A Day of Pampering for Those in Need

ORANGE COUNTY – May 15, 2013 – The Illumination Foundation, an Orange County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to break the cycle of homelessness, partnered with PIMCO and Union Bank for their Annual Women’s Appreciation Luncheon on Saturday, May 4. Volunteers from PIMCO joined the Illumination Foundation to give a day of pampering to the hardworking mothers from the program.

This is the second consecutive year that Illumination Foundation has hosted the luncheon. It is a wonderful opportunity to recognize their women clientele and honor them in conjunction with Mother’s Day. To begin the afternoon of celebration, the women received fresh flower boutonnieres and enjoyed a healthy lunch with their families. Manicure stations were set up to provide much-needed pampering throughout the afternoon. In addition, the women in attendance were gifted purses and hygiene kits. Cookie decorating and puppet storytelling kept the kids occupied, while the mothers enjoyed relaxation time.

Along with the Women’s Appreciation Luncheon, Illumination Foundation hosts a number of events throughout the year for local homeless and unstably housed community members. They also offer comprehensive services that include case management, mental health services, financial literacy, medical care, workforce counseling and children’s programs for individuals facing homelessness within Orange County.

To learn more about the Illumination Foundation’s services and the upcoming events, visit www.ifhomeless.org.

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Celebrating 25 Years, International Pilates Academy to Reach Additional Milestone with the Largest Learn From the Leaders Industry Conference in its History this June

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – May 14, 2013 – 25 years ago, world renowned Pilates instructor, Rael Isacowitz, could not have imagined what BASI Pilates® would become. Today, the organization, which stands for Body Arts and Science International, has more than 100 locations in 27 countries, and is one of the foremost international teaching academies specializing in the training and education of Pilates instructors worldwide.

Marking its 25-year anniversary, and to meet the growing demand, BASI Pilates has opened its doors to a new global headquarters. The 9,000 sq. foot studio is located at 3080 Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, Calif., sitting atop a five-story building with panoramic views of the South Coast Metro area. Approaching Pilates as both an art and a science, the new headquarters represents BASI Pilates’ dedication to formulating and maintaining the highest level of professional standards for the teaching and innovation of Pilates. Open to Pilates instructors, students and enthusiasts alike, the studio features ample space for mat classes, workshops and training courses. Isacowitz’s revolutionary line of Pilates machinery, the AVALON® System, a highly-adjustable resistance mechanism that promotes greater and more precise strength gains, sits off the main entryway, offering students greater space to utilize all the equipment’s intended functions. In addition to the teaching space, the new headquarters also includes a learning library, relaxation room, wrap-around outdoor balcony, clothing boutique, private dressing room with safe storage area, spa-like showers, kitchen and offices for the BASI Pilates executive team.

Providing students and enthusiasts with a state-of-the-art facility, BASI Pilates’ new studio inspires creativity, awakens passion, encourages education and teaches the art of Pilates.

“Opening this global headquarters is a dream come true,” said Isacowitz, founder of BASI Pilates. “Our work throughout the last 25 years has made BASI the leading educational Pilates organization in the world. Because of this, it was imperative that we open our doors as a space to train, teach, inspire, learn and grow in the art of Pilates. This new studio allows us to not only educate Pilates instructors, but to assist them in maintaining that education for the duration of their careers.”

Founded in Australia in 1989, BASI Pilates is a teacher training academy dedicated to introducing curriculum-based studies and academic rigor into the largely informal and unfettered field of Pilates instruction. A BASI Pilates education is anchored in anatomy, physiology and scientific principles, with an emphasis on the aesthetic quality of every movement. Today, BASI Pilates is represented in 27 countries at more than 100 locations with a select faculty of more than 30-qualified teachers.

