The Real OC Orange County CA Home of Disneyland, Anaheim Angels, Palm Trees, Beaches, Crime and Police

Christian based news of Orange County, CA and abroad.

In Orange County, CA it's not all about gorgeous and peaceful ocean views, swaying palm trees, and sunny sunshine. Anaheim is one prime example that the REAL OC is not just home to Mickey Mouse, and surfers or the rich in one of the most expensive places to live.

NBC News today: July 25 Anaheim protesters turn to riot; police shoot pepper spray


Anaheim: A nice place that I would not choose to live in. It is not the top of my list of places to live in due to crime, gangs, drugs, and apparently a policeman, in caution, that shot an unarmed man (-see news link above- this has happened here in OC and I'm sure other places abroad). There are nicer places in Anaheim, with nice homes known more as Anaheim Hills, but near Disneyland, I'm sorry to say is not the safest of areas. This would not stop me from going there, but it would stop me from moving here, unless it's downtown in Disneyland square. :) California Adventure Park is also located adjacent to Disneyland in Anaheim, which is the birthplace of the first Disneyland. Anaheim is the oldest city in Orange County.

Some people meeting Mickey Mouse (opens in separate window).

Other cities I would not choose to live in: Santa Ana is next on the list due to gang and poverty crime areas (also home to one of the Orange County Jails), San Juan Capistrano (famous historical place and home of the returning Swallows (birds) is also home to gangs). While most of SJC is nice I would not live near gang areas. Garden Grove also a higher crime area and the city of Orange also makes the list on my no go except to shop in the nice market places there -which I also have to add to my gluten-free readers opened a store in Old Town Market Place featuring gluten free foods recently-.

There are other cities I would not choose to live in that I haven't listed here, and while others like these areas still, I am cautious when even going to all of these cities. It's too bad OC can't maintain it's beauty and peace. I would guess that money is the main factor that crime is higher is some areas.

What do we do about crime? How can we help our children? Protest and Riot? Protesting is good and has its place, without the crime and violence from either party (the law and the people). I'll just pray.

My prayer for OC: Gangs decrease and end and replace Jesus in their hearts where there is anger and pride. More help for those struggling financially, and a good police system with less flaws. Thank you Jesus -amen.


2012 August 25-26 Anaheim Harvest with Greg Laurie
So many people personally relating with Jesus Christ.

The Harvest: Church and Live Music from Popular Christian Bands.

Chart of Crime in larger cities of Orange County

That said, even the nicest lowest crime areas mostly in South O.C. still have crime, some gang activity, and even murder also. Like anywhere, there is crime. Be safe, lock your doors, and keep pepper spray (stay away from protesters and police with pepper spray), alarm your home, teach your kids about crime and safety, keep watch over your kids playing outside also as there are child predators too.

Orange County is a great place to live, just be aware also of the not so great areas, and in the good areas still be cautious, but most of all enjoy living! Worrying doesn't add a day to your life.

About Orange County, CA

OC Register News article: June 2012 OC Crime Rates Decrease


Related blog post:http://alysagoodstuffoc.blogspot.com/2012/04/nice-areas-of-oc-are-also-not-so-nice.html

Best Beaches of Orange County!

 

Click to find out more information from an OC site...

Balboa Island

Corona Del Mar

Dana Point

Huntington Beach

Laguna Beach

Newport Beach

San Clemente

Seal Beach

Sunset Beach

Surfside

Pets OK Beaches & Parks

Places to Stay by the Beach

$300-Person Hopper Tickets: 3 Days for 4 Disneyland Resort Orange County, CA -Anaheim

Sale Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Tickets Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park.

You must book between: June 1 - July 31, 2012

One day at Disneyland or The California Adventure Park is not enough, you'll miss LOTS of rides and attractions!

Travel to southern California and have the vacation of a lifetime at Disneyland Resorts!

For a family of 4 it is only about $1,188.00 to book a 3 day, 2 night stay at the Disneyland Resort with Park Hopper tickets for 3 days plus more bonuses! That's about $300 per person.

Plus there is the new Cars attraction opening and more expansions to the Disney California Adventure Park opening TODAY (June 15)!!

