Patio Decor

I was so excited today when I stopped by Target to pick up a few things and I saw that the patio furniture was on clearance for 50% off. I have been eyeballing this set for a while now and talked myself out of it until today. In addition to the set above, I also purchased the pillows that are shown and an outdoor area rug. As soon as I have my cabana drapes made and place them on the bamboo 4" thick rods that I have, I will be all set. I will FINALLY have a relaxing place outside to escape.

Traveling with Little Ones

Having just returned 4 days ago from Thailand. TSA Regulations for travelers can be review here. Liquid Rules can been seen here. If you need larger quantities for babies you are allowed to bring reasonable amounts to travel with as long as you declare them before going through security.

I flew 27 hours with absolutely NO problems at all. Surprisingly, both my kids did extremely well.

I took my car seats with the help of the GO GO Baby Travel (make sure to get the one with the single strap rather than the 2 screw one. The older model, 2 screw one is very tedious and cumbersome and frankly more annoying when you are in a hurry to deboard the plane). I was suggested to bring the car seat for my son because he is accustomed to sitting still when placed in a car seat and undoubtably, my friend was correct. He had no problems sitting in his car seat for the 27 hour flight with the occasional get up to stretch. I also, brought my daughter's car seat as well so she didn't feel left out and it would probably be more comfortable for them to take naps since they are designed for their little bodies. Also, during the flight out to Thailand, in addition to the car seats, I also gate checked my strollers rather than curb checking them and used these bags to cover the gate checked strollers. The last thing that you want to do is put your child into a soaking wet stroller because it rained at one of your lay overs when they removed the stroller from the belly of the plane. However, on the flight home, I curb checked the strollers because I knew that I only had 50 minutes to deboard, go through security and reboard another plane in Tokyo, so I knew that I needed to have minimal items in hand.

I also, brought tons of snacks (which I didn't really need because on International flights they continuously feed you every 2 hours or so). I did however, use a bag of instant oatmeal (or you can use instant soup) and request hot water which you can request on the plane. If you have purchased a seat for the child, you can request a kids meal for them (do this as far in advance as possible) on the airlines website. When you arrive, let them know that you have requested a special meal. For take off and landing, I brought empty Take and Toss Cups and asked for milk and juice once I got onto the plane and gave it to the kids as soon as we took off and about to land. Giving it to them too early, will not do you any good because they will suck it down too quickly and/or get bored with it to soon.

As far as activities, I suggest bringing some surprise new items to created a new interest for a duration of time. I bought Color Wonder packages, stickers from the dollar section of Target, Tag Reading Books, and most importantly PORTABLE DVD PLAYER. I brought 3 units and a whole binder of kids DVD's because of the duration of our flight.

Also, I am not sure if you have access to this, but because my husband travels for business often, we have Sky Club Access. I found this to be especially nice because you are removed from the mass herds of travelers and placed in a private area with an open bar, TVs, free WIFI, snacks, some have showers, and cleaner bathroom facilities. This was especially easing to the nerves because when we stopped for layovers I didn't have anxiety attacks that my kids would be scooped up by random people.

As far as medication, I brought Tylenol, Motrin (transferred from the package into travel bottles found at Target, Benedryl (they have individual perfect portions) and I asked my pediatrician for antibiotics in the unmixed powdered form (just mix with sterile water) in case of emergency since I was traveling to a developing country.

And don't forget you normal carry on bag with a change of clothes for a day just in case your bags don't make it to your destination on time.

Happy Travels!!!