Tonya Staab

A Day Trip To Palm Springs With Kids (Including Gluten-Free Dining)

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Palm Springs but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Last Sunday we headed out to Palm Springs for the day. Mike had never been, so it was time to take him out there and explore the area.

I'm a planner by nature though, so we drove out there with a full schedule planned ahead of time right down to where we would be eating. With Flynn being on a gluten-free diet (and a picky eater) I don't like to take any chances when it comes to finding food he's going to love so it's important I go into any day trip with a solid plan.

We also love hitting the road bright and early when we are heading out to explore somewhere new ... just don't ask the kids how much they enjoy being woken up before midday on a weekend. But, if we are going to venture further than about an hour away from home we want to see as much as possible and spend as long as possible at our destination. And, let's face it, no matter how much the kids complain about the early start they always end up having a great day.

It is approximately 1.5 hours to drive from Temecula to Palm Springs, so we decided that our first stop of the day should be an early brunch at Lulu California Bistro. With full bellies, we'd be able to take on the rest of the day.

Lulu California Bistro

Lulu California Bistro offers something for everyone, and their gluten-free options don't disappoint no matter what time of day you are going. So while both Mike and Jay enjoyed different variations of the eggs benedict, I devoured the hazelnut crepes, Marisol ate her breakfast quesadilla, and Flynn was more than happy with hash browns and a gluten-free blueberry muffin.

Lady and the Blog: New Year's Eve Drink Stirrers

It's already the 10th of December, which means, only 21 more days until New Year's Eve. Where has the year gone?

Do you have plans for New Year's Eve yet? We are still trying to work out whether we will be celebrating in California or Kentucky.

If you are planning a party, I'm sharing these fun DIY drink stirrers (that are perfect for ringing in the new year) over at Lady and the Blog.

The Best Gift Idea For The Golf Enthusiast

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of USGA.

If you follow my Instagram feed, you would know that we are big golf enthusiasts here. It's become Flynn's extra-curricular activity of choice and he absolutely loves taking golf lessons and hitting balls at the driving range. Earlier this year his older brother even passed his golf bag and clubs down to him.

If you have an avid golfer in your family and are looking for the perfect holiday, Father's Day, or birthday gift, then you should absolutely look into U.S. Open tickets. We prefer to give the gift of experiences in our house, and this would be an amazing experience for the golfer who already has everything they need to play the game.

Here's the lowdown:

The 2019 U.S. Open will take place at Pebble Beach Golf Links, which is a part of a resort community on the Monterey Peninsula in California; it’s a must-see location for every golf and travel enthusiast.

How to Create the Perfect Brunch

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by me on behalf of Farmer John®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Every Christmas morning (well, except those that the twins' leave early to visit their dad) we have a tradition in place. It's one that I started right from the time they were little, and one that I grew up with. As soon as everyone is awake, we graze on a tray full of food, opening Christmas presents and pulling tiny gifts and candy out of stockings while watching Christmas movies. It's my favorite time of the day. The room quickly becomes covered in paper, everyone is laughing, the kids are busy assembling new gifts, and most importantly, we are all together.

So, let me show you how to create the perfect brunch tray so you can make this tradition your own this holiday season.

Here are a few tips for preparing the perfect brunch platter:

Easy Triscuit Appetizer Recipes From Chef Levi

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by NABISCO as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving and we spent it with a few of Mike’s siblings and their families at his sister's house. It was such a great day, but thankfully, aside from contributing a dessert, we didn’t need to do a thing. 

Today is another day though. This afternoon we are hosting a second Thanksgiving celebration just for our kids and grandkids. Which means we are doing all the cooking. We have our stretchy pants at the ready. 

What are your easy go-to recipes for holiday celebrations? I love these simple Triscuit appetizer ideas from Chef Levi. 

 

Which is your favorite?

Lady and the Blog: Ralph 2 Breakfast Shakes

Ralph Breaks the Internet will be in theaters this week (on the 21st of November). Seeing as the kids are on Thanksgiving break from school I thought it would be fun to create a themed day that they will love.

Start with these breakfast shakes, followed by downloading the free activity and coloring page printables, rent Wreck It Ralph to watch at home, and then take them to see the latest movie.

You'll find all the details over at Lady and the Blog.