
The Coach House – A Hidden Gem for Music Lovers
By Dr. Juris Bunkis
I love music. Always have. And nothing beats the thrill of live music. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend hundreds of concerts—stadium sell-outs, iconic festivals, and intimate performances. I’ve shared those unforgettable nights with spouses, our children, and dear friends. But lately, I’ve found myself a bit less enthusiastic about the chaos that can accompany the big venues—the traffic, the long lines, the stacked parking at places like the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
Thankfully, we in Orange County are blessed with a true local treasure: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.
If you haven’t been, you’re missing out. The Coach House offers a unique, laid-back concert experience that is hard to beat. It is an intimate venue—every seat is a good one—and you can enjoy a meal and a drink at your table while the music plays. The crowd is always friendly, the parking is easy, and the vibe is unmistakably local and warm.
Over the years, I’ve seen a wide range of performances there—from legendary artists like Eddie Money and the Four Tops to Joan Collins and Thompson Square. The venue also draws some of the best tribute bands around. We have enjoyed evenings reliving the magic of the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones… and just this past week, a phenomenal tribute to Eric Clapton. I went with our office manager Jo Jo, her husband, and a few friends. It was a memorable night—great music, great people, and no stress.
The Coach House opened its doors in 1980 and has been a cornerstone of the Southern California music scene ever since. With its rustic charm and unpretentious feel, it has hosted countless beloved acts over the decades—many of whom return regularly because of the venue’s reputation for treating both artists and fans well.
In a world that sometimes feels dominated by digital everything, live music in a setting like this is a true gift. If you love music like I do, treat yourself to a night out at The Coach House. You’ll be reminded of why you fell in love with music in the first place.
Enjoying the Coach House with Jo Jo and her husband, Jeff – they also love live music.
With friends at the Coach House.
Why I Chose Mastopexy – And Why You Might Consider It Too
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom, Orange County Plastic Surgery
Corona Del Mar/Newport Beach, California
Let’s continue this week’s article with a quiz:
What is the main goal of a mastopexy (breast lift)?
A. Increase breast size
B. Reduce breast size
C. Lift and reshape sagging breasts
D. Remove breast implants
E. Reduce areola pigmentation
And the correct answer is: C. Lift and reshape sagging breasts
With nearly 40 years of experience in plastic surgery, I’ve guided thousands of women through the journey of breast rejuvenation. One of the most rewarding and transformative procedures I perform is a mastopexy, commonly known as a breast lift.
So, what is a mastopexy?
Simply put, it’s a surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes sagging breasts. Over time, factors like gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, genetics and aging take a toll on breast shape and skin elasticity. A mastopexy addresses these changes by removing excess skin, repositioning the nipple and areola, and reshaping the breast tissue to create a more youthful contour.
There are several surgical techniques available, and the approach I recommend depends on your anatomy, goals, and whether you are combining the lift with other procedures like an augmentation or a reduction. Some patients benefit from a minimal-scar “crescent” or “donut” lift, while others require a more comprehensive approach using vertical or anchor incisions to achieve the best result.
Who is a good candidate?
Ideal candidates are healthy women with realistic expectations who are bothered by sagging, flattened, or asymmetrical breasts. If your nipples point downward or fall below the breast crease, a mastopexy may be the solution you have been seeking.
I speak from personal experience when I say: having a mastopexy was the best decision I ever made. My only regret? Not doing it sooner (I was waiting for the perfect surgeon for me to come along, Dr. Bunkis😊). The physical improvement was wonderful—but the boost in confidence was even more profound.
Healing after a mastopexy is surprisingly manageable. Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort for a few days and are back to light activities within a week. I advise avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for about 2–6 weeks. Scars usually fade beautifully over a year and are easily concealed in a bra or bikini top.
And how long do results last?
While nothing can completely stop the aging process, the results of a well-performed mastopexy can last many years—especially when supported by a healthy lifestyle and good skin care.
If you are considering a breast lift, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. You may find, as I did, that this is one of the most rewarding decisions you will ever make.
Interested in improving an issue of concern?
Schedule your consultation today!
If you want to see if you can have any part of your body improved, contact us for a consultation:
For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
