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Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Friday, October 3, 2014
Monday, August 20, 2012
My Travel Solutions!
I know I'm a bit behind on this post so I'll make it quick!
I LOVE my Thirty-one bags! Not only were they a life saver this past couple weeks while we were in L.A. but they were incredible for our family camping trip!
I can't say enough about my Large Utility Totes! I think I need like 10 to cover all the things I use them for! On our trip to L.A. it was SO HELPFUL to carry all our snacks in the car and to haul groceries to the hotel room AND I flatted one and stuck it in the trunk and used it to put our dirty laundry in at the hotel & to take it to the laundry facilities when the time came. Camping we used them to hold pans, paper goods, cooking supplies, spices, etc. SO MANY uses let me tell ya!
Then the Market Thermal Tote I used as a cooler in the car on our many road trips and the Picnic Thermal when I just needed a lunch for a day trip to the beach. While camping we used the Market Thermal to hold food and Picnic Thermal for our lunch on the beach & fruits.
These pictures are a bit of a mess so forgive me:)
The above photo is my Organizing Utility Tote with my All-in-one Organizer and my Large Zipper Pouch inside! This is my diaper bag (messy at the moment). This is another one I can't live without! Although, they are coming out with a new one in Sept that is this one only BIGGER and with a zipper closure! Um, ya, I have to have it! (It's appropriately called the Super Organizing Tote)(:
The All-in-one Organizer is the lime green/grey dot one (Minty Chip). It has a notepad in it with all my lists and to do lists on it as well as a couple pockets to put my business cards, calendar, coupons, pen, etc. in. It's super great! My Large Zipper Pouch I keep diapers, mat, wipes, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, business cards,etc. in! It's my grab and go changing bag. It has a nice vinyl lining so you could put snacks or wet clothes in it with no problem.They also have a small one that is perfect for your grab and go personal care products!
Above: In this one you can see the Expand-a-tote Day Extender with the yellow flower clip (The black and white one in the back) I used it to put me & my girls clothes in as well as my shower things (which are in the blue Little Carry-All Caddy in the front)! The Little Carry-All Caddy was very handy to go to and from the bathroom! We also have Cosmetic Bags!
Above: This is my Cinch Sac in Happy Dots! I use this to hold toys & entertainment things for my girls when we are on trips! It works like a dream!
These show my other Organizing Utility Tote in Lotsa Dots that I used on our trips as a diaper caddy. It was awesome!
And can't forget the URU Thermal Tote! Which I used to hold bottles and sippy's in the car and at night. Alot of people use them for lunch bags though. It's AWESOME!
And a couple pictures of our camp site. Note my little girl showing off for the camera:)
Sunday, August 19, 2012
L.A. Trip Update!
So I wanted to follow up on my "Fun & Frugal Things to do in L.A. Area" post!I wasn't able to do all the things on my list but I got to explore quite a few places!
We stayed at the Extended Stay America at: 1742 S Clementine St, Anaheim, CA 92802
It was very nice and close to everything! Plus we got a super great deal on a room with a Kitchenette so we could save even more money on food!
We were able to go to:
1. Newport Beach & Oceanside Beach
Newport Beach was very nice and has lots of things around it. It was also the closest to our hotel and pretty much a straight shot on hwy! Here are some pictures from that beach:
And at Oceanside Beach they have a excellent Fish & Chips place, free parking, and a very nice beach. We went here at dusk/night so I don't have pictures of the BEACH but I do of the harbor there:
2. Visited a Park
We visited many parks in the area, but one of our favorites was Irvine Park (1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869). I brought my girls by myself this day so I didn't take any pictures:( But I do have a map of the park and such I will scan onto here later for you to see! Now one thing they don't mention when searching is that it cost $4 to get in/park! Which would have been nice to know so I would have packed a lunch and made more of a day of it. But it was still very nice! They have a trail you can ride, pony rides, the Zoo, a lake, several playground areas that have a pad under the playground instead of wood chips!, pavilions to eat at, horse back riding lessons, you can rent bikes & boats, and they do have somewhere you can buy food at the trail station. So there was PLENTY to do, but no one was at the main gate when I went in and I had never been there so I had to kind of guess where everything was....then at the train station I found the map which opened up a whole new world!
A little info on the train ride:
We also wanted to check out Santiago Oaks Regional Park but it also cost $4 to get in and I know that you could prob. buy a state park pass and just go to a bunch in that area, but my girls were melting so we went home.It's on Serrano Ave in Orange, CA.
There was also a little playground at the hotel next door and others off Chapman as well as some play areas at the malls around the area (like the one on The City Dr S. and the one on Main Place Dr./N Main St was HUGE, but we didn't have much time to explore it!) I know there was also a Discovery Science Center down the street from there also...so little time! Darn nap time!
