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Camping in the UK: Helpful Tips & Locations

April 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Breathtaking Lake District

When going on vacation in the UK, there’s no greater way to stay there than at one of its’ many fine camping sites. If you’re going with the whole family, then there’s no shortage of places to stay in, whether you’re camping in Devon, Derbyshire or Durham. The best campsites are located in beautiful surroundings with plenty of facilities on site including bars, grocery stores, restaurants, swimming pools and parks.

A lot of the best family-orientated camping sites in the UK are situated in or near its many National Parks. Devon, which is in the South West of England, is home to two National Parks: Exmoor and Dartmoor. From campsites like Crealy Meadows Caravan and Camping Park and the Kingsmead Centre in Cullompton, you can explore the natural beauty of those two parks. Walking is just one of the many things to do from your campsite: visiting a local village or town, sampling local cuisine and going to the beach are just some of the fun things you can do while camping in Devon.

To the west of Devon is Cornwall, which is another part of the UK famed for its natural beauty. If camping at a site like Buzzards Bridge near Heston, you could make a trip to the beach and go surfing. Cornwall is full of great places for surfing, especially the town of Newquay. Cornwall is surprisingly easy to get around, and has plenty of activities to do for the whole family.

Further north, the Lake District National Park in North West England is paradise for rambling as a family. Like in Devon and Cornwall, this place is packed with family-friendly campsites including Lakeland Leisure Park near Flookburgh and, if you want a peaceful vacation, The Quiet Site near Penrith. While you’re there, the views will take your breath away while the number of great British pubs means you won’t be thirsty during your stay.

The Scottish Highlands has a lot of great campsites which will go down well with your kids. Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park in Dornoch has plenty of things for them and you to do, including swimming, arcade games and playing at the on-site park. Meanwhile, to make sure you’re not bored, you can spend time in the bar and enjoy the evening entertainment on every night.   

Photo credit: tejvanphotos

This post was written for Family Rambling; links are sponsored.

Filed Under: Europe, UK
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Pyrenees: A magnet for caravan holidaymakers

April 18, 2012 By 1 Comment

With beautiful natural scenery at every turn and a wealth of things to see and do, it is not hard to recognise why the Pyrenees mountain range has long been a popular holiday hotspot. Come here in a touring caravan and you’ll be well-equipped to see all that this fantastic region has to offer.

Spanning the border between France and Spain, the Pyrenees is a melting pot of different cultures, so you can be confident of discovering something that matches your interests.

Pic-du-midi-dossau

The Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the French Pyrenees

To have total peace of mind for the duration of your break, you need to have caravan insurance in place. This policy provides vital protection in the event your accommodation suffers accidental damage or is the victim of fire, theft, a storm or flooding during your break and ensures that you don’t suffer financially.

By making one of the numerous caravan sites in this part of southern France the base for your break, you can easily explore the region to the utmost. The charming town of Pau is one place that definitely should be visited, not least of all because of the historic castle – the Chateau de Pau – that sits in the centre. This is where the 16th-century king Henry IV was born and today you can find out more about the monarch and observe intricately-woven tapestries.

Château_de_Pau_-_Entrée

Henry IV was born at Chateau de Pau

Get back to nature by heading to one of Pau’s many gardens and public squares. These include the Royal Square and Renaissance Garden, and at every turn you’ll be greeted by the sight of exotic flowers.

If sport is more your thing don’t worry, a number of international equestrian, cycling, golf and motorsport tournaments take place throughout the year. Pau is also a wonderful place for shopping, and you’ll discover well-known stores and independent boutiques alike to splash the cash on wonderful purchases to take back to your static caravan.

Of course, there is much more to explore on a caravan holiday in the Pyrenees than just Pau. Choosing this destination enables you to escape the stress of modern-day life and, in coming to the Mont Valier Nature Reserve, you can enjoy wonderful walks.

Valier_hairpins

Hairpin turns on roads climbing Mont Valier

Established in 1937, this is one of the oldest reserves in the region and is dominated by the towering Mont Valier, which stands some 2,838 m above sea level. Walking through the foothills surrounding the peak makes for an exhilarating trek and, while doing so, keep an eye out for the wide-ranging wildlife that call the park home, including golden eagles, ospreys and isards.

Visit the Animal Park at St Michel, meanwhile, and you will see everything from eagles and butterflies to bison and wolves, there are also activities for children. The Pont d’Espagne is another pretty spot you must see during a caravan holiday and this protected area of land allows you to soak up wonderful views of the Marcadau valley, before taking a cable car ride to the picturesque Gaube Lake.

