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San Clemente Shores & Fisherman’s Resturant {31}

November 7, 2012 - Leave a Comment

San Clemente Shores & Fisherman’s Resturant {31}
San Clemente at Sunset. 
31 Days of OC Favs. 
Woot! Woot! Were here!
Day 31. 

I had to save the best for last. 
My favorite. 
The shores I spent {and still do!} dreaming & dancing in the waves. 
San Clemente. 
The beach of my childhood.

I long to run these sandy paths, play in these white-washed waves, and swing Samantha along the Sweet Seaside. 
It’s my home away from home.

Its her home away from home too. 
When I woke up this Monday morning, I knew I had to go visit before I wrote.
I just had to feel the ocean in my bones.
The salt water hit my face, the sand in my toes, and the cold, freezing water on my legs.

I looked at Samantha and said, “What should we do this morning?”
Her response: “Beach mama!”.

Planning on a run, and realizing we had a flat tire on the stroller once we arrived quickly turned
“Plan a” to” Plan b”.
 I remembered that a little store across the street sold sand toys, so I bought ten dollars worth of her Digging Heart’s Desires.

She spent almost two hours chasing the baby birdies, “jumping like a bunny” down the sand hills, making “strawberry pies” and “drip castles”.
Mama participated, but really I was just found myself in awe of the Glory of God.
The Vastness of the Open Ocean, the Crashing of the Waves, they all just point Heavenward.

Who else gets to frolic in the sand in November.
Us in OC are just so darn lucky!
Not a Bad “view” from my “office” this past Monday Morning!

Our families favorite is Fisherman’s.
{Right on the base of the Pier!}

Ending a day at Fisherman’s and dining above the waves & surfers and watching the sun roll into the water is a piece of pure heaven. 
Voted Best Seafood in San Clemente, and in my opinion, the best view in San Clemente too.  
With a gigantic menu packed with clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, salmon, fish tacos, and the yummiest sourdough bread, you can’t help but fall in love with the food.
Oh, and the daily happy hours {$3 plates & Drink Specials} are pretty terrific too!
Delicious Food and a Divine View?!
A Day Spent on the San Clemente Shores?
Yes & Thank You.
What better way to end the day and this series with than a forever favorite,
San Clemente Beach & Fisherman’s Restaurant. 
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Date Night, dining out, Drinking Out, Family Time, happy hours, Orange County, san clemente

Nuggets & Carats {30}

November 5, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Nuggets & Carats {30}
I walked into Janie & Jack on Friday morning to the singing of “Santa is Coming to Town”.
I looked over the railing of the mall and saw the set up of “Santa’s House”. 
I stepped into Starbucks this morning and was greeted with Red Cups and Holiday drinks. 
Holy Reindeer. 
Christmas is right around the corner. 
Unless your like my dear friend Chani, who begins shopping in July, the rest of us have Christmas lists to make, deals to discover, shops to visit, and lots and LOTS of wrapping ahead.  
Ready or Not, Santa Claus is coming to town. 
While my girly is starting to ask {in her little two year old way} for Toys-R-Us items, Disney Store Dreams, and American Girl dollies, us mama’s on the other hand start thinking about sparkly things. 
Things that glitter and catch the light.
Between December and February, most men have two Holidays to think about. 
If your my hubby, you have Christmas, My Birthday, and Valentines Day.  
Poor Guy. 

I am a girl of “combination’s”. 
Being born three days after Christmas, I know all about really great combination gifts!

This year is no exception, and I told hubby that I wanted to combine all Holidays this year for a dreamy piece of studs.
I mean, a girl can plant the idea, right?!

If your looking for an outstanding jewelry item that will WOW,
 look no further than Nuggets and Carats in Laguna Niguel.
Brian has been designing jewelry for our family for years.
He made my beautiful wedding ring, and many items for friends and family too.

Other than rings, he sells all sorts of gorgeous things that shine.
Incredibly creative and kind, he is an expert on bling, bling, bling!

Stop on in to explore his one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Sparkle & Shine, Nuggets and Carats is a favorite of mine!

xoxoxo
OCGoodmama

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Diamonds, Jewelry, Nuggets and Carats, Orange County, Presents, shopping

Just Like The Model {29}

November 2, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Just Like The Model {29}
Just Like The Model.
This past week, a dear friend of mine asked me to name three things in my life that are Healthy Habits. 
I described:
1. Exercise {Running, Swimming, Crossfit-Esque-Activities}
2. Writing
3. Shopping & Decorating
Shopping and Decorating. 
They are synonymous to me.  
Whether decorating “myself” or “my home”, both bring my heart much happiness. 
Do Shopping & Decorating Count as Healthy?
I would argue, yes, yes, yes!

Upon further consideration I really started examining my head for why I love shopping and “decorating” so much. 
The heart of it all for me {once I got out of my head} was my love for finding a deal. 
And then bringing it to you of course! 
There is something so invigorating and infusing to my soul to score a deal.
Whether it be shoes, holiday decor, clothing, kitchen gadgets, kids items, or furniture, I really have always resonated with this internal leap towards goodness, grace, and gorgeous finds!

