Gear Reviews

Remote Car Starter and Security System Benefits Breast Cancer

It's pink, its perfect for families, and sales benefit Susan G. Komen for the cure. It's the Viper Responder  LE Special Edition 2 way Security and Remote Start System. This nifty device was featured this morning on The View. Wish your car had a remote start feature like more expensive models? Saddened by your vehicles lack of theft deterring security systems? No problem. It's not cheap at $499 but it's a lot cheaper than a whole new car. Famililes in hot and cold climates will particularly apreciate the ability to start the car (and the AC/heater) before hopping in.

October 3, 2008 in Car Accessories, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Top 10 Reasons Moms Need the Sony Nav-U

For whatever reason, tech gadgets, and particularly car tech gadgets, are marketed at men. Much like the iphone is mistakenly marketed primarily at men. This is wrong people. So wrong. I do realize that navigation systems are very therapeutic devices for the direction-asking-impaired gender and all that. But who's the one obsessing about being in the correct lane a few miles before the exit and getting there while taking the fewest left turns? My money's on the mom with the kid in the backseat screaming "I gotta go! NOW!".

So without further ado, here's our list of 10 Reasons Why Every Mom Needs Sony's awesome Navu System.

 

10. Live traffic updates.

But don't tell anyone you have this ok? Cause sometimes you need to just  sit and sip your latte in a quiet car listening to the Oprah channel on XM radio. If no one knows you can feign complete shock about that terrible construction traffic jam you just got "stuck" in.

 9. Bluetooth.

Once you are safely stuck in traffic, listening to Dr Oz lecture about de-stressing your life (which you are now doing, yay you!) you may want to take the time to catch up with your friends. Keep your latte hand free, and keep the roads safer by calling friends hands free using the Nav U' s built-in wireless Bluetooth capabilities.

8. The slightly officious  schoolmarm voice.

Let her nag your husband about his speed while he's driving. That way you can take a break and continue loudly singing along to the 80's channel's "greatest hits of 1987" countdown. If only she could remind him to take out the trash and stop by the drycleaner while she was telling him to exit left.

7. It's easy on the eyes.

This is thanks to the anti glare, easy to read, screen. Think of all the botox you won't need, from all that not squinting at your Nav System. It's also pretty sleek looking on the dash.

6. "How many more miles till we get to Grandma's House?"

And how many times do you want to answer this question?  Just point to the screen. "Watch this number here honey..."

5. The Away Game in Outer Bumbleboondocksville.

Where was that sports park again? Go one step further and be the team hero and use the Nav u to locate a pizzeria and call for delivery. Dinner's solved!

4. The Specialists Office. 

You know that doctor - the only one who can cure your feverish kid with the rare ankle rash? The one who's office is in suite #152278Z in the million block of that new mega business park  somewhere near the freeway? The one who you waited six months to get an appointment with and who told you DO NOT BE LATE?

3. The Relatives.

Apparently relatives want to do fun stuff when they visit. And your laundry is not fun. Remember all the fun stuff you used to do in your area? Before you had kids who played soccer?  No? The Sony Nav U knows how to entertain. It provides info on everything from restaurants to movies to dining out. And when the inlaws borrow your car, it will help them find their way back to your house. Which may not be a plus, come to think of that...

2. Always Fresh.

Is there anything more annoying that an out of date navigation system that takes you far out of your way because it had no idea that the road you are driving on even existed? The Sony Nav-U is easy to update so you won't miss a beat, or a turn.

1. "I gotta go! NOW!"  (a tie with) "Mommy - my tummy feels funny..."

It's not really enough to only know where the nearest exit is.You need to know what gas stations are at the exit, and exactly which fast food restaurants and chain stores are there with fast access and relatively clean restrooms. The Sony Nav-U gives you that, fast! It delivers the info instantly with helpful graphic icons to steer you there in a hurry! I'm just waiting for them to add the Starbuck icon for me to refuel.

Want to learn more about the Navu? Check out the Navu Demo on the Sony Style Site

 

September 26, 2008 in Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Britax Boulevard CS Car Seat - True Side Impact Protection and Click & Safe Harness Adjuster

Britax has just introduced a new version of their Boulevard Car Seat, the Boulevard CS ($329.99). It has the same features as the Boulevard like True Side Impact Protection, LATCH Connection, a recline feature, body pillow, belt holders, Britax's patented Versa-Tether, quick-adjust headrest and plus the NEW Click & Safe Harness Adjuster (hence the CS in the name). That means you hear an audible click when the harness straps are snug. This convertible car seat can be used rear or forward-facing with children from 5 to 65 pounds.

