Life + Culture

Diwali: A Light I'll Always Carry

Celebrating family, tradition and the Festival of Lights Article by Pranaya Parmar | Photography by Parmar Family Every year, when our home begins to glow with lights and the smell of Indian food fills the kitchen, I know Diwali is almost here. For my family, Diwali has always felt as exciting and important as Christmas, a time filled with family, friends, traditions, food, laughter, and celebration. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most celebrated holidays. This...

Home + Design

Action Over Silence

How one community’s gratitude transformed into 30 years of refuge Article by Paige Candee | Photography by Laura's House For over three decades, Laura’s House has stood as a place of refuge and renewal in Orange County. What began in 1994 when local citizens refused to look away from the devastating impact of family trauma has grown into a comprehensive sanctuary for healing.   “Laura’s House was founded in 1994 after a group of local community members recognized the devastating impact...

Health + Wellness

Reclaiming Hope and Healing

How Garry Olson helps families navigate addiction, establish boundaries, and find recovery together Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Noah McPherson For families living alongside addiction, gratitude can sometimes feel impossibly far away. Garry Olson, founder of Garry Olson Interventions, believes the work is ultimately about what families can regain: hope, stability, and, when recovery begins, the person they feared they had lost. “Every emotion you can name is in that room at...

Life + Culture

A Culture of Connection and Gratitude

Resort-style senior living offers freedom, connection, and peace of mind Article by Heather Whistlett | Photography by Noah McPherson At Watermark Laguna Niguel, some of life’s most welcome changes begin with what residents no longer have to do. Cooking, grocery shopping, home repairs, and other household tasks can give way to slow mornings with friends, an afternoon outing, a new class, or simply the freedom to enjoy the day without a list of chores waiting at home.   “Warm, intimate...

Food + Beverage

Storytelling Through Fine Dining

Elevated Indian traditions meet coastal dining at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Article by Paige Candee | Photography by Noah McPherson   Perched along the scenic coastline at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Kahani is reshaping how guests experience elevated Indian gastronomy within California’s luxury dining space. Translating to "story" in Hindi, Kahani offers a contemporary interpretation of Indian fine dining—one that honors centuries of rich culinary heritage while seamlessly...

Food + Beverage

Baked to Perfection

How Tatiana Friderici is growing a Mission Viejo neighborhood staple into its next chapter Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Autumn Ricketts In a food culture increasingly shaped by speed and convenience, The Empanada Maker has chosen to do things differently. The appeal is in the detail: thoughtfully prepared food, familiar flavors and a commitment to getting it right. Since opening in Mission Viejo in 2013, the Southern California favorite has earned a devoted following for its...

Food + Beverage

Styled & Served

Stepping into Weeda Aman's world of catering experiences centered on genuine connection Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Autumn Ricketts There’s a moment before guests take their first bite when a table has already begun telling its story. For Weeda Aman, founder and creative director of Weeda’s Afghan Catering, that moment matters. A sweep of richly colored food. The glint of serving pieces against layered textiles. Florals, candlelight, texture, and detail. Then, at the center of...

Fitness

Strength and Nourishment for Life

Joe Bando’s personalized approach fuels complete physical health, vitality, and lasting everyday wellness Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Noah McPherson   In Laguna Niguel, Sacred Strength Sanctuary takes a different approach to what personal training can look like: private, highly individualized, and tailored to each client rather than the typical gym experience. Founded by Joe Bando, director of operations and master strength therapist, and Amanda Gale-Bando, Ph.D., clinical...

Life + Culture

MY TOWN: Justin Tarkeshian

Article by Toral Parmar | Photography by Justin Tarkeshian and Makenzie Romano For Justin Tarkeshian, South Orange County is much more than the place where he lives and works—it’s home in every sense of the word. Having spent his life here, Justin has watched the community grow while holding onto the places, traditions, and experiences that make it special. Today, he’s raising his own family here, running local businesses, and helping others find a place to call home through his work as a real...

Beauty

Style in Full Bloom

How French Florist blends high-fashion design with artful blooms to craft custom arrangements that speak to the heart Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Noah McPherson Style is often associated with what we wear, but at French Florist in Mission Viejo, it arrives in the form of thoughtfully composed blooms. Owners Alan Fu and Annie Hong have cultivated a floral boutique where every arrangement is a work of art tailored to its recipient. With creative careers that preceded their...