Clipmarks | Jenhahaha's clips

New Nickelodeon Cruise Vacations

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:06:54 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: All inclusive vacation means grown-ups can relax while kids are entertained by Dora and Spongebob.

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

Next summer is going to offer something great for families; two new Nickelodeon cruise vacations on massive, classy, 4-star Royal Caribbean cruise ships. My children love Nickelodeon, and when I let them watch TV (who am I kidding, this means almost every evening), they usually choose to watch kiddie fare like iCarly, Drake and Josh, and Spongebob Squarepants. A Nickelodeon cruise trip sounds like a perfect way to spend a family vacation at sea.

Tags: nickelodeon, cruise, vacation, family, travel, los angeles, florida

The Worst Hotel in New York City

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:38:54 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: This might even be the worst hotel is the United States of America! Cockroaches, rats, disgusting!

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and for good reasons; the winter holidays, fast-paced culture, Broadway, and museums both famous and funky. A lot of Americans can trace their roots in this country to Ellis Island, making family travel take on extra poignancy. There are, of course, no shortage of super-luxurious hotels to stay in, as well as more reasonably priced rooms and suites (the Mudslide family is partial to the Affinia Gardens hotel in the mid-60s). But there are are also a bunch of cheap hotels -and anyone traveling to NYC on a budget would be smart to research these before making reservations. Case in point: The Hotel Carter, on West 43rd Street. Yes, basically a Times Square location. This hotel is, quite possibly, the absolutely worst hotel in New York City.

Tags: worst, hotel, nyc, new york city

Best Museums for Children in NYC

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:15:15 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: List of seven great museums that kids like in New York City.

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

We go to New York City several times a year, but we try to make these vacations during the warmer months. Once, a cold rain turned to hail in April, and my California daughter said, “This rain hurts my nose!” That’s when it really hit home for me that my kids really aren’t being raised in the same climate zone as were their parents. That surprising weather led us to spend a lot of times in the great museums in NYC (hey, they’re indoors, aren’t they?) and my children enjoyed all of them, albeit in different ways.

New York Transit Museum, corner of Schermerhorn St and Boerum Place - My children don’t fall in this category, but I know plenty of little boys who are endlessly fascinated with all things transportation-themed. For kids who love trains, subways, and the like, this museum is worth a trip out to Brooklyn. The New York Transit Museum is based in a real station from the 1930’s.

Tips for watching the Tournament of Roses parade on New Year's Day

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:28:13 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: If you're going to Pasadena to watch the Rose Bowl Parade in person, here are around 10 very useful tips for best enjoying yourself there.

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

New Year’s Day is notable for different things, depending on the person. A bunch of us nurse hangovers from late-night New Year’s Eve parties. The more sentimental among us reflect on the past years events and memories. And many, many Americans watch the Tournament of Roses on TV, right before the Rose Bowl game. If part of your New Year’s Day plans include going to Pasadena and watching the parade in person, you might want to keep in mind these facts and tips about it.

Don’t bother arriving early in the week to somehow save a spot for your group or family. The whole area is is sealed off on December 30, and opens to the public at noon on December 31. Curbside camping is not only legal, it’s recommended.

By “camping,” I mean folding chairs and the like. No tents or ladders, and please - leave your couches at home.

The parade starts at 8:00 in the morning; early! This may be a painful wake-up for those of us who enjoyed celebrating the New Year at midnight.

Tags: new years, rose bowl, tournament of roses, parade, pasadena, california, tips

British Virgin Islands Luxury Rental Villas

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:47:31 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: IF you travel as a group or family, a rental villa is actually more affordable than are suites in high-end hotels.

Clip Source: luxury-island-retreats.suite101.com

Caribbean Vacations on Private Beachfront Property Can Be Affordable

Mention luxury rental villas, and visions of money-draining vacations enter many travel planners' minds. It's true that in leaner times, even those who are accustomed to 5-star travel may hesitate before booking their next high-end trips. Rental villas in any highly desirable destination - Italy, France, the Caribbean - certainly seem like a splurge. But pound for pound (or dollar to dollar), those luxury villas can actually be more reasonable than are rooms and suites in their 5-star resort hotel counterparts.

Three 8,000 sq.ft. private villas

Luxury brand Frette linens and Bulgari bath amenities

Private chefs

Waterfront infinity pools

Nightly turn down service

Fully equipped kitchen

On site concierge to help meet every vacation need

Each private villa has 3 full master suites

Housekeeping and laundry service

Access to private yachts - spend a day sailing around the British Virgin Islands

Beach attendants

Tags: british virgin islands, bvi, luxury rental villas, affordable, vacations, caribbean

Before Barack, there was The Cosby Show

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:19:29 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: Young voters today grew up watching The Cosby Show - this has implications.

