Acting Academy for Kids
By Shelley Hudson

Stephen Zygo founded Acting Academy for Kids in 2008 with the aim to provide an opportunity for children to experience the performing arts firsthand and to gain exposure to a larger world through creative expression. Stephen’s lifelong love of performing and his background as an educator led him, along with his wife and co-founder, Maggie, to develop a program that has since reached thousands of local children. Acting Academy for Kids has become a bright light in the community and a resource for families who seek enrichment in the arts.

The Zygos have been rewarded with a growing legacy and have seen their vision come to life. Academy alumni now return to the theater on breaks from college to volunteer backstage, and lasting friendships that transcend school and extracurricular life have formed among students from all over Orange County.

The Acting Academy offers a complete performing arts program for children ages 4 to 17, with opportunities in acting, dancing, vocal training, guitar and piano classes or private lessons. Students can also enjoy hands-on experience in set design and construction, sound engineering, lighting design and directing. Four full-scale musicals are staged every academic year in the Musical Theater Series, along with week-long summer camps that each culminate with a performance. The most recent addition to the company repertoire is Academy Voice, a brand new professional recording studio where a sound engineer can help students create their own high-quality CDs and albums. No previous experience is required!

A key component of the program’s success is the professional staff of teachers, administrators and activity directors. “We bring in artists who are also trained educators,” Maggie explains, “They each have a unique perspective and can teach the concepts in ways that allow for students to learn in the most effective way.” Students develop bonds with the staff that translate into leadership skills and a sense of personal responsibility. “Our programs ignite a fire and awaken curiosity in a child,” says Stephen. “Our staff and amazing volunteers provide support and training, and the result for the student is confidence, poise, discipline and an ability to commit fully to a team dynamic. Many of our students refer to the Acting Academy as a second home, and that’s as important as anything else we could possibly do.”

Right now, the Academy is accepting enrollment for summer performing arts camps, which Maggie describes as “a one-week snapshot of the musical theatre experience.” Each week of the summer, students attend daily classes in acting, singing and dancing in preparation for a Friday afternoon performance on the main stage with full costumes and professional lighting and sound. Campers can sign up for one week, all ten, or anywhere in between, and the curriculum is geared toward kids of all levels of experience. The camps take place both at the Acting Academy’s home in San Juan Capistrano’s Camino Real Playhouse and at the Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente. Opportunities to help create set pieces and costumes as well as outdoor breaks and playtime are built into the daily schedule, and the focus is on fun! “We find that the majority of kids who test-drive our program at a summer camp want to stay with us for the academic year,” Stephen reflects. “It’s very rewarding for us to be a part of the memories created here.”

Future plans for the Acting Academy include securing a home for the programs for decades to come. Says Stephen, “We’ve formed a wonderful alliance with our theaters, and we’d like to see them continue to thrive. Community support and involvement is an essential element of that.”

For more information on Acting Academy for Kids’ summer camps, classes, school programs, lessons and participation in the Spring 2015 production of Into the Woods, visit ActingAcademyForKids.com.

Check out our behind the scenes look at our cover photo shoot of Acting Academy for Kids!

 

Estrella Pet Spa in Capo Beach

Estrella Veterinary Hospital, serving the community for almost 40 years in Capo Beach, is introducing some exciting changes to its business. This bustling hospital, which prides itself on providing advanced veterinary care with a “mom and pop” kind of feel, is taking a couple very big steps toward further improving the health and well-being of its furry patients.

In March, Estrella is opening a pet wellness and spa center next door to the main hospital, where bathing, whole food diets and deluxe cat boarding will be offered.

Estrella Pet Spa represents an opportunity for clients to experience a personalized approach to their pet’s healthcare. Whether you need help in creating custom-tailored diets to meet your pet’s individual needs, or have a feisty kitty when it comes to oral healthcare maintenance, their experts can now assist you in a calm setting at the new spa.

