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Sunday, March 13, 2011

Please visit www.facebook.com/pupsnpinot and "like" us. we want to get the word out on our 6-26 wine tasting event.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Weekly Update for Huntington Beach Locals

Wow, can you believe we are almost to mid March!?! And don't forget what that means.....this weekend is daylight savings where you "spring ahead" and hour. Make sure to change those clocks!

There is plenty of fun stuff to do around town this weekend, but a couple of highlights:

Saturday is the Annual 3/1 Run at Beach Blvd at PCH, starting at 8:30am. The run will benefit the Huntington Beach 3/1 Marines Foundation. Before the race, there will be breakfast by the Huntington Beach Firefighters and the 3rd Battalion/1st Marines will run cadence from the starting line to Pier Plaza. Information and registration at: www.hb4marines. org

From 11am-5pm on both Saturday & Sunday near the pier you will find the Annual Kite Festival. Some of the best professional kite fliers in the country come to Huntington Beach to show their skills, not to mention their colorful stunt kites, for this annual family-friendly festival. Kite fliers are by invitation only, but beach goers will have a front row seat for this fabulous event. Kites will be available for purchase and the public is invited to fly their kits outside the roped-off kite arenas on the beach. Definitely makes for a fun day at the Beach. Read about the rest of the events on the calendar section of www.TheLocalHB.com .

Often this time of year means it is time for some home improvement. We pick away at doing improvements to our own home, and one such improvement that made all the difference in the world was putting in crown molding! At the same time we also did all our base & case and it all really spruced up the place. The finish carpenter we used was a fellow local here in HB. Nedelec Construction ( 714.848.9273 / cell: 949.293.1343). The owner, Dave Nedelec, has been in the business since 1978. Back in the day he worked for a custom home builder and gained a real appreciation of the finish work on custom homes. Dave has done everything from small remodels to new custom 12,000 square foot homes. His creative eye along with your custom detail is sure to beautify your home and make it uniquely yours. I can't recommend him enough. If you or anyone you know is in need of his services, you won't be disappointed!

And now for our periodic educational piece (for daily life when you need a little help). I'm referring to needing a little extra cash. And if you need it fast, one of t he simplest way to get a loan in minutes is to head over to Title Loans Orange County for a loan on your pink slip. Title Loans on cars are quick, easy and fast. The best part about these auto title loans? You get to keep your car to drive! Customers love the service at Title Loans Orange County for their speedy process and their unique no prepayment penalty policy. You can get car title loans today and pay it off next month for no extra fees. Title Loans OC is an expert at making title loans on cars. And unlike other title loans companies, they make on the spot cash loans so there is no waiting for a check in the mail.
So, how do Auto Title Loans work?
Your paid off car holds equity so when you need emergency funds you have the option to borrow against your car title for quick cash based on the Kelly Blue Book value. Whether you have good or bad credit, getting a title loan in Orange County is almost instant and you can get $2,500 to $20,000 the same day! After you borrow the amount you desire, you can make small easy payments to your principle and pay it off at any time!
How to get started a Car Title Loan?
1. Call Title Loans Orange County at (949) 566-8170 to see immediately how much you can borrow.
2. Gather your pink slip, current registration, insurance card, proof of employment and ID.
3. Bring the required items into 15182 Goldenwest Street Suite 101, Westminster, CA 92683 and tell the loan specialist, "I'm here for my Title Loan!" There, you will find a fast, private and friendly staff fully equipped to handle your loan needs. With excellent customer reviews, and low interest rates, it has never been this simple to get a Title Loan in Orange County. For more information visit or call today and mention TheLocalHB for a free car appraisal. Tile Loans Orange County proudly serves all residents of Orange County!

Now get out there and enjoy the sun!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

upcoming events for Huntington Beach

Pull out those calendars to mark off a couple of dates. These are for events coming soon (but certainly farther out than this weekend!)

First up. Taste of Huntington Beach ,www.TasteOfHB.com. This event is May 1 at the Sports Complex at Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave. But did you know tickets are available now? And if you buy your tickets before end of this month, you get a savings. Yes that is correct. Right now, it is only $50 for this GREAT event. I've been to a lot of "Taste of (insert city here)"... over the years, and really, nothing compares to our very own. Go to the site and buy your tickets now!

