Laguna Niguel , CA November 2020 by City Lifestyle

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

GRATITUDE

ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE

26391 CALLE ROBERTO | SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO | $3,795,000 This iconic San Juan Capistrano residence is a study in light and angles, exquisite detail and serene livability. Architecturally designed by Chris Abel from Laguna Beach. Designed from the ground up and completed in 2007. This single level 4,200 square foot home incorporates the signature attributes of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style: lush light, spectacular leaded glass, high plank-and-beam ceilings, gorgeous woodwork and cohesive blending of indoor and outdoor spaces. Forever views of the San Juan Capistrano Mission to Saddleback Mountain.

MARIA ELENA BANKS

REALTOR®

949.248.9300 mariaelena@mebanks.com www.mariaelenabanks.com CalRE#00670773 Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker Realty. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. CalRE #00670773

Future Focused ASSEMBLY POINTE FINANCIAL

CORPORATE BENEFITS / WEALTH MANAGEMENT • Over 50 years combined financial experience. • Staffed with CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioners and Chartered Retirement Plan Specialists. • Our Advisors are also multi-year recipients of Orange Coast Magazine’s 5-Star WEALTH MANAGER AWARD.*

• Knowledge, technical resources, and personalized service tailored to fit your businesses and family. Rischi Paul Sharma is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and CEO of Assembly Pointe Financial.

Rischi Paul Sharma

CFP®, CRPS®, CPFA, LUTCF (949) 209-8915 Assist@assemblypointe.com www. AssemblyPointe.com Registered Representatives are with and securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. *Rischi Paul Sharma CFP®, CRPS®, LUTCF / Alexis-Rae R. Sharma, CFP® are recipients of the 5-Star Wealth Manager Awards: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020. Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience and assets under management among other factors. Wealth Managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of 2012-2020 Five Star Wealth Managers.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Michael Gerard | michael.gerard@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Where Would We Be Without You?

Barbara Kimler STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Karen Reuter

WOW, LAGUNA NIGUEL. How can it be that we are already nearing the end of the

AD DESIGNER

year? The holidays will be here before we know it, and pretty soon we will be writing

Whitney Lockhart

out our 2021 resolutions.

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore

Before everything gets crazy with the holidays, we want to take this time to pause and reflect. This year has been extremely challenging for all of us; yet we are so grateful, with support of our partners and sponsors, to be a positive force during these most difficult times. Thank you all for your love and support. Thank you all for sharing your stories and for reading ours.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Barbara Kimler, Danielle Esparza, Mara Samuels, Kimberly Blaker, Joyce Selk CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Karen Reuter, Michelle Mar, Arezoo Jalali

Thank you for supporting our local businesses, as without them, this magazine wouldn’t be possible. Thank you for all the community service you do. Thank you for keeping our community clean, safe, and thriving. We are so proud of where we live, and we know it wouldn’t be the same without each and every one of you.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

In this issue, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we invite you to reflect with us and

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

spend some time being grateful for all the people who touch our lives. We wouldn’t

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

be here without each other!

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Happy Thanksgiving, Laguna Niguel.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Michael Gerard, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

Proverbs 3:5-6 Laguna Niguel Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Laguna Niguel areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No

ON THE COVER PHOTO Michelle Mar 4

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Laguna Niguel Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 14 Your Kitchen Reborn: A Worthwhile Investment Skyline Kitchen & Bath Brings New Life to the Most Essential Rooms in Your Home

20 For the Love of Dogs They’re More Emotional Than Scientists Once Thought

24 The Feeling of Gratitude Dr. Ann Corwin’s Transforming Work with Children and Parents

32 Three Great Recipes... One Trip to the Store Danielle Esparza from Tspoons

14 20

Cooking School in San Juan Capistrano Shares her Craft

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Renovate & Refine

20 Animal Kingdom 24 Driver’s Notebook 26 DIY 32 Culinary Creations

GOOD TIMES

OC Fashion Week® Event Wraps up at Dawson Cole Gallery OC Fashion Week® returns as Southern California's luxury market premieres new collections by emerging and established designers. Each day offered a different outdoor experience with socially distant protocols at a set capacity. The Designer Collection of Tatiana Shabelnik from Belarus debuted at the Dawson Cole Fine Art Sculpture Garden in the heart of Laguna Beach. Photos: Arezoo Jalali arezoojalali.com

