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TABLEAU

S EP T/ O CT 2 0 2 1 I SSUE

F R O M K I TC H E N TA B L E M A R K E T I N G

HAUTE COFFEE SPOTS SOCO'S NEW SHOPS EMPTY NESTING NOTES

THE DISCOVERY ISSUE

INCLUSIVE BEAUTY, LESSER-KNOWN NONPROFITS, SHOP SMALL + DIVERSE Photo by Jesse Rodriguez

L E TTER FRO M T HE EDI TOR Welcome to the Sept/Oct issue of Tableau! Over the past year and Tableau’s six issues, we’ve learned that it takes a lot to produce a beautiful, entertaining and informative magazine. A publication that aims to be inclusive, downto-earth and different while capturing the essence of Orange County — a place that can be anything but those things, sometimes. Tableau continues to be the little online magazine that could, powered by the talents of some of the region’s most talented journalists, essayists, designers, photographers, artists and editors. I have been honored to work with each of them and owe them a huge collective hug and thank you for lending their time and talents to the magazine. Appropriately, this anniversary issue is themed around “discovery.” As we continue to discover the the ins and outs of producing a magazine, we also have the pleasure of discovering all sorts of new things in and around OC, thanks to our wonderful writing team. In this edition, you’ll discover everything from fabulous makers that make shopping small fun and exciting to lesser-known nonprofits we know you’ll want to support. We’ll take you to the depths of our coastal waters for the finest wines and on a county-wide tour of the hottest new coffee spots. And that’s just the beginning. If you haven’t yet, please visit our website at tableauofficial.com. It’s gorgeous, easy to navigate and full of wonderful stories for you to enjoy. And, if you’d be so kind, would you tell a few friends about Tableau? That would be the best birthday gift of all. With gratitude,

Carrie Freitas carrie@kitchentablepr.com  @tableauofficial  @tableauoc

[ CONTENTS ]

SEPT/OCT 2021

The Contributors

Mom + Pop

Take Note

To Order

Do Good

Of Interest

By Design

Shop Small

Self Care

First Person

Photos courtesy of Snif, Terrasage Home, NUDAE Coffee, Cell Dogs

OUR C O NTRI BUTO RS Elisabeth Abrahamson OC native Elisabeth Abrahamson enjoys writing about her beloved hometown. When she’s not creating content, she spends her time traveling (Palm Springs is a local fave!), discovering the best new brunch spots with friends, and watching The Office with her fiancé, Doug.

Sophia Anderson Sophia is a high school journalist who was born near the beach and has seldom left it since. When she’s not writing or studying, Sophia is spending time with her family: doing yoga in her backyard, going out for tacos, and watching movies in her family’s cozy OC condo. It’s her, her numerous notebooks and her purple Converse against the world!

Allison Hata Allison Hata is a freelance writer and editor based in Southern California. She lives and breathes OC, covering food, style, design and culture around town for over a decade. A former editor for Newport Beach Magazine, Allison is passionate about telling stories that capture the fascinating people and places that shape her community. Her work has appeared locally in Modern Luxury, Pelican Hill Magazine, Design OC and more.

Sara Hall Sara has nearly 14 years of experience at several daily and weekly newspapers, including The Record Searchlight in Redding, The Daily Advocate in Greenville, Ohio, the Newport Beach Independent, and most recently at Stu News Newport and Stu News Laguna. Her work has included photography, writing, design and layout. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and pets.

Marrie Stone Marrie Stone is a former corporate attorney. Her fiction and essays have appeared or been accepted for publication in Reed Magazine, the Writer's Journal, River Oak Review, Into the Void, Coffin Bell, The Rambler, The Write Launch, and also in Orange Coast Magazineand various online newspapers. She co-hosts the weekly radio show and podcast Writers on Writing, where she has interviewed more than 500 writers, poets, and literary agents. She lives with her family in Laguna Beach.

Jesse Rodriguez Jesse is a new photographer based in Los Angeles, California. He began his photography journey during the pandemic and has had the opportunity to work with multiple brands and artists since then. He specializes in landscape, portrait and drone photography all over California. In his free time, he enjoys writing and performing music, spending time with his wife, and exploring Los Angeles and its surrounding areas Michelle Pulfrey For more than two decades, Michelle Pulfrey has shaped SoCal’s TV news landscape as a senior producer for Fox 11’s “Good Day L.A.” Always on the pulse of what’s new and noteworthy, Michelle also produced the station’s popular “Style File” segment and has written on fashion, beauty and lifestyle for Modern Luxury OC/Riviera. Now, this OC resident brings her talents to Tableau. Janet Bludau Janet Bludau was recently voted "Best Landscape Artist of the Year” in a juried, international show. She strives to simplify the shape and line of common landscape and seascape scenes and use her own rendition to venture past what the eye actually sees in nature.She also throws in a fun figurative and still life work every now and again. Janet works from her studio in Cannery Village, Newport Beach. Luke Gialanella Luke Gialanella founded GOVLEARN when he was 11 years old, in the summer after the 2016 presidential election. Finding that there was a lack of substantive civics education for elementary and middle schoolers, he went on a mission to correct that. Creating a website and YouTube channel, Luke is obviously extremely passionate about government and politics and has participated in many mock governments, Model UN, and debate programs outside of school.

TA B L E AU STA FF AKA The Kitchen Table Marketing Team Carrie Freitas, Editor-in-Chief + Publisher

Kristen Cagatao

Miki Akil

Ashley Hult

Jordan Kruk

Kaylyn Lane

Madelyn Sutherland

TA K E N OT E

Photo credit courtesy of Leslie Christen

By Allison Hata, Elisabeth Abrahamson and Miki Akil

The Fall Edit After taking a short break to travel the world — returning home just before the start of the pandemic — Orange County stylist Leslie Christen is now back in business. “Everyone wants their closets cleaned out and they don’t want to wear sweats anymore,” Leslie says. “People are saying, ‘I have to go back to the office in September, I need help.’ They want personal shopping.” As a seasoned stylist who has extensive experience in fashion and costume design, Leslie guides them through her tried-and-true process that begins with a closet edit. A well-curated closet makes getting dressed so much easier, she explains. Once a relationship is established and she understands a client’s personal style, she plans a shopping session to find missing wardrobe staples or introduce new looks they want to try. While she’s always happy to visit South Coast Plaza or local boutiques with her clients (Shop Common

Thread and Laguna Supply are among her faves), she can also bring her stylish selections into their homes. These bespoke shopping experiences allow clients to mix and match their own shoes and accessories to create outfits that authentically express their individuality. | IG: @lesliechristen

Cacao Connoisseur Decadence descended on SteelCraft Long Beach with the opening of Romeo Chocolates earlier this year. The artisanal chocolate company, already a fixture in the community, made itself at home among SteelCraft’s repurposed shipping containers just before Valentine’s Day. “We want to be as accessible as possible and promise to make it easy for all of our customers to fall in love with chocolate, just as I did 14 years ago,” says founder Romeo Garcia. The Long Beach resident left a thriving career in higher education to immerse himself in the artistry and complexities of cacao and chocolate-making, enrolling in the Ecole Chocolat Professional School of Chocolate Arts and master chocolatier program in Belgium. Today, he channels his passion into truffles, bars, pastries and more that combine European traditions with ethically sourced products from around the world. romeochocolates.com | IG: @romeochocolates

Home Sweet Home Popular pop-up Terrasage Home has a permanent address at SteelCraft Long Beach starting this month. The designer plant and decor company gained a devoted following since its launch in March 2019, bringing artful arrangements to farmers markets,