JustFoodForDogs has partnered with Estrella Pet Spa to bring the latest in nutritious, wholesome pet foods to the new facility. Based out of Newport Beach, JustFoodForDogs provides a myriad of vet-formulated, nutritionally balanced meals, and can even customize recipes for dogs with finicky stomachs and specific sensitivities. The supplier also carries its own line of supplements and dog treats. Several Estrella vets and staff have their own pets on JustFoodForDogs diets, and rave about the improvements in their pet’s weight management, coat health, and overall happiness and well-being.

Estrella Pet Spa is celebrating with a Grand Opening event on March 28th, from 12 to 5 p.m. Guests will have an opportunity to see Estrella’s new Pet Spa and check out the JustFoodForDogs products. Pet Project Foundation will also be present with information about the organization and current adoptable shelter pets. A representative from Trupanion pet insurance will also be on hand to discuss some of the great insurance options now available.

Join Estrella Pet Spa as they celebrate the healthy living of your favorite four-legged companions!

Estrella Pet Spa
26886 Calle Hermosa
Capistrano Beach, CA
(949) 496-2968
EstrellaPetGrooming.com

Raya – A Feast For The Senses
By Kristin Vicelja

Craving a five-star dining experience with breathtaking views of the Pacific? Raya at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is just the place to deliver this and more. The restaurant offers one of the most sought after ocean and coastline views in Orange County, flavorful Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine, and a sleek, contemporary atmosphere to satisfy your appetite and engage your senses on all levels.

Conceptualized by renowned Chef Richard Sandoval, Raya serves up masterful creations using local, organic and sustainable ingredients. At the restaurant’s helm is Chef Steve Wan who recently steered us through a truly memorable culinary feast.

While you peruse the mouthwatering menu and drink in the expansive views, I’d suggest sipping on a refreshing Passion Fruit Mojito or the Yuzu Fresa, prepared with housemade fruit purées, as are all of the restaurant’s signature cocktails. On our journey through Chef Wan’s most popular small and large plates, we were guided by server extraordinaire Kristi. Her expert knowledge of the menu, spot-on recommendations, and helpful demeanor allowed us to sit back, relax and want for nothing more than our next bite.

Our small plate tasting included the flavorful Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Ceviche with plantain chips, a fabulous Grilled Octopus prepared with aji panca, potato purée, unagi sauce, chile toreado, pickled onion and jalepeños, and a Wild Mushroom Huarache featuring caramelized onions, black beans, goat cheese and truffle oil. My personal favorite, the uber delicious Lobster Tacos with chile de árbol salsa, delivered the slightest touch of heat and were whimsically presented in flour tortillas pinched together at the top with miniature clothespins.

The adventure continued with a delightful sampling of large plate offerings from both land and sea. Steak aficionados will be wowed by the outstanding, All Natural Prime New York cut served with a Dungeness crab potato purée, grilled pickled onions, a chipotle hollandaise and truffle chimichurri. The heavenly Piloncillo Prawns and the melt-in-your-mouth Pan Seared Sea Scallops will equally delight seafood lovers. If you can’t decide, take Kristi’s recommendation and select the can’t-miss New York steak with the addition of a few Piloncillo Prawns to create the perfect surf and turf.

Please do save room for desert so that you don’t miss out on the unique interpretation of the deconstructed Carrot Cake with cream cheese ice cream or the sinfully decadent Chocolate Soufflé Tart. If not, you can always delight in the scrumptious view.

 

CB Cyclebarn – Keeping It Fun!
By Beth Fhaner

When founder and owner Karen Casler opened CB CycleBarn® in San Clemente over two years ago, her vision was to create an indoor cycling studio grounded in customer service. Her mission to make fitness fun, and to provide a variety of classes that foster personal growth, generate a sense of community, and an opportunity for the transformation of one’s body, mind and spirit, has since become a reality.

