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The Ohio River: Interesting facts Read Post

The Ohio River: Interesting facts

The more I learn about the Ohio River, the more excited I become about our road trip along it.

Here are a bunch of random facts that I came across about the river on Wikipedia:

The Ohio River is formed by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers at Point State Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Allegheny River (left) and Monongahela River (right) join to form the Ohio River at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—the largest metropolitan area on the river.

Wheeling, West Virginia, a major city on the river, was the first city to have a bridge across the river.

Louisville, Kentucky is situated at both the widest and deepest level of the Ohio River.

A barge hauling coal in the Louisville and Portland Canal, the only man-made portion of the Ohio River.

Cincinnati, Ohio is a well-known city along the Ohio River, historically known for its riverboats. The Tall Stacks festival celebrates the Cincinnati riverboats and the Ohio River every three or four years.

Evansville, Indiana, the third-largest city in Indiana and the fourth-largest city on the river.

In his Notes on the State of Virginia published in 1781–82, Thomas Jefferson stated: "The Ohio is the most beautiful river on earth. Its current gentle, waters clear, and bosom smooth and unbroken by rocks and rapids, a single instance only excepted."

Photo: wikipedia

Are you hitting the road for Memorial Day? Read Post

AAA

Are you hitting the road for Memorial Day?

The road trip is back! AAA just released its Memorial Day travel forecast and predicts that more people will be hitting the road this year compared to last.

"AAA estimates that 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Memorial Day weekend, an increase of 500,000 travelers over 2011," autoblog.com reports.

Are you planning to hit the road this weekend? If you're still looking for ideas check out Budget Travel where you'll find directions and tips for some of the most scenic drives in America.

Maker Faire Bay Area in photos Read Post

California

Maker Faire Bay Area in photos

We spent the weekend at the Maker Faire, just outside of San Francisco. It's like a science fair, only much cooler and bigger. My son spent the afternoon with his dad taking apart computers and then gluing the little pieces together to create sculptures. My daughter and I headed for the sewing area where tables were piled high with used clothing, ribbon, buttons, lace, and patches. There were also sewing machines and glue guns galore. We decorated an old pair of pants with Strawberry Shortcakes that we cut out of a pair of pajamas. Here's a look at all we saw and did that day:

Thomas Jefferson on the Ohio River Read Post

Thomas Jefferson on the Ohio River

I just came across this on the Kentucky Tourism website. Our family will be taking a road trip this summer that follows the Ohio River and Thomas Jefferson's quote has made me feel like we picked a beautiful route.

In his Notes on the State of Virginia published in 1781-82, Thomas Jefferson stated: "The Ohio is the most beautiful river on earth. Its current gentle, waters clear, and bosom smooth and unbroken by rocks and rapids, a single instance only excepted."

Virgin Airlines is introducing cell phones on planes: Is this good or bad news?? Read Post

Virgin Airlines is introducing cell phones on planes: Is this good or bad news??

I used to consider an airplane a sanctuary. It was one of those few places where I could get away from it all. Well, mainly get away from my computer and the pressure to work. I have to do most of my work online so without an Internet connection it wasn't worth turning my computer on.

Instead, I'd laze around in my airplane seat reading books and magazines and watching movies. And then airlines started introducing online services...and I started working on plane flights. The glory days of relaxing on the plane were over...

And now things are getting even worse. Virgin Atlantic announced that it will soon be introducing cell phone service on some flights between New York and London. It'll cost you a pricey $1.20 but still there will now be added pressure on plane flights to answer that call from your boss. And I'm sure more airlines will soon follow and cell phone service on planes will become the norm...and we'll all have to listen to fellow passengers' annoying phone calls.

Source: CNET

The best place to shop in Ghana: Global Mamas Read Post

The best place to shop in Ghana: Global Mamas

At Global Mamas in Accra, Ghana, you walk into a burst of colors. This small shop showcasing the work of local artisans is filled with dresses, aprons, tablecloths and quilts made from batik fabrics in bright colors that you thought were only made for the sweetest candies. A red-and-white polka dot dress, hot pink zebra print napkins, and a blue and purple cloth bag covered in roses caught my eye. The store is loaded with all sorts of other souvenirs from beaded necklaces to books featuring photographs of local kids. Everything is well-made and well-priced and all proceeds from purchases go back to the women who made the items.

Where to eat in Accra, Ghana Read Post

Where to eat in Accra, Ghana

Club+233: Don't expect this restaurant to have even half of the local dishes featured on the menu but you don't go here for the food. It's the sounds of live Afrojazz that make this a hot spot.

Buku: If you want to sample traditional Ghanaian food, go here—and be ready for serious spice. Try spinach stew, mashed yam, goat meat, and tilapia with pepper sauce.