My neighbor helped me to install it rear-facing for my 8 month old in our 1995 Toyota Camry. The True Side Impact Protection, with the Boulevard CS's deep side walls and adjustable head support, was our number one reason for transitioning our baby daughter to this car seat. The body pillow was very comfortable and removable once our baby gets a little bigger. The Boulevard CS is much bigger than the Roundabout and Diplomat -- so you should make sure it will fit in your car. The Boulevard CS's dimensions are W19.5 x H27 x D25.5, which is EXACTLY the same size as the Marathon's dimensions of W19.5 x H27.5 x D25.5.

The new Click & Safe Harness Adjuster was another reason why we like the Boulevard CS -- the mechanism allows me to hear an audible click once the harness is correctly tightened around my child (when I pull the adjuster strap). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 59% of harness straps on children's car seats are dangerously loose. Laura Jana, M.D., pediatrician, child passenger safety technician and mother of three said, “The harness straps serve the very important, and ultimately life-saving purpose of keeping children properly positioned and secured in their child safety seat. If these straps are not properly fastened or are loose at the time of a crash, children run a greater risk of being ineffectively restrained or even ejected from their seats – putting them at much greater risk of injury.”   

I really appreciated the tangle-free harness (because I've spent too much time untangling harnesses in other car seats - ugh). The easy-turn knob made it so simple to adjust the head restraint and the harness height without unstrapping the car seat. If you're wondering what the Britax's patented Versa-Tether is for, it anchors the top of the seat to minimize movent in case of a crash.

This convertible car seat's weight guidelines are from 5 to 65 pounds and height guideline is 49 inches or less. Use it rear-facing for children who weigh 5 -35 pounds and forward-facing for children who weigh 20- 65 pounds. Because I feel that rear-facing is safer personally, I plan to keep my daughter rear-facing for another 8 months to a year. .

To learn more about the Boulevard CS - go Britax's site - they have detailed instructions and demos on how to install the car seat rear or forward -facing. If you still have trouble installing it, many police stations or hospitals provide free child safety seat inspections - find one at SeatCheck.org.

The Boulevard CS Car Seat is currently exclusive to Babies R Us (in the Riviera pattern, shown above). Independent retailers and specialty stores will begin carrying it starting mid- October. The fashions available will be Berkshire Tan, Davenport, Lauren, and Cow. The Riviera will remain exclusive to Babies R Us.

September 24, 2008 in Car Seats, Gear Reviews | by Nancy Horn | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Valco Baby's Latitude for Two Twin Stroller: A Delicious Double

 If you are looking for a lightweight double stroller that has many bells and whistles, then you are going to LOVE Valco Baby's Latitude for Two Twin Stroller ($480).This side by side double is a winner because of the terrific suspension, full coverage sunshade, quick recline, huge storage basket, compact fold (reverse book fold) and adjustable handlebar. This was one of the first side by side strollers that I didn't have a problem going through doorways with. And yes, it fits my car's small trunk!

 

Click Continue Reading for the rest of the review & a 5% discount.

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September 22, 2008 in Gear Reviews, Strollers | by Nancy Horn | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Carseat Tetris: What Seats Fit Where?

We're fascinated with carseats at Car and Caboodle. Part of our fascination is trying to figure out which seats fit in which cars. We love a good latch-seat indicator hunt - my car has 3 latchseat placement "possibilities"  and I so wish it had four! We can spend hours talking about the merits of putting the baby in the center (next to a curious poky fingered sibling) vs behind the driver or passenger. In short we are obsessed with this stuff.

So we were thrilled to see the Carseat Tetris discussion on Alphamom this week, in which Amalah has asked readers to fill us in on which seats they have had success with in their own rides. Check out the combos before you go to a store near you and start your own game of Carseat Tetris.

 

September 15, 2008 in Editorial, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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The Stroller That Folds Itself

It was only a matter of time. With all the strollers boasting one handed folds, someone was bound to come out with a no-hands folding one. Leave it to 4Moms. They premiered this model at ABC kids.

 

September 11, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews, Strollers | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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The Camera For Your Bag: Panasonic Lumix FX35K

 

My husband and I have found the perfect pocket camera with great picture quality - the Panasonic Lumix FX35K. 

