Abbie Mood: Abbie Mood is a freelance writer and preschool Special Ed. teacher. Besides writing for Planet Eye, Abbie is the Managing Editor of Barefoot Running and is an intern at the Matador Network. Follow her on Twitter @AbbieMood !

Raw Food Review: 118 Degrees

Vegetarian, vegan… raw? Raw food is a trend that has been all over the Los Angeles area for a couple years now, and is creeping into Orange County as well with the opening of 118 degrees in Costa Mesa. Raw food is often not heated at all, but if it is, it is at a temperature that doesn’t exceed 118 degrees Fahrenheit. This technique means food won’t be overcooked, leaving raw foods full of more nutrients then in cooked food. Executive Chef and owner Jenny Ross has been preparing...

February 24th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

lululemon athletica: Look Good While You Work Out

You’ve been working hard on that New Years resolution to get in shape, so why not reward yourself with some great new workout clothes to flatter your new figure! lululemon athletica luxury work out clothes are popping up in yoga studios and group exercise classes all over Orange County! lululemon athletica is a Vancouver, Canada-based company founded in 1998. Since then, lululemon athletica has been continuously growing and has opened stores all over Canada, as well as the east and west...

February 21st, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

Bolshoi Ballet Performs Don Quixote in Costa Mesa

For more than 230 years, Russia’s legendary Bolshoi Ballet has been captivating audiences, and for five nights in February you can see them for yourself at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. From February 24-28, the Bolshoi Ballet will be performing the classic Don Quixote for four evening and two matinee performances. While the traditional Spanish tale of Don Quixote focuses on the story of a wandering knight and his comedic adventures, the ballet takes a slightly...

February 19th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

It’s Jazz Season in San Francisco

“The finest such jazz event this city has ever seen and heard… superb festival.” – The San Francisco Chronicle From Tinariwen of Mali’s unique North African/Western blues/rock blend to Ana Moura of Portugal’s fado to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, San Francisco Jazz is set to showcase a diverse assortment of international jazz music. The 11th Annual SF JAZZ Spring Season is hosted by the San Francisco JAZZ, a “non-profit presenter of jazz artistic and education programs.”...

February 18th, 2010 | San Francisco | Read More

Spring Into Art in Laguna

If you are a budding (or accomplished) artist interested in refining your art skills while supporting local Laguna Beach artists, Spring Into Art workshops are for you! The Sawdust Art Festival non-profit organization will be hosting two-day weekend workshops at the Sawdust Art Festival Grounds (map), every weekend in March, offering classes in everything from watercolor painting to glassblowing to ceramics. Workshops include one-on-one instruction with local professional artists and fees include...

February 18th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

It’s Whale Watching Season in Newport Beach!

Mid-70 degrees, sunny blue skies, and a slight ocean breeze… Monday was the perfect day for cruising the coast of Newport Beach looking for whales! December through April are the main months for whale migration, so our chances of spying one of the large mammals were pretty good. After doing some research on the internet about whale watching in Southern California, I came across Newport Whales, who offer two 2.5 hour cruises per day. I made my reservation online so I was ready come Monday! Newport...

February 16th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

Romance and Renewal at Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

If you want Valentine’s Day to go beyond February 14th, the Romance and Renewal spa package at Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is for you! The Spanish Wing of the Mission Inn After a 45-60 minute drive from Orange County, you will find yourself in downtown Riverside at Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a national historic landmark. The hotel has been a major part of downtown Riverside since 1876, and has hosted 10 U.S. Presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, and William Taft. The...

February 13th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

Foto Friday: Newport Beach Pier

Sure, you’ve heard of the Huntington Beach Pier, but you may not have heard of it’s southern counterpart, the Newport Beach Pier, also known as the Balboa Pier. Travel south along the Pacific Coast Highway until you get to the Balboa Peninsula at McFadden Place and Ocean Front Street (map). There is limited free parking along Balboa Street, and plenty of metered parking next to the pier. Balboa Peninsula is a fun part of Newport Beach with plenty of trendy cafes and laid-back surf...

February 12th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

Kimpton Hotels: Eco-friendly Luxury in San Francisco

Want luxury while being conscious of your environmental impact? In a “green” city like San Francisco, it’s fairly easy to find a “green” hotel, but one that doesn’t sacrifice style or quality is a bit tougher. While researching green hotels in San Francisco with four or more stars, a trend kept popping up – the hotel name followed by a Kimpton Hotel. It seems as though Kimpton hotels are definitely dominating the eco-friendly, four star luxury department...

February 11th, 2010 | San Francisco | Read More

Get in Tune with Nature in Orange County

Though the “O.C.” is mostly known for it’s beaches and shopping, it has still has a lot to offer if you’re aiming to getting closer to nature. Whether in the city or not, you can find lush woodlands, a spring meadow, a gentle weeping willow tree, or the namesake orange tree itself at one of Orange County’s four nature centers! Fullerton Arboretum 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton (map) Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. daily Admission: no fee This sprawling 26 acre...

