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Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza

October 13, 2025

South Coast Plaza is now home to a celebrated Italian brand, Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies established in Florence, Italy in 1221 by Dominican monks. Known for its historic perfumes, skincare products, and herbal remedies that have been sought out for generations. 

When you shop at Santa Maria Novella, you can find enchanting scents and gift items that any recipient is sure to treasure. Must have essentials include Acqua Della Regina – Eau de Cologne that’s renowned for being Santa Maria Novella’s oldest fragrance. Born of love, it was created in 1533 as a royal wedding gift from Caterina de' Medici to her future husband, Henry II of Valois. You can also find this regal fragrance in a room fragrance diffuser, scented candle, liquid soap, body cream and scented wax, for drawers and closets.

Another iconic product is Santa Maria Novella’s Acqua di Rose (rose water). It’s a refreshing facial toner and mist, first formulated in the 14th century by Dominican friars in Florence to soothe, tone, and refresh the skin. The Acqua di Rose line is a complete range of products for cleansing and nourishing all skin types, even the most sensitive. The collection includes Acqua di Rose, Acqua di Rose Cleansing Gel, Acqua di Rose Cream, and Acqua di Rose Micellar Water. Also available are The Acqua di Rose Essentials set, Acqua di Rose Serum, and Acqua di Rose Gel Cream.

And, a wonderful gift for yourself or loved one is the Melograno in Scented Terracotta, a symbol of Santa Maria Novella. Handcrafted to resemble the fruit, it emits the unique Melograno Eau de Cologne scent one of the symbols of Santa Maria Novella. You simply place the pomegranate on the terra cotta plate in a bathroom or any space to add aroma to an area. The fragrance is released slowly in the air.

The entire store is organized by scents and categories that include fragrances,  skincare, body & hair, home essentials, and gifts such as pot pourri, glass candles, a kids line and even pets collection. 

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. 

Santa Maria Novella, is at Level 1, Carousel Court, in South Coast Plaza. 949.621.234

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The Jill Foundation’s Annual Opportunity Drawing Is Now Open

October 09, 2025

The Jill Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year is officially underway. The Annual Opportunity Drawing gives you the chance to win incredible prizes while supporting hairstylists battling breast cancer. Every $5 ticket directly helps provide financial assistance to stylists in need.

Tickets: $5 each
Winners announced: After Saturday, Nov. 15
New prizes added often

This year’s prizes include: 

• A Fall Basket valued at $300, filled with seasonal home décor, candles, and cozy touches. Donated by The Jill Foundation.

• A Dog Basket valued at $185, packed with pet essentials, a harness, five-foot leash, travel water bottle, stainless steel bowls, rope toy, poop holder, treats, toys, white rope basket, and a plush bed. Donated by Scott and Catherine Fox.

• A Grillight BBQ Set valued at $70, complete with an LED lighted grilling tool and Grillmat set. Donated by The Mail Room of Newport Beach.

• A Vintage Tiffany “Hearts” Bowl valued at $150. Donated by Good Buy James.

• Two Hygge Luxury Self-Care Boxes valued at $48 and $72, featuring candles, sweets, and pampering essentials. Donated by The Jill Foundation.

• A Red Chunky Chenille Knit Blanket valued at $150. Donated by Carolyn Damon.

• A Canvas Tote Gift Set valued at $144, red tote with leather handles, guest towel napkins, hand repair treatment, two lip repair therapy. Donated by The Find Consignments.

• REDKEN Haircare Products valued at $70 and a $50 Target Gift Card valued at $120. Donated by Artistic Hair and Janie Clairmont.

• A Patriot ONE-UP 10’x10’ Canopy valued at $189. Donated by Kellie Nixon.

• A Disney Mickey Mouse Kitchen Set valued at $120, featuring a themed slow cooker, salt and pepper shakers, kitchen towels, and tongs. Donated by Michelle Montgomery.

• A Rose Poly Silk Kimono Robe valued at $188. Donated by VP by Valerie Perez.

Have some fun, win big, and make a real difference for hairstylists in our community.

Get your $5 tickets HERE

The Jill Foundation
(714) 504-7153
960 N. Tustin St. #342, Orange, CA 92867
info@thejillfoundation.org

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Born in OC Book Signing at Lido Village Books

October 09, 2025

Join me for a special book signing of Born in OC: The Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries of Orange County, California at Lido Village Books in Newport Beach on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Born in OC celebrates 50 extraordinary individuals who embody Orange County’s creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial energy. Their inspiring stories highlight the people who have helped shape O.C.’s dynamic culture and put it on the map.

The signing will take place at one of Southern California’s most charming independent bookstores. Located at Lido Marina Village, Lido Village Books has been a local favorite for decades. The store is known for its thoughtful collection of best-sellers, design and travel books, international magazines, and children’s titles, along with its welcoming reading nook and personal customer service that makes every visit memorable.

And, Lido Village Books recently partnered with HanaHaus, a collaborative workspace in Newport Beach, to feature six books that reflect their shared values of creativity and community. I’m honored that Born in OC is part of this curated collection, available on display at both locations.

Lido Village Books
3424 Via Lido #103, Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.524.7376

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Greer's OC
Blogger | Journalist

Since 1993, Greer has been writing about fashion, dining and trends in Orange County, as a popular columnist for the Los Angeles Time Community Newspapers (Daily Pilot, Coastline Pilot and HB Independent) and now as founder of Greer’s OC.

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