 

I realized lately that my 4 megapixel HP camera just wasn't doing it for me when I was taking pictures of the kids.  I stopped taking it places and realized I was doing myself a disservice.  It was time to upgrade.  I would love to get a digital SLR, but our funds were not going to allow that.  I really wanted to stay in the less then $300 range.  I found the Panasonic Lumix FX35.  It's super small and slim, the size of a deck of cards.  The menus are easy to use and it takes great pictures.

One thing I was worried about was that the picture quality.  Would the pictures be hazy?  After reading too many reviews I finally settled on the Lumix.  Many reveiwers kept emphasizing the picture quality on the great Leica lens.  I had hit the jackpot, and to be honest they were right, it's picture quality is superb.  I would say my biggest complaint is the camera's speed, but in truth I'd give that up any day for a clear picture of my boys.  If you're looking for a great small point-and-shoot I highly recommend this one for your bag.

September 9, 2008 in Clutter Control, Gear Reviews, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Candice Kahn | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Clean up with Bummas

Anyone with a kid knows that messes happen. With frequency. And so we wipe. Often with disposible wet wipes. But what if there was a product that made it easy to clean up, without messing up the environment so much.

Welcome Bummas. Smaller than a burp cloth, more absorbant and soft than a wet one, and infinitely versatile.These tiny little washcloths are made from super soft and absorbent organic cotton terry.

We love that you can pack five of these in the space that one regular burp rag occupies in your bag. Good thing because one good burp and you'll want a fresh one. They work perfectly with a cloth diapering system or just for clean up on the go. Carry a little spritz bottle filled with plain water and you can conquer almost any mess from head to toe. These are perfect to keep in the car, for the family on the go!

September 4, 2008 in Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (1)
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The CarandCaboodle Family Road Trip - Be Prepared!

When we arrived in Pacific City, Oregon we were ready to take on the largest sand dune in the USA, and to spend some time on the beach. What we were not expecting was the cold, foggy and windy weather that made it difficult to spend more than a few minutes on the beach, and the illness that was to sweep through our family like wildfire. Fortunately we were prepared for almost anything. From Pepto Bismol to First Aid Kits, Board Games to Windproof Baby Blankets, here are the things that kept us going when the going got tough...

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September 3, 2008 in Editorial, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Clek Boosters Make Safety Fun, Fashionable and Easy

Until we got a Clek, I never really believed that carseats could be fun. They were always a necessary evil, something that we invested in because we were responsible parents. Our kids sat in them begrudgingly, for the most part. But only after we spent half an afternoon cursing and moaning as we attempted to properly install them.

And then there was the Clek Olli. It's a backless booster, meant to be used with older children, between 40-100lbs and 40-57 inches. They must be able to sit properly with a lap positioning belt to use it safely. What sets Clek apart from other boosters is that is latches. Easily. Click Click. You may wonder why that is necessary, but slam on the brakes or take a sharp left and see what happens to other boosters. They slip and slide and can actually pose a threat to the person seated in them or beside them if they accidentally trigger the release of the lap positioning belt. Or they can become an airborne missile inside your car. Not good.

The Clek Olli is narrow enough to let other passengers sit in the back seat with the kids, but wide enough not to pinch anyone's bottom.

And finally - not to be forgotten, they are fashionable. They look cool. Our Clek is zebra print and looks just amazing with our black leather car interior. Like we tricked out our vehicle with custom kiddie seats. We keep an extra one installed "Just in Case" knowing full well that the kids will end up fighting over who gets to sit in the extra carseat. Which is a lot better than having them fight over riding in a carseat to begin with.

August 30, 2008 in Car Seats, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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One Stroller that Does it All: The Micralite Toro

For years now I have been a stroller stable kind of girl. I humbly accepted the fact that there was no one stroller that could truly do it all. Which is how my garage evolved into a stroller stable of sorts. There were the carseat friendly "systems", the mall cruisers and off road giants, the sleekly compact and impossibly lightweight city strollers for urban travel, the posh bassinet models for neighborhood strolls with an infant… Friends commented on my “problem” and I blithely explained to all that it was simply impossible for one stroller to do it ALL. How could a connosiour such as myself be expected to choose, to skimp, to limit myself to a single stroller that could hardly do all of what my many models could collectively do.

Well prove me wrong.

I’d like to introduce you the the Micralite Toro. The stroller that really can do it all. If it made margaritas, I might even marry it.

