Traveling is such a mixed bag

I love traveling to see new places, and also familiar faces and places.  Tomorrow we're headed to Jackson Hole to see my parents.  What is it about travel that puts me on edge?  Is it the anticipated extra costs I'll have to pay to check bags?  Is it the sore muscles from schlepping the bags around on the travel day?  Is it the thought of standing around in long security lines?  Is it the concern around my child having "a moment" on the plane?  Guess what?  It's all of the above, and more.

So many things are out of our control.  However, I now live by a few simple rules to make traveling a tad less stressful for our entire family.

1. Pack light.  If we're headed somewhere with a washer and dryer, and my favorite Shout to get out the stains from spilled food, drinks, spit-ups, etc., then I bring a lot less clothing.  Even for AML jr, I pack light.  Consider mailing diapers and formula to your destination, it will save you a lot of hassle and unnecessary weight in your bags.

2. Bring a spare.  We carry AML's bag with us on the plane, and I stick an extra shirt and pair of underwear for me and Papa Lusty in there, in case our bags get lost in transit (or our clothing gets messy along the way). 

3. Drink up. We drink plenty before the flight and during the flight, but not adult beverages, juice and water to keep us all hydrated.  We bring more than enough bottles and formula, and snacks for us all.  The airlines don't give too much up for free these days, so we come prepared, especially for longer trips.  We take an Emergen-C as soon as we arrive to fight off all the germs we encountered during the travel day.

4. Stay comfy.  I bring a blanket for AML jr, and I wear comfy clothing to include a sweatshirt.  I try to get prepared to nap, while AML jr naps (hopefully) on me.  Fashion is not a must for me on travel days, but if it is for you, be prepared to bring extra burp cloths, at the least.  Keep your carry-on/diaper bag under the seat in front of you, so that diapers, wipes, cloths, etc. are close by for your and the baby's convenience.  You may get lucky and have a baby lover next to you, but if not, remember that most travelers won't have patience for the baby's "moments"--stay calm, get what you need and take a walk around the plane if you can or go into the bathroom if the baby is acting fussy.

5. Entertainment.  We put kid-friendly movies on a laptop, so we can catch and listen, while AML jr watches.  This trip it's all about Gnomeo and Juliet.  We also bring Ipods with books on them, as we don't have free hands for books.  Some airlines even have internet, of course not free, so that's kind of cool.  AML jr's toys are attached to her car seat, and if the car seat isn't coming along with us (infant traveling on your lap), then the toys are attached to a carry-on. 

6. Early to bed, early to rise.  We get up early the day of travel and make sure we've got our whole list covered (a packing list is a must), we get to the airport early and when we arrive, we hit the sack early.  No longer do we have sleep-in days, since AML jr wants to eat and play early, so we get to bed when we can.

And don't forget to add to your list, a birth certificate for your baby, your own IDs, wallet and your phone, and any other musts--for me that's contacts, sunglasses and gum.

Prepared and calm travelers are happy travelers.  Enough said.  Now back to packing and huffing and puffing about it.  I wish my mommy could come pack me up!

And I just can't get enough...

I have that Black Eyed Peas song in my head.  Though with Yo Gabba Gabba in the background, I think I'll have a new kid-friendly tune stuck in my head in no time.  Bubbles, bubbles, we'll help you pop...G-d help me!

Anyway, I couldn't stay away.  After being away for only a few days, I missed you!  So, today a friend and I were emailing about websites that do product reviews for children's products.  I've added a few helpful ones below.  Do you know of any good ones you can share with me and others?  If so, please leave a comment!

I don't know about you, but like my stroller debate that went on for months, I'm feeling like the same may happen about a highchair purchase.  So, I'm reading reviews to see what makes the most sense--space-wise, price-wise and convenience-wise. 

http://www.onestepahead.com/

http://babygizmo.com/

http://www.babycenter.com/baby-supplies

And Circle of Moms included their Top 25 Product Review Parents, click here to read more

Distance makes the heart grow fonder?

My loyal readers, I'm sorry for the lack of entries since last week.  I had a guest in town and I've been swamped with my new business planning, not to mention that the laundry had piled up to the ceiling and AML jr, aka the explorer, is climbing up every object she can find, so she's certainly keeping me on my toes.  Excuses, excuses, right?  I promise to be better about writing, and sharing stories, deals and anything I can think of that might make your day a bit more interesting/entertaining.