Clip Source: www.nytimes.com

Some theorists argue that political and social change is preceded by shifts in popular culture. So it’s not surprising that the debate has heated up over who, or what, in arts and entertainment presaged Barack Obama’s election as president.

But one idea seems to be gaining traction, and improbably it has Bill Cosby and Karl Rove in agreement: “The Cosby Show,” which began on NBC in 1984 and depicted the Huxtables, an upwardly mobile black family — a departure from the dysfunction and bickering that had characterized some previous shows about black families — had succeeded in changing racial attitudes enough to make an Obama candidacy possible.

Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint, a psychiatrist at the Jude Baker Children’s Center in Boston and a professor at Harvard Medical School who was a script consultant on “The Cosby Show,” said in an interview that “there were a lot of young people who were watching that show who are now of voting age.”

Tags: obama, president, cosby show

Tips for Watching Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Live

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 02:52:35 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: Six good suggestions.

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

No matter how you feel about travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s a given that a lot of us are stuck with it. One of the most popular Thanksgiving travel destinations is New York City. This makes sense; it’s finally not disgustingly hot and not yet miserably cold (hello, New Year’s Eve, I’m talking to you) — and, of course, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a remarkable event. As with many other iconic aspects of our country, seeing the parade in person is remarkable, and memorable, and just different than half watching it on the TV while tryptophan threatens you with complete organ shut-down. I love the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you’re lucky enough to be in or near NYC for Thanksgiving, here are some tips for making the most out of it.

Tags: thanksgiving, parade, nyc

Tips for Finding Family Vacations that Fit Your Budget

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:18:43 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: Five ideas for how to not break the bank while booking a family vacation. Travel deals and hotel packages can be affordable, and worth it.

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

Home prices falling, gigantic bailout on Wall Street, the stock market’s a mess - we can almost feel the anxiety in the air. In uncertain economic times like these, a lot of us cut back on extras. Family travel certainly seems, on the face of it, like just such an “extra” to put off until the market improves. But is that really the case? Many people don’t think so: The travel and tourism industry is responding to the recession worldwide by offering some great travel deals and hotel packages, the likes of which make family vacations a viable choice again. In fact, digging up the best travel deals and packages is an important way to stretch the family travel budget. We can still have great, memorable trips with our children, and those experiences really help bring the family together. Enjoying family time away from home is invaluable, after all. Here are our top 5 tips for finding a family vacation that fits your travel budget.

Tags: tips, family, vacation, travel, deals, packages

Plane Versus Car Trip for Traveling with a Baby

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:53:32 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: Discussion of suggestions for easier traveling with a baby.

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

Is price a factor? Even with gas prices being what they are, a long car trip is still less expensive that 2 seats on a plane. And yes; if you choose to fly, please buy the second seat. He will not want to be in your lap the whole time, and you won’t want him to be, either. Do you have a portable DVD player? If so, and if he likes those baby shows like Little Einsteins, this trip is a good time to let him watch more TV than you’d normally feel comfortable with.

Something else to consider is what you’d take with you. Clearly, he will want his favorite blanket or whatever. You will want his stroller and car seat. If you can afford to, I’d recommend shipping some items in advance. It may not be possible to reduce your packing to carry-on only, but the less luggage you need to check, the better. Several airlines charge for checking second items now (although there is no fee for strollers or car seats).

Tags: travel, baby, family, vacation, airplane, car, trip

Halloween at California Theme Parks

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:52:05 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: Fun for kids and teenagers through the month of October every year.

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

If the drug stores and supermarkets are any indication, celebrating Halloween is at least a month-long event - if not longer. Theme parks are no exception, of course. In fact, many of California’s theme parks start with the scary celebration of Halloween as soon as school starts in September.

Also, at Disney’s California Adventure Park, there is special trick-or-treating at Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party. There’s the usual rides and attractions, plus games and live music, all with Disney characters wandering around doing their thing. This is a different deal than the Disneyland Theme Park across the street; buy tickets in advance because Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat party is very, very popular.

These are family-friendly California theme parks that my kids have enjoyed for years. With Halloween being probably the most child-oriented holiday in our country, I can’t think of a better time to have a family trip to a theme park and have a great time.

Tags: halloween, los angeles, california, kids, teens

Big Jerk is a Big Jerk

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:25:48 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: Remind me never to join a homeowners' association!

