LUSH brand fresh, handmade soaps are fantastic. A new soap, 13 Soap Unlucky for Dirt, takes the natural route to fighting off bacteria with the inclusion of oregano oil. Oregano oil is a natural antibiotic, and it’s a strong antifungal, antiviral oil as well.  This is no myth:  In fact, nurses have started using oregano oil to help prevent catching the antibiotic-resistant superbug staphylococus aureus (MRSA). Further, the Journal of Applied Microbiology reported (2000) that oregano oil fights off 25 different bacteria in lab tests.  LUSH created 13 Soap Unlucky for Dirt to provide a natural alternative to other antibiotic soaps – and it smells better, too. Along with the oregano oil, there’s honey and rose petals for a floral scent (rather than, er, a pizza scent).

We’re giving away 13 bars of 13 soap to one LUCKY winner. Yes, in this case, 13 will be someone’s lucky number! That’s enough soap to keep yourself clean for many, many travel adventures. Just leave a comment below describing the most disgustingly germy place you’ve been (no need to get gross in your description if you don’t wanna). In other words, let’s hear about a place where having a bar of 13 Soap Unlucky for Dirt would have really been useful. Enter until 11:59 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, September 8, 2009. We’ll choose a comment number at random, and annouce a winner Wednesday, September 9. (One entry per person; US mailing addresses only.) Have fun with this, and remember to wash your hands afterwards.

My kids can only handle so many hours of movies and then they’re ready to “do something” and, unfortunately, running alongside the car (or plane) isn’t an option. I’ve been looking for new travel entertainment ideas to add to our books, Etch-a-Sketch and flashcard collection (especially with our pending four-day move up north). TravelKiddy approached us recently and asked us to take a look at their offerings (kids travel entertainment) – and guess what – fun stuff!

TravelKiddy is a fun activity kit loaded with all sorts of fun surprises for the road.

There are several several models and two age groups (ages 3-6, and 6 plus). Since my little ones are in the younger group we received the age appropriate pack – and let’s just say the kids felt like it’s an extra birthday (now to make them wait for our next trip!). The first thing I noticed was the high-quality tote.  It fits under the car seat, in my Camry’s back window, on the floor, even the seat back pockets. Then, I unzipped the pack and I’m pretty sure I started dancing around the kitchen. Now I don’t have to hit the store in search of busy-activities for the next trip. Our TravelKiddy is loaded with crayons, activity, coloring and doodle books, a Magnetic Blackboard, crafts, stickers, small toys, and more. For mom, the interior zipped pocket is loaded with a pack of tissues, Sani Hands Kids wet wipes, and bandages. (Yep, it’s a road trip party in a bag!) Prices start at $9.99 (for the PocketKiddy and go up to $44.99 for the Deluxe TravelKiddy).

• Save time - No more running around town at the last minute searching for activities.
• Reduce stress - Relax and enjoy the trip because the kids are entertained and happy.
• Save money - At least 50% less than purchasing the items separately.
• Plus,  you can order refills! Don’t forget to buy one for each child.
  

And there you have it…. The convenient TravelKiddy will keep the kids occupied on your next trip for hours and the best part is this kids’ travel entertainment will arrive at your doorstep, leaving you more time to shop for that cute vacation hat.

Anyone who’s stayed in a lot of hotels – for business travel, vacations or both – knows that the quality of the hotel doesn’t necessarily correlate with the quality of the coffee served.  You know what I mean; some unassuming little B&B’s serve a fantastic cup of coffee, and some large well-reputed chain hotels serve dreck they call coffee, but really is what David Letterman once called “useless warm brown water.” I love that line! But I DON’T love terrible coffee: It really can mar an otherwise lovely travel experience to have nasty coffee in the morning. That’s why I’m so happy to have found Starbucks VIA, a ready-brew coffee packet that surprisingly comes close to the Starbucks quality coffee I brew at home (and buy, way too often, at Starbucks stores).

Made of the same 100% arabica beans – freshly ground and sealed, of course – as the full-bodies Italian Roast Starbucks blend, VIA is made in a snap. I’ve used it several times already; just pour the grounds in a coffee cup or mug, add hot water, and stir. That’s it! Add sugar and milk if preferred, naturally. Italian Roast is a bold blend, though. For coffee drinkers with milder flavor preferences, the medium blend Columbia brew is a viable option.

Starbucks VIA comes in 3 or 12 servings to a packet. These packs of three are passport-sized and very transportable; perfect for a weekend getaway or quick business travel at a hotel whose coffee is of an unknown quality. The 12-piece pack is a little wider. Because of its ease of travel and superior taste, Starbucks VIA ready brew coffee is Traveling Mamas On the Move Approved.

Zuzatz are a black, thick sole (super if you’re looking for some height) and various choices of interchangeable clips. A standard pair comes with a single base and two style straps, but you can purchase any of the ten packs of Style Straps or “uppers” which come in packs of three. The straps fasten into what look like holes in the shoes. Look closer, and you will notice there is (patented) QuickClick technology keeping the straps in place (very cool!).

I was lucky enough to be offered a  pair to review, with five Style Straps — and let me tell you, I think they are totally cool — especially for travel. Here is what I like about these shoes and  little advice if you decide to purchase Zuzata:

1. Ease of use. Who would have ever thought shoes would ever come with directions? But I advise you to read the directions before attempting to fasten and remove the Style Straps. At first it may seem tricky to fasten the straps into the sole, simply because they are such a unique contraption. But once you know what to listen for (the “right” click) and feel for (secure strap) they are a breeze to exchange. If you skip the directions, you might put them in upside down or think they’re fastened in and end up walking off the shoe and tripping.

2. Comfort. I always expect to take several days to break in new shoes, but Zuzatz didn’t take long to break in at all. After a day with the silver straps I forgot I was wearing new shoes.

3. Versatility.  I won’t lie, this is my favorite feature. When my family went to Lake  Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago, I threw a pair of Zuzatz in my suitcase and put the straps in the outside pocket . I instantly had five pairs of shoes to go with different outfits — easy breezy.  Another nice thing about Zuzatz is that they can be dressed up (rhinestones) or down (colorful  nylon).

If you’re looking to consolidate your shoes while traveling, I recommend you check out Zazatz — did I mention these are very cool travel shoes?

I 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.

cinda 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!

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!

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.

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

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.

Imago 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!

Western 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.)

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.

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.

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.