14 Delicious Thanksgiving To-Go Options in Houston

This holiday season, those seated around our dinner tables may be fewer than in years past. Although we may not be able to enjoy our relatives home cooked delicacies, never fear many local eateries are offering take out meals or a la carte items to supplement your holiday meal. Here is where to grab delicious takeout meals in Houston this Thanksgiving:

1. Central Market – Holiday Hotline

   This year, Central Market is offering three (3) complete meals, plus best-selling sides and deserts. The minimum order is $70. The Oven-Roasted Turkey Dinner includes all-natural oven-roasted turkey breast, savory cornbread dressing, green beans with toasted almonds, whipped russet potatoes, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce and brioche rolls. This dinner comes in two serving sizes – 4 to 6 people starts at $99.99 or 6 to 8 people starts at $139.99. Alternatively, the Smoked Ham with Apricot Ginger Dinner, which serves 6 to 8 people and includes hickory smoked ham with apricot ginger glaze, savory cornbread dressing, green beans with toasted almonds, whipped sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and brioche rolls. This dinner start at $149.99. Finally, the Herb-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin Dinner serves 6 to 8 people and starts at $249.99. The herb encrusted beef tenderloin with herb au jus includes whipped russet potatoes, jalapeno pecan dressing, green beans with toasted almonds and brioche rolls.

   In addition to the dinner offerings, Central Market is also offering a la carte offerings, which include: bread & rolls, dressings & stuffings, gravy & sauces, soups & salads, tamales, vegetables and various assorted deserts.

   Orders can be picked up between November 23rd through November 26th. Order online here or call the Holiday Meals Hotline at 713-386-1785.

2. Ragin Cajun

   If you are looking for a Cajun Fried Turkey, there is arguably no better offering than at Ragin Cajun.

   The Traditional Package includes a Cajun fried turkey, holiday gravy, dinner rolls, cornbread dressing, green bean casserole and pecan pie. This package ranges from $140 (serving 6 to 8) to $310 (serving 24 to 30 and includes 2 Cajun turkeys). The Deluxe Package includes a Cajun fried turkey, holiday gravy, dinner rolls, Mandola Caesar salad, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, jambalaya, red beans and rice, peach cobbler and pecan pie. This package ranges from $200 (serving 6 to 8) to $525 (serving 24 to 30 and includes 2 Cajun turkeys). Finally, the Cajun Package includes a Cajun friend turkey, holiday gravy, cornbread, sweet potato soufflé, dirty rice, gumbo with rice, bread pudding and rum sauce. This package ranges from a small package at $165 (serving 6 to 8) to a large package at $410 (serving 24 to 30 and includes Cajun fried turkeys).

   Ragin Cajun is also offering various traditional and non-traditional items including a tur-duck-ens, salads, cornbread & dressing and various sides.

   Order online here or call 713-623-6321. There is a $10 deposit for all orders. Pickup as late at November 25th.

3. Brennan’s

   This year, Brennan’s partnered with Feges BBQ to offer a Smoked Turkey. The Brennan’s BBQ Smoked Turkey Package costs $325 and includes a smoked turkey, three (3) sides of your choice, a desert of your choice, a quart of gravy, two (2) quarts of turtle soup and a quart of cranberry sauce.

   Additionally, Brennan’s is offering various traditional and non-traditional a la carte items. And the pies de resistance, bulk cocktails serving 6 to 8 starting at $50.

   See Brennan’s Thanksgiving menu here. To place your order, call 713-522-9711. Orders must be submitted by noon on November 17th with pickup on November 24th or November 25th.

4. Mikki’s Soulfood Café

   Looking for a Soulfood feasts? Look no further than to Mikki’s Soulfood Cafe.

   The Turkey Dinner Combo includes a turkey, green beans, cornbread dressing, candied yams, giblet gravy and dinner rolls. This dinner comes in two serving sizes – 3 to 4 people starts at $89 or 6 to 8 people at $149. The Ham Dinner Combo includes green beans, cornbread dressing, candied yams, giblet gravy and dinner rolls. The dinner comes in two serving sides – serving 3 to 4 people starts at $89 or serving 6 to 8 people starts at $159.

