Talus Backseat Organizer Giveaway

OK, how many of you are ashamed of your backseat? Go ahead, raise your hands high, no one can see you.

I'm right there with you. Well, I was until my husband totaled our SUV a couple weeks ago. That was my daily vehicle; the one the girls and I drove across town twice a day for school, the one we took to the mall, the one we did all our traveling in. So it was really no surprise to me (though it may have been to Doug) when we emptied it of

• at least a dozen Happy Meal toys
• a bag of washable markers
• 3 coloring books and a pad of paper
• 2 sets of kids headsets for the DVD player
• 3 pairs of girls sunglasses
• about a dozen books
• "lost" tubes of chapstick
• and assorted pieces of plastic jewelry

Ah, I can see you all nodding... You know exactly what I'm talking about. So you're going to be very excited to hear that Family Travel Gear is letting me give away a Talus XL Backseat Organizer! Look at this!



It's huge! Want to know more?
# Kids Car Organizer XL is a Parenting Mom-Tested pick
# Tall enough for kids in boosters
# Sturdy enough to draw or play on
# Identical pockets on each side to prevent squabbles
# Padded sides keep contents insulated
# Top has flip up sides to keep crayons and food from sliding off
# 4 Adjustable dividers lets kids organize & separate their gear
# 600 denier packcloth stands up to kids' rugged use
# Carry strap provides hands free portability to and from the car
# Buckles to seat belt to keep it secure

I absolutely love that it buckles to a seat belt! The top makes a great table and the sides are identical to prevent the classic "so and so has" argument. The Talus XL Backseat Organizer sells for $39.99 at Family Travel Gear, the place I buy our travel items.

This Contest is Closed

I have one Talus XL Backseat Organizer to give to one lucky reader. Here's what I need you to do: visit Family Travel Gear's car organizer page. Leave me a comment telling me what is cluttering your backseat and which organizer would best control that clutter.

For an extra entry subscribe to Family Travel Gear's newsletter. Leave another comment telling me you did so.

For a third entry subscribe to Have Kid Will Travel, blog or twitter this contest. Leave another comment with the blog link or your twitter id so I can confirm this entry.

US and Canadian entries only, please.

Only three entries per person, please. Make sure I can easily find an email to contact you; I will not search for one. Contest ends January 30 at 11:59pm. I will draw the winner Saturday, January 31. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 3 days to respond. If I do not hear back from the winner within that time another winner will be drawn.

This contest is part of the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival. For more great giveaways click the button below!

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Baby Sherpa Diaper Backpack Giveaway

I am so excited to offer this Baby Sherpa Diaper Backpack for the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival!

This wonderful bag comes from Family Travel Gear, my first stop when buying travel items for my family.

Let me tell you a bit about this bag:
The original Baby Sherpa™ Diaper Backpack comes fully equipped with:

* Uniquely integrated soft-sided cooler
* Parent pouch & key clip, pacifier & toy clips
* Modular insulated bottle pocket & water bottle holder
* Heavy duty molded lug handle & oversized change pad
* Accessory pouches for cameras, PDAs, cell phones or sunglasses
* Ergonomically designed padded shoulder straps, sternum strap
* Optics pouch
* Dimensions: Exterior Height-19", Width-17", Depth-7" (this meets United Airlines carry-on requirements)

In short it can carry anything you might need for a vacation- or just a day out- with your kids. This bag has it all- and then some. It retails for $79.95.

I've purchased from Family Travel Gear and can vouch for their great customer service and super-fast shipping. If you're shopping for travel gear don't miss out on the 10% savings during the month of January with the code SAV100 at checkout.

This Contest is Closed

Want to win this?

To qualify visit Family Travel Gear and explore their new website. Searching for products is easier with the new search button and menu. And check out is a breeze with their new one-page system. While you're there either create an account or sign up for their free email newsletter (in the lower right corner). Leave a comment and let me know which you did.

For an extra entry subscribe to Have Kid Will Travel via email (you can do this near the top of the page in the right column) or add my widget to your blog. Leave another comment telling me you did so.

For a third entry either blog or twitter this contest. Leave another comment with the blog link or your twitter id so I can confirm this entry.

US and Canadian entries only.

Only three entries per person, please. Make sure I can easily find an email to contact you; I will not search for one. Contest ends January 30 at 11:59pm. I will draw the winner Saturday, January 31. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 3 days to respond. If I do not hear back from the winner within that time another winner will be drawn.

For more great giveaways click the button below!