This June, BASI Pilates will celebrate its 25-year anniversary with yet another milestone: the organization has invited Pilates instructors and educators from across the globe to its largest Learn From The Leaders Conference in history. Set against the beautiful Newport Beach backdrop, the two-day Pilates gathering will feature workshops, mat classes, networking and celebrations. Headlining the conference will be Isacowitz, as well as Pilates Elder Lolita San Miguel, Alan Herdman, Karen Clippinger and Brett Howard. Space is limited and nearly sold out. To register for the event, Pilates instructors, educators and serious enthusiasts may visit: www.basipilates.com/event/18/.

For more information about BASI Pilates, its new global headquarters or the Learn From the Leaders Conference, visit: www.basipilates.com/. To schedule a class or session at the new studio, call 866-992-2742  or visit: www.basistudio.com/.

About BASI Pilates®

BASI Pilates® is a Pilates teacher training academy that prepares students to instruct in the Pilates method, according to the legacy of Joseph Pilates and contemporary scientific knowledge. Holders of the BASI Pilates Mat Teacher Training Course diploma are fully qualified to instruct in Pilates mat work, while holders of the Comprehensive Teacher Training Course diploma are qualified to instruct in both mat and apparatus work. BASI Pilates also offers a comprehensive Advanced Education program for postgraduate study geared toward qualified professionals. Based in Costa Mesa, California. BASI Pilates provides courses throughout the US and in 27 countries. BASI Pilates is a privately-owned institution that is approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and affiliated with the Pilates Method Alliance, the Asian Academy for Sport and Fitness Professionals and other industry bodies around the world.

For more information, visit www.basipilates.com.

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Iconic Orange County Restaurant Introduces Three New Grilled Sustainable Salmon Dishes

Orange County – May 8, 2013 – As part of its continued efforts to offer guests craveable coastal cuisine, Rubio’s Restaurants®, the brand known for popularizing the fish taco, is introducing three new chef-crafted sustainable seafood items to its menu for a limited time. Today, Rubio’s fans and friends are invited to stop in and try the new Grilled Chimichurri Salmon burrito, taco and salad.

Created by Ralph Rubio and Rubio’s team of chefs, the new offerings give guests a fresh and savory sustainable option, just in time for summer. Bursting with flavor, each item features sustainable, grilled Atlantic salmon topped with Rubio’s chimichurri sauce, a savory blend of chopped basil, parsley, chives, garlic and olive oil. The mouthwatering burrito and taco include fire-roasted corn and Fresno chiles. The burrito comes complete with black beans and salsa fresca, while the taco is topped with crunchy spring mix, butter lettuce and crema. Providing an even lighter option is the salad, made with fresh spring mix and butter lettuce tossed in a chimichurri balsamic vinaigrette dressing and topped with fresh sliced avocados, Fresno chiles, crema and fire-roasted corn.

“At Rubio’s, we are not only dedicated to bringing inventive and flavorful options to our menu, but also to being a friend to the ocean,” said Ralph Rubio, co-founder of Rubio’s. “Our new sustainable Grilled Chimichurri Salmon dishes give guests fresh and savory options, and allow them feel good about what they are eating. These new offerings signify the blend of Rubio’s passion for innovative cuisine and ocean preservation.”

Rubio’s dedication to seafood began when the first Rubio’s opened in 1983. The care Ralph Rubio spent developing the first fish taco recipe became the basis for everything Rubio’s stands for today: interesting and complex flavors in chef-crafted recipes using high-quality ingredients. To date, Rubio’s has sold more than 170 million Original Fish Tacos® and works to be a friend to the ocean year-round by sourcing the majority of its seafood from sustainable fisheries, recycling plastic and glass bottles in restaurants wherever possible, using eco-friendly plates and to-go containers, and supporting ocean- focused causes.

The brand continues to expand its menu with innovative, chef crafted recipes, ranging from sustainable shrimp and Atlantic salmon to seasonal Langostino lobster and wild Alaska Pollock. In addition to serving certified sustainable seafood, Rubio’s also offers grilled marinated chicken and steak, “no fried” pinto beans, salads, handmade guacamole, and a variety of proprietary salsas.

