These children's books about the beach are perfect to get kids excited about an upcoming visit, calm anxieties, and learn about our shores. These days, my kids never want to leave the beach. They're too busy looking for sand crabs, building channels and castles, and chasing the water with a pail. You'd never guess these were the same kids who'd cry if their feet so much as touched the sand. They wouldn't walk anywhere outside the beach towels, much less consider going into the water. But living in Los Angeles means easy access to the beach, giving us many opportunities for frequent … [Read more...]
Beach Essentials for Baby You Should Pack
Taking a trip to the beach? Nothing's worse than forgetting an item. Discover the beach essentials for baby to take on your next summer trip. "I'll take him to the beach!" I told my husband. I had a day off from work and wanted to do something special with my baby, to expose him to new experiences. The beach seemed like a perfect outing. But the minute I parked the car, I knew I had come unprepared. You see, I thought I'd just take him for a walk along the beach. I didn't think I'd stay long, what with nap times and all. So, the only item I brought was my baby carrier, and nothing … [Read more...]
(Realistic) Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids
Looking for things to do in San Francisco with kids? Traveling with children can be hard. Here are places to visit, even with little ones. A few years ago, my family drove from Los Angeles to another one of California's best cities: San Francisco. And of course, we needed to find realistic things to do suitable for a five-year-old and two-year-old twins. Our first taste that this was a "we have kids" vacation was the drive itself. We left Los Angeles at 8am and didn't arrive in San Francisco until 4pm, what with frequent stops and food breaks extending our travel time. So, we were … [Read more...]
Toddler Beach Essentials for Stress-Free Family Fun
Wondering what to bring to the beach? Take a look at these beach essentials for toddlers — a collection of must have beach items for your next vacation. Bringing toddlers to the beach isn't always an easy feat. The first time I brought my twins to the beach, one of them cried for 20 minutes straight while the other had to poop in the public restroom. Snacks fall straight into the wet sand, beach towels never seemed to stay clean, and naps were unpredictable. You might imagine your toddler darting off the one second you looked away, or dread coming home with sand in every crevice of his … [Read more...]
30 (Realistic) Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids
Looking for realistic things to do in Los Angeles with kids? These ideas are both family friendly and fun to do on your next trip to Los Angeles. I moved to Los Angeles when I was eight, and I've spent the last several years rooted to this place. So, even though I wasn't born in LA, I was definitely raised in the different neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Some fun facts about Los Angeles: The weather is amazing, and something I take for granted. Especially as I bundle up when it's "cold" and 60 degrees outside. The traffic is terrible. As in, it would take my husband an hour to … [Read more...]
7 Smart Ways to Maintain Your Child’s Sleep Schedule on Vacation
Planning a family trip but wondering how to handle your child's sleep routine? Learn 7 smart ways to maintain your child's sleep schedule on vacation. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Regalo. All opinions are 100% mine. I had been planning our family trip, down to the sites to visit, the restaurants to eat, and the rental house we'd stay. But as much as I had planned for what we'd do once we got there, I realized I hadn't considered my kids' routine, particularly their sleep schedule. Even now, I work hard to keep a nap and bedtime routine at home, so much so that my … [Read more...]
The LA Waterfront: Where Past Meets Present
Come visit the LA Waterfront to experience the history of America's largest trade gateway! The Port of Los Angeles is perfect for locals and tourists alike. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of LA Waterfront. All opinions are 100% mine. In a school survey, my seven-year-old shared his favorites—color, holiday, food, hobbies. Under "favorite books," he answered "history books." And no wonder—I'm amazed by how much he's taken to learning about history and times of the past. We're fortunate to live in Los Angeles, a city with a rich history perfect to pique his interest, … [Read more...]
Why California Is Naturally Different
California is one of the most unique states in the country. Learn why the golden state is naturally different with everything it offers. Did you know California produces 95% of the celery in the United States? Celery isn't alone, either. California also produces 90% of broccoli, 99% of artichokes, and 89% of cauliflower.* Our climate, soil, and space make California one of the most unique states in the country. This is something I take for granted living in Los Angeles. Sure, we have seasons (no peaches at the farmers markets right now!). But I have access to fresh produce … [Read more...]