I am staying at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, in Carlsbad, CA, 30 minutes north of San Diego for a couple of days.. What a beautiful resort!
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort offers a range of lodging choices, including “The Respire by Hyatt,” a series of hypoallergenic rooms. Rooms vary in size from Double and King sizes, up to the suite accommodations, including the Presidential Suite. Some rooms feature furnished balconies; and others, a terrace. Marble bathrooms are a feature of some rooms, as is teak furniture. And some rooms highlight views of the golf course and lagoon.
Dining options include Vivace, a AAA-Four Diamond restaurant which features elegant Italian cuisine. Vivace is the resort’s signature restaurant. The Argyle Steakhouse, based out of the Aviara Golf Clubhouse, offers views of the 18th green and lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus. The casual California Bistro, as its name suggests, dishes up the state’s eclectic cuisine. The Ocean Pool Bar and Grill provides a dining option poolside, serving up American favorites complete with a children’s menu. I enjoyed a delicious, juicy hamburger with fries at the Lobby Lounge overlooking the overlooking the Palm Courtyard, for lunch.
On-site resort activities include a spa experience; tennis; the Arnold Palmer Golf Course, a nationally ranked course; the golf club and academy–complete with the Taylormade Performance Lab; and the Beach Butler, a complete beach experience provided by the resort including transportation, umbrellas, towels, and meals. The golf academy, run by Kip Puterbaugh, is the Western U.S.’s longest running golf school.
Other on-site activities include Camp Hyatt, a resort experience tailored to children; a game room; swimming pools; and a fitness center.
Off-site activities include the large variety of experiences available in Southern California. Highlights include hang-gliding, hiking, hot-air ballooning, sailing, kayaking, and whale-watching. Surfers will feel at home here, too.
Nearby Batiquitos Lagoon, a wetland, is a nationally known migrating bird attraction which attracts over 130 species. Adults can enjoy touring the historic Spanish missions; the shopping in Del Mar and La Jolla; the museums of Balboa Park; the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; and the La Jolla Playhouse and Old Town San Diego. Children will enjoy a visit to the San Diego Zoo; the Scripps Aquarium; LEGOLAND California; and SeaWorld. Visitors can also explore an aircraft carrier nearby.
Enjoy your next visit to California with at least one night at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California.
Have you been to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort? What did you love about it? If not, what would you most like to experience at the resort? Share with us in the comments below!
Disclosure: I am not being compensated for this post. All opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced in any way.
BubbleBum is a portable and foldable booster seat that is perfect for daily car rides or for keeping in Grandma’s car for the occassional trip to story time. Made for children who weigh between 40 and 80lbs, are older than 3 years old, and can refrain from sitting on their knees during a long car ride, the BubbleBum Booster Seat is a unique solution to a problem that’s been around for years.. ever since booster seats were introduced. The problem you ask? The lack of portability and foldability. Booster seats aren’t typically known for being foldable but once you try the BubbleBum Booster Seat, you’ll realize that it’s something you’ll use more often than you expected.
PORTABILITY
The school year is about to start and I bet not everyone on your child’s pickup list has a booster seat in their car. My sister-in-law is on my daughter’s ‘safe pick up’ list and she doesn’t have a booster seat in her car. Why would she.. she doesn’t have kids!? What will I do if I need her to pick my daughter up from school? When I know that she will be picking my daughter up, I’ll send the BubbleBum Booster Seat to school with my daughter. It’s light enough for her to carry and it even fits in her backpack! Let’s just hope I remember to give my SIL a car pool number! 😉
This booster seat is great when you travel via airplane as it will conveniently fit inside your carry-on or checked luggage. When you arrive at your destination, simply inflate the BubbleBum booster seat and install it in the taxi or rental car.
The BubbleBum booster seat is compact. Three BubbleBum Booster Seats will easily fit across the backseat of a car, suv, or van. No more excuses for Grandma and Grandpa to not take all three of your kids to the beach without you next weekend. You need a breather.. grab a few BubbleBums and send the kids off with the Grandparents!
