GUEST POST - CRUISES 2013

Where Could a Cruise Take You in 2013?

Lisa in the Bahamas 2011

If you've got 2013 cruises in mind, you've certainly got a world of choice at your feet. Pick a place that takes your fancy and travel there in style, surrounded by onboard luxuries and fabulous entertainment, where you can wake up to a new destination almost every morning and decide how much or little you want to do, by day or by night. Talk about luxury!

One of the best ways to explore the range of cruise itineraries on offer this year is to use a tour operator, such as Cruise Thomas Cook, as this provides itineraries from all the major cruise operators and gives you a much broader choice of itinerary. Let's take a look at some of the 2013 cruises on offer through the Thomas Cook website.

Mini Cruises

In 2013, you could take a two-night mini cruise from Southampton to Zeebrugge in Belgium, offering a day in the lovely city of Bruges, or a two-night trip to St Peter Port in Guernsey. Both itineraries are run by P&O Cruises so you'll have plenty of onboard fun and entertainment at your disposal.

European Cruises

Take an 8-night tour of Europe with the luxury Celebrity Cruises line, visiting various ports in Norway including Molde, Alesund, Flam, Bergen and Stavanger. Or enjoy a fabulous 14-night cruise around Western Europe with Regent Seven Seas, exploring the likes of Lisbon in Portugal, the coastline of Spain and France, and the lovely city of Palma in Majorca.

Megan in Puerto Rico 2012

Caribbean Cruises

Ramp up the luxury factor with a fabulous Caribbean cruise in 2013. Take a week's holiday with Royal Caribbean International and explore the beautiful islands of the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and St Maarten. Or take a month-long voyage from the UK with Cunard Cruises, and discover New York before soaking up the beautiful sights and sounds of Antigua, St Kitts and the British Virgin Islands.

With so many 2013 cruises to choose from, you've certainly got the world at your feet...

TASTY TUESDAY: CREPES NO KA OI

Crepes No Ka Oi, the best crepe place on the island. Owned by a couple from Tahiti and the Philipines, this cute place has some of the most friendly service and a delicious menu. Whether it's a meaty breakfast crepe you are craving, or a delicious dessert crepe, they have it all from sweet to savory.

Kylie ordered a delicious banana and strawberry nutella crepe sprinkled with cinnamon, and I ordered a fruit crepe drizzled in chocolate syrup and sugar. Mmmmm. The boys ordered crepes to fill, with meat, cheese and vegetables. And lets not forget to mention, the hot cocoa I ordered was the best I have had in a long time. Definitely homemade. If you ever find yourself in Kailua, Oahu definitely check this place out. Your mouth will be grateful.

VIVA LAS VEGAS

I've been to Las Vegas a few times and there is more to it than just gambling and shopping. The strip is crawling with people all day and all night so there is always something going on. Here are a few of my favorite sites in Vegas that I have seen so far...

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant. When I went to Vegas for the first time I saw this place and was smitten. It was also before I had gone to Paris and seen the real Eiffel Tower, but I still believe it motivated me even more to make that Europe trip happen. I guess I was too busy taking pictures of it to actually go inside, anyone eaten there before? Tell us about it!

The Bellagio. The Bellagio has it all. It is a hotel, a casino, a restaurant, a spa/salon, shopping, and entertainment! I especially love the botanical gardens and fountains. After you watch the fountains dance to music take a walk through the gardens and pay attention to details, it is amazing.

M&M's World. You might be interested in some attractions geared more towards kids. Near the corner of the strip next to the MGM hotel and casino you can find M&M's world. It's like waking up in chocolate heaven- four floors of chocolate heaven, that is.

I am going to Las Vegas again in August and two things are on the docket, a magic show and Serendipity frozen hot chocolate. If you're more of a night life junkie, book a killer party via Nite Tours and what happens in Vegas really will have to stay in Vegas.

