Sun, fun, and swimsuits are just around the corner. The big question is: are you ready for the beach? California offers some of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast. With warm weather quickly approaching, fitting into that perfect swimsuit or pair of trunks is a must. We've got some fitness tips and tricks to share so you'll be ready for the beach just in time for summer!

California Meal Tips

Eating out: Everyone loves a great meal and there is nothing better than going out with friends, but eating out all the time can hurt your chances of being ready for the beach this summer. Some things to consider when you eat out:

• What are you ordering? Check out the lighter menu options.
• Do you know what's in your dish? Restaurants add a lot of fattening ingredients - watch things like dressings, sauces, and side dishes.
• Whats a true portion size? They make take-out boxes for a reason!
• Do you really need dessert? Usually, the answer is no.

Flickr-RoOoNa  Make it at home: Life is busy, but don't underestimate making your meals at home. Try making a salad the night before or bagging fruits and veggies as a snack or meal for the next day. Snacks: What are you snacking on? Sometimes we just crave something sweet or salty and that gets us in trouble.   Check out these snack substitutes:

• Unsalted nuts in place of greasy chips
• Carrots in place of Chex Mix
• Fruit in place of a frappuccino
• One serving of dark chocolate in place of a candy bar
• Chew gum when you aren't hungry but feel the need to snack

California Fitness Tips

Flickr-bangkokrecorder.com

 Take the stairs: It may seem too early to trek all the way up to your office but it's definitely a great decision to get you ready for the beach! Take a walk: It's easy to stay in one spot all day. Consider using a portion (or all) of your lunch break to take a walk! The exercise will energize you and help you avoid an afternoon slump. Say no to soda: Cut out this sugary drink and replace it with water to see the results for yourself. This could make the difference in losing the last few pounds you can't seem to get rid of!

California Workouts to Help You Get Ready for the Beach

Cardio Cali Style: However you like to fit it in, carido is a vital part of any workout routine. Instead of running on a treadmill, try getting your cardio in California-Style. Some suggestions: biking, rollerblading, beach volleyball, or Ultimate Frisbee. The more you involve your friends, the more exciting these actives will be. Strength Training: Don't underestimate the power of adding weights to any workout routine. Ladies may shy away from this, but adding weights to your workout doesn't mean you'll bulk up like a body builder. It will, however, mean toning, definition, and weight loss. Flicrk-Fitness First Germany

Gym or no gym - that is the question: Can't seem to make it to the gym? Uninspired by staring at a blank wall? Try your workout outside. The fresh air, scenery, and visual stimulation can be a great motivator. Also try working out in groups. It's great motivation and perfect for accountability.

Have we inspired you? What keeps you motivated and ready for the beach?

Cover Photo: Flickr-Lumperjack

This summer, Shasta Lake should top your vacation hot spot list! There is so much to do and see that you won't be sorry you ventured to beautiful Northern California for the summer. Check out these actives guaranteed to satisfy everyone in your family, from the dare devil to the adventurer.

Shasta Lake

Located about 12 miles north of Redding, California, Shasta Lake is a popular vacation spot for families and groups from all over California. With its deep emerald waters nestled among lush pine forests, this lake is perfect for relaxing or enjoying your favorite water activity. Take a picnic lunch and use one of the many day-use areas. Use fees generally run about $6 for a day of fun! Flickr-Amitanjan

Houseboat Fun

Whether you're a seasoned houseboat adventurer or willing to try something new this summer, Shasta Lake is definitely the place to venture out on a houseboat to beat the summer heat. Check out this link for businesses that rent houseboats on Shasta Lake. A great way to bring the cost down is to consider joining up with several friends to rent a houseboat and then split the cost. It's fun and cost efficient! Flickr-wrek23

Camping and Lodging

The great outdoors of Shasta Lake are calling to you! It's time to pack up your tent or hook up your trailer and make the trek to one of the more than 15 campgrounds surrounding Shasta Lake in the beautiful Shasta-Trinity National Forest (find a list of them here). Not a fan of that much outdoor activity? Don't worry - there are other options for staying close to Shasta Lake. You can rent a cabin or cottage near the lake, stay in a hotel or motel, or even stay in a vacation rental near the lake.

Shasta Lake Water Activities

Whether it's swimming, boating, water-skiing, fishing, or a combination of these things, Shasta Lake has it all. Bring your own toys (boats, water skis, fishing equipment) or rent them there.

Hiking and mountain biking

When you're not out on the water, you can explore the various hiking and biking trails in the forests surrounding Shasta Lake. Make sure you take a snack, some water, and your camera because you'll never want to forget the beauty of the Shasta-Trinity Forest!

