road trip snack ideas

Make a Snackle Box : Road Trip Snack Ideas for Kids

When I was a kid, summer vacation was all about road trips. My dad LOVES to drive. Always has. My grandpa did too. Every summer I remember my dad taking a couple of weeks off from his shop and we would hit the open road on long road trips. Sometimes my grandparents would join us … Read more

road trip snack ideas
christmas in france holidays

What it’s like to Celebrate Christmas in Paris France

It’s been said that Paris is always a good idea…and I’m here to let you know that Paris is a good idea at Christmas too. A couple of years ago John threw out the idea of heading to Paris for Christmas. Andy was on his mission and we were looking for a bit of an … Read more

christmas in france holidays
disneyland paris reviews

My Disneyland Paris Honest Review – Is it Worth it?

If you’ve been following along with the blog or on instagram for a while, then you probably have a pretty good idea of just how much we love Disneyland in our family. 😉 Living with Disneyland park just 20 minutes up the road for the last 20 years has turned us into slight fanatics.  This … Read more

disneyland paris reviews
thyme hotel southrop england

Best Hotels in the Cotswolds : Thyme Hotel Southrop England

Have you ever been to the Cotswolds? The Cotswolds are a region in central to southwest London comprising more than 800 sq miles of lush rolling green hills, ancient moss covered stone walls, roaming sheep, wandering rivers, and quintessential English villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs dotting the landscape. In other words, it … Read more

thyme hotel southrop england
visit sleeping beauty's castle neuschwanstein castle

Visit Sleeping Beauty’s Castle : Neuschwanstein Castle Germany

It’s what fairytale dreams are made of…a princess castle nestled in the forest of Germany. Take one look at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and you can see how it inspired Walt Disney to create Sleeping Beauty’s castle. When we added Germany to our travel itinerary, driving out to see this gorgeous cliffside castle was a … Read more

visit sleeping beauty's castle neuschwanstein castle
prettiest afternoon teas London

The Prettiest Afternoon Teas in London

Ashley and I are headed on a little UK adventure in a few weeks so I’ve been researching (one of my favorite things to do when planning a trip!) for all the best of everything that London has to offer. I have been fortunate to spend a fair amount of time in London, but I … Read more

prettiest afternoon teas London
1 hotel brooklyn bridge review

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge : A Beautiful Place to Stay in NYC

One Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a sanctuary in the city. John and I had the chance to stay on a trip to the Better Homes & GardensStyleMaker conference and it did not disappoint! Located waterfront on Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge sits right beside the East River and five blocks west of the … Read more

1 hotel brooklyn bridge review

The BEST Christmas Lights in London

Last December I had the pleasure of planning a trip to London at Christmas for some of John’s work colleagues…and lucky me, we got to join in on the fun! I had never been to London at Christmastime, but it was definitely on my list of things I needed to do. The best thing about … Read more

the silos fixer upper

Travel Guide: The Silos from Fixer Upper and Magnolia Market

When Ash and I heard that John was headed to a conference in Dallas a couple of weeks ago, we immediately saw our chance to go visit The Silos from Fixer Upper and the shops at Magnolia Market so we grabbed a couple of plane tickets and tagged along. John and I had visited the … Read more

the silos fixer upper
Paris in the fall

Why You Need to Visit Paris in the Fall

Paris is always a good idea…especially in the fall! I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Paris during three seasons, and let’s just say it’s beautiful every time I go, but something about Paris in the fall is magical. John and I had the opportunity to visit in late September back before the pandemic hit, and … Read more

Paris in the fall
the best restaurants orange county

My Guide to the Best Restaurants in Orange County

You may have heard me mention it here before a time or two ;), but I am a Southern California girl through and through. I was born and raised in San Diego and then transplanted to south Orange County 25 years ago when I got married and started my own family. I remember the day … Read more

the best restaurants orange county
Tips for traveling with kids

Organizing Tips for Traveling with Kids

January is always a great time for cleaning, organizing, reflection and goal setting. Having a slower month to focus on getting life in order for the new year is something I have really come to appreciate.  I’m excited to kick off a new year of blog hops with an organizational post. As I thought about … Read more

