Coffee Shops

ORANGE COUNTY

Milk and Honey

2981 Bristol St. #B6

Costa Mesa, CA

(714) 708-0092

Milk and Honey is a quaint little coffee shop, just across from The Lab shops. Although it only holds a few customers, it has both an inside and outside seating area with creative coffees, teas, and sandwiches. Some of their specialties include their acai bowl and peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Outside you can hear the soothing sound of a fountain running and have shade from the OC sun.

The Gypsy Den

125 N. Broadway Ave.

Santa Ana, CA 92701

(714) 835-8840

www.gypsyden.com

The Gypsy Den calls itself "more than a just a coffee shop...part cafe, part venue, and all community." With plenty of room and artistic inspiration to study and think philosophically, this shop is also a great place to have a good time and enjoy some local music. They offer scrumptious breakfast options, like French Toast with berries and granola, or oatmeal creme brulee. For lunch or dinner, pick the Mediterranean Pasta and for dessert there's always the Coconut Layer Cake or Bread Pudding.

LONG BEACH

Portfolio Coffee House

2300 East 4th Street

Long Beach, CA 90814

(562) 434-2486

After twenty years, Portfolio Coffee House offers more than just freshly brewed coffee, with many knitting classes and swingin' jazz nights throughout each month. Local art hangs on their walls and this coffee shop was the first to hold poetry readings in Long Beach. This coffee house is larger than most with two big rooms and a spacious outside patio. 

Passport Coffee House

449 E. Broadway

Long Beach, CA 90802

(562) 495-4907

Passport Coffee Shop sits quite comfy on a corner in East Village of Long Beach. They serve gourmet coffees and it's common to find people sitting outside playing music and just strumming on their guitars. The employees are friendly and make their customers feel comfortable. Although Long Beach doesn't offer as many unique coffee shops as Los Angeles or Orange County, this one is a great pick if you want to feel at home. 

LOS ANGELES

Sunset Junction

4019 Sunset Blvd. 

Los Angeles, CA 90029

(323) 661-7771

With eclectic taste and crucifxes, masks, and statues hanging all around the store, Sunset Junction is set in the heart of Los Angeles and is a part of The Sunset Junction Neighborhood Alliance, which is a non-profit organization that looks to provide the community with counseling, have farmers' markets, and have annual street fairs. This coffee shop sells coffee from around the world and even has "Open Mike Wednesdays." Besides just selling coffee, there's also jewelry (and even bed sheets) for sale. 

Lost Souls Cafe

124 W. 4th Street 

Los Angeles, CA 90013

(213) 617-7006

Lost Souls Cafe is roomy with plenty of seats available-- sometimes it's quiet and solemn, other times busy and bustling. They offer live music throughout the week and provide free wireless Internet. They have Spoken Word shows on Friday nights and offer savory crepes and sun bread. To relax, meet new people, or just to sit quietly with a good latte and book, visit Lost Souls Cafe. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Indies & Documentaries Playing in Southern California

New York, I Love You
If you've ever seen Paris, J'Taime, then you understand the concept of taking many different love stories and combining them into one, big independent film, but this time in the heart of New York City. There's many different situations, some being of a bellboy falling for a guest at a hotel, another of a man who picks pockets and then follows an intriguing woman. There's also an elderly couple in love and a boy with his prom date. This film can be compared to Love Actually because of it's drama, humor, and soundtrack. Don't expect happily-ever-afters, but instead a film that's invigorating and encounters the different ethnic groups and personalities in The Big Apple.

Why you want to see this: Where else can you see a film packed with so many talented actors? This film is loaded with a whole lot of Shia LaBeouf, Ethan Hawke, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Natalie Portman, Rachel Bilson, Hayden Christensen, Andy Garcia, and Robin Wright Penn.

