Welcome to OC welcomes guest blogger, Michelle Terpstra, a Certified Yoga Instructor.

Next time you have a cold, grab your Yoga mat!

Before you begin, gently wrap an ace bandage around your forehead or eyes to release the tension in your sinuses.  If available, burn peppermint oil while practicing being sure to breath deeply.  Play some peaceful music as well.

 Child’s Pose (Balasana), 2 minutes

 Relax, Increase Circulation and Activate Organs

 From a seated position, spread your knees wide and bring your toes to touch.  Now fold forward reaching the fingertips towards the top of the mat allowing your forehead to rest on the ground.

 Ragdoll (Uttanasana), 3 minutes

 Release Lower Back, Awaken Respiratory System, Help Drain Sinuses

 From standing, feet hip distance apart, fold forward grabbing opposite elbows. Now hang heavy and allow the neck to relax.  Be sure to keep a bend in the knees and then gently sway side to side.

 Supported Bridge Pose (Salamba Setu Bandhasana), 3 minutes

 Increase Circulation to Upper Torso, Relieve Stress

 Lie on your back with your feet flat to the mat and knees pointed to the sky.  Gently roll up one vertebra at a time lifting your bottom off the ground about 4-6 inches. Place a rolled blanket or Yoga block under your sacrum and relax onto the support.

 Supported Bound Angle Pose (Salamba Baddha Konasana), 3 minutes

 Destroys Disease (according to traditional text), Opens Hips and Chest

 Place a Yoga bolster or a few blankets on the mat to run the length of your head to sacrum. Next, lie down across the bolster supporting your entire head and allowing your pelvis to be lower than your torso. Bring the soles of the feet together and let the legs open wide reaching for the mat. If your inner thighs or hips are tight, place a Yoga block or blanket under each knee for support.

 Supine Twist (Jathara Parivartanasana), 2 minutes each side

 Detoxifies Organs, Improves Breathing, Soothes Nerves

 Lie down on your back with your legs extended and with your palms guide your right knee in towards your chest. Place your left hand on outside of the right knee. Gently guide your knee across your body reaching for the opposite floor.  Now allow your gaze and free arm to reach to the right and maintain contact on the mat with both shoulders.  After two minutes, switch legs and repeat.

 Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani), 5 minutes

 Energizes the Body, Revives Tired or Cramped Legs and Feet

 Place a Yoga bolster or blankets lengthwise about 4-6 inches away from the wall. Next, lie on your back and swing your legs up the wall gently allowing your hips to settle onto the bolster. Now release your arms next to you with your palms facing up receiving much needed energy.

 You should now feel reenergized and breathing a little better. Practice this series twice a day until your cold passes.

 Namaste,

Michelle Terpstra, CYT

• Website: http://mctyoga.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mctyoga
• Twitter: @mctyoga

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Cypress Community Festival Date Set For July 28th:

 
The date for the 32nd annual Cypress Community Festival has been set for Saturday, July 28, 2012. The public is invited to attend this annual  “birthday party” for the City of Cypress and admission is free. This huge event has become a tradition in the community as families, friends and neighbors commemorate the date of incorporation of Cypress by enjoying the Festival.

The Festival is produced by a dedicated group of volunteers known as the Cypress Community Festival Association. This group of about 20 community residents meets on the third Wednesday of each month from January through September to plan and produce the celebration.

 
The Cypress Community Festival is held at Oak Knoll park located at 5700 Orange Avenue. Festival day begins at 7 a.m. with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. Then there is the annual 5K/10K run/walk which starts at 7:30 a.m. The Festival grounds are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Craft vendors from all over the southland bring their wares to sell and display. Crafters, artisans, non-profit groups and individuals desiring booth space may email: vendors@cypressfestival.com.

 
The event is the largest one-day Festival in Orange County and draws about 30,000 visitors each year. Families will discover activities for all ages. There are food vendors, rides for the kids, game booths and clowns.

