Travel - Scary Mommy

Need gifts ideas for trip

lefty63 — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:11:32 -0600

My DS15 is going to Ireland, England, Wales and France this summer as a student ambassador. They will be staying with a host family in Ireland for two nights and will be driven as a group in each country. We were told to bring token gifts for the family and drivers. We don't know if the drivers are male or female. We're kind of stumped, we thought about NYPD or NYFD stuff.

What would you want from the US?

We are on the East Coast.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

If you could live anywhere in the world...

Love — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:52:05 -0600

There seems to be a lot of dissatisfaction among our scary mommies about where we live.

Let's pretend that finances and family obligations and job opportunites and all the other BS were NOT an issue...

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be ? Why ?

Good value Ray-Ban in LA?

Keepstaring — Wed, 01 May 2013 01:37:22 -0600

Dh is travelling to LA for work the end of this month (I wanna come too :-(( ). We both needs new sunglasses and prefer Ray-Bans. We can get them here in Europe of course, but maybe

Can ay of you tell me where he can buy them at a good price while on LA? He can go to a shop or order online and get them shipped to his hotel..

Looking at prices online in $ and € it seems there isn't a big difference... But we probably don't know the good places to shop! So ladies, please share your wisdom about all things cheap with me!

Austin, TX Mommies, help me please!! UPDATE

TheMomFactor — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:52:16 -0600

Ladies, my SO recently got TWO job offers from some pretty big home-building companies. However, one is in Austin, and one is in Dallas. I've been in and out of Dallas for most of my life...but I know NOTHING about Austin. I have no idea where would be a nice place to live, and where would be a BAD place to live. Can some of you Austin mommies help me out here? Where would be the good places to look? Where would be the WORST places to look(Well, the scary places, where people get shot regularly. :-SS )? And maybe some places that won't break the bank?

I'd love some advice, from anyone willing to give it!! :D

Family trip

horsehotti — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:20:57 -0600

I figured since I'm right in the middle of my trip I would put this here. I have been asking myself why do I torture myself??!!?? We are driving 3 1/2 hours; not even a quarter of our normal distance when we travel, to take the kids to the Monster trucks. I have been asking myself all day, WTH is wrong with me. Why do I put myself through this. It is pure hell!!! My kids are 11, 9, 6, & 4. They are being horrible today!! Fighting, screaming, whining, and being down right nasty!! I just want to have a peaceful drive to the hotel, and a fun trip, but they are making me want to drop them off on the side of the road and run away. Dh isn't helping either. Every time his driving gets all weird, it pisses me off and I say something, he finally yelled at me and got all pissy with me. Like really dude, I'd kind of like to make it there in one piece and not have a panic attack on the way. I swear I won't plan anything like this every again, but I know it's not true! I just want to make happy memories for my children and they make it so difficult!!
Ok rant over!

I had no fucking clue.

katz_meow — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:06:02 -0600

I was researching our Disney trip. I had no idea how much flying would cost. Like $1300 for three of us to fly from pgh to orlando and back. :-(

So now I'm debating, driving or Amtrak. Both would take about the same amount of time, assuming we sleep over in Ga if we drive. But I'm stuck ladies. I'm afraid of the drive back if that's the route I take. I know i'll be ok going down, its about a 15 hr drive by google maps, and I know for a fact that I'm good for about 9-10 hrs (allowing for a few quick stops). I bet I can go straight through, excitement of the trip and all that. But its the drive home I'm afraid of. After 6 days in Disney, I know i'll be wiped.

Amtrak says about 29 hours each way, with stops, but I think id rather have my car with me.

Any advice? Or some tips to get cheaper airfare. Because if I need to pay $1300 I just can't fly. That would really take away all the 'extra' money I would have to spend while we were there.

Anyone ever take a train trip? What can I expect? Luggage fees? Cost to eat on the train? Stops? Idk what to do.

charlotte amalie, st thomas

justinemcee — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:56:44 -0600

Hi all!
I'm traveling to the virgin islands in June with 2 girlfriends. We are going for 6 days. Anyone ever been there? If so can you suggest any fun restaurants or bars? Staying with a friend in Charlotte amalie.