Capitalism: A Love Story
Michael Moore is knocking on the door of D.C., once again, with this documentary about Wall Street and government bails. Of course, he adds sarcasm to the mixture with the political figures he encounters and is on a hunt to find where the country's money is. He analyzes why the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer in America, yet keeps the documentary lighthearted at times, like having M.I.A. play in the trailer with the sound of shotguns firing. He continues to hold people accountable and isn't afraid of embarrassing himself or his crew for the sake of saving America.

Why you want to see this: Moore continues to hold the government accountable in this film and ignores anyone trying to stop him. The film is highly informative, influential, and raw with it's real accounts of average Americans and how they've suffered from the state of the economy. At times Moore seems to know he's annoying, but he doesn't care for the sake of getting answers.

Coco Before Chanel
With Amelie and The Da Vinci Code under her belt, Audrey Tautou is perfect for the role of Coco Chanel. The film highlights the significant parts of Chanel's childhood, lovers, and rise to fame as an extroverted, fashion icon. The film is realistic and doesn't just show glitz and glamour for the designer, but instead takes you through the difficult parts of Chanel's life, like living at an orphanage and being deserted by her father. Coco Before Chanel shows Chanel's passion for fashion, which began with designing hats, and the story of her rise to fame.

Why you want to see this: Coco Before Chanel isn't just about fashion or design, it's interesting and dynamic. It's already won three awards and has an interesting take on the history of fashion. It's a movie that doesn't need to be classified as a "chick-flick", but something most people will be able to enjoy.


Bronson
This film is based on the story of Charles Bronson, a British criminal convicted of robbing a post office, who ends up spending 30 years in solitary confinement over a sentence that was only for seven years. It's lighthearted with cinematography that isn't typical for a dramatic/comedic film like this. Known as "Britain's most violent criminal," this film is based on a true story of a man who seemed to think that everything he did was completely rational, although he admitted to being crazy. Besides being a criminal, his character is an analytical artist who seems to think he controls everyone and everything around him.

Why you want to see this: Besides being humorous and quirky, this film is also a deep thinker that has more of an underlying story than just a man who was violent and insane. The character of Charles Bronson toys with the other individuals in this film, and at times it's hard to figure out if he's toying with you, as well.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Your Legs Need a New Home

If your jeans are so worn (and not in the $300 kind of way) that you have a baggy butt and rips that look more trashy than trendy, then it's time to get a new pair of jeans. There are plenty of styles available that are great for whatever kind of shoes you feel like wearing.

Nothing is better than skinny jeans.

4 When you put on your skinny jeans there's some sassiness that comes out that you wouldn't have with other types of jeans. They look great with boots, sandals, heels (especially heels) and they dress up any type of outfit you're going for. Try wearing them with chunky belts to balance it out with your top and go to H&M or Express for the best quality.

The 70's aren't back, but wide legged jeans are.
4 Sometime last year wide legged jeans came in style, and they're here to stay. They look great for the office, for a day out shopping, or for a night out on the town. Make sure they fit well and wear them with high heels if you have a shorter figure to make your legs look longer.

Now you can say you didn't steal your boyfriend's jeans.

4 Boyfriend jeans are the latest style to hit Hollywood. Halle Berry and Jennifer Garner have been spotted wearing them with casual T's and old shoes. Leave the high heels at home and allow yourself to be comfortable. Look for ones that are more worn or are rolled up. Try not to look too homely in these by adding jewelry and wearing your hair down to add some femininity. (And say no when your boyfriend asks to borrow them.)

They're better than mom jeans--they're high-waisted jeans.

4 Although Jessica Simpson didn't rock these jeans the best, they've worked well on other celebrities. If you've been disciplined on doing your crunches and have the confidence to wear this style, then go with the high-waisted jeans. They're great with pumps and dress up any type of shirt.

Khaki is back, just not how you're used to seeing them.

4 Although jeans come in different colors, and even patterns at times, jeans in a khaki color are all the rave with men. They're great for going out on a date and wanting to look casual, but are still dressy. This color goes great with almost anything and works great with sandals or boots.

Only your jeans should be washed out.

