Disney or a Doll: Which is the best use of $100?

Tags

Disney, moms, stuffed animals, travel

Maya and I have a pretty relaxed relationship.  That’s not to say I spoil her (well, ok, it’s kind of hard to NOT spoil an only but I claim that I’m a victim of circumstance!).  It’s more that I’m brutally honest with her. In turn, she’s brutally honest with me.  If I’m being a crabby wretch, she’ll call me on it. If she’s inching closer to that big patch of thin ice, I let her know.  At times we fight like cats and dogs.  Most of the time, though, we’re attached at the hip and enjoy our honest relationship. I feel it every night when our good nights consist of “Kissies, huggies, kissies, huggies, hug Calvin the stuffed Chameleon, say goodnight to the fish, kissies, huggies, and one more kissie.” So what does all this have to do with Disney and dolls?

She’s bugged me for years to get her an American Girl doll.  You know, the cute dolls you can get that kind of look like your kid? The ones that also wipe out your bank account. Target has their own version that, frankly, is just as good for a much lower cost. She has two of those dolls plus a closet, a bunk bed, and a pony for them.  However because they aren’t the REAL thing, she doesn’t play with them as much. At least that’s her reasoning. The other day we were talking about what she wanted for her upcoming birthday:

Me: What do you think you want for your birthday?

Maya: I don’t know.  Maybe I can finally get an American Girl doll.

Me: You hardly play with the ones I got you that are just like it.

Maya: Yes, but they aren’t REAL American Girl dolls.

Me: Maya, you hardly play with dolls to begin with.  Why spend $100 on a doll you might not play with?

Maya: Well [insert family member] said we spend all kinds of money going on trips and that we should be able to afford an American Girl doll

Me: It’s not about the money, Maya. It’s about what you get out of it.  For the same cost as an American Girl doll and all the stuff you’d want to get in addition to the doll I could buy you a ticket into Disney.

Maya: Wait, you mean for the same cost as a doll, I can get into Disney for a whole day?

Me: Exactly.  Wouldn’t you rather save that $100 and do something like that?

Maya: Hmm well, Disney does have rides.  And they have lots and lots of stuffed animals.

Me: Yes, and you and I both know you treat your stuffies like they’re your children so I think you’d get a lot more out of a trip to Disney and a stuffie than a doll you probably won’t play with.

Maya: Hmm you know. I think you’re right.  I probably would.

Maya with her audience of stuffies all dressed up for Oscar night. They were all stunned when Mr. Peep upset Educated Owl for the Best Cameo Oscar

Now this isn’t to say anything bad about American Girl dolls, but I know Maya.  She LOVES her stuffies.  I mean really, really LOVES her stuffies. If she had the choice between food and water or a stuffed animal I will bet you money she would take the stuffie. She would also take the day at Disney because she LOVES Disney. Granted a trip to Disney is a lot more than the cost of an American Girl doll in the end BUT it’s something we can all look back on and remember.  A trip to Disney won’t be sitting in a corner collecting dust 5 years from now.  Perhaps it’s harsh of me to not get her the doll.  Afterall, we can afford it.  But it’s not just about affording it to me.  It’s what you get out of the money. I know that $100 used for a trip is going to be a lot more meaningful down the road than a doll. (However, I also know that $100 spent on a stuffed animal will probably bring a lifetime of joy as well ).

On our way to my cousin’s wedding. No dolls in sight…just STUFFIES

In the end, it’s about making her think about the value versus the cost.  For us, there is greater value in travel than in things.  Material belongings don’t fill any voids.  In fact, if you ever watch the show Hoarders you quickly learn they can actually create voids. Experiences, though, last a life time. I think once you really become a traveler you condition yourself to think that way.  Do I really need that new pair of shoes or do I want to save this and get/do something interesting on my upcoming trip?  It’s all about choices. Sometimes I have to choose to be the super uncool mom who won’t buy her kid a fancy toy because I know she’d rather have the stuffie from Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen next month. I’m sure I’ll be called a cranky wretch because of it.  You can’t win them all.

Walden the Bat had to be buckled up for his visit to the dentist. I draw the line at buying airline seats for stuffies. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been asked.