Terry Martin Passed Away May 12 a Christian and Legendary Master SurfBoard Shaper

A Southern Orange County, CA Legendary master surfboard shaper passed away May 12, 2012.  He shaped many boards for many surfers for many years. He shaped surfboards for Hobie Surfboards.

The day before he died, May 11,  he signed a Phil Edwards model shaped by Mark Johnson which was made for a Wood to Foam project fundraiser in his honor for May 20 at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

His wife Cathy declared that his final hours before he died he sang Psalms 73 and talked with the pastor from Heritage Chrisitan Fellowship church in San Clemente, the church they went to. A friend of mine new this man and said that he never complained even through his painful end and was a good Christian person. She said it seemed like there were about 1,000 people at his service.

Terry Martin was 74, and passed away from Melanoma in his Capistrano Beach home. He had shaped an estimated 80,000 surfboards. His last boards were 2 for Rachel Tilly (Capo Beach surfer) and two others that a couple of his friends helped put final touches to.

Listen to Psalms 73 KJV


More about Terry Martin in the San Clemente Times

Orange County CA Beach Conditions Surf Events

 

Croft And Barrow Fit For You Watercolor Swim Separates

Nike Triathlon 2 Men's Swim Trunks - Black, M

Southern California especially in Orange County, CA is known for surfing and surf events and other beach activities. South Orange County Beach Trestles is a popular surf location as well as the San Clemente Pier and Huntington Beach or other OC beach locations.

For information on beaches and surf events in Orange County click here.

Annular Solar Eclipse May 20, 2012 What, Where and How to See it

May 20, 2012 Be prepared to view the annular solar eclipse which is the "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse. The moon is passing in front of the sun at its farthest point from the earth, appearing smaller, so when the eclipse occurs, it will still show a light ring around the shade of the moon.
Southern California eclipse times are approximately between a little after 5pm to before 8pm.
Use protective filters on telescopes and only project the image through a single binocular or telescope onto a white paper covered cardboard to see the projected image. Solar Shades are also good, do not watch by looking with your bare eyes or even with sunglasses.
Best places to see the eclipse... Read about the Annular Solar Eclipse here.

More info. and a video how to make a home projection of the eclipse

Cinco De Mayo Celebrated in OC Mini Mall in Santa Ana

I was in Santa Ana, CA today. It is not my favorite area of Orange County, CA. Santa Ana, Anaheim and Garden Grove which connect together have some nice and not so nice areas. They may not be my favorite Orange County cities... But a little place called the Santa Ana Mini Mall (located off the 5 freeway and the 22W freeway at 3412 Westminster Ave, Santa Ana, 92703 CA) there was a little bit of fun going on as well as Good Stuff deals.
Mariachi bands with loud drums played in the entrance area of the indoor mini mall as a group of people in full costume and outlandish headdresses danced around each other, some children also in on the act. People enjoyed themselves and watched the fun. The indoor mall is not upscale, but there are some good sales. I got a few pairs of jeans for a total of $36.00. Not bad and one pair was worth $39.99. I paid cash with that seller, though other sellers may accept other payments. There was a cell phone booth, speakers section that my man headed straight for, and many other booths. Adjacent to the mall is mexican food. The parking lot is not that big, though the store building is not that large, and not overcrowded. It is worth a look if you're in the area, for some deals. There are other outlet stores nearby as well heading into Anaheim.
http://www.santaanaminimall.com/
Happy Cinco de Mayo!

May 5, 6 2012 Mary Lou Heard Memorial Garden Tour in Orange County, CA

What a great way to enjoy local gardens and check out OC at the same time.

FREE (donations welcome)

Home garden tours.. officially hosted by the Mary Lou Heard Memorial Garden Tour

 "Real Gardens by Real Gardeners".

For more information and to donate go to: http://heardsgardentour.com

2012 Flyer with information

Photos of some gardens to view

Donations benefit:

The Sheepfold: Shelter and program for women and their children

The OC Foundation for Oncology for children and families: Families go to camp that have children recently diagnosed with cancer.

Mary Lou Horticultural Scholarship: Yearly cash scholarship to one student desiring a horticultural education.