The annual classic car show draws a large crowd. Last year there were many participants in the hot and spicy chili cook-off and the salsa contest. In addition, the Cypress Chamber of Commerce conducts a Business Expo at the Festival where many companies large and small are able to display their products and services as they reach out to the community.

 
“We are looking forward to an exciting Festival again this year,” said Carol Fafara, the Festival Entertainment Chair. There will be shows throughout theday on four stages. Planned artists and entertainers for the 2012 Festival include: Go Country 105 FM, country radio Personality Shawn Parr, country artist Peter Brandon, the Chris Anderson Group and many other bands, artists and dancers.

 
Past Festivals have included appearances by Snoopy from Knott’s Berry Farm, a magic show by Ronald McDonald and a police dog demonstration by the Cypress Police Canine Unit. Local non-profit organizations have information booths to let the community know about their activities and Festival visitors are invited to cheer for their favorite youth softball teams.

 
The Festival is dependent on sponsorship support from local corporations,businesses and individuals. In 2011 major support was received from the law offices of Aleshire & Wynder, LLP; Consolidated Disposal Service; The Event News; The Gardens – Hawaiian Gardens Casino; Go Country 105 FM; The Grand PrixAssociation of Long Beach; The HomeMag of Orange County; United Healthcare andYamaha Motors Corp. – USA. Those desiring to sponsor the 2012 Festival may obtain information by email at sponsors@cypressfestival.com

Informationabout the Cypress Community Festival, Business Expo, Car Show, and the Chili and Salsa contest is available on the internet at http://www.cypressfestival.com/.  The community is encouraged to follow the Festival on Facebook and Twitter. Information is also available by email: info@cypressfestival.comor by phone at (714)886-9749.

Welcome to OC is so pleased to welcome guest blogger, Carol Cuoco from Landscape Design by Carol

Garden designers have been known to say that the most important component of a garden is 40 years.  Plants are alive and seem to exist just to break the rules of what we expect. It is seldom that they perform or behave as described in the reference books that we have pored over to do our planning.  It is the gardening experience and observation of our own piece of the earth that will lead us to understand – and possibly forecast – a plant’s behavior.

In defense of these plants and trees, we need to remember that the influences that affect the rate at which they grow, the color they develop, their size and longevity, are never the same.  It is through journaling and record keeping that we start to unravel the mysteries of our gardens.

When choosing a journal (or creating your own), it is important that you have the space to record the key factors:  sun exposure – both intensity and duration; water – both through rainfall and irrigation; temperature – highs and lows; adverse conditions such as wind; frost dates; the dates that you apply fertilizer and/or compost; and your planting and pruning schedule.   There should also be a space to copy down all of the information included on the plant tag.   It is also helpful to note the challenges your face (a pest, mildew, etc.) and how you treated for them and whether or not it was successful.  A place to organize pictures of your garden at various times of the year will serve to remind you not only of growth rates, but also at what time your garden is at its best and when to plan your outdoor party.  

If you have a journal from last year, you have undoubtedly noticed the different bloom dates for many landscape plants; i.e., Camellias and Pyrus kawakamii (Evergreen Pear Trees).  Many of our trees that blossom in the spring are doing so at a much earlier point in time this year, due to a combination of the unusually high temperatures we have had for extended periods of time, and the lack of rainfall.  Remember that our plants don’t grow, bloom or produce based on the same calendar we use to chart the course of our daily lives.  Their calendar doesn’t have dates but, rather, climate influences that guide them through their stages.  

Another important factor to record is the specific variety of plant that you have enjoyed more than others.  We all think that the little plastic tag from the nursery will stay put next to the new tomato plant that we have carefully introduced into our garden, but then reality hits and it breaks or is somehow eaten by the soil or is overtaken by the plant itself.  Whatever the cause – it most certainly will disappear.  It can be very frustrating to enjoy the fruits of your labor, only to not be able to remember what it was that you planted!

