Category Archives: Activities

Final Product: The Wheeland Brothers’ Music Video

Still from the music video

Well, Sun-Mon, I celebrated my QUARTER OF A CENTURY Birthday with friends. My Birthday fell on an awkward Monday (May 21st), and I didn’t really have any solidified plans because May goes by so quickly, and I never realize it’s about to be my Birthday until I look at my phone and see May 20th and go, “OMG! My Birthday is TOMORROW!”

Haha, luckily, I have AMAZING friends who helped me celebrate it the right way. Part of me wants to write about the places they took me to, but the other part of me feels like it would be so selfish because my Birthday has already passed a couple of days ago and so many people have already given me so much love!

So, instead of writing about how I celebrated my 25th Birthday (all over beautiful Orange County, of course!), I want to share the final product of the Wheeland Brothers’ video shoot because I just saw it posted!

Enjoy!

From Nate “Frogg” Wheeland: “Muchos Mahalos haoles.”

Buy the song “Sand in My Sheets” and the new album “Toast to the Coast” now on iTunes, Bandcamp, and AmazonMP3.

www.wheelandbrothers.bandcamp.com
www.wheelandbrothers.com
www.facebook.com/wheelandbrothers

OC Lifestyle: The Wheeland Brothers

Yesterday was an EPIC day, because it was The Wheeland Brothers’ 1st pro-music video shoot! They are true surfer-musicians at heart and always around San. O and Trestles, so what better location for their new song, “Sand in my Sheets,” than San Clemente?

Wheeland Brothers: #Beach #Rock #Reggae

The Wheeland Brothers definitely encompass the “OC Lifestyle.” When you listen to their music and watch them perform, you definitely get a flavor unique from what’s mainstream or “trending” right now. I call it a “So Cal vibe,” and you’ll see what I mean once you listen to one of their songs.

Honestly, they are so talented and their time is coming. They’ve been doing it their own way, but it’s going to work out for these guys. I feel so strongly about that because there’s a niche that hasn’t been filled yet, and the time of the So. Cal guys is coming!

These are all very smart guys who could easily be pursuing corporate careers, but they are so insanely talented and true-to-themselves that they are “doing their own thing” and showing that instead of inspiring people to chase money, cars, girls, and G6s, they inspire people to share one love, not judge others, and to live and enjoy life.

With the brothers from the band, Nate on the left and Travis on the right.

In their more recent YouTube vids, they’ve been putting “Beach Rock Reggae” underneath “Wheeland Brothers,” and yeah, that totally describes the vibe. Their music makes you want to let go and love people. Chill at the beach. Try surfing. Try surfing in speedos (ask one of the guys about it). Dance around a bonfire. An epic bonfire. Wake up at the beach and do it again. And eat lots of burritos…or hangout in Newport and try to use their “In With the Newport” song lyrics as a sacred Treasure Map to go from Rudys–>Malarkys–>Sharkeez.

I’ll let their music speak for themselves. You can’t NOT like these guys…they are just all-around legit, nice, talented, smart, chill, values-based, welcoming, good guys who you’d want to hang out with.

We shot the music video for their new song, “Sand in my Sheets.” You have to hear the actual recorded version. It’s in my car right now…so good that I won’t spoil it by posting any other version! But here are some photos from the video behind-the-scenes!

Wheeland Brothers “Sand in my Sheets”

Marcus and Travis

Reviewing some footage…

Brandon drumming away on the beach at sunset

The 2 brothers from The Wheeland Brothers band (Travis and Nate) are opening up for Donavon Frankenreiter as an acoustic duo on June 13th at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach!!! Here is more info.

Below is a cover they did of Donavon Frankenreiter’s “Free.” Enjoy! You have to see them live!

Here comes the sun…Cinco de Mayo in it from the scenic hills to the fun beaches–all in the same afternoon!

I hope everyone’s Cinco de Mayo was tasty, fun, memorable, safe…and SPONTANEOUS! Like mine. Mine was glorious.

