Passports with Purpose: Win Prizes from Travel Community

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Today is launch day of Passports with Purpose Fundraiser. I would like to invite you all to take a small journey with me and found out about amazing prize that I have in store for you.

What is Passports of Purpose?

Passports of Purpose is a fundraiser event created from amazing travel bloggers Debbi @ Delicious Baby, Pam @ Nerd’s Eye View, Beth @ Wanderlust and Lipstick, and Michelle @ Wandermom. Last year, they with other travel bloggers around the blogospher and their readers had raised over $7,000 for the Heifer International organization.

This year we aim higher and we hope that our friends, readers, family and anyone who has come across our blogs will help us raise $13K for the AAfC to build schools in Cambodia

Who is AAfc?

AAfc or American Assistance for Cambodia is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving opportunities for the youth and rural poor in Cambodia.

Founded in 1993 by American journalist Bernie Krisher, AAfC operates interlinked programs across Cambodia in the areas of education, health, rural development, and technology.

Cambodia

Why A School?

As a parent and a person who grew up in third world country, I have known first hand how important education is valued in these countries. Parents of all social status are working hard to send their children to school for better education. Education for us is the one main gift we could give to our children that will stay with them forever.

Living both here in America and in Thailand, I have known how lucky and privilege we are to have free education and easily accessible to various helps from the government. People in other part of the world are not so lucky.

So a program to help build a school in the rural area seems like a logical and perfect choice for us to get behind. School will give them better chance in life. A ticket or a way to get out of poverty. A way to better their chance in the future.

How it works?

Each participant blogger (that will be me), will provide prize or prizes at the prize of $75 or more and will blog about it (so scroll down, don’t skip this post). But you can find the complete list about the prizes at Passports With Purpose website.

For each $10 in donations that you make to AAfC, you will will be entered to win a prize (or prizes) of your choice. The fundraiser begins on November 30th and closes on December 21.

All proceeds go directly to AAfc.

The Prize – $100 Gift Certificate to Buckhead Life Restaurant Groups

I know when we travel there are pretty much 3 main things we think about. What to do? Where to sleep? and Where to eat?

So today, I have one of the three figure out for you.

The Buckhead Life Restaurants group is a group with several restaurants that will fit any type of foodies. Their restaurants range from Sushi, Steak to American Diner and many more.

So how would you like to have $100 The Ultimate Dinning Card to Buckhead Restaurant Group?

Check out their website for the complete list of their restaurants and see which one will satisfy your craving.

There is no expiration date on this gift card so you can use it anytime you like.

Now, this is not the only prize you can win so go to Passports With Purpose page to check out more amazing prizes you can win.

How to Win

It’s easy! For each $10 you donate, you will be enter for a chance to win any prizes of your choosing. So you can donate $50 for 5 prizes or $100 for 10 entries to one prize that you want.

Remember that each $10 you donate will go directly to help build a school in Cambodia. It’s for a GREAT cause. It’s a season of giving so please please be generous.

Passports With Purpose: Help Build a School in Cambodia

Passports With Purpose

Being born and raised in a thrid world country, I know first hand how important education is for any family regardless of your status. It’s the only thing that most parents want for their children. It’s a ticket to a better life. It’s a way to better their future. It’s in many ways a gift they could provide that will last a lifetime for their children.

When a group of amazing travel bloggers, Debbi @ Delicious Baby, Pam @ Nerd’s Eye View, Beth @ Wanderlust and Lipstick, Michelle @ Wandermom got together last year to start ‘Passport With Purpose‘ fundraiser program, I was too new to join and participate. I was too ignorant to get involved.

But this year, I will not let history repeat itself.

This year even I’m still not that organize to provide amazing prize that will wow you.

This year I might not have enough time to talk it up till the last day.

I hope and I pray that you, my lovely readers, will help me raise money for Passport with Purpose. Because this year, they will donate all proceed to build a school in Cambodia.

Go to Passport With Purpose website to read in more details on what way we are doing to help raising the fund.

