Orange County Real Estate Success » Orange County things to do

OC YPN Striding Forward With 2011 Lunch & Learn Series

angieweeks — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:00:19 +0000

I’ve been awarded the honor of coordinating the OC YPN Lunch & Learn series for 2011, and I’ve gotta admit, I’m pretty darn excited about the whole thing. With good reason. Not only are these monthly get-togethers designed for maximum fun, they’re offering agents the education of a lifetime. Come to the luncheons, and you’ll acquire dozens of proven techniques to better serve you clients. You’ll also gain a gold mine of insights on utilizing the full arsenal of contemporary Real Estate tools. This includes everything from mastering the art of negotiation to unraveling the secrets of effective social networking. It’s all here. Lock, stock, and barrel.

Remember, the high-energy luncheons have been designed for the enjoyment and edification of all ages of the YPN membership. So come one, come all. Experienced professionals as well as newbies.

For more details about this spectacular series, including an amazing lineup of speakers, please consult our official Lunch & Learn Calendar.

And, of course, feel free to contact your loyal Lunch & Learn coordinator for additional information. You can connect with me at @ 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

So meet, greet, and eat as you learn the inner secrets of the Real Estate profession. It’s the OC YPN Lunch & Learn series. And it’s all happening in 2011! See you there!

And the Winner Is…Where Are the Best OC Holiday Lights?

angieweeks — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:40:34 +0000

People aren’t the only ones dressing up special for the holidays. Orange County is decked out bright and festive with holiday lights galore. From one end to the other, the OC has been transformed into a twinkling fairlyland of illumination. Which raises the question – where are the best lights? With so many possibilities to choose from, there’s no easy answer. Here are just a few of the contenders well worth having a long look at –

The Newport Beach Boat Parade – Over a hundred years old, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade brightens the harbor with a dazzling holiday spectacle.
Zimmerman’s House/Balboa Island – Located at 327 Saphire, the renown residence has garnered numerous awards, and has been spotlighted in many newspapers such as the LA Times.
The Eagle Hills Community/Brea – A total community showcase of holiday magic that can best be described as hundreds of Griswald homes all in one place. This definitely is a five star destination.
Nellie Gail Ranch/Laguna Hills – A truly unique show that coordinates music and lights into a fantastic display of color and sound.
Rogers Gardens/Newport Beach – Their popular Winter Wonderland transports you to an enchanted new world highlighted by a community of charming cottages, each with a different theme. Set against a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.
Plus there’s ‘Lively Shively’ in Ladera Ranch and all those amazingly-decorated trees on La Paz.

Where are the best OC holiday light displays? Tweet us your faves.

And if you’d like any more information about celebrating the holidays in OC, I’ll be delighted to help. You can connect with me at 949.338.7408, angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

Happy Holidays!

Mission Viejo Means Year-Round Enjoyment

angieweeks — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:24:31 +0000

With temperatures dipping to wintertime lows, Mission Viejo isn’t providing as much fun-in-the-sun as it did a few months back. Nevertheless, even with the Brrr factor entering the picture, this premier destination offers residents and visitors plenty to do and see. Here are a few highlights –

Mission Viejo Library – Besides boosting brainpower, the library plays host to a series of marvelous events and activities such as Story Time for tots, the Timeless Melodies Holiday Christmas Program, and Guitar Lessons for all you budding rock stars.
The ‘Character Quality’ sign on the corner of La Paz and Marguerite.
Lake Mission Viejo – It might be too cold for sunbathing, but you can still bundle up and thrill the Parade of Lights or see your kids rise to superstardom in the 18^th Annual LMV Kids’ Fishing Derby.
Mission Viejo High School – Recognized as a California Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon School, this leading educational institution also has a powerhouse football team and hosts a number of community events.

If you’d like to learn more about all that Mission Viejo has to offer, I’ll be delighted to help. You can connect with me at 949.338.7408 angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

Chills, Thrills, and Dental Bills: Halloween Happenings in OC

angieweeks — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:34:42 +0000

Hear the eerie moans? The doors creaking? The cauldrons bubbling? You’re not alone. It’s Halloween time, folks. The season of spooks, witches, and bags overflowing with future dental bills for your kids. But, hey, it’s not all about the mini Mounds bars. There’s plenty of other spooktacular fun waiting for one and all in the haunted corridors of OC. Here’s a few of Orange County’s Halloween Happenings guaranteed to stir up more than a few chills and thrills.

Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade – Highlights include a kids’ costume contest, trick- or-treating, and pancake breakfast. Yummm.

Knotts Scary Farm – Enter if you dare.

Halloween Goes Hollywood – A musical tribute to the season at the Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa

Doheny State Beach Halloween Haunt – Dana Point scares up a bit of beachside fun.

Great Park Pumpkin Harvest – Pumpkin decorating, horse drawn wagons, train rides, and tons of fun-filled Fall activities at Great Park in Irvine.

Blocktober – A giant neighborhood block party at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest.

All this and much, much more await you in the best Halloween hangout this side of Transylvania. And, of course, if I can provide any further info that will make your Halloween in Orange County a little bit hauntier, I’ll be delighted to help. You can connect with me at 949.338.7408, angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

Happy Halloween!

Orange County Charity Event Brings Hope to Homeless

angieweeks — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:44:34 +0000

Be a Part of Project Playhouse

Hey, people. Wanted to tell you about a great cause, which is co-chaired by someone I’ve known for a while – Newport Beach Realtor, Brad Colemen. The cause is Project Playhouse. This 6 week-long charity event will raise money to build and renovate homeless shelters throughout Orange County. So far the project has helped HomeAid Orange County construct 44 local shelters.

Project Playhouse works like this. Various members of the building industry are creating a selection of amazing playhouses. These architectural masterpieces will be on display at the Irvine Spectrum for 6 weeks, beginning July 30th. Then on September 10, the playhouses will be auctioned off at a party taking place at an enchanting Crystal Cove estate. The proceeds will help fund the building and renovation of homeless shelters in Orange County. Tickets to the party are $250.00 each, with only a limited number available.

Brad is asking for your help in acquiring sponsors and donors for this high-profile event. I assure you, it’ll be great exposure for your company or business. The event draws thousands of guests, including many of OC’s elite. It even will receive a substantial amount of TV, print, radio, and Internet advertising. Sponsorships start at $1,000. For smaller companies wanting exposure, tax-deducible silent auction donations are welcome.

Please visit www.ProjectPlayhouse.org for more event details. And, if you or anyone you know is interested in a sponsorship, donation, tickets to party, or buying a playhouse, be sure to contact Brad Coleman.

Great Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July in Orange County

angieweeks — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:38:56 +0000

Light Up Your 4th of July Orange County Style

Gray, gray, go away. Let’s be hopeful, folks. June is almost through, and with it the gloomy gray skies that have become a yearly tradition. That means the 4th of July is upon us. No doubt, you’ll want to celebrate Independence Day with gusto and style. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do that right here in Orange County. Here are some major events to check out:

Independence Day Celebration and Parade in Huntington Beach – The “largest and oldest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi,” a 5K run/walk, bands, clowns, celebrities, floats and fireworks on “Surf City’s” famous Main Street.
Old Glory Boat Parade – Decorated boats parade through Newport Harbor.
Dana Point 4th of July Fireworks Show – The City of Dana Point presents an aerial sky show, featuring a musical simulcast presented by radio station KSBR 88.5 FM.
Fullerton Community Fireworks Show and Festival – An old-fashioned Fourth of July party, the festival features live entertainment, games for all ages, food booths and a special aerial fireworks display.
Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky – A special 4th of July fireworks display over Disneyland set to music.

Plus there’s the beaches, picnics, sports, and of course, major loafing. If you’d like to learn more about great things to do in Orange County for the 4th, by all means get in touch with me. You can reach me at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com. And be sure to follow me @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Happy Fourth of July!

Summer Activities in Mission Viejo

angieweeks — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:04:42 +0000

Mission Viejo is the Place for Summer Fun

It’s that time of year folks. Sunshine, barbecues, swimming, and kids released from the captivity of academia for three months. With the arrival of summer, our attention naturally turns to our favorite summertime activities.

Mission Viejo is a world champion in this department. The city offers residents and visitors alike a million and one things to do during the season of sunshine. Here are some of the biggies:

Farrell’s 1st Ever 1st Annual Splendiferously Superiffic Summer Spectacular Ice Cream Eating Challenge (Monday, June 21 11:00a) – Be one of the fastest to eat a 3-scoop sundae.
DAWG Walk and Pet Faire (Saturday, June 26 7:00a) – On the Village Green at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center
4^th of July Street Fair and Fireworks Spectacular (Sunday, July 4 1:00p) – Food, games and merchandise booths operated by local service organizations and crafters.
Lake Mission Viejo – Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, boating, and a summer concert series just for starters.
Summer Camps – Kids of all ages can thrill to a variety of camps and classes designed to tickle their fancy.
Plus golfing at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, picnics and play at wide selection of parks, and much, much more.

