Travel Gear Review: cinda b Zippered Tote

Regular readers know I’m a fan of Tom Bihn’s Medium Cafe Bag that has taken me from the rainforest in Puerto Rico to PTA meetings here at home. It’s sporty and functional and fits a ton of stuff. Now, I’ve got a fave in bags for when I’m feeling a bit more feminine: the cinda b Zippered Tote.

cindabI was able to use this lightweight tote (courtesy of cinda b) in Las Vegas last weekend, and found it great for carrying my wallet, camera, notebook, cell phone, sunglasses and more while sightseeing and walking along the Strip. I had plenty of room to store brochures and small souvenirs I picked up along the way, too. With six interior open-top pockets, it’s a good organizer, and I like the slight padding on the shoulder straps. The zippered top helped me feel secure negotiating through crowds.

The tote also pulled double-duty at the pool: because quilted cinda b bags are constructed with poly/nylon fabrics, they are water-resistant. I didn’t worry about the bag getting splashed poolside. According to the specs on the main cinda b website, the quilted bags are machine washable — plus they’re made in the USA.

zippertotecinda b (named for owner Cinda Boomershine) has an entire line of fabulous-looking travel bags. I’m now coveting the Super Tote, The Garment Bag That Grows and the Resorter. Cute accessories include the Happy (a “happy solution for carrying around all your little stuff”), cosmetic bags, sunglasses cases and wallets. Each product comes in a myriad of colorful and feminine patterns.

The cinda b Zippered Tote retails for $78, so these pretty pieces of travel gear are not necessarily cheap. That said, you might look at each well-constructed piece as an investment, or put cinda b on your birthday or holiday wish list!

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May 27, 2009 | Filed Under Travel Gear | 4 Comments 

Contest Giveaway - Lush At Home Spa Getaway

Win a Lush Gift Box

Win a Lush Gift Box

We Traveling Mamas love our getaways, but we love our giveaways, too. We’ve got a fantastic gift box to feature in our latest contest giveaway! The Art of Bathing gift box, by Lush, is packed full of those organic, fresh, handmade Lush bath products that make a soak in the tub feel like a weekend spa vacation. If you love spa trips but don’t have one scheduled, The Art of Bathing has the equivalent of 12 body soak treatments in one pretty box.

The Lush Art of Bathing gift box contains: Avobath, Haagenbath, Sex Bomb, Butterball, Big Blue and Supernova bath bombs, along with Hot Milk, Pop in the Bath (my kids’ favorite) Bathos, The Comforter (my fave!) and Ma Bar bubble bars. That’s a lot of fun in one gift box. Fans of Lush products - like the Traveling Mamas - know that the benefits of a good soak in great-smelling water does wonder for our tired spirits. Lush in particular, with its emphasis on fresh organic ingredients, is one of our favorite brands. Nothing can truly replace a real vacation away from the daily grind, but a pampering, luxury spa-like soak in the tub can come close. The Art of Bathing has a retail value of $86.95.

To enter this Lush contest giveaway, leave a comment below describing your favorite way to “get away from it all.” One winner will be chosen using a random number generator, so don’t worry if you’re not feeling prolific or creative. Contest is open to US residents only (it’s a shipping costs issue), and relatives of The Traveling Mamas may not enter. Contest giveaway closes Tuesday, May 26, at 6:00PM PST. This is a great gift; good luck!

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May 18, 2009 | Filed Under The Cookie Jar, Travel Gear, Travel News | 387 Comments 

BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light: On The Move Approved

I’m not kidding when I say, in my experience,  the biggest hassle of traveling travelcribwith a baby is the sleeping situation especially if you have a baby who likes his or her own space, meaning that baby is not keen on sharing a bed with mom and dad.

