20qs
Mona Shah
10.26.09
1.What character in a movie or book do you most identify with?
A character in a book? Portia in Merchant of Venice. On the big screen, it’s gotta be a cross between Amelie in, well, “Amelie,” and Elle Woods in “Legally Blond.” I’ll leave it at that.
2. What do you do to relax?
Lately, I’ve been bowling a lot and I joined the O.C. Pinball League, so I love to play whenever I get the chance. Unfortunately, there aren’t very many places with machines in good condition to practice on, but once a month our tournament convenes at someone’s house and I can get my fix. I missed almost all of the television shows from the past two decades, so I’m catching up on them now on DVD. Most of all. I like to spend time with my best friend/partner in crime/boyfriend, Paulie.
3. Favorite vacation spot?
This is a trick question, because I live and work in the most beautiful place ever: Laguna Beach. It doesn’t get much better than this! When I was younger, I went on the annual family vacation (think Clark Griswold, the Bollywood version), and we went on cruises to Bermuda and Alaska, and toured France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, England, Italy, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden… man, I wish I could go back and revisit all of those places.
4. Where haven’t you been that you’re dying to go?
Where do I start? I was lucky to have visited some great places when I worked at the Miss Universe Organization: Cyprus, Botswana, Trinidad & Tobago, Puerto Rico ... but Japan has always fascinated me. I would love to spend some time there.
5. What’s your next major goal in life?
My brother and sister-in-law just had a baby girl and it’s got me thinking about parenthood…
6. Who had the biggest influence on your life?
My pops. He passed away four years ago. I can go on and on about him, but I think this little tribute to him sums it up.
7. Favorite drink?
I used to be a Diet Coke addict, but these days I’m drawn to Glaceau’s vitaminwater 10—green tea is my fave.
8. Favorite restaurants in Orange County?
I’m a restaurant publicist, so there’s only one way to answer this question: there are too many to mention (but I do love a good cheese plate).
9. Last major purchase?
Plane tickets! Paul has family in Chicago and I have family in New Jersey, so we’ve been flying quite a bit.
10. Dumbest investment?
Case-mate recession-proof case.
11. A famous person you would love to meet?
Natalie Portman, Tim Hawkinson, Wes Anderson, Ashwariya Rai.
12. Biggest accomplishment?
Starting Moxxe PR five years ago!
13. What’s your biggest fear?
It’s a tie between drowning and getting run over.
14. Who is your favorite artist?
I LOVE pop art and Peter Stanick is my fave (he also has the best website e-ver). Oh, and Paulie.
15. If you had to begin a different career, what would you do?
An advertising exec, but in the 60s—like in “Mad Men.”
16. Secret most people don’t know about you?
I can be shy sometimes.
17. Who is your favorite fictional character?
Jordan Catalano from “My So-Called Life” and Daniel Desario from “Freaks and Geeks.”
18. Your biggest extravagance?
Car insurance. Let’s just say I’ve had some bad luck on the road.
19. What’s your favorite CD?
R.E.M.: Green. The Beatles: Revolver. Ani DiFranco: Dilate. Pixies: Doolittle.
20. What was the best day in your life?
This is gonna sound super cheesy—there are so many memorable days in my life—but I have to go with the day I met Paul.
Blog
Halloween Is a Zoo This Year!
10.26.09
Come in costume and spend Halloween trick or treating with the animals of the OC Zoo on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include crafts for kids, face painting, and for children 12 years & under, trick-or-treating and a scavenger hunt! The first 100 children (ages 12 & under) in costume receive a free gift. Zoo animals receive treat-filled pumpkins throughout the day. More info, call Marcy at 714.973.6846. Free with zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under free). Irvine Park entry $5 per car. Orange County Zoo at 1 Irvine Park Road in Orange. 714.973.6847.
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 04.24.25 – Descanso Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Four Days of Food, Cocktails, and Festivities
- 04.23.25 – A Weekend Escape to Catalina Island Just Got Even Better
- 04.23.25 – 2025 Breeders’ Cup Returns to Del Mar: Tickets On Sale Now
- 04.23.25 – Up to 80% Off at the Beach Riot Warehouse Sale in Tustin
- 04.23.25 – Score Up to 70% Off at the Zumiez Warehouse Sale in Santa Ana
- 04.20.25 – Burger Boss Introduces Halal Poultry, Salmon and Meal Deals
- 04.18.25 – Floral Park’s 32nd Annual Home & Garden Tour Returns April 26–27
- 04.17.25 – Avila’s El Ranchito in Newport Beach Celebrates 50 Years
- 04.17.25 – Easter Fun at VEA Newport Beach
- 04.16.25 – VIP Garden at LAWineFest – A Premier Tasting Experience!
- 04.15.25 – Don’t Miss the First 3rd Thursday in CdM
- 04.13.25 – Bar Becky Hosts Bougie Easter Brunch in Long Beach
- 04.10.25 – Experience a Little Part of Cuba This Easter at Habana
- 04.09.25 – Easter Brunch, Egg Hunts and More at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
- 04.08.25 – Final Days to Experience Bowers Museum’s Dazzling Titanium Garden
- 04.08.25 – Spring Fun in Full Bloom at 2ND & PCH
- 04.07.25 – NEP Café Redefines Modern Vietnamese Dining with a Bold New Chapter
- 04.04.25 – Book Club with Bruce Cook Featuring Born in OC Rescheduled for April 10
- 04.04.25 – NOBLE Wine & Dine Weekend Returns to Newport Beach April 12–13
- 04.04.25 – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Celebrates Broadway’s Legendary 50th Season
More Daily Doses
- 04.24.25 – Monaco Italian Kitchen Brings Neapolitan Pizzas and Housemade Pastas to Irvine
- 04.23.25 – South Coast Plaza Celebrates 35 Years of Southern California’s Premier Garden Show
- 04.20.25 – The District at Tustin Legacy Hosts Earth Day Celebration
- 04.17.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point
- 04.15.25 – Easter Hoppenings in Orange County
- 04.11.25 – Fashion Island Welcomes a New Season of Style
- 04.10.25 – Celebrate Easter Sunday with Brunch at Top Orange County Resorts
- 04.09.25 – Savor Easter Sunday at These South Coast Plaza Restaurants
- 04.07.25 – Now Open: Vox Kitchen & Bar at South Coast Plaza
- 04.06.25 – Pacific Symphony Premieres Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” in St.Clair’s Final Season
- 04.04.25 – Cozy Earth Opens Flagship Store in Corona del Mar
- 04.01.25 – Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner Returns to Tanaka Farms – May 3, 2025
- 03.31.25 – Festival Ballet Theatre Presents The Sleeping Beauty at Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 03.30.25 – Pasta Sisters Expands to Costa Mesa Kitchens
- 03.28.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years in Corona del Mar with Spring Events
- 03.25.25 – Dr. Jennifer Armstrong: Subtle, Beautiful Results That Make All the Difference
- 03.21.25 – Legendary Ramen Nagi Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.20.25 – Escape to Relaxation: A Spa Day at Pacific Waters Spa
- 03.19.25 – Spring Dining Experiences at Patina Restaurant Group in Downtown Disney
- 03.16.25 – Graze Craze Expands to Costa Mesa with Charcuterie Boards & Boxes
