J.Crew Sale perfect for Spring Break

Fourth of July at Monarch Beach Resort

We love Fourth of July and always make a point to explore new resorts and experiences each year.  This year we tried Monarch Beach Resort having heard such fun things about their Fourth of July festivities.  

We checked in on the 3rd and bee lined it for the beach.  Beach access is by jumping on a cute little trolley that winds you through the resort to the beach.  They have the sweetest set up including loungers, anoraks and The Monarch Bay Club with yummy cocktails and local menu. I had big plans of parking my booty under an umbrella with a glass of rose, but the girls were ready to party.  

After getting properly sandy, I snuck away to the spa for a facial.  To say I was giddy was a massive understatement!!!!  I was welcomed with a Detoxifying Ginger Elixir shot made with lemon and ginger juice, black pepper and raw honey. To follow the ginger shot, I sipped a Soothing Green Elixir made from celery, cucumber, pineapple, apple and kale juice.  So refreshing!  The Miraval Spa is pretty legit!  With full service treatments including Diamond facials and Hydrafacials, massages , yoga and endless fitness classes.  It even has a DryBar to keep your tresses looking perfect! 

I had a Hydrafacial and it was the dreamiest!  I would say one of the most luxurious facial experiences I have ever had!  My skin was left decongested and glowing and the scalp massage was beyond divine!  

The next day was the fourth and we hit the ground running with pool time!  What I loved about the resort is how easy access everything is from morning coffee and healthy snacks at the Part & Parcel market to super attentive pool staff.  This mama was so happy!  The girls right away made some new friends.  We split our time with festive waterslides, snow cones, the pool and endless fun in the kids club.  They got crafty with USA Sand art and Patriotic glitter tattoos.  That evening we got ourselves cleaned up for a magic show.  The kids were mesmerized!  After our minds were blown with the magic, we headed up to enjoy a massive, delicious Fourth of July BBQ buffet and fireworks show!  There is nothing like sitting under the stars with your people watching fireworks. My heart is so full watching the girl's faces as the fireworks explode.  

The next morning, my mom and I tired Aerial Yoga. We were both a little intimidated but have always wanted to try it.  How bad could we be right?!  We had the best time!  The funny thing was that we surprised ourselves with what we could do.  Everything is very mind over matter and once we got over the little fear that came we were able to conquer a couple really cool poses and stretches.  There was even a handstand involved.  So to say we are submitting our applications to Cirque de Solei....game on! 

Overall, we had the best trip!  The hotel is beautifully styled, has impeccable service, yummy food and a million activities to keep all ages busy and excited!  We will definitely be back!

Westin Mission Hills, Palm Springs - Spring Break 2018

Palm Springs is always our favorite go to when it comes to spring break.  We love that if feels like a real getaway but is still close to home.  We stayed at the Westin Mission Hills this year and were so excited to explore.  

First off, we made a b-line for the pool!  It was a mad house but we hit the water like no one's business. I booked this resort solely for it's waterslide to be honest.  The girls swam for about 3 hours and took turns on the waterslide a million times.  We had a hankering for Mexican food and drove a couple blocks for some yummy tacos and chips.   We decided to tuck in early that night and continue our Star Wars marathon we had started earlier in the week.  Us girls had never seen Star Wars so Erik thought it would be fun to watch all of them over the break.  

Day Two, we hit the pool super early.  This pool seating situation was no joke.  I set my alarm and off we went at 7:45 for our spots.  Once our mission was accomplished, we grabbed a nice easy breakfast at the Mission Hills Market Cafe.  I love the ease of this sort of breakfast.  They offered fresh pastries and Starbucks coffee along with toiletries and snacks for the rest of the day.  Cereal for the girls and coffee for mommy and we were set.  We also had the option of fresh pancakes by the pool too which smelled delish.  That was definately a perk of getting to the pool early was  yummy breakfast options and quiet pool.  The Westin hosted super fun kids activities all throughout the day. From family fishing to waterslide lifeguard games to watermelon eating contests there was always something fun to do.  Capri decided to participate in the watermelon eating and won!  Girl can take a watermelon down!  

That night we ordered Dilberts pizza in for more Star Wars.  They were playing a fun movie that night by the pool but we were all sun kissed and exhasted from the pool all day.  

Day Three greeted us again with a simple cafe breakfast and comfy spot at the pool first thing.  My idea of a vacation is parking myself by the water and absorbing myself in a book all day.  I got my wish!  I literally barely moved and was so happy about it!  For lunch the girls noshed on freshly grilled burgers and mommy got a fresh watermelon salad while Erik hit the gym.  The girls swam all day and when we had our fill, we hit the road reluctantly.  

Tips for your stay: 

- Get to the pool no later than 7:55 am to get a spot.

-Take advantage of poolside breakfast and cafe.  They will save you money and time getting a whole family breakfast situation at a restaurant. 

-Plan to keep an eye on little ones, the pool does not have lifeguards.

-Take advantage of the kids activities and kids club for a nice adult free couple hours. 

-Bring fun pool floats and balls.  There are a million kiddos around and the floats were a hit. The pool also has a volleyball net to play with. 

Overall, another great family Spring break vacation for the books.  

Yosemite family trip 2016

Erik had a random week off from work  and we decided to take a last minute to getaway for some family time.  We always love our camping trips but thought we would maximize our time and head to Yosemite. We had never been and only heard incredible things about it.  We rented a last minute Airbnb and packed up the car.  We landed in Oakhurst, which is about 40 minutes from the gates of Yosemite.  Everywhere we went it we were overwhelmed by nature's beauty.  Just unreal colors!  Our cabin was about 1 mile from Bass Lake.  We made our way into town for some groceries and essentials.  Everything was so easy! I am the queen of getting us into "great" locations and it not being what we hoped for.  I botch more travel plans than I get right! And we have learned over the years to never give me the map!  We were pleasantly surprised that mommy got it right this time!  Our cabin was nothing fancy but had more than we needed and was so well equipped! And had a hot tub!  Sold!!!

On our first morning, we drove into Yosemite to visit some of the hotspots.  We started with Half Dome and Glacier Point.  The views were spectacular!  We could see views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country, 

Don't miss our video recap at the bottom!!

After Half Dome, we headed down to the valley to check out Vernal Falls.  The trees looked like they had been painted bright red and yellow!  We stopped in the valley to see more waterfalls and check out the river.  Beyond dreamy!  

We didn't really know what what we were in for with hiking Vernal Falls.  We knew it was 1 mile at 1000 ft climb which was a little rough.  I really wanted to take advantage of us being there so we tried it.  I thought Capri and daddy would beat us lazy girls me and Peyton  but I was so wrong!  I was totally left in the dust but Peyton and daddy flew past me and Capri.  Peyton literally ran up the hill half of the time.  We made it to the top and the view was beautiful!  I loved seeing the bright yellow  trees amongst the lower parts of the hike.  So gorgeous and totally worth the workout!  

After our hike we all were starving and thought we'd splurge on Mexican food in the local Bass Lake town.  So yummy after a long day.  

On our last day we visited Sugar Pine Railroad and learned all about the steam train locomotives and history of the railroad.  The railroad was opened in 1874 to transport lumber to the bottom of the mountain.  Due to the Great Depression and lack of trees it was closed in 193.  The kids had a great time and we learned a lot about the trains history.  

Erik loves to fish and so we really wanted to make a point of getting some fishing in on this trip. I've grown up around fishing and really like to fly fish myself so it was fun to teach the girls.  We found a great little spot on the river next to the Wawona Golf Course and tried our luck.  Erik caught one right off the bat but no luck for us girls.  It was such a gorgeous setting we could have tried all day.  We fished until the rain came in and then headed back to play board games and watch movies for the rest of the day while it rained.  

We can't wait to head back in another season.  We hear that summer and spring are breathtaking as well. We can't imagine anything prettier than the fall colors though at the time we were there.  

I put together a fun video from our Snapchat ( @LifewLipstick)  of the trip!  

Newport Dunes Camping

We snuck away for some beach camping this summer at Newport Dunes.  Not only is camping one of our most favorite family activities it's the best way for us to unplug!  We grilled, swam, fished, worked endlessly on our 1000 piece puzzle.  If looking for a super fun and super easy family vacation in Southern California, you must try Newport Dunes!  We are already planning our next trip!

Disclaimer...Capri lost her two top teeth and was pretty excited about it!  Look at the big cheesy grin in every shot!