This post was originally published in October of 2021. I seem to discover new places to relax at Disneyland each time we visit, so I thought it might be time to update the post with one of our new favorite spots to kick back and relax during a busy day in the parks.  Be sure to scroll down to the bottom to check out The Golden Horseshoe. Disneyland is wonderful, but it can also be exhausting. Sometimes we need a little break from the crowds and craziness.  Let me clarify that when I say “we,” I’m talking about us as parents.  Kids, they’re like energizer bunnies, th ..read more

Disney dining reservations are a crucial part of creating a perfect Disneyland trip. We have favorite restaurants where we love to dine, so securing these Disneyland dining reservations is vital to making our Disney trip as magical as possible. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to snag these coveted reservations, especially at the more popular restaurants like Blue Bayou, Cathay Circle, and Lamplight Lounge. That being said, it can be done, and below are a few tips on how we manage to dine at these restaurants each time we visit. How to Snag Disney Dining Reservations 1 ..read more

Couscous Tabbouleh Salad This simple and delightful Eastern Mediterranean dish, is a favorite of mine, especially during the warmer seasons of spring and summer. Tabbouleh is traditionally made with bulgur wheat, but this version swaps out the bulgur wheat for couscous to equal, if not better, results. This year, our garden gifted us an abundant crop of parsley. To ensure none of it went to waste, I found ways to use it up quickly. While I dried the majority for future use, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to use the aromatic fresh parsley in my favored couscous tabbouleh salad ..read more

Las Vegas is teeming with activities and attractions, and while this may be thrilling, it can also be somewhat overwhelming. In this ever-awake city, it’s all too easy to feel pressed to stay on the move. This is why, during my recent Las Vegas girls’ trip, we intentionally chose only a handful of activities that we were truly excited about, ensuring we also had time for relaxation or a push on the slots. Here are four standout Las Vegas girls’ trip activities we embarked on, plus one we wish we had included on our latest Vegas journey. 1. Experience a Show What’s a Las Veg ..read more

Is Napa Valley family friendly? Absolutely! Below are three places in wine country that we found to be perfect for families. If you’re thinking of a family vacation, Napa Valley might not be your initial choice. The famed wine country, best known for its adult-centric itinerary, is seldom on top of the list for family-friendly locales. You might be surprised, however, to know Napa is also a great destination for families. We recently visited Napa Wine Country for a long weekend and had a fantastic time. Who knew that wine country had so much to offer beyond its vineyards? On this tr ..read more

Warm up this winter season with a White Hot Chocolate. This is a decadent and delicious treat that is quick and easy to make. Cozy Up with White Hot Chocolate As winter’s chill settles in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming cup of White Hot Chocolate to warm your soul. This decadent treat is a delightful twist on the classic, offering a creamy and indulgent experience that’s perfect for the entire winter season. Crafting a cup of White Hot Chocolate is surprisingly simple. It requires just a handful of ingredients: 2% milk, half & half, white chocolate chips, and a dash of van ..read more

Indulge in the Delight of Homemade Cream Puffs: A Simple and Irresistibly Delicious Dessert Cream puffs, those delightful French pastries that journeyed to the United States in the 1800s, might initially appear daunting to make, but fear not – they are surprisingly easy. These ethereal pastries begin their journey on the stovetop, and as they bake in the oven, they magically puff up into golden, airy creations. The pièce de résistance? They’re filled with a luscious, sweet cream. In this recipe, we’ll explore the wonders of a velvety vanilla custard cream that harmonizes flawlessly ..read more

Disney’s Silhouette Studio During our recent Disneyland adventure, my family had the pleasure of discovering one of the park’s most treasured gems: Disneyland’s Silhouette Studio. This enchanting experience not only captured our profiles but also immersed us in a piece of Disney history. The Silhouette Studio opened the day after Disneyland’s grand opening in 1955. It is a cherished attraction that connects us to a bygone era. Silhouettes, an art form that gained immense popularity in the 18th century, reached their peak in the 19th century. These delicate black-and-white profiles skill ..read more

I originally posted this piece in November of 2021.  We first built and put up our holiday arches back in December 2020.  Each year we decorate them a little differently, so I wanted to repost this story with a few new photos and videos to show you how they’ve evolved over the years. -Michelle Looking to add a little extra holiday pizazz to your Christmas decor?  Why not try some DIY holiday arches? Every year we visit the Willow Glen neighborhood in San Jose to see the Christmas lights.  It’s one of those neighborhoods where all the homes go all-out with ..read more

As the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and red and the air turns crisp, it can only mean one thing: pumpkin season is here. And with it comes the time-honored tradition of selecting the perfect pumpkin. Whether you’re looking for the ideal jack-o’-lantern candidate or the star ingredient for your next pumpkin pie, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the art of choosing the perfect pumpkin and sprinkle in some fascinating pumpkin facts along the way. The Pumpkin Patch Adventure Venturing to a local pumpkin patch or visiting your neighborhood grocery store’s pump ..read more