It is Wednesday, so here come the deals...

By the way, in my post next week, if not sooner, I'll tell you about the business planning--it's a mom and baby focused business!.  :-)

Shopping mood? Banana Republic offers 40% off Your Entire Order when you enter code BRSUMMER at checkout. Shipping is free on orders $50 or more, otherwise it's $7 flat-rate.

Hungry? Quiznos--$6 for two subs or two salads on Groupon

Building a website or need to buy domains? (I am, as I type) GoDaddy offers 31% off Your Entire Purchase when you enter code gdz737a at checkout. 

In need a diaper bag or cute gift? Skip Hop offers their Saddlebag Canvas Stroller Diaper Bag (various colors) for $14. Shipping is free with code FREESHIP.

Traveling with a baby?  Baby Age via Newegg has Graco Baby Travel Gift Pack (rain cover, bug netting & stroller toy bar with plush monkey) for $4.99 plus free shipping.

Deals of the Day

It's summer and everyone's focus is on escaping the heat and spending some good times with family and friends.  So today's deals are centered around a travel theme.  Enjoy...and hurry to save!

Fall Shipping and Handling Sale on Jetblue: From 9/6-11/16, Jetblue is offering great flight deals.  For instance, JFK to Tampa is only $99 each day (and vice-versa--okay so you won't be escaping the heat...).  This is the best deal I've seen by $50 or more.  You must book by TODAY to take advantage of these deals  Click here for more info.


Airport Parking in Tampa:  2 days of airport parking at Tampa International Airport from Park EZ Fly.  This deal expires TOMORROW.    Click here for more info.

Best offers this year from Hotels.com: Offering up to 50% off on select hotel stays during its 48-Hour Sale. Plus, book a select hotel stay of two nights or more and get a free $25 gas card via coupon code "ROADTRIP". Or, select 3-night hotel stays of $450 or more and receive a free Amazon Kindle eBook Reader via coupon code "BOOKWORM."  These codes do no stack.  Book by TODAY for hotel stays through August 16.


For the dudes reading my blog (I know you're out there): Some good reading material for the flight (or the bathroom...or both).  Free 1-year subscription to Maxim.  Click here.  I'll admit, I even read Maxim...for the articles!

And for those on a staycation this week: 11 1-night DVD rentals for free from Blockbuster Express.  Enter the below codes online or at the kiosk (codes do not stack, each code is valid once per account). Codes expire July 22 (I dare you to see 11 movies between now and Friday!)

• 1-night DVD rental via code "72HLG2"
• 1-night DVD rental via code "38JDAB3"
• 1-night DVD rental via code "62MDEB7"
• 1-night DVD rental via code "23ZGDB8"
• 1-night DVD rental via code "86EHJR3"
• 1-night DVD rental via code "44NCRP7"
• 1-night DVD rental via code "35SVEM6"
• 1-night DVD rental via code "33MMMT9"
• 1-night DVD rental via code "36BCRD5"
• 1-night DVD rental via code "63TGAF5"
• 1-night DVD rental via code "99RBPW5"

Real life Sleeping Beauty

From my experience, you'll never get back those sleepless nights with a baby (thank G-d babies are so adorable, right?), or ever truly catch up on sleep for that matter.   But what if you slipped into a deep sleep that lasted a day...a week or a month?  Think of all you'd miss...

Sleeping beauty isn't just a fairy tail.  ABC News recently reported that there is a present-day Sleeping Beauty, but fortunately, her story doesn't involve a spell, or unfortunately, a handsome prince to wake her.  Her name is Louisa Ball, she's 17 and her ongoing long-term slumbers began with flu-like symptoms.  She sleeps for up to two weeks, is awoken by her parents for ravenous feedings and bathroom breaks, and has offensive mood swings.  When she finally wakes up from the sleep episode, she's very confused, sometimes has lost weight, but does feel refreshed.  It took visits to many medical professionals to finally diagnose Louisa with Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), an incurable autoimmune disorder that some researchers say disrupts the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates appetite, sleep and libido.  She's gone five months without an episode, so things are looking up, but sadly, there is no cure yet for KLS.

KLS is certainly not a joke, and must be so tough to live with as the person suffering with the disorder, or a loved one of this person.  In a recent two week stretch AML jr tried five different Gerber foods, pulled herself up in her crib, learned to crawl backwards and forwards and did A LOT of smiling and laughing.  After reading about Louisa and KLS, it got me thinking...parent or not, what's a little lack of sleep so as to not miss the important moments in life?  

