Laguna Niguel , CA March 2020

LifestylePubs.com/LagunaNiguel

MARCH 2020

THE HOME ISSUE

INTERIOR DESIGN: THE OPEN FLOOR PLAN EXPERIENCE

REAL ESTATE INVESTING 101

THE JOY OF READING

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2020 PUBLISHER

Michael Gerard | michael.gerard@lifestylepubs.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Karen Reuter

There’s No Place Like Home THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR HOME IS THIS: IT’S THE ONLY ONE EXACTLY LIKE IT! Sure, your neighbors’ homes may have a similar floor plan or paint color.

But the ways you decorate each room, and the family memories you create, make your home uniquely yours.

This Spring, maybe you’re in the market for a new home and are ready to build new memories. Or perhaps you'd like to try your hand at real estate invest-

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mike Gerard, Raad Ghantous, Melony Barber, Kimberly Blaker CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Karen Reuter, Kevin Panizza / Nizza Photography, Dandelion Dreams Photography

ing. We have some fantastic real estate agents, builders, and interior designers to recommend—plus some beautiful design tips to give you some added inspiration for your renovations.

One of the greatest in home life memories is the magic of watching your kids grow up. With this comes the quiet times together reading and nurturing their intellectual development through sharing a good book, creative thinking, and story telling.

If you love your current home and want to do some small things for a little refresh, this issue includes some tips. As we move deeper into the new year, we embrace the opportunity and change that comes with the Spring season.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Happy March, Laguna Niguel!

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Michael Gerard, Publisher

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Laguna Niguel Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Laguna Niguel areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIZZA PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Laguna Niguel Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

John Yocca BUY

-

SELL

-

LEASE

John Yocca REALTOR®

(949) 683-8884 John@JohnYocca.com Lic# 02080125 • Military Veteran - USAF Fighter Pilot • Former CEO of a Southern California Telecommunications Firm

2 RITZ CARLTON DRIVE, SUITE 201 | MONARCH BEACH, CA 92629 ©2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for your listing. DRE 01317331

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2020

FEATURES 14 The Joy of Reading Celebrate Reading and Help Your Child Develop a Love for It

18 Shen Yun Brings Traditional Chinese Culture to the Stage For a Dazzling Experience, See an Insightful, Awe-Inspiring Shen Yun Performance in 2020

22 Creating Experiences through Interior Design Many Homeowners are Moving Toward Open Floor Plans

22 14

26 Blue By Hue Moody Blues are Trending in the World of Interior Design

18

26

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

11

Around Town

14

Healthy Lifestyle

18

Inspired By

22 Open House 26 Trend Setter 28 Culinary Creations 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Financial Buzz

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

ASID OC January Mingle Vision 2020 explored what Interior Designers can expect in the upcoming year from Multi-Line Showrooms, Design Trends, Wallcovering and more. Starting off the new year with a fresh progressive three course meal, the group moved from room to room through the Kenneth McDonald showroom and their partner showrooms, Designer's Resource Collection and Studio. ASID OC delivers again! caoc.asid.org

5.

4.

6.

1. Laguna Niguel Lifestyle publisher, Mike Gerard with Raad Ghantous and Custom Comfort’s Andrew Stoermer | 2. Raad Ghantous, Andrew Stoermer, Bill Elson, and Mike Gerard | 3. Bill Elson, Pamela Kellogg, Warren DeYoung | 4. Natasha Minasian | 5. Liz D’Angelo, Bill Elson, Alix Flamm, Derek FIsher, Angela Eason, Raad Ghantous | 6. Bill Elson, Tara Gentry, Jessica Jones, Pamela Barthold, Pamela Kellogg, Warren DeYoung

8

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

13th Annual Gordon Eansor MS Society Golf Tournament The 13th Annual Team Gordo Charity Golf Tournament was recently held at the Mission Viejo Country Club. More than 100 golfers turned out. Held in honor of the late Gordon Eansor, the tournament benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Another successful event thanks to Greg Eansor, his sister Maria, and a wonderful community of friends and supporters. Go Team Gordo!