If you’d like to learn more about the ton of summer fun awaiting you in Mission Viejo, I’m ready to help. You can reach me at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com. And be sure to follow me @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Things to do this Memorial Day weekend

angieweeks — Sun, 24 May 2009 21:45:27 +0000

Looking for a fun outdoor activity in the OC? Here’s some things to do for all ages:

Orange County Zoo :
All kinds of animals – plus the zoo is inside Irvine Park, where you can also ride the railroad and have a relaxing picnic

Lake Mission Viejo :
Go swimming, fishing, or boating. The lake is closed to guests on holidays before 6pm, though Make sure you bring your pass!

Crystal Cove state park :
Enjoy a brisk hike, and some historic coastline cottages. Plus the drive to get there on PCH isn’t so bad either.

The best part is you can do any of the above for between $10-$20 per person, so there’s no excuses not to get out there and grab yourself a little sunshine!

Happy Memorial Day and God bless our troops and their families!!!

Fantastic Framed Art for Less!!

angieweeks — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:37:32 +0000

If you’ve recently purchased your first home you probably have a long list of things you would like to do to decorate. After all, it’s now your home and you want it to reflect your style, personality and what’s important to you. Unfortunately, you may not have the budget right now and we’ve got a GREAT way to pesonalize your home with a professional look without the professional price.

Hanging artwork and photos in your new home really shows visitors insight into your life. Custom framed artwork and photos is so expensive. We recently tried to frame a 20″ x 24″ portrait at a local frame store and the price we were quoted was $400. Buying posters and puting them in inexpensive frames can really save money. Ikea, TJ Max and Ross are some of our favorite places to buy posters, frames and framed art. Great looks and even better values.

Our HOT TIP of the day for framing family photos and getting the “custom framed” look is this. Measure your photo you want to frame. Go to TJ Max and shop for an already framed piece of art with similar measurements. Example: your photo is 16″ x 20″. Plan on matting the photo with about 2″-4″ on each side. So, a 16″ x 20″ photo with need a frame aproximately 18″ x 22″ or 20″ x 24″ opening. Take your photo and your new fram to JoAnn’s or Michaels and get new matts cut to match your photo. Ask them to put the matts, photo and frame together for you so it’s all done right. You will get the custom look for a fraction of the price!

It looks WONDERFUL and everyone will think you paid the BIG bucks. Our 20″ x 24″ portrait cost us $85 in our new frame and matts. Shhhhh! Don’t tell our guests.

Great Holiday Gifts Without Great Holiday Budget!

angieweeks — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:28:38 +0000

Tis’ the season to be jolly…. and stressed… and busy… and overwhelmed….and BROKE!!!

It’s so easy to forget the reason for the season and confuse the joy of the holidays with the stress we put on ourselves. That’s right friends, we put it on ourselves. So, we’ve got a couple of ideas to help keep the fun in the air, the festivity in your home, and spread some joy along the way!

Gifts are a way we show our freinds and family we care. But, gifts don’t have to cost alot or be elaborate. Here’s a few examples of gifts we love and appreciate receiving:

1. A true gift would be your time, something we’re all short on. Meeting for coffee or taking a walk can send a message that the person is important enough to you to take time out of your day to hear about theirs.

2. Baked goodies! Who doesn’t love a basket of homemade treats? What a great way to say ” I care….. I covered myself in flour, messed up my kitchen, fought the crowd at the grocery store ALL FOR YOU”!! Seriously, baked goods send love straight from the heart.

3. No time to bake? How about a jar full of ingredients so the receiver can make their own batch of cookies or brownies when they need a little pick-me-up. If you google “gifts in a jar” you will find pages of ingredients to assemble. A nice jar, a recipe card, a pretty ribbon….ta da! You’re a hero.

4. Coupons!!! Make a coupon book for someone special. This is great because you can customize it to fit their needs. Mom may get a coupon to have lunch. Friends may get a coupon to meet for a manicure/pedicure. Dad may get a coupon to get his car washed!! This is another great way to let someone know they are important to you and nothing says love like the gift of manual labor.

There are hundreds of ways to spread joy. Be creative. Remember, tis’ the season to be JOLLY!

Happy Holiday!

