Dashboard Confessions Giveaway: Oops I Dinged it Again
You're driving along, hands at 10 and 2, eyes on the road, fully caffienated even, and then your kid does something really cute. Or hits their sibling. And next thing you know you have scraped a section of wall in the preschool parking lot with the side of your brand new SUV.
Driving while parenting has its caveats. Tell us in the comments below about your latest es-scrape-pade and enter to win a one of a kind Billboard Bag from Dadgear worth $99. The contest closes next Friday at 11 PST.
If you're a dude you can fill it with stuff to keep the kids busy/quiet and if you are a girl, maybe your man will forgive the damage when you hand him his new Dadbag. Funny entries may be re-published, one random entry will win.
Note: because these bags are all one-of-a-kind (much like your dings), the bag you win will not look exactly like the one pictured.
By Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink
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Avoiding the DVD Shuffle
You have your mommy-mobile tricked out for the family with surround sound, in-dash DVD with remote, wireless headphones, satellite radio, MP3 connections, the works. You feel like a pretty cool parent as you drive off with your carload... until you have to take a hard right turn and all of the DVDs, remotes, and other accessories go sliding and slashing across the dash, across the floor, into every cave and crook under the seats. Sound familiar? Try an entertainment organizer to contain the mess.
The High Road Entertainment Organizer ($12.99) from busywoman.com is currently on sale for 15% off. This organizer straps to the back of the seat and hold CDs or DVDs and a box of tissues (which we all know needs its own place in the car). These days, there are so many options when it comes to keeping our kids entertained on the road that it tends to create even more piles of "stuff". The High Road Entertainment Organizer helps to keep it all contained, so that when you open the door at your destination all of your DVDs and remotes don't come cascading out onto the pavement.
By Shani Gilchrist | Permalink
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Tags: cd, dvd
Saturn's Newest Ad
Here's a sneak peak at the newest ad about to air for the Saturn Aura. I'm getting a Brady Bunch feeling from the beat and there is a little bit of a trippy eco-friendly twist to the ad. If only we could fill our tank for half of what the Brady's spent to fill their wagon, back in the day.
I'm seeing the return of sedan popularity with this ad. However for a family with four kids, such as mine, this vehicle is not an option.
By Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink
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Tags: ad, commercial, Saturn
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In the Bag: Play Date
The Trip: Play date
The Bag: Envirosax Kids Reusable Bag At 17.7" x 15.6", these are great for toting everything your little one could possibly need for an afternoon of fun. The cool, kid friendly patterns attract the younger crowd and serve as a way to start talking about the importance of respecting the environment. Stick an extra rolled up bag inside, so if you need to stop at the store on the way home you're covered - each Envirosax bag holds as much as two conventional plastic grocery bags!
The Toys: Little Chubbies from Viking Toys are perfect for little hands. The bright colors and easy push mean fun for kids, while the sturdy construction and durability (you can throw em' on the top rack of the dishwasher) mean less hassle for mom and dad. With a range sizes and vehicles, these are sure to be favorites for kiddies everywhere.
For Extra Fun: This play mat by Alex Toys is the perfect companion to the Little Chubbies. Light weight, durable and easily cleaned, it can easily be folded up into a 12" square and tossed into the Envirosax. It is covered with roads, railroads, bridges and even a lake to maximize creativity. The added bonus?
The mat becomes a tote itself, transforming into a storage cube!
Fuel the Fun: No play date would be complete without a snack to share between friends. Healthy Handfuls come in a variety of flavors and are a snack you can feel good about feeding your child. Certified USDA organic and without GMO's, corn syrup, trans fats, or hydrogenated oils, Healthy Handfuls are a great treat. Just make sure you bring some extra for Mom, too.
The Bottom Line: An afternoon of fun doesn't require a lot of fuss and elaborate planning. All you need is good company and a place to hang your hat. The rest is in the bag,
By Anne | Permalink
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Kids Off to Camp? You'll Need This...
Most camps want you to clearly label all your kid's possessions. Finding the right supplies can be tricky but we've had great success labelling our kid's possessions with custom labels from Mabel's labels. These are essential for camp but great for daycare kids and kids in elementary school as well - our motto is "label it or lose it" and given the many trips we have made to lost and found (finding our labelled goods) in the last few yrs, these labels have more than paid for themselves.
Watch the video for some pointers on how to get all your camp gear labelled and ready to go.And don't forget to order some stationary for those priceless letters home.
By Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink
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Should Pets be Allowed on Driver's Laps?
In California, driving with your pooch on your lap may become a thing of the past. There is a bill up for review that will criminalize driving this activity. Lap dog toting celebs - take note! Fines for the offense will run you $35 per occurance.
Tell us: Would you drive with a dog (or other pet) on your lap?
By Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink
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Run your Car on Water and Save Big at the Pump?
Are you looking for ways to save on gas, and help the environment? It may be more of an option than you realize. Check out this news report from Florida on the Hydro 4000. Cleaner, greener and cheaper sounds promising to us.
By Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink
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To Bribe or Not to Bribe:
Ok don't judge me. I don't like to give my kids candy. I want to be that "no food rewards ever" mom. But I just can't do it. I take comfort in the notion that even Mary Poppins subscribed to the "spoonful of sugar" school of discipline. And she's like the SUPER super nanny. Right?
My guilt load lightened up a tiny little bit when I discovered Yummy Earth Organic lollipops. These tiny little suckers now inhabit my glove compartment and my bag - ready to coerce my kids into doing my evil bidding. I myself feel like an evil genius, using a bribe on them that is vegan, kosher, dairy free, nut free, wheat free, and free of nasty corn syrup to boot.
Consider this twist, however. This morning en route to the grocery store I experienced a post venti americano caffiene crash, and at the same time my blood sugar took an unexpected dip. I was stuck in construction traffic, not a Starbucks in sight and on the verge of a massive mommy tantrum when I thought to myself, just be a good girl and get the grocery shopping done and you can have a lolly. So ten seconds later I dipped in to the dashboard stash and tried out a pomegrante pucker lollipop and all I can say is wow! It was seriously and truly the yummiest lollipop I have had in ages.
I'm almost tempted to have another. Just as soon as I take out the trash, put up dinner, and do a carpool run. Gotta love that the serving size on the package is listed as three lollipops. Yeah, they are that good. And a single serving is only 70 calories. Get Yummy Earth Lollipops at the Yummy Earth Website. They have 21 delicious flavors.
By Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink
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News Roundup: Car Seats, New XUVs From Detroit, Thrifty SUVs and Hatchbacks Face Off
Droolicious: 7 Days Of Car Seats
http://babble.com/CS/blogs/droolicious/archive/tags/7+days+of+car+seats/default.aspx
Droolicious tests 7 different car seats, including one I've had my eye on for a while: the clek olli booster which is the first booster seat to use LATCH. 7 different seats are reviewed by 7 different writers and they run the gamut from infant carriers to backless boosters.
AutoWeek: Chevy Traverse and Ford Flex face off this year
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/FREE/101730784/
AutoWeek compares the features, styling and specs of the two forthcoming mid-size crossovers from the bowtie and blue oval. Both vehicles look to be of interest to families of more than four, with seating for 6-8 and plenty of cargo room. the Flex even has an optional refrigerator! No more stopping for apple juice boxes.
Consumer Reports tests 6 new Hatchbacks
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/past-road-test/hatchbacks/overview/hatchbacks-ov.htm
The folks over at Consumer Reports have put together a comparison of 6 hatchbacks for the June 2008 print edition. Included are the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman and all-new Saturn Astra, Subaru Impreza, Scion xD and Toyota Matrix. And the winner is... a Rabbit?
Car and Driver: Fuel-Sipping Three-Row SUVs
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2009_saturn_outlook_gmc_acadia_buick_enclave_to_get_direct_injection_v6_car_news
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins high marks in this test of 8 crossovers that have seating for seven or more. I think it's hard to compare a $55,000 Mercedes GL-Class to a RAV4 -- but it is nice to see a comparison of 3-rowers with Fuel Economy being the primary factor.
By Kyle Pike | Permalink
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Tags: Astra, Car Seats, Chevrolet, clek, Clubman, Cooper, flex, Ford, GL Class, Graco, Highlander, Hybrid, Mercedes, Mini, olli, Outback, R Class, Rabbit, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, Traverse, Volkswagen, xD
In the Bag: Keep 'Em Quiet in Church
The Trip: Sunday Church Services
The Bag: Built NY Medium Market Tote. You want the kids to have easy access to their stuff and get in and out of the bag fast - so don't put items in a bag with 47 different zippered and velcroed compartments.This tote from Built NY is made of cushy neoprene (which may dampen the noise when the kids inevitably drop it on the floor) and keeps drinks cool and all their items in plain view. It's also machine washable.
Hungry Kids are Noisy Kids: Snacks are often the first line of defense, but keep in mind that crinkly packages should be left behind. If you use a Snack Trap, noise and crumbs can be left at home. Drinks should be used with the understanding that the more liquid you put in, the more often you'll hear, "but I have to go NOW..."
Quiet Entertainment: Classic toys to keep 'em quiet are Magna Doodle and Etch-A-Sketch For another take on creative play, try those Automoblox Minis the kids have been drooling over. A new toy is as exciting to a child as new car smell to Mommy and Daddy!
Last Minute Addition: Toss in their favorite book (the one they can look at or read over and over and over...) and the service will be over before the kids have time to get bored.
By Anne | Permalink
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collision.kit by Buttoned Up - A Savior in Time Of Need
If you were to get into a car accident, and in the midst of the shock forgot to get the phone number of the other party, you’d never forgive yourself. This is why ButtonedUp owners created the collision.kit.
The collision.kit contains preprinted semi instructional information cards for you to gather and store all of the vital information you would need to give and get in a car accident. There is an extra pad of paper, pen, and envelope for your insurance card and a disposable camera. It all zips up and fits in your glove compartment, taking up little more space than a paperback novel.
