Malibu

May07

Mama Loves Family Travel – Yosemite Madera

Posted on May 7, 2016

I remember the day my grandmother gave me The National Geographic Yosemite edition book. It was my 8th birthday. The pictures that I saw in that book completely amazed me. I knew one day I would get there, but I had no idea how or when. Fast-forward 25 years, add on 2 kids, a husband and a cross-country relocation and I finally made it! A few weeks ago we drove up to Yosemite Madera and had an incredible time. Here is my account of...

May06

The South Gate Brewing Company

Posted on May 6, 2016

This is one of Yosemite Madera’s best kept secrets that is seriously exploding right now – The South Gate Brewing Company has become such a local favorite that they keep having to build more room! Currently they are adding on a huge new space, which should be finished by early July 2016. Nestled in the foothills of Yosemite National Park, about 15 minutes from the South Entrance in the quaint little town of Oakhurst is this fantastic...

May05

The Sugar Pine Railroad in Yosemite Madera

Posted on May 5, 2016

The Sugar Pine Railroad is one of the premier historic attractions in Yosemite. Located just 4 miles from the south entrance to Yosemite National Park, this is a must-do for all ages. As I was planning our trip with the team at Visit Yosemite Madera, they connected us with the fantastic folks at The Sugar Pine Railroad who hosted us for the experience in exchange for my honest review – as always all thoughts, opinions and pics are my...

May04

The Junior Ranger Program at Yosemite National Park

Posted on May 4, 2016

The Junior Ranger Program at Yosemite National Park offers the best option for family learning about Mother Nature and all of her beauty. We had the opportunity to try out the program on our recent trip to Yosemite Madera. Not only did my kids learn a lot, but I actually discovered a few new things too!! What is the Junior Ranger Program at Yosemite National Park? Explore, Learn and Protect is their motto and that is exactly what you...

May03

5 Reasons to Rent a Boat from Bass Lake Watersports

Posted on May 3, 2016

Recently my family and I stayed at The Pines Resort on Bass Lake. One of the perks to staying at this resort is that the Pines Marina is the home to Bass Lake Watersports – a full boat rental company. Being that I am a huge water person, there was no way that I was going to let this opportunity to cruise pass! About Bass Lake Watersports Bass Lake Watersports is family owned and operated and has been in business for 20 years – so I...

May02

The Pines Resort in Yosemite Madera

Posted on May 2, 2016

We recently took our first family trip to Yosemite National Park. It was amazing! Of course, before planning this trip, I had no idea where to go or stay. So I checked out the Visit Yosemite Madera website for all of the local 411 and decided to contact them for help in planning this trip. They connected us with The Pines Resort – a unique lake resort owned and operated by a family to help other families enjoy the peaceful, serene...

May01

Family Travel Vlog from The Pines Resort in Yosemite Madera

Posted on May 1, 2016

Good Morning from The Pines Resort in Yosemite Madera

Apr28

9 Reasons to Visit Yosemite National Park This Year

Posted on Apr 28, 2016

National Parks are a great place to have a family adventure. And of all the national parks – there are over 400 – Yosemite is one of the incredibly amazing ones. Did you even think to visit Yosemite National Park? Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited parks in our nation, and now I know why. We recently visited Yosemite Madera County. We had so much fun that every day next week, starting Sunday May 1st, I will...

Apr26

7 Reasons to Renew Your Wedding Vows and How

Posted on Apr 26, 2016

When I became engaged and started the wedding planning, I was torn. I wanted a big wedding with all of our friends and family, but I also wanted a destination wedding – something exotic! Of course, what my mother wanted trumped it all, so a fun, big friends and family affair in Newport, RI it was! And I hoped that on our 10th wedding anniversary, we would have another one, a destination wedding this time. Our 10th wedding anniversary...

Apr24

5 Reasons to Have a Destination Wedding & Where To Go

Posted on Apr 24, 2016

Our first wedding was in Newport, RI at a venue that my mother had found and fell in love with. I remember it being a fun event that took loads of planning beforehand which left me exhausted afterwards. Now, as I am starting to plan our second wedding (we will be renewing our vows on our 10 year anniversary this September) I think back to everything that went into planning that special day. And though I would not change any of it for...