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

AROUND TOWN since moving to Laguna Niguel several years ago—and they are determined to bring that authentic East Coast flavor to South Orange County. All pies are made fresh to order using the finest ingredients, and their delicious pizza dough is cold rested for a minimum of three days, giving it that signature New York crust and flavor. Brooklyn City Market produces a limited amount of dough each day and is only available from Thursday through Sunday. The small batches of dough and four day schedule make for a very hard to get pizza. We advise ordering at least three days in advance. You won’t regret it. For more info, visit BrooklynCityMarket.com or email info@brooklyncitymarket.com. Instagram @brooklyncitymarket

CHOC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL EARNS 2020 EMERGENCY NURSES ASSOCIATION LANTERN AWARD The Julia and George Argyros Emergency Department at CHOC Children’s Hospital is one of only five emergency departments in California – and 25 worldwide – to be honored with the Emergency Nurses Association’s 2020 Lantern Award. The ENA bestows the Lantern Award on emergency departments that exemplify exceptional practice and innovative performance in the core areas of nursing leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. choc.org

LAGUNA NIGUEL ROTARY CLUB ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a

This past summer, two St. Anne School families

world where people unite and take action to create

filled backpacks with much-needed supplies to

lasting change – across the globe, in our communi-

send to an underserved school in the Dominican

ties, and in ourselves. Solving real problems takes

Republic. The project began when St. Anne par-

real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years,

ent, Mrs. Ulloa-Jung, a native of the Dominican

Rotary's people of action have used their passion,

Republic, was visiting the country last year and

energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable

found a school, San Francisco de Asis in El Batey de

projects. From literacy and peace to water and health,

Monte Cristi, in much need of school supplies. The

we are always working to better our world, and we

Jung family enlisted the help of another St. Anne

stay committed to the end. To learn how you can get

family, the Wittkops, and together they were able fill

involved in the Laguna Niguel Rotary Club, contact

and send 100 backpacks to the school.

membership director, Jim McGinley at 949-338-1997 or jmcginley.lagunaniguelrotary@gmail.com

BROOKLYN CITY MARKET BRINGS AUTHENTIC NYC PIZZA TO LAGUNA NIGUEL

TWO ST. ANNE SCHOOL FAMILIES DONATE BACKPACKS TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

D’MODERN BEAUTY STUDIO OPENS NEW LOCATION IN LAGUNA NIGUEL D’Modern Beauty Studio offers a variety of beauty services to enhance your natural beauty.

If you’ve spent any time on the East Coast, you can

Designed for the modern-day woman, the stu-

attest to the special quality of New York pizza. Family-

dio’s mission is to provide the most innovative

owned Brooklyn City Market has been making pizzas

beauty

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

treatments

from

Fibroblast

Plasma

Skin Tightening, Lash Extensions, Microblading, Microshading, DMK Skin Revision, and Advanced Skin Treatments. Founder and Master Esthetician, Indira Calkins, believes that “we can’t stop aging, but we can slow it down.” The studio is located at 30100 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 34 in Laguna Niguel. To learn more, visit dmodernbeauty.com or call 949-629-4720.

2ND ANNUAL JSERRA UNCORKED EVENT RETURNS ON NOVEMBER 7TH Please join us in supporting the JSerra Catholic High School community on Saturday, November 7th for its 2nd annual Uncorked: JSerra Stronger Together. It is said that it takes an entire community to support our children, and this year is no exception. JSerra's school-wide fundraiser supports COVID safety compliancy, student scholarships, academic programs, the arts, and athletics. This event promises to be a memorable afternoon filled with cheer, camaraderie, extraordinary experiences, continuing a precedent of excellence for years to come with the generosity from our own local community of families and commerce. This event offers multiple options to participate. For more information, visit jserra.org/uncorked

MANUEL AVENDANO “FLAMENCO JOY ”, 48X23, OIL

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ LagunaNiguel using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

“Make Your Life Beautiful” 220 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949-376-4244 thesignaturegallery.com

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Ashraf Naji PRESIDENT

Whether remodeling or building new, you can count on Skyline for creative architectural designs, unparalleled craftsmanship, and a passion for the details. On time and on budget, Skyline Kitchen & Bath sets a new standard in residential and commercial construction.

