Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Travel BaBees in the news

The media is buzzing with news on Travel BaBees.  Here are the most recent media mentions for Travel BaBees franchises:


Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Traveling with your children and the new airline restrictions


In light of the new airline restrictions, air travel is getting that much more stressful for parents everywhere. In the middle of this busy travel season, it's important to be prepared for delays, and the new restrictions are only adding to them.

Taking a quick look at how these new restrictions can affect you is vital to being prepared for your flight:

  • Staying in your seat for the last hour of the flight: It was announced today that the TSA has relaxed some of it's flight restrictions and has left the protocol for the last hour of the flight up to the crew.  For the most part, you won't be asked to remain in your seat without the necessary diapers, bottles, or books. If you find that you are on a flight where you are asked to remain without your baby's gear, be sure to have changed their diaper prior to the last hour, fed them as much as you possibly can, and attempt to occupy baby as much as possible. 
  • Clearing security: For the past 9 years, security has changed to the point that you feel you must almost strip down to get through. Our belts, our shoes, and our bags are searched, and this is a good thing. However, with kids, it's stressful trying to get them through security then dressed again. Be sure to dress them in elastic clothing, with no belts, buckles, or fancy shoe straps. Slip in shoes that they can get in and out of on their own are the best option for a quick exit through security. 
As always, packing light is your best option for a stress free trip, so leave the stroller and car seat at home. Having your stroller scanned and placed through Xray is highly inconvenient, and can add just that little bit of extra burden to your trip.  Renting through Travel BaBees can lighten your load in more ways than one!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Stuck in the airport? The best kids play areas in airports around the country


Snow hit the Eastern coast this past weekend, and with snow came the grinding halt of flights everywhere. Unfortunately for many, the cancelation of flights has come at a time when everyone is trying to get to family for the holidays.

If you find you are stuck in an airport right now with your children bouncing off the walls, take a look at Travel BaBees quick guide to airport play areas:

Boston: Logan International - Indoor playgrounds
Logan International has two play areas for kids, and they are both work the trek to Terminal C or A. Kidport has a model airplane to climb on or slide down, tunnels, and a fun kid friendly baggage claim. The Kidport in Terminal A also has a mini-control tower. Great for kids who love airplanes, and a break for you.

Dallas Fort Worth International - Play areas abound!
DFW is a very family friendly airport. They feature three play areas in three terminals, including a junior flyer themed area with runway, plane, and air traffic control (Terminal B by Gate B12). In Terminal D by Gate D33 you can find a McDonalds that will let you buy a happy meal and give your kids a place to play, which is great for long layovers.  Terminal C at Gate C14 has a smaller version of the junior flyer play area.


Seattle-TAC (SEA)
Let your kids run wild at the huge children's play area while you catch up on your reading. This playground is soft foam, and features an airplane theme. If you are nursing, there is a parents room with rocking chairs for feeding your baby privately. The playground is located on the left, once you pass through security and go through the Central Terminal on your way to Concourse A.

We hope you don't get stuck in the airport this holiday season, but if you do, at least there are places for your kids to burn off some steam and for you to catch a much needed breather.

Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 14, 2009

We're thinking of Military Moms this holiday season


Let's face it, it's not easy to be on your own with your kids for long periods of time. You cook, clean, play, and take care of them; eventually you are going to need a break.  Most moms can have that break, because Dad comes home after work or they have family they can rely on.  Imagine being in a strange city or country and not having your husband there to support you. You have no friends and family around you, and you are the full-time mom of your children.  For me, it sounds like the hardest situation I could imagine, but it is a reality every single day for thousands of military moms who stay back and take care of their families when their husbands are deployed.

It wouldn't be easy for those who are serving our country either. The men and women deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan worry endlessly about the families they have left behind.  Not only do they deal with the stress of leaving their wives and children, they have financial concerns to worry about as well.  It is a huge sacrifice that they make to fight for our country, and I am glad that there are programs out there to take a little bit of the stress from them.

This holiday season, Travel BaBees has sponsored a military family through Operation Homefront.  The "Adoptafamily" program pairs families in need with people who want to help provide a Christmas dinner and presents for the kids. If you are able, check out http://www.operationhomefront.net today.  It might be too late to donate for Christmas, but there many other programs that assist military personnel and their families.

