Greer's OC

Rent a Living Christmas Tree and go green for the holiday season.  The Living Christmas Co., founded by Scott “Scotty Claus” Martin, is on a mission to change how the world does Christmas. Martin’s live, potted Christmas tree concept isn’t just about saving a tree; his mission is to offer an entirely sustainable holiday experience.

And this is a banner year for the company; Mark Cuban invested $150K in The Living Christmas Company after Martin pitched the business on 'Shark Tank'.

As a result, the rental service will continue its delivery service to Orange County and San Diego, plus expand to Marin County.  A new category of living trees have also been added that are more affordable and comparable in price to cut trees. The "Island of Misfit Trees” are imperfect trees that are left homeless due to a slight lean or bald spot are available for rent starting at $35. They can be half the rental cost of their premium living trees.

The Living Christmas Co. prices range between $25 and $125, plus delivery, and tree heights range from 24 inches to 15-feet.

Here’s how renting a tree works:                       

1.   Select from the multiple tree types and sizes, and schedule the delivery and pickup of the tree – all online.

2.   Elves -- many of whom are veterans hired as seasonal employees -- deliver the tree on the date specified by the customer.

3.   Customers care for the tree with water or ice cubes a couple times a week.

4.   After the holidays, the tree away will be picked up to be nurtured until the following year. 

5.   Customers can even choose to adopt their tree back to celebrate year after year.

For more information and to rent a tree today, visit livingchristmas.com.

Italian Holiday Sweets to Go

Chef Justin Miller at Pizzeria Ortica by David Myers in Costa Mesa is making the holiday season even sweeter by offering classic Italian desserts to-go.

Through the end of December, Pizzeria Ortica is accepting to-go orders for Budino di Cioccolato (chocolate crème budinos with caramel) and a selection of house-made Cannolis in flavors like salted dulce de leche with whip cream; pumpkin with candied pepitas; chocolate banana with peanut brittle; apple pie with cinnamon brown sugar crumble; and the classic with sweet ricotta, almonds and chocolate.

Budinos cost $6 each or fill up a pizza box full for $100 (about 16 budinos). Cannolis are $25 per half dozen and $50 per dozen. Orders must be made 24 hours in advance by calling the restaurant, 714.445.4900.

Pizzeria Ortica is at 50 Anton Blvd. in Costa Mesa. 714.445.4900.