A good way to end the year!

Do you have your plans in order for New Years Eve? If you don't, and your scrapping to make last minute plans, K'ya Bistro Bar is planning quite a party tonight. And guess what, it's FREE to get in! That's right, there's no cover charge! Tonight, from 8pm - 12:30am Andre Corradini will be playing Folk/Acoustic in the Lobby Lounge of La Casa del Camino, with complimentary appetizers and desserts from 10pm until midnight. Also, a complimentary toast at midnight along with complimentary hats & blow horns will round out your evening. If you're headed upstairs to the rooftop lounge, be sure to bring your winter woolens, it's bound to be cold up there! And don't forget to order off the regular menu, K'ya is a Zagat rated restaurant so you're sure to be pleased with whatever you order!

Sunset on the rooftop

Some of us usually imbibe in a toast or two on New Years Eve., but if you've had one too many it's good to know that Tipsy Tow from AAA will drive you and your car right to your front door for FREE, and you don't even have to be a member! AAA will come pick you up and tow your car to your home from 6pm Friday to 6am Saturday morning. Save this number, and pass it on to your friends and even your driving-age kids... 1-800-222-4357. *This offer is only good in Southern California, so check with your local AAA to see if it's offered in your neighborhood.

Here's wishing you all a safe and Happy New Year!! Thanks for visiting Chirp! Laguna. I look forward to sharing more info with you in 2011!

Free parking downtown!

Another storm hits Laguna Beach

Local Laguna neighborhoods and businesses have taken a beating these last weeks. Flooding had receded, and all roads and business had been reopened, but with the rain coming down hard again, I am hoping that all is well in the downtown area and in our canyons. As of 9:45 this morning all roads are still opened, and the city is encouraging all to come help our local restaurant and shop owners by offering free parking until January 2nd. Our new city manager, John Petig, has decided that we really need neighbors, friends and tourists to come stay, shop and eat, and help keep our downtown businesses afloat (pun intended!).

Going downtown?

If you are headed to downtown Laguna for the holidays, don't be surprised at what you might find. Crews are working hard to dispose of all the debris and mud, but if you're wearing flip flops, you may still get some mud between your toes. You see, we've had a bit of a flood here. After days on end of torrential rain, mud and empty cars were floating down our streets. It's been mayhem!

Pacific Coast Hwy. at  Main Beach looking north

Looking South towards the Hotel Laguna

So, if you can, be sure to pop your head into your favorite shop, and share some kind words with our downtown merchants! Better yet, purchase that last minute gift for your friends. That will surely put a smile back on our local shop-keepers faces as they finish their cleanup!

'Tis the season to get healthy

We all know it's the season for parties and merriment, but what about your stress level? If you're feeling overwhelmed instead of jolly, maybe it's time you checked out Health in Balance.  Longtime Lagunans Dr. Gary and Dr. Lisa Arthur specialize in chiropractic care, holistic and rejuvenating therapies. And, right now they are offering some amazing holiday specials. Just the thing we all need to get off to a good start in 2011!

Our Team: Dr. Gary Arthur, Dr. Lisa Arthur and Dr. Cynthia Costa. _________________________ Give the Gift of Health this Season with a Health In Balance Gift Certificate! Massage Treat them to 50 minutes of a therapeutic massage session with one of our amazing therapists. Choose from: Deep Tissue, Swedish, Sport, MyoSkeletal, Myofacial, Cranial Sacral or Trigger Point Therapy.- $75 Patient Health Pass Up to a $340 Value, available for $97  and includes: New Patient Exam Any necessary X-Rays Doctor's Report of Findings & a Logical Treatment Plan 10% of Health Pass will be donated to SchoolPower Rejuvenation And Detoxification Wellness Circuit  This 2 hour Medi-Spa includes Drinking Ionized Alkaline Water, Whole Body Vibration with oxygen therapy, Hydrotherapy Massage, Infrared Sauna, Ionic Foot Bath and Hydro-Fresh Rinse, all which help to mobilize and eliminate toxins while burning up to 1000 calories and boosting energy!  This gift is available as an entire circuit $97 ($147 Value) or Ala Carte. Total Body Transformation with The Biosignature Method Our Biosignature Practitioner will assess thier body fat composition and tell them what their unique physiological profile says about where they store fat, why and what they can do to change it. Packages from $127 to $947.