Getting Married? Some fun Orange County bride stories & tips…

angieweeks — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:36:47 +0000

As you may or may not know, Mike and I LOVE to work with brides and newlyweds to place them into a home. We talk to so many cool OC brides who are on our Vow2Save program, we thought we would share some fun with you.

Today I talked to quite a few brides and I have to say you ladies are so creative! I loved checking out your wedding websites and hearing your ideas.

I do wonder, though, why half of you are going to Vegas to get married??? Isn’t that where the bachelor and bachelorette parties should be?? What’s wrong with a nice Laguna Beach wedding or any other beach in the OC?? Maybe I just think like that because we grew up in Michigan…maybe if I grew up here I would want to get married in a new and exciting place too…hmm…

Anyway, on to the fun.

First of all, I have to give a shout out to Jim and Maurine, read his cute proposal story and check out HOW COOL their website is:

http://www.jimandmaurine.com/

Now-a-days for the out of town weddings, you absolutely HAVE to have a website. Your guests will DRIVE YOU CRAZY WITH QUESTIONS IF YOU DON’T And I love it that Maurine thought to put some Vegas things to do and know on there…way to not be bridezilla and only think of yourself, girl!!

Another fun idea…one bride we know recently got engaged in San Francisco. She’s getting married in OC, but wanted to have a little taste of San Fran incorporated within the wedding. How to handle? Easy! Have a photographer go and take pics of areas that the two of you love, or just pretty landmarks, and then name your tables after them and use the photos as part of the centerpiece. How cute!

One other bride we knew wanted to get pictures of downtown Laguna Beach in her wedding dress for her beach-themed wedding…but she was getting married in her family church in Dana Point. She solved the problem by putting a 2 hour block in between the wedding and the reception, and the wedding party went down to Laguna for some wedding photos to remember. THEN, she used those pics on the thank you cards. Way cute.

Do you hate the thought of writing your thank you’s? I saw another bride make a TOTALLY personal thank you and save a ton of time by printing out a collage of photos, and writing a quick thank you ON THE PHOTOS with a sparkly sharpe. Niiiiiice, not a lot of space to write awkwardness, but totally personal and heartfelt, what a great idea :)

There are always tons of great wedding reception ideas online at www.TheKnot.com too. I’ll keep blogging about more in the future. PLEASE comment with your ideas and fun things you’ve experienced so this will be a resourceful post for all busy brides.

Project Playhouse is in full swing

angieweeks — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 04:57:20 +0000

Hi everyone,

I took the day off real estate today to go and work the Project Playhouse raffle at the Angel’s game. Brad Coleman my manager at Metro Realty recruited both me and Bob O’Brien to help out…it was lots of fun…there were so many people at the game! I think we got a lot of tickets sold too.

The raffle entered people into a drawing to win this awesome Angel’s playhouse. The playhouse is AMAZING and was built by Taylor Woodrow builders:

I wanted to let you all know if you DON’T have a favorite charity yet, Homeaid is a good choice! They sponsor this Project Playhouse, which are those little doll houses you see every year about this time along PCH in Newport Beach by Fashion Island. I love working with Habitat for Humanity too, either charity helps to get people who deserve housing into a home, and you don’t have to be “a regular” to make a big difference.

If you’re still a volunteer-a-phob you can go to either website and donate. I keep thinking if everyone who walked past me today just bought ONE ticket…big groups can do so much when everyone gives a little together. If anyone has any other creative ways to reach out to Orange County feel free to comment!

OC Community Realtors Come Together to Support Local Families

angieweeks — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:05:44 +0000

Hey friends,

Just wanted to tell you about something really special going on right here in Orange County.

Laguna Board of REALTORS®, Newport Beach
Association of REALTORS® and Orange County Association of REALTORS® are joining forces to raise $250,000 for the Homes for Heroes / Foundations for Families Project. It’s part of a community of 27 homes being built in San Juan Capistrano. 14 of the homes will be targeted for injured veterans and/or families of deceased veterans.

There will be a Donor Celebration on Oct 18th to kick off the event in the heart of San Juan Capistrano. The menu will be planned by Two Guys Grilling from Dana Point so come hungry!!Everyone who makes a donation of $100 or more is invited to attend.

If you are interested in making a donation just contact Teryll Hopper at Teryll@ocar.org. Sounds like it’s going to be a great way to celebrate a worthy cause and enjoy the Orange County scenery.

