Greer's OC

We love 31 Bits! We just discovered this socially-minded Costa Mesa based business that provides an income for women living in Northern Uganda. Five college friends from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa found out about women in Uganda who make beautiful jewelry out of recycled paper. The friends set out on a mission to help get them out of poverty, provide schooling for their children, and proper nutrition and healthcare for the entire family. So they started 31 Bits—named after a proverbs verse about women, and bits, (as in paper)—as an after school project two years ago.

Today 31 Bits (necklaces and bracelets) are sold online, in stores throughout OC, and they recently collaborated with Reef on “Ugandal” sold in surf shops internationally—(just seen in People Style Watch.)

31 Bits is still a small, grassroots company, just five girls run operations in Costa Mesa and take turns going back and forth to Uganda overseeing the program they created. They’re offering 60 women educational training, financial training, and getting them ready to graduate so that they can start their own businesses. And, then they’ll train a new group of women.

Go online here to find out more about 31 Bits and where their jewelry and sandals are sold.
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Taste of Ladera

The Taste of Ladera, a two-day celebration kicks off Saturday, at Founder’s Park featuring The English Beat with special guest, Annabella Lwin from Bow Wow Wow, Lit and many more. On Sunday, The Motels, When In Rome, Cambria Detken and more. In its fourth year, The Taste of Ladera is already one of OC’s premiere food, fun and music events having raised more than $250,000 for local schools and charities.

The Celebrity Chef Challenge Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. spotlights top restaurants and chefs competing in “quick and healthy” salad, a cocktail and their signature dish. The celebrity judging panel consists of Chef Jamie Gwen, Chef Amar Santana of Charlie Palmer’s, Anaheim White House Bruno Serata, Bravo’s Top Chef Richard Sweeney, Executive Chef Craig Strong of Studio at Montage Laguna. And the challengers, Executive Chef’s Alvaro Gonzales & Ken Cruz, Riptide Rockin’ Sushi & Teppan Grill; Chef Anahita Naderi; Chef Susan Irby; and Chef Rochelle Taylor.

Tickets: General Admission 1-day pass $12 ($17 day of event); 2-day pass $17 ($22 day of event).VIP Tickets options include drink tickets (3), access to all main stage entertainment (party pit), private restrooms, private bars. VIP Ticket one day pass $42 ($62 day of event); VIP Ticket two day pass $57 ($77 day of event).

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. 28243 Sellas Road North, Ladera Ranch 949.218.0866. For more info, entertainment schedule, participating restaurants, and for tickets click here