Travel Memorabilia Overload

We just recently got back from the North Georgia mountains. It was the first time in months that we took our beloved Hello Kitty along with us on a trip. We took her to our hike so we can snap her picture in front of the waterfalls. I have to admit that I miss taking her to our trips. When my daughter was just a baby, I had this crazy idea that this brown stuffed toy will travel everywhere with us so I started taking snapshots of her. She's become my daughter's companion through the busy subway stations of Rome, croissant-filled-air of Paris, and fireworks-lit-skies of Disney World. She even has her own album of adventures. And this is the first idea I will throw out there if you are wondering of a tradition you can do while on the go. Aside from taking family pictures and selfies while traveling, here are some tips to preserve your memories.

 1. Take pictures of your kids lovey or toy at every place you visit. Hello Kitty is almost a ruler length, but super light. Think of luggage space when deciding which toy to take. If only my then-baby would not swallow a Lego, it would have been my choice of toy to photograph. You can also take pictures of your own baby up close. In my experience, this is a much harder option because babies tend to look horrified when bright lights flash at them and you will go to jail for holding your baby out onto the bridge with one arm.

 

2. Write a postcard to your child. When I started doing this, I used to opt to have a collectible stamp affixed to it before sending it off to my home. By the time we got home, the postcard would be waiting in the mailbox with the post office stamp making it official. I would write to them telling them of the places we visited and how it was. I then put them in a shadow box type frame with the rest of them near the front door. I imagine my kids reading through the experiences they had growing up someday.

3. Journal/Agenda. If you already keep a planner, write a quick entry as to how your travels are going on each day. If you journal, write away. I also like to sketch different pictures.

4. Buy some cool Magnets. One side of our fridge faces an entrance, so it's where we stick all of our magnets. We move so much that I try to only buy the ones with non-breakable materials. If I only had the front facing door available, I would opt to buy a frame like my postcard shadow box to make it more uniformed.

5. Shot glasses and Mugs. We did this for ourselves. I have tons of mugs while the husband has tons of shot glasses. There is only one mug I really want to add to my collection and I told myself, I won't buy another one after it. It is the Starbucks Disneyland Anniversary mug. These are not just for decor, I like using them from time to time for the purposes they are for - coffee and shots :).

You probably wondered in the beginning why I titled this overload. These are literally the things I do every single time we go somewhere. It's a bit of a stretch, but I've gotten used to it that now it's become a habit - sans mugs. In addition to pictures to sort through, I reserve time and money for these, especially the postcards, every single time, because I want to pass them down to my children one day. What about you? How do you keep the memories of your travels?

Favorite Vacay: Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola

For someone who is barely learning to swim in her 30's, I love vacationing in places where I can easily drown. Living in the south, Florida remains the easiest choice for this crazy activity. We found this gem of a spot because we are loyal Holiday Inn fans. Wherever we are in the world, we almost always stay in their franchise. It's within our budget and we like earning points. We've racked up so many points that we are able to stay in hotels like this for a fraction of the regular going price. This is the Holiday Inn Resort in Pensacola. We just love the Pensacola's white sand and turquoise water.


During the 4th of July weekend madness, one can book this for free. IHG's breakdown is so easy to calculate and does not change whether you are staying during the peak weekends or midweek. We are card members by choice after we've used up all of our points last year. We always opt to use the least amount of points and just pay the difference. While our stay, rooms were going for around $300.00, we paid $70 per night.

I have no clue what is in the area because this is one of those spots we like to vacation to just relax without any type of itinerary. The only things off our checklist are food, sunscreen, beach, drinks, pool, food, nap, and sleep. Throw in the jacuzzi somewhere in there to make it sound more exciting. This is one of those vacation places you take after a vacation somewhere fancy like Walt Disney World, where you walk endlessly.

As far as this awesome hotel? Well, it has a lazy river that we went around on more than 100 times. It boasts 3 jacuzzis. They also provide activities to kids such as the appearances of mermaids and pirates. This specific hotel also feeds every child free throughout the entire day. All of this without a resort fee. My frugal self couldn't contain myself. Using your points does not provide free breakfast, but if your kids eat free, then you really only pay for all the margarita's you choose to partake in poolside. Don't mind if I do. Cheers.

Favorite Stroller: Chicco Liteway Plus

So for my comeback post, I wanted to write about my favorite Chicco baby gear: Liteway Plus. Yes, I know. I no longer have this stroller. However, it remains my favorite stroller to this day. This is the only stroller I recommend to my friends who aren't looking for a jogging stroller. If you like to travel like my family does, this is hands down the best one to buy.

Just a quick overview of this gem in the order of my priorities:

Transitions from Carseat Caddy to Umbrella type stroller

Seat folds flat

No snack tray (1 of the 2 reasons why I switched. The other reason is it isn't a jogging stroller)

Roomy undercarriage storage

Adjustable sun shade

The Liteway Plus came out towards the end of 2012 when I was getting ready to transition out of the Chicco Carseat Caddy.