3. Crystal Cathedral
Now, I'm not Catholic but we went by this cool Crystal Cathedral on Chapman Ave several times and it was just cool! (These aren't my pics. Thanks Google!)
4. Downtown Disney
We didn't go to Disneyland, but we were able to go to Downtown Disney and check out some of the shops there. This was plenty for my little ones and it was nice to go into air conditioning on a hot day:) Alli loved Build-A-Bear & the Disney Store. Her Aunt got her a Pascal Stuffed Animal & a Princess Book that has vinyl stickers you can dress up the princesses. She loves them both! The Lego store is cool for older kids and the Carmel Corn was yummy! You can usually find coupons and discounts for some of the shops like Build-A-Bear and the Disney store online and at the hotels around there. And discounts for other local places. You can also take a shuttle bus right to Downtown Disney from most of the hotels (for a cost), but there's parking right by it for Free for 2 or 3 hrs and then you can get additional hrs for buying things. Anyway, it was easy to find.
5. There were many Targets, Walmarts, Vons, Smart & Finals, Albertsons, Trader Joes, Malls etc.
One of our fav. areas was on N Tustin St. & E Meats Ave.
There was a Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, Trader Joe's, and a huge mall that had Old Navy, Sears, Ross, etc. in it (INDOORS!) and they also had Olive Garden and other restaurants close by.
Pretty much between Katella Ave, Main St, Tustin, and Chapman there was everything you really needed.
There was also a Walmart & other stores a couple exits down from where we were. So we always had something to do.
Between Google and our GPS we pretty much found anything with ease.
You can also find coupons and fliers for different places at your Hotel! Enjoy the adventure!
If you have a smartphone and use the Shopkicks app this area was a gold mine for walk in kicks and scans! I LOVE Shopkicks! Anytime I'm in an area with lots of shopping (there's not a whole lot in my little town) I whip it out and score kicks that I can redeem for gift cards like Target, Best Buy, Restaurants.com, Chili's, etc. Here's my referral link if you want to check it out!
http://get.shopkick.com/mink8265
We stayed at the Extended Stay America at: 1742 S Clementine St, Anaheim, CA 92802
It was very nice and close to everything! Plus we got a super great deal on a room with a Kitchenette so we could save even more money on food!
We were able to go to:
1. Newport Beach & Oceanside Beach
Newport Beach was very nice and has lots of things around it. It was also the closest to our hotel and pretty much a straight shot on hwy! Here are some pictures from that beach:
2. Visited a Park
We visited many parks in the area, but one of our favorites was Irvine Park (1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869). I brought my girls by myself this day so I didn't take any pictures:( But I do have a map of the park and such I will scan onto here later for you to see! Now one thing they don't mention when searching is that it cost $4 to get in/park! Which would have been nice to know so I would have packed a lunch and made more of a day of it. But it was still very nice! They have a trail you can ride, pony rides, the Zoo, a lake, several playground areas that have a pad under the playground instead of wood chips!, pavilions to eat at, horse back riding lessons, you can rent bikes & boats, and they do have somewhere you can buy food at the trail station. So there was PLENTY to do, but no one was at the main gate when I went in and I had never been there so I had to kind of guess where everything was....then at the train station I found the map which opened up a whole new world!
A little info on the train ride:
- www.irvineparkrailroad.com
- It's a 1/3 scale train that takes both children & adults on a 12 min ride through the park.
- It cost $4 per ticket or
- Book of 15 tickets for $50
- 12 months and younger ride FREE
- Open daily at 10AM ---7 Days a week
We also wanted to check out Santiago Oaks Regional Park but it also cost $4 to get in and I know that you could prob. buy a state park pass and just go to a bunch in that area, but my girls were melting so we went home.It's on Serrano Ave in Orange, CA.
There was also a little playground at the hotel next door and others off Chapman as well as some play areas at the malls around the area (like the one on The City Dr S. and the one on Main Place Dr./N Main St was HUGE, but we didn't have much time to explore it!) I know there was also a Discovery Science Center down the street from there also...so little time! Darn nap time!
3. Crystal Cathedral
Now, I'm not Catholic but we went by this cool Crystal Cathedral on Chapman Ave several times and it was just cool! (These aren't my pics. Thanks Google!)