See more Vegas activities here and make your own frozen hot chocolate here.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Dads are truly the best. We love our dad more than anything in this world. He provided for us in a million different ways and growing up we never felt neglected of anything. Our dad believed in us, supported us, and always played with us. We cherished our daddy-daughter time and grew up snuggling and eating chocolate malt balls late at night playing spelling games in bed. As we grew older and moved from Barbies to boys, he was there to be the brave protective papa bear, always making sure his daughters were taken care of.

We love this daddy video put on by Oral B, and were stoked to see that our poppio and Meggie made an appearance! Keep your eyes peeled their appearance at 0:50! We love you, dad! Have the best Father's Day, because you deserve it. You are loved. You are cherished. You are ours forever and ever.

FREAKY FRIDAY

Bridger feeding one of us when we were first born May 1988

With Father's Day this weekend, our minds turn to our papas. We love our dad to the moon and back, and I can't help but reflect on how fathers learn to be good fathers. Hopefully, if we're lucky, we get to learn how to be parents from our own parents. Growing up we had older brothers who took care of us - they bottle fed us as newborns, played with us as toddlers, and protected us as teenagers. They learned how to love, watch over, and support their little sisters from our dad. 

Dad taught our brothers how to be dads, and now we have their incredible examples to look up to for fatherhood as well. It's pretty special to see 6-year old Bridger feeding a newborn taking the time and effort to learn how to care for another human being. Love that love. Love our families, love our fathers.

HOW TO: TRAVEL WITH A BABY ESSENTIALS

The husband got me a romantic beach stay in Westport, Washington for my birthday! He must have known I've been itching to go somewhere. We'll be surfing along the west coast for a few days and I can't wait to breathe in that fresh ocean air again. Camping is on the docket until we reach our destination in Washington. 

This got me to thinking... now that I have a baby I actually have to plan ahead. So I came up with a list of items that will make life a little bit easier for all of us, especially baby Van. Aside from the obvious diaper bag necessities every baby needs, these are items I have found most useful in my traveling with a baby so far. Give or take some items according to your trip, but this guide can work for traveling by plane, car, and camping.

GoCrib: The Guava Family GoCrib is awesome! It packs nicely into a backpack that makes it easy to travel with. When you get to the beach or your camp spot, simply pump it up and lay down the pad and voila! Your baby has somewhere to crash. This is also great to have when you're visiting distant friends or family. I also included the sunshade (sold separately) that you see in green. This makes the GoCrib sort of like a tent and protects your little one from the sun, rain, wind, bugs, and from eating sand.

Sleepy sheep: Once I turn this guy on, my little man is fast asleep. It works like magic! Van prefers the soothing sounds of ocean waves for bedtime and gentle stream for naps. There is also a spring showers and whale songs setting, each useful for calming your baby when traveling. Fits perfectly into your diaper bag or suitcase and is easy to clip onto your car seat, stroller, or crib.

Car seat: Duh. If you're road tripping this doesn't really have to leave the car and if you're flying it's good to have your car seat for when you reach your destination. Child safety first!

Blanket: A light blanket is always nice to have to keep your baby warm or just for protection from sun or wind. Who knows, it might come in handy to hide your hooties if you find yourself needing to nurse in public! Why not make it the trendiest *cough, most expensive* blanket on the market.

Favorite toy: Sophie the giraffe has made quite the impression on babies across the world. She was perfectly designed for a teething baby. Babies love to grab her long neck and legs and nah on her until their sore gums content. She also makes a fun toy to drool on.

Soothie: Soothies are perfect for plane rides when changing elevation. It's important for your little one to have something to suck on to prevent painful ears. Nobody wants to be that guy with the crying baby! Soothies also come in handy as a mute button.

Bumbo: The bumbo is a great substitute for a high chair and fits nicely in a car or tent. Obviously if you are flying this is not a necessity. My baby is almost 5 months and recently started eating solids. The bumbo and tray (sold separately) will come in handy when we are camping and making frequent pit stops for feeding time. Easy to clean, too.

Baby carrier: If you have a little toddler it may become necessary to haul around a stroller, but with an infant a baby carrier will do the trick and save you some room in the suitcase! I love this thing. My wrap is exactly like the designer brands you may have heard of, like Lulu or Solly, but half the price. Check it out on Etsy here. Comes with directions and there are several tutorials on YouTube for how to wrap this thing. Once I figured it out I was a free woman!