SAFETY
It has been proven that children in booster seats have approximately half the injury risk of children without the use of a booster seat, and in seatbelts alone. While head injuries are the most commonly injured body region for all restrained children, abdominal injuries are the second most common injury for belted children as a result of “seat-belt syndrome” injuries. Children who were restrained by booster seats showed a notable absence of abdominal injuries.
Every parent wants their child to be safe. Here are some reasons why you should use a booster seat on EVERY journey with your child:
BubbleBum is a Belt Positioning Booster seat for children who meet all of the following criteria:
1. Children between 40lbs and 80lbs in weight
2. Children are over the age of 3,
3. Children can sit for the entire journey without sitting on their knees
A booster seat must ONLY be used with a 3 point seat belt, this is a seat belt which goes across the lap and diagonally across the chest.
To learn more about what make the BubbleBum Booster seat safe, click here.
BubbleBum can fit easily with any combination of cars seat as long as there are enough 3 point seat belts to restrain each and every child.
My 5 year old loves the BubbleBum Booster Seat. She thinks it’s cool because (a) it blows up (b) it’s comfy and (c) it makes her feel like a big girl.
You can purchase a BubbleBum for $39.99 from BubbleBum.com. As mentioned above, your child must meet certain criteria to use the BubbleBum. You can connect with BubbleBum on Facebook BubbleBum on Facebook, and follow @BubbleBumUSA on Twitter.
Before we do anything else we have to make sure we pay attention to beach sun and safety for the season and then we can say…Welcome SUMMER! With summer comes the sun, the beach, and staying safe while enjoying them both.
Beach Safety comes in many forms. Each year we hear about people drowning at local beaches but the fact of the matter is, most of these drownings could have been avoided with some common sense safety tips. First, stay away from rip currents. Rip currents are tides or undercurrents that flow under the water and they can be strong enough to pull even the strongest of swimmers under water to their death. Rip currents cause 80% of all drowning deaths in the United States and account for 80% of all life guard rescues. They tend to be more intense as the tides increase, which is often when surfers and body boarders like to hit the waves best. It’s best to know the area and only swim in areas that are marked well and are fully guarded.
Guarded beaches are the only way to swim. Taking your chances at an unguarded beach simply is not worth the risk. Lifeguards are trained professionals that can and do rescue people in situations that a typical, untrained swimmer will be useless. Statistics say that your chances of drowning on a guarded beach are as low as 1 in 18 million. These statistics alone should make your first and only choice when choosing a beach, choosing one that is fully guarded. It could mean your life, or the life of someone you love.
We’ve all been told not to swim alone but things like rip currents and freak accidents are the exact reason why this is reiterated over and over again. Simply put, not only should you never enter the water on your own but if you follow heed to the above information you will never be alone because there will always be a guard there to watch and protect you.
Other safety issues of the beach itself and can come in the form of many of the beach’s natural life within in. When swimming in oceans means avoiding things like jelly fish and their sting. Although the sting of a jelly fish is unpleasant it is rarely life threatening. Seek help from the lifeguard if you have been stung or go to the doctor if you seem to be having any complications but nearly all cases of jelly fish stings are simply a matter of discomfort. You also want to be aware of any sharks in the area and heed any warnings of sharks. If there is a sign that states it is unsafe to swim, for any reason, adhere to it. That sign is put there for a reason. It can be unsafe waters due to bacteria, sharks, harsh rip tides or something else. The guards and personnel in charge don’t put up “Danger” signs and “Do Not Swim” signs just because they don’t want to work. There are definitely reasons of safety involved and you must adhere to them.