After breakfast, starting off the day with a road trip and still staying in Orange County

Friends and I went out the night before in the Costa Mesa/Newport area. A few of them had plans for Wine Tasting in the more natural part of Orange County the next morning. I had a few Cinco de Mayo parties I wanted to go to scattered throughout the OC, but I woke up that morning and figured, “Sure! Why not join in on Wine Tasting?” My morning was free, anyway, and the Newport Cinco de Mayo parties wouldn’t start until later in the afternoon with one more at night…so I had time to explore!

They were going at noon to Hamilton Oaks Vineyard in Trabuco Canyon (a technically unincorporated area that many associate with RSM), so I figured that I could go enjoy the scenic hills of natural Orange County and still be back that same afternoon for when the beach parties would kick off…and then have some time to relax in between parties to grab some authentic Mexican grub (that we are so well-known for in So. Cal) and head over to more shenanigans.

Yes, this is a view from Orange County, believe it or not!

Trabuco Canyon

Driving down the 241 Toll Road and seeing all of the greenery was a gorgeous way to start the day!

Pulling up to Hamilton Oaks Vineyard

In scenic Trabuco Canyon, we passed by tons of hikers, bicyclists, runners, horseback riders, etc. and then tons of bikers who stopped to grab a bite at this legendary bar/grill/hang-out at a fork-in-the-road, called Cook’s Corner.

Popular little stop at the fork-in-the-road

A lot of people don’t realize that Orange County has a huge natural scenery, apart from the beaches. We used to be known for our orange groves (hence, Orange County) and plenty of undeveloped land. Now that we DO have a plethora of developed real estate and commercial land, we really do have the best of both. And that’s exactly what I realized that made me want to take this chance to explore it all in the same day…so I was like, “Yes! Carpe Diem for sure!”

Yes, when we could go from this to the beach in the same afternoon…it’s another day to remember how blessed we are to live in the OC!

From the natural hills to the beach and everything structurally-beautiful in between, there was so much good about the entire day that anything that didn’t quite work out as planned didn’t really matter. I seized the day, let go, and had fun. It was a Cinco de Mayo to remember in the OC, for sure!

Walking in to the wine tasting…

It’s nice to see the medals that Hamilton Oaks Vineyard has won

Some delicious port in a little boot? Yes, please!

The seating gives a very, nice, intimate feeling to the wine tasting; you have options to sit on the main patio or to take the stairs down to the stretched-out deck that overlooks more greenery.

Some of the vines in the vineyard!

The view in front of me, from where I was sitting…

…and the special view behind me, from where I was sitting. You can even see some more vines tucked away in the back there!

One of the bottles we tasted. This one has the fruit of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and a hint of Merlot in it. Naturally, it was delicious, of course!

Cheers to gorgeous and fun Orange County!

Santé! Cheers to your health!

+If you would like to be featured, contact Jacky [at] twitter.com/Jackypostgrad

+If you or anyone you know are interested in renting or buying in the OC, give Joe a shout-out [at] twitter.com/RSMRealtor1

Feeling Safe is a Woman’s Priority

I’m back from Denver! It was fun while it lasted, but I am ecstatic to be back home in the OC. No matter where I go in the world and how long I’m away from home, it always feels good to come back. And that’s not just because most of my friends are here…there’s just a special vibe about Orange County–this welcoming, beckoning, SAFE, underground funk, playful, friendly, experimentally-artsy vibe.

John Wayne, palm trees, and the American Flag welcome you back home to the OC!

I actually came back sooner than expected, but the timing was right because a few days before my plane was scheduled to take off, I literally went through very odd situations of harassment, one on top of the other, from different people at different times, and it was so bizarre that I remember just being frustrated and thinking, “Really?? Is this really happening right now? And I have no witnesses with me!” I took it as a sign that it was right for me to come back home, because I cannot recall ever feeling that uncomfortable from Orange County guys…and I definitely have moments where I dress way more revealing (as in, tight outfits or midriff showing) in my hometown and yet I still don’t feel like I’m being stalked like prey by hungry, desperate zombies who smell my XX chromosomes and don’t even try to initiate any decent conversation and instead just go…ATTACK!

