Retail Therapy: A buck for book smarts
Take a look, it’s in a book: The Friends of the Newport Beach Library will hold their next public buck-a-bag book sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave. Proceeds will help the library build its collection and fund events like Sunday Musicales and the Summer Reading Program. Want early access? Members get to attend a presale from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday. Memberships can be purchased at the door. Information: (949) 759-9667.
Mad tea party: Smocking Birds at SOCO’s OC Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, will host its second annual Tea & Tots event from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy a show of the latest baby and toddler fashions while taking part in a tea party with Alice and the White Rabbit. Also receive raffle tickets, a goodie bag and a photo opportunity with a character. Information: southcoastcollection.com.
Steps away: New artists’ volunteer cooperative Artisans Upstairs, on the second floor of Piecemakers Country Store, 1720 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa, will celebrate its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Enter a raffle before 4 p.m.; winners need not be present. The collective will feature the works of several dozen local artists. Piecemakers will hold its Behind the Picket Fence vintage and handmade marketplace on the same day. Information: piecemakers.com.
A delicious salute: Many chain restaurants, including California Pizza Kitchen and Sizzler, will be honoring veterans and active military with free meals on Tuesday in commemoration of Veterans Day. McCormick & Schmick’s will offer free meals on Sunday; reservations are recommended. Claim Jumper will participate Monday. Ask your local favorites if they will be participating.
Sweet idea: LUCCA and Provenance restaurants are hosting a $1,000 cookie contest open to Orange County residents through Nov. 30. Submit your recipe and an optional photo to mona@moxxepr.com. Five finalists will be notified and invited to a final judging.
Frozen: The Irvine Spectrum Center’s holiday ice rink is open through Feb. 16. The price per 75-minute session is $18.50 for adults and children, including skate rentals, or $15 if you bring your own skates. Toddler skate sessions are $14, including skate rental for sizes 8T to 12T. Free optional helmets are available. Information: skatespectrum.com.
Have a hot sale tip, or know about a new local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact CANDICE BAKER at candicebaker@gmail.com.