by Loida McKinnon
Photo by Antenna on Unsplash
The holiday season is a time of pleasure, celebration, and togetherness. Organizing unforgettable vacation occasions requires careful making plans, creativity, and a hint of festive spirit. Whether you’re hosting a small own family accumulating or a large community occasion, the aim is to create an atmosphere that brings people together and leaves lasting recollections. This article will guide you via the important steps to prepare a holiday event that everybody will cherish.
Planning and Preparation
The key to a successful excursion event lies in thorough making plans and instruction. Start early to ensure everything runs smoothly and to avoid last-minute strain.
Steps to Plan Your Event:
- Set a Date and Time: Choose a date and time that works best for your guests. Consider their schedules and different excursion commitments.
- Determine the Budget: Establish a budget that covers all factors of the occasion, consisting of venue, decorations, meals, and enjoyment.
- Create a Guest List: Decide who you want to invite. Whether it’s a circle of relatives gathering, a community party, or a corporate event, knowing your target market will assist in making plans.
- Choose a Theme: A subject matter could make your event extra cohesive and a laugh. Popular holiday topics consist of Winter Wonderland, Ugly Sweater Party, and Classic Christmas.
Selecting the Venue
The venue sets the tone for your occasion. Whether you pick out to host at domestic, a rented hall, or an outdoor space, ensure it accommodates your visitor list and fits your topic.
Venue Considerations:
- Size and Capacity: Ensure the venue can without difficulty accommodate all of your visitors.
- Accessibility: Choose a vicinity that is easily accessible to all attendees, thinking about elements like parking and wheelchair access.
- Facilities: Check if the venue has essential centers which includes restrooms, kitchen, and audio-visible system.
- Decorating the Space
- Decorations play an enormous position in creating a festive atmosphere. From twinkling lights to themed centerpieces, the right decor can transform any area into a vacation haven. When selecting the perfect location for your holiday gathering, event venues in Los Angeles offer a plethora of options to suit any occasion. From elegant banquet halls and chic rooftop bars to picturesque outdoor spaces, Los Angeles has a venue for every type of holiday event. These venues provide the ideal backdrop for your festivities, ensuring your guests enjoy a memorable experience in a stunning setting.
Decoration Ideas:
Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash
- Lighting: Use string lighting, candles, and lanterns to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Themed Decor: Incorporate factors that healthy your subject, including snowflakes for a Winter Wonderland or colorful adorns for a conventional Christmas.
- Table Settings: Set the tables with festive tablecloths, napkins, and centerpieces that reflect the vacation spirit.
- Personal Touches: Add private touches like family images, homemade ornaments, or personalized vicinity cards.
Crafting the Menu
Food and beverages are relevant to any excursion event. Plan a menu that caters to numerous tastes and nutritional desires, ensuring there’s something for all of us.
Menu Planning Tips:
- Appetizers: Start with a selection of appetizers that visitors can experience as they mingle.
- Main Course: Offer a whole lot of principal dishes, consisting of vegetarian and gluten-loose options.
- Desserts: End the meal on a sweet notice with a range of desserts like cookies, pies, and vacation desserts.
- Beverages: Provide a mixture of alcoholic and non-alcoholic liquids, which includes signature vacation cocktails, mulled wine, and warm cocoa.
Creating a Memorable Experience
Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash
The little details could make a big distinction in creating an unforgettable holiday occasion. Focus on growing a welcoming and inclusive ecosystem.
Additional Tips:
- Welcome Gifts: Greet your guests with small welcome presents like excursion-themed goodie bags or personalized embellishes.
- Comfort and Safety: Ensure the venue is cushty and safe for all visitors, with sufficient seating and clean walkways.
- Memorable Moments: Plan some unique moments for the duration of the event, including a toast, a collection picture, or a wonderful guest appearance.
- Thank You Notes: After the event, send thanks notes for your visitors to express your appreciation for his or her attendance.
Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment is vital for keeping visitors engaged and adding to the festive fun. Plan activities that are suitable in your target audience and align together with your theme.
Entertainment Ideas:
- Music and Dancing: Create a vacation playlist or rent a DJ to maintain the electricity excessively and inspire dancing.
- Games and Contests: Organize games like holiday trivialities, decoration decorating, or an ugly sweater contest.
- Photo Booth: Set up a photo sales space with props for visitors to capture fun recollections.
- Live Performances: Consider stay enjoyment which includes a neighborhood band, carolers, or a magician.
Post-Event Reflection
Once the occasion is over, make the effort to reflect on what went nicely and what can be progressed for destiny gatherings. This mirrored image will help you still arrange unforgettable events 12 months after 12 months.
Reflective Steps:
- Gather Feedback: Ask your guests for his or her thoughts and suggestions. This can be accomplished through casual conversations or a simple survey.
- Evaluate Budget and Resources: Review your price range and aid allocation to perceive regions where you may keep or want extra funding next time.
- Document the Event: Keep a file of the event details, such as what labored well and any demanding situations faced. This documentation will function as a treasured reference for destiny making plans.
Organizing an unforgettable vacation event is about greater than just the decorations and menu. It’s approximately creating an environment of joy, warm temperature, and togetherness. By making plans ahead, paying attention to details, and focusing on your visitors’ experience, you can host a vacation event that leaves everyone with loved recollections. Whether it is a small own family amassing or a large network party, the effort you placed into organizing will shine through, making the vacation season genuinely unique for everybody worried.
Loida McKinnon is a lifestyle enthusiast and writer, sharing tips on home decor, travel, fitness, and wellness. She inspires others to live balanced and fulfilling lives through her creative and practical ideas.
by Niki Smart
Ciera Rogers is known for being an “Outsider”—and she is okay with that. As the founder and CEO of a multi-million-dollar brand that caters to curvy women, she has carved her own path as a founder and fashion entrepreneur, becoming a beacon of body positivity and a symbol of a non-linear career path. Her story is not just about success, but about creating a space for herself and others who often find themselves on the ‘outside’ of our society’s norms
Based in Los Angeles, Ciera is the fashion designer. 
behind the women’s fashion wear line “Babes”. As a social media influencer, she uses her reach of 2+ million to spread her message of body positivity, self-acceptance, and empowerment to women worldwide. She and her work have been featured in Fox, Mashable, The New York Post, The New York
Journal, among many other publications. Now Ciera has penned a memoir about her remarkable journey about her literal rags to riches story. At one point, Ciera could only afford clothes from thrift stores and Goodwill—still, she learned to style the clothes that she could get her hands on, into amazing looking outfits. Creative and determined, Ciera is now sponsored by Goodwill, and Kim Kardashian and Beyonce wear her designs.
“THE OUTSIDER ADVANTAGE: Because You Don’t Need to Fit in to Win” is an empowering memoir about turning what makes you different into the foundation of your success. It is bound to inspire the outsiders like Ciera— the dreamers, doers, and go-getters that society continuously overlooks and underestimates. Ciera cheers you on to achieve glass-shattering success.