Cave Adventure

While you're out enjoying the natural beauty of Shasta Lake, you need to plan a visit to the Shasta Caverns. After taking a boat ride across the lake and a comfortable bus ride up the hill to the mouth of the caverns, you will be awed with the natural beauty of the limestone and the rich history behind the caverns discovery. This is a great excursion for any individual, family, or group. With prices ranging between $14 to $24 you can't pass this up! Check out their website for specific information and to purchase tickets online.

Shopping

Not everyone enjoys being outdoors all the time. If you find yourself in that position and want a change from nature to civilization, check out the city of Redding California not too far away. There is a cinema, mall, and many popular restaurants too choose from. Source: USDA Forest Service Shasta-Trinty Site and ShastaLake.comCover Photo: Flickr - Rene Rivers Cover photo: From Flickr - Rene Rivers

We love California here, but it's true that those living in Southern California say some pretty unique things. Residents in Southern California just have funny ways of acting and saying things. Just like any other state, you adapt to your surroundings. For most of Southern California, that's a laid-back, beach-culture that takes a relaxed approach to life. We've compiled a list of some of the more popular things Southern Californian's say and do. If you're from Southern California, you will definitely be able to relate to this list.

You may be from Southern California if...

You say: "I am so cold right now"

...and that's because it's below 65 degrees. Most of us living in Southern California just don't know what real cold is. Flickr- Juliana Beletsis

You indicate directions by saying: "THE >>insert freeway number here<<"

In Southern California it's not uncommon to hear a phrase like, "Take the 5 to the 405 and get off at Sunset Blvd." We've adopted adding "the" before our freeway numbers. Don't ask why, we just do :)

You know what Carmageddon is.

Yep. Carmageddon. It's a thing. And if you're from Southern California you've probably heard of it. A while back, the 405 Freeway was closed a few times due to construction. The residents of Los Angeles who frequently (and dependently) use the 405 termed it Carmageddon...and it was awful.

More than 75% of your closet consists of tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops.

When it's close to a 100 degrees in February, and you technically live in the desert, what else are you going to do but pack away your light sweaters and break out the tank tops?

You say "no worries" on a regular basis.

It's no secret that people in Southern California are known for being relaxed, go-with-the-flow type of people. Some would say that translates to being perpetually late, dressing casually, or having a laid back attitude toward life. We would just attribute it to a "beach-living" mentality that says, "It's all good, go with the flow." Flickr-Brian Wallace

You love In-N-Out.

In-N-Out is an obsession for almost everyone who lives in Southern California. You're probably familiar with phrases like "animal style", "double double", or "protein style" and, chances are, you have an unhealthy addiction to their secret sauce.

Find yourself thinking it's "normal" to see celebrities--everywhere!

For the rest of the U.S., it's not typical to be out to lunch and see a celebrity sitting two tables away. For us in Southern California, it can be a common occurrence, especially if you hang out at Hollywood hot spots like Nobu Los Angeles, Tavern, Pizzeria Mozza, or the ever-popular Intelligentsia.

Use the word "like" more than, like, necessary in a, like, sentence.

It's true. For us in Southern California, we like the word like. It, like, naturally drops into, like, conversation. It's like, weird. Flickr-Laurent_Imagery

You've been called dude (no matter your gender).

This also works if you've called someone else a "dude" no matter their gender. It's common place for us in Southern California to use the term "dude" whether you're a guy or a girl. Dude, don't take offense. It's just the way we roll.

What about you? How many of these do you identify with?

Cover Photo: Flickr - Mark Eldridge

The hottest Southern California Festivals for 2014 are here! It's time to get out your calendar and start marking in your weekend plans. Remember all those things you promised you were going to get around to doing? The summer of 2014 is the perfect time to do them! Check out this list of festivals and explore new foods, fun entertainment, live music, and even homemade crafts and art. No matter what your budget is, or your time-off, there is an option for you in this list.

