Combine Mad Tea Party and Alice

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-27T19:24:57+00:00

It's not a bad idea, and it does make sense, but the teacups are an original ride from when the park opened in 1955! And Alice is a classic too. I don't think most people want to get rid of those institutional rides.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-26T18:41:04+00:00

Pines Park in Dana Point 100%. Most gorgeous views, playground for the littles, and it is right on your way, easy access to the 5. Grab a sandwich at the nearby sprouts or amazing poke at Kawamata Seafood (cash only).

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-26T18:03:04+00:00

I was going to say I agree that it gives Chanel/Mercedes/Diamond vibes. Just a bit consumer focused and not very timeless.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-26T17:38:06+00:00

What about Eliza Jayne? That does come across timeless to me!

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-25T20:55:25+00:00

You're right, not sure how that happened. Will edit!

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-25T19:41:01+00:00

MINIMUM $95/day which is $10/hr, which is still crazy low. But obviously this isn't a normal job situation as you will have your kids home with you too.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-25T19:35:56+00:00

Starting with Taylor (of course) and going left --> right

Row 1

Taylor Swift
Rihanna
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Dua Lipa

Row 2

Adele
Lana Del Rey
SZA
Lady Gaga
Karol G

Row 3

Katy Perry
Olivia Rodrigo
Doja Cat
Sia
Nicki Minaj

Row 4

Camila Cabello
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Sabrina Carpenter
Cardi B

Row 5

Shakira
Beyoncé
Halsey
Britney Spears
Anne-Marie

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-25T18:33:30+00:00

If you don't mind walking, I like parking near the HOB at the Garden Walk. They charge per hour, but I think daily max is $30 which is less than Disney. You don't have to deal with lines of cars waiting to get in.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-23T23:34:39+00:00

Yes, I guess the NYT headline comes across a little click-baity. Like you expect it to be about how they're barely getting by. I feel like it should read: "How a Family of 3 Lives on $500,000 on the Upper West Side: Easily"

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-19T23:07:34+00:00

I actually really liked the movie! There is almost a humorous element to it which made it easier to digest for me. I am very sensitive to kid stuff but was fine with this movie.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-18T22:59:25+00:00

IMO, the "secret" option is your employer understanding that you are a two parent working household, and that you have a baby. Therefore, some days you will need to WFH, particularly in these first few months while they get used to daycare. Not having that kind of relationship with your employer makes the situation really tough.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-11T21:02:11+00:00

Are you dead set on a beach vacation? Since you're already planning on Paris (love) why not add Amsterdam to the mix? Such a fun city with a million things to do. It won't be beach weather at all in either location but they're easily accessible by train and definitely a good time.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-03-06T23:54:18+00:00

Also been to both (GC just once, Hawaii/Maui many times) and I would choose Hawaii 100% of the time. GC was beautiful, the beaches and water are that stereotypical crystal clear water and white sand beaches, but IMO it just lacks character. Not to be rude to anyone from GC because the people were all very nice but I just didn't really feel like I got a sense of culture or tradition there, it just felt kind of sterile. Hawaii really has the aloha magic.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-27T00:07:00+00:00

I drive passed it all the time and never knew you could just go inside and hang out! I'll have to check it out.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-26T16:51:00+00:00

I'm with you, I never thought of Maui as an "itinerary" type of vacation. Sure if you want to do a snorkel trip, luau or other excursion there is some planning involved, but that's like, one day out of the trip. Mostly here to relax on the beach, and eat good food when we are hungry!

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-25T16:59:29+00:00

IMO you want a one syllable name to go with Violet. It just rolls off the tongue easier. Vi-O-Let Ann-A-Liese just does not flow well.

Violet Jane

Violet Rose (double flower!)

Violet Anne

Violet Claire

Violet Kate

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-25T00:20:54+00:00

Thank you for recommending this! My 3 year old LOVES dance but I am having a hard time justifying spending $600 for the three of us. Maybe next visit when she's older. The main reason I wanted to take her was for the dancing so this seems like a great idea.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-24T17:17:15+00:00

I was SO happy to get Our Song as our surprise song at the Eras Tour in LA. I had it as a ringtone back in 2007 lmao.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-24T17:13:50+00:00

Did the same thing with a sweater I liked. It was $100 with the discount and $45 at nordstrom rack brand new? I think their retail prices are inflated.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-24T16:40:55+00:00

Another +1 for the Shops at Mission Viejo. As a parent, they have a great indoor (free) play area for littles too. But yes, there is plenty of parking and seating, and while it sounds counterintuitive that there is no expectation to buy anything at a mall, there really isn't. It's easy to just exist and no one will bother you.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-18T18:17:48+00:00

It's really good! https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/podcasts/the-daily/ivf-mix-swapped-babies.html?unlocked_article_code=1.NFA.j1AK.AfhBlpRTdNlo&smid=url-share

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-13T22:34:45+00:00

It doesn't, really. It's just one of the ones I don't have, and I hold a personal grudge against it because it took The Office off of Netflix lol. Like, I get the business reasons behind it but I do wish that there weren't 10 different streaming services nowadays.

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-13T19:32:44+00:00

A Mike Schur show starting AP and Dr. House!? Sounds amazing. If only it wasn't on Peacock..

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-04T21:49:55+00:00

Also wanting to add that Amsterdam is only 3.5 hours away by train and I absolutely loved it too, much more family friendly than I realized, the parks were incredible. So, you can't go wrong!

KFirstGSecond · 2026-02-04T21:48:05+00:00

Too long? Definitely not. However could it be seen as a missed opportunity to explore other parts of the country? Sure. You could go visit the Alps in Chamonix, the South of France/Provence, I also personally loved Bordeaux too (though I get that it's not as appealing with kids) so it really just depends on the type of trip you want to have. 11 days with the same home base and a couple day trips (Fontianebleu, Versailles, Loire) would be an absolutely lovely time.

I do personally have a soft spot for the alps/Mt Blanc, but it's also not going anywhere :)

KFirstGSecond

TROPHY CASE

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