How to clean a fish, six-year old style

Reblogged from J. Keller Ford ~ Young Adult Author:

True story.

Five-year old Paul and six-year-old Richard are playing in the backyard when Richard gets a wild hair up his butt to go fishing at the local pond.  They gather a couple of poles and a bucket and wander off down the dirt path to the pond.

A short time later they return with a bucket of fish.  Filled with excitement, Paul rushes inside the house.

Read more… 508 more words

This was so funny!!!! Who knew you could make fish smell springtime fresh?

I Left My Heart In A Sahara

Tags

Dougga, Egypt, El Djem, Lawrence of Arabia, Matmata, Sahara, Tunisia

Just finished up watching Lawrence of Arabia and I just have to say it makes me long for the days we spent in northern Africa on our trips to Egypt and Tunisia. While I’m glad they are fighting for their freedom as they rightfully should, I can’t help but feel sad that I can’t pick up and go back.  I hope that, in time, I’ll be able to take Maya to Egypt some day. I always think back to our taxi driver in Cairo, Mahmoud. He had two children and spoke often of them. He treated us like family for the week we were there.  I don’t know if we would have made it without him. Being Bedouin, he did not want his picture taken so I only have a glimmer of a memory of his face. Hopefully he is safe and well.

Cairo, Egypt

I also think back to the young man who piloted our feluca one balmy night in Luxor.  In the distance, past the trees lining the river, you could see the rocky valleys containing the tombs of pharaohs past. He told us about Luxor and where to go. But mostly, we just sat quietly and enjoyed the calm ride on the river as he navigated. We were only there for three days but we saw him every day.  The last day we were there we had to leave very early and, yet, he still wanted to say goodbye.  So, we met him at dawn and shared one last tea. Sunrise tea on the Nile.  What a memory.

Feluca on the Nile

In Tunisia we had another taxi driver, Wahid. I think we got off to a little bit of a rocky start with some tense negotiations about price but in the end we walked away from Tunisia with a new friend.  He took us to the glorious El Djem the first day. The second day was a marathon of sites to but he stuck it out and ferried us wherever we wanted to go. We had a life changing lamb feast outside of Medenine and at the end of the day he insisted we meet his family. Thankfully, he and his family have stayed in touch and we were able to contact them during the revolution there. Although we only met for a brief time, they are part of my worldly family.

Camel ride in Matmata, Tunisia

I often dream about the places we visited in Egypt and Tunisia.  They had a beauty all their own.  There is something so amazing about the desert. The way it looks when the sun hits it at sunset. The way the rocks sound as you walk over them.  The imposing dunes off in the distance. I remember driving to Dougga and seeing acres and acres of olive trees followed by the rocky expanse of the desert.  It seems so forbidding to the naked eye. And yet, when you are there, life abounds. There is the clatter of metal trays carrying hot tea in glass cups.  There are blessings of those you meet saying “Inshah’Allah we will see you again.”  And, of course, there the are amazing edifices left over from a forgotten time.

El Djem, Tunisia

It’s like being in another world. Sure there are things that can be annoying like the people wanting to “help” you or trying to navigate transportation when you can’t hope to speak the language. And, yet, there are moments when you forget everything.  You forget your troubles and worries. It all melts away and you are just left with the desert and the quiet breeze. And most of all, the silence. It’s not like silence when you are in a big city and you relax. It’s a deep silence. A calming silence. The kind you don’t want to let go of.  That’s what I miss the most.

Dougga, Tunisia

Goooood Morning Thailand! I mean my house!

Tags

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, photography, photos, Samui, Thailand

I just texted my husband something along the lines of “It’s as hot as Vietnam in the house.”  I may or may not have added a few expletives to that statement. If you follow me on Twitter, you’ve probably seen me whining today about how hot it is.  But really…it’s SO HOT!!!!! It’s like Tennessee hot! No, hotter than that.  Mexico hot! No wait, I know it’s THAILAND hot!  OMG I should just rename my house “Pad Thai!” *badoomtchhhhh* Thank you, thank you. I’ll be here all week. Please tip your waitress.