For those unfamiliar with CB CycleBarn®, there may be a tendency to associate the studio with traditional Spin® classes and the intimidation factor that sometimes accompanies them. To the contrary, indoor cycling at TheBarn is distinctively different than Spinning® and offers a fun, safe, and effective cardio workout that provides an escape for all fitness levels.

Casler is passionate about her vision for CB CycleBarn® and has made it a priority to create an atmosphere of “open arms.” She is committed to maintaining a casual, inclusive environment where you can come as you are and be warmly welcomed. The fun-loving Casler makes riders feel at home and believes in a no-pressure attitude toward attracting new clients. She lets the studio’s results and its exceptional customer service do the talking for her. She’s so confident in her successful formula that she offers the first five classes free to local residents so they can give CB CycleBarn® a spin before making any financial commitment.

Though she has a background in group exercise and an athlete mentality, Casler’s passion is customer service, and that’s what sets TheBarn apart. Having spent countless hours in the pool as a former college athlete, she recognizes the difference between training and exercise. By treating indoor cycling as group exercise and not as indoor training for outdoor cyclists, TheBarn is able to offer something for everyone…regardless of their fitness goal. The sunny and energetic Casler is committed to helping others find their FUN. Her infectiously positive attitude and love for teaching have certainly contributed to TheBarn’s loyal following of cycling devotees and the studio’s rapid rise.

Indoor cycling is non-impact cardio that anyone can do. It’s great cross-training for any sport and an exceptional complement to water sports like surfing, stand up paddle boarding and outrigger canoeing. Whether you’re training for a cycling event or want to groove your way to health and fitness, all types and styles of riders work out side by side in the safe and encouraging studio. The Barn is also a place where families have the ability to exercise together (as long as riders are at least 4’10”— the height requirement needed for the bike).

With a team of 20 plus instructors who do what they love and love what they do, CB CycleBarn® provides the ultimate cardio workout with minimal impact on bones and joints. The minute you step through the door, you’re surrounded by a healthy, positive vibe that immediately draws you in. Loud, upbeat, percussion-based music elevates classes to the next level, and is the motivating force that drives cyclists to work through the burn. To keep workouts fresh, TheBarn offers a wide range of classes so that you can experience a total body workout one day and an inspirational mind/body connection the next.

For those cyclists wanting a more competitive workout, TheBarn offers that experience as well. The studio features bikes with power meters by STAGES® Cycling and real-time CB2 Performance IQ leaderboards, from which riders can review their stats as they pedal and receive data tracking that consists of email stats sent after every class. From the results, riders are then able to set fitness goals, track their performance and measure progress.

“The beauty of TheBarn is the fusion of music and movement,” says Casler, who has witnessed many examples of empowerment and life-changing transformations among her clientele. The results prove that when fitness is fun, people lose weight and gain confidence. She believes strongly that if you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll keep coming back. As Casler strives to marry the integrity of traditional indoor cycling with her brand of fitness made fun, her success has led to other studio owners seeking her advice, which she gladly imparts.

CB CycleBarn® affords cyclists a variety of perks that make getting started and working out a breeze. New riders are never charged membership or gym fees and have the option to pay as they go. Scheduling a class and even a specific bike can be accomplished quickly online or on your mobile device through the studio’s reservation system. TheBarn also offers a diversity of classes at varying times to provide added convenience and flexibility.

To experience a sweat-breaking, fat-burning class for yourself, contact Karen Casler or studio manager Kat Haskins who will be more than happy to get you saddled up on a bike. For more information about CB CycleBarn®, call 949.481.5438 or visit cbcyclebarn.com.

Check out our behind the scenes look at our latest cover photo shoot of CB CycleBarn!

Las Golondrinas in San Clemente
By Beth Fhaner

Las Golondrinas has long been known as the place to indulge in mouthwatering Mexican food in South Orange County. The family-owned and operated establishment has proudly been serving-up fresh, savory Mexican fare for over 30 years. With locations in San Juan Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo, it has recently added a convenient, new location for its customers down south at the Talega Village Center in San Clemente.

