Kelly Mac at the OC Marketplace this weekend!

"Be fit and think fabulous." These are the encouraging words chosen by Kelly Mac in regard to your fitness goals for 2011. Think fabulous! We all know January is the time to make fitness resolutions, and almost everyone makes one, in some form or another; but beyond making the resolution, what have you done to work toward accomplishing it? Sometimes, Most of the time, we need a helping hand. That's where Kelly steps up to the plate. Her passion is helping individuals get fit and meet their fitness goals for themselves. She wants you to look and feel like a fabulous version of yourself in 2011!

Kelly heads up Back 2 Basics Fitness Boot Camp, a boot camp that meets locally. This weekend, Kelly Mac will be at the OC Marketplace (formerly- or casually- known as the swap meet)- come out and meet her! She'll be there to talk to you about her commitment to you and your commitment to yourself.

Whether you've been thinking about joining a boot camp, thinking about amping up your exercise routine, or just want to make a new friend, come our and meet Kelly this Saturday and/or Sunday! To sweeten the deal, mention The OC Gazette to cash in on this sweet deal:

Read more about Kelly in the January issue of The OC Gazette.

-Blythe
on my iTunes: "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison

Teen Chef Competition 2011 at The Art Institute of California

Enter to Win the Best Teen Chef Competition 2011 at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Orange County

Do you enjoy exploring new recipes and trying new flavor combinations? If you are a high school senior graduating in 2011, then the Best Teen Chef Competition at The Art Institute of California - Orange County is the place to showcase your talents. Compete against your peers to earn a scholarship towards a culinary education at one of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California - Orange County.

A Best Teen Chef will be crowned and offered a $5,000 scholarship towards a culinary degree program. The Best Teen Chef Competition, now in its twelfth year, is an opportunity for high school seniors in the U.S. and Canada interested in pursuing a culinary career to experience the excitement and discipline of the industry.  

“Every year, we continue to be inspired by the talents of the emerging culinarians that enter the Best Teen Chef Competition. These students show a real love for the culinary arts and an enthusiasm for exploring fresh new meal ideas for friends and family,” says Daniel Mattos, Academic Director of Culinary Arts at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

To be eligible to enter the competition, high school seniors must first submit a completed Entry & Release Form by February 4, 2011 to The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Orange County. Deadline for complete entries into the competition is February 25, 2011. Selected entrants will progress to Local Cook-Off Competition at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Orange County on April 30, 2011.

To learn how to enter the Best Teen Chef Competition 2011 and to view the competition rules, visit http://www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=AI2127 or contact Hope Adams, Associate Director of Admissions The Art Institute of California – Orange County at hadams@aii.edu or 714.338.1307.

About The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes:
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes is North America's largest system of culinary programs offered at over 30 Art Institutes schools. Based on classical Escoffier, Asian, and Latin culinary techniques, with an emphasis on progressive trends and practices, the schools' curriculum are designed to develop and sharpen fundamental cooking techniques and professional skills and introduce a variety of international cuisines. Internships, student-run school restaurants, guest lectures and Web-based seminars, and study abroad programs help broaden the scope of learning for students.
Program offerings vary at each school. Prospective students should check the course offerings at The Art Institutes school they are interested in attending before enrolling. To learn more about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/culinary or www.exploreculinary.com.


-Blythe
on my grooveshark: Dr. Dog's "Heart it Races"

Tips for this Valentine's Day from the Bra Whisperer

With Valentine's Day a little over two weeks away, we went to Susan Nethero, the Bra Whisperer herself (featured on Oprah, The Today Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and founder of Intimacy Boutique), and asked for some tips for creating an intimate occasion.

OCG: What are the current lingerie trends people can expect for Valentine's Day and going into the spring season?

SN: The colors this year are exquisite! Lots of purple, red, fuchsia, electric blue and turquoise. This was evident on the red carpet during the golden globes.  White is also being considered as a color trend in bras.

These same colors also hold true in sleepwear. We are seeing that bust support is still the order of the day, with silhouettes that fit a little looser around the middle.

For gifts later in the spring season, the "it" bra colors are more mutely toned taupes, creams, and peaches.

OCG: Any hot new brands/bras and personal current favorites to look out for ?