31671 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach | Next to Coyote Grill | 949.499.5052 skylinekitchenbath.com

RENOVATE & REFINE

Your Kitchen Reborn: A Worthwhile Investment SKYLINE KITCHEN & BATH BRINGS NEW LIFE TO THE MOST ESSENTIAL ROOMS IN YOUR HOME

ARTICLE MARA SAMUELS

REDESIGNING YOUR KITCHEN IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR UPGRADES YOU CAN DO TO YOUR HOME.

Patrick Conboy, Owner, Skyline Kitchen & Bath

According to a survey by real estate experts, kitchen redesign is the most important investments you can make. Now with us all staying home more, it is important that we love

Counter top St yles:

the space we live and work in. That’s where Skyline Kitchen and Bath comes in. Patrick Conboy, designer, contractor and owner of Skyline Kitchen and Bath, is passionate about what he designs and about his clients’ needs. He has been redesigning and remodeling homes in Orange County for over 25 years and is currently in the process of opening his second showroom in North Laguna Beach. The joy of remodeling a kitchen is that you can create whatever style you like. Choosing the perfect countertop can make a personal statement. Quartz is the go-to product trending right now. It is extremely durable, chip and

ANNICCA by Cambria Luxury Series Grey and gold glittery veins with specks of amethyst colors.

BENTLEY by Cambria Luxury Series White background is intersected with bold, black and charcoal veins.

PORTRUSH by Cambria Luxury Series Veins of rich blue with flakes of gold flecks.

CLOVELLY by Cambria Luxury Series Soft warm white background with gold veins peppered with black.

scratch resistant, and nonporous, which keeps spills from becoming stains. Can a beautiful countertop make you a sensational Michelin star chef? Well maybe not, but we definitely think it can help you enjoy the process of preparing wonderful food for your family and friends. Skyline carries various brands of quartz in all colors and styles. Counters trending now are beautiful pure white quartz to the dramatic wide veined stone and everything in-between. Their showroom designers can help you pick out everything you need to create your favorite style kitchen. 14

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

CONTINUED >

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RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

This beautiful open concept home in Laguna Niguel features a clean and bright design with the island as its centerpiece. Sleek contemporary Miele appliances compliment the stunning quartz counters and smooth cabinetry. Creating an island that can be used for prepping or as a serving area was the idea here. The sink is now facing towards the main living room and the stunning views outside. The island features a “waterfall” drop on each side with a dramatic and prominent “vein” reaching through the countertop. The quartz is also used up the full height behind the Miele range top. This creates a beautiful focal point and contrast between the glossy white cabinets. The Quartz is also used on the coffee station which features custom smoke glass cabinet doors. The cabinetry is all Italian and made by “Interni Cucine.” Here a modern high gloss lacquer finish and integrated J pulls were used for a clean, no hardware look. The flooring used 12 x 24 porcelain tile with a staggered offset lay throughout the lower level. This stylish and elegant kitchen is classy enough for entertaining and durable and ready for any chef. Contact Skyline Kitchen & Bath at (949) 499-5052 or visit SkylineKitchenBath.com 16

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

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Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

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ANIMAL KINGDOM

ARTICLE KIMBERLY BLAKER

For the Love of Dogs THEY'RE MORE EMOTIONAL THAN SCIENTISTS ONCE THOUGHT

“The researchers found in those dogs and owners who gazed

TO KNOW THEM WELL. Despite their inability to talk, we often understand their emotions based on their body language. Scientists now know what dog owners have suspected along. Dogs experience a wider range of emotions than scientists once thought. The dog brain is substantially smaller than the human brain when accounting for body size, so it isn’t as complex as our

longer, the oxytocin

brain. Yet, MRI studies reveal dogs’ brains aren’t much different

levels rose 130% and

according to board-certified neurologist, Dr. J.P. McCue, at New

300% respectively.” 20

IN LIVING WITH AND INTERACTING WITH OUR DOGS, WE GET

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

from humans. MRIs have revealed the same sections of both the human and dog brain light up based to various types of stimuli, York City’s Animal Medical Center, reported in “Dog Brain Facts: Understanding Canine Cognition.”It’s also been found that dogs produce oxytocin, the neurotransmitter and hormone that creates the emotion of love in humans. In fact, research has found that

when our dogs stare into our eyes, it activates oxytocin, creating a bond similar to that between a mother and infant.

