In August of 2011, the U.S. Department of Transportation enacted new rules that compensate air travelers who have been involuntarily bumped off of a flight.  If you’ve been bumped and experience a delay of more than two hours on a domestic flight or four hours on an international flight, you’re entitled to four times the one-way price of your ticket, up to $1300.  New passenger-protections also include the refund of checked baggage fees if your luggage is lost or for replacement of the contents.

These new regulations are important to understand, especially in these days of commonly over booked flights.  For more information you can view the detail of the regulations here.

Here’s to some peace of mind! 

Tip of the Week – Conversation Heart History

Sweetheart’s Conversation Hearts candies are almost synonymous with Valentine’s Day!  As for me, I’ve made refrigerator magnet frames out of the boxes, filled glass urns with hundreds of these colorful hearts to hold pillar candles and used the candies as invitations to a coffee party at my house!

While my uses are pretty modern, these candies date back to the 1860′s when one of the first printed sayings was a simple, “Be Mine!”  In the years since, the phrases have kept up well with the changing times!  Here’s a quick summary of expressions of love through the decades:

• 1920′s:  The One I Love
• 1950′s:  Hep Cat
• 1960′s:  Far Out
• 1970′s: 
• 1996:    Fax Me
• 1998:    You Go Girl
• 2000:    2000 Kisses
• 2001:    U R A Star
• 2002:    Te Amo
• 2003:    Book Group
• 2004:    I M Me
• 2005:    #1 Fan
• 2006:    ILU
• 2007:    Top Dog
• 2008:    Chill Out
• 2009:    Top Chef
• 2010:     Tweet Me
• 2011:     Awesome
• 2012:     www.love

I wonder what sayings we have to look forward to in the future?  Conversation hearts are such a fun way to mark trends and social changes!

I’d love to hear your own ideas!  Happy Valentine’s Day from Busy Bee!

And for more fun and quick tips, come follow me on Twitter!

You may also enjoy:

• The Sweetest Valentine’s Gifts for Kids
• Valentine’s Day Tips and Ideas
• Valentine’s Treats for School
• Host a Valentine’s Day Coffee
• Cute and Easy Valentine’s Craft for Kids
• Valentine’s Day Cocktail Party Plan

2012 promises to bring many fun and important events and here are a few special dates to put on your calendar now!

1. Friday the 13ths – Highly unusual, 2012 will have three Fridays the 13^th!  (There was only one in 2011)  Plan ahead for scary movie marathons!
2. February 6th –  Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne.  Look forward to great fanfare and lots of royals’ sightings!
3. Leap Year – leap year only occurs every four years and this February will bring that extra day:  the 29^th!
4. The Titanic Anniversary – Marking the 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, the classic movie will be rereleased on April 6^th in 3D.  Fall in love with Jack and Rose once again!
5. Summer Olympics – We’ll be looking again to London with the start of the Summer Olympics on July 27^th.   Closing ceremonies will be held on August 12^th.
6. The Presidential Election – And last but not least, the next Presidential Election will take place on November 6^th.

Here’s to the year ahead!

You may also enjoy: 

• Busy Bee Top Highlights of 2011

Tip of the Week:  Cook up Some New Year Luck!

Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish that dates back to the 1800’s and when served on New Year’s Day is said to bring good luck!  The dish is a combination of black eyed peas, pork and rice, but it is the peas that that are thought to bring good luck due to their resemblance to coins and a promise of wealth!

Even better, since pigs symbolize prosperity, pork is another key ingredient.  There are many different versions of this recipe, but Hallmark Magazine has published their own interpretation that is more like a soup than a stew, perfect for pairing with corn bread! (Recipe for Hoppin’ John)

Consider giving Hoppin’ John a try this New Year’s Day and best wishes to you and your family for good fortune and great happiness in 2010!

Additional Recipes for Hoppin’ John

• from Family Fun Magazine
• from Better Homes and Gardens

You may also enjoy:

• New Year’s Traditions Around the World
• New Year’s Eve Fun for Kids

Given the extra fees and hassle associated with checking a suitcase on your next flight, save yourself a lot of trouble by packing just one, checkable bag!  Here are some great tips for accomplishing just that!

• Wear a Coat – Wear your bulkiest coat, sweater or jacket on the plane.  You’ll be warm and save suitcase space.
• Don’t Under-Pack – This may sound odd, but leaving too much space in the suitcase will leave you with wrinkled clothes!
• Roll, Don’t Fold - As many clothing items as possible.  Jeans, t-shirts, pajamas are all perfect for being “rolled!”
• Make Double Use of a Small Clutch – Use a small clutch to hold lingerie that’s also nice enough to double as an evening bag.
• Choose One Color Palette – Neutrals like khaki/white, black/white or brown/tan.  This will limit the number of shoes and basic clothing pieces that you’ll need.  Add a touch of color with jewelry or scarves.
• Pre-Stock Your Toiletry Kit – Designate one specific toiletry kit that follows the FAA guidelines for every item.  Keep this kit refilled and ready to go at all times.
• Use Zip-Lock Bags – Given the tight space, zip lock bags will protect delicate clothing items and potentially leaky items!  Toss one or two extra bags into your suitcase for use on the way home.
• Stuff Your Shoes – Stuff the toes of shoes with small items like jewelry, socks or other toiletries.

Many thanks to Lucky Magazine for inspiring this tip!  Do you have any other great tips for travelling with just one bag?

You may also enjoy:

• How to Fill the Perfect Travel Kit
• Tips for Carry-ons
• What and How to Pack for Your Next Trip