I was nervous. I had dreams (nightmares) the night before about traction and leg casts. My first day of heading out to the slopes at Alta Ski Resort was a bit daunting. I lodged at Alta’s Rustler Lodge, a surprisingly comfortable and unassuming hotel with a relaxing, family atmosphere. This is a ski-in/ski-out property where guests are assigned lockers for their equipment. I was so nervous at the start of my morning that it took me 10 tries to open my locker and reach my gear. I carried my skis and poles with both hands while my boots were hanging over my shoulder. I was off to Alta’s Ski School.

My instructor, Andy, was a very patient man. He showed me how to put on my skis and we went through various exercises, included sliding around on one ski at a time. I learned how to walk sideways up or down a slope and I finally put on both skis at the same time. I had no trouble with the beginnings of learning how to stop with my skis pointed in a V. No falls so far! So we were off to the next step, an actual slope where the preschoolers were learning to ski.

I stood at the top of the slope with Andy waiting halfway for me, encouraging me to start slowly sliding down. I looked around at all the preschool kids skiing in arcs and zooming down the slopes. A few were working in groups, holding on to a hula hoop while their instructor pulled them around. I looked back at Andy and began to slowly shuffle until I started to slide.

Gravity can be a wonderful thing, but for a fluffy 36 year old mama with limited coordination skills, gravity can be your worst enemy. I did start to ski. I went faster and faster, which was fine…..until it was time for me to stop. The awesome stopping skills I mastered earlier in the morning were no challenge for the incline. My right ski had no problem with assisting me; however the left side presented a problem. I have a loss of strength in my left side due to Mr. Miyagi, which I found out during my ski lesson has effected not only my left arm, but my entire left side. No matter how hard I tried to stop with my left leg, it just wouldn’t cooperate – and I fell.

I fell five times.

I didn’t hurt myself. I didn’t even bruise my pride because I embraced my inner spasticity a long time ago. What cut me inside was this brutal reminder that I am fallible and I can’t control what’s happening to me physically. I’ve been positive. I’ve been really, really positive.

When I left my lesson and returned to Rustler Lodge, instead of crying, I reminded myself about celebrating every day. I put on a bathrobe and went downstairs to the bar and ordered a glass of champagne. I sat in a comfy couch with a beautiful view of the slopes and thought about how lucky I am to have these moments and experiences. I decided that I wasn’t going to give up on the ski lessons. Instead, I’m going to find a way to compensate for my left side weakness. I am going to learn to ski. If I fall, I’ll just get back up again.

Right now I’m on a Delta flight enroute to Salt Lake City, Utah. GoGo Inflight Wifi is how I’m writing this post (gotta love technology). I was invited by Ski Utah for a visit to area ski resorts. Why’d they ask me? Well, they knew it was on my list of things to do in my life.

I’m excited. I’m nervous. I’ve never put snow skis on my feet. Ever. Heck, locating the proper gloves was an issue, but fortunately, a local adventure gear store – The Backpacker – had a winter gear sale. I’ll be sporting boy’s ski gloves that were 1/2 off as I take my beginner ski lessons.

I really thankful that I’ve been invited, as I’ve always viewed travel writing as a priveledge. I’ve had the most amazing experiences and now I get another!

So how’s Mr. Miyagi? I’ve had some emails come in asking how I’m doing. Well, my latest CT scan showed no growth. The doctor said I don’t have to come back for three months. Woohoo! So I’m living life out loud and plan on having a blast.

Mama Guilt – I did have just a little guilt over the weekend. The kids and my hubby have been fantastic, assuring me there will be no problems while I’m away. I know they miss me when I’m gone, as I miss them greatly.

I’m really lucky. ‘Cause I’m about to learn how to ski.

Follow my adventure on Twitter: @Cajun_Mama and I’ll be publishing a few stories on TravelingMamas.com while I’m on location (yes, it’s still there and is going strong, contrary to popular belief).

People forget that social media is all about being social, and I have to admit that I find that I forget myself. I’ve been very active on Twitter and writing blog posts for all my other outlets. Plus, I work a full time job (as many of you do, too). One thing I find myself doing is not being social in my own local community.

