 With Walnut Creek right next door and world class shopping across the bay in San Francisco, you might wonder why you’d want to bother with the boutiques in Lamorinda. Online shopping is simple but sometimes you just...want that curated touch. Hopping on Highway 24 for a bit of mall time is all well and good, but don’t miss out on some seriously good spots a little closer to home. Support the local economy and discover that fabulous find (and make a friend of the shop owner while you’re at it!) Clocking In Need something sassy for girl’s night out? Look no further than Luck. With a large selection of up-to-the-minute styles and boho chic fashion for both you and your daughter, Luck is conveniently located on Mt. Diablo Boulevard, in the thick of downtown. Browse their sunny shop for jewelry, bags, clothing, and shoes from lines like LemLem, Dolce Vita, Velvet and White + Warren. Parking is available behind the building. Once you’ve outfitted yourself, pick something up for your significant other next door at Venture. In the market for some manly moisturizer? Grab him a bottle from the Baxter of California selection. Heading out on a trip? They’ve got you covered with Patagonia’s line of Black Hole bags, perfect for rugged travel. With socks by Stance, shoes by Red Wing and plenty of quality, well-made clothes, your guy will be looking smart in no time. Don’t miss the women’s section. In addition to a line of hand-crafted jewelry by San Francisco industrial designer Coleen Mauer, Venture stocks jeans by AG and Kut From the Kloth as well as dresses, t’s and fashionable yet functional blouses and skirts. If you look closely - you’ll also see some customized “Lamorinda” shwag - from bags to wall placards. Local Style Ready for a cozy hoodie or fresh pair of yoga pants? Newly opened in the Lafayette’s Park Plaza, Lemon carries Beyond Yoga as well as an assortment of fun shades, readers and cool jewelry. Peruse their selection of organic muslin swaddling blankets, bamboo sleep sacs and Chewable Charms for the sustainable baby. With candles, gratitude beads, seasonal housewares and more, Lemon is the perfect place to look for for a hostess or birthday gift. Peripatetic Gypsea Bungalow, now settled into their new location on Brown Avenue, will satisfy that hankering for a little something-something. Pick up a pretty bracelet or bag by locally owned Truffle for you or a friend. Be sure to check their website before dropping by. Hours are limited. Cowgirls and the simply stylish can choose from cowhide purses by local designer Lora Easley and handmade accessories at the charmingly off-kilter Farmyard Darlings in Lafayette. Shop their vintage American wares, find your Lafayette/Orinda/Moraga pillows or pick up a distressed Darlings baseball cap or fitted sweatshirt and sport their distinctive pink star logo around town. Want to look your best but still be eco-friendly? Step in to Rechic in Orinda Village, where Maureen Brown’s carefully curated assortment of upscale, new-to-you items from brands like Theory, J. Crew and Tory Burch is sure to have something to make you feel like a million bucks. For a bit of socializing - make sure you ask about upcoming “sip and shop” happy hours. Typically they are hosted regularly on Fridays - so you can meet other like-minded fashion-forward friends while scoring a deal on a cute ‘something’. In addition to the happy hours - make sure to sign up on their website for an invitation to their pop-ups featuring local designers. Just up the road you can find a bag to match your new outfit at Parker Thatch. Purchase a purse for yourself and a personalized pouch for your bestie. Though primarily a home and garden shop, Sanvitalia in Theatre Square has a smattering of fun jewelry and lightweight scarves on offer. And, of course, Lazy K House is a local secret for gifts and curated clothes. Fashion Fiesta You’ve just realized you forgot to get a Christmas present for your aunt and time is running short. The folks at Harper Greer in Fiesta Square will help you choose the perfect one-of-a-kind necklace, artistic scarf or chunky sweater. Tucked away at the back of the square is Alicia and Lawrence Leathergoods, showcasing not only Alicia Klein’s Taxi Wallet® in a multitude of colors, but also an assortment of fine leather bags and Owl® recycled products. Time it right and you might be lucky enough to arrive during one of the pop-ups they host during the holidays for local candy and chocolatiers, replete with free samples. When Mother’s Day rolls around, splurge on a cashmere sweater or statement belt for mom at Patrizia Marrone Couture for Women, hidden across the street next to Amphora Nueva. The Littlest Fashionistas With mom and dad looking so sharp, it’s time to bring the kids up to snuff. For that afternoon at symphony or holiday photograph, Myara has just the thing. Dazzling dresses will have them spinning in the aisles while their more casual offerings will make your little rugrat look like she just stepped off a movie set. Want something made to order? Myara’s head designer, Sunny, will design and create that special something all her own. They also offer weekly classes for kids in painting and sewing. Looking for something soft and organic for your newest arrival? Pop into Whimsy Kidz in the Plaza Shopping Center for Petite Bateau onesies, teething necklaces by ChewBeads and stufties by BlaBla. Got a picky tween? No problem. With collections by Ella Moss, Splendid and Esme, Whimsy has something to please even the choosiest child. Familiar Favorites It’s Saturday morning and your daughter has just informed you that she needs a birthday gift for a party that afternoon.
Don’t panic! Head over to Francesca’s to find something to please most any teenage girl. Last minute business trip? Try J. McLaughlin or Chico’s for a new dress then zip half a block down Mt. Diablo Boulevard to Blue Mercury to have their helpful salespeople find the right shade of foundation or lipstick for your complexion. Your middle schooler has decided she can’t wear that pair of holey Vans one more day. McCaulou’s in both Lafayette and Moraga has a large selection of shoes as well as clothing for babies, kids and adults, backpacks, cosmetics, accessories and boy scout uniforms.
