The 3 Best Places To Raise A Family In California

California is the land of the American Dream. It’s so big and has so many opportunities that it is no wonder that people flock here from all over the world to live. There is a lot of work, salaries are generally very high and the weather is fantastic. It has everything in other words. If you have a family then it is an ideal state to want to live in. 

When looking for the ideal place to raise a family, you’ll want to narrow things down a little and find the right town and city. You will need to have access to good schools, good infrastructure, and low crime rates. Public spaces are a plus since kids need to get out of their own backyards and be around other people. Being close to nature is another perk that many parents will be looking for. In this article, we will go over some of the best places in California where you can raise a family.

1 - Glendale

Glendale is a town near Pasadena that is very popular with families. It has just about everything you would need as far as family-friendly infrastructure. For starters, Glendale is very safe and has a low crime rate. In fact, it is consistently ranked in the top ten safest cities in the US. 

The real estate in the town is very varied. There are more renters than owners in Glendale so you can find many condos available as well as single-family houses. Real estate investment companies such as TFS Properties invest in real estate to then put up for rent so if you are thinking of renting before buying to get a feel for the place then this is a good option here. 

One of the biggest benefits to living in Glendale is that it is within an easy commute of LA. If you work in LA then you can be home in time to enjoy time with the family and enjoy everything a small city has to offer after the hustle and bustle of the big city. 

The public schools are very highly rated and there are some good hospitals in the city as well. It has just about everything a family would need. There is also good access to nature just north of the city with hiking and mountain biking opportunities in the surrounding hills. 

The biggest downside to Glendale is the cost of living is very high. Those people making an LA salary will likely find it to be affordable, however. 

2 - Imperial

Imperial is a small city that is as far south as you can go in California and still be in the US. It is right above the border with Mexico. As a result, it has a very international feel. Families here enjoy a lot of diversity in the population and culture of the place which is a big advantage. 

It has another advantage of being a small city with just under 20,000 inhabitants. This makes it one of those places where everybody knows each other and is always looking out for each other. It’s still got a lot of city conveniences and is close to Chula Vista when you need a city fix. 

There is a huge winter festival that takes place every February that is very popular with people in the area and is a lot of fun for the kids. 

3 - Moorpark

Looking for a town with a sizable community of families is ideal. Moorpark has the greatest concentration of young families so it is perfect for other families looking to relocate. Schools are well funded and there is plenty for families to do there. In fact, there are 20 public parks that are used by these families all the time. 

It is a very safe community with a low crime rate and high quality of life. Being close to downtown LA is also a plus so you can commute if you work in the city. You may not need to commute to the city anyway since there are a number of high-paying jobs there which can keep you close to home and enjoy more time with your family. 

Conclusion

These cities have a lot going for them in terms of livability and amenities that you need to raise a family. Since your kids are only small for a short period, it makes sense to choose a place like these cities to take advantage of everything they offer to get the most out of the years while they are still little.

Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipes from The Mixer

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to spend quality time with your loved ones, enjoying tasty food and family traditions. When you’ve gone to the trouble of cooking up a feast, you’ll want delicious drinks to match. 

The best thanksgiving cocktails are easy to serve when hosting a crowd. The kitchen gets busy, so choose drinks that suit your time frame. Also, serve cocktails that pair well with your Thanksgiving menu. Here is our ultimate pick of incredible drinks to serve this holiday season without going into a complete tailspin on Turkey Day!

Kir Royale

This French Champagne cocktail (aka Kir Royale) is a New York City favorite and an incredibly simple cocktail to master. You’ll wonder why you’ve waited all this time to try one! 

Ingredients (per person)

• 0.5 Oz blackcurrant liqueur

• 6 Oz Champagne

Method

1. Pour creme de cassis in a champagne glass

2. Top with Champagne and serve!

Apple Butter Old Fashioned

An Apple Butter Old Fashioned cocktail is packed with the inviting flavors of warm apple pie. Made with real apple butter (just like mama used to make), this fall Old Fashioned drink is perfect as an indulgent drink with your bourbon-loving friends. For this recipe, you’ll be making your own apple butter. Don’t worry, it’s super simple to make because YOLO! And it’s downright delicious. If you have leftovers, you can add it to cheese platters, use it as a glaze for that roast beef dinner or dollop it onto pancakes. Yum!