ZOMBIES! All joking aside, this is kind of what 1 of the days felt like in Downtown…different guys dressed similar to this following me around in different groups of 5-6 during DIFFERENT instances throughout the day, sexualizing me and making comments. I handled the day, but now that it’s over with, I can share that deep inside, I felt alarmed and uncomfortable…and upset that this was how I was ending a perfectly great trip! Nonetheless, I couldn’t wait to come back to OC where people DON’T do this. Image from gajitz.com

I’ll spare all of the details because only a couple of friends really know ALL of what happened, but the point is that even though you should be careful everywhere and that there are people with good and bad intentions everywhere, I’ve never felt threatened walking around the busy or industrially-developed parts (“urban”…I know, a bit ironic) of Orange County or even walking home to my place or a friend’s at 3AM…because, well, it’s Orange County. We’re known for being one of the safest places to live in America. Now, this doesn’t mean to go ahead and just be negligent, but I know that I’m not the only one who feels a sense of security living in the OC compared to living in other places, like when I lived & worked in LA and even in Denver, where I encountered mostly friendly residents.

Rancho Santa Margarita, consistently one of the safest cities to live in America. Image from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, egov.ocgov.com

From a woman’s perspective, men will be men, but I was talking with my sister and telling her what happened on my trip and I was like, “Yeah, I don’t know what it is, but it must be in tune with the seasons or something because guys in the OC do their own thing & come across as a lot more ‘chill’ and relaxed and not as desperate…and it’s pretty consistent, like the weather…and then maybe the guys who live where there are actual, obvious seasons are in tune with the animals and it’s like, they’ve come out of hibernation from Winter and now it’s Spring and mating season and it doesn’t matter if you are wearing an unflattering outfit like a sweatshirt, capris, and ankle socks (like I was in one example), they still know that you are inherently a woman and are like, OMG! It’s mating season! Must get to mating ASAP!”

Of course, I was joking, but it kind of makes sense when you think about it. Maybe our guys in the OC are just more used to seeing women dressed in everything year-round and the vibe of being relaxed and enjoying life and not rushing it by transgresses to their mentality of mating, also. I mean, no doubt guys care about getting a girl, but the guys in OC are a lot more DGAF (“Don’t Give A Eff”) about it than OMG URGENT POUNCE NOW, and that is definitely something I can appreciate from my fellow OC men.

With events like this that go on all the time, our OC men are too occupied to hang out on the streets and make women feel uncomfortable. Why would they spend energy doing that when they’re used to seeing women in bikinis? Image from Anaheim Convention Center’s blog, blog.anaheimoc.org

Feeling safe as a woman in Orange County is clearly something of immense value in why it always feels so good to come back home after all of my travels from different cities and countries.

Orange County is unique, and by no means should we take the “chill” vibe for granted and just assume that we are always safe, but I can definitely understand why my parents decided to move here of all places to start a family and build a life together…because it’s definitely a special thing to be able to feel like you have a ridiculous variety of activities at your fingertips and yet also know that it’s one of the safest places you could be.

24 years after moving here and going from a girl to a teenager to an independent young woman living in Orange County, I’ve finally had to accept that I no longer look like a little girl, and so men being rude and sexualizing you could really happen anywhere (and even if you are a successful, independent woman, men objectifying you in that way can still be one of the most uncomfortable situations, and we are afraid to talk about it for fear of being judged as weak or craving attention), but there is no place I feel more safe and comfortable being an independent woman than right here in Orange County.

RSM Outdoor Amphitheater surrounding the RSM Lake. Yay! Being away for a bit helps me to appreciate all of the different & safe places in OC to relax at. Image from waymarking.com

Now I’m not saying all guys here are Saints, but drawing from my personal experiences, it’s just definitely more fun and a lot safer to be a female in Orange County than in other places. Sometimes it takes a recent shake-up to clearly see how good we have it here.

Needless to say, I was very happy to return home, and it definitely makes me appreciate all of my guy friends in Orange County in a different light, too…because I can’t think of a single one here who would put a female stranger in an objectified, uncomfortable situation.

THANK GOD I LIVE IN ORANGE COUNTY. That is actually what I was thinking when I was waiting for my flight back to John Wayne Airport.

If you would like to be featured, contact Jacky So [at] twitter.com/jackypostgrad

If you are interested in renting or buying, contact Joe Dickson [at] twitter.com/RSMRealtor1 or joedickson.net

Orange County: One of the Healthiest Places to Live

I’m leaving Denver soon, but I started thinking about how there is a huge outdoor life in Denver and people seem to be very fit and healthy here…but I’ve also observed about ½ of that and ½ of the radical opposite around Denver, and it got me thinking about how healthy life is back home in Orange County.