   Various a la carte items and desert selections. Additionally, Mikki’s is offering an assortment of Daiquiris 30 gallon.

   See Mikki’s Soulfood Menu here or call 281-568-5115.

5. Ouisie’s Table

   This year, Ouisie’s Table is offering three (3) meat selections served with choice of two (2) sides and one (1) desert. Garlic & Pepper Crusted Prime Rib sliced and served with three sauces – Aioli, Tarragon Mustard and Horseradish Cream. The meat, choice of two (2) sides and one (1) desert feeds 15 to 25 people and costs $350. However, if you want the meat only, the cost is $275. Honey Glazed Ham with your choice of two (2) sides and one (1) desert feeds 20 to 25 and costs $175. If you only want the Ham, the cost is $80. Finally, Roasted Turkey with Gravy with your choice of two (2) sides and one (1) desert feeds 10 to 15 and costs $175. If you only want the Roasted Turkey, the cost is $80.

   The a la carte sides each serve 10 to 12 and each cost $50. Ouisie’s Table is even offering their award winning biscuits sold by the dozen.

   See Ouisie’s Table Thanksgiving menu here. To place your order, call 713-528-2264. Order will be ready for pickup on November 25th.

6. Turkey Leg Hut

   The Turkey Leg Hut has a Catering Menu that will knock your socks off! Get a full pan of 20 Turkey Legs – traditional recipe starts at $200, the flavored recipes start at $240 and the stuffed turkey legs start at $300.

   See a full catering menu. To place your order, call 832-787-0770.

7. Backstreet Café

   Backstreet Café is offering a la carte items allowing you to pick and chose exactly what works for your family. Select from an Apricot-Mustard Glazed Spiral Ham, Butternut Squash Soup, Wild Mushroom Soup, Sweet Potato Gratin, and so much more.

   See Backstreet Cafe’s full Thanksgiving menu here. To place your order call 713-521-2239.

8. Rainbow Lodge

   Rainbow Lodge, Houston’s local game eatery, does not disappoint with the game options for Thanksgiving.

   Roasted Meats are cooked medium rare. Rule of thumb for the following offerings is 1½ pounds per person. Whole Beef Tenderloin weights approximately 4 pounds for $159; Whole Venison Lion weights approximately 4 pounds for $229; Whole Bison Tenderloin weights approximately 4 pounds for $349; and Garlic and Rosemary Rack of Lamb serves two (2) for $79. Whole Roasted Turkey with turkey gravy serves 8 to 12 people for $120. Alternatively, a Whole Roasted Turkey Breast with turkey gravy bone in and skin on serves 6 to 8 for $100. Finally, the Bird offerings – Whole Grilled Texas Quail for $16 (includes two per order); Seared Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast for $16; Whole Roasted Duck serves 2 for $49; and Whole Roasted Pheasant serves 2 for $45.

   Rainbow Lodge also offers seasonal sides that serve 4 for $14 each. In addition, select from three (3) outstanding desert – Croissant Bread Pudding with whiskey sauce, Banana Cream Pie with toasted meringue and chocolate shavings and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.

   Finally, there are various lodge classics being offered as well.

   See Rainbow Lodge’s full Thanksgiving menu here. To place your order, call 713-861-8666 at least 48 hours in advance of pickup. Pickup between November 24th thru November 26th.

9. The Breakfast Klub

   Each package starts at $65 and includes Smothered Turkey Wings, seasoned rice, dressing, one choice of side and your choice of bread. Breakfast Klub is also offering an assortment of sides for $12 each and desserts.

   Orders must be placed by Monday, November 23rd at 2 PM. See The Breakfast Klub’s full Thanksgiving menu here. To place your order, call 713-524-9901 or email catering@thebreakfastklub.com.

10. Grace’s

    Grace’s Thanksgiving Feast includes turkey, dressing, sides, cranberry sauce, rolls and pumpkin pie. The Feast serves 4 to 6 and starts at $100. Alternatively, Grace’s offers meals for four (4), which includes salad, one entrée, two sides and a gallon of ice tea starting at $79.

    Order by November 24th at 713-728-6410.