Seriously, though, in honor of it being so hot in my house, I thought I would share some of my husband’s beautiful photos from his trip to Thailand.

Bangkok, Thailand

I love how Thai architecture is so visually interesting.  No matter how many times you look at it there is always something new.  I really love how the corners of this roof almost look like flames.

 

Bangkok, Thailand

Isn’t it just breathtaking?

 

Bangkok, Thailand

Look at this roof top! I am in love with all the flowers! It’s almost like a wedding cake. A really big flowery wedding cake.

 

Bangkok, Thailand

And look at this guy! I don’t know if I’m suppose to be scared or in awe. I think I’m both! Gorgeous craftsmanship!

 

Bangkok, Thailand

Wow, just, wow

 

Bangkok, Thailand

That’s one big Buddha!

 

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Who needs a mall when you have canals!

 

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

I’m not sure why, but I love this photo.  It’s so candid and such a natural shot. Simple beauty.

 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

I’m not sure what this is but I’d hate to meet it in a dark alley!

 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Love these guys hanging out, keeping watch

 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Hey, buddy!

 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

It’s bath time!!

 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

I love all the colors in this. The neck ring thing? Not for me.

 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Beautiful silouhette!

 

Samui, Thailand

Ummmm, clearly this guy didn’t watch the video of the other guy getting death rolled and losing an arm after doing something like this.

 

Samui, Thailand

This is just down right cool looking.

 

Samui, Thailand

This one is so cool. I think I just might frame this one!

 

Samui, Thailand

As you can see, Josh really suffered.

 

Samui, Thailand

Ok, this is just too funny.

 

Samui, Thailand

Beautiful night sky

 

Samui, Thailand

More suffering

 

Well that’s it for now! Josh loved Thailand and really wants to go back some day. I can’t wait to see it myself. It looks so beautiful and rich in history and people.  Looking at these photos almost make me jealous. I know I’ll get there some day though!

Why travel with kids when they’re just going to forget it anyway?

Tags

international travel, kids, memories, travel with kids, trips

A lot of people ask me why I traveled so much with Maya when she was so young. She’ll never remember the trip and to them it seems like a waste. So why did I take my kid so many places she won’t remember?

Well, really, the reason was that we just enjoyed traveling as a family. Even if she doesn’t remember it *I’ll* remember going there with her. I will always remember her taking her first steps in a small Quaker meeting house in England and then practicing walking in Prague. I will always remember how over the moon excited she was to take a buggy ride in Lancaster, PA. I will remember buying her sleeves of corn to feed to the pigeons in Buenos Aires, Argentina. And I, of course, will remember her catching tiny crawfish in the river in rural Missouri. We documented these trips well and look back at the pictures often. Sometimes, Maya has a glimmer of a memory but most of the time she’s just interested in finding out more. But, see, that’s the worth for me. The fact that she’s interested in these other places. She knows she’s been there and she often asks me what we did, who we met, and if she did anything funny. Even though she can’t remember it, it’s still an adventure for her.

I know she’ll end up living vicariously through her younger self, but, in the end, I think that’s good. It makes her curious. It makes her realize that we didn’t let anything stop us from going to see different places. Now at almost 9 she doesn’t think twice about suggesting places to go. If she sees something she think would be cool to do she asks me about it. If it’s someplace we can’t go to any time soon, I do what I can to help her learn about it. We rent movies and go to museums. We look online. We print out pictures. That curiosity and interest are far more important to me than vague memories of a trip. You know why? Because that curiosity is a trait in her. It makes her who she is. It makes her personality what it is. She’s grown up with it and even though she can’t remember all of our trips, she has a hunger for knowledge because she knows it exists and that you can visit it.

As always, I know our level of traveling isn’t possible for most people. But the idea is the same no matter what. The point is to get out there with your kids. Take them places beyond what you know and recognize. The object is to experience something new and different as a family. It doesn’t matter if you have to get there by plane, train, or automobile. And, in the end does it really matter that your kids won’t remember it? If it’s someplace close, you can go back. If it’s not close perhaps you and your child can go back again someday when they are older. Let’s be honest, most kids, even if they remember a trip, might not appreciate it’s worth until they’ve left home and started their own family. Therefore, why stop yourself from having memories because you are afraid your child won’t remember it? The earlier you start traveling, the earlier they get a taste for adventure. The sooner they will want to experience their world and not just watch it on TV. Traveling is a gateway to so many things. Memories is just one of them.