Orange County, from the "10 Healthiest Cities in America" article on thesurvivorsclub.org

I can say, with absolute confidence, that Orange County is one of the healthiest places to live. So if you’re looking to move somewhere where you would be encouraged to change your lifestyle habits and lead a healthier life, well, call me biased but we really do have it all in the OC. In fact, just out of curiosity, I did a quick Google search on healthiest cities and found Orange County listed as one of the “The 10 Healthiest Cities in America: 10 American Cities that Make Happy and Healthy Residents a Top Priority” from thesurvivorsclub.org. 

One of the many, beautiful Community Parks by NMG Geotechnical, Inc., from nmggeotech.com

Another beautiful park to be enjoyed, by nmggeotech.com

Denver is also included, but on a side note, we must be so good over here in Orange County that they couldn’t decide between each city in the OC that they ended up nominating the entire county altogether. I suppose this is why–Wikipedia explains: “Whereas most population centers in the United States tend to be identified by a major city, there is no defined urban center in Orange County. It is mostly suburban, except for some traditionally urban areas at the centers of the older cities…” Our relaxed vibe does flow from OC city to OC city, and I suppose we do function collectively as one unit…that is the uniqueness & strength of the OC that you could really only understand from living here.

The article zones in on the fact that we enjoy a lot of healthy food that is grown locally in California and how there is a very laid-back vibe to enjoying life here. They hit the nail on the head! We also really do value our local businesses and organic products here.

From http://www.thesurvivorsclub.org/health/general/americas-healthiest-cities by Alexander Smith:
Orange County, CA
                                   
Orange County, CA is known for its sprawling beaches, never-ending sun and laid-back attitude. Perhaps, that is why Orange County made the top of the list for America’s least stressful cities. Locals enjoy healthy food much of which is grown locally in California, and an environment perfect for surfing and swimming. Halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, residents also can take advantage of the healthy attractions in those nearby cities. Although traffic and lots of driving can be a negative, many residents just kick back and let the waves “wash off” their stress.

The Ecological Nature Preserve from bio.uci.edu/Reserves/UCI_Ecological_Preserve.html

Newport Back Bay with Saddleback Mountains, from wildnatureimages.com

My friend, Joe, (joedickson.net) is a Vegan–like many others who live in the OC. I’m not, because I love my meat, but I also have a lot of friends who are Vegetarian, Pescetarian, Gluten-free, Paleo, etc. & in the time I’ve spent away from home, I’ve realized how Orange County is able to support all of our different lifestyles in one very technologically-developed yet natural ecosystem.

From orangecounty.net/cities/ranchosantamargarita.html

Google, who is hiring in the OC, from economy.ocregister.com

There’s a joke where health-conscious food trucks (yes, they exist), bakeries, and businesses would only thrive in the OC bc that’s where the market is, but when you think about it, it’s not a bad thing! We are never short of health stores, clinics, Doctor’s offices, vitamin-supply stores, gyms, physical therapies, markets, or indoor and outdoor activities, and most restaurants have options to sub-in your food selections for other healthy alternatives, like brown rice or zucchini fries…basically, the OC is used to catering to each person’s individual tastes and no one finds it unusual or a hassle to make sure that you are getting what you pay for here.

Seabirds Food Truck, OC natives, from vegetarianstar.com

The OC Fair Food Truck

The Lime Truck, Irvine natives, from foodfrenzy.ocregister.com in partnership with saturdaynightfoodies.com

It’s actually something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately because I’ve been lazy to get a workout routine going and I’m starting to realize that I don’t have an excuse to not be in shape when I live where a healthy lifestyle is encouraged and made a top priority.  

Gyms and working out have never exactly been my thing, but I want to build strength and endurance again since I used to run when I was younger, and so I’ve started thinking about where I can go.

