Greer's Blog

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Ruin Bar Celebrates 10 Years at The LAB

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By Greer Wylder
September 22, 2026

Ruin, the speakeasy-style lounge known for its craft cocktails and moody, eclectic vibe, is turning 10. The Costa Mesa hot spot will celebrate its anniversary at The LAB Anti-Mall on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 5 to 10 p.m.Expect a night full of surprises, including live music, welcome drink samples, a complimentary photo booth and tarot card readings. Flash tattoos and fresh pretzels from a pretzel cart will also be on hand for purchase.Representatives from a few standout spirits brands will be there to pour tastes and talk shop, including Tin City Distillery, a premium spirits brand out of Paso Robles;…

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QUA Debuts Afternoon Tea With a Chinese Twist

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By Greer Wylder
September 21, 2026

QUA Contemporary Chinese Cuisine is putting its own spin on one of the world's most beloved dining rituals with the debut of Afternoon Tea at QUA, a new seasonal experience inspired by the flavors of Chợ Lớn and the tradition of slowing down over tea and food with the people who matter most. The experience pairs a tiered presentation of Chinese-inspired sweets and savory bites with a pot of tea to share, available exclusively on QUA's open-air patio.The idea comes from Kei Concepts co-CEO Ivy Ha, whose own love of afternoon tea inspired the new offering."Afternoon tea has always felt…

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ENC Wine Walk Returns to Support Environmental Education

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By Greer Wylder
September 21, 2026

The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is teaming up with Hi-Time Wine Cellars for an afternoon of wine tasting on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m., with proceeds benefiting local environmental education programs.Guests will wander the ENC's scenic trails, stopping at tasting stations along the way to sample pours from more than two dozen wineries, including 1853 Old Vine Estate, Ameri, Bigi, Castello di Querceto, Domaine Bousquet, Marcelo Pelleriti, Tenuta Rocca, Wente, Gaia, Rotari, Stemmari and Val d'Oca. Small bites will be served throughout the walk, and Balboa Island guitarist Matt Hurray will provide live instrumental surf music, bringing…

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Inside My Ritual Diaries

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By Greer Wylder
September 17, 2026

I loved sitting down with Kristina Godfrey and Sara Strasbaugh for The Ritual Diaries, their Substack devoted to conversations with women about the rituals, routines and favorite things that make life better.We talked about my daily rituals, running, fashion finds, favorite places in Orange County, beauty and wellness favorites, Greer’s OC, Born in OC and more.The Ritual Diaries is such a great Substack to subscribe to. Kristina and Sara have created a thoughtful and fun space covering wellness, beauty, mindset, business and the everyday things women love.Thank you, Kristina and Sara, for including me. I loved our conversation!Read my interview…

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Willem Dafoe to Headline “The Process Unlocked” Premiere at Newport Beach Film Festival

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By Greer Wylder
September 16, 2026

The Newport Beach Film Festival will host the taping of the pilot episode of "The Process Unlocked" at Witte Hall on Sept. 19, with veteran journalist Jenelle Riley sitting down for an in-depth conversation with actor Willem Dafoe.The new series is a response to a shift in audience appetite. Red carpet interviews built around trivia and games have their place, but viewers are increasingly hungry for something slower and more substantive: real conversation about craft. "The Process Unlocked" delivers that. Rather than a broad career retrospective, each episode digs into specific creative choices, the instinct behind a scene, the vision…

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