Quick Picks
Lucky 7 Swimsuit Lines That Provide Solar Protection to Kids
Heading to the beach, pool or lake with the kids? It's not too late in the season to shop for protective gear and keep your kids' skin safe from solar rays with swimwear that looks and feels great while screening out harmful rays. Our lucky 7 picks leave nothing to chance. But hurry up and order these sale items, when the sun heads behind the clouds, they will be gone:
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UV Skinz Ava Tie Dye Rashguard $38.95. This company is completely committed to protecting kids. They are running a promotion for the month of July offerring a free swimshirt with every order!
Coolibar Swim Set for Boys $29.95. Check out the solar protective gear for the whole family from this company. The range includes clothing and hats.
Emporium Swim Shirt For Boys $28.90 at Solartex Sun Gear. Check out their protective clothing for the rest of your family as well.
Lands End Swim Shirt: $14.50 on sale - these are a great buy and now is the time to stock up for next summer!
Mini Boden Surf Suit At only $35 for the entire set, this is a real steal!
Little Red Fish makes these beautiful nautically striped shirts and matching bottoms, as well as full coverage suits. Shirts $45
Stingray makes these adorable swim suits for toddlers. They boast that they are the original Australian solar wear company and have long been respected. Romper & Hat set $49.90.
July 18, 2008 in Gear Reviews, Quick Picks | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Top 5 Places For Families in Queens, New York
Shopping: We love Trader Joe's on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills. We love their fresh, mostly organic products that won't break the bank. My toddler loves to grab a snack at the demo station. While I wish that they carried some mainstream brands (no Hellman's Mayo here), but we love their salad dressings, frozen foods (samosas anyone?) and fresh, mostly organic produce. Their reusable shopping bags are reasonable (we stocked up) and now use them for all of our grocery shopping.
Dining: Dani's House of Pizza right in the heart of Kew Gardens, NY, is a family-owned Italian joint that serves delicious pizza in the front part, and even more wonderful Italian classics in their small dining room. Bring your own booster seat (sorry, no highchairs) and stash your stroller in your trunk (it's really a tiny place). The prices are a steal and we've never gone home unsatisfied! The waitresses are sweet and treat you like family. My son has his first taste of red sauce here.
Play: We love going to Forest Park - the third largest park in Queens. We can hit the playground, through a ball around on the grass, walk a trail, or even go horseback riding (we're going to wait until my toddler is much older though!). The shady park makes it an ideal destination on a really sunny day (and you can find lots of parking on the street). Now that ther weather's better in NYC, the frog sprinklers are on!
Educational: We absolutely adore the NY Hall of Science. The toddler play area is a great place to let your little ones run around safely. They have new exhibits constantly, plus a fantastic new outside playground. We are members and take full advantage of this museum. On Sundays they have a Farmer's Market in the parking lot.
Entertaining Out of Towners: Since we usually entertain our friends with babies, we like to head back to Manhattan and hit either the Museum of Natural History or the fun Baby Loves Disco party.
June 25, 2008 in Editorial, Everywhere We Go, Quick Picks | by Nancy Horn | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Ask the Stroller Gurus: Who Needs Air Tires on a Stroller?
Buying a stroller can be expensive and confusing. You want to make a good investment but it can be hard to find good advice about what your really need. We've asked Stroller Gurus Melissa and Jo of Let's Go Strolling to help us answer your questions.
Stroller Question: Why would I need a stroller with air tires if I don’t jog?
Stroller Gurus' Answer: This is one of the number one questions we hear from customers when we recommend any all-terrain stroller, whether a single or a double, that have large 12” air tires. Since it’s such a good question – we thought it was time to address it in writing.
Air tired strollers usually have two big advantages for most stroller users: 1)
- The air in the tires provides a natural level of suspension so that the ride, even over bumps, is smoother for both the rider and the pusher and
- Air tires are usually larger tires (10' or 12”) and bigger tires go over bumps better whether it is broken urban sidewalks and curbs or more off-road obstacles.
Many stroller users are looking for a full-featured stroller that they can push easily whether walking around their neighborhood, cruising the local mall, or on outdoor adventures (e.g., the Zoo, local parks). Oftentimes an all-terrain stroller can provide this full functionality and flexibility for parents who prefer to have one main stroller that takes them smoothly wherever their life does. The added benefit of course, is that if Mom or Dad does decide they want to do some light exercise with baby – the same stroller can stand up the rigors of power walking or light jogging. Of course if you expect to do more than light jogging with your stroller you might want to check out the BOB Revolution stroller which has 16” rear tires so your stroller will glide effortlessly during faster paced runs.
