4 Easy Ways to Improve Your Life

Do you often find yourself feeling unsatisfied, annoyed, unhappy? Turn that frown upside down! It's easy. Anyone can do it and it won't cost you a thing. Here are 4 easy ways to improve your life... today!  

4. Personal Development – Continue to check yourself. How are you doing? No, how are you REALLY doing? What are you not happy with? What steps can you take to change the aspects of your life you don’t like? Make a list. Discuss it with your significant other and family members. Hold each other accountable. Instead of complaining about it, do something about it. Have goals… career goals, family goals, life goals. Learn something new every day. Reading fiction can be enjoyable and inspiring, but reading non-fiction can help you learn about history and topics you may not otherwise know anything about. It may prompt you to dig deeper and give you interesting things to discuss with your friends and colleagues.

3. Finances – Take a good, hard look at where you are and where you want to be. Do you rent an apartment but want to buy a home? Do you stress about money every month, because you’re spending more than you’re earning? Do you have any money saved or any investments? Write down your regular monthly expenses. Some things you can’t cut out, but do you need to stop at the coffee shop every day or can you just have coffee at home? Do you have to eat out as much as you do? Do you search around for deals before purchasing clothes, planning a trip or buying the latest electronics? And do you really need any of that anyway? Create a detailed spending plan and make sure you’re sticking to it. Cut out the things you really don’t need and put the money you’ve saved aside. Set savings goals. Having a six-month “rainy day” fund is always a good idea. You may be living large right now, but things can always change. Expect the unexpected and be ready for it.

2. Health – Are you getting enough movement during your work shift or has your position become rather sedentary? Get up. Move around. Walk around the block if you have to. Do you go to the gym regularly? Run? If you find yourself stressed out, exercise can help your body AND your mind. If traditional forms of working out aren’t for you, find an exercise you like – maybe martial arts or dance will get you moving. Are you getting enough sleep? Often times, our work schedule or situation prevents us from eating as healthily as we would like, but filling up on fast food can put you on the fast track to weight gain, lethargy and depression. A little planning can make all the difference. Pack a meal and snacks at home and bring them to work in a small cooler or cooler bag. Portion control is much easier to accomplish when you’re preparing your own food. If you need something crunchy to sustain yourself, pack carrots or apple wedges instead of chips. Drink lots of water, right when you wake up and all day long. Keeping a food log helps to keep you from indulging on gummy bears and French fries. Setting up a weight chart and wearing a pedometer can also help you stay on track and monitor your progress.

1. Happiness – Are you suffering from baditude? It happens to the best of us, but we have the power to turn it around. Have a good attitude. Be positive. Express gratitude. Compliment others. Smile! Stop looking at what everyone else has (or seemingly has) and comparing yourself. Despite what you see on social media, not everyone’s life is picture perfect. Do what you can to be as content and happy as you can be. Don’t sweat the small stuff. If someone’s dragging you down, stop hanging out with them. If you’re missing quality time with your family or closest friends, make a plan to get together. Give them an actual phone call, instead of texting. If you’re feeling overwhelmed balancing a full-time job with raising kids and being involved in your community, schedule a date with yourself. Put it in your calendar. Grab a magazine or a notepad and head to a quiet beach. Sit in your backyard when no one else is home and just relax. Take a peaceful nature walk through one of the scenic spots in your area. And perhaps the most important thing to remember to improve your life… laugh. Laugh often. Laugh long. Find humor even in the most challenging situations. It helps. Life tosses all of us difficult situations. It’s how we choose to deal with them that makes the difference.

Presidential Circus!!! Top 5 Actual Circus Performers Who Might Want to Jump into the Race

Tired of this circus of a presidential race? With all the grade school name-calling, insults and violence, this race is nothing short of a 3 ring circus. So, here's a list of the Top 5 Actual Circus Performers Who Might Want to Jump into the Presidential Race.

5. Mime - garners your attention by shutting his or her mouth and getting the job done. JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!!!

4. Juggler – able to juggle everything at once. Sometimes just balls, clubs and rings. Other times, knives, fire torches and chainsaws. Kinda like the presidency.

3. Tightrope Walker – great with maintaining balance, dealing with stress, keeping calm and walking a fine line.

2. Elephant – exceptionally smart. They have the largest brain of any land animal, and three times as many neurons as humans. They also have extraordinary memories, show empathy, understand human body language and can identify languages.

1. Ringmaster – he or she can be in charge of tigers, sea lions, unicyclists and acrobats, sing, dance and interact with a large crowd… all at once, WHILE BEING PROFESSIONAL AND GRACEFUL. Perfect! He or she can be the ringmaster of our country. The ringmaster has a huge crew of people contributing to his or her success – just like a president.

Please note: Clowns don't make the list, because we already have at least one clown running. In terms of buffoonery, we're covered!

Top 5 Unique Water Activities

The summer season is quickly coming to an end (already over for many)... and it's HOT! So, if you've had enough surfing, skimboarding and stand up paddling in the last few months, here's a look at my list of the Top 5 Unique Water Activities you may like to try.

5. SNUBA - It's a combination of snorkeling and scuba. You basically get the experience of scuba diving without having to get certified AND there's no heavy tank to carry. It's offered all over Hawaii, in parts of Florida and on Catalina Island! Check out Catalina Scuba Luv or snuba.com.