0 Comments
 Whether you’re a hardcore marathoner or someone who prefers to limit daily exercise to the distance between the fridge and the couch, having kids changes everything. The goal of being in shape becomes less about fitness for its own sake, and more about staying healthy to be around for the long term. No matter your objective, Lamorinda’s gyms, fitness centers and studios are ready to help you succeed. Strolling Along When it’s time to burst out of your baby bubble and start getting fit, you don’t have to leave your precious bundle at home with a babysitter. Bring the wee one along to Moraga Commons Park, the Lafayette Reservoir or Pleasant Hill Park for Baby Boot Camp. The first class is free, but equipment required for the workout will cost you at one-time fee of $59.00. Bring your stroller and one or more stroller age children for cardio, strength and stretching that will have you fitting into your pre-pregnancy jeans in a no-time. Visit the Baby Boot Camp website for times and detailed information. At the Core of It There’s nothing like carrying an extra twenty-five pounds in front of you for nine months to destroy your mid-section. Not to worry. There a multitude of ways to restore your core and build the strength you need for the next few years of lifting the littles. Locally owned Star Pilates in Moraga hosts small group glasses using the Reformer Apparatus as well as mat sessions. Private and semi-private workouts are also available and barre classes are coming soon. Club Pilates in Lafayette offers seven class formats and four different levels utilizing a combination of Bosu Ball, TRX, Reformer, EXO-Chair, springboards and more for comprehensive fitness, mobility and flexibility. A wide range of packages and a full schedule of offerings makes it easy to find something that suits you. The first class is free. Also located on Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette, Absolute Center is a Pilates based fitness studio with private training in addition to classes like Booty Barre® and Primal Movements Works® and soccer conditioning. Get started with a month in their studio for $75.00. If you’re in Orinda, look no further than In Forma, where you can get both your mind and body in shape. Options range from sculpting and circuit training to strength and balance or meditation. Belly up to the Barre One of the original barre studios, The Dailey Method was founded just across the bay in San Francisco. Lafayette’s bright and cheery outpost is small but mighty, with one room for exercise and another for the kids. Kickoff your career here with a full month for $99. Ready to commit? Core membership will get you unlimited classes, guest passes and free childcare. Other packages are available. Check out their website for more information. In Forma and Absolute Center also offer barre. Competitive Edge Got an hour? The trainers at Orange Theory in Lafayette will tailor a workout to suit your fitness level. Monitor your heartrate and exertion, projected on a screen during the workout using their OTBeat™ wearables, and compete with other members or just yourself. Several options available for purchase at any location. Once you’ve cooled down, track your daily workout performance and calorie consumption using their free app. With classes that start at 5:00 a.m., the club is perfect for the working mom, and for the rest, there’s a class offered almost every hour up until 6:40 p.m. most days. The first one is free. Formula 3, a new concept from Leisure Sports, combines three types of group classes to promote full body fitness through strength, cardio and flexibility. Choose from Forge, for weights and resistance training, Fire for cardio or Flow for a Vinyasa style class incorporating SandBells, or combine them in a way that works for you. Stop by or visit their website for a pass and a chance to experience all three. After you join, download their app and start earning credit at local shops and restaurants just by showing up to get in shape. More of a lifestyle than a workout, CrossFit is not for the faint of heart. Try Lamorinda CrossFit’s On Ramp program to see if you’re up for the challenge. For $150.00 the coaches in Lafayette will assess your fitness level to determine if the functional workouts are right for you before you make a long-term commitment. Once you’ve made the grade, the fee includes free classes for the rest of the month, should you choose to accept. All In One For moms looking for more variety, Oakwood Athletic Club in Lafayette will fit the bill. Bring the whole family and stay all day. With childcare, fitness center, personal training, group classes, racquetball, squash and basketball courts, an outdoor pool, and a café, there’s something here for everyone. Top off your workout with a massage or facial at the spa. Get on the waitlist now for all-inclusive individual, couple or family memberships. For Moraga moms, the 24 Hour SuperSport, conveniently located on Rheem Boulevard, offers loads of amenities for gym rats on a tighter budget. Drop the kids, 6 months to 11 years, at their Kids’ Club and take a spinning or yoga class while they make new friends and have fun with crafts, toys and games. Personal training, TRX, weights and the large assortment of exercise machines make it easy to get in shape. Membership will also gain you access to other 24 Hour clubs across the country, including the SuperSport with a pool and basketball court in Walnut Creek. Visit their website for a free three-day pass and check it out or try Costco in Concord, where they often have annual memberships for the gym at a reduced price. When you join Anytime Fitness in Orinda’s Theatre Square, you’ll start off with a free, personalized Get Started Plan. Offering yoga, stamina and strength classes as well as personal training and a website to help members with nutrition, coaching tips and weight loss, Anytime will keep you coming back. Their 4,000 locations around the world are open 24/7. Downward Dogma Many of the gyms and studios above offer yoga but holding your tree pose can be tough when the guy in the next room is grunting his way through a set of squats. Sometimes it’s easier to focus on your breath in a Zen-like atmosphere.