4 Worn, torn, and adorned. Washed out jeans still look great and give off the feel that you don't care that much about what you wear. Although they're not ideal when going out at night or anything fancy, they still add texture and personality to the jeans you're wearing. They're not too over-the-top like Ed Hardy jeans, yet not boring like a pair of boot cut blue jean.

It doesn't have to be a rainy day for your jeans to be rolled up.

4 Although you can buy jeans that are pre-rolled, this is obviously simple and easy for any pair of jeans you already have. It won't work so well on baggier jeans, more like boot cut, but it adds a lot to any pair you're wearing. Try doing this on a pair that has a darker dye so the roll stands out on the jeans.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Review- Black Eyed Peas, “Meet Me Halfway” Music VideoWhen I first heard the song, “Meet Me Halfway” on KIIS FM I thought it sounded like a 90’s song that would come on in a club on a Thursday night. Don’t get me wrong, it’s catchy, but most songs already are and I don’t want to like a song just because it has a good beat—anyone can do that. I thought maybe the band was someone unknown and only semi-popular; maybe someone at KIIS FM had found it in an old folder on their computer and put it on air.

After I continued to hear the song on the radio and it began to play in my head I finally looked it up online and realized that the Black Eyed Peas sang it. I was kind of surprised considering their latest song, “I Gotta Feeling,” sounds so different and every time I hear I feel in a better mood. I like a lot of The Black Eyed Peas songs, I don’t own any of them, but I’ll sit through the popular ones and enjoy it.

I think my problem with “Meet Me Halfway” is that it has mediocre lyrics and when Will.i.am raps he sounds like he’s tired or too lazy to get all of his words out. The music video isn’t much better—Fergie lies in a garden the whole time just looking sexy as Will.i.am is on Jupiter riding an elephant. This goes on for three minutes until both Fergie and the other guy in the group, Apl.de.ap, jump into a floating cube and pyramid (don’t ask me what that’s all about) and are finally reconnected. The futuristic Romeo and Juliet story ends with the two of them becoming shooting stars across the night’s sky. Somewhere in this music video is one of the other guys in the Black Eyed Peas group and the only thing he does is act like an astronaut who tries to get close to the sun--maybe they felt bad if they left him out of the video.

It takes a lot of money to make a song, so it makes me wonder if so much money is being spent, then why are the lyrics so bland and boring? After all, Will.i.am raps, 'Cuz girl, I want you right now. I travel uptown, I travel downtown. Wanna have you around, like every single day. If even more money was spent on the music video then how did the director, Ben Mor, convince everyone that this outer space idea was so amazing? Maybe it’s because that’s what the public wants. Maybe we’re not setting our standards high enough. Maybe the Black Eyed Peas know what makes us happy and so they’re lowering their artistic abilities to make us content and to sell more records. After hearing this song and watching the video, I sure hope that’s the reason.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Five Ways to Tan in the Fall

1. Spray Tan

Although going to a tanning salon every week can get expensive, spray tanning is a great way to maintain your tan and keep yourself looking hydrated and healthy. In the summer, it's ideal to spray tan once a week, but in the fall and winter you only need to visit the salon every 10 to 12 days. It's OK, and actually preferable, to have a lighter tan after summer, so that your light tint is believable and still keeps you looking like you live in California.


Cost: $30 per visit

Apply: Every 10-12 days

Where to go: Any tanning salon.


2. Bronzers

Let's face it: make-up works. Although it's only temporary for a day, make-up is great as a great way to fake a tan and is an immediate solution. Buy a bronzer from any convenience store and apply it over your make-up. Lightly sweep it over your face, neck, chest, and arms--depending on how much skin you're bearing. Men should use this sparingly and find a bronzer that doesn't come with shimmer in it.

St. Tropez bronzing mousse is great for your face and your body--it should work perfectly if it's a warmer day and you're bearing your legs and arms. This brand is highly recommended by many make-up artists.

Milani Bronzer XL is a great powder to use mainly on your face, but will also work on your body.

