Retail Therapy: A book bonanza with Friends
Literary spree: Newport Beach’s Friends of the Library will host their next quarterly book sale from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the central location, 1000 Avocado Ave. On Friday, Friends members will be able to snatch up two hardcovers for $1 or four paperbacks for $1, as well as audiobooks and other items, in the Friends Room presale. Memberships will be sold at the door. On Saturday, the buck-a-bag sale will allow the public, for $1, to fit as many books as they can into a bag. (Reminder: the Friends also run an on-site bookstore the rest of the year.) Information: (949) 759-9667 or newportbeachlibrary.org.
Modern life: Room & Board South Coast Plaza Village, 1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, will host its new collection open house from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Enjoy the latest trends in modern design while partaking of light refreshments, including sweets from SusieCakes, and enter to win a $1,000 gift card. Information: roomandboard.com (navigate to the South Coast store page).
Stop the cycle: Project Home Alliance is partnering with SOCO’s Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday for a “Dare to Care” family night to raise awareness about child homelessness in Orange County. Enjoy live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a s’mores bar while exploring an interactive 214-square-foot motel room that illustrates how many less-fortunate families live. Information: [email protected] or (949) 722-7850.
Living pictures: Stymied for a Valentine’s Day gift? The Pageant of the Masters is offering special $14 tickets for Monday through Thursday Director’s Tier Side seating for this summer’s show, which will run from July 8 to Aug. 31. The show is a perennial favorite for romantic evenings out. Information: (800) 487-3378 or PageantTickets.com.
Seaside style: Taim Boutique, 1259 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, will host a Ten Things Jewelry Trunk Show from Friday through Sunday. Pop by to enjoy snacks, receive a discount and choose from a unique selection of baubles. The boutique is part of Laguna’s H.I.P. District, so explore the neighborhood for some additional gift ideas. Information: taimboutique.com and hipdistrictlaguna.com.
My chocolate Valentine: Whether your predilection is for DIY truffles or boozy and store-bought, SOCO, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, has you covered with three options:
•Environment Furniture will host a chocolate workshop with cookbook author and blogger Christina Ross from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Learn to make decadent and healthy raw vegan molded chocolate, bark and turtles. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 plus a small service fee in advance at bit.ly/1B08DtT. Information: (714) 557-3100.
•Valenza Chocolatier will bring its popular gift options, including a bourbon bar and other confections, to a special pop-up shop from 3 to 6 p.m. in the OC Mix’s Locale Fare. Those who stop by will be entered to win a special gift.
•ST Patisserie Chocolat will host a chocolate truffle-making class from 1 to 4 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. The class, $100 per person, will be led by prestigious French pastry chef Stephane Treand. Information: stephanetreand.com.
Looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day restaurant? Stay tuned next week for our picks!
Have a hot sale tip, or know about a new local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact CANDICE BAKER at [email protected].