Here are a few links we thought your savvy self might like to check out this Wednesday:

Luxist: Sandy Maple scoops a chic tote in the Handbag of the Day that’s big enough to function as a diaper bag or carry-on tote (although you might want to watch out for the suede interior…). And unlike a lot of diaper bags that claim not to look like diaper bags but really still do, this one doesn’t – because it’s not. But it could be…

Concierge - When you’re out and about, the words “I have to go now” from a quivering child can inspire fear in the most intrepid parent. It’s all the worse if you’re in unfamiliar territory. Check out these Amazing Bathrooms around the world and put them in your list of cool – and clean – potties.

USA Today – Over in Chicago (a city we seem to be talking about a lot recently), the Fairmont has come up with a novel program: design your own ice cream. Yum – something the whole family can sink its teeth into.

TechieDiva - We’re all for being hip parents, but if you prefer a discreet vibrating phone to loud ringtones, we’re with you. Problem is, you can’t always feel the damn thing going off. Find your solution here and never miss another call.

A Luxury Travel Blog – Rocco Forte Hotels has a 10th anniversary this year, and Paul Johnson helps celebrate by offering up quirky facts about the brand’s luxury properties. Learn which one hosted J.K. Rowling as she finished the final Harry Potter book; if Stephen King’s your cup of tea, he wrote Misery while staying at a Rocco Forte hotel too. Find these factoids and other trivia to share with the family on your next visit.

Okay, we know it has been a few days since our last post and we are deeply sorry. Our only excuse is that we’ve been gorging ourselves on Easter candy, specifically the chocolates (we throw the peeps in the garbage – they look cute but they’re horrid.)

And you should be happy our faces are smeared in chocolate, because it really inspired us. As we were sitting, happily licking our fingers and feeling the sugar high rush through us, we thought, wouldn’t it be even better if these were really good chocolates? All due respect to Hershey (and we did mention their hotels last week) but if these were really divine chocolates of the gourmet kind, no kid would have had a chance of getting their hands on any. It almost turned into a fistfight as it was.

And so, today we take you to Belgium, whose city of Bruges has a chocolate museum, God bless them, called Choco-Story. While we unhappily note that they enforce some silly rule about looking with your eyes, not your hands, blah, blah, blah, we still think it’s worth a visit.

Unfortunately we have to inform you that, unless you are already in Belgium or really desperate or spontaneous, you will have just missed Bruges’ 2nd Annual Chocolate Festival, which ends tomorrow. But now that you know it exists, you can make plans for next year. In the meantime, there are enough chocolatiers and chocolate tours in Brussels and Bruges to satiate your chocolate fix.

Where to stay? We recommend the Hotel Amigo in Brussels, a Rocco Forte hotel and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, which has a Children at the Amigo package that includes:
-up to 50% off the children’s room
-a welcome basket in your room filled with “goodies and sweets”
-full buffet breakfast in the restaurant or breakfast in your room
-a Bvlgari amenity for the children

Hotel Amigo entrance, copyright Rocco Forte Hotels

Hotel Amigo also offers a family lunch menu and has a special play area with TV, DVDs and art materials for the children. Of course, you’ll probably be busy enough outside, exploring the wonderful culture of Brussels. Kids or no, you’ll have to find a way to sample some world-renowned Belgian beer, and the country’s beautiful lace is definitely worth examining (and bringing home).

Just don’t forget to bring us some chocolate.

Hotel Amigo’s Children at the Amigo package is available on weekends until April 30 2007 at a rate of 375 Euros a night (approximately $494) for two adjoining or connected Classic rooms for 2 adults and 2 children. The package is for one night; additional nights may be added. For more information or to check availability and/or book this package, click here.

copyright Rocco Forte Hotels