Photo credit courtesy of Terrasage Home

collective boutiques and outdoor venues around Orange County, LA and Long Beach. After a series of successful weekend pop-ups at SteelCraft, founder Jacqueline Estrada jumped on the opportunity to open her flagship location at the bustling urban eatery. “Our team at Terrasage Home is extremely grateful for this exciting opportunity to join the SteelCraft family and further build our business in Long Beach,” she says. From whimsical cactus garden moon sets to creative terrariums, shoppers can find plants of all kinds to dress up their home or office space. No green thumb? No problem — Terrasage Home specializes in low-maintenance succulents and beautiful dried arrangements that will take any room from drab to fab. terrasagehome.com | IG: @ terrasage_home

A Brand-New Bite Family recipes are the heart and soul of La Taqueria Brand, a staple on the Long Beach food scene that made its way down to Orange County over the summer. The neighborhood eatery opened its third location at SteelCraft Garden Grove in July, dishing up tacos, quesadillas, burritos and more to hungry crowds at the open-air communal dining space. You’ll know it’s an authentic La Taqueria dish even before the first bite: Flour tortillas are emblazoned with the brand’s signature mark, an homage to Mexico’s history of cattle ranching and the premium angus beef sourced by the restaurant. A must-try is the birria street taco, made Tijuana-style with meat packed in yellow corn tortillas and cilantro and onion to finish. But that’s not all — sample homemade selections from the complimentary salsa bar to pair with any of the other flavor-packed fillings, from tender al pastor and carne asada to vegan chorizo and picadillo. brandlataqueria.com | IG: @brand_lataqueria

What Your Pet Wants Arriving this September, the OC Mix’s newest tenant is cooking up some mouthwatering morsels — all slow-cooked, farm-fresh and small-batch. No, we’re not describing tonight’s dinner (though it sure sounds tempting!). Pet Wants provides nutrient-rich food with no added sugar, no fillers and no animal by-products for our four-legged friends. Each bite of proprietary-blend kibble is nourishing for cats and dogs, while the lack of corn, wheat, soy and dyes makes it an easier choice for animals with allergies. At the new SOCO shop, you can also pick up treats like freeze-dried wild-caught salmon, chews, toys and accessories, and set up free personal delivery of food ordered by the pound. petwants.com | IG: @petwants

On Cloud Wine Costa Mesa’s newest wine shop is here and it’s already a local favorite. Semi Tropic Wines offers a rotating selection of natural wines in a beautifully curated space. The shop also has a retail room where shoppers can browse more than 200 different wines. You won’t find tasting flights here, so be ready to purchase wine by the glass or half-glass. Wine is the main focus, but we’d be lying if we didn’t say the cheese board steals the spotlight. A generous portion of three cheeses, olives, almonds, honey, pickled veggies and sourdough bread from Rye Goods is more than enough for two to four people to share. Don’t forget to add meat to the board: Duck breast prosciutto, Berkshire Lomo (pork loin with Spanish paprika) and Italian Toscano (pork spiced with garlic, black pepper and white wine) are just a few of the available options. Cheers! semitropicwines.com | IG: @semitropicwines

Photo credit courtesy of What Your Pet Wants, Semi Tropic Wines

sunsets almost every evening and taught myself how to compose and edit a photo.” An adventurer at heart, Jesse used photography as a springboard to explore his hometown and capture the iconic imagery of the Golden State, from quintessential lifeguard towers and palm trees to landmarks like the Getty and Golden Gate Bridge. “I love being able to make people feel like they were right there next to me in that moment,” he says. “Nothing makes me happier than inspiring people to create similar shots or visit the places I frequent.” | IG: @jesse.shoots

Save the Date for Design

Natural Summer Skincare Amy Zunzunegui worked at Urban Decay for almost 20 years before deciding to venture out and create her own line of vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable skincare. Enter Wldkat, Zunzunegui’s skincare line with products that are good for you and the earth. And did we mention they actually work? Wldkat products are stripped of irritating and unnecessary additives and replaced with the earth's wild ingredients, combined with modern skincare technologies. Favorites include Mushroom and Moss gel moisturizer, Saffron and Oat Milk glow serum, and Ginger and Kombucha skin tonic. Shop Wldkat on their website and at Asos.com and Urban Outfitters. | widkat.com. IG: @widkat_skin

Day of Design, SoCal’s original signature design event hosted by South Coast Collection (SOCO), is returning this fall. On Saturday, Oct. 2, guests are invited to attend an afternoon of design-focused workshops, presentations and trend discussions, complete with a sit-down lunch featuring a panel discussion that will be moderated by a special guest. The event is open to the public and to design professionals alike, and offers a day of learning, fun, inspiration and experiences throughout the center’s worldrenowned showrooms. Tickets are $20 per person and space is limited; register in advance online and follow along on Instagram for updates on participating showrooms, featured guest speakers and more. SOCOdayofdesign.com | IG: @SOCOandtheOCMix

Adventures Through the Lens Look through the viewfinder of SoCal photographer Jesse Rodriguez and you’ll see a world in vivid color. His snaps capture the mesmerizing gradients of West Coast skies: deep purples and blues behind the LA skyline, a golden glow illuminating silhouettes on the shore. It’s a self-taught skill, born from the restlessness of the pandemic. “I felt like I needed another creative outlet and picked up an old camera that had been sitting in the closet,” says Jesse. “I began chasing

Photo credit courtesy of Jesse Shoots, SOCO

D O G OOD GIVING GUIDE Make an impact locally By Sara Hall Think globally, act locally. Consider how small acts of service, support and sympathy in your own backyard can make an impact on a larger scale. The ripple effect of donating time, money or talent to a worthy cause in our own community can be felt down the line. While the list of the following nonprofits may not be known around the world, their impact on the lives of those they help is earth-shattering. In this list are new organizations, born out of a need for help in the last few years; others have quietly been around for years, doing good deeds under the radar. A few advocate for health, for those without voices or for those who have a hard time speaking up. Some help with heartache, others inspire and many create a safe and welcoming community. This fall, while the entire planet still grapples with COVID-19, it’s a better time than ever to consider helping out a neighbor. Here, meet a few nonprofits that encourage you to invest your time and resources right at home.

Barbells for Boobs In 2009, founder Zionna Hanson’s best friend, Cecy, was denied breast screening services because of her age (26), but she persisted and was eventually diagnosed with breast cancer. The healthcare system failed her, which fueled Zionna to take action. So, she did what she knew: She lifted barbells. In a small parking lot, a group of 60 friends and athletes came together and raised $4,000 for Cecy, who asked that the funds help others. Barbells

Photos courtesy of Get Inspired, Barbells for Boobs, Cell Dogs

for Boobs was born, and now provides support and education to incorporate physical activity as the foundation for breast cancer risk reduction, treatment and survivorship. Physical activity is shown to have a significant positive impact on the side effects of cancer, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain and cancer-related fatigue. Barbells for Boobs aims to redefine the standard of care in breast health and improve quality of life postdiagnosis. barbellsforboobs.org | 714-361-6132

Get Involved: Resources After Diagnosis: Through this program, women receive tools like educational resources, exercise programming, a community network and more to help them move daily.

decades ago. Building on her ideas, the local team in Santa Ana started working with shelter dogs and correctional institutions in 2007, officially becoming a nonprofit in 2017. Cell Dogs has since implemented six programs at institutions serving either incarcerated adults or minors, rescuing dogs from local shelters and enrolling them in basic obedience training programs at correctional facilities. For each training cycle, the team ensures all animals are lovingly adopted or promoted to the advanced program for specialized service dog training. More than 450 dogs have completed the programs to date and hundreds of trainers have been involved. On top of helping the animals and people involved, Cell Dogs reduces euthanasia and recidivism rates, saves taxpayer dollars, changes lives with its well-trained pets and service dogs. celldogs.org | IG: @celldogs

Get Involved: Transform Lives: Harness the power of the humananimal bond and set a new course for both shelter dogs and incarcerated individuals. You can volunteer by fostering a dog for two to eight weeks until the next program cycle begins. Fundraise: The current fundraising goal is for shade sails to provide program dogs a safe place to rest outside in the heat. More information on donating, sponsoring a dog or other ways to give can be found on the website or by calling 949-877-4882.