Then there are the safety reasons…

When my daughter was two,  my kids and I went to Denver to visit my parents and siblings for a week. I was in the big bed with my loves-to-thrash-about-all-night-long son and I put my never-moves-in-her-sleep daughter on a blow up mattress. In the middle of the night I hear my daughter saying, “Mama, help me!” She sounded so far away. The room was pitch black, so I headed to the light switch by the door, which was still closed. When I turned the light on I felt sick by what I saw. My little Madeline’s head was stuck under the room’s heavy dresser and I couldn’t lift it. I started yelling for my brother who was in a nearby room and thankfully he was strong enough to lift the dresser while I pulled her out. It was then I wished I had used a travel crib.

The reason I didn’t….

When my son (first child) was three weeks old we took him on his first trip to Palm Springs to see my in-laws and his great-grandparents. I will never forget the hassle of the portable infant crib we brought with us. It had so many poles, buttons, locks and latches, I’m not sure an Eagle Scout could put it together easily. Getting it back into the bag was no easy feat either. I don’t think we ever brought it on another trip again and were quite disappointed we spent the money. From then on, we opted for a huge playpen-sized travel crib which was too big and heavy and quite a hassle to lug on trips.otmapproved

When Baby Bjorn contacted me to see if I was interested in reviewing the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light I instantly had flashbacks of our previous crib experiences as well as the scary situation with my daughter and how I would love to find the perfect travel crib to recommend to Traveling Mamas readers. I think I found it.

The Travel Crib Light folds up flat the carrying case reminds me of a thick portfolio case. With just one snap the bed opens. (Yes, just one!) There is no assembling whatsoever. The crib’s fabric is lush and washable and so is the bed fabric (a problem I had with my first and second portable cribs). The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light really is light, weighing in at only 11 pounds. The best part is it can be used from newborn to age three (depending on the size of your child).

I tried to find something about the crib that needed to be improved but I  couldn’t. This travel crib is a Traveling Mama’s dream: It’s lightweight, easy to use, comfortable, spacious but not too big and it’s chic. That’s why the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light earns Traveling Mamas On The Move Approved seal.

Already a fan of BabyBjorn? If you want to be even more involved with the company, fill out the survey at www.babybjornbelievers.com/join to see if you qualify to become a BabyBjorn Believer. This unique group of parents helps inform others about safe, high-quality BabyBjorn products; gets a first look at new BabyBjorn products; and is able to share feedback directly with BabyBjorn. To learn more visit www.babybjornbelievers.com

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May 7, 2009 | Filed Under Travel Gear | 1 Comment 

Travel Gear Review: Tom Bihn Bags

I’ll be honest. I’d never heard of Tom Bihn, Designer and CEO of his eponymous Seattle-based company, before his friendly vice-president reached out to the Traveling Mamas with an offer to road test some Tom Bihn travel bags on our trip to San Juan.

Now I’m not sure how I ever went anywhere without my Medium Cafe Shoulder Bag. I. Love. This. Bag.

And I know I speak for all the Mamas when I say how great we think Tom Bihn products are. Of the four different bags we tested on planes, in airports, around Old San Juan and even in El Yunque rainforest (!), it was difficult for us to find much to complain about. Tom Bihn bags are simultaneously rugged and classy, functional and sleek. They’re downright cool.

The bags come with a ton of zippered and interior pockets for supreme organization, but if you’re like me (organizer freak), you’ll appreciate the different pouches and wallets Tom Bihn sells separately. I especially like my padded organizer pouches that keep my iPod and Flip video camera safe.

Here are more details about each of the bags we road tested:

Medium Cafe Shoulder Bag ($55): This is going to be my “purse of choice” this summer. I’m not a girly girl when it comes to pocketbooks; for about five years while my kids were young (read: in diapers and Pull-ups) I carried a backpack. I prefer a sporty-looking over-the-shoulder bag for my wallet, keys, cell phone and toiletries, and the Cafe Bag fits the bill. It’s actually tall enough to vertically hold a file folder, so I can use it for work-related meetings, too. I have it in the plum/olive color combo, and I suppose if there’s one thing I’d change, maybe I’d wish it were more “plum” than “bright purple.” That said, I love its versatility: the bag comes with a waist strap so I can carry it messenger-style across my back if I’m sightseeing my way through a city or hoofing it along a hiking trail.

bethImago Messenger Bag ($90): DesertMama is admittedly a bag aficionado. She hoards different bags and has a bunch of them in messenger style… but none she likes as much as her Imago. Like me, her bags do double duty, sometimes carrying work paraphernalia and sometimes carrying sippy cups and wet wipes, and the Imago can do it all. DesertMama, too, is a fan of all the different organizational pockets that are found inside this handy bag that’s not too big and not too small. Just right. (But if you need more space in a messenger-style bag, check out the bigger Tom Bihn Super Ego, Ego or the ID.)

