer and cupcakes, can there be anything better?? (Image via OC Fest of Ales)

There will be 40 breweries present! However, the beer-lovers event isn't just for sipping on a variety of delicious brews. Attendees will enjoy unlimited gourmet food tastings in addition to the ale. Nearly 20 restaurants will be on-hand to help you even out the experience.

Something bacony and delicious (Image via OC Fest of Ales)

All the fun will be happening in Downtown Anaheim. Some of this year's event's proceeds will go towards Cops4Kids and Downtown Anaheim Association non-profit organizations.

Here's a promotional video from 2013 to give you an idea of how all the fun comes together:

For entertainment, The Rayford Brothers will be playing their sweet tunes from 12:20pm to 4:00pm.

I know what you're thinking... this guy must be the same guy from the video above. 
Sorry... We're not sure.
(Image via OC Fest of Ales)

Buy your tickets in advance at FestofAles.com!

Downtown Anaheim

(Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street)

201 Center Street Promenade

Anaheim, CA 92805

(Image via OC Fest of Ales)

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Style Week OC is Back!

Fall fashion is here with Style Week OC. The very trendy event is taking place at 3 different locations in Orange County during the dates of September 10th through 19th. It's going to be a lot of fun!

(image via Style Week OC)

What to expect: tons of fun fashion shows, shopping parties, style and beauty presentations, swag, celebrity sightings (speculation) and more.

Where to go and When:

• Fashion Island: September 10th-12th
• Irvine Spectrum: September 18th-19th
• The Market Place: September 19th

Some highlighted events:

Nick Verreos of Project Runway fame is again hosting the esteemed Celebrity Cruises Design Competition! The competition is Sept. 12th, 7pm at Fashion Island. The event is free and open to the public. FIDM design graduates compete with their best garments, stunning the audience with their unique voice.

True to the California lifestyle, the Surf + Action Sports Showcase will be a fun event for the outdoorsy and outgoing. The event will celebrate "20 years of style from OC’s iconic fashion brands including Hurley and Vans." Head to the Irvine Spectrum Center on Sept. 18th at 7pm.

The Neiman Marcus Children's Show will feature cute little guys and gals strutting in adorable fashion from brands such as Kenzo, Kate Spade, Little Marc Jacobs, Chloe and more. The show takes place at Fashion Island on Sept. 12th at 12pm. This is a free event.

Here's a teaser from last year's event with Nick Verreos himself:

With plenty of free fun there is no reason to miss these events. Limited seating will be available for fashion shows open to the public so get there early. Fun, fun!


See you there!
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Evening Fun at Anaheim Night Market Sat. June 20th

Take advantage of the warm Summer weather and enjoy a fun-filled evening out at the Anaheim Night Market this Saturday, June 20th from 6pm to 10pm at the always-trendy Anaheim Packing District.

image via Anaheim Packing District

Expect: local crafts and artisans, art, live music, great food and a free movie in the evening!

Starting at 6pm enjoy live music from Sandro Razciel & Co. Then, at 8pm, get cozy and catch the classic "Back to the Future" for free on the park. Bring some fold up chairs and some blankets!

You can also enter to win a Yelp! Prize Pack simply by checking-in at the event on the Yelp! app.

The prize pack will include:

• Anaheim Packing House T-shirt
• Wine Flask
• Hat
• Wooden train whistle
• Packing House Yo-yo
• Yelp headphones
• Yelp bike bell
• Yelp tumbler
• Yelp sunglasses
• Pins & more!

Anaheim Packing District
412 S. Anaheim Blvd

Anaheim, CA 92805

Enjoy!

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Fashion Island Carnival-Themed Party Sat. June 20th

Summer is here and Fashion Island is getting in the spirit with an afternoon full of fun activities and shopping discounts for their carnival-themed Paseo Party.

image via Fashion Island

It's all going down Saturday, June 20th from 1pm to 4pm at Newport Beach's Fashion Island.

Expect free fun including face painting, live music, balloon animals, cotton candy, entertainment, photo booth and giveaways! All the excitement will be taking place near Macy's with discounts at participating stores from 1-4p, including:

OSA Sun * Engine Ear Toys * Claire's Accessories * Michael Stars * Francesca's Collections * Hanna Andersson * Peek...Aren't You Curious * True Religion * G-STAR * San Lorenzo Bikins * IT'SUGAR * DITA * ANGL * Haagen-Dazs ... (* Some exclusions apply; see stores for details.)