4. Jetpack Flying - This looks AMAZING!!! It seems like it's straight out of a James Bond movie and that was apparently the goal when Chinese-Canadian Raymond Li invented it. He had wanted to create one ever since he saw 007 in "Thunderbolt." Here's how it works. A jetpack is strapped to your back and attached to a tube that pumps pressurized water out, propelling you up, down, forward and backward high in the air or down into the water. Two places offer it in Newport Beach - check out adrenaline365.com and jetpackamerica.com.

3. Underwater Rugby - Picture all the fun of rugby without all the injuries. Two teams of six players chase a plastic ball filled with water from one end of the pool to the other trying to score goals and earn the most points. Players wear fins, headgear and masks, but they don't get as hurt, because they can't gain as much speed in the water. Can be played in any pool near you!

2. Horse Surfing - No, the horse is not doing the surfing... you are! This combines one person on a kiteboard holding a tow rope and another on a horse, with the horse doing all the work. Seems unfair to the equine! Just say "neigh!!!" Anyway, you skate across the water at about 25 mph without using any type of engine. Talk about horsepower! There are even horse surfing competitions all over the world. You can check it out online, if you like.

1. Glacier Surfing - This might be one of the riskiest water sports around. Not many people have even tried it, but back in 2007, professional surfers Garrett McNamara and Kealii Mamala successfully rode a wave caused by a splitting glacier. They spent three weeks camping in Alaska waiting for huge chunks of the icy wall to come crashing down creating humongous waves. McNamara told CNN that it was the closest he'd ever come to death. Keep that in mind if you're thinking about trying it!

Say UNCLE!

Say UNCLE!!! Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer come out tomorrow in Guy Ritchie's "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.", so here's a list of some famous uncles.

-Uncle Sam - Don't mess with this guy!
-Uncle Buck - John Candy's character from the 1989 John Hughes movie of the same name
-Uncle Jesse - John Stamos' character on the tv series “Full House”
-Uncle Jesse - Denver Pyle's character on "The Dukes of Hazzard" tv series
-Uncle Fester – from “The Addams Family”. Jackie Coogan played the role on the tv show from 1964-1966 and Christopher Lloyd played him in the movies (1991/1993).
-Uncle Miltie – Milton Berle (aka Mr. Television)
-Uncle Bill - Brian Keith's character from "Family Affair" tv series
-Uncle Charley - William Demarest's character from "My Three Sons" tv series
-Uncle Tom - the title character of Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
-Uncle Rico - Jon Gries' character in "Napoleon Dynamite"
-Uncle Grandpa - Peter Browngardt's character on the animated tv series
-Uncle Philip - James Avery's character on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" tv series
-Uncle Vernon Dursley - Richard Griffiths' character from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"

***I'm only including uncles with "uncle" in the name, but my vote for the most evil uncle ever... is Scar from "The Lion King"!!! 

Top 5 Places to Get a Cold Treat in Laguna Beach this Summer

Temperatures are heading back up into the 80s this weekend, so what are the best places to get a cold treat in Laguna Beach this summer? Here's my Top 5 list... but keep in mind there are a number of fabulous spots in LB offering juices, smoothies, blended coffee drinks and the like. Indulge and enjoy!

5. Gelato Paradiso - 448 S. Coast Hwy. Suite A
You'll definitely smell the freshly made waffle cones as you leave Watermarc or Nick's. Follow your nose towards the alley and you'll find flavor after flavor of the tasty Italian treat.

4. Active Culture - 1006 S. Coast Hwy.
After you leave Anita Beach with the little ones, pop into this spot for your choice of frozen yogurt with dozens of toppings, a Protein Dream Shake or a Blue-Green Envy Smoothie. The kids won't even know it's a healthier option!

3. Husky Boy - 802 N. Pacific Coast Hwy.
For more than 50 years, this drive-in style burger joint has been stuffing the faces of locals and tourists alike. It's one of Laguna's most recognized landmarks. Of course, they have a wide array of food choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it's also a great place to grab a cool dessert or snack. Dig into a banana split, sundae or root beer float and you'll be smiling from ear to ear! It's close to the beach, it has free parking and it's affordable. Mmmmmmmm!!!

2. Ruby's - 30622 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Ruby's became one of my favorite places to eat back in the day when I was attending U.C. Irvine and all these years later, my taste buds haven't changed! The Oreo shake is my all-time favorite, but you may prefer a malt, Coke float or double hot fudge brownie sundae. Whhhhhhaaaaaaattttttt?!? And the Laguna location introduced its ice cream bar about a year or so ago, so you can sample a couple flavors before deciding how to fill your cone. Ruby's is a beach staple in Orange County... and there's a reason!

1. Chantilly Ice Cream - 202 Park Ave.
You may not know the name, but you know the place. "The one across from Main Beach." Ice cream, frozen yogurt, frozen bananas... it's the go-to spot if you're hangin' at our most crowded beach or cruisin' around Downtown. This place will help you chill out, man!

Top 5 NEW Things to Remember During an Earthquake

Top 5 NEW Things to Remember During an Earthquake

With Dwayne Johnson’s latest action flick, “San Andreas”, opening tomorrow, I thought I’d count down the Top 5 things to remember during an earthquake. Now, I’m not talking about all the advice you’ve been given over the years, such as getting under a table and staying away from windows, I’m talking about things you REALLY need to know.

5. PLAY A ROCKIN’ SOUNDTRACK. You’ll certainly need some good tunes to get you through the earthquake aftermath, because you may be trapped for a while. My top two suggestions?  “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King and “Housequake” by Prince. Soon enough, you’ll be shakin’ just like the temblor.