Next up for your calendar. March 23, 5pm-9pm, you definitely want to head down to Costa Mesa for Orange County's Largest Mixer VIII . It is your chance to join Orange County Chambers of Commerce and business organizations for this HUGE event at the OC Fair & Event Center (88 Fair Dr. Costa Mesa). You will be able to mix & mingle with over 3,000 business people and check out over 300 exhibitor tables representing hundreds of industries and companies in and around OC. This is your chance to reach both small and large companies, meet new clients and learn how the different chambers and organizations can make your business grow. It is only $20 to attend (sorry no credit cards) and you can find all the info about the event (including vendor info) at www.ocmixer.com or call 949-338-8338.

Now, back to tastings.... on June 26, 2pm-6pm, at the Newland Barn (Beach & Adams), you can get your fill at the Pups N Pinot Wine (& food) Tasting . This one is to raise money for A Leg Up Dog Rescue. Not a huge tasting event like Taste of HB, but a smaller one (about 500 folks) and we include man's best friend (leashed dogs welcome). But although it may be a smaller event, believe me, last year I left VERY full of wine & yummies. There will be live entertainment, dog costume contest, wine & food vendors, silent & live auction & more. Because this is a newer event, they are actively looking for vendors. If you or someone you know has or has access to wine or food, we'd love to know about it (I'm on the planning committee this year so you can contact me). Wine or food vendors can simply donate and volunteers will pour/serve or better yet, donors, come out and pour/serve yourself to get the best representation of your business. Folks who donate will be represented on the website, www.pupsnpinot.com, as well as at the event. This event is only $30 to attend. Please check out the website!

Finally, with all this walking at events such as these, you could end up with some sore feet.... The best way to keep this from happening is to be prepared with some good footwear. A little bit north of us, you will find Foot Solutions , 1811 Ximeno Ave in Long Beach (only about 15 from here). Even though they are not located in HB, I can talk about them because we really don't have anything like this in town. It's too bad their store isn't here!! Anyhow, they are a foot health center offering shoes, inserts and other foot care products. They have shoes specially made to help your feet whether it is for work, dress or play. Check them out at www.footsolutions.com/longbeach or call to talk to Karen: 562-961-3200. And to learn even more about them, you can check out this press release: Click to View - It is filled with great info about them.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

another donation just got made to the HB Relay for Life - $2500. We're doing great. check it out at: www.relayforlifehb.com

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day

We are all aware Valentine's is right around the corner....still looking for something for that special someone?
Heres a few local ideas: Mr. Kegs at 6914 Warner Ave can supply you with that perfect gift basket, or you can pick up that special bottle of wine from their large selection!

Right across the street is Absolutely Fabulous , 6024 Warner, where you will find SO many gift ideas. And by the way, this Saturday evening they are having a special reception highlighting Randy Cooper Shadow Art - amazing stuff. check out their site, http://www.absolutelyfabulous1.com/ for info .

Ladies, do you want to get all pretty for Valentines? Depending on what end of town you are, we've got Salon Ambiance at 5075 Warner, or the Upstairs Salon at 7561 Center Ave, #45. Both full service salons. Also off of Center you can find the Image Spa , 7081 Center Ave, for more intense make-overs - a full service day spa, plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry & more! For the ladies whose men love their cars, why not give them a gift certificate to Francisco's Automotive (7662 Slater Ave) for some auto care - oil change, air conditioning service, etc.

By the way, you can find the detailed info for these local merchants as well as many others in the business listings on TheLocalHB.com . You can also find all kinds of deals on the site for the Surf City Savings Discount Program - check it out and save some money!!

Speaking of deals, here is one to check out - Pizzarito in Bella Terra, for a limited time, is offering an outrageous happy hour: from 3-6pm Monday through Friday, buy one slice and receive one slice free of equal value or less. How can you beat that?! They are the place to go for authentic New York Pizza by the slice (you can also get whole pizzas, and they deliver! They've been to my house numerous times).