Behind the Bra Podcast: Tune in to a platform that opens the door to hope, healing and community for both the listener and the speaker, where individuals impacted by breast cancer share their brave and inspiring stories. You Do You: This fundraising campaign is designed so that you can raise awareness and funds anytime you want. Set up a team, donate individually or create your own fundraising page — you decide how long your campaign is, when you want to start and your goal.

CELL DOGS The concept of teaching inmates to train dogs was pioneered by Sister Pauline Quinn about three

resources. FYA boxes are intended to be organic in the sense that each person can add their own anchors and inspiration before passing it along to someone in need. findyouranchor.us | IG: @findyouranchorbox Get Involved: Build a Box: Local volunteers are always needed to help make boxes at the San Clemente headquarters. To lend a hand, email morgan@findyouranchor.us. Become a Messenger: Messengers help the organization reach those who are struggling and ensure boxes remain free with donations of $25. To bring FYA boxes to your community, school, organization or workplace, email ali@findyouranchor. us.

Find Your Anchor Find Your Anchor (FYA) is a grassroots movement aimed at suicide prevention, awareness, and education. With creativity and a personal touch, FYA aims to support those who may be struggling and destigmatize conversations surrounding suicide and mental health. Founder and CEO Ali Borowsky started the organization after her own struggle, with a desire to support others in a meaningful and creative way. An “anchor” can be anything that someone can hold on to for another day or another minute, Ali says. Helping facilitate conversations around mental health is so critical — and if we can do it in a more personal way, these interactions will be more powerful and effective. At the heart of FYA’s mission is a small blue box, each packed with materials designed to inspire, soothe and offer support. This includes a “52+ Reasons to Live” deck of cards, an infographic on depression, a list of resources, posters, stickers, a bracelet and a letter. Please Stay is an interactive and easily accessible mental health resource also included in every box. Created in partnership with Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation, the pledge is rooted in lived experience and supported by evidence-based

Forever Footprints When Joseph Thomas von Rotz was born, his parents said hello and goodbye in the same heartbreaking moment. To honor their son, Mark and Kristyn held a small walk in a park for family and friends. Through their painful journey, they met other families and saw the need for support, education and remembrance for grieving families. What began as a small walk in 2005 with 100 participants, grew into a robust nonprofit with three pillars of engagement. Forever Footprints provides direct support and services to both parents and children, including free monthly support groups focusing on grief and parenting after loss; educates the medical community to improve quality of care and

Photos courtesy of Find Your Anchor, Forever Footprints, Get Inspired

response; and offers opportunities for remembrance to help families find their own path to healing. Its aim is ensure that families who have suffered a pregnancy or infant loss receive the best support, comfort and resources possible. foreverfootprints.org | IG: @ foreverfootprints

Get Involved: Walk to Remember: The annual event will take place Oct. 16 at the District at Tustin Legacy and includes a memorial service with a reading of babies’ names, a baby name wall and a 5k walk where many families create fundraising teams. Teddy Bear Drive: This virtual volunteer opportunity created in 2020 raises funds to buy comforting stuffed animals given to children who are grieving the loss of their baby brother or sister. Sponsor a Memory Box or Sibling Backpack: These are given directly to families who request them as a keepsake. They are also shared with local hospitals, where nurses lovingly present them to grieving families. Sponsor one box for $25 or one backpack for $50.

Get Inspired Founder Nancy Caruso was inspired to become a marine biologist in the fourth grade before ever even seeing the ocean. After just one oceanography lesson, she knew what she was meant to do and set on her life path. Now known as “The Kelp Lady,” she started Get Inspired in 2009 when she wanted to do more conservation work on her own terms. Her nonprofit is dedicated to inspiring passion, stewardship and curiosity for the natural world through the exploration of science and aims to teach young people and the community about ocean conservation. All of this is done through ocean restoration programs to restore the kelp forest ecosystem, immersive outdoor environmental science expeditions, a science mentoring program and through teaching a sustainable farming technique called aquaponics. getinspiredinc.org | IG: @greenabaloneoc

Get Involved: Volunteer: Volunteers needed to help with myriad activities, which include monitoring, surveying and outplanting, assisting in ocean restoration projects,

and outplanting, assisting in ocean restoration projects, scuba diving, covering info booths and public outreach. General Giving: With very low overhead costs, Get Inspired makes the most of every dollar. Your donation invests directly in the nonprofit’s programs.

streamers, party hats/tiaras, cake mixes, frosting, sprinkles, candles, 9” by 13” disposable pans, punch mix, paper plates (themed or solid color), themed napkins, plastic utensils, cups or fun party favor/ goodie bag items. Gift Cards: Provide gift cards to Party City, OrientalTrading.com, Target or Walmart to help purchase supplies.

Peer Voices of Orange County

Party Pepper Uppers Alii Goedecke, author of “One Fun Thing,” the story of a family discovering that it takes just one fun thing to brighten any day, is following in the footsteps of her grandmother, who started a tradition of special birthday celebrations with homemade cakes and party games. Alii and her mother, Gale Kahn, were inspired to share the joys of a birthday party with kids in the community who are in need. So, doing “one fun thing” for others, the mother-daughter duo created Party Pepper Uppers. The team creates complete birthday party packages for children who might not otherwise have a fun celebration, either because their parents can’t afford it or because of illness in the family. The Birthday Party in a Bag includes everything needed for a fun-filled birthday celebration and are delivered to local women’s shelters, the Boys & Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House, U.S. military families and other organizations that want to help children in need have a happy birthday. onefunthing.com/party_ pepper_uppers

People who live with behavioral health conditions should have a voice in the community. With this premise in mind, Orlando Vera and Johnice Williams co-founded Peer Voices of Orange County in 2020 after being approached by Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (MECCA) and Mind OC. The peer-led movement is focused on advocating and communicating needs and opinions of individuals and family members with the community, advisory boards, county committees, doctors and providers, and ultimately share resources that will help others. The more they know, the better they can help each other, which leads to a faster recovery, and the better they are overall, Johnice and Orlando explained. The organization’s goals include working to erase the stigma, transform the behavioral health system, provide consumer perspective and unify peer voices. peervoices.org

Get Involved: Hope Happens Here: Listen to Johnice and Orlando on the Be Well OC “Hope Happens Here” podcast

Get Involved: Support the Party: Donate unused party items like invitations (themed, fill-in style), birthday banners,

Photos courtesy of Party Pepper Uppers, Peer Voices of Orange County, Sandy Feet Initiative

episode titled “Nothing About Us, Without Us” (bit. ly/2TeCsx8) Newsletter: Sign up to learn more, share concerns, send a compliment and more. Orange County Recovery Rally: Peer Voices of Orange County will have a table at the event hosted by Purpose of Recovery, taking place Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at KiwanisLand Park in Garden Grove. Register at ocrecoveryrally.org.