4. POP OPEN A BOTTLE OF AFTERSHOCK. If you haven’t tried the cinnamon flavored liqueur by Jim Beam, this is the perfect opportunity to spice up your life. Make sure enough shot glasses have survived the rumbling, because you will need them!

3. CONTACT CONAN O’BRIEN’S LONGTIME SIDEKICK, ANDY RICHTER, TO FIND OUT THE MAGNITUDE OF THE QUAKE ON THE RICHTER SCALE. You probably thought you should contact the Earthquake Lady, right? (In case you don’t live in California, Kate Hutton is a seismologist at Cal Tech and every time we experience a shaker worth mentioning, we see her on the news talking about it.) But NO! Dr. Kate’s not your go-to. You really want to have the right information, so Andy Richter’s your guy. Who knew a comedian could invent something so useful during emergency situations?

2. WATCH THE 1974 FILM, “EARTHQUAKE”, STARRING CHARLTON HESTON. Here, you’ll get some extremely helpful information about what to do and what not to do. I mean, wouldn’t YOU want Moses on your side when you’re stuck in the middle of a disaster?

1. And the number one thing to remember during an earthquake is… It’s not your FAULT!!!

Top 5 Foods to Eat in Bed

Are you anything like my husband? No, I don't mean handsome, smart and funny... I mean, do you like to snack in bed while watching t.v.? For us neat freaks, we may get a little nervous when food enters the bedroom, so I thought I'd count down the Top 5 Foods to Eat in Bed. I took into account flavor, of course, but also things like the amount of crumb production and likelihood of getting sticky fingers! (By the way, MY favorite things to eat in bed are popcorn in a big bowl sprinkled with Kraft Parmesan Cheese and a pint of Ben and Jerry's or Haagen Dazs ice cream all to myself!) Sooooooo good, but sooooooo messy.) Here's a list of my tidy and tasty recommendations, but what's YOUR favorite food to eat in bed??? Let us know.

5. Say CHEESE! Though country crooner Barbara Mandrell sang "You can eat crackers in my bed anytime", you need to skip the crackers AND bread. Cheese is a bit better with its crunchy or doughy counterpart, but it's still scrumptious on its own. String cheese, cubed cheese, cheese stick, sliced cheese, Mini Babybel... I could go on and on.

4. Goin' NUTS! They DO need to be shelled though. Marcona almonds, peanuts, shelled pistachio nuts, etc. I've done chocolate covered almonds and that works too... just make sure the chocolate doesn't melt. And if you want to keep bugs (besides those pesky bed bugs that are probably already there) far away from your mattress, choose a nut that isn't salted or covered with hickory flavoring or something.

3. Juicy FRUIT! Make sure it is bite-sized and has a skin you can eat. Grapes and cherries are the best, though with cherries, remember to bring a bowl for the seeds. One additional bonus when it comes to eating cherries, they are apparently one of the few natural foods that contain melatonin (the chemical that helps control our body's internal clock), so they'll even help you sleep! Dried fruits are a fine choice as well, but they won't help you catch your ZZZZZZZ's.

2. I want CANDY!!! While candy bars are not a good option, there are plenty of delicious candies that make no mess at all. Here are some of my favorites: Swedish Fish (my all-time favorite candy), licorice, Jelly Bellies, Skittles, Gummy Bears, Gummy Colas, Starbursts and Hot Tamales. What's wrong with a little sweet treat before bed?!?

1. When it comes to number one, all rules get thrown out. CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST IN BED!!! With a tray, of course. Eggs Benedict, bacon, sausage, toast, yogurt, whatever you like... and a bit of the bubbly! And let's face it... often times, when you're having breakfast in bed, you're at a hotel, so spilling some runny yolk on the sheets is not AS big of a deal.

Now, get snackin', then get snoozin'!

Top 5 Patriotic Movies You Can Watch with Your Kids

The 49th Annual Patriots Day Parade takes place this Saturday in Laguna Beach, so I'm counting down the Top 5 Patriotic Movies You Can Watch with Your Kids. They're all rated PG!

5. Rocky - Rocky Balboa goes up against Apollo Creed for a shot at the heavyweight boxing title. It happens on the 4th of July in the City of Brotherly Love. An underdog literally fighting to achieve the American dream - a lesson we can all learn from. (Sylvester Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire)

4. Top Gun - Maverick, Goose, Iceman... need I say more? Probably not, but I will! The friendship and rivalry between these students at the Navy's fighter weapons school makes it worth seeing alone, but the fighter pilot scenes are awesome. Buckle up! (Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards, Meg Ryan)

3. Apollo 13 - "Houston, we have a problem." NASA must come up with a way to get the Apollo 13 spacecraft back to Earth safely after something goes seriously wrong. If YOU had a problem, wouldn't you want Tom Hanks on your side trying to save you? (Gary Sinise, Kevin Bacon, Ed Harris, Bill Paxton)

2. Miracle - "Do you believe in miracles?" After seeing this movie, you will. Back in 1980, the U.S. hockey team pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history (I always hate that term "upset) used in this way) by beating the Soviet Union 4 to 3. U - S - A!!! U - S - A!!! (Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson)

1. National Treasure - Nicolas Cage plays a treasure hunter trying to get rich. He believes the map leading him to the fortune is written in invisible ink on the back of the Declaration of Independence. If you want to get your kids interested in and curious about American history, this is the movie to do it. Just be prepared to answer their questions or find the answers on the internet! (Diane Kruger)