Smart Alec Backpack ($130): CajunMama typically doesn’t travel without a backpack. She prefers the convenience of two shoulder straps, and doesn’t like walking down a plane aisle and knocking other passengers in the head with her shoulder carry-on. So she’s a huge fan of the roomy Smart Alec; this bag holds a surprising amount of stuff. One can fit a laptop in it, for sure (perhaps with the separate Tom Bihn laptop insert/shell), but CajunMama used the Freudien Slip paper organizer to carry around our photo releases and itinerary while we toured around Puerto Rico. It also housed her camera and towel for our walk through El Yunque rainforest to some amazing waterfalls!

jenWestern Flyer Overnight Bag ($160): MudslideMama was so funny about this Tom Bihn bag. She called it a backpack (”I love my backpack!”) through the whole trip. Here’s the thing: When I saw pictures of it on the Tom Bihn website, I pictured it more like a two-handled (with shoulder strap) bag — a many-pocketed, stylish carry-on. But Mudslide untucked the hidden shoulder straps and converted it into a backpack right away. She carried it on many of our adventures (including to Fajardo for some nighttime, bioluminescent bay kayaking) and couldn’t speak more highly about how roomy it is.

Let’s see… what else? Tom Bihn bags are crafted with waterproof fabric: coated with urethane inside and treated with a water-repellent outside. And all Tom Bihn bags are made right here in the USA, at a Seattle factory. In fact, if you’re in the Seattle area, you can buy live and in person from the factory showroom.

Are the bags expensive? Perhaps at first glance. But once you get your hands on a Tom Bihn bag to appreciate the craftsmanship with which it was made, you’ll understand its value. These bags are built to last — and I plan on using mine for a long time to come.

Before you scoot over to the Tom Bihn website to peruse all the company’s offerings (be sure to log into the forum, read the irreverent FAQs and the upbeat blog), check out this video I made of the Mamas talking about our versatile Tom Bihn bags. (Ignore the part where I say we went hiking in San Juan; I meant El Yunque, about 25 miles southeast of San Juan.)

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April 9, 2009 | Filed Under Travel Gear | 7 Comments 

A Beach Vacation in La Jolla, California

Solo Surfer (Jen Miner)
Solo Surfer (Jen Miner)

La Jolla is a gorgeous, high-end beach community just a hop, skip and a jump north of San Diego.  It’s got a reputation as being a relaxing (if somewhat deluxe) vacation destination.  The Mudslide family has never been there; we take road trips to San Diego pretty often, but La Jolla is so close to San Diego that Laguna Beach makes for a better pit stop on the way home. As a California-based travel writer and beach town fan, I clearly needed to check out this place with my video camera fully loaded.

I’m so glad I did! La Jolla is indeed lovely, with cliffs that overhand the Pacific in ways reminiscent of the more rugged views in Northern California. The La Jolla Playhouse is a wonderful local theater, and Scripps Institute of Oceanography is a focal point for training the next generation in marine biology and other earth sciences. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps melds fun and education about marine life and resources so well, I just can’t wait to take my children there. But remember…there are those miles of wonderful, surfer-friendly beaches too.

One beach has been in the news off and on; The Children’s Pool was actually man-made to create a relatively wave-free bay for kids to play in, but this serene alcove was also perfect for seals to birth their pups. (This is somewhat controversial; the philanthropist Ellen B. Scripps had it built for children, but not exclusively so.) Because there are so many other child-friendly beaches along La Jolla’s coastline - and because marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act - the seals unknowingly won a legal battle to stay in The Children’s Pool during baby season. I love seals! I had to find them…and hopefully get a quick video of the seals in action.

