Pro Poker, Ragin' Raffles, and Raja's Famous Bake Sale!

[click to enlarge flier]

This Saturday, December 18th, Reign Training Center in Lake Forest is hosting a Poker fundraiser, complete with pro fighters as dealers, autographed shirts, shorts, hats, and boxing gloves (by Mark Munoz, Krzysztof Soszynski, Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes, Joseph Benavidez, Mayhem Miller, Kand many more) as raffle prizes, and delicious sandwiches catered by Mr. Pickles! 

Here's all the info:

Why:  To raise money for Reign Kids' Program
When: Saturday, December 18
Time:  2 pm
Where: Reign Training Center (22600 Lambert St, Ste #1201, Lake Forest)
Cost:  $25 pre-registered, $40 at the door
What to bring:  Baked goods for Raja to sell
Dealers will be pro athletes

Winner of the tournament will win two tickets to UFC 125 on January 1st, 2011 in Las Vegas! 

Raffle Items:

-Android Phone from Boost Mobile

-Autographed Shirts, Shorts, Hats, & Boxing Gloves by Mark Munoz, Krzysztof Soszynski, Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes, Joseph Benavidez, Mayhem Miller, Kand many more!

And if you're worried because you don't know how to play poker, don't be! They will teach you how! 

A Shameless Endorsement for Pura Vida Day Spa's Facials

[The lovely Pura Vida staff]

My friend asked me the other day who she should go to for a great facial. Without hesitation I replied, Marilee Miller at Pura Vida Day Spa. Now, I know what half of you are thinking out there: spas are for prissy, rich girls with money to blow. Or, at least that's what I used to think. I didn't even consider going to get a facial at a day spa, because 1) I assumed it would be way out of my budget, 2) I didn't think it was worth the money, and 3) I thought the atmosphere would be snobby.
I'm willing to accept when I'm wrong, and Pura Vida proved my day spa stereotype WAY wrong.


I discovered Pura Vida Day Spa because they are conveniently located in the same business complex as The OC Gazette office. I would run into the Pura Vida girls in the parking lot and was always amazed at how friendly and nice they all were. One day, they invited our whole office over to their Grand Opening party where they were giving out free mini facials, massages, microdermabrasion samples, food, wine, and more. We gladly accepted, and thus my love affair with facials began.

My skin isn't perfect. It used to be really awful when I was in middle school. (Think the zitty faced teenager with the cracking voice in The Simpsons - see above.) Thank God I grew out of that stage, but nonetheless, my face is a highly volatile place that can be agitated at the slightest provocation, so I still have to actively take care of it to keep it clear. After getting a mini facial from Marilee Miller at the Grand Opening party, I noticed my skin was significantly smoother and more evenly toned. After seeing such significant improvements in my skin after just a 5 minute mini-facial, I scheduled a full on 60-minute session with the lovely Marilee. I don't know how to stress it enough (without sounding like an infomercial) how much my skin improved. Between the Clarisonic, the peels and scrubs, and the Jan Marini face wash she used, my skin was smooth and even, with hardly a blemish in sight.


Besides the obvious joy of having great skin, my whole experience at Pura Vida is always enjoyable. I am always greeted with a smile and a joke from the wonderfully fun and hilarious spa manager, Anita. No one was hoity toity or snooty, and yet the environment was still relaxing and indulgent. Best of all? The price was so reasonable. Only $90 for a facial. And the time I went, I used a coupon in The OC Gazette for new clients, so I only had to pay $69! I go to see Marilee every month or so now to have her work her magic on me. If you think about it in those terms, you're only spending 2 dollars a day for amazing skin. For any of you that have had uneven or "problem skin," you know that is so worth it.


Check out Pura Vida Day Spa for yourself. Say hi to the ladies for me! 


A PRESENT FOR OC GAZETTE BLOG READERS!
If you tell them Amy Hood from The OC Gazette sent you you'll get the amazing one-hour Facial PLUS a one-hour Massage for only $99. That's 2 whole hours of relaxation! With all the stress and strain of the holiday season, I think we could all use a little more R&R.


Don't forget that they offer Student, Teach and Military Discounts!


Pura Vida Day Spa
(949) 582-3551
Located in Three Flags Center
27601 Forbes Road, Suite 5
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
www.puravidadayspa.com

This Weekend in OC: 12/10-12

Hey guys! I know you've probably been on the edge of your seat, waiting for this week's edition of "Things to Do This Weekend in Orange County," right? You're probably looking at your blank planner or iCal, just itching to fill in this weekend's time slots with fun and festive things to do locally, yes? Ah, good. You're in luck! There's fun-o-plenty this weekend! See for yourself:

Thursday, 12/9 at 10:15pm: Rocco Deluca at The Gypsy Lounge. Call (949) 206-9990 for more info.

Friday, 12/10 at 8:30 pm: Benefit for Orangewood Children's Home at The Gypsy Lounge, with performances by Honeypie, Jameson, Melanoid, and The Trade. Call (949) 206-9990 for more info.

Friday, 12/10, from 6-8pm: Tustin Tree Lighting at Tustin Civic Center/Library Plaza. Special Guests: Santa, Mayor, the ELF, Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman. Free photos with Santa, and  performances by local non-profits: Kids Corner, Foothill Carolers, Pioneer Middle School, Guin Foss Junior Girl Scout Troop 194, Guin Foss Brownie Troop 1584, Loma Vista Girl Scout Troop 122, Ballet Folklorico, Tesoros de Mexico, Academy of Dance and HBP Dance Extreme. There will also be a holiday boutique at the Community Center from 4-8pm. FREE.