Book Launch Discussion & Book Signing with Ciera Rogers
Join Ciera Rogers on June 17, 2024 @ 7:00 PM for her book launch at Malik Books: (Westfield Culver City Mall) 6000 Sepulveda Blvd Ste 2470, Culver City, Ca 90230
Take A
dvantage of the Outsider Advantage 🙂
Step 1. Pre-Order The Outsider Advantage
Step 2. Share your receipt to imababe@shopbabes.com
Step 3. Get perks!
And lastly, you can watch Ciera being interviewed on The Memoir Channel
by Dennis Richardson
Cowritten by Anthony C. Stafford
When most travelers visit Southern California, and especially the LA area, it’s easy to assume all the things they want to see and do: beaches, food, and the countless famous landmarks, sights, and activities that the region is known for. And more often than not, a hotel that’s situated where most of these things and the “typical LA” experience are is where these travelers will end up.
The Pierside Hotel happens to be that hotel, located in Historic Santa Monica—right next to the pier—and it’s the ultimate destination for travelers from near or afar. Its history and artful influence on the area, alongside the neighboring iconic buildings, make it a memorable experience, complete with ocean views, beach walks, parks, shopping, museums, and some of the finest dining LA has to offer. On top of that, no experience is complete without the people who call Santa Monica home, making for interesting interactions and showing you what life is like as a local. The Pierside Hotel is outstanding in all of these areas, from its devoted team to its prime location, and it couldn’t be a better place to stay for the ultimate LA experience.
Courtesy: The Pierside Hotel
We were welcomed by the hotel’s team for a weekend stay. We experienced all that they had to offer and, of course, live like locals, taking in the nearby sights, activities, and delectable cuisine.
Laidback Oceanside Hospitality
Anchored at the corner of historic Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue, The Pierside embraces bespoke designs that welcome seaside-style lounging and beach-y themes, decorated with plentiful seating, a fireplace, and an aesthetic surf shop. Just opened in January 2023, The Pierside Hotel is one of the newest hotels on Ocean Avenue in 11 years, and it delivers one of the coziest experiences while just steps from the Santa Monica Pier. Boasting 132 guest rooms and suites, coastal views, and a bright, lively lobby, guests are spoiled with some of the finest amenities and features, including an elevated pool experience with food and beverage service, full-service gear rental (surfboards, bikes, and more), a state-of-the-art 24/7 fitness center, and the incredible Surfing Fox signature restaurant with its expansive outdoor patio.
The Pierside pronounces its iconic status as beach-side passersby and guests take in a custom mural commissioned by renowned contemporary artist Shepard Fairey, his largest installation in the area to date. The artwork covers the entire ocean-facing side of the hotel and represents the people of Santa Monica, further echoing an authentic connection to the very best of the city. The Pierside features various local partnerships with small businesses and artists, further showing a devotion to the community. These include Yada Yoga wellness services, Santa Monica Picnic Co. for custom, enchanting beachside picnics, and Santa Monica Surf School.
Upon entering, the hotel’s team is incredibly kind, going above and beyond to ensure their guests’ stays are pleasant, and even offering recommendations for all the things they can do and see in the area or across the city.
Like Visiting a Beach Home
While the guest rooms at The Pierside Hotel are on the cozy side, they feature fusion seating that doubles as a couch or lounge (and a bed! ), making for the perfect place to take in the scenic landscapes, ocean views, people watch, or simply snooze during your down time. Laidback coastal living is the theme, and it flows seamlessly from the lobby and into the suites.
Accommodations include partial coastal views, with configurations ranging from king rooms featuring a queen-size sofa sleeper to rooms with two queen beds. Multi-functional, stylish furnishings that incorporate woven, nautical-like materials and floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the vibrant scenery of Santa Monica, while design elements include accented wallpaper in designated closet areas, plush Boca Terry bathrobes, and bath amenities by Sachajuan. The Coastal and Park View Suites offer additional luxury with oversized showers, dual vanities, Helsinki Bluetooth speakers, and eco-friendly wool throws by The Tartan Blanket Co.
The guest rooms are stocked with some of the latest and greatest industry-standard amenities and features, like multi-dial shower heads, bright lighting, and plentiful natural light. An added bonus is a stack of postcards available for guests to deliver at the front desk so that they can be mailed off free of charge. Send those “Wish you were here!” notes off to friends and family!
Given the location and its history, it’s also fitting that the rooms are on the smaller side when compared to newer hotels, and every square inch of each space is used with intention. Even still, we found plentiful outlets for device charging and more than enough space for luggage, sprawling out and lounging around.
But who will really spend all their time locked away in the guest room when there’s so much out there to see and do!?
A Classic LA Experience
It can’t be understated just how perfect the Pierside Hotel’s location is, mere steps from the Santa Monica Pier, famous for its vendors, ferris wheel, and carnival aesthetic. The historic Ocean Avenue area brings plentiful sun, a cool ocean breeze, endless crowds, attractions, entertainment, and shopping within walkable distance. Not to mention the endless comparisons amongst gamers to the visuals in the “Grand Theft Auto V” video game, notoriously designed to represent the region. For adventurers, a drive up PCH is always scenic, while Griffith Observatory, LA Live, and even the Getty Museum are minutes away.
If you’re not too keen on dealing with traffic, just steps away from the hotel is Santa Monica Place, an outdoor shopping center located next to the Third Street Promenade. Some of the finest stores and dining can be found in these areas, including Louis Vuitton, Coach, Vinfast, Nike, Uniqlo, True Food Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, and more, with additional stores and restaurants on the way. Beloved Din Tai Fung is coming soon to Santa Monica Place, which is sure to be a hit with travelers and locals alike.
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to where to eat, with the spectacular Mon Ami just around the corner from the hotel. The Mediterranean restaurant is tucked away in its own closed off perimeter, past other restaurants, but its neon heart logo can’t be missed. Mexican, Italian, seafood, and even fast food are within the vicinity, and if you’re taking a drive into Brentwood or Beverly Hills, consider stopping by Parakeet Café for some of California’s finest whole, ethically sourced, globally and culturally inspired foods and coffee beans.
For those looking for a slower pace, there are even museums at Santa Monica Place, like Cayton Children’s Museum, Arte Museum (coming soon), and Sci-Fi World across the street. The bottom line is that you don’t have to go too far to find the best that the city has to offer.
After those long days of exploration and activity—or even before—the Surfing Fox is always there to give you an astonishingly incredible meal.
Asian-Latin American Fusion
The Surfing Fox deserves every opportunity for hotel guests and locals to come in to dine, and even more so to connect with its team members, who play an integral role in making the experience a stellar one. On top of its excellent service, Surfing Fox dishes up some of the most exquisite meals to be found in hotel-restaurant duos. Passing on the uptight and exclusive luxury appeal most other hotel signature restaurants opt for, The Surfing Fox instead flows with an appropriate yet elevated, chill ocean-front dining style. The restaurant lives up to its name with plentiful sunlight during the day, open-air seating with high tables and booths, a patio with fireplaces to combat those chilly evening breezes, and beachside-style decor that flows seamlessly into the hotel’s lobby.
