EAT
Whoever said that you can't buy happiness has never purchased a fresh batch of Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes from Bake You Happy. We're convinced that "Ode to Joy" was written after savoring a few of these essential holiday-themed treats; 373-6597

"'Tis the season" is given a flavorful new meaning once you've tried Sabor Cocina Mexicana's Tacos de Filete. The tender slices of grilled filet mignon - perfectly seasoned - are wrapped in a freshly-made tortilla filled with tres chiles crema, grilled onions, queso fresco and sliced avocado; 259-9002

Whimsical Gelato saves lives. This island in the storm (No, seriously. It is. Whimsical Gelato can be found smack dab in the middle of the mall's food court.) was our Black Friday oasis. We soothed our shopped-out souls with a rich, heavenly Rocky Road mix and we're on our way back to try Xmas Menta, a festive mint cream, and the sugar-free, guilt-free Double Chocolate. Get there before Christmas and mention Inside SCV to score a coupon for a free handcrafted gelato when you buy gelato or a blended shake. Stick the freebies in stockings (or your wallet); located in the Westfield Valencia Town Center Atrium Food Court

Hacienda Don Cuco's Carne Tampiquena is a butterflied New York steak stuffed with shrimp, wrapped in bacon and topped with sauteed mushrooms, peppers and salsa Mexicana. It is also the best thing that has happened to carnivores since the advent spit roasting; 252-8074


DRINK
Some folks "throw a few back" after a stressful day/week/lifetime. But if you're worried that hectic holiday prep is wearing you out, you're better off "sucking a few down." Robeks Juice's (found in Valencia's Northpark Village at McBean and Decoro) new lineup of Super Fruit Smoothies will ward off dreaded winter sniffles, coughs and coodies with blends of acai, caja and cupuacu. These high-energy, super-antioxidant fruits are a delicious way to stay healthy. And, through the holidays, you can even score a free smoothie when you buy $25 in gift certificates;
297-4915

PLAY
New Year's Edition
The Social's New Year's Eve promo includes the phrase "free-flowing champagne," which is reason enough to bid farewell to 2010 while dining on their all-inclusive menu. But the debonaire crew also intends to throw in party favors, fun and excitement - and, we'll admit, we're suckers for intentionally-ambiguous promises for a festive night out. Call for reservations; 799-9155

Ring in the New Year in New Moon's hip lounge while enjoying live music performed by PCH - and make sure to stay late. You'll score a complimentary glass of champagne with the purchase of any Happy Hour appetizer after 9 p.m.; 257-4321

We cannot tell a lie. Ever since we were in college, we've wanted to celebrate New Year's Eve at Salt Creek Grille. (No, of course this has nothing to do with stroke-of-midnight kisses and the fact that Salt Creek has c-u-t-e service staff. Why would you ask?). This is our year. We're ready to groove to live music in the bar (courtesy of Dave Ford and the Last Set) starting at 9 p.m. and count down to New Year's when the clock strikes 12. Party favors and a free champagne toast at midnight are guaranteed. Kisses? Only if you're lucky. (Publishers' tip: Purchase $100 in gift cards at Salt Creek and get a $25 gift reward card free... so that you can spend it on New Year's Eve!); 222-9999

2011 may be your happiest year yet, presuming that you get off to a good start. May we then suggest ringing in New Year's Day at Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co., where Happy Hour brings not only smiles but Buckets of Beer for only $10; 252-7883

They say that "the hair of the dog that bit you" is the ideal cure for hangovers, and - we're presuming - dog bites. With that logic in mind, let us remind you that Margaritas Mexican Grill is hosting their All-inclusive Champagne Brunch on New Year's Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For only $15.95 for adults and $7.95 for kids, relax (and recover) while savoring nine gourmet entrees, waffles, omelets, salads and desserts. Too tired to change out of your PJs and drive all the way over to Valencia Boulevard? Have a friend pick up a Fiesta Pack to go. Each includes a half-pint of beans or rice, plus a dozen of your fave Margarita's offerings (like taquitos, flautas, burritos, chile rellenos, tacos, tamales and more.); 255-1136


GIVE
For the Happy-hour Buddy
"Drinks on me!" will be the welcome response of gratitude when your favorite barstool buddy is gifted an El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant (in Canyon Country 252-5599) or Presidente Mexican Grill (in Saugus 297-7244) certificate. And they don't need to know that when you purchased $100 in gift certificates, you received a $20 certificate free.

For the Computer Savvy
Technology has gifted us with near-instantaneous communication. And, equally impressive, it now can hook you up with Cold Stone Creamery treats, too. You can now send electronic gifts to friends that can be redeemed for real-life items through Cold Stone Creamery's new e-gift application. By visiting Cold Stone's Facebook page or website (www.coldstonecreamery.com), users can select gifts - including Cold Stone Creations and shakes - and electronically send them to the people of their choice. The recipient will receive an e-mail or Facebook notice about the gift with an account number. When the recipient visits a Cold Stone location, the account number can be redeemed for something delicious; 253-4123

For the Beer Drinker
A Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. gift certificate is great. A Wolf Creek certificate adhered to a growler (half-gallon jug of beer) - now that's what dreams are made of; 263-9653

For the Adventurous
Whether your giftee already "packs heat" or if they simply want to give shooting a try, there's no better place than Oak Tree Gun Club in Newhall. Gift certificates are available. Why not have some fun and try one free shotgun, rifle or handgun rental while you're there, too? Grab the coupon on page 35 and take aim; 259-7441

For the Wine Lovers
At Vino 100, the owners taste a variety of handcrafted wines from around the world and personally select four that they find unique and fun to offer Black Bag wine club members each month. As a member, they'll be invited to attend the Black Bag Wine Club Release Party, where they'll sample wines and choose their favorites. Each month they'll take home two bottles of the wines they enjoy most; 294-6886

For the Sweeties
The gifts everyone craves are found at Lady Di's Cookies & Sweets. Delectable selections include stocking stuffers like individually-wrapped White Chocolate Iced Christmas Cookies; teachers' gifts (Gourmet Caramel Apples wrapped in cello!); custom Bakers Dozen gift boxes; and - of course - gift cards starting at $5; 222-9102

For the Friend who's Expecting
You could buy them burp rags, or you could introduce them to their unborn child. For us, it's an easy choice. We adore how Storks & Co. provides 3-D and 4-D images of still-cookin' babies in a comfortable, family-friendly environment. It really is love at first sight; 254-8100

For the Fashion Forward
Santa Clarita's newest boutique, Just Between Us, is a consignment store that sells new and gently-used designer fashions. She'll love how far she can stretch the gift certificate you bought for her, and you'll love that it was 10 percent off when you used the coupon found on page 37 of this magazine; 257-4200