Read this post about how we will help build the school and what exactly organization we will work with.

Here are some of the important things I think you will want to know.

  • All funds go directly to American Assistance for Cambodia (AAfC), which is a non-profit 501(c)3 registered in the U.S., and is the organization that will oversee all aspects of building the school.
  • Each participating blogger will procure a prize valued at $75 or more and post about it on their blog. A complete list will appear on the Passports with Purpose website. Last year, prizes included travel gear, camera equipment, multi-night hotel stays, and more.
  • For each $10 in donations that you make to AAfC, you will will be entered to win a prize (or prizes) of your choice. The fundraiser begins on November 30th and closes on December 21. (Complete rules appear on the Passports With Purpose website)

Please come back on Monday (Nov 30th) as I announce my prize for you to enter. I hope you all will be ready to donate for amazing prizes from travel bloggers around the world.

The Confession of A Non-Frequent Flyer Mom

Flying with Kids San Diego

I was afraid.. very afraid to fly with kids across the country.

We travel quite extensively over the years but mostly by car. It’s not because I don’t want to fly but it’s just way cheaper to drive for a family of 4 than fly.

However, our trip to San Diego we had no other choices but to fly. With a lot of new security regulation, the way we used to fly is no longer valid. There are new rules on things you can or can’t bring on the plane. When we travel with kids, we tend to prepare and pretty much bring the whole house with us. So this is a new challenge for us.

There are several things I have learned during our trip. It might be simple common sense but I think for a non-frequent flyer this might be a useful information to put it out there.

The Gears

I had big goal to pack only carry on luggage for our 7 days trip and I have to say I’m pretty proud of myself to be able to accomplish that.

Flying with Kids Luggages

We had 4 carry on luggage, 3 backpacks, 2 booster seats and 1 camera bag.

Kids had their own carry on luggage and their backpacks. I picked up the carry on from Walmart of all places. I don’t know how durable it will be since this is our first trip. But overall, it’s very easy to handle for small kids. It’s big enough for them to pack all their clothes, shoes, blanket and small toy.

Flying with Kids Busy Bag

Their backpacks are their busy bag plus snack bag. I put several toys based on their interests. But the major lifesaver is Leapster.

We also found out after our first leg of the trip that we could easily strap our booster seat to our carry on luggage. If you don’t have that you might want to bring the bungie cord with you. It will help free your hand.

Family Tips:

  • For school age kids, have a carry on luggage and backpack for each kid. They can handle it easily.
  • Pack simple and new toys for their busy bag in the backpack.
  • Have a couple snacks and buy a bottle of water after the security check
  • Strap booster seat to the adult carry on for easy travel.

The Security Check

I printed out our boarding pass before hand. So we didn’t have to stop at any counter to check in. We proceeded directly to the security line.

I was very anxious about this process but we did pretty well. Here are some tips I have learned.

  • Take care of kids stuff and put theirs on the bin and have them wait in the front.
  • The staff was very nice and asked if they wanted to feed the dragon. It helped keep them occupied while we were busy with our own stuff
  • Leave nothing in your own pocket. Put everything in your carry on or backpack before hand
  • Don’t wear belt and keep it in the carry on. You can put it back after the security line
  • Put ziploc bag of your liquid on top of the carry on for easy access. If you could, you might want to retrieve it before hand and carry it in line to put it in the bin

After 5 bins, 4 carry on luggages, 3 backpacks, 2 booster seats and 1 camera bag we went through the line without any problem.

Flying with Kids

The Gate

Each airport is like a big city by itself. So one thing I have learned was to double and triple check your gate before  heading there. I was relying on my gate number from my boarding pass that I printed out but later found out that it was at the different gate.

They did warn me on the boarding pass that it might change! So double check your gate even after you have received your boarding pass.

We Made It

Once we went through the security check, it was a breeze. Now we just had to wait for our boarding. During our trip, we were faced with a bit of the hiccup. We traveled during the day that FAA computer system went down and they announced that the flight will be delayed indefinitely!! Luckily, we were able to leave only about 30 minutes later than schedule. Now, on the way back that was another story for another day.

