Sweet sounds...

School holidays. Love them....Hate them. Double edged sword. Whilst we are not officially at 'school' as yet, we at the tail end of the 'kinder / occasional care / activities' holidays. We all love the fact that we can lounge around in PJ's, watch DVD's, read lots of books and bake lots of cakes, however I do believe my little hip family are a little bit over their hip Mumma. So now it seems that its time for the early morning rush hour to recommence once more.

Yesterday though, my biggest hipster and I checked out some of his 'bestest' things on YouTube. Consequently, I woke up this morning, to the sweet sounds of Mr 5 lying in bed reciting his current favourite...Wonky Donkey.

Whilst I cannot say its totally my cup of tea, whatever floats his boat works for me. So it only feels appropriate to share these sounds. Enjoy, and check out those yellow cheese straw toothy pegs.

And whilst we are here, it feels rude not to share my current personal favourite...An interview with 'The Very Cranky Bear'. Enjoy

Mummy blogger hype...

I am totally loving all the 'mummy bloggers' hype that is trending at the moment, and that people are finally waking up to the importance of listening to influential women such as these. I am also loving that Julia Gillard recently invited some of the more well known 'mummy bloggers' for a tea and a chat. Would have liked to have been a fly on the wall of Kirribilli house that day.

Like many bloggers, when you find something you love, you feel the need to share, and I do have to say, I have a few absolute fave Mummy Bloggers that I LOVE to read daily....BabyMac being my ultimate read (feel like she's a sister from another mother), also Edenland, All consuming, and of course Mamamia

I myself, could somehow, somewhere, fall into this 'mummy blogger' category too, even though I currently:
a) have too little time to spend with my beloved 'little hip traveller' of late, due to a ridiculous life schedule and no time for anything me related (something which must change!)
b) am currently more focused on 'travelly' posts, rather than 'mummy life' posts

but,

I do feel that I have a lot more to share because....

Not only have I got a wealth of travel knowledge gained through years of personal travel, living for years in different capacities in various different countries, being a citizen of four countries (yes, I'm greedy, I know), travelling to all continents in the world (yes, work did send me to Antarctica...and I do have to keep reminding myself that is not a dream!), but also, I spent many years working in the travel industry in the 'adventure travel' scene. I now spend my time travelling backwards and forwards (though not much of late), visiting my mum, dad, bro, etc in the UK and Europe, whilst I reside in Australia with my hubby and three gorgeous little hips, and have been here for the past 11 years.

Plus, my oldest little hip, Mr 5, has special needs - nothing too severe, but still testing at times, so that, I feel, is a whole new story, and perhaps one that may offer others out there a little insight and perhaps some assistance in their lives should they be going through something similar.

Oh, and then travelling with a family of 5, one presenting special needs, is also an adventure in itself!

So, whilst I have been a little bit absent of late, I may find myself jumping back on that bandwagon, and getting stuck in once more, but perhaps in a slightly more 'sharing' capacity. We'll see...watch this space!

Loving this little hip Babymule....

Image: Babymule.co.uk

Sometimes, when I get sent a travel product for review, I just get a real 'wow' moment, and this was certainly one of those. My good friend, Jacqui, (who I have to say knows a good thing when she sees it), was with me when I opened this particular parcel, and she, immediately "offered" to test it our for me! 

So, without further ado, I hand you over to Jacqui, who has returned from a trip overseas with the very very hip Babymule (oh, and family) in tow. So, here we go...

" .....I must admit two of my favourite things in the world are bags and travel gear.  So when offered the chance to test drive the Babymule nappy bag on a recent trip to the UK I jumped at the chance.  OK… so my kids are 5 and 7 and no longer in nappies but since one of its (many) selling points is its longevity I thought why not!

Image: Babymule.co.uk

As it turned out the nappy bag “extras” were perfect for our trip.  The nappy wallet was the perfect size for a change of clothes for each child for the plane, and an additional wash bag whilst in the UK.  We even took the change mat as an emergency seat cover in case of spills or “accidents” on the plane (which thankfully we didn’t need).  Similarly, the dirty bag/wet bag was a good backup in case of wet, dirty clothes whilst travelling and also as a makeshift “sick bag” whilst in the car.  Again, thankfully uses which were not required but it was a close call a couple of times.  