A trip to the Chateau de Montsegur will undoubtedly be the highlight of any caravan break. Dating back to the 13th century, this historic castle has largely fallen into ruin and for a period of time was believed to be home to the Holy Grail. As you wander appreciating the medieval architecture, kids will love imagining what it is like to be the king or queen of their own castle. 

 Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
This post was written specifically for Family Rambling.  Included links are sponsored content.
Filed Under: Europe, Spain
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Living (and Speaking) in the State of Now

April 11, 2012 By 1 Comment

The state of Iowa is often called by many names, but on April 23 it will be known as the “State of Now” as nearly four dozen speakers from across the country share their social media stories.

A while ago I posted a comment on a local blog about why people should come to the 140 Character Conference.  Since I can’t really explain it any better than I did there, here is my answer, again, to why you should attend the State of Now:

For those of us involved in the world of social media this presents an opportunity for us to venture outside our known groups and hear other stories of succeeding online, learn new tricks that may enhance our own goals and to meet people we may have only seen in 140 character snippets.

But, more importantly, I think this is a great event for those who may only be dipping their toes into the realm of social media- or who may be too overwhelmed to even begin. It’s a terrific way for small business to see, first hand, how a free tool like Twitter may be able to spread the word about their unique product or amazing customer service. Or maybe Pinterest or Instagram, things they have never even heard of, can give them the visual boost their company has been looking for. It’s a non-threatening environment filled with inspiration- and a great opportunity for every business in Iowa to meet the people who may be able to help them become a national competitor in their own business.

I urge you to take a look at the speakers and the session tracks- you’ll see a wide variety, including education, agriculture, business, and (of course) travel.  No word on if we can expect Ashton Kutcher, who recently invested in local payment system company Dwolla, to show his face in the crowd.

But I would love to see yours.  And so would sponsor Verizon Wireless- just use code ‘verizon’ when you buy your ticket to save $30!

(Be sure to come for the whole day!  But if you are really interested in hearing me speak (of course you are), I’m scheduled for 10:30am. 

Filed Under: Midwest, USA
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Ticket – A family day out at the theatre

April 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Stuck for something for the kids to do this Summer Vacation? Why not head down to the theatre and see some of the greatest stories ever told live on stage!? The theatre is one of the oldest and most treasured forms of entertainment in the world and is still a thriving business and an amazing day out for kids and adults alike!

Here are some of the best, child friendly shows on Broadway, showing all through the summer vacation:

 The Lion King

The Lion King Live Theatre

The Lion King

Producer – Walt Disney Theatrical Productions

Story – The classic Disney tale of a lion prince finding his way is dramatically and sincerely portrayed by a cast of talented, devoted actors. Recently grabbing the top spot from the all-time classic, Phantom Of The Opera, as Broadway’s highest grossing musical of all time, The Lion King is an unmissable treat and saga for the ages. The original score from the film by Elton John remains as the actor/singers belt out the infamous melodies that accompany this epic story. Remember with such a demand you might want to check in advance for Lion King Tickets.

 Matilda

Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre, Seven Dials

Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre

Producer – Royal Shakespeare Company

Story – Roald Dahl’s timeless tale of a genius child with special powers who is overlooked by her parents and head teacher is re-enacted by one of the most famous theatre companies in the world. Matilda, a young rebellious child, overlooked by most adults spends the majority of her time in the library reading books at an expediential rate, which is viewed by her family as odd. Feeling out casted and belittled Matilda sets out, with the help of her friends and the only teacher who sees how special she really is, Miss Honey, to teach the adults in her life a lesson they’ll never forget! With music and lyrics by world famous comedian and composer Tim Minchin, Matilda is a captivating ride for all ages.

Cinderella

Cinderella and the Prince

Cinderella and the Prince

Producer – Robyn Goodman and Aged in Wood Productions.

Story – Infamous fairy tale Cinderella might be one for the girls but make no assumption this show comes with a kick! The innovative Robyn Goodman adaptation of the tale follows the rags to riches story of fictional sweet heart Cinderella under the oppression of her evil step mother and step sisters. Its original score is toe-tappingly catchy and will be in your head for weeks after the show. The romance between Cinderella and Prince Charming is delicately portrayed by both actors and echoes the everlasting ethos that love will conquer all!

 Whatever your taste, you can find something down at your local theatre and your kids will have a day out they will never forget. Check out reputable online sources such as Ticket.com or your local listings for details and tickets.

