tips — Tatter Scoops

Welcoming Your First Commenter

15 Sep posted by Maureen

Are you a blogger? Chances are if you are reading this then you are.

What we love – if not more than writing – is to get comments on our post. We are networking online. We participate in memes, blog hops and whatever else is out there that connects one blogger to another.

When you link up on a meme, usually you will ‘meet’ many new bloggers. You read their stuffs and you left a well meaning comment that include a trackback to your own blog. You grain traffic to your site and that is part of networking, right?

A nice welcoming touch for these new people that come and read – and hopefully commenting – on your blog is what I called a “Welcome” page. Like mine here.

I use a Comment Redirect plug-in to redirect first time commenter, it’s a great quickie and relatively easy to set up page where you can show your first time commenter what your blog is all about. Please note that you are ‘sending’ your first time guests to this page in hope they will read more and come back.

Here are the steps by steps:

Download and Install Comment Redirect plug-in from your wordpress deskop and activate it.
Create a new Page and name it whatever you want and pimp the heck out of it to charm your new readers/commenters, hit publish, you can choose to assign this new page anywhere you want or ‘hide’ it like me.
Go to Comment Redirect (it’s on the left hand corner under the Plugins)
From there you can pick where you want your commenter to land – it could be your Welcome page or even your About page.

Voila! Pretty simple to give your commenter a warm welcome and thanking them for leaving their comments.

8 Comments
Filed Under: Blogging

Medan Is NOT The Worst City In The World

27 Jul posted by Maureen

photo credit: a_rabin

I came to read this article that says Medan (capital of North Sumatra) is the worst city in the world from Twitter. Eyebrows were raised reading it, disturbing but at the end I found myself laughing.

Disturbing, because as much as I have this love-hate affair with my own country, it always pull a few nationalism nerves on me when I read others write badly about Indonesia. Funny, because it sounds like that piece of crap – yes it is crap – article came out of an amateur bitter tourist.

Let’s analyze it a bit, will you.

You’re slim pickin’s for hotels, you don’t seem to boast a single, decent restaurant and from what I’ve heard, you’ve got no real nightlife

Last I heard they do have 5 stars hotels there such as the Marriott. Maybe next time you need to consult Mr. Google or better yet a travel agent! As for nightlife ‘activities’…what kind of nightlife are you expecting? It’s not Jakarta or New York City!

Okay, I admit, there’s a personal element to this. See, I got robbed in one of your hotels.

It wasn’t a very nice hotel. It promotes itself as a four star hotel when in actual fact it’s closer to a two. But that’s fine. I don’t need luxury and it cost less than $100 a night.

Except, in the end, it actually cost a couple of grand. Because while I was out one night scouring the streets for a decent meal – in vain, of course – someone broke into my room and stole a giant wad of company cash from my suitcase.

Okay…number 1 rules of travelers are: NEVER EVER EVER leave your money – especially couple of grand like you said in your hotel room! That’s what the hotel’s safety deposit box at the Front Office is for! Common sense…not that hard. You know you’re staying in an ‘average’ hotel with several grand in your suitcase, isn’t exactly the smartest move! The guy said the hotel doesn’t have safe deposit…well, tough luck then you shouldn’t even stay in that measly hotel in the first place!

Needless to say I moved to a different hotel for my final night. I woke up the next morning in blood-stained sheets. Mozzies never take any interest in me but your Medan mozzies made quite a frenzied exception.

I didn’t get malaria. But I did get spectacularly, violently sick about a week later from an intestinal parasite, which I’m certain I picked up from you, Medan. I just know it.

See the pattern here people…cheap hotels? Wait, maybe all the 5 stars ones were booked? Could possibly be…but intestinal parasite? Maybe this guy just ate something that’s not cooked right or ate street foods that his weak stomach can’t hold. Oh and he said he lives in Jakarta too? Interesting isn’t?

Personally, I haven’t been to Medan but knowing how poorly some of Indonesians infrastructures are outside of Jakarta, it is possible that the roads are bad, their public transportation are inadequate but to call it the worst city in the world? I think that’s a tad too far!

I understand some tourists will have digestive problems when they first got here because let’s face it, in Indonesia hygiene issues are still questionable. You most certainly cannot drink straight out of the tap like in some other countries. That’s why if you consider coming to Indonesia for a visit I strongly advise you to bring some pepto-bismol (or anything like that) and just take it religiously everyday for at least a week and always drinks bottled water and avoid ice in your drinks if you’re in a place where the hygiene may be questionable.

Indonesia is an acquired taste…that’s for sure but when you are a tourist, try to explore the country with an open mind. Keep in mind that Indonesia is still a developing country and also a country with such vast cultures so chances are things will be different than back home.

Granted, I haven’t seen all the cities in the world but Medan is certainly not the worst one.