Today, fans, friends and guests alike are invited to come in and try the Grilled Chimichurri Salmon burrito, taco and salad. Rubio’s fans and friends should also stay tuned for more details surrounding new menu items, upcoming initiatives and Rubio’s World Oceans Day celebration.

For more information about Rubio’s, its menu options or to find a location near you, visit: http://rubios.com. Fans can also join in the conversation and be among the first to hear about upcoming events and celebrations, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/rubios and Twitter at http://twitter.com/rubiostweets.

About Rubio’s Restaurants:

The first restaurant was opened in 1983 in San Diego by Ralph Rubio and his father, Ray, who started the fish taco phenomenon that spread across the nation. Today, Rubio’s menu has grown from The Original Fish Taco^® to include additional chef-crafted seafood recipes that feature sustainable shrimp, Atlantic salmon, Regal Springs® tilapia and mahi mahi. In addition to certified sustainable seafood, Rubio’s offers grilled marinated chicken and steak, salads, handmade guacamole, “no fried” pinto beans℠, and a variety of salsas that are prepared daily. Rubio’s is headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., and operates 196 restaurants in California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. For more information, visit http://rubios.com. 

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What: Hosted by the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America (OCBSA), Scout‑O‑Rama 2013 offers more than 250 exciting outdoor competitions, exhibits, skits and displays for a fun-filled day at the park.

Open to Orange County residents of all ages, guests can take part in canoe racing, climbing walls, cooking demonstrations and tastings, as well as enjoy thrilling shows and entertainment.

Join us for more family fun with:

• Medieval Times performances
• Vans Skate and BMX team demonstrations
• Radio Disney events and promotions
• Knott’s Berry Farm characters and promotions

Scout-O-Rama is the annual trade show of Scouting in Orange County that is attended by more than 30,000 people

Who: For more information about Scout-O-Rama, activities at the event, and who participates, Jeff Herrmann, president and scout executive for the OCBSA, is available for comment.

When: 9:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday, May 11, 2013

Where: Oak Canyon Park, 5305 Santiago Canyon Drive, Silverado, CA 92676

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Smashburger Orange County Locations to Give Free Burgers to “Burgers” on National Burger Day

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (May 06, 2013) – Smashburger, America’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant, announced that in celebration of National Burger Day on May 28 it will give away a FREE Classic Smash™ nationwide to anyone with the last name “Burger,” or variations thereof.

According to WhitePages.com, there are approximately 21,687 people in the United States with the last name “Burger” and 1,530 named “Hamburger.” Either way, burger lovers with variations of “Burger” – or Berger, Weinberger, Rosenberger, etc. – in their names will receive one FREE Classic Smash™ in recognition of the holiday that celebrates America’s favorite food. This offer is valid for redemption at all Smashburger locations in the United States. Proof of last name is required (i.e. valid driver’s license, passport or picture ID). Limit one Classic Smash per ID.

“Burgers are an iconic American food. We’ve been eating them for generations and burgers are America’s favorite food,” said Tom Ryan, Founder of Smashburger. “But just in the last five years or so, we have seen an explosion in people’s interest to eat higher quality burgers than the typical fast food fare.

And with the average person eating 43 hamburgers per year, there is cause for celebration of a national holiday or “National Burger Day.”

“We just opened our 200^th restaurant last month and now we are in four international countries,” said David Prokupek, President and CEO of Smashburger. “We saw the consumer trend in demand for quality burgers in the fast casual segment a few years ago. Our timing to introduce Smashburger couldn’t have been better.” Opening its first restaurant in 2007, Smashburger came on the scene and now reports that growth and demand in this better burger segment has never been stronger. “We see a lot of runway ahead for more growth as people catch on that there is a better way to eat burger,” added Prokupek.

At Smashburger, the secret is in the smash. It starts with 100-percent – fresh, never frozen, Certified Angus Beef that is smashed on a 400 degree flat grill to sear in its juicy flavor. To further the “better burger” experience, its delicious burgers are served on a toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of the freshest produce, cheeses and highest-quality condiments. Smashburger’s juicy burgers are served alongside its hand-spun Häagen-Dazs^® shakes, local craft beers, tempting sides and regional menu items created to please the palate.