Natural Healthcare Center 330 Park Ave, Suite 3 Laguna Beach, CA 92651 P: 949.497.2553 F: 949497.5273 Therapy & Wellness Institute 380 Glenneyre St, Suite G Laguna Beach, CA 92651 P: 949.376.8203 F: 949.376.8205

Natural Healthcare Center
350 Park Ave, Suite 3
949-497-2553


Therapy Wellness Institute
380 Glenneryre Street, Suite G
949-376-8203

Procrastination or bargain hunting?

Have you wrapped up all of your holiday shopping yet? If not, you may be called a procrastinator by some. But I like to think that we're just waiting for the best deals! Check out the bargains at Tuvalu this week. And the longer you "procrastinate", the more money you save. Now that's a deal that puts me right in the holiday spirit!

Tuvalu Home
295 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA  92651
949-497-3202

Glen Ivy's birthday special is really special!

Did you know that Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona offers free admission on your birthday? I didn't either!

Glen Ivy has been the go to spa for kick back days with the best girlfriends. They are well known for their mud and mineral baths, but they also offer all sorts of spa treatments. Massages, body treatments, a nice hot steam room and fitness classes. Spend the day and have lunch at the cafe, then wander the 11 beautifully landscaped acres around the spa. A perfect way to de-stress and relax!

The floating pool

Glen Ivy is a low key spa, not one of those intimidating, snooty spas.

The famous mud bath

A free birthday spa day is a pretty good bargain, right? But right now Glen Ivy is also offering a $100 gift certificate for only $75! So, grab your best friends, or that special someone and spend an unforgettable day at Glen Ivy!

And here are even more specials!

Reservations are requested, call: 1-888-GlenIvy or purchase online.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs - Corona

25000 Glen Ivy Road

Corona, CA  92883

Happy hour at Mozambique

You'll find one of THE best happy hours in town at Mozambique Steakhouse. Every so often, on a Friday evening ( before happy hour ends, of course! ), you'll find D and me there enjoying the great deals on food and booze. The happy hour menu has some great choices from starters and salads, to several choices of entree. Mozambique is known for their Peri-Peri spice rub and sauce, a staple in South Africa. The Peri-Peri chicken is an all time favorite!

Upstairs patio all dressed up for a wedding

Oh, and the upstairs patio is where I like to sit. The sunset views are killer!

Peri-Peri Chicken skewers

Oh no, I feel a hankering for this spicy sauce! Maybe this Friday Mozambique will be our happy hour spot! Hope to see you there!

Mozambique Steakhouse
1740 South Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA  92651

949) 715-7100

Mondays and Tuesdays $1.99 pizza slice at Gina's

Which Laguna Beach pizza joint is your favorite? One that is surely a strong contender is Gina's Pizza. With two (actually three in summertime) locations in town, they make it convenient to stop in for a slice and an icy cold brew. Right now Gina's is offering $1.99 per slice on Mondays and Tuesdays. And I'm not talking about a flimsy thin crust that still leaves you hungering for more. Gina's slices are the big, hanging off the edge of the plate kind of slices!

Gina's Oak Street location

We also tried the new Caprese salad, and the roasted tomato soup. Both were really delicious, and the salad was a huge portion of arugula, tomato and buffalo mozzarella with a thick Italian dressing. It was more than the two of us could eat!

Pepperoni lovers delight

But it doesn't stop there, folks! Gina's is also offering kids eat free on Wednesdays! That's a deal you can't afford to  miss!

Great deals!

Gina's Laguna Beach locations:

Boat Canyon
610 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA  92651
949) 497-4421

Oak Street
1100 S Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA  92651
949) 494-4342

Festival Grounds Summer location
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA  92651
949) 376-6707

Ocean Nails has reopened

Remember the old days when you could get a manicure and a pedicure for $20? Well, for the month of December, Ocean Nails in South Laguna, is offering exactly that! The Ocean Nails special is a one time per customer deal.