March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

9

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Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

AROUND TOWN

OCEAN INSTITUTE FEST 2020 CULINARY-MUSIC FESTIVAL The Ocean Institute FEST 2020 Culinary-Music Festival will be held March 27-28 at the Ocean Institute in

Dana

Point

Harbor. Ocean

Institute has been the iconic entry to life-changing moments through ocean education for over forty years, and this event is the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year. Ocean Institute humbly invites you to join this rich history of supporters who create the moment that changes everything and anchors us in our community. For more information, visit oifest.org

CHOC RECEIVES $8 MILLION TO ADVANCE RESEARCH FOR RARE DISORDER An

$8

million

gift

from

the

Foundation of Caring will help CHOC Children’s advance research for a rare lysosomal storage disease, ultimately leading to an improved understanding and more effective treatments.

The

gift

researchers

will

support

working

to

GALLERY

CHOC develop

next-generation therapies for Pompe disease, a lysosomal storage disease wherein glycogen builds up in the body’s cells and causes life-threatening heart failure and muscle weakness in affected babies. In honor of the gift, the program will be named the Foundation of Caring Lysosomal Storage Disorder Program at CHOC Children’s. choc.org CONTINUED >

COASTAL MODERN ABSTRACT ORIGINALS, PRINTS & SURFBOARDS

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Laguna Beach, CA 92651

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AROUND TOWN

J O E L L E B LO U I N

LAGUNA NIGUEL ROTARY FUNDRAISER COMING TO EL NIGUEL COUNTRY CLUB The Laguna Niguel Rotary Club will be holding its Gold Rush Casino annual fundraiser on March 21 from 6pm-11pm at El Niguel Country Club.

This year's theme will be Gold Rush Casino. Tickets are are available for $150 each.This event sells out every year, so you do not want to miss it! For more information, visit LagunaNiguelRotaryCasino.com

DANY IRY WILLIAMS AT MOZAMBIQUE EVERY SUNDAY Dany Iry Williams has become one of the best Steel Drummers around with over 22 years of experience performing for Caribbean themed events, TV productions, Casinos and Disney special events. See him every Sunday at Mozambique.

Performance

starts

at

5:00

pm. Mozambique is located at 1740 S. Coast Hwy in Laguna Beach. For more information, call (949) 715-7777 or visit mozambiqueoc.com

Exceptional artwork provided with outstanding Service

We are always accepting submissions

for

announcements

you’d

like to see included in our Around Town

section.

Submissions

are

accepted via the Contact Us tab at LifestylePubs.com/LagunaNiguel.

•

Selection

•

Va l u e

“Make Your Life Beautiful” 220 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949-376-4244 thesignaturegallery.com L AG U N A B E AC H - S COT TS DA L E - S A N TA F E March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

13

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

THE JOY ARTICLE KIMBERLY BLAKER

OF REA DING 14

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

CELEBRATE READING AND HELP YOUR CHILD DEVELOP A LOVE FOR IT

WHAT BETTER DAY TO CELEBRATE READ

not be ready to read, kids often memorize some of their

ACROSS AMERICA DAY THAN ON THE BIRTHDAY

favorite books or pages. Making your child an active par-

OF THE BELOVED DR. Seuss, which is March 2nd?

ticipant will help develop their love for reading.

It’s the perfect kickoff to March’s National March Into Literacy Month, both of which are dedicated to the

VISIT THE LIBRARY. Think of the library as a big free

promotion of reading and literacy.

educational toy store. Help your child choose some

Read Across America Day was first introduced by the

books, but also encourage him or her to select some

National Education Association

on their own. Your child can

(NEA) in 1998. The NEA’s goal

“I T W I LL GI V E

for the celebration is to motivate kids to become lifelong

YOU R C H I L D

readers, thereby improving student performance. Every year,

SOM ET H I NG

schools, public libraries, and other organizations celebrate this day by holding reading events for kids.

