Style + Beauty

An Attitude of Gratitude

Success is Infinite! Article by Lauren Lenyi For Olesya Ruffo, an attitude of gratitude is not limited to November. Regardless of the season, this mother of two and salon owner is always finding new ways to show her appreciation towards her staff and community. Originally born in Kazakhstan, Ruffo moved to Seattle, Washington, at the age of nine. Later, her family settled in Laguna Hills, where she still resides. Her passion for haircare began when she found work as a receptionist at a hair...

Life + Culture

Surviving Banjo Biroe

Achieving the American Dream: Charlotte Van Steenbergen’s Story Article by Lauren Lenyi | Photography by Charlotte Van Steenbergen At about three years old, Charlotte Van Steenbergen was whisked away from the reality she had grown accustomed to. At the time the Pacific War was raging in the Dutch East Indies, later referred to as Indonesia. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Dutch East Indies declared war on Japan, and shortly thereafter, the Japanese invaded and occupied the territory...

Life + Culture

A Tribute to Service & Sacrafice

Honoring our hometown heroes Article by Lauren Lenyi Arturo A. Huerta Jr., active 1990 - 1996 United States Marine Corps   Huerta Jr. joined the Marine Corps in 1990 at the age of seventeen, during Operation Desert Shield. He served one year of active duty and, at the end of the Operation Desert Storm Campaign, joined the reserves with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Marines, Pico Rivera, CA. He is deeply grateful for his family, community, country, and the U.S. military.   Karen...

Life + Culture

Beyond the Pumpkin Patch

Year round traditions, events, and heartwarming memories. Article by Lauren Lenyi | Photography by Pumpkin City & adobe stock Pumpkin City is back in town! Recently, earning the Moulton Award recognizing Pumpkin City's lasting impact and community spirit, their seasonal events and activities have returned to Laguna Hills. First established in 1978, Pumpkin City has since evolved, now offering so much more than its famous Pumpkin Patch.    What can you look forward to? October is not just...

Food + Beverage

From One Melting Pot to Another

"One customer at a time, that’s how we measure success." Article by Lauren Lenyi | Photography by Travis Shields Thirty-nine years ago, Chef Lauren Lian immigrated from Singapore to America with a dream of owning a restaurant with a dining experience that allowed customers to taste new flavors and immerse themselves in another culture. A restaurant that highlights her roots while personalizing and elevating traditional Chinese cuisine. Her journey to achieving her goals began in her early...

Wellness

Love, Laura's House

A nonprofit's mission to protect and serve survivors. Article by Lauren Lenyi October is more than just a month of tricks, treats, and fall festivities. It is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A month where non-profits, like Laura’s House, take care to remind the public of their mission to: “Change social beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.” The nonprofit works...

Food + Beverage

The Philosophy of Food

Chef Lindsay's Relationship with Food, Family and Health. Article by Lauren Lenyi | Photography by Brandon Lenyi Chef Linsday, a Laguna Beach native, is the embodiment of ambition. Her journey began when she opened her first restaurant at only 26 years of age, and her second, Nirvana by Chef Lindsa, at 28. Throughout the last 17 years, she honed her craft, becoming a culinary expert and deepening her passion for cooking. Participating in every aspect of restaurant life and work, her...

Food + Beverage

The Flavor of Fire

Argentine cooking — it’s where food, family, and friendship meet! Article by Lauren Lenyi | Photography by Tierra de Fuegos Four-time Golden Foodie Awards winner Chef Maro has been traveling the world most of his life. He was raised in Argentina, worked across South America, New York City, Laguna Beach, and before finally settling in Laguna Niguel to open Tierra de Fuegos.  This restaurant was conceptualized when the Chef briefly returned to Argentina, journeying from Ushuaia to Iguazu Falls...