Sandy Feet Initiative Mo Langley was the fifth of six children in a family that has battled alcoholism and mental illness. She felt like the caretaker to her siblings and parents and saw her needs as secondary to the rest of the family. With these experiences growing up, she wanted to take care of others who are also “mini caretakers” to their loved ones. In response to a lack of services for the siblings of children with special needs, she founded Sandy Feet Initiative in 2017. Using the Sibshops model, the nonprofit’s beach-based programs offer siblings safe and instructional events including yoga, surfing and boogie boarding, beach clean-up, and open discussion about their shared experiences. It also hosts monthly Sibshops at CHOC, bringing

the magic of the beach to the siblings of children in the hospital. The weeklong and after-school beach camps provide a safe place for children to learn, build coping skills, have fun and meet other kids who also know what it is like to have a sibling with special

needs — because Mo wants them to feel like they are No. 1, even if only for a short time. sandyfeetoc.org | IG: @sandyfeetoc

Get Involved: Women’s Surf Film Festival: The third annual event (skipped in 2020) features women’s surf films created by women. It’s scheduled for Jan. 15, 2022, and will include a Q&A with the female leaders of their films. Tickets go on sale in December and proceeds benefit Sandy Feet. Newsletter: Sign up to learn more about programs, classes, events and fundraisers. General Giving: Donations help supply the kids with wet suits, booties (water shoes) and surf/boogie boards.

BY D ESI GN OPEN SEASON A First Look at SOCO's Latest Arrivals By Allison Hata As the sun sets on summer, it’s in with the new this fall at South Coast Collection (SOCO). In recent months, a slate of boutique brands and specialty showrooms have joined the Costa Mesa design destination, with more on the horizon. Check out what’s open now and what to look forward to, from home and decor hubs to culinary gems.

H. Alora If a good night’s sleep is the ultimate luxury, H. Alora boasts an embarrassment of riches. The ultra-luxe bed boutique opened shop in a temporary location at SOCO this summer, inviting

Photo credit courtesy of Whimsical Charm, G Bar

SoCal’s restless sleepers to find the mattress of their dreams. Costa Mesa is home to the British company’s first North American flagship store, which unites premium brands from both sides of the pond under one roof. The showroom features mattresses from the likes of Vispring, Harrison Spinks and McRoskey, ranging in price from $7,000 to $120,000 with features such as hand-tailored details and allnatural materials. Before drifting off to dreamland, shoppers can elevate their sleep to an art form with linen selections from purveyors including U.S.-based Peacock Alley and the environmentally conscious SDH. h-alora.com | IG: @h.aloraluxurybeds

Whimsical Charm Oh, baby! Whimsical Charm founder and creative director Rosie Arias is wrapping Orange County’s tiniest tots up in style. Parents can peruse cozy robes, gifts, and baby and toddler apparel including gauze rompers, graphic onesies, dresses and more. The shop’s signature offering, however, is what inspired Rosie to launch her business in 2013. Her beautifully embroidered baby blankets are cozy yet functional. Breathable cotton swaddles in adorable prints make

for easy bundling during those first few weeks at home, while durable security blankets are the perfect size for grasping in pint-sized fists. The plush newborn or stroller blankets also make for great personalized gifts with a monogram or embroidered baby name. As a mother and an entrepreneur, Rosie’s care for the next generation extends beyond the walls of her boutique — she provides training, mentorship and work

experience for youth in underserved communities in her San Pedro warehouse. whimsicalcharm.com | IG: @whimsicalcharm

Poggenpohl As the saying goes, the kitchen is the heart of the home. SoCal homeowners looking to upgrade this central space can pop by BoConcept’s newest showroom dedicated to the German brand Poggenpohl, known for its luxury cabinetry. While it may be the oldest kitchen manufacturer in the world, founded in 1892, Poggenpohl is far from old-fashioned. Its minimalist aesthetic and commitment to innovation — like LED shelves or placing runners beneath drawers to maximize interior space — have made the brand an industry trailblazer. A visit to the studio is a must for modern design enthusiasts, as every Poggenpohl kitchen is custom-built with unique finishes, materials and colors. The BoConcept showroom is the only Poggenpohl studio in the Orange County area. poggenpohl.com | IG: @poggenpohlkitchens

Butcher’s House Brasserie

G Bar Get weekend-ready while practicing some stylish self-care at G Bar, a serene beauty studio specializing in eyelashes and brows. Founded by international beauty maven June Park, the OC Mix location opened this summer as the brand’s second storefront in Orange County. June, who has more than two decades in the business with luxury salons in South Korea and New York, is a master of her craft. She focuses on quality and advanced industry techniques for the studio’s lash extension services, which range from a classic set to full-volume glam. Those who want a natural boost can opt for the lash lift, which is done using a no-glue method that lasts up to six weeks. All services, including brow waxing and semi-permanent makeup including microblading and ombre fills, are done by trained technicians who share June’s philosophy that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. glashandbrow.com | IG: gbar.official

Photo credit courtesy of G Bar, Poggenpohl

You'll have to wait a few more months for SOCO's newest culinary concept, but it's sure to be a palate pleaser. Butcher's House Brasserie will make its debut in November, serving up wood-fired grilled meat as the star of a mouthwatering menu. Owner Jeoffrey Offer, who hails from the south of France, is the former executive chef at the popular Moulin bistro. Tying together the flavors of his childhood home and almost 15 years in the culinary world, Jeoffrey says his new venture is inspired by the butcher’s craft. Upon opening, the brasserie-style eatery will invite patrons to enjoy a slow moment together — laughing, drinking and conversing over modern plates of traditional French cuisine. butchershouse.com | IG: @ butchershouseoc

S E LF CARE INCLUSIVITY IS BEAUTY INDUSTRY'S HOTTEST TREND By Michelle Pulfrey At Tableau, we think inclusivity is a beautiful thing, and we're happy to see that beauty industry innovators agree. From genderless scents to gender-fluid makeup, and from color palettes for every skin tone to products designed with the LGBTQ+ community in mind, we celebrate beauty for everyone.

The Nose Knows Better Snif is a new direct-to-consumer concept: a premier fragrance brand, from the way you try it to the way you buy it. Snif allows you to scroll through its offerings online and create a “bundle kit” of three high-quality scents to try for free for seven days. Once your order arrives, you will only be charged for what you keep. Don’t like it? No problem — send it right back. The scents are super clean, vegan and cruelty-free, with no synthetic dyes, parabens or preservatives. They are also completely genderless and totally based upon your palate for scent. No matter if your nose picks spicy or sweet, floral, woodsy or musk, the folks at Snif have made the process easy. If you decide to keep your 30ml bottle, it’ll run you $65. snif.co | IG: @snif.co

Photo credit courtesy of Snif, Mob Beauty, Noto Botanics, JeccaBlac

hydrated glow. What’s more, your Noto Botanics purchase matters: A percentage of the sales from Agender Oil is donated to dozens of organizations, including Planned Parenthood, The Trevor Project, The Love Land Foundation and more. notobotanics. com | IG: @noto_botanics

Join the Mob Mob Beauty offers infinitely customizable compacts and palettes, allowing you to make purposeful choices buying only shades you will use. With a heavy focus on sustainable packaging and reducing the waste of the use of single-use plastics in the beauty industry, Mob Beauty designed an earth-first packaging system to be endlessly reusable and refillable. Start with its online menu by selecting your skin tone, followed by the type and size palate you want to create. Then, fill it up with your choice of several options of cruelty-free, vegan eyeshadows, cream clay blushes, blush, highlighters, bronzers, or cake liners. Mob Beauty palettes start around $35 for the smallest option and up to $135 for the largest size. mobbeauty.com | IG: @themobbeauty

Stay in the Noto A skincare line created in the California kitchen of makeup artist Gloria Noto, Noto Botanics was born from an idea during a life-changing trip to Thailand. Gloria was inspired to create a genderfluid, multiuse, clean cosmetics line. She quit her job and began the process of stripping away chemicals, filler and pollutants from the types of products she loved, and restructured them to better reflect the current beauty and wellness industry. Noto Botanics is meant for all skin types, creating the “Noto Glow” with regular use. Start with The Wash ($38), then polish and exfoliate with the Resurface scrub ($34). Follow with the Noto Deep Serum ($56) for an ultra-