Top 5 Valentine's Day Gift/Celebration Ideas in Orange County

Top 5 Valentine’s Day Gift/Celebration Ideas in Orange County

5. Laguna Beach Food & Cultural Tour. Take a guided stroll through The Village as you learn about landmarks and historic sites. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll get the inside scoop on Laguna and get the chance to visit some cool, hidden spots you might otherwise miss. Enjoy 5-6 food tastings at various venues chosen for their uniqueness, character and delicious menu items. $55.00 per person. Takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. (949) 464-8830

4. Couples Massages. There are a number of places in Laguna to get couples massages – some at the higher end spas like the Montage and Surf and Sand… others at less expensive places like Massage Envy and Hand and Stone. At the chains, often times, you can get a deal, especially if it’s your first time there. And don’t think it won’t be a good massage if you don’t spend a fortune. Sometimes, they’re even better. It all depends on who you get. Search online to find the right couples massage for you and your special someone.

3. Private Surfing Lessons for 2. Really think about whether your significant other would enjoy something like this as much as you, before you book it. If you’d both like to hit the waves and take in the ocean air, this could be a fantastic gift. It depends on which company you go through, but it generally costs about $150.00 for 1 hour and $250.00 for 2 hours. This can be done right in Laguna Beach, if you like. Search online for the best options. 

2. Hit the Water in Newport! If you’d rather be in some type of a boat ABOVE the water, Newport Beach offers a number of fun options. Gondola cruise for 2 through Newport Harbor. It’s romantic, relaxing and memorable. Prices start at $137.00 for 1 hour. $197.00 for an hour and a half. You can upgrade a bit by doing a Gondola lunch cruise. $190.00 per couple. If you don’t mind sharing your experience with other people and you’d like some live entertainment, try the champagne brunch cruise. $86.00 per person. If you’d rather sleep in with your sweetie, go for the dinner cruise. $119.00 per person. Search online to find what’s best for you. 

1. Wine Tour in Orange County. Start out at Laguna Canyon Winery (open 11-6 Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday). Then, YOU decide where to go next. Believe it or not, Orange County has a few choices when it comes to wineries. Giracci Vineyards and Farms is a fabulous choice. Ten acres of beautiful vineyards, vintage historic buildings, trails, streams, oak trees and riding. It’s off the 241 toll road in Silverado - about 35 minutes from Laguna. Wine tasting every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Another wonderful option is Hamilton Oaks in San Juan Capistrano. Gorgeous grounds - located on a historic landmark. You can also visit Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery, and Rancho Capistrano Winery. There are various tasting rooms across Orange County, as well. Be sure to get a sober driver or pay for a tour. Orange County Winery Tours costs $109.00 per person for 2 wineries and tastings. $139.00 per person for 3. Ride in style in a luxury SUV or limo. There are plenty of options for larger parties and some packages include a bottle of champagne to kick off your day just right. Lunch is arranged for you too, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy. OC Winery Tours (949) 203-3891

Top 5 Cocktails Named After Celebrities

We've all heard of the Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers and Arnold Palmer (I'm a HUGE fan of the first two!), but what about when the grown-ups wanna get their drink on? Here's a list of the Top 5 Cocktails Named After Celebrities:

5. The Meryl Streep.

This true talent has taken home Oscar gold 3 times and is nominated this year for "Into the Woods", her 19th nomination!!! So, it only makes sense that the cocktail bearing her name contains flakes of gold and classy Champagne for the class act that she is. Cheers!

From Gourmet.com -

1 tsp. Goldschläger, including some gold flecks
1 tsp. Benedictine
Well-chilled demi-sec Champagne or Prosecco

Combine Goldschläger and Benedictine in a Champagne flute, then top off with Champagne.

4. The Mary Pickford.

This silent film star has been called Hollywood's first female movie mogul. She won an Oscar in 1930 for her leading role in "Coquette", but perhaps even more impressive is that she was one of the 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. You may have heard of the 18 acre Pickfair estate in Beverly Hills (now demolished) - it's named after Pickford and her husband in the 20s and 30s, actor Douglas Fairbanks.

From Liquor.com -

1.5 oz. White rum
1.5 oz. Pineapple juice
1 tsp. Grenadine
6 drops Maraschino liqueur

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

3. The David Bowie.

From "Changes", "Young Americans" and "Suffragette City" to "Let's Dance", "Modern Love" and "China Girl", I loooooooove David Bowie! But will The David Bowie drink concocted by Ziggy Stardust himself be something to sing about? I'm not too sure, but try it!

From Cocktails.about.com -

2 1/2 oz. New Deal Mud Puddle chocolate liquor
1/2 oz. Bourbon (choose a sweeter bourbon like Four Roses)
Orange wedge (some websites show it as lemon instead), for garnish

In an old fashioned glass, pour first two ingredients.
Add ice, stir. Garnish with orange wedge and serve.

2. The Mel Gibson: A Bipolar Cocktail.

This Oscar winner, who wrote, produced and directed the epic, "Braveheart", used to be a mega superstar. He was funny, charming, sexy, talented, a great interview on late night talk shows... and then one day back in 2006, people started to see him in a totally different light. That's when he got arrested in Malibu for driving under the influence. He called the female officer some unbelievable things... and it was all down hill from there. Soonafter, a New York City bar came up with a drink to "honor" his unsavory behavior. Drink up!