11. Carrabba’s - The Original

    Although not offering an official Thanksgiving meal package, Carrabba’s has Family Meals that serve up to 5. If you are looking for a traditional feast, look at sister restaurant Grace’s.

    See Carrabba’s Family Meals menu here.

12. B&B Butchers

    For those who want to “cook” for Thanksgiving, try the brined & ready to cook turkey starting at $6.99/lb. For all others (me included), a pre-cooked smoked turkey starts at $7.99/lb. B&B is also offering a Roasted Prime Rib, which includes au jus, pommes puree and Yorkshire pudding. Two offering sizes – a whole prime rib serves 10 to 12 and starts at $550 or a half prime rib serves 5 to 7 and starts at $300.

    Traditional sides are also offered in three offering sizes – small (serves 4), medium (serves 6) and large (serves 8). Finally, three (3) house bakes pies – pumpkin, pecan and apple crumble) start at $55 each.

    See B&B Butcher’s full Thanksgiving menu here. To place your order, call 832-767-4828. Orders are available for pickup from Tuesday, November 24th thru Thanksgiving Day at 4 PM.

13. Killen’s Barbecue

    Killen’s offers some of the states best BBQ, so it does without saying that a Killen’s smoked turkey would be divine! This year, the packages includes a smoked turkey, two (2) quarts of stuffing, two (2) quarts of green beans, two (2) quarts of bread pudding and rolls and starts at $175. The turkey only starts at $75.

    Place orders online here.

14. Junior League

    The Junior League offers complete meals for $250 serving 10 to 12 or a la carte items. The complete meal includes a 22 lb. roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and pecans, corn casserole made with bacon and sour cream, cheesy broccoli rice casserole, cranberry-orange relish, dinner rolls and two pies (one pumpkin and one pecan).

    Place orders online here or call 713-622-5965.

Authentically India: Inaugural Trip to India

Early 2020, I took my first trip to India. Although not my first trip to Asia, I was very excited about the opportunity for another adventure.  I was looking forward to the new sights, sounds, smells and tastes.

From Houston, I flew to the Dubai International Airport (DXB) and from DXB I flew into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. Although I was transiting through DXB and landed very late at night, many of the stores were still open. It is always a pleasure to transit though DXB because no matter what time you arrive, you will still find a plethora of dining and shopping options. All of the retailers and advertisers in DXB featured international companies. The most prominent foreign advertisements featured the car brand Chery and notably did not include any Dubai based businesses. I found time to rest and dine at the Ahlan Lounge by way of DragonPass. Lounges are always a welcomed retreat while traveling as you can often find massage chairs, unlimited drinks, and deceptively delicious buffet options. After a couple of hours of relaxation, it was time to hop on my flight for the final leg of the journey. 

 My arrival to the modern airport in Delhi generated immense excitement and delight for the dual treasures of completing a marathon flight and the opportunity to explore a new and exciting land.  Deplaning was smooth sailing until I reached the utter chaos and cacophony of the mandatory health screening, which was temporarily being staged in front of the passport control queues. The ill organized screening, immigration and customs clearance took nearly four (4) hours. There were lots of hiccups, for example, in order to get through immigration one had to complete two (2) forms; however, no one knew where to get the forms or what to do after waiting in long lines. This resulted in hundreds (if not thousands) of exhausted disgruntled passengers, causing many people to push, shove and skip lines. After undergoing health screening, which simply encompassed having my temperature taken, I was free to go to yet another set of lines for passport control. The entire ordeal was very stressful and was arguably worse than that 20+ hour flight. But alas I made it out of the airport and to my transportation. 

Transportation in Delhi is an experience in and of itself. Driving in Delhi can best be described as organized chaos -  no one drives in his or her  lane and the traffic is literally all over the place. Motorists constantly blow their horn. I later learned that motorists honk to warn other motorists of their presence, but horn blowing is also used as a form of aggression, i.e., road rage. Traffic laws did not appear to be strictly enforced, rather lane demarcations, stoplights and signs were merely suggestions and not mandatory. It was typical to see  bicycles on major thoroughfares, as though the bicycles were cars. You could even find cows on and or near the road along with lots of litter.

