Falling in love with San Fran (part 1)

I was single, carefree and the travel bug had well and truly hit me when I fell in love with San Fran 12 years ago. I've just arrived home from my 2nd trip there and this time, I took my eldest son with me. My sister was getting married over there (she now lives in the States) and I thought this was a great opportunity to show Groover the city that his Mummy fell in love with.

We hit the ground running when we arrived - we checked into our cute little B&B and then it was off to Fisherman's Wharf for a look around and for some lunch. I was salivating at the thought of having "Clam Chowder" from a Sourdough bread bowl again - a famous San Fran dish. I love eating yummy soup accompanied by yummy bread ... and to serve one inside the other ... pure genius! It didn't disappoint ... it was just as delicious as I remembered it to be all those years ago.

Fisherman's Wharf is very touristy but its got a great vibe about it. There are always buskers providing entertainment for everyone - great singers, magic shows, break dancing which Groover loved watching. There is plenty to do here - visit the Aquarium, hop on a ferry ride, wander around the shops or dine at the many restaurants. A great little tip, check out the restaurant at the end of Pier 39 as they have the best Clam Chowder and the best view of the Seals that bask themselves on the docks. It kept Groover entertained over lunch.

There is a great submarine stationed at Fisherman's Wharf and I would highly recommend taking your kids here. Admission was only USD $9 and it was great to show Groover what life on a real WWII sub would have been like. He enjoyed seeing how small all the rooms were and was really surprised that grown men could even fit into the teeny weeny shower!

A trip to San Fran wouldn't be the same without hopping onto the famous Cable Cars. We caught it from Powell/Market Turntable which took us up Nob Hill to Fisherman's Wharf. Rides are USD $5 per person (4 yrs and under are free). Here is a tip, to avoid the long queues walk up to the next block and hop on there - we found that out after we waited in line for about 40 mins! The views from Nob Hill are just amazing and I was too much of a chicken to hang off the side of the cable car. Although, Groover was well up for it, I managed to convince him to stay seated!

Stay tuned for my next entry for the rest of our trip.

Travel Tip Tuesday - Preparing your home (Part 1)

photo : Andrew2410

Like us, I'm sure you don't have a sign like this at the front of your house or a ferocious guard dog to back it up! So, here's how to protect your home when you're on holidays ...

1) Tell a few of your trusted neighbours
*when you're leaving and coming back
*leave them contact details of who to get in touch with if something happens to your house
* ask them to collect your mail
* to put out the rubbish bins if you're going to miss the rubbish pick up (the bins might be a bit too smelly if they are left there for a couple of weeks!)

2) Cancel your usual deliveries and services
* deliveries such as milk, paper etc. It will be obvious that there is no-one home if there are piles of newspapers on the drive
* services such as your house cleaner, child care, the kids extra curricular activities, dog walker etc

3) To look as though you are home
* put lights on timer switches so it automatically comes on at a certain time
* ask someone to house sit even if its on the weekends or a couple of nights over the time that you're away
* if possible leave a car in the drive - ask friends or family if you don't have a second car
* get someone to mow your lawns
* someone once told me - hang out washing on the clothes line to look as though you are home ... a great tip!

Next week, I will be posting Part 2 of Preparing your home.

Travel Tip Tuesday - Packing Lists

Especially with small ones, making a packing list with categories is an absolute must! I make a list for each of my boys about 2 weeks before hand and keep it on the kitchen counter, so I can easily add to it when I think of something new.

I tend to group my list into 6 different categories ... Eat, Sleep, Play, Clothes, Miscellaneous and Car/Plane. This way, I picture in my head everything each child needs for each of the categories. Generally speaking, I don't tend to forget anything important!

For example:

* Eat - cutlery, plastic bowls, bibs, snacks for the trip and for the destination, baby jar foods, travel high chair, sippy cups, milk bottles etc.

* Sleep - pjs, grobags, bedsheets, travel cot, their favourite comforter or soft toy, music box, dummy etc.

* Play - depending on where we're going, I like to pack inside toys (Hide and Seek Pirates, Cat and Mouse, North Pole Camouflage, puzzle books, puzzles etc) and outside toys (a fold up frisbee, soft balls, buckets, spades etc).

* Clothes - to ensure I don't pack too much I limit my clothes for the kids. I figure I can either wash them or buy more if I'm desperate! Rolling them up in bags also save on room. Don't forget to put little toys, socks or undies in their shoes to use up more space!

* Miscellaneous - would be things like medicine, thermometer, first aid kit, antibacterial gel (perfect for cleaning hands after changing dirty nappies or if public toilets don't have soap ... been there too many times!), nappies, etc.

* Car/Plane - I keep a separate bag which is easily accessible in the car or plane with activities to keep the kids entertained (check out our travel toys), snacks for travelling, water bottles, change of clothes for the kids and us (especially if you're flying ... I had some friends who flew to the States who didn't pack this and their poor child was sick all over them ... eeeewwww!),maps, music and story cds etc.

Do you have a special way of getting organised for a trip away?

My first award!

I've just been awarded with this from Kate at Picklebums (what a great name!). My very first blogging award, so thank you Kate ... you've made my day!

I will now hand this on and hopefully make someone else's day and award this to the following seven blogs:

La Toriana - the lovely Elizabeth has also just recently started her blog. Check out her gorgeous things on her online shop for bubs and mums.

Under the Loupe - Annette's blog is always a great read and her gemstone jewellery is just beautiful.

Poss Bloss - I've just found this blog and I love her range of funky art smocks - my personal fav is the skulls and crossbones!

Tikiboo - this crafty lady makes me want to learn to sew! Check out Kathryn's gorgeous children's clothes ... the girls' dresses and skirts just make me want to try for number 3. Ok, slight exaggeration but you know what I mean!

Jenni Markham Designs - a talented lady who makes cute stationery!

The Modern Goddess - a great pep me up blog! Nicole has some great tips on spiritual and personal development.

Planning Queen - last but no means least. PQ has already been awarded this, but she's amazing. With four gorgeous children and one on the way, she's an inspiration. PQ to me is like the Energizer Bunny ... she's got so much energy (and wonderful passion for what's she's doing). Check out her great blog about planning with kids - its a fantastic read.

Enjoy checking out the above blogs.

Launch of Travel Tip Tuesday

Photo: vsz

Not many of us are likely to travel around the world in a hot air balloon, but I thought this photo was a nice way to announce the launch of my weekly blog “Travel tip Tuesday”.

Every Tuesday, I will post some handy tips on travelling with kids - great travel toys, family friendly destinations, car tips, flying tips, things to see and do etc. Hopefully, my tips will help you get to your destination a little less stressed and ready to enjoy that holiday you've been waiting for!

I look forward to hearing about your travel experiences with your kids.

Getting Paid to Shop!

woman shopping,
originally uploaded by nylon dream.

For retailers (whether its on-line or the brick and mortar variety), its the silly season with trade fairs. For people who haven't heard of them, its basically hundreds and hundreds of manufacturers and wholesalers who come together at the Exhibition center to showcase their products. Buyers and owners of retail shops then walk around and shop for products to put in their stores.

Sounds great doesn't it? I used to do this in my past life (pre kids!) and it was even better back then, as it wasn't my money that I was spending! Now that its my money, I have to reign myself in and not go too crazy!!

I love shopping around for good quality new products that are unique and educational (that's also travel friendly) ... that's one of the reasons why I've started my own online shop. So after visiting several of these trade fairs recently, I'm really excited to report that I've found some great new games for my online store! Stay tuned, as I will be revealing them as soon as they are in stock!

Have you got a passion that you've turned into a business?