This brings us to the area of sun safety. We all have been told over and over how dangerous being in the sun can be; but we also must remember that the sun does provide us with natural Vitamin D which is vital to our bodies. Avoiding the sun completely is not good but we have to enjoy the sun safely. Enjoying the sun at the beach is probably one of our most favorite ways to enjoy a hot summer day. You get the benefits of enjoying the sunshine while also being able to take a swim in the water. Researchers have proven that getting a sunburn increases your chances of melanoma. It was originally thought that sun exposure that causes the skin to burn under the age of 18 significantly increased the risk of melanoma, but researchers have found that sunburn at any age increases the risk. Melanoma is cancer, plain and simple, and I don’t know anyone who wants to have cancer. So what’s the answer? While there’s nothing you can do to guarantee you won’t get melanoma, there are some common sense factors that can help you avoid the risks.
Sunscreen is a must anytime you are in the sun, but especially when you’re in sun at the beach. Choosing an SPF is not the only thing you have to keep in mind when choosing your sunscreen. It has been found that certain sunscreens that advertise SPF’s as high as 60 or more provide little to no protection from the actual harming rays that cause the burn and eventual skin cancer. What you want to look for is a sunscreen that has either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These two elements protect both types of rays UVA and UVB when applied properly. You also want to make sure you apply your sunscreen numerous times. You can really never apply it too often so if there’s question as to “should I put more sunscreen on?” the answer is always yes. Sunscreen, even those that claim to be waterproof and sports oriented, need to be reapplied regularly. The lowest SPF you should ever put on is an SPF 15, so choose an SPF 15 or higher. While it has been debated at what point the SPF is no longer any more useful it never hurts to purchase a higher end SPF just to be safe. The key factor is to continue applying it throughout your outing at the beach, after every swim, after sweating, and just every few hours or so to be safe.
Another key factor is when you’re in the sun. The sun is at its hottest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. so during those hours if you can keep under the shade and limit the amount of sun you are exposed to it is best. Even if you have perfectly applied sunscreen, these are the top hours to get burned and your chances are pretty high that you could walk away with a burn. A burn, any burn at all, is always something you want to avoid.
While you don’t want to approach the summer with fear you do want to make sure this summer, when spent in the sun and at the beach, is a safe one. Build your sand castles with a lifeguard nearby, swim with friends in designated swim areas and make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen, applied numerous times. In the end you’ll be sure you’re here to enjoy yet another wonderful summer filled with beach, sun, and safety!
Chevrolet, General Motors’ price leading brand, has brought to the increasingly fuel efficiency conscious American consumer three vehicles that are impressive in their diversity and mpg ratings. The Chevrolet Volt, Equinox, and Cruze Eco have rushed to the top of the coveted gas mileage rating guides in dramatic fashion. What is especially appealing is that the each model shows that Chevrolet is moving closer to future in terms of providing family oriented vehicles with frugal family economy.
Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt
The vehicle attracting the most media attention is the Volt. It is a hybrid sedan that offers the versatility of a lithium-ion battery pack and a four-cylinder engine. We found that if you plug it in at night you can go 50 miles at highway speed before the gas engine takes up the challenge. Thus is is very difficult to provide mile per gallon information. If you don’t travel more than 50 miles per day and plug it in daily, you simple don’t need to use the gas engine. If you are only using the gas engine you get about 34 mpg. So the Volt is one vehicle where there really isn’t a miles per gallon rating that is accurate for everyone. The Volt costs slightly over $40,000 and that does not include the $7,500 federal tax credit. Add to that the fact that if you want a faster charge you need to buy a special unit that enables the batteries to get a bigger does of your electric bill. We figure it costs us about a dollar a day, but rates vary significantly. We doubt that if you travel 50 miles you are going to spend much more than a buck for the charge. Using the same yardstick, even with the very efficient Chevrolet Cruze, you would spend over four dollars at today’s fuel costs.