 

 

In my opinion, it revolutionized this part of the industry. It transitions from carseat caddy, to stroller like some of the more expensive options. The cherry on top? It folds just like an umbrella stroller - one of its kind. I won't rewrite the description Chicco has on its site, but let me tell you why this stroller was a lifesaver for a shortie like myself.

The transition. Whenever I went somewhere with my kids, I switched back and forth between wearing my baby and my 5-year old being pushed. If the baby was sleeping on the way to the store, I let my older kid walk and just snap in the car seat. If my baby was staying home, I didn't have to switch strollers to take the other one.

Seat folds flat. This is not my second priority because it is a good tool for nap time. The real reason is for diaper changing time - which was often every time we were out and about. I've witnessed many moms change their kids on those things and I was grossed out. I won't tell you the different scenarios because if you are reading my blog, I am sure you know the different mishaps one goes through when changing diapers. If it happens within the four walls of your home in a changing table, yes, it also happens in public restrooms. I took the car seat out and opened up the stroller seat whenever he needed a diaper change. I wanted to avoid changing my baby in the public bathroom as much as possible. A flat seat allowed me to change him throughout his diaper phase (still to this day, but with a different stroller).

No snack tray. When he started snacking on his own, this became a problem for me. I used to just attach those spill-proof snack bowls with the daisy links.

5-point harness for seat belt. When my baby was younger, this was an absolute must. The scare of the stroller ever tipping over, I wanted a stroller that will hold him up.

Adjustable sunshade was awesome! Although the canopy isn't too big, it adjusts!

Folds like an umbrella stroller! Easier to tow and does not take too much space. I used to be able to fold this one with one hand and a foot. I wouldn't be able to tell you how since I forgot, but I know it can be done.

Sturdy frame, but so light to carry.

The height of the handle bars is perfect. Not to low and not too high. The design is like the one in an umbrella stroller where they are just bars on each side. If they were connected, I bet the top would be high. Since you can push it holding the bars sideways, it's a perfect height for petite moms.

360 Degree Turn with a push of a finger. This glides so easily.

Roomy undercarriage. 

I was bummed when I had to replace this stroller with a jogging one. Every parent I know that eventually bought this stroller (short and tall) cannot stop telling others to do the same. The best part is that many big box retailers sell this stroller. You don't have order it by phone and find out it isn't for you. You can fit it in your car and glide around the store before buying it.I just know you will fall in love with it as much as I have. Go and drive to your nearest Target or Babies R Us and try it out.

Break is Over, Shortie!

I apologize to the few readers who found my site useful and hoped for more. I plan to be back with how we are doing now and share some tricks and tips I learned the past months. Just a quick hello for now. I have not grown an inch vertically since I last wrote. My then baby, is now a toddler. He has great leadership skills like her sister; insert sarcastic emoji here. I also started working, so I had to bid farewell to my everyday fluffy hello kitty house slippers and polished up my heels.

So, two things to mention. I found the most perfect and budget friendly stroller for petite moms and my baby carrier is still as good as it was. I'll do a review on the stroller soon, but I have the Baby Jogger City Mini GT! This bad boy has a handle bar that adjusts! I know, I know, pretty exciting stuff!

Please stick around dear readers, followers, stalkers. I may no longer have to tow a baby around, but I am still short and these children still need me to do things for them. There are tons of adventures to be had! Big hugs!

Pack Light, Not

One of the few perks of year-round schools is the month long breaks. Sure the summers are shorter, but I personally love the idea that during the holidays we can go away for a month. That was exactly what we did. I imagined the scenario of me traveling with my kids. I questioned whether or not I would be able to do it. Sure, I've been on the plane more than 20 times. But with a baby? I worried about the stroller falling apart. What if I run out of diapers? Should I put him in his carseat? How can I store my luggage when I can't reach it? And the most confusing puzzler - How the heck am I going to use the restroom? You can skim through my recommendations just reading the first few sentences or chuckle at my mishaps by reading all of it, your pick.

First off, check-in your luggage. Really. Invest in a roomy and comfortable backpack and call it a day. I did the opposite. I was so paranoid that I would be stuck somewhere and run out of wipes, diapers, and milk (mind you my little chunky is breastfed). I packed extras to my extras. Extra clothes and diapers went into my backpack, while supplies of everything to include snacks and medicine went into my spinner luggage. I figured, I put the baby in the stroller, while my lovely five year old can push the luggage. I underestimated the meltdowns that came along with being jet lagged. She refused to roll the luggage because she was so tired. There I was with a hungry and cranky five year old, pushing my 7-month old in his infant seat attached to his stroller, and trying to roll the luggage. We still had a layover to conquer.

You say, all you are bringing is a backpack anyways? Great. Now what to pack? Aside from the usual baby diaper bag essentials like diapers, wipes, food, and change of clothes, I packed additional items I knew would help me during my travel.
- baby carrier
- Cares harness
- oversized toilet seat cover so your toddler and older kids do not touch the bottom of the seat when they swing their feet because my daughter almost always swings her feet.

