California Archives - The Culture Mom

30Apr

A Taste of Wine & Hollywood at Carmel Valley’s Holman Ranch

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This is a cross-post from Go Girlfriend, a site I contribute to that focuses on girlfriend getaways. Alaina Yoakum is a Marketing, Communications, Social Media and Event Planning expert with over 20 years’ experience. When she’s not traveling the world or spoiling her two children at home in Northern California, she loves to help clients promote their brands more effectively through winning strategies, catchy copy, dynamic designs, and unforgettable events. If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need to grab your favorite gals and Read More

11Dec

An Electrifying Experience: IlluminOcean in Dana Point, California

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I just came back from Dana Point, California, where I experienced something very magical called IlluminOcean. A massive lover of Christmas lights, I had a feeling I'd be memorized, but I actually underestimated the event's enormity. Billed a “wonderland by the sand,” this new installation features 22 giant ocean-themed lighting sculptures with over 500,000 LED lights along a one-mile stretch on the harbor. It's really the perfect outing for a family and seriously worth the trip. Kids can even wear 3D glasses for a holographic look. Forty Nights of Read More

02Dec

Hotel Review: The Garland in North Hollywood

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My daughter and I just got back from a stay at The Garland in North Hollywood. Billed as "Hollywood Glamour Meet Retro-Chic," the hotel is undergoing a massive renovation to achieve this image and it was clear from what has been completed that they're on their way. This family-owned establishment was named after the late Beverly Garland, a famous film and TV actress. She was responsible for its interior décor, which is a retro-modern oasis surrounded by gardens and palm tress. The result is quintessential Hollywood, with pictures of film stars Read More

02Dec

Repost: 5 Tips for a Family Day at Universal Studios Hollywood

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(This article appeared on MiniTime today: http://www.minitime.com/trip-tips/5-Tips-for-a-Family-Day-at-Universal-Studios-Hollywood-article) If you’re a movie buff and are headed to Universal Studios Hollywood this holiday season with the family, you’re in for a real treat. But if you have time to research the park, it can be worthwhile as time can really fly during a visit and can feel quite overwhelming. There are ways to navigate the park to improve your visit, especially when traveling with children. That’s why we have a list of five tips Read More

27Nov

Eating Out with Kids in Long Beach, California

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Long Beach is full of child-friendly restaurants. On my recent trip with my (picky) tween, we sampled new foods, tried new versions of our existing favorites and munched out on seafood. Here's a selection of where we went: The Attic on Broadway - Housed in an edifice from the 1920s, this family-owned, funky neighborhood eatery is full of local art and a lot of history. I was told that the one of its rooms is even haunted. There's something for everyone on the menu - from mac & cheese and nutella french toast for kids to steak to salad to the Read More

26Nov

Why Take the Kids to Long Beach, California

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If you're looking for a vacation with the kids in 2015 that has good hotels, restaurants, a variety of activities for all ages, good weather (all year long), art, culture, shopping, and more, I have an idea for you. I just got back from a few days in Long Beach, California, and I have to say it was the ultimate getaway with my tween. Located along five and a half miles of beach, half way between Los Angeles and Orange County, Long Beach offers great food, cultural diversity, waterfront dining and a slew of options for families of all shapes and sizes. In Read More

04Apr