Established in 1984 by Arturo and Maria Galindo, the business has grown to include six locations with dine-in, take-out, and catering services. Whether you’re dropping in to pick up a to-go order for your family or a large party, or are in need of a buffet-style catering service for your next special occasion, Las Golondrinas has you covered.

With its casual ambience, the Mexican eatery features an extensive menu of authentic dishes made fresh daily, including such customer favorites as the chicken enchiladas served with rice and beans, chili relleno, and a variety of tacos and tamales—all made in the traditional way with vegetarian options. For dessert, diners can get a sweet fix with pineapple coconut and cinnamon raisin tamales. Starting at 7 a.m. and served all day long, breakfast burritos and tacos are available for those with a hankering for morning fare.

Of course, regular customers can’t get enough of Las Golondrinas’ famous and extremely addictive tortilla chips, which are made fresh daily and can be enjoyed with delicious guacamole and salsa fresca. Be sure not to miss Taco Tuesdays, when all tacos on the menu are offered at 1/2 off the regular price.

As for Los Golondrinas’ long-running popularity, General Manager Liz Galindo-Priest says, “We’ve been in the community for over 30 years and people know us and the quality of our food. We’re thankful to be able to open new locations and look forward to serving our customers at the Talega location.”

Las Golondrinas
Talega Village Center
821 Via Suerte, #103, San Clemente
949.276.7464
LasGolondrinas.biz

 

Mathnasium – The Math Learning Center

 

The goal at Mathnasium is to help math make sense! Whether your child is far behind or is already succeeding in math, Mathnasium offers the tools that enable a student to leap ahead. Mathnasium knows that every child can be successful in math; it’s a matter of teaching it in a way that makes sense to them.

The first Mathnasium Learning Center opened in 2002, more than 40 years after math educator Larry Martinek was inspired to find a better way to teach children math. Larry developed the Mathnasium Method™ and a new business was born. Martinek’s desire was to provide children all over the world with increased confidence, critical thinking skills, and the mathematical ability to last a lifetime. Students of all ages found the curriculum to be incredibly powerful and engaging. As evidence of how effective it is, Mathnasium centers have sprung up across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Mathnasium’s experienced math tutors utilize their proprietary teaching materials and techniques, The Mathnasium Method™, to deliver a customized learning plan designed to address each student’s needs. The instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop understanding and to build a love for math.

If math is a problem, Mathnasium can solve it. Students will grow more excited and confident about math—and their grades will reflect that. Mathnasium owner, Kapil Mathur, oversees four centers in San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel and Ladera Ranch. He and his team have been serving elementary, middle and high school students in South Orange County since 2006.

For students who already excel in math, the sky’s the limit. They will expand their math skills and, with math learning made exciting, students will discover what doors excelling at math can open.

Students engage one-to-one with Mathnasium-certified instructors in a unique combination of mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written exercises. This instruction does more than just meet state math standards; it surpasses the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Common Core State Standards.

Basic math concepts and skills are blended with a program specifically designed to help students build number sense. This special program shows them how and why the useful number rules they’re learning work so they are able to understand how they can be applied to interesting areas such as computer science, biology, and psychology.

Students are evaluated with a written and verbal assessment unique to Mathnasium. Based on the results, Mathnasium develops a custom-tailored program designed to close any educational gaps they may have so they can jump ahead when they’re ready for advanced math challenges.

Mathnasium builds upon your child’s existing foundation and explains why mathematical rules work so that children learn and understand them. Mathnasium’s philosophy is that math shouldn’t simply be an exercise in memorization.

Mathnasium also helps students understand their homework as part of each session and prepares them for school tests, as well as standardized tests such as the California High School Exit Exam, SAT, ACT and ISEE.

By giving students a firm foundation—and confidence—in math, Mathnasium can prevent them from falling behind in the future and can help them avoid the problems and frustrations that struggling in math often creates.

