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The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa was established in 1993 and is a creative space full of a vibrant assortment of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The LAB stands for Little American Businesses, and this is precisely what is so special about the place. The Lab Anti-Mall, first and foremost, focuses on supporting small businesses as well as artists, musicians, local culture, and fashion. Moreover, this creative space takes pride in being a harbor for free thinking, originality, fun, and funkiness.

Now, the Lab Anti-Mall is a unique center with indoor space and an outdoor courtyard for all who love art, culture, and good food. The three-decade history of the Anti-Mall began when a Costa Mesa night-vision goggle factory was reborn as a creative space with the help of The LAB Team in 1993.

The array of events hosted by the LAB Anti-Mall truly speaks for itself and illustrates the goals and vision of its team. Except for various art shows and pop-up and artisan markets, there are such events as book and poetry readings, creative classes, sustainable wardrobe clothing swaps, and even animal adoption pop-ups.

What Is the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa?

The LAB Anti-Mall is not just another creative space, but it is a welcoming community with projects like a wishing tree messaging installation, “The living room” community seating, a walk-through gallery, and rotating murals. The LAB Anti-Mall takes pride in promoting creative evolution in the area, giving space to local artists for art and musical events, and bringing together a diverse mix of cultures.

Don’t forget to admire projects such as:

Community Tile Wall Project: the mosaic tile wall is one of the oldest pieces of art on the territory of the LAB. Volunteers from Orange County have been helping to build the wall throughout the years, and this is a good case in point for the community surrounding the LAB Anti-Mall.

• Here, you can find the list of the various events constantly curated and hosted by the LAB.

Memorable Eats from Affordable to Luxurious

Apart from art, the LAB is known for its abundant choice of:

• Unique cafes and restaurants with seasonal vegan cuisine
• Hand-crafted gourmet pizza
• Instagram-worthy lattes
• Organic teas
• Plant-based ice cream
• Craft beer
• Trivia
• And more

You can find here such gastronomic gems as Lebanese and Cuban cuisines, traditional Southern food, and a sushi bar crowned with one MICHELIN star. You can also go on a dream adventure of searching for a hidden speakeasy bar. In addition, the LAB Anti-Mall is a home for shops with locally sourced eco-friendly goods.

Key Restaurants to Try

Here are a couple of eateries that can be thrilling destinations with the trip to the LAB in Costa Mesa: 

• Barbonzai is a restaurant of unique Lebanese cuisine with a modern Mediterranean twist. The food is not only flavorful but healthy as well. The business is local and family-owned.
• Hana Re is a Michelin-star sushi bar known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional omakase experience curated by Chef Atsushi Yokoyama, a true master of his craft. Keep in mind that you need to have a reservation. 
• Ruin Bar will take you on a true speakeasy adventure. This cozy bar is hidden behind white shuttered doors and consists of indoor and outdoor space. The atmosphere is quirky, and the craft cocktails are delicious. Moreover, on Fridays and Saturdays, the air is spiced up by DJ performances, and guests can enjoy Live Music on Thursdays.
• Seabirds Kitchen has an outstanding vegan menu carefully crafted using seasonal products.

Another exciting part of the LAB is a variety of one-of-a-kind fashion boutiques and clothing shops. These promote the “anti-mall” atmosphere. Staying true to its nature and mindset, the LAB hosts shops with:

• Vintage clothing
• Handmade jewelry
• High-quality minimalist designs
• Streetwear
• Children’s clothing
• And more

LAB Anti-Mall Shops Where You Can Treat Yourself

• Red and Blue Vintage is part of a doughnut shop and is the personal passion project of its owner. Apart from a curated collection of clothing, visitors can find unique vintage decor pieces. Take notice that the shop is closed on Tuesdays.
• Buffalo Exchange began its history in 1974 and keeps an affordable and curated collection of vintage clothing. This thrift shop also buys clothes and has a trade-on-the-spot program.
• Mod Ref | Common Market is a quality clothing and lifestyle accessories brand aiming to provide customers with affordable and timeless clothing inspired by minimal architecture, art, music, and nature. The store is closed on Mondays.