To gain perspective on what that means in regards to dogs’ range of emotions, Stanley Coren, in “What Emotions Do Dogs Actually

David Grimm, in his article, “How dogs stole our hearts,” at science-

Experience?” charts the emotions of a two-and-a-half-year-old child.

mag.org, reports on the research of this phenomenon. In an experi-

These include joy, love and affection, contentment, excitement, shy-

ment by Takefumi Kikusui, an animal behaviorist, and his colleagues,

ness and suspicion, fear, disgust, distress, and anger. At that age,

dogs and their owners gazed into each other’s eyes. Their gazed

however, children don’t experience feelings that require self-con-

ranged from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. The researchers

sciousness, such as pride, shame, guilt, and contempt.

found in those dogs and owners who gazed longer, the oxytocin levels rose 130% and 300% respectively. This adds to the growing body of

HOW TO READ YOUR DOG’S FEELINGS

research that supports dogs can feel love and attachment.

Here are some of the ways dogs express different emotions.

Just like in humans, dogs’ brains develop as they grow. In humans, the brain reaches full development around the age of twenty-five.

JOY. Dogs often express this when a family member comes home

But dogs’ brains are fully developed around the age of 6 months. At

or a familiar guest comes to visit. Dogs often run and jump, wag

this point, dogs’ emotional development is equivalent to a two and a

their tails, and lavish kisses. They also express joy when playing by

half-year-old human, according to researchers.

barking or giving a playful bow.

CONTINUED >

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ANIMAL KINGDOM (CONTINUED)

LOVE AND AFFECTION. When dogs are feeling affectionate, they might nudge you with their nose, make affectionate eye contact (as opposed to the threatening eye contact of an unknown dog), or make soft groans and sighs while lying next to you. Some dogs will lean their bodies up against you while sitting or standing. They also express their love through kissing, jumping, and rolling onto their backs with a wagging tail. SHYNESS, SUSPICION, FEAR. These emotions are often quite evident. Dogs might flatten their ears, avoid eye contact, tuck their tail under, cower, pant, or shake. They can also have dilated glassy eyes. Pacing, hiding, whining, barking, sneering, nipping, or submissive urination can also be signs of fear or shyness. DISTRESS. When dogs are depressed, they can experience changes in appetite, behavior, sleep patterns, and reduced activity levels. Emotionally distressed dogs also show this in their posture with downcast eyes and a low bent neck. They might also lick or shed excessively. ANGER. If your dog has ever ignored you or given you the cold shoulder, there’s a good chance it’s mad at you. But if you’re doing something that makes your dog particularly angry, your dog might take a rigid posture, bark loudly in your direction, or make sharp or short barks. This is a warning to stop whatever you’re doing that’s making your dog angry. If your dog begins growling, howling repeatedly with a rising pitch, or showing teeth, it’s prepared to attack. WHAT ABOUT HACKLES? People often think raised hackles indicate a dog is angry or showing aggression. Sometimes that’s the case. But raised hackles are an involuntary reaction and most often caused by a host of other emotions. These include excitement, arousal, fear, shyness, defensiveness, or being startled. That said, dogs can bite out of fear, not just anger. The best way to know the meaning behind the raised hackles is to look at other body language that indicates what the dog is feeling. 22

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

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DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK Ann Corwin, Ph.D., M.Ed

The Feeling of Gratitude

DR. ANN CORWIN’S TRANSFORMING WORK WITH CHILDREN AND PARENTS

“FEELING GRATITUDE AND NOT EXPRESSING IT IS LIKE WRAPPING A PRESENT AND NOT GIVING IT.” William Arthur Ward

ARTICLE BARBARA KIMLER PHOTOGRAPHY KAREN REUTER

Ann Corwin, Ph.D., M.Ed (Dr. Ann) says that gratitude is one of 16 common feelings. So, gratitude is the feeling of being thankful. For over 35 years, the longtime Laguna Niguel resident has taught parents how to help their children understand and apply the feeling of gratitude and ‘other feelings’ they experience.