Upon being seated, guests are welcomed to choose from a range of signature cocktails, dubbed “Foxtails,” and other beverages. Some of their featured flavors include Passion Fruit, Thai Basil, Prickly Pear, Banana, and Yuzu, while wines and beers are also available to choose from. The menu’s breakfast, brunch, and dinner dishes feature coastal Californian cuisine with an Asian-Latin American-infused flair that blows tastebuds away. The vibrant meals are bold with flavor as the restaurant chefs lean into alluring, subtle, and striking pairings that were made for one another.
Our visit included the following highlights:
- Hot Chicken Sandwich with spicy Furikake Fries
- Portuguese bun, koji brined, Oaxacan spices, cabbage slaw
- Grilled Hangar Steak
- crispy sweet potatoes, Japanese chimichurri, cured egg yolk
- Lobster Roll
- brioche bun, lobster, miso aioli, crispy shallots, fries
- Crispy Sweet Potatoes
- ponzu, charred onion aioli, togarashi
- Ceviche
- hamachi, mandarin-coconut leche de tigre, fresno chile, red onion, charred orange
- Guacamole
- onion, cilantro, serrano, tortilla chips
- Michelada Mussels
- beer steamed, tomato confit, tajin, grilled sourdough
- Cripy Brussels Sprouts
- and Desserts
- Cookies and Ice Cream
- chocolate chip cookies, vanilla bean ice cream
- Matcha Crème Brûlée (vegan)
- oat milk, matcha, coconut cream
- Champurrado Pot De Cream
- Mexican chocolate, whipped cream, cocoa nibs
There simply aren’t enough good things that we could say about any of the dishes we tried. Portions are outstanding, and flavors dance throughout each dish harmoniously, with the potential for leftovers. It’s quite possible that guests will likely feel a strong urge to come back to Surfing Fox multiple times to take advantage of the menu’s many options or to revisit their favorites from initial dining experiences. As locals, we can’t wait to come back, but not just for the food. For us, it’s the devoted team that puts the cherry on top of our time at The Surfing Fox.
An All-Star Team to Remember
When it comes to the impact and connection of The Pierside Hotel‘s and The Surfing Fox’s teams, their kindness and knowledge can’t be overstated.
Receptionist Daniel, who checked us in, gave us a warm welcome while answering our questions about the hotel and the historic area, along with the Director of Rooms, Chris Smith. And somehow, receptionist Peyton Mentaberry raised the bar even higher, giving us insight into his time at the hotel and delivering a plethora of nearby recommendations to us and other guests, including Griffith Observatory, how to see The Hollywood Sign, local parks, his favorite dishes at The Surfing Fox, nearby restaurants, and so much more. Peyton actively explores all of the things that make Los Angeles an incredible city full of life and could not be recommended more for guests coming in blind and in need of recommendations across a spectrum of categories.
The team at the Surfing Fox continued to raise the bar of excellence, as Sam, Marea, Isaac Munoz, and Gabriel Ruiz went above and beyond, recommending their favorite dishes and best pairings between them, giving us some background about the restaurant, and simply having incredibly fun and entertaining personalities. Isaac outshines Gabriel when making latte art, but they’re filled with love all the same, while Sam and Marea make you feel like family with their menu secrets and flavorful insights.
So often, we reminisce on all the things that make vacations and hotel stays great, but the people who are responsible for making those times so memorable are often forgotten. The Pierside Hotel and the Surfing Fox have a combined team of some of the best people you’ll meet, so we recommend talking to them, getting to know them, and even making a new friend.
Its easy access to world-class shopping, upscale nightlife, a renowned dining scene, abundant entertainment options, and unique outdoor and cultural experiences make The Pierside Hotel and its signature The Surfing Fox restaurant destinations for locals and travelers alike. As guests are enveloped in the hotel’s seaside flow, they are prepared for the laidback LA lifestyle, seeing some of the very best that the city has to offer, whether within walkable or drivable distance. From the team members who offer great insight into the hotel, its signature restaurant, and key attractions to the countless activities and landmarks for guests to get lost exploring, The Pierside Hotel is a hospitality lighthouse, beckoning to travelers near and far that it is best suited to deliver the incomparable and irresistible LA experience that so many fall in love with. It is the one place where experiences, people, food, and coastal living come together in a way that no other can offer.
Book your stay this summer.
by Dennis Richardson
Cowritten by Anthony C. Stafford
Los Angeles is no stranger to the cafe category that pulls so many of us in, with varieties of bakery items, coffees, lattes, and more. Each cafe tries its best to lure in visitors with their very own unique concepts and takes, creating regulars who fall in love with all they have to offer. However, there’s one brand that has established itself as something more than just a cafe, giving patrons so much more to experience and look forward to with every visit.
With 13 locations across Southern California, Parakeet Café is making big waves in the cafe scene as they embrace high-quality, organic, whole-foods that are ethically sourced and prepared with love. That love and power is evident in not just the menu options, but in the personalities and smiles of the faces behind each location — all a reflection of the devotion and care that started the journey for Parakeet Café’s founders – husband and wife duo – Carol Roizen and Jonathan Goldwasser.
We visited Parakeet Café’s recently opened Brentwood location and found it to be a perfect match for the local community, seeing visitors who were already frequenting the spot, and others who were giving it a try for the first time. Those newcomers, excited to explore the menu’s offerings, walked away extremely pleased, just as we had. Completing the neighborly feel, Parakeet emanates a warmth that envelops guests with a bold, colorful theme, art deco-style pastel colors, and tropical wall designs featuring none other than playful parakeets that bring life to the establishment.
While getting lost in the fun environment, the blended aromas of bakery goods, coffee, and breakfast being cooked up all combine to prepare appetites for what’s to come.
Unique Takes on Breakfast, Lunch, and More
Parakeet Café embraces global cultures, as visible in their inspired menu that takes on a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Tapping into Carol and Jonathan’s exploration of the transformative power of organic, whole foods, Parakeet’s menu prominently features vegan and gluten-free dishes. The diverse offerings blend international ingredients with a progressive California style, utilizing organic, locally sourced produce to ensure superior taste, maximum nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
Filling and hearty, their Squash Soup includes spinach, nopales, tomatoes, guajillo chile, and avocado. Meanwhile, All I Avo Wanted carves a new lane in breakfast desirables with its blue corn waffle adding a deliciously savory punch to this healthy and pleasing dish, that finishes just fine without meat. Finally, allow us confirm that Parakeet’s Best Burger Ever may be exactly that! Grass-fed Australian beef, aioli, organic cheddar, and house-made pickles on a brioche bun, and paired with roasted potatoes, the Best. Burger Ever welcomes guests to the challenge, and we highly recommend it. Hot, juicy, and practically melting away with each bite, Parakeet Café makes it hard to stick to ordering one thing, especially with a burger of this magnitude on the menu.
Numerous decadent menu options leaves the door wide open for an obvious outcome: Coming back again and again to try out even more from the menu — or ordering the same thing with every visit.
Some of Parakeet Café’s signature dishes include:
- All I Avo Wanted: Blue corn waffle, smashed avocado, feta, shaved radish, over-easy egg, chili flakes, hemp seeds, salsa macha. Gluten-free.
