Parents, there’s just one day before most of Los Angeles is on spring break and that is cause to celebrate. If you aren’t leaving town, here are some fun cocktail recipes that I wrote about at Latina Madre that can turn spring break at home into a fun staycation — just make sure there’s someone around to watch the kiddos!
Spring cocktails // (c) 2014 Catfistheye
Celebrate spring with a French 75. Created at the New York Bar in Paris around 1915, this drink oozes with style. It was once made with cognac, but is now made with gin. There’s some controversy over which was the real French 75, so if you are like me and prefer cognac know that you can make it either way. Here are more spring cocktails…
Are you traveling with teenagers this spring? I contributed my advice on what to do with teens on a road trip to the website Latina Madre.
Teen Road Trip Carissa Rogers
Are you dreading a long drive with an angsty teen this spring break? Sometimes driving with older children can take the wind out of your sails, so to speak. Even though teens are nearly adults, they can sometimes be as difficult as toddlers when hitting the road and, because of that, many of the same rules apply for driving with teens as with young children. A few tips and tricks:
1. Plan ahead. Make sure to pack and charge laptops, chargers, Kindles, iPads and cameras. Also discuss your expectations for the trip with your teen. Tell them what the plan is and how you expect them to behave. Try to develop trust and camaraderie with your teen by involving them in the agenda for the trip.
To read the whole story, click over to Latina Madre.
The High Roller is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. // (c) 2014 The Linq
Are you headed to Vegas for spring break? Well, you are in for a treat. The world’s largest ferris wheel, the High Roller, has opened at the Linq entertainment complex. Standing 550 high, it has changed the Vegas skyline and features dynamic lighting sequences that light up the Strip. High Roller joins a mecca of high flying Ferris wheels around the world, including the London Eye, the Singapore Flyer and the Star of Nanchang. The wheel has 28 cabins that hold up to 40 people each with 300 square feet of glass, ensuring a good view for all. It takes approximately 30 minutes to go all the way around and ticket prices start at about $25. High Roller tickets can be purchased on the Linq website in advance. You can also book entire cabins for large parties.
I am tempted by a wide variety of spring break offers this year, but for L.A. families who don’t want to stray too far from home this spring, Montage Hotels & Resorts has three perfect spring break deals for families.
If you are looking to relax at the beach, head to Laguna. Sitting atop a high coastal bluff with picture-perfect views, Montage Laguna Beachinvites families to master fine art with itsFamily Fun Package.
One night of accommodations in an oceanfront guestroom
One $60 dining credit for breakfast at The Loft or In-Room dining
Complimentary half-day Paintbox admission for one ($70 value)
Access to all resort amenities
Package rates start at $685
Located in the heart of the golden triangle in Beverly Hills, just two blocks from Rodeo Drive, Montage Beverly Hillsinvites families to enjoy the Family Escape Package. The Family Escape Package includes:
One night of accommodations
Half-day admission to Paintbox for two children ($140 savings)
Daily full breakfast for two adults
Free dining for children under 12
Children’s amenities upon arrival.
Package rates start at $571.
Father afield but still a short flight away, the Montage Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, offers sweeping views of the Wasatch Range, and is the ultimate alpine retreat for those looking to soak in Park City’s natural splendor. The refined Mountain Craftsman resort invites guests to celebrate spring in the company of their families with the Family Memories Package. The Family Memories Package includes:
Free accommodations and dining from the Children’s Menu for children 12 and under
Complimentary Pay Per View movie per paid evening
Complimentary game of bowling per child per day
Access for kids to complimentary activities from the resort’s activities center, Compass Sports
Package rates start from $745 through April 13, 2014
Who says Vegas pools aren’t kid-friendly? Not the Golden Nugget. // (c) 2014 Golden Nugget
Warm days are upon us and it’s pool season in Vegas once again — for us parents, it’s time to figure out where the most awesome pools for kids are in Vegas. Whether for spring break or a summer getaway, Vegas pools are legendary but some are more kid-friendly than others. Here are five pools that stand out from the crowd:
Mandalay Bay: The wave pool speaks for itself, but there’s also a lazy river and a sandy beach. Grab an inter tube and float down the river or take advantage of one of the more than 100 cabanas, daybeds, bungalows and villas. Really, why leave?
Monte Carlo: This is a more low-key, centrally located kid-friendly pool that has a smaller wave pool as well as a lazy river. The best part is that it’s close to New York New York, MGM and — for the parents — The Cosmopolitan, for evenings. Rent a cabana and soak up the rays all day long without the crazy crowds.
MGM Grand: Waterfalls, check. Lazy river, check. Secure a reservation for a poolside cabana and you may never want to leave. They even have poolside massage services, just make sure at least one parent has their eyes on the kiddos.
Venetian Las Vegas: The pool at the Venetian was really fun when my kids were small. They have a large shallow pool that is used for both sunbathing and splashing children. It’s a great place to cool off, chill out and have a drink.
Golden Nugget: If you are up for staying off-Strip, this is a fantastic option. The pool has the coolest water slide in Vegas. There’s a shark tank and the slide goes right through the middle of it. Then, you can swim on the outside of it. It’s definitely a thrill. They also have cabanas and tours of the shark tank, too.
The L.A. Travel Mom 