Black Friday

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Thanksgiving is exciting sure but many people are gearing up and training for the holiday that comes right afterwards: Black Friday. People get serious about their Christmas shopping. But that can be stressful! Waking up early, rushing around and dealing with the crowds is not much fun. If you are more of a laid back individual, consider these alternatives instead.

First things first, sleep in! Everyone else will be up before the sun trying to catch sales and deals. You can be cozy and warm in your comfy bed. Stay home and enjoy those extra hours of sleep. When you finally decide to roll out of bed, head to the state of the art fitness center to get a little early workout in. You’ll feel exhilarated and ready for your day afterwards. Relax in the clubhouse and socialize with the other non-shoppers before starting your day.

Instead of shopping big, why not keep it small? Small Business Saturday puts small local businesses first. Smaller businesses tend to get overlooked during big shopping times like Black Friday in favor of small, local businesses. While you’re shopping small, don’t forget to eat small also! Small, local restaurants need your love too!

It’s no secret that a lot of movies come out during the holiday season, particularly around Thanksgiving. This year on Thanksgiving, Pixar’s the Good Dinosaur will be premiering in theaters. Explore Mount Everest without leaving California by seeing Everest. Watching a movie is a great way to destress after the holiday and recuperate from all the food you ate. Edwards Corona Crossings is only a 3 minute drive or a 15 minute walk, so you don’t have to travel very far to unwind in a movie. Check out their movie times here.


Black Friday shopping is certainly not for everyone. Others would prefer to take it easy and stay away from the crowds scrambling for the best deals. How do you like to spend your Black Friday: shopping or relaxing?

SoCal Fall Road Trips

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Just because it’s fall and the weather has chilled a little bit, that doesn’t mean you can’t have yourself a little mini vacation. Living in California means we’re blessed with pretty great weather all year round which means that the weather doesn’t restrict us in the winter as much as it would in other parts of the country. (We’re looking at you, New England.) This Sunday is Take A Ride Day so hop in the car, buckle up and head on out.

The Marine Mammal Center’s goal is to expand our knowledge of marine creatures and other sea life as well as to inspire conservation of their habitats. The Marine Mammal Center focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and then eventual release back into the wild of multiple kinds of oceanic wildlife. Located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, they are open to tours from the center. Admission is free so if you stop by, you’re free to explore the facilities on your own. For a fee, you can be led through the facilities by a docent who will impart on you knowledge gained through their time at the Marine Mammal Center. They will show you exhibits and other sights that you might not notice on your own. The Marine Mammal Center is about an hour away from our home at Montecito at Dos Lagos.

Your trip to Catalina Island will take a little more than just a car ride, since the island is 22 miles off the coast of California. The beautiful 22 mile long, 8 mile wide island is full of history and tons of attractions. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Newport Beach from Montecito at Dos Lagos Apartments and then an extra hour to travel via high speed catamaran to Catalina. Explore the diverse wildlife or take it indoors to the casino for a little bit of gambling. 12 miles outside of Avalon, you’ll find El Rancho Escondido, the hidden Arabian horse ranch. If you’re interested in the history of the island, you can check out the Catalina Island Museum to see over 60 years of cultural heritage collected by the museum. Take in over 7,000 years worth of Catalina Island history. You won’t regret taking to trip to Catalina Island for the weekend. Luckily we’re so nearby to the beautiful island.


Just because the fall season is here, that doesn’t mean we have to give up on vacations. California weather is kind to us and allows for summer activities all year round. What’s your go-to road trip in Southern Cali? Let us know on our Facebook and Twitter.

National Diabetes Month Events

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There are over 29 million Americans living with diabetes and over 8 million of those cases are undiagnosed. Those living with the disease require treatments and care which requires funding. The American Diabetes Association is tirelessly searching for a cure to relieve the 29 million Americans coping with the disease daily. There are a ton of ways to donate and help raise money for the cause. Here’s how you can help out.

Since November is National Diabetes Month, the events are rolling in. November 21st is the annual Step Out event in Riverside, CA. While Fairmount Park is a bit of a drive at 40 minutes, you won’t regret the trip for such a good cause. Step Out is the ADA’s signature event. Over the last 20 years, since the event’s inception, more than $200,000,000 has been raised. This year’s goal is $250,000 so they need all the help they can get! The walk is a 5K (3.1 miles) but there are turnaround points if you’d prefer not to walk the whole course.