Wishing all military personnel and their families a very Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

TravelBaBees Atlanta's best picks for your kid's this Christmas


There is nothing, and I mean nothing, like a Southern Christmas.  Those lucky folks living down south just seem to know how to do it all right, whether they have snow or not.  If you are one of the lucky few traveling down to Atlanta or the general area this holiday season, here is a quick list of fun stuff to do with your kids (and don't forget to rent, not bring, your stroller!)

Babyland General Hospital is widely known as the birthplace of the Cabbage Patch Kid.  Take your kids on a tour of the hospital, allow them to choose their own new baby, and go through the fun adoption process.  It's always exciting to bring home a new family member, and even more so at Christmas.

The Santa Express is rolling through town, and if your child loves trains or the Christmas movie "The Polar Express", he or she will love taking a ride on the Santa Express.  Sing carols, visit with the elves, and end your time on the lap of the big man himself.  Taking a trip on The Blue Ridge Express is a very festive way to kick off your holiday season.

Take a tour of the lights and sounds of Georgia with a trip to Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights.  Established in 1992, this drive through spectacular is sure to get you feeling festive.

Happy Holidays!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

TravelBaBees Recipe #3 - Red Velvet Cake & 19 sleeps until Christmas

Although I do have a great family recipe for Red Velvet Cake myself, I'm bound by family rule to not share it. However, I do have this wonderful Red Velvet Recipe that I found on All Recipes, and it's just as good (if not better!) Enjoy!

Red Velvet Cake 

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 ounces red food coloring
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 8 inch round pans.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together sugar, oil, and eggs. Add food coloring and vinegar to buttermilk. Add baking soda to flour. Add flour mixture and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the sugar mixture. Mix well. Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla into batter. Pour batter into prepared pans.
  3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until done. Remove from oven, and cool on wire racks.
  4. Mix together cream cheese, butter or margarine, confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in nuts. Frost cooled cake. 


Saturday, December 5, 2009

On to Grandma Rosella's Recipe #2 - Sugar Cookie Icing

Heaven in a bowl! Thanks Grandma!


  • 1 cup icing sugar
  • 2 teaspoons milk (I use whole milk, it's richer)
  • 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • assorted food colouring

Directions

  1. In your mixer, beat together icing sugar and milk until smooth. 
  2. Beat in corn syrup and vanilla until icing is smooth and glossy. 
  3. Icing too thick? Add a touch more corn syrup (Grandma didn't like measuring spoons, she just added stuff as she went)
  4. Get some small bowls and add a dollop of icing to each.  Add food colouring in varying shades to each. 


Now that you have sugar cookies, you can decorate them with this icing, then add candy or other sprinkles. 

Follow me on Twitter @travelbabees

Friday, December 4, 2009

Recipe # 1 - 20 days left until Christmas, so let's have some Sugar Cookies!




The first index card I pulled today from Grandma's recipes is Sugar Cookies. A Christmas staple, sugar cookies are easy to make and fun for the kids to cut out and decorate. Light and fluffy, these cookies are so yummy that she said they couldn't possibly be fattening (Grandma was a little hippy, so take that with a grain of salt)


  • Grandma Rosella's Sugar Cookies

  • 1/2 cups butter (take it out of your fridge about 2 hours before you bake so it's nice and soft)
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla (She always used the real vanilla.)
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch Cream of Tartar 

Directions

  1. In your mixer (I used my Kitchen Aid) cream your butter and sugar together until it's fluffy. 
  2. Beat in eggs one and a time and add the vanilla. 
  3. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. I like to add my dry ingredients all at once and let the mixer take care of it.
  4. Scoop your dough onto plastic wrap, then cover it completely. Be sure to chill dough for at least 2 hours.
  5. Turn your oven on to 400 degrees. Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes.  *Quick Tip* Use parchment paper and roll out the dough directly on the paper.  You can remove the excess dough from the cookies as opposed to moving the cookies from the cupboard to the pan. Lessens the likelihood of having snowmen with broken arms. 
  6. Bake 6 to 8 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks.


These cookies are good on their own.  My mom always liked to eat them plain, but I decorate them with my kids. 