 

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August 28, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (3)
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The CarandCaboodle Family Road Trip - We Might Be Giants

Day two of our trip was one of the most exciting. We left the rolling hills of Sonoma and entered Redwood country. The sky was a sparkling blue and our children thrilled at the sheer size of the mammoth trees. If you have never driven along the Avenue of the Giants, parallel to US 101, it is a magnificent stretch of road that is not to be missed. The two lane highway wanders in and out of the shadows of the ancient forest, twining around stands of old growth trees. Stops along the way allow you to get out and stretch your legs and explore (always an excellent idea when travelling with kids).

Once out of the car you will notice the silence of the forest. It's an eerie shadowfilled place, but peaceful. One almost expects to see magical creatures here - a unicorn in a small clearing or a fairy flitting amongst the ferns and trillium flowers. We spent a little time making up stories, aided by the creative story beginnings in the Dreamstarter Book by Jennifer Karin Sidford. This ingenious book ignites you kids (and your own) hidden creativity by giving you a jumping off place for story telling. There is also a card game version and will soon be a web version as well.

Our cameras were ready. For the most part I shot pictures using the auto settings on my Sony Alpha Camera. I was grateful for the ability to take rapid succession shots of my kids as they nimbly climbed and scrambled over tree trunks that were 8 feet tall. Later in the day I was grateful for the information I gleaned from watching Me Ra Koh's digital camera instruction videos, prior to the trip. It gave me the courage to expiriment and get a few great shots including one of my own little wood nymphs scampering through the forest.

We chose to turn off the video games and DVD players for this entire portion of the trip, and revelled in nature. Never ones to miss out on a kitschy photo op however, we were sure to pull off the road and wait in line to drive through a "drive through tree". I insisted that the Honda Odyssey minivan would not fit. My husband insisted that it would. I won but the right side rearview mirror of the van lost...  It was at this point in the trip that we declared Shamu (our pet name for our black Oddysey), "broken in". Note to fellow travellers: Your Honda Odyssey will not fit though!

Our car was a little worse for wear but our spirits were not. We stopped for a late lunch at a roadside diner that provided even more entertainment and another "interesting bathroom" photo for our kids' vacation memory books. Sophisticated travellers that they are...

The latter part of the day we sped past countless bikers and backpackers all caught up in the majesty of CA highway 101. We were a little jealous of their slow pace as there is so much to see along this route. Down toward the coastline we passed through Eureka where we made one last stop at the Bayshore Mall just off the 101. While we would not usually seek to stop at a mall on a road trip, this one was a perfect pitstop as it contained both an indoor playplace and a Borders bookstore. While the children let off a little more steam, I stocked up on travel reading - Wall E books for my four yr old, American Girl 5 minute Mysteries for my school aged daughters, and Twilight by Stephanie Meyer for myself and my husband.

It was still light when we left Eureka and we decided to push on to Crescent City where we hoped to find a motel to spend the night. Unfortunately when we got there, this was not to happen. The town was booked solid, it was coming up on ten pm, and there was at least 15 miles of nothing before we entered the next town. Our kids were exhausted and so were we.  We faced our first travel dillemma. Where would we be able to stop for the night?!

 

August 27, 2008 in Editorial, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Dwell on the Road

Sick of overly sweet and mass market themed travel bags for your tots? Unwilling to check your style at the gate when you travel with your children?

You can take it with you, when "it" is Dwell style. Leave the nursery behind but travel the extra style mile when you pack up your children's belongings in this gorgeous, easy to love, sturdily laminated canvas weekender bag from Dwell baby. Inner compartments keep small sundries sorted and a light lining makes it easy to find all. The bag is capacious enough for a long weekend at grandmas (room for a couple of dwells cute toys as well) or several days at the seashore. It's not too big to use as a carry on however. An included tag allows your kids to identify the bag as their own. Good thing. Some parents might be tempted to steal it for themselves.

August 25, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews, Luggage & Travel Accessories | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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In the Bag: 5 Essentials for an Overnight with the Grandparents

 The Trip: It may not be over the river and through the woods, but an overnight with Grandparents can still be an adventure.

 

The Bag: Trunki is a great suitcase. Trunki can hold all the overnight essentials and provide extra ride-on fun, holding up to 110 lbs. Flying? It is the perfect carry-on size. 

