My Return

It's been a long while since I've been over this way. I'm taking a couple of big trips in the next few months so I thought it was time to start things up again. Get ready for Kona, Hawaii and Paris!

My NYC Trip

I had the opportunity to go over to New York this past weekend to visit my brother. I was only there for a short time, but what an adventure it was. It was really probably the funnest place I have ever been. I was shocked at the difference in lifestyle it was compared to mine. I really couldn't believe someplace like that existed. I felt like I was in a movie. It was great! I thought when I went over since I'd be touring with a local, I'd act all cool and Sex In The City like and nothing would phase me, but I'm not kidding the second I stepped out of the subway, I became the biggest tourist ever. You should have heard the ooh's and ahh's come out of my mouth when I stared up at those massive buildings. It was just amazing to me. The camera instantly came out and the tennis shoes went on. These are just a few of the highlights.

Babies On Board

I have to say I have probably flown more times with an infant in my arms than I have now that the kids are older. I always hear people say they would never dare do it, but I promise you flying with a baby is 10 times easier than flying with a busy toddler. I have a few helpful hints to make it a smooth flight...

1. Make sure your baby is hungry and tired. Don't stick to your usual schedule on flight day. If you hold off on their nap and bottle until you have just lifted off the ground, the pressure will most likely cause your baby to fall fast asleep with their bottle. I actually haven't had a time when my infants didn't fall right to sleep after take off.
2. To make bottles on board, buy the little packets of formula so that you can easily pour them in and shake. You can ask for bottled water when you board the plane or fill up at a drinking fountain in the airport. I have also nursed on a plane and I felt totally comfortable doing it, however I was sitting by my husband and nobody else could see me.
3. If it's a long flight (10+hours) I would suggest getting an extra seat and bringing your infant car seat. My arms really get tired after just a few hours with a baby and it's so much more comfortable for them to sleep in. My husband and I also lucked out one time on a long flight to Peru where we reserved a window seat and and aisle seat and nobody claimed the middle seat so we were able to lay the baby in between us.

Luggage Under My Tree

I'm in search for some great kids luggage for my kids for Christmas. I'm looking for medium sized, good quality rolling duffles that can be monogrammed. Little Jet Set has my very favorite piece for girls but none for boys and I'd really like them to be the same. So far the best ones I can find are from Company Kids. I like the size of the small ones for the ages my kids are at and they have a large selection of patterns. If you have any suggestions on some great kids luggage, I'd really appreciate it.

Island Reunion

If I were put in charge of the family reunion right now, this is where we would go. The Daufuskie Island Resort and Spa. Located just across from Hilton Head Island on Dufuskie Island, you actually have to take a 50 minute ferry ride from Savannah, GA to reach your destination. I saw a special done by Samantha Brown on the this resort and have longed to go there ever since. This luxury resort has so many features to enhance your stay, including the Breathe Spa, two championship golf courses, a tennis center, the Equestrian Center, ferry rides, beach activities, kayaking, para sailing, and fishing. And don't forget the amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean as you lounge out near your beachfront cottage.

Let's Get Away

Now that I've got kids in school, I love the idea of quick and easy getaways. Good Housekeeping has a great list of No-Fuss Weekend Getaways. They've included popular destinations anywhere from Baltimore, Maryland to Costa Rica. These could go either way, romantic or family friendly. If you have any destinations you would add to the list, let me know!

*This image is of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. I chose this one because on a day like today, I wish I could just take a peaceful stroll down this quaint street and smell the fresh air. I also decided today that I want to live wherever it is the Gilmore Girls live. Does anyone know where that is?

Tom TV

We have an old home video of my brother filming himself on one our many long family road trips. He calls his segment Tom TV. He films the drivers, the crying sisters, and humorously narrates the scenery that goes by. It is one of our most watched home videos because it is hilarious. My brother Tom was probably 10 years old at the time. If you dare trust your child with a video camera, hand it over because they will add some serious excitement to the trip.