Remember, traveling with a baby is possible- it just takes some planning. Good luck!

TASTY TUESDAY - A RECIPE VIDEO (FUN!)

if there’s one thing i’m good at, it’s eating. food always tastes better 
when cooked outside, and nothing says camp grinds like cheesy eggs 
and bubbling bacon. wrap it in a buttery tortilla with a few of your 
favorite things and put it over an open flame and you’ve got a winning 
combination. eating while camping is all part of the outdoor experience – 
always a priority, always an adventure.

check out the full recipe on wisconsin cheese.

time to get cookin' and campin'!

GUEST POST - VACATION IDEAS FOR SNOW

So maybe you live in a place that still has snow and although you hate to admit it, it just doesn't seem to be melting anytime soon (Montana, anyone? Canada, maybe?). It happens in June in other parts of the world, heaven for bid! We have a guest post sharing a few things to look out for for those snowy getaways!

Skiing Holidays for Non-Skiers: What to Look Out For

Fancy a holiday in the mountains this winter? It’s not all about skiing and snowboarding, you know. While thousands flock to the slopes each year to enjoy the well groomed snow, others are content enjoying the rest of what’s on offer in the resort. Act quickly and you can take advantage of some great deals by choosing to ski France and beyond, with plenty of activities available for the non-skiers too.

Those who choose not to ski, or at least fill their time with activities as well as skiing, will find that most European resorts will cater for their requirements. From nature lovers to thrill seekers, there’s something for everyone. With so much to choose from, it’d be wise to have an idea of what’s available in your chosen resort before you get there, so that you can plan your itinerary to suit. Whether you choose a French ski holiday or prefer to go a little further afield, keep your eyes peeled for some of these superb alternatives to riding the powder.

Our friend Ashley from Every Day's a Sunny Day 2013

Snowshoeing

Strap yourself to these funky shoes and appreciate the snow-capped wilderness in all its glory. Mountain scenery is some of the most beautiful you will ever have the chance to enjoy and snowshoes will give you the chance to enjoy it first-hand.

Dog Sledding

A perfect activity for all the family, sit back and enjoy the ride as a team of dogs take you on a magical ride through the mountain forests.

Our college friend Jed

Snowbiking

Definitely not for the faint-hearted! With the help of an instructor, you will have the chance to mountain bike down steep snow-covered slopes and hopefully, land at the bottom on the saddle and not on your jacksie!

Sledging

Of course, no list would be complete without this family favourite! Fun-filled and available in most resorts, an afternoon of sledging should be part of every trip to the mountain, no matter how old you are!

These are just a few of the increasing number of activities available in and around ski resorts nowadays. Take a look at what’s on offer in your chosen resort, today. 

FREAKY FRIDAY

Jedd, Lisa, Bridger, Megan, Kylie and Chase sometime in the 90s

Summer is almost here! June is the month for sleeping on the porch (or the trampoline!) in the backyard and hanging out with your brothers/sisters till midnight watching movies, eating Red Vine licorice and popcorn till your tummy hurts. Growing up we loved to snuggle with our big brothers and each of us had our favorite blankey too. Just look at that sibling love! Time to take bedtime to the backyard, folks. Have an awesome weekend, and get outside!

GUEST POST - THE EGG OUT WEST

We are excited to introduce you to Meagan, a true mountain girl at heart that shares her adventures in the outdoors and travel with her readers. She's a total ski bum and we love her active lifestyle and how she embraces our beloved Mother Nature. You can find her on Facebook and be sure to stop by her blog!

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The food in Sri Lanka is kind of funny.  Since it's just below India, yet an island too, the food is sort of a mix.  The english settled there way back when so there is a big baking influence.  It's so hot and humid that the baked treats didnt appeal to me, so I stuck to the market food.  It was insanely cheap so we stocked up and threw the goods in our backpacks to nibble along our way.  This market was in the city of Kandy and was crazy exciting. 

