I have heard that the reason they don't recommend you to microwave formula is because of 'hot spots' that can burn baby. I just make sure I shake it really well afterwards. I have been microwaving Aidyns formula since the beginning.
As for going out, I read your tip on here a while ago Kathryn, so now I make up one extra hot bottle and keep it in the insulated pocket of my baby bag. After about 2 hours it has cooled down enough to drink.
Or, If I know I am going to be somehere where there is a mothers room & microwave I just bring the bottles cold from the fridge.
I think keeping formula in your bottle bag is quite ok for many hours. It is only when baby has drunken out of the bottle that is has to be discarded within One hour, otherwise too much bacteria multiplies.
This is what I have been told anyway.

Yvette - sounds like you had a wonderful time!!!

Christy - I bet you will have a ball!!
Goodluck with packing!! That must be fun packing for a baby, NOT!!! LOL
How has everything gone with your car? Is it fixed yet??

Our car is in being repaired atm. DP & BIL tried to change the brake-pads themselves on Sun night, but they found that something was broken down there, and then they managed to get air in the brake fluid line #-o
So we put it in to service yesterday, and today we heard back that there are heaps more dangerous problems with it, and will cost $1100 to fix!!! ARGH!!!!! :mad: #-o We have no idea where that money is coming from either.

Pee - Hehehe! I feel the same way!! I can't wait to start trying for another one next year!!

Aidyn did something really unusal today and had a 3 hour nap!!! =D> Considering all of his naps in the past month have reduced down to 30mins in length, I was very impressed!! I had decided to nap next to him, and I woke up 2.5hrs later freaking out that something was wrong with him as I expected to be woken up as soon as I'd fallen to sleep! It was great though, and I'm feeling rather cheerful because of it!