Hot tip: “Contrary to what the name suggests, apple butter does not contain any butter. It’s basically just a fancy name for apples that have been pureed, spiced and cooked down to give them a butter-like texture. It is easy to make and store in your fridge. Use it in cocktails, to spread on toast, as a glaze on meat or add it to your morning oats.” (Helena Lombard, The Mixer)

Ingredients (per person)

• 0.5 Oz of Apple cider 

• 0.5 Oz of Wild Turkey Bourbon

• 2 tablespoon of apple butter 

• Dash of orange bitters 

• Juice of half a lemon 

• Ginger beer (to top your glass) 

• Coarse cinnamon sugar and simple syrup, for rimming 

• Thinly sliced apples and a cinnamon stick, to garnish

 

Instructions

1. Pour some simple syrup on a plate and some coarse cinnamon sugar on another

2. Dip the rim of your cocktail glass into the syrup and then into the sugar, twisting to coat, before adding ice cubes to the glass 

3. Combine the apple cider, apple butter, Wild Turkey, lemon juice and bitters in a cocktail shaker and give it a dry shake (in other words, a shake without ice) 

4. Shake vigorously until properly combined then strain into your prepared cocktail glass

5. Top up with ginger beer and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice on the rim to serve

Hot Toddy

Looking for warming thanksgiving drinks that are easy to make? A Hot Toddy is an ideal drink as you can let the crockpot do all the work - another thing you can tick off the to-do list!

Ingredients (per person)

• 2 Oz Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey

• 0.25 Oz Fresh lemon juice

• 2 Teaspoons brown sugar

• 5 Cloves

• Sliced lemon

• Boiling water  

Method

1. Take a slice of lemon, press the cloves into the lemon round and set aside 

2. Boil water and fill a mug to the three-quarter mark

3. Pour in the whiskey and lemon juice and stir in the sugar until dissolved

4. Add the clove-studded lemon wheel and allow to infuse

5. Serve in a warmed mug

Mexican Coffee Cocktail

Also known as a Carajillo, this is a classic coffee cocktail that you can make with just a few ingredients. The tequila gives this coffee a decent kick, and the coffee liqueur balances out the flavor and adds sweetness.  

Ingredients (per person)

• 1.5 Oz Espolòn Tequila Reposado

• 1 Oz coffee liqueur

• 5 Oz freshly brewed coffee

• 2 tablespoons whipping cream (optional)

• a dusting of cocoa powder, cinnamon or cayenne pepper (optional)

Method

1. Pour the tequila and coffee liqueur into a mug

2. Top up with freshly brewed coffee

3. Garnish with whipped cream and dusting of your choice, if you want

Bourbon Apple Cider

This spiced cocktail is exactly what you need to warm up your guests on a cold night. This is a full-flavor cocktail, and the sourness of the lemon balances beautifully with the sweet notes of caramel, vanilla and apple.

Ingredients (per person)

• 0.5 Oz of Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey 

• 0.5 Oz of apple cider 

• 0.5 Oz of Cinzano Vermouth Rosso 

• 0.5 Oz of lemon juice 

• 0.5 Oz of orange bitters 

• Apple slices to garnish 

• A sprig of thyme to garnish 

• Ice

 

Method

1. Add ice to a large mixing glass or cocktail shaker

2. Pour in the bourbon, cider, sweet vermouth, lemon juice and bitters

3. Stir until chilled (about 30 seconds)

4. Strain into any cocktail glass of your choice

5. Garnish with a few apple slices and a sprig of thyme

 

Hot Pumpkin Pie Cocktail

If you love the taste of a pumpkin spice latte, then choose this cocktail as the star of your Thanksgiving feast this year. Serve your Hot Pumpkin Pie cocktails in warmed mugs, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon. As an extra treat, you can serve baked pumpkin pie crusts on the side for some decadent dipping.

Hot tip: “Make pumpkin-infused vodka by mixing together pumpkin puree and spice, with ½ cup of vodka in a large jar. Seal and keep in the fridge for three days before using, shaking it a few times a day.” (Helena Lombard, The Mixer)

Ingredients (for 6 people)

• 2 cups of Irish cream 

• ½ a cup vanilla or pumpkin pie vodka 

• 4 cups of milk 

• 0.67

• 1 can of pumpkin puree 

• 1.5 teaspoons of pumpkin spice 

• Whipped cream 

• Cinnamon 

• Strips of baked pumpkin pie crust to garnish, optional

 

Method

1. Add the Irish cream, vodka, and milk to a pot  

2. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat to a slow simmer

3. Stir through pumpkin puree and spices until mixed through 

4. Ladle into warmed glass mugs

5. Dollop over some whipped cream

6. Dust with cinnamon

7. Serve with baked pumpkin pie crusts for dipping

 

Visit www.themixer.com for more cocktail inspiration.

Simple Things You Can Do To Relax

I don't know about you, but I have a very hard time relaxing. I can't understand why it is, but I have been this way since I was a kid. If you are a mom with a lot on your plate, you might also have a hard time trying to relax. I have tried pretty much everything I have read about or researched online, and only a handful of things seem to do the trick for me. Check out my list below. 

Gardening & Houseplant Care

Gardening has really been a great activity that helps to calm my mind, while giving my body a great workout. Even the act of repotting a plant gives me such a sense of peace and enjoyment. I have about 30 houseplants all over my home. Each day I start by checking the leaves, and watering and spritzing as as needed. It's really such a peaceful way to start my day. 

Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

While this might seem like an old lady type of activity, it is actually very relaxing. I keep a card table set up in my living area that we keep for doing puzzles or playing board or card games. Sometimes other family members will join in to do a puzzle together and it's a great time for casual conversation and a lot of laughs. 

Playing Solitaire and other Online Games

I have been playing solitaire on my laptop for several years now. I don't know what it is, but I feel so relaxed and at peace while I am playing. Sometimes I play while streaming one of my favorite comfort shows on Hulu or Netflix. I like challenging myself to try and beat my best score. Solitaire is like a brain bender and brain break all in one. I can say that I definitely get a lot of enjoyment out of a classic game of solitaire. I always find myself saying, "Just one more game!"

I recently discovered another fun online game that involves finding hidden objects in a garden. It's right up my alley! 

Doing House Chores

Yeah, I know it might sound crazy, but cleaning and laundry work so well to calm my nerves. There is a a lot of satisfaction (at least for me) in folding and putting away a fresh load of laundry, hand-washing a sink full of dishes, or even bleaching down my kitchen countertops at night. Who doesn't appreciate a fresh-smelling home? 

Getting Outdoors

Sometimes a little sunshine and fresh air does the trick. Whether I am lounging on my back porch or taking a drive with the sunroof open and the windows down, being outside can definitely relax me. It's even better when the weather is more fall-like. I could sit outside for hours and do some birdwatching or just listen to the sounds of nature all around me. My favorite outdoor space outside of my own back yard is definitely the beach. How can you not be relaxed by the sounds of the waves crashing into the shore while breathing in that delicious salty air? Ahh! 

Now that I have shared some tips on how I relax, I want to hear from you. What do you do to relax? 

Action-Packed Schedule Announced for Everything Outdoor Fest

Whether you’re in the camp of the curious, the brave or the explorer, Everything Outdoor Fest has something to satisfy. Organizers have announced an action-packed lineup of experiences with competitions, hands-on clinics, and demos for the new festival to be held November 4-6 at Historic Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville. 

“Everything Outdoor Fest has something for everyone! We welcome explorers from all walks of life to come out for three days of outdoor recreation, including fun family activities for children and dogs,” said Jacqui McGuiness, President and Owner of event producer JBM & Associates. “This is a wonderful time of year to be outside, and Historic Hopkins Farm is the perfect setting to appreciate nature and connect with outdoor experts and enthusiasts.”

The current schedule includes more than 35 hands-on clinics, plus trail runs, demos, a playground for all ages, kids zone, the DockDogs® canine aquatics competition, and UltiMutt Race obstacles – all free with festival admission. A music stage and food trucks will run throughout the event. A complete schedule of activities with dates and times is available on the festival website, everythingoutdoorfest.com. Check back often for updates.

Tickets are required with online purchase only. Admission cost for adults is $10 for a day pass and $25 for the entire weekend. Military and seniors 65+ are $8 per day. Children ages 4 to 12 are $5 per day and $12 for the weekend; kids 3 and under are admitted free.

Some of the world’s biggest brand names in outdoor recreation will offer professional guidance and the latest gear and equipment. Exhibitors interested in reaching thousands of outdoor enthusiasts can contact chelsea@jbmshows.com. 

Everything Outdoor Fest sponsors are Academy Sports + Outdoors, Adventure Golf Carts, Angels Three Development, Boyd Cycling, Dicks Sporting Goods, Greenville Water, HOKA, The Nobel Dog Hotel, PS Group, REI, Rocket Revolution, Run In, South State, and Winnebago.

Everything Outdoor Fest is a production of JBM & Associates, producers of many of the Southeast region’s largest and most popular consumer boat shows, including The Charleston Boat Show, Savannah Boat Show, Charleston In-Water Boat Show and Wilmington Boat Show. For information, visit JBMshows.com.

EVERYTHING OUTDOOR FEST – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AS OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

Friday, Nov. 4

All-day Demos and Exhibits:

Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding One-on-One Instruction by REI Co-op Experiences

UltiMutt Race Obstacles for Owners and their Dogs

Upstate Archery Range: Take Your Best Shot

Vdovichenko Bee Farm

Wall of Shame presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Heritage Trailer Nature Museum and Real Fur Exhibit presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Clinics and Competitions:

REI Co-Op Clinics – Stop by the REI tent for the schedule of the day.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – All Levels Flow Yoga Class

12 p.m. – Flat Tire Clinic

12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – DockDogs competitions

1-2p.m. – Introduction to Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga

1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Mountain Biking Skills Session and Trail Ride

1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Natural Habitat Pup Walk and Talk

