The Seabird Resort | Beachfront Hotel in Oceanside, CA

The Seabird Resort | Beachfront Hotel in Oceanside, CA

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

The Seabird Resort | Beachfront Hotel in Oceanside, CA
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 So Cal girl through and through. I was born and raised in San Diego and then transplanted to south Orange County 20 years ago when I got married and started my own family. I remember the day … Read more

the best restaurants orange county
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1 Hotel West Hollywood Review : A Weekend Getaway

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

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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
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
Bruges belgium

Bruges with Kids : Things to do in Belgium

Our time in Europe has taken us to lots of big cities.  I love big cities, but I also wanted to explore the small towns of Europe and really get a feel for what it was like to live in a smaller town. A while ago I mentioned a bit about skipping Brussels if you are … Read more

Bruges belgium
Restoration on king

Restoration on King : The Best Place to Stay in Charleston

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

Restoration on king
Visitor oyster cards

Visitor Oyster Cards : Tips for Getting Around London

If you are traveling to London you will, with out a doubt, need to familiarize yourself with public transportation while visiting.  Using the tube is the easiest and most cost effective way to get around the city. The endless system of trains, the Underground and buses make it simple to get all over Central London … Read more

Visitor oyster cards
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
Borough market

Visit Borough Market : Amazing Food Market by London Bridge

If you love eating, drinking, and wandering stalls full of food and produce of every kind, then you do not want to miss Borough Market when you are visiting London.  This amazing food market by London Bridge has been around for centuries. You can walk and eat your way through history at the same time. … Read more

Borough market
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
Omni la costa resort and spa

Family Friendly Resorts in San Diego : Omni La Costa Golf Resort & Spa

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

Omni la costa resort and spa
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
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
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Best Brunch in Los Angeles and a Weekend Recap

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

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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
0816 anderson cooper trancoso brazil 2

Destination Design: Amazing Vacation Home in Brazil

While watching the Olympics recently, I was searching for something regarding Brazil on the internet and I stumbled on Anderson Cooper’s gorgeous vacation home.  WOW!!  If I had a beautiful retreat to escape to like this in Brazil, I night never come home!  Architectural Digest did a beautiful job capturing these images and I hope … Read more

0816 anderson cooper trancoso brazil 2
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
Kimpton 2

Destination Design: The Goodland Kimpton Hotel, Goleta CA

Welcome to Destination Design, a new feature here on the blog.  This is something I’ve been wanting to start for awhile, and I’ve finally decided to just jump in with both feet.  I have a question for you… When you are browsing the internet, what makes you stop in your tracks and say WOW!?  What … Read more

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Magnolia market and the silos fixer upper

Visit Magnolia Market and the Silos: 6 Things to Know Before You Go

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

Magnolia market and the silos fixer upper
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Disneyland: Character Dining at Ariel’s Grotto

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

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Seattle troll 5

The Seattle Fremont Troll : Things to do in Seattle

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

Seattle troll 5