- Greens Scrambled Eggs: Spinach, asparagus, green beans, avocado, labneh, toast, salsa verde.
- Parakeet Bowl: Brown rice, roasted mushrooms, sesame collard greens, pickled cucumbers, almond butter miso mayo. Gluten-free, vegan.
- Farro Salad: Roasted yams, shaved fennel, carrots, breakfast radish, arugula, baby spinach, toasted almonds, Fuji apples, apple cider, Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Vegan.
While the main dishes were all stars in their own rights, Parakeet Café’s Bakery items and Beverage Program are not to be overlooked:
“Viewing exceptional coffee and drinks as equally important as high-quality food, Parakeet Café’s beverage offerings compliment their menu and philosophy. From ethically sourced beans, house-made syrups and alternative milks to organic teas and local kombuchas the beverage options are perfectly paired with the fresh ingredients on your plate. For those seeking a more spirited drink, Parakeet has a well curated selection of local, micro brewed beers and biodynamic California wines.”
With a sampling like the list below, it’s hard to deny oneself an opportunity of liquid enrichment, and they are that much more enticing once you learn that house-made almond milk sweetened with locally sourced honey is available as an add-in:
- Artisan Chai Latte: Black tea, organic spices, raw honey
- Magic Mushroom Matcha: Om mushroom superfood blend, ashwagandha, homemade lavender honey, milk
- Turmeric Latte: Turmeric, ginger, vanilla, cardamom, honey, unsweetened almond milk
While we didn’t choose in the selection above, we did indulge with Signature Sips, Honey Cinnamon Latte and Salted Maple Latte, which were likely just as incredulous! From their specialty coffee beans to the delicate balance of flavorful notes, Parakeet Cafe’s lattes brewed a special place in our hearts for their beautiful presentation and equally beautiful transformative flavors.
Our bakery sampling included their Banana Oat Muffin, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie, Zucchini Bread, Cookies & Cream Croissant, and Chocolate Croissant. Moist, buttery, soft, and flaky, are seemingly not good enough to describe the array of qualities and traits that each of these treats presented. However, these treats all warmed up presented their best versions of themselves, creating the ultimate bliss.
Now Open in Brentwood
While the Brentwood location may be far for some, rest assured that there are a dozen other locations, making Parakeet Cafe’s growth a journey that we welcome and look forward to in coming years. Each location features its own unique twist of art and decor, which adds another element of surprise for those who become familiar with the brand. When visiting the Brentwood location, Andy, Haley, and the rest of the team are incredibly kind and will take care of your every need, including substitutions due to allergies. When you visit, let them know “A little bird told you.”
Below is a list of all Parakeet Cafe locations across Southern California:
● Brentwood: 13050 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 112, Los Angeles, CA
● Beverly Hills Cafe: 206 S Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
● Carlsbad Cafe (coming soon): 1935 Calle Barcelona, Suite 176, Carlsbad, CA 92009
● Coronado Cafe & Juicery: 1134 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
● Coronado Juicery: 943 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Open 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
● Del Mar Cafe: 3745 Paseo Place, Suite 820, San Diego, CA 92130
Open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
● Del Mar Juicery: 3722 Paseo Place, Suite 1440, San Diego, CA 92130
Open 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
● La Jolla Cafe: 927 Silverado St., La Jolla, CA 92037
Open 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
● La Jolla Juicery: 935 Silverado St., La Jolla, CA 92037
Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
● La Jolla Cove Cafe: 1155 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037
Open 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
● Little Italy Cafe & Juicery: 1680 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Open 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
● Nautilus Cafe: 3535 General Atomics Ct., San Diego, CA 92121
Open 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
● Newport Beach Cafe: 7972 Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92657
About Parakeet Cafe
“Founded by husband and wife duo Carol Roizen and Jonathan Goldwasser in 2017, Parakeet Café is a bright, welcoming all-day café that embraces global cultures through high-quality, organic, whole-foods and ethically sourced beverages. The couple’s devotion to healthy eating was sparked when their daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease as an infant. The couple moved their family from Mexico City to the United States to pursue treatment and began exploring nutrition changes through a plant-based, organic diet and juicing. In 2017, they opened the first Parakeet Café location in La Jolla. Today, Parakeet Café expands across Southern California, with four new locations in the works, and their daughter is a healthy teenager.”
by Liza Linvill
The Power of Scents: How Fragrances Affect Mood and Attraction
Photo by Elly Johnson on Unsplash
Forget the eyes, the true love potion lies in the nose. More than just a pretty smell, perfume is a chemical symphony that orchestrates our emotions. The sense of smell, which is sometimes undervalued, greatly affects our feelings and perceptions. Perfumes aren’t only about nice smells; perfumes can affect our emotions, evoke memories, and even contribute to attraction. We discover the intriguing links between odors, feelings, and the art of seduction in this investigation into the science of scents.
How Scents Affect Emotion:
- Aromatherapy: Certain smells have physical and mental healing properties. Citrus smells may energize and invigorate, while lavender is well recognized for its relaxing effects.
- Memory Recall: Scents have a special power to bring back memories. Scent and memory are closely linked; the smell of a certain flower might take you back to a special occasion.
- Emotional Reactions: By impacting the limbic system, the area of the brain linked to emotions and memories, scents can elicit emotional reactions in people. Happiness can be evoked by a soothing aroma.
Fragrances in Attraction: Their Function
- Like many other animals, humans too emit pheromones that can affect attractiveness. These chemical cues, however not consciously recognized, influence interpersonal interactions.
- Personal Preferences: Different people have different tastes in scents, so what one person thinks appealing may not appeal to another. One’s natural aroma may be enhanced and a good impression can be made with the correct fragrance.
- Cultural Influences: Our perceptions of scent are also influenced by cultural variables. Scents can be connected to certain cultural or geographic customs, which influences how they are seen in various communities.
Perfume and Individual Identity:
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
- Trademark Fragrances: A lot of people have a trademark fragrance that comes to represent their individuality. This smell may help with personal branding and leave a lasting impression.
- Occasion-Specific Scents: Scents should be chosen according to the occasion. You may customize your image by wearing a different scent for a formal function than you would for a laid-back get-together.
- Boost Your Confidence: Using a scent that complements your identity will improve your entire appearance and give you a boost of confidence. This will have a beneficial effect in both social and professional settings.
Fragrance Layering: An Art Form
- Body Wash and Lotion: As a basis, start with a body wash or lotion that has an aroma. As a result, the skin develops a light scent layer.
- Apply your preferred perfume or cologne on the wrists, neck, and other important pulse points. These places produce heat, which improves the fragrance’s dispersion.
- Hair spray or Oil: Go for a scented hair spray or oil for a more durable impact. Scents are well retained in hair, guaranteeing a persistent aroma all day.
Monthly Fragrance Subscription
A monthly subscription to the fragrance business may completely change the way you perceive odors. Fragrance monthly subscriptions provide a carefully chosen assortment of fragrances or colognes that are routinely sent to your home. This creative strategy has several advantages:
- Scent Exploration: Monthly memberships let you try out a range of smells without having to buy a full-size bottle. This is especially helpful for broadening your sensory boundaries and learning about new scents.