Tomorrow's recipe: Grandma's Icing! 

20 Recipes until Christmas!

My Grandma was an amazing baker/cook. She had 13 kids, lived on a farm, and barely ever got to leave the house other than Church on Sundays or the occasional grocery trip into town.  Because of this, Grandma had to make her own fun, and one of the ways she entertained herself was baking.

I have a small, wooden box that is full of recipes from her. I cherish this as a keepsake, and you can bet if there was ever a fire at my house that I would be grabbing for that box as soon as my family was safely out the door.  Recipes like hers are tradition, and they are meant to be shared with others.

My gift to you this season is 20 recipes in 20 days.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we have.

Visit me on Twitter for more updates! @travelbabees

Monday, November 30, 2009

Welcome Charlotte, North Carolina to Travel BaBees


In honor of the Charlotte, North Carolina Travel BaBees location opening on December 1st, let's talk about Christmas in North Carolina!

Who wouldn't want to spend time in North Carolina, and what better time of year to go there than Christmas? The temperatures are moderate, the scenery is beautiful, and there is nothing in the world like a Southern Christmas.

If you live in the State, you've probably already visited Christmas Town, USA (otherwise known as McAdenville, NC).  The entire town lights up, and it's free for visitors.  Everything lights up tomorrow, December 1st.

The Biltmore Estate in Ashville is a must see at Christmas time.  An American castle, this home was built in 1859 by George Vanderbilt.  Still family owned, this is the most beautiful place to visit at Christmas time.  Until January 2nd, visit one of their Candlelit evenings for a true Christmas experience.

Sometimes, looking for a Christmas tree is an adventure in itself! North Carolina has an estimated 50 million Fraser fir trees, and you can find the perfect one for Christmas on a day out at a tree farm with your family.  Visit A White Christmas Tree Farm where you can pick out what they fondly call, "The Cadillac of Christmas Trees," a Fraser Fir.

No matter where you go in North Carolina this Christmas, be sure to leave the baby gear at home and reserve a rental from Travel BaBees.  We take the stress out of traveling with your kids!  Happy Christmas!


Storkcraft Crib Recall

Travel BaBees would like to acknowledge the recent crib recall by Stork Craft and advise our customers that we do not currently use nor rent the StorkCraft brand.

The CPSC states 'We urge parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs, wait for the free repair kit, and do not attempt to fix the cribs without the kit.

'They should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby.

'Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side.'

If you are waiting for your repair kit, Travel BaBees has crib rentals on a weekly basis.  Please contact us or fill out a reservation form to reserve yours today.

For more information on the crib recall, visit http://www.storkcraft.com or follow them on twitter at http://twitter.com/StorkCraft

Monday, November 23, 2009

Dream the impossible dream - Saving money at Disneyland this holiday season



If you've got children, you know that you will walk over coals to make them happy.  Although some parents opt to avoid the occasional stress involved in taking their kids on a major trip, others realize that traveling is a learning experience that opens up new worlds to your children.  Once you realize that you would like to plan a family vacation, it's not difficult to narrow down the choice of destination.  Ask your child where they want to go this year, and chances are they will say "Disneyland."

Who couldn't love this mecca of happiness? For kids, it's a chance to jump into a fairytale of dreams comes true and wishes realized. Parents love the chance to see their baby's face light up when they meet a Princess or a Galactic Hero.  For a family vacation, it's a win-win situation. The only downside? Disney will empty your pocketbook faster than an electronics store at Christmas. 

If you want to do Disneyland this holiday season, you are going to need some solid advice on saving money.  Yes, it can be done.  You just need to know where to look for answers:

  • Food is important. Make eating part of your plans: Yes, it sounds ridiculous.  Of course you have to eat! The real question is where are you going to eat? It's all too easy to just grab something at the park, and they do have a wide variety of items to choose from.  If you want to save money on eating, plan on grabbing one major meal outside of the park.  As dinner is by far the most expensive meal of the day, leave the park at 4 pm and head out to a local restaurant.  There are many options nearby, including buffets, pizza, and fast food.  Keep in mind that breakfast is often provided by many local hotels, so that will save you money as well. 
  • Avoid the extras that aren't really necessary: Souvenirs are an important part of any holiday, but do you really need those extra fridge magnets? Clothing and costumes in the park cost extra above and beyond what you would pay on the Disney web site.  Come to the park prepared with your Tinkerbell shirt already on and your daughter's Cinderella gown pressed and ready to wear.  
  • Know where to go for great deals: Not everyone knows that there are thousands upon thousands of dedicated Disney fans that post to Facebook and Twitter every single day.  Find out the best place to eat lunch, the best price on a character breakfast, and the sneaky little places to save on coffee or hot dogs. Keeping up with these folks can also let you in on secret places in Disney and the quietest times of the year to visit.  To find them, search on Twitter under "Disney"
  • Rent your baby gear before you go:  This is important, because stroller rentals at Disney will cost you a minimum of $15 per day for one stroller and $25 per day for two.  Disney no longer rents double strollers.  Save yourself money and give yourself the gift of convenience by renting your stroller through Travel BaBees.  We have double, single, and jogging strollers.  Delivered straight to your hotel, it really is your best bet for a full week stay at Disney. 
You really can't beat a trip to Disneyland, and going prepared is your best option for relaxing and having a great time with your kids.  

Enjoy the lights, the magic, and the enchantment that is Disneyland this holiday season. 




Monday, November 16, 2009

Preparing yourself for your next trip: Bring on the disinfectant wipes!

When I first went to Disneyland in 1977, people could still smoke on airplanes. I was fairly little, but I remember quite clearly the ash trays that were on the airplanes and the cloud that hung over the ceiling.  As a parent, it's a relief to me that you can no longer have a cigarette on airplanes, but it seems now we have bigger fish to fry than just pesky old second hand smoke.  For days before a flight, I lay awake at night stressing over taking my kids on the airplane.  Why? Not because of a fear of flying (which I have wholeheartedly), but instead because of germs.

Yes, anti-germ phobia has taken over the country.  We all carry our hand sanitizer in our pockets for protection, and flu shots are a hot topic no matter what state or city you live in.  And yet, the holidays are upon us and we need to be able to travel with our kids and not hide out until the next wave of the flu rears it's ugly head. The quickest means of getting from point A to point B? Air travel.

Airplanes, those meccas of quick transport, carry hundreds of people every single day.  With each person boarding, they bring their own special brand of germs.  Germs spread when you touch things or cough and sneeze without covering your mouth, and although I will hit the deck if I see someone not being careful with their sneezes, my kids may walk straight into someone else's germ cloud.  Yes, it's a difficult environment to be in when you are trying to avoid illness, but there are things you can do to protect yourself and your children during travel and flu season this year:

  • Carry anti-bacterial wipes the same way you would carry baby wipes - Keep them in a ziploc baggie in your purse and upon entering your seats, wipe down everything that your kids can touch.  Most wipes remove 99% of the germs on surfaces, so you can rest easy after your kids make a grab for the inflight magazines or tray table. Wipe down the seat belts, windows, and even the fabric on the seat.  The person across the aisle may think you are crazy, but they will be sneezing in a few days and your kids won't be. 
  • Drink a lot, and encourage your kids to drink a lot - Ask for orange juice or the kids and tea for you.  Of course, with large amounts of beverage consumption also comes...
  • Bathroom breaks - Once again, bring along your anti-bacterial wipes and your own container of anti-bacterial hand sanitizer.  A travel bottle of Purell is small enough to bring on the airplane. Once in the bathroom, wipe down everything before letting your child use the facilities. 
  • Don't use airline blankets or pillows if offered.  Generally these items are no longer on flights due to the spread of the flu, but if you are offered, say no. 
  • If your child falls asleep, cover his or her head with your sweater.  At the very least, this will filter out some of the air as they sleep.
  • Avoid coming into contact with numerous baggage handlers by leaving your car seats and strollers at home.  Without the extra baggage, you can go straight in and straight off the airplane.  Renting car seats and strollers from Travel BaBees means you have clean, sanitized equipment delivered straight to you.  You won't have to wonder how many people grabbed it and threw it around. 
Yes, the flu epidemic has turned us all into germaphobes, but it is definitely better to be safe than sorry.  You won't stress as much about your children picking up bugs from your next trip if you come prepared.  Happy traveling!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

San Diego and Orlando Travel BaBees opening this month!