No Cry Babies Allowed

Recently, I've seen a number of businesses who are fed up with children, primarily children of the noisy kind.  So, they've decided they are no longer allowing children in.  A restaurant in Monroeville, PA called McDain's Restaurant is no longer admitting children under six years of age.  They feel that McDain's is not a place for young children because their volume can't be controlled and they disturb other customers.  And the owner is not making any exceptions to this new policy.  Malaysia Airlines also announced they would no longer allow babies to fly in their first class cabins on Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A380s, which comes after complaints by first class passengers. 

Now, let's get something straight, I can see both sides--the child and parent vs. the other customers.  I was once childless and have witnessed children's tantrums in public places, and it did disturb me, especially on longer flights.  I tended to feel really bad for the parents,  but also bad for myself when I couldn't catch some sleep on a red-eye.  Now I have a child, and as well-behaved as she typically is from day to day, she can also be loud, especially now as she's trying to communicate with us in a gibberish-like language.  If other customers are getting irritated, just imagine the headaches we as parents are experiencing?! 

My vote is for no extreme policies.  The simple answer is to do your best and to do unto others as you'd have done to you.  Of course not all situations are simple, and not everything is within your control.  Franky, I'd like to see a policy set that eliminates from public establishments all obnoxious, loud people, blowing cigarette smoke directly into my family's face, but that's just not going to happen, especially if we're seated outside.  If your child is "having a moment" as I like to put it, try not to let him/her ruin the experience for everyone else.  Put down your fork and take him/her outside the restaurant, take a stroll down the aisle and into the bathroom on the plane, find the pacifier, give him/her a bottle, make silly faces, hold him/her closer, etc.  I know, you already tried these things and they didn't work and the child's "moment"  is turning into a full-blown freakout (been there, done that).  If you're a business owner or a customer and you're being disturbed, why not ask politely if you can help the parent (it's not always easy to grab the diaper out of the bag when you're holding the flailing child), or if he/she wouldn't mind taking the child outside until the child is calmer (no, they can't step out on the wing of the plane, despite your desire for them to do so)?  Your request may be met with resistance, but what if it isn't and you really are helping someone out (and in turn helping yourself and others)?

Are these "child-free" initiatives a form of discrimination?  You be the judge.  If you don't agree with these businesses new policies, don't be a customer of theirs.  If you're a fan of child-free environments, become a customer and enjoy the benefits.  If you choose to go into public, you risk noise, smells and a plethora of other unpleasant experiences, in child-free or not environments.  After reading about these policies, I can't help but wonder...don't businesses and consumers have bigger battles to fight in this country?  I wish noisy babies were our biggest problem!

Deals of the Day

I have a schmorgesborg of deals for you today! Let's get to it...

Fun for the whole family: Hasbrotoyshop.com deal on Groupon--$15 for $30 worth of toys and games.  Expires tonight at midnight.  Click here.

Tampa Bay Date Night/Girls Night: Kings of Leon concert tickets for $19 for August 2 7 pm show at 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater.  Limited number of tickets available.  Expires tonight at midnight.  Click here.

 

Shopping anyone?  Bloomingdales.com-$50 off purchases of $100 or more--enter promo code SURVEY, plus sign up for emails and get a 10% off coupon. 

Wanna catch some zzzzzzz while traveling?  Free travel pillow from Sleep Number.  Expires August 17. Click here for printable coupon.

Got a great deal you want to share with readers?  Please add to the comments section or email me!

Review of Motherhood The Musical--stop reading and go see it!

As a bit of background, I spent many years living in NY and have seen many, many Broadway shows.  I have also seen shows in London, DC and South Florida.  You see, I really do love the theater!  My best show day included seeing Jersey Boys and Wicked in one day with my mother (note: pre-baby, pre-recession).  I am a tough critic, however, tougher now than ever.  As we know, a night out doesn't come so easy, so we gotta make it worthwhile!

