JWA | John Wayne Airport TRAVEL TIPS for Busy Fourth of July Weekend by Jenny Wedge for OCAir.com

John Wayne Airport (JWA) anticipates a busier-than-normal travel period from Thursday, July 1 through Monday, July 5 during the Fourth of July holiday. Visitors to John Wayne Airport during this time should be aware of ongoing construction at the Airport and adhere to all posted speed limits.

PLAN AHEAD
Passengers and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and give themselves 90 minutes to two hours to find parking, check their luggage and go through the security checkpoint to ensure they are at their gate in time for their flight. As part of JWA’s Improvement Program, construction is underway on a new Terminal C, Parking Structure C and Central Utility Plant. A map of the impacted area is attached and can be found here. … Continue Reading

Evolution of the MODERN GYPSY | Exploration of The Man, the Music and the Journeys of Spanish Flamenco Guitarist Emilio At-A-Glance with Director Producer Bernardo Peña

What do you get when you take a multicultural kid, expose him, through travel, to various styles of music and traditions, which he eventually as a man, incorporates not only into his everyday life, but also into his livelihood?  Well, in this case, you get a Modern Gypsy.  Emilio by definition is just that.  Of German and French decent, having spent time growing up in Italy, Spain and Mexico and traveling the globe with his father, a concert pianist, Emilio’s formative years were anything but dull.  Eventually, after electing to pick up the guitar, Emilio became the Flamenco master he is today.  Having found home and laid down roots in Laguna Beach, Emilio continues to live, as he puts it, as “A Gypsy at Heart”.

I met Emilio very recently, not more than three months ago.  Right away, his infectious energy and adventurous nature led me to begin developing, with him, a new travel series, which will document his musical journeys.  Fancying myself an “Explorer at heart”, I decided I’d have to join him on his travels.  Both Emilio and I, being residents of Orange County, will set off on our expedition from here.  Our first stop will be Spain and from there we will embark on an odyssey where we’ll follow the musical trail forged by the Gypsies … Continue Reading

BRIGHT LIGHTS BIG CITY | “Experiencing the night life of the Lebanese people and clubs is something yet to be felt anywhere in the world.” by Emil Chamie, founder of LimeLifeOC.com

Beirut, Lebanon is a small country with a big heart and has truly inspired me to promote events dedicated to European City Night Life to Orange County.  The city is also known as “The Switzerland and Paris of the East” Jeita Grotto is nominated to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is currently recognized as the jewel of tourism in Lebanon offering to its visitor’s services.  Experiencing the night life of the Lebanese people and clubs is something yet to be felt anywhere in the world. Lebanon is a world-class party destination and has been rated by the New York Times as the number 1 tourist destination in the year 2009. I personally have never experienced a culture with such life, fun, and passion for entertainment as I did in Lebanon.
Skybar in Lebanon is one of the most famous clubs, the roof top club is surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean oceans, featuring a night life of white lights, amazing sound systems and the top DJ’s headlining events from all over the world. At Skybar, the night starts with fireworks, fire torches  lit from all around the walls, and even a fire flamed across the bar,  … Continue Reading

DRESSED2THE9′S | “Traveling to Greece in the summer? Temperatures will be hot .. ” by Zeena Abidi Fashion Stylist, STYLE 2020

Traveling to Greece in the summer? Lucky you. Greece is a feast for the mind, stomach and eyes and you should indulge in it all. Temperatures will be hot, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t look as chic on vacation as you do in your everyday life. Dress in Greece tends to be casual but neat, so here are some quick tips to keep in mind as you pack for your trip.
1. You NEVER want to look like a tourist. EVER. So, avoid wearing fanny packs and/or capris w/sneakers. Heck….. just avoid wearing sneakers with your outfit all together!
2. Stick to breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen or a blend of the two. Jersey is also a great option as it breathes and travels very well.
3. Shorts are another good option, unless you will be visiting a church or monastery. Make sure the shorts are comfortable, simple and not too short – you don’t want to be noticed for the wrong reasons!
4. Dresses are a favorite piece as they travel well and can take you from day to evening with a change of accessories, shoes and the addition of a wrap or sweater for cool evenings. … Continue Reading

CULINARY EXPLORATION | Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen – All the Rum without All Those Pesky Pirates by Melissa Sherman Pearl

There’s a reason why Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen in Laguna Beach  has been one of my favorite restaurants for many, many moons. As Eva warmly welcomes you into in her colorful kitchen, your senses are instantly enraptured by the vast array of delicious spicy, sweet scents, vibrant colors, and jubilant music. But as the libations and apps are served, all of the aforementioned simply becomes fluff because the mouth just gets so darned happy.

On this rare girls’ night out, my friends and I started out with Brown Suga (12 year old rum, sweet & sour, squeeze of lime), Pomegranate Martini, a traditional rum-infused Cuban Mojito, and a glass of Estancia Pinot Noir which we knocked back with the savory Aubergine Choka, a Trinidadian dish featuring flame roasted garlic-stuffed eggplant stuffed sautéed with shallots, chilies, onions and seasonings, and served with toasted pita. Such a treat, this dish, and not a whole lot of guilt to accompany it.

Daryl said her Cornmeal Louisiana Catfish fillet seasoned with garlic, shallots, thyme, scallions, chilies, Bacardi Limon … Continue Reading