What People Drive in South Orange County, California Cool Cars

Part 1
For the upper class residents in South Orange County, California what they drive is evident to their pay check... with the middle class following a step above in car cool rank then the lower income drivers of OC. Although, I must say even people with less money are driving some cool cars too. Toyota and Honda cars from the 1980's are styled like little race cars with tinted windows and many cars and trucks are bumping music from pricey loud amps as they zoom by. Also popular, people like to drive Ford and Toyota trucks with over-sized tires.

Beamers, Mercedes, Hondas, and Toyotas are among the most common choice cars for the lower income and up drivers. While there are lots of types of cars driven in OC,  here's a few photo snap shots of Alysa Good Stuff fun and cool local vehicles spotted in Orange County, California in 2011.

  

Just kidding :)

Let's face it... those with money drivin in style...

I believe this one was a Lotus

Lamborghini... This car deserved more than one photo!



All photos by AV Alysa Good Stuff 2011 Copyright all rights reserved.

See also: What People Drive in South Orange County, CA Part 2

Albertson's Wish Big Win Big or Win Small?

Are you one of many collecting Albertson's grocery store Wish Big Win Big stamps? I have a lunch size paper bag full of unneeded yet, collected stamps... up for grabs!

So far I have played along with the game since it's start, the more "grocery product" stamps I earned the more I wanted to shop, wishing to win big! I won $2.00 and didn't cash in. I won $2.00 - 2 more times. I gave one of my $2.00 gifts away to a friend needing a missing stamp. She said I was lucky when I won my first $2.00! It's something right?

There are a few that won bigger prizes, and one wished and won big. The family in need in Anaheim, CA. Got the nice $50,000.00 cash prize. That OC family needed the extra income and I couldn't be happier for them! Yet, I am still hoping it will be me!? Probably not.

My gambling, I hope in this case, Lord forgive me I try to win for goodness sake though. I know I play scratchers sometimes even praying for a win, and the Mega or Super Lotto... so far nothing, and if the California Lotto gives to schools, I haven't noticed it. Well, I have won occassionally with scratchers, not much though and usually a free ticket. I get Albertson's instant win tickets too, even an instant win can of vegetables... I had to laugh about this one.. I'm thinking, I'll pick artichokes if it's available. Albertson's has a good gimmick going, ha that's funny to say. I'm guessing the winning tickets could easily have gotten lost though too, like in a gutter somewhere... that $250,000.00 ticket could just be sitting there, accidentally dropped by an unaware shopper. I hope to find it!

What would I do with the money?
#1 Help my family, #2 Buy a home, #3 Invest, #4 Do something good for the homeless, including animals.

Before you spend like crazy to feed a gambling addiction, shop carefully, Albertson's prices are sometimes higher priced then other retailers. I suggest, a careful shop with coupons and sales.

Alysa Good Stuff Shopping to WIN Tips:

I got Albertson's ice cream with an instant coupon, and a Wish Big Win Big Coupon, plus the ice cream is (currently) on sale so it was a great deal. I also bought some favorite candy bars on sale with the Bonus ticket mark, at a dollar a piece and tripled tickets (tripled tickets until Jan.17th) this doesn't hurt the bank. My guess is the better tickets are after this date (Jan. 17) though. As far as trying to win, shop at different nearby Albertson's stores- that's what I'm doing. Save money, don't spend all your instant win tickets at once, but different times, when new tickets come in, my guess is maybe weekly.

Have fun, but don't be bummed if you don't win. :)

Marines and War Games in Camp Pendleton Southern California

Life Near Camp Pendleton Marine Base

Marines come to Camp Pendleton from all over the United States. It is common to see the marines in local cities such as North San Diego County and South Orange County, California. Many marines are spotted in the city of San Clemente. Which is adjacent to the Camp Pendleton Marine base.

Marine Monument Statue and In Memory Wall.

San Clemente, CA Pier bowl area.

Fairly new constructed statue in memory and for tribute for those that give of themselves to serve our country.

In memory of a local marine.

Recently, I saw a controlled fire in the hills at the marine base, Camp Pendleton. I have seen many fires and smelt or seen smoke numerous times. As I was checking out the flames on the hill from a distance, I saw red. A red lit up cloud that was very low, right above a hill it seemed. I didn't realize it was the moon until I could make out the round shape. The photo came out much more red than it looked by eye. If there weren't clouds in the sky it would have been even more beautiful. 