With seating for four, a lot of standard equipment including automatic climate control, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Bluetooth, OnStar, a navigation system with touchscreen, voice controls and real-time traffic, and a Bose stereo with CD/DVD player with auxiliary audio jack, iPod/USB capabilities there isn’t much more you need in the Volt. However, we always recommend the rear camera and park assist package as visibility to the back is hindered by the high trunk. The Volt also has a steeply raked front hood that makes it difficult to know how close you are to an obstruction in front and large A and B pillars that can compromise visibility to the sides. Safety wise you get ABS, stability control, front side and knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Braking is good.
We like the Volt and its driveability. It was quick off the mark and kept pace with traffic with ease. The dash and readouts are easy to master, but the modernist layout takes a while to master, especially with the bright, white plastic that covered the center stack on our test vehicle. The Volt comes with a cell phone application that enables you to keep track of the vehicle.
The electric motor and 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine work seamlessly and are the best we have tested. The engine does sound strained at times, but one look at the miles per gallon read-out is a balm for those occasions. However, the engine does seek premium fuel. The Volt holds four adults and, although the doors shut with a reassuring solid sound, there are signs that some sacrifices were made in the interest of a weight reduction with the lack of power seats and a smaller back seat. The trunk is useful in size and the rear seats fold down to help when caring longer packages.
Handling is surprisingly good and the brakes don’t have that numb feel that some hybrids possess. In a nutshell, the Volt is a playful, practical, and pretty sedan and well worth a drive if you can afford the price and can benefit from its electric only range. If those attributes don’t meet your needs , climb aboard the Chevrolet Cruze Eco which provides 36 mpg in mixed driving and costs under $20,000. Learn more about the Chevrolet Volt on Chevrolet’s website here.
Chevrolet Cruze Eco
Chevrolet Cruze Eco
Finally, a smaller Chevrolet that is downright zippy, gets excellent gas mileage, and has enough room for the average family. The problem is that the Eco, with its six speed manual transmission, is so frisky people are going to think you are just practical,when the reality is that the Eco is a hoot to drive. The inline-4 engine is perky, a bit playful, and quiet enough so that you have to train yourself to shift into its overdrive sixth gear because if feels and sounds so right in fifth.
There is an abundance of airbags front, side, knee and rear, and the Eco has stability and traction control, ABS, daytime running lights, OnStar, and more. Crash test scores are excellent. Chevrolet went all out on this model and it gives the competition a real run for money. And, if you order the Cruze with the larger engine it is even more invigorating. Of course the competition is significant especially with the new Hyundai Elantra and Ford Focus, but neither are as fun to drive. There are a plethora of models and options in the Cruz catalog, but our Eco was probably the best choice with the connectivity and cruise package for $525.
The Eco’s turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 generates 138 horsepower and is good for slightly sub ten second runs to 60 mph. Initial acceleration really isn’t its forte. It comes alive when you need a little zip to pass. Just downshift a gear or two and let the turbocharger perk things up. Fuel economy ratings for the six speed model are 28 mpg city/42 mpg highway a couple of miles per gallon less with the automatic. If you commute a lot, the automatic is probably the better choice.
Interior design is modern and comfortable, but rear seat leg room is a bit tight, as it is for most cars in its class. The dash is covered in a material that isn’t easy to clean and the interior’s overall look is trim, not fancy. The trunk is very large and the entire car is larger on the inside than it looks from the outside. Easy to shift, fun to drive, and excellent fuel mileage make this a must test drive vehicle for those who feel that the Asian competitors build the best compacts. We think you are going to be surprised, and there are some great deals being made. Learn more about the Chevrolet Cruze Eco on Chevrolet’s website here.
Chevrolet Equinox
2011 Chevrolet Equinox
We liked the early model Equinox better because it was smaller and more nimble. But this plus-sized new one isn’t that hard to love if you like practicality and are willing to live with its reduced visibility to the sides.