Makeup for Everyone Jessica Blackler found a niche in the beauty space, using her talents as a freelance television and film makeup artist to help trans women gain knowledge about cosmetics. Inspired to create a brand that spoke to the needs in the trans community, Jessica first launched her line Jecca Blac with the Correct & Conceal palette that provided a base foundation and addressed beard shadow coverage, blemishes, dark eye circles and blue veins. Now, Jecca Blac offers several items in its collection, from Glow Drops to primer, and play pots to long-lasting lipsticks. The Jecca Blac Instagram and website offers unique tutorials from real customers showing how to best use the products (which are now available at Walmart). On a mission to break down stigma and bring the community together, Jessica also created the Trans Festival, held once a year in London. us.jeccablac.com | IG: @jeccablac

Photo credit courtesy of Mob Beauty, Noto Botanics, Jecca Blackler

MOM + POP H OW TO TALK TO YO U R K I D S A B O U T PO L I T I C S (And How Not To) By Luke Gialanella So, your kids are asking you about what’s going on in the news and you don’t know what to tell them. Politics is a difficult subject to tackle on your own, let alone with a child in today’s political climate. Here’s a handy guide for talking to your kids about politics, and how not to — written by a 16-year-old high schooler with a passion for educating young children about government and civics

Remain unbiased and teach your kids to be tolerant of others. One of the most important things to remember when discussing politics with your children is that you are only teaching them about the issues, not how to feel about them. They must be able to come to their own conclusions and express their own views without any undue influence from others. While you may hope that you and your child share political values, it is crucial that you allow them to form their own value sets and ideologies, so that when they come of age, they will be independent members of the political stratosphere, voting for and advocating for policies they support. Remember, kids are smarter than you think. If engaged in discussion often, they can understand basic and complex political concepts and issues and just as easily have their own opinions. understand basic and complex political concepts and issues and just as easily have their own opinions.

Politics is not a sport. In the media and on the internet, politics is often discussed in the same manner as sports. CNN and Fox News begin to blur with ESPN, as flashy colored maps and pundits arguing onscreen make viewers trivialize elections and procedures. Parents should make sure their kids understand that politics is not a laughing matter; it in fact is very serious, and the decisions made by legislators can affect millions both at home and abroad. While it may be fun to interact with online electoral maps and compare odds of candidates winning elections, children must not gamify such sacred processes to the point of trivialization. This doesn’t mean learning about politics can’t be fun for kids, but parents must put everything into perspective and provide historical context before getting into details.

Don’t brush off the tough subjects. There are some very uncomfortable topics that parents may not want to address with their kids. While this is a personal decision, I believe that if a child is old enough, they should be knowledgeable about all the major topics discussed in the political sphere. When I was younger, I took an extracurricular class on presidential elections and was told that same-sex marriage was “too mature” of a topic to discuss. I believe no issue is “too mature,” as every person (yes, even kids) has a right to voice their opinions and participate in discussions about major issues in society. Since their exposure to these topics often starts online, it may be better for children to learn from their parents first instead of potentially receiving skewed information on the internet or through commercial mass media.

Keep it simple and make it fun. While kids are smarter than you think, politics can be complicated and daunting at first! When talking to younger people about politics, I like to rely on metaphors and examples — you can’t simply explain a concept and leave it at that. Make these concepts tangible and “real” to children through hands-on participation like simulations and activities or by viewing the actual processes (though C-SPAN might be a bit too slow for younger viewers!).

Give them reliable and understandable online materials. Here’s where I plug my own organization: In 2017, I founded GOVLEARN Education, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides accessible and easily understandable civics and politics education directed toward elementary and middle school students. Parents and children can receive a free consultation to assist in opening an honest dialogue about our democracy. We are also raising awareness for the lack of this education in schools across the U.S. and attempting to create legislation that could fill this gap. govlearn.org | IG: @govlearneducation

TO ORD ER BUZZED Spilling the beans on OC's best brews By Elisabeth Abrahamson Coffee shops are perking up all over Orange County. We spill the beans on which spots we love right now.

Photo credit courtesy of Nudae Coffee

Stereoscope Tucked away in a business center off the 73 toll road in Newport Beach, Stereoscope is a true hidden gem. Try one of its specialty lattes: Madagascar vanilla, ganache mocha chocolate or Spanish (made with condensed milk and cinnamon), before digging into a warm pastry, breakfast burrito or avocado toast. Tip: Order your coffee to-go, walk down to Back Bay and enjoy a walk on the trail. stereoscopecoffee.com | IG: @stereoscopecoffee

Kaffeine Alley Owner Jenn Cao opened Kaffeine Alley in Anaheim Hills in 2019 after returning from a trip to Vietnam. Jenn cherished the coffee culture there and wanted to bring a slice of its coffee community to her hometown Anaheim Hills. She started creating drinks at home and after much experimentation, she finally opened Kaffeine Alley. You’ll find coffee, boba tea and specialty lattes on the menu. Order the Viet Crack, a Vietnamese slow-drip with condensed milk, or the Salt Bae, a salted caramel latte. kaffeinealley.com | @kaffeinealley

Mayfield Restaurant and Marketplace Whip Goods One of the latest coffee shops to dot the Costa Mesa scene, Wip Goods, which stands for “work in progress,” offers coffee, espresso, tea and more. The lattes steal the spotlight here, and we love classic vanilla or lavender (note: the espresso is on the stronger side). You’ll come for the coffee but stay for the chill vibes. The perfectly curated shop also carries a small selection of natural wines, snacks and gifts. wipgoods.com | IG: @wipgoods

Photos courtesy of whip Kaffeine Alley, whip Goods, Stereoscope

San Juan Capistrano is exploding with new restaurants, hotels and coffee shops. Mayfield, one of our favorite SJC restaurants, serves up delicious Mediterranean food. Walk toward the Pinterest-worthy bar and see mixologists and baristas work side-by-side perfecting their craft. We love the Curious George latte: a housemade blend of banana and tahini with your choice of milk (go with oat!). Folks looking for a non-espresso beverage can try the Heartbeet latte: a wellness drink with beetroot, ginger and coconut blossom. mayfieldoc.com | IG: @mayfield.oc

Nudae Coffee Trisha Vasquez and Linh Sunajo humbly started Nudae Coffee out of Trisha’s home in 2020. “When COVID-19 hit, we pivoted from our original coffee idea (a business that would save a pup with every cup) to our new idea, ‘supporting second chances,’” Linh says. If the last year taught us anything, it’s that people need to connect more now than ever — and what better way to do so than over a cup of joe. Coffee addicts can find Nudae Coffee at catering and pop-up events throughout Orange County. “Once we are profitable, we plan to donate a percentage of our profits to various charities,” Linh says. Nudae uses house-made syrups for its specialty drinks such as the blossom latte (house-made rose and lavender syrup with 100 percent wild honey) and the glazed maple latte (house-made Madagascar vanilla with maple). | IG: @nudaecoffee

Sur Coffee Located on El Camino Real, Sur Coffee in San Clemente serves up tasty java, fresh, house-baked goods and walls covered in IG-worthy murals. Choose from drip coffee, cappuccinos, lattes and matcha. What do we love most about Sur? You can grab your coffee to-go and walk to the San Clemente Pier, which is less than a mile from the shop. surcoffee.co | IG: @surcoffee

Photo credit courtesy of Mayfield Restaurant, Nudae Coffee, Sur Coffee

OF I NTEREST O C EAN FATHOM S R EVO LU T I O N I Z I N G THE WINE AGING P ROCESS By Elisabeth Abrahamson