Tips for traveling with kids
la petite venise

La Petite Venise : Visit Colmar Alsace France

There is no better time to travel than fall. Near perfect temperatures, reduced crowds and travel deals are just a few of the reasons to book a trip in September and October.  John and I put off celebrating our anniversary which falls in the heat of the summer, and instead opted for a celebration in … Read more

la petite venise
Things to do in new york city at christmas 1

Macy’s Santaland & Spending Christmas in New York City

Let me just start by saying, spending Christmas in New York City is as magical as it seems in all the movies and on TV.  This amazing city…that I love all year, just outdoes itself at Christmastime.  Macy’s Santaland, ice skating in Central Park, twinkle lights and music everywhere you look…it’s hard to not feel … Read more

Things to do in new york city at christmas 1
best places to stay in riva del garda

Best Places to Stay in Lake Garda & Things to do in Riva del Garda

The lakes region in Italy has become one of our favorite travel destinations.  Sparkling turquoise water, dramatic mountains jutting out of the lake, quaint villages and lots of activities for families and couples alike, it’s no wonder we love to visit!  Of all the lakes in Italy, Lake Garda is Italy’s largest. A quick 2 … Read more

best places to stay in riva del garda
Cinque terre villages

Cinque Terre Villages : Touring Italy

Cinque Terre quite literally means “five lands” in Italian.  Dotted along the Italian coastline these pretty little centuries old fishing villages have become a super popular tourist destination over the last several years.  Each of the Cinque Terre villages has it’s own charm, and each boasts colorful cliffside houses, steep rugged terraced land and quaint … Read more

Cinque terre villages
Biltmore hotel arizona

Biltmore Hotel Arizona : Phoenix Family Vacation

We have been traveling to Phoenix for years for a fun desert getaway.  A quick drive from our home in Orange County and home to many of our extended family, we usually find ourselves there several times a year. Over spring break this year John was fortunate to have a conference at the Arizona Biltmore … Read more

Biltmore hotel arizona
Fresh pasta to go venice italy with text

Pasta to Go Venice, Italy : Eating in Venice on a Budget

I like nice restaurants as much as the next guy, but sometimes when you are traveling…especially with kids and a family, you just want some good cheap street food or a hearty meal that is delicious and doesn’t break the bank.  Eating in Venice on a budget can be a bit of a challenge since … Read more

Fresh pasta to go venice italy with text
Luxury family resort venice italy

Best Family-Friendly Hotel in Venice Italy (2024)

If you are looking for family friendly hotels in Venice, Italy, look no further. The JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa located on Isola delle Rose Venezia is the most incredible luxury hotel. Venice can be a hot and crowded place to visit during the summer, and I’ve heard many people say that it wasn’t … Read more

Luxury family resort venice italy
Things to do in jackson hole in the summer

Things to Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in September

Over Labor Day weekend we decided to make a last minute family trip to the town of Jackson, WY.  I had been to Jackson Hole, Wyoming many, many years ago as a kid when my family passed through on their way to Yellowstone National Park, but I didn’t remember much, and the rest of my … Read more

Things to do in jackson hole in the summer
how to get to Zermatt

How to Get to Zermatt : Our Matterhorn Adventure

As a little girl growing up in Southern California, the Matterhorn was always a symbol of Disneyland to me.  I would see it standing tall on the side of Interstate 5 and it seemed to tower above everything else.  As I’ve gotten older and buildings have gotten taller, it’s a little harder to spot the … Read more

how to get to Zermatt
Visiting the cotswolds travel tips

Broadway United Kingdom : Cotswolds Villages

I have always loved the movie The Holiday.  Have you seen it?  It’s on repeat at our house throughout Christmas. 😉 The idea of spending the holidays in a cozy little thatched roof cottage in the Cotswolds is so appealing!  On a recent trip to Italy we found flights that made it cheaper to stop … Read more