Cost: St. Tropez Bronzing Mouse $30, Milani Bronzer XL $10

Apply: Once or twice a day.

Where to buy: StTropezTan.com, Target for Milani Bronzer XL

3. Tanning Lotions

Although tanning lotions aren't ideal for summer, they're a great fit for colder seasons. They come in different shades and usually build your tan up with each use. Be picky with the type you use and don't just go off of the price. The best products are L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze and Bobbi Brown's Sunless Tanning Gel--they don't leave you walking out of the house streaky and orange.

Cost: L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze $10, Bobby Brown $30

Apply: Once a week.

Where to buy: Any local drugstore.

4. Go Outside

It seems like a no-brainer, but most of us forget that if we just exercise outside or get some sun during the fall and winter, we'll get tan. It doesn't get too cold in California and for a place that is sunny on Christmas day you can avoid getting pale by going on runs outside or just laying in your backyard. Always apply SPF-15 and try getting some sun once or twice a week to see a difference in your skin color and to get your Vitamin D.

5. Tanning Beds

Although we really hate suggesting this, it will work as a last resort. If lotions, spray tans, and going outside all aren't working for you then go to a tanning bed, but try to limit how much you go. Besides tanning beds being unhealthy and terrible for your skin, they are a good way to maintain your tan. Try to not do this during the summer since you do live in "the sunshine capital of the world," but if you really must, then the tanning beds are always there for fall.

Cost: $40-$60/month

Use: Once or twice a week.

Where: Look online for local tanning salons.

Katie Cervantes 

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Best Vegan Restaurants to Visit

LOS ANGELES

Pure Luck Restaurant

707 N. Heliotrope Dr. 

Los Angeles, CA 90029

(323) 660-5993

Times: Mon.-Sat.11AM-Midnight, Closed Sundays

Menu includes: Tofu sandwiches and burgers, colorful salads, fried soy-protein nugget wraps, organic soy pasta, smoothies and shakes.

Best thing on the menu: Deep-fried sweet potato slices, served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Price Range: About $8-$10

Pure Luck restaurant is a quirky, fun restaurant where customers feel comfortable in the relaxed environment. They also promise a great selection of micro brews. 

Flore Vegan Cuisine

3818 W. Sunset Blvd. 

Silverlake, CA 90026

(323) 953-0611

Times: Mon.11AM-4PM, Tues.-Fri.11AM-10PM, Sat.-Sun. 10AM-1PM

Menu includes: Vegan dishes, but with a focus on Mexican food. They serve salads, sandwiches, burgers, but no desserts. 

Best thing on the menu: Baja tacos with veggie fish.

Price Range: About $10

The restaurant even has a pub and customers who are die-hard carnivores still rave about the flavors going on in this restaurant. 

California Vegan Restaurant

7300 W. Sunset Blvd. #A

Los Angeles, CA 90046

(323) 874-9079

Times: Mon.-Sat. 11AM-10:30PM

Menu includes: Family recipes with Thai roots and homemade sauces, dressings, and meats. The menu includes some unique items for a vegan menu such as pancakes, quesadillas, soups, and plenty of desserts.

Best thing on the menu: Mango and sticky rice.

Price Range: About $8

California Vegan is unique because they offer a wider variety on their menu for vegans and seem to have more creativity and fun with what they make.

Casa De Tree

3741 Motor Ave. 

Los Angeles, CA 90034

(310) 559-8138

Times: Tues.-Fri. 10AM-9PM

Menu includes: 100% Vegan dishes, sushi, pasta, baked goods, deli/bento, rice/curry, sandwiches and burgers, sweets, and drinks. 

Best thing on the menu: Go-go Croquette!! Burger (Fried potato croquette, onion, tempeh, on a bed of cabbage with special sauce).

Price Range: About $10
They offer Japanese and French recipes with sea salt and fresh herbs for spices. They also carry many wheat-free dishes and are 100% organic.