But for now, I could say that my fear of flying with kids have been reduced.

Do you have any tips for non experience flyer?

San Diego With Kids: 5 Best Animal Shows and Encounters in SeaWorld San Diego

During our SeaWorld San Diego visit, we had such a great time enjoying watching the Animal shows and interacting with Animal encounters throughout the park. We tried to pack in as many attractions as our kids’ little legs could handle. But there are still a few other shows and animal encounters that we missed. But here are our favorite ‘Best Animal Shows and Encounters in SeaWorld San Diego’

1. Sea Lions LIVE

SeaWorld Sea Lion Show

The Sea Lion Live show is a fun show and very entertaining. It’s not one of those boring show that you see the sea lion jumping up and down without any story. They have create a great scripts that both funny and witty. The show incorporated current TV shows and musics into their shows making it entertaining without bored parents or bigger kids.

SeaWorld Sea Lion Jump

2. Dolphin Experience Presentation

SeaWorld Dolphin Show

As SeaWorld getting ready to open the new Dolphin Show – Blue Horizon at their new stadium in May 29th, 2010, we got to enjoy their dress rehearsal for their new show. The show took us to behind the scene on how the trainers work closely with the dolphins and what techniques they use to train them. Now there is one more reason to come back to visit San Diego and SeaWorld.

SeaWorld Pilot Head Dolphin

3. The Shamu Show Believe

SeaWorld Shamu

The star of SeaWorld doesn’t disappoint any kids or adults. Who wouldn’t be in awe to see triple flips from a mammal that size! If that didn’t move you, the music and the story will probably have done it. I don’t think there is any more words I can use to describe our experience with the Shamu show except you have gotta see it for yourself!! It’s one of those things that you can’t really convey the experience unless you have witnessed it. Oh! And they are not kidding when they mark the soak zone

SeaWorld Shamu Show

4. Forbidden Reef

SeaWorld Stingray

It was supposed to be a quick stop while we wait for the Shamu show but it turned out to be one of our favorite stop. The Forbidden Reef provides kids the perfect opportunity to touch and feed bat rays. The lagoon is shallow enough that little kids can reach out and touch the rays. Mr. Z couldn’t get enough of it. It took quite a bribe to get them away from the lagoon.

SeaWorld Stingray Pool

5. Dolphin Encounter

SeaWorld Feed Dolphin

Another wonderful show that we stumbled upon during our wandering in the park. The Dolphin Encounter allows kids and adults to feed these gentle animals and touch them. I love that the staffs were there ready to help you finding a spot to feed them.

SeaWorld Dolphin Pool

Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets from SeaWorld San Diego. However, this post is based solely on my experience and my opinion without any outside influence.

San Diego Things To Do

Best Family Favorite Moments at Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium With Kids

Last week, I posted about our experience in Georgia Aquarium – The Planet Shark exhibit. So this week I will continue on our fun day in the Georgia Aquarium. After we were done with The Planet Shark exhibit, we headed down to the main area of the aquarium.

I wouldn’t want to bore every one to death of every single detail of our visit. It’s just better to experience it yourself.

But here are Our best family’s favorite moments.

Georgia Aquarium with Kids Tropical

Tropical Diver: Jelly Fish and Living Reef

In the Tropical Diver, we experienced the largest living reef exhibit with overhead crashing wave. This is probably one of the favorite in the Tropical Diver. I could imagine myself sitting there all day checking out thousand of colorful coral reef on display.

Georgia Aquarium - Jellyfish

I was obsessing over trying to get that perfect blue of jelly fish. Well, you are the judge. How did I do?

Georgia Aquarium Tunnel

Ocean Voyager: Underwater tunnel, Whale Sharks and Manta

When we were there, the movable walkway was disable. It maybe because it was already late in the day or it was broken. But either way, I like it. It allows us to spend more time to check out those thousand of fish swimming by overhead.