Back in 2010, a 200-year-old shipwreck was discovered in the Baltic Sea containing hundreds of bottles of Veuve Clicquot. The Champagne was flat, but the bottles had turned into a masterpiece, covered in coral, seashells and barnacles. The bottles were sold at auctions, fetching bids upwards of $43,000. Diver and oenophile Emanuele Azzaretto tried to acquire a bottle, but unfortunately, he wasn’t successful. Five years later, Emanuele decided to recreate the bottles and develop the wine aging process on his own. And that is how Ocean Fathoms was born. Ocean Fathoms is made up of a team of four individuals who each bring their expertise to the table, from winemaking

Photos courtesy of Tanaka Farms

to PR. Emanuele developed the wine aging patent process; Jordane Andrieu runs his family’s winery in Burgundy and owns a French restaurant and bar in Beverly Hills called Héritage Fine Wines; Rajat Parr is a two-time James Beard Award winner and master winemaker; and Todd Hahn is a former sports and entertainment agent. Ocean Fathoms ages wine in the ocean because it has the “perfect environment to do so,” Todd says. The ocean has a consistent temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, no UV light pollution, no oxygen, no sound, and the current slowly turns the wine in the bottles. The team likes to age their bottles in the Santa Barbara Channel because it sits in a rich sealife transition zone, where cold arctic waters meet warmer waters from the equator. Here, you can find more than 100 species of flora and fauna unique to the location that attract plenty of sea creatures and sea life. These ultimately adorn the bottles and give them their rare, collector’s item look. What’s even better? The ocean aging process is 100 percent eco-friendly, Todd says. Ocean Fathoms’ wine cages work together with the perfect marine environment, which discharges a naturally produced electrical current and ionizes the wine. “ After aging 12 months at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, the whites are brighter, more fruitful and fresh, while the reds seem to become more vibrant and taste like a much older vintage,” he says. We are revolutionizing the wine aging process. We are creating a new category in the wine industry of ocean-aged wine.” Todd explains that when people see their bottles,

they are immediately engaged and want to hear about how the wine is made. Then they taste the wine and are pleasantly surprised at how delicious it is. “They can’t believe the wine is much younger than their taste buds are telling them,” he says. In fact, no two bottles are alike. He acknowledges that without the ocean as their cellar, they would be just another wine brand trying to position themselves in a crowded market. “The uniqueness of our bottles, our aging process and the incredible results give Ocean Fathoms a very real competitive advantage,” he says. “The distinctness

of each bottle attracts attention, the story around it engages buyers, and the quality of the wine drives our clients’ … desire to acquire more and more of our wine.” And in case you weren’t already sold, Ocean Fathoms gives back to ocean-centric organizations. The team currently partners with the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute (CIMWI). “CIMWI rescues, rehabilitates and releases the ocean mammals back to their home” Todd says. “CIMWI also conducts important research and educates the public on the plight of marine mammals and the impact people have on the environment to promote positive change. For every dollar that comes in, Ocean Fathoms donates 1 percent back to CIMWI.” So, what to buy from Ocean Fathoms? Since the weather is still warm, Todd suggests a white, specifically the 2015 Ocean Fathoms 4 White Blend from California’s Central Coast, to pair with fresh oysters.

S H OP SMALL S HOP & SUPP O RT 25+ AAPI, BLACK AND HISPANIC/LATINX BUSINESSES YOU CAN EXPLORE RIGHT NOW By Sophia Anderson and Ashley Hult

SteelCraft Garden Grove — an outdoor food hall with some of the region’s best culinary offerings, housed in repurposed shipping containers with a setting designed for community gatherings and connection — celebrated Southern California’s diversity with its summer-long Summer Culture Series. The series of free, fun events focused on diversity and inclusion and brought together community leaders, vendors, makers and performers from the Asian American Pacific Islander community (July 24) and the Black community (Aug. 21). In addition to enjoying the delicious food from SteelCraft eateries including Barrio, Beachwood Brewing, Bird Talk, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, Duck Donuts, La Taqueria Brand and The Penalty Box, guests learned about and celebrated a variety of cultures that make our Orange County community special. There is still time to experience the last event of SteelCraft Garden Grove’s Summer Culture Series on Sept. 18, which will celebrate Hispanic/Latinx culture. All are invited to come learn, discover, eat and show support, and a portion of the proceeds from all events will benefit Orange County United Way. Even if you weren’t able to attend SteelCraft Garden Grove’s AAPI and Black culture celebrations, you can still shop the participating vendors and makers. Show your support for AAPI- and Black-owned businesses featured in the list below — we’ve also included a sneak preview of the Hispanic/Latinx-owned businesses you can shop at SteelCraft Garden Grove at the Sept. 18 event.

Photos courtesy of Meris Creations

AAPI MAKERS Sach Candles Sach Candles was founded by Vietnamese American couple Tram and Kevin Nguyen, who wanted to pay homage to their culture in an environmentally conscious way. Sach means "clean" in Vietnamese and is a tribute to the fact that their candles are made with all-natural coconut wax and packaged in recyclable glass jars labeled with hand-cut sugar cane paper. Tram and Kevin seek to create sustainable, high-quality candles that are financially accessible, especially for immigrants like them who live in LA. sachgoods.com | IG: @sachgoods

Fig & Stone Based in Southern California, Fig and Stone was founded by sisters Rachel and Victoria Masai. The sisters were inspired to begin selling minimal earthy-toned home decor made out of concrete because of their own desire for peaceful and functional spaces in their homes. Rachel and Victoria love home decor because of its ability to evoke positive emotions and remind owners of a person or place. Fig was chosen for the name to represent the new beginning for the entrepreneurs as they ventured into new territory with their business. shopfigandstone.com | IG: @shopfigandstone Wild Fleur Co. Christina Rubiano started Wild Fleur Co. in 2020, selling floral arrangements made from dried flowers and grasses. She creates custom arrangements in addition to her pre-made stock, used in weddings and as home decor. Christina recently hosted her first beachfront workshop in Huntington Beach, where she taught guests how to make their own floral wreaths. | IG: @wildfleur.collective

Less Is More Aisha Ross curates, alters and sells vintage clothing via her Instagram shop, Less is More. She began selling thrifted clothing as a side hustle in 2020, but has since made it her full-time job. Aisha’s passion for sustainable fashion also inspired her packaging — she ships her second-hand clothing in recycled paper and biodegradable mailers. | IG: @lessismore._

Meris Creations Meris Creations is an online store featuring handmade jewelry, including custom pieces made using ethically sourced crystals. The store's moniker is a tribute to its founder's grandfather, whose middle name was Meris and whose spirit influences each product. The crystal pieces are not only made with intention and purpose, they are created to provide high-quality, affordable jewelry suitable for sensitive skin. Meris Creations also highlights important issues on its Instagram, such as women's rights, Indigenous peoples, Black Americans and the founder's fellow Filipino Americans. meriscreations.com | IG: @meriscreations

Photos courtesy of Sach Candles, Fid & Stone, Wild Fleur, Less Is More, Meris Creations

WIth Luv Bangtan This online store based in Orange County sells sweatshirts inspired by the K-pop group, BTS (also known as the Bangtan Boys). The shop recently released a 2021 spring/summer clothing collection, and all of its hoodies, crewnecks and sweatpants feature a BTS member's name. Linda Sreewaron started by making BTS hoodies for her friends in 2020, and after receiving so much positive feedback on Twitter, she began selling them in February 2021. Her goal? To make high-quality BTS merchandise that is simple enough to wear over and over. withluvbangtan.com | IG: @withluvbangtan | Twitter: @withluvbangtan7

