Family holiday thoughts

When I take a leisurely walk around town I cannot help but peer into the travel agents window, I eye up all of the deals and think how nice it would be to just stroll in and book a last minute getaway. It was only yesterday I felt my bank card jingle when I came across a fantastic deal to jet away to Turkey on an all-inclusive break, in a 4 star hotel. Priced at only £399 per person I was incredibly tempted, but deep down I knew the money that I was thinking of is being saved away for a house deposit…

So I pushed the thoughts of sunny holidays out of my mind…

For now anyway.

We don’t currently have any plans for a family holiday this year, but I am hoping this will change in due course. I would love nothing more than to whisk Leo away to blue skies, days at the beach chasing the surf and building sand castles for a week or two. Watching his face beam from all of the excitement, and just having chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle that comes with everyday life.

Of course taking our family of 3 away on holiday means we have to hunt out the best family friendly resorts and hotels. We have to take a number of things into consideration before booking a holiday… Flight durations, transfer time to the hotel, the actual hotel, and even the resort we would be staying in. If we are going to go all inclusive we need to have an idea of what the food is like, especially having such a fussy eater on our hands in the form of Leo.

Before I ever book anything I always hunt out reviews on TripAdvisor, so I can find out what other guests thought of their visit. I can find out everything, even the bits that they wouldn’t publicise on their website. This is an essential bit of research for me, before parting with any money and committing ourselves to the unknown. Another site I have found incredibly helpful is Away with the kids. They are essentially a directory for family holidays, and they feature the UK, Ireland, Scilly, Channel Islands and even abroad. You can put in the details of where you wish to go, whether you want to go glamping or stay in a hotel and they will pull up a list of places that suit your needs.

In a day and age where information is so easily accessed via the internet, we really do have the world at our feet. We can look into the hotel we wish to stay in, we can find out other people’s experiences on the same holiday… We have all of the tools to make an informed decision.

As a parent who has to make a number of informed decisions before we decide to travel, I love having so many opportunities to do my research before committing.

Disclaimer: This is a featured post

Planning a fun trip for all the family!

I know I am not alone in thinking of a long car journey... The thought actually makes my heart sink. We have personally experienced a long haul car journey to Europe with Leo, who at the time was just shy of one year old. At times it felt like the trip would never ever end. Lets face it... Kids get bored, they have episodes of car sickness or just become easily irritated... or for that matter irritating! All of these things combined transform into the recipe for a family holiday from hell.

I like to think that with the right amount of planning, all children can enjoy a long road trip anywhere while the parents can sit back and enjoy the view! It’s time to stop seeing the travel as a means between A and B, and start seeing it as part of the holiday!

It'a important to be prepared

We have traveled abroad a handful of times with Leo, within the first 5 months of his life we took a holiday to Tenerife, and despite working myself up to the possibility of it all going pear shaped, it was actually a hell of a lot easier than flying with a 2 year old! This summer we jetted off to Cyprus, a 4.5 hour flight. Flying with a toddler was so much more stressful than flying with a baby in arms... But I had anticipated this and packed a Trunki full of absolutely everything that I knew he would love. Things that I knew would keep him entertained... I may have even invested in a portable DVD player. I do like to opt for a peaceful life.

I packed enough food to feed a Severn nation army, replacement batteries and chargers for gadgets and I think it is even worth thinking ahead to all of the possible medications that you may need to ensure smooth sailing on your journey.

Saving tips and tricks

I speak from experience when I say that sometimes it feels as though you need to spend a small fortune in order to have a really great time. When you are away it is very easy to get lead down the primrose path to greener pastures and part with money when you don't really need to. Realistically this only serves to make you stressed and worried in the long run. 

There are a few things you can do to ensure that you don’t spend over the odds on holiday:

- Making a realistic budget before setting off including food and gas will ensure that you don’t find yourself surprised by the bill at the end. Don’t forget to have enough to cover these essentials as you could find yourself short.

- Eating ‘in’ for two meals a day mean that you can prepare food and ensure that those meals have already been covered. With the money you’ll save, you can then indulge in a fun and delicious meal in a local diner that all the family can enjoy.

