When you are planning a date night with your spouse, why not make it a date night for the kids as well instead of the standard “Let’s call a babysitter”? Enter, Movie Night at Newport Beach Country Club - the newly built country club on Coast Highway in Newport Beach. This event is seriously impressive and might even give you and your spouse FOMO.

We are talking big screen with one of the latest kid flicks, popcorn, candy, hot dogs, super cool blow up seats, and this time they went above and beyond making box car seats out of card board boxes with steering wheels and even a license plate the kids could decorate themselves. After you get your little ones settled and cozy with blankets and pillows, you can actually enjoy a one on one dinner at the club.

Clean, modern lines frame this striking Spyglass Hill residence showcasing breathtaking views and top-of-the-line upgrades throughout. Mature palm trees surround the home’s impressive entry with new contemporary glass garage doors, a dramatic double door entry, and a spacious gated courtyard.

Inside, the home’s formal living & dining rooms feature pitched ceilings and abundant windows creating an open and airy space. The bright and immaculate chef’s kitchen includes Bosch stainless steel appliances, marble counters, oversized farm sink, dual islands, and abundant storage. A large breakfast nook overlooking the rear yard opens to a substantial family room with fireplace and sliding glass door opening to the entertainer’s yard with views and built-in

This super stylin venue makes any event stand apart, whether celebrating a birthday or hosting a pop up gallery, this exhibit space lends itself to all kinds of entertainment. Located in a mid-century, bi-level building in Costa Mesa, tucked away off of Newport Boulevard just blocks from Newport Beach and the 55 freeway, the space has a full bar with locally crafted beer, a stage, projectors, multiple catering options, and expansive creative space.

The architecture is a stunning and cool backdrop to your event and can be easily transformed for any gathering. The staff was great and easy to work with as well! In addition check out their crafts market which happens on the second Sunday of every month- Every Second Sunday of the month, where they host

This very vibey salon just opened on one of the most happening streets in Eastside Costa Mesa. Yes- you guessed it, right on Eighteenth Street and Newport Boulevard. The owner, Megan Kiefer, opened her doors making her vision a reality for a salon that feels like home, where you are hanging out with friends but also getting your hair styled to perfection.

Decorated with an eye for design, with a coffee bar that serves to the street called Coffee Dose “making fancy lattes”, a back patio that is busy all the time, and just the energy that Megan envisioned- this place a hit! I can vouch for Megan’s styling but I can also vouch for every other hairdresser there because I know that Megan only hires the best! Definitely check this spot out if you are ready

Secluded in the hills of Newport Coast, this newer construction estate by The New Home Company was just completed in 2016 in the sold-out community of Fiano within the exclusive gated neighborhood of Pacific Ridge.

Quality craftsmanship is evident throughout the sought-after Plan 3, 4 bedroom (with option for 5th), 4.5 bath residence that showcases superior upgrades and designer touches. A private front courtyard lined with French doors reveals the vast entertaining spaces of the first floor, highlighted by soaring ceilings and abundant doors and windows inviting a bounty of natural light and views of the surrounding hills and ocean.

The airy layout unfolds with a formal living room, dining room, and opens to the large kitchen suite adjacent to the

This 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath hidden gem in Newport Coast sits behind the gates of Newport Ridge Estates and enjoys top-of-the-line upgrades throughout. The eye-catching entryway features two-story-height ceilings and unfolds into the luxurious interiors perfected by custom paint, wall accents, and custom window coverings.

A formal living room with marble fireplace sits adjacent to the formal dining room creating an ideal entertaining space for easy flow. French doors leading to the rear yard flank the dining room offering additional entertaining options. Beautiful tongue and groove ceilings connect the relaxing family room with fireplace to a large chef's kitchen with quartz counters, double-oven, oversized island, and breakfast nook.

An entertaining rear

This creative co-op art studio offers classes for beginners and advanced artists alike, and I recently started my toddler aged twins in art classes here. Located centrally in Newport Beach just off the 73 freeway and Birch Street, entering you immediately vibe this funky, inspirational workspace with a sense of community - it is one giant workroom with long communal tables inviting artists to share in their creativity.

The kids art classes consist of working with different mediums and exploring freely but with a focus. I had initially thought the class was an hour long and then realized my kids were still sitting there for another 30 minutes fully engrossed when their art teacher said, wow look at the time, time to wrap up! For two toddlers to sit

A few years ago, I went with a couple friends to the Newport Peninsula to rent stand up paddle boards to take out in Newport Harbor. It was such a great experience, we went back again the following weekend. It is such a fun activity that gets you outside and exercising all while enjoying the sites from the cool water in the harbor.

For the more experienced paddle boarder, the ocean offers a much more challenging workout paddling through the waves and currents. For a few months I visited Paddle Board Newport Beach to rent a board. After realizing how much I enjoyed the sport, I visited Paddle Surf Warehouse in Costa Mesa and purchased my own board.

If you are looking for a soccer option for your under 4 year olds (your kids have to be 4 to play for AYSO), I recommend Baby Slammers. Slammers is a Newport Beach club team and they offer such a great program for the little ones. Coach Jerry leads the teams with several other awesome coaches. They teach skill sets without worrying about actual games for now.

And they take it seriously - uniforms and all - but still throw in the fun. The practices are at local parks like San Miguel Park and Irvine Terrace Park, which is super convenient because your kiddos can go straight to the playground afterwards. The kids are loving it and the parents are loving it... a win win!

We just returned from my son and daughter-in-law’s wedding that was held in Temecula.  We hosted a rehearsal dinner in the working “barrel room” at a fabulous venue called Leoness Cellars located in the center of Temecula Valley’s Wine Country.

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 is surrounded by vineyards. 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. The caterer they suggested was fantastic.

I highly recommend it if someone looking for a venue such as this. It is conveniently located just