Evelyn's Document Organizer

Hi all!

Here is my list for the Document Organizer Challenge. As you'll see from the above photos, I've already been keeping my docs, in a vertical divider that I love. I also like the "Baby Briefcase" pictured on the right, which I think I posted on this blog before. I might get this one, for when we come back, to organize readoption papers etc.

DOCUMENTS TO TAKE TO CHINA


Travel Letter
Acceptance Letter
Passports
Passports copies 10-each
Chinese Visa
Brown Envelope
Passport Picture-1 each
Flight Tickets
Copy of Homestudy
Addendums if necessary
I-171H
Immunization Agreement
Dossier Copy
Drivers License copies 2-3 each
Health Insurance Info
Copies of everything in wallet
Phone Contact List
Translation Cards
Maps of Regions to visit
Hotel Information

Evelyn

Laundry Paper

"A must for travelers, our dissolving Laundry Paper is perfect for washing socks, undies, swimwear, etc. and goes through airport security in your carry-on without a hitch. Plus, it's ultra-light so it won't weigh you down, and takes up virtually no space in your travel. Makes a great gift for frequent flyers, hikers and campers!Thirty single-use soap sheets come in a convenient, compact travel case -- just add water to dissolve into refreshing, ocean-scented suds. "


I found this here.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-
http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Quik Pod

"The Quik Pod is a gadget that extends the reach of your arms and hands so you’re not restricted to taking awkward, super close-up photos of you and the strange “friend” you hazily woke up with at the hostel this morning. Sure, you’ll look like a goober using this thing, but face it: everyone knows you’re a tourist anyway (yes, unfortunately the Abercrombe + Fitch ring t-shirt and Boston Red Sox hat are dead giveaways). It’s less than $30 via the manufacturer’s website."I found it here.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Soap on Crack

"I think we can all agree that finding a reliable meth dealer while on the road is difficult to say the least. This might be your opportunity to Say No to Drugs and get your morning buzz on the safe, Nancy Reagan-friendly way with Shower Shock Caffeine Soap Travel. ThinkGeek says: “It works. No, we’re not kidding and no you don’t eat it. The caffeine is absorbed through the skin…” If they said it, it must be true, right?"


I found this here.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Travel Adapter

"The Only Travel Adapter You’ll Ever Need!

The 150-Country Auto-Detecting Travel Adapter And Converter. Not the catchiest product name, but we can’t all afford big budget marketing departments. Hammacher Schlemmer describes it as “the lightweight, compact device that automatically detects incoming voltage, converts it to 120-volt AC power, and provides plug adaptation for over 150 countries throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Caribbean, and Australia.” You’re out of luck in Antarctica I guess, but I don’t think they have electricity down there anyway. At least now you don’t have to carry around 150 adapters like you used to, right? Also: “The plug configures to fit a variety of international sockets, and it has a built-in USB port that allows you to leave chargers for cell phones, digital cameras, iPod®s, and other devices at home. The device allows simultaneous AC and USB connection to charge two devices at once.” Very cool.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-
http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Indestructible Travel Cases

"Checking your crackberry or updating weekly travel expenses on your Treo while scuba diving is easier than ever before with the waterproof and crushproof Pelican Micro Case Series of cases. There’s even a purge valve to equalize the pressure!"
I found this here.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Gorillapod

"The Gorillapod. Tripods are so last month. And who wants to actually hold their digital camera, like with their hands, when they can mount it virtually anywhere and to anything with this beast? "I found this here.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Travel Babyfood Dispensing Spoon

I found this on a cool blog...

Squirt Babyfood Dispensing Spoon

"Wee Travel Car Seat and Baby Equipment Rentals (Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria) loves pretty much everything Boon…especially the new Squirt baby food dispensing spoon. The easy-to-fill bulb holds up to 3 ounces of baby food. Just give it a squeeze, and out comes just the right amount of food. Squirt comes with a protective cover to seal food in and keep the spoon clean between feedings. By combining the spoon and food container into one product, Squirt makes one-handed feeding a snap so you can nurse your latte with the other. $8 wherever Boon products are sold."

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Hand Sanitizer

I saw this post by the RQ on China Adopt Talk and this was her great info on Hand Sanitizer. Please see her blog for more IA Talk.

