Located in the center of Temecula Valley’s Wine Country, Leoness Cellars is a fantastic vineyard, restaurant, and event venue.

My son and daughter-in-law’s wedding was held in Temecula, and we hosted the rehearsal dinner in Leoness Cellars' working “barrel room”. The ambiance was spectacular.

Inside stacked along the walls and up to the high ceiling were, of course, wooden wine barrels accentuated with candles.

The Barrel Room at Leoness Cellars is also surrounded by scenic vineyards. For our event, the weather was perfect for the outdoor cocktail and appetizer hour before moving into the barrel room for dinner. The staff were knowledgeable, professional and attentive, and the caterer they suggested was fantastic.

In addition to being a…

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Balboa Island aerial view

Balboa Island is a wonderful place for both tourists and locals alike. Located in Newport Beach, and adjacent to The Village of Corona Del Mar off of Jamboree, it is connected by bridge to the mainland and offers ferry rides to the Balboa Peninsula on the other side. There is a charming main street - Marine Avenue, with some pretty great foodie restaurants like Mr. G's Bistro and the Royal Hen, some seriously legitimate Mexican food at Picante Martine's and the quintessential breakfast spot - Wilma's Patio.

Don't forget to stop at Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop for a famous Balboa ice cream bar or frozen banana (and they have amazing donuts and cookies too! Try the hippo sugar cookies!). There is a footpath that circles around the island along the…

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How have I missed this staple after living in the OC for 6 years?! This Italian Restaurant is the real deal and was established in 1979! Located in Santa Ana it is just a stone's throw to South Coast Plaza and the 405 and 73 freeways. The ambiance is nostalgically old school with waiters and staff that have no doubt been working there for years and take enormous pride in their service.

The food is delicious, coming from "Grandma's recipes". The table side warm spinach salad is quite the show and a great way to start your meal. The homemade pastas are delicious and the risotto out of this world and their dessert souffle's are worth the splurge. A little tip- there is a very cool seating area near the bar called the library - you do not need a…

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Aquazzura is an upscale shoe salon located at one of my favorite malls: South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, located just minutes from another world-class outdoor mall Fashion Island in Newport Beach. The name Aquazzura was inspired by the blue seas of Italy.  Columbian born designer, Edgardo Osorio, co-founded the shoe and accessory company at the age of 25. That’s quite an accomplishment.

After just seven years, Aquazzura is now available at over 300 of the World’s top retailers. The shoe salon features an impressive interior with luxurious, timeless, elegant designs and statement pieces from flats, sandals, boots, and booties to sneakers. My personal favorites include the powder puff flat, featured in an array of colors and the downtown bootie. Whether…

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My daughter recently introduced my wife and me to the Bone Adventure - a full-service doggy daycare with two locations in Costa Mesa.

Bone Adventure Locations in Costa Mesa

Our preferred Bone Adventure location is the "Bone Backyard" on Bristol Street

The other Bone Adventure location (Bone Home) is on Superior Avenue. Both business locations are easily accessible and within a convenient distance of downtown Newport Beach.

Dog Care Services

Our dog loves to socialize with other dogs his size and get a bath, and this is the only groomer that he is comfortable with.

You can book your dog in for multiple-night stays at Bone Adventure (your dog needs to pass a 2-hour temperament test and have up to date vaccinations).

So, you can lodge…

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