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A Step-by-Step Guide to Coffee at Home

Posted on by Kirby

With all that is changing in our world, one thing that doesn’t seem to have changed is our coffee craving!  Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide to brewing your own coffee at home, featuring some must-have items from Portola Coffee Roasters. By following these steps, we promise you’ll be brewing coffee like a pro in no time!

 

1. Start by choosing your beans 

Perhaps the most essential of all steps, selecting which blend of beans will help you to make your perfect cup of coffee. The Kenya Kainamui beans are always an ideal choice because of their delicious flavor and notes of dried plum, pomegranate, grapefruit, and rooibos. 

2. Select your brewing method

While there seem to be an infinite number of ways to brew your daily cup of joe, the Behmor Brew System might be the most convenient. This device has a programmable brew start time, so you can wake up to the smell of fresh coffee without even lifting a finger. Plus, if you opt for the “Connected” model, you can even control the device from your smartphone! 

3. Last but not least, your vessel!

Since coffee is enjoyed both at home and on the go, it is a great idea to have a vessel that you can use for both purposes.  We love Portola’s Gold Tumbler for lots of reasons – it’s cup holder friendly, BPA free, has a curved interior for easy cleaning, and has a lid opening feature to help prevent you from burning your mouth. It’s also 18/8 stainless steel, which means it won’t transfer flavor or leave aftertaste, making it basically the most perfect coffee vessel out there!

All of the products featured in this post are available for online purchase at https://portolacoffee.com/. Plus, for every 2 bags of beans purchased, you’ll receive a complimentary coffee drink for your next visit to one of Portola’s open locations (Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Tustin and Orange). Happy caffeinating! 

Cheers to a Great Night In, Courtesy of Timothy Oulton

Posted on by Kirby

Happy Hour just got a whole lot happier!  Timothy Oulton is offering 50% off of its Bio Hazard Bar Collection for a limited time. 

Sardonically named to be its own warning label, this cabinet is certainly tempting – a beautiful glowing capsule of handcrafted glass rods held in a black frame with LED lighting built into the top.  The round sliding doors reveal a protected core of glass shelves to hold bottles of you + your guests’ favorite poison.

The Bio Hazard Bar Cabinet comes in a range of configurations and you can shop the collection online here.

Try These At Home

Tired of remaking the same go-to cocktail?  Or looking for something with a kick?  While you wait for your new bar to arrive, Timothy Oulton shared these four (4) classy cocktail recipes you can try at home:

  1. Victory Gin
      • 45ml Fords Gin
      • 20ml Fresh Lemon Juice
      • 20ml Honey Syrup
      • 10ml Ginger Puree
      • Top Champagne or any dry sparkling wine

    Shake all ingredients except champagne with ice and fine strain into a coupe glass. Top with champagne and garnish with lemon peel and candied ginger.

  2. Iron Lady
      • 45ml Fords Gin
      • 15ml Raspberry Puree or alternatively 3 fresh raspberries
      • 15ml Fresh Lemon Juice
      • 15ml Pink Pepper Syrup
      • 15ml Egg White
      • Dash Absinthe

    Swirl a small amount of absinth in the cocktail glass and discard the excess. Combine and dry shake all ingredients except champagne to build foam. Add ice to the shaker and fine strain into the prepared cocktail glass. Garnish with some pink peppercorns.

  3. Men of the Cloth
      • 30ml Pierre Ferrand Original 1840 Cognac
      • 20ml D.O.M. Benedictine
      • 20ml Red Wine
      • 20ml Fresh Lemon Juice
      • 15ml Sage Syrup
      • 10ml Slivovitz or Plum Eau de Vie

    Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a rock glass with ice. Garnish with thyme and few slices of apple.

  4. Sparkling Amaro Sour
      • 45ml Amaro Averna
      • 20ml Fresh Lemon Juice
      • 15ml Grenadine
      • 3 dash Angostura Bitters
      • 15ml Egg White
      • Top Champagne or any dry sparkling wine

     

    Dry shake all ingredients except Champagne to build foam. Add ice, shake and fine strain into a cocktail glass. Top with champagne and garnish with star anise and few drops of angostura bitters.

 

Our Favorite Weekend-Essential Pieces from Bearfruit Jewelry!

Posted on by Kirby

In case you aren’t familiar, meet Bearfruit Jewelry – a style-creating collective that aspires to inspire confidence through unique, affordable and beautifully crafted jewelry.  You can always expect the best in quality, craftsmanship and materials from Bearfruit Jewelry as each piece is hand-crafted and artfully designed for the modern, classic woman with a minimalist style.