Get your Om on in Atma Yoga’s bright, open studio on the top floor of their sunny building on Brookwood Road in Orinda. Whether your practice is primarily restorative or in pursuit of something more vigorous, Alta has a class for the whole family. Kids going crazy? Sign them up for an afterschool yoga and mindfulness. Need to sweat it out? Drop in for Power Hour and leave feeling like you’ve worked every muscle. Stressful day ahead? Start it off with Gentle Flow you’ll be ready to face any challenge. Check your ego at the door of Humble Yoga in Moraga. Calming classes, including one by candlelight, are held every day except Sunday at this cozy studio on Country Club Drive. Your first 10 unlimited, consecutive days are free. Get out and get fit!  As most of us know by now, staying healthy requires a synergistic approach. Exercise alone is not enough, nor is eating the right foods. The effects of cortisol, the “stress hormone” can take a toll on the body, just as physical ailments may eventually take a psychological one and should be addressed. Research on alternative therapies and treatments has shown that taking care of the mind and spirit can have a significant impact on overall personal wellness. When you’ve decided it’s time to focus on the health of your whole self, you’ll find many practitioners in the Bay Area who can help. Straightening Things Out Pain, especially in your back, can make it difficult to focus and leave you feeling irritable and moody. Taking medication can compound the problem, making you foggy or leaving you with added side effects. Often what’s needed is an assessment and realignment of the spine by a licensed chiropractor. Don’t expect an adjustment on your first visit to The Source Chiropractic in Oakland. Before treatment, the professionals at The Source will do a thorough exam, including a consultation, digital posture and movement analysis, a digital thermography scan, neuro-spinal analysis and maybe even an x-ray. At your second visit, you’ll receive a “Source Score”, talk about payment options and receive your targeted, much-needed adjustment. Closer to home, locally grown Kevin Wong at Orinda Chiropractic can help with chronic pain or injury using chiropractic alignment, craniosacral therapy or cold laser therapy. Whether you need a new pillow, support brace, custom orthotics or a spinal adjustment, the Doctors Wong at Orinda Family Chiropractic will be able to set you up. They’ll also advise your young athlete on how to stay healthy, safe and in the game, be it water polo, baseball, soccer or cheer. In addition to lifestyle advice, nutritional assessment, and chiropractic services Dr. Jason Wong can recommend the best natural vitamins, mineral and herbal supplements available. The husband and wife chiropractic duo at Rivulet Chiropractic believe strongly in the brain body connection. New patients to their practice can expect a very thorough workup at the first appointment, including a health history as well as a spine and body analysis and if the doctors feel it necessary, x-rays. Treatment will begin at the second appointment where they present you with what their patients describe as a life-changing personal health plan. Schedule a free consultation at Steel Chiropractic in Lafayette to see if they can help relieve your pain. Steel, unlike many other chiropractic offices, accepts insurance and will bill for you. Visit them for relief from a work, auto accident or sports injury and even migraine or headaches. Double bonus: Jeremy Steel is heavily involved in the local Chamber of Commerce and gives back to the community with his time regularly. Weight For It Sometimes, no matter how hard you try or how few calories you consume, your weight simply refuses to budge. When you’re stuck in a diet rut, it’s time to visit the professionals to sort out how to move the needle. Make an appointment at Cambiati to learn about their 28-day cleanse, genetic and food intolerance testing as well as nutrition coaching and mindset mastery. Dr. Raphael Rettner’s Advanced Weight Loss and Wellness Clinic in Lafayette can assist with sleep and skin issues in addition to weight management, detoxification and allergy testing through their variety of programs and services. Well Rounded Radiance Family Wellness in Lafayette is an integrative practice offering osteopathy, Ayurveda, acupuncture, sound and massage therapy, diet and lifestyle coaching, movement and yoga classes and much more. Their onsite infrared sauna is said to improve circulation, purify the skin, relieve pain and lower the blood pressure. Visit their website to schedule a time for the sauna or to make an appointment for any of their services. Pleasant Hill’s Infuze MD, located on Monument Boulevard is the second outpost of this integrative medical practice. In addition to pain management and IV, regenerative and oxidative therapies, Infuze’s founder Dr. Nilda Abellera helps patients with cancer and Lyme disease management. Tending more toward traditional medicine, but with holistic component, Comprehensive Wellness in Walnut Creek is well loved for their collaborative approach. With chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage and physical therapists, dieticians, wellness coaches on staff, as well as MD’s in a variety of specialty areas, Comprehensive Wellness takes care of mind and spirit as well as body. Pins and Needles New Life Acupuncture by Trader Joe’s is a local favorite. Grace and her partner/mentee, Jonathan, are serious about the art and well loved by their patients. Other recommended shops nearby are (in no particular order):
Float and Flow Choose from one of three tank options at Peak Performance Float in Walnut Creek and let your worries, aches and pains seep away.
Floating weightless in saltwater can free the mind, increase blood flow and reduce stress. Before or after you float, try their full body light therapy, proven to enhance mood, cognitive function and mental clarity, reduce join pain and inflammation and improve skin tone, clarity and complexion. Then, head into the yoga studio for a Vinyasa, Hatha or restorative class and leave feeling like a new person. Try unlimited classes for a month at Just Be Yoga for $55.00. Offerings include Kundalini, Vinyasa, gentle yoga, and movement and meditation as well as weekend retreats and workshops in studio or at the beautiful Luminary Farm in Danville. Moraga’s Humble Yoga holds classes every day except Sunday at their studio on Country Club Drive. The first 10 consecutive days are free. National chain YogaWorks offers a wide range of classes at their location in Walnut Creek. Start the day with cardio flow and finish it up with candlelight Yin. For those who travel frequently, their “All Yoga Works” membership will gain you access to their studios across the country. With 50 classes a week, you’re sure to find a something that works for you at Indigo Yoga, whether it’s prenatal, sound healing or meditation. Newbies can try two weeks of unlimited classes for $29.00. Indigo also has a range of indoor cycling, Pilates Reformer classes, and workshops. Practice your Sun Salutations in Atma Yoga’s bright, open studio on the top floor of their sunny building on Brookwood Road in Orinda. Whether you’re seeking restorative yoga or searching for something more strenuous, Alta has a class for everyone. Be well.  In the entryway, a pile of mail sits unopened. The kids’ clothes are strewn across the floor of their bedrooms. A basket of laundry awaits folding in the living room. From the kitchen, the dishwasher beeps incessantly. How are you supposed to get any work done surrounded by all these undone chores? Coffee shops are great, but in our friendly community, you’re bound to run into so many people you know sipping their lattes, it could be hours before you find enough peace and quiet to finish a project or even make it through your inbox. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to find a co-working space that suits your style. With complimentary coffee, fast, free WIFI and your choice of private offices or comfy couches, once you settle in, you’ll never want to go home again. Hyperlocal Shared Space Conveniently located and generously donated by Chroma Realty, Co-Work Lamorinda has modern, tidy desks with task lamps, cheerful, inspiring artwork and meeting rooms available upon request. The cozy lounge area is just like home without the distractions and the coffee and snacks are free. Owner, Kristina McCann, “donates it to the community as a joint effort to provide selfless service and as a fresh take on what it means for a Realtor to ‘support the community’. Get in touch for an invitation...there are no strings attached and 24 hour access - so, even those with funky business hours, small budgets, kids at home or just wanting to telecommute a few days a week have options besides crowded, loud and expensive coffee shops. Free. Absolutely free. Farther Afield Get a membership, reserve a meeting room or book an event space at Victory Workspace in Walnut Creek. In the heart of downtown, Victory has a range of options for people looking to get things done. Whether you work best at a collaborative table or in quiet, private office they’ve got the right spot for you. With fast, free WIFI, networked printers, scanners and copiers, free flowing coffee and abundant snacks, you’ll never work from home again. Close to the to the Walnut Creek BART station, Office Evolution offers a staffed reception. Their fully furnished offices, conference rooms, shared workspaces and telephone answering service are membership based. Check their website to find the best level for you. Pacific Workspace, situated in a ten-story building, can help you rise above the fray. In addition to open workspaces and meeting rooms, Pacific’s clients can avail themselves of reception services, administrative support and video conferencing. When traveling, members can use their sister company’s CloudTouchdown passes to pop into any of the 700 locations within the network. Day passes, good from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. are also available. Regus, a national co-working chain with over a thousand locations, has two options for office space in Walnut Creek, both with outdoor areas and secure underground parking. Book for a day or a month. Visit their website to arrange an appointment for a tour. Need a personal business concierge or on-demand administrative services? Who doesn’t? Intelligent Office can hook you up. Hourly rentals, cubicles and large and small conference rooms are also available. On the Other Side of the Hill Looking for something a little different? Just a short drive through the tunnel will bring you to The Workshop in Emeryville. Full-time membership gives you access to a desk, lamp and chair, as well as a mailing address, storage and 8 hours of flexible conference room time.