There are many journals and logs available online, depending on how in depth you would like to be with your record keeping.  I created my own journal with Excel and maintain it on my computer because I maintain records not only on the plants in my own garden, but others that I observe through my work.  My thought here was that it was probably safer because I back up the information on my computer regularly, and I would hate to see years of observation lost.  On the other hand, there is something very therapeutic about strolling through your garden with journal in hand, making notes on the spot and noting every detail – details that I think are sometimes forgotten by the time I sit down at my computer.  I can’t recommend any specific journal, but a search online produced many interesting options that you may wish to explore:

A Gardener’s Journal – for people who are very serious about detailed record keeping

Plant Jotter – web based with a yearly subscription

My Green Thumb: Your Gardening Organizer (available through various online bookstores)

Easy Bloom  – is a device that actually records some of the environmental data and information in your garden and inputs it to your computer for you to track and maintain.

Whether you choose to journal (record keeping with some of the emotion of gardening included) or to maintain a log (just the facts; all of the facts), you will be able to reflect upon your efforts and that selections you make this year, and use that information in the years ahead to better understand your garden and how it will perform.

Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….

You have voted and the results are in!  The 6^th Annual “Best of San Clemente” has arrived!

Now we here at Welcome Express have known all along that our sponsors were great–but here is proof positive–these “People’s Choice” awards give us all the more reason to salute–and patronize–the businesses who continue to stand out in our community.

Join us now in congratulating:

Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

Golden Ole

• Best Happy Hour
• Best Restaurant for a Romantic Evening
• Best Lunch Spot
• Best Bar
• Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners

Silver Ole

• Best Overall Restaurant
• Best Menu for Healthy Choices
• Best Appetizers
• Best Overall Customer Service

Antoine’s Café

Golden Ole

• Best Breakfast

Silver Ole

• Best Cup of Coffee or Tea

 Board & Brew

Golden Ole

• Best Sandwich

Silver Ole

• Best Lunch Spot

 VIP Pet Spa

Golden Ole

• Best Grooming/Pet Care

Bonded Cleaners

Golden Ole

• Best Dry Cleaners

 Be sure to check out these and other fabulous Orange County Businesses on www.OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com and don’t forget to Shop Local!

34th Annual Thanksgiving Day Run Concludes As One of the Biggest and Best Races to Date and Donates $35,000 to Race Beneficiaries, the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County

DANA POINT, Calif. – Jan. 26, 2012 – The Dana Point Turkey Trot, a Southern California tradition, has officially wrapped up its 2011 Thanksgiving Day run, providing Orange County runners with one of the most successful races to date in its 34-year history. Introducing new race enhancements for the 2011 run, the Dana Point Turkey Trot hosted more than 10,000 runners on Thanksgiving Day, as well as thousands of volunteers, families and spectators. In total, the 2011 Dana Point Turkey Trot donated $35,000 to the race beneficiaries, with $25,000 going to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment and $10,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.  More than $6,000 donations were made through the event’s online registration system. With the success of the 2011 Turkey Trot only two months behind, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is already gearing up for the 2012 run, with a call for early sponsors and registrants.

Organizers of the Dana Point Turkey Trot, including the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and RUN Racing, joined together as a team to provide 2011 participants with various race enhancements, including wave starts based on anticipated race times to alleviate congestion, stroller-specific wave starts, widening of the lane for the finish-line shoot and, for the first time ever, every Dana Point Turkey Trot participant received a finisher medal.

In addition, the Dana Point Turkey Trot held a health and fitness expo on November 23 and 24, offering the community an abundance of exhibitor booths that included the latest and greatest the fitness and health industry has to offer, as well as industry expert speakers and local fitness celebrities. Sarah Reinertsen, the first female leg amputee to complete the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, was on-site at the expo to sign books and participated in the race itself, running the 5K and 10K. Alongside Reinersten, Fernanda Rocha, local personal fitness trainer and former Bravo TV reality star, warmed-up with the children before the Kids’ Gobble Wobble race and led the kids in the one-mile run, alongside former Mayor Scott Shofield and Colonel Buhl of the United States Marines, and former Olympian Bob Seagren to spread the message of a healthy lifestyle.