Contact your local center today to schedule a free trial session where you and your child can experience all that Mathnasium has to offer.

Click below to contact any of these convenient locations near you.

 

Best places in South OC to get into shape

Our excuses are behind us (literally). The calendar has turned over. There are no more tempting holiday or parties on the horizon. The time is now to shape up, get fit, and work out a path to a healthy lifestyle in 2015 and beyond.

ANYTIME FITNESS
San Clemente’s Anytime Fitness represents a high-concept twist on a boutique gym. Owners Steve and Peggy have created an intimate, non-intimidating studio/gym environment that offers the maximum convenience and flexibility for members, while taking advantage of the resources of a larger national organization. Anytime Fitness-San Clemente employs personal trainers who are degreed professional coaches in strength and conditioning. Each coach is certified in TRX Suspension, kettle bell training, nutrition, and possesses the knowledge to provide effective results. Affordable private and semi-private group training, complimentary educational workshops, and Precision Nutrition counseling will also keep you motivated and on track. Stop by the gym or call 949.276.8888 to learn more and to see why Anytime Fitness is “not your average typical gym.”

BELLA PILATES
Bella Pilates is one of the only studios to offer SMALL group classes with highly skilled teachers to offer a very personalized experience for clients of all levels and abilities. They also offer private and semi private sessions as well. They are a results driven studio, making sure that you will see and feel a difference immediately. They customize a program specifically for each individual. Try two weeks of unlimited classes for $49 or experience your first private session for $45. Bella Pilates is looking forward to seeing you in the new year!. Call 949.388.2747 for more information.


CB CYCLEBARN
CB CycleBarn® offers inspirational instructors, great music, data tracking, a variety of classes, and a staff dedicated to customer care. Classes at TheBarn are fun, safe, and effective non-impact cardio for all ages and fitness levels, including teens and seniors. Signing up is easy and saves time because there’s no waiting to get a bike. TheBarn’s BookYourBike reservation system allows you to choose your bike in advance and makes every rider feel like a VIP. Pay per class or monthly. Special packages are available for high school students and non-peak class times. Everyone’s first five classes are free with a local ID. New clients can take advantage of one free month when signing up for a monthly contract in January. Register and check out the class schedule online at cbcyclebarn.com or call 949.481.5438.

JAZZERCISE
Jazzercise is the original dance exercise phenomenon! Each 60-minute cardio workout routine blends dance and muscle toning movements choreographed to today’s hottest music, including Top 40, jazz, country, funk, and classics. The instructors make all the routines fun and easy-to-follow. Every class includes a gentle warm up and 30-minute aerobic workout. You can even get a jumpstart by learning the moves online atwww.jazzercise.com. Start for $0 in January at the beautiful studio at the OC Sailing & Events Center in Dana Point Harbor next to Baby Beach. Call Nancy at 949.492.7817 for more info.

ORANGE THEORY FITNESS
Orange Theory Fitness is group personal training at its best. It combines heart rate based, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with resistance training for a complete, full-body workout in one hour. The professionally coached and expertly created workout templates take the guesswork out of getting stronger, more fit, and burning more calories. Although the workout changes daily, it is the same throughout each day so that you can take any of the many classes according to your schedule. Orange Theory Fitness has combined known, proven techniques in such a way to get the most out of an hour. Each member has their own heart rate monitor and their efforts are based on the 5 heart rate zones. It also targets specific amounts of times in each zone to induce EPOC, a biological state in which your body will increase calorie burn for up to 36 hours after the workout..

PILATES PLUS
Voted #1 Pilates Studio on Orange County Hotlist three years in a row, Pilates Plus brings its high-energy, “shirt-drenching” workout to Laguna Niguel. Integrating strength work and cardio into the principles of Pilates training, Pilates Plus OC offers classes seven days a week that are designed to lengthen, tighten and tone muscles, increase flexibility and cardiovascular endurance, and build a strong, supportive core. The patented Megaformer machine provides a focused approach to full-body conditioning in an addictive, 50-minute session, and Pilates Plus OC is one of the only studios in the area to offer this state-of-the-art equipment. Score two weeks of unlimited group classes for only $49 in January! Call 949.554.7272 or email info@pilatesplusoc.com for details.

