Tired of the same boring routine? Check out The Week Ahead and bring a little spice back to your life.

Monday 10.10

Get ready to fire up your taste buds for a week of eco-restaurant hopping. Ecorazzi Eats Restaurant Week is celebrating sustainable, vegetarian, and vegan restaurants October 12 to 19, 2011. All over the country, many of the most popular eco-eateries are offering specials, including 3-course prix fixe meals to 20 percent off (or free) desserts or appetizers. Although there aren’t many restaurants in Orange County participating (sigh) a few of my absolute favorites are, including Avanti Café, True Food Kitchen, and the Seabirds Food Truck.

Tuesday 10.11

Beginning as a call to action from Adbusters, an anti-consumerist organization, on September 17th, people of all races, backgrounds, political and religious beliefs, began to organize in nonviolent protest, starting a movement called Occupy Wall Street. These men and women represent the 99% with the goal of ending the greed and corruption of the wealthiest 1% of America. Occupy Wall Street is a leaderless resistance movement that has now spread to cities across the world, including several in Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Stand up against the financial crisis affecting America today and let your voice be heard!

Wednesday 10.12

The Laguna Hills raised retro-soul singer, Aloe Blacc, will be performing live at Detroit bar tonight. His newest album, Good Things tackles issues such as “joblessness, homeless, the misappropriation of wealth, pillaging of resources, and a universal lack of compassion from the capitalism at-large” and reflects his desire to promote social change with songs like “Politician” and “I Need a Dollar.” With the perfect blend of hip-hop and soul, Aloe Blacc is definitely worth checking out!

Thursday 10.13

Ok, so let’s get serious here – who doesn’t love Huell Howser? He’s pretty awesome, right?! And this Thursday the goofy host of many of PBS’s favorite travel shows – including California Gold – will be live in person at Chapman University. Admission is free, but space is limited, so be sure to arrive early.

Friday 10.14

Celebrate the launch of Locale Magazine’s Holiday issue at the OC Mart Mix in Costa Mesa. With a $20 donation at the door, benefiting the OM Foundation, receive complimentary Crow Bar burgers, cocktails, and beer. Entertainment by: The Lucky Lonely, Ugly Paint, Allensworth, and Micah Brown. The party will be held outside around the fire pits so dress warmly. The cute shops at the OC Mart Mix will be open during the event, and food trucks will also be there for those of you who are extra hungry. RSVP required.

Saturday 10.15

Be sure to check out the Orange County Museum of Art’s exhibit State of Mind: New California Art Circa 1970, which just opened this week.  State of Mind is the most comprehensive exhibition to date to focus on Conceptual art in both Northern and Southern California and features more than 150 works of art, the exhibition includes installations, photographs, works on paper, videos and films, artists’ books, extensive performance documentation, and other ephemera.

Sunday 10.16

Want a fun way to entertain the kiddos for the afternoon? Take them to The Cube, a.k.a the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. One of their newest exhibits, the Eco Challenge, teaches visitors how to make environmentally conscious shopping decisions based on packaging and production, as well as how to properly recycling different types of waste and how to avoid hazardous materials. The cool, interactive exhibit is a blast for kids and adults alike.

Tired of the same old boring routine? Check out The Week Ahead in So Cal and bring a little spice back to your life.

Monday 7.12

Haviana Launch Party in Huntington Beach. Celebrate the grand opening of the first So Cal Haviana’s store with Threadless Tees. Giveaways and snow cones galore! 4-7pm. Free.

Tuesday 7.13

Clean Energy Event in Irvine. Join industry leading experts in cleantech, as well as venture capitalists, for discussions about the future of green in the OC. Free for members, $10 for non-members.

Indie Night at La Cave. After the informative discussions in Irvine, head over to Costa Mesa to listen to the best of local indie music at everyone’s favorite hipster hangout, La Cave. No cover.

Wednesday 7.14

Dinner with Dave featuring I Hate You, Just Kidding. I don’t know if it’s just me, but every time I see that the band I Hate You, Just Kidding is playing it makes me giggle a bit. Kinda a funny name right? Oh well, their music is awesome! So head over to Memphis in Santa Ana for some free dinner from Chef Dave and folky tunes from the Costa Mesa locals.