Locally,

Pretend

City

Children’s Museum in Irvine is

celebrating

Read

Across

America Day on March 2nd with Sensational Story Times at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm. Pretend educational nonprofit with a mission toward preparing students

video

games,

videos,

and

music CDs. HELP YOUR CHILD BUILD A COLLECTION. One thing

T O L O OK

common among reading lovers

F ORWA R D T O

their own book collection. Help

E AC H MO N T H

library of their favorite series,

A N D BU I L D

child a special shelf to store and

EN TH USI A SM

City Children’s Museum is an

also take home audiobooks,

F OR R E A DI N G.”

is how much they enjoy having your child grow a personal author, or genre. Then give your display the collection.

PLAY WORD GAMES. Look for board, computer, or phone games that help kids develop

for healthy development and

their reading and spelling skills

school readiness. You can learn

and vocabulary.

more at pretendcity.org SIGN UP FOR GOODREADS. Through this Android WAYS PARENTS CAN PROMOTE READING There are many ways parents can promote a love of reading and encourage their kids to read not only

and iOS app, kids can track both the books they’ve read and those they want to read. They can also check out what their friends are reading.

during this celebration but year-round.

SUBSCRIBE YOUR CHILD TO A MAGAZINE. There’s a READ TO KIDS. Begin reading to your child very early.

host of kids’ magazines on the market and something for

The NEA suggests infancy is an excellent time to start.

every age group. It will give your child something to look

As your child grows, encourage their participation in

forward to each month and build enthusiasm for reading.

reading the story with or to you. Although your child may

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

15

HE ALTH Y LIFEST Y LE (CONTINUED)

“ T H I N K OF T H E L I BR A RY READ IN FRONT OF YOUR KIDS. Show kids that reading isn’t just a school requirement, but rather a lifelong activity. Let them see you reading both to learn and for pleasure.

FORM A KIDS’ BOOK CLUB. If your child is interested in it, this is a great way to build excitement for reading. You’ll want to find kids who are all at about the same reading level. You’ll need to decide where to hold the weekly or monthly meetings, which could be at your house, or perhaps your school or public library will provide you space. You might be able to advertise it through your child’s school or public library, as well.

SET UP A READING ROOM OR CORNER. Find a quiet distraction-free area in your home to designate as the reading area.

It should have comfy seating, perhaps even a bean bag or two, pillows, blankets, and good lighting.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance parenting and lifestyle writer. She also writes content and blog posts for businesses for a wide range of industries and is an expert in on-page SEO. Find her at kimberlyblaker.com

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Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

A S A BIG F R E E E DUC AT ION A L T OY ST OR E .”

March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

17

INSPIRED BY

SHEN YUN BRINGS TRADITIONAL CHINESE C U LT U R E T O T H E S T A G E FOR A DAZZLING EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER, SEE AN INSIGHTFUL, AWE-INSPIRING SHEN YUN PERFORMANCE DURING THEIR 2020 TOUR

18

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

WHILE THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE SEEING

A

LIVE,

MUSICAL

PERFOR-

MANCE, THE ENERGETIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC,

CLASSICALLY-TRAINED

DANC-

ERS, BREATHTAKING COSTUMES AND INNOVATIVE ANIMATED BACKGROUNDS OF A SHEN YUN PERFORMANCE ARE SIMPLY NOT-TO-BE-MISSED. During this sensational performance, you can learn about traditional Chinese culture, dating back 5,000 years, that has nearly disappeared from modern China. Not only is the show enlightening and eye-opening it also leaves audiences feeling uplifted and inspired.

REVIVING HISTORY China was once called Shen Zhou or “The Divine Land.” Its culture was heavily influenced by spirituality and the belief that their traditions came from the heavens. People of that time followed the course of nature and aspired to harmony among heaven, Earth and humanity.

This drive for harmony lasted until 1949, when communism started to spread across China. An aggressive political ideology, communism would spend decades trying to eradicate spiritual heritage from Chinese society — and it nearly achieved this goal.