Georgia Aquarium Fish Guide

We pick up a fish guide at the beginning. It was a brilliant idea and perfect for kids to engage in the exhibit. Miss J and Mr. Z were busy looking for each fish and learned about each one of them.

Georgia Aquarium Shark

Ocean Voyager: Diver Spectacular Show

Ok, it’s not really a show but we were there when there was the Diving program. It was a perfect timing. Kids enjoyed watching both fish and divers swimming around. It even made Mr. Rojo considered taking up diving… Maybe.. Maybe..

Georgia Aquarium View Window

The viewing window is humongous. It’s the second largest viewing window in the world. There is space for everyone to enjoy thousand of fish, sharks, manta and other sea creatures. I think we could probably spend a whole day just sit there and watch the fish.

Georgia Aquarium Slide

Georgia Explorer: Touch Pools and Big Whale Slide

Ok.. I’m kidding. I like various touch pools in the exhibit. The most prominent one is the touch pool for stingray and bonehead shark which is right in the entrance of the exhibit. Too bad Mr. Z and Miss J are a bit too small to reach the pool. Maybe the aquarium might consider a touch pool for children? Something a bit shallower that they can reach. Wonder if that’s even possible.

Then they turned around and headed inside the exhibit. A big whale slide was there to greet them and before I could say anything they were off. They ran up and down the slide a few times before we had to pull the plug and head out.

What a great day we had in Georgia Aquarium and thank you for providing us with complimentary passes.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets from Georgia Aquarium and The Planet Shark. However, this post is based solely on my experience and my opinion without any outside influence.

Atlanta Things To Do

Dreaming of: 5 Places for Family Visit in San Diego

Lego

I can’t believe that Thanksgiving holiday is less than 2 weeks away. This Monday, after a long absense from participating in Mondays Are for Dreaming at Mother of All Trips, I couldn’t help but have to write up my post about this Monday Dreaming.

I was actually called for Jury Duty today and will have to check back again tomorrow. But while I was waiting and waiting and waiting in the court house, my mind was focusing at only one thing. Our upcoming San Diego trip.

Here are 5 attractions that I can’t wait to visit in San Diego:

1. San Diego Zoo – Our kids love to check out animals. San Diego Zoo is one of the top attraction in San Diego so I can’t wait to check them out. I was so tempted to go online, print out the map and plan every single move… BUT I think a little exploring will be good for my type-a personality.

2. Legoland – This attraction without a doubt is a must-do for us. Mr. Z loves all things Legos. His eyes will widen and his jaw will drop at the mere sight of Legos toy. Combine that with Lego Star Wars game he has been playing, I can’t wait to see his facial expression when we arrive in Legoland.

3. SeaWorld San Diego – We haven’t been to Sea World in Orlando for years. So I’m so excited to visit the original SeaWorld in San Diego and check out the animal shows. It will be a fun filled day.

4. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center – With 2 kids in elementary school, I am excited to let them explore the science center and enjoy hand-on experience at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. A convenient location in the Balboa Park is a big bonus for our already packed schedule.

5. San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park – A sister park to the San Diego Zoo with its own unique experience outside San Diego will be our last stop in San Diego. I have never been to this kind of animal park before, where you will get to meet animals in their own environment. I don’t think Disney’s Animal Kingdom counts. So I’m looking forward to meeting the animals in Wild Animal Park up close and personal.

Check out other travelers’ Mondays are for dreaming here.

San Diego Things To Do

Shark Encounter in Georgia Aquarium

Gerogia Aquarium Entrance

Over the weekend we ventured out downtown to revisit the Georgia Aqueium after our first visit a few years ago.

The Aquarium is conveniently located in downtown right next to the World of Coca-Cola and Imagine It! Children’s Museum of Atlanta. It’s perfect for visitors who come to visit or family who wants to have a fun day out.

Parking Garage – Little thing that counts

We parked in the covered parking garage and walked along to new (for me anyway) covered walkway along to the entrance. This is a new improvemt from our first visit. We no longer have to worry about kids running out into the incoming traffic. It’s little thing that makes parent happy.

planet_shark03

The Planet Shark

Once we got in, we headed to the Planet Shark: Predator or Prey exhibition. I was giving the complimentary tickets to check them out. First of we stopped by the information table to rent audio tour for each kid.