The bag itself is surprisingly spacious and seemed to swallow everything we threw at it.  The waterproof material came into its own on a trip to Legoland when it rained non-stop all day long.  I had conveniently forgotten why they call them “April” showers.  The silver lining to the rain meant we had no queues for the rides and had a fantastic trip to the park and our belongings stayed safe and dry within the Babymule.  Despite the slightly “girlie” fabric DH had no problem carrying the bag so win win on fabric design as well as durability.

I had been particularly excited by the fact that the bag turned from backpack to messenger bag – thinking this would be great for the airport so I could have easy access to passports etc without having to take the bag off.  In reality I felt it was simply more comfortable as a backpack (and narrower for walking up the plane aisle on boarding) so kept it as that – but I can see how the messenger mode with buggy clips would be good if you were using a stroller.

My only complaint about the bag would be that because of the dual functionality as backpack/messenger bag the zips only open on 2 edges (top and one side). I imagine this is so that you don’t risk losing your contents when using the bag in messenger mode.  This annoyed DH more than me and I expect after a few weeks use you would get used to this.  Oh, the other complaint is how many pockets there are – normally this would be a good thing but not so much when you get stopped by security leaving Heathrow airport as you forgot to take the juice boxes out of your bag – doh!  I think the customs officer was very impressed (or just annoyed) at just how much this bag holds!"

In summary:

Loved:

Pattern – it’s really cute but not too much

Waterproof

Deceptively spacious

Really comfy to wear

Lots of pockets and accessories to stay organized

Not so much:

Zips only on 2 sides

Additional things that make it versatile (messenger bag straps, waist straps for backpack) also add weight and bulk.  

Whilst I would have loved it when I needed a nappy bag, better late than never I say. The Babymule has now become my new go to daybag.

Hip travel tips from Go Go Babyz...

We all love a good travel product that ensures a seamless transition for travelling alone as adults, to travelling with little people, and Abby from Go Go Babyz has a few products that are worth investing in. Fortunately, Go Go Babyz and 'the little hip traveller' have joined forces to provide you with a brilliant giveaway that is most certainly worth entering (and be quick...only a few days to go!)

Check out our product review and enter the comp here, and also, read a little bit more about the family behind Go Go Babyz. Abby and her family have done a fair bit of travelling, both locally and round the world and have some excellent tips to share.

Thanks Abby - over to you.

So, tell us a bit about you and your family?

I moved to Australia from the US two years ago for my husband's job when my daughter, Harper, was five months old. It was definitely the scariest thing I've ever done, and there were times I thought we were nuts for leaving home and family at such a vulnerable time in our lives. But by stepping out of our comfort zone, we've met wonderful new friends and had adventures all over the world. We definitely get homesick, but I can't imagine not having done it when I look back.

The best part is that I was given the opportunity to bring Go Go Babyz products to Australia and New Zealand! I had traveled here with the Infant Cruizer (coming soon!) and was stopped so often by people wanting to know what it was and where I got it, that I contacted the company in California and the rest is history. I have always been a bit of an entrepreneur, but importation was new for me. I was just so inspired by their products - and by all the Aussie parents who would light up when they saw them - that I had to pursue distributing here. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made.   

And where have you been of late with your little ‘hips’?

We have been around the world twice and all across Asia and Australia with my daughter over the last two years (just for the record!).  But latest trip was a week-long adventure that started with 3 days of horseback riding in Jindabyne, NSW (my little hip stayed back at the lodge with a friend), and then we drove down through Victoria and toured the Great Ocean Road.  It was magical. There is so much to see just in Australia, and I can't enough of the natural beauty here. I write about my travels at AbbyinOz.

How did you get there?

We flew to Canberra on Virgin Australia, which we've flown several times. They are always very nice, but not particularly kid-friendly. We weren't given any special snacks or toys. I find boarding and exiting the plane from the outside a bit tricky, holding my daughter's hand and balancing bags while walking up metal stairs. (I know they do this at the Gold Coast, but maybe not all airports in Australia.) Also, we weren't given preference for checking in with a child, and I was particularly aware of how many children were waiting in the long lines and losing patience, etc. My daughter had to use the toilet at one point, but there was no way we could leave the line. She was content in her car seat, which was strapped to the Travel Mate, so we were doing better than others. We booked a Kia Carnival for the drive through VroomVroomVroom and it was SO easy. Highly recommend that website.