4. Downtown Disney
We didn't go to Disneyland, but we were able to go to Downtown Disney and check out some of the shops there. This was plenty for my little ones and it was nice to go into air conditioning on a hot day:) Alli loved Build-A-Bear & the Disney Store. Her Aunt got her a Pascal Stuffed Animal & a Princess Book that has vinyl stickers you can dress up the princesses. She loves them both! The Lego store is cool for older kids and the Carmel Corn was yummy! You can usually find coupons and discounts for some of the shops like Build-A-Bear and the Disney store online and at the hotels around there. And discounts for other local places. You can also take a shuttle bus right to Downtown Disney from most of the hotels (for a cost), but there's parking right by it for Free for 2 or 3 hrs and then you can get additional hrs for buying things. Anyway, it was easy to find.
5. There were many Targets, Walmarts, Vons, Smart & Finals, Albertsons, Trader Joes, Malls etc.
One of our fav. areas was on N Tustin St. & E Meats Ave.
There was a Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, Trader Joe's, and a huge mall that had Old Navy, Sears, Ross, etc. in it (INDOORS!) and they also had Olive Garden and other restaurants close by.
Pretty much between Katella Ave, Main St, Tustin, and Chapman there was everything you really needed.
There was also a Walmart & other stores a couple exits down from where we were. So we always had something to do.
Between Google and our GPS we pretty much found anything with ease.
You can also find coupons and fliers for different places at your Hotel! Enjoy the adventure!
If you have a smartphone and use the Shopkicks app this area was a gold mine for walk in kicks and scans! I LOVE Shopkicks! Anytime I'm in an area with lots of shopping (there's not a whole lot in my little town) I whip it out and score kicks that I can redeem for gift cards like Target, Best Buy, Restaurants.com, Chili's, etc. Here's my referral link if you want to check it out!
http://get.shopkick.com/mink8265
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Fun & Frugal Things to do in L.A. with your family!
Here is a list of Frugal (& Free) Things to do in L.A. area! Me and my family will be going there so my Husband can go through some training for 2 whole weeks! When I get back I will give you my own review of some of these places!:) Because sometimes places say "kid friendly" or seem like they would be fun with little ones but then turn out to not be too great for smaller children or not as fun for older children! So look for my review the middle of August and if you have anywhere you would like to share or have a review of any of these places please comment below!
Most of my information came from the following links:
Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar
2. Visit a Garden or Park--
Beverly Gardens Park:
Beverly Gardens is a 22 block, 1.9 mile linear park stretching from Doheny Drive to Whittier Drive along the north side of Santa Monica Boulevard.
Other features of the park, many of which are historic, include:
Coldwater Canyon Park:
Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar
HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, & BOTANICAL GARDENS $$$
1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino, CA 91108
Phone: 626.405.2100
Fax: 626.405.9211
www.huntington.org
An oasis of art and culture on 207 acres. Explore breathtaking gardens, new Children’s Garden, Tropical Conservatory, Chinese Garden, four art galleries and a library, showcasing collections of rare books. Bookstore, English Tea and group tours.
3. Museums!--A List of FREE ones here!
4.Visit a Zoo--
Santa Ana Zoo
The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a place to play, a place to learn and a place to spend time with your family.
Most of my information came from the following links:
- http://discoverlosangeles.com
- http://www.uptake.com/california/orange.html
Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar
2. Visit a Garden or Park--
Beverly Gardens Park:
Beverly Gardens is a 22 block, 1.9 mile linear park stretching from Doheny Drive to Whittier Drive along the north side of Santa Monica Boulevard.
Other features of the park, many of which are historic, include:
- Cactus Garden
- Rose Garden
- Wilshire Electric Fountain
- Doheny Fountain
- Decomposed granite jogging and walking path
- Arbors
Coldwater Canyon Park:
This park has two small picnic
areas with two tables each. The Park also has two play areas, a water
feature, and shaded arbor. Picnic areas may be reserved for use
seasonally.
For more information, call (310) 285-6820
Coldwater Canyon Park
1100 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Coldwater Canyon Park
1100 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Grijalva Park
- 368 North Prospect, Orange, California, United States
- Playground park
Hart Park
- 701 S. Glassell, Orange, California, United States
- Oldest but not outdated! Huge!
Orange County Zoo
- 1 Irvine Park Road, California
- Phone:+1 714 633 2022, 7146332022, +1Website:www.ocparks.comLocated in the Irvine Regional Park, the Orange County Zoo is home to a variety of species of animals that are indigenous to the southwest including mountain lions, foxes and black bears. It's just $2 for admission for visitors two and older, but don't forget an extra few dollars for the parking at this Orange, California regional park.
- 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, California
- Irvine Regional Park, nestled in a grove of Heritage Oak and Sycamore trees, houses a variety of wildlife.Santiago Creek divides the park, and a pond with stone-work waterfall and foot bridge is at its center.