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

With a Ph.D. in Marriage, Family & Child Therapy

Corwin developed a simple resource for Social

and Master’s Degree in Education, Dr. Ann is passion-

Emotional Literacy called “Toddlers 2 Teens” or T2T.

ate about the biology of the brain as it directly relates

The tools help children become literate about their

to a child’s behavior. Her extensive studies confirm

feelings so they can deal with the ups and downs in life

that understanding the Attachment Rule (eye contact,

while laying the ground work for healthy relationships.

touching and talking) as the most critical skill for making and keeping long-term, healthy relationships.

DR. ANN’S TIPS FOR TEACHING GRATEFULNESS:

Nationally recognized for her work connecting chil-

1. Teach children how to ‘give’ whenever they receive

dren, parents and teachers for healthy relationships,

something. “GET TO GIVE” suggests when a child

Dr. Ann comes from a long line of healthy relationships

receives a new toy, have them give a toy to another child.

herself - both parents and grandparents were married

2. When a child says thank you for a gift, remind

over 60 years and she’s been married for 43 years with

them to make eye contact, give a hug or hand shake

two happily married grown children.

with the words.

Dr. Ann problem-solves for families and professionals

3. Ask a child how they ‘feel’ after they give something

working with children by teaching and applying Social

to someone to help them identify the feeling they will

Emotional Literacy for positive change saying, “people

hopefully duplicate.

behave the way they do because of how they feel; so spe-

4. Help a child associate colors with feelings; Happy is

cific, easy-to-apply tools can make an immediate differ-

Yellow and Thankful is Blue to help make feelings more

ence for positive changes to literally any relationship issue.”

concrete and less abstract.

She trains health educators at MOMS Orange County

5. When a child says thank you, use the Attachment

since the social emotional process starts at birth. Her

Rule yourself. Make eye contact with them, touch

training impacts new moms and babies by reinforcing

them and say “Great job thanking someone for some-

the behaviors that support positive child development.

thing you received!”

Citing the analogy of learning the ABC’s as basic

At any age, the simple act of kindness can make

knowledge upon which we all learn to read, Dr. Ann

both the receiver and giver feel great as does express-

questions why we don’t provide tools to children about

ing and receiving gratitude! For information, visit

the most powerful part of their brain, the emotional brain.

Toddlers2Teens.net

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

DIY

FIREPITS ARE A 'HOT' M U S T- H AV E

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CREATING ONE

ARTICLE JOYCE SELK

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

ALL OF US ARE SPENDING MORE TIME AT HOME THIS YEAR,

outer walls should still be heat-resistant, but can be made of tradi-

AND AS WE HEAD INTO COOLER WEATHER, FIRE PITS CAN

tional brick, stone masonry blocks, concrete pavers, or tile. Flagstone

IMPROVE THE USABILITY OF YOUR BACKYARD OR COURTYARD.

and crushed stone are ideal materials for the fire pit cap.

There are lots of options for your pit—ready-made, complete kits, or professional build.

What you put in the bottom of the pit is critical. Some materials— like hard rock, gravel, or sand—aren’t meant to reach high tempera-

If you prefer an extravagant fire pit design or want something

tures, and can spark and explode if your fire gets too hot. Instead,

more complicated, a contractor may be the best option because

use lava rocks or lava glass beads as filler, as they are a safe way to

the quality of craftsmanship can add value to your home as you can

create drainage and make your fire pit look nice.

expect to recoup 78% of your investment when you sell. But if you are looking for a DIY project, here are some considerations.

There are many types of fuel to consider. Ethanol, propane, and natural gas are all sound fire pit fuel options, as they emit no smoke,

Before starting, have a game plan. There are great guides on DIY

sparks, or embers, and leave no ashes to clean up. But, these gases

construction with step-by-step instructions. Research what you

must be supplied to the pit properly and can be costly. Wood-burning

want your fire pit to look like, what materials you need, and where

fire pits require no gas lines, but they produce a high volume of smoke,

you want to put it. Pick the perfect spot by observing your yard, the

sparks, and embers; call for frequent ash removal; and make large

terrain, and where you will be hanging out most.

flames difficult to extinguish (why many municipalities forbid them).

