Leah, Author at The Kid Bucket List

The Hollywood Walk of Fame : A Kid Adventure Down the Boulevard

There is no avoiding the Hollywood Walk of Fame when you’re in Los Angeles. Since 1958 when it was established, it has been a landmark that almost everyone is familiar. What you may not know is that it spans 5.6 km in total across two sections. Just like you’ll see in Pretty Woman, some of the areas are not …

Last week our family developed our #YearOfFirsts list – 20 things we want to try together for the first time in 2015. At Number 10 I had “learn about bush tucker and collect some ourselves“. Who could imagine that only days later I would stumble across some bush tucker on the grounds of my workplace …

Valentine's Day : Keeping the Romance Alive with Kids The concept of romance, or a happy partnership is often raised when I'm talking with my girlfriends. Romance. If you ask me it pretty darn important in a successful marriage. Incredibly important if you plan to be happy when travelling. I've found that there is a common thread in our discussions on happiness. On healthy, loving relationships between a couple where the spark is still very much alight. Whilst I'm not real expert on relationships, ours is still strong after 15 years. I think I know why. 1. Shared dreams. If you're wishes are similar, whether it's a dream travel destination, your forever house or a car that can tow a caravan, it will fuel discussions. Working towards it together and setting goals to reach that dream bring a sense of success. This also lends itself to fulfilling dreams on special occasions - a surprise dinner at a restaurant we have both been wanting to try or a unexpected trip away. 2. Together time. With two kids under foot we find it incredibly important to have a date night every now and again. It's not scheduled religiously, rather created as we feel we need that reconnection. Sometimes we might head to a local ice-cream shop in the evening together while the grandparents watch the kids. Sometimes a movie. Sometime dinner. The location is not really important. The focus is on just the two of us without needing to share our space with the kids. I'm a firm believer that anywhere can be romantic if you frame it well. 3. Individual bucket lists. When we travel we have learned that the two of us can have some very different expectations from the trip. I like to visit museums, galleries and historic sites. T is interested in food (both where to eat and where the produce is sourced), cars, sport and people. If we travel to a location and just focus on the interest of one the other becomes overwhelmed. Successful trips combine both our passions and bring us together. Of course, romance always blossoms straight after one of those items is ticked off our list ;-) 4. Romance doesn't need to be expensive. It's true, right? Love isn't roses and chocolates, perfume and jewellery. Whilst they can be little tokens of love, they aren't really togetherness. I think that true romance is demonstrated through the little things. Boarding a boat that T has refused to go on (he really did have a boat phobia!) only to find him sitting next to you 10 minutes later. Opening a package to find the $2 vending machine ring you wanted as a little girl that he somehow found on ebay and surprised you with. Kisses under the Milky Way. Holding hands in the Chinese Gardens. Little acts that don't need strategic thinking will bring happiness to your partnership. Gosh, cheese toasties in bed can be romantic these days. 5. Go early to bed together (without a book). I think this needs to be out there. I know, I know...sometimes the only time we have to 'ourselves' is after the kids go to bed and the chores are done. This can sometimes be as late as 10.00 pm, right? All we want to do is sit back and relax and watch that guy in The Arrow. At least once a week, maybe even two or thr

The concept of romance, or a happy partnership is often raised when I’m talking with my girlfriends. Romance. If you ask me it pretty darn important in a successful marriage. Incredibly important if you plan to be happy when travelling. I’ve found that there is a common thread in our discussions on happiness. On healthy, loving relationships …

Anti Journal : Create Outrageously With David Sinden & Nikalas Catlow

Have you ever sat down with your kids with the intention of drawing only for them to become caught up in creating an ideal this or that? Have they become stuck by their attempts to achieve perfection in their paintings, becoming increasingly frustrated that the ‘eye’ or ‘tree’ or some other thing doesn’t appear on the page like …

West Coast Customs: A Trip to Burbank California

The best way to guarantee a successful holiday is to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to plan adventures that they will love. Before flying to California, T and I sat down and wrote three Bucket Lists: all the things I would love to see; all the things T would love to see and all …

This year I’m totally jumping on board the #YearOf Firsts challenge. I’m tweaking it so it’s all about our family adventures and experiences. Want to join in? The rules are pretty simple: – Make a list of at least 20 – 30 ‘firsts’ you want to experience this year. – Document those experiences by taking photos & …

The Mob Museum : Our Brush With Organised Crime in Las Vegas

Las Vegas. Immediately visions of casinos, bright lights, parties and dancing appear in my mind. However, behind all the glitz this little Nevada gem has a history built on the business of Organised Crime. The Mafia have been playing the city for decades which has been the inspiration of many movies and books. When visiting Las Vegas in …

N2 Extreme Gelato : Delicious Smooth Mouthfuls of Deliciousness

Every single day I am bombarded with the most delicious looking Gelato images as I scroll through my instagram thread. All of them are via the new gelato shop that has popped up in Newtown, a suburb that is not that far from my home. Last weekend it became too much and to calm me down …

M&M's World Las Vegas : Levels of Chocolate Goodness

On confirming our trip to California for our December/January trip, T and I spent a great deal of time debating whether we should take a side trip Las Vegas. For months leading up to our trip I trawled forums to see if others had included it in their Californian itinerary. I even asked a few …

Story Time : Books For The Child Traveller

Just before Christmas through to the week before school went back in New South Wales, our family spent our time travelling around California, USA and then enjoying the beach for a day or two on our return home. Consequently, our weekly book post went on an unplanned hiatus. You’ll be happy to hear that this …

An Aussie Kid Perspective of the American Toilet

I was in a dreamlike daze as we arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Sydney, Australia after a 15 hour flight. However, it was very similar to Sydney. There wasn’t that much difference. It wasn’t until we hopped into our shuttle and headed off to Anaheim that the differences became apparent. Although they quickly became the …

Did you ever read Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and wish that you too could visit a chocolate factory? I bet you did. I dreamed of stumbling across a Everlasting Gobstopper or Exploding Candy (both which would have been through rigorous testing by the Oompa Loompa’s and ready for safe consumption). A trip to …

A Day at Sydney Hills International Sand Sculpting Exhibition

Sand. Despite spending many weekends at the beach I can’t stand sand. It has the unbelievable ability to creep into every crevice and it can take days to get it out of my hair despite constant washing. I only just manage to cope with it after a day at the beach thanks to talcum powder …