Georgia Aquarium Audio Tour

I think it’s a great and very inexpensive way to keep kids engaged and interested in exhibitions.

So how did we like it? I like it. It’s very informative and interesting. Kids loved listening to their audio tour and check out different shark jaws, teeth and fossil.

planet_shark01

It’s good to have great info to teach them that sharks are not as scary as they might thought. The fact that majority of sharks kill less humans than other accident gives me some comfort.

However, I don’t think toddlers will really enjoy this exhibit as much. Even though there are a few interactive part in the exhibit, the majority of information is on display so they might not have the patience to wait for it. Kids in school-age will love it. They will enjoy learning about Shark history and seeing some of the full-size sharks displayed in the exhibit.

Beware for little kids

A word of caution though, you might want to consider your kids fear tolerance. For us, Mr. Z is a fearless child. He was so eager to see the video of the shark stories and movies that played throughout. Miss J on the other hand was afraid and I knew that I wouldn’t want her to develop fear of water so we kept our visit to just the history and fossil part.

We pretty much zipped through the latter part of the exhibit where they shows authentic artifacts from the movie “Jaws”, stories from survivors or the feature films.

Our Verdict

It was a very positive experience especially coming from a person who was traumatized by Jaws movie. I just wish that I can spend more times there without my kids. Ok.. It sounds a bit bad coming from a family travel blogger. But I just don’t want to pay the bill for the therapist later in life so we try to steer them away from the gruesome and hard-to-watch exhibit.

Also for the additional cost for less than $6 more than the general admission fee, it’s really worth seeing this exhibit.

Disclaimer: I received complimentatry tickets from Georgia Aquarium and The Planet Shark. However, this post is based solely on my experience and my opinion without any outside influence.

Atlanta Things To Do

5 Tips for Family Hiking With Kids

Tips for Hiking with Kids

A couple weeks ago we took the kids out for a quick Fall hike at Amicalola Fall. It all started from being stuck inside the house for the whole week from the flu. We all needed fresh air.

Amicalola Fall is our favorite close-to-home hiking place. It’s only less than an hour away and it has very easy trail for family with kids.

My long time readers know how we are such a city family that is working on enjoying more outdoor activities. So hiking is another one of my goal to try to do with my kids this year.

In order to make hiking with kids fun and successful for family, I have learn a few tips from my own experience.

Here is 5 Steps to A Successful Hiking with kids

Hiking With Kids Path

1. Choosing the right trail

You know your kids’ strength and limitation so choose hiking trail that suits your family.

On our first visit to Amicalola Fall a couple years ago, we knew that Mr. Z wasn’t ready for 300+ steps to go up to the Fall yet. So we drove up to the parking lot that connects to an easier trail.

This time around they were ready and eager to do the walk themselves. It wasn’t without whining but they did it!!

Hiking with kids

2. Dress in layers

Fall hiking is different than Summer or Spring hiking that the weather can be vastly different between the time when you start your hike and when you are half way into your hike.

Dress in layer will help you maintain the comfort.

Hiking With Kids Fun

3. Make it fun

Walking by itself can be BORING. Find interesting things and discuss about it. Or invent a treasure hunt game to make the hike less of a work but more of the play.

Check out Geocaching for even more fun in treasure hunting. Lora at Tripping With Kids has great post about her experience and tips on how to get started.

Hiking with kids rest

4. Frequent stop

We are not racing with anyone so go ahead and stop as frequently as they want. Those little legs need a break once in a while or in our case once every stop we can find.

Take advantage of the rest to get some fun pictures.

Hiking with kids drinks

5. Don’t forget snack and drink

I couldn’t tell you how much I love Kids Camel Pak we got from REI store. It’s a must-have for us now. Kids are motivated to walk longer with water they can drink at anytime.