Visiting the cotswolds travel tips
Gifts for the traveler gift guide

The Best Travel Gear, Essentials and Gifts

We travel a lot.  It’s our passion, hobby, and many times, a necessity for work.  Splitting time between OC and Salt Lake now has me on the road more than ever.  I sat down to add it up the other day and realized that I had been gone for 162 days of the last year.  … Read more

Gifts for the traveler gift guide
Disneyland at halloween tips

Best Disneyland Halloween Time Tips

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…Halloween at Disneyland! 🙂  Disney has definitely done a fantastic job of turning October into an even more magical time at the Happiest Place on Earth.  Are you considering taking a trip to Disneyland in October?  If you’ve never seen Disneyland decorated for Halloween, it is a must.  … Read more

Disneyland at halloween tips
Chuck wagon dinner show jackson wy

Best Chuckwagon Dinner show in Jackson, Wyoming

If you are considering a trip to Jackson, Wyoming, hopefully you’ve read all about our favorite things to do in Jackson Hole,  and Chuckwagon dinner show is on your list of things to do.  After researching the options for the best chuckwagon dinner in Jackson, Wyoming before our recent trip, I settled on reservations for … Read more

Chuck wagon dinner show jackson wy
Brunch at the beach

4 Best Brunch Spots at the Beach : Orange County

We already know it’s the most important meal of the day, but Breakfast served with a side of an ocean view isn’t just good for your body, it’s good for your soul. Here are what we consider to be the 4 best brunch spots at the beach in Orange County where you can grab some … Read more

Brunch at the beach
Instagram and featured image

New York City at Christmas : Things to Do

It’s no secret that I love New York City.  Every chance I get I am sneaking away to the city that never sleeps.  I have always wanted to be in New York City at Christmas and last Christmas we had the chance to travel to New York City with kids and spend 10 days in … Read more

Instagram and featured image
The best home decor stores in orange county

7 Best Home Decor Boutiques In Orange County, CA

I get asked all the time where to eat, shop and play in Orange County when people come to town, so I thought it was about time that I do some posts about the place I love so much.  Now that I am splitting time between SLC and OC, when I’m gone I REALLY miss … Read more

The best home decor stores in orange county
Best hilltop towns in italy montepulciano

Medieval Towns in Italy : Montepulciano Tuscany

If you are really looking for the ultimate Italian experience, you must visit Tuscany.  This rural and beautiful region is full of rolling hills dotted with stunning, living medieval towns.  When we traveled to Europe for our three month excursion, we knew one thing we really wanted was the quintessential Italian experience…to stay in a Tuscan … Read more

Best hilltop towns in italy montepulciano
Chicago travel tips 2018 copy1

A QUICK VISIT TO CHICAGO : CHICAGO TRAVEL TIPS

Happy Monday! (or is there such a thing 😉 lol!) . This past several weeks has been a whirlwind, and this weekend was no exception.  I hopped on a flight Friday morning to Chicago to meet up with some talented bloggers for a pow-wow.  While it was a super quick trip, it was also packed … Read more

Chicago travel tips 2018 copy1
Monarch beach resort

The Monarch Beach Resort – Kid Friendly Resorts in Orange County

Perched atop a beautiful bluff in Dana Point, CA, overlooking the glistening Pacific Ocean, the Monarch Beach Resort offers families looking for the perfect Southern California getaway a wonderful experience. I may be partial to Orange County, considering it is home, but let me tell you, after traveling the world, it really doesn’t get much … Read more

Monarch beach resort
Things to do in los angeles with kids

11 Amazing Things to Do In Los Angeles with Kids

Known as one of America’s premier vacation destinations, Los Angeles is the Entertainment Capital of the World.  It’s hard to visit California, without a stop in this vibrant, energetic city full of history, culture, shopping and dining…not to mention the miles and miles of some of the most beautiful coastline you will ever see! There … Read more