Frankie's: American food cooked in Ghana by Lebanese. Huh? Yes, and the burgers and milkshakes are pretty good, especially if you're suffering from a mild case of the touristas.

Monsoon: Sip a cocktail and savor fresh sushi on the veranda of this hip spot that's popular with the expat crowd. Inside, oil paintings hang on walls painted bright purple, green, and orange—and the dinner menu includes everything from fresh oysters to South African game.

The people of Ghana Read Post

The people of Ghana

Ghana isn't a touristy place. In this Western African country that's about the size of Oregon you won't find any zip lines zipping through the monkey-filled trees or safari companies to take you out to see the elephants at night. Boutique hotels and resorts with sprawling swimming pools are rare.

And the capital city of Accra is a frenzied tangled mess of dirt roads and corrugated tin homes with the random tall building reaching up for the sky. You won't find a central part of town with a plaza circled with souvenir shops and shaded by trees. In fact, there's little greenery in this sea of browness.

Accra sits right on the ocean but you won't find a walking path winding along the white sandy beaches. No cafes and bars with balconies hanging over the crashing waves. In fact, the beaches are vacant and often blocked off with tall hurricane fences.

No, this isn't a touristy place.

It's the people with smiles that spread from ear to ear that bring this place alive. Dressed in brilliantly patterned local fabrics, carrying big baskets of bananas on their heads, walking along with friends and family arm-in-arm, the people are some of the most beautiful in the world. They always greet out-of-towners with a friendly hello or a hug. It's downright rude to approach someone and ask a question without saying "Hello friend" first.

How to pack for Africa Read Post

How to pack for Africa

This week I’m traveling to Ghana—and I've spent the past week figuring out what to put into my bag. I put an open suitcase next to my closet and as I thought of things to bring I tossed them. I also often found myself pulling stuff out. Yet another T-shirt? Don’t need that. Sunproof long-sleeved shirt. Definitely yes!

Here’s a look at some of the essentials I’m bringing along:

1. Quick-drying underwear: You'll be a lot more comfortable.

2. Waterproof shoes: You might walk through puddles of stuff that you prefer to not get into your socks.

3. Light-weight waterproof jacket: When it rains, it pours yet it can still be baking hot. Pack a jacket that's light.

4. Breathable cotton and linen clothing: In Africa you’ll sweat more than you’ve ever sweat before. You’ll be more comfortable in light, airy clothing.

5. Authentic clothing: A friend of mine visited Ghana and purchased some authentic clothing. She loaned it to me so I’ll have something to wear when I visit villages. The Ghanaians appreciate it when you wear their local dress.

6. Medications: You’ll want some a prescription for Cipro in case you get diarrhea. I prefer Malarone for Malarlia. Yes, it’s more expensive. I also like to bring something to help me sleep on the plane. You’re enjoy your trip more if you arrive well-rested.

7. Vaccination records: Ghana requires proof for the yellow fever vaccine.

8. Passport: Don’t forget to look into necessary Visas well in advance.

9. Guidebook: The Bradt guides are always thorough and cover every detail.

10. Photo of my kids: Africans love children and they’ll want to see photos of yours. This will help create a connection between you and people you meet.

11. Chewing gum: In case you’re hit with a bad case of heartburn.

12. Energy bars: You’ll appreciate having some high-calorie, high-nutrient food on hand, especially if you get sick.

13. Sunscreen and a hat: The sun feels more powerful in Africa. Lather on lots of sunscreen.

14. Flashlight or headlamp: Even in the nicest hotels, the power can go out just like that.

National Park Week: Explore your country's natural wonders for free! Read Post

National Park Week: Explore your country's natural wonders for free!

Looking for something fun, free, and fantastic to do with family and friends? Head out to America's national parks where millions of stars light up the dark night sky, deer and antelope (and a few other critters!) play on the wide open range, and history is an unbelievable experience, not an exam.

And the best news? During National Park Week, April 21-29, ALL 397 of your national parks offer free admission, all week long!

Rolling in style: SkipHop's new kid's luggage Read Post

Rolling in style: SkipHop's new kid's luggage

I'm a big believer in kids' carrying their own luggage on trips. "Pack what you want," I tell them, "but you must carry it all yourself."

And I've found that children are especially willing to roll their own bags if you equip them with cute, fun luggage.

Enter SkipHop's new zoo line. These animal-themed bags are sturdy and affordable at $38 each. The front zip pocket with mesh divider makes it easy to reach smaller items like socks or a toothbrush.

Where should you change a diaper on the plane? Read Post

airplanes

Where should you change a diaper on the plane?

After an arm wrestling match with the car seat, you've finally figured out how to install the thing into the airplane seat. You've got you're baby all buckled in and you're about to pull out the sandwich you bought because you haven't eaten a thing all day.