Keeping the kids entertained

While some children might be happy with a good book to keep them quiet for the entire trip, most children need more entertainment than this for several hours at a time. Playing games such as ‘I Spy…’ will not only keep them happy, it will also make them feel like part of the trip. Leo is still a litltle young to completely grasp this concept but he loved pointing out the things that he could see when we asked him. This useful entertaining print and play games booklet makes sure the kids have fun on a road trip

Our Trunki full of goodies served us incredibly well on our last trip, and although it didn't put a complete end to the tantrums that follow terrible two year old's around, it certainly mellowed the experience and kept me from pulling my hair out. In fact Leo was even complimented by a number of passengers for being exceptionally well behaved.

In hind sight I think they were just thankful not to have a screaming toddler within their hearing proximity...

Disclaimer: This is a featured post

The Boba Carrier 3G Review

I would like to introduce you to a company that has a real family feel to it. This company is Boba, and it is important to mention just how far they have come, in the 5 years since it was foundered by Elizabeth Antunovic.

Boba designs baby slings and carriers for those parents who are constantly on the move. The products are carefully thought through and give parent's the freedom to create a very special bond with their child through the art of baby wearing.

I have had the pleasure of reviewing the Boba Carrier 3G in Lila with Leo, and he like me seems to really enjoy using it. Not only is the carrier brilliant but the company has absolutely amazing customer care. You can reach Boba via email or Twitter and always receive a swift reply. 


When I received my Boba Carrier, I sent out a Tweet expressing my delight and they were very quick to respond, extending their words of wisdom and guidance in case I needed any help in getting to know the in's and out's of my new carrier.

What I really love about the Boba Carrier 3G is the choice of colour's available. With many carriers I have looked into, they are all very similar and the same standard Black, if you are going to be baby wearing you really should look for a splash of colour right!? 


Well the Boba Carrier comes in 7 different designs:

Of course even though the designs are completely brilliant, you do have to take the features into consideration too, with the Boba there is plenty that this very light, easy on the eye carrier achieves.

-100% Cotton

- Front and back carry options

- Removable & adjustable sleeping hood

- Zipper pouch may be used to store your hood when not in use

- Comfortably fits heights 5’0” – 6’3”

- Waistband range: 25” – 58”

- Additional adjustments for easier fit & breastfeeding

- Patent-pending removable foot straps

- Elastic bands neatly roll up straps

- Shoulder strap holders keep purses and diaper bags in place

- Easily adjustable chest strap

- Uniquely designed to “hug” your child

- Converts to an infant carrier without an insert

- Extra head support adjustments for infants

- Body of carrier rises 2-3” higher than other brands

- Multiple pockets for on-the-go storage

The carrier is very easy to adjust to your size and can be worn on your front, or on your back like a ruck sack. There is a very helpful instruction booklet enclosed in your box that demonstrates how to safely use your carrier with your child. 

I like that I can put the carrier on my front or back, and that I don’t have to make a million and one adjustments to the carrier in order to do so. I have attempted to put Leo on my back and this is something that I do struggle with, I shall keep trying to do so, but failing that I am sure that Luke will make sure Leo is strapped in safely. 

Having Leo on my front is my favourite way to use the carrier, it is perfect to make sure Leo is happy while in the carrier and allows us to communicate and bond while on the move. Although having Leo on my front seems to provoke loving pokes to my face and since he has learnt the art of blowing raspberries...I am at the hands of a serial raspberry blower with no where to turn that is safe and sheltered!

I have been using a sling with Leo up until the arrival of our much loved Boba Carrier, and the difference in how the weight is spread is incredible. Leo must weigh about 25lbs now if not more, and the way the weight is distributed provides no strain on your shoulders or your back. 

I have taken Leo for walks around the town and down by the river, just to test the Boba's capabilities and to see if I would feel confident enough to leave the pushchair at home, and venture out with the carrier and the changing bag for the day. Today I did just that, I hopped on a train just before 7am and travelled a 3 hour journey with multiple changes. 

I tackled the crowds and I climbed up steep steps, with Leo safely tucked up in the Boba. Using the carrier took away the stress of wondering if the station would have a lift for us to use, or having to find a big muscly man to come to my rescue and carry the pushchair up the stairs.