Fun events and wine tastings also included. For options other than full-time, check out their website. If you’re looking to entertain clients, or even friends over the weekend, rent their 3,600 foot venue for an afternoon. You can bring your bike to Temescal Works. A few blocks from the MacArthur BART station, their co-working space has sound-mitigating phone booths for private calls and videoconferencing, in addition to mail service, locally roasted coffee, meeting rooms and a variety of membership options for office and desk use. Schedule a tour Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Time to get to work!  For many of us, our childhood years and high school careers were filled with competitive sports. Whether we ran cross country, played baseball, swam the butterfly or hurled the shotput, our bodies were in near constant motion. Then came the desk decades, with a little hiking or biking on the weekends, maybe some pick-up basketball or early mornings at the gym. But now, watching the kids out on the field as they battle the competition, we find ourselves longing to once again be part of a team. Here in Lamorinda, there are plenty of options for grown-ups who want to play like a kid again. Hoops Zone Folks looking to channel their inner Draymond Green can sign up Orinda Parks and Rec spring and summer basketball leagues and compete against teams from around the bay. Spring play runs from late-March to mid-June, while the summer league will keep you out on the court from late June through August. Both seasons finish with a single elimination tournament, giving the kids a chance to cheer you on from the bleachers. Looking for a way to stay in the game, but not ready to commit to the full 9 weeks? Stop by the gym at Wagner Ranch Elementary in Orinda for a pick-up game every Sunday night (except holidays) from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The fee to join in is $6.00 for residents and $7.00 for non-residents. Pleasant Hill Parks and Rec runs adult 3 on 3 and 5 on 5 leagues year-round. Visit their website to print a roster form and submit your team for inclusion. 5 on 5 leagues are also available through Walnut Creek Parks and Rec. Get a registration packet by calling (925) 943-5899 x2426 or emailing allnutt@walnut-creek.org or, if you’re in the neighborhood, pick one up at the Tice Valley Gymnasium. If you’re in a hurry, download the forms at Quick Scores. From 12:00-3:00, Monday-Friday, drop in at Tice Valley for a quick game on your lunch hour. Cost is $5.00 at the door. Many clubs, including 24 Hour Fitness in Walnut Creek and Oakwood Athletic Club in Lafayette have open gym hours for members. Check their websites for membership information. Perfect Pitch You’re not too old to slide into home base…really. In its 30th year, the Orinda Parks and Rec Softball program runs adult leagues from June to August. Senior, men’s and co-ed games are held in the evenings from 6:30-9:30. The season wraps up with a double elimination tournament in each division. Put together your own women’s, men’s or co-Ed team for one of the Adult Softball Leagues offered through Pleasant Hill Rec. While the competition can be fierce, the ultimate goal is to have fun and let off some steam with friends. What a Racket Tennis is a great way to get outside and stay in shape. If you’re just getting started (and don’t have the dough for a country club or even a swim/tennis membership!), try one of Walnut Creek Parks and Rec’s beginning tennis lessons held in the evening, once a week at the Lafayette Tennis Club. Bring one can of unopened tennis balls and wear white-soled, non-marking shoes. Classes are co-ed. If you’re more experienced, but not up for joining one of Lamorinda’s numerous tennis clubs, there are still opportunities for competitive play. The USTA offers adult leagues to its members age 18-45 at a nominal cost. Become a Team Captain and they’ll waive the registration fee. Don’t know enough people to put together a team? Join their lone wolf category at any level and they’ll find a spot for you. The season runs from late August to late November with local league playoffs held in early-mid December. Find membership and other relevant information on their website. Looking to work on your strength and flexibility, in addition to swinging the racket? Check out Orindawoods Tennis Club’s Hit and Fit class, held Fridays from 10:30-12:00 noon and Saturday from 7:30-9:00 a.m. Cost is $25.00 for non-members. If you’re already a pro, or just want to hit a few balls with friends, the Orinda Community Center Park has three lighted courts. Depending upon team schedules, courts are also available at Acalanes, Campolindo and Miramonte High Schools during non-school hours. Playing A Round Not up for the full country club membership but still looking to play a round of golf? A quick drive to Berkeley or Walnut Creek will have you out on the links in no time. Take in the views and enjoy the cool air at Tilden Park’s public golf course. With plenty of hills to keep you fit, Tilden is just a quick drive from Highway 24. Walnut Creek’s Boundary Oaks public course, nestled in a neighborhood just off Ygnacio Valley, has reasonable greens fees whether you’re a resident or not. Play 18 and then enjoy a beer and some comfort food at their Taphouse, located near the first tee. All in Fun Like to mix it up? Tice Valley Gymnasium has what you’re looking for. Operated by Walnut Creek Parks and Rec, the gym is available for drop-in Ping Pong, Badminton, Pickleball and Volleyball, all $5.00 at the door.