ORANGE COUNTY

Green's Cafe

15435 Jeffrey Rd.

Irvine, CA

(949) 653-1241                                                                           

Times: Tues.-Sat. 11AM-9PM, Sun 11:30AM-8PM

Menu includes: Tofu sandwiches and burgers, colorful salads, fried soy-protein nugget wraps, organic soy pasta, smoothies and shakes.

Best thing on the menu: Deep-fried sweet potato slices, served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Price Range: About $8-$10

Avanti Cafe

259 E. 17th St.

Costa Mesa, CA 92672

(949) 548-2224                                                                 

Times: Mon.-Fri. 11AM-10PM, Sat. 10:30AM-10PM, Sun. 10:30AM-8PM

Menu includes: Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, sandwiches, desserts. 

Best thing on the menu: Pizza Bianca (Avanti cheese blend, ricotta, garlic & shallot, greens, olives, pine nuts, and rosemary sea salt).

Price Range: About $10

Although the restaurant isn't completely vegan, it has a comfortable menu for both vegetarians and vegans. It's small place to eat that's run by two chefs who founded the restaurant in 2004 and now change the menu every three months. 

LONG BEACH

Zephyr Vegetarian Cafe

340 E. 4th St. 

Long Beach, CA 90802

(562) 435-7113                                                                

Times: Sun.-Thur. 11AM-4PM, Fri-Sat. 11AM-9PM, Closed Sundays

Menu includes: Burgers, sandwiches, drinks, and plenty of salads.

Best thing on the menu: Flame broiled tofu steak burger

Price Range: $8-$10

Zephyr's is an artistic cafe where a lot of musicians play and local art hangs on the walls. It replaced Papa John's four years ago and let's just say no one is complaining. 

House of Vege

2439 Pacific Coast Hwy.

Lomita, CA 90717

(310) 530-1180

Times: Mon.-Thur. 11AM-3PM, 5PM-9PM, Sat. 11AM-9:30PM, Sun. 11AM-9PM

Menu includes: Ovo, chinese, buffet, beer and wine. It consists of an All-You-Can-Eat menu. 

Best thing on the menu: Veggie chicken made from soy protein and deep-fried seaweed rool with taro. 

Price Range: About $11, $16 for All-You-Can-Eat

Although this restaurant is often ignored by people passing by because of it's outer appearance, those that have tried the restaurant swear by it's authenticity and continue frequenting the place.  

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Where the Wild Things Are Movie Review

With Urban Outfitters selling Where the Wild Things Are apparel and Arcade Fire remaking one of their songs for the movie trailer, it's no wonder that the movie topped the box office the opening weekend with $32 million in revenue. For most young adults, the film is a glimpse back at childhood when our mothers used to read us Where the Wild Things Are before leaving us to dream of creatures and imaginary deeds. Both the film and the book are popular because the story awakens the part in us that still believes in adventures yet to come.


Although this film is one of the better ones to come out this year, it was hard to ignore the disappointing feeling after leaving the theatre. (When hype doesn't live up to expectations, the movie- goer feels cheated.)

Where the Wild Things Are was beautiful and had an art with it's cinematography with the scenes and metaphors. It was definitely original, unique, and a wild ride. What was disappointing is that it seemed to promise a warm good feeling after watching it, of the sweet things of childhood, of what the book always provides. Instead, the movie had a depressed and lonely theme. The young boy, Max, seemed to always be distressed and a little on the bi-polar side. One minute he'd run away from home distraught, only to return completely happy and smiling. He seemed alone, sad, and kind of left to be on his own with his imagination throughout the film.


Let's not forget that Spike Jonze is an incredible filmmaker and is easily compared to Tim Burton or Wes Anderson, but when high standards are set for a film of one of the most memorable childhood books, people often expect the same emotion and theme to come alive in the film. There's enough sadness in life so when we watch a movie that has a lot of significance to most young adults it can be hard feeling more sad than when we walked into the theater. 


Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com