Cinco De Mayo!

As many of you surely know, this Sunday is Cinco de Mayo! Sounds like a great reason to have some people over and enjoy the day. You might want to plan some indoor activities as well, because at the moment the National Weather Service predicts a high of 69°F and a slight chance of showers. No matter what you do, if you're looking for ideas for the festivities, we've got some for you! Check them out below!

Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas

Invitations

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Drinks

Margarita (serves 1)

• 1 1/2 oz tequila blanco
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz Cointreau
• salt (optional)
• lime wheel (for garnish)

If using salt, place in a shallow dish. Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with a dampened paper towel, then dip in salt. Fill the glass with ice; add tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau; and stir a few times until chilled. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.

Decorations

Let the warmth and friendliness of Mexico inspire your Cinco de Mayo party decorations. Choose streamers, balloons and other decorations in bright, happy colors like pink and orange, and drape chairs and sofas with authentic serapes (blankets).

Line your entryway with tiny potted cacti, or if it's an evening affair, use farolitos (made with votives, sand and paper bags) to add drama. You should have lots of colorful flowers, including some to tuck behind your guests' ears.

Visit the Evite Party Store to get more ideas and buy supplies!

History

For those unfamiliar with the origin of the Cinco de Mayo celebration, here's a (very) brief history:

On May 5, 1862, an army of 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated French occupational forces that were twice as large in what is known as the Battle of Puebla.

In the U.S., especially areas with large Mexican populations, the date has become a time to celebrate Mexican culture with traditional foods, mariachi music, folk dances and, of course, piñatas.

Activities

One word: piñata. No Cinco de Mayo fiesta is complete without one, so if you want your party to have a whiff of authenticity, you'll need to find one ASAP. If you're a traditionalist, cram your piñata with candy, toys (superballs are fun) and small trinkets. If your guests are hitting the tequila, you might want to add little packets of Alka Seltzer or aspirin.

The best place to hang a piñata is outside, but if you don't have a lot of room, just make sure you clear some space in your home and move anything breakable. If you don't want the piñata-bashing to go on for too long, make little incisions with a pocket knife in the piñata before you hang it up. It'll smash in no time!

Food

Mexico is a vibrant and beautiful place with many different cuisines and flavors. Don't just limit yourself to chips and dip! A Cinco de Mayo party is a perfect occasion to branch out and try foods from different regions: a Oaxacan mole for example, or maybe a baked Veracruz snapper. Turn quesadillas into finger food by cutting them into wedges and topping with fresh guacamole or mango salsa. Gazpacho also packs a lot of flavor and can be served in pretty cocktail glasses.

Original article here: http://bit.ly/ZZgBR5

Ideas for Mothers Day

Moms work hard, and they deserve some celebration for their efforts every once in a while! As Mother's Day approaches, we know some people out there are brainstorming for some unique ideas for the occasion so check out the Westridge Golf Club's Mothers Day Brunch and 'Fifteen Unique Things to Do with Mom on Mother's Day' below!



More information on the above brunch here: http://www.westridgegolfclub.com/westridge/




1) Take your mom to the park if the weather permits. Sit on the glider and chat. Enjoy the atmosphere and the company.

2) Go bowling. Make a day of it: shoot pool, have pizza or subs, and just have fun. Some moms don't get out a lot, caught up in the housework and tending kids, so she might enjoy a day of exercise and laughs.

3) Take Mom to the movies. Let her choose the movie, you take care of the snacks and drinks. She'll have a great time and every time she sees that movie in the future, she'll think of you.

4) Consider taking your mom to visit a friend or family member that she rarely sees. Driving for an hour or two to make your mom happy is a cool way to spend this Mother's Day.

5) Go with your mom to get photographs together. You'll treasure these photographs and so will she. The photos don't have to be ordinary - consider fun photo studios where you dress up like you're in the Wild West or similar photos. Make sure you have an appointment in advance.

6) Go skating. Ice or roller skating rinks are usually open year-round and give you a unique choice for spending time with Mom.

7) Take your mom shopping at a store that specializes in something like coffee, spa and bath products, or something else your mom likes. You don't have to go to a great expense, if you can't afford it, just let her pick out an item or two.

8) Visit a nearby flea market or ride around and look for yard sales. If your mom likes bargains she'll really enjoy a flea market trip with you.

9) Take your mom to a place she enjoyed as a child. Over the years you've likely heard your mom mention places she loved as a child so take her to one of these places and she'll be full of fabulous memories for the day.

10) Treat your mom by taking her to a nearby large town, if she lives in a smaller town. Moms sometimes fall into routines of kids, housework and errands, and that often means rare trips out of their own town. You'll be surprised at how many free things there are to do in a large town, too. Your mom can have a great time visiting museums, stopping to eat somewhere different, and just spending time with her child.

11) Take Mom for a massage. Who wouldn't love to relax and unwind, and enjoy a nice massage? Join her and have a massage for yourself, too.

