Last summer, as part of our ongoing search for the best the world has to offer in baby and kids' products, I, my baby, and CultureBaby headed to Israel! We started our visit in the ancient city of Jerusalem. Since we were traveling with the baby, we kept at first to the new town, which offered broad boulevards and modern pedestrian walkways and shopping areas, ideal for wandering with strollers.

Food options abounded! We particularly loved the night life at the Old Railway Station, now converted into a dynamic outdoor shopping space and music venue. We sampled fantastic fish at Adom restaurant (4 David Remez, 02-6246242). It was a lovely family night out...both because of and in spite of rentable tot-sized ATVs...watch your ankles is all I can say!

While walking down Bezalel Street, I came across Barbara Shaw's playful and colorful designs. One of two Jerusalem locations, the Bezalel store offers a complete selection of Shaw's fantastic baby and kids designs: onesies and t-shirts with charming expressions in Hebrew and English.

Not far from the the outdoor Mamilla mall, we also came upon Barood Bar Restaurant (31 Jaffa Street, 02-6259081), tucked away in a shady alley...both the cool and the refreshments were very welcome as the thermostat climbed. Then bracing ourselves for the cobblestones and steps, we steered the stroller into the heart of the old city and made for the famous Western or Wailing wall and the Dome of the Rock. 

The scents, the goodies on sale and the creative arts being practiced are all very different. We particularly loved the George and Dorin Sandrouni Workshop and Showroom. You can see a talented circle of ladies hand-painting traditional Armenian ceramics: trays, tiles and plates and of course buy a sample. Baby enjoyed stopping for fresh pancakes and pomegranate juice!

Continuing our voyage through Israel, we drove out of Jerusalem and headed up the Mediterranean coast to Haifa via Caesarea. A perfect family day out, the park offers Roman, Byzantine and Crusader ruins for the history buff, restaurants with spectacular food and views for the foodie and beaches for the bored toddler.

A quick drive further north delivered us to hilly Haifa. The coastline on either side of the city is perfect for beach days but, with limited time, we stuck to tourist hot-spots and child pleasers. The Baha'i Gardens are world famous for a reason, manicured within an inch of their life, they are sprawled up the hill from the restaurant row of the German Colony. Best for the little one however was the hillside cable car, taking you from the tippy top of Haifa down to the beachfront promenade. A nice little selection of restaurants greet you at the hilltop cable car station which offer great views.

Another a toddler favorite was the Haifa Zoo. Although hilly (prepare to work those stroller-pushing glutes) the zoo has Bengal tigers, camels, monkeys and a lovely little petting zoo. My only complaint was that it was overseen by a pre-teen volunteer who seemed to care little that the young visitors were playing whack-a-chick and I had to bring out my best disapproving mommy speech...pretty ineffective given that it wasn't in Hebrew.The zoo exits right into a park with an ancient but none the less enjoyable carousel. 

Out of Haifa we went west to the Sea of Galilee. We were disappointed by Nazareth (overrun by traffic) and were unable to visit Bethlehem. But the Sea of Galilee offers many sites including the Mount of the Beatitudes and Peter's primacy. All an easy drive from our home base in Tiberius where we stayed at the historic and elegant Scot's Hotel.

There is not much to see in Tiberius itself, but we did enjoy the local lakeside beaches (the Sea of Galilee is actually a fresh water lake). I can't recommend the Bora Bora Beach more strongly - a delightful paid access beach and bar/restaurant. We found this to be a much better option for us with the baby than the very popular dead sea destinations for sea side fun.

While floating in the Dead Sea is assuredly a bucket list experience, it is not one I recommend with the littles (under ten). Any small splash can result in eye stings guaranteed to ruin any day at the beach.
Other treats in the Galilee region were the charming town of Rosh Pina. We loved the Gallery Gershon (04 6996189). The area also has multiple wineries making delicious blends. We picked up a yummy Pinot at the Tabor Winery.

We spent our last night by the lakeside enjoying the Decks restaurant in Tiberius (ideal for grilled meats) and a walk along the quays.

The final stop of our Israel trip was to the cosmopolitain seaside city of Tel Aviv. It was here that I found many highly creative designs and superbly curated shops. I started on Dizengoff street, a famous shopping thoroughfare.