Travel in Boston

Gingersnap — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:23:59 -0600

Last April, a bestie and I spent the day walking around Boston (sans kids!). We met up at a rail station, parked and took mass transit into the city. Mostly, the day was about spending time together and chatting. We wandered about, visited Haymarket for a snack and later hit a dumpling restaurant in Chinatown. The weather was beautiful and the street performers were out and in fine form.

The only problem I had with a walking tour of Boston was the lack of public restrooms. It's ridiculous.

On other trips, I've been to the Boston Museum of Science (they've hosted LotR, Star Wars, and Harry Potter exhibits). I vaguely recall a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts, and I liked it, but I don't remember much as it's been over a decade and before I swore off pot.

I'm sure there are others than can share tips (apps?), favorite spots and experiences.

I don't have a smart phone, but apparently there's a mess of apps for Boston's MBTA:

http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/apps/

Guam for the summer!!!

KatDragon — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 14:58:54 -0700

My kids and I will be going to Guam for the summer. We will be visiting family I haven't been able to see since dd5 was 6mos. I can't wait! Any scary mommies live out there? Also I need to know if I can get a disposable cell out there to keep in touch with my bffs in Cali.

Birds and the Bees :) and ducks and squees!! new pics

fulgurous2003 — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:34:26 -0700

For all the mommies that wanted to see cool stuff I haven't gotten to hit the road yet but my camera has been busy so I thought I would share some fun nature ALL THE AWESOMENESS

Lots of new pics and some old from New Mexico

SpringBreak

1edieb — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:42:46 -0600

My DD's springbreak is the last week of March...too early if you ask me ...but, heading to Myrtle Beach and a resort with indoor fun...a 15000 sq ft indoor waterpark. Any Scary Mommys gonna be there?

What are you all doing for Springbreak?

Traveling on a cruise

danidog13 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:50:01 -0600

Any suggestions or experiences you have had on taking your 9 year old son on a cruise? My son really wants to go on one, but I'm not sure if he will take advantage of the activities they have for children his age on the ship.

Dh had an accident. He's fine.

OxiMOM — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:46:29 -0700

DH is in Long Island ny picking up a car. He was merging slow speed onto the LIE. He had the truck in the lane trailer was half way in. Some dumb bitch pulls up in the lane comes next to the trailer and rams it over. DH pulls the truck out of the lane and dumb bitch proceeds to push the trailer over into the sholder. WTF Really DH pulled over and waited till someone who saw it let him pull in. People fucking suck.

A mama swims with another mama

GypsyMama — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 19:31:07 -0700

My sister recently visited me here in Florida from Wyoming. While here she went to Crystal River and swam with the manatees. She wrote this beautiful post about her experience as a mama meeting another mama in the wild. Don't miss this http://annapearlsattic.blogspot.com/2013/02/swimming-with-another-mother.html?showComment=1361153770963&m=1

Bummed the fuck out.

OxiMOM — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:17:00 -0700

DH has to drive up to Syracuse NY today to pick up an auction car for his boss. I'm soo pissed off he gets to go and I don't. When I was really little I spent my summers at my aunts farm in Cazenovia NY then up near Canada and also attended college in Cazenovia . Caz is like 20 min out of Syracuse give or take a few min. I love the area and have soo many good memories up there. I know even if I got to go it would be there and back but I'm bummed. I'm in the mood for a good long road trip. DH is pissed he has to go as yesterday he had to go way into jersey to get a car and the day before had to go to Long Island. 6-7 hour round trips 3 days in a row. We had a bit of a fight this am because I told him if give anything to drive kid free for a few hours. He thinks 2 kids under 2 is a pleasure cruise compared to what he does. I get his boss is an ass he REALLY is but its money good money and he get out of the house. I'm just bummed I wanna go to where i spent my summers and short lived college experience. :(

And I love the boys I do very very much but I wanna get the fuck away from them. DH said if we didn't have the boys I'd come get you and you could go too. Gee thanks babe add some salt to that wound and rub it in.

Once it warms up some 2 times a month DH. Is gonna watch the boys on sat or Sunday so I can go riding with one of his friends. And if money allows it MIGHT. Enter in a few small horse shows just a class or two. I just wish it was warm now so I could do it now. But my ass isn't climbing up on a horse in 40degree weather when I haven't ridden consistaty in 8 years.