-Aubade’s Etreinte Polynesienne bra and panty set really sets the mood for the perfect romantic getaway:

-Chantelle’s new Africa tie die bra in gorgeous hues of navy and electric blue is just stunning for valentine’s day and into the spring season:

-Love Love Curves Eva  is a darling chemise with a built in bust perfect for girls who need a little extra va-va-voom up top. 

-Else Bra Sized chemise, in contrast, is the ideal silhouette for the fuller bust as the bra sized silhouette has a gorgeous and flattering fit for the fuller busted gal.  

-And the Cosabella satin & lace because it’s just so sexy… provides the perfect baby doll silhouette!

OCG: Any fun/new accessories?

SN: We have a new really cute hanky panky called ‘etched rose’ that just arrived. It’s adorable- light pink a soft gray etched rose pattern:

OCG: Can you give us four tips for male Valentine's Day shoppers?

1) Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Men can get a little freaked out and embarrassed, but most men will find that our staff is extremely professional and very eager to help him choose the perfect gift.

2) Take a peek in her lingerie drawer when she isn’t looking. Pay attention to colors she’s drawn to, as well as sizes and fabrics so that you have a good idea of what she likes.

3) Pick something out that you like too! After all, even if it’s a little out of her comfort zone, she is going to want to look attractive for you.

4) Lingerie pairs well with soft candle light, romantic music, maybe a bubble bath and some champagne? Take the time to create a romantic space for your honey! Women can feel insecure about their bodies, and setting the mood can really help to uplift her confidence!

Intimacy also tries to make it extremely easy for male shoppers whose wives/girlfriends/friends have been in before.  Each customer has a profile in our customer system, where they can keep track of what styles and sizes have been purchased.  This profile system allows men to be able to come in and look up their significant other's bra track record for tips, ideas, and even see if they have anything on their wish list!

Visit Intimacy's website and Facebook for more tips and secrets about how the right bra can make you look and feel your sexiest! 

-Blythe

on my iTunes: The Shins' "New Slang"

"ROCK OF AGES" Comes To Segerstrom Center For The Arts

IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN TO

THE FIRST NATIONAL TOUR OF ROCK OF AGES!

HIT MUSICAL TO STAR TONY® AWARD

NOMINEE CONSTANTINE MAROULIS

March 1 – 6, 2011

In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer – and in L.A.’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time when ROCK OF AGES makes its debut at Segerstrom Center for the Arts March 1 – 6 when big hair meets big dreams and the result totally wails. Coming to you direct from Broadway, Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis of American Idol fame will reprise his acclaimed performance as Drew in the First National Tour of the five-time Tony Award nominated smash-hit musical ROCK OF AGES. Rolling Stone says, “Rock of Ages has found a perfect lead in Maroulis,” and so like Bartles & Jaymes, big hair and Dep, some things are just meant for each other. Tickets to see ROCK OF AGES start at $20 and are available online at SCFTA.org, by calling (714) 556-2787 and at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. For inquiries about group ticket discounts, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The TTY number is (714) 556-2746.

ROCK OF AGES

Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall

March 1 – 6, 2011

Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, March 5 will be sign-language interpreted.

May not be appropriate for kids under the age of 14. Parental discretion is advised.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Tickets:  Start at $20

In person:  The Box Office

                     600 Town Center Drive

                     Costa Mesa, CA 92626

                     Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Online:  SCFTA.org

Phone:  (714) 556-2787

                Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

TTY number:  (714) 556-2746

Group Sales:  (714) 755-0236

FOR TOUR SIZZLE REEL VISIT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tY-xJqQZ-o

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ROCK OF AGES: www.RockofAgesMusical.com

MaeMae Paperie on Martha Stewart's blog!

Some of you might remember when we included a spotlight on Megan Gonzalez of MaeMae Paperie about a year and a half ago? We were so excited to find out that MaeMae Paperie was featured on Martha Stewart's Wedding blog last Thursday! We couldn't be more thrilled- we love seeing local artists grow and receive recognition! Keep it up, Megan!

Read our article on MaeMae Paperie here (on p. 18)
Check out Martha’s blog to see MaeMae’s feature!
Visit MaeMae's blog too!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Beirut's "Nantes"

Call for Entries

Are you a high school senior into graphic design? Maybe you know someone who fits that description?


The Art Institutes and Americans for the Arts (the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts) announced a call for entries for their 8th annual Poster Design Competition. High school seniors from the U.S., Canada (excluding Quebec), and Puerto Rico are invited to submit entries. The national winners will earn up to a full-tuition scholarship to one of The Art Institutes schools.

