Have you ever wondered just what is involved with planning a Mardi Gras parade? I know I have. We take our family to parades in Baton Rouge and New Orleans during Carnival Season. I’ve had friends ride on floats and I’ve even been inside the Rex Den, but I never actually thought about how much those plastic little beads really cost.

Many months ago, I was invited to see what is involved in the planning of a Mardi Gras Parade. I was sworn in as a member of Baton Rouge’s all female krewe – The Krewe of Artemis. I was nervous as I went to my first meeting, held at Embassy Suites in Baton Rouge. I walked in to see groups of women sitting at large round tables, with each small group wearing similar shirts or even things such as pig noses or glittery crowns. The groups were actually members of each float that will be in the parade. The meeting took place at the end of summer, but the ladies were already getting into the Carnival spirit.

I located my friends and joined them at our table to meet some of the other ladies on our float. Nearby was a bar serving wine and a display of the bead selection available to purchase as ‘throws’. The meeting soon began and the parade theme was announced, along with float assignments. A discussion included costumes, fittings, bead order forms, the soiree, afterparty, and lots of other events. I felt as if I had entered into a secret society of really cool wine-loving, party-throwing women.

Our float was announced and we groaned just a little (The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe) but then decided we would all wear fashionable funky footwear. The meeting soon disbanded and then the fun REALLY began. In November was a wine party, December was our float Christmas Party (with lovely wine and eats at Enoteca Marcello’s Wine Bar) and then in January we had the Soiree.

A soiree or ball is held by each Mardi Gras Krewe and the dress is floor length gowns and tuxedos. The krewe royalty is introduced, including float lieutenants. It’s a fun party and my son asked my husband and I if we were going to a prom for old people. I sure didn’t feel old! It was fun to get decked out and spend an evening in downtown Baton Rouge. We stayed at the Hilton Capitol Center, an historic hotel near the soiree.

Tonight is the Krewe of Artemis Parade in Downtown Baton Rouge and my friend and fellow traveling mama ThemeParkMom is flying here to ride on the float with me. We’re going to have a mini girlfriend getaway as I show her all about my city and our culture. The parade rolls at 7pm and the weather is supposed to be clear and cool. If you are on Twitter, you can follow our adventure by following the hashtag #Artemis, or you can click on this twitter search link. The parade route can be downloaded at the Official Krewe of Artemis website.

And now for the cost. Annual dues vary for different krewes, but for this particular krewe, this is how much it costs to throw those little plastic beads to the crowd:

Initiation Fee and Annual Dues: $550 (Sponsored by VisitBatonRouge.com) Inlcudes float rentals, costumes, etc
Soiree: 2 Tickets included with dues, but extra tickets are $70/person.
Food at Soiree: $20/person for our float group
Beads: $344 for my order
Float Expenses: $45 for live band and snacks before and after.

I hope that if you are in the area this evening that you’ll join in the family fun and festivities. I promise to throw you some beads, just be sure to holler, “Throw me something, Sistah!”

I get many press releases daily, but every once in a while I get one that strikes a chord with me. This morning, while feeling a bit tired and rundown from a recent trip to Canada, I checked my email to find this title:

HEALING FOR THE CONSTANT JET SETTER COMES IN THE FORM OF A WATCH

I went on to read the release, which mentions globe-trotting celebrities and socialites, but also mentions average Joes (or in my case, mamas). The crazy part of all this is that the release was for a product I’ve owned for five years – a Philip Stein watch.

This timepiece is a pricey luxury item, but I have to admit that it is well worth the investment. I’ve gone through many watches over the years, some which were gifts and others that I purchased for myself. Not one of them has lasted as long as my Philip Stein.

What do I love about it? I love that it is a double watch, so that I can match the time zone I’m visiting, yet also keep up with what time it is at home. I love that the straps are changeable and are available in fashionable colors and materials, even eelskin! My mom gets me a new strap every other year for my birthday.

Philip Stein watches aren’t only sophisticated in design; they actually provide a healthy benefit. There are natural frequencies are all around us, but are interrupted by technologies we use daily; computers, cell phones, microwaves, etc. To put our body’s natural frequencies back in sync, enter Philip Stein. The technology, created to harmonize an individual’s biofield and energy is exclusive to Philip Stein products.