Not everyone is on Twitter. Not everyone has a Facebook page. We forget this sometimes. We get active in online discussion in our favorite forum, but we don’t step outside and talk to our neighbors. Heck, no one even picks up the phone anymore. The last time I got an invitation to a relative’s shindig, it was through Facebook. I find this a little bit disturbing.

The other day I stepped outside to check my mail and a poodle ran over and started barking. I had never seen this animal before in my neighborhood, so I checked the collar and called the number provided on the tag. Come to find out, it was the poodle from across the street. These people have lived there for 4 years. My daughter plays with their daughters and I had NO IDEA they owned a poodle.

I made a decision to catch up with my neighbors and even venture out into my local blogging community. I started the other morning with a visit to Community Coffee to catch up with their social media team because, well, they’re nice people to chat with. Then I met some fabulous area bloggers at a meet and greet hosted by VisitBatonRouge.com. This was exciting because I normally network in the travel community or social media peeps at out of state conferences, but I forget what’s right here under my nose. I was really impressed by the personalities and passion for social media that is right here. I can’t wait to see what awesome projects are going to develop here in Baton Rouge, LA.

I’d like to challenge each of you to step away from the computer and step out in your local community. You just might be surprised by what (and who) you’ll find in your own backyard. Be social!

Want to join the conversation? Get in touch with VisitBatonRouge.com and join our facebook group (Baton Rouge Social Media). We’ve got some great events and meetings planned – even a few field trips!

This past Carnival Season has been super busy for me. I joined a local Baton Rouge Krewe (Artemis) and took part in a social media experiment put together by Tom Martin of Zehnder Communications. The experiment, My Mardi Gras Experience was sponsored by Tabasco, Sheraton New Orleans, and Bebo. A few bloggers were brought in to experience the real Mardi Gras that’s celebrated in New Orleans. The purpose was to find a way to change the stereotype of Mardi Gras from drunken debauchery to what it really is – a family gathering that celebrates the spirit of community and giving – all by livestreaming, tweeting, and blogging.

One person that was part of our group was Peter Shankman, former public relations pro and the founder of Help a Reporter Out (HARO). If you aren’t already familiar with HARO, you should go check it out. I’ve used his service successfully for sources to include in cruise articles, gift guides, and most recently my latest book. I finally was able to observe how THE master of marketing works and what makes people love him so much. We chatted and we laughed and I learned a few things that I thought I would share with the masses:

1. Laugh a whole lot – One thing Peter Shankman does is laugh. A lot. I like to laugh too, so I was able to have a good time even while standing in a hotel lobby.

2. Get an air card – We’re mobile people and social media is instant. Peter has an air card so that he doesn’t have to depend on local wifi connections. He admitted that it paid for itself the first three days he used it since he would’ve been charged upwards of $20/day for hotel internet access. I’ve personally had too many nights in a hotel falling asleep with a laptop in the bed and the upload bar still going in circles. Slow connections be damned! I’m taking it to Shankman level.

3. Share a few things that you’ve learned – I may know some things but I don’t know everything. Peter suggested I take advantage of BlackBerry Messenger and was nice enough to set it up for me. Now I have one contact – Peter. LOL!

4. Know your worth – He’s smart. Peter charges for appearances, he charges for coverage and he doesn’t give many things away. People will only value you as much as you value yourself. Want to make money? Don’t give your work away.

5. Fedex your dirty laundry – I caught up with Peter in between trips. He flew directly from Australia and would be setting off for India after the festivities. Why carry around dirty clothes? Sure, you could get them laundered at the hotel, but he said it was only $8 to FedEx compared to the price of laundering. Plus, it was less to pack for the last leg of his journey.

6. Have a blast – This goes along with laughing. Peter is definitely living the moments that come his way and to all outward appearances, he’s having a blast. We could all lighten up a little, so I’ll take a cue from ole Shankman and follow his lead.

7. Don’t filter yourself – Peter says what he thinks and doesn’t have a filter. Sure, in some company this may not always work, but it got me to thinking of all the times I bit my tongue and didn’t verbalize what was on my mind. I’m loosening my filter and there’s no telling what I will say.

8. Work your behind off – This is the entire reason Peter Shankman is Peter Shankman. He may laugh, he may be having a blast, but he’s definitely working his behind off. While at a private party during Mardi Gras, Peter Shankman not only enjoyed the food and drink of our host, Kevin Kelly, but he brought along his laptop to work for that instantaneous social media that we all live for. He took video and photos, edited, uploaded, and tweeted everything out, just so anyone following along could enjoy his experience vicariously through the tweets and updates.

Peter Shankman, it was a pleasure, sir. Thanks for imparting your words of wisdom on this Louisiana Traveling Mama. It was fun, and it was real.

Want to hear Peter Shankman speak? He’ll be at SxSw in March or you can check out his schedule on Shankman.com. Follow him on Twitter: @skydiver or on Facebook: PeterShankman.

The first time I stepped foot inside what is now the Hilton Capitol Center Baton Rouge, I was a little girl. My mom and I were walking in downtown Baton Rouge when a friend of my dad flagged us down and wanted to show us his newest investment, an old run down building. He was so excited. The building used to be the old Heidelberg Hotel which had been abandoned for years. What he discovered when he started renovating was the entrance to an old tunnel. It seems that former Louisiana governor, Huey Long, had built tunnels under the city of Baton Rouge so that he could visit certain places and people without being detected.

Years later, when I heard the building would reopen as a hotel, I giggled like a little girl. I would finally get the chance to check out this historic hotel that is open once again to visitors. 

This year, I joined a local Mardi Gras krewe (Krewe of Artemis) and the annual soiree was held downtown, providing the perfect excuse to have a romantic evening downtown with my husband while we dance the night away. Plus, we would be just steps away from our accommodations and won’t have to worry about having a designated driver.

Valet parking is only $16 overnight (with in/out) and the check in process was fast and easy. The lobby is open and has a romantic historic ambiance that exudes southern elegance. Our room, 432, was clean and passed my inspection test. Don’t look for a closet here, as it is an historic property when closets were an extravagance and taxed. No worries though, as there is a good size armoire for hanging clothes. The bathrooms are also intimate with a shower and no tub, but oh what a shower! And I totally loved the Art Deco furnishings.

The river view rooms have balconies that overlook the pool and the Mississippi River. When we peeped outside, the Mississippi River Bridge was hiding behind the fog, making the evening feel gothic and spooky. It almost felt like it should be Halloween instead of Mardi Gras! We opted to explore the hotel until time for the Saints football game, when we meandered into the Executive Lounge to join the crowd that was already forming. Big kudos to the staff in the Executive Lounge, especially Tracy, who made sure I had Champagne in my glass to celebrate the Saints win. Now That’s attention!

We danced the night away and even snuck into the Apollo ball next door, which was emceed by the one and only Elvira! The night had turned a bit chilly as we walked back to The Hilton Capitol Center and snuggled up in the comfortable bed. It was so nice to enjoy a romantic evening and even better that this historic property is in our own city.

Special thanks to Hilton Capitol Center for hosting our stay. This story is illustrated with pictures taken with my phone and sent through Twitter during the night’s event. Want to know just what goes into preparing for a Mardi Gras parade? Check out TravelingMamas.com and read Those Plastic Beads Aren’t Cheap.

Every now and again I feature guest posts from friends or colleagues. When Pat Woods was telling me about a bidet she reviewed, I asked her to write something for ShannonLane.com so that readers could be educated on just what a bidet is and how it is used. You just may come across one of these during your travels.

By Pat Woods

Wondering what to get a loved one or special friend for Valentine’s Day, birthday, anniversary, Christmas or Mother’s Day? Often pricey jewelry is worn only for special occasions-and can easily be lost or stolen. How about something practical to make daily life easier for your sweetie?

Japanese homes have had bidet toilet seats for years. So why not in the U.S.? Everyone wants to feel clean when leaving the bathroom.

High-tech bidet toilet seats use “his” and “hers” water streams to cleanse personal areas after urination and defecation. Users select seat, water and blow-dry temperatures. This reduces toilet paper usage while enhancing personal hygiene for both genders.

The “best seat in the house” enables those with mobility issues, injured limbs or arthritis to regain dignity and privacy in the bathroom. With feminine and posterior washes, users can control their own cleanliness.