Where did you stay? 

We did a 3-day horseback riding trip with Snowy River Horse Back Adventures at Old Ingebirah just south of the town of Jindabyne in NSW.  I'm not sure if they have a minimum age requirement, but the horses were safe and the hosts are incredibly knowledgeable. If Harper was older, I would've definitely let her ride. There are shared guest accommodations, but it is spacious, and Harper was made to feel very welcome and was a part of all of the meals and activities. This would be a great thing for a family to do with children who are old enough to ride. We saw wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, deer and wild brumbies!

Once we left Jindabyne, we stayed at several hotels as we drove to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road. We were particularly impressed with the Comfort Inn & Suites in Wodonga, VIC. We got a 'kid's pack' as soon as we checked in with a coloring book, crayons, and a couple of toys. The rooms were very comfortable, and the staff was very sweet to my daughter the next morning at breakfast.  Sometimes it's the little things that we notice as parents! Just being nice to my child goes a long way in making a memorable experience.

Your biggest challenge?

Being able to do two things at once when we're traveling, particularly in the airport. That causes me tremendous anxiety. Just yesterday I was in the Melbourne airport and I left my phone in the security screening area because I was chasing my daughter. We usually keep Harper in her car seat with the Travel Mate attached all the way to the gate to avoid this very thing. This time I didn't - I checked her car seat at check-in and let her walk with us - and I sorely regretted it. I was nervous the whole time about where she was in the bustling crowd. There is just so much to pay attention to when you're traveling, and I can't focus on anything but her if she's running around. Like, most parents, I'm sure.

Any big recommendations?

We are huge fans of exploring and taking road trips. We've done everything from taking 10-day road trips through the Australian bush to hiking up the Great Wall of China with our daughter. I think my biggest recommendation for parents is to simply get out there and explore. You don't have to travel far to have an adventure, just start with a neighboring town or city. That's one of the benefits of being an expat - everything is new and the world becomes so much smaller and more accessible the more you do it. Don't be afraid to travel with your child. A lot of people worry about everything that could go wrong, but don't let that keep you home. The more you do it, the more your children will become accustomed to it. It's not always smooth sailing, but you'll get through whatever comes up. My daughter threw up all over herself in the car on the way to Brisbane airport last week and we had to stop, change clothes, clean out the car, etc. It's not fun, but you just deal with it and move on. The benefits far out way the drawbacks, and I believe the traveling with your kids is a gift you give them.  

A product I love is the CARES harness. Harper is an extremely tall two-year-old so it works well for her.  I think it's a personal preference whether or not you'd use your car seat on a plane and each airline has their own restrictions about it. A lot of my customers do take their car seats on the plane.  It might be a luxury to have both the Travel Mate and the CARES harness, but I take them both. I still want my daughter's car seat at our destination and to use it as a stroller with the Travel Mate, but I like how easy the CARES harness is to use on the plane.  Just check the weight and height requirements for the harness because if your child is too short, the chest clip will hit them in the throat.

What are your main tips for travelling with kids?

It will depend on the age, but I'm a big fan of small, periodic rewards for good behavior. This is especially handy on airplanes where the most chaos is sure to ensue. (It's our worst fear, isn't it? Our child melting down mid-flight!) Harper is now two and a half and she totally understands that she'll get a little gift for being good. I don't overdo it though - at a certain point, she simply has to behave because that's what expected of her. But, it's fun for her - and me - to offer her something once we're in the air because she kept her seat belt on during takeoff. We went horseback riding last week, so I got her a My Pretty Pony to play with on the plane. Something related to the theme of the trip is fun. Another thing that I just started doing on this trip is actually getting Harper to engage with the flight attendants herself. Normally they will ask me to tighten her belt, etc. But I asked them to ask her directly because it involves her in the process and it's not mum telling her what to do...again! That worked really well. 

What would you not have left home without?

Organic pureed fruit and veg pouches. They are a lifesaver. They pack well and they're healthy. It adds to the stress trying to make sure everyone is well-fed while traveling, and this is one less thing to worry about.  Our favorite brand is Bubs and you can get them at any Woolies or Coles. Also a few empty plastic bags!

And finally, anything else you want to add?