"I’ve seen so many people not using these things correctly that I thought it deserved a blog post. When in China we will all be using these after using a public bathroom, as many bathrooms do not have sinks, and even if they do there will likely not be any soap. Also, many restaurants do not have sinks or soap available, and after a day of sightseeing or even sitting in a Civil Affairs office, I think hand sanitizer is better than nothing at all before you begin eating. (And, as has been pointed out in the comments, even if you wash your hands, the water is likely not clean so you’ll still want to use hand sanitizer even if you do have an opportunity to wash the grime off of your hands.)

Here is what I’ve been told about hand sanitizers:

They need at least 15 seconds of being “wet” on your hands. Wipe and rub back and forth for 15 seconds.

The evaporation process is an important part of the process, don’t wipe dry, let it evaporate. The wet part of the process breaks down cell walls, the evaporation process dehydrates the cell and kills the organism. If you wipe dry you don’t complete the process. You should spend another 10 to 15 seconds holding your hands out and letting it all evaporate.

Children do not have to consume very much of it in order to get serious alcohol poisoning. Keep it away from kids when not being used, and carefully supervise when it is being used. If you suspect your child has ingested hand sanitizer and is acting strange, get medical help immediately.

There are some things that hand sanitizer will not kill, including at least one fairly common bug that causes diarrhea. (C. difficile) Something about it being a spore and not a virus or germ. If you can’t wash your hands after a BM diaper then you may want to do a combination of wiping them well with a wipe and following up with sanitizer AND keeping your hands away from your mouth and your child’s mouth (and your child’s hands if they put their hands in their mouth).

Soap and water are said to be much better than hand sanitizer at removing germs and viruses and spores from your hands. If you have access to soap and clean water, use it. Only use hand sanitizer when it is the only option.

And finally, I used the GermX wipes on the plane as I figured that would be easier to get through security since it doesn’t have to be declared as a liquid. I really liked them and I’ve continued to keep them in the diaper bag to wipe down shopping carts and public highchairs. Also, when there is actual dirt on hands I use the wipes instead of the gel.
But, again, the biggest thing that I see people doing that drives me crazy, is wiping off their hands after using the gel or liquid sanitizers. I’m told that it is the evaporation process that actually kills most of the germs, let it evaporate!"

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Health Insurance for your baby

I found this info on the web...

"Check with your benefits department to find out their requirements for adding your child to your insurance coverage. Be sure you understand the rules. If there is any doubt on your part, ask them again. Write up a memo of your discussion and review it with the benefits department to be sure you understand everything completely. Get any necessary documents in advance of your trip. See if they will accept a fax from China in the unlikely event you are delayed. If this sounds nit-picking, it is. However, it is too easy to misunderstand and suddenly end up with no coverage at all. You might also have someone in the benefits department who is simply misinformed about the law, so it is useful to be prepared.

The Federal law states that in most instances your child is covered from the moment you receive her. My benefits department was totally unaware of both the federal law and a 13 year old Illinois law that prohibited discrimination against adopted children in health coverage. They tried to refuse coverage. I had to give them copies of both laws before they would believe me. The Illinois law is Public Act 82-626. The Federal law is United States Public Law 103-66 (the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, pages 107 stat. 374 through 107 stat. 375). Most other states have similar laws. The reference librarian can help you find them. (Yes, state and federal statutes are in your local library.) If your benefits department gives you any lip, contact Adoptive Families of America (link soon) for more information. Also, contact your state insurance department. They just LOVE handling this one. " - Marie L. Bartlett-Sloan

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Luggage and Packing

"Pack light. Pack tight. Leave no empty spaces. Use hard sided luggage with good locks. Luggage takes quite a beating on a trip like this. Cloth bags are more likely to split zippers, or get slashed.
Start your packing plan early. You'll be astonished how time disappears once you get your referral. Set aside a place at home to collect stuff for the trip -- shampoo and toothpaste samples, power converters, ziplocks, etc. Put your packing list there, and make a note every time you think of something.

On the first trip we used:
two hard sided suitcases with end wheels (10" deep x 30" long x 20" high)
one very large duffel bag
two large carry on bags
one camera bag
one video camera bag
one luggage cart
one elastic luggage cord
two fanny packs

On the second trip we used:
two hard sided suitcases with end wheels (10" deep x 30" long x 20" high)
two carry on backpacks which fit under the airline seat
one camera bag
one video camera bag
two fanny packs
(We also purchased a small suitcase on wheels at the White Swan for extra souvenirs.)

