Fresh Hairstyles for Fall

Pixie haircuts are all the rave for the fall. Let go of your locks by going for a razored, "in your eyes" sort of look. Rhianna does it best by having a heavily layered look that makes her still look sweet, with a little edge. Make sure your face has either an oval, triangular, or pear shape so that it compliments you instead of making your face more round or square.

Side-swept bangs for men are the most popular this season. They should be layered and styled to look a little messy, but still clean-cut. Make sure the bangs don't hang in the eyes and go with a razored cut for an edgier look.

Ponytails are back and in big demand. Celebrities at the 2009 CMA awards were already sporting this style and looking fresh. Try teasing your hair before tying it back and make sure plenty of strands are loose to shape your face. Don't be afraid to have your hair in waves, but avoid curls that are too tight.

Thick bangs are definitely different and retro, especially when paired with a cute bob that cuts at the chin, or just above. Avoid layering here and go for a clean cut and bangs that cover your eyebrows. Try having a bit of an angle to the cut below your chin.

Schoolboy haircuts are sleek and sophisticated for men, adding a bit of style to any outfit and look. This look compliments any face shape and will work with hair that doesn't need to be too long. Try styling it with a gentle gel and making sure it has a bit of shine, but not too much gunk.

Waves aren't just for the summer, but they're inviting themselves over for the fall. Natural looks that are lightly styled, but not straightened or tampered with are best. Try putting a little product in your hair to take out any frizz and to hold the waves in place. Straighten the top part of your hair to take out some of the volume and kink to your curls.

Dark dyes have arrived. Dying your hair to a darker shade of brown or red is most flattering for the colder season and will give a warmer look. Try putting a few highlights in that look natural throughout the hair to compliment the layers and to make the hair look fuller.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Taco Shops in SoCal

There's nothing better than going surfing or shopping all day in Southern California, exhausted and ready for a mouthful of Mexican food. Southern California has some of the best Mexican food in the country, and here are some favorites that are not to be missed.

Orange County

Pena's

1221 E 1st St.

Ste. C

Santa Ana, CA 92701

(714) 571-0415

Pena's makes their own tortillas and specializes in spices that put a little "pop" to all of their dishes. They have Mexican Coke, goat stew, and pork in their tacos that customers rave about (it's tender and slowly cooked in banana leaves). And you can eat all this while sitting in a saddle barstool while watching dishes be made.

Taco Adobe

121 N Lemon St.

Orange, CA

(714) 628-0633

This place is a hole in the wall, but then again some of the best places to eat are small, humble spots. They have a secret sauce they put in many of their dishes with soft, fresh tortillas. Their sauces aren't the spiciest, but everything has a lot of flavor and won't leave you with a heavy feeling because everything has very little grease.

Long Beach

Taco Surf

115 Main St.

Seal Beach, CA 90740

(562) 594-0600

My family has been frequenting Taco Surf for over ten years now, and it's safe to say the taste has only gotten better. Everything from their tacos to their enchiladas tastes authentic and it always seems to "hit the spot." The owner is a humble older man who serves colorful green and red chips, but will never admit to owning the place. Although you may feel stuffed to the brim after leaving since the ingredients aren't exactly the healthiest, it's a good place to visit occasionally.

El Burrito Jr.

909 Ocean Ave.

Seal Beach, CA 90740

(562) 431-8483

El Burrito Jr. isn't shy with their portions of chips and salsa (it could be it's own meal) and is across the street from the beach--a perfect place to stop after surfing or laying out. Their salsa is pretty basic, but the food is authentic with a lot of frying and flavor. The tacos are stuffed with tons of ingredients and good in price. It's not gourmet, but it's relaxed and chill enough to hang out at after being in the sun all day.

Los Angeles

El Atacor Restaurant

3520 N. Figueroa St. Ste 4

Los Angeles, CA 90065

(323) 342-0180

El Atacor Restaurant specializes in potato tacos and a super burrito that is bigger than the West Coast. They have homemade horchata, but they 76 the syrups and powders. There's not many places that you can buy a few tacos and a drink for less than five dollars, but you do have to spend at least ten bucks to use your credit card. If you're having a midnight craving, this is probably the best place you could visit that's still open at two in the morning.

Cactus Mexican Food

950 Vine St.

Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 464-5865

The tacos at Cactus Mexican Food are the best on the menu: overstuffed tiny corn tortillas with fresh avocado and an overload of carne asada. They also have shrimp and fish tacos, plus hard-shelled tacos with steak. It's not in the most upscale of locations so don't expect to be pampered, but most customers don't mind once they get fed.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

The Snow Season is Here

         Where to play (hard) in the snow in Southern California

Mammoth

www.mammothmountain.com 

Mammoth is great because it sits at an elevation of 11,000 feet and doesn't close just because winter ends. It's open six months out of the year and is the highest, and largest, ski resort in California. It's all around better than Bear Mountain and Mountain High. The only drawback is that it's pretty far from everything, about a five-hour trip from Orange County. There's something for everyone at Mammoth, and with triple black diamonds, the most experienced boarder or skier can have a challenge here.  

Mountain High

www.mthigh.com

For 13 years, Mountain High has always opened earlier than Bear Mountain. This year they only opened one day before, but they're still the first place boarders head each winter. It's smaller than Bear Mountain, but it has better rails and boxes. If you're looking for better and longer jumps, head to Bear Mountain instead. The distance to Mountain High is a lot closer than Bear Mountain, with only an hour and fifty minute drive. They also have a West Resort for more boarding, and an East Resort the beginners. If you want to take a break, go tubing here, as well. Although Mountain High isn't as extreme as Mammoth, they have double black diamonds and a half-pipe awaiting you. 

Snow Summit 

www.snowsummit.com

Snow Summit is more of a family park in Big Bear, not necessarily where you'll be finding the pros. Although it's a lot more relaxed here, they still have boxes, rails and jumps. The runs are a lot shorter and easier to work, since it's geared more towards families. It's about the same size as Bear Mountain and the best place for beginner and immediate slopes, but it still has a half-pipe, and even has night sessions. Summit has less boxes and rails than Bear Mountain, but is still better for riding. 

Snow Valley 

www.snow-valley.com

Snow Valley is on the way to Big Bear and another easier course. It's probably the most family-friendly course in SoCal, but is a good place to not get overrun by the pros. It has a lot of rails, but is limited in boxes. It's average for intermediates that want to practice, but has great trails that are for those who don't want to freestyle. Snow Valley is also not as crowded as other mountains in SoCal, and is closer to the resorts. 

Bear Mountain

www.bearmountain.com

Bear Mountain is the second place to hit the snow in Big Bear. Bear has a lot more boxes and rails than Snow Summit for tricks, but is for the intermediate skiers and boarders, with a double black mountain and easier courses than the other SoCal locations. There's more for those that want to snowboard, like a half-pipe and better jumps. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com