 “The Dana Point Turkey Trot takes pride in listening to our participants’ feedback each year and continuously making enhancements to make each year even better than the previous,” said Russell Kerr, Chairman of the Board, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. “Whether working on personal fitness goals, encouraging kids to get active, giving back to the community, or enjoying the traditions’ festivities, the Dana Point Turkey Trot offers something for everyone to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day and it’s never too early to get involved.”

Attracting thousands of participants each year to its 5K, 10K, and Kids’ Gobble Wobble, the Dana Point Turkey Trot was named “one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs” by Fitness Magazine. 2011 sponsors of the race included: City of Dana Point, the presenting sponsor; AT&T; BuildingOnline; Clif Bar & Company; Collins Holdings LLC; County of Orange, OC Supervisor Patricia Bates; Dana Point Times; Dick’s Sporting Goods; Hodel Briggs Winter LLP; Lantern Bay Village; Mahé; Mix1; Sunsets Cabo Beach; The Strand at Headlands; Taste of Brews Dana Point; The Toll Roads; and Vintage Marina Partners.

Now, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is accepting sponsors for the 2012 race, ranging from title sponsorship and Friends of the Turkey Trot, to expo exhibitors and race t-shirt sponsorships. Organizations will reach tens of thousands of runners, athletes and community members, and millions more through media impressions, all while making a vital impact on the local economy in Orange County.

For more information about the 35th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot and sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com. Follow the Dana Point Turkey Trot on Twitter at http://twitter.com/turkeytrot and Facebook at http://facebook.com/danapointturkeytrot. 

 About the 35th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot:

Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce in partnership with RUN Racing, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is the nation’s sixth largest turkey trot in the country. Named one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs by Fitness Magazine, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 16,000 participants, including friends and family, in its 5K, 10K, Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and fitness expo. Featuring scenic routes through picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach, the Turkey Trot offers something for every member of the family. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event and a USATF Southern California Championship 10K Race. The 2011 Dana Point Turkey Trot helped fundraise for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment, accepting donations for each through the on-line registration. For more information, to register for a race, or to become a sponsor, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com.

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Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….

Welcome to OC is so pleased to welcome guest blogger, Carol Cuoco from Landscape Design by Carol 

The cooler months are the perfect time in Southern California to begin planning your spring garden project, whether that is to completely redo your gardens or to simply make changes to an existing flower bed.

There are three words that we are hearing on a regular basis in the gardening community:  sustainable, green and Xeriscape.  These three terms or garden concepts have overlapping meanings that can cause some confusion.  They are not garden styles, but rather descriptions of the practices to be used in the garden.

Wikipedia has a great definition of the concept of a sustainable garden, which is “integrate environmental, social and economic factors in an attempt to create a more sustainable future.”  Practices to incorporate for a sustainable garden would include retaining as much water on your property from sprinklers and/or rain via bioswales, proper irrigation techniques, rain barrels, etc. to avoid runoff; incorporating native plants to foster our local insects and birds; the use of organic fertilizers; planting edibles; propagating plants through your own cuttings and/or sharing with other gardeners, or by purchasing through seed companies such as Seeds of Change (www.seedsofchange.com); using recycled materials whenever possible (i.e., the concrete pieces of a demolished driveway can be reset as stepping stones or used to create a patio); recycling your kitchen and yard waste by composting.

Green gardening overlaps a great deal with sustainable gardening, focusing on the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides or by avoiding the use of fertilizers or pesticides all together.

Xeriscaping does not mean a few lonely plants surrounded by white rock – an image often created by the word.  It is the use of native plants and chemical-free gardening techniques.  The key to Xeriscaping is to choose plants according to water needs, using not only natives, but primarily drought-tolerant plants.