The set

I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about Motherhood The Musical because AML jr is only eight months old and she's my first child, and I wasn't sure if I would be able to relate to the material in the show.  Plus, the producers of the show also created Menopause The Musical...and let's hope I'm a ways away from that point in my life people!  Well, I was soooo wrong...this show is made for pretty much anyone who has children of any age, is pregnant, or plans to have children...I am telling you anyone!  The scene of the show is set at a baby shower for the main character Amy, and along with her three friends in attendance, the show takes you through the baby shower to the birth of Amy's baby to the week after having the baby.  The women are sitting around drinking wine (water and heartburn meds for Amy), snacking and gabbing about topics related to parenting and motherhood.  Oh, and did I mention the theater (Jaeb Theater) for the show is perfect--you sit at your own table with your guests, and can even enjoy a drink during the show.  The Straz Center in Tampa is a seriously awesome venue with five different theaters.

Audience participation for the final number in the show

I could totally envision discussing the same topics the women in the show were chatting about with my own girlfriends, though likely with less singing and dancing (and a bit more wine!  oh wait, we did that before the show!).  Through songs and dances and a lot of comedy, the four friends discuss just about every topic you can think of--Weak bladder anyone?  Anyone love Costco as much as these women, especially since having children?  (me, me!)  Husbands more "in the mood" than you are after a long day?  Grandmas taking over?  Having a tough time as a divorced mom?  Struggling with being a stay-at-home mom, or struggling with working full-time?  Desperately trying to lose the baby weight--from years ago?  Wonder what it will be like when the kids fall asleep (um, awesome)?  What will life be like when the kids are grown?  And what if we just took the day off and let dad and the kids handle meals, laundry, and cleaning (my guess is a messy home and a lot of take-out)? 

Me and three happy friends after seeing the show

I can't say enough about this show.  It's adorable, and I don't use that word often (unless it refers to AML jr or Maddy).  Me and the three girls who attended the show with me unanimously agreed on two things: the show was a blast and we need to do the girls night again soon.  So, as the song states..."hallelujah, the kids are finally asleep--you can make a phone call uninterrupted"...or better yet, break out the bubbly and grab some girlfriends or your husband (he'll laugh too, trust me), go see Motherhood The Musical and prepare to laugh so hard you might pee (yep, I went there).  The show plays in Tampa at The Straz Center of the Performing Arts until August 21 and then moves onto other cities throughout the US.

* I received four complimentary tickets to Motherhood The Musical from The Straz Center of the Performing Arts.

Cow Appreciation Day 2011 at Chick-fil-A

Today is a glorious day, for those lucky enough to have a Chick-fil-A near them.  Today is Cow Appreciation Day, which means that anyone who shows up at a Chick-fil-A dressed as a cow receives a free meal, and that includes both adults and children.  Even a partial costume, for the more bashful, receives a free entree.

Chick-fil-A is my favorite fast food restaurant, but it's so much more than a fast food chain.  As if Chick-fil-A doesn't do enough for its customers (cleanest, best service, nicest staff, most delicious chicken), they even provide an easy to download and simple to put together cow costume kit on the Cow Appreciation 2011 website. 

Come on, don't be a chicken!  Be a cow instead and get a free meal today.  Enjoy!

Guilty until proven innocent?

We all now know that a jury has decided that Casey Anthony is not guilty.  I am not going to play legal analyst.  I am a mom, so I'm going to give my two cents from a mother's point of view.  Warning, you may not like everything I have to say.

With regards to the Casey Anthony trial, don't you wish it was guilty until proven innocent instead of innocent until proven guilty?  I do.  Unfortunately, our system doesn't work this way.  The jury found Casey Anthony not guilty, and whether you agree or not with the jury, our system did indeed work.  I watched bits and pieces of the trial almost everyday, and one thing was for certain, the prosecution's arguments just weren't strong enough to prove Casey Anthony was guilty.  I was not surprised by the verdict, though I was saddened by it.  I "felt" she was guilty, and her behavior following her daughter's death had guilty and carelessness written all over it.  Unfortunately, emotions and feelings don't equate to evidence, and evidence was exactly what was missing from this case.  If it makes you feel even the slightest bit bitter, remember that not guilty does not mean innocent. 

This was such an emotional case for me and probably everyone else out there, and not just because it involved murder, but because it involved an innocent child murdered and a mother whose behavior following the death of her child is nothing short of horrific.  Some say we all grieve in different ways, but clubbing, really?  My child once had a fever following some vaccinations and I refused to leave her alone for a second, that isn't overbearing, that's caring about her well-being and health.  When I was a little girl and my mom would take me and my brothers out of the house, if anyone touched our hands, she would hold onto them and sanitize/wipe them before we put them in our mouths--again, not overbearing, she was protecting us from harmful germs.  This is a mother's job and her joy, to care for, protect and love her child, forever.  Call me judgmental, but there is a time and a place for going out and having a good time, and it isn't when there is a crisis involving your child.