Starting at the south end of La Jolla was a mistake; I found a bunch of beautiful little beaches (and a ton of fancy shops) but no seals. I had my Flip Digital Video Camera on the ready, though: Check out this video. Oh, before you do, keep in mind that I’m no professional. Holding the Flip at arm’s length and hoping for the best resulted in me chopping off my chin. Wish me better aim next time!

Ha, ha! It’s no wonder that The Children’s Pool has also been named “Seal Rock.” They look cute and happy, don’t they? But even from our respectful distance, the other tourists, gawkers, and I were just about equally impressed by the smell emanating from the beach as we were the sight of all those baby seals flopped out next to their mamas. Phoo! I wonder how long it takes to clear the air after the Harbor Seals leave.

La Jolla Beach (Jen Miner)
La Jolla Beach (Jen Miner)

In any case, the Harbor Seals (and yes, I know, I accidentally call them sea lions once in the video above, mea culpa) are a huge attraction when they’re tending to their pups. Since there are a plethora of other beaches around La Jolla, I believe that setting aside Seal Rock/Children’s Pool for the seals and their babies is a good thing. The crowd of tourists, happy to pose for photos with a seal-filled background, surely agree.

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March 18, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Destinations, Eco Travel, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, Travel Gear, Videos | 15 Comments 

Family Road Trip Tips

Family road trip season is coming up, starting with spring break then Easter and soon summer. Last year I wrote a post about my husband’s road trip with our preschoolers and while many of those tips still apply, I’ve run across a few items along the way to help families cope on road trips:

Star Kids Snack and Play Travel Tray. Don’t you hate it when: you’re in the car driving along and the kids start screaming bloody murder because  their Cheerios or crayons fell to the floor. I love Star Kids Snack and Play Travel Tray because it avoids the above situation all together (unless my kids decide to drop or throw the items on purpose). The tray has a rim that keeps crayons and snacks from rolling off. The other nice features about the tray is it fastens to the stroller and has net pockets.

KiddyKap. This is a brilliant invention. KiddyKaps fit onto juice and water bottles, avoiding the hassle of sippy cups.  My favorite feature is the re-snapping lids so the beverage can be saved for later. (The caps fit on 90% of bottles - so be sure to know what style bottles to purchase.) You won’t find these in stores just yet, so order directly through the owner on the KiddyKap site.

Babies Go CDs. Over the last several years I have found bald spots on my head due to the repetition of  “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Old Mac Donald.” Fortunately, my kids are old enough now to dig Jimmy Buffet, but if you’re still in that “Itsy Bitsy Spider” stage, guess what! There is relief ahead, especially if you have hours of driving ahead of you. Babies Go CDs offers tunes of songs or “melodic reinterpretations” we grownups love (Pink Floyd, Guns and Roses, Cold Play, Queen, Bob Marley, Rolling Stones, etc.) but the children think the songs are for them. Tricky! You can cruise by the Babies Go site and listen to the songs yourself. 

Preserve Tableware. Roadside picnics are quite common on family road trips. You’ve been or seen the kids running around a rest stop while the parents relax on a nearby picnic table. If this is your scene, skip the disposable paper plates and opt for an eco-friendly option such as Preserve Tableware.  All Preserve plates, tumblers, and cutlery are super sturdy, dishwasher safe, reusable, made from 100% recycled plastic and recyclable in communities that recycle #5 plastic. Preserve even makes toothbrushes recycled from yogurt cups!

As you can see from the explanations above I adore each of these items for their helpfulness for a family road trip. Hopefully you will find these tips/products helpful, too.

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March 9, 2009 | Filed Under Eco Travel, Family Travel, The Cookie Jar, Travel Gear | 4 Comments 

Spring Break Vacation Packing List

It’s almost that time of year when we trade our sweaters for sarongs and hit the beach for spring break. After being out of the warm-weather groove for a while (well, most of you), you might need a spring break vacation packing list filled with warm-weather “must haves” to help kick start your packing for your beach-side days. The four Traveling Mamas will be descending upon San Juan Marriott in Puerto Rico for our spring break this month and you can bet our bags will have every one of these items or something similar!

