Celebrating a PG-rated Patriots Day

The 49th Annual Patriots Day Parade takes place this Saturday in Laguna Beach (remember, some streets will be closed), so I'm counting down the Top 5 Patriotic Movies You Can Watch with Your Kids. They're all rated PG!

5. Rocky - Rocky Balboa goes up against Apollo Creed for a shot at the heavyweight boxing title. It happens on the 4th of July in the City of Brotherly Love. An underdog literally fighting to achieve the American dream - a lesson we can all learn from. (Sylvester Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire)

4. Top Gun - Maverick, Goose, Iceman... need I say more? Probably not, but I will! The friendship and rivalry between these students at the Navy's fighter weapons school makes it worth seeing alone, but the fighter pilot scenes are awesome. Buckle up! (Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards, Meg Ryan)

3. Apollo 13 - "Houston, we have a problem." NASA must come up with a way to get the Apollo 13 spacecraft back to Earth safely after something goes seriously wrong. If YOU had a problem, wouldn't you want Tom Hanks on your side trying to save you? (Gary Sinise, Kevin Bacon, Ed Harris, Bill Paxton)

2. Miracle - "Do you believe in miracles?" After seeing this movie, you will. Back in 1980, the U.S. hockey team pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history (I always hate that term "upset) used in this way) by beating the Soviet Union 4 to 3. U - S - A!!! U - S - A!!! (Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson)

1. National Treasure - Nicolas Cage plays a treasure hunter trying to get rich. He believes the map leading him to the fortune is written in invisible ink on the back of the Declaration of Independence. If you want to get your kids interested in and curious about American history, this is the movie to do it. Just be prepared to answer their questions or find the answers on the internet! (Diane Kruger)

Unique Valentine's Day Ideas in Orange County that Won't Break the Bank

Still trying to figure out what to do for your loved one this Valentine's Day? Maybe expensive jewelry or a trip to Aspen isn't in your budget this year... and going to a restaurant that's cranked up the prices for February 14th isn't exactly original, so what do you do? Perhaps this list of the Top 5 Valentine’s Day Gift/Celebration Ideas in Orange County might help you score some brownie points with your significant other AND allow YOU to have a blast too. Important tip: get one of these items for your sweetie as a gift, but DON'T schedule it ON Valentine's Day.  Too crowded, too pricey and not that special when you're sitting amongst hundreds of others celebrating, simply because the calendar tells us to do so. Make the romance last all year round!!!

5. Laguna Beach Food & Cultural Tour. Take a guided stroll through The Village as you learn about landmarks and historic sites. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll get the inside scoop on Laguna and get the chance to visit some cool, hidden spots you might otherwise miss. Enjoy 5-6 food tastings at various venues chosen for their uniqueness, character and delicious menu items. $55.00 per person. Takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. (949) 464-8830

4. Couples Massages. There are a number of places in Laguna to get couples massages – some at the higher end spas like the Montage and Surf and Sand… others at less expensive places like Massage Envy and Hand and Stone. At the chains, often times, you can get a deal, especially if it’s your first time there. And don’t think it won’t be a good massage if you don’t spend a fortune. Sometimes, they’re even better. It all depends on who you get. Search online to find the right couples massage for you and your special someone.

3. Private Surfing Lessons for 2. Really think about whether your significant other would enjoy something like this as much as you, before you book it. If you’d both like to hit the waves and take in the ocean air, this could be a fantastic gift. It depends on which company you go through, but it generally costs about $150.00 for 1 hour and $250.00 for 2 hours. This can be done right in Laguna Beach, if you like. Search online for the best options. 

2. Hit the Water in Newport! If you’d rather be in some type of a boat ABOVE the water, Newport Beach offers a number of fun options. Gondola cruise for 2 through Newport Harbor. It’s romantic, relaxing and memorable. Prices start at $137.00 for 1 hour. $197.00 for an hour and a half. You can upgrade a bit by doing a Gondola lunch cruise. $190.00 per couple. If you don’t mind sharing your experience with other people and you’d like some live entertainment, try the champagne brunch cruise. $86.00 per person. If you’d rather sleep in with your sweetie, go for the dinner cruise. $119.00 per person. Search online to find what’s best for you. 

