Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in Long Beach, CA

December  2008

All Lit Up for the Holidays

December 23, 2008

One of my favorite things to do at this time of year is drive around and look at all the Christmas lights. Every year, the city of Long Beach places Christmas-tree displays in ponds and lagoons in parks all around the city. You can see the lights shimmering in the water at Heartwell Park , Mother's Beach, and the Colorado Lagoon. Nothing says Christmas in Long Beach like Read more...

Long Beach Kindergarten Festivals

December 22, 2008

Kindergarten, once a distant speck on the horizon, is a mere nine months away for my daughter. And while I am not one to get myself all worked up about these things, it's a little scary. Back when I went to kindergarten, it was all art and circle time, but with the new No Child Left Behind requirements, much more is expected of our children. There are some wonderful schools in Read more...

To Grandmother's House We Go: Tips for Flying with Kids

December 18, 2008

It's that time of year when everyone is traveling cross-country to see family. For me, few things are more anxiety-producing than the thought of a long flight with my daughter. Traveling with little ones is hard. You have to juggle child, stroller and luggage in the security line; keep your kids entertained during flight delays; and endure the hostile glares of your fellow passengers if your Read more...

Gifts to Enjoy All Year

December 16, 2008

My daughter's toy box runneth over. We try to limit the toy-buying, but all those birthday and Christmas gifts add up. In the old days I could sneak into her room while she was napping and fill up a bag for Goodwill, but now that she's older, it's harder to persuade her to part with her toys. If you're searching for a gift that won't clutter your house, consider giving your child an Read more...

Giving Back

December 15, 2008

This Christmas, food banks are reporting shortages at a time when demand is higher than ever. Many families can't even pay the utility bill, much less buy gifts for their kids. Opportunities to give abound, and the need is especially urgent. One of the reasons I give is to teach my daughter the importance of sharing with those who are less fortunate. This year, instead of Read more...

The Voice of Being Savvy Long Beach:
Rachel Orfila

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