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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Happy Holidays from TheLocalHB

Are you all set for the holidays? Can you believe they are already upon us? Where oh where did the year go??

Need a couple last minute shopping ideas? Got a few for you:
Holidays are full of parties.... why not pay Mr. Kegs a visit? Located at 5914 Warner Ave. (at Springdale, phone: 714-861-7270). After all, they are known as the party people! What better way to celebrate the season than give the gift of booze!! They are considered a unique and full service provider of beer, wine and spirits and can make any gift giving a success. They carry the largest selection of craft beers in town by the way. They also offer custom gift baskets (and that is year round!). And if it is your holiday party that is still in some need of help, you can pick up that "help yourself" kegerator or take advantage of their full service bar experience.

Other gift ideas: Absolutely Fabulous (6026 Warner Ave / 714-842-1608) for the most unique gift items you can find anywhere - they were just written up in the paper for the awards they've received lately!

Give a gift of car maintenance from Francisco's Auto Repair (7662 Slater Ave. / 714-375-2661). Swing by and pick up a gift certificate for an oil change, or any kind of maintenance loved one's car might need!

If that car is not worth fixing, how about giving a nice "big ticket" item.....a new car!!! And you know who to go to for that don't you? Fox Auto is the only one. Why go to a dealer when you can save so much time (and often money) by going to a broker. It is the only way to purchase a car. Our last 4 vehicles are all broker bought! Give WC Fox a call, 714-846-7599 and talk to him about how he can help you.

All kinds of other savings can be found on the Surf City Savings Discount Program website. Many local Huntington Beach businesses have offers on the site including some of the new ones: Cross Fit Training (give the gift of getting in shape); Five Star Pool Management (what better gift than not having to take care of your own pool); Sandyle Kids & Baby Boutique (lots of gifts to choose from for the youngsters); American Nails (pick up a gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure); Affinity Jewelers (who doesn't like the gift of jewelry); Endless Food and Fun (certificates for food & fun with them,,, including their yummy buffet and laser tag). There are so many merchants on the site, take a look and see who can fill your needs: www.SurfCitySavings.com

There still is fun to be had downtown this xmas weekend, including having your photo taken with the Surfing Santa and enjoying the snow on Main during the afternoon & evening. Over on the Strand, there is ice skating available. Get out there and have some fun. Details of days & times can be found on the calendar section of TheLocalHB . Hopefully we'll have some dry days this week/weekend.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the supporters of TheLocalHB website. It is always appreciated. I love Huntington Beach and am all about the locals. If ever I can help or answer questions, just give a holler.

Wishing everyone the best for the holidays and may 2011 be a great year!



Thursday, December 09, 2010

Special Monday Night Football at Centerfield in Huntington Beach

Centerfield Sports Bar, 17296 Beach Blvd. in Huntington Beach, will honor the late football great and broadcaster Don Meredith during Monday Night Football December 13.

A favorite beer of Meredith, who passed away December 6, was Pabst Blue Ribbon. There will be a PBR pint special for only $1.95. Additionally, There will be other drink and food specials, including $1.00 tacos.

During the Monday Night Football halftime, a YOUTUBE video will play as part of the tribute to the legendary football star and former Monday Night Football host, who died at the age of 72. “He will be missed,” said Paul Hamilton, owner of Centerfield.

For further information, contact Michelle Hamilton at Centerfield: 714. 848.0113. www.centerfieldsportsbar.com

Monday, December 06, 2010

Our very own Huntington Beach Absolutely Fabulous is named a top U.S. ‘Gifted Retailer’

(posted by Jan Norman, small-business columnist, December 4th, 2010, 4:00 am · 9 Comments)
Absolutely Fabulous — yes that really is the name of the shop — has been named one of the top three “visual merchandisers” in the nation by Gifts and Decorative Accessories magazine. For those of you unfamiliar with retail lingo, that means the Huntington Beach gift shop is one of those places that always looks and feels great for shoppers. Absolutely Fabulous owner Diane Silverstein, right, with store designer Brett Richardson Now, on top of that award, Absolutely Fabulous is one of 25 retailers nationwide, and the only one in California, featured in the magazine’s November “25 Gifted Retailers” edition.

Owner Diane Silverstein says she entered the publication’s annual contest in April and was notified by Facebook that her shop was a winner. “We went to New York in August to get the award…but I didn’t know anything about the ‘Gifted Retailers’ (spread) until I got the magazine in the mail.
“This is more special to me because it takes everyone in the store working as a team to pull it off,” she adds. Silverstein credits the shop’s great looks, in part, to an August expansion into the adjacent shop that has not only given Absolutely Fabulous more room to merchandize, from 1,100 square feet to 2,700 square feet, but an easier-to-find front door. “The added window space has brought in so many new, wonderful people,” she says.

Store designer Brett Richardson “has an innate ability to transfer his and our personalities onto the floor of our store. We carry so much product, that he has the constant struggle of getting the stuff out without cluttering the store. And obviously, he’s doing a great job,” Silverstein says. Not many small businesses have been expanding in the recession and slow recovery, but Silverstein says, “It has made a huge difference because what makes people come in are the visual delights they see in the window. It’s like New York City 20 years ago.”

Silverstein, born in England, was a nurse specializing in spinal cord injuries for 20 years until she hurt her own back and had three surgeries. She didn’t work for eight years. In 2006 she drove past the Warner Avenue and Springdale Street intersection, saw a “for lease” sign and decided to open a gift and decor shop. “I don’t buy things you can find in other retailers within a certain geographic area,” she says. “Everyone carries Russ cuddly toys; I do Bearington (bears). We have a price point of $5 up to $8,000 so everyone can find something in their price range. And it’s all displayed beautifully.”