From People.com -

1 oz. Van Gogh Vodka
1 oz. Bols V.O. Genever Gin
¾ oz. vermouth
3 oz. club soda
Splash of cocktail onion juice

1. The Murricane.

Hurricane cocktails fill the streets of New Orleans, but this is The Murricane, named after funnyman Bill Murray. Dan Aykroyd apparently gave him this nickname due to his mood swings, but the drink didn't start out with this name. It used to be called "Love and Trust", but Murray ordered the drink so often at one his New York haunts that the bartenders at The Anchor agreed to officially change the name in his honor. Down the hatch!

From Dujour.com -

4 or 5 basil leaves
1 nice-sized chunk of fresh watermelon
1.5 oz. Bulliet bourbon
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
Freshly ground black pepper and watermelon wedge, for garnish

Combine the watermelon and basil leaves in a mixing glass or shaker and muddle until the watermelon is crushed and juicy. Add the bourbon, lemon juice and St. Germain, along with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish, if desired, with a sprinkling of black pepper and a wedge of watermelon.

Awards season may be the perfect time to try these out, but always remember to drink responsibly and arrange a safe ride home.

Avoiding Coyote Chaos

Whether you live in Laguna Beach or Chicago, coyotes have been causing quite a raucous lately. There have been many sightings where I live in recent weeks, not only in the canyon, but in neighborhoods. Here are some helpful tips to help keep you, your family and your pets safe.

-Always keep your dog on a leash and avoid retractable leashes.
-Keep your dogs close to you. If you spot a coyote, pick up your dog if it's small. If it's a bigger dog, bring it closer and put it behind you.
-Carry a big stick on walks and hikes.
-Officers advise not to leave food and water outside for our pets, especially during the drought.
-Barking attracts coyotes during the December to March breeding season, so try to keep your dogs from barking and bring them in at night.
-If you encounter a coyote, back slowly away while hazing it - yell, wave your arms, use a whistle or other noisemaker, use a squirt gun, throw rocks at it.
-If you often see a coyote on your regular walking route, avoid that path for a few months. You may be passing a den with pups or a mate.
-And lastly, pay attention while you're out walking. Be on the lookout. If you notice a coyote in the distance, as opposed to right in front of you, you have more time to figure out what to do and options to avoid it.

Top 5 FREE Things to Do in Laguna This Weekend

People keep saying how boring January is - after all the holiday hubbub in December. I say... "You're bored? Then, quit complaining and get outside!" Here's a list of the top 5 FREE things you can do in Laguna Beach this long holiday weekend (and pretty much all year round).

5. Farmers Market in the Lumberyard Parking Lot. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Rain or shine. This is a CERTIFIED California Farmers Market, which means it's “The Real Thing” - California grown and certified by the state of California. Farmers are selling their crops directly to the public, so the farmers and consumers are saving money – no packing, shipping and wholesale costs. Buy delicious fruits and vegetables, then go home and either invent your own recipe or find something online that incorporates what you bought. If you're trying to eat well as you begin 2015, this is a fabulous place to start! Bring sturdy bags or a cart/baby stroller and clear out some room in your fridge before you leave.

4. Laughing Yoga. Yes, that's right! LAUGHING YOGA! I did it once for a documentary-style t.v. show I was on once called “This is Why You’re Single”... and it was freakin’ hilarious!!! Meet at the northernmost end of Main Beach. Sunday through Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. The instructor uses the practice of laughter as a form of exercise.

3. Hike Laguna! Top of the World, Alta Laguna Park, Laguna Canyon, Crystal Cove - the list goes on and on. BRING YOUR CAMERA OR CELL PHONE and capture some amazing, scenic shots! And prove to your friends that you did it! A few specific things this weekend – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Saturday morning. Help restore the wild lands. Great lesson for the kids. Edible and Useful Plant Hike – Saturday morning at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

2. Gallery tour. Art Walk is fabulous, but that’s only once a month. Check out the galleries when they’re less crowded and even make your own map based on what kind of art you’re interested in. LagunaArt.com is a fabulous website that has over 60 Laguna galleries listed with a map to see how close they all are to each other. You can search art based on your taste – abstract, landscape, pop art, realism, etc. Make your own set schedule or just wander in and out.

1. Coast Highway Walk. Park around Bluebird Canyon near Surf and Sand Resort and just stroll. Go in every single store, restaurant, you name it – just to see what they sell. Check out merchandise, prices, etc. Stay for 2 seconds, stay for a half an hour. We locals drive by these businesses every single day, but are we really that familiar with every business on PCH? BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN. People travel from all over the world to spend time in Laguna and we GET to be here every day. This is an awesome way to spend the day. You can even get to know some of the merchants.

YOU CAN DO ALL THESE THINGS ENTIRELY FOR FREE, BUT IF YOU WANT TO SPEND A LITTLE DOUGH, TAKE YOUR TIME, GRAB A COFFEE AND ENJOY THE OCEAN VIEW WHILE SITTING ON A PICNIC TABLE OR GRAB LUNCH AT ANY OF THE SPOTS ALONG THE WAY. The weather is supposed to be in the low 70s through Monday, so the conditions should be just about perfect. Wear comfy shoes and enjoy a little leisurely exercise.

The Visitors Center Downtown is a great resource for all things happening in Laguna – NOT JUST FOR VISITORS. 381 Forest Avenue. Pamphlets, brochures. Website too. Visitlagunabeach.com.