All three of the gardening concepts described above have the same principles involved:  1.) plan and design, 2.) evaluate your soil and choose plants accordingly, 3.) consider the natural elements of the space, including sun and wind exposure, 4.) group plants according to water needs and irrigate efficiently, 5.) minimize turf areas, 6.) apply mulch.

Once you have chosen the concepts you wish to use to garden, it is time to select a style or a combination of styles.  Some important factors to consider when choosing a style are your home’s architecture and your personal taste.  The list of garden styles grows constantly, reflecting gardeners’ desires to mimic a place they have visited, include plants that bring back memories of childhood, or replicate a public or private garden they have recently visited.  You need not limit yourself strictly to the elements of a particular style, but researching the various styles can help you define what it is you are trying to achieve and to create a plant palette.  A web search on garden styles such as Tuscan, Cottage, French Country, Desert, Contemporary, Zen, Tropical, Traditional, and Woodland will produce results and photographs to help you zero in on what your preferences are.  Design choice can get even more specific with the themes of a Moonlight Garden, Butterfly Garden or Edible Garden.  Click here for a fun quiz from Better Homes & Gardens to help you determine your style:  http://www.bhg.com/bhg/quiz.jsp?quizId=/templatedata/bhg/quiz/data/1189707784144.xml.

Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….

Welcome to OC is pleased to welcome guest blogger, Ramsey Johansson, a Professional Organizer with some great tips to get the New Year off to an organized start!

Is one of your resolutions for 2012 to get organized?  If so, you’re not alone.  Right up there with ‘being more healthy’ or ‘losing weight,’ most people want to Get Organized.  It’s not surprising then, that January is National Get Organized Month (GO Month). 

 You may have a whole house or business to organize, or just a project that has been on your mind for a while.  Regardless, the important thing is just to start.  But where?  How?

• First, think about why you want to get organized.  What will you gain if you do, or lose if you don’t?  Tie your organizing goals into a larger life goal.  Think about how getting organized will help you to save time or create space so that you can pursue your dreams or simply enjoy a more peaceful life.
• Choose the space you are going to organize, close your eyes, and visualize that space without clutter.  How would that make you feel?  Make a list of organizing projects, such as filing, photographs, recipes, kitchen, garage.  Select one.  Break down that project into mini projects.  In the kitchen, for example, mini projects might include countertop, under the sink, cutlery drawers, pantry, refrigerator/freezer, recipes, and coupons.
• Start with the most visible clutter first.  Seeing results will give you a boost of confidence.  For 5 to 15 minutes each day, work on one mini project at a time until the entire organizing project is done.  Then check it off your list and move on to the next one.
• Decide what your reward will be for completing each mini project or room.  Treat yourself to a manicure, or invite friends over for coffee in your newly uncluttered family room.

What are you doing that contributes to the clutter and chaos in your life?  Pick your single worst disorganizing habit and work on changing that behavior over the next month.  If you’ve never been organized it’s very likely that you never learned how to get organized. 

• Find an organizing buddy – someone who wants to get organized as much as you do.  Decide to do it together.  Make a standing weekly date to show off your accomplishments or discuss progress and share encouragement over the phone.
• Ask a friend or family member to help you organize your closet or garage in return for babysitting or help with yard work.
• Consider hiring a professional organizer.  A few hours with a professional organizer might be just the jump-start you need.

You don’t have to stop everything to get organized.  You just have to start.  Make organizing a part of your daily life.  Do it first.  Do it fast.  Organizing is work, but there is nothing difficult about it.  The hardest part is getting started.  Be realistic about what you can and can’t do.  You can’t unclutter your home overnight.  You can unclutter a countertop or drawer in as little as 15 minutes. 

Start to think and act like an organized person. The more you act the part, the more natural it becomes.  Jump into GO Month with both feet.  You’ll be glad you did!