Currently many of the reversible seat strollers that are popular on the market (think Quinny Buzz and Valco RAD) also have two rear air tires but rubber front tires. These strollers provide many of the same benefits of the all-terrain strollers mentioned above but are better suited to urban terrain instead of rougher off-road territory since the front tires do not have air suspension and are smaller.
Many people searching for a double are also reluctant to take on the extra weight that accompanies double all-terrain strollers in the marketplace today. While it is valid concern for parents who do not want to be lifting a heavy double stroller, it is also important to understand the trade-offs involved. Many lightweight double strollers, when loaded down with the 60 pounds or more combined weight of two children, simply do not push well over bumps. The problem being that when you load a 20 lb stroller frame with triple its weight in children, it is no longer the stroller pushing the weight but the pusher who is bearing the brunt of pushing these children along. A high quality 35 pound all-terrain stroller however, while admittedly harder to lift, will glide effortlessly along even the roughest urban terrain loaded with the weight of two toddlers.
So in summary:
Air Tire advantages:
• Smoother push
• Better suspension
• Handles rougher terrain
• Is flexible enough for exercise/light jogging
Air Tire Disadvantages:
• Adds more weight to the stroller
• Air tires require regular maintenance to stay properly inflated and leak-free
Only you know how you intend to use your new ride and what trade-offs truly make sense for you. Understanding the wonderful attributes of a high-quality all-terrain stroller, however, might help you pick your perfect stroller as you determine which option is right for your family and lifestyle.
Got a question for our stroller gurus? Email StrollerGurus@CarandCaboodle.com
June 4, 2008 in Editorial, Gear Reviews, Quick Picks, Strollers | by Melissa | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Five Family Outings in Los Angeles
Ever wonder what a family outing looks like for other people? We asked Car and Caboodle writer Candice K. to tell us about her family's favorite places to visit in LA.
Shopping: The Farmer's Market on 3rd and Fairfax. There is something for everyone at this famous LA landmark marketplace.
Dining: Canter'sDeli. Don't ask me why but my kids love love love this place!
Play: On days when we cannot go to our local park, we hit the play area in the Westside Pavillion Mall.
Educational: We're looking forward to taking the boys to the Peterson Automotive Museum
Entertaining Out of Towners: La Brea Tar Pits (you don't have to even go in the museum if you don't want to).
May 31, 2008 in Editorial, Everywhere We Go, Quick Picks | by Candice Kahn | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: los angeles, travel
The 2008 Acura RDX Does Not Serve Chicken Soup
My car, a well travelled Acura MDX, is in the shop today, getting new brake pads. So today I have a loaner car; a smaller, springier, and sportier Acura RDX.
For about the first seven miles I spent with the loaner, I felt freed. Like I'd just stripped off a fat suit. Maybe it's all the minivan test driving I have been doing lately but when I accellerated? Woo Hoo! I did not mind for even a minute that I could not drive carpool today for lack of seating.
And then something strange happened. A light flashed on the dashboard. Telling me that it was high time for check up. And then another. Check tire pressure already! Mere moments later a voice boomed over the car's sound system admonishing me to buckle my seatbelt, and as message after message flashed urgently at me, jarring me, I started feeling a little bit less like I was having fun and a little bit more like the spirit of my dear departed and overprotective Grandma, was inhabiting this vehicle.
I'm all for safety. My kids might even say that I am a lot like dear Granny. But there has to be a limit here if I am going to enjoy driving and not be startled into crashing for fear of missing the 10k check up.
Plus if any car is going to nag at me like that, it had better make me great chicken soup and send me $10 checks in a heartfelt card on my birthday.
May 28, 2008 in Car Reviews, Editorial, Quick Picks | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: acura
Soccer Mom in a Minivan: The Jeannie Tate Show
Get over your minivan lifestyle with the humorous help of Jeannie Tate. This whole episode really was filmed in a minivan. I'd drive one too if I could be this funny about it. View additional episodes at JeannieTate.com.
May 21, 2008 in Quick Picks | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: minivan, youtube
News Roundup: Euro Fords coming, Maternity Belts, Road Trip Cars and $3 Gas
AutoBlog: C-Max and Kuga may follow Euro Focus to the U.S.
AutoBlog reports that Ford officials have confirmed their intent to bring the Kuga, a compact CUV, and the C-Max, a people-moving cousin of the Mazda5, to the US. No details yet on when we can expect their arrival, but it's good to see that Ford is willing to bring some new family-friendly vehicles across the Atlantic.
Gizmag: Tummy Shield seat belt keeps mother and baby safe
Auto-related injuries are the leading cause of fetal loss in pregnant women, and there is a new product out of Australia that aims to stop that loss. The Tummy Shield certainly isn't the first maternity seat belt adapter, but the design is definitely interesting!