The downside? The price tag can be a bit much for the average mom, as mine (Teslar technology) retails at around $2000. I didn’t buy it, it was given to audience members during Oprah’s Favorite Things 2005, which I attended. However Philip Stein has released a stainless steel rose and gold model with a newer technology for $400, making this an attainable gift for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a birthday, or an anniversary. The biggest hassle is that I live in an area of the US where there aren’t any Philip Stein dealers. If I need maintenance or a battery change, I have to FedEx the watch to Miami.

So why am I feeling run down if I own one of these watches already? Well, the battery needs replacing and I just haven’t gotten off my duff to get it changed. If anything, this press release coming through my email made me realize just how true the jetlag reducing claim of this product really is!

Thank you, Oprah, for introducing me to such a fantastic watch and thanks Philip Stein for producing a quality product for traveling mamas and globetrotters everywhere.

Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers a taste of how life used to be. This charming and intimate town offers the perfect location for a romantic getaway. Its strong British influence is all things romantic with its gardens, afternoon tea and antique shops. Victoria also offers golf for those in search of the greens, award winning restaurants and art galleries galore. Surprisingly, its nightlife is alive all year round.

Many visitors know of The Fairmont Empress Hotel and its Tea Lobby. This is a well-known attraction, but since I didn’t actually experience either this particular property or their tea, I can’t give you any advice. I did however, enjoy the art, shopping, gardens and other romantic places that are available in this entertaining and well kept city. The Fairmont is gorgeous and definitely a place I’d like to check out if I get a chance to return.

Lodging – The Magnolia Hotel and Spa is centrally located within walking distance to many attractions in the area. It offers an onsite Aveda Concept Salon and is within walking distance to many shops. This lodging offers amenities that other hotels should take note of. The rooms are English décor with nightly turndown service and the best bathroom amenities I have ever encountered. It was a relaxing retreat after my journey and helped to calm the mind in a delicate, yet sensuous way. The baths offer separate tub and shower combos, complete with Aveda bath products, bath tablets to soften the skin, and many other personal items. It was a pleasure to enjoy such lodgings. Don’t tell, but I snuck by the maid cart and swiped a few extra bath tablets!
http://magnoliahotel.com

Spa – The onsite spa is where I experienced a delightful and most relaxing facial. The atmosphere of the spa was quiet and calming with a sense of peace. I received not only care for my face, but also an arm and leg massage. The Spa Magnolia is a restful and peaceful setting in which guests are pampered and catered to and every detail matters.

Flowers -  For those romantics wishing to go out into the world of Victoria, The Butchart Gardens offer packages where couples fly into the property on a float plane to enjoy the magical gardens and afternoon tea or a romantic dinner. A limousine can be arranged to return the lovers to the Magnolia Hotel. I took a stroll through the gardens and gasped when I walked near the edge of one certain area and ended up exploring a place that made me think I was in Rivendale.
http://butchartgardens.com

Wine – Another spot for romantics is Marley Farms which now offers picnics in its vineyards for those wishing to sample a bottle of its wonderful fruit wines. Couples can also venture into Oak Bay for antiquing and art galleries while enjoying a meal at the Penning Farthing Pub.
http://marleyfarm.ca

Victoria, BC is a must-see destination for romantics of all levels. For more information, visit http://tourismvictoria.com.

Have you ever heard of a Nordic Spa? I’ve found that they are very popular in Canada’s Quebec Province. Last year I checked out a Nordic spa near Quebec’s Ice Hotel and it was a screamer. This year, I found an indoor spa in downtown Montreal right around the corner from Le Petit Hotel on Rue Saint-Paul E.

Nordic spas are also called thermal spas and treatment includes a series of visits at different areas. The first part opens the pores and starts with choice of a 10-15 minute visit to thermal bath, eucalyptus steam room, or Finnish sauna. The second step is the closing of the pores, which can be through a soak in the cold plunge pool or ice cold shower. The final step is relaxation for another 10-15 minutes. To get the full therapeutic effect, this process should be completed three times.

A day pass to a Nordic spa is an inexpensive way to relax while on vacation. The cost can vary but is usually less than $50. Most Nordic spas also offer other services which should be booked in advanced and require an additional fee. Be sure to pack along sandals or Crocs and a robe. Robes are usually available for an extra fee.