Aliso Creek, one of the many outdoor wilderness spots in Orange County, with the Saddleback Mountains in the background from Wikipedia

I could run at the beach, the hills by the schools, the parks by the schools, the nature preserves, trails nearby, around the Mission Viejo Lake, around the many campuses nearby, etc. I guess I really don’t have any excuses anymore for being lazy and not getting into shape and taking care of my health! Seeing people walking their dogs, pushing their kids in strollers or doing the multiples-bikes, running, skateboarding, rollerblading, surfing, hiking, biking, dance workshops, any-other-thing-you-can-think-of-that-takes-physical-energy-ing around the OC serves as inspiration for me to take action with my own healthy lifestyle, too. But not dieting–I refuse to count calories! To me, enjoying your food is an important part of enjoying life and I’m grateful for the selection of all the yummy food here! I’m talking about not having an excuse to not do more than sit in a car all day and then sit at the computer all day because we are blessed with the fine weather and abundance of various activities and their support networks.

So, note to self: Get off your bum and enjoy what the OC offers daily!

I used to run here with my Cross Country team in High School; Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, from ocparks.com
*We'd always see tons of people from all ages running, biking, walking, hiking, exploring, and taking pictures on the Saturdays of our runs. Around the reserve are suburban neighborhoods with tons of parks for kids, too!

One of the many hiking areas. This one is across from the UCI campus at the ecological preserve. http://radified.com/newport/back_bay/08_back_bay_hiking_trail.htm

Oh yeah, and if you want to reward yourself with a quick, unhealthy getaway? Make the short trip to indulge in one of the Indian Casinos or Vegas. Many of us who live here do!

+If you would like to be featured, contact Jacky [at] twitter.com/jackypostgrad

+If you would like to rent or buy, contact Joe [at] twitter.com/RSMRealtor1 or joedickson.net

The OC is a good place to be single…or in a relationship!

A concurrent theme that’s been on my mind lately: Relationships.
Single or taken, I’ve enjoyed both in the OC (and in France, but that’s another story).

Image from blog.planetlovematch.com and right on cue!

So let me just start this post by saying that the post will end with 5 TIPS for the PERFECT DATE (gentlemen, that’s my gift to you…you’re welcome in advance)…timeless, tried-and-true things that have been neglected, but it would behoove you to put them into practice if you care about building a good reputation…a one-up on the competition…and definitely, if you care about what’s at stake (the lady and being with her). Now, this is from my perspective and my experiences, but I am all about gay rights and if you want to tweak the pronouns to fit them to your scenario, by all means, please do so!

ALSO, prob. one of the LONGEST posts I’ll ever write ONLY bc I’ll include info. on places I like according to if you’re single, coupled up, or LGBT-friendly!

Now, what inspired me to write about being in a relationship or single in the OC is reflecting on my current situation. I’ve been single for more than a year and out of school for almost 2 years now, and I’ve had time to think about what qualities I REALLY look for in my next relationship. I’m lucky to be in Orange County, bc there is such a diverse crowd here and I’m always meeting new people every time I walk out of the door! TIP: Don’t overlook the opportunity to meet someone at any of the 56371046170481 coffee shops!

There are soooo many places to go to on a date that you really don’t have a shortage of what to do…it’s always more a question of deciding WHAT you want to do, and it’s actually VERY easy to meet a lot of people. For the most part, people are really friendly and helpful in Orange County, and especially in the suburbs. And if you’re in a relationship? My guess is that you don’t call each other to plan for “formal” dates anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go out and have fun!

Whatever you do…just PLEASE promise me that you will NOT ask someone to “hang out” and expect that to suffice as letting them know that they are on a date. I cannot tell you enough how many times this has happened to me…someone wants to “hang out,” and then only part way through us hanging out do I realize, “OMG. Is this a date?!?! Am I on a DATE right now?!” Guys, just man-up and ask her out on a REAL date. Chances are, if she’s willing to go out of her way to hang out with you, she’s prob. hoping for you to get the hint and take her out for reals–that, my friend, is the way that you are going to advance and get to where you want to be going. Actually, I get offended when someone tries to kiss me and they haven’t taken me out on a proper date, because I’m caught off-guard and am like, it’s not fair for me to kiss someone who hasn’t shown me some sort of valiant effort on their part. Well, there’s a recent exception to that, too, but that is also another story (that I will keep to myself). Ha.

from jefferrrson.tumblr.com who said that every time he goes to the Spectrum, he always sees couples. Very true...a good date spot to catch a movie, walk around, grab a bite to eat, and just hang out.