1. Wine Tour in Orange County. Start out at Laguna Canyon Winery (open 11-6 Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday). Then, YOU decide where to go next. Believe it or not, Orange County has a few choices when it comes to wineries. Giracci Vineyards and Farms is a fabulous choice. Ten acres of beautiful vineyards, vintage historic buildings, trails, streams, oak trees and riding. It’s off the 241 toll road in Silverado - about 35 minutes from Laguna. Wine tasting every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Another wonderful option is Hamilton Oaks in San Juan Capistrano. Gorgeous grounds - located on a historic landmark. You can also visit Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery, and Rancho Capistrano Winery. There are various tasting rooms across Orange County, as well. Be sure to get a sober driver or pay for a tour. Orange County Winery Tours costs $109.00 per person for 2 wineries and tastings. $139.00 per person for 3. Ride in style in a luxury SUV or limo. There are plenty of options for larger parties and some packages include a bottle of champagne to kick off your day just right. Lunch is arranged for you too, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy. OC Winery Tours (949) 203-3891

Avoiding Coyote Chaos

Whether you live in Laguna Beach or Chicago, coyotes have been causing quite a raucous lately. There have been many sightings where I live in recent weeks, not only in the canyon, but in neighborhoods. Here are some helpful tips to help keep you, your family and your pets safe. -Always keep your dog on a leash and avoid retractable leashes. -Keep your dogs close to you. If you spot a coyote, pick up your dog if it's small. If it's a bigger dog, bring it closer and put it behind you. -Carry a big stick on walks and hikes. -Officers advise not to leave food and water outside for our pets, especially during the drought. -Barking attracts coyotes during the December to March breeding season, so try to keep your dogs from barking and bring them in at night. -If you encounter a coyote, back slowly away while hazing it - yell, wave your arms, use a whistle or other noisemaker, use a squirt gun, throw rocks at it. -If you often see a coyote on your regular walking route, avoid that path for a few months. You may be passing a den with pups or a mate. -And lastly, pay attention while you're out walking. Be on the lookout. If you notice a coyote in the distance, as opposed to right in front of you, you have more time to figure out what to do and options to avoid it.

Turn Boredom to Bitchin' This Weekend

People keep saying how boring January is - after all the holiday hubbub in December. I say... "You're bored? Then, quit complaining and get outside!" Here's a list of the top 5 FREE things you can do in Laguna Beach this long holiday weekend (and pretty much all year round).

5. Farmers' Market in the Lumberyard Parking Lot. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Rain or shine. This is a CERTIFIED California Farmers' Market, which means it's “The Real Thing” - California grown and certified by the state of California. Farmers are selling their crops directly to the public, so the farmers and consumers are saving money – no packing, shipping and wholesale costs. Buy delicious fruits and vegetables, then go home and either invent your own recipe or find something online that incorporates what you bought. If you're trying to eat well as you begin 2015, this is a fabulous place to start! Bring sturdy bags or a cart/baby stroller and clear out some room in your fridge before you leave.

4. Laughing Yoga. Yes, that's right! LAUGHING YOGA! I did it once for a documentary-style t.v. show I was on called “This is Why You’re Single” and it was freakin’ hilarious!!! Meet at the northernmost end of Main Beach. Sunday through Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. The instructor uses the practice of laughter as a form of exercise.

3. Hike Laguna! Top of the World, Alta Laguna Park, Laguna Canyon, Crystal Cove - the list goes on and on. BRING YOUR CAMERA OR CELL PHONE and capture some amazing, scenic shots! And prove to your friends that you did it! A few specific things this weekend – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Saturday morning. Help restore the wild lands. Great lesson for the kids. Edible and Useful Plant Hike – Saturday morning at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

2. Gallery Tour. Art Walk is fabulous, but that’s only once a month. Check out the galleries when they’re less crowded and even make your own map based on what kind of art you’re interested in. LagunaArt.com is a great website that has over 60 Laguna galleries listed with a map to see how close they all are to each other. You can search art based on your taste – abstract, landscape, pop art, realism, etc. Make your own set schedule or just wander in and out.