Thursday 7.15

OC Green Drinks at The Camp. Join the Emerging Professionals of the USGBC for this month’s collaborative event. Enjoy food, drinks, raffles, music, and socialize with some of Orange County’s most knowledgeable residents. $10 suggested donation.

Friday 7.16

Opening Day at the OC Fair! My first job was at the funnel cake stand at the fair when I was 14 years old – then the ginger bread house, orange julius, and ice cream stands in the years that followed. Surprisingly I still love the fair and anxiously await it’s return year after year. If you head over today between noon and 1pm you get in free!

The New Limb & Echo Echo at Gypsy Lounge. After you get you’re fix of fried snickers bars and cotton candy cruise down to Lake Forest to listen to a few of OC best bands play at the Gypsy Lounge.

Saturday 7.17

Irvine Lake Mud Run. The mud run is back with lots of dirty fun in the sun. Live music, vendors, and a beer garden will keep you entertained after the race. And don’t forget your hula shirts, Hawaiian is the theme!

Matty & Sticky Art Show in Laguna Beach. The 210 AR4T Space is a non-profit collaborative between The JLA Project and art community organizers of today who are shaping the future of tomorrow. Join them for the opening reception by the sea presented by Vestal, Volcom, and Bl!sss Magazine.

Break Festival in Pomona. Check out world-class breakers from across the nation at the 4^th annual event. B-boys and b-girls will be tearing up the dance floor at their chance to win a $3000 cash prize.

Sunday 7.18

Ocean Festival in San Clemente. Starting Saturday, the volunteer organization will be promoting environmental conservation and ocean safety through dozens of fun and exciting events for adults and children. There will be an art show, surf contest, Woody car exhibit, pancake breakfast and lots, lots more! Free event with free parking and shuttle.

Tired of the same old boring routine? Check out The Week Ahead in So Cal and bring a little spice back to your life.

Monday 6.28

Farr Ligvani Exhibit at Soka University. Ligvani was born in Iran, began painting at age four and designing furniture by 12! Don’t miss the opportunity to view his beautiful artistic creations focusing on eastern worldview and western psychology in Aliso Viejo through August.

Tuesday 6.29

The Submarines at the Detroit Bar. Having built their musical career almost entirely through TV Show and commercial spots, the Submarines are ready to make a name for themselves the old fashion way. The band will be stopping by Costa Mesa on their west coast mini tour to give fans a taste of what they’ve been working on for the past 2 years since their last album. $10

Wednesday 6.30

Social Media Day at the OC Register Headquarters in Santa Ana. Mashable.com has deemed 6/30 the official Social Media day. While there are many events going on throughout the country, the afternoon planned at the OC Register appears to be one of the best. Listen to expert panels on how social media can improve your business, plus enjoy food from several yummy food trucks.

Taste of Downtown, Long Beach. About a dozen restaurants are participating in the first annual event being held in the East Village from 6-9pm. Tickets are only $1 each or 12 for $10 and the PawnShop Kings will be playing live throughout the evening.

Thursday 7.1

Pick of the Week!

First Thursday’s Art Walk in Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach is world renowned for their exceptional variety of art and on the first Thursday of the month the entire city stays open late so you can enjoy an evening stroll through the galleries while listening to live music, munching on cheeses, and sipping wine. This month, while you’re down there, be sure to check out the Art Shack Collection at the Laguna Beach Museum of Art and the Summer Fashion Show at Arin Contemporary Art. Both events you won’t want to miss!

Friday 7.2

Free Friday’s at Long Beach Museum of Art. Visit the Long Beach Museum, and check out over 5 current exhibits, for absolutely nothing. Thank you LA County Arts Commission!

Saturday 7.3

Farm to Fork Class at The Ecology Center, San Juan Capistrano. Starting with the gardens at The Ecology Center, children will explore where their food comes from. After a short harvest walk, participants will prepare simple small plate meals catalyzing the connection from farm to fork. Sign up your kids for this great fun and educational class through Th Ecology Center website. $25

Sunday 7.4

Happy 4^th of July! Enjoy a day of fun in the sun!! And no work tomorrow if you’re lucky….