The good thing with Orange County is that there are lots of open-minded, single people, so the dating pool is huge. Personally, I’m not a part of it, probably because I know so many people in different networks that I would just rather not mix my interests and keep it friendly and professional that way.

But, if you’re into health & fitness, you’re sure to find someone of the same interests at any of the spas, gyms, health-conscious eateries. Same goes for whatever else you may be into, bc guaranteed, the OC prob. has a bunch of places catered to your interests. Cougar bars? Check. Theatre-minded individuals? Check. Art & literary folk? Check & check. Sports? Plenty of those. Outdoors? Yup. Church events? Yes. Shopping & fashion events? Social Media & blogging? Intelligent hipsters who “stick it to the man” but come from a privileged background? The epitome of OC.

HOWEVER, if you ARE looking to meet and mingle, it IS Spring season…meaning the birds and bees are doin’ it, bunnies are gettin’ frisky, and the weather is just right for going out day or night! Here is a short list of regular, OC happenings:

*If you’re SINGLE:

+Speed-dating events for Young Professionals, ages 21-33, 21-35, 21-49, 35-49, etc. @ Kimera Restaurant in Irvine off of Jamboree & MacArthur.
http://www.pre-dating.com/orange-county-speed-dating/

+“Lock & Key” Parties (Women get locks, men get keys…very symbolic, non?), ages 24-47 @ The Wine Artist in Lake Forest.
http://www.lockandkeyevents.com/index.php?fuseaction=home.regiondisplay&region=OC

+POSCH Saturdays at Posch Restaurant, every Saturday. www.poschrestaurant.com

Newport bars:
+Sharkeez www.sharkeez.net (good for dancing)
+The District www.thedistrictlounge.com (more likely to have a decent, more mature conversation)
+Woody’s Wharf www.woodyswharf.com (good for dancing in the dark and chatting with groups of friends on the huge patio)
+Mutt Lynch’s www.muttlynchs.com (packed for brunch, excellent for day-drinking and right next to the sand, and great for playing pool at the end of the night)
+Malarky’s Irish Pub www.malarkyspub.com (smaller, but always packed with a good crowd with those who want to dance and play darts on the outskirts of the bar. Also, good breakfast.)
+Commonwealth www.commonwealthlounge.com (good for when the line at Woody’s is too long, but I describe the decorated vibe like a mini version of TAO in Vegas, without the sparkly girls dancing in bathtubs and whatnot.)

+Sutra Nightclub in Triangle Square: www.sutraoc.com Pretty, good music, and good-looking people. There’s always some event going on here, and yes, they care about what you’re wearing. Girl code: Look cute (cute, as in hot). Guy code: wear a nice shirt and shoes–no T-shirts, no sneakers!

+Goathill Tavern across the street from Triangle Square: Awesome dive-bar
1830 Newport Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 548-8428

+The Quiet Woman: www.quietwoman.com Read: COUGAR BAR & lots of fun!

at POSCH Saturdays with a couple of friends

*COUPLED-UP:

+OC Tastefest :www.octastefest.com May 4th-5th, but these types of events happen year-round (OC Restaurant Week: www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com, OC Art Walks: www.ocartguide.com )

+OC Wine Mart & Tasting Bar: Wine tasting! www.ocwinemart.com

+Yardhouse: www.yardhouse.com 1+1=2 = double the $$$. Yardhouse has one of the BEST late-night HAPPY HOURS, 3-6PM & 10PM-Midnight.

+D&B: www.daveandbusters.com Games, that’s obviously fun no matter what, but if you’re coupled up, you also probably care more about eating good food. D&B also has a great late-night HAPPY HOUR (4:30-7PM & 10PM-close) and ½ off games on Wed!

+Farmers Markets: Nothing like fresh food in each city! I recently discovered (from friends) the awesome one going on in Mission Viejo! http://www.ocstandard.com/OC_Farmers_Markets.html

+Baja Sharkeez: www.sharkeez.net I had to include Sharkeez under things to do for couples BECAUSE they have amazing, $4 brunch and bottomless mimosas on Sat & Suns (order before 10:30AM)!
All of the bars have 2 lives: 1 with good food during the day, and 1 with music, dancing, & mingling at night.

+Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine: http://lovinghut.us/orangecounty/ My Real Estate friend, Joe (www.joedickson.net) actually introduced me to this place @ their Ladera Ranch location, 27522 Antonio Pkwy.

All-You-Can-Eat SUSHI (anyone who knows me knows how much I love all-you-can-eats!):
+Zenko Sushi: 28892 Marguerite Pwky in Mission Viejo
+You & I Sushi: 25381 Alicia Pwky in Laguna Hills

One of the Farmers Markets, from ocbusinessstartup.com

*LGBT-FRIENDLY:
+Tin Lizzie Saloon in Costa Mesa: www.tinlizziesaloon.com

+Ibiza Bar & Nightclub in Huntington Beach: www.ibizabarhb.com

+UCI’s Anthill Pub & Grille: You’ll find it on the terrace of the Student Center. It doesn’t matter whether you went to UCI or not–the Pub is amazing: selection of beer=good, prices=good, and Happy Hour 4-7. Alums always come back and there’s always an event on, so the mix of the crowd is not only diverse but also no one discriminates.
(949) 824-3050

+Bounce in Laguna Beach: 1460 S. Coast Hwy (949) 494-0056 Strong drinks, friendly people, CASH-ONLY gay bar/club

+Proof Bar in Downtown Santa Ana: www.proofbar.com My friends hold a very special and open event here for EVERYBODY the 1st Fri. of every month called Donuts Friday. They spin good music, have an art gallery, and pass out donuts! The last time I went to Proof Bar, I was hit on by 3 different (and pretty) lesbians who tried to kiss me, but I didn’t mind! I told them that I support them liking girls but I like guys haha. They were nice.

from californiacoastaltrail.info

From the Anthill Pub & Grille facebook page & OC Weekly Blog @ Twitter: OCWeeklyFood

*And don’t forget about all of the parks, trails, beaches, skate parks, theatres, musical events, OC Fair, shopping, etc.! For me, a nice 3rd or 4th date would be relaxing on the beach with a nice picnic, bc I’d feel more comfortable letting the other person see me in a bikini at that point, and we have so many beaches to choose from! I used to go down to T-Street, San Clemente Pier, Capo Beach, Doheny Beach, Dana Point, Aliso Beach, and Laguna Beach a lot because they are pretty close to my High School (School District: CUSD), so the options really are endless when you live in this area!

One of the Art Walks, from AnaheimOC.org

NOW…for your patience, 5 TIPS FOR THE PERFECT FIRST DATE (men):
1. Plan an idea and call her up letting her know that you want to take her out A COUPLE DAYS in advance. This shows maturity. Don’t be afraid to actually TALK on the phone and leave msgs. Once upon a time, we actually had to use our voices to communicate with each other.

2. When you arrive to pick her up (Yes, don’t expect her to drive to you. If she doesn’t feel comfortable letting you know where she lives yet, agree to meet somewhere and then pick her up and YOU DRIVE), DON’T text her saying that you’re there. Walk up to the door and ring the doorbell or knock on the door. I respect any guy who has the common sense to do this. It shows that you aren’t intimidated to come to my door.

3. Bring FLOWERS. Unless she is allergic, there is no memory quite like opening your door to a great guy holding some flowers intended for you. This may seem old-fashioned to a lot of people, but guys, it works. And you look good. And thoughtful. And suddenly very sexy bc it means you appreciate details. Whether she likes the flowers or not, the sentiment is what lasts. How smart of you!

4. Open doors for her, INCLUDING THE CAR DOOR. I don’t care if you can automatically unlock your car door. Congrats for having something techy. But can your self-unlocking car door send secret shivers down her spine? Doubtful. I’ll tell you this…a previous secret of mine: nothing turns me on quite like a guy opening doors for me, even if I could do it myself. It sends this signal: MAN GENES. Only true men aren’t afraid to grow up and show their maturity by being gentlemen.

