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Family Holidays and Weekends

How to Have an Awesome Family Vacation in Los Angeles

Planning a trip that the whole family can enjoy can be a challenging task. Take away the hassle and book a trip to LA. There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy from renting a Los Angeles beach house, going to Disneyland and eating amazing food. California has something for everyone.

One of the reasons Los Angeles can make for such a great destination is it’s the type of place you can plan a trip out well in advance or just wing it. There is always something going on in this bustling city. LAX is such a major international and domestic airport, it is often quite possible to catch last minute deals in and out of the city. Additionally, there are enough accommodations available, whether it is a Palos Verdes Hotel or a resort in Santa Monica.

In order to get you on your way, here is a mix of all age pleasing activities that span across the budget from free to splurge.

Be Prepared for Everything

It is possible that not everything is going to go smoothly on a family vacation. People clash, disagreements about where to visit arise, and if you’re not used to sleeping in close quarters with a distant family member, tension can occur. There are also more practical issues that can happen; someone could get injured or you could find yourself a victim of crime, such as someone stealing your wallet while you’re on a day trip. In these occasions, you need to know what to do. Find out the nearest hospital and ensure you have insurance for every family member. Know where to seek financial help if necessary, such as having carcashpoint.co.uk ready on your phone.

Go to Disneyland

It’s almost a given that nearly every child would revel in a trip to Disneyland. Yet, for the grown-ups and older kids in the group, this visit can evoke a delightful stroll down memory lane. The ambience is abuzz with familiar faces as many beloved princes and princesses from iconic movies come to life. A playful challenge is to be the first to spot Mickey Mouse and seize the opportunity for a photo with him. And let’s not forget the thrills awaiting older kids at Space Mountain or the Indiana Jones adventure. While the prospect of experiencing every attraction of this place might initially appear time-intensive and financially demanding, with a well-thought-out plan you can easily enjoy the whole of Disneyland on a budget, and even within constrained time frames.

Stay in a Giant Mansion

A lot of people do not think of this as an option, but it is possible to rent your very own private mansion for your vacation. It is true than many of us might not be able to afford owning our own mansion, but it may be feasible to stay in one for a couple of nights. With select properties scattered all throughout Los Angeles there is something to suite almost everyone’s needs. If you are wore out and looking for a place to have a ‘staycation’ what better way than to find a perfect villa overlooking the ocean or have a place tucked up into the hills. Either way when you return to your normal working life and your friends and colleagues ask you how your place was you can simple take out your phone and say, ‘Let me show you the pictures.’

Drive Sunset Boulevard

Perhaps one of the most iconic roads in the United States, a drive down Sunset Boulevard is a must do. This palm tree lined road has been beckoning people from all around the world to drive its lanes for decades. Known for its active nightlife, the road has also been nicknamed ‘Guitar Row’ owing to the high number of guitar stores and music related businesses. You can opt to drive the boulevard yourself or go on an organized tour. If you want to save some money, look for the less congested traffic times and drive yourself. If you want to sit back, have a good look around and learn some more in depth history about this historic thoroughfare, then go on the organized tour and let someone else do the driving.

Have a day at Venice Beach

Venice Beach is another great activity that can be both low cost and fun for everyone. This Bohemian mecca has been attracting all kinds of people for decades. Here you can see an eclectic mix of runners, body builders, radical pamphleteers and just about everything in between. Younger kids can splash in the waves and play around building sand castles to their hearts content. Older kids and adults can engage in the heart pumping game of Frisbee or go for a run and then jump into the ocean to cool off. Pack your own picnic, a blanket and a book and pass away the day away people watching and enjoying the sun.

Visit the Getty Center

One of the envies worldwide in the museum industry, The Getty Center stands out as one of the world’s top museums. The recipient of numerous generous endowments here you can see the masters like Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh as well as decorative arts, photography and a fine sculpture garden. Elegant dining is available with views overlooking the Santa Monica Mountains. You can choose to go on a tour through parts of the museum or just wander to your hearts content. Don’t forget to check out their events page to see if they have anything special going on, otherwise you can’t beat the price of the admission which is free.

Shop Rodeo Drive

If you want to get in the Hollywood spirit, watch “Pretty Woman” and then go and have your own exploration of Rodeo Drive. This drive is in the famous scene where Julia Roberts walked in and out of designer shops with a pile of shopping bags under her arms. Once you see the price tag on many of the items and clothes on offer, you may think twice about purchasing anything. However this can be a fun place to pass half a day window shopping. Here is where high end shoppers with deeply lined pockets and average shoppers combine. The price sticker may or may not wear off as you near the end of your window shopping spree.

Go to Universal Studios

Dubbed the entertainment capital of LA, this is one of the city’s most popular attractions. There are amusement type rides based on some of film and televisions shows. Here you can see things related to “The Simpson’s,” “King Kong” and “The Mummy.” The official mascot is Woody Woodpecker so be sure to keep a keen eye out for him.

As you piece together your ideal family vacation, reduce your stress by trying to find activities that all age groups should be able to enjoy. That way while you are enjoying that warm sun on your face, you can have a happy bunch of people along with you.

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Children Education Family Holidays and Weekends

Exciting ways for your child to learn a new skill

We want our children to learn as many skills as possible. But how can we make learning these new skills exciting? Below are a few tips and tricks on how to make learning a new skill exciting for your tot.

Learning to swim? Talk to the fishes!

Pretend like there are fishies in the pool! Practice talking to them by encouraging your child to blow bubbles into the water, then ask them to put their ear into the water to ‘listen’ to the fishies response. Obviously, your kids might love playing in bubbles and as a parent, you may have even invested in the Best Refillable Bubble Solution for them. Taking that interest of theirs, you can make their bathing time also fun by playing with bubbles along them.

This is teaching breath control, which is the very first step in teaching your kid to swim on their own. Swallowing water can be frightening to a child, so make sure you are encouraging them to submerge their face and blow bubbles to help them get comfortable with the feeling of the water around them. Make sure when you submerge and resurface you have a smile on your face – your child will be much more excited to try this on their own if they see how much fun you are having!

Learning a new language? Take a shot at flashcards!

Flashcards are a really great resource to have to teach your child a new language. You can present, practice and recycle the vocabulary. You could use them for memory games for example – put the cards in a circle and give your child one minute to memorise as much as they can. Then turn them over and ask them to tell you which ones they remember. Flashcards come in many languages including English, French, German and Arabic to name a few.

It is also really easy to make your own English Flashcards using templates that you can find online.

Learning A Craft? Try Origami

Origami is a great craft to teach little hands dexterity and following instructions. Start with simple folds like paper planes or boats. Let your child pick fun, bright paper to start with. Sit together and walk through the steps, going slowly. Make a game of counting the folds or singing songs. Praise your child when they complete a model on their own. As they improve, introduce more complex models with valley and mountain folds.

With origami, kids learn sequencing, spatial skills, math concepts and patience. The sense of accomplishment from creating something with their own hands makes origami rewarding and boosts self-confidence. Display finished creations proudly or use them for play. Approaching origami playfully and positively will get your child excited to keep learning this skill.

Want to unlock the magic of numbers? Learn tricks in math!

Discovering the joy of learning can be an exciting journey for children, especially when it comes to acquiring new skills. One fascinating avenue is the world of mathematics, a subject that offers a multitude of variations to explore. From traditional arithmetic to the captivating realms of algebra, geometry, and beyond, math provides an opportunity for young minds to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. For personalized guidance and support, consider enrolling your child in a reputable math tuition centre. These centers often employ skilled educators who can nurture your child’s mathematical abilities and cultivate a lifelong love for the subject.

Additionally, exploring math in unconventional ways, such as through coding or game design, can further ignite a child’s curiosity. Embrace the adventure of learning, and watch as your child’s confidence in math blossoms.

Learning to read? Let them choose their own book

Kids love to be in control of their lives. Let them choose the books that interest them rather than picking them out for your child. Visit the library and ask your child to pick up a book that they find interesting. You will find that they will be much more excited and eager to read if they think they have made the decision themselves. Once you are done, re visit the library and repeat.

Learning to write? Make a messy alphabet!

Writing is a crucial skill – it will be one that they use throughout their lifetime. But how can you make it fun? There is an early learning method that says it’s beneficial for your child to learn the motions of how to create a letter. Help your child learn the motions of creating each letter in the alphabet – make a messy alphabet together to show your child how to write. Use shaving cream or ketchup, whatever you can find! Spread it on the counter and use your finger to write a letter of the alphabet into it. Ask them to trace the letter you made so that they can feel the movement for themselves and then ask them to try to duplicate the letter in the substance themselves. The idea of making a mess and being allowed to draw in it is very exciting for a young tot!

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Family Holidays and Weekends

What You Can Learn about Hot Tubs from a Health Spa

If your chance love affair with a hot tub has you seriously contemplating getting one for your own home, one of the best ways to learn about just what it entails to own one and enjoy it to the fullest extent is by visiting a health spa to see just how they make use of it and how they maintain it. This might mean you have to visit the spa quite regularly, although they’ll be happy to have you and won’t suspect a thing about what you’re really there for.

Quality and durability come at a cost

It’s one thing when you’re looking at one in passing or indeed if you’re just enjoying it from the point of view of someone who’s just on another one of their regular visits to the spa, but once you actually start to seriously consider getting a hot tub for yourself, you never look at hot tubs the same again and you’ll be checking out every ‘Hot Tubs For Sale‘ sign that you see. You pay more attention to some of their details, like what features it has, how many jets it has, how strong the jets are, if it has any jets at all, how big it is, etc.

One thing you’ll most definitely realise is that the hot tubs used in health spas are of the highest quality, which would then naturally mean they spent a pretty penny on them. That is indeed one of the lessons hot tubs from a health spa teach the prospective hot tub owner, that being that quality will come at a cost. One could go all the way to say these are commercial-grade hot tubs that are very durable and which possess those features which are attractive enough to have them forming part of the main attraction of visiting a health spa in the first place. These spas are also likely to invest in commercial cleaning services tulsa (or a similar service where they are based) to keep their tubs and rooms looking pristine. So you definitely wouldn’t be doing yourself any favours if you went for the cheapest hot tub you could get.

Consistent maintenance will save you lots of money, in the long run,

Speaking to a spa owner reveals a lot of behind-the-scenes work which goes on, with a lot of that work directed toward the constant maintenance of the hot tubs. To avoid costly breakdowns, which would make it really expensive to have your broken hot tub fixed, consistent maintenance is required. This is especially true for the hot tub wiring which can get damaged by rodents or weather. Not attending to the electrical issues of the hot tub can significantly take away from the lifespan of the bathroom fixture. Additionally, if the faulty wiring leads to an electrical current flowing through the hot tub fluid, it can electrocute those in the hot tub. This makes it all the more important for you to opt for regular hot tub inspections and opt for emergency electrical services in Clarksville, TN or elsewhere to fix any underlying problems.

Hot tubs are meant to be enjoyed

Lastly, as much as it costs a bit to purchase and maintain your hot tub, it is indeed meant to be enjoyed. Between all the maintenance, cleaning, etc., you should not forget why you bought it in the first place. Use it to your heart’s content and enjoy it whether you’re all alone or with your friends and family. And, after you’ve had it installed with the help of Sisters Oregon hot tub experts, probably, you’re probably aware of all the advantages of having a hot tub in your home. Hence, instead of keeping it as a showpiece, it is advisable to use it to relax and relieve muscle pain.

Alternatively, you can sack in all of this advice and leave it to the people that know best. Booking a hot tub holiday is great even if it’s just for the ease of letting someone else maintain it. There’s a great guide for getting the most out of a hot tub holiday here: https://www.iknow-uk.com/article/2595-the_ultimate_guide_to_hot_tub_holidays

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Family Holidays and Weekends

Planning an Amazing Summer holiday with Kids

The summer holiday can be exciting for children, however, for parents it can be a daunting nightmare. The summer holiday means that parents will have to start planning activities and events that’ll keep the children busy and entertained. There are some amazing attractions, activities and events that you can visit of even create yourself without breaking the bank. The aim of this post is to present parents and care givers with realistic suggestions and ideas for a summer holiday with children.

Activities

There are going to be countless activities in your local neighbourhood available to you and your children during the summer holidays. Here are some ideas if you want to organise something privately;

  • Picking Strawberries–You can take them out to a farm to pick fruits and berries or flowers.
  • Camping– If you have a big enough garden or have a park near your house you can take the kids camping. Make it feel as original as you can, make fires using silver birch logs or oak logs, roast marshmallows, tell scary stories, etc.
  • Build a fort– Building a fort indoors can be a fun experience for your children, they can build a pirate fort or play cops and robbers. The only catch is that you’ll have a lot of clearing up to do after, but you could turn cleaning up into a fun task as well.
  • Redecorate– If you are in the process of redecorating your house you can take advantage of this and turn it into a fun task for the children. You can get them to paint their rooms or anywhere you feel comfortable with. You should remember to use a facemask to protect them from fumes.
  • Summer Reading Challenge–Your local library likely runs its own summer reading challenge to keep your kids engaged with literature when they’re away from school. Let them read what they want but also encourage them to read one or two more challenging books such as the Lord of the Rings. They can even find more here on the LOTR wiki if they really love the trilogy. If you can find books with film adaptations it’s even better because it’ll make them more likely to want to read the book, but don’t neglect other books just because they haven’t made it to the big screen yet.

Events

No matter where you live in the UK during the summer holidays there will always be an abundance of events occurring for children and adults alike.

  • Latitude– If you live in the Suffolk area or you plan to visit you can attend latitude festival targeted at families where children are entertained with fireworks, pizza-making lessons, arts and crafts and more.
  • The Big Festival– If you are a fan of cooking or want to encourage it in your children then you should take them to The Big Festival in Cotsworld farm. As well as learning to cook parents will also be rubbing shoulders with the likes of TinieTempah, Mark Ronson and Jamie Oliver.
  • The Good Life Experience Festival – This festival in Flintshire is a welcome break from the city life, it’ll teach your children ancient skills like mosaic-making, knot tying and blacksmithery.

Attractions

There are also a variety of attractions for children and families all around the UK starting from London all the way to Loch Ness, the Yorkshire Dales and the Welsh Mountains.

London– If you live in the London area or you plan of visiting then you can visit the Natural History Museum, this museum is fitted with a variety of mind-boggling exhibits from meteors to dinosaur eggs to Neanderthal skulls all coming together to form one of the country’s most magical destinations. If the museum is not for you then you should consider the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, the tour is a chance for Harry Potter fans to gain backstage passes to where all eight Harry Potter movies were made.

Yorkshire–Those visiting for the first time might get charmed by the picturesque landscapes of Yorkshire. There is also much to see because of its Viking and Roman heritage, medieval abbeys, Norman castles, world-class museums, and city centres. Such people may get captivated by these attractions to the point that they may want to visit this location time and again. However, finding accommodation may be an issue during the peak seasons — also, think in terms of the costs of holiday rentals (not a feasible option perhaps). Owing to these reasons, holiday lodges for sale Yorkshire may interest frequent travelers. This could save a lot of money down the road.

Essex– Another place to be in if you are a fan of history is the Essex area. When you visit, you’ll probably want to visit Colchester, it is the oldest recorded town in the country and has a castle from the 11th century. If history in not your thing then South End is probably more your style, with its beaches, funfair, carnivals and much more there is something for everyone.

Blackpool– If you are in the Blackpool area there is an abundance of things to do in Blackpool, from the Pleasure Beach to The Blackpool Tower there is something for everyone. Blackpool is great to show your kids some traditional seaside fun, have a picnic on the beach, let the kids fun wild at the sand parks or let them go crazy in the ultimate play area at The Blackpool Tower.

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Family Holidays and Weekends

How Busy Parents Can Create More Family Time

As time has gone on modern family life and home have evolved a great deal from what it was twenty years ago. In this day and age, it is common that both parents to work outside the home either full or part-time. Throw into the mix of extracurricular activities, household cleaning, grocery shopping, doctor appointments, and plenty of other unforeseen events, and the number of available hours a parent has is quickly used up.

Ask any parent if they wish they had more time to do ‘the things that matter’ with their child while not feeling completely overwhelmed or stressed out, and the answer for most people is a resounding, “Yes.” Even for the most meticulous and organized of parents, when there is a lot of moving pieces time management can be a challenge for anyone. The good news there are reasonable options for busy families to be able to spend more quality time together. Read on to see ways you can integrate more time into your family life.

Delegate Your Everyday Chores

For everyday tasks like cleaning, grocery shopping, gardening, or yard work, you can hire and delegate someone to do those mundane tasks for you. For instance, you can hire a house help or Austin cleaning services to do daily chores and housekeeping. This can reduce your daily workload and get you more time to focus on family and friends. If you are struggling to find enough time in your day, you do not need to be doing simple tasks like cutting the grass or going to the store to pick up milk. Those are simple tasks that are easy to pass on to someone else. This can leave you with more time not only for your kids but also for yourself. Remember that taking some time for self-care is also important, and your busy life can easily let you overlook that. Look at ways you can spend quality time with yourself and your partner – learn more about soothing supplements or healthy routines you can incorporate.

Hire Professionals for Complex Cleaning Tasks

You may have found it arduous to clean an air duct, primarily because it needs a lot of time, energy, and knowledge of the technicalities that go into accomplishing the task. You may have encountered the same feelings while sanitizing your carpets, roofs, and gutters. This might have led you to the conclusion of considering professional help for tasks like these. After all, an HVAC maintenance provider would have extensive knowledge of an air duct; the right equipment; and of course the work gear to complete the task safely. Similarly, a carpet cleaner would have Professional Carpet Systems to ensure that no harm is brought to your floor covering while getting it cleaned and sanitized. The same goes for your roofs and your gutters. You may have a ladder to climb up. But do you have the expertise? Perhaps, you already know the answer! Hence, getting in touch with specialists who are aware of the nitty-gritty of the process could bear fruitful results. Yes, you may feel that they are expensive. But they charge for their impeccable quality of service that you may not end up with if you take up the tasks of cleaning. So, instead of getting hesitant, get hold of the professionals for the complex cleaning chores and save your time and energy for something else — something that might be less burdensome.

Hire a Caregiver

If you are a working parent undoubtedly you will wish to find the best person possible to care for your children. Having a nanny or caregiver can take away the stress of needing to find alternative daycare options. Your child can be given individual care and attention in the comforts of their own home. Many parents use a household staff agency and take ease in knowing that any candidate listed by a reputable agency will have undergone an extensive screening process. The company will work with you closely to ensure you find the best fit for you and your family’s needs.

Take Care of your Meal Planning

Nutrition and diet play such an integral role in the functionality of any family unit. What we eat and the type of nutrition people get can affect moods, energy levels, and health. Cooking healthy and well-balanced meals can take a lot of time and preparation. Some busy families find that by finding a cook or a chef they can eliminate so much unwarranted stress. If you do hire a cook, it doesn’t even need to be for every night of the week. Perhaps you find someone who can make three meals a week for your family. Or maybe they make two dinners and then make already-prepared meals for the rest of the week. Either way, there are a lot of possibilities to get better nutrition into your home.

Hire a Chauffer

Owning a car or multiple cars can be expensive, particularly if you live in a city and have to pay for parking. Some families have found stress relief and cost savings by owning one car and hiring a chauffeur to cover the instances where a second vehicle would be needed.

As you look to find ways you can get more time into your busy days, consider these practical ways to delegate tasks to other people so you can enjoy time together as a family.

