We Go SoCo...and More

When my cousin, Armilyn, mentioned a new place in Orange County called "OC Mart Mix", I imagined some outdated strip mall from the 80s with mass-produced cheapie items. Quite the contrary! OC Mart Mix is a large retail marketplace in SoCo, the former haven of unsuccessful home furnishings stores-turned-stylish shopping area. We ventured south to see what fresh ideas and spaces are popping out of my beloved county, and there's a lot going on.

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It was a cloudy day. On Saturdays in SoCo, there's a food and farmer's market with food trucks and vendors selling organic food products.

What's this? The Barcelona on the Go food truck! I immediately became their fan on Facebook eons ago just for the name itself.

Fernando, Armilyn, me, and David in front of said food truck.

Hmmm....authentic menu? One yes, the rest no. No to chipotle, lime salt, tacos, or chimichurri. Spaniards don't eat spicy food. I'm about to walk into that kitchen myself...gimme a spatula!

There's a lovely area of benches and tables, a fountain and lots of space for kiddies to run around.

The makeover of this retail space is beautiful. Succulents and other exotic plants are sprinkled throughout the outside area.

OC Mart Mix. It feels so fresh in here!

This transformed area is a gathering of vendors selling unique, chic products.

High ceilings and bold colors give the place a modern feel.Take me to the candy shop.

Paloma ponders if she should spend her savings on that happy floor pillow.

tpt home is another large retailer in SoCo. Here, they sell home items from around the globe.

This is silk flower central.

We spotted a bunny hiding in the shrubbery.

The egg chair and bunny make for a nice Easter theme.
Wild animals were everywhere.
We still had some time to kill, so we went to Seed People's Market, a marketplace of sustainable products for emerging designers and artists. Those are books on the wall..so creative!

Alex and Paloma took a rest on the vintage sofa for some re-energizing.

David and Paloma listen to some beats at the listening station.

This mini-Airstream would be perfect for P and her doll, Baby.

We ended our excursion with some live folk music. It was fun!