Visit their website to view the monthly calendar and find additional information. Want to pick up Pickleball? Walnut Creek Pickleball Club lists available courts and lessons in the area on their website. Once you’ve mastered the sport, look for local tournaments at Pickleballtournaments.com. Put on your fedora and join the Sons in Retirement at Moraga Commons Park at 10:00 a.m. every Tuesday and Friday for a game of bocce. $2.00 will buy you a chance to learn the game Italy loves. Feeling French? Try Pétanque, the Gallic version of bocce at the beautiful city owned terrain off St. Mary’s Rd. near the Buckeye Fields in Lafayette. Make your way over on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursdays at 2:00 to join in the fun. Whatever your sport or skill level, there are lots of ways to compete in Lamorinda. Get out there and play!  One of the reasons people choose to move to Lamorinda is for the spacious, garden friendly backyards. Whether you’ve got a quarter of an acre or ten acres, there’s plenty of room to create your own oasis and loads of nurseries and resources to help you make your outdoor dreams a reality. Going Native Living in California means living with the occasional drought. Planning for years with less rain can save your garden from turning brown when the sprinklers have to be turned down. To learn which native plants are best suited to our climate zone and how to care for them, join the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Meetings are held monthly, usually in the Orinda Library’s garden room, are open to members and non-members alike and cover a wide variety of subjects related to California’s native flora. Too busy for meetings? Sign up for their newsletter, the Bay Leaf. Additionally, the chapter operates a non-profit nursery in nearby Tilden Park. Staffed by volunteers, Native Here is open only few days a week. To save time, visit their website to find hours and view a current list of available plants. Living in Color With our hot summers and chilly winters, many plants that wouldn’t survive on the other side of the tunnel can thrive here, giving you the opportunity to spread your horticultural wings. Whether you’re looking for succulents or salvia, the knowledgeable staff at Orchard Nursery can help you find the varieties that are best suited to our Lamorinda climate zone. Visit their website to sign up classes such as Winter Veggies 101, Plant for a Spring Show or Winter Terrariums. Some are free and all fill up quickly. Orchard is a festive place to visit no matter the season. Pop in during the fall or winter for a beautiful display of plants and decorative items for your outdoor or indoor space. Their weekly newsletter can keep you up to date on what to plant each month and let you know when unique and special items for the garden become available throughout the year. Follow them on Instagram @orchardnursery for daily doses of outdoor inspiration. Family owned since 1933, McDonnell Nursery in Orinda has a great selection of perennials, annuals, succulents, veggies and offers free delivery to the local area. Need advice? McDonnell’s garden consultation service can help. For $150.00, the nursery will send someone out to recommend new and waterwise plantings, tips for maintenance, advice on pruning, help with pest identification and more. The fee includes not only the hour and a half consult, but also a $50.00 gift card to spend at the nursery. Extended time or additional visits will run you $75.00 an hour. They also offer planting services for larger items and a house plant consultation for when your fiddle leaf fig is looking a little wilted or you need help picking just the right thing for that sunny corner of your living room. Check out their monthly tips page to stay in the know. Moraga holds its own with garden and yard support - with Moraga Garden Center. MGC is a Bay Area gem and a favorite with local urban farmer ‘Feral Kevin’. It has a beautiful diversity of plants of all types: ornamental/landscaping, veggies, fruit trees, unusual rare plants (edible and not). The owner, Ken Murakami, is an incredible source of knowledge of plants, horticulture, gardening, pests, local conditions and more! Moraga Garden Club has an outdated web presence but a bustling community - and hosts a plant sale each spring to get local gardens going a little faster. When you’ve got some free time, make the trek out to Annie’s Annuals in Richmond. Despite their name, Annie’s carries not only annuals, but also perennials, as well as hard to find heirlooms and native wildflowers. Stroll through the seemingly endless rows of colorful plants and discover new varieties you never even knew existed or join the nursery for one of their plant talks with local experts, covering a wide range of subjects from butterflies to berries. Sign up for their “Most Excellent Newsletter for Flower Floozies” to be informed of dates for their flower-filled parties replete with free snacks, music, garden talks, face painting and more. Sign up for Sloat Garden Center’s free rewards program and attend no-cost seminars at their Pleasant Hill location like “Fall is for Planting Basics for the Beginner” or “Learn to Care for Indoor Plants 101”. Other classes may have a fee, but as a rewards member, you’ll receive a discount. Their Make-and-Take workshops will send you home with completed projects like a succulent filled pumpkin or an herb and greens window box. Garden got you stumped? Ask their Gardening Guru or check the archives to see if someone else had the same question. Sloat’s monthly calendar for the Bay Area garden will let you know when it’s time to plant, prune and fertilize, while their blog contains information about sales and goings-on. Don’t have a garden of your own, but want to get your hands dirty? Apply for membership to the Lafayette Community Garden. Working members are asked to contribute six hours a month, attend a Saturday morning meeting and engage in one team or committee in addition to the membership fee. Reap the benefits in fruits, veggies and use of the garden’s pizza oven and enjoy their annual Harvest Fest. And, finally, if you want to get your garden on - while helping local schools - most of the schools have gardens that are always hungry for volunteers! The Rock and the Hard Place You’ve got everything in the ground and the garden looks spectacular, but something is missing. Need a layer of mulch, or a couple paving stones leading out to your hammock? Locally owned Diamond K on Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette can fulfill many of your hardscaping needs. Call or visit for information on paving stones, gravel, fencing and drainage supplies or to find out about delivery options.