Clip Source: seattletimes.nwsource.com

KENNEWICK — Burke Jensen moved to Kennewick about a year ago, bought a nice house in the country south of the city and began to settle into a new job at Energy Northwest.

Then came the call five months ago to serve his country in Kuwait.

So Jensen, who says he is an involuntarily mobilized reservist, headed off, leaving behind a pregnant wife, a young son and a 2.5-acre lot with not a spot of landscaping.

Now, Lt. Jensen is being told to get an irrigation system and landscaping on his property as soon as possible or face legal action from the Oak Hill Country Estates Homeowners' Association.

"I really don't give a [expletive] where he is or what his problem is," said Chick Edwards, owner and developer of the 47-lot subdivision at the south end of Oak Street in Kennewick.

"It doesn't matter to me," said Edwards, who insists Jensen has violated terms of the homeowners-association covenants requiring that landscaping be completed within one year after an occupancy permit is issued for a home.

Tags: homeowners associations

Halloween at California Theme Parks

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:04:28 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: Five suggestions for Halloween fun at different California amusement parks.

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

Disneyland - The price of admission is no longer the scariest thing about Disneyland (though it’s still high on the list). Halloween Time at Disneyland is a gigantic annual event, running this year from September 26 to November 2. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and its star, Jack Skellington, really get to come out from the shadow of all those princesses every Fall. The Haunted Mansion has been transformed into what can only be described as a Halloween extravaganza in the past; we can assume that the same will hold true this year. It’s a little bit scary, with a few critters that pop out unexpected, but getting startled is part of the fun at Disneyland this time of year.

Tags: theme parks, california, halloween, disneyland, universal, amusement

Annual Halloween Events in Los Angeles

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:55:24 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: These are some (non-theme park) activities in LA, California that are child-friendly.

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

It’s October! Can you feel the anticipation in the air? A family with young children knows that Halloween is at least as major a holiday as is Christmas and New Years Eve. I don’t know about you, but in our house, serious discussions about What to Go As This Year start right after Labor Day. Obviously, an important holiday such as this candy-free-for-all one, gets its own activities and events to help build up to the big day. Here are a few recommended fun, weird, and exciting Halloween activities for children (non-theme park edition) in Los Angeles. My kids will probably enjoy each one.

Sure, the big theme parks like Disneyland have a wrap on famous child-friendly Halloween activities, but these are some smaller, more manageable options right here in Los Angeles. Anyone planning to be in this part of Southern California in October would give their little kids the gift of a really good time at any of these recommended Halloween to-do’s.

Tags: halloween, los angeles, california, activities, events, family, child friendly

Tips for Safe Travel (10 tips)

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:36:57 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha
clipper's remarks: Ten tips for safer, better and easier travel.

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

1. Keep an eye on your stuff. It sounds simple, but the sights and stresses of travel can distract even the most inveterate travelers. For example, I had taken some things out of my purse when I was looking for my sunblock, which it turns out I had left in my room. Apparently, I left my Blackberry on the table in the lobby. When I got back downstairs, it was gone. Someone STOLE my new Blackberry – and all my contact info, photos, and favorite ringtones that were on it.

7. Don’t travel to part of any country that is considered dangerous. While “considered dangerous” is open for interpretation, the US State Department issues travel alerts for particularly unsafe parts of the world. It’s a big world with plenty of terrific vacation spots; why ruin a romantic getaway or family vacation in a dangerous travel destination if you don’t have to?

Tags: travel, airports, tsa, theft, crime, vacations, trips

Moving Past 9/11

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:51:10 GMT

clipped by: Jenhahaha

Clip Source: travelingmamas.com

I remember, as a kid, listening as my parents’ friends sometimes talked about where they were when JFK was assassinated. I didn’t understand then what I know now: Horrible, terrifying events in our country’s history can make people feel alone, and we seek connection and togetherness as a way to relate to and get through tragedy. Maybe every generation has this experience. Certainly, for anyone old enough to read this, the collective and terrible event of our age is 9/11/01. And today, on the 7th anniversary of that day, we’ll ask that question as well. Where were you when the World Trade Center towers fell?

Seven years ago, the act of taking care of little children in my neighborhood helped me, and other parents, cope with a devastating, shocking time. Today, it’s interesting to look through the collection of drawing and notes from kids all over the United States. Seven years after 9/11/01, it’s easy to smile, and be touched by the resilience and hopefulness of our nation’s children.

Tags: 9/11, world trade center, nyc, ny, nyfd, firefighter, children