Do you have any bad experience in a city that you considered calling them the worst city in the world? Share away.

31 Comments
Filed Under: Indonesia

Hit The Road – Baby On Board!

24 Jun posted by Maureen

The first road trip Lil’ A and I did was almost a near suicide mission!

Yeah, it’s that bad…

Okay, before I scared the heck out of you – calm down! Each babies are different, some can tolerate a road trip better than others. If you’re lucky, your baby will be an angel during the whole trip.

It was in August 2007, Lil’ A was only 8 months old and his Mommy was crazy or brave enough to agreed to go on a road trip with another mommy friend + her toddler (her little girl was around 1.5 years old at the time) to Houston, Texas from Dothan, Alabama. She actually drove to pick us up from Sarasota, Florida. So yeah, we’re two nuts mamas!

Now, do I got you wondering what’s the motivation behind making such a brave trip? A baby is hard enough but add a toddler in the mix and no husbands? It was all for the sake of gathering with a bunch of Indonesian girlfriends and of course the foods…oh the foods and also to celebrated Indonesia Independence Day! When you live on the other side of the world, you will be tempted to do these crazy stuffs.

Based on Mapquest it suppose to be a 10.5 hours drive to reach Houston – but of course they didn’t calculate having a baby and a toddler in the car!

We left Dothan early in the morning, looking like two runaway mamas, her car was packed! So packed there’s almost no room left in the back other than for the two car-seats.

It started pretty good…we passed beautiful coastal areas and got to see traces of Katrina along the shore. Got a bit lost in Baton Rouge, Louisiana – no she doesn’t have a GPS on her car – we relied heavily on the print out maps from both Yahoo Map & Mapquest!

Then all hell broke loose! Lil’ A wasn’t happy being strapped down that long and started to get bored – tears quickly turned into full blown screams and melt down I was so afraid he will hurt himself from it. My friend said he’s fine…I just have to learn to ignore it. Even after our plenty of stops for diaper changing and snacks for the baby & toddler someone was definitely not happy and not afraid to show it!

At one point – I can’t even remember where we were but it was dark, I squeezed my big behind in between the two car-seats to comfort Lil’ A. He was fine for awhile then it started all over again.

With every screams my heart ripped! I was so close to beg my friend to pull over in the highway and let us get off, that it was a big huge mistake to do this road trip and clearly we were both wasn’t ready but no – I swallowed it all, tried not to cry or pulling my hair off in frustrations and did everything humanely possible in a car to entertained Lil’ A. He eventually fell asleep after awhile, thanks God!

We reached Houston well after 9 PM…so that means we had been on the road for over 12 hours! Go figure…

Regardless of the miserable nearly unbearable first trip we did had fun in Houston. Not just the mommies but also the babies and kiddos alike as they too got to mingle with their peers.

Our trip back home was much more calm and I almost believe he actually enjoyed it. He did cried but not as much.

Here’s what I learned from our first road trip:

Pack enough toys – even better go grab those portable DVD players that you can hooked up in the car (some you can even attach on the headrest) – to entertain the wee ones.

Strap a toy to a pacifier holder attached to the car-seat, even if your baby doesn’t use pacifier you will be glad!

If your baby have a favorite blanket, stuffed toys or whatever – DO NOT FORGET TO BRING THEM!

Do stops as often as possible and let the baby out of the car – let them crawl on the grass if they wants to. Being strapped in a car-seat for a long trip might be hard especially for first timers. Babies can get cramped and uncomfortable!

In every ‘pit-stops’ do nurse – feed – change – anything necessary.

Sometimes it is better to travel around the baby’s bed time, chances are they will fall asleep.

Musics – plays soothing music or any kinds of music that your baby likes from lullabies to children songs to calm down the nerves. It works to calm you too, believe me!

Sunshade – make sure your window is well covered to keep those glaring sun from blinding your baby – not to mention to protect their skins, some sunscreens for babies won’t hurt too.

Plastic bags – from soiled diaper to dirty wet clothes, it will comes in handy.

If your baby is formula fed it’s better to put them already measured in several empty bottles and bring lots of bottled water. All you have to do is pour the water and shake. If your baby like their formula warms maybe you can pack a thermos with hot water, mine will take any so it was never a problem although I love those one servings cans of formula – pricey but easier to maneuver in a moving car, just open and pour in a bottle.

Just as you would if you are flying with a baby – pack your patience, plenty of them! If you stays calm and collected your baby will be most likely to quickly calm down too.

Be flexible – very flexible that you would put a gymnast into shame! If you think your baby just had enough – pull over, find a motel/hotel to call it a night and start fresh the next day.

Having a baby doesn’t mean you need to stop enjoying a road trip! Only means you have to plan it better. Enjoy your summer time.