Here, chic boutiques abound offering delightful dresses and inventive jewelry. I scored a delightful dress at Shlomit Ofir (and sadly had to leave behind several "must have" goodies at the urging of my packing restriction conscious hubby). But I did score a gorgeous (and light!) a pair of gold peace dove earrings at Malka (054-5444510, look for their distinctive logo, a hipster glasses-wearing Queen Victoria).

I also stumbled on Kelim Shloovim, an eclectic shopfront with a wonderful back story. It is a social enterprise that partners various non-profits serving those with special needs to offer them rehabilitation and vocational training and sells the unique items they make at the store. I wanted almost every pillow, poster and knick knack in the place.

But the real treasure trove was in Old Jaffa, just south of Tel Aviv but an easy beachfront walk. Beginning in the local tourist office, we found the work of a Jaffa cooperative of Arab and Jewish Israeli women who work together for female empowerment and create dolls. If your Hebrew is better than mine (read: non-existent) you can read more about the Arous Albahar Organization on their website. But the dolls were an adorable first look at the inspired creations and ever so cool boutiques I would find in Jaffa.

There was Asufa Design which spotlighted Israeli creative talent in ceramics, artwork, metals - you name it. Just around the corner we found Maasiya, a delightfully cozy shop offering a range of products for the home but we were instantly drawn to their old- fashioned but oh so cute array of children's toys and cuddlers! If you stop by, don't neglect to try the chilled lemon verbena tea across the road at Puaa Cafe (YUM!). 

Then we hit gold at Marioneta (050 4333554), where Israeli and international collections for kids merge under the guiding hand of mom and store owner Keshet. It was at Marioneta that my little guy, now full of beans after his nap, stocked up on entertainment for the airplane ride home. Our undying devotion was also won when Keshet pointed out her nursing and changing station at the back of the store. Bravo! Our visit there was the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae that was the Old Town Jaffa Flea market. Do not miss it should you find yourself in Tel Aviv. 

About Natalia Rankine-Galloway: Natalia Rankine-Galloway founded CultureBaby in 2011 when her son was five-months-old. She loves seeking out new global products for CultureBaby, and hearing from mothers worldwide about how they celebrate culture with their kids. Natalia's upbringing and education predisposed her to be fascinated by international education and cultural exchange. Living in four countries before the age of twelve, she was always surprised by how little her friends in her new country understood the old friends that she had left behind. Her personal life kept her moving after she married a military man, and she continues to love roaming the world with her husband and young son. She can currently be found in Washington DC. You can read more about her personal adventures at The Culture Mum Chronicles. 

Houston is a great city to explore with kids.  There are a lot of things to do, including visiting museums, parks and festivals, but here are 4 quirky things we love to do in our city!

1. Listening Vessels: Located in Discovery Green, these 2 limestone sculptures have concave interiors that focus sound waves. You can sit in 1 vessel and be heard in the 2nd vessel that is 70 feet away.  The vessels are tucked away in the Wortham Foundation Gardens. Find these by the Hilton and be ready to be amazed! 

2. Art Cars: Houston loves Art Cars. There is an annual parade each May and a museum that is open year round, for free! The museum is funky and small, making it great for a quick trip with the kids.  Head to the Houston Heights to see which crazy cars are on display.  

3. Beer Can House: When you drive up, you think you’re in just any residential neighborhood until you see a shiny silver house with beer can chimes blowing in the wind. This house belonged a retired upholsterer for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He was sick of mowing the grass, so he started creating "art." Over 18 years he added over 50,000 cans to his house.

4. Burp the Bayou: This goofy thing is our favorite thing to do in Houston.  In the middle of the brick column, on the side of the Preston Street Bridge, is a little red button. When you press it, the water in the bayou will bubble for several seconds. It’s not marked, so we don’t know whether we should press it or not. And if we do press it, what will happen? Where should we look? And say we see or hear the bubbles, what is causing it? We never get tired of this little game.

About Jill Jarvis: Jill Jarvis writes BigKidSmallCity. She is passionate about encouraging parents to get out of the house and into Houston; about making it easy for kids and families to understand how the city ticks, from city government to local companies and organizations; and finally, about giving back to the city that offers a high quality of life to her family. On BigKidSmallCity, she provides weekly lists of events for kids, things to do in Houston, interviews of local leaders and resources for parents. Jill is mom to Joe (6), Brooke (4) and James (2), and lives in Montrose with her family.