It just became that much easier to enjoy your favorite sunny destination with your kids this winter.  Travel BaBees is happy to announce the opening of our San Diego and Orlando locations!

Yes, you can save money on your trip to Orlando.   Rent a double stroller from Travel BaBees for your entire stay and you will avoid spending $31 per day for a double stroller at  DisneyWorld.

San Diego has sunshine, surf, and the fun attractions like the San Diego Zoo. Whether you are walking the dunes or driving down the coastline, Travel BaBees of San Diego has gear for you.

Drop us a line or give us a call for all of your holiday needs!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Airline travel: Striking fear into parents hearts everywhere


This fall has been more stressful than usual for parents across the country. We've had to deal with the H1N1 pandemic, resulting in our worry every single time our kids sniff or sneeze. Resign yourself to the fact that your monthly budget must expand to include exciting extras such as Purell and Anti-bacterial soap, at least for the next few months.

Just when we've started to relax slightly, WHAM! We're hit with the upcoming holiday season. Yes, it snuck up on us again. The celebration of Thanksgiving on November 26th begins a month long holiday bonanza that will include parties, family get-togethers, and the two words that cause parents to recoil in horror: Airline travel.

If you've been watching the news in the past month, you will have already heard of the mom and screaming toddler that were escorted off SouthWest Airlines because the child would not settle down. Any parent can imagine being in the same situation.

Traveling with your kids can't be said to be a fun experience, but many, many Americans pack up their kids and their suitcases to travel across the country to be with family and friends. Given how stressful it is to handle your children in large places such as airports and small places such as airplanes, how can you avoid the pitfalls along the way? Planning is key to avoiding some of the stress. Not unlike a commando going into war, plan your itinerary item by item and right down to the last detail.

Need some help? Travel BaBees is here with a few quick tips that will take some of the stress out of your upcoming air travel.

Tip#1 - Pack light and leave unnecessary objects at home
Do you know what it is like to wrestle your car seat from the grasps of the luggage carousel? Or even worse, go through the frustration of hauling your car seats into the airport only to have them get lost when you arrive? It's frustrating beyond belief, especially after a long day of switching flights and dealing with cranky, claustrophobic kids. Leave your car seats in your car and avoid this stress by renting them at your destination from Travel BaBees.

Tip #2 - Decide where your child will sleep before you get there
If you've ever asked your parents what it was like to travel with you, they'll tell you that they just put a blanket down on the floor and you'd pass out anywhere. I laugh when I hear this, because my kids would take one look at that blanket and recoil in horror. After a long day of flying, planning for where your child will sleep is important. Whether you are at a hotel or Grandma's house, having a comfortable bed will help you avoid the long, sleepless nights (for you!) that a cranky, uncomfortable child will bring when in a strange environment. If you have a baby, rent a fully equipped crib. Your fussy toddler will feel right at home in a toddler bed. Making their transition as comfortable as possible is important when traveling, especially when dealing with jet lag.

Tip #3 - You may not believe this, but leave your stroller at home
This tip is often met with stunned expressions. You paid a lot of money for your specialized stroller. It is the carrier of your child, the holder of your extras, and you can check it at the gate. Why on earth would you leave it at home?

I have two words for you: Baggage Handlers

Yes, these experienced airline professionals will check your stroller at the gate, and occasionally it will come back unscathed, but more often than not they aren't that gentle with your prized piece of equipment. I've seen strollers come back with the plastic casing cracked, with one wheel rolling away when you set it back up again, and with fabric seats ripped beyond repair. Think that is frustrating? Have you ever tried to file a claim against the airline for a destroyed stroller? You'll be waiting months for that cheque.

If you want to keep your expensive stroller intact, leave it at home. Travel BaBees can deliver a stroller to your destination, so all you have to do is grab it and go.

Yes, flying with your children is scary enough to make you want to stay home. Fortunately for traveling parents everywhere, Travel BaBees is there to lighten your load.

You too can enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner, no matter where you have it this year.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Welcome!

Welcome to our new blog! We look forward to sharing more about Travel BaBees with you. Please check back soon...