I'm imagining what advice I would've given myself two years ago, and I think it's to embrace all of the adventures that life has to offer. I was driving through the Murray Valley in Victoria at sunset just a few days ago with a car full of people, and we were all speechless at the beauty of the landscape. I rode a horse through the Snowy Mountains and saw the Twelve Apostles, ate fish and chips next to a lighthouse and met the nicest people along the way. This is what traveling is really about. And it's important to have great products that facilitate these experiences.  nvest in a few travel gadgets that will make your life easier, and then have some fun with your family!

I know I sell Go Go Babyz products, so I'm not completely impartial, but I couldn't live without my Travel Mate. It's why I've invested so much of my time and money bringing them to Australia. These products have had the single biggest impact on my travel experiences with my family. I am able to take my daughter's car seat with us everywhere we go and that peace of mind is priceless. When we were planning our move here when Harper was a baby, I was so worried about the details of getting around with her in an airport and lugging prams and car seats. I'd probably think twice about traveling as much as we do if I didn't have an easy way to take her car seat and get her around airports and busy streets without having to take our pram everywhere we go. And I talk to so many parents who feel the same way.  I'm just grateful that it's an option for parents who might not otherwise plans trips with their babies and children. 

Get excited....Its a Go Go babyz giveaway!

When I am asked to test out a new innovative product, I get really excited. But I get uber excited when its a product that you just don't see every day. These kind of goodies, just so you know, are the kind of things that really float my little hip travelling boat. So when Abby, a clever business mummy from Go Go Babyz got in touch, and told me about her new products, I just thought "Bingo"...send them over, and send them over she did.

(Note: Be sure to read to the very end, as there is a super hip giveaway to be won!)

What fun we had testing out these. As our little hip family of 4 is now a bigger hipper family of 5, getting on a plane right now is not something thats on the agenda (not quite yet), so testing these products out were done in a somewhat 'play based' environment. Yes, left hip, right hip, brand new hip (my little family for those new to the little hip traveller!) pretended we were at the airport (and had heaps of fun at the same time, checking in luggage, whizzing through customs and passport control, eating our aeroplane sandwiches, etc etc...)

So, exactly what products were sent for us to play with?

Well, firstly, there's the Aussie Kidz Travel Mate. An extremely unique and hip product designed for ease of mind and practicality. A car seat and stroller in one! If you are taking your car seat interstate or overseas, why not ditch the stroller as this nifty product doubles up as both. You simply harness your car seat into the wheeled attachment, (which is compatible to most car seats), and away you go. Excellent for pulling or pushing through the airport whilst ensuring your little people are safe and keeping up with you! (For a seasoned Heathrow airport traveller with multiple kids in tow, this is a godsend....think how far you have to walk to get to your gate?). Plus, kill two birds with one stone - no car seat to hire upon your destination, or even if you are taking a taxi, you can use your own car seat for that extra bit of safety. Perfect!

Even if you are heading off on a road trip, the Travel Mate is a perfect option. By leaving your normal stroller at home, you'll have more space to pack other essential items. When not in use, the device can simply be stored in the boot of the car, ready to use again when necessary. Super lightweight (just 2.25 kg's), easy to construct, even though Mr hip traveller (hmmm, the engineer), was a tiny bit confused, and super cool looking (check out those funky wheels), the Travel Mate is an absolute key product when on the go with your little hip travelling team.

Our second funky product is the SideKick Bliss....a very hip nappy bag and baby carrier all in one! This one is not just perfect for all those moments when you have to juggle multiple kids, bags, lunch boxes, and a busy road (think kinder / daycare pick up / drop off a million times a week), but also of course when you are travelling with the little hip family.

This good looking bag comes in a choice of three colours, and has multiple pockets plus your usual nappy bag accessories (change mat, snack pouch, and lots of really useful little finds). I love the magnetised buckle on the bag, and it totally passed the hubby test, who was really keen to try it out!   The great thing about this bag is, when not using as a baby carrier, you simply zip away the excess material provided for the 'seat' part, and you can use it as a normal bag.

Versatility certainly is the name of the game, as the bag can be worn over the shoulder, round the waist or across the shoulder / body. Oh how I love multi purpose items!

