My travel plans are generally guided by two questions: how will I work this getaway into my budget, and is it kid-friendly? But once the fall rolls around another question comes into play: how will I find time for travel?
Author Archives: April
DC is FUN
by April
There’s no other city I visit as often as Washington DC and for the past few years my son, “J”, and I have traveled to our nation’s capital each spring. His first visit was at 5 years old so there’s no surprise he considers it his “home away from home”. There are no shortage of travel guides for families visiting DC, but since we travel to DC so often, we’ve been able to enjoy the must-sees like the Smithsonian Museums but we’ve also had the chance to get off the beaten path and discover some fun and kid-friendly places. I recently sat down with my now 9 year old son and as we reminisced about our past trips to DC he pointed out the things that really stood out to him along the way. Here are some notes from 5 years of travel to Washington DC from a kids’ perspective. In other words, things that make DC FUN!
While sightseeing on the National Mall take a break to ride the carousel!
Stylin’ for Spring Travel
By April, Wendy, and Sunny
It’s Spring! After a couple of rounds of snow and ice and dangerously cold temperatures, I am ready to welcome in the warmer weather and the opportunity to wear something other than tights, boots, sweaters, coats and hats. But I find spring the hardest season to transition to for some reason. Is it the comfort of the cold weather clothes, the yo-yo temperatures of March and April? Regardless of the reason, it is time to come up with some ideas to keeping the Spring wardrobe fun, functional and season appropriate. My Looks and Leaps sisters and I would like to share are favorite spring transition pieces from our recent travels. Share yours with us!
Enjoy the Journey – even more activities for kids!
by April
Even with a light saber, would Mickey Mouse stand a chance against Batman?
As I’ve posted before, whether you are traveling by plane or by car, it always pays to prepare for down time when traveling with kids. When you’ve exhausted the classic games and songs, here a few more fun (and free!) ideas for keeping everyone entertained on road trip – no extra packing required!
Looks and Leaps Loves
This is a post dedicated to things we love. Clothes, food, travel destinations – any items or places the three sisters of Looks and Leaps agree are consistently fantastic. We’ve started with a few items that get a definite thumbs up, and we’ll post here regularly with updates so check back for more thoughts on things Looks and Leaps LOVE.
Chilly Chic
I don’t know what the weather is like where you live but for me and my sisters the past few weeks have been a bit messy. Lots of snow followed by sub zero temperatures, ice, sleet, and then rain has made going about daily routines a challenge to say the least and it’s altered the wardrobe quite a bit. A dress with tights with cute heels to work? Not happening. Skinny jeans with flats on the weekend? Not unless you want to loose toes to frostbite. So which items came to the rescue for form, function, and style in this brutal winter weather? Here are a few MVPs:
Weekend Trip – Lake Barkley State Resort Park
by April
I love to get away for a weekend and consider it all the better if I don’t have to go far to feel a world away. If you live in or near a state with fantastic resort parks, a fun and affordable trip may not be far from your back yard. I recently traveled to Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz, KY with my son, sister, niece and parents for a weekend adventure not far from home.
The Smoothie Formula
by April
It’s a stretch to call this a recipe but it’s a formula I’ve stumbled upon that is worth sharing. The Half Cup Smoothie is a quick and easy breakfast or snack that even the kids can prepare (if you trust them with the blender!). It has everything I look for when adding something new to the household menu; it’s easy and quick to prepare, uses pantry and fridge staples I always have on hand, and needs minimal utensils so clean up is fast. And most of all it tastes great. All you need is a blender, a few ingredients, and a half cup.
Enjoy the journey – more activities for the kids
Whether you are traveling by plane or by car, it always pays to prepare for down time when traveling with kids. We all know apps and video games can be handy entertainment in these situations, but if you are looking for some alternatives, here are some fun ideas to keep the kids (and you!) entertained during a drive or a long layover.