Denmark without Lego – Is it possible?

Tags

Copenhagen, Denmark, Lego, Legoland, Sweden, Tivoli Gardens

Maya and I have some serious love for Legos.  If you will recall, during last year’s Momcation I put together the Hogwarts Castle

Yer a wizard Harry!

I had so much fun putting this together. I mean just look at the detail!

$5 says that’s a turducken

When Maya got back, we had even more fun! Look! It’s karaoke night at Hogwarts and who knew that He Who Shall Not Be Named could bust it out?!

He rocked Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”

Sadly, some of the Lego people took it too far

Utoh! Looks like one of the Slytherin kids got a little fighty

So what’s the point of all this Lego love? Well, as it turns out, Lego is a Danish company and the original Legoland is in Denmark. The hard part is that Legoland is a bit of a hike from Copenhagen and being the country collectors we are we’d really like to spend a day in Sweden. Turns out, we can’t do it all. So there’s talk that we won’t do Legoland.

Now for those of you who aren’t complete nerds I know you’re looking at the screen and going “Um, yeah. And I care why?” Don’t worry, sometimes I do that when I read my stuff too. But, for real, this is like heartwrenching. Do I give up visiting a whole other country for Legoland? Is Legoland really that important to me? Am I giving up my nerd street cred by not going? I mean I still have my love of Star Trek to fall back on but will it be enough to remain a card carrying member of the nerd legions?

On the other hand, there’s Sweden. It’s the ancestral home of two of my favorite academics, Dr. Nils Hasselmo (former President of University of Minnesota) and Dr. Robert Berdahl (former Chancellor of UC Berkeley). (I hang with the big dogs y’all). Also, it’s a monarchy and who doesn’t love a good monarchy? Plus, it’s Sweden. For real, who goes to Sweden for summer vacation? London? Of course! Paris? Oui oui! Sweden? That’s when people get cockeyed and start wondering who you hang out with. This is in no way saying that Sweden isn’t cool. Just unusual and that’s why I like it!

For her part Maya is torn as well.  She’s bummed at the thought of not going to Legoland but she’s excited about going to Tivoli Gardens.
Turns out there’s tons to do there and we’re considering making multiple trips since we’ll be in Copenhagen for most of the trip.

So I ask you, my three readers, what would you do? Would you fight for your right to Lego or would you get one step closer your ultimate goal of reaching 100 countries?

Taking the Power Pledge to Stop Bullying

Tags

bullying, Marie Newman, Power Pledge, Sears, Stop Bullying, Team Up

I’m going to take a moment to talk about the very serious topic of bullying. There are so many kids today that are tormented on a daily basis for things as simple as looking or talking different.  They are bullied because of their weight, their hobbies, even their parents’ financial circumstances.  In this day and age of digital communication, kids can inflict horrible, long-lasting emotional pain on classmates without even being in their presence to give them a chance to defend themselves against vicious rumors and name calling.  It destroys more than just reputations. For some, it destroys their self esteem so much that they see no recourse but to take their own life.

I too was one of those kids.  I’m a beautiful, confident woman today but that was not always so.  I was an awkward kid who didn’t quite fit in.  I was picked on relentlessly for years. People made fun of my glasses, my hair, my clothes, everything.  People followed me to my locker. They stole my belongings. They made fun of me for having a boyfriend who happened to be not as well off as they were.  It didn’t matter that he treated me like a queen and even cut his hair to look more clean cut (this was back in the days of hair bands and mullets). All that mattered was that we weren’t “cool” like them. I loved school and I loved learning but I dreaded every.single.day because I knew I was different and those kids took every opportunity they could to remind me of that.