Smaller Shops That Make a Big Difference

• Eco Now is a refill shop that promotes sustainable living and features eco-friendly and locally sourced goods.
• Plant Matter. Is there a nicer reason for having a day out in Costa Mesa than adopting a new plant under the attentive guidance of the knowledgeable team of this plant shop? Come and choose your new green companion. The shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Creme Tangerine is putting its efforts into keeping the vinyl culture alive and has a superb collection of records.

The LAB: A Place to Experience a Different Side to Commerce

The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa is about more than spending your hard-earned cash. It’s a place to support your community and reward the efforts of creators, chefs, designers, and more. To learn more about the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa (and about visiting this city in general), pop by Travel Costa Mesa. 

Roller skating is often nostalgic for so many people. As a parent, there is nothing like sharing your nostalgia with your child. Roller skating is a great activity for your child, in addition to your whole family. It has a number of physical health and mental health benefits, and it’s just a great time overall. Teaching your child how to skate can be fun, but there are some things to consider. Below, you will find the dos and don’ts for helping your kid roller skate.

Dos and Don’ts for Helping Your Kid Roller Skate

There is no handbook for how to navigate parenting. However, there are some helpful tips below on the dos and don’ts of helping your kids navigate roller skating.

Skating Dos

Getting started roller skating is a great way to spend quality time with your child. Be sure to do the following when you roller skate with your child.

Show Love And Support: 

Encourage your child as they start skating! They will likely enjoy a lot of it. However, some things may be frustrating for them as they begin to learn. Stay positive, and encourage them throughout the process. This is a great way to strengthen your bond and build fun memories.

Provide Room To Grow: 

Many parents want to intervene to ensure their child is safe. Pending any safety concerns, let your child skate with their kid’s roller skates on their own. Giving them room to grow can build confidence and self-esteem. The benefits of achieving something on their own are great for their mental health and development.

Let Them Wobble: 

Skating is an exercise that involves a lot of balance and coordination. If your child is struggling with these, skating is a great way to improve their physical development. If possible, only provide support with one hand (or even just one finger). This can ensure the safety of both you and your child.

Use Safety Gear: 

Avoid just throwing some skates on your child and letting them learn the hard way. This can be dangerous and lead to unnecessary injuries. Purchase safety gear, such as knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet. This can ensure that your child has a great time with a low risk of injury. Safety gear can be purchased with your online roller and inline skates. 

Skating Don’ts

Avoid the following to ensure your child gains all of the benefits of roller skating.

Avoid Skating Simultaneously: 

If you are not a pro at skating, keep your skates off while your child is learning how to get started. There is nothing worse than both of you taking a spill. Be sure your child can navigate the process on their own before you get your skates on.

No Lifting: 

Avoid lifting your child when you are wearing roller skates. This is a recipe for disaster if you are not a professional skater. Avoiding injuries is key when you first get your child started on their skating journey.

Avoid Impatience: 

Make sure you have the time and patience to roller skate with your child. The first few times are often filled with spills and very little skating. Use patience to ensure your child feels comfortable and confident skating. They will often look to you for support and approval throughout the learning process. 

Don’t Tie Their Skates: 

Roller skating provides a lot of opportunities for growth for your child. Avoid tying your child’s skates and have them do it on their own. This allows you to help them learn to roller skate and tie their shoes in one go. Learning new skills helps build confidence and self-esteem in children so take advantage of the opportunities! 

Every wedding is a story. Every couple has a moment—their moment—that deserves to be remembered forever. As a live wedding painter, my job is to capture that moment on canvas. But one of the first questions I get asked is:

“Which scene should we have you paint?”

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right scene depends on your story, your style, and how you want to remember your day. Here’s how I help my couples choose a scene that truly reflects the magic of their wedding.