 The food was the jewel in the crown of my trip. During my trip, I was able to completely avoid beef and pork as neither were readily offered. I found traditional and modern restaurants like Sutra, which had an open-air balcony, a dance floor, and local Indian bar food staples. Fly Dining, a more upscale restaurant offering, is a 24-seat restaurant  suspended from a Crane was a welcome shift in typical restaurant options.The authentic cuisine was deliciously diverse. I tried foods such as Malabar fish curry, diced chicken in black bean sauce, jal jeera, mirch ka salan, pasta in saffron sauce, Shanghai cauliflower, moong dal halwa, and black lentils.

 Despite what one may hear and read about Delhi, my lodging options were always excellent. From the more familiar J.W. Marriot to the lesser-known Fortune Inn Grazia, lodging never disappointed. Hotels were well equipped with gyms, pools and decent bars and restaurants. 

Security was one thing that was quite different in Delhi. At the airport security officers walked around with AK47 rifles. This was not an unfamiliar sight, as I quickly learned. At hotels and nicer restaurants, I would frequently see guards behind militarized fences with AK 47’s.  I must admit that it was quite an experience to have lunch and have militarized security forces walk by with full battle regalia. I didn't know if the threat was that great or if it was overkill but in any case it was quite an experience.

 In all, my trip to India opened up new doors of enlightenment and I am glad that I visited Delhi and experienced the food, culture and people. I look forward to visiting the country again. There is no much more I want to see and experience.

7 Tips for the Solo Female Traveler

From time to time, I find myself traveling solo, primarily for work. Regardless of whether I'm familiar with my travel destination, my senses are still heightened because of the perceived vulnerabilities of women alone. Over the years I’ve developed some useful tips and tricks when traveling alone.

1. No first floor rooms. Many hotels offer rooms on the first floor. From a security perspective, I avoid first floor rooms at all cost. The first floor may seem convenient, but the reality is that it possess many security threats, including multiple entry points into your room. Think about windows, doors and balconies. Before arriving at a hotel, either research the hotel to understand whether first floor rooms are offered and specifically request a room on any floor other than the first floor.

2. Request a room near the elevator. Ask for a room near the elevator. Be careful to specify that you do not want the room next to the elevator, due to increased noise, but you want to be fairly close to the elevator. You don’t want to have to walk down long corridors alone, it’s unsafe and scary.

3. No room near stairwell exits. These doors are frequently remain unlocked and are usually accessible starting at the lobby with no true security. Meaning a guest or non-guest can walk into the lobby and access a stairwell have access to all floors of guest rooms.

4. Request two room keys. By requesting two keys, it gives the illusion that you are not in fact a long.

5. Request non-adjoining rooms. On a recent solo trip to San Francisco, I had a room with two adjoining room doors. Obviously this was not an ideal situation, but to mitigate the concern I placed the luggage rack and my luggage against one of the two door. Sometimes mitigation is the only option you've got.

6. Request a room on a different floor as the gym, pool or club. Random people up and down corridors at all times of the day is not refreshing. And it’s definitely not safe.

7. Be smart. Do not broadcast via verbally or on social media about your solo travel plans. Hotel staff always ask why your traveling, don’t be afraid to lie. I do! I’ll say business and my husband is tagging along.

Solo traveling can be empowering, exhilarating and stressful simultaneously. Just be smart, pay attention to your surrounding and have a wonderful time.

A Mother’s Work is Never Done: International Travel with a Sick Spouse and a Sick Baby

Because I'm an overachiever, I decided that my son’s first trip out of the state of Texas should be to an international destination, Puerto Vallarta to be exact. It seemed easy enough, plan in advance and take all of the baby ammo needed, i.e., diapers, wipes, toys, pack and play, food pouches, clothes, etc. Because I am also a planner, I ordered and received all of the necessary baby travel related items prior to departure - with the exception of the food pouches which were delayed in transit and received upon our return back to the states – side eye Amazon Prime 2-Day Guaranteed Shipping. Otherwise we were locked and loaded and ready to go! 

The best laid plans.