1. Coast Highway Walk. Park around Bluebird Canyon near Surf and Sand Resort and just stroll. Go in every single store, restaurant, you name it – just to see what they sell. Check out merchandise, prices, etc. Stay for 2 seconds, stay for a half hour. We locals drive by these businesses every single day, but are we really that familiar with every business on PCH? BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN. People travel from all over the world to spend time in Laguna and we GET to be here every day. This is an awesome way to spend the day. You can even get to know some of the merchants. YOU CAN DO ALL THESE THINGS ENTIRELY FOR FREE, BUT IF YOU WANT TO SPEND A LITTLE DOUGH, TAKE YOUR TIME, GRAB A COFFEE AND ENJOY THE OCEAN VIEW WHILE SITTING ON A PICNIC TABLE OR GRAB LUNCH AT ANY OF THE SPOTS ALONG THE WAY. The weather is supposed to be in the low 70s through Monday, so the conditions should be just about perfect. Wear comfy shoes and enjoy a little leisurely exercise.

The Visitors Center Downtown is a great resource for all things happening in Laguna – NOT JUST FOR VISITORS. 381 Forest Avenue. Pamphlets, brochures. Website too. Visitlagunabeach.com. Have a blast and be sure to tell me about your experience.

Snow and Santa Land in Laguna!

Want to get in the holiday spirit? You don't have to go to the snow for that! You can do it right here in Laguna Beach. Here's my list of the top 5 holiday decorated businesses in Laguna (excluding hotels). 

5. Laguna Cyclery – 240 Thalia Street.
Bicycle shop – sales, service, rentals. Near Glenneyre. Really cool icicle lights, colored lights, Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays painted on windows, really colorful. The regular look of the building has a lot to do with it too, because it looks like a building you’d see in Vermont or somewhere, so the holiday look really brings you to a colder climate.

4. Madison Square & Garden Café – 320 N. Coast Hwy.
Based on what you see right now, this would have scored much higher, BUT they have a ton of stuff decorating the front of the restaurant all year round. They did add toy soldiers, trees, lit up wreaths, etc. Definitely worth a look.

3. Anything Canine Concierge Boutique – 357 S. Coast Hwy.
Near Main Beach. Wins the cute factor contest! The whole window is full of adorable dogs – stuffed animals, a Dalmatian wearing a Santa hat, an umbrella covering a bunch of dogs. A tree decorated completely with dog toys. Other window – Hanukkah display. They get extra points for that! A big menorah, more dogs, Jewish stars, lights. And then you have Frosty the Snowman blown up holding a big candy cane that says North Pole on it. You may miss it driving by, so park the car or take a stroll and check it out.

2. The English Garden – 1199 S. Coast Hwy.
Specialize in exquisite floral designs. Just beautiful. Classy. Snow-covered trees, deer, snowflakes, trees in background covered in all red lights, tiny little houses glistening with glitter, silver bows. So peaceful and tastefully done.

1. The Black Iris – 2950 S. Coast Hwy.
Florist and fine gifts. NO CONTEST! Winner hands down. Takes over a good portion of the block. A few windows have snow-covered trees, but the front is truly magical! It’s like being in Santa’s Workshop. We see Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a moving Ferris wheel, tons of trees and lights everywhere. It’s an entire village. In another window, another Santa – looks real. Huge, beautiful ornaments. So intricate. Simply gorgeous. So impressive! It’s better than any department store display I’ve ever seen. I suggest checking these businesses out at night, because the lights really add a lot to the displays. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Turkey Day Getaways from Laguna Beach