Car and Driver: Chrysler extends $2.99 gasoline deal
Chrysler's promotion guaranteeing $2.99 gas for three years is generating lots of waves in the automotive industry, and has reportedly increased traffic up to 20% in showrooms since the May 7 Launch. Originally slated to end June 2, executives have extended the promotion until July 7. The Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Journey and the Chrysler Sebring are selling the best in this promotion. Less thrifty vehicles like the SRT line, Viper and Jeep Wrangler do not apply.
Kelley Blue Book: 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles
Kelley Blue Book has put together a list of the Best New Road Trip Vehicles for 2008, with some... interesting... choices on board. I don't think i'd bring any Cheerios or Goldfish if we were going to Grandma's in my Bugatti!
May 20, 2008 in Quick Picks | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Buggati, C-Max, Chrysler, Crossover, CUV, Ford, Kuga, minivan, News Roundup, Veyron
Subaru Forester - The Sexy Japanese SUV?
Subaru Forester has a sexy new ad campaign. It's big, really big. And wet. Perfect viewing for a hot Monday morning. This ought to cool you off!
May 19, 2008 in Quick Picks | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: commercial, forester, japan, Subaru, suv
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.
May 15, 2008 in Luggage & Travel Accessories, Quick Picks, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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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.
May 12, 2008 in Quick Picks, Snack Attack | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (2)
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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.
May 8, 2008 in Car Accessories, Giveaways,Coupons & Deals, Quick Picks | by Candice Kahn | Permalink | Comments (1)
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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!
May 6, 2008 in Quick Picks | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: bicycle, bike
Mudpuppy's Sticker Set Play Scene: A Restaurant Savior
Mudpuppy’s Sticker Set Play Scene are a travel lifesaver. The colorful boards open up to play scenes where kids can create a picture or tell a story using reusable vinyl stickers. The boards fold in half and have cut-outs for a handles for portability.
It’s perfect for that point in the meal where your child gets antsy and is ready to go. Pull out the Sticker Set Play Scene and you have instant entertainment and the rare opportunity to enjoy and finish your meal.
The Sticker Set Play Scene has held the attention of my boys long enough for us to get through several restaurant trips with our two young sons. My two-year-old loves playing with the mini On The Farm set and telling us what each sound each of the animals make.
Mudpuppy's Sticker Set Play Scenes also work well in the car because they are big enough to lay on your child’s lap.
You can get the Mudpuppy Sticker Set Play Scene at the Galison/Mudpuppy website - $11 for the regular size and $8 for the mini.
April 24, 2008 in In Car Entertainment, Quick Picks | by Candice Kahn | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: car toys, mudpuppy, stickers
No Passengers, No Kids, No Traffic - Pure Joy!
Here's a little something for daydreaming dads out there - take a ride through a deserted Rio in a classic Ferrari.
And if that's not enough, take a look at this early morning 140MPH drive through the streets of Paris.
February 22, 2008 in Quick Picks | by Robert | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: ferrari, paris, racing
Backseat Organizers - 3 for the Road
Whether it's an all day road trip or just the regular errands and school runs, a backseat full of kids and their stuff can quickly get out of control. We love these options for corralling their clutter and keeping their snacks fresh and cool.
1. The Cooler Backseat Organizer by Talus ($21.99)
This multifunctional organizer works at your destination as well as in the car. It folds into a tote bag and is perfect for picnics. It keeps up to a dozen bottles cool! Just be forwarned that you surely are going to need to pack a travel potty if you let your children consume that much frosty beverage back there. Additional storage slots hold wipes,snacks toys/games and reading material close at hand.
2.The Kid's Backseat Organizer ($32.99)
If you have seat space to spare, and kids who need to share but like to stake their own territory, this organizer is a great solution. Multiple outer pockets (identical on both sides, in case that matters and you know it does!) organize smaller items and the inside is partitioned so each kiddo has their own stash space. The sturdy lid is perfect for games or as a drawing table and has flip up sides that prevent items from sliding off the surface.
3. Kids Backseat Console and Organizer with Cup Holders ($49.99)
If you have bucket seats in the back - this molded plastic organizer/console brings the storage up to the right height for kids to safely access. It also works well on bench seats. This one is an especially good choice for families with younger children.
February 4, 2008 in Quick Picks | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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How One Teenager Saves On Gas Money
I know plenty of 16-year olds spending time mastering Guitar Hero, but just one Andrew Angelloti who converted his gas-running '88 Mazda pickup truck to run solely on electric. What's your teenager doing? [via Engadget]
January 29, 2008 in Quick Picks | by Robert | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: electric, mazda, pickup truck