Smashburger’s signature recipes and Create Your Own burgers are smashed fresh, served delicious every time. More than just burgers, customers can also enjoy a selection of tender marinated grilled chicken sandwiches, fresh tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries, haystack onions, and veggie frites (flash-fried carrot sticks and green beans).

About Smashburger

Smashburger is America’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant with 203 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 29 states and in four international countries. Smashburger first came to Orange County in 2012, with two locations in Aliso Viejo and Mission Viejo. By offering fresh, premium “smashed to order” burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, signature side items and hand-spun Haagen-Dazs shakes, Smashburger has modernized the way people think about burgers. Known for localizing its menu in every market with regionally inspired burgers and side items and offering local craft beers, Smashburger offers Orange County residents the “OC Burger,” which is 100-percent Certified Angus Beef burger topped with grilled sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, baby arugula, aged Swiss cheese and truffle mayo on an egg bun. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.

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Volunteers from Local Company Work to Rebuild a Positive Environment in Orange County Neighborhood

ORANGE COUNTY – April 30, 2013 – The Illumination Foundation, an Orange County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to break the cycle of homelessness, teamed up with a global leader in eye care, Alcon, for their Second Annual Stanton Community Cleanup Day on Thursday, April 25. Formerly a troubled neighborhood, the Tina-Pacific area of Stanton continues to be transformed by the Illumination Foundation’s hard work and commitment to creating permanent, stable housing for homeless families. Since launching the Tina-Pacific Project last year, the Stanton Sheriff has reported a four percent decrease in the area’s crime rate.

This is the second consecutive year that Alcon has joined the Illumination Foundation for the Stanton Community Cleanup. Their investment of time in working to better the Tina-Pacific neighborhood has greatly impacted the positive morale that can now be found in this area. A total of 20 Alcon staff members volunteered their time to make a difference in the Tina-Pacific area. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the group picked up trash and repainted the graffiti-covered walls. They also removed weeds and planted flowers around the seven permanent housing apartments for local Illumination Foundation clients.

Along with these monthly community cleanup initiatives, Illumination Foundation also runs the Stanton Multi Service Center to offer the local homeless and unstably housed community members comprehensive services that include case management, mental health services, financial literacy, medical care, workforce counseling and children’s programs.

The Tina-Pacific neighborhood has positively changed due to the resources made possible by the Illumination Foundation. To learn more about the Illumination Foundation’s services and the Tina-Pacific Project, visit www.ifhomeless.org.

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Call for Entries: Capistrano Unified Students Invited to Participate in Energy Conservation Project for a Chance to Win $500 Grand Prize

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – May 1, 2013 – American Residential Services (ARS), a residential heating and air conditioning service company in Orange County, has partnered with the Capistrano Unified School District Foundation (CARE) to give back to the Capistrano Unified School District, while raising awareness for best practices in energy conservation. The CUSD Foundation is committed to marshaling the energy and goodwill of the Orange County community to provide exceptional learning opportunities for its students. ARS’s partnership with the foundation furthers this mission by providing a new initiative for local students to “think green.”

ARS and the CUSD Foundation have created an opportunity for children to expand their critical-thinking skills by submitting ideas focused on energy conservation. ARS and the CUSD Foundation encourage Elementary and Middle School students in the Capistrano Unified School District to enter their best ideas on how to reduce the load on the energy grid and share the type of impact their idea could have on the community. The contest is open to all “green” ideas, including essays, models and projects, and the top three students with the winning ideas will be rewarded with cash prizes; $500 for the first place winner, $300 for the second place winner and $200 for the third place winner. In addition, ARS will match the total prize earnings with a $1,000 donation to the Capistrano Unified School District Foundation.

