A couple of months ago John had a conference at the Omni Dallas hotel in the heart of downtown Dallas. Whenever he has work meetings, if I can, I like to tag along. These days it’s gotten a lot easier with both kids in college. Its kind of a weird thing to have the freedom … Read more
John had a work conference in Nashville, TN in November and I tagged along. I was SO excited. I had never been to Nashville and it has been one of those places on my list for years. In late 2020 John had to go for work and I just wasn’t comfortable traveling at that time, … Read more
Staying at the Halekulani Sixteen years ago John read an article in Travel & Leisure about this magical place in Honolulu, right on a stretch of Waikiki Beach called the Halekulani. It was our tenth anniversary and we were heading to Hawaii to celebrate. We had spent our honeymoon in Honolulu and we were excited … Read more
Summertime in Phoenix anyone? If you’ve been watching the news this week, I’m sure you’ve seen the record setting 100+ degree temps that they are currently dealing with…not unusual for Phoenix, but I’m sure it doesn’t typically scream “I want to vacation there right now!!” 😉 Well, hopefully this post might change your mind. John … Read more
I hope you are having a great start to your week. I spent yesterday being lazy and recouping from a busy week and now I’m ready to dive into another one! Do you ever need to do that? Just take a minute to kind of reset? I definitely do or else I can get kind … Read more
How do you plan your family vacations? With the kids schedules and John’s schedule being SO crazy these days, we have found that the easiest thing for us to do is to sit down as a family at the beginning of the year and look at the calendar so we can get something planned out … Read more
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
I grew up in San Diego and admittedly never spent much time in Oceanside. We were a little bit inland and further south in San Diego..so our beach trips took us to La Jolla Shores, Del Mar and points south. Living in Orange County these last many years Oceanside has been a bit closer, but … Read more
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
Now that things seem to be getting a tad back to normal, John is back to traveling for work some and that means….Ash and I tag along! Woot, woot! A work conference means a great excuse for us to get away for a few days and a fun weekend in Dallas, Texas for some sun … Read more
These past 2 years (I can’t even believe I’m saying that!) have felt a bit stifling, feeling stuck in one place and generally unable to travel. Things feel a little like they are starting to normalize in that department, we just got back from our first big trip in a few years and while it … Read more
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
Dare I say…travel is back? Could it be? I decided it was about time to dust off the travel archives and write a travel post. This has been the strangest 15+ months. I have never been so grounded. While there are parts of being a home body I have definitely enjoyed, the wanderlust has been … Read more
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
If you have never had the opportunity to visit one or more of the National Parks, here is my formal invitation to make Zion National Park a vacation destination in the near future. Living in Southern California my whole life and traveling back and forth between CA and Utah for school, St. George was always … Read more
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
If you’re looking for a little dose of southern charm, put Charleston South Carolina on your list of places to visit. John and I try and take a little time each year to get away and do something fun together. Thank heavens for amazing grandparents who are willing to spend some quality time with their … Read more
I am SO excited for your NYC adventure. You are going to LOVE the city. I can’t get enough of it and I wish I could come along with you! 🙂 A few years ago I wrote this post about Christmas in NYC with kids and I have been amazed at the response. Hundreds of … Read more
A small city with personality to spare, New Orleans is a lively city full of more food, history, music and culture than most cities many times it’s size. There is so much to New Orleans beyond Bourbon Street. Visit New Orleans and spend a few days here wandering the streets of the French Quarter, exploring … Read more
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
This fall John and I had the chance to sneak away for a few days in New York City…as many of you know, it’s one of my favorite places on the planet, and fall is my favorite time there. We are fortunate to visit often, so now, rather than trying to hit all the touristy … Read more
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
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
If you are heading to Southern California and looking for beautiful, family friendly resorts in San Diego, look no further. The Omni La Costa Golf Resort and Spa offers something for everyone in the family. Golf, a beautiful spa, Kid’s Club, water slides…the list goes on. Both John and I grew up in San Diego, … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
What a week! So much has happened at the Utah house, I’m actually headed back up there today because there are so many decisions to be made. All of this back and forth, leaving my kiddos and hubby behind are starting to wear on all of us I think. This weekend my sweet husband surprised … Read more
I feel so fortunate to work with some of the best companies on the planet, and HomeGoods is definitely one of them. Back in 2012, HomeGoods ran a contest on Facebook for fans of their page. I, of course, being a huge HomeGoods fan couldn’t help but enter…the prize was a $250 gift card! Visions … Read more
January was a crazy travel month for me. When I bought my ticket to Alt Summit back in mid 2016, I had no idea where life would be taking me at this time in 2017. I was grateful that this year Alt Summit moved to sunny Palm Springs and so it made the travel much … Read more
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
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
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
“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
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
Alright Fixer Upper fans… this edition of travel Tuesday is especially for you. In October my husband and I had the chance to visit Dallas on business. Of course when I heard “Dallas” all I was really thinking about was Waco. As a huge fan of the Fixer Upper show and especially the cute Fixer … Read more
It’s no secret that I am a picture fanatic! I usually have at least two cameras with me at all times and try to capture as many of our family’s adventures and as much of every day life as I possibly can. I am a memory maker! Last week we were invited to visit Knott’s … Read more
Fairy tales are real! Those pesky little trolls we read about as kids…well one of them is alive and well in Seattle living under the Aurora Bridge. The Fremont Troll is sure to delight your kids when you visit the Fremont District in Seattle. When we were planning our trip for the family and looking … Read more
As the mom of a little girl who practically lives in a princess dress, and a boy who has grown up with Lightening McQueen and Mater as his best buddies, we have spent more than our fair share of time visiting all of our favorite Disney friends up the street at The Happiest Place on … Read more
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
Salt Lake City feels a little like a second home to me. I attended college a bit down the road from here, and this was the city I really “grew up” in. I became an adult learning how to navigate life on my own in Utah, had my first baby there, and spent the first few … Read more
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
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
With the world’s attention focused on Arizona today on Super Bowl Sunday, I thought that would be a perfect excuse to highlight “The Grand Canyon State” as our February vacation spot. There’s a reason most of the MLB teams have their Spring Training facilities here, and that’s because February and March are the perfect times … Read more
So excited to share this third installment of 48 hours in San Francisco. Hopefully my last two posts about where to stay, the best way to get around town, and day one itinerary have you excited for your trip! If you just stumbled upon this and haven’t seen those posts, you can find the post … Read more
I love the feeling of waking up in a big city! It makes me feel like there are endless possibilities and adventures ahead. If you’ve been wondering what to do in San Francisco, look no further! Saturdays in the city are tons of fun! Hopefully you had an easy trip in and started the trip off … Read more
This suburban girl LOVES the city. I’m sure if you’ve been following me for a while now, you know that I can’t get enough of a big city. New York has my heart, but I also love any excuse to sneak up to San Francisco. There are SO many fun shops, restaurants and things to … Read more