For women, washing with water is a more hygienic way to clean feminine areas following urination, during menstruation and after intercourse. And, because water is less irritating than dry toilet paper, it is ideal for post-surgery or post-childbirth care. We use water—not dry paper–to wash our hands and dishes, so why not for our most sensitive areas?

Available in styles for round or elongated toilet bowls, Brondell Swash bidet seats are designed to fit 98 percent of toilets. The sleek design and blue LED nightlights under the seat make bathrooms look glamorous.

I received my test Swash 800 from Brondell 18 months ago and would not trade it for a Mercedes. Husband Rob installed my bidet seat in less than an hour—all required tools and water connection hoses came with it. If we move, we will take my Swash 800 with us.

When friends visit, they line up to use the bidet seat in my bathroom. Once you have one, you’ll miss it when you travel. Some high-end hotels and nightclubs have installed bidet seats.

Swash bidet seats are available from home improvement stores, kitchen and bath wholesalers and retail showrooms . . . . an excellent investment, considering the average person uses the toilet 2,500 times per year! The Swash 800 comes with a remote control. Other models have controls on the side of the seat.

To watch the Swash operate, see videos at http://brondell.com or on YouTube. If you have questions, call 888-542-3355. Hint: Get free shipping from Brondell—and no sales tax unless you live in California.

This is a video of the Tweetup4Good Cruise so that those who donated can see where their donations went. Many of the orphanages asked us to not show any of the children or the location of their facilities, for the safety of the kids. I want to give a special thanks to my daughter and the rest of the students at Northwestern Middle School for their fundraising efforts towards this cause. Giving back on a vacation is easy and travelers wouldn’t have to give at every port. Just bringing a small backpack filled with schools supplies can help more than you can know.

To plan your own giving back vacation, check out TogetherforGood.org, a non-profit that provides free information for travelers looking for ways to give back. Special thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line for sponsoring our cruise.

My son and I are both fans of the Harry Potter series and we’ve been avidly watching progress of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. My teen son has become so obsessed, that he now listens to MuggleCast and has started a Twitter account just to follow other Harry Potter fans. I know he’ll be so excited when he comes home from school today and I give him the latest news that’s been sent from Univeral Orlando. I thought I’d also share this news with other family travelers and fans of the series.

On January 28, USA TODAY and Universal Orlando Resort will partner to provide the first-ever augmented reality map of this most highly anticipated theme park experience - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. With just a computer, webcam and the newspaper, you can make this one-of-a-kind theme park experience appear before your eyes.

But what the heck is augmented reality? I’ve been hearing this term a good bit, with iPhone apps and within the gaming industry. For the general public, the easiest way to explain is that augmented reality is a combination of real life environments and virtual computer generated imagery put together in real time interactive 3D.

For Harry Potter fans, if you can get your hands on a copy of USAToday on January 28, there will be instructions on how to access The Wizarding World of Harry Potter through this augmented reality map, allowing you to get a closer look at the 20 acre theme park. You’ll need the actual map included in the newspaper. Just hold the map up to your webcam, rotating it to see different angles of the park and Hogwart’s Castle will appear on your computer screen. If you hold the map closer to your webcam, you can explore Hogsmeade and see Hogwarts Express. Want a bit more reality? Just blow into your computer’s microphone and you can make the banners on the map wave.

Just writing about this gets me excited to see the actual place in person. I’ll be in Montreal presenting at Canada e-Connect, but I know my husband will be woken up before dawn with our son asking him to go out and find a USAToday newpaper.

Are you planning a visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? What do you think of this type of marketing for a new park?

One of things I look forward to each year during Carnival season is the chance to enjoy afternoons of coffee and King Cake. King Cake is a sticky, coffee-cake type of pastry braided into a ring and drissled with with colored icing and sugar. Sometimes it is made with cinnamon and today it is more commonly found with various fillings such as cream cheese, blueberry, or even pecans and pralines. King Cake can be found in bakeries and grocery stores around Louisiana after January 6, Twelfth Night or King’s Day.

King Cake is available through the Carnival or Mardi Gras season and is a staple in offices, school parties, and gatherings throughout this time of year. Similar to the traditional Twelfth Cake in the UK, it contains an item inside. Twelfth Cake contained a golden bean, with the recipient being declared the Bean King or Lord of Misrule. In Louisiana King Cake’s a baby is placed inside (to symbolize Baby Jesus) and whoever get the baby is responsible for bringing the King Cake to the next gathering.