12) Give your mom a surprise party. It'll be a huge surprise since most moms don't expect a party on Mother's Day. Set out photo albums of Mom when she was younger, and ones that contain photos of her and her children. She'll love the thought you put into this surprise.

13) Take your mom swimming. There are indoor pools if the whether is bad. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day.

14) If you're an older child with younger siblings, Mom might enjoy all of you taking her to the zoo. Moms are all about seeing their children happy - even on her special day. The zoo will thrill the little kids and Mom alike.

15) Offer to take the other children and let Mom have a day alone. A day of peace and quiet, freedom to do whatever she feels like, and not having to deal with children for one whole day could be just what the doctor ordered for multi-tasking moms.




Full article here: http://yhoo.it/JFUh8b

Events at La Habra Spring Citrus Fair

The La Habra Spring Citrus Fair is in full swing! There's plenty of events for everyone to enjoy, whether it's live music from one of many bands, dancing, food (including an eating challenge), or one of the rides. Check out the full schedule below and enjoy the weekend at the fair!



Friday, April 19:

5:30pm USA DANCE STUDIO

6:15pm  ADAGIO DANCE STUDIO

7:00pm DETOUR 91-Teen Blues Band who recently opened for B.B. King at OC’s House of Blues. Band Members: Vocalist Olivia Lauletta, Matt Fyke on drums, Chase Walker on guitar, Lizzy Castillo on bass, Darryn Azevedo on vocals and keyboards, Sloan Cinkle on keyboards and sax www.detour91.com

7:45pm CHARLEY OVERBEY - solo singer

9:00pm STEP BROTHERS – Classic Rock Band
Band Members: Bob Walters on drums, Bill McAuliffe on keyboards, Paul Ramirez on lead guitar, Brad Zentkowki on rhythm guitar and Ron Shanks on bass 



Saturday, April 20:
2:00pm LA HABRA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT CONCERT BAND

2:45pm BALLET  FOLKLORICA TIERRA FLOR Y CANTO Dance Troupe

4:15pm RADIO DISNEY AM 1110 Main Stage Perform radiodisney.go.com/index.html

5:15pm FLASH BACK COWBOYS – Southern Rock Band
Luke Torres on vocals and lead guitar, Garry Couso-Vasquez on lead guitar and Richard Azevedo on bass and vocals www.facebook.com/flashbackcowboys

6:15pm FIRST ANNUAL ULTIMATE SWEET AND SOUR EATING CHALLENGE
Contestants eat sweet oranges and sour lemons for a cash prize. Sponsored by La Habra Church of Christ with honorary sponsor, Max’s Lemonade Stand 

7:45pm PURE ATOMA – Teen Pop Cover Band
Andrhea on lead vocals and keyboards, Quinn on guitar, Justin on drums and percussion, Rocky on bass www.pureatoma.com

9:00pm FUSION BEAT – Classic Rock and Pop
OC Weekly’s People’s Choice 2012 Award winner featuring Mark and Mary Desmond on vocals, Jason Campbell on lead guitar, Tyler Kong on drums, Michael Gall on keyboards, Robert Guzman on drums and Zach Olshan on bass - www.facebook.com/fusionbeat.com



Sunday, April 21:
2:00pm LA HABRA JAZZ ENSEMBLE

2:45pm FIRST ANNUAL ULTIMATE SWEET AND SOUR EATING CHALLENGE
Contestants eat sweet oranges and sour lemons for a cash prize. Sponsored by La  Habra Church of Christ and honorary sponsor Max’s Lemonade Stand 

3:30pm HART ACADEMY OF DANCE

4:15pm CAITLIN LUCIA – Indie Pop Singer www.facebook.com/caitlinluciamusic

5:00pm SON CINCO – Latin Quintet Carlos Pola, Miguel Ceja, Joey Lozano, Octavio  Avila and Andres Rubalcava www.facebook.com/son-cinco

6:15pm LEGACY – Classic and Contemporary Rock www.legacyrockmusic.com
Band Members: Erwin Roche on vocals, Bruce White on guitar, Sal Rodriquez on  percussion, Alan Stubblefield on guitar and Bruce Swanson on keyboard. 

7:45pm ORQUESTA CORTEZ – Latin Salsa www.facebook.com/theorquestacortez 
Band Members: Marco Cortez on percussion, Mayra Cortez on vocals and  percussion, Arthur Pacheo on vocals and guitar, Cat Mendez on vocals, Will  Jackson on alto sax, Stephen Wood on soprano sax, Eric Deluca on bass and Robert Perez on piano



SPECIAL EVENTS

Thursday, April 18: 
5:30 Bubble Parade and Dance everyone is welcome to join.

Saturday, April 20:
2:00pm - Debut of the Fabulous Fruit Exhibit at the Historical Museum honoring La Habra’s agricultural heritage. On-going throughout the remainder of the fair

Sunday, April 21:
12:00pm - The California Experience – gold panning, rock cutting, adobe brick making and more, also the Western Antique Power Associates– featuring antique engines, tractors. Horse shoeing, a donkey, cow, Fabulous Fruit Exhibit at the Historical Museum and more…



Original Article here: http://bit.ly/15oijTT

The Fifth Annual Heights Photo Contest

For those unaware, The Fifth Annual Heights Photo Contest is going on now! This contest picks the best submitted photos that depict the "unique character, beauty, and lifestyle" of La Habra Heights. If you're interesting in entering or just want to see who wins, check out the info below.