This year’s competition challenges entrants to submit a poster that addresses the theme “Life is better with art in it.” The deadline to submit entries is February 4, 2011. Full entry requirements can be viewed at http://www.artinstitutes.edu/postercompetition.

According to Gregory J. Marick, president of The Art Institute of California – Orange County, “Industries today are fueled by creativity. We are privileged to educate students with the talent and the drive to enter a design field. The Poster Design Competition is a platform for students to channel their talent and turn it into something tangible.”

“The Poster Design Competition brings out and showcases a diverse pool of remarkably talented high school students,” says Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “The entry pieces are not only vibrant and exciting, but also a great reminder of how much art can touch us in our everyday lives.”

To learn more about The Art Institutes and Americans for the Arts Poster Design Competition, visit http://artinstitutes.edu/postercompetition or contact Hope Adams, Associate Director of Admissions at The Art Institute of California – Orange County at hadams@aii.edu.   


Happy designing!


-Blythe


on my blip: Simon & Garfunkel's "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)"

New FREE Music From Pithy Sweet

Every now and again you get that itch for some new music. Your iTunes starts to lose it's wonderment and like a fickle lover, you leave it in search of new and exciting pastures. I recently stumbled upon Fullerton based psychedelic rock three-piece, Pithy Sweet. They played Fullerton's Continental Room to a crowded house on January 13th in celebration of the release of their debut EP Hole In My Pocket.

Our lovely friend Ashley Eliot over at Across The Universe PR has given our OC Gazette readers an early Valentine's Day present. You can download "Fight To This Song," one of the four songs on Pithy Sweet's new EP, for FREE by clicking below!

FREE DOWNLOAD: "Fight To This Song" by Pithy Sweet

This is just one side to the diverse EP. From garage rock to hypnotic mellow jams, Hole In My Pocket covers the broad spectrum of emotions. Pithy Sweet is made up of Ben Kent on vocals and guitar, Evan Novorot on bass and Robert Burrison on drums. There are definite traces of The Black Keys, one of the boy's noted influences, as well as that classic New York grunge rock feel in the music of Pithy Sweet. It's clear these guys have been raiding their dads' album collections and taking diligent notes. 

You can find out more about Pithy Sweet by following them on facebook.

- Amy

Listening to: Pithy Sweet's "Stella"

iSanctuary Training Meeting

Interested in social justice? Stopping human trafficking on both a local and global level? International Sanctuary is an Irvine-based nonprofit organization that goes to great lengths in the fight against human trafficking. For one, their online boutique offers an array of fabulous jewelry made by women rescued from the sex trade. Purchasing a product from iSanctuary provides a foundation for survivors futures; proceeds offer rescued girls vocational training, education, and monetary savings upon their transition from the aftercare home.

If you're interested in these issues, in learning more about iSanctuary, or in offering your time to volunteer, attend the free Interest & Advocacy Training Meeting tonight in Irvine.

Tuesday, 1/18, from 6:30-8pm at

17777 Main St. C-2
Irvine, CA 92416

For more info, call (949) 752-7788

By attending, you are not automatically offering your time in the future; however, if you are interested in volunteering, attending a training meeting is mandatory.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Beirut's "Nantes"

Rock the Garden NAMM Concert Series

OC MUSIC AWARDS HOSTS ROCK THE GARDEN NAMM CONCERT SERIES AT GARDENWALK IN ANAHEIM

THREE NIGHTS OF FREE LIVE LOCAL MUSIC 1/13-1/15 
Anaheim GardenWalk and OC Music Awards host a three night concert series on January 13th, 14th and 15th from 6-10pm during the 2011 NAMM Show. Each concert features three local Southern California bands performing live. All concerts are outside under the stars at GardenWalk's "Gala Garden" and FREE. The venues of GardenWalk will be offering food and beverage discounts during each event. Spend a hectic day at NAMM and relax in the evening at GardenWalk! RSVP on FACEBOOK.