11 Comments
Filed Under: Travel

Flying Alone With A Child? Read This!

11 May posted by Maureen

What would come to your mind if I ask you about flying with a baby/toddler alone?

I can tell that I will first get a knot in my stomach! Then the worry wart me starts kicking in.

Here are some steps by steps guide to prepare yourself BEFORE the actual flight(s):

1. Read, read and read:

Don’t let the horror stories scared the heck out of you. Let them instead prepare you to face the worst case scenario! With plenty of preparations and reading – there are plenty of great resources out there if you Google up flying tips with small children, you can armed yourself with load of information’s. Check out this lady, Jamie Hassen. She’s a pro and very helpful! My personal favorite websites loaded with these tips are here, here and here. Learning about the rules of different countries is also helpful as it will help you prepare what to pack and what not to pack.

2. Documentation & paperwork:

To fly internationally your child need his/her own passport and visa (depending on the country of destinations).

Either you fly domestic or locally, it is always a good idea to keep a notarized copy of your child’s birth certificate to confirm their age should the need arise. I keep this in a small pocket where I keep the passports and tickets.

If you are flying alone with your child it is a good idea to have a Consent Letter from the other parent. So far I never need them but I’ve heard stories of when they come in handy.

Bringing a copy of your child’s medical record will also help especially if you are traveling internationally and should your child need medical assistance abroad this will help the physician to check your children’s record.

3. Booking for your flight(s):

Check out the airline’s website prior to make the booking so you will be familiar with their rules and policy regarding minor passengers. Different airlines have different policies. Some are sticker some are more lenient.

Paid extra to get your child his/her own seat is always better – yes it is more expensive but from the safety side it is always safer for them. Plus, having a child on your lap for 15+ hours flight can really hurts your butt!

Choosing your seats: For infants, bulkhead seat is better because you can request for a baby bassinet, they have a bigger leg room there. They only have limited numbers of available baby bassinet so it’s based on first request first served basis. It is important to remember the downside of bulkhead seats is you can’t lift their armrests. For bigger child I would rather pick another seat, yes there are always risk they will kick the seat in front of them but if you got lucky and have another seat next to your child’s empty you can lift all the armrests and have your child lay down. Never pick a seat right next to emergency exit door. Check out Seat Guru as different airlines have different seating configurations.

When you make the booking you can request for additional help and they will mark your ticket that you will need assistance as you are flying alone with a child.

If you have connecting flights ask if they can do a check-in-through for your baggage meaning, you will pick up your luggage at your final destinations.

Meal requests, most international flights even for economy class will have this. You can ask for children’s menu or if their children’s menu doesn’t sounds compelling for you, you can go for kosher. Also put in a request for milk, most flights have milk, some only serve 2% (aka low fat milk) so it never hurts to ask.

Transit times: Ask if you can collect your gate checked stroller (this means your stroller will be stored inside the cabin instead of down in the checked-in baggage compartments) if you have to deplane for transit.

Car seats: I never bring one on-board but I’ve seen parents struggling with them but now I chose to use CARES instead. Read more about using Car Seats here.

4. If your child never fly before it is a great idea to actually take them to the airport and let him/she gets excited about flying and its concept. When you are flying with an infant it’s easier – really.

5. Get your child an a-okay from their pediatrician prior to the trip.

Make sure your child is not teething (believe me flying with a teething baby is a nightmare!) or having ear infections. Also do not medicate your child hoping they will fall asleep on board. Some of the tale about Benadryl can backfire as some child will become more active as a result. Always and I mean always consult your doctor before and if they doctor prescribe you with something to make the trip a little easier for you, always do a try out at home first and see how your child reacts to the medicine.

6. What to pack:

I found this great diaper backpack and after so many flights and being dragged around across several countries it still holds up its duties fairly well. Read more about what to pack here and here.

7. Big D-Day (Departure Day):

Always arrive early for your flight. Going through security checks these days alone takes time for a grown up let alone for parents with small children.

Early boarding/Late boarding: Some airlines offer parents who travel with small children to do an early boarding. This is great to help you settle down before other passengers’ starts to board. Sometimes this will work; sometimes it won’t as your child might get bored while you wait for the flight to fly. Chose wisely depending on your child’s temperament, for my son we opted for late boarding because he will quickly gets impatience and wants to fly right away.

If your baby still nursing do nurse them when the plane is in a taxing position and getting ready for takeoff or for older children, giving them something to drink or eat will help with the ear pressure thing. Some children are more sensitive to this, mine never have a problem. Also, those warm towels they handed out…that can actually helps to relieve the ear pain for your child too. Just put them on each ear for a few minutes or at the bottom of two paper or Styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears.