Others brought more but smaller pieces. Any luggage you check should be lockable. You can get tiny little padlocks for zippered duffels, good enough to keep them from unzipping by accident. We could have gotten by with 1 carryon bag. Plan on 1 bag for baby's stuff, 1 bag for each adult. Though you will be using up some consumables like diapers and formula, you will be filling up that same volume with souvenirs, books, postcards, etc.
Don't bring a purse! Bring fanny packs so you can keep your hands free for the baby. But don't put valuables in the fanny pack! Use it for extra film, Kleenex, etc. while keeping the valuables in your money pouch or hotel safe.
Be sure your luggage locks work. Bring extra luggage keys.

Be sure you check with your airline well in advance for any luggage restrictions, and check again 2 weeks out from your trip in case regulations have changed. If possible, it is a good idea to take a sample piece of carry on luggage to the airport and see if it really does fit your airline's requirements.

BE SURE the weaker member of the couple can lift each individual piece of luggage by themselves. BE SURE to take all your luggage on a "test drive" at home before committing yourself. Both of you must be able to schlep your luggage all by yourself over cracked sidewalks, while mom carries baby in the snugli. Don't buy new luggage. Use what you have and borrow from friends, who will have the thrill of looking at foreign luggage stickers all over their bags when you return them.

Since most luggage looks alike, I got some colored tape (like electrical tape) and put green and orange stripes the length of each piece. I used the same color pattern on each piece. If the tape wouldn't stick to the canvas of a duffel, I wrapped the handles. I even taped our carry on luggage, which was never checked. Bumper stickers would work too. ("See Rock City!") We had no trouble spotting our luggage fast as it came out on the conveyor and there was no chance someone else could mistake it for theirs.

Use sturdy luggage tags, and be sure to put your name and BUSINESS address both INSIDE and OUTSIDE your luggage, including the phone number of a contact at home. I taped our luggage tags firmly to our bags, making sure the address showed, in case the tag strap broke, which it did.

We did a full pack of all our luggage 1 week in advance of our departure for our first trip, and I am sure glad we did. I had set one bedroom aside as a staging area weeks before but even so, it took me almost a full day to get it all organized and packed. This was much longer than I had anticipated. Packing a week out also gave us enough time to remember what we forgot, redistribute the weight, rethink our logistics, and most importantly, get a good night's sleep the night before we left.

When you pack your luggage, try to do it on the first floor of your home, rather than wrestle a full suitcase down the stairs. This is no time to throw your back.

Should you pack each person's stuff in their own individual bags, or spread things out so that if one bag is lost, one person won't be left naked? We did one bag per person on the first trip, but carried a one day supply of essentials in the carryons. We spread things out across the luggage on the second trip and I could not find anything for the entire trip. By the time we returned, I had pretty much repacked to one person per bag. This one is up to you.

DO NOT pack your documents. Put them in the carryon. "

- Marie L. Bartlett-Sloan

http://www.bartlett-sloan.net/triplist.html#weather

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Bandannas

"Bandannas have a multitude of uses ---- dribble wipes, sweat bands, bald spot protectors, baby shade, baby toy, replacement luggage handle, fashion statement, etc." -Marie L. Bartlett-Sloan

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Souvenirs & Shopping

"Practice this phrase -- BOO YOW! Say it firmly. It means "do not want" (Literally bu=negative yao=want) You will need to say it often at the tourist attractions. That said, if you see something you like, buy it because you will not see it again on your trip, you won't find it cheaper in the US, and you will not be able to go back again and get it later." - Marie L. Bartlett-Sloan

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Clothing Police

"If you are receiving an infant or small toddler, you will meet them. They are the little old ladies who come up to you on the street, curious about your child. They will pull back the blanket and peer at her face. They will zip up zippers, rewrap scarves, pull up socks, pull down pants legs, and generally cluck and fuss about. Please be sure to put socks and shoes on your child even if it is 100 degrees. Keep a hat on her head. And above all, smile and be grateful for their attention. It is kind and sincere. I was fussed over by 3 little old ladies at the Temple of the Jade Buddha in Shanghai. You would have thought we were their own daughter and granddaughter, they were so pleased and happy. Our translator said they kept saying "Lucky baby!" and "Happy mother!" I could only smile broadly and say "shay shay" (thank you) a lot. It is one of my fondest memories of China. " -Marie L. Bartlett-Sloan

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-
http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Weather in China?