We gathered a few of our favorite weekend-worthy pieces that are perfect for spring – whether you’re dressing up for a virtual happy hour with friends, or simply want to add some flair to your favorite loungewear – see below and click the links to shop:

 

The Charlee Earrings
These classic hoops have an easy latch back.  Available in gold and silver. Shop here.

The Bee Pearl Earrings
Crafted with delicate details, these earrings can give any look a pop of nature-inspired style. Available in gold and silver with a French hook backing. Shop here.

The Naomi Bar Necklace
Less is more with this short horizontal bar necklace. Available in white, rose, or yellow gold. Shop here.

The Personalized Constellation x Initial Necklace
Whether it’s a gift for yourself, a friend, a significant other or family member, you’ll give this pendant special meaning through personalization. Choose up to two (2) initials and a personalized zodiac constellation. Available in white and yellow gold. Shop here.

 

All of these pieces, and many more that are available online here, can be delivered directly to your door.  If you’re ordering a gift for someone else, you can have it shipped anywhere in the U.S. – just call the shop at 949.910.5755 and let them know.

Plus, for a limited time you can enjoy 30% off sitewide when you use code APR30 – happy shopping!

This At-Home Picnic Will Have You Cheesin’

Posted on by Kirby

Whether you’re quarantining solo, with a significant other, or your family or loved ones, an at-home picnic with a beautiful charcuterie board is a great way to relax, ease your mind, or celebrate a special occasion! We’ve compiled some cheesy favorites from The Cheese Shop to make your at-home picnic a breeze!

 

If you’re building your own board, consider the below deli market favorites – you can order all of these (and much more!) online here!

 

Cheesy Must-Haves

  • Fromager D’Affinois
  • White Aged Cheddar
  • Ewephoria AGED, Sheep, Gouda

Deli Market Favorites

  • Raincoast Crisps Rosemary Raisin Pecan Crackers
  • Rustic Bakery Rosemary & Olive Oi
  • Marcona Almonds
  • Pastrami
  • Prime Rib
  • Honey Comb
  • Baguette Rustique – Artisan Bakery
  • House Wildflower Honey Jar

If you’d rather have the cheese-experts create your board, we’ve listed some pre-made options we highly recommend below:

  • The Classic: Artisan Cheeses- Soft, Semi-Hard, Hard. Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Dried Fruit, Olives, Nuts, Jam and Creamy Wildflower Honey
  • The Cheese & Charcuterie Board: Artisan Cheeses and Cured Meats you will love. Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Dried Fruit, Olives, Nuts, Mustard, Jam and Creamy Wildflower Honey
  • The Cheese Monger’s Choice: Leave It Up To The Experts. Lovers of Stinky Blues, Wash Rinds and Exotic Cheeses.  This one is for you
  • The Meat Lover: Imported Cured Meats, Olives, Nuts, Pickles, and Mustard

 

The Cheese Shop is offering online ordering, curbside pick-up, and free delivery on orders $50 or more within a 20-mile radius with adjusted hours Sunday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Plus, in addition to The Cheese Shop’s normal offerings (breakfast/lunch sandwiches, cheese boards, etc.), the shop is also providing a contact-free market that adheres to all social distancing guidelines where customers may purchase fruit, produce, deli sides, etc. rather than brave long lines at the supermarket. For any questions, please call the shop directly at 949-284-0558

 

Springtime is in Full Bloom at SOCO! Take Part in Another Kids Club Event in Celebration of Earth Day

Posted on by Kirby

Hooray – it’s Earth Day! Celebrate by joining SOCO for yet another virtual Kids Club event this week when we read The Digger and the Flower by Joseph Kuefler. This book shares the personal story of one little truck’s growth and courage while delivering a powerful message about the environment.

Stephanie Holdridge will lead this storytime and guests can choose to either read along on-screen, or, purchase their own hardcopy online here. After the reading, you can keep the fun going by following along to a guided art activity. Using supplies that you likely already have at home, kids can make their own special Earth Day Flower craft – just like the one they’ll read about in the story!

Click the link below to watch now and find out how Digger will discover something that changes him, and his city, forever:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCV5gynQRZw

Stay in-the-know on all future (virtual) Kids Club Events by following the blog for new posts each week, or you can follow us on Instagram at @socoandtheocmix!