1. Sunscreen. Sunscreen has to be number one because: a. A nasty sunburn can ruin your vacation and b. Skin cancer can ruin your life (living in a sunny location, I can count on two hands the people I know who have or have had skin cancer). Coppertone’s latest line covers the entire family: Water Babies, which my kiddos were lathered in every day as infants, Continuous Spray is my favorite for my preschoolers (it’s clear and no rub, SPF 70+), Sport is perfect for my athletic husband and for me… I heart Coppertone’s NutraShield line which is designed especially for women. NutraShield is made with antioxidants to protect skin from UV rays and to repair skin from past damage. (The face formula is only 3 ounces - perfect for airline carry-on.)

2. Hat. A cute hat is a beach “must have” and if you score one with sun protection - all the better. Wallaroo Hat Company has a variety of styles and colors suiting every personality - check out the 2009 line (cute!). Plus, several styles have Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 50+.

3. Shades. I know this sounds cliche, but every time I purchase an expensive pair of sunglasses they break. This year Christie Sunglasses by Christie Brinkley are found on sunglasses racks (you can score them at Wal-Mart for $30!) and the names can’t get much more spring-breaky than these: Dayton, Destin (what you’ll see me wearing), Gainesville (shaped liked Jackie O’s classic shades), Tampa and Sanibel.

4. The Bag.  Every year I search for a new spring purse, but this year I came up with a different strategy after I came to a realization: I no longer need a diaper bag sized bag! That’s right, my kids are officially past the point of diapers, wipes and pull-ups and what an exciting moment it is! With that in mind, I’ll now be toting a cute Ann Veronica Yarmouth Clam Bag which is just the right size for my room key and lip gloss. If you love larger bags, the entire Ann Veronica collection is adorable - including full-sized beach bags.

5. A Good Razor. I shouldn’t have to go into much explanation here, after all hairy legs and beach should not be used in the same sentence - but I did come across an awesome new Venus razor, but first let me indulge in a little vignette: I was passing out beverages on a long flight. All of a sudden the overpowering scent of peaches filled the cabin. At first I thought someone was chewing gum…but a little while later we discovered the lid of a woman’s shaving cream had popped off in her suitcase and the heel of a shoe had hit the button just right to expel the entire can of cream into her bag. It did smell good. Venus has brilliantly created a  2-in-1 Venus Spa Breeze Razor which means it’s a no-shaving-cream-needed razor. Instead, there is a gel bar and you can throw it in your carry on (just don’t try using it on the plane).

6. Flip-flops. I know I’ve professed my love for flip-flops in the past, but I just can’t live without them on beach vacations because they pack so easily. When I want to “dress up” a bit a throw on a pair with a little heel, like Okabashi’s new Splash Flip Flops. These are actually cute for anytime, plus they come in several colors, offer arch support and they have massage beads. Come to mama!

And finally….

7. Prevent Sand In The Crack - of your phone that is. If fact, you can help protect all of your electronics with Otter Box’s long list of electronic protectors. These little “defenders” (see the Defender Series and the 3 layers of protection) offer sand, graham cracker crumb, baby spit-up, poolside splashing, dropping, bumping and scratching protection. They come in a variety of cool colors, too.

What “must haves” do you have on your spring break vacation packing list? Please share!

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March 2, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Family Travel, Luxury Travel, The Cookie Jar, Travel Gear | 6 Comments 

Top Tips for Finding Adult Drinks in Disney World

Picture yourself at Walt Disney World, pushing a stroller around, possibly on a multi-generational family trip, and you find nap time is quickly approaching - for everyone. You just want a little Me Time. There’s nothing wrong with that. Parents need to stay sane and take advantage of down time, or even treat themselves to a visit to the parks WITHOUT the kids. Family travel can get crazy, so why not ask a family member to watch the kids, so you and your spouse can have a few moments of adult time.

