May 17, 2012

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Precious Cargo: Child Safety Seat Laws & Tips Every Parent Should Know

May 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

Safe and Buckled In

Safe and Buckled In

All parents want to know ways to keep their most precious cargo safe while traveling by car. But how do those with children make sense of all the car seat safety suggestions and laws out there?

 Know the law and do your homework to see what other recommendations apply to your family before you take your tots for a spin. Specific car laws designed for child safety vary from state to state. You can visit www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html for your state’s individual requirements; however, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are two laws that apply to most of the country:

  1. All 50 states require some kind of child safety seat for infants and children. Check your state for specific laws and criteria.
  2. All states except Arizona, Florida and South Dakota require booster seats or other form of safety seat for children who outgrow car seats but are too small to safely use adult seat belts.

 While these two child safety seat laws are by no means comprehensive, it gives parents and caregivers a good start when it comes to car and child safety. The NHTSA also offers suggestions on other ways to keep your children safe while traveling by car. These may not be laws, but are important tips to follow to keep your kids safe in the backseat.

  • Choose a car seat that corresponds to your child’s age, height and weight.
  • Keep your child in his or her car seat for as long as is recommended.
  • Register your car seat so that you receive notifications of recalls or defects.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper car seat installation. If you’re not sure you’ve properly installed it, find your nearest car seat inspector location by visiting www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm.
  • Ensure children under 13 years old sit only in the backseat of the vehicle.

 Keeping your kids safe is no doubt your top priority. Understanding the car laws about child safety seats and following these five tips are a great way to help better protect your littlest passengers. Another way to keep your entire family safe on the road is to request an online auto insurance quote; this ensures you have the right insurance coverage for you and all the little ones in your safekeeping.

 This article was written for Family Rambling.  Some links are sponsored content.
Filed Under: Driving

The Good Traveler May Miss the Best Part of the US

May 9, 2012 By 1 Comment

I’m a pretty avid travel blog reader.  I love reading where people go, how they go and why.  It fuels my wanderlust when I’m at home.  So when I read last week that The Good Traveler, Aric S. Queen, would be crossing the United States on a “Classic American Roadtrip” I was keen to follow along. 

The adventure begins this Monday, May 7th. Follow Aric’s journey on Intelligent Travel, Twitter @GoodTravelerNG and Instagram (@GoodTraveler) to get inspired, to be entertained, and to give him advice about what he should see and who he should meet as he blogs his way across America.

 

Leander Reeve House, Hampton, Iowa

The Old Stone House

Being a proud, and rather outspoken, Midwesterner, I tweeted to Aric that he should definitely make Hampton, Iowa a stop on his route so he could meet Deb Brown (@debworks38383838).  Deb is a Franklin County native who moved away, only to return years later to help care for her ill father.  When she returned Deb found a passion she didn’t realize was in her- a passion to share Franklin County and the town of Hampton, with the anyone who would listen.  Deb is a driving force behind tourism in Franklin County, organizing blogger trips, serving on the tourism board and promoting many of the local events.  I think it is safe to say that without the help of Deb, Hampton, Iowa would be just another small- and growing smaller- town in Iowa.

Now, Aric and I had a nice conversation about that, but then he sent this tweet:

So, I’m making it my summer mission to get National Geographic’s popular blogger into the Midwest.  Because if he skips over us he’ll miss some great people like:

Ken Burns who returned to Bonaparte, Iowa after years on the West Coast.  He and his wife own a lovely art gallery and tea shop.  They also run the Villages Folk School where instructors and students come together to keep many of our “lost arts”, like handpiecing, crocheting, rug weaving and chair caning, alive.

 

Original Lyrics to "Home on the Range"

"My Western Home" became "Home on the Range", the state song of Kansas

El Dean Holtus, whose aunt and uncle, Mr. & Mrs. Pete Rust, saved the cabin where ‘Home on the Range’ was written in Smith County, Kansas.  El Dean works tirelessly as one of the trustees of the Ellen Rust Living Trust, raising funds to maintain the cabin and restore it.

Marci Penner, who loves Kansas as much as I love Iowa.  The author behind the Kansas Sampler Foundation and the 8 Wonders of Kansas, Marci has met more interesting people than I will ever be fortunate enough to know.  The stories she can tell, and the people she could lead Aric to, are immeasurable.

I could go on…  and on…  We all know incredible people and communities in the Midwest.  So I am calling on you- readers, travelers, Midwesterners, to share with Aric what makes the Midwest so great- and why he shouldn’t miss it.

Call to action:

  • Send a tweet to @GoodTravelerNG. Tell him what he’s missing.  Use the #TravelMidwest.
  • Leave a comment here.  Share your story of inspiring people and passionate communities.
  • If you have a blog, share your story there and link it back here using the linky below.
  • Invite your friends to join us in sharing how amazing the Midwest- and her people- truly are.  It’s time for us to get over our “aw shucks, t’ain’t nuthin” modesty and really show a=our awesome.
  • And who knows- if Aric passes us by, maybe I’ll pay a visit and share your story.

 

Filed Under: Driving, Midwest, USA

Connecting Nature – One Lego at a Time

May 1, 2012 By 5 Comments
Butterfly at Reiman Gardens, Ames, Iowa

In the Butterfly Wing

Reiman Gardens, on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, is always a beautiful pace to visit.  Following Iowa’s seasons, there is always something new to discover.

Each year Reiman Gardens chooses a theme that carries through the gardens, educational programs, events, and even the gift shop.  The theme for 2012,”Some Assembly Required”, drew my family’s attention in a big way- with fun Lego sculptures throughout the grounds!

Water Platter and Koi Lego Sculptures

The Water Platters and Koi on the pond are a surprising placement

27 individual Lego sculptures are scattered both indoors and out, some pieces so seemingly delicate you wonder how they can stay together.

Hummingbird and Flower Lego Sculpture, Reiman Gardens, Ames, iowa

The larger than life Lego hummingbird hovers over a bed of tulips

My girls ran along the paths of the gardens proclaiming, “We found another Lego sculpture!”  With no true route in mind, we wandered, willy-nilly, through the myriad of gardens.  As we examined each new sculpture, Brenna, my eldest, would read the information in the brochure, telling us how many Lego pieces each sculpture took to create.  Hummingbird & Flower: 31,565.  Mother Bison: 45,143.  Calf: 16,229.

Mother Bison and Calf created from Legos at Reiman Gardens, Ames, Iowa

Mother Bison and Calf graze in the Stafford Garden

But the Legos aren’t just for looking at.  Take time to wander into the corn crib in the Children’s Garden and try your hand at creating sculptures.  Add on to building that has already begun, or create your own masterpiece.

Creating art with Legos at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa

Future Lego Artists?

We spent just over two hours at Reiman Gardens.  Not only was it a fun family adventure, but we snuck in some education as well.  Brenna learned to read large numbers, we talked about how each sculpture fit into the theme of “Nature Connects”, the girls asked whatever questions came to their minds and we had great discussions about everything from germinating acorns to where frogs go when it’s cold.  Because the true beauty of displays like this is that they bring your family together.

Even if you do have to visit the butterflies twice…

Butterfly at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa

Delicate butterflies fill the Butterfly Wing at Reiman Gardens

Lego sculptures are on display at Reiman Gardens through October 28, 2012.  Reiman Gardens is open daily for fun, and educational, family outings. 

 

Children age 3 and under Free
Youth age 4-17 $4.00
Senior age 65 and above $7.00
Adults age 18-64 $8.00

Family Rambling would like to thank Reiman Gardens for passes to view the Lego sculptures.

Filed Under: Midwest, USA

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

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

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

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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