Belmont Park
- 4536 East Via Escola Ave., Orange, California, United States
- A beautiful park designed by Venture 2 consultants, where Anthony Mendoza was the lead Landscape Architect on the project. This park is located in the hills of Orange in a very affluent neighborhood. Playground
Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar
HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, & BOTANICAL GARDENS $$$
1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino, CA 91108
Phone: 626.405.2100
Fax: 626.405.9211
www.huntington.org
An oasis of art and culture on 207 acres. Explore breathtaking gardens, new Children’s Garden, Tropical Conservatory, Chinese Garden, four art galleries and a library, showcasing collections of rare books. Bookstore, English Tea and group tours.
Summer Hours
| Monday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Weekdays | Weekends | |||
| Adults | $20 | $23 | ||
| Seniors (age 65+) | $15 | $18 | ||
| Students (age 12-18, or with full-time student I.D.) | $12 | $13 | ||
| Youth (age 5-11) | $8 | $8 | ||
| Children (under 5) | free | free | ||
| Groups (15 or more) | $11 (per person) | $14 (per person) | ||
| Members | free | free |
Kind of pricy but if you can get tickets for the free day or get a membership if you live close then I'm sure it's well worth it!
Free Day
Admission to The Huntington is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month with advance tickets. Hours on Free Day are 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Children's Museum at La Habra
- 301 South Euclid Street, La Habra, CA, 90631
- AdmissionPhone:+1 562 905 9643Website:www.lahabracity.comLa Habra Children's Museum Children's Museum on S. Euclid St in La Habra, CA is in the Beach California section(s) Museums and Other General Government Support. The map of La Habra Children's Museum Children's Museum shows the approximate ... more on Beachcalifornia.com
Children & Adults $8
La Habra residents $7
Children under 2 Free
Members Free - Hours
Tuesday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm
Fridays open at 9 am for CMLH Members
Target Free First Saturdays
On the first Saturday of every month admission is free from 10am – 5pm, sponsored by Target. - Eating Facilities
There is no restaurant at the Museum, however snacks and water are available for purchase. The Museum is located in Portola Park, which features picnic tables and a playground. There is an array of restaurants within driving distance of the museum. Ask your friendly admissions clerk for a list of local eateries in the area.
4.Visit a Zoo--
Orange County Zoo
- 1 Irvine Park Road, California
- Phone:+1 714 633 2022, 7146332022, +1Website:www.ocparks.comLocated in the Irvine Regional Park, the Orange County Zoo is home to a variety of species of animals that are indigenous to the southwest including mountain lions, foxes and black bears. It's just $2 for admission for visitors two and older, but don't forget an extra few dollars for the parking at this Orange, California regional park.
Santa Ana Zoo
- 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone:
+1 714 953 8555, 714 / 953.8555
Website:
www.santaanazoo.org
5. Visit an Aquarium--
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
- 3720 Stephen White Drive, Los Angeles, California
Phone:
+1 310 548 7562
Website:
www.cabrilloaq.org
Both children and adults will enjoy viewing sea creatures of the ...
more on TripAdvisor
Aquarium HoursTuesday through Friday - 12 noon to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Saturday and Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas
They have a tide table for Cabrillo Beach on there site.
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is open year-round and operates on a
suggested donation of $5 for adults and $1 for children and seniors.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Summer Fun in the Sun!
Whether your child is 10 years or 10 months old there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors! But don't forget your Sunscreen and hats!
Here is a list of fun things to do with the whole family!
- Visit your local Zoo--Google where your local Zoo is.
- Community Events--Look at your towns Chamber of Commerce webpage. They usually have lots of summer events and places to see a lot of times for free!
- Visit a local garden--If you have a College or University near you alot of times they will have greenhouses or gardens you can visit. Either for free or a small fee.
- Go to a local park---There are water parks, city parks, state parks, and national parks all around you! Many you may not have even known about! So go online and search for your local parks and rec!
- Play a game! Here is a great website with TONS of ideas for games indoors and outdoors for the whole family! Family Fun
- Want to do something fun indoors? Try doing a craft together. There are tons of ideas online HERE and all over Pinterest and the web!
- Anything with Water--Seems like just about every child and adult loves to beat the heat by cooling off in the water! Find a creek, river, public pool, or water park near you or get a cheap little kiddy pool or sprinkler at your local store to throw in the backyard to help beat the heat!
- And no activity would be complete without good food and good company! You can grab some great recipes all over the internet for refreshing lemonades, fruit creations, light salads, grilled meats& chilling desserts! So grab your family or a friend and enjoy the summer! :)
Friday, April 27, 2012
Travel Jewelry Holder PREVIEW
So here is a teaser preview of the Travel Roll up Jewelry Holder Tutorial I will have up on here soon!
I'll just leave you with these 2 teaser pictures;) Don't worry I will reveal the whole thing soon enough!
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