In this short educational video, I will take you through the process of a Nordic Spa experience in an indoor facility.

Special thanks to Galavanting Gal Kim Mance for pressing the red button on my Flip and to Tourisme Montreal for hosting our visit.

Alice Griffin is the author of the informative and inspirational book Tales From a Travelling Mum: Navigating Europe with a Babe-in-Arms. It is chock full of useful tips and advice on traveling with little ones. Alice was kind enought to answer a few questions for TravelingMamas.com readers.

When did you first develop a love for travel?

Growing up with parents who often spoke about travel and road trips they had taken with my siblings (I missed out there being the youngest!) I think my love of travel is deep-rooted. Really I have been dreaming of far-off places for absolutely as long as I can remember and when, at 23, I had the opportunity to spend six months in Japan – I was bitten. I haven’t looked back.

What inspired you to write this book?

When pregnant with my daughter all I ever seemed to hear was that independent travel with babies/children was a nightmare. I didn’t believe and I didn’t see why I should give up my love of the world when I became a mother – I wanted to share my love of the world with my daughter! We did our first trip when she was 8 weeks and at one-year-old we sold our house, gave up our main income and headed off on a long-term road trip. We have had such amazing experiences that I felt I should share them with others who might feel a little apprehensive about travelling with children. The result is a story about all the trips we took during the first two years of my daughter’s life and covers Greece, Norway, France and Spain by plane, boat and road. I guess you could say it is a travelogue interspersed with practical advice and tips.

Do you have one moment that stands out while traveling with your children?

I couldn’t pinpoint a specific moment, but just seeing my daughter enjoy the world, watching her interact with so many faces, cultures and environments – it gives me hope that she will grow into a compassionate and fearless young woman.

Do you travel without your children? If so, how do they cope when mum is
away?

As yet I have not travelled without my daughter.

What items do you always travel with?

A favourite comforter toy, a bubble cot and a small rucksack of toys and books to keep her occupied. Oh, and I always keep raisins on me for when all else fails!!!

Last thought about travelling with children:

Just that people shouldn’t be daunted by travelling with a baby or with children. Yes it’s different – but seeing the world through my daughter’s eyes has, so far, been magical. Embrace it and remember that if you manage to stay relatively calm you can defuse most testing situations. You will also be overwhelmed by the kindness and support of strangers when you travel with children!

You can learn more about Alice Griffin by visiting her official website. Want to purchase her book, visit Amazon.com to purchase Tales of a Travelling Mum.

Harry Potter fans will be excited to see the progress at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. This just-released image of Hogwart’s Castle will add to the anticipation of this soon to open theme park within a theme park.

If this image has piqued your interest, then be sure to pick up a copy of USAToday on January 28 which will include an interactive augemented reality map to virtually explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You must have a webcam and internet connection to experience the augmented reality technology.

Are you excited about this new theme park? I know I am!

The Whodat Nation will be showering Miami with black and gold goodness on Feb 7. New Orleans has cancelled Family Gras and fans all over will be watching the Saints at their first of hopefully many more Superbowl appearances.

The Superbowl for the Whodat Nation isn’t just about football or a game. It’s about believing in something greater than us and having hope that we can dream and make things happen. I’m so proud of my state’s team and wear my Saints black and gold just as proudly as I do my LSU purple and gold. No matter if you are a Saints or Colts fan, here are a few tips to help you find your way to the stadium make the most out of this historic sports event:

Parking Tips for Sun Life Stadium – Parking opens at 11:00am on Superbowl Sunday. Tailgating is not allowed onsite (boo on you Superbowl people). Permits for passenger vehicle parking in the far away lots can be ordered online for around $65 plus Fedex, taxes, and extra fees. Vehicle for hires (towncars, limos) are charged starting at $150 plus extra fees. These are for standard parking as the premium parking was sold out at publishing time. Bus parking is still available for around $300 per vehicle. Sadly, no RV parking is allowed onsite. Here’s a parking map for Sun Life Stadium.