Plus I think the cool factor does play a big role for my kids. It makes them feel like a real big people with their own snacks and drink. Little incentive goes a long way.

Do you have other tips for family hiking with kids?

Experienced Disney On Ice Celebration

Disney On Ice Atlanta

A few weeks ago I won the free tickets to see Disney On Ice – Celebration. I have to admit that I didn’t plan to go see this show if I didn’t win the free tickets. I thought it will be one of those kiddies show for smaller kids.

I’m glad I have a chance to prove myself wrong. Both Miss J and Mr. Z were so into the show, they didn’t even move once during the show.

Disney On Ice Atlanta Shop

Just like other family shows, there will be a lot of opportunity for parents to drop their money even before the show starts. I have learned to just walk really fast so the kids will miss all those toys. :) Ok.. Ok.. I’m a mean mom but hey we gotta watch what we are spending. And really, why do I want to spend $15 for a mug when I can get it for 70% less in Disney outlet stores.

Disney On Ice Princess Snow White

The show was centered around ‘Celebration’. We got to meet many many Disney Characters from princesses, Mickey and friends, Villains, old characters with upcoming movies like Toy Story casts to new characters with upcoming movies like Princess and the Frogs.

Disney On Ice Villians

Another great thing I like about this show is it’s not just for girls. If you say Ice Skating, you will associate with girly show. But this show has something for everyone. Kids who are not into princesses will be excited to meet villains or Toy Story characters.

Disney On Ice - Princess and the Frog

I’m also excited to meet Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from upcoming new Disney Movie – Princess and the Frog. This new movie brings a lot of buzz because it’s the first time that Disney introduces African American Princess. Bravo to them. I will say it’s about time! I also love that the show features New Orleans – one of the city that I really want to visit.

Disney On Ice Cotton Candy

But I think this man might be one of my kids’ favorite person in the whole arena. Who could resist the man with many many bags of cotton candy.

Disney On Ice Cotton Candy2

And even being frugal parents, we sometimes have to give in. The show was almost 2 hours long so sugar might not seem like a healthy choice but the most suitable choice to give them little sugar boost.

Disney On Ice China

I love the fact that the show also takes us to different cultures (as much as you can get for an ice skating show) from Hawaii, Japan, China to New Orleans.

So if Disney On Ice will be visiting your city, I would highly recommend this fun family-friendly show to anyone. I wouldn’t think it will be worth the ticket price but I was wrong. My kids didn’t move once!!! They were so mesmerized with the show the whole time. That’s something we don’t experience everyday here at the Q family. :)

Disclosure:

I won the free tickets from local blogger. But they never ask us to write about the experience in exchange of the tickets.

Check out other travelers’ Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Sugar Overload

Halloween Pumpkin

How did everyone do on this Halloween?

It was very cold and wet for us but it didn’t bother the kids a bit. They were more than ready.

Halloween Z Outfit

Mr. Z had been wearing his outfit for a few days already. We started out our trick-or-treating a day earlier. My office hosted a trick-or-treat event for employees’ children. We took them to walk around mommy & daddy office (Yes, Mr. Rojo and I work in the same office but different groups).

They had a blast and I think it was one of the favorite part that they look forward to every year.

Halloween J Cat girl

Then, the day of was a bit of a let down. The weather was gloomy all day. And it was raining a bit in the evening. But it wasn’t as bad so we braved the rain and went out.

Our subdivision was fairly new at about 4 years old. Each year there are more and more kids. It’s what make trick-or-treating in our neighborhood fun. You will see the first wave of younger kids knocking and trick-or-treating.

Then the second wave would normally be bigger kids who were too cool to go out too early. Even with a lot of kids in our neighborhood, we still have WAY TOO MUCH candies!!!

Halloween Running

Luckily, my group of friends are working on sending extra candies to our troop. I jump on to this great opportunity as we have Mr. Rojo’s cousin who is serving right now. The kids were so happy to send their candies to their uncle and his friends who are fighting for our country. So if you are looking for a way to get rid off those extra candies, find local family who has a family member serving. I’m sure they will appreciate this small gesture.