Have a blast and be sure to tell me about your experience.

TOP 5 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS YOU SHOULD THROW OUT THE WINDOW!!!

I took a look at the most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2015 and chose the top 5 you should cross off your list. Here's a peek.

5. Get Organized – If you’re not organized to begin with, you probably don’t know how to GET organized... and if you’re lucky enough for someone to help you get organized, it doesn’t really matter, because you’re the one who has to KEEP everything organized. Not an easy task for a lot of people. That said, clean up your act!

4. Spend More Time with Family – We tend to make time for things we want to do. If you don’t see your family much now, do you really want to? Let’s face it – Uncle George is a bit weird, Grandma Bertha tends to get on your nerves after about 3 minutes and little Sally Sue ALWAYS breaks your latest gadget. If you want to see your family, call them and make a plan… TODAY! Don’t wait until next January to realize you haven’t seen much of them.

3. Fall in Love – If you say “I’m going to fall in love this year”, chances are you will not. OR you will make yourself BELIEVE that you’ve fallen in love just so you can feel like you accomplished one of your goals and end up with the wrong person. And that leads to the big D – DIVORCE! The best way to fall in love is to just give up, throw in the towel, legitimately acknowledge that it’s just not going to happen… and then all of a sudden, poof! He or she shows up when you least expect it. On this one, I’m speaking from experience. That’s what happened to me. So, STOP TRYING SO HARD. Just be happy, focus on other things and you just may be surprised about what happens.

2. Spend Less, Save More – As soon as you say you’re going to spend less and save more, you probably go out and buy some ridiculously expensive end tables, plan a trip to the Congo and test-drive your future new car. Just be smart about money all the time, live within your means and don’t max out your credit cards. There are so many things you can do inexpensively and so many bargains to be found. Splurge on things that are truly worth it and care about the price on other things.

1. Workout, Lose Weight, Get in Shape, Eat Healthier – Forget it! Why do you wait until January to make this resolution? You should do it as soon as you realize your pants are getting snug. Gyms wait for this time of year to get all those new members to sign up and make a long-term commitment, so they can make tons of money. They KNOW you’re going to quit before February starts IF you ever start at all. Eat what you want, enjoy it and live an active lifestyle. Take a walk along the beach or hike in the hills – it doesn’t really feel like exercise, but it is! Live an enjoyable life and you just may find that you slim down and feel great!

Now, I'm sure many of you won't agree with my list... and that's o.k. GO OUT THERE AND PROVE ME WRONG!!! Oh, and Happy New Year!

Top 5 Holiday Decorated Businesses in Laguna Beach

Want to get in the holiday spirit? You don't have to go to the snow for that! You can do it right here in Laguna Beach. Here's my list of the top 5 holiday decorated businesses in Laguna (excluding hotels).

5. Laguna Cyclery – 240 Thalia Street. Bicycle shop – sales, service, rentals. Near Glenneyre. Really cool icicle lights, colored lights, Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays painted on windows, really colorful. The regular look of the building has a lot to do with it too, because it looks like a building you’d see in Vermont or somewhere, so the holiday look really brings you to a colder climate.

4. Madison Square & Garden Café – 320 N. Coast Hwy. Based on what you see right now, this would have scored much higher, BUT they have a ton of stuff decorating the front of the restaurant all year round. They did add toy soldiers, trees, lit up wreaths, etc. Definitely worth a look.

3. Anything Canine Concierge Boutique – 357 S. Coast Hwy. Near Main Beach. Wins the cute factor contest! The whole window is full of adorable dogs – stuffed animals, Dalmatian wearing a Santa hat, an umbrella covering a bunch of dogs. A tree decorated completely with dog toys. Other window – Hanukkah display. They get extra points for that! A big menorah, more dogs, Jewish stars, lights. And then you have Frosty the Snowman blown up holding a big candy cane that says North Pole on it. You may miss it driving by, so park the car or take a stroll and check it out.

2. The English Garden – 1199 S. Coast Hwy. Specialize in exquisite floral designs. Just beautiful. Classy. Snow-covered trees, deer, snowflakes, trees in background covered in all red lights, tiny little houses glistening with glitter, silver bows. So peaceful and tastefully done.

1. The Black Iris – 2950 S. Coast Hwy. Florist and fine gifts. NO CONTEST! Winner hands down. Takes over a good portion of the block. A few windows have snow-covered trees, but the front is truly magical! It’s like being in Santa’s Workshop. We see Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a moving ferris wheel, tons of trees and lights everywhere. It’s an entire village. In another window, another Santa – looks real. Huge, beautiful ornaments. So intricate. Simply gorgeous. So impressive! It’s better than any department store display I’ve ever seen.

I suggest checking these businesses out at night, because the lights really add a lot to the displays. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Thanksgiving Movie Scenes: Something to Swallow

As you iron your elastic-band pants and get ready to gobble down your not so fat-free Thanksgiving meal, here’s a list of the Top 5 Thanksgiving scenes in movies, along with an extensive list of others you may want to check out IF you’re feeling gluttonous.