See the countryside! We took a train from Kandy up to the hill country of Sri Lanka and stopped in a quaint town of Nuwara Eliya.  The train trip alone was one of the coolest things I've ever done.  I felt like I stepped back in time as we climbed mountains past thousands of acres of tea country.  It was simply stunning!  Sri Lanka is the world's third largest producer of tea so it was fun to see the rolling hills and little native women picking tea leaves for all of us to enjoy. For more photos of my trip, head over here!

Okay so this sounds a little silly but I saw a special on the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage on the Discovery Channel when I was a kid.  Ever since I was kind of obsessed with the idea of hanging with elephants all day.  When my friends told me they were thinking of going to Sri Lanka, I was totally on board as long as we could stop to see the phants!  It was my favorite day of the trip by far.  We fed them, hung out for a bit, then walked with them through a village to the river to watch them bathe.  All of the elephants are rescued so it was awesome to see them taken care of so well. 

Thanks so much, Meagan for the good word on Sri Lanka! 

Reminds us of our time in Thailand - I think we owe Sri Lanka a visit...

GUEST POST - TEN DEVINE TOURIST TIPS

We love Hailey from Something Devine blog. She emits happiness and has an energy and enthusiasm for life that is really quite contagious. She also shares our fancy for filming and travel, so with that being said...we are stoked to have her guest posting today and sharing a few tips! She's an inspiration to us all!

TEN TOURIST TIPS

1 - Wear comfortable shoes.

2 - Pay with cash and keep it in a safe place.

then keep emergency cash in an even safer place.

3 - Look where you are walking, no one likes to get ran into! ;)

4 - Learn language basics.

Don't be afraid to ask strangers for help!

5 - Get a practical bag that will hold your belongings, and keep a good eye on it.

6 - Wear your camera around your shoulder, it will relieve neck pain. 

It will also help you look like less of a 'tourist'!

7 - Figure out your route before leaving and keep the hotel's card on you.

It will have the address on it, just in case you get lost. "Helllp!"

8 - Eat out early, or late - it will help avoid long waits and crowds.

9 - Use apps on your phone, rather than a physical map.

Less to carry and less 'tourist-y'.

10 - Don't be afraid to explore! 

Pay attention and snap photos of land marks along the way, 
it will help you find your way back!

TASTY TUESDAY - CAPRI RESTAURANT

Schools out, Capri is in! Located in Boise, Idaho off Fairview road is the cutest little diner called the Capri Restaurant. The retro vinyl booths and breakfast bar provide a warm and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for low key yet intimate dining. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light with a view of Fairview over your morning cup of coffee.

The Capri gets crowded on the weekends, but it is one the best dives around. Good solid American food, friendly service, and great prices. They even put chocolate chips in their pancakes! If you're more of a savory breakfast person, the Capri special might suit you. Appearances can be deceiving, Capri is in.

Want to see more local dives from where we live? 

+ Boise
+ L.A.

+ Laie

FARMERS MARKET MUST HAVES

Location: Boise, Idaho / Activity: Farmers Market / Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Farmers market must haves include:
1. Baby wrap, Kangas Pouch
2. Cute baby or puppy
3. Sunglasses, c/o Proof
4. Trucker hat
5. Money in your pocket

I love going to the farmers market!
It's fun to get out there and see what your community is up to.
What's going on in your neck of the woods?

ALSO! Check out our guest post about Careers in Travel from Kylie's perspective over here. Learn about how we make travel a part of our lives and careers. Woo-hoo!

FREAKY FRIDAY

Kylie, Lisa and Megan circa 1988

Check out that major rubber necking lady in the teal sweater. Story of our lives! I know if I saw three little babies in a triple stroller I'd be rubber neckin' it too! Triplets at the zoo can almost be their own spectacle. 

Welp, my friends - summer is officially here and it's time to take the kiddos to the zoo! To all you zoo mamas, you know what I'm talkin' about - kids love that stuff and it's a great way to get out of the house and see something a little more interesting than your living room or spit-up on your PJs, am I right? Have a great weekend and have some major fun!