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES Elisamama Nigerian native Fisayo Che founded Elisamama to provide consistent income for clothing artisans in Nigeria, as 50 percent of individuals in the country are unemployed or underemployed. Fisayo economically empowers a small group of clothing artisans by selling their creations in her online store that features fun, colorful dresses and jumpsuits for young girls and their mothers, as well as vibrant printed shirts for boys. Her clothing is meant to promote joy and effortlessly transition from playtime to parties. elisamama.com | IG: @elisamamakids LOT XI LOT XI was co-founded by mother-daughter duo Krystyl and Cynthia Wright. LOT XI, also known as the "Urban Apothecary," is based in Compton, Calif., and sells self-care products and a specialty line of products for men. All products are handmade using locally sourced, organic and environmentally safe ingredients. On its website, you can find candles, body butters, lip balms and face masks, as well as gift baskets that combine multiple products. LOT XI is deeply involved in the community and social justice causes, and donates quarterly to organizations in Compton. Visitors to the website can also read a blog with tips for mindfulness, self-care and spirituality. lotxi.com | IG: @lot_xi Nena’s Organics Nena Walker-Addison used insight from her experience with dermatitis to found Nena's Organics. She sells organic, plant-based skincare products, CBD products, hair care, beverages and more. Nena's products are made with love and without harmful chemicals or preservatives, and she offers products suited to her customers' individual needs. The success of her business lies in the compassion Nena has for those seeking relief from various skin ailments. Her website also features articles written about her products and general skincare information. nenasorganics.com | IG: @nenas_organics Just Succ It When her job as a social worker and corporate wellness coach was halted due to the pandemic, Andrea Chasse-Galbreath turned her small succulent business into a full-time national brand. Just Succ It offers small individual succulents, larger succulent arrangements and gift packages designed for celebrations of life, success, friendship and health. She also sells novelty cups, pots and candles featuring punny (and often sassy!) succulent-related quotes. Those interested in working with Andrea can schedule a consultation via her website. justsuccit.com | IG: @justsuccit

Photos courtesy of With Luv Bangtan, Elisamama, LOT XI, Just Succ It

Brownhaze LA-based Brownhaze was founded in 2018 to provide sustainable jewelry that makes the beauty of the natural world accessible and wearable for both men and women. It offers bracelets, earrings and necklaces made of silver, stone, wood and leather. Brownhaze aims to eventually provide job opportunities for youth aging out of the foster care system, furthering this business' connection not only to the natural world but to the community. brownhazejewelry.com | IG: brownhazeshop House of Mosaic Toni Shaw began developing her own formula for candle-making in 2016, and has since created a line of quality candles made with a vegan blend of coconut-soy wax, phthalate-free fragrance and 100-percent cotton wicks. She also makes custom-scented candles for events and special occasions upon request. Fun fact: One candle is inspired by former First Lady Michelle Obama! In addition to candles, Toni offers candle-making classes and sells pins, soap, notecards and hand sanitizer. Customers can subscribe to receive a monthly box of four candles to sample new scents before they are listed on the website. houseofmosaiccandles.com | IG: @houseofmosaicTerminal B Founded by LA natives Fay and Chris Breedlove, this line of luxury candles is inspired by the scents of different travel destinations. They have visited 44 cities, 14 countries and five continents — each of their candles' scents represents one of those places. All candles have a tasteful, black matte finish and labels featuring an airport code for the location that inspired the scent. Additionally, the candles are hand-poured using premium paraffin wax and will burn for 40 hours when cared for properly. Fay and Chris seek to "create an olfactory journey of wanderlust," sharing their travel experiences with customers via delicious smells. terminalbstore.com | IG: @terminalbstore KellyMade Kelly Anderson spent three years developing her craft before she was confident enough in her resin skills to sell at her first show. She now offers myriad resin earrings that she hopes will "add a little sparkle to everyone's lobes and life." In addition to her pre-made stock, which includes small studs and hanging earrings of varying sizes, she creates custom jewelry using designs suggested by her customers. Kelly handcrafts every pair of earrings in her home studio in Marina del Rey using eco-friendly resin, paint and glitter, with stainless steel earring posts. She also makes glasses, mugs and pins, many of which feature slogans related to causes she is passionate about. itskellymade.com | IG: @itskellymade Clay by Kimberleigh Kimberleigh Aarn handmakes functional and decorative ceramic pottery, which she sells via her Etsy shop, Clay by Kimberleigh. She is a resident of North Hollywood and makes her pottery in the Xiem Clay Center in Pasadena. Kimberleigh's products come in various earthy tones and are covered in a smooth glaze, making them the perfect balance of rustic and professional. She also makes custom pottery upon request, and her online store is flooded with enthusiastic reviews praising her work — it’s no surprise that she has a unanimous five-star rating. etsy.com/ shop/claybykimberleigh | IG: @claybykimberleigh

Photos courtesy of House of Mosaic

Queen Midas Gold Milan Imani created Queen Midas Gold to pay homage to her father, Sika Dwimfo, a significant figure in the LA community. Sika has made wirework jewelry in LA’s Leimert Park since the 1970s and is known as the "master jeweler of Leimert Park.” Sika is now 80 years old, but Milan continues his legacy by crafting intricate golden nose cuffs. Her Etsy shop offers different nose cuff designs, all handmade using gold-filled wire. Milan's expertise in jewelry-making and her reverence for her father is evident in every piece. etsy.com/shop/ sikadwimfo | IG: @sikadwimfo and @queenmidasgold Tamra Copper LA Tamra Copper LA, founded in 2017, now retails across the country in 23 states, with 18 locations in California. Its copper water bottles intersect function and spirituality, each engraved with one of five intentions (love, peace, balance, et cetera). Not only is copper antimicrobial, making it the cleanest possible material for a water bottle, but each product is also crafted in connection with the holistic healing concept of Ayurveda. Tamra Copper LA sells other products such as Marma sticks for hand massages, crystals to clear your aura and copper moons to charge your crystals. All their products are meant to nourish your body and spirit and are connected to the three dashas (or bodily humors) of Ayurveda. tamracopperla.com | IG: @tamracopperla

HISPANIC/LATINX SHOPS Terrasage Home Terrasage Home first began as a popup in March 2019, and soon after began providing its high-quality and gorgeous goods to local retailer Good on Orange. After gaining a stronger following, the company opened its first flagship location at SteelCraft Long Beach. This SoCal-based designer plant and home decor company provides top-quality decor items, plant goods and styling services to the local plant communities in Long Beach. | IG: @terrasage_home

Lavish Bliss Lavish Bliss is rooted in providing a community that promotes motherhood, kindness and inspiration. Its clothing shines with shirts and accessories featuring inspiring messages about being a parent, perfect to share with a mother in your life. lavishblissco.com | IG: @lavishbliss.co Luna Reece Drawing inspiration from her love of mid-century modern aesthetic, shop owner Andrea Luna Reece wanted to create ceramic pieces that are functional and usable. Andrea wants people to have a piece of her work that brings them joy while adding a modern and fresh vibe to any space. Shop bowls, planters, wall hangings, wall vases and more on Luna Reece's online shop. lunareece.com | IG: @lunareece.ceramics

Photos courtesy of Queen Midas Gold, Terrasage Home

Hermosa Fashion House Hermosa Fashion House is an online boutique fit for the modern woman, providing the latest fashion trends. The store's premium basics and accessories elevate any woman's wardrobe for any season. Visit Hermosa Fashion House on Instagram for the latest on its pop-up events and OOTD inspiration. hermosafashionhouse.com | IG: @hermosafashionhouse Shop Celestial Based in Santa Ana, this Latina-owned business is rooted in believing that dreams should be followed. Owners Celeste and David met on Instagram, and both came from humble beginnings and grew up with greater desire. Their goal with Celestial is to empower other women to dream big and go for their goals. The shop sells clothing, jewelry and other accessories made with empowerment. shopcelestiall.com | IG: @ shopcelestial_ HAI Fashion Boutique HAI Fashion Boutique offers customers the ability to shop the season's trendiest clothes at affordable prices. The shop features dresses, blouses and tops perfect for a night out or a Sunday brunch. haifashionboutique. com | IG: @haifashiionbtq Shop Miau Shop Miau offers a wide selection of clothes to add to your wardrobe, from workout sets to everyday tops to dresses and rompers. These essentials are perfect for building out the basics in your closet or adding some new ones to the mix. shopmiau.com | IG: @shop_miau