Thankfully, I had a great group of friends that I knew I could count on to make me feel better.  We supported each other and even though we’ve all moved on and don’t talk much these days I am still so glad I had them in my life at that time because I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have them to lean on. Sadly, though, many kids don’t have that. They feel so alone and so ostracized.  They may be embarrassed to talk to their family and friends about it.  They may feel like even if they do speak up, nothing will be done.  Let me tell you, there is nothing worse than feeling like you can’t talk to someone about something. As parents we can’t assume our kids will feel comfortable talking to us about everything because, I guarantee you, they won’t.  As parents we need to be the ones to hold out our hands and say “I will help you through this. I won’t judge you, I won’t think differently of you, and I won’t stand by and let this happen.”

It’s because of all of this that I ask you to help me support my friend’s cause.  My friend, Marie Newman, is the co-author of the book When Your Child Is Being Bullied: Real Solutions for Parents, Educators & Other Professionals. This book aims to empower parents, teachers, and school administrators to truly deal with bullying. In her book, she gives realistic solutions to this very serious every day problem.  To help her spread the word, the good people at Sears have taken up her cause to help stop bullying. They have launched the site Team Up to Stop Bullying. This website aims to give everyone the tools they need to combat this problem head on. By taking their Power Pledge kids and adults make a public pledge to never engage in bullying and to stop it when they see it happening.

Please take a few minutes to visit the site and take the pledge.  It’s a small step to making a better world for our kids.

Thanks

Signed,

My very awkward 11 year old self

ETA: You can also support the The Bully Project®’s 1 Million Kids program by purchasing an official Bully movie t-shirt.  For every Bully movie t-shirt bought between July 1 and October 31 of this year, Sears will donate $3.75 to the 1 Million Kids program.  Who doesn’t need a good t-shirt!

 

We’re gone again?! Let’s hope we survive!

Tags

chaw, Chicago, Darius, Hootie, Kansas City, karaoke, mean karaoke guys, mean karaoke guys who don't let me sing, Milwaukee

Sometimes I think my life is a blur of weekend trips strung together with vague memories of coffee, something about work, and a few random breakfast time sausage biscuits thrown in. We seem to have something planned every single weekend.  Last weekend it was Kansas City, MO for a Cardinals game. As it turns out, Kansas City is a lot of fun. Who knew?! There’s tons to do downtown and even more if your of the young (*cough* and drunk *cough*) set. Sadly, our trip to a local Karaoke bar AND GRILLE with Maya ended up in us totally getting the shaft by the “live band.” Yeah, it should have been “Karaoke if you’re close friends of the band” night.  Don’t they know my musical prowress?! Have they not heard me belt out Dream On complete with glass breaking screeches ala a much younger Steven Tyler? They even had Don’t Stop Believin on their list.  Dude, that’s like my signature song! Well Lights may actually be my signature song, but I can totally own Don’t Stop Believin’

65 views punks!!! Take that lame karaoke snobs!

ETA Just to clarify 1. We did not go bar hopping with Maya. We just happened to see A LOT of people one night who were three sheets to the wind, 2. The karaoke place was, in fact, a bar and grille that served food and there were other kids there, 3. That video of me owning Don’t Stop Believin is from a karaoke night I had with a friend months ago

Anyway this weekend we’re off to Summerfest in Milwaukee to see Darius Rucker. For those of you who don’t know, our friend Darius use to be Hootie.  Yes, THAT Hootie. He’s now got a pretty solid country album out that I actually really like.

He’s done gone country y’all!

I’ve actually never been to a music festival but I have lots of friends who have and I’ll just say now, I’ve got really low standards for this weekend.  Not that I think the music or the venue will be bad. It’s more the people. I’ve seen the People of Walmart Live pictures that people come back with from these things.  And don’t get your ascot in a bunch because you KNOW at least 1/4 of the people there will be that way.  I went to a concert in Philly once to see Zac Brown open for Kenny Chesney. Lets just say the parking lot was pretty much an open air bathroom for all sexes and they didn’t care that there weren’t walls.  Shame-I haz none.

Thankfully all of this will be buffered by yet another Momcation 2012 in a few weeks and then our big trip to Coooooooooooopenhagen. And yes, I’ll continue to say it that way because if you grew up in the south or know what the word “chaw” is then you know that’s the only appropriate way to say Cooooooooooooopenhagen.

