I Love Fair Oaks

Everything there is to love about living in Fair Oaks, CA Spotlight on local businesses, recreation, and activities in Fair Oaks, California. Love where you live!

Lifestyle

Local Artist in Fair Oaks Neddy

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I love hearing Fair Oakians talk about growing up in Fair Oaks because people take pride in living in Fair Oaks.

One day when I was in the village I met an interesting fellow, Neddy, a local artist who was with some people at the Fair Oaks Coffee House and Deli and happened to be showing one of his works to them. We started talking and I learned that he’s lived in Fair Oaks since 1957. He moved here at 13 years old. He reminisced about riding bikes down to the river and even jumping off the old bridge.

We made plans to meet later that week and he brought some of his paintings to show me. He paints every day. “Easel time,” he calls it. Some of his best work happens by accident, he says. He’s not crazy about realism. “You’ve always got to be looking for something in the subject. You can’t try to make it look exactly like you see it, or you’ll try to be perfect, and that’s not going to happen. Just let it develop.”

Neddy loves hanging out in the Village. He sells some of his paintings at the Village Decor & Antique shop located in Fair Oaks Village directly across the street from the Fair Oaks Village Coffee House & Deli.

If you or someone you know wants to share some stories and photos of Fair Oaks, please get in touch with me at chrysti@ilovefairoaks dot com.

Pet Portraits (On a Budget)

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Behind the scenes looks aren’t always glamorous – but they are important, and always fun to see.

young woman wearing a tierra with her dog also wearing a tierra and getting a pet portrait

August 27th, 2018 my sweet, dorky, lovable German Shepherd, Emma, turned 8 years old and we had a blast! This year I decided to do a photoshoot with her along with her annual routine of treats, toys, walks, and birthday chicken dinner.

It was challenging. Treats were crucial. Commands were not always followed. Lots of laughing. Lots of hugs and compliments. It was amazing.

I recruited a dear friend of mine who had come over for tea and to wish Emma a happy birthday as my assistant and we went to my local Dollar Tree for some supplies – birthday headbands, a tassel garland, a “Hollywood” cardboard photo frame, and party blowouts, totaling to $4.08. Awesome.

Next, I set up my backdrop stand, 2 ProMaster strobes with an umbrella diffuser on each one, and my backdrop. By backdrop, I mean two 48 in. x 84 in. curtains, that I found on sale for $10 each, at my local Big Lots, (I swear!) right in my living room. I don’t need a big fancy studio to get professional shots done and neither do you!

I set the lights, my camera settings, took a few photos and then handed over my camera to my sweet friend so that I could jump into some shots. Here are some RAW, out of the camera, untouched photos of the actual struggle and process of pet photography, the set up, and the fun that we had.

We finished up the photoshoot, sang happy birthday, gave Emma her chicken, and as my friend drove home and Emma went to take a nap, I eagerly jumped on the computer to go through the photos and do a little photoshop magic!

Here’s a quick “before and after” Photoshop! Using just the crop and cloning tools, along with some exposure adjustments in Camera Raw.

Working on a budget will 100% require you to do more work, develop your skills in post production, and challenge you creatively, but it can be done – and with great results!

Emma and I believe in you.

Village Salon, the art of hair.

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Hello, my Fair Oaks lovelies! I am excited to introduce you to Rebekah, owner of Village Salon, located at 10145 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, California.

photo of rebekah kurtz noble
Photo by Chrysti Tovani

I am a regular customer at the Village Salon. My stylist is Crystal who is AMAZING! From what I’ve seen, all of the stylists at Village Salon are talented, established, and continue their education to stay on top of trends. It’s an enjoyable experience every time I get my hair cut and styled. Rebekah was so kind and friendly when I approached her about featuring the salon. We had a lot of fun!

Brianna May Rosalind did some very artistic photography, and I took some photographs of Rebekah while she was working. We did a Q & A style interview. I hope you enjoy!

Photo by Brianna May Rosalind

How would you describe your business?

We are a unique salon located in the heart of the historic old town of Fair Oaks Village. We focus on making sure our clients leave happy and maintaining a high level of professionalism that, you don’t always experience these days. Nothing is more personally rewarding than helping people feel good about themselves and the way they look!

Photo by Chrysti Tovani

What made you decide to open your business?

I was intrigued by the beauty industry from a young age. It became a passion. By my teens & the early twenties, I was already selling skincare and cosmetics for Estée Lauder at Macy’s followed by MAC Cosmetics at Nordstrom.

village salon
Photo by Brianna May Rosalind

After I graduated from cosmetology school, I chose to apprentice and work for one of the top salons in town for about five years. After that, I moved to self-employment station rental in another salon for a short time. I was so busy and had so many clients that it got the wheels in my head turning. My father is a successful entrepreneur, and he always encouraged me to think big. I had a lot of hairdresser friends with the same ethics, level of training and professionalism that I have. Found the right spot and decided to go for it. I’m glad I did because it thrived.

village salon
Photo by Brianna May Rosalind

Do you do any personal styling or weddings?