Depending on the airline, sometimes the flight attendants will be nice enough to offer to watch your child for a little bit or to take them for a little walk up and down the alley. Do take it as you will get that lavatory breaks you need but do not expect them to wait on you on their hands and knees. Always be nice to them no matter if they returning the favor or not. Personally, I try not to bug them too much. What I can do by myself I’ll do it — this will make them see you as an independent parent(s) and more often they will gladly offer a helping hands.

Whip out your stash of toys/activities one at a time or only when you see your child is getting bored. Also, those little portable TV on-board really does helps, most airlines will have some cartoons. If you don’t allow your child to watch too much TV at home, make an exception for the trip. You’ll be glad!

Have fun! Your child picks up on your emotions so if you’re panicking, they will starts to mirror you. Be thankful and accept any offer or helps you can get but do not expect everyone to come to your aid. I find most fellow parents have high tolerance to other parents traveling solo and sometimes you can see it from their understanding nod and smile or from their kindness gesture. Be thankful. Ignore those who thinks you and your child doesn’t deserve to fly, besides what are the chances you’ll run into them again?!

There…rinse and repeat for the flight home! It’s not easy to fly with small children but it’s do-able and it is rewarding to be able to go to different places and expose your child to it. My son now loves flying, he can’t wait to get on board and since his father works with airplanes he’s been in the cockpit and knows how fun it is to fly.

Good luck and who says having a baby/child means you are home bound until they are 18?!

20 Comments
Filed Under: Travel

Flying With Children – What To Pack

10 May posted by Maureen

If you are flying alone with a child, there are more things to prepare even before you get to the packing steps.

First, get yourself a sturdy diaper backpack. Why backpack? It will free your two hands to deal with your child or pushing the stroller in the miles long airport.

I highly recommend this backpack from One Step Ahead. They are a bit on a heavy side especially if it’s well packed. Take a look at this:

See why I love this backpack? It makes finding things so much easier with their plenty of mesh compartments. You can even put your laptop on the back compartment.

Things you should always pack in your backpack/carry-ons:

Make sure you have enough baby wipes, diapers, small tube of diaper rash cream (stash a larger tube in your checked in luggage) and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Do packs plastic bags, the ones from your grocery stores will suffice. Wrap those dirty smelly diapers/pulls up with plastic bag before throwing it in the garbage cans inside the lavatory or you can wrap up wet clothes too.

If your child has a lovey, pack that first and foremost!

Medications for your child. If they are on special medications make sure you bring along the prescriptions copy to show airport officials when they checked your bags. Put them in clear zip-lock bags.

Change of clothes. Make sure you brought more than enough just in case your child had an exploded diaper, vomit, or your luggage get lost/delayed. Include socks too!

Change of clothes for you! Yes, I had the unfortunate happened when my son vomited all over me and I forgot to pack an extra pair of pants!

Snacks & baby foods! Milk, juice & water is allowed just make sure you declare them at security check. Also always pack a spare (or two) of clean baby bottles/sippy cups.

Make sure you pack enough toys/activities pack to entertain your wee ones onboard. Opt for toys with minimum sounds to avoid disturbing other passengers. Books, coloring books, a doodle pad, and sticker books are great. One of our favorite is play dough! My son loves them and can play with it for hours on end.

When your child is big enough to have their own carry on, let them pick one at the store. Trunki is a great invention and I’m planning to get one myself very soon.

Children harness. This will comes in handy at the airport, your little one can roam and wonder around burning some of those energies and you would still be keeping a tab on them.

I had list it before – but - I’m going to list it again, iPod is awesome, just load them up with plenty of your child’s favorite movies, songs, shows.

It may seems a lot and yes, I still find that sometimes I wish I can pack the kitchen sink too!

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Filed Under: Travel

Stuck in Jakarta’s Traffic? Try These!

3 May posted by Maureen

Just about everyone here knows how it feels to be stuck in traffic, it can really be a pain in you know where, for some it’s part of their daily routine.

Here are some ideas to spend that time, consider you’re not the one driving that is:

Stash some magazines or books for easy reading or continue finishing that book you’ve been wanting to.
Plan a blog post (with smart phones these days you can easily make one on your phones) using a notepad.
Better yet, sleep!
Watch a movie, if you have one of those DVD Players installed in your car, a movie won’t bored you.
Clean up that junk mails on your email using your smart phones.
Tweet away and read all the interesting tweets.
Pluck your eyebrows!
Finish putting your make-ups on.
iPod is great but since I’m a mommy that won’t work for me but would be great in a taxi.
BYOC (Bring Your Own Coffee!)
Wake up a buddy on Yahoo Messenger or other Messenger and chat away.
My favorite: Bring your camera and take pictures, you’ll be surprised by some of the things you might captured. Like this picture here which is still one of my favorite candid picture my aperture challenged fingers could ever master: