A Brunch and Spa Celebration at The Ranch

One of the things I adored most about my mom was she loved to CELEBRATE life.

Birthdays, holidays, accomplishments, weddings, showers……events in life (big or small) did not pass her by. She made a point to make her family and friends feel special. Getting through my first birthday this year without my mom here to celebrate with was really rough.  So with my sister’s birthday on the horizon this past month I KNEW we had to do something awesome because it is what my mom would want.

I asked my sister what she would like to do to celebrate? She said she would love to go to brunch with girlfriends on her actual birthday (a Monday) and then a spa treatment after with whomever would be able to join.

As soon as she said that, I knew just the place to go for the best Orange County brunch and spa day, a place unlike any other, The Ranch at Laguna Beach. Invites were sent and a a reservation was made at their farm-to-table style restaurant, Harvest. The guests were going to be in for such a treat!

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Most of the women that attended were from Aliso Viejo, only a stone’s throw away from The Ranch, but the majority had not been to the property before. I watched their jaws drop upon arrival. The beauty of The Ranch truly does take your breath away. It is like being in another world.

We had a beautiful table inside overlooking the canyon and plenty of space to giggle a little too loud without disrupting guests :)…

Rising Rates of Depression Amongst Teen Girls

This article is sponsored by CHOC Children’s Hospital

depression in teens

The teenage years are a time in life unlike any other marked by new, fluctuating hormones, social pressures, and school stresses. These new situations can understandably cause kids to feel down or depressed at times. But for others the feelings of sadness or hopelessness can persist in a state of depression. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 20% of teenagers experience depression before reaching adulthood.

A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics found depression rates amongst teens stayed fairly stable from the years 2005 – 2011. However from 2012 to 2014 the rates of depression were on the rise for both boys and girls, with a more pronounced increase for teenage girls.

What is causing this increase? Is the advent of social media playing a role at putting more girls at risk for depression?

I am exploring this question, along with other extremely helpful information provided by Dr. Adrianne Alpern Ph.D. a child psychologist at CHOC Children’s Hospital on warning signs of depression in teens, symptoms and how to get help if you suspect your teenager might be depressed….

Galileo Innovation Summer Camps for Kids (Giveaway!)

This post is brought to you by Galileo Innovation summer camps for kids

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When the calendar turns to March every year without fail the texts and emails begin to filter in from my mom friends asking each other the same question…“What summer camps are you signing your kids up for this year??” And behold, the summer camp conversations begin.

For all you mamas starting your summer camp planning and research on the best OC summer camps for kids, I am thrilled to share with you a fabulous innovation summer camp which might not be on your radar since it is fairly new to So Cal called Galileo. But it should be! You can thank me later.

Because Galileo is not your typical summer camp. Yes, it’s super fun, and the kids will have a blast. But it is something more, something special. It’s a camp that is profoundly enriching because Galileo seeks to teach children they have the power to change the world. They want to teach them their ideas matter and anyone can take an idea and make it come to life.

Take a moment to watch this quick video to give you a taste of what Galileo summer innovation camps are all about and then enter to win $200 off one week at Galileo 2017 summer camp!

Anxiety and Children

This article is sponsored by CHOC Children’s Hospital

As a person who has struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember, mental health is an important topic to me. Mental health needs to be talked about. Today’s article is focused on anxiety and children. Do you have an anxious child? I do. Which is why this post today on anxiety and children is particularly important to me. I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Dr. Christopher Min, PhD, a licensed pediatric psychologist at CHOC Childrens about anxiety and children and he was so insightful……

Romance at The Ranch

Disclosure: Complimentary media stay provided to facilitate this review. 

Every year my husband and I make it a goal to get away in November to celebrate our anniversary. The time together alone, no kids, is magical. It’s one of the highlights of my entire year. To have extended, uninterrupted hours to talk, relax and reconnect is like fuel for the marriage tank.

In the years when we have only one or two nights for a getaway, staying close to home is best for maximum relaxation time and living in Orange County, we are pretty darn lucky to have a large number of phenomenal destinations to chose from.

Back in August we were lucky enough to able to stay at The Ranch at Laguna Beach as a family of four and enjoyed all the amazing family-friendly activities available for guests.

Click here to read my post about staying at The Ranch at Laguna Beach as a family.

When we were deciding where we wanted to go for our 15 year anniversary, I thought The Ranch would be the perfect spot.  We got married in Laguna Beach, so the town holds special memories for us, and I couldn’t wait to experience The Ranch as a romantic Laguna Beach hotel.  If you are looking for a staycation spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day or a special event with your sweetie, here’s a little taste of what could be in store for you…

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