 

Tunes For The Road: Make the plane, train, or car ride fly by with an MP3 player. Is your little one not ready for an iPod? Try this one from from Disney.

 

Need a Craft Project? This adorable Cuppa Knitting To Go from Madallie is a great way to bring a craft project on the road. All you need to make a scarf  (yarn, knitting needles, instructions) is packaged in the to-go cup.

A Baking You Will Go: Surprise Grandma by bringing a baking kit with you. The kits from Kid Central Kitchen make baking easy and nutritious.  

 

Document the Journey: This Kid Tough Digital Camera will make it easy for the littlest photog to make a scrapbook or their trip. Put together an album and send it to Grandma and Grandpa once you get home. 

How Memories Are Made: Time with family is always a treasure. With a little planning, an even more amazing trip with Grandparents is in the bag. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 30, 2008 in Gear Reviews, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Anne | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Plush Purse Pillows For Travelling Kids

Travel can be scary for little people. Having a fuzzy pal along for the ride can make all the difference in the world. Milo and Gabby Cozy Companions are the perfect size and shape pillow/stuffed animal hybrid to take to Grandma's on a car trip or really anywhere you travel.

The plush characters feature purselike handles to make toting simple. They unzip to facilitate cleaning and double as a perfect place to stash pj's and a toothbrush for a sleepover.

My 8 and 11 year old daughters had a wicked fight over who got to have the Milo and Gabby dog pillow I brought home from a recent event. They both wanted to keep it! I can see an additional pillow purchase in my future now.

This item would make a very thoughtful slumber party or travel gift for a kid. Purchase your own at BunnyChicBoutique.

July 26, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Sasha Wrap: Comfortable and stylish baby carriers for parents on the go

We have all been out and about with baby, trying to get things done and the stroller just isn't working. Or maybe you are at home and your little one just wants to be held but the sink full of dishes is calling your name, or perhaps big sister wants you to go for a walk.

 You can do it all with a carrier form Sasha's Inspirations. With both wraps and ABC's (Asian-style baby carriers) Sasha's Inspirations makes carriers that are super comfortable, not just for baby but for you, too.

 

 

The wrap has just the right amount of give so that you can feel secure and not have to constantly readjust.  The versatility is amazing, and each wrap comes with a DVD and full instructions on how to use it. You can even put the wrap on and leave it, so no matter how many trips you make in and out of the car, you just pop baby right back in and you are on your way. 

 

If a wrap is not your style, then you should definitely check out their ABC. This is the most comfortable ABC I have ever tried, because it combines the comfort of a wrap with the convenience of an ABC carrier. There are no straps to dig into your shoulders and the weight is distributed more evenly. There is also added security when you feel how snugly your baby is being held. 

Not only are these carriers super comfortable to wear, they also easily fit in your bag. Sasha's inspirations is wonderful to work with, and will help you design exactly the carrier you are looking for with their custom order options. Definitely give these a try. 

 

 

July 23, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Anne | Permalink | Comments (0)
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10 Reasons Why Moms Need An iPhone

1. Because Grandma is always complaining that you don't send enough pictures. The iPhone takes some decent quality pictures, anytime, anywhere you go. Send them to your friends, your facebook  and flicker accounts, and of course to Grandma.

2. Because Mommybrain is a medical condition. I'm currently arguing with my insurance carrier to get MobileMe covered.  MobileMe keeps your life in sync by syncing your phone with all the important software on your desktop, which is a huge sanity save. So until my plan approves it,  please join me in calling it a medical necessity.

3. GPS. With live traffic updates. Not only does it provide the answer to "are we there yet?", it also can be used as a relationship aid for those of us with direction-asking impaired partners. Of course you are still free to blame your chronic lateness on unforseen sig alerts.

4. Your music. You heard me. YOUR music. Possibly ALL of your favorite music. None of that Dan Zanes kiddo stuff. Whatever centers you, you have it. In the car, in the supermarket, in the indoor playplace where the decible levels are enough to cause monkeys to become suicidal...Whereever, whenever you need it. Cause sometimes Mommy needs to chill out.

5. The Apps. Collect them like jewelry. Monkeyball for your ring finger, Twitterific for your big toe. These little gems let you use your phone to keep track of exactly where your friends are (in case you need to rendez vous at starbucks and toast the latest tantrum) and what they are doing. There are games to amuse you and even more games to amuse the offspring if they wash their hands and are VERY careful with the baby, er, phone.