I'm just losing my shit and need to get out without kids for a bit.

Mini got away

gramalibby — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:14:37 -0700

You can get away on the cheap

Traveling the USA

fulgurous2003 — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 23:36:22 -0700

Ok I am a mom of 3 and me and DH decided we are giving up the normal life and hitting the road the kids are all home schooled and want to see the things they learn about, they love their "bus" and are ready to go as soon as the tranny gets fixed right now we are staying with family while repairs are made. 2 questions if you could go anywhere in the US with 3 kids (10,8 & 7) where would you go and where would you avoid like the plague >\?

Value Hotels at Disney?

domsmom — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:07:27 -0700

We are planning a vacation to Disney in the spring, hopefully! and I would like to stay on site. The value hotels (all-star Movie, Music and Sports) are in our price range but I wanted to see if anyone had experience with them?? It would just be my husband my DS2.5 and me. Is the transportation decent to and from the parks? Are the rooms at least clean? I'm not looking for luxury at all, just something close and easily accessible to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Thanks!

DD13 spending money for upcoming cruise

Kitty69 — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:37:30 -0700

My DD13 is going on a Carnival Cruise in 2 weeks with her BFF and family to the Bahamas. Her trip is paid for and she just needs spending cash. Having never been on a cruise myself :(( I am not sure how much she may need. Anyone have an idea or suggestions??

It is for 5 days, they are driving to Florida and leaving from Jacksonville. One port is Key West the other is Nassau. I don't want to send too much nor too little. $200-$300?

Disney advice please

gruuvygrl — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 11:45:20 -0700

My DH and I want to take our kids this fall to Disney in Florida. DS will be 7 and DD 5. We have never been, and could use any advice from those that have braved it!

Carnival Elation vs. Carnival Conquest

Toothfairy — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 18:27:59 -0700

The hub's and I are thinking about taking a cruise in the early spring. Does anyone have any experience with the Carnival Elation vs. the Conquest? I might want to only go for 5 days on the Elation, but I've heard the Conquest is larger and better (it's a 7 day only ship out of my port).

Pumping Mommy in Vegas!

MsAsdy — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:58:40 -0700

So I'm going to Vegas for 5 days, courtesy of my husbands business. I'm not planning on pumping on the way there, however had every intention of pumping WHILE there and bringing it back with me. I've checked TSA regulations, emailed them for verification and am all set to go. HOWEVER...I have no idea how to go about storing the expressed milk until we go home. There are no refridgerators in the rooms and to get one I'd have to have a medical reason and pay $35.00 a day. Any suggestions?

I am going to Spain !!!!

organicbaby — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:07:36 -0600

Leaving on May 14th for a month an a half. I am so happy! It has been more than a year since my parents and bro saw my DD Also, I will spend half of the time with my parents in their house in the mountains, DD is going to love walking in the forest, the river, the cows, the chickens, the owls and everything else. And, I will be 20 minutes drive from the Cantabrico sea! So we can play in the sand and take a bath in crystal clear water. I cannot wait. Look like this:

and the other half in my home town. The old town where I walk everyday looks like this:

Do you want to join me? :D

Phoenix, AZ

catzfan — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 19:50:57 -0700

Hey, looking for things to do in Phoenix....suggestions? Particularly, shopping ideas!!! Plus other generally fun and relaxing things to do. Only there for 4 days soooo.....

If you were going, what would you do/see?

crappy ass drive home

sidsmommy3 — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 13:13:12 -0700

This weather. I am lucky that my office closed early for the snow and sleet today. Took me aobut 1 1/2 to get to my sister's farm to get Sarah. Slid a few times. My brother in law pulled up their driveway from hell in front of me and I slid....off the driveway and almost down an embankment. He had to pull us out. I was in 4 wheel drive the entire time...

He followed us home (normally about a five minute ride)...and we are home to stay!

Into the wild blue yonder

Sassy — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 02:18:34 -0700

Off we go! Wish me luck on this trip please!

I love it here

mamafin — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:52:53 -0700

Just wanted to share some pics I took today.

I'm at the place I love the most in the whole world: at our family cottage. It's on a small island, in the Archipelago Sea. We take 3 ferries to get here.

