Archive for July, 2009

Every Dog Has Its Day

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Hi everyone! It’s FiFi, your favorite four-legged friend. I just spent an incredible day out and about in Newport Beach.

First, my best friend took me to Balboa Island. It was a sunny and breezy day, perfect for strolling, window shopping, and checking out the Dobermans. We stopped in the Barkery, where I got to pick out a new toy! I couldn’t decide between two, so my best friend let me get both—the squeaky cow and the Sniffany & Co. box.

Next, we headed to Three Dog Bakery for some “drool-worthy, all-natural, oven-baked doggie delicacies.” Since I’m on a diet, my friend bought me the oven-baked chicken reduced calorie baked food, with chicken, cranberries, and blueberries. Yum! I am such a lucky dog!

We decided to catch the sunset and go for a walk at Newport Beach. It was so romantic, and I met a handsome husky. My best friend said it was only puppy love, but I know it was the real deal. I can’t wait to see him again. It really is a dog’s life.

“Top 10″ FAQs about the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in Newport Beach

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

1. How do I make a reservation to stay at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages?
Reservations must be made through ReserveAmerica by visiting ReserveAmerica.com or calling 800.444.7275 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific Time, seven days a week. We recommend that you visit CrystalCoveBeachCottages.org prior to making a reservation for detailed information on the types of accommodations the historic cottages offer as well as rental policies and procedures. We highly recommend you create an account[pre-register] with ReserveAmerica prior to making a reservation.

2. What are the rates for cottage rentals?
The average rate per Individual Cottage, based on four(4) guests, is $180 per night. There is an additional charge of $33 per person per night for additional guests up to the maximum occupancy allowed per cottage. Dorm~Style Cottage Rooms base rate average is approximately $58. Additional guests are charged $23 per person per night up to the maximum occupancy. For rates and occupancy details, see www.CrystalCoveBeachCottages.org.

3. Am I able to cook during my stay at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages?
All cottages have a microwave and refrigerator, and ADA Disabled units have a small electric cook top, as well. Disposable plates & utensils are supplied. Note: Its suggested that you bring any favorite utensils such as knives, can openers, containers, bowls, etc. & coffee mugs; however, coffee & coffee carafes are available in the Reception Office all day.

4. Will I be able to barbecue at the cottages if I am an overnight guest at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages?
In general, open flames are not allowed in the Crystal Cove Historic District. This includes charcoal and wood burning barbeques, tiki torches, smoking, and other open flames. Self contained gas canister type barbeques are permitted on the beach and at designated locations at each cottage.

5. Are pets allowed at the Crystal Cove Historic District.?
Dogs on leashes, are only allowed on the common roads and trails. No pets are allowed in the cottages or on the beach with the exception of certified/companion canines.

6. What are Dorm~Style cottages?
Cottages #29, #38, and #39 have been designated as Dorm~Style Cottages. These lodgings include individually secured bedrooms that share a common living area, kitchen, patio areas and bathrooms. Like the Individual Cottages, the Dorm~Style Cottages have been decorated with period appropriate colors and furnishings to preserve Crystal Cove’s unique historical ambiance.
For Dorm~Style Rooms, linens and towels will be furnished on bed tops upon arrival. It will be the guests’ responsibility to make their own beds. Towels are not replaced during your stay.
Common area Kitchens feature a microwave, refrigerator, disposable plates and utensils. In addition, ADA Disabled cottages include a small electric cooktop. Alcohol possession is prohibited in all Dorm~Style Cottages/Rooms.

7. How many nights can I stay at the Cottages? Is there a limit?
You can reserve up to seven(7) nights per ‘rolling calendar year.’ These can be reserved in one 7-night block or split between multiple stays.