February 10th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber Comes to Orange County

What do you get when you combine a cast of Broadway veterans, backed by an onstage symphony, with a concert crafted by award winning composer Andrew Lloyd Webber? A showcase of musical hits that you don’t want to miss! From February 16-21 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s greatest musical pieces will be showcased at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, including songs from Phantom of the Opera, Whistle Down the Wind, Starlight Express, and Sunset Boulevard, just to name...

February 9th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

“The Recess Ends” in Irvine this Wednesday

It’s no secret that we are in a recession and people are losing jobs. Take Austin Chu, for example, the creator of the documentary, “The Recess Ends.” Chu was laid off from his job in December 2008. He somehow managed toconvince his younger brother, Brian, to quit his job, and together they set off on a five month journey to investigate and document the current economic status of the United States. According to the website, The Recess Ends, Chu states, “From January 24...

February 8th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

Shutterbug Saturday: Weir Canyon Trail

Trail running is one of my favorite activities, and Orange County has several great trails to choose from. I’ve already told you where to take a hike in the OC, but most of those trails are down in South County, leaving those in North County with a 20 minute+ drive to run in the great outdoors. I had accepted that I would have to drive the distance to hit the trails until recently when I discovered the Weir Canyon Trail. Turns out, there’s a great trail system near the Weir Canyon/Savi...

February 6th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

3 Reasons Why I Love the Embarcadero Center

I love visiting San Francisco, and every time I go there are two places that I must visit – Union Square (hello shopping!) and the Embarcadero Center, specifically the Ferry Building. Reason #1 – The pier behind the Embarcadero Center. There is a beautiful view of the bay and the bay bridge (The Golden Gate’s twin). It’s a great place to people watch while getting lunch or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants/cafes, or to sit down and people watch with a to-go...

February 5th, 2010 | San Francisco | Read More

Five Crowns Restaurant Offers Demetria Estate Wine Dinner

On Tuesday, February 16 at 7 p.m., Five Crowns Restaurant in Corona del Mar (map) is having a Demetria Estate Wine Dinner, featuring winemaker Mike Roth as a speaker. The event is $89 per person, including tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (949) 760-0331. Menu The menu has been created by Executive Chef Dennis Brask, starting with hors d’oeuvres and 2008 Demetria Cuvée Papou, a white Rhone blend from Santa Ynez Valley, The second course of Dry-Pack Scallop...

February 4th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

Can’t Miss Events in Anaheim this February

February is chock full of amazing events in Anaheim, with several venues booking great shows. Get your tickets now, as some of these events could sell out! Monster Jam When: Saturday, February 6 at 7 p.m. Where: Anaheim Angels Stadium (map) Nothing like seeing monster trucks smash into each other on a Saturday night! Scheduled monster trucks include (but are subject to change): Grave Digger (Driven by Chad Tingler), Madusa, The Patriot, Tropical Thunder, Airborne Ranger, Shocker, Terminator,...

February 3rd, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

Three Great Races Coming Up in Orange County

If your New Year’s resolution was to run a race or try a triathlon, look no farther! Beginner or advanced, these races are sure to challenge any level athlete. Orange County is one of those places where you rarely need to run on a treadmill due to inclement weather. This makes is a great place to train for a spring race as the days are getting longer and temperatures are perfect for a long run or bike ride. Check out these races (one for each of the next three months) and start training...

February 2nd, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

Shutterbug Saturday: Newport Beach

Sailboats in Newport Beach (map). Makes you want to take a vacation, doesn’t it??? Photo Credit: law_keven

January 30th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

Sharing Common Ground at the Orange County Airport

This weekend I was lucky enough to travel to San Francisco, and even luckier to find a cheap flight out of Orange County airport, also known as John Wayne airport, or Santa Ana airport as it’s airport code would suggest, SNA. (map) As I walked the length of the terminal to get to gate 14 at the end, I noticed jars of dirt lining one wall. Underneath the jars were labels with country names, leading one to conclude that the dirt was from said country. It was actually pretty interesting to...

January 29th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More

Casino Events Just Outside of Orange County

There is always a variety of interesting events going on in Orange County, but with three major casinos within a 2 hour drive, there is often something fun going on outside of Orange County as well. Chocolate Decadence When: Friday, January 29th from 7-10 p.m. What: Jean-Marie Verhoeven, Pechanga Resort and Casino’s world renowned chocolatier, will showcase chocolates, pastries, and other yummy treats to go with wines from 22 different wineries. The JD Priest Band will be playing live music. Where:...

January 26th, 2010 | Orange County | Read More