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What You're Doing This Week: April 9

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(credit: Debbie Lavdas)

Easter's over, so now what? We're glad you asked, as we have all kinds of ideas from getting fit in Laguna Beach (to work off the Easter sugarfest) to cool tunes at the Troubadour to art, even nautical Spring Break day trips, plus fine dining. And how best to end the weekend? Sunday Gospel Brunch of course. Can I get an "Amen?"

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(credit: artoffitnesslaguna.com)

Monday, April 9

Work off the jelly beans and Reese's peanut butter eggs with a workout at Art of Fitness in Laguna Beach. Get a day pass, take some Spin, Brazilian Booty, Yoga, Pilates, Pole, Pole Pilates, even relax afterwards in their Day Spa for a facial or body treatment. The place is a local's favorite right on PCH with a great view of the ocean.

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(credit: troubadour.com)

Tuesday, April 10

The band is Dance Rock from Utah and SoCal (specifically from Provo, UT, with origins in Temecula, California). Catch them at the Troubadour L.A., the intimate live music venue located on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, which is known for letting fans get up close and personal with their favorite acts.

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(credit: ocma.net)

Wednesday, April 11

Take in some art with an inspired visit to OCMA. April 11th-22nd you can view Lewis Baltz + Yoshua Okon. The works, part of 'Pairings: The Collection at 50' examine man's relationship to nature, while also addressing issues of class and corruption. Celebrate the 50th anniversary at the Orange County Museum of Art with a visit.

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(credit: explorocean.org)

Thursday, April 12

Kids off school? Enjoy the time with a trip along the historic Balboa waterfront to ExplorOcean/NHNM's inaugural Spring Break Festival: 'Sea Dogs, Sailors, & Scientists.' Explore the myths and discover the science behind the characters, creatures and natural phenomenon related to the sea. The Festival happens all week and the Thursday event is 'Something's Fishy,' where you'll learn about the biodiversity of the deep and spend time with a local marine biologist at the Touch Tank.

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(credit: theislandhotel.com)

Friday, April 13

Hungry for something new and California-coastal-cuisine different? Check out the new menu at the tropical urban oasis of Palm Terrace Restaurant & Lounge in the Island Hotel near Fashion Island. Executive Chef David Man has been busy crafting new signature dishes. Small Plates include Grilled Skewered Prawns, The New Edamame, Pepperoni Flatbread, California Cheese Board and more. You can Build a Burger with your choice of beef or chicken and choice of toppings. The burger is $15 and you can add a pint of your choice of beer for just another $5. Farm to Table entrees include Puttanesca with capers, California olives, Irvine Ranch tomatoes and roasted peppers and many others. Plus you can pair your pick with a special Martini of the Day or their wine list that showcases over 1,000 bottles focusing on boutique California Wines, New World and Great Tuscans.

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(credit: sdzsafaripark.org)

Saturday, April 14

It's the last weekend to catch the flittering beautiful Butterfly Jungle before it ends April 15. See all kinds of species from the Banded Purple Wing to the Orange Julia to the Zebra Long Wing. So stunning, but get a butterfly move on before the exhibit ends. Cost is free with park admission.

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(credit: Debbie Lavdas)

Sunday, April 15

Get your tickets ahead of time for this soulful Sunday brunch. It's an intimate setting (code for: not a lot of seats) with let-loose spirit. You'll brunch like a rockstar with beams of flashing lights. It's all good with the Southern charm of 14-person community-type table seating, folding wooden chairs and white tablecloths. You may find jambalaya, mac n cheese and omelets with jalapeños on the menu, as well as warm waffles that are a heavenly must-eat. You won't leave hungry, that's for sure. After you dine, plan to stand up for some napkin-waving and put-your-hands-together dancing. The bands are there to rock the house with good ole hallelujahs. The sisters got soul, there's hootin' and hollering and a lot of heart. The all-you-can-eat Southern-style buffet happens Sundays at 11am. Call the Box Office at (714) 778–2583 for tickets, which are $18.50 per child (ages 3-9) and $38.00 per adult.

Debbie Lavdas is a Southern California writer. She also writes features, cover stories and columns at bask Magazine, Laguna Beach Magazine, OC Family Magazine and more. Keep up with her at DebbieintheOC.com and @deblavdas on Twitter.

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