6. YouTube. Because...well, just because. If you don't have any idea what to watch on YouTube, may I suggest the following episode of Rhett and Link's Great American Road Trip. I'm not responsible if you find yourself craving unhealthy food after watching.

7. Because this sexy little phone, dangled in front of a Crackberry addict, might wean and eventually cure/save them. You never know. It's worth a try. Call it Methaphone. Good deed anyone?

8. Email, Internet, etc. There are a hundred thousand reasons why you need this at your disposal at all times. Because you never know when you will need a recipe for giant bubbles, and to email your mother a picture of your child inside a giant bubble. Or maybe you just need an address so that the GPS can guide you to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles for lunch.

9. It makes you look skinny. Well, sort of. Your hands, anyway. iPhones work better for women. Men's hands are bigger and this makes the touch screen harder for them to use. Neener. One caveat? You'll have to lose the acrylics.

10. Because in a world full of gizmos and gadgets and phones made mostly at men, it's nice to see a phone that makes moms lives easier too. Too bad Apple seems a bit absent on share day with the gal pals though.  They are so busy marketing their phones to dudes that they have not even paused to shake their glorious Apple bootie at us girl types. Only a third of their current user are presently women. That's a shame! So if they want to call me to discuss, I promise I'll take that call. On my iPhone.

July 23, 2008 in Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: crackberry, iPhone, methaphone, moms. apple

Capture your Family's Journey Well

Did you know that you are a brilliant photographer? Yeah you, the mom on the other side of my screen blinking confusedly at me. So your pictures are all out of focus lately, and you can't figure out why the faces looks so washed out. So you've never ventured off the "auto" setting on your digital SLR. So what? It's not your fault. You just haven't had the chance to reach your potential. Because you've never met Me Ra Koh.

Me Ra Koh is a brilliant photographer, an inspiring speaker, and a wanna-be-photographer-mom's very best friend. She's nothing at all like the scary photography instructors you may have run across in past attempts to learn how to use a camera. She won't make you memorize the manual or do calculus. But in just a few short moments, she will have you using your camera, and seeing the world in an entirely new way. Like the artist she knows you are.

I had the great fortune of meeting Me Ra at a one day workshop in La Jolla several months ago. Her in person workshops are often booked out months in advance, and I can see why. She makes it all so simple, and encourages everyone to learn by experimenting. Pick up a camera and start using it. Learn one setting at a time. Simple! There is no definite right or wrong with her approach (although taking the lens cap off is somewhat essential!). Spend a few moments with her and terms like aperature, ISO, F-stop and shutter speed, which may have seemed daunting in the past, suddenly make perfect sense. She has a way of simplifying and explaining all your camera settings in a way that just works. Case in point is her description of white balance. She compares it to applying make-up indoors, when you know you are going to be seen outside. Something most women understand all too well - you have to adjust for the light. Who knew using my camera was as simple as applying my foundation?

After meeting with Me Ra Koh I brought home her videos, "Refuse to Say Cheese" and "Beyond the Green Box" and watched them with my husband. He's a scientific type and had struggled through photography classes in high school and college, grasping some of the mechanics, but perhaps less of the gestalt of photography. After watching her videos he understood that he was coming at it from the wrong angle. Instead of assessing the scene and the lighting and choosing the "best" general settings for the camera (which is what the auto feature essentially does), he was inspired to make the camera do his bidding instead. Making the camera see the scene the way he saw it. Both of us were excited to head out and try out the techniques discussed on the two videos. The videos make it easy for you to build your skills at home. Each section contains a photography exercise that targets a specific skill set. As you complete each task, you add to your bag of tricks. Want to blur a background? No problem. Capture solar flare? You can do it.

I cannot recommend these videos enough to my fellow moms. We, more than almost any other group of people, have the ability, the responsibility, to make a huge impact with our cameras. We have the ability to document our kids' lives. And with Me Ra Koh's advice, it really is not such a stretch for us to do this with style. So order the Refuse to Say Cheese and Beyond the Green Box videos and get ready to impress your friends and family with your brilliance! Can't wait for the videos to arrive and looking for a little inspiration? Check out Me Ra's Top Ten tips for Mom Photographers from BlogHer '08.

July 23, 2008 in Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Britax Boulevard Car Seat - Fashion, Safety and Convenience

I researched so much about car seats when I was pregnant that I thought my head would explode. There are like a million infant car seats on the market and several of the brands come very highly rated and recommended. I found toddler car seats to be an easier market to navigate, from day one I knew I wanted a Britax seat.