Fifth Annual Heights Photo Contest - Rules

Calling all photographers! 

La Habra Heights Improvement Association is looking for great photos of La Habra Heights that show our city’s unique character, beauty and lifestyle. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just like to take pictures, we invite you to submit your best shots. We will award prizes for first, second and third place, as well as honorable mention, and all prize-winning photos will be published in Heights Life.

First place will win $100, second place $50 and third place $25. The contest is open to all members of La Habra Heights Improvement Association. (If you aren’t currently a member, you can purchase membership by contacting Catherine Richert at memberlhhia@gmail.com .)

CONTEST  RULES

• Must be a current member of the La Habra Heights Improvement Association 

• Photos may be taken with digital or film cameras. You may enter up to three photographs in the form of either high-resolution digital files (JPEG, PNG, TIFF or PDF format) or color or black-and-white prints up to 8 ½ x 11 inches in size.

• Please e-mail your digital photographs to HeightsLifeEditor@gmail.com or mail prints to LHHIA, P.O. Box 241, La Habra, CA 90631.

•  The deadline for entering photographs is April 15, 2013.

•  All photos must be original shots taken in the City of La Habra Heights and cannot be copied or reproduced from a third-party source. Entries must be submitted by the original photographer.

• Do not add borders, frames, watermarks, signatures or copyright notices to your images.

• By entering the contest, you agree to allow your images to be published or displayed, without any fee or other form of compensation, in Heights Life, on the LHHIA website and at La Habra Heights public events.

•  Published photographs will include the name of the photographer in a credit line. 

•  The photographic images remain the property of the photographer, but no prints will be returned. Permission for re-use can only be granted by the original photographer.

Judging: Entries will be judged on creativity, photographic quality and effectiveness in conveying 

the unique character of La Habra Heights. Judges will be the Board of Directors of La Habra Heights Improvement Association or their designees. Decisions of the judges will be final.

NOTE: Photographs submitted may be used as cover art for future Heights Life issues

Original Article here: http://bit.ly/109KLEt

Property Showcase: 1900 Tumin Road

Charming La Habra Heights Ranch style home. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on over an acre of land, with gardens, sitting areas and a large, private pool area. The home has an oversized dining room and lots of windows to let the light in and to enjoy the gardens. Plenty of room for parking, RV access and gated for privacy.

Check out our video tour of this lovely home here: http://bit.ly/Xug0Mo

Westridge Golf Club's Easter Champagne Brunch

This Sunday our friends over at the Westridge Golf Club will be holding an Easter Champagne Brunch! The Brunch runs from 10am-2pm and the Children's Easter Egg Hunt will occur shortly after noon. Make your reservations ahead of time! Check out the menu below and don't forget to use the attached coupon for 5% off.

Menu

Breakfast Items

Bacon, Sausage, Breakfast Potatoes, Waffle & Omelette Station

Lunch Items

Seafood, Pasta, Chicken, Ribs, Prime Rib

Seafood

Shrimp Cocktail, Oysters, Smoked Salmon

Salads

Mushroom Salad, Pasta Salad, Seafood Salad, Green Salad

Sides

Rice, Corn on the Cob, Potatoes, Fresh cut Fruit

Pastries, Muffins & Many Desserts

Items subject to availability and may change or vary without notice
Parties of 8 or more will be charged an 18% service charge


The Westridge Golf Club experience is shaped by unique and natural elements and the touch of a much-admired design team. Varied topography and Pacific breezes present subtle obstacles that reward versatile golf skills. The course's elevation opens grand vistas of urban Los Angeles and towering nearby mountains, while native flowers and wildlife create a sense of seclusion.



Event page here: http://bit.ly/11YaAas

Property Showcase: 2536 Ardsheal Dr

2536 Ardsheal Dr is an elegantly decorated and impecably maintained property in La Habra Heights. Since its construction in 1986, this custom single family home has been cared for by the original owners. Sitting on over an acre of land, its exclusive location is off a private road with only 3 homes. The land contains many fruit trees including avocado, peach, nectarine, plum, apple, orange, lemon, fig, and olive.

Some of its notable traits include:

-Its impressive entry with soaring ceilings and views of the city lights and hillside. 

-The Palladian windows which capture the scenery from the moment you enter the front door. 

-Two fireplaces and multiple decks from the living room, family room and master bedrooms.  

-A formal dining room off the kitchen an informal eating area nook. 

-A master bedroom is oversized with an impressive bathroom, walk-in-closet, vanity and dual sinks.

-Built in BBQ.

-Lots of other upgrades that make this home special.

If these facts and pictures have piqued your interest, then check out our video tour of this lovely home here: http://bit.ly/YwP75s