Wedding parties, proms, and school dances are regular here. We have over a dozen stylists who passionately specialize their own areas. From weddings & special events to precision cuts to crazy fashion colors to classic long hair to top quality lengthening extensions, we do it all! I could go on and on about everything we do. The best part is, edgy or conservative; we have the perfect fit for anyone.

What made you decide to choose Fair Oaks?

I moved to Fair Oaks from Folsom when I was almost 17. I started out doing hair at a salon about 5 miles down the road. Fair Oaks and the surrounding areas are where the majority of my clients live. I also have many clients that make the drive out from a lot further away, so I like that Fair Oaks isn’t far from Highway 50 and Highway 80.  I like to joke that Fair Oaks has all the salons like Fulton Ave has all the car dealerships. I have a lot of immediate family and friends here.

village salon
Photo by Brianna May Rosalind

What do you think your customers love the most about coming to your salon?

Clients have told me stories about past bad experiences of going into salons and the front desk or staff seemed snooty, catty or intimidating. We’re not like that at all! I receive many compliments on how friendly our team is! We really try our best to work together to make sure every client is greeted immediately upon walking in the door. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable. Coming into our salon is like entering our home. It doesn’t feel corporate. It has good energy and warm hospitality. Our salon is neat because you get the upscale, fancy salon atmosphere mixed with the charming old town quaint shops, boutiques and eateries.

What is one of your favorite local spots to spend time?

My personal all-time favorite place to frequent in the Fair Oaks Village is Carmelita’s Mexican Restaurant!  It’s an enjoyable and different restaurant! The exotic-eclectic decor, upbeat Latin Jazz, and the breezy hilltop patio are all so delightful to me. Their menu has a lot of variety, delicious appetizers and beautiful plates. They make great diet-friendly cocktails too. I have a lot of great memories at Carmelita’s.

Wrap Up:

You can visit the Village Salon at 10145 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Fair Oaks, California. Located in the Fair Oaks Village where the chickens roam. The phone number of the Salon is 916-961-8900.

Streets of Bakersfield in Fair Oaks

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If you haven’t been to a Fair Oaks Summer Concert in the park, you need to go! I thought it would be crowded but there were just the right amount of people and the parking wasn’t too bad. We arrived a little early and I got my keto friendly sandwich at the Fair Oaks Coffee House and Deli.

The village is small so one thing you can do to avoid looking for parking is to take a Lyft or Uber and get dropped off. I do that whenever I have to go downtown.

It’s a real family affair. There are food booths where you can buy pizza and snacks. There’s also ice cream and root beer floats. Kids can run around and play on the slides ans swings. There’s a designated dance floor if you want to get up and move your feet to the beat.  Good times!

Robby James and the streets of Bakersfield band on stage at concerts in the park fair oaks california

Robby James and the Streets of Bakersfield is a tribute band that performs a bakersfield sound with songs by Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and other classic country singer/songwriters. They put on a great show at the Fair Oaks concerts in the park in July 2018.

robby james and the streets of bakersfield concert in fair oaks july 2018

 

 

Chicken Festival a la Fair Oaks

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people in old fair oaks village 10th annual chicken festival

The 10th annual Chicken Festival was held in the Village in Fair Oaks on September 19th. The public filled both parks and all along the streets, celebrating with the band, buying trinkets and eating delicious food truck goodness.

photo of front window of simpler times fair oaks california

Simpler times reflection of the crowd. Although, there were a lot of folks, it wasn’t uncomfortably crowded. Parking was difficult to find. We drove around a bit and then got lucky when someone who parked up close was leaving and we got their spot. Next time; Uber or Lyft.

people shopping with vendors at the 10th annual chicken festival in fair oaks california

Still looks and feels like summer.

people gathered in fair oaks park for an outdoor concert at the 10th annual chicken festival

Outdoor concert in Fair Oaks park.

people walking dog and shopping in fair oaks village

Walking and enjoying the shops.

a man and his horse fair oaks california

Shadow Glen Riding Stables offers trail rides! I did NOT know this!

people enjoying the 10th annual chicken festival in fair oaks california

I loved how the kids were running and having fun. Fair Oaks is a great place to raise a family.

famlies and children enjoying activities in fair oaks california at the 10th annual chicken festival

New Artworks Gallery and a Love Letter to Fair Oaks

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New Artworks Gallery Fair Oaks

Here’s an oldie. This is one of the first blog posts on the I Love Fair Oaks web site in September of 2010.

new artworks gallery in old fair oaks

The New Artworks Gallery in Fair Oaks features works from residents.  On the 2nd Saturday of the month, there is a reception in the main gallery to showcase the exceptional pieces from the collection on one artist.