- large disposable underpad instead of your changing pad. Why? Just in case you would need to change your baby on the ground, this is the most perfect solution. It folds flat, is lightweight, and has a waterproof liner. This liner will catch accidents as you are trying to clean up one. You fold it up and put in the trash. They sell these in drugstores or Amazon. Or the Goodnites pads from Huggies. I was fortunate enough to not have to change #2 diaper, but if I did, I would have opted to change him right there on the floor near the bathroom rather than the changer inside. My son likes to roll around as I change him. I worried about turbulence that might occur in the midst of changing him.
- plastic bag: flight attendants are not allowed to touch dirty diapers. Even if they were, more courteous. Re,e,berm they have the vodka, so be nice to them!
- Water bottle - with kids in tow, having the tray table down with a glass without a lid is just asking for trouble. At least with the water bottle, you can close the lid and put it in the seat pocket.

The answer to my crazy questions:
- Bring a stroller that you don't mind being banged up and thrown around. If it has a removable tray, remove the tray and carry that in the plane with you. We've lost a tray once and being in Paris with a fuzzy toddler who was unable to hold her cup was not a pleasant experience.
- Yes, for tiny babies, bring the car seat. The lady gave me the dirtiest look because she was unable to lean back. I would have felt bad except the seat next to her was open and she refused to move. I suggest bringing the car seat because during landing and take off, it is the safest place for a baby. They don't allow harnessing them onto you during those times and it is easy for them to slip through your hands when the altitude suddenly changes. Petites don't really have wide wing span to securely hold the baby, at least I don't.
- Bathroom breaks. I use the restroom at the last minute. If the handicap stall is not available, I park the stroller in front of my stall, tell my daughter to put her feet where I can see it, and she sings twinkle. If it is in flight, I ask the flight attendant to watch my daughter while I baby wear my infant. It's challenging because the seats are a tad bit high and I don't want any contact with it. I use my kid's oversized toilet seat cover for that.

Now you are set to go :). If this is your baby's first flight, don't forget to ask for their wings from the flight attendants. Bon Voyage!

Baby Medicine Bag

What's in your baby medicine bag?

Through experience, I found that buying a pre-arranged medicine/first aid bag is not worth it. Especially with babies, it's important to have the medicine and ointments that they're already accustomed to. The last thing you want is applying a rash cream that the baby is allergic to while traveling.

I like this compartment that I bought for my first baby years ago. It separates the dry stuff with the liquids. I wish it even tri-folds. Maybe a diy that I can make later on.

Hair Conundrum

What to do with the wispy baby hair that grows after pregnancy? Bang it out.

With both my pregnancies, my hair fell out after giving birth. With my first, I even went to the doctor baffled why I was losing hair. Six to seven months later, baby hair galore. I am a very low maintenance girl. When I get ready, I take 10 mins tops. So, really the only solution for me is cover them with bangs, put hair up in ponytail, and bam, done.

Travel with Babies

Phew! We made it! Thank God! That was definitely challenging. I am an over-packer so yes, I pushed a carry-on full of things I thought I would need for my baby. That's in addition to the stroller, baby seat, backpack, and my kids. Of course, I didn't use anything from it.

The entire time, people were trying to lend a helping hand. My petite structure must have made carrying my baby, pushing stroller and suitcase, and coaching my 5-yr old look extremely difficult. I looked like a teen-mom for sure. One of the flight attendants asked where the dad was. Oh the joys.

But we made it! We're here! Thank you my Beco. Without you, this whole experience would have been crazy. Oh and thank you my  feeding cover. And yes I like thanking inanimate objects. And to the people of New York and New Jersey, you are some of the most helpful and hospitable people I have run into.

Mini Staycation

I got to sightsee around San Diego with friends today. We both have children the same ages. Our school aged kids hung out while we talked babies and life. For all the recommendations and praises I do for Beco, one must think they pay me for it. My carrier saved the day once again!

I faced him forward as we sat to eat. It was kind of odd, but it worked. I ate, he ate, we all ate. For two hours, in one inch heel boots, I carried him without sore muscles after. Well, maybe my legs, but definitely not my back nor my shoulders.

It was a bit chilly, so we sat down looking at the gorgeous view in front of us, sipping on some cappuccino... of course decaf.

Travel Supplies

I have been stocking up on some supplies in preparation for our vacation.

I really wanted to purchase these items from One Step Ahead, but they're Cares harness is on back order and I didn't want to risk not having it for our flight. I decided to buy these items from Amazon, instead. True to their prime shipping, these items arrived Monday, after ordering on Friday evening. Kudos, Amazon! My list is pretty long and I wonder how I'll fit these, baby supplies and entertainment items in my carry on. I am debating as to which carry on I should bring. A spinner suitcase so my daughter can push it as I push the stroller? Or a regular suitcase that can turn into a backpack? So, I can maneuver going inside the plane much faster. What do you guys think? I am planning to wear the baby to board because leaving him in the carseat is way too heavy for me.