Size is important, so consider how many people you would like to

Finally, think about safety gear. Keep a fire-retardant sheet usually

accommodate around it, and whether you want the top of the walls

made of fiberglass or Kevlar near the pit to help smother a fire on

to serve as a footrest for those sitting around the fire or whether you

nearby objects or people. Also, keep a multipurpose dry chemical

want to comfortably sit directly on the edge of the pit.

fire extinguisher nearby.

Construction commonly consists of an inner wall, an outer wall, cap,

With so many options, prices run the gamut, from a couple hun-

and decorative stones or rocks in the center of the pit. The inner wall

dred dollars for a DIY install; $50-$4,000 for a ready-made or kit; or

must be made of fireproof building materials—optimally fire brick. The

$1,400-$10,000 for a professional install.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

DIY (CONTINUED)

PRO TIPS or 18 to 20 inches tall if you want to comfort-

Pick the

DON’T BUILD A FIRE PIT WITHOUT APPROVAL. Your local government, homeowners asso-

ably sit directly on the edge of the pit.

DON’T USE FLAMMABLE OR NON-POROUS, WATER-RETAINING

per fect spot

ciation, and house deed may impose restrictions on the size, location, material, and fuel

BUILDING MATERIALS.

by obser ving

type of home fire pits—or forbid them alto-

Do not use flammable materials anywhere

gether—due to the potential for fire-related

near the pit, nor non-porous materials that

property damages.

hold water (pea gravel, river rocks, com-

y o u r ya r d , the terrain,

pressed concrete blocks), as these materials

and where

location of buried utility lines.

CONSIDER INSTALLING A STEEL RING. As a non-combustible material, the steel will ward off heat and keep the outside wall

out most.

CONSIDER WHERE TO POSITION THE PIT.

itself from prematurely dehydrating and

Install the pit on level ground in an open area

crumbling, while maintaining the structural

of the yard that’s at least 25 feet from other

integrity of your fire pit longer.

structures, bushes, and trees.

CONSIDER ACCESSIBILITY

CREATE AIRHOLES. Every pit needs air flow to provide oxygen to

WHEN CHOOSING A SIZE.

flames. Leave gaps in the outer structure in

The pit should measure between 36 and

at least four opposite points.

44 inches wide (including the width of the walls) to safely accommodate multiple people around. The pit height should be 12 to 14 inches from the base to the top of the walls,

can trap steam and eventually explode.

COMPANIES BEFORE DIGGING. Call 811 or go to Call811.com to check the

you will be hanging

CHECK WITH YOUR UTILITY

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

CURE THE FIRE PIT BEFORE USING. Give the cement and mortar a week to cure completely before lighting a fire in your pit.

BRING ABANDONED CHILDREN FROM THE SLUM TO SAFETY AND INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF CARETAKERS THAT WILL EDUCATE, LOVE AND RAISE THEM TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS IN THEIR GENERATION.

WWW.ANGELHOUSE.ME

STAY STRONG LAGUNA NIGUEL! We will fight this together! We're OPEN! Get Fit in 30 Minutes. No Class Time.

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Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

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CULINARY CREATIONS

three great recipes... one trip to the store DANIELLE ESPARZA FROM TSPOONS COOKING SCHOOL IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHARES HER CRAFT

ARTICLE DANIELLE ESPARZA

shopping list

+ pine nuts

+ sourdough

+ vegetable broth

+ brown sugar

+ haricots verts

+ leeks

+ green lentils

+ cinnamon

+ ricotta cheese

+ carrots

+ andouille sausage

+ orange

+ honey

+ celery

+ puff pastry

+ salt

+ lemon

+ flour

+ butter

+ black pepper

+ garlic

+ tomato paste

+ sugar

+ olive oil

+ parsley

+ thyme

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

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HARICOTS VERTS B R U S C H E T TA W I T H L E M O N H O N E Y R I C O T TA