Found this link...go check the weather in China!

http://www.weather.com/weather/int/countries.html

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Lightweight Luggage

The Traveler’s Club 3-Piece Lightweight Frameless Luggage Set, Black features: Made of 600 denier polyester, Frameless construction makes it lightweight and easy to store, 24″ rolling vertical and 20″ rolling carry-on feature inline skate wheels and locking telescopic handles, 15″ tote features an adjustable shoulder strap, 24″ vertical measures 15″ x 8″ x 24″, 20″ rolling carry-on measures 12.5″ x 7″ x 20″, 15″ tote measures 15″ x 6.5″ x 11″. It says the shipping weight for all three pieces is a total of 16.1 lbs so they are pretty light. I might go check out. Remember, these are very inexpensive, but like I said, I just need them for ONE trip! :) Note: I also really like those straps that are attached. If your zipper were to break, the straps would still sort of hold the bag together. Find them here and here.

***UPDATE***

I went and checked these out. I have since decided to not get them. They are everything I want except for ONE thing...the don't open all the way. I'm soooo sad. I HAVE to have a suitcase that I can lay open on the bed. It would drive me crazy if I didn't!!! Very, very sad.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-
http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Luggage Sets

Here is a link with lots of luggage choices. I love this new silver luggage! So pretty! I bought my set years ago and I love it. It has held up very well. It is lightweight and has tons of space inside. My set is made by Jaguar but the exact set is no longer available. However, there are some very pretty new choices. The main thing is to start off with as lightweight a bag as possible.

When you go into the site, and find the set you want, then click on the image and it wll enlarge. From there click on the third option to see more views and you will be able to see inside the suitcase. Look for one that has a lot of open space so you can fit as much in there as possible!

JC Penney

The Mad Hunt

In Keeping with this months theme I have been on a mad hunt for new luggage. Everything we have is either WAY to big or Way to small so I am looking for the JUST right suitcase. That sounded like the Three little bears LOL... Anyway I have looked on-line and in every store around here. I am more confused now then ever LOL... I of course want something light weight, durable and attractive would be a plus. So, I found these little GEMS what do ya think? Can't you just see Riz pulling these through the Beijing airport LOL... Really I am looking for any advice about what to buy... HELP!!!!!!!

Staying Healthy When You Fly

Hi Everyone-
Here are some things you can do to keep from catching a nasty cold or virus while flying. The key to staying healthy during your trip is to support your immune system before you fly. 50% of the air on an aircraft is recycled and the dry atmosphere makes a great haven for any viruses. I used to ALWAYS get sick from flying but since I have started following these tips, I have done much better!

Hydrate Your Body!

Drink a lot of water prior to travelling and on the plane. Start about two weeks before travelling and really hydrate your body. Then on the plane, sip water every few minutes.

Carry Ocean Nasal Spray on the plane and use it often. This will keep your nasal passages moist, which will drive away the bad bugs!

Take Moisture Eye drops on board with you as well. Put the drops in your eyes often to keep them moist.

Moisturize your face. Use a calming lotion that has very little or no scent. Remember that scents travel through a closed in space very quickly and can be very unpleasant to others. What you think smells great may make someone else sick in confined spaces.

Finally, use lip balm thorughout the flight. The moister you are, the better your chances are of keeping germs away.

Take a Multi-Vitamin

Start adding a good multi-vitamin to your body now. This will help boost your immune system ahead of time. My favorite thing is Pure Himilayan Goji Juice. It is full of anti-oxidants and is really good for you. You can find it online or perhaps in your local health food store.

Move Around Often

Get up and walk, stretch, and exercise your arms and legs! This is most important! Gotta keep circulation at it's best!

Shower

Once you arrive to your hotel, take a hot shower. Wash off all the germs that you encountered during travel. Try and allow the steam to remove any germs by inhaling it under a towel.
WARNING: If you are in Mainland China for your first shower, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT let any drops of water get into your mouth when showering. Keep a dry towel nearby and use it immediately if water happens to get in your mouth. Also, keep clean bottled water nearby the shower in case you have to rinse your mouth. The bugs you will get if you let the water enter your body will make the airplane bugs seem like a walk in the park! If water does get in your body, and you feel the first twinge of a stomach bug, down a Cipro antibiotic immediately. Then take one more dose of the Cipro at the suggested time on the prescription and you should be fine.