AN ASPIRATIONAL GROUP Though you won’t find Shen Yun thriving in China today, traditional Chinese culture has survived thanks to some inspirational artists.

Shen Yun Performing Arts is a non-profit organization with the goal of reviving China’s traditional, uniquely beautiful culture — that had nearly faded from existence — and share it with the world.

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

19

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

POWERFUL PERFORMANCES

brass, percussion and strings. Along with its uniquely diverse

Since its conception by a group of Chinese artists in 2006,

orchestra, the show also features vocal soloists. These gifted

Shen Yun has become an international phenomenon, with

singers perform using the “bel canto technique,” which is sim-

millions of people enjoying the stories, music and dances of

ilar to opera.

an older time.

A live performance is impressive when the performers are disciplined and talented, but what makes a show truly amazing is the chemistry between the artists.

VIBRANT VISUALS To call a Shen Yun performance visually appealing is an understatement. The costumes are not only stunning in terms

While the show’s artists are highly skilled, there’s also

of color and design, but they are also true to traditional Chinese

the sense of a shared journey. The artists not only perform

aesthetics, reflecting the styles from a variety of dynasties,

together, they meditate and study teachings together, too. This

regions and ethnic groups.

camaraderie carries into their performances, making for even more memorable audience experiences.

The effort that goes into the stagecraft is also notable. The lighting, stage and sound design of these performances mixes traditional artistic techniques with modern technology to make

DANCE AS AN ART

for thrilling, seamless storytelling.

The classical Chinese dance that Shen Yun performs can

The use of digital projections creates an even more

trace its origins back thousands of years. This type of dance

immersive experience, quite literally setting the stage for

features impressive flips and spins as well as gentle elegance,

Shen Yun’s dancers and musicians. During singers’ perfor-

managing to strike a balance between serious acrobatics and

mances, the traditional Chinese song texts are translated

graceful dance.

and can be seen on the backdrop, ensuring that audience

Equally athletic and expressive, the show’s dancers are

members won’t miss a beat.

some of the best in the world. What’s more, you cannot find this exact kind of dance anywhere else. While others have made changes or mixed this dance style with others over the years, Shen Yun is unique in its classical, purist approach.

SHEN YUN 2020 Each year, the ensemble travels for about six months, performing shows in 1,510 cities across the globe. Equally impres-

Performances feature folk and ethnic dances from over

sive is the fact that the show is constantly evolving. Shen Yun

50 distinct groups, as well as story-based dances. These

premieres new performances yearly by incorporating fresh

“mini-dramas” tell the tales of heroes from the past and present.

choreography, costumes, digital backdrops, music and storylines into the show.

MAGICAL MUSIC

This year, the group will be performing in various cities

The Shen Yun Orchestra combines the distinct beauty

across the United States from January through May. Check

and spirit of Chinese music with the grand power and refine-

out Shen Yun Orange County or Los Angeles. Other nearby

ment of Western symphony orchestras. By utilizing the best

performances will be in Palm Desert and more.

musical practices from the East and West, Shen Yun is able

Whether you find yourself moved by the music, entertained

to produce truly original music, bringing together traditional

by the stories or awed by the dancing, a Shen Yun performance

Chinese instruments like the erhu and pipa with Western

will stick with you long after you leave the theater.

20

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

21

creating experience through interior design

OPEN HOUSE

THE GREAT ROOM! A seamless merging of this coastal home’s dining area, living room features, and contemporary kitchen.

“OPEN UP YOUR PLANS AND DAMN YOU’RE FREE!” — JASON MRAZ ARTICLE RAAD GHANTOUS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN PANIZZA / NIZZA PHOTOGRAPHY 22

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

HOME IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET YOU HAVE! It’s where you live your life, where you raise your children, your gathering place, your shelter, your sanctuary that you return to at the end of the day; The one place you are always ‘free’ to be your full self.

Many homeowners today are taking steps to free themselves from the highly structured and zoned living spaces of the past and towards a more open floor plan. The phrase “open floor plan” in a residential setting refers to where two or more traditional-use spaces have been joined, by eliminating some of the partition walls that normally divide rooms, to create a more spacious interior space.