Watch out, don't mess with the US! ;)

It is surreal to be so close to war games and hear or even feel the shaking land, rattling our homes, and the ear echoing bombs, "Kaboom ba boom", and gun fire or even see smoke or fires or flares that some how just sit in mid air. 

Could not make out the fire in photo. Camp Pendleton Marine base at night.

Marine military base helicopters often fly loudly overhead during practice flights which can be bothersome to nearby residents that do not live on Camp Pendleton's base. Why can't they fly nearby over the base, instead of also flying over cars and rooftops? This is no bueno. A couple years ago, at my family's home, I was startled to see a jet fly overhead low enough that I could make out the shapes of the missiles underneath it! Interesting to see, but definitely not good stuff. Homes nearby the marine base sometimes hear the loud gunfire, especially homes in the hills near the base. The gunfire can be rapid and so long that when I myself have heard it, I felt like my ear drums were fluttering when it lasted too long. Homes and nearby business building windows rattle, and also, cats hate it! Funny to think that over the many years of hearing it, you actually grow accustomed to it though. Like enjoying the horn of the train somehow becomes a comforting routine sound, or living near the highway, the sound of the freeway at times actually mimic the sound of the ocean waves breaking on shore. Well, this is all just part of the really, real life in the southernmost part of OC California anyway.

Camp Pendleton, CA Restricted area, hillside.

Camp Pendleton helicopters lift off

Many fires have been seen blazing the hilltops here. Usually they are controlled.

 

Close Helicopter.

 

 

 

 

Rosecrans Cemetery, San Diego, CA. Family Member and other grave sites of those that served.

 

9-2011 More Free FUNNY Craigslist Online Listings

What's a blog without some humor and discounts... I found some more funny "free" Craigslist Orange County, CA ad listings... (These are not my listings. Use the back arrow on browser to return to my blog post.) If you choose to get the free items, always use caution when purchasing or picking up items via craigslist.

Here's my favorite one I found today:

• Free living room
• This one freaks me out somewhat: Jockstraps Why do they have so many of them?
• Snails still wait for homes: Curb Alert Freshwater Snails
• 6 Dolphins and Seahorse Shaped Bushes- :) Cool 
• 14 Foot! Avocado Tree  This tree is huge! Cool, avocados are expensive!

On less sillier side note...  had to share this after reading:
 This is more of an awe: Sick Leopard Gecko needs a home

Sept. 2011 Funny eBay items and Craigslist Free Ads in Orange County, CA

I've been posting too serious lately and it's time for some laughs instead! 8D <--- my laugh face. I laughed at some of these items, some I liked though too! I frequent eBay and Craigslist online: check these out (use browser back button to return to my post if needed.)  For more search free craigslist in my blog post search bar (if the listings are still available you will be able to laugh some more). I will have blog posts like this regularly in case you want to buy or get some weird stuff or just LAUGH! :)

eBay:

Prince William Kate Middleton Nails

Candy or your House Shirt

Blog is an ugly word

Since my friend was awesome and bathed my cat I had to add this one

Cute animated photo from Shaonshamsul11 photobucket.com.

Craigslist:

Free Snoozer- And I was thinking alarm clock.

Free Catfish

Free Snails bring a jar

Rooms To Go

A Tribute 9/11 like a 911 call we need Psalms 91:1

It is almost the anniversary of 9/11 when I am writing this. I remember that morning still. I was working as an executive assistant and came into work as usual. My employer came in notifying me about something serious going on. He brought in a mini television and from there, I watched the horrifying news and a second plane strike the tower. The towers collapsing. I thought of bible prophesy. The dawn of the end... end times in bible prophecy that is. Wars and famines.

My young child was away from me at school. I wanted to get to her, but I worked through my day anyway. I felt a sunk feeling in the deep of my heart. I went to the beach before sunset to reflect on those hurting. It was then that I noticed on the sand, a large beached tree trunk perched in the sand and in that trunk, a pole waving the American flag. This memorial on the west coast continues right there on the sand for those on the east coast. Some people may not remember how this flag came to be on this local beach and why it is still there, but I remember every time I see it. I don't know who put it there, or who replaces the flag. I am glad it stands even after rainstorms and after high tides.