I love this place. I think it's because my anxiety never bothers me here. There's so much to do that I don't have the time to think about anything. We have no running water and this place is heated with wood. We have electricity.

I'm melting snow to get bath water :) Next stop sauna.

Life is so simple here.

It was Finland's Independence day on Thursday and we got also Friday off so we have a long weekend here.

Just wanted to share something positive also because I've been telling about anxiety and OCD lately.

Slightly nervous

jacigirl6354 — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:20:50 -0700

Okay, probably completely irrational to be nervous, but we don't travel much, as far as flying. We've gone to Mexico three times now, thru DH's job, all three have been on chartered flights. This year we go back, but we are with a group of about a dozen that have to fly commercial. Am I being totally irrational in thinking it will be much simpler to just take what we need in our two carry-ons versus checking a bag? We live in our swimsuits and coverups while we are there anyway....we have one night where we dress up, and seriously beachwear and one outfit, plus toiletries should totally fit in the two, right?

I'm back, we survived, and I MISSED YOU ALL!!

TorturedbyTWINS — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:23:54 -0700

Thanks to you amazing scarries I survived the 5,000 mile road trip with 2 18-that turned-19 month old toddlers! We also learned how to survive in a crappy little cabin without hot water. It was rough, but we made it. The drive home was just as nice as the drive up. Minor crying, only when they needed something pretty obvious and surprisingly the days in the car were cake walk! We stopped at a 2nd hand store and bought some toys that were new to them and continued our happy kid streak. We spent Halloween in Vegas and they dressed like little bikers, which was cheap and cute and supplied mommy with enough candy to get the rest of the way home to Phoenix!

Upon returning we had been hearing for weeks that our cat was MIA and I was scared he left us forever because there were strangers in and out of our house and we have a dog door. I saw him yesterday with a new collar and tags on. As soon as his cheating ass gets home I am going to have to call the neighbors and who knows how that conversation will go. He has been eating at their place because his food here is almost untouched. Sneaky lil kitty! If you have suggestions on how to handle that, please let me know. For now he's a little freaked out still and he's always been skittish, so he hasn't come inside, he has just been lurking in the yard.

Overall I found I have an addiction to SM that I don't want to give up, that road trips are best done in RV's, Montana is pretty but chilly, Phoenix is GORGEOUS this time of year comparted to the rest of the west coast, and lastly, your bed is that much nicer when you haven't seen it in a bit over a month.

Pics are of Halloween of course and our truck covered in Montana snow... burrrrrr...

Girl Scout Trip - just need to vent

etheriel — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 17:05:23 -0600

I've been a Girl Scout leader for many years but never got camp trained because I hate camping. One of our other moms finally got camp trained and the girls wanted to use their cookie sales earnings to go to Galveston. Since we now had a camp trained mom and could stay in one of our council's properties in Galveston, it seemed like a great idea.

We got to the council-owned boat house a few hours early (didn't realize check in was at 3:00) and another troop was still there so we decided to take my troop to a state park to eat lunch. Well, a tire on the van most of us were in blew. We ended up on the side of the road with most ginormous mosquitos ever. We were there for about 4 hours waiting for the tire to get fixed.

When we finally got to the council-owned boat house we discovered that the previous tenants hadn't cleaned up after themselves, nasty showers, trash cans, etc. We also discovererd that the kitchen was infested with roaches and mice. The whole place was just truly nasty gross.

Instead of the activities we had planned for the day, my group of 11-13 year old Girl Scouts, and the adults accompanying us all had to clean to make the place liveable. Dealing with the nastiness and the HUGE mosquitos at the same time was almost unbearable. As the troop leader, I had to go into the (nasty) bathroom to cry. It was just so bad.

On the plus side, my group of 6 girls all rallied together to just get the job done. They didn't complain and they worked together to just knock it out so we could have some fun. I am so proud of them. To have a group of girls that age just work and complete a task so that we could move on to more fun activities is just unheard of.

Sorry ladies, I just wanted to vent. That first day was way worse than words can say and I am more proud of my girls for rising to the challenge than words can say. The whole day was just so bad. We did end up getting to do fun stuff on our second day. :)