When considering a Care Giver, it is important to know the specific type of care you require; for example, Skilled Nursing or simple companionship or a person to assist with your Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, continence, eating, etc. Do you need a 24-hour live-in, full or part-time skilled nursing/assistance, or round-the-clock technology access such as tele-monitoring? The next step is to choose the Agency who will be providing the services. Are they credentialed and licensed with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)? When was the last time a survey, audit or on-site exam been completed…

There’s a common misconception that a high-protein diet is bad for bone health but nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, years of research show that getting plenty of protein is crucial for bone density – provided you get enough of a key mineral. Studies show that getting the right amount of protein in your diet improves your bone health. It lowers your chance of osteoporosis (bone loss) by helping you hold on to your bone density, and it helps prevent breaks as you age, too. Proteins form the foundation of every living thing! But what proteins, exactly?…

Morena Tile and Stone, in San Juan Capistrano, is a 5000 square foot store showcasing one of the largest selections of tile, and natural and engineered stone in South Orange County. The business was opened in 2014 by John Schrab and his wife, Linda, with the goal of creating a convenient, local resource where one can find an abundance of fun, imaginative and up-to-date tile and stone – all under one roof. As a family-owned business, John and Linda focus on customer service and building relationships with their clients, while helping to bring their projects to life. From mild to…

Do you ever wonder why a 70-year-old person may not look a day over 40? Conversely, we have all met the 40-year-old who sadly looks 70. We are pretty clear on how to age more rapidly than we should e.g., alcohol, tobacco, drugs, fast food, and sodas. But why are we less aware of how to stay young? Why is it okay to diplomatically receive the answer, “…it’s a part of aging” when you ask your physician “Why am I always tired and have no energy?” Wellness, youth, what does it mean? Self-esteem? Energy? Low Stress? Quality sleep? Firm and…

There is a specific type of business person I particularly appreciate when utilizing his or her services. One who is detail oriented. Ryan “Bubbles” Jara is just such a professional. Having been in mobile auto detail business serving Orange County for over 25 years, he must be, and especially since his specialty is restoration and paint correction on classic cars. Bubbles was the plan since the beginning, it seems. “My uncles restore classic vehicles so I grew up in the industry," he says. "It only made sense to one day have a business of my own bringing cars back to…

Sweeping ocean and verdant golf course views aren’t the only thing you can come to expect from VIEW - the gorgeously appointed restaurant at Vea Newport Beach’s floating lanai. The chef-driven menu showcases innovative California coastal cuisine with a cosmopolitan perspective, VIEW capitalizes on its locale’s “chic social sanctuary where revelry and relaxation mingle.” Other defining characteristics include an extensive, eclectic and exemplary wine list of domestic and international varietals, unique craft cocktails (think pumpkin spice martinis), seasonal margaritas and signature starters like crispy confit chicken wings (enhanced with Marshall’s farm honey, mint and togarashi) and a delicately delish tuna…

Purposefully designed to make great wine uncomplicated One could venture to say with Micah Sampson, what you see is pretty much what you get - passion, excitement, intelligence. But each of those things is about as complex as the best glass of wine - and as a sommelier Micah will tell you there’s so much more to wine than just fermented grape juice. “There’s history, geology, geography, chemistry, cultural studies," says the San Juan Capistrano resident. "Books and movies have been centered on it. Wars, empires, and country lines have been fought over it.” So how is it that one…

Full disclosure: I’m a mom of teenagers and as such, am continually on the hunt for bonding opportunities that a) don’t involve electronics and b) do entail entertainment and activities that are enjoyable for both age brackets. So I was thrilled when my suggestion of a day trip to the Desert Hills Premium Outlets was literally met with squeals of excitement from my 14-year-old daughter. Home to the largest collection of luxury outlets in the Golden State, and just twenty minutes west of Palm Springs, the center features a list of 180 designer stores that reads like a “who’s who”…

There are a few places on my winter vacation shortlist: San Diego for a surf and sand staycation, Big Apple for the holidays, Big Sur to see McWay Falls at its peak, and South Lake Tahoe for literally everything else. Boating, shopping, gaming, nightlife, hiking, biking. Dining out or cooking dinner with the family, staying slopeside or near the waterfront: there are endless combinations of fun to be had. Taking a break but staying close to the amenities that make you comfortable at home can be a tough lift, but on the shores of the lake waterfront homes often come…