But suddenly a terrible smell fills the air. Ugh! Dirty diaper!

Where should you change the diaper?

This question comes up in a recent LA Times article. A reader writes in complaining about some parents who changed their baby's diaper in their first-class seat, stinking up their entire section. I advise against this. It's rude and unfair. Dirty diapers are gross and don't need to be shared with everyone on the plane.

Instead lug your kid to the bathroom. Yes, the quarters are tiny and you'll have to bring out some fancy yoga moves to get your baby changed but it's the right thing to do.

Issaquah, Wash.: A cool, little place with the best hot chocolate ever—M&Ms! Read Post

Seattle

Issaquah, Wash.: A cool, little place with the best hot chocolate ever—M&Ms!

My best friend from growing up lives outside Seattle near the town of Issaquah, Wash. This small town has grown into a sprawling suburban community yet it's still pretty and green, surrounded by mountains and located at the foot of a long lake.

My son and I visited for a few days on our recent spring break trip to the Northwest. Here are a few highlights as well as places we hope to visit on our next trip:

Issaquah Cafe: The hot chocolate and pancakes come topped with tiny M&Ms. In other words, my son liked this cozy breakfast spot. I was also quite happy with my pumpkin waffle.

Historic Train Museum: An exact replication of the original structure and materials.

Boehm’s Candies: The Edelweiss Chalet where you can buy these local chocolates looks as if it were plucked out of the Swiss Alps and plunked down in Issaquah. The traditional wooden alpine chalet is oozing with old world charm—and the sweet smells of hand-dipped chocolate truffles.

Cougar Mountain Zoo: This sweet and tiny zoo with breathtaking views of the cascades is home to a few tigers, cougar cubs, a herd of reindeer, and other interesting animals.

Red sports car: Perfect wheels for a mother-son trip Read Post

Seattle

Red sports car: Perfect wheels for a mother-son trip

I always ask to rent an economy, compact car.

"The cheapest one you've got!" I say.

Well, when my son and I went to rent wheels in Seattle over our spring break trip, the cheapest car they had left was a cherry red Mustang sports car.

"Whoah!" my 7-year-old son said. "How fast does it go mommy?"

We never found out how fast it goes as I'm a cautious slow driver, but we did have a lot of fun cruising Seattle in our red hot car. Better yet, Budget charged us the economy, compact price.

How to build a snowman Read Post

How to build a snowman

My daughter built her first-ever snowman on our recent trip to the mountains.

"It's small mommy but I did it all by myself!"

Driving in the snow Read Post

Driving in the snow

We left our house in San Francisco at noon. The Sierra Nevada is only about three hours away. We'd be there by late afternoon, right?

We were so wrong. By the time we reached 4,000 feet the rain turned to snow and the traffic came to a dead stop. It took us three hours to travel 30 minutes. The cars were inching along painfully slow.

Thankfully when we woke up the next morning in our cabin in Tahoe-Donner, fluffy white powder was glistening underneath clear skies.

Sometimes it's worth driving in the snow....

Babysitters at 30,000 feet: Now you can hire a sky-nanny to watch your kids on long plane flights Read Post

Babysitters at 30,000 feet: Now you can hire a sky-nanny to watch your kids on long plane flights

Is there anything worse than dealing with fussy kids on a long plane flight? What to do?

Enter Nanny in the Clouds. This new service connects you with a nanny who is already on your flight and willing to help out with the kids.

It's free to sign up and costs $10 to get the contact information for a potential nanny on your flight. The two parties negotiate their own hourly rate for babysitting.

Nanny in the Clouds doesn't do background checks but sky-nannies are required to provide references.

The idea is brilliant and I desperately needed this on a flight to Hong Kong with my two kids, but with thousands upon thousands of flights every day, it's hard to imagine that a kid-loving person who's dying to babysit will be signed up with Nanny in the Clouds on your flight.

Sign up with Nanny in the Clouds.

Happy International Passport Day Read Post

Happy International Passport Day

Need a passport? Tomorrow is your day.

Saturday, March 10, marks International Passport Day and the State Department will allow citizens to apply for a passport at its regional passport agencies without an appointment. Normally, you have to make an appointment during the week—which is difficult if you work full-time.

Two perfect hours in downtown Nashville Read Post

Nashville

Two perfect hours in downtown Nashville

We have two hours in downtown Nashville. Not a lot of time.

Where should we go? Jack's, everyone tells us.

And so at about 7 p.m. on a Saturday night my friend Dina and I find ourselves in a line winding outside this hole-in-the-wall on Broadway. The line moves fast and soon we're choosing between freshly smoked pork shoulder, Texas beef brisket, and St. Louis ribs.

