Contestant's Row Friday: Two of a Kind's Fancy Fortune Cookie Givewaway

Two of a Kind Working on a Full House is giving one of their lucky readers 100 Fancy Fortune Cookies.

The possibilities are endless with these personalized, flavored fortune cookies. Think birth announcement, wedding favor, bridal or baby shower, milestone birthdays or just a special dinner party.

Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on August 17th!

North Tahoe Babymoon: 3 Ways

This entry is dedicated to all the pregnant women in New York who are surely struggling mightily today in this

N-A-S-T-Y humidity!

Here are three great ways to escape to a better, less humid place -- North Tahoe.

Affordable Lakeside Weekend
If you're on a budget and can only spare a few days, check out Firelite Lodge's $74 nightly rates ($64 midweek!) this Fall. Simple and clean, The Firelite's best asset is its picturesque location lakeside logcation. With Wifi included in your room rate, it's an excellent choice for the price and just a quick drive from Carnelian Bay where you can drop in for a delicious home-made pecan waffle at the Old Post Office Cafe.

Mid-Range Mountain Getaway
If you're game for a longer getaway or are flying in from afar, take a look at some of the cozy, smaller house rentals available on http://www.vrbo.org/. There are lots of affordable weekly rentals in Incline Village or for just a bit more stay right on the lake in Crystal Bay.

The Works We can't say enough great things about the fantastic facilities, comprehensive service and stunning setting of The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort in Incline Village. And we're thrilled to report that between September 8 - December 18, the Hyatt is offering a fourth night free (when you stay for three), a free room upgrade and free daily breakfast for two. If you go be sure to make a dinner reservation at the resort's lakeside restaurant --The Lone Eagle Grille -- and be sure to book yourself a Mother Nature massage treatment at the spa.

Photo credit: www.hyatt.com

Hotel Review
Lake Tahoe

Three Quick Newborn Photography Tips

Since becoming a parent I appreciate a newborn photo a lot more than I used to. I find myself looking past the redness and wrinkles searching for a preview of what's to come.

This newborn shot of my son is one of my favorites because it foreshadows his curiosity, focus and intensity (not to mention his love of giraffes and zebras).

Two and a Half Traveler's biggest fan (who also happens to be married to me), forwarded three quick tips to improve those critical first newborn photos from The Digital Photography School.

We especially love that Digital Photography School contributor Lorraine McCall understands that new parents don't have the time or attention span to handle more than three quick tips.

Contestant's Row Friday: 50 Days of Moon Handbook Giveaways

Our favorite travel guide publisher ever -- Moon -- is giving away 50 of their popular U.S. guidebooks in 50 days.

To win a book, just tell Moon which U.S. is your favorite in 100 words or less.

Turns out we're not the only ones...

...who struggle to define how far is too far (if "too far" even exists) when it comes to family travel.

As we begin preparations for a post-Christmas family holiday to New Delhi and beyond, Karen Sander's essay titled the The Inheritance of Travel on Cookie's Going Places has captured my heart.

Anyone else out there who has taken or is planning a family journey that could be considered a bit "too far"?

Contestant's Row Friday: Travel Bug Sweepstakes

The Travel Channel is giving away a wine tour for 2 to Chile including round-trip air to Santiago, seven nights of four-star accommodations, city tour of Valparaiso, tickets to the Museum Pablo Neruda and Museum in Santa Cruz and an introduction to wine tasting.

Enter now

Tripbase names Two and a Half as family travel blog award finalist

So how do you like our new piece of flair?

Many thanks to the fine people at Tripbase who sent us this cute little badge to commend our interesting, "even humorous" family travel content that doesn't compromise on utility.

Tripbase, an online retailer in personalized vacation ideas, reports that its blogging awards go to "bloggers with original destination, travel and activity ideas who can also give good advice on vacation planning and organizing."

Mom and Dad Getaway to Lake Tahoe

The Mr. and I have been in Incline Village, Nevada since Thursday doing some field work and just plain enjoying ourselves in this beautiful part of the country.

We wisely chose to leave The Toddler at home for this trip since we attended my cousin's wedding (congrats to Katie and Vic). And anyone who has a 2 year old knows they are more difficult to manage at weddings than a drunken bridesmaid.

Tahoe is such a family friendly destination that I admit it has been a little bittersweet not to have him here but the opportunity to spoil ourselves has more than made up for it. When else can you:

• Try on pair after pair of design jeans without the potential for a high risk game of peek a boo amongst the dressing room curtains. By the way, if you find yourself in Reno or Tahoe City any time soon I insist you stop by and consult the experts at Kalifornia Jean Bar. They really know their stuff. Here's a crazy but true factoid - the owners of the shop are named Mike and Christy Hall. Does that sound familiar to you?
  
• Have a relaxing drink at 3:00 pm (followed by a few more since they're 2 for 1 during Happy Hour) on the shores of Lake Tahoe at The Lone Eagle Lounge.
  
• Taking in the soaring sights of Emerald Bay without a death-grip on the hand of a small child. Okay, I'll admit I was a smidge nervous about my own ability to safely navigate the viewing areas that seemed a little too close to the edge for comfort.

We're heading home tomorrow and I admit we're pretty excited to see The Toddler. I have big plans to share a few other Lake Tahoe highpoints for parents, kids and babymooners later this week but we'll see how re-entry goes!

Family Travel Tips
Lake Tahoe

Admit It ...They Just Don't Fit Anymore

Expecting Moms -- it's time to ditch those old pre-pregnancy jeans and own up to the fact that the elastic band trick just isn't cutting it anymore.

Luckily for you Belly Dance Maternity is having a 15% denim sale through July 19.

Don't delay...your belly will definitely thank you for it.

Sweet Shot Sunday: Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Wish you were here!

Babymooning New Orleans

Two and a Half Travelers was born when I wrote my first entries from the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans while on a mini escape with the Mr.

It couldn't have been a more perfect place to begin -- temporarily on leave from the day-in, day-out demands of an 18 month old; in a city that took up residence in my heart over a decade ago.

Yes, New Orleans is hot and sticky in the summer. Admittedly, it's probably not the best choice for an outdoorsy Summer getaway but if you are more interested in a quiet fully air-conditioned itinerary of restaurants, antiquing and museums, this is your spot.

Since I'm no stranger to writing about New Orleans, it seems fitting to mark the upcoming one-year anniversary of Two and a Half Travelers by sharing a few special French Quarter summer air and hotel offers*:

• Iberville Suites: fourth night free with breakfast daily -- total for two with air $827.
• W New Orleans French Quarter - total for two with air $1134.
• Royal Sonesta: balcony room with breakfast daily -- total for two with air $1255.

Interested but don't have the time to search for a getaway on your own? We'd be happy to help: info@twoandahalftravelers.com

*All sample package prices represent four night stay from Saturday, August 1 through Wednesday, August 5 with air from New York's Laguardia airport.

Hotel Review
New Orleans

Contestant's Row Friday: Ciao Bambino

Okay, I completely admit that we've been observing 'Summer Fridays' hours a little too frequently here at Two and a Half Travelers but no worries because .... Contestant's Row Friday is back!

Ciao Bambino has a fantastic giveaway for a 3-Night stay at the Solage Calistoga in Napa Valley with 2 Mudslide spa treatments for Mom and Dad (or Mom and Mom's BFF).

Check out this cool giveaway on Ciao Bambino!