Its best to make sure bubs has good head control as you cannot really be totally hands free (I did feel the need to hold on to my little hipster), however, it can take up to 15kg which really means your older toddler would be far more adept to holding onto you!

And you know, the best thing is....combined with Abby from Go Go Babyz, we are giving one of each product away!!!!!  

Click onto the following link to enter this super easy giveaway: http://www.gogobabyz.com.au/giveaways/

Thanks Abby. Loving these products, and cannot wait to find out more about you and your travels. Check out Abby's travel tips coming up soon!

Oh, and whilst you are on the Go Go Babyz website, check out the Infant Cruizer too...

When needs must...

Whoops...I totally got caught out today on the daily "picking up / dropping off my little hips from a million places run" today. Little Miss 3 urgently needed a wee stop "NOW", and there was no option but stop there and then to rush to her needs. No hiding behind a tree for us, as I remembered the wonderful 'My Carry Potty'. A super little potty that is perfect for keeping in the boot of the car for these exact moments. After use, you simply shut the lid, and its completely leak and odour proof....! Check out our past review of the 'My Carry Potty'. Love it!

Mycarrypotty.com

The carkoon...Is this the way of the future?

Image: Daily Mail

A British engineer is the latest to invent what could be classified as an ingenious development in child car safety.

Image: Carkoon.com

The carkoon is a carseat with a difference - the main feature being a special fireproof airbag that folds out on impact, protecting the child from fire or any objects that could have become dislodged, for up to 20 minutes whilst help is on its way.The car seat can then be swivelled around to aide emergency services to release the child quickly.

Clever, or what?

Love anything that'll keep our little hip travellers safe.

Check out the Carkoon website for more info.

Scoot 'n' pull those little hipsters back home...

My little hip family love a good scooting session (we are big fans of the super Mini Micro Scooters), but when those little limbs just can't quite make it any further, that long winding road back home from the playground can be somewhat challenging for all involved.

So all my prayers were answered when a wee Scoot 'N' Pull package arrived on my doorstep. Why oh why had I not thought of this ingenious little invention. How we love a practical product that makes life easy once more (and trust me, with 3 little crazy hipsters, I am in awe of such goodies!)

When the going gets tough for your little person, you quite simply attach the Scoot 'N' Pull to the scooter, pull them along, and the little hipster just steers. They still feel independent, but at the same time, you maintain the control (and you all get home much quicker and still in one piece!)

Also perfect for your newly converted scooter fanatics, who perhaps haven't quite got the hang of it... almost like training wheels, or simply for just having lots of fun racing around the tracks - check out our little hip family vid below.

Or if your little people fancy walking besides you, just carry the scooter over your shoulder, freeing up both your hands.

Love love love it.

Bali winners announced...

Thanks to all those who entered the Bali for Kids book giveaway.

Here are our lucky winners...

Stacey
Sandy

Please contact us on info@thelittlehiptraveller.com.au and let us know your best address.

The prize will be redrawn if we are not contacted with 7 days.

{GIVEAWAY TIME} Travelling to Bali With Kids?

Heading to Bali? Thanks to our friends at Bali with Kids, we've got a couple of copies of the Bali with kids book to giveaway.....

Who wants one?

Also, why not have a read of our friend Veronica's trip to Bali. She had the Bali with Kids book with her, and found it super informative, and very easy to use.

Just leave us a comment via this blog, or Facebook page, to let us know if you want to be in it to win it?

Conditions:

Entries must 'like' BOTH 'The Little Hip Traveller' and 'Bali With Kids' on Facebook or Twitter

If they already like, just please keep on supporting us by letting your little hip travelling buddies all about us! We love sharing the love... 

Open to both Australian and NZl readers

The winner will be drawn at random and announced on the little hip traveller blog. If they do not contact me within 7 days, the prize will be redrawn

Competition closes Friday 2nd March AEST 5pm.

Travelling to Bali with kids?

Bali seems to be totally on trend once again, and with it being super easy to get to, affordable, and so 'hip' friendly, it really is a top destination. 

Veronica and her family travelled to Bali recently, and was delighted with her experience, so wanted to share her tales. She also took a copy of the Bali with Kids book to help her on her way. 

So many thanks Vee for sharing your experiences with us - over to you...