The shoulder strap holders allow you to attach your key's or even your purse. If you are just nipping into town then this feature is brilliant and eliminates the need of a big bag to carry with you. You could even attach some of baby's favourite toys! As we were on a long day out, I did need to take my full changing bag but I managed to carry this over my shoulder without obstructing Leo in his carrier.

After using the sling for an entire day I can tell you that the padding is in all the right places and it fits the wearer snugly. I could feel that Leo was completely supported and this put my mind at ease when tackling all those stairs. The clips are sturdy and once they are plugged in are not going anywhere, so you don't have to worry about them coming loose while you are off on your adventures.

While on our travels Leo dozed off in the carrier, despite his greatest efforts to stay awake I might add. He fell asleep at exactly the right time...Just as we missed our train. So while I figured out what to do, Leo closed his eyes and lay his head against my chest. I took the opportunity to attach the sleeping hood which allowed Leo to get some extra shade from the beating sunlight and is great for any breastfeeding Mummy's out there.

The Boba Carrier adjusts easily to hold a newborn and can be used from 7 lbs up. There are no extra inserts required which means you only need one carrier to cater for a newborn and a toddler. For toddlers, the carrier comes with patent-pending removable foot straps that improve their posture, support their feet and make for a much more comfortable journey. 

The only thing I found while using the Boba 3G was that with the Sunny weather we were lucky enough to experience today, that it did get quite warm tucked up in the carrier with Leo. Of course this is to be expected while baby wearing in the Summertime.

While we have been using the Boba Carrier I have been approached by fellow travellers that we have come across on the train, they told me just how pretty they thought my carrier was. They have been very impressed how easily I have got around with my Boba Carrier and one lady even went home to recommend it to her daughter for their 4 month old grandchild!

Leo and I are loving our Boba 3G Carrier and will be using it for a long time to come, it is great to not have to use the Pushchair for everything and nipping to the shops no longer leaves my arms heavy with the weight of my 11 month old son. 

If you are looking for a single baby carrier that suits all of your needs from when your baby is a newborn right on into toddler hood, the Boba 3G could be exactly what you are looking for!

You can purchase your very own Boba Carrier right here. 

While you are visiting Boba's official site, I must recomend that you take a look at their Boba Wraps too!

Happy baby wearing!

Laura

xx

This is a Sponsored Post

Travelling Abroad with a 5 month old - Babies First Holiday

This past week Leo and I have been in Tenerife - Cosa Adeje in Salvaje, and so many firsts have taken place for Leo over this short time period, he has flown for the first time to go on his very first holiday, and while on holiday he has experienced the beach and sea for the very FIRST time!

Over all, the holiday was very enjoyable and when it came down to the airport it was not as complicated as I expected it to be! I had worked myself up about it for no real reason at all….In the end I decided to just take boiled water, as I had been pre-warned that if I took the ready mixed milk cartons then I would have to open and sample each individual carton. Not only is the milk very unpleasant but even Leo as a complete milk gannet, would never drink 3 cartons of milk in the 2 hours you have once they are open! 

So the advice I can offer a first time parent embarking on a first time holiday, is don't stress yourself out with worry, it will all slot into place when the time comes. Take as much boiled water/milk for the flight and the day/night ahead, as I found Leo got through so much more than he usually does and it was nice not to have the added pressure of sterilising as soon as we arrived. Muslins are a absolute necessity and toys for baby are a lovely touch to keep them occupied, Leo had his Alfie bear...much to the disappointment of everyone around him!

Leo's first flight was easy sailing from the word go, although as soon as take off came around...Leo decided to pick that moment in time to forget his bottle and fill his nappy! I am sure my lovely boy knows to do this each and every time it is utterly impossible for me to change him! This became apparent when he did it 3 times on the outward flight and 4 times on the home bound flight!

Upon finally getting our bags and pushchair back in the luggage claim, it was off to face my next greatest fear…Luke driving abroad in a European rental car! This was something I had never known him do before and I was absolutely terrified something would happen with Leo in the car.

The hire company were not based at the airport and to get there we had to take a shuttle service, when we got on the small bus there were no seats left for me to sit with Leo safely, and to my horror no one at all offered to give up their seat so I could sit Leo and myself together! I was absolutely disgusted and I sat there silently stewing while Luke sat with Leo on his lap in his car seat. How could everyone just sit there when there were no seat belts for me to get Leo strapped in safely!? 