That is why, today, without further ado, I bring you a secret spot. 
I mean, we only have days left, why not let it all out?!

Just Like The Model. 

Ahh.
It feels so good to share. 
Located in Irvine now, (they recently moved there showroom from Fountain Valley) sits the warehouse  of model home goodies. 
From artwork, couches, pillows, appliances, mattress’s, barstools, coffee tables, indoor-plants, to bedroom sets, Just Like a Model has it all.

Hubby and I discovered it a couple years ago when we moved into our first home. 
All Credit to Decorator mother-in-law who called me from Just Like The Model as exclaimed, 
“You must come to Fountain Valley…NOW!”
I got my bottom in my car as fast as I could come up with an excuse for work, and zipped up the 5.
Our whole living room is basically from Just Like the Model.
I feel in love with our cream couches and chairs, and knew they would work perfect in our lovely living room. 

I have gone back over the years to look for furniture, ideas, and inspiration. 
And maybe spent a buck or two. 
But, with prices 30-70% off what you would normally spend for home items, its no wonder this place can barely keep items on the floor. 
As we were warned, if you fall in love with something, purchasing then is the key. 
Items slip away quickly as decorators, mama-mavens, and normal folk stop by and shop away. 
Just Like the Model, is literally items straight off the truck from model homes. 
You know those homes that no one lives in?
No little toddler streaks chocolate down the side of?
No hubby drops an ice cream cone on?
No mama slips a glass of wine over?
Yup, those clean ones. 
Ahh, home items Just Like The {Pristine} Model. 
And with a new address closer to South County, you might just spot me there. 
Sorry if I run you over for a fabulous find. 
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

{NEW ADDRESS: 
Just Like The Model
17391 Murphy Ave
Irvine, CA 92614
(714) 968-9888}

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, decorating, House Care, Just Like The Model, Orange County, shopping

Cafe Rio {28}

October 31, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Cafe Rio {28}

Happy Halloween, its here!
Between getting “Miss Minnie” ready for her big debut tonight, I don’t have much time to talk, but I wanted to bring you not a Trick but a Tantalizing Treat!
To Give You Something REALLY Good To Eat!
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill. 
Located in Lake Forest, close to the freeway sits a Festive-Foody-Favorite. 
Bright colors abound in this “South of the Border” flavored restaurant. 
Incredibly Terrific Tasting Mex will have you longing for a visit back. 
With menu items ranging from tacos, quesadilla’s, burrito’s, salad’s, soups, enchilada’s and tostado’s, the  whole family will be satisfied. My personal fav, the Pork Barbacoa Salad is amazing. AND I don’t even  really like Pork…
Something about their Pork is Pure Perfection!
Hubby loves their Pork Barbacoa Burrito and Samantha always gets their {free!} kids quesadilla. 
I may or may not munch on her cheesy-yummy-quesadilla too. 
Their homemade salsa’s, fresh veggies, rice and black beans add to the incredible authentic Mexican appeal. 
Being able to customize your food selection at their “food bar” makes it that much better. 
Extra salsa and sour cream please!
Rio is requested quite a bit around these parts. 
It’s a True Goodmama Fav, and Treat to add to your Dining Out Basket!
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Cafe Rio, dining out, Family Time, Lake Forest, Orange County

Growers Direct {27}

October 30, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Growers Direct {27}
Pumpkin Picking!
Day {27}. Whew. 
Are You Still With Me?
I am not even sure I am still with me.

With the end of October upon us, Halloween Tomorrow {Hello Two Year Old Miss Minnie!}, November Ringing Ahead, and Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years around the corner, I know today’s favorite would bring you Joy and Maybe some Health to the Holiday Season Ahead. 
With 5 more OC Favorites to bring you before this series is up, I am working hard to bring you the best of the best this beautiful land has to offer. 
It’s not tough to find you so many favorites, but finding time each day to write has been somewhat of a wee bit of a challenge. 
Yet, I am here, alive and so excited to bring you today’s OC FAV.
A favorite for the best value, best tasting, sweetest fruit and delicious vegetables, I bring you…
Dah, Dah, Dah!…
Growers Direct.
Located in Aliso Viejo, in the shopping center across from the movie theaters, and next door to Trader Joes {double bonus!} sits the greatness that is Growers Direct. 

With fruit and veggies galore, I don’t know who is more excited to roll the cart on in!
Starting in the front of the store is usually the strawberries {yummy!} and the “board” of all the best priced and in season special items of the week. 
Samantha loves to stop here to eat a berry {bless them for never minding} and I love to stop and read the items their featuring as favorite picks that week. 