Today she was chatty in court and looked happy, and even wore her hair down.  She was sentenced to jail for four years for lying to cops, which quickly turned her happy face back to her solemn face.  In addition to the jail sentence, she will have no choice but to live with herself for the rest of her life, and whatever she did or didn't do, will haunt her forever.  We will soon forget about Casey Anthony, if you haven't already--I intend to forget about her right now.

Deals of the Day

Jamba Juice BOGO, Now through 7/18/11: Buy any size smoothie and get another of equal or lesser value for Free.  Breakfast or lunch date anyone?  Yummy.

Happy 7-Eleven Day, Monday, July 11 12:00 AM until 12:00 AM: Their Birthday, Your Bash. Stop by for a FREE 7.11 oz Slurpee and your own personal dance party (Running Man, Cabbage Patch and Shopping Cart allowed, Macarena and Electric Slide not).  RSVP and Facebook will remind you to claim your free slurpee on 7/11/11 http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178699782189105 .

And don't forget about Motherhood The Musical!  They are offering my readers special $29 tickets for performances now through July 9.  Use promo code 4OFJULY when purchasing at the Straz Center Ticket Office, by phone at 813.229.STAR or by visiting STRAZCENTER.ORG.  This offer excludes the July 9 2 p.m. performance. Limit 4 tickets per order.  Not applicable to prior sales.  Cannot be combined with any other offer.  Subject to availability.  Additional charges apply.

Anniversary isn't just an eleven letter word

Today is my third wedding anniversary, and also my seventh anniversary of the day I met Papa Lusty.  Never have I been more appreciative of my husband than this year.  I have a feeling a lot of you feel the same way about your significant others...amidst the recession we have longer working hours, less disposable income, rising costs for just about everything, etc...aren't we lucky to have a supportive partner and one we can vent to?

With all the "newness" (baby, jobs, homes, etc.), my husband never complains and has an amazing sense of humor.  Papa Lusty is a very hands on dad, so after the work day ends, he comes home and helps with the caring for AML jr (yep, changings too, he's a keeper, isn't he?!) and our dog Maddy.  He is supportive of all my endeavors (and there have been plenty) and he is unconditionally loving.  I could go on and on about how wonderful Papa Lusty is as a husband and father, but I don't want to bore you.  That's not to say he's perfect...afterall, he doesn't do laundry and he never throws any of his old, torn clothing out, but then again, he is a dude.

Today is just another day for most of us, and for some of us, it's a very hungover/food coma/exhaustion-filled/recovery day given that it's the day after the 4th of July.  For me, however, it's my anniversary, so it's the day I thank my husband for approaching me in the bar, following up with a phone call, bringing over my favorite desserts, taking me to see Anchorman and ultimately marrying me...oh, and this year giving me AML jr! 

Anniversary is much more than an eleven letter word for me and Papa Lusty, it's about celebrating a lifetime of love between us every year.  And though times may seem tough, on your anniversary, remember that the jewelry, flowers, chocolates, etc. aren't so important, though they may be nice touches.  The companionship, love, support, laughter and memories are what really matters in the long run. 

Motherhood The Musical special offer...check it out for a girl's night out!

For those who don't know, Tampa Bay does in fact have a pretty great performing arts scene (shocking?!).  Broadway to comedy to dance to opera to music and more, The Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa is an excellent venue to find entertainment options for just about anyone.  In fact, I am going to see MOTHERHOOD THE MUSICAL next week at the Straz Center with three friends.  The musical is billed as "hysterical and poignant….a must-see for anyone who is, has, or knows a Mom and it will remind you that it's not just about Motherhood…it's about you."

Today, I am excited to share the following offer with you!  MOTHERHOOD THE MUSICAL is now playing through July 31 at the Straz Center and they're celebrating the 4th of July with special $29 tickets for performances now through July 9.  Use promo code 4OFJULY when purchasing at the Straz Center Ticket Office, by phone at 813.229.STAR or by visiting STRAZCENTER.ORG.  This offer excludes the July 9 2 p.m. performance. Limit 4 tickets per order.  Not applicable to prior sales.  Cannot be combined with any other offer.  Subject to availability.  Additional charges apply.

Oh, and I promise to write a review of the show after I see it next Friday....pregnant pause..."The Good, The Bad and The Laundry!"