I was in two minds whether or not to voice my opinion but for the sake of everyone I sat quietly cutting daggers, and when the couple opposite me commented on how gorgeous Leo was, I was even more angry! If they had noticed him and I, why oh why not offer to help us!?

The hire company Orlando Hire, were based in a garage at the bottom of the steepest slope I have ever seen! We spent the best part of an hour trying to finalise all the details, and I found that they were not very helpful at all! Once it was all sorted I was growing increasingly aware that we were going to have to drive back out of the garage….up the steep slope and on to the opposite side of the road!

It is safe to say that driving on the opposite side of the road, lost in a foreign country and with a un-confident driver was absolutely terrifying! We were travelling with Luke’s family….but once they had disappeared and we were left alone with no idea where we were headed, I just wanted to tell Luke to pull over…. 

We finally managed to get to the villa, and all the stress of the car company and the rollercoaster car journey faded away. As the holiday progressed Luke became more confident in driving around and I became more at ease. 

The villa was lovely and had everything I needed to cater for Leo, the company Villa’s Plus had been made aware that their was a baby coming and they had provided us with a travel cot, high chair and baby walker. The baby walker was a lovely find for us as it allowed Leo to expand some energy and have a kick around, it was also the perfect place to sit him and feed him…once he was placed in a corner so he couldn’t run backwards away from me, mid feed! Leo is still a bit small for a high chair in my eyes.

The week was spent looking in the local shops and towns, heading to some of the beaches, swimming in the pool at the villa and heading out for meals in the evening. We even went to the other end of the Island - Puerto de la Cruz and visited Loro Parque. This is an amazing animal park with Dolphins, Killer Wales and everything aquatic you can imagine. 

They put on the most exquisite Dolphin show I have ever seen in my entire life and words cannot describe just how spectacular it actually was. The dolphins catapulted the trainer into the air and then some! 

Although Leo couldn’t marvel at the animals in general, he still enjoyed looking at the lights in the tanks and seemed to enjoy the day in general.

When it came to Leo’s first time on the beach, I wanted to make the most of it and expose him to the sea and sand, collect some small shells to put in his scrap book and just make it a memorable experience for us all. 

Leo enjoyed being held upright in the surf and kicked his little legs when the waves came and wrapped his feet, he began to anticipate the waves and kept getting excited. We dipped his feet in the sand so he could feel the different textures and then quickly had to wash him down as it was only a matter of time before he decided to eat his feet again…

 

 

We got Leo back, fed, bathed and ready for bed before heading out for dinner each night. He was brilliant and would take some of his bedtime bottle before proceeding to sleep through dinner and would wake up on the walk home. I then took him straight to his room, fed him and put him down. He then slept all night long! Which as many of you know…has not been a regular occurrence since he was 16 weeks old!

One of our other days was spent out at the Go Carting track, I was coaxed into giving it a go against my better judgment, so Leo spent half an hour with his Nanny.

I am pleased to announce that I won the race between Luke and his Step-Dad which was very un-expected…but also a real accomplishment for me!

Of course there was swimming in the pool at the villa, which Leo throughly enjoyed! It was lovely to be able to take photos of Leo enjoying his time in the pool. He has only swam once prior to going on holiday but obviously in public pools it is impossible to photograph these days because of all the worrys that come with it. So I am pleased to have got the footage that I did.

Luke, Leo and I witnessed a sunset and sunrise on our holiday, and I had never realised quite how quickly both events occur. I have never seen this happen before and it was lovely to watch with both of my boys. 

This closed our week away and the next morning we were putting the finishing touches on packing our bags for the flight home. It is always nice to get home after being away, but it was even nicer getting home to the crisp December weather, it didn’t feel like Christmas in Tenerife and seemed so odd seeing all the decorations mixed in with the summer weather and climate.

While we were away Leo managed to roll back over from his tummy to his back! He is changing so quickly and just growing up! Why don't they stay small for long? It seems the baby days are numbered...I just want to freeze time and keep him small.

We are now in the process of putting our tree up and getting into the festive spirit. How have all of your weeks been?