Forgetting all the politics, America is about freedom, we the free people. A lot of times politics, and corruption gets in the way of this. Religion gets in the way of life. I do not consider myself religious. "Religion is what kills innocent men, women and children..." someone said. In the case of 9/11 this qoute rings true. I believe in Jesus! I'm not afraid to say it. I don't want to preach it at anyone, but in such a time of hardship and suffering as this world often proves to be full of, yes, even here in sunny old California (it rained and thundered a little today), life can surely be tough and it's by Jesus I want to be. Thank God, that He cares, even if we the people, sometimes have doubted it, we even cursed Him without thought, even accused- Why God, over and over. He still hears, He still cares. God bless those that are hurting and those that have enemies and those that are.. enemies, have mercy. Terrorism even happens on our homeland, by our own people. Terrorism happens. I pray it ceases. John Lennon said, "Give peace a chance..." and we the people, in America feel it too that, "all we are saying is, give peace a chance." One day... I'm thinking though, it's in the next world.

God heal and bless America, the land that I love. 
God help its leaders, those that we need. 

People love each other, in our land. 
People love one another, in other lands.

It's now, September 11 in 2011.

For those that died, for those that hurt...

Psalm 91:1 

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Zoom in until you see the street/sand.
Move the map up until you see the tree stump and you will see the shadow of the flag.
click here to view on google maps

View Larger Map

September 8, 2011 BLACK OUT! My power's back on so I can blog. Real OC News

A little after 3:30 pm PST in South Orange County, CA: Electricity gone.

Arizona, California, and Mexico affected by a major black out. September 8, 2011 

Blinking lights by San Clemente High School; traffic and stressed drivers.

A little too scary for the town of San Clemente, that just yesterday dealt with a bomb threat at a local high school. Turned out no explosives were found. Now on the second day of school here in Orange County, California a major black out occured this afternoon until about 8pm tonight and in many parts the electricity is out still all over Orange County, San Diego County, parts of the state of Arizona, and even in Mexico.

Heavy traffic and stressed drivers in OC after black out.

Grocery store employee informs customers that store is closed.

Based on news reports that I heard a major electrical line in Arizona was damaged. This caused widespread electrical outage. But the fear of things here in Orange County, especially after a bomb threat, makes people anxious, especially close to upcoming 9-11, a remembrance day, the day when the Twin Towers were destroyed in New York and thousands of US citizens died. I immediately bought bags of ice as they were melting already all over the store of the grocery store that had 20 minutes of electrical generator going for people to shop quick. Not knowing yet what was going on.. expect that the power was out "...all over." Finally I heard a radio station reporting on the situation (here in Orange County it is on station 101.5 fm), my neighbor listening attentively. They don't know if it was intentional damage to the power or not. Some people in southern California also had to conserve water, due to water pump situation if they live at higher elevation. It eased my mind later to hear all should be well by tomorrow sometime. The school district in my home area sent an automated phone message that there will be no school tomorrow, September 9th. Some areas do not have power and also the difficulty to get gas.

Sheriff patrolling San Clemente, CA area.

While I felt almost prepared for the evening, my food packed with ice, I hand lit my stove to heat up some left overs, and my candles shining, the neighborhood kids had fun under a beautiful full moon, God knew we needed the extra light tonight. A group of kids role played outside in the dark, under the moonlight with swords (of the plastic nature). I came out with my flashlight... someone needed to be sheriff. Of course, I was just wanting to have fun too! It was nice to see the kids embracing the change: no TV, computer or video games. 

Good Stuff Store: Everything 99 kept business going with a few lights/pay by cash.

Then in the middle of making dinner, after slicing celery in the dark, poof! The lights were on in my neighborhood. It was like a horray! Then, awe... I was having fun though! I had just searched for all my candles and was just about ready to make it through the night. My man scurried just about all over Orange County to get more supplies and gas for his can and mine. Earlier, I actually saw a handful of cars that were stuck at a gas station hoping to get a hold of someone that could bring them gas. I myself was right at "E". Word of mouth was going around about where to go, I just backed my car out and headed home before I ended up stuck. Hope this all gets fixed and we get some normalcy here in OC soon.
Update 9-9-11, black out fixed in SDGE service areas here.

 

God lit up the night sky, the stars could be seen better without the street lights.