Lastly, here is a a request to support a hometown friend to find his way to the North Pole. Some of you may already know Mark Chapman, through the HB Chamber of Commerce, or from his photography, or as co-host of the Miss HB Pageant, or from is involvement in leading the way for the Centennial Scavenger Hunt here in town. Well, here's the deal: Mark is trying hard to win a trip to the North Pole and in order to do this he needs another 1,500 to 2,000 votes to be among the top five contestants who will then be judged
on an essay he wrote explaining why he should be the official blogger of this trip. How exciting would that be?
This is truly a once in a lifetime experience and it would be great to have a local plant a flag at the top of the world!
Can you help him out? (I already have), Here's all you have to do:
1. Select the following link:

2. Under Mark's picture select Register
3. You can use your Facebook login or register a new login.
4. Follow the links to vote for Mark
5. Forward this e-mail to 10 friends and ask them to vote for Mark
How easy is that? He needs the votes by February 15th. So time is critical. If we can send Mark to the North Pole, he promises to bring us back snow! :-)
A very happy Valentine's Day to all......

Monday, January 31, 2011

Business Networking and Superbowl Fun in Huntington Beach

Tomorrow (Feb 1) is the night for the big RBN (Relationship Building Network) Expo and you don't want to miss it. It is their first big 2011 Kick-Off Business Expo of the year. To remind you once again, there will be 130 companies exhibiting, 17 great restaurants with complimentary food, and over 1400 attending for you to network with. 5:00pm - 8:00 pm at the Double Tree Hotel in Orange - 100 The City Drive South (at The Block of Orange). It is only $20 at the door which includes parking, food and lots of networking. It is open to everyone - no rsvp required. For more info visit: www.RBNinfo.com

Have you made your plans for Superbowl yet?? Here's a couple of good choices: Centerfield Sports Bar & Grill, 17296 Beach Blvd, always has a big sports "to-do" going on with over 45 TV's and plasma screens. You can just show up early to grab a seat, or make a reservation, ph: 714-848-0113, for $25 per person which includes a gift bags (a t-shirt included), choice of food item (have to ask them what they are) and 2 drinks a person.


There is also a Superbowl party going on at the Old World Bar , 7561 Center Ave. #49. A big screen & lots of TV's in the lounge and big screens on the patio. Appetizer menu, full cocktail bar, and of course a large beer selection. Bring the whole family! If you are bold, don't forget you can head to down town HB for the big Surf City USA Marathon. They are expecting record crowds! You can find info about the event on TheLocalHB calendar.

Pawn Shop Huntington Beach: Best place in OC to borrow instant cash on gold & jewelry items

Here is some more good info from one of our local HB businesses:
Do you need a fast and easy short-term cash loan? If you have no time to waste or have bad credit or even no credit, a pawn shop can be your best friend. They can loan you instant cash money using your personal items as collateral for the loan. A Pawnshop is run by a pawnbroker who will make loans using your personal property as collateral for the loan. And in California, all pawn shops are state regulated so the interest rates they charge are all set by the state of California. Most pawnbrokers will loan up to 65% of the actual cash value of the item. How do pawn shops work? For instant, to borrow money on a diamond ring that has a cash value of $5,000, you could borrow up to $3,000 in less than 15 minutes with no credit check and no approval. It’s fast, easy, and confidential.

So if you need cash, borrow instant cash on gold, jewelry, diamonds, silver, gold coins, art, Rolex watches, watches, chains, rings, estate jewelry, or anything of value and bring them down to your local pawn shop for a quick cash loan. There are several pawn shops stores or pawn shop locations in Orange County but only two in Huntington Beach. We recommend Pawn Shop Huntington Beach because they specialize in jewelry loans, or making loans on jewelry items so they are not your typical pawnshop with black and white TV’s hanging on the dusty shelf. There, you will find a friendly staff that will handle your transaction in a private and timely manner. You can find Pawn Shop Huntington Beach at 15182 Goldnwest Street Suite 102, Huntington Beach, CA 92683. Call them at 714-465-4950 or visit them at http://www.pawnshophuntingtonbeach.com/. Mention TheLocalHB for a free appraisal. They make loans on gold and jewelry from $2,000 up to $100,000 in minutes.

They gladly serve all residents of Orange County including Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Tustin, and Mission Viejo.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Get discounts (half price) for events from Goldstar!