“Community involvement is important to our team at ARS and giving back to our local schools and students is of the highest priority,” said Colin Martodam, Regional Manager of American Residential Services’ Southwest Division. “This green initiative aligns with ARS’s focus on energy-efficient practices and technologies, and will help bring awareness to the younger generation. Our hope is that we can encourage our youth to think about the impact they can make on our environment and share those ideas with the community as a whole so we can start making changes right here in Orange County.”

Submissions for the “Think Green” contest will be accepted May 1 through May 31. To enter, students must submit an energy-saving idea in the form of a written essay, drawing or model. All entries must include a thorough explanation of the idea, the potential impact of the idea on the economy and/or community, and how the idea can be implemented throughout their community. Winners will be announced in the first week of June. Projects are to be submitted to ARSthinkgreen@boltpr.com no later than May 31. In addition to the prizes for the winning students and the donation to the CUSD Foundation, ARS will donate $30 to CUSD for every ARS Home Service Plan purchased by parents within the Capistrano Unified School District during the months of May through July.

The ARS Home Service Plan includes two full-service maintenance tune-ups/ inspections within a one-year period. HSP membership guarantees customers benefits and services for their home, including discounts on repairs and selected services, priority scheduling and a full one-year guarantee on all work performed.

“The ‘Think Green’ contest is an excellent example of how a business can support and encourage ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking in education” said Capistrano Unified School District Foundation president, Steph Ramsey. “This kind of partnership brings unique participation opportunities to the students of CUSD while encouraging extracurricular learning and environmental awareness.”

For more information about the “Think Green” contest, please visit www.cusdfoundation.org, or email ARSthinkgreen@boltpr.com or call (949) 436-3537 . For further information about the CUSD Foundation visit www.cusdfoundation.org. For more information about ARS’s award-winning heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality services and to make a Home Service Plan appointment, visit www.arsorangecounty.com.

About American Residential Services (ARS)

Founded in 1997, ARS is a leading brand of American Residential Services L.L.C., which provides heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality services to residential and commercial customers nationwide. The knowledgeable team of ARS technicians delivers the highest quality professional HVAC services. ARS is committed to exceptional customer service, with its Exceptional Service Guarantee that assures ARS will always make it right for customers. For more information, visit www.arsorangecounty.com and www.ars.com or call (866) 247-1824 .

About the CUSD Foundation

The CUSD Foundation (Capistrano Unified School District) unites the schools, community and businesses to help make a difference by creating better opportunities and success for every student.

The CUSD Foundation is committed to innovative learning and education excellence for every student in the Capistrano Unified School District. The Capistrano Unified School District serves approximately 51,000 students with 58 schools encompassing 195 square miles in south Orange County. CUSD currently boasts 42 schools recognized as “California Distinguished Schools” and 12 schools recognized as “National Blue Ribbon Schools.” The non-profit Foundation is the only organization that raises funds for all schools and students to bridge the gap created by budget cuts through partnerships with businesses and the community. 

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Press Release

May 1, 2013

Downtown Anaheim Association announces an out of this world Art Crawl Experience themed “Alien meets Grrl” on May 11, 6pm-10pm on Center Street Promenade in Downtown Anaheim.

During the evening of an ACE, attendees stroll amongst outdoor permanent “art in public places,” a cascade of canopies featuring unique hand-crafted treasures and illuminated palm trees to discover artists demonstrating their creative process.

Participating downtown eateries and shops transform their spaces into one-night pop-up galleries, and Downtown Anaheim brick-and-mortar galleries display the latest art exhibits, including Rothick Art Haus, Center Gallery, MUZEO, Joy Art Gallery and Kooi Art.

Gourmet food trucks rolling into the May ACE are Calbi, Chomp Chomp Nation, Crepes Bonaparte, Garlicscapes, Meringue Bake Shop and Seabirds.

Below are the activities, attractions, exhibits and entertainment;

The 2^nd  Annual UFO Crash Landing Site, an outdoor alien art exhibit, takes over the front courtyard in front of Anaheim ICE, which resembles the infamous Area 51 airplane hangar. Works on display will include Anaheim Historical Society’s replica of a 1953 Flying Sasser, Fire Monkey Gem’s alien sculptures, Kathleen Kaplan’s photo-chemical paintings, live paintings by Chris Mason and pieces from Jennifer Stratford’s Alien Zone.