Start With What Matters Most to You

Some couples know right away what they want. Others need a little help. I always start by asking:

• “When you close your eyes and imagine your wedding, what moment do you see?”
• For some, it’s the first kiss. For others, it’s the walk down the aisle. And sometimes, it’s a moment they didn’t expect—like a private prayer, a first look, or a joyful dance under string lights.
• Think about what makes your day yours. Is it the emotion? The tradition? The people? That one-second look you gave each other that said everything without a word?

That’s usually where we find the answer.

Consider the Vibe You Want

Each scene has its own energy. A ceremony scene feels sacred and emotional. A first dance is more romantic and dreamy. A reception crowd shot can be vibrant and fun.

Here are a few common moods and the scenes that tend to match them:

• Romantic and soft – First dance or private moments
• Formal and elegant – Ceremony or altar views
• Lively and joyful – Reception or group scenes
• Whimsical or natural – Outdoor scenes or garden portraits
• Ask yourself: what mood do you want your painting to capture when you look at it years from now?

Think About Your Venue

The venue plays a big part in choosing the perfect scene. Some spaces lend themselves naturally to stunning compositions.

Is there a grand staircase, cathedral arch, lake backdrop, or floral arch you want featured? A beautiful setting can elevate the painting and give it a sense of place.

For example, I once painted a ceremony under a giant oak tree. The couple picked that spot because it had deep family meaning. The branches, light, and greenery created a scene that almost painted itself.

Let your venue guide you—but don’t let it overshadow the people in the frame. It should feel like the stage, not the star.

Choose People Wisely

Live paintings typically focus on one or two main figures. That’s usually the couple. But we can also include key family members, friends, or pets if requested.

Some couples want to include their entire wedding party. Others prefer an intimate moment with just the two of them.

Here’s what I usually recommend:

• If you want emotion, keep it intimate. First look, vows, or just-married exit moments are great for this.
• If you want a celebration, go bigger. Think first of dances, toasts, or dance floor scenes.
• If you want storytelling, we can do a little of both—foreground focus with background detail.
• Whatever you choose, remember: this painting is for you. It should show the people who matter most in a way that feels honest and timeless.

Timing Is Everything

I’m often asked, “Can you paint multiple scenes in one piece?”

The short answer: not really. Live wedding paintings work best when we focus on one moment in time. That’s where the magic is—the honesty of capturing a single breath in a day that flies by.

We can include small storytelling elements (like your dog under the table or grandma watching from the side), but we can’t blend the whole day into one image without losing something.

Instead, I suggest picking a moment that holds the most weight. That moment when time seemed to slow down. The one you’ll still remember when you’re 80.

For many, that’s the “I do.” For others, it’s dancing with dad. For a few, it’s sneaking away for a quiet moment alone.

Trust the Light

As a painter, I pay close attention to light. The way light falls in a room can change everything about a scene.

Golden hour ceremonies, candlelit dinners, stained glass reflections—these all make for striking paintings. If your event has dramatic lighting at any point, that’s a great time to capture on canvas.

For example, one couple had their first dance under a clear tent filled with twinkle lights. The glow on their faces, the reflections on the floor—it was breathtaking to paint.

So, think about the lighting schedule of your day. If there’s a moment where the light hits just right, that might be your winner.

When In Doubt, Ask Me

You don’t have to know everything. That’s what I’m here for. Part of my job is helping you choose a scene that will look beautiful as art and feel deeply personal.

When I meet with couples, we go over:

• The flow of the day
• Special details (bouquet, heirlooms, colors)
• Venue layout and lighting

What do you want to remember most

From there, we narrow it down. And even if you’re still unsure on the day, I’ll be there observing. Sometimes the perfect moment happens naturally, and I’m ready to catch it.
Choosing the perfect scene is a mix of planning and intuition. You want something visually strong, emotionally meaningful, and timeless enough to hang on your wall forever. As your live wedding painter, I’m not just creating a picture—I’m preserving a piece of your heart. So don’t stress over picking “the best” scene. Instead, focus on what feels right for you. I’ll take care of the rest.

Interested in a live painting for your wedding?

Let’s talk about your vision and find the moment that deserves to live on canvas. Reach out through my contact form or Instagram DM—I’d love to hear your story.