EatDrinkTravelMommy

Prague was absolutely amazing. One of the best things about Prague, from a parental perspective, is the fact that it's filled with kids! There are strollers everywhere, which I might not have loved prior to having Lily, but I really appreciate at this stage of my life. Like most of Europe, it is very family friendly. Restaurants were more than accommodating, going out of their way to provide a clean high chair and even giving Lily toys to entertain her during our meals. It's also a city full of parks, which I love. Lily was just starting to walk fast/run at that point, so she had a blast. There were lots of children's stores, and when things got chilly, I was able to pick up some great finds at Zara kids. There are also some very cute local boutiques. The coolest thing, for Lily and myself, was that our friends visited Prague while we were there. Seeing Lily hang out with here friend Tristan was really priceless. I highly recommend traveling to Prague wi...

Lily and I had the best time in Greece. I was excited to show her Athens, since I'd been a few years before. As I expected, Lily fell in love with the food and the people.  Despite the fact that Athens is a large city, the Greek culture shows through. I think the Greek people love babies almost as much as Italians, lol. Everyone was very accommodating. We never had an issue at a restaurant or public place. There were lots of treats given to Lily by sweet older ladies. Speaking of treats, I had to share my favorite ice cream with Lils. I think Cremino is the best ice cream in Greece. Lily and I tried the watermelon sorbet, and the kaimaki ice cream--a traditional Greek flavor. Lily definitely approved.  I know I can't wait to spend another summer in Greece. I'm pretty sure Lily feels the same way...

So, we're two months into the world tour, and no one has killed each other. Kidding, but traveling can be as tough as it is exciting and wonderful. Luckily, we have visited some very baby-friendly destinations.  Capri was stunning and lots of fun (see my EatDrinkTravelGirl blog post for more). It is also the most baby-obsessed place I've ever seen. The full-time residents treat babies like royalty. By the end of our time there, I was sure Lily was going to think here name was "Ciao Bella," because that is all we heard walking down the street. We were never without a seat on the local bus, and people genuinely went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable in restaurants and stores...even in glamorous Capri.  I had to reset my comfort level a bit with strangers touching my baby, because Italian culture is all about touching babies...stranger's babies. Everyone is so well-intentioned that I just had to get over it--pretty quickly.  Lily loved al...

So, my family has started our world tour...one year, seventeen countries. My husband and I are travel pros, but I have to admit the idea of such an ambitious itinerary with a baby and a dog was a little intimidating. I'm actually really happy with the way things have gone so far. On our flight to Europe, the flight attendants could not have been more accommodating. They doted on Lily (and Baron, our toy Yorkie), and even carried her into the cockpit to check it out and meet the pilots. So cute... Our first stop, Helsinki, was incredibly child friendly. The Finns love kids, and it was great to not feel out of place with a baby. I was most impressed with the Kiasma Museum. This contemporary art museum had actually had a guide for families, noting which exhibits were best for kids (including three interactive exhibits), and even pointing out the best places to change a diaper, nurse, and heat up baby food. Amazing! Lily loved the museum, and my husband Brandon and I enjoy...

Review alert! One of my goals has been to post reviews of baby/kid friendly restaurants in the Los Angeles area. It took awhile, but here's my first. Au Fudge --9010 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood: I had to try it twice. I went shortly after Au Fudge opened and was not all that impressed. The service was a little off. I went back last week and had a much better experience. The food is not mind-blowing, but it's solid enough. I had the Cobb salad the first time and the burger on my second visit. The wine list is extensive enough, and I've been really happy with my coffee selection both times.  Mostly, Au Fudge is an adorable place to go with your little one(s) and feel completely comfortable. The staff is accommodating, and it's not a big deal if something is spilled/thrown on the floor. It's a place where adults can feel like adults (wine, please) and babies/kids can be themselves. That reason, alone, is enough for me to keep coming back. Beyond that, I love...