Things to do in los angeles with kids
Knotts 4

Holiday Family Fun at Knott’s Merry Farm

Nothing gets me into the Christmas spirit more than heading to a fun place that is decked out for the holidays. We were very excited to be invited to visit Knott’s Merry Farm this last week to check out the fun and festive things happening at the park. Knott’s Berry Farm celebrates the merriest of … Read more

Knotts 4
Knotts 4

Family Fun for Halloween at Knott’s Spooky Farm

This weekend was such a welcome few days of fun and relaxation.  I was out of town last weekend for work, and John has been working like crazy lately, so we definitely needed some fun family time.  We were very excited to be invited to visit Knott’s Spooky Farm this weekend to check out the … Read more

Knotts 4
Neon graveyard las vegas

The Neon Graveyard : Things to do in Las Vegas

“Bright light city gonna set your soul on fire.”  You can’t think of Las Vegas and not think of neon signs lighting up the vivid skyline.  But what happens to those iconic signs when hotels change names or are imploded to make way for the latest and greatest?  Thank goodness for the Neon Museum and … Read more

Neon graveyard las vegas
Things to do in savannah georgia

Things to do in Savannah, Georgia : A city Guide

When John and I were looking for a getaway, we knew that the south was one place we could go that would feel like a real vacation where we got to experience life that felt a little different than ours here on the west coast.  We settled on Charleston, SC, but we also knew that … Read more

Things to do in savannah georgia
Screen shot 2019 05 17 at 12 25 14 am

What to Pack for a Trip to Bruges, Belgium in the Summer

The weather in Bruges, Belgium is chilly.  The warmest month is August, and even then, temperatures rarely get out of the 60’s.  Days are sunny, so be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and hat, but layer, layer, layer.  Long sleeve shirts, a sweater and a coat with comfortable denim and some cute flats will have … Read more

Screen shot 2019 05 17 at 12 25 14 am
Tips for staying healthy while traveling

5 things to pack to help avoid getting sick while traveling

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GrabAWetOnes #CollectiveBias Winter is here and that means it’s time for the dreaded cold and flu bugs to start making their rounds.  Our family often travels during the winter months, and that brings with it a greater risk of … Read more

Tips for staying healthy while traveling
How to stay connected whle traveling in europe 1

How to Stay Connected While Traveling in Europe

These days, it is nearly impossible to get through a day without making a call, checking email, or posting to social media accounts. If you are planning a trip overseas, you may find that staying connected is more difficult and expensive than you expected, right at a time when you need to be relying heavily … Read more

How to stay connected whle traveling in europe 1
Train rides through europe 1

Train Rides through Europe How it Works and What to Expect

Traveling through continental Europe by train is easy, convenient and reasonably priced.  If you are thinking about taking a trip and seeing more than one city or country, it is definitely an option you want to look at.  When coming from the United States it’s not necessarily the first mode of transportation we think of, … Read more

Train rides through europe 1
Pink peppermint travels san diego downtown

Things to do in San Diego — A Printable Travel Guide

AH…my hometown.  I will always be a San Diego girl at heart no matter where the world takes me.  I love this city.  It has changed so much in the years since I left, grown up a ton.  There are so many fun things to do in San Diego…so many great neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, sights…it’s … Read more

Pink peppermint travels san diego downtown
Pink peppermint travels los angeles copy

Pink Peppermint Travels: Los Angeles Travel Guide

I thought I’d try something new here and see what you all think.  I frequently get questions via text from friends and email from readers asking for my favorites.  They are visiting a city and want to know my recommendations for where to go, what to see, places to stay, things to eat…etc.  Travel is … Read more

Pink peppermint travels los angeles copy
Del mar fair header

Travel: The San Diego County Fair

If you’re headed to Southern California this summer, I have an activity to add to your itinerary. 😉  I grew up going to the Del Mar Fair (now re-named the San Diego County Fair…ugh) and it is always a favorite summer activity for me.  I love the fair for the pictures, sights, sounds and smells, and … Read more

Del mar fair header