Let’s take a look at five neighbor types that may become a challenge to deal with, and how to get along with these individuals!
 
    1.    Dangerous Neighbors: Whether they deal drugs, fight with neighbors, throw wild parties or are registered pedophiles, these are people best left to the authorities. Keep your distance and try not to be a target.
 
    2.    The Home Devaluers: Though often friendly and helpful, the face value of these neighbor’s home may be lacking. Maybe the lawn is a pasture, or perhaps their house needs an exterior makeover. The driveway could be full of toys, bikes, and cars in various stages of repair. Their pets may wander the neighborhood defecating on your lawn. The first line of defense against those neighbors should be open communication. Point out politely the problem, and be prepared for antagonism or resistance. You’re probably not the first neighbor to complain. Document the date of your dialogue, and if you have a Home Owner’s Association, get them involved.
 
    3.    The Joneses: There is always someone in the neighborhood whose goal is to be richer, showier, and superior to others. Be pleasant and aloof, instead of trying to keep up.
 
    4.    The Crazy Ones: Someone is always the neighborhood snoop and/or the one who visits unannounced and stays. Be friendly, but be clear about where you may need to go next or if you are on a tight schedule.
 
    5.    Difficult People: These are the neighbors who are always trying to cause trouble with gossip pitting one neighbor against another. In their case, a small amount of contact goes a long way. Keep your distance, because these relationships can be toxic.

Great family vacations like other great events don’t just happen by magic. They are the result of careful thought and planning.

Here are some things to consider:

How much money do you have available for this vacation?

This is a major determining factor. It may mean the difference between the Disney Cruise and a week at a cottage. Before you make any vacation plans, do the research. Know how much money you have available in that vacation budget line and then use Internet and/or a travel agent to create a short list.

Not all vacations have to break the bank! With some creativity and ingenuity you can plan a family vacation that is satisfying for all members of your family and doesn’t leave you paying off bills for the rest of the year.

When you are looking at costs don’t forget to factor in all the costs: travel, accommodations, meals, incidentals, taxes, etc. Don’t be left reeling with unexpected costs because you failed to do your homework.

Kid Friendly Options

While places like an all-inclusive resort, Disneyland, and a ski holiday may all be appealing some of these options may not be feasible right now. What are the ages of your kids? Will there be activities at proposed destinations for all your kids to enjoy? Is this an option that might be more appropriate when your kids are older? Again, doing some research, calling toll-free vacation destination numbers, and/or discussing your options with a travel consultant are good strategies.

Invite Family Input

 Once you’ve created a list of possibilities that fit your budget and you know are kid friendly, it’s time to let family members weigh in. Have each family member write down or tell you the things he/she would like to include in the family vacation. Some of their choices might surprise you!

What is the Best Time to Go?

Given family activities, school, work, the weather in your vacation destination, seasonal cost fluctuations and other considerations, what is the best time to go?

How are You Getting There?

Your destination might mean that you go be plane and get on a shuttle bus once you arrive. Other destinations might offer some exciting options. For example, a week in a big city might offer the chance to ride a train to the city and use subway or transit buses to get around the city. Part of a vacation like this is the adventure of actually getting there.

What are You Going to Do?

One of the downfalls of carefully organizing a family vacation is over scheduling. Make sure you and the kids have some relaxing time in the hotel pool or sitting on the pier or building sand castles or enjoying a good book.

When it comes to the growth and development of your young student-athletes, summer sports camps often provide a great opportunity to gain exposure, experience and skill development.
 
Sports camps come in all shapes, styles and sizes depending on the age and skill level of your young athlete. There are day camps, weeklong camps, sport-specialized camps and those that aim to simply give youngsters some exposure to a variety of sports in a safe environment.
 
Here’s a look at eight different youth summer sports camps throughout Los Angeles:
 
Prime Time Sports Camp – This comprehensive camp specializes in more than 10 different sports, offering two summer sessions for kids 4-14, as well as sport-specific summer camps in hoops, lacrosse, and soccer. P.O. Box 241496, Los Angeles, CA 90024; 310-838-7872; [email protected]; www.primetimesportscamp.com.
 
Sports Plus Day Camp – Specializing in summer day camps for kids aged 5-14 in four different locations, Sports Plus Day Camp offers instruction and fundamental skills, as well as sport-specific camps. 13437 Ventura Blvd., Suite 226, Sherman Oaks, CA. 91423; 818-905-6125; www.sportsplusdaycamp.com.
 
Monarchs Gymnastics – With the choice of half or full days, kids can learn actual gymnastics moves in a safe environment, including the trampoline, tumbling skills, vaulting and pit skills. [email protected]; www.monarchsgymp.com.
 
Soccer Shots – This national program is focused on high energy, fun, age-appropriate introduction to soccer for kids (ages 2-8). Programs include after school sessions, park programs and private lessons. 8405 Pershing Drive, Suite 206, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293; (310) 857-6560; [email protected]; www.soccershots.org.
 
UCLA Bruin Sports Camps – UCLA Athletics offers day camps and overnight camps in 18 different sports, giving kids access to collegiate head coaches plus current and former athletes on the UCLA campus. JD Morgan Center, 325 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095; (310) 206-3550; [email protected]; www.uclabruins.com.
 
Iverbe Day and Sports Camp – This day camp for younger kids (preschool through 8th grade) is focused on providing a positive summer experience in a variety of different sports in a safe environment, plus sport-specific camps in football, baseball, soccer and dance. 9854 National Blvd., Box 287, Los Angeles, CA 90034; (310)779-1952; [email protected]; www.iverbe.com.
 