1 p.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Health and Wellness

1 p.m.-2 p.m.  – Yoga, Shine Om Vinyasa

1:30 p.m. – Outdoor Eats: Elevate Your Dinner

2 p.m. – Introduction to Fly Casting

2:30 p.m. – Challenges of a Girl in the Outdoors

3 p.m. – Bike Wash Clinic

4 p.m. – The Importance of Sleep, Stress Management and Recovery for Optimal Health

Saturday, Nov. 5

All-day Demos and Exhibits:

Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding One-on-One Instruction by REI Co-op Experiences

UltiMutt Race Obstacles for Owners and their Dogs

Upstate Archery Range: Take Your Best Shot

Vdovichenko Bee Farm

Wall of Shame presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Heritage Trailer Nature Museum and Real Fur Exhibit presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Clinics and Competitions:

REI Co-Op Clinics – Stop by the REI tent for the schedule of the day.

9 a.m. – HOKA Trail Experience

10 a.m.-12 p.m. – Leaf Rubbings & Compasses for Kids

10:30-11:30 a.m. – Mindful Vinyasa Class

11 a.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Health and Wellness

11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – DockDogs competitions

11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Mountain Biking Skills Session and Trail Ride

11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Introduction to Fly Fishing

11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Natural Habitat Pup Walk and Talk

12 p.m. – How to Prepare for a Gravel Race

12 p.m. and 2pm – Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic

12 p.m.- 2 p.m. – Trail Mix & Knot Tying for Kids

12:30 p.m. – Challenges of a Girl in the Outdoors

12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Outdoor Eats: Elevate Your Dinner

1 p.m. – Intro to SUP Yoga

1-2 p.m. – Cricket Challenges: Building Outdoor Skills and Connecting with Nature

1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Discovering the Outdoors for Kids

2 p.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Women as We Age

2-4 p.m. – Packing a Backpack & Creating Hiking Boots for Kids

2:30 p.m. – How Do I Get There?

3 p.m. – How to Choose a Gravel Bike

3-4 p.m. – Cricket Challenges: Building Outdoor Skills and Connecting with Nature

4 p.m. – The Importance of Sleep, Stress Management and Recovery for Optimal Health

Sunday, Nov. 6

All-day Demos and Exhibits:

Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding One-on-One Instruction by REI Co-op Experiences

UltiMutt Race Obstacles for Owners and their Dogs

Upstate Archery Range: Take Your Best Shot

Vdovichenko Bee Farm

Wall of Shame presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Heritage Trailer Nature Museum and Real Fur Exhibit presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Clinics and Competitions:

REI Co-Op Clinics – Stop by the REI tent for the schedule of the day.

10:30 a.m. – Yoga, Mindful Vinyasa

11 a.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Health and Wellness

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Kayak Bass Fishing Demo

11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – DockDogs competitions

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Mountain Biking Skills Session and Trail Ride

11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Introduction to Fly Fishing

11:30 p.m. – Clinic: Challenges of a Girl in the Outdoors

12 p.m. – Flat Tire Clinic

12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Outdoor Eats Clinic: Elevate Your Dinner

1 p.m. – Nutrition for Athletes

1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – Natural Habitat Pup Walk and Talk

1pm and 3pm – Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinics

1pm and 3pm – Discovering the Outdoors with Jo Hackl

1:30 p.m. –  How Do I Get There?

1:30 p.m. – Intro to Kayak Bass Fishing

2 p.m. – Wellness Coaching Q&A Session

2 p.m. – Yoga-Mindful Flow

3 p.m. – Performance Coaching Q&A Session

Great Food, Great Music and Great Times at the Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival

Watterson Brands presents the Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival in association with BurnBush Entertainment, Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice and the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor. On Oct. 1, join the community at Celebration Park, 90 Pope Avenue, from 1 – 6 p.m. for the festival of the year! 

The goal of the Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival is to bring awareness of the diverse Gullah Geechee culture and its connection to the vast African diaspora. By curating international and local musical talent, unique crafts, and indigenous cuisine not easily accessible outside of the Lowcountry, the festival provides a unique cultural experience for everyone.

This family-friendly event features easy access from the festival grounds to the adjacent Adventure Playground and to The Sandbox Children’s Museum. There will be live performances by recording artists Latrese Bush, Votte Hall, Gwen Yvette, Angela Bonaparte, Latin percussionist Frankie Quinone֘s, and newly added McIntosh County Shouters, spoken word presentations by Louise Cohen, Vascola Stoney and more. Numerous local artisans, food trucks and craft beer venues will be featured throughout the park.

Festival organizers are proud to announce our partnership with the Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head Island located at 2 Tanglewood Drive. The package offers a great nightly rate that includes two (2) festival tickets! Follow this link or call 877-424-2449 and ask for Group Code: FGR the Fish and Grits Music Festival package.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice. Festival also sponsored by Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association.