Photo credits:
Lion King picture attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/etoiline/
Matilda picture attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_smiths_flickr/
Cinderella picture attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/67433509@N00/
 
Disclosure: This is a guest post written for Family Rambling.  Links are sponsored content.
Filed Under: Europe, UK
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Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Titanic at Union Station in Kansas City

April 10, 2012 By 2 Comments
Famous Last Words about the Titanic by Her Captain

Famous Last Words

Sunday, April 15 marks the day, 100 years ago, when survivors saw the last bit of the Titanic disappear beneath the dark waters of the northern Atlantic.  A tragedy like no other, the loss of the “unsinkable” ship had a huge impact on Transatlantic ocean voyages that has only recently recovered.

With museums opening in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the ship was built, and Southampton, England, the Titanic’s home port, just in time for the 100th anniversary, 2012 could be called the “Year of the Titanic”.  Thankfully we didn’t have to go quite that far to get our own brush with the most celebrated ship of all time.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Union Station

Union Station in Kansas City never fails to impress us with the quality exhibits it brings in.  Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is no exception.  The staging rooms are designed to take you back to the exciting days when the ship launched.  From the enlarged newspaper clippings to the clothing worn a the time, you can feel excitement and progress in the world.

“Breakfasts sat untouched”.  That little bit of a title in the Kansas City paper made me realize just how like the tragedy of 9/11 the sinking of the Titanic really was.  It was unfathomable to people; it shocked them to their core.  How could such a marvel of machinery sink? 

Boarding the Titanic

Titanic Exhibition Boarding Passes

Boarding Passes

Before “boarding” your photo is taken at the Grand Staircase, a unique souvenir of your visit.

Recreation First Class Cabin on the Titanic

Luxurious First Class Cabin

As you make your way through the interactive exhibit you see blueprints of the ship, scale models and artifacts salvaged from the water after the sinking or from the wreckage so many years later.  Each piece of history has a story to tell; a story that may make you cry, or gasp at the irony, or even laugh.  Black and white photos of the ship’s rooms and decks help put the artifacts in perspective and serve as a reminder that no matter how grand something is, it can disappear in an instant.

Quotes from the Titanic

Quotes from the Titanic

While many of us know the stories of Ida Straus and the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, I was especially touched by the tales of those who worked on board the ship and the passengers who wouldn’t have been on board if not for an unfortunate coal strike.  As with any tragedy, we left with heavy hearts, questions beginning with “what if” circling through our minds.

Did We Survive the Titanic?

As we made our way through the exhibit, we wondered if we would survive.  I felt sure that my passenger, a 6 year old girl in second class, would survive due to age and status.  (She did.)  Doug’s passenger, a 65 year old man in First Class, was more difficult to guess.  Would his station save him?  He also traveled with his young daughter- maybe that would be cause for him to enter a life boat?  Or would he face the watery grave with dignity?  (Evidently he did the latter, as he did not survive.)

Helpful Tips for Visiting Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Union Station

  • The Titanic exhibit runs through September 3 (Labor Day weekend), 2012.  The exhibit is closed Mondays, open Tuesday through Sunday and on Monday holidays.

    Recreation of Second Class China from the Titanic

    Second Class China Souvenirs

  • Tickets are $19.12 (the year she sank) for adults; $16.12 for children, seniors & military.
  • Special events take the week prior to- and the anniversary of- the Titanic sinking.
  • The Titanic Exhibit has some of the greatest souvenirs I’ve seen.  Replica China from all three classes of cabins, coal taken from the wreckage, replica boarding passes, books, movies, clothing…  Plan to bring some spending money as there is something for everyone.
  • Note: While the exhibition is open to all ages, children younger than 7 will find themselves easily bored.  Much of the exhibit is “hands off” and many displays are secured with alarms.  Children who are fascinated by ships will really enjoy time spent here, especially if they can read on their own and adults take the time to discuss what they are seeing.
Filed Under: Midwest, Missouri, USA
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Dave Ramsey’s Junior Books for Kids

April 4, 2012 By 5 Comments

I travel to Nashville every year for the fabulous BlissDom conference.  Not only is it a terrific conference filled with inspiration and knowledge, but I get to hang out with people who “get me” and spend time with friends that I only get to see once a year.

One of those friends isn’t at the conference, but I take time out to visit her, share stories and enjoy her version of Southern Hospitality.

I Simply Adore Martha Thompson

with Martha Thompson at Financial Peace Plaza

Caelan with Martha Thompson at Financial Peace Plaza

My article about visiting Financial Peace Plaza continues to draw hundreds of visitors a month, and while everyone comes to catch a glimpse of Dave Ramsey I will contend that people who return time and again do so because of Martha.

This was my third visit to Financial Peace Plaza (and Caelan’s second).  I walked in the door and Martha greeted me by name and with a hug.  She is such a warm, giving, genuine person- even when she’s incredibly busy, as she was that day, preparing for a large group coming in that afternoon.

While my friends took a tour of Financial Peace Plaza, Caelan and I stayed with Martha and just talked.  We must have been there an hour and a half.  Not once did we feel rushed to leave, not once did the conversation lag.

I should probably mention that Martha runs the cafe at Financial Peace Plaza, so Caelan enjoyed a massive, freshly dipped chocolate covered strawberry and cocoa while we chatted.  Visiting with Martha is one of the highlights of my trip to Nashville.

Junior’s Adventures

kids_audio_cds_with_lunchbox Dave Ramsey

Junior's Adventures CD Set

I believe I mentioned how generous Martha is.  While I received a lovely gift pack, Martha gave Caelan a gift all her own: Junior’s Adventures 6 CD Audio set.  We love Junior in our house…  We have the books, the banks and even the Financial Peace Junior kit to help the girls understand how to earn, give, save & spend their own money.  The CDs are so handy- we listen to them in the car and Caelan will listen to a story as she falls asleep.  The cute metal retro lunchbox is a great way to carry the CDs- and a couple small toys, too!

But Martha didn’t just give Caelan a set of Junior books on CD, she also gave us one to give away here on the blog.  To that I’m adding the Total Money Makeover Journal; 184 pages of inspiring quotes and places to write your thoughts, dreams and goals.

Entry is easy- just leave a comment.  Topic ideas:  Dream vacation when you’re debt free, How you decide what chores your kids get paid for and which they do because they are part of the family, Favorite Dave Ramsey saying….  Or tell me your own Financial Peace story.  Whatever your comment, make sure it’s good because Caelan will be picking her favorite as the winner.

Rules:  Contest ends April 10 at 11:59pm.  Winner will be chosen April 11 and notified via email.  Please make sure you complete the email portion of the comment form so I can reach you.

Filed Under: Travel Resources
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Finding Romance in Kansas City

April 2, 2012 By 5 Comments

I love how much we travel with our girls.  Near or far, it’s always an adventure.  But sometimes we adults need some time to get away and remember just why we fell in love.

Doug and I recently had an “adults only” getaway to Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.  The Plaza holds special memories for us as Doug surprised me with a weekend getaway there when we were early in our relationship and we took a long weekend there when we got married.  It was the perfect getaway to reconnect and enjoy a little romance.

raphael hotel front

The Raphael Hotel, Kansas City Most Romantic Boutique Hotel

The Raphael, Kansas City’s Romantic Boutique Hotel

The minute you arrive at the Raphael Hotel you know you’re somewhere special.  The elegant brick structure brings to mind a time when buildings were built with care, each brick an important piece of the finished work.  As your vehicle rolls to a stop your door is opened and you are welcomed with a flourish by the impeccably dressed doorman. As the doors open and you enter the gilded lobby you know you’ve stepped back in time to a day when luxury hotel stays meant you dressed for dinner and guests were treated as more than bodies in a room.

Suite at Raphael Hotel

Suite at Raphael Hotel

Most of the rooms in the hotel are suites featuring a roomy sitting area with desk and television and a separate sleeping area.  I love this type of room as I am an early riser and Doug loves to sleep in when he can.  I enjoyed tea made in the Keurig and utilized the free wireless internet at my leisure- so relaxing with no little ones interrupting.  A light breakfast delivered from the on-site restaurant made my morning complete.

While the hotel, itself, is an incredible treat it is the staff that makes it truly special.  Every coming or going is recognized with a greeting, wishes for a good day, or offer of assistance; it feels like every member of the staff wants your stay to be perfect.

The Chaz Restaurant

Smoked Salmon Benedect & Bananas Foster French Toast

Smoked Salmon Benedect & Bananas Foster French Toast

With live music practically every evening and an eclectic variety of dishes, it’s no wonder Chaz on the Plaza has become one of Kansas City’s favorite dining spots.

The restaurant is small and quiet which made it perfect for pre-dinner drinks and a small appetizer.  The Braised Veal Cheek Sliders are a must, the incredibly tender meat so well accompanied by the salty mildness of the Emmentaler cheese.

The breakfast menu had a decidedly French feel with omelets, Benedicts and a Bananas Foster French Toast that was simply heavenly.  The only disappointment was the Chicken Fried Steak.  While good, it was almost as if the meat was too nice of a cut and the breading too light and not crisp enough.   (Yes, I know, how sad is it to say a piece of meat was too good?)

Enjoying Country Club Plaza as a Couple

Country Club Plaza was created to resemble Seville, Spain.  Statues, murals, tile mosaics and beautiful buildings make this a perfect area for strolling, hand in hand.  Upscale shops attract your eye and dozens of restaurants are available to please you palate.  My top picks for romance:

Best place to relive Lady & the Tramp’s Spaghetti Scene:  Buca di Beppo

This Italian restaurant is popular with large groups for their family style dining, but small, private boots are perfect for your romantic evening.

Best place when the cost doesn’t matter: McCormick’s & Schmick’s

Known for their steaks and seafood, M&S serves only the very freshest food available.  The chefs are known for their incredible variety and perfect presentation.  For a truly private dining experience reserve a snug.

Best for couples who can’t agree on what to eat:  Fogo de Chao

Roasting Meat at Fogo de Chao

Roasting Meat at Fogo de Chao

Meats slowly cooked over fire.  And a salad bar that even salad haters will love.  Gauchos who bring the meat, on the skewer, to your table and slice it off right in front of you.  And tasty side dishes that include caramelized bananas and warm cheese bread that is lighter than air.

Most romantic for dessert:  The Melting Pot

Chocolate fondue.  Need I say more?  OK, chocolate fondue and champagne.

Best place to relax on a beautiful afternoon:  O’Dowd’s Little Dublin

Ploughman's Platter, O'Dowd's Little Dublin, Kansas City

Bangers, cheese and toasts

Head directly for the only rooftop deck on the Plaza.  Relax with a drink, nibble on the Ploughman’s Platter, talk, flirt, and remember what life was like before kids.

Kansas City is one of our favorite destinations, both as a couple and as a family.  With so much to do, so many things going on, it’s no wonder one of our favorite sayings is “Kansas City Here We Come!” 

 

 
Disclosure: This getaway was fully paid for by Doug & I. 

Filed Under: Food and Restaurants, hotel, Hotels and Lodging, Midwest, Missouri, USA
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Lodge in London Like a Local

April 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Frognal, Hampstead

Family Luxury in Hampstead

For most of us, a hotel is a place of dreams and wonder, where the pint-sized toiletries are ripe for the picking, where you can order a drink at all hours, where everyone with a name tag wants to be your friend. It’s a place where someone else gets to make you supper, bring it and then clear it away.

It’s also that place where everything is a little too expensive, where you’re charged a small fortune for every minuscule item of clothing you choose to launder. It’s where a thimbleful of vodka in the minibar will set you back four times as much as it would in a bar, where the peanuts most certainly are not complimentary, but rather their price on the itemised bill is downright insulting.

May I also add: a trouser press in every room;  superglued-shut windows; too-short bath tubs; identikit corridors; sharing lift space with strangers; weird, unfamiliar breakfasts; overheated/chilled room temperatures;. I could go on, but I fear I too will overheat.

Did you know that there is an alternative? It’s called someone else’s home. 

Funky Apartment in Notting Hill

Funky Flat in Notting Hill

There are several ways in which you can make this happen. You could befriend that guy on the plane next to you, follow him home and refuse to take no for an answer. You could find an empty house in a neighbourhood you like, break in and enjoy your stay. Or you could do what a lot of people are doing and, via the web, hang out in someone’s home. Someone, that is, who actually wants you to be there.

The two well known sites that make this possible are couchsurfing.org (which is just what it sounds like and probably not a great family option) and AirBnB, which describes itself as a global network of accommodation offered by locals. With AirBnB, you can either rent a room in someone’s property – or you can go the whole hog and have the place all to yourself. All the extras, such as cleaning and an extra levy for additional people, are added on at the end.

View of parliament

Amazing view of Parliament from Westminster apartment

At the top end of this model is OneFineStay. Although it’s only available in London at the moment, there are plans to roll it out in other European capitals and some cities in the U.S. There’s a nightly flat rate, and when you arrive, you’re met by one of the agents who hands you an iPhone with an app detailing every last little thing about your property and the area you’re staying in. All of onefinestay’s rental properties  are on the right side of the tracks, and they are beautifully decorated. The whole concept is way more personal than a hotel room, and you don’t even have to nose around the house to see what the owner’s peccadilloes are – just take a look at their pictures, books and trinkets.  And, from a financial point of view, renting someone’s house for a week probably works out a lot cheaper if you’re travelling with the whole family.

But the best thing? All the pillows are soft and downy and, in short, perfect. Hotels don’t care about the pillows, because they don’t sleep on them. Home owners, on the other hand, do.

Photo credits: OneFineStay

This post was written for Family Rambling® and does contain sponsored content.  But really, isn’t this how you would prefer to stay in London?

Filed Under: Europe, UK
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