Dodgers Youth Baseball Camp – The Dodgers Foundation offers a four-day camp for kids ages 7-12 of all abilities, featuring daily instruction by members of the Dodgers coaching staff and alumni players at Dodger Stadium. 323-224-1413; [email protected]; www.losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com.
 
Kings Camp – This six-day summer camp for kids 5-15 includes both ice time and dryland instruction from members of the Kings coaching staff and NHL alumni. 555 N. Nash St., El Segundo, CA 90245; 310-535-4472; [email protected]; www.kings.nhl.com.
 
What do you think of summer youth sports camps? Find out about LA camps here.
Have your kids had a great summer sports camp experience? Check out these summer camps.
Have you been looking for a summer youth sports camp in LA? Check out these options.

It might not be common knowledge, but if you feel like saddling up for some horseback riding, there are plenty of options right here in Los Angeles. If you live in the South Bay, many of the best choices are located locally on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
 
Whether your goal is to just get out for some trail riding, or you’re looking for some more in depth classes and training, the facilities around Palos Verdes offer many areas of service for all levels of riders. With kids in mind, many host summer camps and lessons as well.
 
While you can check out many of the reviews on Yelp, here are seven popular options for horseback riding in Palos Verdes:
 
Wagon Wheel Ranch – This ranch is open seven days a week and offers horses for every type of rider for 1 or 2 hour rides. They are also available for parties and horse camps throughout the year. 4057 Via Opata, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274; (310) 567-3582; pvhorses.net.
 
Palos Verdes Stables – Full service facility with summer pony camps for children, guided trail rides, and lessons or clinics with celebrity or Olympic-level teachers in all riding disciplines. 4057 Via Opata, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274; (310) 378-3527; Palosverdesstables.com.
 
Peter Webber Equestrian Center – Along with boarding for horses, there are pony rides, pony camps, an after-school program and riding lessons with a world-renowned Western trainer and two English-style trainers. 26401 Crenshaw Blvd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90505; (310) 541-9487; Pwecent.com.
 
Cowboy Bootcamp – Focused on techniques to strengthen horsemanship skills, they offer a thorough and practical teaching approach through trail riding and safety for all levels of riders. 4 Sunnyfield Dr, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274; (310) 872-9421; CowboyBootCamp.net.
 
Seahorse Riding Club – The private full-service training facility has English riding lessons specializing in hunters, jumpers and equitation, plus summer camps and training for the public. 26411 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274; (310) 541-5921; Seahorseridingclub.org.
 
Empty Saddle Club – This private horse riding club hosts penning, cutting, and roping practices, events to promote horsemanship, plus weekend group trail riding trips. 39 Empty Saddle Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274; (310) 377-9059; Emptysaddleclub.com.
 
Portuguese Bend Riding Club – This lesson facility offers summer camps, trail riding and English and Western riding instruction with on-site instructors, as well as dressage lessons with visiting clinicians. 40 Narcissa Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275; (310) 377-3507; Ridingatpbrc.com.
 
What is your favorite part of horseback riding? Check out local options in Palos Verdes.
Looking for a place to go horseback riding in Los Angeles? Check out these South Bay options.
What is your favorite area in LA for horseback riding? Check out these options in Palos Verdes.

Adventures are great. It would be awesome to be able to go on a daily adventure, but this often costs much more than most of us can afford. Also, if you’re in the middle of an urban center such as Los Angeles, you will be hard-pressed to find a patch of pristine nature where you can enjoy fresh air. Thus, it all comes down to finding budget-friendly places you can travel to and have a great time, regardless of your budget.

Thankfully, there are secluded spots near Los Angeles that are perfect for frolicking and spending your time enjoying the green. One of these spots is Hermosa Beach and its surrounding area as it has something for people of all ages.

Descanso Gardens

Nature lovers will thrive in this wonderful botanical garden spreading across 150 acres of land in Southern California and open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. Located just 20 minutes away fromdowntown Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens boasts the largest collection of camellias. Tea lovers will find bliss in the Japanese tea garden, while bird watchers will relish the thought of observing the abundance of bird species found in the vicinity.

Enchanted Railroad is the exact replica of a diesel train the kids will absolutely love. Boddy House is the mansion of the previous owner and founder of the garden, E. Manchester Boddy and a great example of architectural designs prevalent at the time. Note that the garden has certain restrictions regarding equipment and, if you’re planning on heavy-duty photography, you ought to call (818) 949-4200 and inquire on the limitations.

Switzer Falls Hiking Trail

Located at the Angeles National Forest, this hiking trail is shrouded in shade and provides a wonderful refreshment during hot summer days. This forest is brimming with wildlife, and you can see it on every step of the trail.Snap a couple of picture when you encounter an enchanting view and make sure to bring along a swimsuit, testing out the waters found at Upper Switzer Trails.

The Getty Center

Home of the Getty Villa, the Getty Center offers a wonderful exhibit of art and architecture to curious visitors. If you’re into picnicking, then you’re in for a treat, as the Getty Center boasts beautiful views and wide grass lawns. The villa itself houses Greek and Roman artifacts, including statues and paintings from both Greek and Roman art styles. However, do note that the Getty Villa requires an advance reservation and, though there is no admission fee, parking is $15.

Balboa Park

Round up your visit to Hermosa Beach by visiting Balboa Park and taking a spin on the legendary carousel, built way back when in 1910. This is where Dr. Seuss allegedly used to come to find inspiration for his works. Once you see the wonders in the Desert Garden or walk through the Museum of Man, you will see why. In short, there is always a fun and interesting place to be found, just around the corner, and such a place near Los Angeles is most definitely Hermosa Beach.