Recently closed for the month of September to remodel, the salon is now completely revamped, and it is gorgeous!

Brand new spa chairs

Ocean Nails is now very spa-like, and in my opinion, they give THE best foot message in town! Using reflexology techniques, the friendly staff will surely soothe, and relax you during the stressful holiday season!

Ocean Nails
31674 Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA  92651

For reservations call: 949) 464-1974

Last weekend for the Sawdust/Winter Fantasy

Hey there!

Have you been to the Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival yet? If your answer is no, then you better hurry! This weekend will mark the end of the 20th annual event. And if you still need to find that unique gift for that special someone, there is no place better to shop than the Sawdust. With 170 artists exhibiting everything from jewelry and ceramics, to paintings, and hand blown glass, it's not only a wonderful shopping excursion, but an inspiring, fun filled day for the whole family. The Winter Fantasy also has live music and other great entertainment, too.

Hand blown glass ornaments

The kids will also have a blast playing in the real snow, trucked all the way from our local mountains!

Folks enjoy the ambience at the 20th annual Winter Fantasy

So come on out to the Festival grounds to support our local artists. If you're not in the holiday spirit yet, this will surely put you right in the mood!

Sawdust Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA  92651

Phone: 949) 494-3030

 questions@sawdustartfestival.org

Local restaurants offer huge deals through Active Diner

I just stumbled upon this cool website called Active Diner. This website offers restaurant coupons and deals, not only at our local spots here in town, but all over the entire country! I can't begin to tell you how excited I am! The restaurants that are featured in Laguna are all favorites. Mozambique, Cafe Zoolu, Mosun's and Claes, just to name a few!

Zoolu Cafe is famous for their baseball cut Swordfish

Mosun Sushi and Club M

Dining with spectacular Laguna sunset views at Claes

Signing up is easy at Active Diner. So, be sure to register right away. You don't want to miss out on the great coupons and deals in your neighborhood!

Romeo Cucina Weeknight Specials

Romeo Cucina on Broadway is a wonderful local spot for great Italian fare. And you just can't beat their week night, and happy hour pricing. My favorite is the Tuesday night 50% off pasta and pizza!

Established in 1991, Romeo Cucina is a family run business, with strong local ties. The Romeo family have created a rich traditional Italian ambience for their guests, featuring delicious rustic Italian cuisine. Their menu is sure to have something for everyone!

It's Tuesday, can you guess what's for dinner?

Did you know that the Penguin Cafe offers cash discounts?

Growing up back east, having a meal at the local diner was a big part of our lives. Diners were just the spot for a hot meal, and some neighborly ribbing, mostly from the cooks and waitresses. How we loved that candid, dry humor! The closest you can come to that nostalgic feel here in Laguna is the Penguin Cafe. Their down home cooking, and friendly servers give the cafe that local charm that we all crave.

Living here for so long, I was surprised when I recently found out that the Penguin offers a cash discount. Who knew? Well, I think most of the locals knew, but just in case you're like me, I thought I'd spread the word!

Next time you want that back home experience, or some local flavor, head to the Penquin Cafe for breakfast or lunch. And be sure to pay in cash so you can get the 10% off cash deal!

The Penguin Cafe is located at: 981 South Coast Hwy., in Laguna Beach, between Thalia Street and Anita Street.
                                            

Laguna's Hometown Hospitality Night

Beginning with Santa's visit and the lighting of the old Pepper Tree, Hospitality Night is one of those community events that you don't want to miss out on! Santa is scheduled to arrive at City Hall at 6 pm for the tree lighting, then he parades down Forest Ave., with all the children following close behind. His final destination for the evening is Santa's House, right in front of Tuvalu's. Not a bad place to land!

Santa gives his reindeer the day off when he comes to town

Then, get ready for the festivities. With music in the streets, and people out enjoying one another, it's a great night for eating, drinking and making merry! Many of our shop owners will offer beverages, sweets or appetizers to entice shoppers, and offer a welcome place to warm up.