Grrl Fair XI, a D.I.Y. showcase promoting community and women in the arts, is coming to Anaheim, bringing with them visual artists, photographers, filmographers, DJ’s, Musicians, zine-sters, speakers and work-shoppers.

At Rothick Art Haus, Splendor Device debuts “Sleep with the Fishes” a nautical themed art extravaganza involving mermaids, sirens and everything under the sea.

The Anaheim Fall Festival Foundation will host a beer garden near the main stage at Center Street Promenade, where patrons will be mesmorized by the colors and heat of Rhythm-n-Flow Fire Dancers, Naranjita Flamenco Dancers, Grupo Folkrico Desafio, reggae music by Wait for Green and rock-n-roll by Rock of Ages.

• 118 Degrees: Art display, live musician, special limited edition smoothies.
• Anaheim Brewery: Featured artist will be Jeremy Samson, specializing in function-able art pieces, using reclaimed wood.
• Center Gallery: Mildred Kouzel – Multi-media sculpture.
• CIM Gallery: The fine art of Catalina Island native, Jason Kuncas, will be on display on the walls of the CIM Gallery, formerly the gallery space for Sarah Bain. Kuncas paints abstract, vibrant ocean-life scenes.
• THE GOOD California Haberdashery: Barrel Fever Trio – live music
• The Gypsy Den: View the works of the Gypsy Den’s creative staff.
• Remedy Hair Shoppe: Local artist “Turbo” painting/haircutting demo at 8pm.
• HEALTHY JUNK: Vegan Pop-up Shop inside GOOD FOOD.
• HOME ECO:NOMICS: The art of Henna.
• Joy Art Gallery: Exhibit featuring students from the Visual Arts Conservatory at Orange County School of the Arts and DIY portfolio workshop.
• MUZEO: Free admission into Across the Andes Experience Discounted admission into “Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs,” $5 General Admission,$10 Admission + one Spy-tini (Best Deal! Save $8!) English Country Dancers will perform in MUZEO’s beer garden and martini lounge.
• Umami Burger: Anaheim resident, Maurice Turner, will have his photography on display, featuring subjects from his travels.
• Ye Olde Spyglass Institute of Dance and Enlightenment- “Night of the Gypsy” – Photographer Heather Bloom live photo-shoot at 9pm inside the studio.
• Yoga Mat: Rudite Godfrey will have her art on display. Those who arrive at 5pm can join in a free community yoga class.

“Art Crawl Experience” or simply “ACE” is a visually invigorating, tastefully titillating, and an auditory explosive art walk and arts festival that takes place from 6pm to 10pm on the second Saturday of February, May, August and November.

The crawl stretches from Anaheim Blvd., to Harbor Blvd. and along Center Street Promenade. Art lovers can walk, crawl or climb aboard the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) for complimentary rides throughout Anaheim’s Art Crawl Experience. For more information, visit www.downtownanaheim.com/artcrawlexperience.

The Downtown Anaheim Association is a non-profit organization and a public/private partnership responsible for promoting, developing and maintaining downtown as a vibrant and diverse center, encompassing commercial, cultural, educational, recreational and government uses. DAA hosts a wide assortment of community events, such as the weekly certified farmers’ market, the quarterly Art Crawl Experience and the highly anticipated OC Fest of Ales (September).

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If you haven’t strolled through Center Street Promenade in Downtown Anaheim in a while, you might be pleasantly surprised at the beautifully refurbished neo-vintage store fronts. Take a step inside one of the new eateries, sink your teeth into the culinary cuisine, and you will be transcended into wonderful world where hamburgers are healthy, tacos are green and the lasagna is alive!!

This is a food revolution, and heading the front-lines are talented chefs from HEALTHY JUNK, EAT STREET and 118 Degrees who want to share their passion for cooking healthy delicious cuisine with you!