Craft Activity: Here’s What You’ll Need

  • Crayola Paint
  • Pencil
  • Crayons
  • Scissors
  • Construction Paper
  • Foam Paint Brush

 

Say Hello [Hello] to Earth Day at SOCO’s Virtual Kids Club!

Posted on by Kirby

In honor of Earth Day coming up on 4/22, join SOCO for another virtual Kids Club event that explores all aspects of seeing and appreciating nature. Named a “Best Children’s Book of the Year” by The Washington Post, our featured book is Hello, Hello! written by New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor-winning author, Brendan Wenzel.

Starting with color and pattern and moving on to size, shape, sound, and more, this book is perfect for introducing young readers to important visual concepts. Hello, Hello! Features over 30 different animal species (many of them endangered) and dives into the unique traits that make every creature special – a celebration of diversity that’s also an ode to connection and curiosity.

Following storytime, kids will have a chance to get artsy when they create their very own Handprint Parrot during a guided arts & crafts portion of the event. Click the link below to get started!

To stay up to date on all future (virtual) Kids Club Events, check the blog for new posts or follow us on Instagram at @socoandtheocmix.

Craft Activity: Here’s What You’ll Need

  • Colored Construction Paper
  • Glue Stick
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Googly Eye

Hop Online and Enjoy this Meow-velously Virtual Kids Club Event!

Posted on by Kirby

Hippity-Hoppity-Hooray! The SOCO Kids Club events that you know and love will now take place online while our community continues to stay home in an effort to practice social distancing. Kids and families are invited to join SOCO + The OC Mix for an all-new, interactive story reading led by Stephanie Holdridge, which is available online here starting today, Wednesday, April 8. After the story, you’ll have an opportunity to take part in a fun, DIY activity simply by following along with the video. So, grab a friend or reading buddy, find a cozy place to sit, and click the link below to join us when you’re ready to listen!

 

This week, our story is Here Comes the Easter Cat by Deborah Underwood. Featuring a cat with spunk who decides to take over for an on-the-go Easter Bunny, this book is a real treat, complete with a bit of bite, a sweet center, and a satisfying finish – sure to inspire second helpings not just at Eastertime, but year-round!

Following storytime, kids will have a chance to make their very own marbled Easter egg craft. All you’ll need are the supplies below, and you’re ready to bring this story to life. Have fun!

Stay up to date on all future (virtual) Kids Club Events by checking the blog each week, or follow us on Instagram at @socoandtheocmix.

Craft Activity: Here’s What You’ll Need
Shaving Cream
Acrylic Paint
Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
Q-Tips
Paper (cut in the shape of an egg)
Hard surface such as a gift card/business card

SOCO + The OC Mix Blog, Kids Club News, and Business Updates

Posted on by Kirby

S O C O + T H E   O C   M I X   B L O G

Introducing… the SOCO + The OC Mix Blog!

Since we are unable to gather at the center, the SOCO + The OC Mix Blog was created as a way to stay united virtually. New posts will be published twice per week to keep the Orange County community and beyond up to date on all of the latest offerings, design trends, must-have items, food specials, and more from all of the businesses at SOCO + The OC Mix.  Be one of the first to check out the first two posts here and come back for more content later this week!

K I D S   C L U B   N E W S

SOCO + The OC Mix’s Kids Club Goes Viral

The Kids Club events you know and love will now take place online while the Safer at Home order is in place.  Kids and families will hear a live story reading followed by a fun craft that is easy to complete at home.

The first online Kids Club will be posted on the blog this Wednesday, April 8 and will feature a reading of Here Comes the Easter Cat along with a fun spring egg craft.

B U S I N E S S   U P D A T E S

Restaurant Updates:

Outlined below are a variety of SOCO + The OC Mix restaurant offerings available as teams work hard to serve the community. Additional updates will be shared as they are announced:

  • Birdie Bowl & Juicery – All of the shop’s menu items are available to go and are a great healthy option during this time; new business hours are 8a – 4p daily; delivery available via Doordash
  • Eggslice – Updated business hours are Wednesday through Sunday 7a – 1p and customers are welcome to order for take out OR order for delivery via Postmates, Grubhub, and Yelp; Check in on Eggslice’s Instagram and website for updated information and place orders online for takeout here.
  • Farmers’ Market – The SOCO market will remain open and continue to implement new guidelines provided by LA County’s Health Department, (suspending hot foods, removing our seating area, etc.). Signage has been added that reminds customers to wash their produce and their hands. The market manager has also been instructed to enforce social distancing in check-out lines.
  • Portola Coffee Roasters – The shop is open from 7a – 6p daily; Customers may place to go orders ahead online (delivery coming soon); gift cards also available for purchase and 20% of gift card sales go back to Portola staff to help them through this time.
  • Rich Elixirs – The team launched online delivery & curbside as of 3/17; also offering buy 3 get the 4th free immunity shots + 15% off if customers bring in their own cup.
  • Savory Spice Shop – Shipping and/or curbside pick-up is available for customers – simply email orders to costamesa@savoryspiceshop.com (please include your phone number in the email) and the Savory Spice team will package the order and get it shipped via USPS ($5 flat rate domestic shipping) or customers may pick it up from the shop.  The team is at the shop 11a – 1p daily. Guests are also welcome to call the team during this time at 949-284-0576.
  • Sunright Tea Studio – Adjusted hours are 11a – 6p daily; The shop is open for to go orders that customers may call in at 949-232-3750 or order online
  • Temakira – Customers may place phone orders for pick up at 949-650-0305 in addition to order delivery on Grubhub, Doordash, Postmates, and Uber Eats
  • The Cheese Shop – The shop’s adjusted hours are Sunday – Thursday 9:30a – 6p and Friday – Saturday 9a – 6p; Take out and curbside pick up available (order online here) in addition to Doordash, Grubhub, and Postmates delivery available.
  • See below for a list of temporary restaurant closures:

Retail/Service Business Updates:

All of the below non-essential businesses at SOCO + The OC Mix are closed, however a majority are offering ways for customers to shop, place orders, and meet with design experts virtually:

  • Bearfruit Jewelry – Available for online orders
  • Blue Skies – The store is offering free shipping and 20% off all orders; email blueskiesocmix@gmail.com to set up an appointment between 10a – 6p daily to try on hats and scarves (one person at a time)
  • BoConcept – The team remains ready to assist you in every way possible and can arrange for a Virtual Design Service, available by video apps (Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp etc.) or by phone; book your appointment by clicking here
  • Brown Jordan – The showroom team is available for virtual shopping experiences through platforms like Facebook Live, FaceTime, and video conferencing; the showroom’s Spring Sale promotion has been extended through May, which offers customers 10% off all collections, now including the award-winning Oscar collection and the Walter Lamb Aluminum dining series
  • Calligaris – The showroom is open online; Customers may place orders or send requests re: product information and pricing to calligaris.oc@calligaris.com
  • Chuck Jones – Guests wishing to drop off art for the Red Dot Auction may do so by visiting Jones Companies Tuesday through Saturday from 9a – 5p (ring doorbell for access)
  • Cilek Kids Room – The Cilek team is available to be reached at soco@cilekkidsroom.com or 949-220-2503; shop online here
  • Cisco Home – The showroom team is happy to FaceTime, send photos, and answer general Cisco questions; get in touch with the team by calling 714-432-1630
  • Design Within Reach – Book your virtual appointment by clicking here or receive live video and text assistance with DWR Account Executives during business hours – more info here
  • Eva’s Trunk – Customers who purchase a gift card for $200 will receive 20% off (purchase by emailing or calling Eva at 714-319-2542). Gift card valid for 6 months.
  • HAY – Customers may connect with HAY team members for questions regarding products and to place orders here
  • Local Fare – Small businesses need your support now more than ever, and @corkcicle + @riflepaperco are giving you an easy way to help. Now when you purchase anything through Corkcicle’s website, you’ll have the option to support a small business of your choosing. We highly recommend choosing @local_fare located inside The OC Mix.⁣
  • Milk & Hones Baby – Shop online here and receive free shipping
  • Room & Board – Place online orders here
  • Roomscapes – Click here to schedule a virtual appointment
  • STARK – The showroom team is working remotely and is available to assist on all needs including orders, deliveries, etc. Please contact Lauren van Geem via email at lvangeem@starkcarpet.com
  • The Mixing Glass – The shop is open for phone (714-975-9952) and online orders only; curbside pick up is available and can be picked up 1 hour after order is placed; delivery is also available and is estimated to arrive within 24 hours after ordering; gift cards are also available for purchase
  • The Shade Store – Online showroom is open and 325+ design consultants are available to assist every step of the way
  • Timothy Oulton – The showroom is offering 50% off everything online, including new &, made to order pieces; Place orders or ask questions by calling William Escobar (Gallery Manager) at 657-218-7111 or email at orange-county@timothyoulton.com