• http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20110908/california-onofre-nuclear-plant-power-outage-110908/
• Update 9-9-2011  http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/09/blackout-affected-5-million-people-in-california-agency-says/
• See related Alysa Good Stuff blog post: Sept. 7, 2011 Bomb Threat at San Clemente High School; The Real Orange County, CA

Sept. 7, 2011 Bomb Threat at San Clemente High School; The Real Orange County, CA

Real Orange County, California special report:

San Clemente High School, home of the "Tritans", was evacuated on the first day of school due to bomb threat.

San Clemente High School

Orange County doesn't have a curtain from crime like some think. Orange County, California is for the most part a rather safe place to live. Today, declared there is no safe place for the students at a local high school, San Clemente High school. Bomb threat! On the first day of School, September 7, 2011, 3,200 students and 180 school employees were evacuated.

Why did this happen? Was it possibly a call for attention that a man from the United States Navy plotted this? A Navy medic that had gone AWOL, did not show up for work so they searched his barracks in Camp Pendleton (South Orange County/North San Diego area) and found a note or multiple notes about leaving bombs at the campus of San Clemente High School.

Today was a hot day in San Clemente and students were not allowed in class today, 

News reporter outside the High School

 instead they were instructed to go to the football field and were finally brought some water bottles, some complained it was not enough done for them as they waited while Swat and bombsquads (Orange County Sherrifs Special Weapons and Tactics) searched the entire campus today for explosives. One high school student thought a couple were found, though, media sources say no explosives were found.

The Navy man, 22 year old Daniel Morgan was missing, then later turned himself in and is being questioned by military police. I met one parent who was working and said she was nervous about her child who just started school as a freshman. Another students father I spoke with waited at a nearby McDonald's and called his son, instructing him where to go if an explosive was found or went off. He also said that sheriffs pulled kids off the street that were walking by the high school and they were told to go to the football field, even though they did not go to that school.

Outside San Clemente High School

Finally, around 1pm, students were slowly dismissed early. Some students waited at a nearby grocery store for parents to pick them up, others walked or drove home. Many cars were being searched, I saw one sheriff digging through a trunk of a car parked on the main street. It looked like cars on the main street were lined with yellow tape.

Fire Authority truck carried water for students that waited in the heat.

I counted over 15 news vans and cars lined on the main street, Many Firetrucks, ambulances, sheriffs cars and a sheriff's motorcycle, and Special Weapons and Tactics truck. Never, did I think there would be a bomb threat in this area. Students will resume at school tomorrow as regularly scheduled. What a way to start the new year. Could this Navy man be only seeking for a way out of the Navy? Could he really be a terrorist in his own country, and why kids? Possibly because it's a lot of people in one place near the military base. But, why would he leave a note easily found anyway? Good thing the military and city officials were on top of this incident before a more serious one occurred.

I witnessed a Sheriff searching through the trunk of this car and others nearby.

Hill Marks the number 12 (2011-2012 school year? maybe)

 

 

News vans outside San Clemente High School

News reporter at shopping center were some students were picked up.

• USA Today News Report about the bomb threat at San Clemente High School
• AWOL Navy Medic in Custody
• abc News Search of San Clemente High Ends...  
• Update 9-8-2011: Associated Press News- Military Investigating Navy Medic

The Bold, The Bald and the Beautiful Real Women of OC - Southern California

(by omgg_SceneHair - Photobucket)

Orange County residents definitely have a variety of styles. The year round mostly warm weather and modestly cold weather are part of the reason for the casual looks where many a flip flops can be seen. The city life and nearby LA and celebrities could be the reason for the fashionably fashionable. The punks and goths and emos are also thrown in the mix of those seen here. I myself love to add a touch of all styles, sometimes into one look. How is that possible? Let's see to mix the looks you could fashion: bright red hair, a long black skirt with a bright colored top, and hair with bangs wisped across the forehead. Then there is the surfer look. For women this means wearing flip-flops, shorts and surfer brand tops like, Roxy (the female version of Quicksilver surf brand). There is also a lot of Mexican culture here too. I'd have to say those from Mexico bring their own styles to Southern California, from casual to my favorite: eyeliner accented eyes and bold color fashionable dresses. Most people in OC dress very casual and some strut their stuff in what looks like they just purchased from a model magazine or right off a mannequin. Some dress too skimpy, like short short shorts, that look like "Boyshorts" underwear, and I can't help but think, "Come on put some pants on!" I like short shorts but, make sure the butt is covered and not like swimsuit type coverage. Some are seen, mostly in the Summer months, wearing a bathing suit, or shorts and a bikini top even walking by or in the store, this is not often, but occasionally. It's acceptable, but only when it really is hot enough and you look like you just took a swim or came from the beach, or are actually at the beach. Otherwise, I think again, "Come on, put some clothes on!" Most fashionable or casual women are seen in flip-flops or flats, some in sneakers, though some in totally too high heels. High heeled women can even be seen grocery shopping or walking kids to school- which I assume walking by choice in heels must be for attention or show?

