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Southern California beaches

Step into Reality. Or, a Reality Show. Welcome to Laguna Beach.

December 14, 2014 By Lena

I’m not ashamed to admit it: I love a good teen drama.

It all started back in the 90’s, with Beverly Hills, 90210. Yes, I’m talking about the original series – you know, the one with Jason Priestley and Shannen Doherty – not the blasphemous facelift they aired from 2008-2013. The series where tween and teen girls everywhere wanted to be Brenda Walsh, not for her mousy brown hair or mom jeans, but for her uncanny ability to secure at least one lip-lock with Dylan per episode.

Until he, you know, got busy with her best friend while she was in Paris.

The particular drama spurred a worldwide interest in Californian teens and college kids, especially when it came to following their (often alcohol-infused) antics. Years later, when reality shows became all the rage, one particular MTV gem roped me in just as surely as the students of West Beverly High.

The show? Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.

The series, however – serving up just three seasons of guilty pleasure – was about more than just love triangles, bon fires on the beach and girl drama. (Although, they seemed to be the crux of the show.) To us older folks – you know, the 20-somethings who lounged in our condos, reveling in the throwback to our youth – it was a chance to live a different life; a life on the beach, in a gorgeous Californian town, surrounded by opulence and luxury. The kind of life that was far-removed from reality – served up on Tuesday nights.
laguna beachAnd during those reality tv binges, I promised myself that one day, I’d visit Laguna Beach; walking in the same sand as Kristen, shopping along the same streets as Lauren.

OMG. Shopping along the same streets as Lauren!

This past summer, as part of our #DisneyVacayCA, my family was afforded to opportunity to spend a day touring the beaches of Orange County. Included in our agenda was a stop in Laguna Beach – and it’s like years of MTV fandom suddenly became a reality. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, this seven-mile stretch of sand and surf offers a year-round retreat for art lovers, nature enthusiasts and beachgoers. (And, anyone who ever spent an hour on Tuesday nights following its most famous inhabitants.)

Welcome to Laguna Beach. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #DisneyVacayCA, laguna beach, Orange County, Southern California beaches

We’re Back from Our #DisneyVacayCA!

August 20, 2014 By Lena

Ryder is zooming around the room simulating roller coasters. Reid is singing “Let it Go” at the top of his lungs. My husband is clicking through hundreds of photos. It can only mean one thing – we’re back from our Disneyland vacation!

And it’s only right that I just come out and say it: it was our BEST family vacation EVER. Truly! From beginning to end, we were treated to a flawless experience that is consistent with Disney’s excellence in service, entertainment, value and family fun. Plus, we had a chance to tour some of the most scenic beaches of Southern California – I can’t wait to tell you all about it! (But first: laundry.)

In the meantime, I wanted to share my favourite picture from our vacation – my two little guys in Cars Land. It’s rare that I can get both boys to simply pose for a photo, but in this case, they were so excited about “meeting” Mater that they wrapped their arms around each other and smiled for the camera. I can’t believe I got this in one shot! They must have been “racing” high on adrenaline – or “fueled” by excitement! (Do you see what I did there? I’m so punny!)

Cars LandAnyhoo, please bear with me as I get back into a groove; the 3-hour time change owned me today. Seriously, I napped twice!! OMG. But I’ll certainly be back to share all the highlights from our epic #DisneyVacayCA. Until then, have a magical day!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #DisneyVacayCA, Disneyland, family travel, Southern California beaches

#DisneyVacayCA: Disneyland, Here We Come!

August 11, 2014 By Lena

The kids are running around, my bedroom is a disheveled mix of suitcases, clothing and lightsabers, and I’ve got a to-do list taped to no less than four doors in my house… but it’s all awesome because we are headed to DISNEYLAND!

disneyland-guide_596x334I’m on a t-minus 5 day countdown until we leave for the #DisneyVacayCA media trip to Disneyland, California. We’ll enjoy a stay at the stunning Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which boasts a breathtaking 6-story lobby constructed of stone and wood plus stately American Craftsman-style décor in all rooms. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a premium hotel that celebrates the grandeur of the great outdoors.

grand-californian-overview-g14Of course, we’ll spend tons of time in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park (three days of fun!), so you can bet this Disneyland newbie will be all over the attractions. And speaking of attractions, you do know I have two Disney Cars fanatics, right? I predict we’ll be spending a LOT of time in Cars Land!  …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #DisneyVacayCA, Disney Parks, Disneyland, family travel, Southern California beaches

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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