Greer's Blog

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Fritz and Friends Set for One-Night Show in Orange County

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By Greer Wylder
August 01, 2025

Fritz Coleman returns to the stage this summer with “Fritz and Friends,” a one-night-only comedy show at the Lake Forest Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.A beloved figure across Southern California, Coleman is best known for his four-decade run as KNBC-TV’s weathercaster, where he earned six local Emmy Awards, appeared on The Tonight Show eight times, and shared the stage with legends like Bob Hope, Debbie Reynolds, George Benson, and Ray Charles.Beyond the broadcast world, Coleman has long made audiences laugh with solo shows including The Reception and It's Me! Dad!—the latter produced for television…

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A Botanical Bug Spray That Smells Like Summer

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By Greer Wylder
July 29, 2025

Say goodbye to bug bites—and that unmistakable bug spray smell.Gudrun Snyder, founder of Chicago’s Moon Rabbit Acupuncture, created a botanical bug repellent that doubles as an elegant eau de parfum. Inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, this functional fragrance blends Chinese herbs and essential oils to keep pests away—without harsh chemicals or synthetic scents.The fresh, gender-neutral mist is crafted with fir needle, grapefruit, lemon eucalyptus, patchouli, sandalwood, jasmine, citronella, rose geranium, orange, vetiver, and Bi Cheng Qie (Litsea Cubeba), all in a base of organic cane alcohol.I tried it at home and in my backyard, and I’m happy to report—it’s keeping…

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Hotel Maya Celebrates 50 Years as a Long Beach Icon

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By Greer Wylder
July 27, 2025

This summer marks a major milestone for one of Long Beach’s most beloved waterfront landmarks. Hotel Maya, now newly independent, is celebrating its 50th anniversary—a half-century of hospitality that blends coastal California charm with Latin American influence.Since opening in 1975 as the Queensbay Hilton, the 199-room resort has become much more than a hotel. Nestled on 14 lush acres with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the downtown Long Beach skyline, and the Queen Mary, Hotel Maya has welcomed generations of travelers and locals alike. Over the years, it has been the setting for weekend getaways, business retreats, and unforgettable…

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darkroom Pop-Up: Spanish AF

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By Greer Wylder
July 24, 2025

darkroom Pop-Up: Spanish AFWednesday, Aug. 13, 2025 | 6 p.m.Click here to reserve your seatsThis August, darkroom presents a culinary tribute to Spain—one of the most influential cuisines of the past 20 years. From Ferran Adrià’s groundbreaking work at El Bulli to beloved regional classics, Spanish food has left an undeniable mark on chefs and diners alike.What makes it so special? It’s the directness. The purity. The simplicity. Spanish cuisine celebrates exceptional ingredients and precise technique—exactly what this dinner is all about.Chefs Drew and his team are channeling their culinary chops into a one-night-only experience designed to transport guests straight…

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ABT’s ‘Giselle’ Returns to Segerstrom Center This Summer

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By Greer Wylder
July 16, 2025

Segerstrom Center for the Arts welcomes the return of American Ballet Theatre’s Giselle this summer, marking the company’s first Orange County summer engagement in more than 15 years. The beloved classic will be performed five times July 24–27, 2025. Tickets are available now at scfta.org.Staged by Kevin McKenzie with choreography after Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot and Marius Petipa, and set to music by Adolphe Adam, Giselle is a two-act ballet that explores themes of unrequited love, heartbreak, and redemption. The timeless story follows a young peasant girl who falls for a nobleman disguised as a villager. When his betrayal is…

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