Two days before departure, my husband was diagnosed with a sinus infection requiring antibiotics. Prior to the diagnoses, my husband thought it a good idea to share his uncovered sneezes with the family. Considering my son had recently completed a round of antibiotics for a sinus infection at the beginning of the week, I was pissed and distressed. But at this point I was still unshaken. 

The day before departure, I had a jam-packed day at work – meetings with various high level executives and a mile long to do list. At 8:40 AM, my phone rang and it was the school. I was in the middle of a negotiation, but this was my child so I picked up, assuming I would be notified that my child had scratched himself or some other insignificant act had occurred. Unfortunately, I didn't hear the words that I had expected, i.e., Michael is okay, but we wanted to inform you...insert minor or insignificant item here. Rather the voice on the other end informed that my child had a 101.8 temperature and had to be picked up immediately. I dropped everything. My husband was able to secure an appointment with our pediatrician and I whisked him off to the doctor. 

After a brief examination, it was quickly determined that he just had a cold. The pediatrician gave the green light for Puerto Vallarta. (A few months prior she had given the red light for the zoo, so I think she was trying to make it up.)

 That night, my son was mopey and clingy - both very uncharacteristic. I agonized all night whether we should stay in town or go to Mexico. The next morning, I decided that if anything went wrong that it was only a two-hour flight back home. 

So we went. As it turns out the fever, the mopiness and the clinginess were induced by his two front teeth pushing through. By Saturday, he was back to being a happy healthy baby and fun was had by all. 

 Fun was ultimately had by all, but mommy was exhausted beyond measure having to take care of a sick husband and baby while in a foreign country. And as expected, mommy returned home with a sinus infection.   

14 Days of Toddler Breakfast Ideas for Parents on the Go

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – it sets the tone for the remainder of the day. To that end, I try to ensure my toddler has a hearty yet healthy breakfast to start his day. However, as a working mom, time is not always on my side. So, I have compiled 14 visual depictions of quick easy toddler breakfast ideas for moms on the go.

Idea #1: Bagel, pineapples and oatmeal

Idea #2: Blackberries, pineapples and oatmeal

Idea #3: Bananas, peach yogurt and oatmeal

Idea #4: Peach yogurt, apple sauce and fruit salad (bananas, grapes (sliced in fourths) and strawberries)

The fruit salad consists of bananas, grapes (sliced in fourths length-wise) and strawberries (sliced in fourths length-wise).

Idea #5: Peach yogurt, strawberries and waffles

Idea #6: Banana nut muffin, fruit salad and peach yogurt

Fruit salad consists of strawberries and blackberries.

Idea #7: Peach yogurt, banana nut muffin and a banana

Idea #8: Peach yogurt, fresh mandarin oranges and a croissant

Idea #9: Banana nut muffin, blackberries and strawberry yogurt

Idea #10: Strawberry yogurt, bananas and waffles

Idea #11: Peach yogurt, fresh mandarin oranges and whole grain waffles

Idea #12: Peach yogurt, strawberries and oatmeal

Idea #13: Blackberries, strawberries and oatmeal

Idea #14: Blueberry muffin, strawberries and peach yogurt

Bonus Idea: Bananas, raisins and oatmeal

Diapering: Boys v. Girls

Diapering, like anything associated with babies, can be a controversial topic. There are those squarely in the cloth diapering camp while others are firmly settled in the disposable diapering camp. Selection of cloth versus disposable diapers is a family decision; there is not right or wrong answer. This article does not address the cloth versus disposable diaper debate. Furthermore, this article is not an endorsement of any brand; rather, this article is based on my personal experiences and opinion. 

For me, bodily fluids are not my strong suit, so disposing of said bodily fluids as quickly and as efficiently as possible was critical to my decision in selecting disposable diapers for my children. Although I made my selection based on convenience and minimal amount of grossness, I applaud cloth diaper mommies. 

Disposable diapers are marketed as being unisex. But, girls and boys are anatomically different - boys have a penis and girls have a vagina. So, when it comes to diapering babies, one size does not fit all. As the mother of two - a boy and a girl - I quickly figured out that Pampers were good for my son while Huggies worked best for my daughter.