Passport Help @ Mission Viejo Library

angieweeks — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 22:00:08 +0000

Leaving the country soon??? I thought you might like to know you can apply for a passport, change your name on your passport, or get your passport photos taken at the Mission Viejo public library off of La Paz and Marguerite. I had to go today in order to get my name changed to “Weeks” on my passport, Mike is taking me on a cruise soon!

The library has walk ins on Wednesday and Thursday, and appointments on Saturday. There are nice people there helping you with the right form, fees, reviewing your forms, etc. It’s nice to have a second set of eyes to help you review your application. Since there is a backup, it would be annoying to get denied for filling out the app wrong!

You’re probably laughing since I have been married for 3 years, and have not fully changed my name. I KNOW, go ahead! I did find a neat little kit to solve that for future brides, though. The Name Change Kit for Brides makes a perfect, inexpensive, creative, engagement gift and it provides all the forms and information you need to change your name.

I think the passport was the last thing with my maiden name on it left. I had most of my name changed the first year, except for health records and my email. I’m almost there haha.

Here’s a cute courtyard pic of the Mission Viejo Library, there’s lots to do there besides read books We actually used their community center last year for a homebuyer seminar – anyone is welcome to rent it. They have tutoring, computer classes, lots of stuff going on!

FREE Equity Management Seminar in Irvine

angieweeks — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:52:12 +0000

Calling all South Orange County Homeowners!!! I wanted to post about a great event coming up on August 28th at Waters Lakehouse, off of Irvine lake….

YOU are invited to Derek Beisner and William Jordan’s one of a kind FREE DINNER Seminar!! As a personal investor I didn’t think I would learn much by going but I surely did and took lots of good notes Derek and William are totally on key with creative ideas to maximize your money.

You are cordially invited to attend a FREE DINNER SEMINAR.

This event is by invitation only. Please R.S.V.P. to reserve the number of seats you’ll need. Seating is limited, so call Bettie Blauser at (949) 380-8600 xt 221 today.

“How the Affluent Manage Home Equity to Safely

and Conservatively Build Wealth”

This Financial Seminar is designed to help you learn the following:

· Why people fear mortgages and why you shouldn’t!

· Why large equity in your home can be a big disadvantage!

· Why you should separate equity from your home!

· If you were offered an investment that could never go up in value, but might go down, how much of it would you want? How much do you already have?!

· Is equity in your home a prudent investment?

· Should you make extra principle payments on your mortgage?

· Does substantial equity in your home enhance your net worth?

You will also learn the one secret to financial planning that

most professionals don’t even use!

You do not want to miss this workshop if you:

· Have equity in real estate.

· Are planning to retire within the next 1 – 20 years and want to maximize your income in retirement.

· Would like to increase your wealth without taking additional risks.

Your hosts and speakers will be William Jordan and Derek Beisner. Derek Beisner has been a Mortgage Professional for over 11 years and has helped his clients achieve their financial goals with his unique approach to Strategic Equity Management. Derek has helped many of the Weeks Team buyers with mortgage advice and great rates. William is President of Sentinel Capital Management, Inc. For the last decade, William has been educating and assisting Orange County’s investors in planning their financial futures. He does this by designing financial strategies to allow them to accomplish the financial goals that are most important in their lives without undue sacrifices to lifestyle or unnecessary investment risk. Mike & I PERSONALLY use William as our “financial strategizer” and think that he is one of the smartest people we know. If your financial advisor calls you once a year on your birthday you need to talk to William.

This is an educational seminar with no attempt to sell specific investments. There is no cost or obligation. We guarantee it will be time well spent!!

Tuesday, August 28th @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Waters Lakehouse Restaurant

4615 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA

Check in time is 6:15

Seating is limited and reservations are required. Everyone attending learns seldom heard money-saving strategies. Reservation Line: (949) 380-8600 xt 221.

P.S. Call now because seats can fill up quickly.Call (949) 380-8600 xt 221 ask for Bettie.

Orange County, CA Volunteer Opportunities

angieweeks — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 01:12:39 +0000

This summer our Saddleback small group decided to volunteer with Orangewood childrens home. Orangewood had some great one time volunteer opportunities so I figured I would blog and get the word out

Last week we refereed, kept score, and served food at Orange High School for a 3-3 basketball tournament. Today we got up waaay too early (but it was worth it) for a program called “childspree”, sponsored by Orangewoods Jaycees foundation. Basically kids in need got to go on a shopping spree at Mervyns in Foothill Ranch. It was a really nice setup… each child got a book bag stuffed with a ton of supplies, and then they got to go into Mervyns and buy up to $100 worth of school clothes. Each child had a volunteer personal shopper to help them find their sizes and styles. I helped a boy named Andrew he got some really nice clothes and shoes. They have lots of great sales right now!

