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Susan Gaffney

Holiday - and non-holiday - Happenings Around Orange County

Holiday - and non-holiday - Happenings Around Orange County

Holiday - and non-holiday - Happenings Around Orange County

November 21

Singles Party (and Eye Gazing) at the Queen Mary

This party is back by poplar demand, in August we had nearly 400 friendly singles and everyone seemed to have a good time. November promises to not be as hot and just as much fun! Free eye gazing from 8:00 - 9:00 pm. More Information

November 21-22

Fashion Island's Christmas Tree Lighting

A 115-foot tree with more than 17,000 lights and ornaments. Plus live performance and Santa's arrival! The show begins at 6pm each night & is held at Bloomingdale's Courtyard of Fashion Island in Newport Beach. More details here or call 949-721-2000

November 22

Share Our Wine 4th Annual Orange County

Enjoy food, wine and company as we raise funds to benefit abused and neglected children of Orange County. Silent & Live Auctions of wine, wine accessories, trips and more! Guests will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvers and live music. VIP tickets available. Full Details

November 27

Dana Point Turkey Trot

Running Reindeers and a cast of colorful and fun characters will be joining runners from Orange County and beyond! The 31st Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, and Hot to Trot kids race! Participants will enjoy a beautiful trek thru the Dana Point Harbor. The event helps raise money for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Sign up here; call 949-496-1555 for more information! This promises to be one of the largest events around, don't miss it!

November 30

Turkey Tri

Burn off those holiday calories at this triathlon that is challenging enough for the seasoned tri-athlete, yet short enough for the novice! More information

Happy Thanksgiving!

Susan

Orange County Happenings

Area Happenings

Saturday, November 8

Back to the Future Costume Party presented by Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach

  • Crevier Classic Car Company, Costa Mesa. Dress in your favorite era and join us for food, drinks, music, dance and an auction. Come check out the cars from the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's & 70's. www.BGCLaguna.org

Sunday, November 9

Walk to Cure Diabetes

  • At UCI - the walk is fun and family friendly activity! Free food & entertainment and kids activities. Check in begins at 8:30; the walk begins at 10:00am. 949-553-0363 or www.jdrf.org

Friday, November 14

Oakbrook Village Car Show

  • 24271 Avenida De La Carlota next to Laguna Hills Mall.
  • Awards, raffle, 50-70's music with Sound Divine. Call 949-723-7100 ext. 200 for more info.

Saturday, November 15

Blue & White Ball

  • Nixon President Library & Museum, Yorba Linda
  • Join us for an elegant evening in support of the programs and services provided to youth in our community by Boys & Girls Clubs of Brea-Placentia-Yorba Linda. 714-528-8140 or www.everykid.org

Downey's Farmer's Market

  • Located at Second Street between New & La Reina. Fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese, fish & more! www.downeyca.org

Our Green Legacy

  • Interested in learning about ways you can make your home, your car, and your lifestyle green? Join us for this educational event. Pre-register for a free gift! Participating businesses will have information on their renewable, recycled, biodegradable, sustainable, organic and/or natural products or services. There will be a Kids Korner with fun activities and opportunities for kids to learn ways they can become green! www.SouthCoastMe.com/go_green

Sunday, November 16

Art & Craft Fair & Farmer's Market

  • Long Beach Alamitos Bay
    Unique arts and crafts, paintings, jewelry, clothing, hand-crafted leather, farm fresh producer & more. www.GoodVeg.org/LBSE.html

Antique & Collectible Flea Market

  • 7am - 2pm
  • The Long Beach outdoor antique and collectible flea market features everything chic to unique with over 800 dealers (from Alaska to Wyoming) selling vintage items from furniture to clothing and everything in-between! www.LongBeachAntiqueMarket.com for map, directions and discount coupons.

The Day Has Arrived!

The Day Has FINALLY Arived!

It's time America!  Time to do your duty!  Use your right!  Cast your Vote!  Make your voice heard!  Every Vote counts! 

I have also heard some places are giving free "food" for those that vote - some places want to see your "I Voted" sticker, some you can just say I voted!   Free is always nice!  Not all locations are participating - so ask first! 