INGREDIENTS: (Yield: 4 servings) + Olive oil, as needed

+ 1 large garlic clove, cut

+ ¼ cup pine nuts

in half

pound

haricots + chopped fresh parsley, as

verts, ends trimmed, cut needed for garnish in half crosswise

+ 4 thick slices crusty

+ 8 ounces ricotta cheese

bread of choice (baguette,

+ 1 tbsp honey

sourdough, ciabatta)

+ zest of 1 lemon (and juice + kosher salt and black from half of the lemon)

pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and, once warmed through, add the pine nuts. Toast over the heat until seeds turn golden brown. Remove from heat and place in a small bowl. Add more oil to the skillet and then add haricots verts. Saute over high heat until blistered and slightly charred, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, season with salt and pepper and set aside off the heat. ABOUT DANIELLE ESPARZA Danielle Esparza is the manager and lead chef instructor at Tspoons Cooking School

2. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, honey, lemon zest and lemon juice along with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

in San Juan Capistrano, as well as the owner/

3. Set a griddle over medium high heat. Drizzle both sides of

founder of E.B. Cookie Co. based out of Orange

the bread slices with olive oil. Once griddle is hot, place bread

County. A Le Cordon Bleu graduate, she has

slices on and cook until very toasted. Flip and toast on other

also spent her time as a lead baker in Dana

side as well. Remove from heat and immediately rub one side

Point, and practices amateur food styling and

of each bread slice with the cut sides of the garlic cloves.

photography in her spare time.

4. Spread the ricotta mixture onto the toasts, then top with the haricots verts and garnish with pine nuts. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

CONTINUED >

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CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

two

three

FRENCH LENTIL AND A N D O U I L L E S A U S AG E S T E W

ORANGE C I N N A M O N PA L M I E R S

INGREDIENTS: (Yield: 4 servings)

INGREDIENTS: (Yield: 12)

+ Olive oil, as needed

+ 1 sheet frozen puff + ¼ cup granulated sugar

+ 4 cups

+ 2 tbsp unsalted butter vegetable broth

pastry,

+ 1 cup chopped leeks + ½ cup dried green

kept chilled

(white and light green lentils, soaked for 30

+ 2 ounces unsalted zest of 1 orange

parts), rinsed

minutes in warm water

butter, melted

+ 2 carrots,

+ ½ pound cooked

medium diced +

celery

Andouille sausage (or stalks, sausage

medium diced

thawed

but 2 tbsp light brown sugar ¾ tsp ground cinnamon pinch of kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

choice),

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine gran-

sliced on the bias into

ulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon,

+ 3 cloves garlic, minced ¼” thick slices

orange zest and salt in a small bowl with mix and

+ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons finely

a fork to combine. Lightly flour a work surface

+ 1 tbsp tomato paste

and lay the opened piece of puff pastry down.

chopped parsley

+ 1 tsp fresh minced

Gently roll out the puff pastry in both directions to

thyme leaves

make it about 1” wider on each side. Brush most of the melted butter onto the puff pastry sheet,

DIRECTIONS

then sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the

1. Heat oil and butter in a pot over medium heat.

surface. Position the sheet so that it is facing you

2. When hot, add leeks, carrots, and celery.

horizontally. Fold about a 1” strip of the dough

Cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Add

over on the left side; repeat with the right side.

garlic, tomato paste, and thyme and cook about

Continue making 1” folds until the dough stacks

2-3 minutes more. Add flour and cook for 1 min-

meet in the middle, then fold them over each

ute, stirring constantly.

other like a book. Brush with remaining melted

3. Slowly pour in broth while stirring. Stir

butter. Using a sharp knife, trim the ends of the

in lentils and let simmer, covered, stirring

dough, then cut into ½” thick slices. Arrange on

occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes or until

a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, cut side

lentils are tender.

up. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes, then trans-

4. Stir in sausage to warm through. Season

fer directly to the oven. Bake until the pastry is

with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve imme-

lightly browned and puffed, about 12-15 minutes.

diately garnished with parsley.

Allow to cool before serving.

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | November 2020

PATRICK GUYTON GALLERY 266 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach | 949.715.0365 | GuytonFineArt.com