Also, enter to win a $200 gift card by snapping and sharing a photo at the photo booth. Find out more at the event!

Fashion Island

271 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

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Other news from Fashion Island: Sushi Roku is now open! Find out what all the buzz is about here.


Have a sunny fun time and happy Summer!
-b

Last Weekend of OC Night Market

The OC Night Market's last few nights are upon us. Tonight, Saturday, June 6th (4pm to 12am) and Sunday, June 7th (4pm to 10pm) are the last evenings to enjoy the festivities at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa.

(image via OC Night Market Facebook page)

Bring some cash and enjoy an exciting assortment of Asian food from local restaurants, entertainment and shopping.

Here's a preview of what you can find:

(image via OC Night Market Facebook page)

RAMNUT Ramen Donut... yeah, it's a thing... from Foodbeast.

(image via OC Night Market Facebook page)

Organic caramel milk tea with boba and an ice cream donut from Harmony Tea Bar.

(image via OC Night Market Facebook page)

Hanging geometric air plant ornaments.

(image via OC Night Market Facebook page)

Pork belly bun from Lee's Taiwanese Cuisine.

(image via OC Night Market Facebook page)

...and these weird cone... things...

Musician Joseph Vincent is performing Saturday night at 9pm. Here's a music video to illustrate his talents!

Costs: $5 admission and $7 parking (cash only)

OC Fair and Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Can't make it this weekend? Visit the other night markets put on by 626 Night Market at Santa Anita Park. More details on future events can be found at 626nightmarket.com.


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Irvine Spectrum Food Truck + Fashion Truck Fun - May 15-17

Foodies and fashionistas unite!! This really cool, multi-day event is going on NOW at the Irvine Spectrum.

image via Find A Fashion Truck

Starting today, Friday, May 15th through Sunday May 17th from 11am to 10pm shop to your hearts content at 3 hot boutique fashion trucks parked at the Irvine Spectrum mall's Giant Wheel Court, including Michael Stars, Le Fashion Truck and JD Luxe Fashion Truck.

image via Food Network

Then, on Saturday, May 16th from 11am to 8pm enjoy a bite from some of the most popular food trucks in the area including Dogzilla and The Lime Truck in the Giant Wheel Court.


From 2pm to 4pm some of Spectrum's top boutiques, including Francesca's Collections, Irene's Story and KAITLYN, will be showing off collections, sharing style tips and offering promotions and discounts.

image via Irene's Story

To learn more about the event, click here.

image via Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine Company

Irvine Spectrum

71 Spectrum Center Dr.

Irvine, CA 92618

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CitrusFest 2015 Anaheim Packing District March 28th

A yearly Orange County tradition, the Citrus Festival is back! This Saturday, March 28th from 12pm to 5pm don't miss this fun-filled afternoon at the Farmers Park in the Anaheim Packing District, Downtown Anaheim.

CitrusFest 2015 will feature free hayrides, free lemonade, kids crafts and games, a model railroad display, giveaways, citrus car parade, live entertainment and more. For the parents, enjoy a hard lemonade garden!

Live bands Blue Breeze Band and Amber Foxx will be performing their tangy tunes (couldn't resist...).

There's even a cook-off where amateur chefs from the area can make any special dish they choose as long as they include some elements of citrus.

Farmers Park
Anaheim Packing District
412 S. Anaheim Blvd

Anaheim, CA 92805

Have a zesty time!
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2015 UVSA Tet Festival Feb 20-22

Having married a Vietnamese man I get to experience all of the fun and festivities associated with the Lunar New Year celebration of Tet. Each year we enjoy family gatherings, delicious food and lots of flowers and fresh fruit.

The Vietnamese community of Orange County is a culturally rich, thriving people that contribute much to the area. They also know how to celebrate.

The Union of the Vietnamese Student Associations of Southern California (UVSA) presents the 2015 UVSA Tet Festival at the OC Fair Grounds Friday, February 20th through to Sunday, February 22nd.

The cultural celebration includes:

• Vietnamese Food
• Traditional Ceremonies and Entertainment
• A Cultural Village
• Vendors

...and so much more!

Tickets are $5 online and $6 at the door.

Here's a video of last year's festivities:

OC Fair and Event Center

88 Fair Drive

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Chúc mừng năm mới!
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VIE ACTIVE U.S. Store Opening Party Dec. 4th

!!UPDATED DATE DUE TO WEATHER!! 