Recently we went to Bali for our first overseas holiday with our 33 month old son Tyler. We travelled with my brother and his family for 10 nights. Leading up to the holiday I was lucky enough to be given the Bali with Kids book. It has everything you needed to know about travelling to Bali with children, and I would definitely recommend it. My nephews aged 6 and 8 loved reading the book, they were so excited about the holiday and the book added to their excitement.

The book had heaps of useful information about travelling with kids to bali, including baby hire companies, where to buy baby supplies, what the supermarkets stocked etc, so I knew that all supplies could easily be found in Bali.

We stayed at Bali Dynasty Resort which we picked from Bali with Kids. I would definitely recommend it for families with children, it has a 56 metre waterslide which the kids just loved and we spent many hours watching them go up and down. My nephews went into Kids club for a few days and they did many activities and had a ball. The kids club is “renowned as one of Bali’s best kid’s club facilities” which we had read from “Bali with Kids”. We spent so much time at our resort, we didn’t need to go out much as the pool and waterslide kept the kids entertained. The staff were fantastic they were so friendly and loved the kids. We would definitely stay at this resort again. 

Our hotel offered some morning tours, we went to Jimbaran Bay which is a fishing village, and we visited a local primary school which was great to see as the local Balinese kids are so beautiful and friendly. These tours cost a couple of dollars and were only an hour or two long... perfect for young kids.

The kids had read about Waterbom Park from our Bali with Kids book, which is a huge waterslide park. I think I had more fun than the kids, it had so many waterslides and it catered for everyone. They have a kiddie’s play area for the younger kids, but Tyler loved the big slides as well. Waterbom Park was one of our favourite days in Bali the kids just loved it.

Of course there is the shopping which was great. There are the markets, you definitely need to bargain and shop around first because you will be surprised how cheap you can get things for. We also did some shopping in Seminyak which has boutique stores (all the kids ones are listed in Bali with Kids) we got some great clothes for Tyler.

We picked out a few restaurants from our Bali with Kids book. We only managed to eat out a few nights as the kids had collapsed into bed early. 

• Ku De Ta,  located in Seminyak - My sister in law and I left the guys with the kids for an afternoon and went on our own for some cocktails, which we had from the lounge chairs that looked out over the beach. Our Hubby’s and kids came later to watch the sunset and then we all enjoyed Pizzas on the lounge chairs and a play in the beach. Such a gorgeous place.
• Ayana Resort, Rock Bar and Dava Restaurant – The hubby and I got a night out by ourselves which is a great reason to go away with people you know. This resort was amazing; we had read about it in our Bali with Kids book and nearly stayed at this resort, as it looked great for kids. It was so beautiful, it took us about 40 minutes by Taxi (cost $7 so cheap). Our concierge man at the hotel recommended The Rock Bar at Ayana Resort which is located in a cliff and is accessible by a cable car, such an amazing bar and place we thought it was brilliant. We had dinner at Dava one of the Resort’s  Restaurants such a beautiful setting and it was so nice to go somewhere a little special with my hubby as we don’t get out on our own often.

Unfortunately my husband got sick the day before we were due to come home (nothing to do with Bali).  We got the experience of an ambulance ride and 3 nights in Denpasar Surya Husada Hospital. My hubby is fine now, and the hospital experience was very impressive. The doctors and nurses were very informative and helpful and the hospital was so clean it actually felt like we were staying in a hotel. Our hospital stay was much more than I expected and the nurses were so friendly and very helpful especially with Tyler. The last place you want to end up on a holiday is in a hospital, but I can’t complain the facilities were great.

I have travelled to many places before I had a child but I have never met such friendly people like the Balinese, they made my holiday experience so enjoyable. 

Bali with Kids was such a great book to have whilst in Bali, it has everything you need to know about travelling to Bali with children, there was so much in there that we didn’t get around to doing so we will need to start planning our next holiday to Bali.

Fancy a luxury flat bed courtesy of Mr Phil & Ted?

Wow...whilst yours truly has been locked away in new baby bliss, Mr Phil & Ted have once again been hard at work and have just launched the most exclusive innovative Promenade. Gosh, what a crowd pleaser!

According to Phil & Ted, this is the "premium urban stroller with reversible and convertible flat bed seat, and ultimate style".

Why is it, whenever I have a new bub, I have ultimate pram envy???

Check out these pics, and very hip video. Can't wait to see it in action.