I have many fond memories of sharing kosher pizza and falafel with my cousins when visiting our grandparents in Brooklyn. And having falafel filled with French fries with new friends in Israel. And eating falafel everyday with old friends as a vegetarian visiting Barcelona. 

I feel like I need to have some falafel right now, with some friendly folks, after watching "Falafel," a short film by cousin David Goldberger. He calls it "an enticing meal with strangers." And it is set to "Smile," by Charlie Chaplin. In it we meet a small cast of curious characters who have all bonded over their falafel eating. Can they let another falafel fan into their group? Watch and find out!

And if you find yourself in the San Francisco Bay Area with a hankering for some filled pita sandwiches, then check out my guide to falafel joints here. 

Posted by Rachel Teichman

Enter to win this diaper bag (or any bag) organizer set. You get to choose what labels go on each pouch! And then get organizing! The giveaway ends on Sunday, December 15, 2013. Enter to win here.

I am really not one who has jumped on the bandwagon that is apps. But what I do like is taking photos on my phone. And I like sending them to people. And I like emoticons. And I like collages. And I like pictures of treats. And now I like the new Moonfrye App! It is there where I can combine all of these things that I like, and create collage images of my photos with cute icons and text. And then I can mail them to people. It is so easy, and you can edit all along the way. I whipped up this cute collage for my niece's third birthday tomorrow. Just have to keep her from seeing this post until then. Please share your Moonfrye App creations with us!

There is also one real craft project idea that you can try out that matches each theme!

Posted by Rachel Teichman

We were like kids in a popcorn store when our box full of Oogie's popcorn arrived! They have so many sweet and savory flavors, and of course Movie Lovers, which we do love! Using butter, sugar, spices and cheeses, they create so many popcorn flavors that both kids and adults like. We like to microwave our movie popcorn in a bowl for a few seconds too just to make it a little more authentic! Popcorn is a great travel snack as well!

The company name spoke to us since it sounds so similar to OOGIAH! And they are from Denver, which is a city we love too!

Coupon Code: Use OOGIAHFANS in the promo code box when checking out of www.oogiesnacks.com to get 25% off of your purchase. They always offer free shipping! Enjoy!
Code valid through 12/31/13.

We received free products in exchange for this review, but all opinions are our own. 


Posted by Rachel Teichman

After living in Austin with a baby, and then visiting with two kids, we have a lot of favorite spots there. I have been asked to compile these for recent visitors, and am sharing them all here now. Have fun and let us know where you go!

EATS
-Moonshine, southern food
-Rudy’s BBQ, quick to get food, fun experience
-Taco Deli, breakfast tacos
-Galaxy Cafe
-Salt Lick BBQ if you want a day trip
-The Shady Grove, music sometimes
-Opal Divine’s
-Iron Works BBQ
-Eastside Cafe for breakfast
-Waterloo Ice House, the south one has a playground outside
-Quick food: Freebird’s Burritos, Thundercloud Subs, Poke-e-Jo’s BBQ, Austin Java,
Food Truck lot on S. Congress (have to go to Hey Cupcake! So good.)

TREATS
Amy’s Ice Creams (yummy ice cream with mix-ins, and they will throw the ice cream up in the air or across the street!)

PLAY
-Alamo Drafthouse (movie theatre with food and baby cry days. South Lamar one closed now)
-The Austin Aquarium
-Austin Children’s Museum
-Bullock Texas State History Museum
-Greune is a fun day trip
-Peter Pan Mini Golf
-Texas State Capitol Building Tour
-Lyndon B. Johnson Museum
-Walk around UT/Guadalupe St.
-Zilker Park, big park, small train for kids to ride all around it
-Walk around Lady Bird Lake, in Zilker park, then get smoothie at Daily Juice
-Zilker Botanical Garden
-Lady Bird Gardens, out of town
-Umlauf Sculpture Garden
-Barton Springs
-Seeing the bats

SHOP
-2nd Street District (fancy)
-South Congress (vintage/true Austin)
-Whole Foods on S. Lamar and Central Market on N. Lamar are really worth seeing. I used to take everyone there! The Central Market has an outdoor playground and grassy area too. Sometimes have music playing too. BookPeople is a great store next to Whole Foods too.

HEAR
-If any adults get a night out there is tons of music on 6th St.
-Also the new Austin City Limits theatre might have something going on.

101 Great Things to Do in Austin A great resource!

Posted by Rachel Teichman