Photos courtesy of Shop Celestial

Mi Época De Oro Based in Santa Ana, this Latina-owned shop aims to reaffirm women that the time is now to start working on their dreams and goals. The store hopes that its curated pieces of mixed metal jewelry help provide that extra boost of confidence to seize one's journey. miepocadeoro.com | IG: @miepocadeoro Gwendolina Look no further than Gwendolina for original artwork, prints and stickers. Wendy, the shop’s artist, makes an assortment of work inspired by different animated characters with her own creative spin. Visit Gwendolina's Instagram to view Wendy’s latest works and make a request for your very own commissioned original artwork. | IG: @gw3ndolina Greda Co. Established in 2019, Greda Co. sells handcrafted, smallbatch, modern clay goods in Orange County. From handmade clay and metal earrings to necklaces, amp up your wardrobe with these unique accessories made in a variety of prints or solid colors. gredaco.com | IG: @greda_co Made By LA Inc. Find your new favorite graphic tee crafted at Made By LA Inc. The shop sells various T-shirts inspired by the West Coast and California with fun prints and colors. Stay tuned for Made By LA Inc.'s official website launch, but in the meantime, shop its Esty store! etsy.com/shop/ madebyLAinc | IG: @madebylainc

FIRST PERSO N EMPT Y NE ST I N G RE DUX WHAT I LEARNED BY THE SECOND GOODBYE On August 20, 2019, five days after her 18th birthday, our only child moved 1,010 miles away to attend college in Portland, Oregon. I’d been doing the departure math since her acceptance letter arrived, but mentally preparing for years. Forget graduation and prom; I started mourning when she was still in grade school. Was this the last Easter egg hunt? The final princess-themed Halloween costume? No more hidden notes from Leppy the leprechaun or silver coins tucked under her pillow?

Photos courtesy of Marrie Stone

“I’m not dying,” she said whenever she saw that look. Maybe it’s all the Grimms’ fairy tales I read as a kid, but I suffer persistent fears about her safety. By any objective standard, my worries are improbable. Abduction always tops the list. Any disappearance, really. The common concerns — car accidents and grave illnesses — also play across my mental movie screen. My mother-mind dreams up dangerous scenarios and then reenacts them in loops. I feel the desire to seal my daughter inside her room like Rapunzel. But even that’s risky. On one vacation, when she was small, I kept picturing her falling out her fifth-story bedroom window. Whenever the fear arrived, I rushed into her room. “What are you doing?” I asked. She finally caught on and looked up with a worn-out expression. “I was thinking of jumping out the window,” she said. “But I decided to read.” I call it “grief rehearsal” — the attempt to prepare for loss by mentally reenacting it again and again. I psychologically stack various disaster scenarios on top of each other into a layer cake of sadness and panic. Reality cannot compete with my imagination. The feared day of her departure arrived. On a sweltering August afternoon, she moved into a dorm room with a stocked mini-fridge and a newly made twin XL bed, a thousand miles from home. After several bear hugs and a humiliating breakdown in an

upscale Portland bistro, I let her go. I made a pact with another bereaving mom. Every day for the month of September, we’d text a photo of ourselves having fun. Museum trips, beach walks, dinners out and weekend getaways. Anything that showed life beyond our daughters. Bonus points if we smiled. Weirdly, after a few weeks, it worked. I felt OK. I missed her, of course, but it helped that every phone call home was filled with enthusiasm about her new life. She’d fallen for a wonderful guy, met a group of good friends and mostly loved her professors. Still, panic sometimes rose in the night. Was she walking alone after dark? Had she been snatched off Portland’s streets? Did she take a sketchy Uber? Then the one disaster I could not have predicted happened. On March 16, 2020, my daughter was forced home from college, sequestered in our house with her parents. And like those childhood fables, my forbidden wish came with consequences and ended with regret. Her heartbreak was palpable. She missed her boyfriend and the independence of college life. Portland was her place. Those were her people. After a lifetime of enduring the uncomfortable fit of Orange County, she’d found herself in college. She took up quilting and gardening and baking. She sprung for a sewing machine, some planting boxes

Photos courtesy of Marrie Stone

and bags of soil. But distractions weren’t enough. She started sleeping more and eating less. She watched high school friends on social media gather for parties and group vacations, but she stayed the quarantine course. Soon there weren’t enough “Modern Family” episodes to stave off her sadness. Her helium personality began to deflate. I’d never seen her this low. By the beginning of August 2020, a decision needed to be made about whether to return to campus or study at home. Portland had endured a hard summer. In addition to 100 straight days of social unrest, wildfires were eating at Oregon’s forests. Peaceful protestors were arrested in the streets, and threats were made near-daily to declare a state of emergency. A contentious election loomed heavy on the horizon. There would be no normal dorm life. Students would be isolated in their rooms, masks required even when brushing their teeth. Wastewater would be tested, and contaminated residence halls quarantined. Classes would be held online from dorm rooms with inadequate Wi-Fi. If I worried last August when life looked normal, how would I cope? “I want to go back,” she said. How could I argue? On August 17, 2020, she left again. Her boyfriend flew in and together they drove to his home in Salt Lake, and then the long road back to Portland. By September, Oregon’s wildfires were so bad, smoke alarms blasted through the dorms at night. Students soaked their masks in water and shoved towels under their doors. In January, an ice storm hit Portland so hard, trees fell across the campus, crushing a few cars. Downtown shop windows stayed boarded. The city remained seized by social unrest.

Photos courtesy of Marrie Stone

COVID uncertainty escalated each day. I figured any day she might come home, and I’d get another reprieve from my again empty nest. But in the spring of 2021, she announced her decision to stay. She rented a house off-campus with a posse of friends. She signed a lease. She planted a garden and hung a hammock. As she nested into her own home, a second layer of empty nesting began for me, this one catching me off-guard by its sudden permanence. While my mind continues to manufacture worries all the time, none of them compare to the memory of watching her wither. No longer do I wish her home. This alone is a comfort. In mid-July this year, she came down for a four-day weekend. She hadn’t been home since January, and probably wouldn’t be back until Christmas break. I felt a breathless frenzy to not waste time on sleep or small talk. We went to the spa, the movies, lunch and shopping. We walked Laguna’s art festivals and drove the coast. We hit all her favorite restaurants and cooked her favorite foods. But my heart stayed on guard all weekend, already mourning Monday. On the drive to John Wayne, I vowed no more embarrassing airport scenes. She offered up stories to distract me. By the time we arrived, I realized the futility of my promise and opted to cry at the curb instead of my usual TSA line breakdown. “I wish you guys could move up there,” she said, pulling her suitcase from the trunk. I wrapped my daughter in my arms one more time, using her backpack as my hanky, and said, “Careful what you wish for.”

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“Resemblance” By Janet Bludau | 24” x 24” Oil on canvas JanetBludau.com, 949.285.0330 IG: @bludauart Award-winning artist Janet Bludau describes her work as abstracted realism. She intuitively applies color, inserting shapes and graphic lines to achieve her desired effect, and is especially known for her landscapes and seascapes. Janet works from her studio in Cannery Village, Newport Beach.