8. What amenities are provided at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages?
Every Individual and Dorm~Style Cottage has been renovated to match its 1935 to 1955 condition. Every cottage has been carefully restored with modern electricity, plumbing, and safety features, while at the same time preserving every original detail possible. The historic cottages are fully furnished with vintage furniture.
Housekeeping service is limited. For Individual Cottages, beds will be made with towels and soap placed in bathrooms. No daily service will be provided except for trash removal. After 4 days, towels will be replaced upon request. For Dorm~Style Rooms, linens and towels will be furnished on bed tops upon arrival. It will be the guests’ responsibility to make their own beds. Towels are not replaced during your stay.
There are no laundry facilities on the premises. No beach towels will be furnished, but they along with chairs and umbrellas, will be available during the season on the beach for a fee. There are no televisions in the cottages. All cottages have kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens feature a microwave, refrigerator and disposable plates and utensils, and ADA Disabled cottages include a small cook top. Cottages do not have working kitchen stoves. Complimentary coffee and tea will be available at the reception office each morning. Smoking is prohibited in and around all cottages, and alcohol possession is prohibited in all Dorm~Style Cottages. For full information about Crystal Cove Beach Cottages’ accommodations & amenities, please review our Guest Information section at www.CrystalCoveBeachCottages.org.

9. What are the Check-In and Check-Out times?
Check-In is after 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and Check-Out is anytime prior to 11:00 am.
Late Check-Outs are not allowed and strictly monitored.

10. What is the cancellation policy at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages?
To cancel a reservation, call ReserveAmerica’s Customer Service: 800.695.2269 or, if your reservation was made online, visit their website at www.ReserveAmerica.com
The cancellation policy at ReserveAmerica is as follows:
• Your original $7.50 reservation fee is nonrefundable.
• If you cancel a confirmed reservation or must leave the park early, a cancellation fee of $7.00 per reserved cottage will be deducted from any refund you may be due.
• If you cancel a confirmed reservation and make a new reservation during the same call, a transfer fee of $7.50 will be charged.
• If you cancel your reservation after 5:00 pm the day before your arrival date, the first night’s fee is forfeited.
• A reservation will be held for you until 12:00 pm the day after your arrival date. If you do not contact the Registration Office before that time, you will be considered a ‘no-show,’ and your reservation will be cancelled. You will be refunded the amount paid for the cottage, less the nonrefundable $7.50 reservation fee, the $7.00 cancellation fee, and one night’s rental fee.
• If you miss your first day but plan to arrive later, you must contact the Registration Office each day to hold the remainder of your reservation.
• If you must leave one or more days early (‘early-out’) you must Check-Out before 11 am (there are no exchanges). Retain your confirmation letter until you have received your refund or your credit card has been credited, if applicable. Allow at least 30 days to receive your refund.
Note: Once registered, the in-house cancellation policy is 24 hours prior to the next days’ 11am Check-Out time.
• If an emergency or disaster forces closure, we will try to notify you as soon as possible. All fees, including the reservation fee, will be refunded.
• In cases of inclement weather when the cottages remain open but you choose to leave, refunds will be based on the ‘early-out/cancellation’ policy.
• If you are unable to honor your reservation due to a medical emergency or death in the family, a cancellation fee of $7.00 per reservation will be deducted from any refund you may be due by ReserveAmerica
For more information, please visit www.crystalcovebeachcottages.com

Pool Party & BBQ at Island Hotel’s Palm Terrace

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Island Hotel Newport Beach’s Palm Terrace is all about summer fun for the entire family.  With all of the wonderful weather we have been enjoying this past month we decided to take some family friends and their young children to the Island Hotel to experience their Pool Party & BBQ which is held on Sundays throughout the summer - began June 28th.  The family swim is held from 3-6pm and the BBQ on the patio is held from 5-9pm.  Highlights of the BBQ Menu include Chilled Shrimp & Cucumber Salad, Beef Tenderloin Medallions, Garlic & Herb Chicken Thighs, Prime Beef Sliders, Lamb Chops, S’mores, Strawberry Shortcake and even a Home-made Ice Cream buffet.  Reservations are required and it is $34 for Adults and $12 for Children 12 & under (complimentary for children under 5).  If you are looking for an alternative to the sandy beaches, be sure to experience this splashing good time!

Island Hotel Newport Beach
690 Newport Center Drive,
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 760-4920
www.islandhotel.com

DAY TRIPPIN’:New Tours Make Catalina Even More Fun (Part 2)

Sunday, July 19th, 2009

As promised, here is the second part of things you can do in a day at Catalina Island.

Catalina was originally developed by the Wrigley Family of Chicago as a spring training camp for the Cubs, and their beautiful Georgian Colonial built in 1921 is now the Inn at Mt. Ada - great place for lunch with a stellar view overlooking the harbor (advance reservations required).  Another historic home converted to a hotel is the western author Zane Grey’s.  Then there’s the 1st Tuna Angling Club almost next door to the Casino which hosted such notables as Theodor Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Cecile B. DeMille, while promoting sportsmanship for big game fishermen.