Only in Laguna!

And who doesn't love the movie "It's a Wonderful Life"? The movie starts at 9:15, so get in line early at South Coast Theater for your free tickets!

Happy Chanukah, Laguna style

  Don't you just love Hospitality Night? It's such a great way to get out, and see all of your friends, and support our local shops. Hope to see you there!

Laguna's First Thursday Artwalk

Happy December, Everybody!

Don't miss tomorrow night's First Thursday Artwalk! This month's event will collaborate with Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) for their 9th annual Professional Mentoring Program. Fourteen lucky and talented seniors will have the opportunity to show their work, and be mentored by some of our local galleries. Knowing the inside workings of a gallery gives these students an incredible leg-up starting their own careers.

There's always a festive atmosphere at the First Thursday Artwalk, too. Most of the galleries offer free wine, or soft drinks, and some appetizers for their guests. Live music and dance exhibitions round out the evening. So bring your friends, but don't forget your wallet. You just never know which art piece will steal your heart!

I'd love to know, have you gone to one of our Artwalks before? Have you bought any art that you just had to have?

Shuttle service begins at 6 -9 pm, starting at the Laguna Art Museum. See map below.

The numbers on the map refer to our designated tram stops which coincide with the numbers in the gallery listings. The trams only stop at these designated areas.

During the months of July and August, there will be no dedicated shuttle service. To travel between gallery locations, please ride any of the Free Trams that are provided by the City. We will resume our free dedicated shuttle service in September.

See the links under Gallery Listings for tram stops and gallery information.

There is no tram service to The Laguna College of Art + Design.

Winter Special at the Laguna Magical Cottages

Laguna Magical Cottages are exactly what their names imply. With beautiful ocean views and a short walk to Victoria Beach, they are the perfect vacation getaway. I've just been let in on a little secret! For the months of December and January,(excluding holidays) owner Shelley Arends Cornwell is offering a nice discount, $175.00 per night, for a two night minimum stay. That's $30.00 per night savings!

Artist rendering of the cottages

Shelley is known for her attention to detail, and the feeling of luxury she offers her guests.

Living room

Garden patio area

These cottages have even been featured in Coastal Living Magazine! 

One of the bedrooms

Be sure to tell Shelley that you heard of her special from Chirp! Laguna!

For reservations call: 949) 494-4554 or email: spin.shel@verizon.net

Old photo of Victoria Beach

What to pack for your trip to Laguna Beach

 1. Tried-and-true walking shoes. Use your feet to get the genuine feel of this tight-knit town's shopping district and beaches. Double-duty sole mates are in order for the slopes of Hortense Miller Garden with its Boat Canyon and Pacific vistas. Or, if you're lucky enough to be in this artful town on any first Thursday, sample the scene and scenics from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at some 40 galleries―most carrying very high-quality work.

 2. Snorkeling/diving gear. The ecological reserve below
Diver's Cove offers one of the most pristine marine

environments on the SoCal coast. Visit  

lagunaseasports.com for lots of dive details

 .


3. Pooch and leash. Pets are welcome at the Manzanita Guest Cottages featured in September's Coastal Living. Dog Park on Laguna Canyon Road gives animals a field day, literally. (Don't forget to pack baggies for your pet's litter.)

 4. Community spirit. Give a knowing pause by those statues outside Greeter's Restaurant and the Pottery Shack. They commemorate Eiler Larsen, an everyday citizen who for years stood at Forest Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway and personally welcomed visitors to Laguna Beach.

 5. "Laguna Beach" DVD. Pop season one into the player in your vacation cottage and bone up on MTV's hot reality show filmed here and now entering its third season. Hooked? Stop by the Visitors and Conference Bureau at 252 Broadway for an "MTV Fact Sheet" pinpointing actual plot sites, such as Eva's Caribbean Kitchen, where Taylor and Talan had that memorable date.

