Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

NATURAL TRAVEL PARFUMS!

By Greer Wylder

September 25, 2011

Review by Sheryll Alexander If you really hate the artificial smell of synthetic perfumes (which you find at department stores), especially when traveling, then consider JoAnne Bassett’s natural travel parfums. We love to bring along our expensive, but worth it indulgence from home for long days on planes, in cars and when getting ready for fancy dinners. Plus, JoAnne’s glossy black metal travel container with diamond-like studs is rugged, sprays nicely and looks lovely sitting in your evening clutch. We’ve been taking these all-natural exotic parfums on lots of getaways recently and a little spray or two really makes you…

KID FRIENDLY FUN IN LA!

By Greer Wylder

September 24, 2011

Review by Terra Flores If you have a family and are looking for something to do this weekend that encourages children and pre-teens to learn and still have loads of fun, look no further than the downtown Los Angeles area for an easy escape. Two child-friendly places to visit are the newly revamped California Science Center and the completely renovated Griffith Observatory. Both offer hands-on exhibits, encourage kids to explore and don’t leave parents bored either. Stay Downtown to Unwind After having a fun-filled day with the kids, don’t fight the traffic to get home. Instead, stay the night downtown. Order…

HOUSEWIVES WITH REAL PERSONALITY!

By Greer Wylder

September 19, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Indulge your real housewives fantasy of parties, diamonds, too-short dresses, too-large lips and sometimes too much to drink at San Francisco’s three Personality Hotels. After all, money might not buy class, but it does buy two gals a much needed-trip to San Francisco. The “Real Housewives with Personality” package includes: Overnight accommodations at a choice of three Personality Hotels: Hotel Diva , Hotel Union Square or Kensington Park Hotel (your San Francisco pied-à-terre) A bottle of Pinot Grigio (turtle time) Two-for-one margaritas at Colibri Mexican Bistro (get the skinny) Two lip plumpers (the bigger, the better) Two…

HALF MOON BAY FOR A PUMPKIN VACAY!

By Greer Wylder

September 12, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Did you know Half Moon Bay is recognized as the pumpkin capital of the world and fall is the best time to travel to this rugged and scenic slice of California just 40 minutes from San Francisco? Yes, everything in this charming, yet upscale town is about the pumpkin in autumn from brilliant orange pick-your-own pumpkin farms to pumpkin beer to homemade pumpkin gnocchi to pumpkin-inspired spa experiences. Here’s a summary of this year’s pumpkin-related events, dining experiences, spa treatments, farm visits and more in Half Moon Bay. October 15-16: 41st Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin…

FALL FOR THE BIG APPLE!

By Greer Wylder

September 08, 2011

Review by Lee Healy The full-throttle energy of New York City in fall (especially during Fashion Week) makes it the perfect time to explore the Big Apple. Head south on the island of Manhattan and discover the eclectic vibes of the fabled neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, SoHo and Gramercy. Be prepared to fall in love with the spirited hotels, world-class dining, and a cool, creative art scene that is unique to the city. WHERE TO STAY The East Village’s Cooper Square Hotel is cosmopolitan, contemporary and eminently comfortable. The 21-story tower soars with the aerodynamic lines of a sail ship while the interior emotes…