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Archives for April 2012

A SoCal Favorite Pastime: A Visit to Shoreline Village

April 24, 2012 by

Yeah, it’s a tourist trap, but there’s a reason Long Beach’s Shoreline Village has had such staying power even among locals: It’s one of SoCal’s best spots for fishing, watercraft riding, biking along the beach, shopping, dining, drinking—you name it, they’ve got it—and with the warm California sunshine in spades to boot. The shops are cute boutiques; the restaurants have hot happy hours. Check out Tequila Jack’s for food and drinks, or the Funnel House for funnel cakes (of course!), and do not miss Rocky Mountain Chocolate. A quick word of warning: Finding parking can be a bit difficult, but the views—especially the view of the Pacific at night, and the Queen Mary cruise ship out on the ocean—and the plethora of cutesy shops more than make up for any parking-related hassles. 

Shoreline Village
429-P Shoreline Village Drive
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 435-2668
shorelinevillage.com

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , , ,

Orange Hill Restaurant: It’s Good At The Top

April 17, 2012 by

Gorgeous views of lush Orange County and Catalina Island greet you at this fine dining restaurant that offers some of the best dinners in Orange County. Decorated with soothing koi ponds and ornamental waterfalls, Orange Hill manages to match the atmosphere with quality food. A robust wine list, presented by a truly expert sommelier, greets you at the table, and the staff is exceptionally courteous and friendly. The steaks are uniformly perfectly cooked, and the filet mignon is excellent. Some regulars caution that the seafood is not the best, but others swear by it. On Saturdays and Sundays, Orange Hill hosts an extremely popular buffet brunch, with a massive variety of food available including Eggs Benedict, made-to-order omelets and a gigantic carving station with hams and roast beef. Prices, naturally, are a little high, but the ambience (and especially the view) is definitely worth the cost.

Orange Hill Restaurant
6410 East Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 997-2910
www.theorangehillrestaurant.com

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

A Green Oasis in Orange County: Fullerton Arboretum

April 10, 2012 by

Arboretums don’t get as much respect as they should, but in this increasingly citified world they can provide a real oasis from modern life. The Fullerton Arboretum, located on the corner of the Cal State Fullerton campus, has become a popular destination for Orange County residents to visit and relax. Taking up 26 acres of property with a wide variety of plant types, the Arboretum features four major collections to explore—a desert biome, a Mediterranean sampling, a recreation of the natural woodland areas, and a cultivated garden. Walk through the orange groves and feel free to pick fruit off of the ground and eat it—it’s a local snacking tradition. The park also encompasses the Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum, where you can explore the farming history of the area with special attention to the contributions of Japanese immigrants, as well as the Heritage House, a transplanted 1890s residence that is open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 – 4 p.m.

Fullerton Arboretum
1900 Associated Road
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-3407
www.fullertonarboretum.org

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Wishes for a Happy Spring!

April 6, 2012 by

The world is alive with color now that spring is in the air! Wishing you a wonderful spring season!

Filed Under: Life at Coventry Court Seniors Apartments Tagged With: ,

Seasons 52: A Tasteful Wine Bar With Calorie-Conscious Cuisine

April 3, 2012 by

An upscale American grill and wine bar, Seasons 52 offers incredibly delicious, yet healthy food that will surprise and delight guests. Boasting that every menu item is less that 475 calories, Seasons 52 manages to provide above-average sized portions that are extremely tasty. The Flatbreads are a must-try, similar to a very thin crust pizza and a great way to start your meal. The rainbow trout and pork tenderloin make delicious (and nutritious!) entrees, as well as one of the entreé salads full of the freshest seasonal vegetables. Seasons 52 has even dreamed up the perfect, health-conscious way to finish your meal: try one of the "mini indulgence," shot glass-sized portions of favorites like Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, Rocky Road, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse. Four seasonal menus, with some updates weekly, rotate throughout the year, each drawing upon locally grown, in-season produce. Seasons 52 also offers 100 wines, 60 by the glass, to encourage wine tasting and exploration, including a selection of organic varietals. With a dark wood and high-ceiling interior complete with fireplaces for cold winter nights, Seasons 52 is a relaxing place to kick back and enjoy wine and healthfully delcious food.

Seasons 52
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Avenue
Suite #2802
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 437-5252
www.seasons52.com

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Benefits of Walking for Seniors

April 3, 2012 by

Walking is a valuable fitness tool whether you are 8 or 80. But, for seniors, it is an especially effective way to lower blood sugar, reduce body fat, lower blood pressure, and improve bone density. In addition, walking can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in older individuals.

Another advantage of walking is its low cost of entry – other than a good pair of shoes, you need little else to enjoy this revitalizing activity. Besides the physiological benefits of walking, there are also psychological benefits as well. The natural beauty of your surroundings, the birds chirping, and the calming sound of the stream as it bubbles over the stones are just a few examples of the positive mental stimulus and stress relief walking can provide. Or enjoy walking with a friend which also promotes good mental health and social interaction.

Studies show that walking just 30 minutes a day, five times a week can significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, or joint problems. As with all activities, it is important to consult your physician before you begin any exercise program.

If you’re looking for a fun, simple way to greatly improve your overall health and well-being, go for a walk!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

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