- Customized Selections: A lot of subscription scent providers tailor their products to your tastes. They can suggest and provide perfumes customized to your preferences based on your smell profile.
- Cost-effective Sampling: Investing a large sum of money in full-sized bottles of premium scents can be worthwhile. A reasonably priced option to try out high-end fragrances before committing to a long-term subscription is through monthly subscriptions.
- Convenience and accessibility: You may discover different smells without having to visit stores when you have a fragrance subscription. The experience is improved overall by the ease of having carefully chosen perfumes delivered right to your home.
Including a monthly subscription to a scent in your routine brings excitement and keeps you aware of changing trends and seasonal styles.
Selecting the Appropriate Fragrance for Various Situations:
Photo by Sabrina Bronzi on Unsplash
- Daytime Scents: During the day, choose for airy, light fragrances. Notes of citrus, flowers, and greenery are great for creating a fresh, invigorating air.
- Evenings or Formal Events: Richer, more potent scents are appropriate for evenings and formal occasions. Notes of woodsy, spicy, or oriental flavors bring refinement and coziness.
- Casual Outings: Scents that are balanced and adaptable are ideal for casual outings. Fragrances that are gourmand, fruity, or aquatic can be alluring without being overwhelming.
Getting Around on the Fragrant Paths of Life
The complex interactions between odors, feelings, and attraction are made clear by the science of perfumes. Fragrances play an important part in our lives, whether it’s the relaxing embrace of lavender, the enticement of pheromones, or the skill of creating a personal brand through trademark odors. Accept the ability of smells to affect your mood, evoke enduring memories, and improve your general well-being. To start exploring different scents, think about signing up for a monthly subscription service. This method offers new avenues to explore the world of perfumes, from trying out various aromas to having tailored selections delivered right to your home. Let every aroma you encounter along life’s fragrant pathways tell a tale, arouse a feeling, and add color to the rich tapestry of your sensory encounters. After all, each note in the complex waltz of emotions and fragrances is essential to the overall harmony of existence.
Bio: Liza Linvill is a skincare enthusiast, but also deeply passionate about the captivating world of fragrances. She believes that scents can evoke emotions, tell stories, and enhance our daily experiences.
by Randy Dunbar
Since 1980, San Diego native Wick Alexander has been producing distinctive paintings, sculptures and public artworks. Awards for his paintings have been presented by the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council and the Ford Foundation.
His paintings are included in many private collections and museum permanent collections including the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, the California Center for the Arts in Escondido and the Banff Center of the Arts in Alberta, Canada.
Wick Alexander is also known, alongside his partner Robin Brailsford who invented it, pioneering the technique of Lithomosaics; a system utilizes mosaic patterns together with a Lithocrete paving system. This is the only system that installs mosaics in a full thickness monolithic pour, allowing designers the flexibility to create their own art piece at significantly less cost than any other medium currently available.
Wick Alexander is known in locally in LA County for his public works installations at eight separate Long Beach Transit Stations, mosaics in several parks across Los Angeles, the Moving Pictures installations across Culver City, as well known across San Diego county for numerous public work installations.
This series dives into the salacious, provocative nature of modern Americana culture. It is a culture that Wick Alexander identifies as insatiable desires for community and consumption and therefore creates almost farcical consequences. Many of his pieces evoke a “Where’s Waldo” type of composition where the view is constantly finding bizarre characters in this micro-environments.
There is an open bar but please tip our bartender.
Opening Reception: June 7th, 7pm – 11pm
4633 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Insatiable Vicariousness: Wick Alexander
by June Miller Richards
Inaugural Venice Beach Run Saturday, July 20
Registration is open for the inaugural. The run starts and finishes at the Venice Beach Pier with proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles Parks Foundation (www.laparksfoundation.org) supporting the Venice Beach Recreation Center. LA Parks Foundation was founded in 2008 to enhance and preserve the City’s public parks and recreation.
The Venice Beach Run is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Participants can sign up for a 5K or 1 Mile Race/Walk with the 5K starting at 8 a.m. and the 1 Mile at 9 a.m. The Beach Fitness Challenge & Expo and the awards ceremony commence at 10 a.m. All participants will receive a commemorative die-cast VB 5K & 1 Mile Finisher Medal, premium beach t-shirt, and string bag along with access to sampling and exhibitor booths.
The Race To The Pier 1 Mile is open to speed-oriented youth and adults. The 5K is flat and fast, starting and finishing at the end of the Venice Beach Pier. The remainder of the course will cover the historic Venice Beach Boardwalk. The finish-line celebration event will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the world-famous Venice Beach Pier with access to fitness expos and samplings from various local shops and eateries.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.laparksfoundation.org/laparks_events/venicebeachrun2024/
by Niki Smart
TOAD THE WET SPROCKET TALK TO PEOPLE MAGAZINE ABOUT 30th ANNIVERSARY OF SEMINAL ALBUM DULCINEA
2024 U.S. TOUR BEGINS JULY 17th
SANTA BARBARA, CA – Toad The Wet Sprocket – the trio of founding members Glen Phillips, Todd Nichols, and Dean Dinning – is still making new music and touring with the same spirit of unwavering independence that started it all over three decades ago. This year marks a new milestone in their journey with the 30th anniversary of the 1994 platinum selling album Dulcinea. Limited edition merchandise to celebrate the release is available at the Toad The Wet Sprocket online store.
The band recently spoke with People Magazine about the significance of Dulcinea, their fourth studio album, and upcoming plans to celebrate throughout 2024 on tour headlining, co-headlining with the Gin Blossoms and opening for Barenaked Ladies throughout the summer and fall.
“The band has been in such a better head space,” Glen Phillips tells People Magazine. “I think we have grown and are enjoying each other’s company more. And so, that translates a lot better to the audience. They can feel that.”
He continues, “I learned a lot from Barenaked Ladies on just how to be in a band and how to be with each other and how to lift people up. They are really good role models on just how to be on the road.”
Many of the songs from Dulcinea are featured in the band’s live and limited edition Dulcinea merchandise and Greatest Hits vinyl is available exclusively at the Toad The Wet Sprocket online store. The Dulcinea vinyl reissue sold-out in two weeks. Fans can also join the band ahead of the show as part of the VIP programs at shows.
Band (L-R): Todd Nichols, Glen Phillips, Dean Dinning Credit: Chris Orwig
ABOUT DULCINEA | After the success of fear (1991) the band re-teamed with producer Gavin MacKillop to record an album inspired by the sound that they had developed from their recent touring. Released in 1994, Dulcinea was certified platinum by the RIAA. The album features the single “Fall Down” (with a video directed by Samuel Bayer of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” fame) that spent 6 weeks at number one on the Billboard Modern Rock chart and “Something’s Always Wrong” that was featured in the movie “Fear” and had a groundbreaking music video that put the band on the Home Shopping Network selling themselves to the lowest bidder (WATCH). More recently, in 2023, “Fall Down” was featured on the Showtime series “Billions”, with the song showing up on the Shazam charts the following week.