Check out this site for Goldstar. They have half-price tickets and member reviews of concerts, sports, theater and more.
I'm already a member! It's free: https://www.goldstar.com/join?p=F715706RB

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Need a good Huntington Beach Orthopedic?

if you do, one place you can get real good care at is: Pacifica Orthopedics located at 18800 Delaware ST. Ste 1150 (their number: 714-841-5333)
Pacifica Orthopedics offers unique and comprehensive medical care specializing in general orthopedics, spine, hand & foot surgery, arthroscopy, chiropractic, neurology, physical therapy, psychology, pain management, rehabilitation medicine, and sports medicine.

Their digital imaging includes Ultrasound machine, Fluoroscopy, and Extremity MRI. All onsite. Doctors can see and explain results to you immediately, saving time and money. With on-site digital imaging there is no need to send you away for X-rays, only to have you bring back films. Digital X-ray, with instantaneous results provide a huge benefit for you and the doctor. Keep them in mind next time a need arrises!

Monday, January 24, 2011

another reminder that this Friday night, the 28th, is the kick off party for the Relay for Life (which is in May). 6-9pm is the time. Endless Food & Fun is the location. Endless is located at 7227 Edinger between GW College & Gothard. Come check out what the Relay is all about and feel free to come early and enjoy the very reasonably priced buffet. Or bring the kids and let them enjoy the arcade & laser tag.
Info on the Relay can be found at www.relayforlife.org/huntingtonbeachca

Networking Event next week

Are you in to networking for your business?? Most of us are, so you want to make sure your calendar is marked for February 1, 5pm-8pm, for the RBN Major 2011 Kick-Off Business Expo . There will be 130 businesses exhibiting, 20 great restaurants with complimentary food and over 1,400 attending to network with. The Expo will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Orange, 100 The City Drive (at the Block of Orange). The cost is $20 at the door, no rsvp necessary. Free parking. The event is open to everyone, so take advantage of this great opportunity. More info about RBN: www.rbninfo.com.

Friday, January 21, 2011

How and where to Sell Gold and Jewelry in Huntington Beach, Orange County, California

Looking for the best place to sell gold in Orange County?
While there might be a few options, your best bet is to call the premier gold buyers at Cash for Gold Huntington Beach. They buy anything that is real gold or silver and pay you cash on the spot. They even do free no-obligation appraisals. Visit them on the web at http://www.cashforgoldorangecounty.com/.
If you haven't been living under a rock this past year, you have probably heard of “cash for gold” gold buyers, seen a sell gold jewelry ad on TV, thought about selling your unwanted gold, or had someone you know throw a “gold party”. It’s only natural to be curious about what is really going on with gold in this economic climate, and whether or not you’re sitting on a potential gold mine.

With gold at an all time high it is one of the best “band wagons” to be on. Here are some facts about how and where to sell gold jewelry in Orange County:

1. Sell locally. There are numerous cash for gold locations in Huntington Beach and all over Orange County. Gather up anything gold, (even jewelry you might question) jewelry, rings, broken chains, dental gold, silver, platinum, gold bars, and old coins with an 1964 or older date. Remember, just because you bring it in doesn't mean you have to sell it, there isn’t any harm of seeing how much something is worth. Separate the items you gather into different piles or bags, for example have a bag for 14 karat, 18 karat or sterling silver. Find a local jewelry buyer (I like to support the local economy). I really like Cash for Gold Orange County, located at 15182 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92683 at 714-901-8000 Visit them at www.cashforgoldorangecounty.com. A number of cas4gold locations also are pawn shops, so if you don’t want to sell gold, you can always loan your gold for any period of time. Once you get there, ask a lot of questions about selling silver and selling gold, negotiate a reasonable price, and get cash right away. Even a free gold appraisal.
2. You can sell it privately. With this option you can have a garage sale, post an ad on craigslist, or take your gold or silver to a swap meet. If you choose to sell gold on your own please be careful and know that you will have to haggle and negotiate with individuals while at the same time advertise and respond to potential buyers. Be careful if you choose this option.
3. Send in your gold by mail. This method is also more risky and not recommended when there is a reputable local buyer like Cash for Gold in Huntington Beach. If you do send in your gold to a place like Cash4Gold, there is no guarantee you will get the maximum cash value of current gold prices. Once you send off your gold, it’s gone and the company pays you what they pay you. There are typically no negotiations, and you then have to wait for a check in the mail. This is not the best option for most people.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