Scanner Bag

Easier Airport Security with the Scanner Bag

"GadgetDuck's Scanner Bag attaches to my carry-on and looks like a luggage tag (which it is). Just before I get to the T.S.A. security area, I unfold the expandable Scanner Bag. Then I dump in all the things -- keys, change, cell phone, PDA -- I normally throw into the gray plastic bin that travels down the belt of the security scanner. The zippered pouch holds everything until my carry-on gets to the other end of the belt. I opted for the $13.85 version, the cheapest of the three models. "

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-

http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Deceptively Delicious

On Mondays, I love to watch Oprah because she always features the amazing Dr. Mehmet Oz. This man is a genious! Well, she also featured another genius who turned out to be non-other than Jerry Seinfeld's wife, Jessica. Jessica had a terrible time trying to get her little children to eat well and she felt like a failure because she could not get them to touch veggies. This is exactly how I feel with Kate. Claire is a great eater but she is beginning to take clues from Kate and is refusing more and more things. I have been desperately seeking info on how to get my kids to eat better...and thank God for Oprah who featured Jessica on yesterday's show! The show was so compelling that I took the girls and went straight to Barnes & Noble to buy Jessica's book called Deceptively Delicious. I recommend this book to all mommies! I can't wait to try all of the recipes. I will let you know how they do. Maybe you can pull the episode up on YouTube and watch for yourself or go to Oprah.com and read about it!

Get your gear cards

I saw these in this week's "Clever Parents" e-newsletter. They are called "Get Your Gear Cards" and they have versions for baby, toddler, preschooler, etc. They also have some specialized for different sports. The idea is that you hang the card on your bag and use it to check off everything you need to bring. The cards are 4x6 and they are in a plastic pouch that you can write on with a dry erase marker.

We're big fans of the laminated checklist at our house, but these are so much cuter.

Jennifer

Great Finds at Walmart

Yesterday, I went to Walmart to get a couple of things and ended up wandering around some because it was raining outside. In the fabric softener area, I found a small box with 3 small spray bottles of Febreze. These would be great for freshening up your suitcase and your room while travelling. So, I am going to pack one, and give one to my friend who is going.

In the baby aisle I saw a beautiful chocolate and peacock colored diaper bag in the messenger style. It had circles on it and I adore anything with circles or dots! Plus it hung comfortably over my shoulder and back and it had these two hooks so it can be attached to a stroller. The best thing was the price...only $19.98!! So, I picked it up and in the cart it went.

I had been contemplating which bag I would travel with to China. I wanted my flight stuff, my file folder, and the baby stuff to all go in there and this bag would do that very well. On the trip over I will put my travel documents, my flight care ziploc bag, my wallet, my iPod, my travel socks, and some snacks in there. Coming back, I will take out a few of those things and add baby stuff for the flights home.

So, I finally found my bag for China! I brought it home and it inspired me to do a test-run for packing. So far, all of my stuff, Kate & Claire's clothes and the baby's things fit into one medium sized rolling suitcase. The bag is a bit heavy so I will have to check that and let you all know. I will post pics of my bag at some point, too!

More Packing Tips

I found this on my favorite travel agency that specializes in China & Adoption Travel. Click below for a few more tips about packing for China. This website has a ton of good info!


Lotus Tours

Letter to Orphanage plus Important Notes for You All!

Letter to Orphanage

February 4, 2002

Dear _____________ Social Welfare Institute Director,

Please accept these gifts for the children. I hope they will enjoy them and get a lot of use out of them. The chocolates are for the orphanage caretakers. I am so excited to travel to China and meet you. I cannot wait to meet my daughter.

I have enclosed a small photo album that you can share with the baby. I am also sending a camera and several rolls of film. The film is labeled with the baby’s name. Would you kindly take pictures of the baby, her friends, the caretakers, and your town? Also, if you have the opportunity, can you please take a picture of where the baby was found? These pictures would be priceless keepsakes for her as she grows up. I will appreciate anything and everything that you can do.

I have also enclosed a letter for Kate’s main caretakers. Can you please write down the answers to these questions? These little things will be very helpful to me as the baby adjusts to her new family. You can enclose the letter, the film, and any other important things in the plastic bag I put in the box. Everything is labeled with her Chinese name and her American name. Please return the little doll that I am sending to her that has her American name on it, as it is meant to pick up the scent of her surroundings in China and may make the long trip home a little easier.

With much love, I thank you very graciously for taking such good care of Kate. I will send you more photos throughout the years so you will always remember us.

Sincerely,

Wendy L. Harrison


NOTES: I had a friend translate this letter to Mandarin. I went to Wal-Mart and bought a bunch of coloring books, crayons, markers, art supplies, etc... on sale. Don't forget to include items for the big children as well. Our clothes are not used in the orphanages and just sit in their original box in a storage room in the orphanage. They buy clothes that are the same and they buy them in bulk, so don't waste your money on clothes for the orphanage! They love pencils, and art things and that kind of stuff!