CONTINUED >

Parties are no longer segmented over different rooms as everyone gathers around the center stage of this show kitchen!

March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

23

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

Having no division between the master bedroom and bath opens up the room, allowing more space.

The long dual sink vanity with a smooth black countertop, floating LED mirrors, placed for maximum natural light exposure

The main attraction of an open floor plan is the great room,

without windows now get natural light from windows in

which combines the living and dining rooms into a larger area

exterior walls of adjacent combined spaces, layout flexi-

that is still in view of the kitchen. Creating a visually larger

bility, it is easy to reconfigure furnishings and accessories

space, that can be used at any given time more flexibly.

to different room layouts as needed, allowing spaces to

This is the goal of a great number of major remodeling projects of older homes we have been involved with, where the objective is to join spaces into some form of communal living space or ‘great room.’

Equally to many buyers, an open floor plan is highly

needs of the moment.

Lastly, another reason for an open floor plan in your home is that it provides an improved real estate value increasing your home’s perceived value to prospective buyers.

prized when shopping for a new house and creating an

The application of the Open floor plan approach how-

open floor plan is a major reason why we are contacted by

ever is not limited to kitchen, living, and dining and can be

people looking to upgrade their homes.

used to provide another special addition to the home in

Open floor plans popularity stems from the fact that they

24

take on a multifunctional nature depending on your

the form of an amenities filled spa-inspired master suite.

allow for individual activities and social togetherness to

This open bathroom concept is extremely popular

coexist. Family members can do their own activities, yet still

nowadays, and in many cases acts like an extension of

communicate with one another all the while ‘sharing space’.

your bedroom without the doors.

And when looking to entertain, the kitchen, dining room, and

Today we live life with endless schedules and ever-in-

living room zones blend together into one large party scene!

creasing busyness, constantly pressured to keep moving

In addition to better traffic flow and improved sociability

and always being on the go be it professionally or personally,

and communication, other advantages of open floor plans

So, more and more homeowners desire areas of their home

include shared light, spaces that may have been once

to be reserved for momentary escape, rest and relaxation.

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

The master suite is a natural place for this to happen and to infuse spa-like elements that encourage a setting to disconnect and An inviting tub just steps from your bed can serve as the perfect getaway for you all year round.

recharge is an idea that more and more find appealing and meaningfully reinvigorating!

Providing you with a personal sanctuary away from life’s challenges and endeavors.

Yes, the master suite is evolving! it’s becoming the place to recharge or unwind by enjoying five-star hotel amenities at home. Features such as generous natural light washed double vanities, ample closet storage, a whirlpool soaking tub with candle shelf, and a spacious glass walk-in shower with body jets, rain head showers and ample steam generation; and yes even enough space to roll out a massage table for an in home treatment or two as well.

So we can conclude that the designing or remodeling of your home is a very personal act that if done right will support your life style, values, and aspirations for the future too, and therefore choosing the right seasoned design partner to assist in that process journey is incredibly important. A design partner able to understand you, to listen to you, your vision for your home, how you desire to live your life, and at the same time be willing to challenge you to imagine ways you could live your life better.

At Raad Ghantous & Associates we never lose sight of what is expected of us; Combining the best design ideas & materials while keeping within your budget, helping you build the home you want, or renovate the one you’re in, on schedule!

Whether considering an interior update, a kitchen or bath remodel, fully remodeling your home, a new back yard to entertain in, or even building a new home, we can help you manage the many tasks required to make your project a success. Devoting time & attention to you and your project while engaging our 25 years of experience and highly qualified network of trained professionals, suppliers, vendor sources & extensive industry contacts to assist in completing your project.

You don’t have to be wealthy or have a large house to create a space that reminds you of your own deepest values, hopes and inspires you to realize them.