The Britax Boulevard is the top of the line convertible Britax seat. It's safety features are numerous and I love the fashionable prints it comes in. It can accomodate children up to 65 lbs and 49". My favorite part of this seat is the side wings, it has head and torso safety wings that help keep your child safe during a side-impact crash. And in case you didn't know, side impact crashes are a leading cause of death for 6 to 14 year-olds. I also want to dispel any concerns you might have about the depth of the side wings. My daughter went from a Marathon to the Boulevard with no complaints. The side wings don't cut her off from the rest of the world and she still points out all the neat things she used to see as we ride around.

It also has built-in lock-offs, a 5-point harness with front adjuster, tangle-free webbing, a push button release LATCH system with Versa-Tether®, and a sculpted base that ensures an easy installation with a secure fit. I found installing this seat to be a breeze, the LATCH connectors snap in with ease and they remove just as easily if you need to reposition or remove the seat. I also love the beautiful prints that the Britax car seats come in. I have the Boulevard in the Shannon print, a beautiful purple and floral pattern, and it looks fabulous against the tan leather interior of my SUV. If you keep an eye on online retailer sites, you can usually catch a GREAT deal on Britax seats!

By Car and Caboodle Guest Reviewer Bronwyn Phonseya

July 22, 2008 in Car Reviews, Car Seats, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (1)
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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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Spy on Your Kids at Home and On the Road with Summer Infant

When my 8 year old was born, video monitors were the newest thing to hit the market and I had to have one. I spentseveral hundred dollars for a camera that had to be set up inches from the crib and delivered a fuzzy black and white image sans sound to a monitor that was like something leftover from the hatch in "Lost". Large. Heavy. Ridiculous. We could not even give that thing away, five years later.

So I went old school/ audio only when my three year old was born. His monitor had the charming quirk of picking up every baby in the neighborhood. At 3AM usually. We called it "Ghost Baby" whenever we heard those plaintive wails in the middle of the night. We'd bolt awake only to find our own son was sleeping peacefully. Wrong Number.

This time I've finally got it right with Summer Infant's Day and Night Handheld Monitoring System.

Continue reading

July 17, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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YakPack: The ultimate clean-up kit for sickies

 

 

You don't want to need one of these. The YakPack is one of those products that you might not think about until you are pulled over on the side of the road, trying to calm a sick child and clean up the mess they made all over the backseat. You wish you had all the items you would need to make the clean up easier, faster and more sanitary. Now, with the YakPack, you can have just that. 

 

 

Each YakPack includes: 

          *Motion sickness bag and absorbent lap pad to protect surfaces

          *Vomit absorbent/ odor neutralizer, scoop and scraper for rapid removal

          *Antimicrobial wipes, heavy duty dry cloth and non-latex gloves for clean up

          *Biohazard bag  for removal and disposal

          * Clear zippered bag for convenient storage

This very handy and portable kit is exactly what you want to have on hand when someone gets sick. Keep one in the car, at home, and in the diaper bag. Have a boat? You will want one there, too.

It is one of those situations that you don't really want to think about, and when it happens you are usually not ready to make the clean-up a breeze. That is why you need a YakPack now, so when the sickness happens you will be ready. 

 

 

 

July 15, 2008 in Gear Reviews | by Anne | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Summer Loving... Essentials for Having a Blast With Kids

Summer is finally here and if you are like us, this can mean more lazy afternoons hanging out with your kids, fun beach outings & picnics, and even summer family travels. Whether your plans take you near or far this summer vacation, the key to a fun day is having all the necessities packed and ready to handle whatever emergencies life brings when out with little children.

Necessities You Need:

• Extra diapers, pull-ups, and/or underwear – The last thing you need when your flight is delayed or you stay longer on the beach is to run out of these all important items.
• Full water bottles and sippy cups – Hotter days mean thirstier kids. And why is it that the water fountains never seem to work properly?
• An Abundance of Snacks – Nothing spoils a beach (or travel) day faster then hungry cranky children – trust me! I’ve made this rookie error before!
• Mini First-Aid Kit – I think the best things to always have are Neosporin, band-aids, and Tylenol. I find 95% of my kid owies can be handled with these three products.
• A Change of Clothes – Both for you and baby. Nothing spells unhappy travel day like a dirty mom and baby. Trust me – if they remain unused, then you just got lucky!