RANCHO SAN CLEMENTE TENNIS & FITNESS CLUB
Tennis anyone? The Rancho San Clemente Tennis & Fitness Club has been in business for 28 years. The full-service tennis and fitness club features 19 lighted tennis courts, a weight room and an aerobics studio. The club offers a variety of adult and junior programs and tennis lessons for all ages. The club is a great place to meet new friends and get a workout, whether it’s on the tennis courts or in an exercise class. Through January 15, 2015, the club is offering a New Year’s Special with 75% off your initiation fee with a one-year membership. Find out more about the club at www.rsctennis.com, or better yet, stop by the club for a tour. Call 949.492.1515 to receive a membership application. See you on the courts!

TRAINING CAMP FITNESS
Training Camp Fitness is a unique and empowering facility that extends beyond the ordinary. Take advantage of yoga, barre and circuit training seven days a week, alongside a fully-equipped fitness center and a beautiful outdoor track and field. Located in a secluded setting in the heart of South Orange County, the facility is completely surrounded by trees, and the serene environment adds focus and natural beauty to your workout experience. Training Camp’s main goal is to help you relieve daily stress, get fit and encourage positive energy in your life. Sign up in January and receive your first month of yoga, barre and circuit training for only $49. Let go of any hesitations and visit or contact them today at 949.489-8100.

USSD/ZEN DOJOS
San Juan Capistrano’s largest martial arts studio offers classes and fitness programs for all levels of interest and ages starting at 3-years-old. Featuring Kempo Karate, Divas in Defense, Krav Maga Self-Defense Classes, a Children’s Life Skills Program, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there’s something for everyone in the family. Zen Dojos was voted “Best Martial Arts Studio” in San Juan Capistrano in 2012 and Lead Instructor Marco O’Campo was named “Best Coach in San Juan Capistrano” by The Capistrano Dispatch. Chief Instructor Paul Benavidez has been teaching martial arts in the area since 1991. January is an ideal time to get started. The studio’s 2 for 1 special offer on all programs (for new students with paid enrollment) ends on January 31st. Call 949.240.6574 for more information.

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enoSTEAK – Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel
By Beth Fhaner

For steak and wine lovers, there’s no better way to kick off 2015 than with a visit to enoSTEAK, a chic steakhouse located at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The intimate space features a floor-to-ceiling glass tower in the center of the restaurant, showcasing approximately 375 bottles of wine, along with several hundred others lining the back wall.

Executive Chef Pedro Contreras’s modern steakhouse menu focuses on seasonal fare and locally sourced ingredients, including prime beef from local farms committed to raising the highest quality breeds. Appetizers such as a fresh crab and avocado salad, or the asparagusIberico salad with poached egg, Iberico ham, and caviar crème fraîche make outstanding starters to your meal.

As for an entrée, you’ll have a difficult time selecting from one of the many mouthwatering, handcrafted meats and seafood dishes that will certainly tempt your taste buds. All of enoSTEAK’s beef is served with house-made signature compound butters to put the proverbial cherry on top. I favored the black truffle butter to complement my outstanding 9-ounce grass-fed beef tenderloin, while my dining companion raved about the Point Reyes blue cheese butter. Sustainable seafood options include a 9-ounce pan-seared sea bass and a butter-poached lobster. To accompany your entrée, enoSTEAK offers several “enhancements,” including the Toma White Cheddar Truffle Mac and Cheese, American wagyu fat steak fries, and sautéed organic mushrooms in a sherry cream, among others.

Diners seeking a sweet ending to their meal will be pleased to learn that the restaurant’s decadent desserts change every few weeks. The ultra-popular chocolate bread pudding—with a warm molten center—is a highly recommended offering that will properly cap off your main course.