5. Don’t try to make Rico Suave moves on her the 1st date. Unless you have a program that ends past midnight, bring her back sooner than that. Don’t forget to open her car door, and then WALK HER TO HER DOOR. Just because the date is over doesn’t mean your sexy, manly manners are! A true man wants to make sure that his lady gets inside her house safely. You never know who could be watching. Also, again, the sentiment of class and knowing how to treat a lady reflects well on you. Leave something to be desired for later–that lust makes magic happen.
*Women feel memories. We are different. Recalling even the smallest details and remembering what we thought or how we felt at that moment makes all the difference in us deciding whether we want to move forward or not. We could think you are smart and handsome, but if we don’t feel like we’re getting a gentlemen, women have this amazing ability to “opt out” of liking someone before they “allow” themselves to actually “like” them. And I’ll tell you this: any guy who does these 5 things makes me respect them in a TOTALLY different way…and I KNOW I’m not the only one!

Feel free to share any of your experiences!

from sciencedude.ocregister.com

No one relaxes like how we relax in Orange County, that's for sure!

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Spoiled Schools in OC…We’re the ones spoiled, I mean.

Yeah, our schools really are the best down here. And I’m not just talking about classes-wise…I’m talking about options.

I’m currently visiting Denver, Colorado at the moment, but I got into a conversation with a salesgirl about schools in California, because she applied but couldn’t afford the out-of-state tuition for Berkeley. We definitely are not only spoiled with our beautiful year-round weather in So. Cal, but we’re also ridiculously spoiled with our endless options for preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, top-notch high schools, private schools, colleges, universities, state schools, professional schools, and graduate programs.

There are so many high schools in the Rancho Santa Margarita district that it wasn’t uncommon for your friends from middle school to be split deciding on which one to attend, but we always went to each other’s games or plays because we were all still in the same area.

CVHS, from Wikipedia

I went to Capistrano Valley High School and absolutely loved it there. After talking to people from other areas, I now realize that we really had a unique experience down here–our public schools are so amazing that there really wasn’t a need to go private. My friends from LA and other areas talked about how if they wanted a school that really focused on excellent sports, art programs, and AP, IB, ATMS, Honors (etc) classes, they would have had to go to a private school for a well-rounded education…but here in the OC, we really do have it all…and it’s definitely taken for granted! At my high school, we didn’t have cliques; our best students were also our best athletes, and our teachers really took teaching us seriously and pushed us to excel. I was in ATMS, AP & Honors classes, 14 clubs, 9 classes, Academic Decathlon, Honor Orchestra, Honor Choir, Drama plays and musicals, ASB, Track & Field and Cross Country, etc…a TOTAL NERD AND PROUD of it…and everyone accepted me as I was! We didn’t tease Drama kids or trashcan Freshmen like they do in the movies…being a “nerd” was cool at our school because we appreciated people being true to themselves and their passions and respected each other for it! We all encouraged each other to be our best in sports, academics, extracurriculars–and especially to give back to the community with numerous volunteer opportunities…and we took them and loved them!

Map of Saddleback Community College--one of the California Community Colleges (and located right across from my high school). They also have a great football team and gorgeous campus!

Looking back on it all, I’m so grateful to have graduated from a high school with such excellent programs AND teachers and coaches. My friends and I weren’t exposed to that partying you see in teenagers nowadays and in the movies…we knew that it must have occurred somewhere, but we never had a desire to be “bad” or judge each other negatively for wanting to be “good.”

And a lot of credit goes to not only being in a good area, but being surrounded by people who live in that area because they also moved to this area for similar reasons. Actually, my friends and I still talk about how innocent and naive we were compared to other areas and how even if there were people who partied, they were still good kids overall and we just never thought about it and still had a very fulfilling experience.

So not only did we have the opportunity to get the best, most well-rounded high school education and experience, but we also are spoiled with our many options for higher education that are more affordable because we live in-state. A lot of people don’t think about that until it’s time for their kids to go to University because that’s when they realize the crazy cost difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and how living in California would have been more beneficial in the long run because California has something like 112 Community Colleges, 23 Cal State Universities, 10 Universities of California, 126 Private Colleges and Universities, and then a few more graduate institutions…and don’t forget about FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) and their many locations!

Options? Yeah, we like those. Living here means being ambitious and encouraging your friends and family to be ambitious, too!

I graduated from the University of California, Irvine--one of the many excellent public institutions part of the unique University of California family.