King Cake may be readily available to those of us who reside in Louisiana and other places in the Southern US, but ?where can one find the best King Cake and how can it be enjoyed in others areas of North America? I’ve put together a list of places where I’ve sampled the King Cake and/or ordered it for friends. I’ve included links where I can. Let me know if you order one and what you think about it.

Carter’s Supermarket, Denham Springs, LA – A coworker lives near this grocery store and we’ll all chip in to get her to buy one on the way to work. My favorite is the Turtle King Cake and this has to be the best King Cake I’ve ever eaten. Ever. Plus, this goodie is less than $15. Instore only

Leblanc’s Food Store, Zachary, LA – This is where I do most of my grocery shopping and I hover around the bakery area with my buggy, waiting until they put fresh King Cakes out on the shelf. I usually purchase the traditional cinnamon because my kids aren’t keen on the filled kind. Now, when they make a few with chocolate filling, get out my way because I will run you over trying to get to it. $6-12

Marguerite’s – Community Coffee is offering a Mardi Gras celebration pack that includes a King Cake, coffee, and some history of Mardi Gras. The company sent me a cream cheese cake because they’re awesome like that. It was delivered by FedEx while I was at work. My kids knew it was a King Cake and all household package rules went out the window as they tore into the box and began to feast on it. Fortunately, my son snapped a picture with his iPhone before the the pastry disappeared. Most of the cake was gone, as the kids ended up having their friends come by for a snack. They did leave me a bit of it and I have to admit, it was delicous (I’m eating it for breakfast as I type this). FedEx next day Cake & Coffee $46

Gambino’s Bakery, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA – This is the place where I enjoyed King Cakes as a kid. My mom would bring home a traditional cake for my brother and I, while she would get a special filled cake for my dad. We weren’t allowed to touch his cake (but I did anyway). They started getting pricier as the years went by and I’ll get one from here if I happen to be in the area. I did ship a King Cake from here a few years ago and it arrived fresh and intact. Medium Single Filled Cake Shipped $48.55

Ambrosia Bakery, Baton Rouge, LA – This is one of my favorite bakeries in Baton Rouge and they recently moved to a larger bakery to accommodate all the orders that come into the store. I love to get the chocolate chip cream cheese King Cake from this bakery, but they also offer a Pecan Praline King Cake. The cakes come in three sizes and can be ordered online for instore pickup or next day delivery. Regular Pecan Praline instore $15.25 delivered $50.25

Haydel’s Bakery, Jefferson, LA – I ordered a cake from Greater New Orleans’ area Haydel’s last year and sent it to a few friends. This year Haydel’s is offering a limited number of their 50th anniversary King Cake packages that includes a King Cake, Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide, a King Cake history scroll, a pack of their chicory coffee, a 50th anniversary bead pack, a handcrafted porcelain collectible, a Mardi Gras CD, poster, and cup. You can have your own Mardi Gras party in your office. Visit the website for some music to get you in the Carnival mood. UPS Next Day Air $49.49

Manny Randazzo’s, Metairie, LA – Manny Randazzo’s makes King Cakes that I haven’t tried, but foodies I know in New Orleans rave about this place. Apparently this is THE place to get a King Cake. I may order one to try this season. You can order one online, complete with Mardi Gras goodies. Traditional cake starts at $44.95 shipped.

Cake Palace, Baton Rouge, LA – A twitter friend says that Cake Palace has the best King Cakes in Baton Rouge. I have heard that it is a good place for breakfast as well. They don’t offer online shipping, but if you’re in the area, stop in and get one. No price was available online.

Walmart, Anywhere in Louisiana – You can’t get a King Cake shipped from here, but if you are in Louisiana, chances are there will be a variety of sizes and flavors available at the front of the store near the bakery area. If I happen to be shopping there, I’ll add a King Cake to my basket. Check the date to make sure it was freshly made. $8-12

Baum’s Pastries, Baton Rouge, LA – This is the place where I get petit fours and goodies for LSU games. They also sell King Cakes in the store but they aren’t listed on their website or for shipping. The King Cakes are always fresh and they run out by the end of the day. $15-20.

