The OC Fair's One Big Party Ends August 16th

Happy Friday everyone! There's still time to hit up the OC Fair's One Big Party before it's gone! How could you go this summer without riding fair rides, eating something fried, and winning ridiculous large plushies, all while in the gorgeous OC surroundings. There's also a great roster of programming and events, check out all the info on OC Fair's website!

OC Fair
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626
Hours
Friday: Noon-Midnight
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am-Midnight
Admission & Parking Info 
There is also parking available at the nearby school lots (some are paid, others are free; I parked at Orange County College and it was complimentary)
To avoid the congestion and back up off of the 55 Freeway / Fair Dr. exit, exit the freeway at fairview off of the 405 N or S.

Grand Marnier Tasting at the Center Club in Costa Mesa

You may have seen that I celebrated the Summer Solstice with Renee at Grand Marnier's Summer Solstice Party at the Roosevelt Hollywood. Before that, I had gotten to attend a Grand Marnier tasting with Andrew at the Center Club in Costa Mesa.
Prior to the formal tasting and dinner, we had small bites and Grand Marnier cocktails. Once we sat down for dinner we were taken through an amazing 5 courses accompanied by the Grand Marnier Grand Cuvee Collection and Fine Marnier Lapostelle Wines, hosted and curated by Master Distiller Patrick Rageunaud. I enjoyed learning about the history and craftsmanship of Grand Marnier all from the Master Distiller himself; there's really a sense of pride and passion that goes into every step of making cognac and wines.
I like that Grand Marnier's cognacs have unique and signature tropical orange notes, and Andrew and I couldn't stop raving about the Lapostelle Wines; we tasted the Clos Apalta and Chateau Sancerre, both from Chile. Each dish served by the Center Club wasn't better than the next, but a phenomenal flurry of flavors individually and with the cognac or wine pairing. My favorites included a perfectly seared scallop as well as goat cheese beignets on a bed of asparagus. Learn more about Grand Marnier here and the Center Club here.
Photos taken by Olga Mironova

Summer Purpose Trunk Show at Wayfare HQ in Costa Mesa

iSancutary hosted their Summer Purpose Trunk Show last night at Wayfare HQ in Costa Mesa. Guests enjoyed live music while shopping Purpose Jewelry's Classic and Summer Collections as well as a 'Last Chance' section. Refreshing beverages and People Water were available, and Best Coast Creamery sold their artisanal ice cream.
Founder Stephanie Pollaro led a DIY jewelry making sesh so I got to make a beaded tassel bracelet. All the attendees also got to view a special video featuring the women behind Purpose Jewelry and how the Sanctuary in Mumbai has and continues to help them create a new and better life. Find more on iSactuary's mission here and how you can help empower survivors of modern-day slavery. Also check out the time I celebrated the launch of Purpose Jewelry.