Visit www.visitcatalina.com; www.catalinaconservancy.org; www.InnOnMtAda.com for more information.

Rockin’ Baja Costal Cantina

Friday, July 17th, 2009

I have lived in the OC for five years and just now found one of my favorite new Mexican gems – Rockin’ Baja Costal Cantina, located close to the Newport Pier. Their signature “Baja buckets” are an incredible deal, not to mention, delicious…They tout that their seafood is similar to the fishing villages of Puerto Nuevo, Mexico. The seafood is deliciously flashed fried in the shell, seasoned with a unique blend of Mexican spices and then brought to the table in a rustic Baja bucket.

We ordered the shrimp bucket for $17.95 per person. If that is too expensive for your wallet, then try the shrimp bowls with rice and beans for about $5 less. Buckets can be ordered with all types of combinations including shrimp, snow crabs, grilled chicken,
carne asada, BBQ ribs, lobster tails and Alaskan king crab legs.

The atmosphere is as close to a true Mexican Cantina as you are going to find in Newport Beach. It also has a small patio for outdoor dining. We will indeed be back for more of  Newport’s finest delicacies – SEAFOOD!!!

DAY TRIPPIN’:New Tours Make Catalina Even More Fun (Part 1)

Friday, July 10th, 2009

“26 Miles Across the Sea, Santa Catalina is Waiting For Me…….” Popular song back in the ‘50s, popular place - and just as much fun today!  Catalina Island is the perfect day escape to an island paradise that doesn’t involve anything more arduous than boarding the Catalina Flyer in Newport Harbor.  The trip itself is half the adventure – from the moment you pull out of Newport Harbor and watch the coastline recede, until Avalon rises up to meet you just a little over an hour later - you might encounter dolphins, grey or blue whales depending on the season, cargo freighters, sailboats and seagulls.  The sea wind whipping through your hair and the salt air create an exhilarating start to any day!

 

The hardest part is deciding how to spend your time once you arrive as the choices are many, so I am going to be doing a 4 part series blog about the different tours you can partake on the Island.  So, in addition to swimming, snorkeling, hiking, biking, kayaking, or enjoying one of the Island Conservancy’s fabulous Jeep tours, some exciting new tours kick off this summer that promise to make visits even more of an adventure:  One of the is a new GPS Walking Tour enables you to discover Island landmarks on your own, and the one I can’t wait to experience: the Catalina Seatrek Eco Tour where we get to view underwater gardens and a sea wrecked vessel wearing a wetsuit and helmet that looks like something out a Jules Verne novel.  

Visit www.visitcatalina.com; www.catalinaconservancy.org; www.InnOnMtAda.com for more information.

 

Summer Sales at Fashion Island

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

I hate to buy anything at retail unless I absolutely have to have it right this minute and can’t bear to wait for it to go on sale. But luckily, Fashion Island in Newport Beach has some pretty amazing sales going on starting now and through the rest of July!  Shoppers, take your mark!

July 1-15
GARYS
– Summer Sale Up to 60% off clothing, furnishings, sportswear, shoes and accessories.  (949) 759-1622

July 1-21
Peek…Aren’t You Curious
– Summer Sale to make room for new fall collection.  (949) 719-7732

July 1-31
American Rag Cie
– 4th of July Sale through end of July.  30% off select shoes, denim and clothing for men and women plus 20% off all vintage merchandise.  (949) 760-1510

July 9-12
Optical Shop of Aspen and OSA Sun
– Sale of the Year Save up to 75% off select eyewear and receive 20% off prescription lenses with purchase of a frame.  (949) 640-8230/(949) 759-8248

Plus don’t miss out on these fun events…

July 18
Doggie Fashion Show hosted by Neiman Marcus and Muttropolis.  1pm at the Neiman Marcus Courtyard.  (949) 759-1900

July 19-31
Soap Event hosted by Caswell-Massey.  Save 33% on all classic Bar and Liquid soaps, excluding luxury bar soaps.  (949) 640-6750

July 25
Cooking Class: How to Create “Spiedini al barbeque” (Italian skewers) hosted by Canaletto Ristorante Veneto.  $29 per person plus tax and gratuity, includes sampling and glass of Prosecco.  (949) 640-0900

Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-2000
www.shopfashionisland.com

New Beach Bunny Swimwear Flagship Store opens in Newport Beach

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Just in time for summer, “Girls Next Door” TV reality star and Hugh Hefner’s former girlfriend, Bridgette Marquardt opens up her first ever flagship store for Beach Bunny Swimwear in Newport Beach.