Southern California Festivals

April 5-6 | Scandinavian Festival of Southern California in Thousand Oaks: Come explore all things Scandinavian: food, traditions, and art. Admission $7.50.  April 11 | The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio: Better known to music fans as Coachella, this three day festival will satisfy all of your musical cravings! Admission price ranges depending on show and seat location. Find tickets online. Flickr-Moby April 18-20 | Catalina Art Fair and Exhibition on Catalina Island: This art fair known as CAFE lasts three days and will have a host of vendors showing off their handmade crafts and arts. April 25-26 | Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio: This festival is a must for Country music lovers. This year featured artists include Eric Church, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan among other artists. Admission varies depending on ticket availability. May 8 | WorldFest in Lake Balboa: An earth-day festival to rival all others. Admission is currently $8 but goes up to $12 on May 1st so order online soon! May 25-26 | JazzReggae Festival in Los Angeles: LA is known for its music scene so it's only fitting that you plan on attending the JazzReggae Festival. Plus, their website is just amazing. Admission tickets go on sale in April. May 30, 31, June 1 | Balloon and Wine Festival in Temecula: From wine tasting to musical entertainment, not to mention the hot air balloons, this event is a must for your summer plans. Bring your kids and pretend you're in the movie Up. Admission varies but the range is between $15 and $25. From Adventure Flights From Souplantation July 25-27 | Garlic Festival in Gilroy: Vampires beware! The sixth annual Garlic Festival, titled the "Ultimate Summer Food Fair" will offer drinks, food, and local arts and crafts booths. You may consider bringing an extra box of mints...or two. Admission is $20. July 26-27 | Watermelon Festival in Pasadena: When it comes to summer, there is no better treat than ice-cold watermelon. Join in the fun at the Watermelon Festival. Admission is $8 if purchased online or $10 at the gate. Note that parking is $4. Which Southern California festivals are you planning on attending for 2014? Unfortunately, this is not an exhaustive list. Is there a festival you love attending that we missed? Share the details in the comments below! October 3 | Avocado Festival in Carpinteria: Have a love affair with avocados like we do? Then mark your calendars for the Avocado Festival. Admission is free. Cover Photo of Coachella from Flickr by Tana Ferguson

Planning out your spring break? Thinking of switching up your summer vacation this year? Well, you're in luck! This list of Central California Festivals for 2014 is the best of the best! We've listed anything and everything from the popular Apple Blossom Festival in Sebastopool to the state-wide event of the California State Fair in Sacramento. This list is great for weekend getaways or day trips. If you plan it right, you may be able to fit in several Central California Festivals before the end of the year. But first, if you're wondering what all the hype about festivals is, check out these these three reasons why you should attend one.

Don't miss out: attend a Central California Festival and find...

Fun handcrafted items that are great for gifts.

From - San Francisco Citizen

Amazing live music and entertainment.

From - San Francisco Citizen

Great food - and lots of it. (Sometimes it's free too!)

Flickr-The Food Film Festival Have we helped you make up your mind? See the list below and mark your calendars! Take note of festivals with free admission if you're looking for budge-friendly options.

Central California Festivals

April 4-5 | 46th Annual Bockbierfest in Sacramento: Enjoy an authentic German experience with traditional German dancing,  food, bock bier, wine, and live Polka music. Festival includes children's actives and crafts. Admission is $20/day and $5 for children. April 12-13 | Apple Blossom Festival in Sebastopool:  Live music and fun for the whole family, the Apple Blossom Festival has it all. Admission is $10. Flickr-David Yu April 12-14 & April 19-20 | Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco: If you couldn't make it to the Apple Blossom Festival, stop by the Cherry Blossom Festival which is said to be the second largest Cherry Blossom Festival apart from the one in Washington, D.C. Honolulu Magazine May 17-18 | Oakdale Chocolate Festival in Oakdale: Seriously, who could pass up a chocolate festival? Nothing better than chocolate, live music, and a fun festival atmosphere. Admission $4 if you register by May 15. May 24 | Santa Cruz Blues Festival: Did If you love Blues or just live music in general, this festival is for you! Check out their website for a lineup of artists. Admission ranges between $25 to $190 depending on what you want to see. May 24-25 | Strawberry Festival in Arroyo Grande: This strawberry festival is one of the largest in California and features ethnic foods, booths filled with arts and crafts, and all things strawberry-related. Visit the website for admission information coming in May. From - San Francisco Citizen June 7-8 | Union Street Festival in San Francisco: This event spans six blocks and offers a different "world" for each block (like Fashion World or Tech World). Make sure and purchase tasting tickets online before hand and come hungry! Admission is free. July 11-27 | California State Fair in Sacramento: Experience the California State Fair with food, fun, and activities for the whole family. Admission is $12 and ride tickets are available for purchase online. July 19-20 | Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards 22nd Annual Catalan Festival in Sonoma: Enjoy Spanish food and wine, live classical guitar music, and flamenco dancing among other entertainment in the Spanish tradition. Admission is $65 and tickets can be purchased online. August 30-31 | Whisky Live at the Games in San Francisco: Are you a whisky connoisseur? Join the this Central California festival and enjoy the best whiskies from around the world. Admission not yet announced. Did we miss your favorite Central California festival? Comment below and fill us in! Do you live in Northern California? Check out our list of Northern California Festivals for 2014. Cover photo from Flickr-beppesabatini