Traveling Mamas

Here’s a relaxing video to go along with the Family Friendly Florida Keys Resort and Family Fun in the Florida Keys posts:

A while back I was searching for something small and easy to use that could record snippets to provide content for our TravelingMamas YouTube page. A wise family travel blogger I know, Sheila of BootsNAll’s Family Travel Logue, mentioned that I should try the Flip Ultra Video. She claimed it was so easy and simple that a kindergartener could use it. So, the research began.

I found the Flip Ultra Corporate Site that listed its predecessor and also a newer model, the Flip Mino. I compared all of them, including available accessories, such as a mini tripod and even an action mount for catching those skydiving trips. Both the Ultra and the Mino looked really cool with just a few differences. The Mino is a little smaller and has a rechargeable battery, whereas the Ultra can still fit in a pocket and uses two AA batteries. The Mino is also more expensive at $179.99US MSRP and only comes in black or white. The Ultra is listed at $149.99 and comes in a variety of cool colors.

So, I searched on eBay. I checked out Amazon. I even went to Target and Walmart searching for this elusive gadget. I wanted to see it in person before I purchased it. I had given up my quest that day and continued on to Sam’s Wholesale Club to satisfy my inner bulkaholic before calling it a day. Imagine my delight when I saw, illuminated under fluorescent lighting, a large pyramid stack of Flip Ultra Videos for $124.99 each. What a steal! Of course, I added it to the grocery bill.

I couldn’t wait to check out and open my treasure in RedBugg. My son was so excited, he tore at the plastic casing with his teeth like a puppy with a new peanut butter filled Kong. He placed the batteries in it and began recording with one touch. When we arrived home, we popped out the USB arm and plugged it into the computer. The easy to load software comes pre-loaded in the camera and is super easy to use.

So far, we’ve taken that little find and filmed numerous travel memories which will soon be available for viewing. This fun, easy, and affordable little gadget definitely gets the On the Move Approved seal from me. Thanks for the tip, Sheila!

Everyone knows my home state, Louisiana, is near and dear to my heart. It also makes me feel so good to see New Orleans really starting to bounce back and bring in the visitors. An upcoming event, Tales of the Cocktail, is considered to be one of the most spirited events of the summer. Hehe. I like that. Spirited.

Ann, founder of Tales, invited me to Commander’s Palace last week to debut The CajunMama Cocktail to a few notable bartenders in the area. I have to admit, I was a little nervous. These are professionals, and a mixologist I am not. The actual purpose of the gathering was to learn how to properly mix a Sazerac, the official cocktail of Louisiana. So as an official Sazerac Ambassador, I invite all of you to New Orleans to partake of this potent libation that offers a taste of Louisiana history in each sip.

I’m partial to the sweeter things in life, so of course The CajunMama Cocktail is on the sugary side of things. This drink is perfect after dinner or for an evening with a breeze. I’ve put together this video to show you how simple it is to enjoy this rich cocktail. Garnish with flakes of Godiva Chocolate for added richness.

The CajunMama Cocktail:

1 oz Sazerac Rye Whiskey

1 oz Kahlua

4 oz Half and Half

Stir ingredients. Serve over ice in a crystal old fashioned glass. Garnish with Godiva Chocolate flakes. Enjoy!

If you watched the video, you’ll notice I mentioned a random giveaway for Boycott the Staycation. Yay! The winner for this giveaway is SavvyHousewife. Congratulations.