TTWS 2024 TOUR DATES
JUL 17 / DEL MAR, CA @ The Sound at Del Mar^
JUL 18 / MONTEREY, CA @ Golden State Theatre^
JUL 19-20 / NOVATO, CA @ HopMonk Tavern^
JUL 22 / PORTLAND, OR @ Revolution Hall^
JUL 23 / SEATTLE, WA @ Neptune Theatre^
JUL 25 / KALISPELL, MT @ Wachholz College Center^
JUL 26 / GREAT FALLS, MT @ The Newberry^
JUL 28 / FORT COLLINS, CO @ Washington’s^
JUL 30 / SPRINGFIELD, MO @ Gillioz Theatre^
AUG 1 / OSHKOSH, WI @ Waterfest at Riverside Park#
AUG 2 / OMAHA, NE @ The Astro Theater#
AUG 3 / MANKATO, MN @ Vetter Stone Amphitheater#
AUG 5 / GRAND RAPIDS, MI @ Meijer Gardens#
AUG 7 / CLEVELAND, OH @ Cain Park#
AUG 8 / TARRYTOWN, NY @ Tarrytown Music Hall^
AUG 10 / PORTLAND, ME @ Thompson’s Point&
AUG 11 / LEWISTON, NY @ ARTPARK#
AUG 12 / DEERFIELD, MA @ Tree House Brewing^
AUG 13 / MEDFORD, MA @ Chevalier Theatre#
AUG 15 / BETHLEHEM, PA @ Wind Creek Event Center#
AUG 16 / CARY, NC @ Koka Booth Amphitheater#
AUG 17 / SUGAR HILL, GA @ The Bowl at Sugar Hill#
AUG 18 / HUBER HEIGHTS, OH @ Rose Music Center#
AUG 20 / RED BANK, NJ @ Count Basie Center for the Arts#
AUG 22 / SELBYVILLE, DE @ Freeman Arts Pavilion#
AUG 23 / MIDDLEFIELD, CT @ Powder Ridge Mountain Park#
AUG 24 / ESSEX JUNCTION, VT @ Champlain Valley Exposition# AUG 29 / SANTA BARBARA, CA @ Lobero Theatre^
AUG 30 / TEMECULA, CA @ South Coast Winery Resort & Spa^ AUG 31 / COSTA MESA, CA @ The Pacific Amphitheater!
SEPT 16 / CEDAR RAPIDS, IA @ McGrath Amphitheatre*
SEPT 17 / MOORHEAD, MN @ Bluestem Center for the Arts Amphitheater* SEPT 18 / LINCOLN, NE @ Pinewood Bowl Theater*
SEPT 20 / ALBUQUERQUE, NM @ Revel*
SEPT 21 / COLORADO SPRINGS, CO @ Sunset Amphitheater* SEPT 22 / VAIL, CO @ Gerald Ford Amphitheater*
SEPT 24 / TULSA, OK @ Tulsa Theater*
SEPT 25 / CHESTERFIELD, MO @ The Factory at The District* SEPT 27 / PITTSBURGH, PA @ Rivers Casino Event Center* SEPT 28 / CHARLESTON, WV @ Hollywood Casino Event Center* SEPT 29 / PHOENIXVILLE, PA @ The Colonial Theatre^
OCT 1 / BROOKVILLE, NY @ Tilles Center*
OCT 2/ ROCHESTER, NY @ Kodak Center*
OCT 4 / FRENCH LICK, IN @ French Lick Resort*
OCT 5 / EVANSTON, IL @ Cahn Auditorium^
OCT 17 / COLUMBIA, SC @ Township Auditorium*
OCT 18 / ASHEVILLE, NC @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium* OCT 19 / AUGUSTA, GA @ Bell Auditorium*
OCT 21 / POMPANO BEACH, FL @ Pompano Beach Amphitheater* OCT 22 / FT. MYERS, FL @ Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall* OCT 23 / CLEARWATER, FL @ The Sound at Coachman Park* OCT 25 / MACON, GA @ Macon City Auditorium*
OCT 26 / BILOXI, MS @ Beau Rivage Resort & Casino*
OCT 27 / NASHVILLE, TN @ Ryman Auditorium*
OCT 29 / AMES, IA @ Stephens Auditorium*
OCT 30 / ROCHESTER, MN @ Mayo Civic Center*
NOV 1 / PEORIA, IL @ Peoria Civic Center Theater*
NOV 2 / SALINA, KS @ The Stiefel Theatre*
NOV 3 / SIOUX FALLS, SD @ Washington Pavilion*
NOV 6 / DULUTH, MN @ Symphony Hall*
NOV 7 / MADISON, WI @ Overture Center for the Arts*
NOV 8 / MT. PLEASANT, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino*
^TTWS Headlining date
#TTWS co-headlining with Gin Blossoms &TTWS @ Guster’s On The Ocean Festival !TTWS opening for Counting Crows *TTWS opening for Barenaked Ladies
ABOUT TOAD THE WET SPROCKET
Toad The Wet Sprocket share in the kind of musical chemistry that can only come from meeting in high school and writing, recording, and touring on albums over the course of time. After Bread & Circus, they followed with Pale in 1990, fear in ’91, Dulcinea in 1994, and Coil in 1997, as well as some compilations along the way. Their most recent releases are Starting Now (2021), New Constellation (2013), and EP The Architect of Ruin (2015). In 2023, they released the remastered greatest hits album All You Want.
by June Miller Richards
Famed Festival to Deliver Inspiring Jazz Performances & Programming from June 30 to July 13
Idyllwild Arts Academy announces the return of its popular annual fundraiser, Jazz In The Pines, marking its 30th and final year with an exciting lineup of live performances by famed artists and students, taking place on the art school’s 250-acre campus. Guests can purchase tickets for individual events as well as an all-access pass: https://idyllwildarts.org/jazz-in-the-pines/.
For 30 years, Idyllwild Arts has brought legendary jazz giants from across the United States to perform for eager audiences and, most recently, to work alongside the young jazz enthusiasts of the Jazz In The Pines Student Clinic. Jazz In The Pines began in 1994 and this final Jazz in the Pines will be dedicated to the memory of jazz guitar giant Bob Boss.
Jazz In The Pines is curated by festival co-founder Dr. Marshall Hawkins – the legendary bassist and beloved teacher – along with revered New York Times-featured jazz vocalist Rose Colella. The life and career of Dr. Marshall Hawkins – who has played with jazz giants from Miles Davis to Shirley Horn and Roberta Flack – has been and continues to be a cornerstone for jazz at Idyllwild Arts from founding the Academy’s Jazz Program in 1986 to curating performances that have attracted thousands of music lovers to the mountain town over the years.
“The 30th anniversary will mark the conclusion of the festival but we pass the torch on to the educators and performers of the Jazz In The Pines Student Clinic as they continue,” says Pamela Jordan, President of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation. “We are forever indebted to the talented Dr. Hawkins for his vision, his love for his students, and his generosity to our community.”