In Bridgette’s trademark playful fashion, the swimwear line features costumey themes and cheeky names like “Light My Fire,” “Kiss and Tell” and “Bunnylicious.” I personally love the bright colors and intricate details using lace, studs, ribbon and glitter.�
You’re sure to find the perfect stand-out swimsuit for the upcoming 4th of July weekend and all summer long. 

Beach Bunny Swimwear is located at
950 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach CA 92660
(949) 548-0348
www.beachbunnyswimwear.com

Photos courtesy of www.beachbunnyswimwear.com

10 Under $10 or FREE Summer Arts & Entertainment Activities

Monday, July 6th, 2009

1. Cinema Orange Documentary Film Series
Co-sponsored by the Newport Beach Film Festival and The Orange County Museum of Art, the 2009 Cinema Orange summer series showcases documentaries celebrating art, architecture and design from the recent Newport Beach Film Festival. This season’s programming includes a collection of films that explore art, architecture, design, advertising, modernism and photography; featuring prominent artists such as Milton Glaser, John Lautner and Julius Shulman.
Click for Movie Schedule

Dates: June 25 through October 29
Cost: FREE

2. Movies on the Beach at the Newport Dunes
Families of all ages can enjoy watching classic movies on the giant inflatable screen on the beach at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.  Movies start once the sun goes down.  Arrive early to reserve a great spot and munch on your favorite movie treats! Movies begin at dusk (7:30 pm)
Click for Movie Schedule

Dates: Now through August 28
Cost: FREE; parking $10

3. Target Free Second Sundays at Orange County Museum of Art
Free admission to OCMA on the second Sunday of every month through the end of 2009 thanks to partnership with Target®

Dates: Second Sunday of the month; now through end of 2009
Cost: FREE

4. Corona Del Mar Fashion Walk
An Evening of Fashion, Food & Fun! The Corona Del Mar Fashion Walk is a hip new tradition that will take place the second Thursday of each month, bringing together the Village’s premier fashion boutiques and restaurants along PCH for a night of fashion and food. Hosts for the event include Recycled Rags, On Que Style, Mottini, Bellissima Consignment, Oysters Bar & Grill, Bungalow Restaurant and Landmark Steak House.

Dates: second Thursday of the month; ongoing
Cost: FREE (except for whatever you buy in stores!)

5. First Fridays Comedy at Sapphire Lounge at Radisson Newport Beach
Watch professional comedians in an intimate setting at Sapphire Lounge at the Radisson Newport Beach.  $10 at the door, No Drink Minimum, FREE Parking, FREE to hotel guests (with room key), full menu served until 10:00pm! (and they have GREAT food!)
Click for list of upcoming comedians

Dates: first Friday of every month; ongoing
Cost: $10 at the door (no drink minimum. 

6. Free for all Movie Mondays at Orange County Performing ArtsCenter
The alfresco Movie Mondays offers the biggest and most popular musical films under the stars and all for free.  Held at Segerstrom Hall’s 46,000 sq. ft. plaza where guests can bring beach chairs, snacks and beverages.  (No bbq’s allowed) This summer’s movies include: the original version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder, the 80s smash-hit Footloose featuring Kevin Bacon, and the international sensation Mamma Mia! with Meryl Streep, among others.�
Click for Movie Schedule

Dates: Every Monday through August 3.  Movies begin at dusk (around 8pm)
Cost: FREE

7. Astronomy Night at the Muth Interpretive Center
Join members of the Orange County Astronomers for an inspirational 2-hour tour of the night sky. This program is open to all ages and will include a presentation and observation with telescopes. There is no fee for this program, only a suggested donation of $2 per participant.