When registering for the race, if you are an adult or have a child who suffers from type 1, 2 or gestational diabetes, make sure to mark the Red Strider option. Red Striders are the reason for the event and therefore deserve recognition. On race day, they will receive a special gift to commemorate the walk as well as a personal web page to tell their story and raise funds.

If you are an individual who is interested in supporting the cause but are unable to make it on race day, you can register as a virtual walker! You can donate your money to the cause but you can enjoy the day from the comfort of your home.

While many people are aware of diabetes existing, many don’t know have the knowledge that could prevent the disease. Making the right choices can head the disease off before it gets the chance to begin. For more information and to donate to the cause head to the American Diabetes Association’s website.

Stress Awareness Day: Managing Stress in a Healthy Way

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You’ve most likely known some form of stress your entire life. Whether it be tough tests in elementary school, relationships in high school, balancing school and a job in college or paying bills as an adult, stress comes in every shape and size and unfortunately, there’s enough to go around for everyone. Today, November 4th, is Stress Awareness Day, which aims to identify any stress in your life and find healthy outlets for it. There are so many outlets for you to get the stress out and relax.

Starting off with the heavy artillery might be the best way to go. Glen Ivy Hot Springs will have you loose and relaxed after just one session. Only 10 minutes away from Montecito at Dos Lagos, you won’t even have to stress out about the drive. Their traditional approach reduces stress while increasing circulation and promoting general well being. If you don’t want to go alone, you can get a couple’s massage to enjoy it with a loved one. For extra relaxation, Glen Ivy offers massages outside under the oak trees. We guarantee you’ll emerge from Glen Ivy Hot Springs a brand new person after your treatments!

Keeping it simple, sometimes all you need is a little fresh air to clear your mind and ease your troubles. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is just what you need to chase your stress away. Spend a weekend away from the world surrounded by forests and wildlife. Campsites are available if you’re looking to stay the week or the weekend. Soaking in the fresh air and sunshine while becoming one with nature might be just what you need to destress. Take a ranger guided nature walk to learn more about the local flora and fauna. With 8,000 protected acres to roam, you’ll definitely lose your troubles along the way. This trip will take you a little farther away from home with a 40 minute drive but every mile will put more distance between you and your troubles.

One of the best things to do for yourself when you’re feeling stressed and run down is to engage in some physical activity. The Yoga Den will show you how it’s done. Yoga is a natural way to improve your health and mental state through breathing practices and stretching. In addition to yoga, they also provide meditation courses to turn your focus inward and work the stress out of your mind from the inside out. If you’re just looking for a single class, they run $16 per class for either meditation or yoga. For a test run of two weeks with unlimited classes is just $25. The private classes and events add a little something extra. Their retreats and specialized classes will leave you feeling relaxed and calm. Luckily the Yoga Den is only 10 minutes away from our home at Montecito at Dos Lagos.

Preparing for the Wet Season

The months of November through March will bring with them severe and frequent rainstorms in California. It’s important to prepare for the possible floods and damage that will follow. The City of Corona is already beginning to prepare for the upcoming rains and you should do the same. Currently in the fourth year of our drought, the recent flooding and mud slides signal the beginning of the wet season which will affect much of Southern California. Do you know the proper procedures to prepare for the possible flooding?

Before the serious rain storms begin you should review your flood insurance policy. What’s covered by it? Does it need updated? Make sure that your property is covered. That’s not something that can be done after the fact!

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Are you on the top floor? If you’ve been noticing a little leak in your roof, you need to alert maintenance immediately. What seems like just a small problem will be exacerbated by the coming rains and could cause serious damage. Have any leaks repaired ahead of time so you won’t have to worry about them during the storms.

You should have an emergency kit prepared and stored inside your apartment. Since the electricity could go out, gather flashlight batteries so you’ll have enough. Also make sure to have plenty of bottled water and non-perishable food items just in case. You should include a first-aid kit and a whistle.

Create a family preparedness plan so that every member of your household knows what to do in the event of extreme flooding. Everyone should designate a first point of contact so they know who they should get in touch with first in the event of an emergency during the day while the family is apart.