The two-week festival will include a headlining performance by the legendary John Daversa and his Big Band featuring the Grammy Award-nominated album “Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of the Beatles,” Dr. Marshall Hawkins Seahawk MoJO: “A Tribute to Bob Boss,” Harry Pickens, Euphoria Brass Band, The Rose Colella Quartet, the Idyllwild Arts Jazz Faculty Big Band, Idyllwild Arts All-Star Student Jazz Combo, and more.
Performances will occur on concert stages on The Idyllwild Arts campus, including William M. Lowman Hall, Holmes Amphitheatre, and Stephens Recital Hall. Two special events will be featured off the mountain at The Merc in Temecula.
In celebration of this momentous occasion, Idyllwild Arts hopes guests will also consider a donation during the final festival year to support student scholarships. Dr. Marshall Hawkins continues to play a vital role in securing hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to support deserving and talented young jazz musicians from around the world.
by Mia Barnes
6 Surprising Ways the Sun Can Affect Your Skin — and What to Do About It
Do you slather on sunscreen each day? You should, for more reasons than reducing your cancer risk. The sun can affect your skin in surprising ways. Fortunately, protecting yourself is as simple as covering up and choosing the right SPF. Why should you bother? Here are six reasons you should treat safeguarding your skin from the sun seriously.
1. Photoaging and Premature Aging
It’s no secret that too much time in the sun can result in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and an uneven complexion. The term “photoaging” refers to the cumulative effects of radiation from the sun or artificial ultraviolet (UV) sources. It results in collagen breakdown, which causes deep wrinkles, sagging skin, “hollow” cheeks and other signs of aging older individuals experience.
2. Hyperpigmentation and Other Skin Conditions
Hyperpigmentation refers to the appearance of blotchy or mottled skin with alternating patches of light and dark. This condition can have various causes, and sun damage is one of the most common — hyperpigmentation spots are also sometimes called “sun spots.”
Aside from hyperpigmentation, sun exposure and excessive sun damage can lead to vitiligo and mole growth.
3. Eye Damage
You should wear sunglasses as well as sunscreen when in the sun. The skin around your eyes is more prone to damage, and UV light exposure can also damage your vision. For example, women account for 63% of age-related macular degeneration cases, and failing to protect your eyes is one of the biggest and most preventable risk factors.
4. Sunburn
Sunburn doesn’t feel good and spurs premature aging, photoaging and hyperpigmentation while upping your chances of disease. Having five or more severe sunburns throughout your life doubles your skin cancer risk.
Keep yourself safe by slathering on sunscreen and pay attention to the type and when you apply it. Sunscreen can take up to 15 minutes to absorb into the skin, so make sure you apply it a bit before you head out for the day.
5. Skin Dehydration
Dehydrated skin looks flaky and ashy, making you look older and more tired. Furthermore, you sweat more in the sun, accelerating moisture loss.
Keeping yourself hydrated is key. While the general rule is to divide your weight in half and consume that many ounces of water per day, you may need more if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
6. Heat Rash
Those little angry red bumps on your chin might not be pimples. Heat rash occurs when your eccrine glands, which let sweat escape from your skin’s surface, become blocked. The result is tiny, red, inflamed bumps that can itch like crazy.
Treatment includes cooling yourself down in a shower or pool and applying topical anti-itch creams. As heat rash often occurs where fabric meets your skin, opt for breathable cotton over synthetics that prevent airflow.
Is the Sun Ever Good for Your Skin?
In some cases, the sun can be good for your skin. For example, mild exposure prompts your body to produce natural vitamin D, which boosts your mood and improves immune function.
Furthermore, some people with autoimmune diseases do better with mild sun exposure. The trick is finding the right amount of exposure to improve symptoms without prompting a severe flare-up.
How the Sun Affects Your Skin
The sun affects your skin in multiple ways. Understanding the risks prompts you to take simple proactive steps, such as applying sunscreen and wearing other forms of sun gear. Protect yourself before you venture out and enjoy a healthier, more glowing complexion for life.
Cover Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Inside photo by Lukas Rychvalsky
by Dennis Richardson
Cowritten by Anthony C. Stafford
How would you complete the following statement? “California has Catalina Island, while Florida has…”
If you thought “The Keys,” you’re not necessarily wrong, but The Keys are more well known than where we’re going. Rather, our area of focus is one that even Florida natives can go years without ever knowing. This area, called Bradenton — and its Anna Maria Island — is truly speaking to Californians as the most desired destination for vacation, and for many other great reasons.
Photo Credit: Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (BACVB) market research shows proof that residents of California – and Los Angeles and San Francisco specifically – are highly interested in planning vacations to the Bradenton Area. Recently, BACVB was in town to highlight the destination, delivering incredible eats featuring the day’s Gulf Coast catch, discussing what makes the area so special, and how they stack up to California’s food scene. The flavorful educational experience took place at Cabra, the rooftop restaurant at The Hoxton in DTLA. The event had themed splashes of color reminiscent of the Sunshine State’s famous waters and beloved fruit, essentially bringing a tiny piece of some of the very best of Florida right here to California.
The extravagant dinner was created by Top Chef winner and Food Network star Stephanie Izard, featuring a unique sample of Cortez, Florida’s premium bottarga, gulf shrimp and more, whipped into “Flo-ribbean” dishes that are hard to come by outside of the state. And with all of its uniqueness, we learned many amazing ways that the peninsula state and this highlight region is much like our own, complete with the arts, activities and experiences, a deep history, and nature that captivates hearts.
History, Location, and A Natural Beauty
While our own Catalina Island may not be known for beaches, it does share quite a few similarities to this East Coast magnet.
Located just south of Tampa along Florida’s Gulf Coast lies Anna Maria Island, a picturesque destination now more accessible thanks to the Gulf Islands Ferry. The island boasts 16 miles of pristine, white sand and sparkling turquoise waters, where visitors can enjoy serene beaches with calm waters, often accompanied by delightful offerings from Gulf Shore Charcuterie. When the sand never gets too-hot to walk on, you know it’s a special place.
Beyond its natural beauty, Anna Maria Island offers numerous family-friendly attractions, from The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, to AMI Dolphin Tours. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is home to rescued manatees, providing an educational and engaging experience, while AMI Dolphin Tours offer memorable encounters with marine life. In addition, the recently renovated, ADA-accessible Bradenton Riverwalk invites leisurely strolls along the water, perfect for any time of day.
For those seeking cultural enrichment, the Village of the Arts hosts monthly artwalk events, showcasing local creativity and fostering community engagement. Nature enthusiasts will find the 487-acre Robinson Preserve a haven, featuring mangroves, native birds, and diverse wildlife, all freely accessible year-round, setting the stage for incredible sighting opportunities as wildlife migrates to the region.
All of this natural beauty needs balance, protection, and care, so it’s only fitting that there is a program in place to do each of those things. Embracing the “Love it Like a Local” initiative, the Bradenton Area is committed to preserving its unique charm for future generations. This also means understanding the deep history behind the region as well, such as the Historic Cortez Fishing Village — one of the oldest fishing distributors. The “Love it Like a Local” initiative is also the first in Florida to partner with the national non-profit Leave No Trace, highlighting its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This commitment ensures that the area’s natural beauty and local heritage remain intact for all to enjoy.