Shuttles – Tri-Rail is offering $5 roundtrip shuttle service to and from Sun Life Stadium. Board the train at any of Tri-Rail’s 18 conveniently located stations on Sunday, February 7, 2010 for Super Bowl XLIV. Take the train to Tri-Rail’s Golden Glades Station and board the shuttle bus, sponsored in part by Miami Subs Pizza & Grill, to arrive at the Wal-Mart bus drop-off and pick-up location. Shuttle buses will begin operating at 1 p.m. All Tri-Rail Super Bowl XLIV Roundtrip tickets may be purchased online no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2010. Tickets will be available at all Ticket Kiosk locations after these dates. One northbound and one southbound will depart the Golden Glades Station approximately 1 hour after the final play of the game. An additional northbound will depart the Golden Glades Station approximately 1 and ½ hour after the final play of the game.

Taking a Taxi – Taxis are allowed to drop off and pick up customers near the Fan Plaza at Gate 4. Miami area taxis and phone numbers:  Yellow Cabs (305)444-4444; Flamingo Taxis (305)599-9999; Central Cabs (305)532-5555. Check out TaxiFareFinder.com for Miami taxi flat rates and more companies.

Remember to have fun and don’t drink and drive. TravelingMamas.com will be supporting the Saints and the Whodat Nation as we bring home a Superbowl win. I believe!

Note: Dolphin Stadium has been renamed Sun Life Stadium.

The Nickelodeon Family Cruise out of Los Angeles, on Royal Caribbean to ports in Mexico, is great and highly recommended for family vacation. There were plenty of child friendly activities every day, ranging from Dora the Explorer sing-alongs for young children, to the Club Nick Late Night Deck Party for teens.  Meeting the stars of Nickelodeon was absolutely one of the best highlights for my own kids, though: My younger daughter got to interview Nathan Kress, and later, when he sat down next to her and started up a conversation, that excited little girl could barely contain herself.  Now, Jennette McCurdy is another fantastic, well-grounded young actress on iCarly. We were able to grab her for a quick interview, and she answered my older kid’s questions very sweetly. Here’s the video:

Isn’t Jennette McCurdy a terrific young person? She generously talked about about the cruise, acting on iCarly, and favorite travel spots. She, Nathan Kress, and True Jackson VP’s Keke Palmer were all just wonderful  (and dealt with hundreds of adoring fans) for the entire Nickelodeon Family Cruise.  My children still talk about this vacation, and I’m sure they’ll keep the cruise memories alive for the rest of their lives. Thanks for the interview, Jennette!

I’ve stayed at some phenomenal luxury hotels in Colorado — Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, RockResorts’ Osprey, Westin Riverfront, The Little Nell and St. Regis Aspen, in particular, come to mind. But no other Colorado property can truly compare to The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Its sheer size, fascinating 90-year history, 54 holes of championship golf, brand-new spacious cottages, a million and one places to eat (okay, 18), a full-service spa,  swimming pools and a gorgeous setting on a lake at the base of a mountain are just a few of the reasons I think The Broadmoor is the best luxury resort in Colorado.

My family and I spent one night at The Broadmoor (courtesy of the resort) before we hopped on a plane at the Colorado Springs airport this summer. One night is by no means enough time to truly enjoy all of its amenities, but we packed in as much as we could into, oh, 18 hours there. Here are just a few of the highlights we enjoyed:

The Ambiance: I  felt as though I was dropped right into a scene from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The manicured grounds, rolling green golf courses and historic decor in the public spaces, to me, exude glamour. We pulled up to the property’s security gate, gave our name, and then continued on to the porte-cochere, where valets greeted us – by name – which gave us a clue to the incredible service we’d receive all weekend. Lots of “How is your stay Mrs. Williams?” and “Whatever we can do to help, Mrs. Williams.” I loved the intricately tiled mosaic floor in the entryway to the lobby, as well as the historic photos, marble staircase, ornate chandelier and brass escalators.

The Tavern: The steaks were excellent at this landmark restaurant at The Broadmoor, dating back to 1938. We ate in its enclosed “Garden Room,” filled with lush vegetation and twinkling lights overhead. No fusion foods or unusual entrees here; just favorite hand-cut prime steaks, chops, seafood, prime rib, plus shellfish appetizers, soups and salads. One must-see: Bottle Alley, where all the liquor and wine bottles that were consumed during Prohibition are displayed; check it out just not far from the entrance to The Tavern (also near the main lobby).

