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Community Corner

Patch Picks: Teacher Treats

It's the end of the school year and time to say "thank you" to all those teachers who have so tirelessly served your kids. They don't need another mug, an apple or a candle (trust me!). This year, treat them to something they really want.

CRAFTY TEACHER:

30505 Avenida De Las Flores, Suite B, Rancho Santa Margarita (in the Lowe’s shopping center)

Whether your child’s teacher makes scrapbooks or is just looking for great ways to decorate her classroom next fall, Timeless Treasures is the perfect place for all her crafting needs. Timeless Treasures, open since 1997, “provides customers with the most complete variety of high quality scrapbooking products in an environment that is positive, friendly, creative and focused on customer service.” From decorative paper to fancy punches to die-cut machines to stickers, Timeless Treasures has it all. Their design team is comprised of avid scrapbookers, always ready to answer questions and help. The store also holds a variety of crops during the week; one of the most popular is Crop The Night Away on Friday nights from 6 p.m. to midnight. ($12 fee)

Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

HEALTHY TEACHER:

30465 Avenida  De Las Flores #C, Rancho Santa Margarita (in the Lowe’s shopping center)

Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If your child’s teacher is the health- conscious type, she’ll love a gift certificate to Spike’s Fish House. The restaurant is casual enough to bring kids but nice enough to enjoy a Friday night date as well. They keep their menu simple (think Chipotle or In ‘n Out Burger) with just a few items to choose from, but every item is guaranteed deliciousness. First, start with an appetizer like a cup of seafood chowder or salmon sliders (you don’t see those every day!) and then pick your entrée. Salad, wrap, plate or bowl? Now pick your fish (salmon, tilapia, swordfish, ahi, yellow tail, snapper, albacore or mahi mahi) and complete the entrée with your pick of a mouth-watering sauce. Lemon pesto aioli or pico de gallo? Top off your order with a drink and some sweet potato fries or brown rice. If fish isn’t quite your thing, try the grilled chicken instead. All fish is cooked fresh to order.

TIRED TEACHER: MR. AND MRS. DAY SPA

22521 Avenida Empresa #129, Rancho Santa Margarita

What teacher isn’t wiped out by the end of the year? And what better way to say “thank you” for all their hard work than a gift certificate for a massage? Mr. and Mrs. Day Spa seeks to offer luxury services at affordable prices. Their June special includes the Coconut Lime Massage, a one-hour Swedish massage that’s a tropical treat for the mind and body. A tropical aroma inspires a sense of relaxation and well being while hydrating and soothing the skin. Signature coconut foot wrap is included. Mr. and Mrs. Day Spa offers services for both men and women, including massage therapy, body treatments, waxing and skin care.

SWEET-TOOTH TEACHER: TOWN AND COUNTRY CAKES

Rancho Santa Margarita

Got a teacher with a hankering for sweets but have no time to whip up a batch of cookies to thank them?  Leave it to Town and Country Cakes to do the work. This local bakery offers beautiful, gourmet cakes, cupcakes and cookies in all shapes, flavors and sizes. Cookie flavors include chocolate speckle, lemon, almond or sugar-vanilla and range from $1.50 to $2.25. The “icing on the cake” is that they offer gluten-free and vegan options upon request for those with diet restrictions. Call today to place your order.

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