Do not Forget to Spend some Quality Time Together

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s crucial to carve out moments of quality time with your family. These moments serve as anchors in the midst of life’s chaos, offering opportunities for connection, laughter, and shared experiences. One simple yet powerful way to prioritize family time is by gathering together for breakfast on weekends in your sunroom. This cozy setting bathed in morning sunlight creates the perfect ambiance for relaxed conversations and bonding over delicious food. If, however, you don’t currently have a sunroom, there’s no need to worry. You can consider having one built by experienced sunroom contractors in Vancouver, BC or in your area.

Aside from this, exploring museums, parks, or engaging in other leisure activities as a family can further strengthen your bonds. These outings not only provide opportunities for adventure and discovery but also create lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether marveling at works of art, enjoying nature’s beauty, or embarking on new adventures together, these experiences deepen your connection and enrich your family dynamic.

Moreover, quality family time is about more than just being physically present – it’s about actively engaging with one another, listening, and truly being present in the moment.

Anyway, by making an intentional effort to carve out these moments, you create a sense of togetherness and unity that enriches your lives and creates a legacy of love and connection for generations to come.

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Family Holidays and Weekends

Reasons Your Family Should Vacation in Batangas in 2017

Batangas is soon becoming one of the top family holiday destinations. From gorgeous beaches, amazing snorkeling, great horseback riding and hiking right through to the awe-inspiring Taal Volcano, there are no limits to the great big selection of things to do and see in Batangas.

Regardless of whether you would like to spend a couple of weeks at a sandy beach, have an adventure and action-packed trip or fancy being in the lap of luxury at one of the many top resorts, you can have it all in Batangas. The people are friendly, the food is gorgeous and ultimately, Batangas is a place no one ever forgets.

How to Get There

Batangas is located 2-3 hours from Manila and you can easily take a bus there.You can also hire a car, even though many tourists find the chaotic traffic environment slightly daunting. If you plan to visit the entire Batangas area, you may wish the freedom of having your own set of wheels, however, be prepared to be bedazzled by the non-existence of traffic rules.

Places to Stay

There is no shortage of hotels in all price ranges, family resorts, or even beach houses for rent in Batangas. Accommodation in the vicinity of the many beaches in Batangas is particularly sought after. You may also opt for the hustle and bustle of Batangas City and avail of all the historic sites, night entertainment and ample choice of great food establishments.

Things to Do In Batangas

Apart from spending a couple of weeks lazing around in one of the exclusive resorts and do absolutely nothing apart from getting a suntan, eating scrumptious food, having the odd cocktail and an occasional dip in the stunningly clear ocean waters, there are indeed countless sights to see and activities to get involved in.

  • Diving and Snorkeling: The waters are amazingly clear and inviting, and snorkeling and diving here makes for an unforgettable experience. The vast array of sea creatures and corals will undoubtedly take your breath away.
  • Climb Taal Volcano: Those who are really up for an adventure should consider hiking to the top of Taal Volcano. Not only will you see a volcano and crater, but the views from the top are simply awe-inspiring,
  • Take a Boat Trip on Taal Lake: Your kids will love a boat trip on Taal Lake and you will be amazed by the beautiful surroundings and the impressive sight of Taal volcano.
  • Horseback Riding: Riding on horseback through the gorgeous volcanic landscape is a definite must. Guides will accompany you along a number of different trails. It’s a great way to explore the surrounds of Batangas if you don’t feel like hiking.

These are just a few must-do-things in Batangas, there are countless other options. Regardless of where your passions lie, adventure, culture, sports, etc. you will find something to quench your thirst.

No doubt, more and more families will choose this great part of the world as their top holiday destination.

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Family Holidays and Weekends

The secret of a good holiday — and it isn’t sunshine

The British summer: a time for French air traffic controllers to strike, bank holiday travel chaos, 50-mile tailbacks on the M5 and tired toddlers lying face-down in airports, screaming.

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Family Holidays and Weekends

25 summer holidays for less than £500

Never mind the campsite in Cornwall — how about a whole week in Greece, Spain or even Abu Dhabi, with flights included? Here are this summer’s best-value breaks

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Family Holidays and Weekends

Still in holiday mode? Have a fake-cation this weekend

Summer’s nearly over, but don’t give up yet. Here is our expert guide to extending the alfresco season