5. Little Fockers (2010) – Robert DeNiro’s character passes on the turkey carving duties to his son-in-law played by Ben Stiller. Stiller slices his finger and blood goes shooting everywhere. Not the best movie, but let this be a lesson to BE CAREFUL when you’re cutting your bird!
4. Pieces of April (2003) - Katie Holmes’ character invites her family over for Thanksgiving and all they do on the drive from Pennsylvania to New York is talk badly about her. When her oven stops working, she runs up and down the stairs of her building trying to borrow a neighbor’s stove.
3. Home for the Holidays (1995) –Robert Downey, Jr.’s character accidentally flings the turkey at Cynthia Stevenson’s character and she has a complete meltdown. The whole family starts cracking up and Downey, Jr. takes a Polaroid of her. He then compares the look on her face in the photo to a baboon.
2. Addams Family Values (1993) - Christina Ricci is playing Pocahontas at a summer camp re-enactment of the first Thanksgiving. Everything’s going great until Wednesday tells everyone not to trust the pilgrims, then starts scalping them and burning their village to the ground.
1. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) – John Candy, Steve Martin… say no more! But I will. A hilarious and heartwarming film that could easily be watched and enjoyed every year. It’s filled with laugh out loud scenes and the whole movie is about getting home for Thanksgiving, but my favorite part is… “Where’s your other hand?” Between two pillows.” “Those aren’t pillows!!!”

The Ice Storm
Son in Law
You’ve Got Mail
Spider-Man
The House of Yes
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (Yes, there is a Thanksgiving scene)
Broadway Danny Rose
The Blind Side
Funny People
Scent of a Woman
Thanksgiving Trailer from Grindhouse
Money Pit
Bean
About Last Night… (1986)
About Last Night (2014)
Avalon
Grumpy Old Men
Hannah and Her Sisters
Nobody's Fool
Raising Arizona
Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale
The New World
Alice’s Restaurant
American Gangster
Antwone Fisher
The Doors
Down and Out in Beverly Hills
Dutch
Easy Virtue
Four Brothers
Beethoven
Hit & Run
Holiday Inn
Home of the Brave
Jack and Jill
Palo Alto
Mighty Joe Young (1949)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Pie in the Sky
Primary Colors
Rescue Dawn
Rocky
Rocky II
She's Gotta Have It
Starting Over
Brokeback Mountain
Free Birds
For Your Consideration
The Object of My Affection
The Other Sister
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Tadpole
Tower Heist
What’s Cooking?
The Myth of Fingerprints
The War at Home
Boogeyman
Unknown
The Last Waltz

Terrific Thanksgiving Travel Destinations that Aren't So Packed!

If you live in Southern California and want to get away to somewhere awesome this Thanksgiving weekend, BUT you don't want the crowds of the top 5 busiest travel destinations, I have 5 others that you'll absolutely love!

5. Ojai - the sleepiest choice on the list, but if you want peace and relaxation, this is the place. Get a massage, take a nature walk and bring a book! You can also enjoy the artistic flair, quaint boutiques and tasty restaurants in the Downtown area. About 2:20 from Laguna Beach.

4. Julian - I hesitate to mention it, because we in the know want to keep it a secret, but it's a great spot for the whole family. Bring your elastic-band pants and an appetite for sweets - fresh pies, delicious apple cider (regular for the little ones and hard cider for the grown-ups!), a fabulous candy store and so much more. You can even pan for gold! About 2 hours from Laguna Beach.

3. Catalina Island - Take a cruise on Catalina Express (free on your birthday) or Catalina Flyer. Temperatures are still nice this time of year, but bring a jacket! Try the new zipline eco tour, rent bikes or a golf cart and tour the island, check out the sealife in a glassbottom boat or see wildlife up close. Don't forget to grab some saltwater taffy before heading home. About an hour and a half ride across the ocean from Dana Point.

2. Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead - Don't wait for ski and snowboarding season! Go now! Take in the gorgeous fall colors and crisp, clean air. Go fishing in the lake, mountain biking, hiking. You can even take a scenic sky chair at Snow Summit. My favorite part? Playing board games in a cabin, drinking hot cocoa and wearing my UGG boots! About 2 hours from Laguna Beach.

1. Palm Springs/Palm Desert/La Quinta - When you're not laying out at the pool and soaking up the sun, you can take the Aerial Tramway up the mountain for a major weather and scenery change, explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and enjoy plenty of live entertainment. If you're brave, you can visit the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon, but pack your patience. WARNING!!! I highly recommend coming home first thing Sunday morning to avoid HOURS of stopped traffic. About 2 hours away from Laguna Beach.

Don't forget to ask about off-season discounts; you could save some serious cash!

Whatever you do, wherever you go, be happy and be safe!!!

Dumb and Dumber To - Twice as Dumb!

"Dumb and Dumber To" (yes, "to" is spelled correctly!) opens tomorrow, so in honor of those two lovable idiots, Lloyd and Harry, I've made a list of my Top 5 Dumb Duos on the big screen. Here it is!

5. Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000) – Ashton Kutcher (Jesse), Seann William Scott (Chester).
4. Beavis and Butt-head Do America (1996) – Mike Judge did the voices of both Beavis and Butt-head.
3. Zoolander (2001) – Ben Stiller (Derek Zoolander) and Owen Wilson (Hansel).
2. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) – Keanu Reeves (Ted), Alex Winter (Bill).
1. Dumb and Dumber (1994) – Jim Carrey (Lloyd) and Jeff Daniels (Harry).

November, You're So Hot!

Not sure what the weather's like right now where YOU live, but in Laguna Beach, California, it's supposed to reach a high of 82 tomorrow. So, even though it may feel like summer never ended, it is in fact NOVEMBER! Here's a list of my Top 5 songs with November in the title... and some other ones you may want to listen to.