We then head down the aisles, and stock the cart up with so much. 
Apples, Tomatoes, Cilantro, Parsley, Asparagus, Broccoli, Green Onions, Garlic, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Romaine Lettuce, Lemons, Avocado’s, Banana’s, Raspberries, Blueberries, Sweet Potatoes, Eggs…
The list is endless. 
I never feel bad loading the cart with all this good stuff for Samantha. 
I get giddy with all the fruit & veggies she is adding to her diet. 
And at these prices, you won’t break the bank!
I always ask what is in season, getting the best tasting and best priced items. 
Every other week varies {I don’t make it there every week….but I wish I did}, and I always love trying some new fruit or veggie. 

Samantha was OBSESSED with picking pumpkins and gourds for our front porch this week. 
I let her personally pick each one.
I really do have my own personal shopper. 
AND she is free!
๐Ÿ™‚
Orange Coast Just voted Grower’s Direct Best Fresh Produce Store, and I couldn’t agree more!
Making a visit to GD is fun for the whole family.
{Hubby sometimes even makes a cameo.}
And your belly’s and budget will be berry-happy!
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Aliso Viejo, fruit, Growers Direct, Orange County, value, vegetables

Montage Moment’s {26}

October 29, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Montage Moment’s {26}
Dear Montage Moments…
Let Me Count the Top Five Ways We J-Adore You! 
1. Where We Were Whisked Away Post I-do’s
Greeted at the Door With this Bottle of Fabulousness. 
2. Drinks in the Lobby {With the Piano Playing!}
*Drinks During The Holiday Season Are Just Divine!

Sweet, Delicious, Beautiful Berries. 
3. The Studio. 
Hand’s Down the Most Memorable Dinners EVER.
{We even met Ellen at My Father-In-Law’s 50th!}
J & I. 
4. Stopping in for a Stroll, Resort Beauty, Drink’s, Bites, and Ocean View.

Day Time View of the Resort from the Lobby.
A Num-Num Hef.
{With an Orange of Course}.
5. Spending Our Five Year Anniversary Weekend Here!

Cheer’s…
Chocolate Martini’s!
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Laguna Beach, memories, Montage, Orange County

Sushi Laguna {25}

October 28, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Sushi Laguna {25}

I love to cook.
And while that is super hard to imagine with all the “eating-out” we do around here…It’s true!
So, when were not chasing down happy hour destinations, or local restaurants, {or new hot-spots},
 I am usually meal planning and prepping for the week.
I’m in love new recipes,  the quest for a crock-pot winning save-the-day dinner, or grilling out some fresh veggies, filet’s, and baked sweet potatoes.

Something about longing for the end of the day.
Hubby gets home, Samantha is ecstatic to see him {and so am I!}….
We get to pour a cool beverage, chat about the day, J & S get to have a dance party or tickle-fest while I get to throw my apron on and cook.
It’s soothing to my soul!

One thing that I don’t love to make however, is sushi.
Hubby and I once took a “sushi-making” course at Sur La Table in Corona Del Mar.
It was a ball, but I quickly determined, it was not my way of rolling!

Yet, Going Out to Sushi is a whole other story.

Sushi.
Sushi.
Sushi.

If there ever was a favorite meal to “dine-out” for, this would win the prize. 
And there is no other sushi place that has stolen our hearts the way Sushi Laguna has. 

Every roll is custom, the fish is melt-in-your-mouth magical, and the food fresh, fresh, fresh.
My favorite is their Lemon Salmon Roll. 
It has more lemon on it than most can handle, but if you dine out with me ever, you know that I pour lemons over just about everything. 
The more lemons the lovelier!
If your looking for a new sushi-spot, here is where to head!
For unbelievable tasting sushi, and in our personal favorite Laguna Beach, for something off your beaten path, Sushi Laguna is it.
Valentine’s Day 2012
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Date Night, dining out, Family Time, Laguna Beach, Orange County, Sushi Laguna

Saddleback Lanes {24}

October 26, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Saddleback Lanes {24}
In the “spirit” of favorite date destinations, I thought today I would bring you another!
In honor of “TGIF” and the slow “weekend way” that is upon us, I thought I would bring you something fun for both him & her!
Yes, a family favorite,  but bowling “together” with your pair, is also something fun, and a bit on the “silly” side too. 
{At least for the two of us…I cannot take bowling seriously!}
Saddleback Lanes, is located off Marguerite Parkway and close to the Mission Viejo Trader Joes.
The bowling alley seems to be under some repair, and we heard news of a re-model. 
  
Happy Man!
For now though, Saddleback Lanes has a definite old school appeal. 
{I kinda don’t think much has changed since I bowled their growing up…Hence the re-model!}
With arcade games, vending machines (that sold socks!), and a hole-in-the-wall bar in back, 
the alley has quite a slow style.
Perfect for us!
Hers.
His. 
He. Always. Wins. 
Whether stopping in on a Saturday or Sunday for a family activity or making it a date night destination, Saddleback Lanes is sure to satisfy all your babes!
{Did I mention the popcorn machine our girl can’t get enough of?!}
Cheers to Striking Out!
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, bowling babes, Date Night, Orange County, saddleback lanes

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