Raad Ghantous is Founding Principal & I.D.E.A. Director at Raad Ghantous & Associates raadghantous.com March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

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TREND SETTER MOODY BLUES ARE TRENDING IN THE WORLD OF INTERIOR DESIGN THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU CAN SCROLL

ARTICLE MELONY BARBER

THROUGH ENDLESS INSTAGRAM FEEDS

PHOTOGRAPHY DANDELION DREAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

TO FIND INSPIRATION ON TREND FOR 2020. Navy blue is Sherwin Williams color of the year. Rich and dark, this regal color can be used on walls, cabinets, fabrics, tile,

1.

4.

2.

5.

3.

6.

artwork, and so much more.

I found @insidebysavvy, a SoCal Interior Design Firm and Contractor duo on Instagram.

Susan Wintersteen and her team have curated a fantastic feed, dripping with innovative designs. Her Instagram feed told a beautiful visual story with the use of this rich navy blue.

1. By using navy blue, this regal color makes this living room feel formal and inviting.

2. The navy blue tile in the vertical and horizontal stripes provide a touch of whimsy.

3. The navy blue herringbone pattern in this shower is a beautiful art detail to update any bathroom.

4. This office looks both professional and calming with the navy blue wingback chair and the hits of this color on the wall.

5. The devil is in the details; look at that navy blue wall and how great it makes this room look.

6. Another massive trend for 2020, navy blue kitchen cabinets, the use of navy blue makes this island pop.

BLUE

BY HUE 26

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

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CULINARY CREATIONS ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER | PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLETTE MARTIN

check your groceries at the door

SPEND MORE TIME AT HOME + GET MEAL KITS DELIVERED FOR EASY COOKING AND HEALTHY LIVING

1

choose your meals

When you sign up for a meal subscription box, you get to decide if you want all of your food for the week delivered or just a couple of meals. You can pick the plan that is most compatible with what you are looking for, and with many companies, you can also decide whether your boxes

TIP:

ship weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

Try to avoid leaving your boxes overnight!

You can always log in to your account and choose to skip a delivery if you realize you won’t be home.

2

delivery

Most food subscription boxes will allow you to choose a delivery day and time frame that works best for you. Your grocery items will be packaged as intuitively as possible, with any freezer items in specially insulated sacks and refrigerator items tucked in with ice packs.

Bonus: You can reuse the insulation and ice packs in kids’ lunch boxes, on road trips or in your own lunches at work.

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Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

C h o os i n g TIP:

a b r an d ALL PLANT-BASED Purple Carrot

FARM FRESH +

If you have a babysitter who likes to cook, you could set out the instructions and ingredients for them to have something fun to do with your kids—it beats ordering pizza again!

ORGANIC Sun Basket

FAST + EASY COOKING Gobble

CUSTOMIZABLE Imperfect Foods

3

ingredients + Prep

Depending on what you order, you may need some of your own supplies. When you select your meals, think about what you will need to cook the food in and if any other kitchen utensils would be helpful.

Have them ready to go so you don’t have to make any last-minute trips to the store, defeating the purpose of getting your box delivered!

Look over the prep times and cook times to ensure you won’t be rushed, and have fun! If the meals are foods you would enjoy reheated, you could do all of your cooking the day you get the box to meal prep for your week, or you can just store the ingredients to the other meals in your fridge and cook them throughout the week.

4

cooking

If you’re a little less-experienced in the kitchen, meal kits are great for learning! Read the instructions

TIP:

carefully before you get started so you don’t feel frazPlace used dishes and pans in the sink with soapy water as you cook so they can start soaking for easy clean-up when you are done!

zled while the heat is up high, and take your time.

If you are a more seasoned chef, feel free to take your own spin on the recipes and add some extra flavor or swap out ingredients to make it perfect for your palate.

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

29

CULINARY CRE ATIONS (CONTINUED)

5

let’s eat!

This is the really fun part! It’s time to start taste-testing. Make a note tab in your phone for tracking what you love and what isn’t your favorite. That way, when it’s time to select more meals, you know what you have tried and what you absolutely have to try again. Don’t forget to ask your family what was a hit and a miss.