Want to wander among the stones to find the perfect boulder for the garden or just the right travertine for your outdoor kitchen? American Soil has a huge inventory of materials to choose from at their location in Richmond. Pick up a couple bags of mulch or decomposed granite or have them deliver your limestone pavers right to your home. Nearby Acapulco Rock and Soil has a large selection of stone, gravel and bark and carries sod as well, all of which can be delivered. The garden is planted, the flowers are blooming, and the veggies will soon be ripe. Bees are buzzing in the lavender while hummingbirds sip from the camelias. It’s time to grab a glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy the fruits of your outdoor labor with family and friends.  With all the sports and fun activities going on in Lamorinda, it can be easy to forget it’s not all summertime and weekends. Eventually, the kids will have to go to school. The elementary years are a time for growth, while middle school can be a training ground with a focus on creating study and organizational habits that will carry them through their future academic life. When high school rolls around, it’s time to buckle down and get to work. Whatever their age or grade level, it’s not unusual for students to need a little extra help. Finding a Tutor Specializing in tutoring for elementary age children, The Learning Space provides kids pre-k to grade 6 with help in math, reading and writing. Have a child with a learning disability or attention disorder? The Learning Space can develop individualized strategies, monitor academic progress and make adjustments to ensure that the student is thriving. Whatever you’re looking for in the world of academic assistance Lafayette Academy can help. On top of private tutoring, their shadow classes and exam crams have helped many high school students improve their grades and test scores. Shadow classes are group lessons offered weekly during the semester that follow the curriculum of their subject area, while exam cram is a two-hour session held during finals week to reinforce materials and prepare students for the big tests. Grade Potential Tutoring will set your child up with in-home tutoring, from elementary to grad school. Call them at (925) 273-0289 or visit their website for pricing and detailed information. Locally owned OnTrack Learning provides private and semi-private tutoring in a wide variety of subjects. Additionally, On Track offers college financial planning, behavioral intervention, college consulting and pre-test meditation. Find a wide variety of services at C2 Education. Need a tutor for your middle-schooler? They can hook you up. Have an elementary student who’s struggling with reading? Time for a summer boot camp. The focus at Mathnasium is on, you guessed it: math. With a comprehensive evaluation and customized plan for each child’s learning style, Mathnasium tutors work with your elementary, middle or high school student in all areas of study including, algebra, geometry and calculus. Pay month-to-month or receive a discounted rate when you commit to 3 full months. The Contra Costa Library’s student page is a treasure trove of information and resources, including a link to BrainFuse HelpNow, an online tutoring program available to kids from 1:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. every day. A library card is required to sign-on, but students who don’t have one may apply online for an e-card. 73-0289 Clubs and Classes The Writing Studio in Lafayette runs classes to aid students in developing their writing skills and voice. Groups are comprised of 12-15 students and are held in the afternoons over a 10-week period. Kids will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an instructor each week to go over their current writing projects and monitor their progress. Kumon, a national franchise, has two locations in Lamorinda, one in Moraga and one in Lafayette. Children can begin the program as young as age 3 to aid in developing self-learning skills. Having trouble motivating your child to read? Bring him to the Lafayette Library for a session of All Ears Learning®, a free program where kids read to a shelter dog for 15 minutes at a time. Call (925) 385-2280 or stop by the front desk to reserve a time slot. Even children who reluctant readers are often excited for a chance to read Fido a story. Girls in grades 3-5 can join Girls Who Code in the tech lab, also at the library. Guided by a recent computer science grad, kids will work through online curriculum together. New students and drop-ins are welcome at any time, but registration is recommended as meetings are limited to 15. Participants should bring a laptop if possible, though some workstations and library laptops are available. Kids 4th-8th grade of either gender sign up for the library’s Narwhalcodingclub held once a week in the tech lab. The club is self-driven, but mentors are on site to help. Orinda Parks and Rec offers several academic classes, including Public Speaking and Debate, Mandarin and Writing Skills. View their activity guide for current offerings. For those with middle school or high school daughters, the Intuitive Writing Project is a writing-based empowerment program for teenage girls. They offer a range of fiction and non-fiction writing programs designed to support girls in finding their voice and building their confidence, both as writers and as women. To learn more about their creative philosophy and explore their programs, visit them at www.intuitivewritingproject.org. Teaching to the TestThe years fly by. Before you know it, it’s time for your high school student to take the SAT or ACT. Figure out what test suits your child best by having them take a practice exam at Lafayette Academy or C2 Education, both of which also offer prep classes and private tutoring.
Compass Education Group holds proctored practice tests at the Lafayette library every Saturday. Within two business days, students receive detailed score results and a consultation with a Compass director who can help formulate a study plan based on performance. In addition to in-person instruction in Berkeley, Kaplan has a variety of online tutoring programs for kids who don’t have time to travel or who simply want to combine the two. OnTrack Learning’s semi-private and private tutoring come with guaranteed improvement. Check their website for details. No matter what your child’s learning style, interests or educational challenges, there’s someone who can help in Lamorinda.  Even after the kids have left the nest, Lamorinda is still a wonderful place to live. With a wide range of classes, clubs, and sports geared to seniors, there’s no lack of ways to stay busy, engaged and healthy. Should the time come for more support, many local organizations provide services to assist families in keeping their older members happy, safe and fulfilled. “Aging in Place” is a community initiative that council members take seriously - for instance, you can contact anyone on the “Senior Services Commission” in the City of Lafayette to dig deeper than the resources pointed out here. Out and About You don’t have to get on a plane to have an adventure. Orinda Parks and Rec offers day trips for seniors to places such as the Hiller Aviation Museum, wineries in Livermore and activities like zip lining in the redwoods and visits to local landmarks. Each activity is assigned a number level to help guide you to an outing that meets your needs. Sons in Retirement has you covered whether you’re looking to go fishing or simply out for an elegant dinner with other couples at a local restaurant. Hoping to travel farther afield? Sons in Retirement takes trips to places like