Sushi Laguna {25}

October 28, 2012 - Leave a Comment

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

Saddleback Lanes {24}

October 26, 2012 - Leave a Comment

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

Regency Theaters SJC {23}

October 25, 2012 - Leave a Comment

When Hubby and I get a chance to go see a “flick” outside of our couch, our “treat” is heading down to San Juan Capistrano to the Regency Theaters.

Let me lay it out for you. The reason I label it a “treat” is threefold.

A. A Movie OUT {Mama’s and Dada’s…Enough Said?!}

B. The VIP Theater {I am kinda a snob, and only want to see a movie in here} Because of…

C. Drinks & Dinner Served In VIP Theater!

Talk about a Date Night!

Regency San Juan Capistrano boasts more theaters than the VIP Theater…

But this VIP haven is a sanctuary for the souls in need of comfy seats, food & drink service, and and all around fabulous atmosphere.

Sign me up Sally!

With limited number of movies shown at this smaller theater,

Heading over to the website for the current listings is a must!

And, the VIP theater only shows ONE movie.

So, timing the movie you want to see, and it playing in the VIP is key!

If the VIP happens to not be playing your movie of choice, you can head upstairs to Rick’s Cafe for a drink or a bite before (or after) your show.

They will even deliver your food {not drink} to your theater if your running behind.

~~{Not like its ever happened to me…}~~

Regency San Juan Capistrano is a Goodmama Date Night Destination!

Dinner, Drinks, My Darling & A Fab Flick?!

Yes, Please.

xoxo

OCGoodmama

Scandia Bakery {22}

October 24, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Its that “sweet” time of the year.

Fall is here, and we begin rolling into the hustle and bustle of the Holiday’s.

Halloween is upon us, and my mind is in chocolate mode.

It could be the writing about cannoli’s yesterday, or all the “early” trick-or-treat candy I purchased calling my name in the guest room.

Either way, gosh darn-it, all I can think about is sweet’s.

Speaking of sweet’s, let me let you in on my favorite little sweet-spot-OC-bakery.

Located on “Forest” {yes, were back in Laguna Beach folks}, sits Scandia Bakery.

Around for over thirty years, these people know how to bake!

Growing up close to the beach, and with Laguna loving folks, whenever we went “down” to downtown, this would always be a stopping spot.

In high school, and during college, Laguna was always a hot spot.

And introducing friends to Scandia would always impress.

When I was pregnant with Samantha, I would leave work 10 minutes early on the way to my check-up appointments.

Being that my OBGYN’s office is in Laguna, Scandia would be a stop on the way.

~~{I promise, I didn’t choose my OB based on dining preferences}~~

I would get a diet coke, and a cookie, ~~or three,~~ for me and one for hubby meeting me at the appointment.

I woud sip the D.C. on the way, and save the cookie for after my “weigh-in”.

Swear. So embarrassing.

{Honesty is the best policy, right?!}

Scandia Bakery is packed full of pastries, cakes, cookies, and cannoli’s too.

I heart their little pink boxes and stickers that they pack the goodies-to-go in.

Being on the main-street of Laguna, you would think that it would be a bit more pretentious.

Its more of a laid-back hole-in the wall.

With happy people all around.

I mean, who wouldn’t be happy staring at this?!

Some of my favorites….

Sugar Cookie.

Chocolate Dipped Macaroon.

Mini-Raspberry Cake.

Cannoli.

{I think I have determined I am crazy for Cannoli’s!}

Next time you in Laguna, be sure to stop on in.

Get sweet treats to go, treats to bring along to a party, or why not indulge on the spot?!

Maybe a little treat post House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer?!

xoxo

OCGoodmama

Tutto Fresco {21}

October 23, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Tutto Fresco.

Or “Tutto’s” as we call it around these parts.
“Tutto’s” holds such a warm place in my heart.
~~It could be all the bread and wine I have consumed over the years?!~~

Located in Rancho Santa Margarita in the Traders Joes & Target center, nestled beside the movie theaters {under remodel!} is our outdoor and indoor dining family favorite.

Its my mama and dad’s dining-go-to-spot.

And were the lucky {little family} who gets to join along all the time!

If you happen to be there on a Friday or Saturday evening, you are bound to see my folks!

Just look for a mom that looks identical to me.

I am SO a combo of my folks, but at the same time constantly told that my mom and I look like sisters.

{Go Gram!}

I love this time of the year for dining at Tutto’s.

Something about the fall weather makes a glass {or two!} of their house Red Cab, House Salad, Tortilla Soup, and Boundless Bread Basket just sound delic!

Some of our families favorites:

Appetizers:

Caprese!

Calamari Fritti.

Salad:

My whole family including my hubby always orders their caesar.

I love their house salad with their homemade vinaigrette.

Oh, and their harvest berry salad is pretty killer!

Soups:

Tortilla or Tomato.

Dinner Items:

Where do I begin?

Farfalle Pesto With Chicken for hubby.

Gorgonzola Manicotti, Chicken Risotto, or Pollo al Marsala for me.

Oh, and their specials, incredible.

I usually switch up my order with those many times.

All their ingredients are so fresh, so in season, and so flavorful.

Their prices?

Unbeatable.

Were talking fresh Italian food at such reasonable fare.

Oh, and I forgot dessert.

Be. Still. My. Heart.

Their Chocolate Covered Cannoli is the best.

It truly gives Little Italy in New York a run for its money.

No Joke.

Looking for a new place to dine out locally?

