Tips for car travelling with kids

A family road trip can be fun, but when one thing goes wrong, you may see a domino effect, making the vacation not so enjoyable. To prevent disaster and misery, be prepared for the unexpected. Traveling by car can be more economical than flying the whole family to your destination and you’ll have the flexibility of having your own transportation.

Get Plenty of Rest

Before you start out on your trip, make sure everyone in the family is rested. Many toddlers become cranky when they’re tired, so make sure they have something they can associate with their naps, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Holding a familiar toy may help calm your toddler and promote car napping, which is a much better experience than crying.

If you’ve been thinking about taking away your toddler’s pacifier, now is not the time to do it. Don’t make any unnecessary major changes until you return home from your trip. The pacifier may be the only thing that will soothe your child when she’s over-stimulated.

Keep Your Toddler Comfortable

Make sure your toddler is comfortable while traveling in the car. If you want to put her in that lacy dress her grandmother made, wait until you’re close to your destination to change her clothes.

Ideas for toddler travel comfort:

• Dress her in knits without scratchy embellishment.
• Leave her in her pajamas until it’s time to get out of the car.
• Layer her clothing so you can remove pieces if she gets too hot.
• Bring a blanket for additional warmth if you’re traveling during the holidays.
• If she squirms and seems uncomfortable, make sure she’s properly positioned in her car seat.

Bring Food for Your Toddler

A hungry child is a fussy one. Make sure you have plenty of nutritious snacks and treats for your toddler. Have an ice-packed cooler filled with anything that needs to be kept cold.

Ideas for food that travels well:

• Pre-cut fruit in zip type bags
• Single serving packages of crackers and cookies
• Small size cartons of yogurt
• Juice packs or sippy cups with milk or juice.

Take Breaks

When traveling with toddlers, plan to take frequent breaks. Many rest areas have large grassy areas where you and your children can run around and stretch your legs. Look for kid-friendly restaurants with play areas.

If your toddler is potty trained or in the process of being potty trained, stop frequently without being asked. By the time most toddlers let you know they have to go to the restroom, it’s probably urgent.

Toddler Activities for the Car

Have a variety of activities planned for when your toddler isn’t napping. Children in this age group often have very short attention spans, so be prepared with enough things to keep them occupied.

Suggested activities for toddlers include:

• Board books
• DVDs and CDs
• Viewfinders
• Stickers and sticker books
• Crayons and coloring books
• Stories told by parents and older kids.

Travel Emergency Kit

Pack a small emergency kit and make it accessible. You never know when you’ll need something, and there may not be a place to pull over.

Items to pack in an emergency kit include:

• Band-aids
• Wet wipes
• Fever reducing medications
• Plastic bags.

Additional Tips for Traveling with Toddlers

One of the purposes of a family trip is to bond and create memories. Getting to your destination is only one part of the excursion, so make car travel as fun and stress-free as possible.

More ways to make a road trip enjoyable and stress-free:

• Have a backpack or small suitcase for each child.
• Occasionally switch places with other family members.
• Pack meals or stop at a deli and have a family picnic.
• Rotate toys and activities frequently to prevent boredom.
• Wrap some surprises for your toddler to open as a reward for good behavior.
• If your child isn’t used to sleeping in strange beds, bring a portable crib or pack-and-play for hotels and your destination.
• Avoid rushing and embrace each moment spent with the family.

Traveling by car with toddlers can be challenging, but if you follow a few tips, you can remove some of the stress and make it fun for everyone. Get plenty of rest, dress comfortably, have plenty of food, take frequent breaks and make sure you have a variety of activities for the trip. Don’t forget to pack an emergency kit that is easily accessible.

Found at http://vacationnetwork.wordpress.com/2012/06/15/tips-for-traveling-with-kids-car-trips-with-toddlers/

Recipe Crispy bacon pizza

Recipe type: pizza, dinner Prep time: 3 hours Cook time: 25 mins Total time: 3 hours 25 mins Serves: 6 


Ingredients

• For pizza dough
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 3 1/2 cups flour (bread flour or all-purpose)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• For pizza (these are approximations, since pizza is subjective)
• pizza sauce
• mozzarella cheese
• red pepper flakes
• bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

1. In the bowl of your electric mixer (or a large bowl, if you don't have a mixer), sprinkle on the yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved. Stir to dissolve completely if needed at the end of 5 minutes.
2. Attach a mixing paddle to the mixer. Mix in the olive oil, flour, salt and sugar on low speed for about a minute. Replace the mixing paddle with a dough hook. Knead using the mixer and dough hook, on low to medium speed, until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. You can also knead the dough by hand.
3. Place ball of dough in a bowl that has been coated lightly with olive oil. Turn the dough around in the bowl so that it gets coated with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. You can also let it rise longer, if need be. (or several hours longer, a longer rise will improve the flavor).
4. Once your dough has risen, punch it out a bit so it deflates.
5. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
6. Flatten the dough slowly on a lightly floured surface until it reaches your desired size. Pinch the edges a bit to form a crust.
7. Using a pastry brush, brush a bit of olive oil on the crust.
8. Layer your toppings on in the following order: pizza sauce, red pepper flakes, mozzarella cheese, bacon.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until crust is golden brown and crispy.