It’s really important to be prepared for serious emergencies such as floods. With El Niño on the horizon, there could be some severe flooding and mud slides happening through the next couple of months. During a flood avoid downed power lines, never drive through flooded areas and walking across flooded areas. Even a small current can sweep you off of your feet and there could be hidden manholes or ditches that aren’t visible to you. Be prepared and you’ll save yourself a ton of trouble. For more information head to the CA Department of Water Resources.


Sources Cited
The Patch
Inner Circle Corona

Lend a Helping Hand in Your Community

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It might seem like one person making a huge difference just isn’t a possibility. How can one person make a change? That’s how ALL change starts: with one person! There are tons of opportunities to get involved and volunteer in Corona. If you want to make a difference, you have to take the small steps forward to make change.

Foster a younger generation of people and impart your knowledge on them. Take a college student under your wing and mentor them in your field or major. Become a role model for a young person who will incorporate your advice and life experience into their life. The best part is you can create the schedule based on your availability. If you aren’t available to meet in person, you can arrange to correspond via emails. Whatever works for you! If you’re interested in applying through StudentMentor.org head here.

If you’re interested in bringing a community together and make a meaningful impact, you can become a Girl Scout Organizer through the Girl Scouts of America! Use your flair and personality to get the word out about the great things that girls can do as Girl Scouts. Plan recruitment events to garner even more support from the community. Even if you’re unsure that you have what it takes, the organization provides training through every single step of the process so you never have to feel lost!

If you’d like to take that even further, you can become a Troop Leader. Introduce young girls to new experiences and adventures every meeting! Give girls the confidence boost they need and change their lives. Make new friends while improving your leadership skills. If you’re interested in learning how to become a Girl Scout Troop Leader or organizer, check here.

Are you confident using a computer and completing all of its tasks and functions? Many patrons at the Corona Public Library require assistance to navigate the internet to apply for jobs and access emails. These basic tasks might seem basic to you but these can be a little intimidating for others. Give people the help they need by becoming a Tech Coach at the Corona Public Library. Luckily, for you and your mentees, the library is only a quick 12 minute drive from Montecito at Dos Lagos apartments!

There are tons of opportunities in Corona to get involved and make a difference in someone’s life. What might seem simple to you can mean the world to someone else. It could be something as small as giving advice on college, inspiring confidence in a young girl or guiding someone through the job application process online. One small thing can change someone’s whole life! Change starts with you! For more volunteer opportunities head to Volunteer Match.

Fall & Halloween Events This Month

With Halloween coming up at the end of the month, there are tons of fun events and activities on the way too. Luckily for us, they all take place in Corona. Unfortunately you’ll have the difficulty of choosing between which fun event you’re going to be attending come Halloween!

Starting a little early on October 24th, the Fall Harvest Festival and Food Drive is taking place at Green River Promenade. Bring with you 10 canned food items and receive a mini pumpkin and $75 worth of coupons to local restaurants. Snack on some yummy food and play games. If you’re brave enough, you can get in the bounce house! Paint the perfect pumpkin and take a ride on a pony. Afterwards, make sure to take a walk through the craft market to see what’s being sold.

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Also on the 24th is the Inland Vineyard Harvest Festival from 5:30 to 8. There will be plenty of photo opportunities at the festival as your kids get their faces painted, play laser tag and bounce around on the inflatables. Enjoy some delicious food and make sure to enter in the raffles! Participate in the Trunk-n-Treat Decorating Competition and see if your idea is creative enough to win! Make sure to check out the live music from the Flatbed Pickers! This fest will be fun for the whole family.

October 30th is the Dead Man’s Party live concert event! Dead Man’s Party is an Oingo Boingo cover band. So if you love 80’s alternative rock, this is the place to be! Tickets are $30 for this all-ages event. The concert takes place at M15 Concert Bar and Grill. Doors open at 7.

On Halloween night, the Shops at Dos Lagos are hosting the Halloween Spooktacular! Make sure to wear your best costume as there’ll be a costume competition for kids 12 and under. Make sure to watch out for the stilt walker as he towers over the crowd, but you won’t be able to miss him! If you’re a crafty one, you can create your very own Halloween craft. Stop at all the different booths and shops for candy as you trick or treat through the area all while listening to some spooky Halloween music! It will be a fun, family-friendly night so come on out!

Being part of a community that loves getting involved and putting on fun events like these are the best party of living here at Montecito at Dos Lagos. You won’t be able to choose between all the fun events going on this month! For a full list of all the events happening in Corona and the surrounding areas this month head to Inland Empire.