The Swimming Pools: We arrived on an unusually chilly and rainy day in July, so we took the kids to The Broadmoor’s indoor heated pool (near the spa, which I wish I had time to experience), with outdoor hot tub and heated lap pool. This is a huge boon for parents who like to be able to keep a close watch on their kids, as the indoor pool is not huge and there are plenty of lounge chairs if you don’t feel like going in yourself! The next day, just hours before we had to get on a plane, we hit the big, outdoor swimming pool, where we were greeted by one of about a dozen staff members whose sole job is to outfit you with fluffy beach towels and lead you to lounge chairs. The outdoor infinity pool is next to Cheyenne Lake, so matter where you are in the pool — or adjacent hot tub — you’ve got great views of the grounds. Two water slides entertained the kids — that is, until my son got sick (yes, puked) in the pool, and closed it down. While that’s an entire blog post in itself, let’s just say that a) it was hugely embarrassing and b) The Broadmoor staff responded quickly and with grace (not making us feel badly at all). And yes, we did make it to our flight and he traveled the rest of the day without incident.

The Cottages: We stayed in one of the brand-new (as of May 2009) two-bedroom, one-story cottages just off the 18th fairway of the east golf course. At the same time charming and elegant, these accommodations feature high ceilings, window doors that open to an expansive veranda, heated bathroom floors, and hand-crafted area rugs. We all appreciated the luxurious bedding and the mini fridge to store our drinks and snacks.

Of course all of this luxury does not come cheap. I found standard rooms starting at $270 a night this fall, and the rack rate for the smallest one-bedroom cottage is $1,400 a night. Do ask about summer specials that run through September 30, 2009, and otherwise check out the Specials & Packages page.

Top photo: Courtesy the Broadmoor; others by me!

I took my first real snow trip last year to Quebec’s Winter Carnival and had no idea what to pack. I live in a place where it rarely snows, so not only did I have a lack of knowledge about winter gear, but I knew that I would be hard pressed to find a store that carried these needed items. I did what I know best, I reached out to my friends in the travel and social media communities and was able to gather together a list of things to keep me warm and dry during my foray into the wilds of snow covered destinations.

The Base Layer

I was advised that a good base layer is made of a non-cotton wicking material that draws moisture away from the body. The best materials would be made of wool or polyester. We call these long-johns where I live, but athletic stores call them body suits or something. Also, be sure to use liners for your feet and your gloves. I had no idea what liners were, but was sure glad that I found some.

The Middle Layer

On top of the base layer, you want to wear a fleece jacket or something along those lines. You’ll need something that keeps your core (chest area) warm and can be peeled off if you get too warm later.

The Outer Layer

This is what everyone sees, if they can see in the snow. I noticed that most people walk with their heads down when it’s snowing, so it seemed that the foot gear was the most fashionable. Get outer wear that is not only water proof, but is lined with down or other insulating material. You’ll want closures that are easy to open and close with gloved hands. Most important, make sure this layer has ultimate protection from the elements and that you can move comfortably. You don’t want to look like a marshmallow person when you’re completely dressed.

Head Gear

The majority of your body’s heat will escape through your head. That’s why investing in a hat that is fashionable and practical is a good idea. You want to look cute when you’re outside in the snow, but that fashion won’t do you much good if you get frostbite of the scalp. Keep your ears covered and something around your neck that can be pulled up over your face. Also, a good pair of sunglasses or ski goggles will help with the glare of the sun on the snow. I like The Polar Buff which can be worn in a variety of ways and make you look like the ultimate Survivor in the snow.

Helping Hands

A mama has to keep her hands warm at all times so that she can perform those tasks of motherhood. Be sure to wear those liners and top them with insulated waterproof gloves.

Fancy Feet

Sock liners will keep your feet dry, but you’ll also want a good pair of woolen socks to keep your tootsies warm. Check out Point 6 for some high quality cold weather socks. Finish the outfit off with some serviceable and stylish boots that will help keep you upright (don’t want to slip) and dry.

Après Ski

Be sure to pack some après ski socks and shoes in a cute bag where you can enjoy a hot drink and snacks inside the lodge after a day at play in the snow.