The very idea of traveling with children can intimidate the most intrepid parent. However, if you plan well and adjust your attitude, you can vacation with children without losing your mind. C’mon, it’ll be fun! Our family has traveled cross-country as well as across the pond, but this is not something that we’ve done for…
I grew up in Southern California. Except for the five years that we lived in Kansas (2003-2008), the Golden State has been my home. I love it. Despite its flaws, of which there are many, I know, I never want to leave again. Ever. Almost six years ago FishPapa and I decided to go for…
A weekend getaway, even if it’s only 24 hours, doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s how to save money on your next overnighter. A few weeks ago FishPapa and I had a 24-Hour Date. When our kids were really little, the only time we were gone overnight was to go to the hospital and have…
Frugality is getting a good value for what you pay. That’s how we can live in California and pay the high cost of living. This post was originally published on September 13, 2012. The message still holds true. Many people have wondered how it’s possible to live in California which has a reputation for having…
Dining out on a budget requires compromising in small ways, but still achieving the end goals of great food and good company. A few weeks ago I shared a few small ways our family uses to save money. One of those ways was to eat at home, of which we do a fair amount. However,…
Last month our family took the day off from business as usual and headed to a local attraction, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Formerly known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the Safari Park is one of two zoological gardens in San Diego. The famous San Diego Zoo is located in the heart…
If you live or travel within California, or plan to in the near future, it would be in your best interests to discover all the wonderful ways you can make ends meet in the Golden State. Whether you find entertainment out of doors or master the ways of the mouse without a million dollars, there…
Last week our family went on our first vacation in many years. In fact, I was hard pressed to think of what true vacations we had been on. The business of life, pregnancies, newborns, lack of funds — all have kept us home bound. And for the most part that has been just fine with…