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

Monday 01.31

Today through the end of February check out a very different side of Andy Warhol at Cal State Fullerton’s Begovich Gallery. For the first time ever, a rare collection of over 200 of his photographs and polaroids are on display for your viewing pleasure. Through images of socialites and everyday working people alike,Warhol’s exhibit perfectly reveals his eccentric personality and artistic methodology.

Tuesday 02.01

Tonight is the 5th showcase event of the annual OC Music Awards at the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa. Five bands, including She Screams Remedy, Entice, Railroad to Alaska, Pistolero, and Seedless, will all be competing for the top spot in the Best Live Band category. Enjoy food from Wahoo’s and drinks specials all night long. Entrance is free.

Wednesday 02.02

Happy Groundhog’s Day! Celebrate by heading down to South OC to check out Christian Lander, the hilarious author of ‘Stuff White People Like.’ Highlighting activities such as yoga, Ray Ban’s, and coffee, Lander uses his unique humor to examine race and class in society today. Donations happily accepted.

Thursday 02.03

The food truck craze is everywhere in So Cal, so it’s no surprise that the OC Fairgrounds decided to jump on the band wagon. What’s great about their weekly lunch truck stop though, is that it occurs simultaneously with the Farmer’s Market. So stop by from 9am-2pm for some fresh, organic produce then head over to the trucks for a tasty meal to fill your belly.

Friday 02.04

Today is the third annual Environmental Sustainability Conference at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa. This year’s line-up of speakers includes Shaheen Sadeghi from SOBECA, Derek Sabori from Volcom, Martin Diedrich from Kean Coffee, and Jesse Baker from Ecofficiency.org. The event also includes workshops, exhibitors, and an organic lunch from Bon Appetite.

Saturday 02.05

Come support the Pacific Marine Mammal Center at the Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa tonight. The downpour over the holidays caused substantial damage to their infrastructure and destroyed the majority of their medical supplies and equipment that care for over 300 animals each year. My Hero and the Speaker Junkies will both be performing throughout the night. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Sunday 02.06

It’s Super Bowl, and while I’m not a huge football fan, it’s still a perfect excuse to have a party right? Check back later in the week as I share some ideas on how to throw a fun, waste-free Super Bowl event.

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….