Absolutely Fabulous hosts art nights every few months to raise money for children’s charities and Silverstein serves champagne every afternoon. She also comes up with fun events. Currently the shop has an “ugly sweater” contest until Dec. 10. The winner will receive a $50 store gift certificate.

Friday, December 03, 2010

new additions to the Surf City Savings Discount Program in Huntington Beach

Hi all, It's been pretty busy for the Surf City Savings Discount Program - merchants have been anxious to sign up. Since the last notification of current sign-ups, we now have with us:
Hyatt Regency down on PCH - special discounted good neighbor rate (get those pesky family members from out of town out of your house and into a hotel!)
Caffe Gazelle - discount on bill or free desert (why cook when you can eat out!)
Burtucci's New York Pizza - 4 different specials offered (again, why cook!)
Wire-A-Cake.com - get a discount when you call in your order (why send flowers when you can send a cake to a loved one!)
Cross Fit School of Elite Fitness - complimentary introductory session (don't wait til a New Year's resolution to get in shape, start now!)
Five Star Pool Management - discount on monthly service (keep that pool sparkling, why mess with it yourself!)
Sandyle Kids & Baby Boutique - discount on purchase (do your holiday shopping for the kiddies, plus they have free Santa photos this month!)
American Nails & Spa - discounts on all their services (they do a great job on your nails...I should know, it's where I go!)
Affinity & Co Jewelers - discount on purchase (can't go wrong with your holiday shopping here, beautiful jewelry!)
Endless Food & Fun - free lazer tag (when you're done with all that shopping, treat yourself to some fun!)

Of course there are MANY more great discounts to be had in the Surf City Savings Discount Program, you should visit the site and check them out - take advantage of all the savings for your holiday needs!

Happy Holidays to all,

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Mr. Kegs in Huntington Beach: did you know.....


Did you know Mr. Kegs are the Party People! They have it all, they do it all! Mr. Kegs is a unique and full service provider of beer, wine and spirits to enhance any celebration or gathering. They carry the largest selection of craft beers in town. Whether you are looking for that "help yourself" kegerator or a full service bar experience, Mr. Kegs can meet your needs. In addition, they offer custom gift baskets year round. They specialize in private and corporate event planning. And to make it even easier on you - THEY DELIVER! Mr. Kegs is located at 5914 Warner Ave. at Springdale in Huntington Beach. Give them a call: 714-861-7270

Happy Post Thanksgiving Huntington Beach

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I can't believe we are full on in to the holiday season….
So, what do we have on the agenda for the rest of this week? I'm glad you asked, here are some highlights (hopefully I didn't leave out any pertinent info this time!):


Wednesday, 5:30 - 7:30pm is the Toys for Joy Holiday Mixer at Old World Festival Hall (7561 Center Ave). This is hosted by the Sand Dollars (formerly the Women of Action) and the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce. The admission is an unwrapped toy appropriate for a child 3-15 and includes buffet, raffle prizes, entertainment. There will also be a gift auction. Proceeds to benefit Project Self-Sufficiency, the Huntington Beach Therapeutic Riding Center and Alzheimer's Family Services Center

This weekend, Friday, Saturday & Sunday is the highly anticipated Grand Opening Extravaganza for Endless Food & Fun at 7227 Edinger Ave. $40 a person on any of those days will get you an all day unlimited pass including and endless buffet, arcade, lazer tag, entertainment and more!! Space is limited so reserve your spot now at www.endlessfoodandfun.com . Endless Food & Fun is a one stop destination for great food and great fun. You will find Delicioso!, a full service restaurant, the famous endless buffet, themed dining rooms and party rooms (for those special events), of course the lazer tag and arcade, redemption store and of course, more fun than you can handle. Pay them a visit, they are officially open to the public this Friday. Call them for the hours or questions: 714-846-7533

This weekend is downtowns official kick off for the holiday season with Saturday being the “Miracle on Main Street” Tree Lighting Ceremony on the 200 block of Main, from 5-6:30pm. There will be musical entertainment, free hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn & candy canes for all, as well as the arrival of Santa Claus!

On Sunday, the HB Youth Shelter is hosting the annual Light a Light of Love at the Pier. This event is the largest fundraiser for the shelter. Come out and show some support. It's a day full of holiday festivities starting at The Strand (about 1pm), beginning with a Holiday Bazaar and Holiday Dog Costume Contest. Other activities include a Children's Holiday Parade which will be on at Main Street (4:30pm), Surf City Santa photo ops at Pier Plaza, performances by Beach City Big Band, local High School Groups and bands (throughout day/evening), followed by the finale of the Pier and Main Street Snowflake Lighting (6pm). Businesses will offer special discounts and sales on from 3:00 to 7:00 pm - a percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Youth Shelter. For more information contact the CSP Youth Shelter at 714.842.6608.

Lastly, speaking of shelters, our own animal shelter on Newland (just north of PCH) is in desperate need of some holiday love for the dogs with these cold nights they have been having. Their wish list includes space heaters and bedding. Please consider dropping by something to help out these cold dogs. I just dropped off several blankets and beach towels that I no longer needed. The heaters are REALLY needed. Another idea - adopt a dog or cat to take home to share your life! Thank you for keeping these poor souls in your hearts - my two adopted dogs have provided more love than I could have imagined