If you live in Southern California and want to get away to somewhere awesome this Thanksgiving weekend, BUT you don't want the crowds of the top 5 busiest travel destinations, I have 5 others that you'll absolutely love! 5. Ojai - the sleepiest choice on the list, but if you want peace and relaxation, this is the place. Get a massage, take a nature walk and bring a book! You can also enjoy the artistic flair, quaint boutiques and tasty restaurants in the Downtown area. About 2:20 from Laguna Beach. 4. Julian - I hesitate to mention it, because we in the know want to keep it a secret, but it's a great spot for the whole family. Bring your elastic-band pants and an appetite for sweets - fresh pies, delicious apple cider (regular for the little ones and hard cider for the grown-ups!), a fabulous candy store and so much more. You can even pan for gold! About 2 hours from Laguna Beach. 3. Catalina Island - Take a cruise on Catalina Express (free on your birthday) or Catalina Flyer. Temperatures are still nice this time of year, but bring a jacket! Try the new zipline eco tour, rent bikes or a golf cart and tour the island, check out the sealife in a glassbottom boat or see wildlife up close. Don't forget to grab some saltwater taffy before heading home. About an hour and a half ride across the ocean from Dana Point. 2. Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead - Don't wait for ski and snowboarding season! Go now! Take in the gorgeous fall colors and crisp, clean air. Go fishing in the lake, mountain biking, hiking. You can even take a scenic sky chair at Snow Summit. My favorite part? Playing board games in a cabin, drinking hot cocoa and wearing my UGG boots! About 2 hours from Laguna Beach. 1. Palm Springs/Palm Desert/La Quinta - When you're not laying out at the pool and soaking up the sun, you can take the Aerial Tramway up the mountain for a major weather and scenery change, explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and enjoy plenty of live entertainment. If you're brave, you can visit the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon, but pack your patience. WARNING!!! I highly recommend coming home first thing Sunday morning to avoid HOURS of stopped traffic. About 2 hours away from Laguna Beach. Don't forget to ask about off-season discounts; you could save some serious cash! Whatever you do, wherever you go, be happy and be safe!!!

Say ahhhhhhhhhhhhh-men!!!

Hey flossing friends... here's something to really sink your teeth into! I've lived in many parts of this great country and one of the biggest challenges every time I move is to find a new dentist and doctors that I actually like. Introducing... Dr. Hannah Lewis in Dana Point, California. She was recommended to me by my college friend, endodontist Dr. Duhli Chen, along with one of her patients. I live in Laguna Beach (hence the name Lynda Laguna), so I really wanted something close to home. I was assured it would be worth the drive, even though you usually only have to go to the dentist a couple times a year. I got there in less than 20 minutes. Super quick drive and easy to find. I was thrilled when I got there, because there's plenty of free parking in the lot. Fabulous! I walk in and am greeted by Kim at the front, who actually treated me like a person, not a patient. Friendly, efficient and very welcoming. The office is extremely clean and organized. Peaceful, pleasant - they don't overbook. The wait time was SO short! Kim even contacted my previous dentist and was able to request my x-rays while I was there. I was then brought in for my cleaning by Adrienne. Incredibly nice and very knowledgeable about everything going on in my mouth, my nasal passage, you name it! If I didn't know better, I would have believed she was the dentist. I've been to dozens of dentists over the years and she gave me my best cleaning yet. AND it didn't hurt. Even with all those uncomfortable things they have to put in your mouth, she was as gentle as could be. She also conducted conversation when it was actually possible for me to speak. I hate it when dentists ask you questions when your mouth is full of equipment and you can't answer. Why do they do that??? They used digital x-rays - I'm told much safer. Always a plus. She gave me some great advice on tartar control, toothpastes, electric toothbrushes, the correct way to use them, the proper way to floss and much more. My teeth are super smooth right now. I love it! After all that, it's time for Dr. Hannah Lewis. Super cool! I didn't feel intimidated at all. She gives you her full attention and spends more than 5 seconds in the room with you. She brought up all the pictures of my teeth showing me which were in good shape and which ones needed some help. Kids, take care of your teeth when you're little! They're the only ones you get. I wish I understood that way back when! She was completely honest with me and didn't try the scare tactic. She told me we could prioritize and not fix everything all at once. Most people don't love going to the dentist, but with an experience like the one I had today, I dread it a whole lot less! I have already made my follow-up appointments and am actually look forward to returning. If you're looking for a quality dentist in Orange County, you may want to check out Dana Point Smiles for yourself. It certainly gave ME something to smile about! Dr. Hannah Lewis www.danapointsmiles.com 24655 La Plaza Dana Point, CA 92629 (949) 496-5713