Ramsey Johansson, Professional Organizer – Creating simple, efficient living spaces www.RamseyJohansson.com

949.813.2538

Follow me on Twitter: @Ramseytweets

Like me on facebook: www.facebook.com/RamseyJohanssonPO

Clever Container Consultant www.clevercontainer.com/RamseyJohansson

Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….

Tick, tick, tick…time is zooming by.  Do you have plans to ring in the New Year yet?  Here are several ideas of fabulous ways to celebrate the arrival of 2012!

1. The OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party

Brought to you by the folks who bring you the annual OC Fair

Saturday, December 31 – 7:30 pm – 1:30 am

“Unlike other New Year’s Eve celebrations, the New Year’s Eve Block Party is offering great fun in a casual setting. No black ties here!”

The OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party will offer live tribute bands and DJ entertainment by the decade – from the ’60s to the ’90s.

Be sure to visit the website to see pictures and videos from last year’s celebration and to get all the ticket information. http://ocfair.com/blockparty/index.php

2. San Clemente Historical Society new year’s eve under the dome presents:

“Ole”

December 31, 2011 – 7 p.m. til 12:30 a.m.

Enjoy dinner, dancing, and live entertainment at the historical “Casino” San Clemente!

$125/ticket –Spanish inspired attire optional

Get your tickets now! (949) 498-0116 http://www.sanclementehistoricalsociety.org/events.html

3. Rancho Santa Margarita New Year’s Eve Celebrating Family & Friends

Saturday, December 31, 2011
5:00-9:00 p.m.
Civic Plaza
22232 El Paseo, RSM 92688

“This celebration – which commemorates Rancho Santa Margarita’s anniversary of an incorporated City – features fun, varieties of food, a diverse array of live musical entertainment, performers from local performing arts organizations, inflatable rides, interactive crafts and games, and the popular Children’s Art Contest in which all local schools are able to participate and showcase their fine artists.”  For more information please call 949.216.9700 or visit http://www.cityofrsm.org/depts/commserv/annual_city_events/new_years_eve_celebrating_family_n_friends.asp

4. IRVINE  Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your entire family at Great Night! at the Great Park

Saturday, December 31  - 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m

Great Night is the first ever Great Park Family New Year’s Eve celebration, providing a safe, alcohol-free environment filled with fun for the whole family, including live music and dancing, games, kids’ activities and great food!

Orange County United Way “Midway” carnival games at the Great Night event will benefit several OC charities.

The Orange County Great Park is located at Sand Canyon and Marine Way, and can easily be reached by the 5 or 405 freeways. For this event, a special entrance to the Park will be from Trabuco Road. Take Jeffrey road exit from the 5 or 405 and turn right on Trabuco.  http://www.ocgp.org/

Take a look at what your city has to offer to ring in 2012!  There are lots of great events whether you are looking for a family friendly activity or dinner and dancing with your special someone.  But be safe and don’t drink and drive! And if you plan to indulge in the bubbly, call a cab! Happy New Year!

The Christmas Season is in full swing and for many of us it just wouldn’t be Christmas without a church celebration.  If you are new to OC or perhaps a CEO (Christmas and Easter only attendee) you may need a little assistance in finding the perfect spot to worship the birth of Christ.  Let us offer this list to put you on track to finding a church family.

Compass Bible Church – Aliso Viejo

Join Compass Bible Church on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th for our special family services.    You’ll enjoy inspirational music and a meaningful message from Pastor Mike Fabarez.  For children 3 and under, we’ll be offering a special program in the classrooms during all services. There will be five service times at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm.  On Christmas Day, we’ll have our normal Sunday services at 9am & 11am. Compass Bible Church is located at 150 Columbia in Aliso Viejo.