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Win a Janine King Passport Purse

There is nothing better when you travel than a bag that is stylish, sturdy and works like you need it to. Which is why I turn to Janine King Designs for so many of my bags. Her bags are hand made from amazing fabrics, are made to work but don't foresake sturdiness for fashion.

I think I own one of everything she makes... I have the great Laptop Tote for my 17", I have a matching Gadget Keeper for my Flip, I am getting a laptop sleeve made for my new, tiny laptop and I have a Passport Purse for when I only need a tiny bag. I even have a wristlet that I use as a clutch when I go out. The only thing I don't have, and really want, is her new Fronce Tote.

So when I tell you that Janine King bags are quality you can take my word for it.

Which is why I know you will want to win this beautiful Passport Purse in Asian Cherry Blossom print.

At 6.5" x 5.5" it's small without being too tiny. It has two zippered compartments- the front one is great for cash. And it's perfectly padded to protect your electronics. The nylon cord strap is great for wearing across the body and can be tied to a shorter length for over-the-shoulder wear.

This is the perfect bag for travel- light weight and heavy duty. Stylish and convenient.

This Contest is Closed

To win this tote visit Janine King's esty site and leave a comment telling me which of her bags would most suit your travel needs and why.

For an extra entry subscribe to Have Kid Will Travel via email (you can do this near the top of the page in the right column) or add my widget to your blog. Leave another comment telling me you did so.

For a third entry either blog or twitter this contest. Leave another comment with the blog link or your twitter id so I can confirm this entry.

International entries ok!

Only three entries per person, please. Make sure I can easily find an email to contact you; I will not search for one. Contest ends January 30 at 11:59pm. I will draw the winner Saturday, January 31. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 3 days to respond. If I do not hear back from the winner within that time another winner will be drawn.

This contest is part of the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival. For more great giveaways click the button below.

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Magnetic Book & Play Set

I absolutely love these Magnetic Book & Play Set paks my daughters received for Christmas! First, they have fairies and princesses- two of our current favorites in this house. Second, they both include a book, magnets and changeable backgrounds to act out the story. Third, self contained fun with an easy-to-carry handle.

What's not to love?

The books my girls received are Disney Princesses Enchanted Fashions and Disney Fairies The Secret Fairy Garden. (I also found Barbie Magnetic Fashions, Shrek the Third and Wall-E in this style, though I can't comment on them specifically.)

About the books we received:

The Disney Princesses set includes

• over 40 magnets (some quite tiny)
• 8 play scenes (side by side they create 4 complete backgrounds)
• A reversible story book (Belle on one side, Cinderella on the other)

The Secret Fairy Garden set includes

• 20 magnets
• 4 double sided play scenes
• Book of fairy poetry

Both sets are magnetized on the inside of the case so you just lay out your scene and the magnets "stick" to it. Because the case is magnetized it's a bit easier to keep all those pieces right where you leave them. (They both slip easily inside a Tika Kids crayon bag. And if you have the magnet board you have more room for those magnets you don't want in the scene.)

My recommendations:
These items are for ages 3 and up. However, the Princesses set has dozens of very tiny pieces and the magnets are thinner. I would suggest this for ages 4 or 5 and up. The Fairy set, on the other hand, has larger pieces and the magnet is thicker. The fairy set doesn't incolve "dressing up", only placing the magnets on the background, a much easier task for younger children. My 2-year-old is just fine with this set.

I would avoid using these in a car or airplane unless you like searching for magnets that may drop. I prefer these for floor or table-top play. Especially the one with the tiny pieces.

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Waterpark of America & Radisson Hotel, Bloomington, MN, USA

I should probably begin this post by saying that I am really not a big fan of swimming pools, water parks or beaches. Vacationing near or because of water is not high on my list of things to do. But my girls love pools, so when the opportunity to stay at the Radisson Hotel in Bloomington- which is attached to the Waterpark of America- presented itself, we went.

The hotel is located quite near the Mall of America and IKEA. (Which means you can go shopping and leave the kids (and husband/babysitter, chaperone) at the waterpark. Of course the kids could have a great time at Nickelodeon Universe at the mall, too.

The hotel itself is easy to find- just look for the waterslides curving their way around the outside of the building.

The lobby is spacious and looks into the waterpark. You'll want to unload your baggage when you check in as this is the only official hotel entrance- and there is no parking near this door. Our check in was quick and courteous; elevators are easy to find and plentiful so you won't have to wait long.

I booked a deluxe room, described as this on the website: Deluxe Mall of America hotel rooms are ideal for families on the road and feature one king bed, sleeper sofa, two bunk beds with privacy curtain, activity table and chairs and all standard amenities. The room was quite a bit larger than I expected, which was a pleasant surprise. Lots of room. The girls were quite excited about the bunk beds.