5. Cold November Wind (1987) - Willie Nelson. Classic country.
4. November (2013) - Gabrielle Aplin. She's only 22 years old and I think she could become the next Adele. Beautiful, cool, soothing voice. Check her out!
3. November Spawned A Monster (1990) - Morrissey. Very influential singer. Can't forget that voice.
2. Gone Till November (1998) - Wyclef Jean. This one's catchy! Remember singing along on the radio?
1. November Rain (1991) - Guns N' Roses. This making #1 can't be a surprise for anyone, but I'm a big GNR fan and I love this song during the other 11 months of the year too!
_____________________________________________
But wait, there's more!!!

November - Tom Waits
November Has Come – Gorillaz featuring MF Doom
Mr. November - The National
That November - Carrie Underwood
November – Azure Ray
November Blue - The Avett Brothers
Rose Hip November - Vashti Bunyan
Fall Into November - Folk Implosion
Late November - Sandy Denny
November - J Church
November Boogie – Sonny Boy Williamson II
This November – Stacey de Looze
November Blues – Thomas J. Speight
November 22nd 2003, 4:45 PM - Mount Eerie

Big Screen Thanksgiving Scenes to Be Thankful For

As you defrost your turkey and prep your pie, I thought you might want to sample some Thanksgiving scenes from the big screen. Put on your bib and dig in… and be sure to let me know if I’ve missed any. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles – This is the all-time BEST Thanksgiving movie, featuring one memorable scene after another. A must-see EVERY Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Scenes and/or Movies – Perhaps the Most Popular
About Last Night…
Addams Family Values
Avalon
Funny People
Grumpy Old Men
Hannah and Her Sisters
Home for the Holidays
Little Fockers
Miracle on 34th Street
Nobody's Fool
Pieces of April
Raising Arizona
Scent of a Woman
Son in Law
Spider-Man
Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale
The Blind Side
The Ice Storm
The New World
You’ve Got Mail



More Thanksgiving Scenes and/or Movies
Alice’s Restaurant
American Gangster
Antwone Fisher
The Doors
Down and Out in Beverly Hills
Dutch
Easy Virtue
Four Brothers
Antwone Fisher
Beethoven
Broadway Danny Rose
Grindhouse (trailer in movie)
Hit & Run
Holiday Inn
Home of the Brave
House of Yes, The
Jack and Jill
Palo Alto
Mighty Joe Young (1949)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Pie in the Sky
Primary Colors
Rescue Dawn
Rocky
She's Gotta Have It
Starting Over
Thankskilling
Tower Heist
White Palace
Pocahontas
Smart People
Tadpole
Thankskilling
The Myth of Fingerprints
What’s Cooking?


These movies appeared on some lists, but I can’t remember the scenes and have not verified them at this point. Feel free to comment!
27 Dresses
Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
Conviction
Hanging Up
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Morning Glory
Parenthood
Superhero Movie
The Family Man
Trading Places
Tropic Thunder (Fatties commercial)
While You Were Sleeping
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory


TV
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Family Reunion
The Mayflower Voyagers
An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving

Movies with a Bite

Even though The Twilight Saga is coming to a close, the long list of vampire movies is very much alive and growing all the time. If you're a real bloodsucker, you'll love this list of movies with a bite. If I'm missing any, be sure to add them. Also, PLEASE let us know YOUR top picks and the ones that really SUCK. There are a few vampire classics I have yet to see, but there's a special place in my heart for "The Lost Boys" and the hilarious "Love at First Bite". Now dig in, all you nightwalkers!

30 Days of Night
A Return to Salem’s Lot (1987)
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Blacula
Blade
Blade II
Blade: Trinity
Blood: The Last Vampire
BloodRayne
BloodRayne 2: Deliverance
BloodRayne: The Third Reich
Bordello of Blood
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Cronos
Dark Shadows
Day Watch
Daybreakers
Dracula (1931)
Dracula 2000
Dracula 3000
Dracula 3D
Dracula II: Ascension
Dracula: Dead and Loving It
Dracula: Prince of Darkness
Dracula's Daughter
Fright Night (1985)
Fright Night (2011)
Fright Night Part 2
From Dusk Till Dawn
From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money
From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter
Hotel Transylvania
House of Dark Shadows
I Am Legend
I Sell the Dead
Innocent Blood (1992)
Interview with a Vampire (documentary)
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles
John Carpenter's Vampires
Let Me In
Let the Right One In
Lifeforce
Lost Boys: The Tribe (video)
Love at First Bite
My Step-Dad's a Freakin' Vampire
Near Dark
Night Watch (2004)
Nosferatu (1922)
Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)
Once Bitten
Priest
Queen of the Damned
Salem's Lot (1979/tv movie)
Salem's Lot (2004/tv movie)
Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire
Shadow of the Vampire
Sleepwalkers
Son of Dracula
The Addiction
The Hunger
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice (tv movie)
The Little Vampire
The Lost Boys
The Monster Squad
The Moth Diaries
The Night Stalker (tv movie)
The Return of the Vampire
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
The Twilight Saga: Twilight
The Vampire Lovers
The Wisdom of Crocodiles
Thirst (2009)
Transylmania
Transylvania 6-5000
Ultraviolet (2006)
Underworld (2003)
Underworld: Awakening
Underworld: Evolution
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
Vamp
Vampire Hunter D
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
Vampire in Brooklyn
Vampire's Kiss - Nicolas Cage
Vampires Suck
Van Helsing
We Are the Night