Did you know here are nearly 400 places to dine across Walt Disney World Resort? And that’s not counting the portable food carts. In all, more than 6,000 different food items are available. And chances are, if the restaurants aren’t in the Magic Kingdom, they just might have an adult beverages on the menu for you to enjoy. If wine is your poison of choice, then you’ll want to know that more than 600 sommeliers have been awarded the Court of Master Sommelier Introductory Certificate at Walt Disney World Resort, with more than 300 sommeliers currently in restaurants.

With so many restaurants and dining choices, where should you go for that “special” drink? Here are just of few of our top choices for a cocktail, beer, or wine while at Walt Disney World.

Epcot’s World Showcase

United Kingdom – The Rose and Crown Pub and Dining room brings visitors into Victorian England with its etched glass panels, dark mahogany bar and authentic dart board. If you are looking for hearty ale, this place offers specially designed ale warmer can heat your Guinness to 55 degrees, the temperature favored by Brits.

Mexico - The pavilion features a festive and colorful celebration of the beauty and culture of Mexico that is fun for guests of all ages. “Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros” is an excursion by tour boat through the vibrant, eye-filling sights and lively music of Mexico. This will get you in the mood to grab a delicious margarita from one of the nearby stands. If you are looking for a tequila bar, TravelingMamas.com hears that’s in the works for 2010.

Japan - In the Matsu-no-ma Lounge, visitors see a majestic view of Future World across the lagoon while sampling sushi, Japanese pickled vegetables, tempura and exotic specialty drinks.

Germany - Biergarten, an indoor German “courtyard” featuring a German Oktoberfest buffet. At lunch and dinner time, yodelers, dancers and other lederhosen-clad musicians perform an Oktoberfest dinner show. Guests are invited onstage to join in the musical fun. The wine shop nearby offers samples of Ice Wine for a few bucks. Definitely worth a try.

Other Venues at Disney with Alcohol

Victoria Falls at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - Down a flight of stairs from the lobby, this mezzanine lounge serves wine and spirits imported from Africa, including Windhoek beer from Namibia and Imoya Brandy from South Africa. The specialty drink is a Victoria Falls Mist, with tangerine, melon and banana liqueurs. Animal Kingdom Lodge has the largest offering of South African wines anywhere in the US. Be sure to check out Jiko, The Cooking Place, too!

The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort - Trendy cocktails are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with a Pomegranate Splash (vodka, pomegranate liqueur, cranberry juice and soda water) or the Ultimate Bloody Mary (organic vodka, Bloody Mary mix and a dash of red chili sauce). The Pure-tini mixes organic vodka with organic mango and passion fruit liqueur. The Antioxidant Cocktail features wild berry vodka, black raspberry liqueur, açai juice with agave, lychee, aloe juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Tune-In at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, next door to 50’s Prime Time Cafe, looks like a family den from the ’50s, with black-and-white TVs and campy retro furniture. You can choose kitschy drinks from “Dad’s Liquor Cabinet” like Uncle Tim’s Melon Margarita, Scooter’s Long Island Iced Tea or an Electric Lemonade. Beer and wine is offered, too.

Dawa Bar adjacent to Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom - Sit in the shade and sip a hard-to-find Tusker Beer from Africa or Safari Amber, brewed just for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. South African wines are on the drink menu, too, along with cocktails like Lost on Safari with rum and fruit juices.

Mizner’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - A live orchestra plays nostalgic Big Band sounds just outside the doors of this lounge tucked away on the second floor of the hotel. The lounge’s namesake is architect Addison Mizner, whose designs launched a “Florida Renaissance” in the 1920s, so the sophisticated drinks are apropos: champagnes, caipirinhas, mint juleps and cosmopolitans, along with nine vodkas, seven different single malt scotch whiskeys and after-dinner cognacs and ports.

There are more than 50 lounges in Walt Disney World hotels and three theme parks (no alcohol in Magic Kingdom. Again I stress. No alcohol in Magic Kingdom), making this list just a sampling of the many great place for big kids like parents to have their own magic time at Walt Disney World. If there’s a place you like us to know about, be sure to leave a comment, helping our readers discover new places to sample alcoholic libation.