Found at http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/crispy-bacon-pizza-203300876.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CX.CN9PJ2wAImyaxAt.

French Dill Potato Salad Recipe

Another classic French potato salad recipe...it is incredibly easy to make and compliments any kind of meal. Try this salad recipe....great taste !

French Recipe Ingredients:

* 10 medium-sized Yukon potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup chopped yellow onions
* 1/3 cup light olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried dill
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

French Recipe Ingredients:

First of all boil the potatoes for 12 to 15 minutes, until they are just tender. Drain the cooking water and rinse the potatoes in cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the potatoes aside.
In a small skillet set over medium heat, sauté the onions in the olive oil for 6-8 minutes, until they begin to turn golden brown. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir the dill, salt, and pepper into the hot onion and oil mixture. Allow the dressing to cool to room temperature and then toss it with the cooked potatoes. This potato salad is ready to serve....nice & healthy !  Enjoy it !


Found at http://french-recipe.blogspot.be/2008/08/dill-potato-salad-recipe.html

8 Smart Summer Snacks for the Beach

Eating in a bikini doesn't have to give you nightmares any more. Here, summer snacks that will leave you satisfied without packing on pounds. Plus, some surprisingly easy tips on how to shed those pounds for summer!

#1. Carrots "Carrot sticks are the best snacks to munch on during the summer because the orange pigment beta-carotene gives skin an extra glow while protecting cells from free radical damage," says Dr. Aaron Tabor, M.D. and creator of Dr. Tabor's Slim & Beautiful Diet. "Carrots protect your skin from sun damage (though you still need to wear SPF) while giving you a boost of energy."

#2. Watermelon Woman eating watermelon
If you have a hankering for something sweet, pick a juicy fruit like watermelon, over a heavy dairy product. "The lycopene in watermelon will boost your skin with a subtle pink glow and protect its moisture level," says Tabor.

#3. Frozen Grapes 
Not only will this icy treat boost your skin with antioxidants, Tabor says they are also perfect for staying cool in the summer heat. Plus, each frozen grape is only three calories, so you can munch away without guilt. 

#4. Baked Protein Chips 
"Protein chips are an easy option to throw in your beach bag and will keep you fuller longer," says Tabor. "They are low in fat, so they won't leave you with that 'gross feeling' after you eat them." 

#5. Iced Green 

Skip the bloating with your diet soda and sip on chilled green tea to boost your metabolism throughout the day.

#6. Water 

Though seltzer is a healthy alternative to soda and other sugary drinks, water is the best option to hydrate you inside and out on a hot day.Milkshakes

#7. 100% Fruit Juice 
According to Tabor, cold fruit juices containing low-glyemic sugars are full of antioxidants. Just remember to make sure it's 100 percent natural juice, other fruit drinks are packed with unwanted sugar and calories. 

#8. Protein Shake

"Protein shakes are easy to bring to the beach, all you need to do is stick a packet in your bag along with some water to mix," suggests Tabor. "They're creamy and filling, without causing you to crash midday from extra sugar." Try Dr. Tabor's Milk Protein Shakes to support hair and nail health, as well as build lean muscle as you sip.

Found at http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/8-smart-summer-snacks-beach-150400137.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CXSY9pPSWMAIOSaxAt.

Pork Ribs BBQ recipe

Learning how to make BBQ pork ribs on the grill instantly makes you the person who knows how to make BBQ ribs on the grill.

Servings: 2 to 4 
Ingredients 
1 full rack pork ribs 
2 tablespoons olive oil 
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, or the dry rub of your choice 
2 cups barbecue sauce 

Directions: 
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 
2.Place ribs on a large baking sheet, rub with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or a rub (if using). 
3. Cook ribs in the oven for about 2 1/2 hours, or until meat inside is no longer pink. 
4. Preheat grill to high and transfer ribs to grill. 
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes on each side with the lid closed for maximum smokiness. Flip halfway through cooking each side if necessary to prevent too much charring. 
6. Brush a thick layer of sauce on the top side, cook for 5 minutes, then flip brush a layer on the other side and cook for another 5 minutes. 
7. Remove ribs from grill and transfer to a cutting board. Brush on a final layer of sauce and allow to rest for 10 minutes. 
8. Slice into individual ribs and serve. 