Boys

At the time of my son's birth, everyone, including the hospital, swore that Pampers were the best option. As a first time mom, not knowing any better I went with the recommendation. Once I figured out how to prevent his urine from coming out of the top of the diaper, the Pampers Snugglers were a solid option. Although he would occasionally have a blow out, he never had diaper rash. As he grew and got more mobile, we switched to Pampers Cruisers. Overall, I was satisfied and he was comfortable.

However, when it came to potty training, the Pampers Easy Ups were not getting the job done. He would always wake up soaked in urine. So, I switched to Huggies Pull Ups. While the Huggies Pull Ups were a much better options, training pants, regardless of brand, are not diapers. Meaning they cannot hold as much urine. However, for me the Huggies Pull Ups could hold significantly more urine than Pampers Easy Ups. 

Finally, there are swimming diapers. Our son started swimming lessons rather early. As we were on the Pampers bandwagon for traditional diapering, obviously Pampers Splashers were our first option. No complaints with the Pampers Splashers. As my son got older and was potty trained, we switched to cloth diapers for cautionary purposes only. 

Girls

As I used Pampers for my son, I assumed Pampers were the gold standard for disposable diapering options. When my daughter was born, I was heavily invested in Pampers; however, the hospital where she was born (and where my son was born) had changed its preference from Pampers to Huggies. After asking the hospital staff about the rationale for the change, it was revealed that it came down to cost - Pampers were more expensive than Huggies. 

Upon discharge from the hospital, I switched my daughter to the tried and true Pampers Swaddlers. Immediately, i had difficulty getting the Pamper to fit her as snuggly - there was significant gapping in the front near her naval. Additionally, the bulkiness of the diaper always poked out from underneath onesie. I tried different sizes of Pampers and even switched from Pampers Swaddlers to Pampers Dry Fit, but to no avail. So, we switched back to Huggies Little Snugglers. After the switch, I examined the Huggies Little Snugglers to determine why they fit her better. I noticed: (1) Huggies uses an elastic ban to ensure a better fit regardless of Babies shape; (2) in the back, there is a built in flap, which catches poop leading to less massive blow outs; and (3) the Huggies are simply cut different, especially around the legs. 

For swimming, I am testing the waters with disposable diapers. So far, I have no complaints, but she has yet to relieve herself in the pool. Fingers crossed that never happens. 

As an aside, both Pampers and Huggies have loyalty programs. I personally prefer the Pampers loyalty program as all you have to do in the app is input or take pictures of codes provided on the packaging. Huggies requires you to take a picture of the receipt, which is not practical - it's just another piece of paper to keep up with. 

Happy diapering! 

McDonald's Around the World

At one point in my life, I was a die-heart McDonald’s lover. Two (2) out of my three (3) daily meals would be devoted exclusively to McDonald’s. I literally could not get enough. Plus, I was a law school student on a limited budget and needed to stretch my dollars as far as possible. Not only was McDonald’s “tasty-ish”, it also fit within my economic constraints.

I must admit while in college and law school, I ate terribly due to necessity and economic constraints; however, with age and financial stability came wisdom and perspective. As a thirty-something, I now no longer indulge in fast food. I don’t even let my children partake in fast food. However, for every rule there is an exception – when traveling internationally I along with my children are allowed to indulge in the fast food experience due primarily to limited dining options and the quick turnaround.

To that end, when I started my significant international travel post law school, I would always have a tendency to locate a McDonald’s to check it out. I did not seek out McDonald’s because I was a lover of McDonald’s or because I was looking for familiar cuisine, rather I seek out McDonald’s for comparison purposes. From Japan to Turkey to Argentina to South Africa to Hong Kong, every McDonald’s has a unique menu and flavor profile. Each McDonald’s we’ve visited around the world has the familiar McDonald’s taste; however, none ever matches the U.S.-McDonald’s essence.

One explanation for different flavor profiles can be attributed in large part to food standards. For example, high fructose corn syrup is an additive unique to the U.S. Additionally, the U.S. relies significantly on the use of pesticides on fruits and vegetables and antibiotics are regularly injected into animals (poultry, cows and fish).