 6. The Laguna Playhouse tickets. Order in advance from lagunaplayhouse.com to lock in seats at this renowned live theater, which started in a local private living room in the 1920s. ( Poignant Sonia Flew runs from September 12 through October 15.)

 7. A heart of gold. Stop into the Pacific Marine Mammal Center for an inspiring visit with creatures being nursed back to health by local veterinary and volunteer staff―and your donation will be greatly appreciated.

 8. A big blank check. If ever you are in the perfect place to make the art purchase of a lifetime, it's here.

For more travel tips, visit Lagunabeachinfo.org.

Travel Tips by Susan Haynes

Bucking the trend

What is with this new CyberMonday thing, anyways? Sure, we all want to save money, but when you shop online, do know where your money is going? According to The 3/50 Project, when you spend online, there are no dollars returned into your local economy. That's a huge issue. Not only to our local retailers, but ultimately, to our local schools, roads, and government, too! See, when you spend $100.00 locally, $68.00 of that comes back into our community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend your money at those huge, impersonal, national chain stores, only $43.00 stays put, but if you spend online, $0 dollars are returned to the community. That said, it's time we buck this new trend! Our local retailers are hanging on by a thread, they need our support. This holiday season, when you are thinking about gifts, and where you'll be spending your money, be sure to consider supporting our local retailers and services. Sometimes, if you ask upfront, our local shop owners are ready, and willing to wheel and deal. It sure can't hurt to ask!

Suplove warehouse sale today!

Have you been wanting your very own stand up paddle board? Well, Laguna's Suplove will open their warehouse today in Huntington Beach, 10 am until 3 pm, for their Post Turkey Day Sale! Suplove (Stand Up Paddle Co.) opened their doors back in April, and have been a fixture in the community ever since. Nowadays, you can't go to the beach without seeing stand up paddlers, out in the water, enjoying the view from atop the waves. They have also built a strong community of competitive racers, and host live music once a month on First Thursday's Laguna Artwalk!

Don't miss the great deals!

If you want to try out boards before you buy, you can demo boards at the sale between 10 am and 1pm.

Small Business Saturday

Today is the first-ever Small Business Saturday! What that means, is that while your local shopping spree will  support our small businesses, American Express Cardmembers will receive a $25.00 statement credit when they spend $25.00 or more at participating small businesses by using your registered American Express Card. This is brilliant, because it's all about supporting our local shops!

Need to work off those lbs.?

Hi there,

Now that we've finished the glutton-fest we call Thanksgiving, it's time to get back into action. If you enjoy yoga, you should definitely check out Carl Brown's Yoga in the Park. Carl leads a fairly difficult, level 2 yoga group in Heisler Park, Monday through Thursday, and Saturday's starting at 8 am. The best part is that his class is nearly free. He does ask for donations to the Tara Abbey in Nepal, where they do wonderful work raising and teaching children. The class also supports four individual children through the Himalayan Children's Fund.

Carl Brown at Yoga in the Park

Carl is a certified yoga instructor, but also certified in massage therapy as well. So, if you're a little sore after class, you can always schedule a message!

Thanks for giving!

Hi!

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving!

If you haven't yet donated to SchoolPower, it's not too late to take advantage of their deal. If you give $100.00 or more, you will receive the Laguna Locals Card. This card will allow you to take advantage of all sorts of specials, and services from a long list of local businesses for a full year. It's a win, win! You'll support our local schools, and not just the schools, but your child's very classroom, and help our local businesses all at the same time. Now, that's community spirit!

Turning the Tides

Hi!

Are you and your family planning a trip to Laguna? Or maybe a romantic weekend for two? Well, I just got wind of this fabulous deal that the Tides Laguna Beach is advertising! The Tides has completely renovated their hotel, and it is gorgeous!

The Marilyn Suite

Beautifully warm and cozy

Here's the deal, The Tides is offering their "Fall in Love with Laguna" package. Stay three nights in lovely Laguna Beach for the price of two. This deal is only good until December 15, so be sure to make your reservation soon! By the way, you can "like" The Tides on Facebook, too!