Rock the Garden Concert Schedule

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 6-10PM, FREE
BILLY KERNKAMP
BIG BAD WOLF
MICHAEL ROSAS
with DJ Velvet Touch

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 6-10PM, FREE
THE COLOR TURNING
TWO GUNS
THE RELATIVE STRANGERS
with DJ Daria

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 6-10PM, FREE
STONE AVE.
SOUL HUSTLERS
MARC B.
with DJ Velvet Touch

Visit OC Music Awards online, become a Fan, Friend, Follower, and Subscriber
2011 marks the 10^th Anniversary of OC Music Awards, Orange County’s premier annual music event acknowledging the best in local talent and providing opportunities to further the success of our musicians and the OC music scene.

Bruxie in Orange

Last week, I ventured out with some friends to try out Bruxie, the new-ish little Belgian waffle sandwich restaurant stand in downtown Orange.

The restaurant is a walk-up-and-order kind of place; like a taco stand. The main difference is that instead of greasy fast food, this stand delivers gourmet, handcrafted waffle sandwiches. There is a little side patio that is covered and enclosed with canvas hangings and warmed with heating lamps, which all adds up to make quite a cozy dining experience.


"Bruxie is a new take on the authentic Belgium Waffle. The 'Bruxie' is unlike any waffle offered: the Bruxie is light, crisp, yeasty and not sweet. It's street food that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, mid day snack as well as a dessert or late night treat."

Honestly, I don't even like waffles. My friend picked our dinner spot, and I was a bit nervous about her choice. I'm perhaps a little too adventurous with food and new dining spots though, so my curiosity took over. I tried a "Cheesey Bruxie" (grilled cheddar and gruyere) with avocado and waffle fries:

In a word: DELICIOUS.

One of my friends got the special- some sort of roast beef, potato, horseradish, french dippy concoction:

Another friend tried a Bruxie Burger:

Then, as planned, I tried a dessert Bruxie with Nutella & Bananas.

SOOOOO TASTY!

Bruxie is located two blocks from the Orange Circle/Plaza on the corner of Glassell and Palm. All items are under $8, and most Bruxie sandwiches are around $6. See the menu here.

Happy waffling!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: The Shins' "Phantom Limb"

A Tribute to the Gypsy Lounge

Below is a photo essay/documentary that Amy Kaplan made about The Gypsy Lounge. We thought we'd share it with you as a way of remembering one of OC's gems that will be closing its doors in the very near future.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Devotchka's "Along the Way"

2011 OC Music Awards

2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the OC Music Awards, Orange County’s premier annual music event, honoring the best and brightest in local talent. Over the past 10 years, the Awards has provided a platform for local artists to gain recognition and exposure in one of the nation’s most vibrant music scenes. Each year the Awards presents a season of live music starting with a free weekly Showcase Series running January through February, and leading up to the Awards night ceremony on March 5th, at the Grove of Anaheim, where the music industry comes together to honor the achievements of local artists in 26 category genres. Proceeds from the OC Music Awards benefit Music for a Cure, providing music therapy programs to children’s hospitals.


I was able to attend the 2009 OCMAs and one of the free showcases leading up to last year's Awards, and I can tell you first hand that if you have any interest in local music- or heck, music in general- you simply must go to this year's OC Music Awards night and/or as many of the showcases as you can manage. They're FREE, after all!

Over 500 artists submitted online at ocmusicawards.com to participate in the 2011 Showcase Series. 35 talented artists were selected to compete. It is always free to submit, participate and attend the Awards Showcases Series, supporting the Awards mission to provide further opportunities and exposure for local musicians within their own music community.

The Showcase Series allows bands and musicians to compete for the honor of the "Best Live Band" and "Best Live Acoustic" awards. Here is the complete list of the upcoming showcase nights, along with who is scheduled to perform:

Tues. 1/11, 7pm – District Tustin Legacy, Tustin (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, All Ages)

Skee (of Sunset Beach)

Honeypie (of Huntington Beach)

Headshine (of Huntington Beach)

Canvas (of Santa Ana)

Stacy Clark (of Costa Mesa)

Tues. 1/18, 7:30pm – The Gypsy Lounge, Lake Forest (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)

The Gromble (of Laguna Niguel)

Strange Birds (of Costa Mesa)

May McDonough (of Orange)

Kiev (of Orange)

California Condors (of Orange)

Tues. 1/25, 7pm – The LAB, Costa Mesa (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, All Ages)

The Orange Effect (of Anaheim)

Brothers of the Castle (of Santa Ana)

I Hate You Just Kidding (of Costa Mesa)

Case Brothers (of Newport Beach)

Fast Forward Romance (of Orange)

Tues. 2/01, 7:30pm – Tiki Bar, Costa Mesa (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)

She Screams Remedy (Anaheim)

Entice (Orange County)

Railroad to Alaska (Orange County)

Pistolero (Costa Mesa)

Seedless (Orange)

Tues. 2/08, 7pm – The Gypsy Den, Santa Ana (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, 21+)

Justin Soileau (Orange County)

Micah Brown (Dana Point)

Parker Macy Blues (Costa Mesa)

Danny Maika (Huntington Beach)

The Foxx & Da Hound (Tustin)

Tues. 2/15, 7:30pm – The Slidebar, Fullerton (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)

Echo Echo (Santa Ana)

Stereofix (Costa Mesa)

Fiction Reform (Orange County)

We Are the Arsenal (Costa Mesa)

BLOK (Costa Mesa)

Thurs. 2/24, 6pm – Fullerton Museum, Fullerton - (Listening Wall Exhibit Opening, FREE, All Ages)

Thurs. 2/24, 7:30pm – Fullerton Museum, Fullerton – (Best Live Acoustic Finals, FREE, All Ages)
Fri. 2/25, 7:30pm – The Galaxy, Costa Mesa - (Best Live Band Finals, FREE, All Ages) Sat. 3/5, 7pm – Grove of Anaheim - (OC Music Awards, $25, All Ages)

Visit OC Music Awards online, become a Fan, Friend, Follower, and Subscriber

Happy listening!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Local Natives' "Wide Eyes"

The January issue is OUT!

"Here at last, it is here at last!"

If Martin Luther King, Jr. were alive today, he might well be a fan and follower of The OC Gazette magazine. It's hard to say, since The OCG is still a fairly young mag (in our 4th year!), and MLK, Jr. is no longer with us, God rest his soul. 

In just a couple Mondays, on Jan. 17th, we'll celebrate a man who made a lasting impact on our nation- and on the world (U2 even wrote about this influential man, and they're from Dublin). He is what you might call a titan of history. 

Along with celebrating the life and impact of this extraordinary man, we're currently celebrating the very recent release of The OCG's January issue. This is our biggest issue yet, and is chock-full of goodies, like: Kelly Mac's Back 2 Basics Fitness Boot Camp- a boot camp that is actually effective and fun, Q&A with OC Mountain Bike and BMX Hall of Famer Brian Lopes, a Day in the Life of local musician Rocco Deluca, a History of Stand Up Paddle Boarding, the Art of Surfboard Shaping, a Spotlight on a great local nonprofit, Sports Gift, that provides underprivileged kids with sports equipment and jerseys, an up close review of Roger Waters (of Pink Floyd)'s recent show at Staples, a list of over 25 great local events, and plenty more!

All that to say, Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (soon), and happy reading (now)! 

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Florence and the Machine's "Dog Days"

Romeo Cucina: The OC Gazette's holiday lunch spot

[One of the many delicious dishes at Romeo Cucina.]

Have you ever been to a restaurant that won’t seat you until everyone arrives? Not at Romeo Cucina! We selected this restaurant for our company gathering to celebrate the holidays. It’s a crazy time at the magazine winding up the end of the year so all of us arrived separately and none of us on time. But that didn’t faze Romeo Cucina. We were each warmly greeted, seated and catered to in the most professional manner. I would actually have been satisfied at that point with the top notch service but that was just the beginning. The food was delicious. My choice was with Panini Ruspante although the choices were abundant. And the bread! I wished for a larger purse so I could smuggle it out. Yummm. Our experience was 5 stars from beginning to end. If you are looking for a special place with a friendly cost and service that will leave you feeling spoiled, try Romeo Cucina. And stop by and say hi – we’ll probably be at one of the other tables.

Romeo Cucina (Laguna Niguel)
28241 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel
949.831.4131

Romeo Cucina (Laguna Beach)
249 Broadway
Laguna Beach
949.497.6627

http://www.romeocucina.com/

- Candice
Listening to: Josh Turner's "Why Don't We Just Dance"

Happy 2011!

Let us be among the first to wish you a happy new year! May your 2011 be filled with friends, food, and fun! ...And maybe a helpful resolution or two (including the resolve to shop, buy, and dine locally, perhaps?).

Happy New Year from The OC Gazette team!