During a visit to Argentina, we visited a Kosher McDonald’s, which is one (1) of two (2) countries with a Kosher McDonald’s – the other country being Israel. The Kosher McDonald’s in Argentina is located in the food court in Abasto Shopping Mall. The food was delicious and had a robust flavor profile. Everything tasted and looked fresh. In Japan, McDonald’s offers the typical menu as well as location specific specialties. Our Japanese McDonald’s experience provided an interesting taste profile of traditional menu items along with a cup of hot tea.

When McDonald’s enters a new country or environment outside the U.S., from my experience it seems as though the Operators are allowed to infuse locale cuisine and tradition to a degree. Hence, vising McDonald’s around the world is an experience in and of itself. 

While traveling, manage your expectations. Especially when traveling internationally adapt. Do you research before departing to understand the environment you are visiting. Understand and respect the environment you are entering. Food selections and flavor profiles may be different. Stay open minded and do not denigrate someone’s culture and cuisine because it is different from what you are familiar with.

Keep calm, eat well and safe travels.

Sin City with a Baby: Baby Friendly Hotel on the Vegas Strip

There are lots of adjectives that come to mind when thinking about Las Vegas – baby-friendly, quiet and smoke-free are not those adjectives.

Because I’m apparently not ready to leave my child overnight (or over several nights) he travels wherever I travel. So, when I had a conference in Las Vegas, of course he tagged along – along with his entourage, i.e., my husband and my mother. To add insult to injury, the conference ended July 3rd – so there would likely be enhanced holiday travelers, partiers and boozers.  

Although the conference was at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Conference Center, I agonized over where to stay. I was not ready for my nine (9) month old to be exposed to the essence of Vegas, i.e., loud, rowdy, heavily intoxicated partiers some of which might be scantily clad. I wanted a boutique hotel or a hotel with a smaller presence on the strip – I was looking for a needle in a hay stack. As I began searching for a hotel in Las Vegas – I hit the jackpot, atop the Mandalay Bay Hotel was a Four Season. After further research, the Four Season Las Vegas had a separate entrance, a separate pool and spa and two (2) stellar restaurant options with the added benefit of having access to all of the Mandalay Bay facilities, i.e., pool, spa, casino, etc. I immediately booked two rooms with strip views – we decided to stay through July 4th to enjoy the Vegas fireworks.

The Four Seasons Las Vegas is obviously a fantastic property and it was perfect for our little one. We requested a crib in each room. Not only did we get a crib, but the hotel also provided a teddy bear, diapers, wipes, bib (monogramed with the Four Seasons logo), and a travel kit containing soap, shampoo and conditioner. While there were quiet a lot of people at the hotel, it was not booked to capacity. We were able to sit by the pool and relax without fighting throngs of people and children running to and fro.

Every time we would venture to or through the Mandalay Bay, I was quickly reminded that the extra money spent at the Four Seasons was WELL worth it. There were hordes of people at the Mandalay Bay – excruciatingly long check-in and check-out lines, lines to get on the elevator and the pool was jam packed.

For those looking for the Vegas experience with the casinos, hordes of partiers, the ostentatious rooms and bathrooms, then the Four Seasons may not be for you. However, the Four Seasons gave me the best of both worlds – the laid back option (Four Seasons) and the rowdy option (Mandalay Bay). 

Spa-ing Around the World

When vacationing in exotic locations, setting aside time to relax and be pampered in the hotel Spa is a welcomed treat. When "spa-ing" on vacation, one imagines a unique luxurious experience - we have spa-ed on the beach in the Dominican Republic, on the banks of Sabie River in South Africa while enjoying the melodious tunes of nearby hippopotamus', and cliff side overlooking the Papagayo Peninsula in Costa Rica. While we have had some amazing vacation Spa experiences, we have also had our share of sub-par experiences. The following Lesson's Learned will hopefully assist you in a successful vacation Spa experience.

1. Research. Assess the Hotel and Spa prior to arrival. Obviously, if you booked in a lower Hotel class, then the Spa, if there is one, will likely provide services and amenities in line with said Hotel class. Bottom line, do not expect the Four Season Spa if you are staying at the Best Western - be realistic.