A fun date night location, girls night out, or family dinner night spot?

Look no further than “Tutto’s”!

You must just be lucky enough to catch the three of us little ladies there!

xoxo

OCGoodmama

Mac and Madi {20}

October 22, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Mac and Madi

Down along the darling “Del Mar” {The Main Street of San Clemente}

sits the cutest little children’s boutique.

With toys, books, bows, unique little outfits, and “party dress’s” {as Samantha calls them} this store makes both this mama & daughter duo soar with shopping love.

Named after the owners two children “Mac & Madi”, the store features pictures of her kids, other adorable littles, and leans itself to whimsical ways.

She loves helping us mama’s shop for special occasions, gifts, and everyday favorites.

I adore this little room which features larger than life bows, tu-tu’s, and tops. Its full of “full skirts”, “statement pieces” and truly over-the-top outfits.

Picture Perfect!

{That’s what having a girl is all about!}

Samantha has “grown” to love Mac & Madi’s too.

Now that she has discovered the train tracks in the book room, she never wants to leave!
I park her in there, and ~~browse~~ shop away!

She loves playing, reading a new book, and of course, picking out a new PINK bow!

{Such a “Girly-Girl!”}

Mac & Madi’s is my “go-to” for something special for Samantha.

It’s seems to always have that item which is unique from the all around “typical’s”

And if your looking for birthday present for a little that is going to impress,

Mac & Madi’s is pure gift-giving-mama-magic!

xoxo

OCGoodMama

PS-Where have I been the past two days?!

I got food poising on Friday night {EWWW!} and haven’t been myself this weekend!

I am on the road to recovery, and my brain is just now starting to click-click-click back to life.

PPS- Don’t you OC-Favorite-Lovers fret… There will still be “31” featured days in this series…
We will just be rolling into November!

PPPS- Where is my “sick-note” from my mom when I need it?!

{Remember those…They Rocked!}

🙂

Chasing Rainbows {19}

October 20, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Rainbow Sandals.

A True Orange County Favorite!

My hubby {in his heart of hearts} believes that Rainbows are expectable to wear everywhere.

Rain or Shine, Rainbows.

{This makes for some soggy shoes if you ask me!}

The picture above is actually a great representation of what his Rainbows began to look like after a year of wear and tear.

Good thing we live near the factory!

Yesterday, Samantha and I decided to make a trip down to the “factory”.

Located in San Clemente off Hermosa, the outlet is close to the freeway.

Going into the store was a blast from my past.

How can I forget buying my first pair rainbows in junior high?!

I’m pretty sure they only made the simple brown and thick strapped sandal back in the day…

Boy have they come a long way!

From Colors to Crystals, Your Choices are Endless.

Two thing’s I struggled with in deciding on purchasing a new pair:

1. Tan vs. Brown

2. Small Heel vs. Flat Support

I left empty handed as indecision won out.

I am still debating.

Samantha located the kid section, and then located these larger than life sandals.

“Mama, look…BIG!”.

We tried to find Samantha a pair, but they only make her size {7-8} without a strap in the back.

After some debate, I decided that it was premature to get my-mini strapless shoes.

{That could make for some messy walking!}

They do have sizes 4 {and under} with straps on back, and the sales guy filled me in that their in production for Sammy Sizes with straps.

Good Stuff!

The score of the day was these USC Rainbows for $15.

{They had other school’s too…but come on, FIGHT ON!}

I picked up two pairs.

One for my dad and one for my brother for Christmas presents.

{OMG…Must start Christmas Shopping!}

Such a Score!

We spent the afternoon in San Clemente Chasing Rainbows…
No leprechaun, but there was a Pot of Sandal {Cardinal} & GOLD!

xoxo

OCGoodmama

House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer {18}

October 18, 2012 - Leave a Comment

In the middle of Laguna Beach, Close to Forest {Downtown},

is the House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer.

Hidden above restaurants below {Tommy Bahama’s & The White House} sits the home to great
food, iced cold beer, and a family friendly atmosphere.

Owned by the same group as Casa De Camino, {The Hotel that houses the Roof Top Bar},

House of Big Fish is another hit out of the park.

Earlier this summer hubby and I made a stop for a late lunch here on our Laguna Getaway Weekend.

Being in Laguna many times means a stop into this Goodmama Fav. I don’t need to twist hubby’s arm too much, as he loves this place as much as I do.

With a fab-filled-fishy menu, endless draft beers, and a kids menu too,
the House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer always pleases my people.

Some of The Goodmama Gang Favorite Dishes…

Apps:

Hawaiian Ahi Poke Appetizer.

Lobster Fondue…. {Yes, You Read that Correctly-its heavenly!}.

Meals:
Shrimp Scampi Pasta.

Hobo Fish Plate

{Can’t beat a $6.95 for those two Plate Price’s Either!}

Small Plates:
$2.95 Fish Taco’s.

Dessert:
OH, and why not add a Smore’s Sundae for Dessert too?

Catch their menu here!

Oh, and they have a happy hour too.

Yup, your welcome.

Their happy hour is an “hourly happy hour” with prices changing each hour.

Going from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., items start at $2.30 at 2:30 going up to $5.30 at 5:30.

It doesn’t take a ~~math genius~~ like me to realize this is one happy deal!

Check it out here!

House of Big Fish is low-key, laid-back, and a Laguna Love.

From their beachy decor, casual seating, and helpful staff that haven’t once got annoyed with a toddler running around, coloring on the table, and tossing noodles overboard.