We also had a balcony overlooking the waterpark (if this is not specified in your room description I would make sure to request it).

The girls were content to sit and watch the excitement below as we unpacked and found everything we would need for our splashy-time fun.

Notes on the hotel:

• Room rates are available with or without waterpark passes. If you plan to use the waterpark while you are there make sure you purchase them with your room. Staying at the hotel does not give you automatic waterpark access.
• Rooms have wireless internet access at no extra charge.
• The Deluxe Room included a small refrigerator and microwave.
  
• Breakfast is not included in the room rate. The Split Rock Grille has a breakfast buffet: $11.95 ages 12 and up, $6.95 ages 4 to 12 and free for ages 3 and under. Room service is also available.
• Radisson is a Carlson property. Be sure you get the best price: learn about their online rate guarantee.
  

Waterpark of America

The Waterpark of America is open to both hotel guests and the general public so it can get busy. An all day pass is $24.95 and a half day pass is $14.95. (If you are staying in the hotel and need additional passes or didn't get them with your room you get a 20% discount. You can also save 20% by booking your passes online 48 hours or more in advance.)

This is Minnesota's largest indoor waterpark and features:

• A Flow Rider Surf Simulator
• The Lake Superior wave pool
• America's longest indoor family raft ride, which is ten stories tall and over a mile long (which is fast and a bit scary for those of us who don't like waterslides or roller coasters. My girls (ages 4 & 2) enjoyed it. As did my husband.)
• Several body & tube slides (single and double tubes available)
  
• Activity pools with hoops, nets and balancing logs
• Fort Snelling play area for smaller children featuring numerous places to climb, slide, and have fun; including a large bucket dumping 500 gallons of water every two and a half minutes
• A lovely "lazy river". I could have just lounged on this for hours. (The only thing that would have made it nicer is a frozen beverage in a coconut shell.)

Locker rooms are located directly inside the entrance and locker rental is available for $3. The waterpark provides towels but they are very small. I would recommend bringing your own from home (don't take them down from your room). And don't forget a cover up, it is necessary if you pass through the lobby area.

If you don't want to leave the waterpark to eat your meals Camp Many Point is right there in the waterpark. It features kid friendly items like corn dogs, burgers & fries, pizza, sandwiches and salads. The food is good but a bit expensive (too be expected in an amusement setting, though.)

The Waterpark of America is open exclusively to hotel guests from 9-10 am, one hour before the general public.

Would We Go Again?

Definitely. My girls had a great time which means I had a great time. They continue to talk about our time there and can't wait to go back.

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Walt Disney Salutes Our Military

This comes directly from the Disney website:

Through December 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper® and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World® theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel (or their spouses, but not both) may also make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five 5-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper® or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. Actual prices may be less. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 23, 2009.

Eligible members of the military can also save 40% on rooms at select Disney Resorts.

For more information, rules and restrictions click here.

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Moooove Over Trixie, There's a New Trunki in Town

Brenna was understandably saddened when I told her, multiple times, that Trixie Trunki belonged to her sister. Not only is Trixie a wonderful traveling companion but she is a great plaything at home. From riding around the living room to "playing travel" Trixie is usually kept very busy.

Luckily there was a friend waiting for Brenna on Christmas morning... Take a minute to watch the video, it's really sweet...

OK, so you can't see just how cute she is...
‘Freida” is a Friesian cow print limited edition Trunki, only grazing in the fields for 2008. I got her from Family Travel Gear, one of my recommended travel resources. She sells for $55.95 while supplies last. Here's a better photo:

Isn't she adorable?


Frieda is a Trunki Deluxe which includes a carry handle in addition to the shoulder/pull strap, a teddy bear seatbelt to strap in toys and clothing, locking latches with key conveniently attached to the strap and an internal pouch to keep those little things in one place. Frieda also has those two "hidden" spots for tiny treats and the Trunki Passport which opens up a whole new world at the Trunki website.

Trunki Deluxe photo courtesy of Family Travel Gear

Frieda has the same specs as the other Trunki's:

# Holds up to 5 gallons of travel essentials

# Weight is only 3.55 lbs.

# Shipping Box Dimensions: 18.25"L X 8.25"W x 12.75"H

# Carry's up to 110lbs.

# Constructed of 100% polypropelene

# Suitable for children from the ages of 3 to 6 years old (Our youngest is almost 2 1/2 and she loves it, too!)

# Four-wheeled

# Built in stabilizers and secure catches

Frieda is a most welcome- and loved!- addition to our travel family.

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