Tired of the same old boring routine? Check out The Week Ahead in So Cal and bring a little spice back to your life.

Monday 6.14

The New Limb in San Diego. The Costa Mesa indie rock band is heading down south to play at the Soda Bar on El Cajon Blvd.  Cover is only 3 bucks and DJ Oldboy will be spinning throughout the evening.

Tuesday 6.15

Spirits and Headhunters: Art of the Pacific Islands in Santa Ana. Boasting over 150 unique pieces including masks, tools of the shaman, weapons, and currency, this fantastic exhibit is at the Bower’s Museum until December. Yes, I know you’re thinking that you have plenty of time to go, but if you’re a Santa Ana resident you get in free today, so stop procrastinating and check it out this week.

Wednesday 6.16

Kombucha Kamp in Los Angeles. If you’re like me and could easily get hooked to GT’s Kombucha if it weren’t for the $3.50 per bottle price tag, now you can learn to make it yourself. I went to the class several years ago, and trust me, Hannah is the Kombucha master – you’ll leave with lots of info and a starter kit to begin making your own flavored Kombucha for a fraction of the price.

Thursday 6.17

OC Green Drinks in Irvine. With the hiatus last month it’s been entirely too long since one of my favorite green get-together’s. Lucky for me (and you!) this month Green Drinks is headed over to Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine. So along with hanging out with the cool eco crowd that actually does exist in the OC, you can also munch on tasty organic appetizers and delicious cocktails.

Friday 6.18

The Cool Kids and Kids in the Hall in Pomona. The “leaders of the new old school” duo from Chicago will be joined by the Kidz in the Hall at the Glass House for what I’m sure will be an evening of some great hip hop.

Saturday 6.19

Pick of the Week

Frugal Festival Summer Swap in North Hollywood. Join hundreds of “swapaholics” for the annual clothing and houseware swap at the NoHo Performing Arts Center. For only $5 (or $10 if you want VIP early entrance) take part in the best clothing/houseware recycling event I’ve heard of in So Cal. If you love thrift stores, you don’t wanna miss this.

Sunday 6.20

It’s Dad’s Day! Spend some time with Pops at the beach, in your backyard, or at the park. Get outside…it’s gonna be a beautiful day!

Tired of the same old boring routine? Check out The Week Ahead in So Cal and bring a little spice back to your life.

Monday 06.07

Steelwells plus Guests at Detroit Bar. First night of the band’s June residency every Monday evening of the month. No Cover.

Tuesday 06.08

Green Business Networking in Santa Monica. Meet at the sustainable Ambrose Hotel for an evening of green business networking, organic hors d’oeuvres, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Wednesday 06.09

Dinner with Dave at Memphis Santa Ana. Billy Kernkamp will be playing live plus a complimentary dinner from Chef Dave Mau. No Cover.

Thursday 06.10

Billabong’s Design for Humanity in Hollywood. Billabong will be hosting their 4^th annual block party in the Paramount Studios backlot. The event will be featuring a one-of-a-kind Billabong runway show, DJ Mark Moreno spinning on the 1′s and 2′s, live art installations, and 4 food trucks to choose from. 100% of the proceeds will be going to Invisible Children, a movement seeking to end conflict in Uganda and the abduction of children.

Friday 06.11

Pick of the Week!

Hands Together for Haiti in Costa Mesa. Abolish Slavery and Ecofficiency.org will be hosting a special event to benefit human rights and rebuilding efforts in the wake of Haiti’s devastating earthquake. All proceeds will go towards their June mission to Port-au-Prince. Live music from Echo Echo, Tiana Star, and Love Amos, plus a silent auction and the Kogi truck!

Saturday 06.12

OC Weekly Presents the Liquid Aloha Festival. Free event at The Strand in Huntington Beach with live performance from Iglu & Hartly and Marc B., plus a beer garden and after party. Starts at 3pm.

Sunday 06.13

Graffiti Beach Independence Pop-Up in Huntington Beach. Surf inspired pop-up shop event with emerging designers, fashion show, art sale, and live music. $10/15 with 50% benefiting the Project WOO charity.