One of the most charming and idyllic cities on this state’s golden coast, San Diego has so many options for entertainment and delight. Nestled in the heart of America’s Finest City lies a cultural gem that captures the essence of Italy without ever leaving the shores of California. So when I planned a special “Mom + Me” staycation with my 16-year-old daughter last month, I would have been hard pressed to find a more ideal locale than Little Italy, San Diego. As the most venerable, continuously existing neighborhood business district downtown, Little Italy was originally the place many immigran ..read more

The first days of spring are the most beautiful of the year, in my opinion. Soft light, warm air, daffodils poking through damp soil. Living in sunny southern California means we lean into microseasons – minute shifts in nature’s timekeeping to let us know when longer days are on the horizon. As a fledgling foodie, one of the most exciting parts of spring are the seasonal options to boost a culinary experience. Lazy Dog Restaurants, now a SoCal staple, grew out of founder Chris Simms’ experience as a kid in a mountain town: lots of from scratch ingredients, local flavor, and the warmth you mig ..read more

Unlike many of my friends who rave about adrenaline rush of skydiving, I have a fear of heights and have never understood the impulse to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. But when my 17-year-old son expressed an interest in defying gravity on our recent mother/son day in San Diego, I signed us up to experience the exhilaration of flight – in a safe, controlled environment where thrill-seekers of all ages can spread their wings and soar. From the moment we stepped into iFly Indoor Skydiving’s sleek, futuristic facility in San Diego’s Mission Valley, anticipation electrified the air. The h ..read more

Experience Timeless Elegance, Coastal Charm and Exceptional Hospitality in the Heart of La Jolla Fabulous, fascinating, festive, flawless, fractious. I know, the last one doesn’t really fit in. But honestly, when our family’s recent stay ended at the Grande Colonial Hotel in La Jolla, I was feeling particularly irritable. Not because the visit disappointed in any way. In fact, completely the contrary. The first few adjectives are just a few contributing feelings that I have come to associate with what is easily among the loveliest of accommodations in the heart of San Diego’s stunning seaside ..read more

Hospital care has evolved dramatically in the past 30 years, but until recently, post-hospital care has remained the same. A generation ago, people would be discharged from a long stay in the hospital and be sent to a skilled nursing facility where the average stay was 30 days. These locations could feel institutional and impersonal in their care, and those recovering would often share rooms with strangers. “This model was driven by the Medicare reimbursement program,” says Krista Nay, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Episcopal Communities and Services (ECS). Procedures, such as hip o ..read more

Get ready to be swept away by a thrilling series of edge-of-your-seats surprises Cirque du Soleil loves to visit the OC and audiences brings great energy inside the iconic Big Top every time. It is with no surprise for Cirque du Soleil to return this summer with its acrobatic extravaganza and most daring touring production, KOOZA. Be ready to be swept away by the sheer magic, daredevil performances, and mischievous clowns of KOOZA. The show delivers a signature Cirque du Soleil experience in its most exciting form with high-flying acrobatics, whimsical characters, lavish costuming, colorful s ..read more

Divine Irvine eatery where dining becomes an adventure Ordinary meals are transformed into extraordinary experiences at Benny and Mary’s, one of Irvine’s newest and arguably most imaginative of eateries. Culinary delights, inventive craft cocktails and an immersive atmosphere were the hallmarks of a recent enchanting evening out when my husband, Tim, and I met up with our fellow fledgling foodie friends. Alliteration aside, Benny and Mary’s more than lived up to its advance press of “eclectic style and distinct personality.” The seventh restaurant endeavor of husband-and-wife team Cynthia Vig ..read more

Nestled in the hills of South Orange County, Reata Glen is an award-winning retirement community featuring beautiful homes and an engaged lifestyle filled with daily choices. Best of all, every resident has priority access to the adjacent health center for assisted living, memory care and long-term care in a skilled nursing center, if ever needed. Voted the best retirement community in Orange County three years in a row! Come and celebrate the 5-year milestone of South Orange County’s voted #1 retirement community at the Reata Glen Rock and Walk. Join us for a self-guided stroll around the ..read more

Dr. Mikhail’s tips for managing allergies, nurturing mental health, and incorporating fresh health routines offer seniors a vibrant guide for springtime Spring brings the promise of a fresh start, and for seniors, it means adopting health-conscious habits like managing spring allergies, maintaining mental health, and adopting healthy routines that can help them make the most out of the season. Springtime triggers allergies for many with pollen, mold, and dust mite allergens circulating during April. Many of my older patients may not realize that they can develop allergies later in life, and i ..read more

”STEM education is very important to mankind just like the water we drink and the air we breathe in, we need it to produce more critical thinkers, problem-solvers, innovators, and the world best economy drivers.” – Bamigboye Olurotimi, Writer, Poet, Technologist Middle School is an important period for students to learn and discover their interests especially as they begin to learn more about subjects and think about their futures. And because they receive exposure to a variety of different subjects, it can introduce students to a subject they love and can grow their passion for. Developing a ..read more