The good news here is that the Equinox and its standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque is powerful enough to handle most daily tasks in the front wheel drive model and delivers great economy. Moving to the 3.0-liter V6 and its 264 horsepower and six-speed automatic isn’t necessary, unless towing or with the all wheel drive option. There are several models from the basic LS to the upscale LTZ and all are well-equipped, with power front seat adjustments, a sliding and reclining backseat, and optional equipment extends from audio goodies to a power lift gate. However, third row seating is not offered. The Car Family feels that if you need seating for six or more on a regular basis a minivan is safer.
The range and fuel economy with the base engine is outstanding. We averaged over 26 mpg in mixed driving and the driving range before refueling can reach well into the 400 miles category. The EPA gives the Equinox a top notch 32-mpg EPA highway rating.
A nice feature of the Equinox are large side view mirrors, which as very handy as visibility to the sides is restricted due to the large A and B pillars. There is ample room inside and the seats are fairly comfortable. The cargo space, center console are quite spacious and the various storage bins are numerous.
The ride is what you would expect of a SUV and the acceleration acceptable. But what sets the Equinox apart is its combination of economy, room, and attention to details such as the ability to program the height the power tailgate reaches. This makes it ideal for shorter owners. Overall, a well thought out SUV that provides good family values.
Family conference: If it doesn’t kill you it makes you stronger and General Motors recent battle with bankruptcy has indeed resulted in some better models. No longer lingering are the Bob Lutz Hummer H2 and the stink of ignoring the American buyer’s interest. These three are all worth a long look and, perhaps, a return to the USA for family vehicle buyers. Learn more about the Chevrolet Equinox on Chevrolet’s website here.
One of the greatest fears for parents of teenagers is an unexpected accident when their child is behind the wheel. Each year, the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest 100 days for teen drivers and their passengers, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). To minimize this risk, parents should learn the facts and teach their children how to drive safely.
Sarah Robinson — engineer, Michelin test-track driver and one of the few female test drivers— teaches teens safe-driving skills. She also offers parents tips on maintaining a safe vehicle and how to effectively teach their young drivers about safety.
Sarah’s tips for teaching teen drivers
Situational awareness: To keep yourself out of danger, nothing is more effective than being aware of your surroundings.
Vision: Train your eyes to anticipate danger, focus as far ahead as you can see and use your peripheral vision to observe your immediate surroundings.
Stay focused: Distractions can result in fatal accidents. Parents should set rules limiting the number of passengers riding with a teenage driver. Using a cell phone, text messaging, changing the radio station or iPod tunes, or applying makeup should never be done while driving.
Speed and distance: Obey the speed limit, adjust your vehicle’s speed to match weather conditions and maintain a proper distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
Defensive-driving class: Practice is the best defense against accidents. A third-party instructor often can influence teens more effectively than the limitations of the typical parent–teen dynamic. Instructors are trained to teach teens car-control skills so they can avoid or minimize accidents.
Seating position: Proper seating position maximizes your ability to control your vehicle. Sarah provides tips to ensure drivers are positioned with arms the proper distance from the steering wheel and legs from the brake and gas pedals.
Set mirrors properly: Side mirrors can help maximize the view of the road, rather than reflecting the side of the car.
Steering position: For optimal control, hands should be placed at the three-o’clock and nine-o’clock positions on the steering wheel.
Tire pressure: Parents should teach their teenage drivers to check the pressure of all four tires once a month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 33,000 injuries and 700 deaths occur every year due to underinflated tires.
Safety equipment: Prepare the vehicle with the necessary safety equipment and an emergency kit. Cars equipped with stability-control systems, antilock-braking system and airbags help reduce accidents as well as the severity of injuries if an accident occurs.
Parents’ role: Parents can play a significant role in teaching their teenage drivers basic safety. First, they should be a good role model to their children when they are in the driver’s seat. Next, they should establish safe-driving rules and enforce them. They also should enroll young drivers in defensive-driving courses. Finally, parents should explain the responsibilities and dangers of handling a 3,000-plus-pound vehicle.
Enjoy your summer and talk to your teens about safe driving!
