Ah, summer; a time to bond with your loved ones in the great outdoors. Whether you cherish trips to the beach, enjoy hiking at area parks or prefer barbecuing in your own backyard, the season of sun allows for a ton of fun. The key to making the most of summer vacation is to find activities that fit your family’s budget. Whether you are pinching pennies or have some extra cash to burn, top tourist destinations are hoping you will spend some time in their neck of the woods. For example, San Diego is pulling out all the stops to … Continue reading →
April showers bring May flowers… and hopefully some warmer temperatures so you and your family can enjoy inexpensive outdoor explorations. Old Man Winter refuses to exit gracefully this year. Many parts of the country are still buried under snow and ice, including my neck of the woods. However, in some states spring is well underway and with the change of seasons comes a host of affordable travel opportunities that allow you to conquer cabin fever without going broke: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: California’s largest state park is located roughly two hours northeast of San Diego. It boasts more than 110 … Continue reading →
My 8-year-old is obsessed with LEGO Friends. I too am quite fond of the popular plastic building blocks, though I appreciate them far more when they aren’t stabbing the bottom of my feet. Wouldn’t it be great to have a huge area dedicated solely to the construction and demolition of LEGO masterpieces without worrying about having your feet branded? A place where kids can let their imagination soar while being inspired by gigantic one-of-a-kind LEGO structures? That’s exactly what can happen when you travel to LEGOLAND in Carlsbad, California. But, now, instead of just touring the enchanted theme park, you … Continue reading →
Spring arrives next week, though you’d never know it by the freezing cold temperatures and fresh snow falling in much of the Midwest and Central Plains. If you are dreaming of ditching the ice in order to splish, splash into spring, consider the following beach deals that won’t wipeout your travel budget: Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach: From now through May 1, 2013, the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach is offering a money-saving “Beach Spring Break Package,” which includes complimentary breakfast for two adults and two children and use of the hotel’s beach accessories (umbrella, two beach chairs and four … Continue reading →
With abundant sunshine, gloriously warm temperatures, 70 miles of gorgeous beaches and a slew of world-famous attractions, San Diego is a hot spot for families looking to enjoy a fun-filled spring break. Fortunately, the popular Southern California city is also a haven for frugal travelers. Right now, several area hotels are offering incredible package deals catering to budget-conscious clans. Some of the money-saving getaways include: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa: From now through May 23rd you can escape Old Man Winter’s wrath and luxuriate at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, located within minutes from La Jolla; one … Continue reading →
Part of the Affordable Care Act includes the ability for states to choose to expand their Medicaid program. In California, the program is called Medi-Cal. There have been problems with this program in the past. Here is a brief summary of what California is planning to do in regards to the expansion. In December of 2012, a U.S. Court of Appeals made a decision about a situation that had been going on since sometime in 2009. The state of California cut the reimbursement rate for doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers who treated patients who were covered by Medi-Cal. … Continue reading →
Are you ready for spring break 2013? I’ve been ready since November 2012. I would do just about anything to escape the brutal cold and ever-present snow that has smothered our neck of the woods for the past four months. Are you with me? If you need a reprieve from Old Man Winter, but don’t have a ton of cash to fund a luxurious spring break getaway, consider the plethora of travel deals being offered in sunny Southern California: March 7-10, 2013: Enjoy the magic of Oz on picturesque Coronado Island. Next month, the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission is presenting … Continue reading →
I often worry about the chemicals I use in my house. I worry about what exactly is in the air freshener I use. I freak out when my husband buys a Teflon skillet. But, I just read that another real threat in my house may be my sofa. My sofa? A threat? Yes. Since 1975, California has required that all furniture with foam such as sofas and baby products such as car seats be treated with flame retardant chemicals. That standard, maybe because California is so large a state, became the standard for most other states. The problem is while … Continue reading →
If you love the idea of escaping February’s bitter cold to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your lover in the warm California sun, then you are going to adore these amazing travel deals. The following sweet and sexy Love Day offerings will warm your heart without burning a hole in your wallet: SWEET This sweetheart of a deal is being offered by the US GRANT hotel in San Diego’s historic downtown district. From now through February 28th you and your true love can take advantage of the “Romancing the Epicurean” package, which features deluxe accommodations, two welcome cocktails, an edible “Artist’s … Continue reading →
Most of the time, when there is news that involves changes to insurance rates, it is because the insurer is raising them. Not this time! State Farm is going to cut homeowners insurance rates in California. It is so nice to hear good news from an insurance company! It isn’t often that I hear about an insurance company that has announced that they are going to lower their rates. Actually, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of an insurer willingly choosing to lower its rates. That is exactly what is happening, though. State Farm is the largest homeowners insurer in … Continue reading →
Signup for the email newsletter from Families.com. Read the
latest articles and learn about families, parenting and more.