If you find yourself wandering around looking for a place to buy alcohol at Disney, all you have to do is ask one of the friendly cast members, who can point you in the right direction.  Be sure to drink plenty of water while you’re in the parks also, as alcohol is dehydrating. Designate a driver or take advantage of Disney’s resort transportation. Cheers!

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February 27, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Budget Travel, Culinary Travel, Destinations, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, Travel Gear, Travel News | 19 Comments 

He’s Just Not That Into You Soundtrack Contest

Last night while unpacking my suitcase from a girlfriend getaway, I listened to the soundtrack of “He’s Just Not That into You” which opens in theaters February 6. It has a great variety of songs, most of which are favorites of mine or songs you might hear at a coffee shop or pub. A few of the tracks are new favorites and the overall personality of the soundtrack works well.

This isn’t just a soundtrack to listen to on the way to work, but can set the tone for a road trip or even while packing for your next vacation. I’ve been passing the soundtrack around to friends this morning and they all agree the soundtrack is great to add to a music collection or play list.

Check out the official soundtrack site and tell us what your favorite track is and your comment will enter you to win your own copy of the soundtrack and even a logo hoodie of the movie, “He’s Just Not That into You.”

TravelingMamas.com contest rules apply. Contest ends at midnight February 10, 2009 with winner being announced on February 11. Check back here on Wednesday to see if you are a winner and if so, how to claim this cool contest prize.

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February 5, 2009 | Filed Under Travel Gear | 18 Comments 

Top 5 Planning Resources for a Washington, DC Trip

Update: 01/20/2009 - Be sure to check out the new White House Blog before your visit.

Tuesday’s Presidential inauguration of Barack Obama in Washington, DC, has filled up every hotel room in DC and the surrounding area, including dorm rooms and private homes. Visitors from all over are gathering to witness this event at the US Capitol, and celebrities are descending upon this destination for the parties and balls (see live streaming of Al Gore’s Green Inaugural Ball). All of this news coverage makes me reminisce about my past DC trips.

The first time I visited Washington, DC, I was a 17-year-old high-school senior participating in the National High School Honor Band. I was excited because not only was this my first trip up north, but I was traveling with a handful of other students from Louisiana and there were NO PARENTS.

The visit not only made me feel very independent, but it gave me a patriotic feeling. My high school friends and I had a blast learning about the subway system, touring all the free attractions, and making a visit to a restaurant (which shall remain unnamed) in Georgetown where we were able to convince our waiter to serve us alcoholic drinks.

My second visit to DC was for a more somber reason. It was as an Honor Guard member for the fire department I work at. A group of us drove from Louisiana to DC to attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, which is held each year in October. Normally, this event is held in Emmetsburg, MD, but for this particular year it involved all the firefighters who had lost their lives on 9/11.

The White House copyright Shannon Hurst Lane

I’m currently planning a third visit for the Independence Parade on 4th of July, and I’ve been researching some top tips on visiting. Here are some of the resources and places I’d like to check out when I’m there. Maybe these will help you, whether you visit for the Inauguration, 4th of July, or just on a family vacation.

1. TravelMuse has compiled a few articles, including 44 Free Things to Do in DC and Inauguration Planning Tips.

2. WorldHum brings us into the green side of the Inaugural Events.

3. Oprah even offers tips on having your own viewing party in your home.

4. Washington, DC’s Official Tourism Site offers insider tips to help you plan your visit.

I won’t be in Washington, DC for the 44th Presidential Inauguration, but I will keep all these resources filed away for my 4th of July Parade visit. I hope these help you plan your family vacation, romantic getaway, or business trip to DC. And now for the last resource:

5. If you’re looking for places to eat, be sure to watch Monday night’s episode of No Reservations on The Travel Channel. I know that after watching this clip of Anthony Bourdain at Ben’s Chili Bowl, I plan on tasting one of these great chili dogs.

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January 17, 2009 | Filed Under Budget Travel, Destinations, Family Travel, Romantic Getaways, Travel Gear, Travel News | 5 Comments 

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