Foothill Ranch Dennys provided a a hash brown and egg breakfast for everyone, Starbucks donated coffee, FHR Police and Fire Dept stopped in, and there was a bounce house for the kids too. If you would like to get involved next year just get in touch with Sarah Whittenberg-Hawe @ 714-329-7521 or email mstrssyrah@aol.com .

Foothill Ranch is the “newer” area of Lake Forest, and it currently has 110 active properties ranging from 285K – 1.3M. It’s a very clean, well planned city, and it reminds me a bit of Aliso Viejo. We highly recommend it to first time buyers because you can get a newer property for a reasonable price. Currently there are 20 properties below 400K available – let us know if you would like to see any of these and we would be happy to schedule an appointment.

Sawdust Art Festival

angieweeks — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 16:33:35 +0000

The Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach is running its Summer Show from June 29 -September 2, 2007. This is an awesome event that draws hundreds of thousands of people from around the world to experience the work of over 200 Laguna Beach artists.

Every day there are demonstrations or classes taught on everything from glass blowing, ceramics, welding, painting and drawing…which is my personal favorite. As a fellow artist who loves to paint and draw I really enjoy visiting the Festival and get inspired to pull out my paint and brushes again.

What a great way to spend a summer evening! The setting is absolutely gorgeous and there are live performances going on each day.

Make sure you take time this summer to visit the Sawdust Art Festival to really experience some true Orange County culture.

Too Busy for a Homemade Meal? Never!

angieweeks — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:14:12 +0000

Listen up friends! Want to prepare great meals, but have no time or talent? I’ve discovered the key to cooking like a gourmet chef although I can barely boil water!! Right here in Orange County, off of La Paz and the 5!

Besides the fact that I am constantly on the go. By the time I read a cooking magazine and go buy the ingredients I’ve blown the food budget for the week on one meal that might or might not turn out. It’s so frustrating.

Well, here’s the answer! Dinner Time Made Easy is a “prep” kitchen located in Laguna Hills that allows you to assemble meals that you will later cook at home at your convenience. No shopping, no chopping and NO CLEAN UP!! How it works is you go to their website http://www.dinnertimemadeeasy.com/index.php and register (for free), pick a convenient time to go in, pick the meals you want to make from their menu that changes monthly, go in and assemble the meals and that’s it! I spilled some of the ingredients on the ground (oops!) and before I could bend down to clean it up one of the assistants beat me to it. Right on.

Some ladies from the South Orange County Chamber and I went together. We had a blast! They provide the container for the meal, you walk to different stations that have the recipe and all of the ingredients you need for each meal and in a matter of minutes you have a pre-made homemade meal you can take home, freeze, or prepare right away. They also provide labels to stick on the containers that tell you how to prepare it once you get home.

The website has all of the meals for the month listed with the nutritional values posted. This couldn’t be easier!! They have special events like wine tasting, preschool storybook hour and other fun dates. You can even book a private party for your friends. What a great place for the next birthday party!!

I hope you enjoy it, but remember…shhh!! Don’t let on that you didn’t do it all by yourself.

Lake Mission Viejo is so fun!

angieweeks — Tue, 29 May 2007 22:40:45 +0000

Hey everyone! Just wanted to remind you Mission Viejo residents to take advantage of your Lake Membership! Mike & I finally went and got our ID’s yesterday (yes after two years we are so bad), and we rented a boat for $4 an hour, and went fishing. The lake has a couple beaches, fishing areas, paddle boats, kyaks, ooooh and lots of pretty homes to look at. We ARE Realtors… its our job to look right?!?

If you live in Mission Viejo, CA, and haven’t got your pass to the Lake yet, it’s painless. Just make an appointment and go to the lake office (off of Marguerite and Olympiad) with your Grant Deed. You usually get a copy of the deed shortly after buying your home, and sometimes when you refi too; so check that paperwork stack of paperwork if you can’t find it.

Mike & I parked our boat at the mouth of the river by Tortilla Flats and we caught a bunch of small sunfish. He was disappointed because he wanted to catch a big fish and eat it. Me, not so much For his sake, though, I’ll ask you guys…where do the big fish like to hide on Lake Mission Viejo? Comment back and let us know! It was a memorable Memorial Day for us out there