A Summer Adventure Awaits
Beyond Anna Maria Island is the whole chain of Gulf Coast Islands that all bring their own unique flair, yet some of the same natural beauty, charm, and history that can be found in the Bradenton Area. Whether a Californian traveling East, or a visitor from elsewhere, the art, history, and natural beauty of the Bradenton area and Anna Maria Island boasts excitement, curiosity, and escapism that may be hard to leave behind, as shown by BACVB’s research.
The Bradenton Area is conveniently located at just a 30-minute drive from the Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) airport. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodations, including vacation rentals, boutique hotels, like Mello on the Beach, and Zota Beach Resort, or the newly opened Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. Or, make even more of your time in the Sunshine State with a day-trip to nearby Orlando’s theme parks, Tampa, or Cape Coral. Either way, Bradenton has a promising future as the area slowly grows and becomes more popular with new residents and visitors alike.
Now you know, if it ever comes up: “California has Catalina Island, while Florida has Bradenton & Anna Maria Island.”
by Dennis Richardson
Cowritten by Anthony C. Stafford
The Hyatt Regency Irvine may be known by many for what it was previously, and that old image is also a great way to remember hotels of yesteryear. But a three-year closure has birthed what can only be described as a new hotel standard that improves upon nearly every aspect of what guests expect from their stay. From the lobby’s first impression to market experiences, Hyatt Regency Irvine brings renewed excitement to the travel experience for adults and kids alike, whether coming from nearby or afar.
Photo Credit: Logan Pratt / Hyatt Regency Irvine
Hyatt Regency Irvine General Area Manager Sid Ramani spoke with us, answered questions, and provided deep insight into what goes into a transformation of this magnitude. While it may seem a $55 million grand reveal may only truly be appreciated by those who witnessed the original look, the faces, reactions, and expressions of newcomers — ourselves includes — said otherwise. Upon entering, Hyatt Regency Irvine delivers a refreshing take on America’s hospitality sector. Pulling inspiration from regional neighbors and international highlights, the lobby wows with its vast spaciousness, high ceilings, intricate details, massive screens, and purposeful design. Surprise, awe, and excitement set in, as we likened what we saw to a luxury hotel in Tokyo. A plethora of seating options decorate the first floor to suit any lounger’s mood, whether reading, eating, waiting, watching, or chatting, there’s something for everyone. A warm, inviting lobby is surrounded by contemporary common areas, and an expansive 56,000 square feet of fresh event space to ensure a beautiful blend of urban sophistication, comfort, and functionality.
A Market For All
The Marketplace is possibly one of the only things we disagreed with during our time at the property – solely because it’s something much more than just a market! Instead, it is rather a place to get lost in for a while with its expansive, open-faced presentation. Offering a neatly stocked wall of beverages, spirits, snacks, hot, cold, healthy, and exciting food options, Hyatt Regency Irvine even pushes the envelope further and rightfully so, with numerous international snacks. For example, South Korean banana milk, and Japanese Ramune sodas make an appearance, among many more specialty items worth experiencing. Upon first glance, it strikes disbelief that a hotel could have such a wide variety of options, but it is a welcome feature that international travelers could always use more of to feel “at home” and domestic travelers for an opportunity to have a culinary escape.
From grueling business travel to exhausting vacations, sometimes guests need an “easy” option – and that easy option would be a place like the market to stash up on snacks, drinks, pastries, pizza, and more – while taking advantage of the fact that many items are also made right there in the kitchen! If you’re feeling adventurous, even the healthy dishes have great twists to them, like the veggie salads located next to the pastry window.
Of course, breakfast is also provided at The Market, with freshly made hot plates on the menu, but there’s even more. One of the highlights about The Market is that they also have featured menu items each day for breakfast and dinner, so keep an eye out for those to add some excitement to your own journey. Even more impressive is the commitment to supporting local businesses and artists, as seen through strategic and useful product placement throughout the hotel.
Designed With Purpose and Intention
The property boasts a total of 516 guest rooms and suites, each completely transformed with modern, thoughtfully designed interiors. These rooms not only feature distinct artwork, innovative light fixtures, and curated layouts tailored to accommodate various travel groups and lifestyles, but they are also designed with intention at the forefront. No corner goes forgotten, as thoughtful choices give purpose to even the most odd or small spaces.
Specialty suites include expansive hospitality suites with private kitchenettes, extended-stay suites with full kitchens, family-friendly layouts with bunk beds and adjoining rooms, and more, ensuring a comfortable and versatile stay for all guests. During our visit, we witnessed sports teams, families, and business people, check in, and after seeing each suite with details from Mr. Ramani, we couldn’t agree more that there is something for everyone. It is worth noting that the bunk bed suites are good enough to stir envy — even in us adults!
Zooming into the details, guests may notice fixtures that have a promising future – from technological installments that improve accessibility during their stay, to subtle and plentiful placements of outlets for the battery guzzlers in todays technology-plugged age. From the outside, the Hyatt Regency Irvine stands tall and distinctly, while its reimagined interior backs up its dominant posture.
Extras, Amenities, and More
For the guests who want to feel even more at home while reaping great benefits, the Hyatt Regency Irvine recently launched their new Regency Club, which grants access to exclusive amenities and private indoor/outdoor lounges. This includes fire pits, comfortable lounge seating, a sophisticated bar, and daily full-service dining.
Photo Credit: Logan Pratt / Hyatt Regency Irvine
The 24-hour gym is equipped with Peloton® Bikes, Life Fitness cardio equipment, free weights, and various weight machines. Guests can also benefit from exclusive access to private on-demand trainers through a collaboration with Future, tailored specifically for Hyatt Regency Irvine’s fitness center and equipment. Finally, located just two miles from John Wayne Airport and a short drive from major attractions like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, South Coast Plaza, and Southern California’s renowned beaches, Hyatt Regency Irvine serves as the ideal home base for exploring the area’s many offerings. It’s a great destination for those breaking away from the Disney Resort bubble and looking to achieve more exploration of the surrounding areas.
Innovation on the Horizon
Amazingly, there is even more to come as the property nears completion. A unique and elevated pool experience with dual waterslides, and an outdoor lounge space inclusive of a pool bar, cabanas, and massive LED TV screen to view sports games, movies, and more are on the way, and due to open in June. Just in time for summer, there are some great plans in store that will undoubtedly be a bow on the gift of travel for many guests.
And then there’s Warehouse 72 – a place where art and creativity are celebrated. This fine dining establishment will feature a modern bistro and bar to bring people together in a family-style atmosphere. Located on the first floor, it will ultimately enhance the openness of the property, while also breathing additional life that is sure to complement every guests first impression.
The Hyatt Regency Irvine is a marvel to appreciate in the hospitality landscape. Its reimagining is a welcome one in a world where we find ourselves plugged in more than ever, yearning to disconnect, and replug ourselves in new and different ways. In what could possibly set an example for other hotels, the property sets out to reach a new standard for guest experiences and expectations — doing so outstandingly. In a city with a massive and diverse population, plus attracting millions internationally on a yearly basis, Hyatt Regency Irvine successfully stands as a home away from home for everyone.