I decide on a brisket sandwich and two sides—creamed corn and baked beans. Dina gets the same thing with pork. The only mistake we made was ordering a regular sandwich "We should have ordered the jumbo," Dina says.

When our plates are clean, we head next door to Robert's where a local band plays Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Allman Bros. covers. Cowboy boots in every color line shelves on one wall; the other wall is plastered in photographs of stars like Dolly Parton who have played on the stage. Two Blue Moon beers, one set, and we're out the door.

Two perfect hours in downtown Nashville.

San Francisco Airport's new Terminal 2 Read Post

San Francisco Airport's new Terminal 2

San Francisco International Airport's new Terminal is sparkling and beautiful—and it's a food-lover's haven. I was delighted to walk into this modern space with water bottle-filling stations, Design Within Reach Furniture, and several appealing places to grab a bite. You can start with freshly rolled sushi at Wakaba, grab a coffee at Peet's and finish with a cup of cool, tart yogurt at Pinkberry. There are also Niman Ranch burgers at Burger Joint, fresh taco salads at Andalé, and tapas and local wines at Vino Volo.

Best Western Golden Key, Auburn, Calif. Read Post

Best Western Hotels

Best Western Golden Key, Auburn, Calif.

My 9-year-old daughter was too embarrassed to wear her snow pants to breakfast at the Best Western Golden Key.

"Mommy, people will think I'm weird!" she said.

She's at that age when everything is starting to make her feel awkward.

But as soon as we stepped inside the lobby and saw that nearly everyone sitting down and enjoying the hotels hot breakfast was dressed in ski clothes, my daughter blurted out, "Mommy I need to go back to the room to get my ski pants!"

Yes, in the winter time, when the Sierra Nevada are covered in snow, this friendly hotel in the foothills attracts a ski crowd. Only a 45 minute drive from the slopes, this makes for a great stopover on your way from the California Bay Area to the mountains.

Our rooms were comfy, clean and quiet. My kids were disappointed that they didn't bring their swim suits because there's an indoor pool and an outdoor hot tub. The breakfast—with waffles, fresh fruit, and yogurt—is complimentary. And as with all Best Westerns, the wi-fi is free.

I'll also make a special call-out to the people behind the front desk who are especially friendly. We checked out of the hotel and I returned my keys and then I realized that I'd left the luggage in the room. I needed to get a new key card!

Luggage in the car. Ready to go. My daughter screams out, "I forgot my blankie under the covers!"

I went back into the lobby to request yet another key.

The hotel clerk chuckled and told me to just leave the key in the room.

"You need to get up to the mountains," he said.

Hooray! There's snow in the Sierra Nevada Read Post

Best Western Hotels California Nevada

Hooray! There's snow in the Sierra Nevada

With hardly a flake falling in December, Californians (and Nevadans) are absolutely elated about the recent snow storms hitting the Sierra Nevada. This means there will be plenty of the white stuff over the President's Weekend.

Our family is hoping to head for the mountains this weekend for at least one night and I was just on the Best Western site looking for rooms. There are still a few left—book now!

Here are a few places to check out if you'd like to escape to the mountains this weekend:

Best Western Station House Inn, South Lake Tahoe
Best Western Plus Airport Plaza, Reno
Best Western Stagecoach Inn, Pollock Pines
Best Western Gold Country Inn, Grass Valley

Washington, D.C.: Martin Luther King Memorial Read Post

Washington, D.C.: Martin Luther King Memorial

Last summer, the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial opened in Washington, D.C. The four-acre monument is the first to a black man on the mall, with an impressive stone Dr. King His stone facing the Jefferson Memorial across the water. Lincoln sits behind him, and Roosevelt is to his right.

I recently visited on a clear evening and was moved by visitors who were brought to tears by the sight of the monument. My eyes watered at the sight of the young boy in the photo below looking up at the face of Dr. King.

BestWestern: Stay three times, earn a free night Read Post

BestWestern: Stay three times, earn a free night

Who doesn't love free! BestWestern is offering a great promotion that allows members of its rewards program to earn a free night after staying three separate times at any property between February 6 and April 8, 2012. Learn more at BestWestern.com.

Are vacations more affordable than summer camp? Read Post

Are vacations more affordable than summer camp?

I'm starting to map out summer. Yes, it's still months off but summer camps fill up and since I work full-time I need to make sure my kids are booked.

But signing up for summer camps can be depressing...because they cost so much. My son wants to learn to play tennis and so I looked up a camp where we live in San Francisco. $750 a week--and that's not even full-time. It costs extra to keep them there until 5 p.m. And that's for one kid! I also have a daughter who needs something to do that week.

I joked to my husband that it's less expensive for us to go on vacation than it is to stay home and work and send our kids to camp.

Anyone else outraged by the high cost of summer camp?