Who knows—maybe the kids love some of the Purple Carrot recipes and don’t even notice how many veggies they are eating!

$$$ c o s t b r e a k d o w n imperfect foods You choose how much to spend

l ea rn more

based on what you add to your

onl i ne

spend $60 on your box.

IMPERFECT FOODS imperfectfoods.com

PURPLE CARROT purplecarrot.com

SUN BASKET sunbasket.com

GOBBLE

gobble.com

cart. Shipping is $5 or free if you

purple carrot Box price is based on how many meals and how many servings you order. Meals cost $10-$12 per serving. Shipping is free.

sun basket Box price is based on how many meals and how many servings you order. Meals cost $11-$13 per

TIP:

serving. Shipping is $6.

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Try out a few different boxes. You can pause your subscription for the first one while you try a second one. Just remember to cancel the accounts you don’t want anymore!

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

gobble Box price is based on how many meals and how many servings you order. Meals cost $12 per serving. Shipping is $7.

SPEND A PERFECT DAY IN COCO CAY Thursday, March 12 | 6:00pm - 7:00pm Join us for an informative presentation from our Royal Caribbean International expert, Vince Trotter to learn about their exciting Oasis Class ships and the amazing new island of Coco Cay. You don’t want to miss this!

Additional promotional offers for those attending.

RSVP TODAY

(949) 273 5444 23866 Aliso Creek Road, Laguna Niguel www.cruiseshipcenters.com/lagunaniguel CST: 2138484-40

St. Anne School

www.st-anne.org | @stanneknights

An Independent Catholic School in Laguna Niguel

32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 | Phone: 949-371-9932

When there is nowhere else they would rather be....

COME SEE US! TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR PLEASE CALL OR TEXT THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AT 949.371.9932 March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

31

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

2

12

County business, social and civic

READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY

ROYAL CARIBBEAN SPECIAL PRESENTATION

“The Great CHOCsby” at Orange

Pretend City, Irvine

You're never too old, too wacky, too

Expedia CruiseShipCenter,

wild, to pick up a book and read with

Laguna Niguel

a child." – Dr. Seuss

Join us for an informative presentation

Pretend City is joining thousands of

from Royal Caribbean International

children around the nation in cele-

and learn about their exciting Oasis

brating Read Across America Day!

Class ships and the amazing new

Literacy is an integral part of a child’s

island of Coco Cay. Additional promo-

academic success and Pretend City

tional offers for those attending. 6:00-

supports your child’s love for reading.

7:00 pm. Call (949) 273-5444 to RSVP

pretendcity.org

CHOC Follies is proud to present Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre. chocfollies.org

27-28 OCEAN INSTITUTE'S OI FEST 2020: CULINARY-MUSIC FESTIVAL Ocean Institute, Dana Point

This is the Ocean Institute’s biggest fundraiser of the year and pro-

8 BRIDE WORLD ANAHEIM BRIDAL SHOW

MAR 18-APR 19

ceeds directly support programs

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: VOLTA

restaurants in Orange County and world class musical entertainment. oifest.org

The Anaheim Bridal Show, pro​

sports; the principal character is a

duced by Bride World, is the biggest

game-show contestant named Waz. It

and best show in the area. Shop

is the company's 41st production since

and compare hundreds of wedding

1984, and its 18th show presented under

professionals

the Big Top. cirquedusoleil.com/volta

ding venues, florists, photo booths, photographers, disc jockeys, bridal gowns, tuxedos, entertainers, custom invitations and honeymoon destinations. Next to the Anaheim Convention Center and one block from Disneyland. BrideWorld.com

our community. Featuring the best

Volta is a touring circus show by the Cirque du Soleil. It is based on extreme

wed-

that anchor the Ocean Institute in

OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa

Sheraton Park Hotel, Anaheim

representing

leaders, the twenty-third annual

28-29 OC WINEFEST

A Stones Throw Winery, San Juan Capistrano

21

The OCWineFest brings wines and

LAGUNA NIGUEL ROTARY CLUB GOLD RUSH CASINO FUNDRAISER

ment. The Fest also serves up bou-

El Niguel Country Club, Laguna Niguel

brews from around the world to your doorstep in a fun, relaxed environtiques to browse, artisan merchandise to buy and more! ocwinefest.com