Starting in May, on the first and third Thursday at noon, downtown chefs will demonstrate their cooking methods, using fresh local California seasonal produce and artisan foods from the Anaheim Certified Farmers’ Market. Pull up a seat at the intersection of Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street, and enjoy the Chef Showcase Series on stage.

Meet the Chefs

Chef Jenny Ross (May 2 and June 6), the owner and executive chef of the living-foods restaurant, 118 Degrees, has been a pioneering spirit of the raw-foods movement since 2000, beginning with her first Los Angeles café. As a chef, her unique creations have captivated customers nationwide, and her product line is available in health-food stores throughout the country. Her award-winning cuisine has drawn a celebrity clientele to her restaurant and has been a positive catalyst for changing many lives.

Chef Lynda Santos (May 16) has achieved the impossible and merged concepts that you wouldn’t ordinarily find living within the same sentence, let alone the same plate: “healthy, vegan, junk food!” Chef Lynda is the brain-child behind the downtown vegan restaurant HEALTHY JUNK, offering meat-free comfort food such as the Anaheim Chile Burger, kale chips, pizza, chili cheese fries and even creamy delicious shakes. HEALTHY JUNK has quickly developed a faithful culinary cult following of OC foodies thanks to the ingenuity of this daring chef.

Chef Katie Averill (June 20) attended California Culinary Academy and graduated with honors with an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in both hot line and pastry cooking. Chef Katie has worked for prestigious restaurants, such as Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, Chef Charlie Palmer’s Aureole and Art Institute of California. Chef Katie owns culinary cooking school, EAT STREET in downtown Anaheim. Classes range from scratch breads and pastas to ethnic menus, Date Night to Ladies’ Day Out; Eat Street’s ever changing classes will entice and excite.

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Calling all Seniors – Class of 2014

By Melissa DeMers/Lissarie Photography

Senior year flies by so fast, before you know it you’re off to college and those days of finals & pep rallies are behind you. Graduating from High School is a rite of passage that definitely deserves to be documented {in a FUN way}.  Having your Senior portraits done doesn’t have to be boring & dull, choose a photographer that will capture you & your unique personality! 

Your photos should tell a story about who YOU are & what you do.  If you are into sports, I highly encourage you to bring your sports gear (ball, bat, jersey, etc) to your photo session.  The same goes for dancers, cheerleaders, surfers, musicians…you get the idea, whatever it is you are great at, let’s accentuate that in your photos.  If you aren’t into any hobbies or sports, that is perfectly fine.  Getting dressed up, having your hair & make up done can make you feel wonderful & confident in your photos.  Or if you are more of a jeans & tee shirt kind of guy or gal, perfect, we want you to be yourself & show off who you really are at this time in your life. 

Choosing a location for your Senior portraits is important as well.  I love to meet with my Seniors {either via phone consultation or in person, over a Starbucks coffee} prior to their session date so that I can get to know them, get a feel of who they are & what they enjoy doing.  That is when I can usually suggest a few locations in which I think would fit their style & personality.  A large open field with wildflowers works well for a country girl with a dress & cowboy boots whereas a dancer might fit better with a more urban felt session.

Hiring a professional photographer to capture your Senior photos is a wonderful investment.  You are going to look back on these photos for years to come, they will be in your yearbook, have them printed & send them out with your graduation announcements. Get your favorite image blown up onto a huge canvas & give it to your parents as a “thank you for everything” gift! 

I always get asked the questions of “when should we book our Senior photo session?” Typically I photograph Seniors from May (their Junior year) up until their month of graduation (giving at least 3 weeks to process photos).  It’s never too early to get your session on the calendar! 

Lissarie Photography is in search of Senior reps in the South Orange County area! Are you a fun, outgoing, bubbly Junior (Senior/Class of 2014) and want to represent Lissarie Photography? Are you interested in winning a FREE iPad by simply referring your friends to me?  If so, I’d LOVE to hear from you! Please email me at smile@lissariephotography.com for details.  Visit us at www.lissariephotography.com. 

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