The Store Opening will take place Thursday, December 4th.

Here's a fun activity if you're planning to be in the LA area (or are just looking for something to do) on the evening of Thursday, December 4th:

VIE ACTIVE of Australia is throwing a party for its first U.S. Store Opening in Venice on Thursday, December 4th, 2014. Head to the store on Abbot Kinney for the festivities, taking place between 6:30pm and 9:00pm.

Expect complimentary wine, light appetizers and music. Meet VIE ACTIVE's designer and personal trainer, Noa Ries!

1218 Abbot Kinney ​Blvd

Venice, CA 90291

Enjoy!

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Top 10 Easiest Fabric Bleaching Projects

Being broke, I am always looking for inexpensive (if not free) ways to fulfill my need for getting creative. So... what could be cheaper than taking a bit of bleach from the laundry room and getting crafty with some fabric?

I found some out of this world fabric bleaching projects on the interwebs and compiled the top 10 easiest here. Click the tutorial title or picture to see Enjoy!

**Bleach is best used on natural fibers like cotton, linen, and rayon.

1) Stamp with Bleach on Fabric
This tutorial is a great one to begin with because of its simplicity as well as Untrendy Life artist Dora M.'s great advice on getting started. How beautiful is this green flower print fabric?

(via Untrendy Life)

2) Customized Toms
Those plain colored Toms in the back of your closet could use a new life! Why not customize them with a bit o' bleach?

(via Micki Current)

3) Bleach Stencil Pillow Shams
Create a stencil design that appeals to you and get your bleach on for this easy tutorial by Burlap and Denim.

(via Burlap and Denim)

4) Polka Dot Jeans
Why not get some extra wear out of your boring jeans by polka-dot-ifying them. A bleach pen is especially useful for this DIY. FYI: the tutorial is given in pictures (it's just that easy).

(via Crafted in Carhartt)

5) Lace Impression Fabric
Achieve a beautiful lace effect by spraying bleach over fabric. The simplicity of this tutorial by Farm House Garden is so exciting!

(via Farm House Garden)

6) Bleach Stencil Graphic T-Shirts
Now you can be a cheeky graphic t-shirt artist with a few simple steps. You will need some patience and a scalpel for making your stencils, but clearly the effort is worth it.

(via OneNotAlone.wordpress.com)

7) Firework Design Napkin
This DIY tutorial is so simple to do but so beautiful that it will make you feel like a true artist! It doesn't have to be a napkin, either... what about doing this print on the ribbon of a wide brim straw hat?

(via Paula Deen)

8) Foliage Impression Fabric
How easy does this tutorial from Threads Magazine look? Grab a cotton scarf you are bored of or a yard of fabric that you plan to turn into something else. I can even imagine some beautiful curtains with a foliage pattern.

(via Threads Magazine)

9) Paisley Bag
This tutorial by Dot will take a bit of patience and focus but look at how rewarding! I am thinking of getting a white bag with an indigo blue.

(via Scratching the Canvas)

10) Galaxy Print T-Shirt
This literally out of this world tutorial is a bit more advanced, but obviously worth the effort. The creator behind this tutorial, Gwen, is a stylish gal to follow.

(via This Fashion is Mine)

get creative and have a bright day!
-b

Free Event: San Lorenzo Grand Opening, Fashion Island - Saturday, June 8th 2-5pm

(credit: San Lorenzo Bikinis)

Here's a (FREE) treat for you coming up: San Lorenzo Bikinis, hailing from the perfect beaches of Hawaii, will be hosting a summer extravaganza Saturday, June 8th, 2-5pm with complimentary...

• drinks
• hawaiian appetizers
• a photo booth
• live music

(credit: San Lorenzo Bikinis)

The event is open to the public and guests will receive 20% off storewide!

In addition to offering San Lorenzo Bikinis, the store will be stocked with other brands including MIKOH SWIMWEAR, StoneFox Swim, Indah Clothing, Tiare Hawaii, Acacia Swimwear, and Kamera Jewelry.