The question now is: why doesn’t everyone have one in their car?
Car & Caboodle readers: buy the collision.kit at Precious Personalities and you will get 10% off by using code MWS10.
By Candice Kahn | Permalink
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Pimp My Ride: Backseat TV has Arrived
Imagine your child's saucer-eyes as she realizes that she can watch her favorite Nick Jr. shows as you truck it to over the river and through the woods to grandma's. It's true! And if you have headphones in the back you don't even have to get a headache in the process!
Sirius has debuted Sirius Backseat TV in 2008 Chrysler Group vehicles including Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. The service features live programming from Nickelodeon, The Disney Channel, and The Cartoon Network. This is so much better than watching fuzzy VHS tapes on the tv in the Chevy G20 Conversion Van back in 1988! Live tv is fed to the car via an in-vehicle video satellite receiver and two small roof mounted antennas. And here is where those headphones come in handy: front seat passengers can listen to Sirius Satellite Radio while the tv is in use!
This service is available for $470, which includes the first year of service. After the first year, it is available for an additional $7 per month when packaged with Sirius Satellite Radio, which is $12.95 per month.
Keep Sirius Backseat TV in mind when you are shopping for you next Chrysler product. It's just one more way to keep the kids entertained and your road trip more peaceful!
Now... when are they going to add ESPN and Lifetime to the lineup?
By Shani Gilchrist | Permalink
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Tags: chrysler, sirius, tv
Link Love: Want to get the Cheapest Gas?
Check out the Gas Price Temperature Maps at Gasbuddy.com. It's enough to make you want to move to Wyoming.
But if you are simply looking for a better deal in your own area, this site helps you compare prices at local stations as well.
By Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink
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Xtracycle for an Extra Special Mom
Have a looksee at this Xtracycle bike that can get in a workout while taking the kids to school, doing the family grocery shopping and helping save the environment.
That's a Mommy bike if I ever saw one. Sure Dads will want one too, but they will have to get in line. Note the image gallery on the Xtracycle site, showing dudes having all kinds of wacky fun on these rides. I guess that is allowed. As long as someone gets the groceries bought and the kids to school.
Yes we're all about cars, but we're about life on the move with family. And saving gas money. We love this bike!
By Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink
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Tags: bicycle, bike
Mommy Driver in the Southeast Suburbs
Name: Shani Gilchrist
Our Family Car: 2003 Mercedes ML320
Number of Kids: 1 *Ages: 18 months
Geographic Region: Southeast
Thing I love most about my car: It’s a toss up between the unprecedented number of cup holders for a German car and the super-tight turn radius.
Thing I hate most about my car: No automatic lift gate
What we call the car: “The Truck” (boring, I know)
I don't leave home without: My iPod, BlackBerry, and my son’s “ball ball” (I think he’s destined to be a jock!)
Longest road trip with kids: 9 hours
Favorite driving music when alone: Wyclef, Regina Spektor, Jaymay
Favorite driving music with kids in the car: Jack Johnson, Lisa Loeb, Will Smith
Worst car moment: Driving 45 minutes to my parent’s house with a sore throat and a screaming baby who was using his hand, cheek and forehead as Kleenex... just to find that they weren’t there and I had to do it for 45 more minutes all the way back.
Car snack of choice: My son- Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies. Me- Tall 4-pump caramel latte.
Most embarrassing thing you have ever done in a car: Pumped breast milk with my Medela Pump-In-Style... while driving.
Weirdest item in the family car right now: A stick of deodorant in the center cup console
My next car will really be a: Realistically- A Honda Odyssey. Hopefully- Mercedes GL320 CDI.
Welcome to Shani, our newest Car and Caboodle writer. Shani will be bringing us the latest family friendly car gizmos, gadgets and decor with her "Pimp my Ride" posts
By Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink
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Tags: mercedes, mommy
Daddy Driver: Urban life with the Honda Civic
Name: Kyle Pike
Location: Baltimore, MD
My Family Car: 2005 Honda Civic sedan
Number of Kids: 2
Ages: 2 and 4
Thing I love most about my car: The engine
What we call the car: The Daddy Car or The Grey Car
I don't leave home without: My iPod
Longest road trip with kids: Baltimore to Cape Hatteras, NC
Favorite driving music when alone: Widespread Panic
Favorite driving music with kids in the car: High School Musical soundtracks
Worst car moment: When i was in high school, students took my 1979 Civic and put it on top of the stairs blocking the front doors.
Last car before kids: Suzuki Swift GT
Drive thru dining?: Never
Funniest fight between your kids was: They argue over who is happy. "No, me happy!" "No, I'm happy!"
Oldest food item found in the car: The liquefied remains of a chocolate bunny. My wife's car, on the other hand, has apple juice that has fermented to 90 proof.
My next car will really be: Able to carry 8 passengers and 5 sheets of plywood!
Welcome to our new writer Kyle, a true car enthusiast, car seat installation expert and dad extraordinaire.
By Kyle Pike | Permalink
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