Switzerland, France and Iceland, while Orinda Parks and Rec keeps it within the US, taking folks to fascinating cities such as New Orleans and Alburquerque. Join Lamorinda Movers Meeting Up Lamorinda Village hosts coffee and conversation groups at their location in Lafayette as well as educational and social activities, referrals and volunteer assistance to its members. The organization has limited number of “Supported Memberships” available to those in need. Visit their website for more information. The local branch of Sons in Retirement has plenty of things to keep the gentleman out of the house and on the move. Their website lists classes alphabetically from Apple Users Activity to Wine Tasting with plenty more in between. Women won’t be left behind. Many of their events include spouses and friends. The City of Lafayette provides ample opportunities for seniors to get together, whether you prefer to drop in for a game of Mah Jongg, go birdwatching, or take walk around the reservoir. Many activities are free for members and non-members. For others, non-members may pay a nominal free. Walnut Creek Parks and Rec and the City of Orinda offer similar options. Lamorinda Movers holds monthly dinners and programs as well as activities such as bridge, Mah Jongg and Bocce for their members. Membership applications are available on their website. You must be 55 or older to join. Keeping up with Technology The grandkids keep asking to follow you on Instagram, but that iPhone can be so confusing. Take an Apple class through the City of Lafayette and you’ll be connecting in no time. Get some help with your laptop or social media at the City of Orinda’s Juniors4Seniors program. Reservations required. Call (925) 253-2416 to reserve a spot. The Apple store at Broadway Plaza has free classes to help familiarize you with their products’ myriad of features. Tech support is also available to members of Lamorinda Village during their teen tech or computer help lessons. Staying Balanced Anne Randolph, a licensed physical therapist, teaches two classes for the City of Lafayette. Both “Avoiding Falls” and “Art of Balance” are hour-long classes available at no cost to members of Lafayette Senior Services. Join Senior Services for only $15.00 per calendar year. Pleasant Hill Parks and Rec has a long list of ways to stay in shape, including Tai Chi, Gentle Pilates and even fencing. Lamorinda Village also provides occasional exercise classes such as chair yoga to its members. When it comes to stimulating the mind and keeping up with friends and hobbies, almost nothing can beat Acalanes Adult Education. On the Move Need a ride to the doctor or drugstore? Seniors Around Town provides transportation to appointments and local shops in their volunteers’ own vehicles. Call (925) 402-4506 or email SAT at the Orinda Association to become a rider. The Lamorinda Spirit Van is a service staffed by primarily by volunteers and financed in part by city funds, community organizations and non-profits. Fees are based on destination, with discounted rates offered to low-income residents. Bringing it Home Wishing you had help to repair that gutter or sticky window? Lamorinda Sunrise’s Rotary “Home” Team will send out a two-person team to take care of those pesky projects free of charge. Call them at (888) 204-5573 or find them online at Lamorinda Sunrise or Rotary Home Team. Covia connects senior homeowners with others looking to rent a room, a win-win for both parties. When you have a family member who is no longer able to shop or cook, it’s time to call on Meals-On-Wheels. Their Diablo Region delivers close to 220,000 meals per year to Contra Costa Residents in addition to care management, companionship, nutrition information and workshops. Helping Hands Contra Costa County is a great place to find useful advice and referrals for adult day care, in home services, transportation, counseling and much more.
See their website for links to providers, volunteers, and agencies or call their Information and Assistance line to speak with a social worker about resources and support. From a mobile phone, dial (925) 229-8434. If calling from a landline, please use (800) 510-2020. Their TDD line for the hearing impaired can be reached by dialing (925) 602-4198. The City of Lafayette’s resource page includes a list of legal, peer counseling and transportation services as well as many others. Their offices at the Lafayette Community Center are open Monday-Friday from 9:00-5:00 with a lunch break from 12:15-12:45 and all-day Saturday and Sunday. Want to stay connected to people like yourself? The City of Orinda publishes a monthly newsletter for seniors. Call (925) 254-2445 or email them to get on the list. Visit the city’s senior resource page to find helpful information about health insurance counseling, eldercare and the Rite Aid Wellness program. With groups and activities to appeal to almost every interest and services to fill virtually every need, the senior years in Lamorinda can be rich with purpose and companionship. Reach out and find your community. Life will be golden.  Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, neque sed arcu nam. Vivamus dui. Blandit dolor aliquam ut cursus condimentum consectetuer, ullamcorper leo urna curabitur vel, arcu quisque lorem est eros venenatis est, vel donec volutpat ipsum mollis aliquam elit. Ut enim nostra, lacus nunc. Imperdiet eleifend non leo purus elit massa. Inceptos vulputate quam, tincidunt ac, a aenean metus sodales et eligendi. Ut orci vestibulum purus, non feugiat pellentesque dolor urna mauris. Vivamus mauris. Wisi penatibus, turpis sed eu urna commodo turpis, leo blandit dui, at nec labore urna, viverra quam ipsum per. Commodi iaculis amet, dui sed wisi ut vivamus enim, sagittis congue lorem eu, wisi risus placerat duis nisl etiam, vestibulum curabitur lacus vestibulum placerat libero blandit. Mauris mauris porta, nec ante tempor deleniti, lectus commodo ante condimentum. Example TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, neque sed arcu nam. Vivamus dui. Blandit dolor aliquam ut cursus condimentum consectetuer, ullamcorper leo urna curabitur vel, arcu quisque lorem est eros venenatis est, vel donec volutpat ipsum mollis aliquam elit. Ut enim nostra, lacus nunc. Imperdiet eleifend non leo purus elit massa. Inceptos vulputate quam, tincidunt ac, a aenean metus sodales et eligendi. Ut orci vestibulum purus, non feugiat pellentesque dolor urna mauris. Vivamus mauris. Wisi penatibus, turpis sed eu urna commodo turpis, leo blandit dui, at nec labore urna, viverra quam ipsum per. Commodi iaculis amet, dui sed wisi ut vivamus enim, sagittis congue lorem eu, wisi risus placerat duis nisl etiam, vestibulum curabitur lacus vestibulum placerat libero blandit. Mauris mauris porta, nec ante tempor deleniti, lectus commodo ante condimentum.  Example TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, neque sed arcu nam. Vivamus dui. Blandit dolor aliquam ut cursus condimentum consectetuer, ullamcorper leo urna curabitur vel, arcu quisque lorem est eros venenatis est, vel donec volutpat ipsum mollis aliquam elit. Ut enim nostra, lacus nunc. Imperdiet eleifend non leo purus elit massa. Inceptos vulputate quam, tincidunt ac, a aenean metus sodales et eligendi. Ut orci vestibulum purus, non feugiat pellentesque dolor urna mauris. Vivamus mauris. Wisi penatibus, turpis sed eu urna commodo turpis, leo blandit dui, at nec labore urna, viverra quam ipsum per. Commodi iaculis amet, dui sed wisi ut vivamus enim, sagittis congue lorem eu, wisi risus placerat duis nisl etiam, vestibulum curabitur lacus vestibulum placerat libero blandit. Mauris mauris porta, nec ante tempor deleniti, lectus commodo ante condimentum.