Where to Eat, Stay and Play in the "City of Fountains" A friend of mine joked with me recently that Kansas City is the loudest city in the midwest. He assured me that it was strictly due to the volume of sports fans: Royals baseball and Chiefs football, Sporting KC soccer, NASCAR at the Speedway. Someone is always cheering. I can’t say we’re the biggest sporting family, but I’ll wager Kansas City can compete with the best when it comes to family-friendly activities during the fall. The free KC Streetcar, located within walking distance of all the major hotels downtown,…

When he visits HAMMER & NAILS | Men’s Grooming Shop in the Ocean Ranch Village in Laguna Niguel, his most difficult decision centers around which premium beverage to enjoy and what cable program to watch on his own personal big-screen TV while receiving his services. Providing a full-range of experiences from Premium Haircuts, Beard Grooming and Old-School Straight-Razor shaves to their cornerstone experiences for Hand & Foot Grooming (Men’s MANicures & Pedicures), as well as services such as Facials and Facial Waxing (eyebrows, ears & nose), making it his premier one-stop destination for confidence to always look and feel his…

Surf City’s Newest, Elevated Dining Experience Surf-fare isn’t necessarily a new term, but it is certainly taking on new meaning at Henry’s Coastal Cuisine. Located in the Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach’s most elegant and inspired oceanside dining experience, Henry’s takes endless waterfront views to the next level with an open-air patio, a carefully selected French and Californian wine selection and specialty craft cocktails. Dishes showcase regional flavors from the Southern California shores with an emphasis on seasonal, local ingredients. Executive Chef Lewis Butler pairs rich French traditions with an expansive, airy venue that put a delicious spin on farm-to-table…

There’s something so satisfying about seeing an iced tray of gorgeous Eastern or Pacific oysters on the half shell appear at the table, served with fresh horseradish, mignonette, cocktail sauce and habanero-lime relish. Or the truly great Maryland Blue Crab - straight from the softshell crab capital of the world - where they are packed and flown alive and kicking direct from the Chesapeake to the restaurant several days a week. I am the unabashed seafood aficionado in our family so I am always particularly thrilled when ocean fare is on the menu. My husband, on the other hand, is…

Photo credit: City Cruises by Hornblower Along the California Coast, the ultra-popular maritime activity of whale watching kicks off for the fall/winter season with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see gray whales migrating through the waters for a limited time. In San Diego, City Cruises' seasonal winter whale watching experience returns, which will run through the spring, featuring the best sightseeing of the Bay paired with a professionally narrated tour of whale hot spots and not-to-be-missed San Diego sites. To guarantee a memorable experience for all guests, City Cruises will provide a pass to return for another whale watching or harbor…

Known as one-half of the “Twin Cities,” Minneapolis is one of the most welcoming, culturally rich places to visit as a family in the country. With growing numbers of gorgeous parks, beautiful lakes, hiking trails, bike paths and verdant green spaces, this city is also home to a vibrant arts scene (think world-class museums and progressive galleries), inspired dining, destination shopping and the “Minnesota Nicest” people. Tour the Walker Art Center and get your fill of edgy contemporary works, or stroll through the Sculpture Garden - home to Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Bruggen’s iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry installation - and…

Celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with an unforgettable experience on the water. The two-hour Thanksgiving brunch cruise is available in Newport Beach, San Diego and Marina Del Rey, and includes a menu of freshly-prepared Thanksgiving staples as well as drinks, including unlimited champagne, live music, and unbeatable views. For those who wish to skip the holiday meal preparation and spend more quality time with loved ones, the Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise offers an evening cruise complete with a decadent Thanksgiving dinner and entertainment. Dinner will be offered at the Newport Beach, Marina Del Rey, San Diego and Long Beach ports. CItyExperiences.com(800)…

The nature of gift purchasing has changed greatly since the advent of the internet. How has Absolutely Fabulous stayed above the fray and blossomed while the rest of the gift industry flounders? “That’s easy,” responds Diane Silverstein, owner of the iconic Huntington Beach-based Absolutely Fabulous gift boutique, “quality, selection, price range, and ease of shopping.” After many visits to her “absolutely fabulous” gift and décor shop, I would have to agree. “Plus – we ship world-wide, so you can mail your stuff right from here!” While the internet excels at making home shopping the easiest experience, when you know exactly…