It’s chaw flavored and can also be seen on Cakewrecks.com

Now it’s time to go pick up the spawn from camp and shuffle her off to a sleepover! I am LIVIN IT UP!

Paris In My Haus

Tags

Chanel, Coco, Donna Karan, Paris, sewing, Vogue

Even though this is mainly a travel blog I thought it would be fun to talk about one of my passions. Sewing.  I happen to LOVE sewing.  After Maya was born I was stuck at home with not a lot to do thanks to her amazing sleeping abilities. So to pass the time I thought I’d ask my MIL to teach me how to sew.  Though she’s a humble woman when it comes to taking compliments, my MIL is an amazing seamstress.  She was the perfect person to teach me.  Everyday we sat together while she guided me through how to create garments from start to finish.  She didn’t let me slack.  In fact she was a sewing drill sergeant.  Nothing less than perfection was accepted.  It was daunting and frustrating but I’m so glad she took the time to teach me.

She's too good for your ready to wear

As the years have passed I have come to love one of Paris’ most famous exports: Coco Chanel.  I can’t even hope to afford any of Chanel‘s clothing but I CAN appreciate the spirit she imbued in her vast empire.  She broke the rules and was always willing to try, try, and try again. She’s one of my personal heros and every time I see a piece of clothing I love but can’t afford I quietly say “What would Coco do? She’d make it!”

Now that Maya is old enough to keep herself entertained I have turned my attention back to my sewing. It’s my own way of transporting myself to my own imaginary Parisian fashion haus.  When I’m at my sewing machine, I’m not at home. I’m at Travelista’s Haute Couture Boutique.  Sometimes you don’t have to go far to be taken to where you want to be.

Here’s some of my work!

Dress I made for Maya for a Daddy/Daughter dance. Satin with a sparkle organza overlay.

Donna Karan for Vogue. Cotton stretch sateen.

Vintage Vogue. Linen.

Close up of Vintage Vogue jacket.

ETA: And speaking of inspiration check out the amazing fashions on LadyRomp‘s “Inspiration of Style” post from today! I’m loving the Vera Wang on the left. I might have to go Coco on that.

Animal Trails – Travel with Animals in Mind

Tags

animal tourism, Animals, Austin, bats, bison, Houston

After going to the zoo for Earth Day with Maya I got to thinking about how it would be cool to go do something animal centric for her birthday.  Her birthday falls around Labor Day every year so it’s easy to pick a place around the U.S. to visit.  Now, Maya LOVES bats and, as it turns out, Texas is home to some of America’s largest urban bat populations. Lucky for me, my aunt and uncle live in Houston which is home to the largest non-migratory colony of Mexican Free Tail bats.  Every night they emerge from the Waugh Drive Bridge in an amazing display of batty goodness. Here’s a video of them emerging from under the bridge.  Try to refrain from yelling “RABIES!!!!” like the chick in Goonies

I showed this video to Maya and now she’s totally excited about going to Houston to see them.  3 hours away in Austin there is actually the nations largest urban bat colony. Every night, 2.5 million bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge and go off into the distance.  Who knew that such an amazing natural event could be seen right downtown?!

Animal tourism is a growing industry and it’s a fabulous way to make a trip extra special for your child while also discovering a destination you might not have thought to go to otherwise.  Not only do you get to commune with nature but your child will be so excited about getting to experience something that is near and dear to them. An excellent resource for planning your animal centric trip is the website animaltourism.com. I used this website to find where in the country we could view bat colonies. They have a fabulous interactive map that shows you exactly where you can see your favorite animals be it bats, turtles, or even condors.  Each entry on the map gives you information about that particular colony and is integrated with Google maps so you can easily plan your trip.  Additionally, they have lots of links to animal specific organizations where you can get even more information.

So get out of the aquarium and the zoo and go commune with nature! If you’re strapped for cash (because who isn’t?!) don’t worry! There are animal habitats all across the country and there’s more than likely one close to you.  Who knows, maybe you’ll discover that, like me, you have a herd of bison running free range that you can visit just two hours away!