Inside the newartworks gallery in fair oaks californiaI had the pleasure of meeting Illustrator, Donna Naes, who is a lovely woman.  She showed me around and let me take a few photos as long as they were at an angle.

The colors of the art with the lighting is mesmerizing.  There’s no way to capture that feeling of or the smell of canvas and paints.  I love it!

You can purchase paintings, and there is also jewelry and hand painted cards and glass art.  The prices are reasonable too.

The gallery is a combined effort by all of the artists who participate.  Not only do they lease space to hang their art, but they also volunteer their time to work in the gallery.  It’s a community.

If you’ve not been to the New Arts Gallery in Fair Oaks Village, you need to go.  It’s a real treasure.

This month, beginning on September 8th through October 3rd the theme will be “Fowl Artistry in Fair Oaks.”  Including a combination of artists featuring “chickens” of Fair Oaks.

The opening reception is on 2nd Saturday, September 11th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

All visitors get a chance to enter a drawing to win an original piece of work by Richard McHenry.

The gallery is located at the end of Fair Oaks Village at 10239 Fair Oaks Blvd in old Fair Oaks.

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village shops, have lunch at a cafe and head on over to the gallery.  I should point out that the gallery hours are Wednesday – Sunday from 11-5PM and by appointment.  Find out more by visiting the New Artworks Gallery website.

Update: I started the I Love Fair Oaks blog in 2010 as a passion project because I truly do love Fair Oaks. Over the years, other responsibilities took my attention but I kept coming back. The site has had a full makeover and new direction but I’ve kept a few of the older posts. The New Artworks Gallery is no longer there.

Here are more photos I took from that day.

I will tell you a story about this day.

Our family had gone through a hard time with the economy and I was depressed and needed to get outside and do something. This was in 2010 when people were losing their homes. I borrowed my sister’s camera and drove to the village and walked around by myself. I went into the gallery and took these photos, then I walked over to the Fair Oaks Coffee House and Deli and had a sandwich. Walked around the park and took pictures of the chickens. Just sat with the chickens trying to figure out life. Feeling alone and lost.

So much has changed since that day.

I have since attended ARC and went through their Art New Media and Photography program. Started a business, got more involved in my community and started volunteering. I’ve made a lot of new friends and gained confidence in myself. For some reason this day was a turning point. I always loved Fair Oaks, and felt at home in the village. I was in a very dark place and sitting there in the park, on that bench; I felt inspired.

There is something magical about the Village and the chickens. I know I’m not the only one who feels it.

This blog is like a love letter to Fair Oaks.

I created a space to write and then I got busy with life.  I would keep coming back. It has evolved naturally with me as I have changed into my new and improved self. =) I want to keep sharing what I love about my home and the people here with me. I want to attract people who need this place as much as we all do.

Fair Oaks has given me a place to be creative and thinking about it as I write this, it has done this for many many locals and small businesses. We are a creative community. I want to thrive and it does feel good to use my abilities to help others thrive as well.

Hanging out with the chickens in Fair Oaks Village

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fair oaks chicken

A favorite spot in the Sacramento area is Fair Oaks Village located in the town of Fair Oaks. The chickens actually run wild. Shop keepers buy food and feed them as well as visitors who feed them pieces of bread. The deli even has day old bread that you can buy for a quarter. There’s a park across the street from the shops where you can sit and relax.

You’ll always be surrounded by a group of chickens. Traffic even watches out for them and you’ll see someone slow down or stop while they wait for a chicken to cross the road. Chickens are part of the scenery and charm of Old Fair Oaks.

While sitting in the deli enjoying a “chicken sandwich.” This little one was standing outside the door looking in. I guess they know they’ll get some scrap bread.

fair oaks chicken peering into the window of a resturantI felt a little guilty.

Just a little.

Hey. I eat meat.

I did buy them some bread though. (Update, it’s not good to feed the birds bread. Bring some chicken feed next time you visit the village.)

It was a great day hanging out by my lonesome.  There weren’t as many people there that Sunday.  It was quiet and I enjoyed taking these photos.

So if you’re looking for something to do on a Sunday, spur of the moment and you want to get up and go.  Try Old Town Fair Oaks

There are also upcoming events happening such as the Chicken Festival. Mumbo Gumbo will be playing and it is expected to have as many as 15,000 people attending.

Update: I started the I Love Fair Oaks blog in 2010 as a passion project because I truly do love Fair Oaks. Over the years, other responsibilities took my attention but I kept coming back. The site has had a full makeover and new direction but I’ve kept a few of the older posts.