St. Andrews by the Sea – San Clemente

Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24^th

• Children’s Service 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
• Candlelight/Communion Service, 8 pm – 9 pm

Christmas Day, December 25^th

• Band-led Contemporary Worship Service led by the Light Reigns Band, 9 am – 10am
•  Worship service led by the Sanctuary Choir, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Saddleback Church – Lake Forest

Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24^th, 1, 3, 5, 7, & 11:00 pm

Christmas Day, Sunday December 25^th, 11:15 am

Saddleback Church – San Clemente

Join us for Christmas Eve Services at Saddleback Church – San Clemente Campus. We will be celebrating the birth of our Savior at 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Christmas Day, Sunday December 25^th, 11:00 am

Saddleback Church – Rancho Capistrano

Christmas Eve, December 24^th, 11:00 am, 1:00, 3:00 & 5:00 pm

Christmas Day, December 25^th, 11:00 am

Saddleback Church – Irvine Campus

Christmas Eve, December 24^th, 3:00, 5:00, & 11:00 pm

Christmas Day, December 25^th, 11:00 am

Abiding Savior – Lake Forest

Christmas Eve, December 24th, 4:30 pm

• Candlelight Services, 6:00, 8:00, & 11:00 pm

Christmas Day, December 25^th, 10:00 am              

Crossline Community Church –Mission Viejo      

Christmas Eve Services, Saturday, December 24
Service Times: 4:00 and 6:00pm
Join Special Guest AJ Degrasse for a reverent celebration with music and communion.
*free childcare provided for ages infant – 4years, ages 5 and up will join us for the service.

Christmas Day Family Service, Sunday, December 25
Service Time: 10:00am
This is a family service. Music by AJ Degrasse and Dean-o Lies
*free childcare provided for ages infant – 4years, ages 5 and up will join us for the service

Don’t see what you are looking for? Orange County Churches offers a comprehensive guide to churches and places of worship in Orange County.  Be sure to take time to celebrate the reason for the season!

For many, the holiday season begins with Black Friday. Others prefer armchair shopping during Cyber Monday. But all agree that the holidays can be a hectic and often stress filled time.  So how about this: take a break from the shopping and check out a holiday-related event or activity with your family. It will clear your mind and remind you how the holidays are supposed to make you feel in the first place!

Lake Forest

Dec. 3: 30^th Annual Victorian Christmas

For the Victorian Christmas celebration, the park’s historic buildings will be adorned in turn-of-the-century holiday finery with costumed docents hosting. Children can participate in old-fashioned, hands-on activities, including churning butter, candle dipping, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus and making ornaments and crafts.  Children of all ages can visit with Santa. Heritage Hill Historical Park. (949) 923-2230. www.ocparks.com/heritagehill

Orange

Dec 2-4, 9-11, 15-23: Christmas Train

Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole. Stay to enjoy storytelling with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, games, bounce house, and food and drinks. Irvine Regional Park. For information and ticket prices call (714) 997-3968 or visit www.irvineparkrailroad.com

Dana Point

Dec. 9-10, 16-17: 37^th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

Hundreds of decorated boats compete for the coveted Best in Show award. You can view the parade free from anywhere in the Harbor, or make reservations at one of the many restaurants to view it from a cozy andwarm spot. Come on down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season Dana Point Harbor (949)923-2255 www.danapointharbor.com

 Huntington Beach

Dec. 10-23: 49^th Annual Huntington Harbor Cruise of Lights

Narrated boat tours of holiday decorated homes, boats, decks, and docks. Experience the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays. Huntington Harbour. For more information and how to purchase tickets call (714) 840-7542 or visit www.cruiseoflights.org

Santa Ana

Dec. 11^th: Irish Holiday Festival

The holiday season sparkles with Irish culture at this family event with music, dance, storytelling, and more. This festive celebration will allow you shop for the holidays from unique vendors who specialize in quality handcrafted goods. Bowers Museum. For ticket information call (714) 567-3677 or visit www.bowers.org

Newport Beach

Dec. 14-18: 103^rd Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes set sail around the harbor to the sounds of festive music. If this is your first time to see the parade, a great place to view the parade is at the Fun Zone. Admission is FREE and there is plenty of nearby parking. Newport Harbor. (949) 729-4400. www.christmasboatparade.com

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