Friday, 12/10 from 7-9:30pm: Soka University Student Music Recital at Soka's Founder's Hall (3rd floor Meeting Room) in Aliso Viejo. An evening of musical performances by students. Call (949) 480-4000 for more info. FREE.

Saturday, 12/11 at 10am: Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade. On Crown Valley between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Community Park. The theme for this year's parade is "Celebrate America." Come watch the largest and most creative display of community in the City’s history! The parade will be filled with beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, spirit filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, talented marching bands, and more! FREE. Call (949) 425-5100 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 10 & 11:30am: Hot Chocolate with Santa & Friends at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. Free with museum admission. Call (714) 567-3600 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 12:30-4pm: Nutcracker for Kids at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. A condensed version of a Christmas classic for children. Tickets are $24 and up. Call (714) 755-5799 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 2pm: Winds and Brass at Chapman University's Salmon Recital Hall, in Bertea Hall. FREE. Call (714) 997-6815 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 from 5-7pm: Holiday Music Celebration, at Mason Regional Park in Irvine. Sing along, Santa, and more. Come and see performances by our local high school’s performing arts department. Bring a thick blanket to sit on. Dress warmly. If it rains, event is canceled. A special story will be read with audience involvement. FREE. Call (949) 923-2220 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 5pm: Strings and Piano at Chapman University's Salmon Recital Hall, in Bertea Hall. FREE. Call (714) 997-6815 for more info.


 Saturday, 12/11 at 8:30 pm: Live Music at The Gypsy Lounge, with performances by Plastick, Sean Murphy and the Rubber Band, Hell and Half of Georgia, and The New York Ninjas. Call (949) 206-9990 for more info.

 Saturday 12/11 and Sunday, 12/12 from 5:30-8:30pm: Candlelight Tour at Heritage Hill park in Lake Forest. Stroll through restored 19th century buildings adorned in period decor and listen to Victorian carolers, live entertainment and storytellers in each building. Refreshments and Santa will also be around! 1,000 luminaries, entertainment, snacks, and more. Call (949) 923-2230 for more info. $3 for kids, $4 for adults.

Just a handful of ways to make it a great weekend! Have fun, folks!
See a whole month-full of great local events on our December calendar page!

-Blythe

on my Pandora: "Maps" by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

The Gypsy Lounge

The Gypsy Lounge is one of Orange County's musical gems. In a county overflowing with shopping and dining venues is an unfortunate 'underflowing' of music venues. The Gypsy Lounge is like a small bright light in an otherwise dark, semi-deserted 'musicscape.' It would be a sad, sad day indeed for local bands and music lovers alike, should the Gypsy Lounge ever close its doors.

We give the GL plenty o' blog lovin', but it's been awhile since we've done so; so, we thought we'd give you a healthy dosage right now:
"One of the greatest venues in Orange County, in our humble opinions, is the Gypsy Lounge in Lake Forest. It's personal with a bohemian feel, and there is no shortage of great OC bands on the monthly bill." 
[That quote is from us, btw, about a year and a half ago, on this blog]

Now's the part in this post when you're halfway out the door with your reignited enthusiasm about the Gypsy Lounge, right? But slow down turbo, you'll need to know what's going on there in the next few days before jumping on board- otherwise, how will you know whether to wear your studded wristlets for a metal show or your plaid shirt + suede vest for an acoustic show?

Coming this weekend:
Thurs, 12/9 - Rocco Deluca
Fri, 12/10 - Honeypie, Jameson, Melanoid, and The Trade
Sat, 12/11 - Plastick, Sean Murphy and the Rubber Band, Hell and Half of Georgia, The New York Ninjas
Tues, 12/14 - AJ DeGrasse

[Rocco Deluca]

[Honeypie]

 [Jameson]

There you have it- more than a couple reasons to get out of your house, drive down the street (or what, one exit down the 5?), and see some fine local (and not-so-local) talent. The Gypsy Lounge hosts local, growing talent as well as traveling acts from across the country. Local bands The Union Line and Local Natives, along with non-natives Dr. Dog and Golden Animals have all graced the Gypsy Lounge's stage. Additionally, the Gypsy Lounge has hosted shows for the OC Music Awards' showcase nights for years, bringing in a healthy serving of some of the best of local talent. They'll be hosting one such showcase next month (find out more info here).

If you've never been yet (or even if you have), I strongly encourage you to check out the Gypsy Lounge for a great night of live music, drinks, and friends. Say hi to owner Mike Concepcion for us!

Go with the suede vest.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Golden Animals' "Try on Me"

Phantoms Phorever: Art + Language at MCAS El Toro

The OC Great Park has got a great event coming up this Thursday, Dec. 9. At 8:00 in the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, the "Phantoms Phorever: Art + Language at MCAS El Toro" exhibit will commence. A group of photographers, known as the Legacy Group, who were documenting the base closure found scads of old paintings and drawings left behind on walls and other blank surfaces by artistically inclined Marines looking for a way to express themselves. The buildings themselves are already mostly gone, but the artwork still remains thanks to The Legacy Group. You might remember the Legacy Group from their work on "The Great Picture," the world's largest photo made by the world's largest camera at El Toro's historic hangars. We featured Legacy Group member Jacques Garnier a few months ago within the pages of The OC Gazette. 


The exhibit is kind of like Inception, except instead of a dream within a dream, you get artwork within artwork. And unlike Inception, you won't leave questioning your existence, but rather enriched with Orange County history and culture from a bygone era. The show features oversized photographs from all 6 members of the Legacy Group documenting the artwork made by marines who served at El Toro between the 1943 and 1999. Head over to The OC Great Park webiste for more details here. 


- Amy
Listening to: Jarrod Gorbel's "I'll Do Better"