Example TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, neque sed arcu nam. Vivamus dui. Blandit dolor aliquam ut cursus condimentum consectetuer, ullamcorper leo urna curabitur vel, arcu quisque lorem est eros venenatis est, vel donec volutpat ipsum mollis aliquam elit. Ut enim nostra, lacus nunc.
Imperdiet eleifend non leo purus elit massa. Inceptos vulputate quam, tincidunt ac, a aenean metus sodales et eligendi. Ut orci vestibulum purus, non feugiat pellentesque dolor urna mauris. Vivamus mauris. Wisi penatibus, turpis sed eu urna commodo turpis, leo blandit dui, at nec labore urna, viverra quam ipsum per. Commodi iaculis amet, dui sed wisi ut vivamus enim, sagittis congue lorem eu, wisi risus placerat duis nisl etiam, vestibulum curabitur lacus vestibulum placerat libero blandit. Mauris mauris porta, nec ante tempor deleniti, lectus commodo ante condimentum.  BASKETBALLGetting out on the CourtNothing motivates the minis like a sports hero. When you’ve got a team like Oakland’s Warriors to watch, it’s easy to get kids excited about the game of basketball. If your own little warrior decides it’s time to shoot some hoops, it may be time to sign up for Lafayette Moraga Youth Association’s (LMYA) winter season. Go online in late August for a spot for your 1st to 8th grader. The younger teams are randomly assigned within Lafayette and Moraga, while grades 3-8 require evaluations for more evenly matched competition. With teams for both boys and girls Lamorinda Basketball Academy can even get your kindergartener bouncing the big orange ball. Their academies for older kids take it up a notch with competitive play in the spring and summer, leaving time for players to participate in their local leagues for the regular season. Orinda parks and rec’s OYS program offers two levels of play with their Developmental and Youth Leagues. Both run January to March. Skyhawks will teach the pee wee’s to play starting at age 3. Register them for the fall-winter tot/preschool basketball held at Orinda Community Center Park. The organization also runs afterschool programs for kids ages 5-11 in Lafayette. Fast BreakWhen they’re ready for the pick and roll, Catholic Youth Organization’s (CYO) Santa Maria program offers two levels of volunteer coached, competitive play for boys and one for girls, grades 4-8. Evaluations, held in the fall, are required for boys wishing to play in their American league, while other leagues are open to any child, Catholic or non. Practices begin in October and are sometimes held outside of the Lamorinda area due to gym availability. The full season runs from November to February. Players ready to dunk may have to travel (no pun intended). Based in San Francisco, Bay City Basketball’s Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) runs camps, clinics and club teams. Comp teams vary, with some traveling outside the area, while others compete mostly around the Bay. For kids looking to make their mark outside of the regular high school season, Bay City offers programs through 12th grade during both spring and fall. VOLLEYBALLClearing the NetVolleyball is big in Lamorinda, particularly for girls. Lafayette Moraga Youth Association’s (LMYA) holds weekly practices and Saturday games in the Joaquin Moraga and Stanley Middle School gyms for 8 weeks in the spring. Get your 4th-8th grader setting and spiking by signing him or her up in January. Evaluations for team placement are held in early February. Spiking ItThe Northern California Volleyball Association dictates tryout dates for club volleyball, generally in early August for boys and early November for girls. A USAV membership number, available on the NCVA website, is required to try out for any club. For girls, the NCVA has two levels: Power League and Premier League, while the boys have only the Power League. Vibe’s pre-registration begins in October, but players may also register and pay their application fee at the door of any tryout. The organization also holds summer clinics and runs fall, sand, and rec programs. Diablo Volleyball accepts boys and girls ages 12-18 and hosts their tryouts in Walnut Creek. See their website for registration, clinic, beach and open gym dates. Based in Pleasanton, NorCal is unique for having its own training facility, though some teams practice at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. In addition to their Power League and non-comp Juniors teams, NorCal has a wide range of offerings including a summer doubles program, camps and clinics, private coaching and fall ball. Like other clubs, East Bay Volleyball has fall ball, beach, open gyms, camps and clinics as well as their comp teams. East Bay Volleyball is situated in Livermore. Xceleration volleyball holds all their camps, clinics and comp practices at their facility in Martinez. TENNISBackhands, Forehands and Drop Shots With our fabulous weather, Lamorinda is a fantastic place to pick up a racket. In addition to the many pool and tennis clubs, several organizations offer lessons, clinics and camps. Hunter Gallaway’s Tennis Academy runs programs at the Lafayette Tennis club for members and non-members alike. Kids can start in their Pee Wee classes beginning at age 4. Older players looking for a higher level of play can take their Academy courses. Camps are offered throughout the summer for kids of all ages and skill levels. Paragon Tennis also holds camps and clinics at Acalanes High School during the summer. Contact Drew Diefenbach for schedules and pricing. Orindawoods Junior Tennis program begins spring tennis in April for kids from 4 and up. Their tournament training group is by invitation only. Orindawoods also offers private and semi-private lessons as well as summer clinics. Rancho Colorados runs an after school tennis club beginning in August. Rancho’s variety of clinics are based on skill and commitment level. Moraga Valley Tennis Club has drop in classes in the fall for kids, ages 6-15 in addition to private lessons, spring and summer clinics and interclub teams. Lifetime Activities in Walnut Creek also has a wide variety of tennis classes for kids age 4-15. In a PicklePickleball is a fast growing, fun game played with paddles and a Wiffle ball. Hunter Gallaway’s Tennis Academy holds 8-week group lessons at the Lafayette Tennis Club for members and non-members. Private lessons are also available to all. Once your kid has mastered the sport, you can venture out together to Walnut Creek Rec’s Open Gym at the Tice Valley Gymnasium where $5.00 gets you 3 hours of pickleball time.
|
Kristina McCann
Passionate about helping you fit in... Lamorinda's Top INDEPENDANT Realtor 925.567.4328 
|
RSS Feed