We’ve revamped our look!

Because time is at a premium - especially with kids - we made some changes that gave us a fresher look (we hope!) while also making COL easier to read.  In the days to come, we’ll be whittling down the categories a tad to make the list a little less all-over-the-place and easier for you to navigate.
Other new features to come include:

• Mom’s Girl Getaways: Because sometimes moms need to bond with their own friends and not just their kids’ friends.
• Interviews: Read as travel writers and others in the industry dish on their travel-related faves (and those of their kids)
• Newsletters
• Child of Leisure of the Month: Send in pix of your young jetsetter (any age from birth to 10) to win a funky COL onesie or t-shirt.

Of course, we always love feedback.  Want to see something we haven’t mentioned? Let us know.  Hate something we did? (oops)  We might change it if enough of you are complaining.  But most of all, chime in with your own experiences - tell us where you’ve been with your kids, how you liked it (or didn’t), and what you did there.  We always want to hear about your experience at 4-and5-star properties, boutique hotels, villas, or anywhere else where pampering is on the menu.  In that vein, look for more polls and questions for you to comment on: we want to hear from you!

Happy hump day!

• Over at Luxist, luxury travel handbags made from the recycled upholstery of yes, cars.
• In our recent travels, we’ve noticed some hotels being rather spare with the washcloths - 4 & 5-star hotels at that. Maybe we should get some of these Lightload Travel Towels, which are inexpensive, biodegradable, and according to blogger Jamie Rector, surprisingly efficient and durable. [via Vagablond]
• Have you ever been on a flight with your kids only to find that the in-flight entertainment is a tad too adult? We have, and it sure keeps us busy shielding their eyes and trying to entertain them. Check out this article about a bill in the works to create child-friendly zones on airplanes; read more and chime in. [via MSNBC]
• We love National Geographic Traveler’s series on experiencing cities for free: they take care to include options specifically for kids, but many of the attractions are suitable for families, depending on ages and interests. Learn more about what to do in Miami here.
• Heading to New York? NewYorkology has some thoughts on the NYC Explorer Pass, a city pass that is promoted as being the best deal to experience many of the city’s attractions. We’ve never been into these citywide passes ourselves, but if you’re contemplating this as an easier way to see the city with kids, read this post and decide for yourself.

It’s time to start thinking snow ski instead of water ski, and with these beanies from Kangaroodle, the moms won’t be the only fashionable babes on the slopes.

When we came across these hats, we fell in love instantly. They come in 3 styles: straight up beanie, beanie with brim, and beanie with earflaps (below), and in sizes ranging from 0-6 months to 4+.  The styling and color combos will have babies and tots looking like quite the little hipsters. Now if only we could decide which one(s) to buy.

Earflap beanie in coffee brown & pale yellow, $25