Dates: July 17 (8 pm), August 14 (7:30 pm)
Cost: No fee, suggested donation of $2 per participant

8. Across the Seas: History of Navigation exhibit at The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum
Learn how to navigate across the seas with this comprehensive multimedia exhibition highlighting the history and practice of the art of sea navigation. Visitors will be able to walk under a 12-foot diameter, 9-foot high night sky in a fully equipped planetarium, and try out modern and old-fashioned gadgetry for navigation to practice nautical charting and other techniques.

Dates: now through December
Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors. Children under 12 and NHNM members get free admission.

9. Balboa Island Evening Stroll
Balboa Island Merchants will stay open later than usual and offer refreshments to visitors.
First Friday of every month from 6pm to 9pm.

Dates: First Friday of the month; ongoing
Cost: FREE

10. Shorty’s Historic District Fun Tour
This one didn’t exactly meet our price cap but it’s so cool, we had to include it! This fun 2.5-hour educational tour is a fun combination of group theatre and ‘who-done-it’ mystery as participants go back in time to see what really happened in Crystal Cove’s Historic District.  Read for a 1930’s Crystal Cove film shoot, investigate the case of the ‘missing’ cottage, shop for candy from a 1935 beachside store, and determine if the Crystal Cove resident named Shorty really had a pet sea lion that lived in his bathtub.  Crystal Cove’s beach cottages were built between 1920 and 1935 and, in their own wonderful way, tell the story of California’s history.  This Living History program is a fun introduction to the colorful characters that lived in Crystal Cove’s Historic District.  Class size limited to 20. 

Dates: Fridays, 9 am – 11:30 am; July 1 through September 15
Cost: $25 for adults/$20 for Crystal Cove Alliance Members

Celebrate 4th of July in Newport Beach

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Celebrate the 4th of July in Newport Beach and come see why Newport Beach was named one of the top ten places to see fireworks in California. Below are some activities you can enjoy with your family and friends.

Celebrate the 53rd Annual “Old Glory Boat Parade” Sponsored by the American Legion Yacht Club & American Legion Post 291 Family. They are looking for boat owners to join them in sharing in the American Spirit by commemorating the country’s birthday. Each year the Newport Beach Harbor becomes a festive delight as owners adorned their boats in red-white-&-blue decorations, balloons, streamers and waving flags that outline the skies as Sousa Marches and Anthems fill the air.

The all day fun-filled gala with lots to do, will be at the American Legion Post 291 beginning at 7:00 a.m. where volunteers will prepare a fine Pancake Breakfast for a donation of only $8 per person. Lunch and dinner with Tri-tips or chicken will begin around 12:00PM and run until 6:00 p.m. for a donation of only $10 per plate. Raffle tickets are available with great prizes to be given away. The band “The Retros” will also be playing on the patio from 1:00PM to 5:00 p.m. for your entertainment and dancing.  Click here for more information.

Join Hornblower Cruises & Events for a front row seat to the 53rd annual ‘Old Glory Boat Parade’ put on by the American Legion. This event fills the Newport Beach harbor with boats adorned in Red-White-&-Blue, as the boats try to outshine one another while waiting for the loudest ovation from onlookers.

This cruise includes a 2 hour cruise around the Newport Beach harbor, a lavish brunch buffet, free-flowing champagne, and a front row seat to the parade. Boarding begins at 12:30pm, Cruising from 1-3pm.  Click here for more information.

Spend a memorable Fourth of July along the water and under the stars at The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, host of Orange County’s most spectacular seaside fireworks display for 50 years. Festivities start in the early afternoon with a barbecue, carnival games, crafts, face painting, music and more, followed by an evening filled with “rockets’ red glare and bombs bursting in air.”  Click here for more information.

Enjoy the July 4th fireworks with a dinner cruise with Hornblower Cruises & Events. Cruise scenic Newport Harbor and make your way to “5 corners” where you’ll have a great view of the fireworks display put on by the Newport Dunes located in the Newport Back Bay!

Cruise includes a boarding glass of champagne, a gourmet 4-course seated meal, and live entertainment!  Click here for more information.

Come join The Wave 94.7 FM and the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach at the Summer Jazz Series special 4th of July Concert and Fireworks show, featuring Marion Meadows’ Gentlemen of the Night With Paul Taylor & Michael Lington..

Concert starts at 8:00pm; there is Reserved Seating, Pre-concert dinner packages, and individual skyboxes available. Click here for more information.

For 4th of July Tips and Trick click here.

Follow us on Twitter this weekend using #nb4th