Then, I sent the letter inside the box with the camera and all of the goodies to the orphanage. I sent the box with the U.S. Postal Service for 5-7 day delivery. It was about $90.00 but it was a pretty big box. I addressed it in English and the box arrived perfectly. I, however, did not know that it arrived until I was actually in China and asked the caretaker. She said that they got everything just fine. They also took pictures for me and gave me some of their own that they had of Kate. They brought back the little doll that I asked for and they gave me a pair of socks that Kate has on when she was found. They indeed took excellent care of my baby and the main nanny and I continue to keep in touch. I have all of the letters to her translated to Mandarin and then when she writes back and I have those translated as well. She is very special to us.

More Travel Tips

Before You Leave
-Make sure you have all your paperwork in order.
-Call your credit card companies and notify them of your itinerary.
-Use a travel wallet for easy access to your tickets, passport, and money.
-Leave a copy of your entire documentation packet with a reliable source at home.
-Wash and prepare baby clothes and bedding for when you return from China.
-Start drinking extra water about 2 weeks prior to your flight day.
-Get to bed early all week before you leave.

Flights
-Wear comfortable clothes!
-Get up, move around and stretch your legs at least once per hour.
-Wear shoes that are a little loose in case your feet swell, which they will do unless you drink lots of water and wear flight socks, available at http://www.travelsmith.com/.
-Keep your skin, eyes and lips well hydrated throughout the flight.
-Try and get as much sleep as you can.
-Don't overeat on the plane.
-Keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you are in your seat.

In China
-Whenever you are in China and getting on a flight, you must fill out these little white cards before you get in the Customs lines. Also, have your passport ready to show and your airline ticket while in the airports.
-The air pollution is quite heavy and if you have asthma, take your inhaler with you.
-Always, always take kleenex, or some sort of paper with you when out of your hotel room. You will need it if you have to use a bathroom outside of your hotel room.
-Be prepared to squat! You will build up your squatter's muscles in your legs faster than you ever thought possible! Don't worry, it gets much easier after a couple of days!
-Whenever possible, let the hotels or little shops outside of the big hotels do your laundry for you. You will be very happy you did. They do great laundry in China! None of my stuff shrunk either.
-Get your hair washed, get a body massage, and get a foot massage! They cost about $5.00 for an hour! You won't find these great rates in the big hotels though. Ask your guides for recommendations!

Wendy's Packing List & Luggage Guide

I posted last week or so about my carry-on bags weighing 44 lbs. each and I was mistaken. I reviewed my list from when I went to China for the first time to get Kate in 2002 and our suitcases only weighed 29 lbs each. This did not include the shoulder bag, just the carry-on, fully packed. Please look carefully at my packing list as I give dimensions, weights, things I needed, things I didn't end up using, and everything in between. There is a lot of helpful info spelled out there if you need it!

Wendy's Packing List & Luggage Guide

Air Fresheners

For those of you who want to take air fresheners, I have a recommendation for keeping lugagge light and fresh scented. Get a quart size ziploc bag and put in a few dryer sheets, such as Bounce or Downey. You can toss them in your suicase to freshen up everything and even rub them on your sheets in the hotel. They are easy to pack and take up minimal space and weight!

Click on this link to see more uses for Bounce!

Baby B'Air Safety Vest

How It's Used
"Baby B'Air is worn by the infant like a vest. It is placed over the child's head, and secured by adjustable straps on both sides under the baby's arms. The third strap comes from behind, between the baby's legs, and buckles to the front with another adjustable strap. The excess straps Velcro neatly to the vest so that there are no loose straps.

The Baby B'Air can be worn as any other garment would since it is constructed of 100% cotton and comfortable to wear. After take-off, the parent feeds their seat belt through the loop on the back of the Baby B'Air, refastens the seat belt and tightens the seat belt. Your infant can now be held, fed and even changed while both parent and child remain securely fastened in their seat. The parent can read, eat or even nap knowing their baby cannot fall or pull from their loving arms.

Sizing Information
Size Fits Neck Opening
Small Infant/Newborn Has a neck opening of 16"
Large Toddler Has a neck opening of 19"

Note: Neck opening is not adjustable. Choose smallest size that child's head fits through neck opening without body slipping through. Sizes fit child up to 40 lbs. The FAA requires children over 2 to have their own seat.

Small - Infant/Newborn
Fits most children up to 6 months. Neck opening is not adjustable. SMALL fits child up to 40 lbs with head measuring less than 16 inches around.

Large - Toddler
Fits most children from 6 months to 2 years. Neck opening is not adjustable. LARGE fits child up to 40 lbs with head measuring from 16 to 20 inches around. "

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-
http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Tide Travel Packs

I found these at Wal-Mart yesterday and thought they would be a great size to take to China.

You can also find them here.

Top Ten Baggage Tips

TOP TEN BAGGAGE TIPS
- Dr. Todd Curtis, AirSafe.com Foundation

The following advice should help you avoid many of the common problems that passengers have with carry-on or checked luggage.

1. TRAVEL WITH ONLY CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
By using only carry-on luggage, you do not risk having checked luggage lost or stolen.

List of Baggage Resources - http://www.airsafe.com/issues/baggage.htm

2. DO NOT PUT HEAVY ITEMS IN THE OVERHEAD STORAGE BINS.
While the weight limit for carry-on items is generally about 40 lbs. (18.2 kg.), even a much lighter bag may cause severe injury if it falls out of the bin.

Head Injury Risk from Overhead Luggage - http://www.airsafe.com/journal/issue13.htm

3. PUT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION INSIDE AND OUTSIDE EVERY BAG.
Put your name and contact address on the outside of every bag. Also, put the same information plus a copy of your itinerary inside every bag. This will make it easier for the airline to reunite you if you are separated from your luggage. You should also do this with your carry-on luggage in case you are forced to check that bag at the last minute.

4. CUSTOMIZE THE LOOK OF YOUR BAG TO MAKE IT EASY TO IDENTIFY.
Because there may be many bags with a similar design on a flight, customize the bag to make it easy to spot on a baggage carousel. This will also help prevent another passenger from taking your bag by mistake.

5. KEEP VALUABLE ITEMS WITH YOU.
Do not back voluble items in checked luggage. Money, laptop computers, electronic files, and other items of high importance should be kept in a carry-on bag, preferably one that is small enough to stow under a seat. The airline may insist on checking larger carry-on bags if the overhead bins become filled.

6. MAKE SURE THAT THE AIRLINE TAG ON YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE IS FOR THE CORRECT DESTINATION.
Every piece of checked luggage should have a three-letter airport identifier that should match your destination airport. If you are unsure of the three-letter code, ask the ticket agent or skycap.

7. MAKE SURE THAT YOU KEEP THE STUB FROM YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE.
This stub is a critical document that will be needed if your luggage is lost by the airline or if you are trying to prove that you own a piece of luggage.

8. IMMEDIATELY REPORT THE LOSS OF CHECKED LUGGAGE.
If your checked bag does not arrive at your destination, immediately report this problem to the baggage agent on duty or to any other available representative from your airline.

9. PREPARE TO DEAL WITH A LOST BAG.
Pack so that you can continue your trip with the loss on one of your bags. Distribute key items like business suits or underwear so that you can carry on with your business until you either get the bag back or replace the lost articles. If you are carrying essential items or information for a business meeting, either carry a backup set of information or have that backup information sent ahead of time.

10. DON'T PACK HAZARDOUS GOODS.
There are quite a number of items or materials, some of them not so obvious, that may pose a risk if taken on an aircraft.

Things you should not bring on board - http://www.airsafe.com/danger.htm

RELATED INFORMATION
Complain about your airline - http://www.airsafe.com/complain/complain.htm
Airlines without fatalities - http://www.airsafe.com/complain/complain.htm

Dr. Todd Curtis is the director of the AirSafe.com Foundation and the creator of AirSafe.com. For more airline safety information, visit the site at www.airsafe.com.

TOP TEN AIRLINE SAFETY TIPS

TOP TEN AIRLINE SAFETY TIPS
- Dr. Todd Curtis, AirSafe.com Foundation

1. FLY ON NONSTOP ROUTINGS
Most accidents occur during the takeoff, climb, descent, and landing phase of flight so flying nonstop would reduce exposure to these most accident prone phases of flight.

2. CHOOSE LARGER AIRCRAFT
Currently, aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats were all designed and certified under the strictest regulations. Also, in the unlikely event of a serious accident, larger aircraft provide a better opportunity for passenger survival.
Fatalities by aircraft model - http://www.airsafe.com/events/models/rate_mod.htm

3. PAY ATTENTION TO THE PREFLIGHT BRIEFING
Although the information seems repetitious, the locations of the closest emergency exits may be different depending on the aircraft that you fly on and seat you are in.

4. KEEP HEAVY OBJECTS OUT OF OVERHEAD STORAGE
Overhead storage bins may not be able to hold very heavy objects during turbulence, so if you or another passenger have trouble lifting an article into the bin, have it stored elsewhere.

Top 10 Baggage Tips - http://www.airsafe.com/issues/baggage/bag_tips.htm
Carry on baggage advice - http://www.airsafe.com/issues/baggage/carryon.htm

5. KEEP YOUR SEAT BELT FASTENED WHILE SEATED
Keeping the belt on when you are seated provides that extra protection you might need if the plane hits unexpected turbulence.
Turbulence risks - http://www.airsafe.com/cabin/turb.htm

6. LISTEN TO THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
The primary reason flight attendants are on an aircraft is for safety, so if one of them asks you to do something like fasten your seat belts, do it first and ask questions later.

7. DO NOT BRING ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
There are rather long lists of hazardous materials that are not allowed, but common sense should tell you that you shouldn't bring gasoline, corrosives, poisonous gases, and other such items on the aircraft unless they were allowed by the airline and shipped in a proper container.

Things you should not bring on board - http://www.airsafe.com/danger.htm

8. LET THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT POUR YOUR HOT DRINK
Flight attendants are trained to handle hot drinks like coffee or tea in a crowded aisle on a moving aircraft, so allow them to pour the drink and hand it too you.

9. DON'T DRINK TOO MUCH ALCOHOL
The atmosphere in an airliner cabin is pressurized to about the same altitude as Denver, so any alcohol you consume will affect you more strongly than at sea level. Moderation is a good policy at any altitude.

Air rage information - http://www.airsafe.com/issues/rage.htm

10. KEEP YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU
In the unlikely event that you are involved in an emergency situation such as a precautionary emergency evacuation, follow the directions of the flight attendants and flight crew and exit the aircraft as quickly as possible.

RELATED INFORMATION
Complain about your airline - http://www.airsafe.com/complain/complain.htm
Airlines without fatalities - http://www.airsafe.com/complain/complain.htm

Dr. Todd Curtis is the director of the AirSafe.com Foundation and the creator of AirSafe.com. For more airline safety information, visit the site at www.airsafe.com.
++++++++++

Jen W's slackin'

Sorry guys, I am sorry to report that I have had a really crazy month with work travel and vacation and don't have anything to add this month to the challenge. I started on a list (thanks to all of you) but it's really not worthy. I am so thankful to have you guys though... you are motivating me to do it... even if it is a week or so late! I hope to go shopping later this week for my mini list of stuff, but I still holding out to buy any clothes.
Thank you all and here's hoping we get into DECEMBER LIDs this month!

Challenge #2 - Stephe

Feeding, Diapering & Clothing

Dish Detergent (to wash nipples, bottles and everything)
Baby Food (waiting til referral)
Bibs (2 washable & lots of disposable)
Bottle liners (100 just to be safe) still need to buy
Bottles - Playtex disposables (xtra one) first one in Diaper Backpack challenge
Burp Clothes - Cloth diapers (1) ? Don't know if I need so bringing only 1
Measuring cup (formula - Metric & US) Still looking for metric one.
Nipple brush (if non disposable) to wash bottles and nipples.
Nipples (a handful of different ones) Just ones that came with bottles
Rubber Bands (super tiny ones) to prefill formula liners
Rubbermaid container/shoebox (washbin) not shown.
Sippy Cup (1 or 2) bring one buy more

Baby wipes refill pack (200)
Blow up Bath tub (do I need this? Still undecided)
Diaper Disposal Sacks Refills (100pk)
Diaper Rash Cream/Ointment Butt Paste (still need to buy)
Diapers (8-10 day worth) xtra
Plastic Gloves (dozen incase of Giardisis-sp)
Plastic pants (2)
Swim diaper (if hotel has a pool)

Hat (1 or 2)
Jacket (1 type depending on season)
Onesies (3 sets of different sizes)
Outfit NEW (to replace gotcha outfit)
Outfits (3 can buy lots there)
Shoes (2 - or buy there)
Sleepers (6-7)
Socks (8-10)
Sweater (4 Hotels AC is cold) probably end up donating some
Swimsuit (2 - if Hotel has a pool)

Just some of the clothing. I'm not going to bring much. I have a bunch of new 6-9 stuff that if it doesn't fit, I plan to give to the SWI. It's mostly sleepers. I plan on buying clothes there but want comfy sleepers in case I can't buy clothes for a few days! I might bring one pair of shoes. I plan on lots of socks and onsies. Although, do babies at this age typically wear onsies under everything or is it just when they are teeny?

For me, I'm putty toys in a misc category and baby care stuff will be in with baby toiletries.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-
http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com