Where do you get your King Cakes?

Go with Gus Tours is run by a local resident and humanitarian who offers various tours. He has a booth inside the port shopping area, but his tours can also be booked in advanced online. Nancy had contacted Gus prior to our cruise so that we could make arrangements to visit some schools in the area and bring supplies. The morning we landed in port, the customs officials demanded to see Nancy and me, along with what we would be bringing ashore. I was a little nervous and felt like I had been called to the principal’s office. We weren’t bringing food, or even clothing. We just wanted to bring pencils, crayons, and notebooks. We entered the boardroom to be met by eight customs officers who asked for our passports and bags. This would’ve been a moment where speaking the language would’ve come in handy. Me, being the bigmouth that I am, asked the officers “How are y’all doing today?” which was met with a few raised eyebrows. I guess I wasn’t supposed to speak to them. Fortunately, we passed their inspection and my passport was stamped with permission to do good things in Guatemala.

When Nancy and I arrived at the tour desk to meet Gus and his wife, we also met up with many passengers who had attended our Day at Sea Activity. Many people didn’t know that they could bring things to the kids, but Nancy and I had plenty to share with everyone. We were boarded a small boat and our Guatemala Adventure began.

Donations and supplies for Guatemala stop

We took a 20 minute boat ride to Livingston where we were greeted by school children singing songs, ringing bells left as a previous donation. Afterwards, many of my tour companions began to hand out some of the school supplies, bringing forth a few toothless grins from some of the younger students. After this brief visit, we hopped into the boats again to take a journey up the river to some of the poorer communities of the area and to get a glimpse of the simple life of those living in the rainforest area.

Fisherman on the Rio Dolce in Guatemala

We passed small homes and people canoeing up the river. A few fishermen showed us their catch of the day and mothers washing clothes along the riverbank would look up and wave as we passed. Our boat passed by hundreds of lily pads and we were even followed by a flock of pelicans. We finally cruised up to a muddy hill where a few children were standing in wait. Along the bank in the woods, I could see mothers carrying their infants and holding the hands of smaller children as they made the journey to school because they heard we were coming with supplies. When we docked, the waiting children ran off to await us in their school.

The passengers got out of the boat and we unloaded the bags inside of the school, spreading the supplies on a table. The children of all ages were seated in their one room school, waiting for their presents of crayons and pencils. The mothers of these children stood outside, stretching on tiptoes peering through the cracks in the wall hoping to see the expression on their child’s face.

Students in Rural Guatemalan School

I stepped outside of the school and began to interact with the mothers, many who stood there in their simple skirts, some with newborns, nursing as we looked each other over. I felt as if I should’ve brought something for the mothers, and then I remembered a box of combs in my backpack. I opened the box and offered them to the mothers. They looked a bit confused, so I motioned as if I were combing my hair, and then they all grinned as I handed one to each of them. One mother hid hers, as if she were ashamed to be taking anything, but another mother was glad to have two of them, placing one in her hair for decoration. There were plenty of combs to go around, so I handed the excess to an elder of the women, whom I was sure would make sure the rest would get to the other women of their community. I guess this is an example of how we always try to provide for the children, but many times the mothers are forgotten.

Guatemala Mamas peeking to see the children's expressions

The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting other children and even some hot springs set just at the riverbank where there is also a small cave boasting an archeological find. For $2, one can rent a flashlight and get a guided tour of the cave. I found that the hot springs provided a wonderful moment for reflection of the day’s interaction with a people that seem to have so much less than me, but seemed so happy with such little material things.

One image that is etched in my memory is that of a little boy standing at the bank of the river as we pulled away. He stood holding a coloring book and three crayons in his hand. I couldn’t help think that his education will stop when he reaches the sixth grade unless his family can come up with the $125 to send him away to school. It makes me think of my daughter who is that age and I can’t even imagine having to make a decision of this magnitude. Fortunately, Gus provides scholarships to these students through donations made to his company.

Student watching us depart while holding his coloring book and crayons

I hope to get another chance to visit this small community and share this experience with my children and bring things that I know the mothers will enjoy also. I’m thankful to Gus who provides these tours which help provide an education for the children of his area, which in turn betters Guatemala for future generations.