Look at traveler reviews of the Spa, if any. Obviously, relying on traveler reviews requires discernment on your end; however, if enough people have positive or negative things to say, consider the veracity of those reviews and heed warnings or advice.

2. Never book a Spa appointment until you have reached your hotel and had an opportunity to do preliminary recognizance. Meaning, check out the Spa prior to booking services.

On a recent trip to Jamaica, we failed to fully vet the Sap. As a result, our experience was average at best. The Spa itself was old and in need of significant updates and nearby renovation noise could be heard during our treatment. Had we actually, visited the Spa and asked for a tour prior to our treatment, we would have likely passed on the Spa.

3. Inquire about the most sought after Massage Therapist. Typically, Massage Therapists are "popular" for a reason. Asking who is in highest demand will not hurt, but you may be stonewalled.

As mentioned above, do your research. Often times, online traveler reviews will provide Therapist names - both good and bad.

4. Ask if there are any unique treatment experiences. For example, if you are at a hotel located on the beach, the hotel may offer treatment beach side or outside at the minimum.

Spa-ing while vacationing can be relaxing, yet expensive. To ensure you are getting the most value, a little recognizance can save you lots of disappointment adn money. Happy Spa-ing.

 

Successfully Attend Sporting Events with Toddler in Tow

We recently took our son to his first Oklahoma Sooners football game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. While fun was had by all, the planning and logistics leading up to the game was intense. Not only did I have to plan travel, lodging and transportation, I also had to understand the does and don'ts of entering a sports stadium with a toddler.

Unlike an airplane, sports stadiums have fluid rules. Meaning, the stadium may have stringent rules, bag policies and more. Additionally, ticket attendants may be sticklers for rules or may be more relaxed and understanding. Imagine an uncontrollable toddler screaming their head off because they can't take their favorite sippy cup into the stadium.

Bottom line, there are lots of unknowns when entering sports stadiums. Appropriately planning and building flexibility into your psyche will go a long way.

1. Stadium policies. Most stadiums have rules or policies governing appropriate and inappropriate items which can be brought into the stadium. Find them, read them and understand them.

Among the numerous prohibited items in Sooner Stadium are strollers and backpacks. However, the stadium allowed diaper bags and reasonably sized purses. Our diaper bag was a backpack. Because I am a planner, we stored an actual "diaper bag" in our car, just in case were were denied entry. Fortunately, the ticketing attendants were amazing and unfazed by the backpack diaper bag.

2. Noise canceling headphones. The decibel levels in sports stadium can be harsh to babies or toddler ears. To relieve irritation and prevent hearing loss, invest in baby/toddler noise canceling headphones. While the prospect of wearing the headphones may initially annoy your little one, the volume within the stadium will likely cause your child to welcome the headphones with open arms.

3. General toddler supplies. Don't leave home without your typical baby/toddler supplies - diapers, wipes, a change of cloths (at least one), cup/bottle, a distraction item, jacket/blanket, etc.

4. Environmental Supplies. Understand the stadium environment and the weather. From a weather perspective, remember sunscreen, mosquito repellent, mittens, hats, etc. Also consider the stadium environment, meaning if everyone stands the entire game make sure your little one wears appropriate footwear.

5. Remember the tickets. Understand whether your child needs a ticket before you arrive in game day. At Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, every entrant must have a ticket regardless of age. For us, although our toddler was going to either sit on our laps or be in our arms, we had to purchase a full priced ticket for him.

6. Select the right game. Consider selecting a non-conference, non-rivalry, low profile game. We selected a non-conference game - Tulane. It was great because fans were relaxed and the Stadium was not to capacity.

7. Fans. Everyone will not think you toddler is as cute and cuddly as you. During our game experience, our toddler was fascinated by the two gentlemen sitting in front of us. He was so fascinated, that he wanted to constantly pat the men on the back. Well the two gentlemen were anti-baby and very unfriendly, which was even more appealing to our son. We had to be creative in order to prevent our son from interacting with these gentlemen. 

Remember, the game is only a few hours. Try to have fun and go with the flow. You and your child will likely never forget the experience for one reason or another.