PADARO BEACH IN CARPINTERIA

Our love for the coast took us to Padaro Beach in Carpinteria. This rustic beach is located just north of the famous Rincon Beach (one of the best surfing spots in the world). It's a local favorite with street parking and a short walk over the train tracks.  

Just down the road, Santa Claus Lane has a small row of restaurants and shopping. The Garden Market has lovely outdoor seating -- perfect for sipping wine over a game of cards.

Padaro Beach Grill has a beautiful view of the ocean, a sandbox for the kids to play in and a big lawn to lounge on.

EXPLORING GATES PARK IN CALABASAS

I'm always on the lookout for a good park. So I was so happy to find this gem, hidden in a quiet Calabasas neighborhood. I'm ready to call it my own! Here are some highlights from Gates Park.

THE FLOWER FIELDS

Unless I book a trip to Holland, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are probably my best chance at seeing 70 million flowers. The floricultural attraction spans 50 acres of colorful hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean (about 2 hours south of Los Angeles). 

The Flower Fields are only open a couple months every year (March 1 - May 10, 2015). 

The main attraction is the massive sea of ranunculus.

About 125,000 visitors tour the ranunculus fields, to see brilliantly bright colors like sunset gold, pink and merlot. 

Antique tractor ride for $5.

Lots of room for running.

The highlight for Mila was Santa's Playground, especially the great pink house.

Food within 15 minutes: In-N-Out Burger Carlsbad, Whole Foods Encinitas. 

ANIMAL NECKLACE WITH TASSEL DIY

Now here is a QUICK craft! Inspired by those beautiful animal necklaces from designers like Gunner & Lux (those Little Lux pieces are real fashion accessories for little ones), we put together this sweet little DIY for playtime fun. 

You'll need: thick satin ribbon for necklace, thin ribbon for tassel and a small toy animal. 

Cut a thirty-inch length of the thick ribbon. Place the center point of the ribbon at the toy animal's belly. Bring up and tie a knot at the top of the animal's back. 

Cut ten 5-inch lengths of the thin ribbon. Take one of those pieces and tie it around the middle of the bunch. Knot it and bring those ends to join the sides. Trim ends to make even. 

Pull ends down to form a tassel shape. Take another length of thin ribbon and tie it at the top fifth of the tassel. Knot. Trim.

String the tassel onto the thick ribbon. Leave it a couple inches above the animal's bum. Measure the necklace on the recipient's neck. Tie that thick ribbon into a beautiful bow to finish!