The Laguna Niguel Rotary Club invites

8-14

you to this fund raising event. Enjoy a

OC RESTAURANT WEEK

raises money for community projects

boot scooting event with lots of fun and giving from the heart. This special event

Over 150 great restaurants throughout

and charitable organizations. This event

Orange County!

sold out last year! Get your tickets at

​O C Restaurant Week is Back! Grab

LagunaNiguelRotaryCasino.com

your people and share great meals all week. Leave the cooking and dirty dishes at home and DINE OUT as we celebrate the most deli-

CHOC FOLLIES – “THE GREAT CHOCSBY”

We are always accepting submissions

Robert B. Moore Theatre, 2701 Fairview

in our Calendar section. Submissions

dine out at participating restau-

Road, Costa Mesa

are accepted via the Contact Us tab at

rants! ocrestaurantweek.com

With a cast of nearly 100 Orange

LifestylePubs.com/LagunaNiguel.

cious time of the year. Search participating restaurants and menus on this official website and simply

32

27-28

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

for events you'd like to see included

It’s time to think Inspired by Community

locally

ADVERTISE WITH US to deliver your message to the most affluent families in our community.

LifestylePubs.com/LagunaNiguel March 2020 | Laguna Niguel Lifestyle

33

ARTICLE MIKE GERARD

FINANCIAL BUZZ

R E A L E S TAT E I N V E S T I N G B A S I C S GETTING INTO THE REAL ESTATE GAME CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO

SOME WAYS TO MAKE MONEY IN REAL ESTATE OVER THE PAST SEVERAL DECADES, REAL ESTATE PRICES HAVE INCREASED DRAMATICALLY. Rent, also, is ris-

CASH FLOW FROM RENT

ing rapidly. As a result, more investors are considering real estate

Cash flow is the difference between rental income a

when it comes to leveraging their hard-earned dollars. Let’s face

property generates and its operating expenses. The

it: no one gets rich from 9 to 5. For financial independence, pas-

name of the game is to ensure the net is positive!

sive income is a must. Like any investment opportunity, however,

Common mistakes include underestimating operating

entering the world of real estate investing can be quite intimidat-

costs and overestimating rental income. Plan conser-

ing. It’s really not too complicated, though; just some fundamen-

vatively; unexpected repairs can be tough to forecast.

tals you need to know before starting.

We all learned the basics as kids when pursuing, or fearfully avoiding, Boardwalk and Park Place on the Monopoly board.

APPRECIATION

I always chose the race car, by the way, because the top hat

Buying property just for appreciation can be tricky.

and cannon made no sense! Also, in case I didn’t own those

You might “buy and hold” in a developing area with

prime properties, I figured a fast car was my best chance to get

a long-term plan of selling for a profit. This can

past them safely. The Monopoly concept is basic. To win, you

work, but carefully study the market first. Buying for

buy properties, develop them, generate rental income, and buy

appreciation is riskier than investing for cash flow.

more—all the while, avoiding bankruptcy. Simple, right? While simple doesn’t mean easy, it can be fun.

TAX BENEFITS Mike Gerard is owner of Gerard Lifestyle Real Estate and

Some of the most important investment consider-

a Broker Associate at Berkshire Hathaway Monarch Beach

ations are the tax benefits. As a real estate investor,

GerardTeam.com, (714) 883-2943

you are a business owner and you’ll get tax deductions. Consult your tax advisor.

34

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | March 2020

An all-inclusive Waterfront Food Festival featuring the best restaurants of Orange County. Musical entertainment by LA’s hottest Live 61.

An epicurean experience that you will not want to miss! Guests will enjoy a 6 course plated adventure.

Each course designed and presented by

Music by Live 61 and Voices of Hope Childrens Choir