Blog Posts by Ericka Pawlowski

There are very few rainy days in San Diego. Whether it's raining, a rare very hot day or just time for indoor fun, San Diego has plenty of options for kids indoor play, while parents can relax with a cup of joe. Each of these places offer some serious fun for kids of all ages, classes and camps. They all offer a café for snacks and beverages and seating where mom can watch her children while enjoying some much needed coffee. (Socks are required at all the play areas!) 1. Kid Ventures is a kids indoor play center withtwo locations in Chula Vista and Pacific Beach. Kid Ventures offer camps, a p... read more

Whether you are an advanced runner or just starting out, San Diego running and biking trails offer scenic views, restrooms and, of course, the mostdesirableclimate in the nation. For avid mountain bikers, we'll do another post for great mountain biking trails in San Diego. A list of running and biking tours in San Diego Mission Trails Park, Lake Murray This is a great wide trail that loops the lake. If you run around the Lake it is about 6 miles. The terrain is curvy and has some small dips, but is paved and wide. Mission Beach (Boardwalk) From Belmont Park to Pacific Beach Pier is around 3 m... read more

Whether you have one or four kids, going out to eat can be a hassle, not to mention it gets expensive. Kids eat free at plenty of great restaurants in San Diego. We've compiled a list that highlights a variety of places where kids can eat free and adults can still have a delicious meal, without heading to the drive through. SUNDAY Bali Hai on Shelter Island. Kids under 4 eat free and adults can enjoybottomlesschampagne with Sunday brunch. Whether you sit inside or outside, you'll love the breathtaking views of the harbor and San Diego. Humprey's on Shelter Island. Kids under 12 eat free on no... read more

When we first moved to Southern California from Upstate New York, we decided to put ourselves on a strict budget. Back then, we were a family of five with another on the way. We had some idea how to budget and buy only what we need, but SoCal ended up being more expensive. We kept our rent under our BAH, so we were a little ahead, but we quickly learned a few things to help save. There are three very expensive necessities in SoCal: water, milk and gas. SAVING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Fill up on base . It’s worth waiting in line for $.10 under gas stations out in town. Grocery shop at the Commi... read more

Having fun in San Diego doesn't have to require a lot of money. With miles of beaches and perfect weather, there are plenty of free activities to do with kids in San Diego. Here are 8 free activities in San Diego that you might not have thought of. Yellow Book Road www.yellowbookroad.com I found a fabulous children's bookstore in Liberty Station (Point Loma) on Historic Decatur. Yellow Book Road is a cute little store offering tons of children's to young adult books, toys and homeschool materials. I attended baby story time one Friday morning with my three sons (they are 3, 2 and 5 months). T... read more