Prep Time: 10 minutes 
Cooking Time: 3 hours 


Found at http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/bbq-pork-ribs-recipe-164500244.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CeMSdpPDHwAoXmaxAt

Apple Cinnamon Muffin recipe

Apple Cinnamon Muffins (makes 12-18)

1 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg, beaten
1 cup skim milk
2 medium sweet-crisp apples (like Gala, Fuji, Jonagold, etc.), diced

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine all dry ingredients (through baking powder) in a large mixing bowl. Mix to distribute. Mix applesauce, egg and milk in a separate bowl. Peel, core and dice apples. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in diced apples. Immediately fill muffin cups. I fill them 2/3 full for smaller muffins or almost to the top for larger ones. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few crumbs. Enjoy!

Found at thesveltegourmet.blogspot.be

celebrity vacation places

Top celebrity travel destinations! If you could go where the stars go.. here are some fabulous hot spots where our A-listers love to jet off to..

South Beach, Miami-Many red carpet events and celebrity-only fêtes are held on the shores of South Beach, and you can plan an extended stay in Miami to take it all in you may catch celebrities includingJay-Z, Madonna, and Paris Hilton .

Hawaii-The islands of Hawaii are a popular celebrity vacation getaway for the likes of Megan Fox, Brian Austin Green and other celebs. Many actors and actresses were born on the Hawaiian Islands and spent a good amount of time enjoying the sun and sand during their childhood. Celebrities including Bette Midler, Tia Carrere, Keanu Reeves and Kelly Preston all have roots in Hawaii.

St. Tropez, France Celebrities who want to soak up some French sun head to this costal destination for the ultimate escape. Starlets including Paris Hilton and sister Nicky have been spotted roaming the shores of this prestigious locale,  From a glamorous shopping scene to nonstop nightlife, you’ll find plenty of chances to do some celebrity spotting during your trip.

Mallorca, Spain-Catherine Zeta Jones, King Juan Carlos and dukes and duchesses of Europe have all made their way to Mallorca for a yachting excursion or extended stay at a luxury resort. You can join the club with a trip to the beautiful island, which has been deemed a “Spanish paradise” by many. Rent a car for a few days to explore small coastal villages and enjoy views of the ocean from untouched territory. You can also spend your days walking through markets and villages, and pick up some locally-owned wares. MORE SPAIN- Puerto Banus, Majorca and Ibiza are all famous for its night dance parties. In the past, it is the favorite of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, while today stars as Minnie Driver, Antonio Banderas, David Beckam, Simon Cowell or Bruce Willis are enjoying the parties and beaches of these exclusive locations.

Turtle Island, Fiji-Britney Spears has reportedly secured her own private spot on Turtle Island, Fiji, home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The South Pacific is an idyllic destination–the perfect place to relax and enjoy an exotic vacation for days and weeks on end. Popular destinations here include the Turtle Fiji all-inclusive resort, or you can rent the entire island for a little over a quarter of a million dollars for seven nights. It’s the ultimate destination to enjoy the warm turquoise waters of the ocean, go snorkeling in the lagoon, and relax under the warm sun.

Cabo San Lucas – as it is relatively close to Los Angeles and it is an easy and splendid getaway for celebrities. Jennifer Anniston is a regular in Cabo, while Courtney Cox and her family are also often seen there.

London – the sun might not always shine, but is has an array of history, restaurants and high-class nightclubs. Such stars as Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Sienna Miller or the Harry Potter cast are frequently spotted in London.

Italy – it is where George Clooney can be spotted and he is always inviting other stars to his pad at Lake Como.

Las Vegas – the recent star residing in Sin City is Holly Madison, who has purchased a residency at Planet Hollywood. It is the perfect place to party with celebrities as Lauren Conrad, Paris Hilton, Usher or Leonardo DiCaprio.

Rio de Janeiro – we are talking about a very sexy Brazilian hotspot, with such celebs as Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, Gerard Butler or Madonna, all enjoying the beach or the famous Carnaval.

St. Barth’s – this particular Caribbean island is unique and it is the right place for the rich and the famous. In winter, it is always crowded with stars like Be

Image via Wikipedia

yonce, Mariah Carey or Derek Jeter.

French Riviera – celebrities gather to such hotspots a St. Tropez and Cannes for all the lavishness they offer. Cannes is preferred by Lindsay Lohan, Kate Hudson, P. Diddy and Jay-Z, while St. Tropez is like a magnet for celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Victoria Beckam, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Katie Holmes.

There you go, next time if you want to travel the celebrity way, pick one of these destinations. If it’s good enough for our big stars, I’m sure you’d like it!

Where’s your favorite travel destination?

Source : osttraveltours.wordpress.com