Just in from Suzanne Searles: Something fun and practical when you need your hands, but want to nurse your wine. 
Great for cocktail parties when you actually want to eat something!
Purchase one online here

Local Lagunatic Erin O'Neal has launched a really sophisticated and cool beach towel line. RubyMint, named after her daughter Ruby, offers yarn dyed beach towels. They offer luxurious cotton towels that have fun fringed hems and intricate designs. The OC Wino recently gifted a few to Ms. Pearl, a real connoisseur of chic, who absolutely loved them.

You can check what local stores carry them or purchase the towels online at www.ruby-mint.com

Roger Vivier is the best to find your summer flats. They have rubber soles, which make them easy to walk around in, and are so comfortable. They are great quality, and although they are quite the investment, last forever. I've had my pair for the past three years and they still look brand new.
The store in South Coast Plaza is wonderful and the staff, including manager Debbie Pontillo, are extremely helpful.

Click here to go to the Roger Vivier website

Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses
These fun tequila shot glasses are affordable and will make a great addition to your bar. They are $30 and carved from high quality Himalayan pink salt. Since they are already salted, no need for extra baggage on your crazy 4th of July adventure.

Find them here

Moonshine Making Kit
Want to channel those crazy kids on the peninsula? Make some moonshine!
This kit includes easy to follow directions, 3 bottles of essences (cherry, peach, and apple pie), and your very own Moonshine jug!  
For anywhere from $45-$75 you too can make your own booze! 
Other booze kits are Rum for $75, Bourbon Beer for $45, and Gin for $50

Find the kit here

Wine Sack

This is the perfect way to tote around your wine without getting in trouble for an open container. The sleek bag features an airtight spout and room for a few icepacks if needed. You can even "slap the bag" and make those college kids proud (or uncomfortable).
 
Find this here

After a long weekend of interesting flavors in Little Saigon, I decided to try a 2 Day "Start Me Up" Cleanse from Living Juice. Jaime Jenson, a local Lagunatic, has a fantastic cold pressed juice company located in downtown Laguna on Forest Ave. My cleanse consisted of 6 different juices ranging from delicious vegetable based juice, which creates an antioxidant with thyroid, kidney, and liver benefits. 

I am on day 2 of the cleanse, and have not felt hungry at all. I've been fully satisfied throughout my day. With all the weird foods and all the pours that I have to sample, things have definitely been moving and shaking in there. I needed to stay close to home for this particular detox (particularly of my colon). While driving this morning, a simple pass of gas was expected. Unfortunately, it was a little more than that...

The Royal Garden, my personal favorite, is beets, carrots, celery, parsley, spinach, kale, cilantro, lemon, sea salt, and cayenne pepper. This concoction is guaranteed to boost my immune and digestive system, as well my circulation. I can use it all about now.

I have to say that just in two days, my skin is clearer, water retention has diminished, and my energy level has been really high. I even managed to reorganize my entire kitchen and bar last night in preparation for this to be over.

Jaime is a character and has a lot of local zest along with her juices. The raw and cold pressed liquids are all from organic produce and pack some strong natural flavors unlike a lot of other popular juiceries in the OC.

Her Sunrise, which is made of grapefruit, orange, lemon, and cayenne pepper, would be an awesome mix with tequila and vodka. Might not have the same health benefits, but would be a great addition to a muddled cocktail.

I think a good cleanse is important to do 2-4 times a year. I like to just have some juices on hand as an energy boosting meal supplement. Wish me and my digestive system luck for the next 8 hours, when I will celebrate with a pour of fermented grape juice.

FMI about Living Juice: http://www.livingjuice.me

What is it about getting a blow dry that makes you feel put together? 

Jack Winn Salon and Body center, located, in Newport Beach, across from Sterling BMW was my introduction to the art of Blow Drying.  I was always stressed about what I wore and the fact that I never have had any idea how to apply makeup. I also was so sick of my hair looking frizzy and UN-stylish. I’m sure you can relate.  

Shelby Pence started to cut and style my hair about 4 years ago when the flat iron and Keratin Treatments were really in.  So to be different she started to put a little stylish curl into my layered do with her blowdryer and I loved it. I've been going back twice a week ever since and never have to worry about my hair.

Now I did not want to be one of those women that were in the salon everyday, so I decided to do some home testing on how to preserve a great style for at least 3 days.  I am very active and spin, run, play tennis and am a Bar Method Enthusiast.  All the things that make you sweat.

So I am going to share with you my prize winning (in my mind) tips to maintain your 'do:

-When exercising, loosely pin your hair up in bun with a twist band, then use bobby pins to tack both sides up. You may look like a dork, but who doesn't when working out?

-Pin the sides up whenever you are on the road or at home so you don’t rub your fingers through your hair. 

-By the night of your second day, dry shampoos and hair perfumes are your best friend.

-On your third day, the products are essential.  Please don’t wash it yet; you truly can go another day.  When you think your hair looks like shit, that is when the compliments start coming in.

-When you sleep, don’t pull it back in a ponytail. Just lift it over your pillow and gently let it rest above your head.
  
There are blow dry bars that have popped up everywhere, but I have to say if you buy a series at Jack Winn Salon and Body Center, it is a good bang for your buck. 

Mention the OC Wino and you will also get a very perky pour!

Jack Winn Salon and Body Center
2901 West Coast Hwy
Newport Beach
http://www.jackwinnsalon.com
949-887-9702

Even though I live thirty minutes from the fabulous Susie Cakes on 17th Street in Newport Beach, I will always make the trek for my cakes and cupcakes.

Their cakes decorated with fondant are wonderful. Check out the cake they made for my daughter McCall's 14th Masquarade Party as well as the beautiful cake they made for my girlfriend's birthday. My go-to contact at the bakery is Alexa, who is always helpful and collaborates with me to create a cake perfectly fitting my chosen theme. 

Their mini-cupcakes are my favorite to serve for dessert after any occasion. My two favorite flavors are the confetti cake and coconut cake. But they are all delicious, including their extremely popular red velvet cupcakes.
FMI: https://www.susiecakes.com