Starbucks            Ben & Jerry's        Chick-fil-A        Krispy Kreme

Vote and reward yourself!  

Susan

First Weekend in November in Orange County

Orange County Happenings

Orange County Happenings

Saturday, November 1st

  • Founders Day at Mission San Juan Capistrano
    • Celebrate the Missions 232nd Anniversary with the reading of the founding document, Living History characters, ringing of the historic bells, birthday cake and lemonade! www.MissionSJC.com
  • Downey Farmer's Market
    • 9 am - 1 pm on Second between New & La Reina. Fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese, fish and SO much more!
  • Police Expo & Family Security Show
  • Ladera Ranch Harvest Festival
    • Western themed day full of entertainment, live music, face painting, food, carnival game and more! A great time for family and friends! www.laderalife.com
  • Pumpkin Launch 2008

    Sunday, November 2nd

  • Arts & Craft Fair & Farmer's Market - Long Beach Alamitos Bay
    • Unique arts and crafts, paintings, jewelry, clothing, hand-crafted leather, farm fresh producer & more. www.GoodVeg.org/LBSE.html
  • Orange County Buddy Walk
    • The Buddy Walk is one-mile walk that anyone can participate in - no special training needed! Come enjoy fun activities on the field of Angel Stadium! Something for everyone in the family! The event benefits the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County. www.dsaoc.org

Bring Fall Indoors

Bringing Fall Indoors

Fall Changes to Your Home

Across the country we are seeing a change from "green carpet of grass" to a tapestry of gold and crimson leaves! Late summer's yellow and purple flowers transition to the tan and brown tones of winter. Autumn gourds and pumpkins line our steps. Nights are cool, and although the days may still be warm and sunny, a chill often nips the air!

As we stroll along the golden carpet of leaves the trees have left, you may want to consider the carpet and flooring inside your home. Some of us will be hosting family & friends for the holidays and that is reason enough to change and update the flooring, others of us just like to change things once in a while. Whatever the reason, there are many options to consider, the style and color you choose can set the mood of a room. Just as the brilliant reds and yellows of the falling leaves may alter the landscape the color, design and texture of new flooring can dramatically alter or update the look of a space.

Wood Floors

  • Classic
  • Clean, Simple Look
  • Durability
  • Work with any decorating style
  • Accent or throw rugs can update or change look of room with little expense
  • Natural beauty
  • Superior quality
  • Many options: bamboo (environmentally friendly); cork (good choice for those that have allergies and affordable); oak; hickory; cherry; and don't forget patterns!

Tile Floors

  • Adds Elegance
  • Color options galore
  • Texture options
  • Many options: slate; ceramic, cement; mosaic
  • Reminders - use rugs with non-slip backs; slippery when wet.

Carpet

  • Classic
  • Colors
  • Textures
  • Patterns
  • Carpet Tiles
  • Commercial-grade updated looks and extra durable

If your budget doesn't allow for new flooring, work with what you've got.

  • Hardwood floors can be refinished.
  • Carpet can be cleaned
  • Cover up "problem" areas with accent rugs or furniture.
  • Add runners or area rugs to change the feel of a room.

Carpet runners add a touch of warmth and personality to narrow spaces such as hallways. Be sure to measure your space before making a purchase and search for a store that will allow you to take your rug home and try it in your own surroundings. Area rugs can help "ground" a space - create a gathering area (i.e. dining area, living room) - set the mood of a room. Area rugs let you 'try out' a new decorating scheme, especially in a child's room where you know they will out-grow a theme with age.

Other ways to bring Fall indoors:

  • Add scents - candles or air fresheners - infused with spicy-sweet ginger, pumpkin, cinnamon-apple and brown sugar!

  • Add seasonal blooms - sunflowers, asters, mums (if your home is on the market put a red mum by the front door)
  • Add pillows - pile them on, in rich fall colors to match the leaves outside.

Happy Fall!

Oh, by the way, don't forget it is time to "fall back" your clocks this Sunday too!

Susan