Service at enoSTEAK is top-notch—friendly and attentive, without being intrusive. The overall dining experience is worthy of the five-star resort, although you don’t need to be a hotel guest to indulge. For epicureans seeking superb food and wine in a contemporary, elegant setting, enoSTEAK delivers on all levels. Bon Appetit!

enoSteaK located at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
1 Ritz Carlton Drive,
Dana Point
949.240.2000
enoSTEAK.com

pure. love. yoga.
By Laura Love

There’s a new yoga studio in town and it’s changing the game on how yoga studios operate. San Clemente welcomes pure. love. yoga., a studio dedicated to community, sustainability, service, and collaboration. Owner Angela Treaster purchased the former Pure Yoga with the vision of creating an authentic, accessible community. The business model is like nothing you’ll see in Orange County, with the studio functioning similarly to a co-op. Angela has gathered a team of well-regarded professionals to fulfill her vision, including Creative Director Laura Love, Seva Director Jamie Hanson, Retail Director Andrea Delancallotti, Media Director Marjorie Woodbridge and Student Advisor Golden Traut. Angela shared her thoughts on her unique business model, “My late husband, Ken, who was a very successful business man, always told me that you hire the people who are at the very best at what they do, and then you give them the freedom to do it. Ken was my inspiration for creating this space and his love for life, people, and following one’s passion is undoubtedly felt in the studio. He is the ‘love’ in pure. love. yoga.”

At pure. love. yoga., practicing asana is merely the beginning of your journey. This is not to say that the physical practice of yoga is unimportant at pure. love. yoga. The studio is home to some of the most sought after, knowledgeable yoga instructors in Orange County and it offers much more than chaturangas and downward facing dogs. The studio includes community members on many levels — from selling merchandise crafted by local artists to facilitating potlucks and neighborhood events. Pure. love. yoga. is all about people and every Saturday night it holds a live music yoga class spotlighting local musicians and the pool of remarkable talent available in south Orange County. This class has quickly become one of the most popular classes on the schedule.

In November, pure. love. yoga. partnered with CB CycleBarn in its 1st annual “Yoga-Tri-Give-A-Thon,” a fundraising event incorporating in-
door cycling, running, and yoga. 100% of the proceeds benefited With My Own Two Hands Foundation, a local non-profit organization established by one of the studio’s instructors, Lindsey Pluimer. This foundation has built an orphanage in Africa and is currently working on constructing a new school for underprivileged children. The successful, sold-out Yoga-Tri-Give-A-Thon went beyond raising funds for a worthy cause, it connected the community of San Clemente on a deeper level, demonstrating that together, we can make a difference.

In December pure. love. yoga. hosted a Local Artist Faire & Holiday Party, an evening designed to support local art and encourage students to mix, mingle, and shop more consciously for the holidays. The event was well-attended by students, friends and families and featured over 25 local vendors, live music, dancing.

Another core value of pure. love. yoga. is to be environmentally conscious. The studio only sells beverages in glass containers, has replaced paper towels with cloth ones in restrooms, utilizes 100% recycled paper for all printed materials and has moved toward paperless solutions for business operations. The studio also has a retail section that offers a variety of organic, eco-friendly, and local products and apparel.

Seva (sanskrit for “selfless service”) is also a value of pure. love. yoga. The studio holds a donation-based class every Sunday afternoon and 100% of all proceeds go to a local non-profit. This quarter, the studio is supporting With My Own Two Hands Foundation. “Our intention is to create something truly authentic, collaborative and accessible to all…where the physical practice of yoga is just one layer,” shares Creative Director, Laura Love. “Pure. love. yoga. is making yoga accessible to all students, from beginners to advanced practitioners and beyond.”

pure. love. yoga.
415 East Avenida Pico
San Clemente
(949) 492-5048
PureLoveYogaSC.com