(credit: San Lorenzo Bikinis)

San Lorenzo Bikinis

Fashion Island

271 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

View Larger Map

get ready for some hot beach time!
-b

music to your heart: Spend Feb 14th, Valentine's Day with the UCI Choir

stumped as to what to do on Valentine's Day evening? enjoy the full-hearted harmonies of the UCI Choir for the evening for the 19th Annual Valentine's Day with the UCI Choir! show starts at 8pm at the Winifred Smith Hall

(via piano discoveries)

you'll be pleasantly surprised how sweetly an anteater can sing.

purchase tickets online
general admission is $15
seniors are $14
UCI students & children are $11

Winifred Smith Hall

UC, Irvine

Mesa Rd

Irvine, CA

(click here for more detailed directions from UCI's Arts site)


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treat your ears and tap your toes to your heart's content
-b

Sunday, Feb 10th Pretend to Learn about Chinese New Year at Pretend City

celebrate Chinese New Year at Pretend City on Sunday, February 10th from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

(via OC Register)

there's no need to RSVP and all the fun is included in your admission ticket.  get all the details on the event page.

(via Pretend City)

Pretend City

29 Hubble

Irvine, CA 92618


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the learning isn't pretend!
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Painting Tips and Delicious Sips for Adults by Orange County Museum of Arts Thursday, February 7th

Orange County Museum of Arts presents Painting Tips and Delicious Sips - an evening of painting, sipping, noshing, and fun on Thursday, February 7th from 7pm-9pm across from UC, Irvine.  bring a buddy along and enjoy!

(via Center For Living Peace)

instructor Jeff Venier will lead you and your companion in a warm-up exercise before both of you collaborate on your painting with provided materials.

this event has a minimum fee of $25 per person. find out more and sign up on the Center For Living Peace's event page.

Center For Living Peace

4139 Campus Drive

Irvine, CA


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have a blast!
-b

free: celebrate the coming lunar new year with Bower's Museum this Sunday, Feb 3rd!

Sunday, February 3rd from 12-noon to 3:30pm Bower's Museum is hosting a cultural celebration where attendees can learn about the asian lunar new year through music, food, dancing, and smiles.

(via Bower's Museum)

check out the event details here.

Bower's Museum

2002 North Main Street

Santa Ana, CA


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enjoy!
-b

get hoppin'! Brew Hub's OC Microbrewery Tour on Sat Jan 26th

get ready for a tasty ride this Saturday, January 26th with BrewHub's OC Microbrewery Tour, where beer adventurers take a tour of 3 OC breweries with a taste of at least 4 beers at each stop.

(via OC Register Events)

learn about the craft beer brewing process from hops to hootch (well, make that beer).

check out all the details at OC Microbrewery Tour's page.


get hoppin'!
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Dinner, with a Deadly Twist! The Dinner Detective's Murder Mystery Dinner, OC Edition

The Dinner Detective - Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Show (OC) is hosting one of their hit macabre meals this Saturday, January 26th at the Embassey Suites Hotel, in Santa Ana.

expect: a deliciously titillating, entertaining evening

purchase your tickets in advance & check their website for pricing.  if you can't make this show, check out their other up-coming events on the complete schedule.

Embassey Suites Hotel

1325 East Dyer Road

Santa Ana, CA


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live it up!
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Amherst Aisle performs at House of Blues, Anaheim!

Here are your Friday OC plans:

(image: House of Blues logo)

Amherst Aisle, piano-rock band of OC fame, will be performing at the House of Blues in Anaheim tonight at 7pm!

(photo: Amherst Aisle)

They're opening for the rock band, As You Were!

Tickets are $15 at the door! All ages.  Show starts at 7pm.

House of Blues

2530 South Disneyland dr

Anaheim

(In Downtown Disney!)

enjoy!
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Dinner with Dave: DJ Alan Meade and others

Dinner with Dave is tonight from 9:30pm to 12:30am at the Memphis at the Santora!

Showcase: DJ Alan Meade and a few special musical guests!!

as always, free dinner cooked by Chef Dave Mau, and some stellar music!  be sure to bring some cash for the delicious (and always strong) beverages.  this event is 21+

visit the Facebook event page for more details!

Memphis at the Santora

201 N Broadway

Santa Ana

rock on
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Dinner with Dave: Honeypie

Dinner with Dave is tonight in Santa Ana at the Memphis at the Santora starting at 9:30pm.

(image: dinner with dave)

as usual free dinner, plus some lovely free entertainment by Honeypie!

(image: honeypie)

21+ and along those lines, remember to bring some money to grab a delicious drink from the bar!

Memphis at the Santora
201 north Broadway
Santa Ana

-b