(Chrisac118 - photobucket)

Today I saw a variety of women worth noting. A young mother outside with here little guy wearing lounge wear and flip flops, but still a cute little bow clip in her hair, while just outside her home. Her clothes showed she was lounging today, but her bow said I still look good. Another casual look I saw was a woman walking into the store with a cute little tank dress accented with layers of lace in the front and layered over a tank top, she was pushing a cart with a child. She looked like a pretty casual mother. Coming out of Wal-mart was a beautiful tall woman who wore a long, sleeveless brightly colored floral dress and heels, as I walked by her on my way in Wal-mart, I noticed she also fashioned a pedicure with a design too. All different types of people I notice here in So Cal on a daily basis from casual to fashionably dressy.

(Betsey Johnson Store in California - by muddzvonslatt - Photobucket)

(Nail Polish; Love_Cady- Photobucket)

I consider myself some "wear" in between. A little fashion, a little casual, like my jean shorts and a Betsey Johnson top layered over a tank, and medium heeled flip-flops. (Betsey Johnson: my favorite Good Stuff designer ever! For better price deals buy at discount stores like Marshall's or eBay.) I like dressing up to a degree, I don't go out a whole lot, if I did I'd probably dress up more. I also like my nails done, I do them myself, but who has time really, maybe if you don't have kids? Maybe if you have a maid, butler or help of some type. I like to paint my nails usually in black or some color and come up with different designs and this I do very cheaply, cause I do it myself. At the (Good Stuff) Dollar Tree, they have nail polish called Art Deco with all sorts of colors and priced at 1 dollar each, it's easy to have a nice collection. (Tip: heat bottles first to make it easier to apply and the nail polish thinner.) These nail polishes have longer thin brushes for designing. There are stick on nail polish designs also available at some stores, but expensive to keep up. So far I have painted my nails like Zebra (or white tiger) stripes, and I have painted my nails black with red stripes with little heart accents on a couple nails, and my latest creation, black with red hearts, diamond, and even a spade for a "Queen of Hearts"/Poker Hand look. :) Currently, my nails are all half black, cause I am typing more then painting. I am a busy girl! Pampering is not on my list, if I had one, of top priority!

(Breast cancer awareness image by, LungCancerAwareness - Photobucket)

Anyway, back to real OC women, so I  know someone that has just gone through chemotherapy, she has lost her hair and is now waiting for the signs to show that her hair is coming back. Her head wardrobe has primarily been a beanie. Today, I could not help but notice another woman, she was dressed casually in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip flops, stylin shades, make-up and earrings, but, no hair. Not Sinead O'Conner and copycat Britney Spears shaved, but bald. Either she was opting for the look, or she quite possibly was also in the wait for the return of her hair due to chemo. Anyway, I was noticing how bold she was, her head held up straight, and the casualness about her in how she seemed to carry herself as she got a grocery cart and entered the store to do her shopping. She could've opted for a scarf or head wrap like most, a hat or a wig, but she didn't. She was bald and that's the way it was going to be, she seemed to say without saying. Somehow, her baldness made me admire her strength. Could I be that bold? She did have a good shaped head, mines not so shaped well and my ears stick out! If I had to, since I've had bright hair before, my boldness would be brightly colored wigs! I would so rock it!

Keep it real, be your fashionable self, whatever you like. It's not about labeling or wearing the best designer labels either. Us beach city girls don't all look or act the same.

<3 Alysa Good Stuff