a couple of announcements

This week we have a couple of public service announcements for you.
First, the Miss Huntington Beach Scholarship Pageant is just around the corner and they are still looking for applicants from girls wishing to change their lives forever. It is for girls between 17-24 years-of-age, who either work or live in Huntington Beach. They can apply now at www.misshb.org . Applications must be turned in by January 25 by 7pm, inside the Old World Village Festival Hall, 7561 Center Ave. or via the website. Interested contestants can also call the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce: 714.536.8888. The contest for the crown is February 19th and will be held at the Historic Huntington Beach High School Auditorium. The new Miss Huntington Beach and her court receive scholarship money and annually the Queen competes in June for the title of Miss California. Please pass this info on to any gal who might be interested.

The Pageant is also sponsoring a Little Princess section in this year’s Pageant. The Lil’ Princess program is open to ages 5-12 and includes a crown, sash and a dance on the stage. The program participants will share in a tea party with Miss Huntington Beach herself. Additional questions can be answered by Pam Alagata, executive director, at 714. 654.9219.

Another announcement: Coming up on January 28, 6pm-9pm, will be the Kick Off Party for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life that is held here in Huntington Beach. Learn what the Relay is all about. Speakers, light appetizers, raffles, silent auction, fun! This event is to "kick-off" our Relay season and our fundraising efforts to help find a cure for cancer. www.relayforlife.org/huntingtonbeachca has more info. The kick off will be held at Endless Food and Fun on 7227 Edinger Ave. Here's an idea, plan to arrive early and enjoy dinner at their endless buffet - only $9.99. While you attend the kick off, you can let your kiddies (if you brought them) enjoy all the arcade games or lazer tag. I'm sure it would cost less than leaving them at home with a babysitter!! Keep up to date on the Relay at www.relayforlife.org/huntingtonbeachca .

And speaking of the Relay Kick Off, if you'd like to get your business a little extra recognition and do something good for this cause, please consider donating something for our raffle or silent auction. Every bit we raise that night goes toward our HB Relay. You will get recognition for your donation in our program and it would sure help us out. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like donate something. I thank you in advance for considering helping.

Don't forget tonight is the opening night of the Wednesday specials at the Huntington Beach Playhouse . The schedule of the shows can be found on their site (as well as my calendar section). www.hbph.com. I'll be there tonight for the first show! Maybe see you there.....

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Happy New Year Huntington Beach locals!

Happy New Year Huntington Beach locals. Here's to wishing you the very best for 2011. Hopefully it will be a great year for all of us.

So, let me ask you this, are you ready to break the New Year's resolution yet? I mean the one on cutting back food intake! Well, here is your chance. Tommy Pastrami is holding a pastrami eating contest! Here is the excerpt from their press release:

Tommy Pastrami New York Delicatessen is excited to announce the first promotion of its kind; a "Pastrami Eating" Competition.
The eight, fastest contestants at each store will "face-off" with one another on National Pastrami Day, January 14, 2011.
The top two finalist of each store will receive a Tommy Pastrami gift certificate; (Second Place $25.00 and First Place $50.00) and move forward to compete in the Tommy Pastrami Tri County Pastrami Competition. The event will be held in Huntington Beach, at Tommy Pastrami New York Delicatessen (18001 Beach Blvd) on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 1 pm.
The twelve final contestants will compete to devour Tommy Pastrami New York Delicatessen's "Biggest Pastrami Sandwich" within thirty minutes. The person who eats the entire sandwich in the fastest time period will receive $500.00 and the bragging rights for the entire 2011 year.
Come out and help us celebrate. We invite everyone to attend The First Official Tommy Pastrami New York Delicatessen "Pastrami Wars."
Are you up to the challenge? Contact your local store for the details.

How yummy is that? And tummy filling too! Call our local location for more info: (714) 848-4567.


Have you ever been to the Huntington Beach Playhouse for one of their many wonderful shows? Make sure to make 2011 be the year you get over to Central Library (7111 Talbert Ave) to see a show. For those of you who are regulars, did you know about their new Wednesday night specials? Check out their site, www.hbph.com , for the schedule. They have some great shows coming up, starting next week, including the Shenanigans comedy sketches & skits, Corporate Recess Players Improv, Meledramadness, and more. Dates and times are on their website, plus all the info about the rest of the plays coming up this season.
Again, all the best for a successful New Year

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