Luxuries We Love:

• Tuffo Outdoor Blanket – This all-purpose beach/picnic blanket just makes life easier…and cleaner. Whether you are spending the day at the beach or just settling in for an afternoon at the park, this large blanket provides ample space to spread out and relax in comfort. The waterproof backing also makes this blanket a keeper all through the fall. I keep mine in my car so it is always ready for use.
• Skip Hop Duo Double – Whether you are out playing all day or just flying all day, this fabulous diaper bag can hold all you need and then some. We love that it fits everything for a day out with 1,2, or more kids, and can easily attach to your stroller so you don’t have to carry it. Plus, if you leave the top open, you can even stuff your beach towels in there for one-bag-fits-it-all convenience.
• BOB Revolution – Okay we know you’ve been meaning to get in shape. Well summer is the perfect time to load up your little one and hit the ground running . . or walking. The BOB Revolution has an effortless push, larger air tires to easily push across sand, trails or any bumpy roads you meet, and with its full canopy – baby will stay protected the whole time. It now comes in more stylish color combinations, which is a reason in itself to get one for getting back in shape!

By: Jo & Melissa The Baby Gear Gurus www.letsgostrolling.com “Wherever Summer Takes You, Let’s Go Strolling has all the products you need to make your life even better!”

July 14, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Keep Kids Busy When Out to Dinner

Fine family eateries have long known the art of successful family dining is often about letting the kids make art on the table. And, no, not the food variety. Many restaurants offer crayons and write-on menus but you never really know what you are in for when you dine out. Is there anything worse than a lame menu and those waxy crayons that break and don't work? What's up with the places that give you a yellow crayon and a menu photocopied onto green paper to color on. Do they really want to hear that tantrum?

Best to BYO and take matters into your own hands and keep this Doodles at Dinner Pad in the car somewhere. It's a whole stack of tear off placemats that promise to entertain. Not a lame one amongst them. Just be sure to pack some decent crayons to go with (we like this tin of high quality Stockmar crayons) and you may actually get to enjoy your own meal.

June 30, 2008 in Gear Reviews, In Car Entertainment, Luggage & Travel Accessories, Travel Books | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Pimp My Ride: Sony Portable DVD Player

 On our last road trip from Columbia, SC to Cincinnati, OH, we used my husband's laptop computer to play Baby Einstein movies for our son.  Since my SUV does not have factory-installed DVD screens, we jimmy rigged a whole system using an A/C adapter, some rubber bands and wiring running all the way to the trunk, where the largest voltage connectors were located.  It worked, but it wasn't pretty.  So, what's a road tripping family to do?  Go get a Sony DVP-FX820 portable DVD player from Dell, where it is being sold for $169.99 and free shipping!

With it's vibrant 800x480 resolution screen and long battery life (though not quite the 6 hours that Sony claims), this device is sure to keep everyone entertained on the road.  The swivel screen and 2 headphone jacks make back seat sharing a little easier, and there is a car adapter for when the battery begins to run low.

This portable DVD player is sure to make a six hour trip feel shorter for you and your back seat wigglers!

June 30, 2008 in Gear Reviews, In Car Entertainment, Pimp My Ride | by Shani Gilchrist | 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)

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
2. 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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Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth Headset

Honestly, how many things do you tend to do at once while driving your car?  For me, it's often the only time I can make calls, which can get awkward when I'm also messing with the dashboard controls and passing a snack back to my little guy.  I used to have a Bluetooth headset to go with my BlackBerry, but it was uncomfortable and I couldn't always hear clearly, so I gave it the boot.  However, being handsfree is still tops on my list.

This month Aliph came out with a new Jawbone headset which has extremely clear sound and a design that is ultra-cool.  The company has patented a technology called NoiseAssassin(TM), which separates speech from background noise.  This coupled with a Voice Activity Sensor, which is able to detect when a person is talking and separate their voice out, makes for a very clear call.

This version of the AliphJawbone is 50% smaller than it's predecessor, and is designed with a love of aesthetics  in mind.  There are no visible buttons, but rather a touch surface on the shield of the headset, and the buttons can be felt underneath.

The new Jawbone will help you to hear over the din of  your children's chatter and help you to look like the most with-it mom in the carpool line.  It retails for $139.00 at Cell Hut.

June 1, 2008 in Car Accessories, Gear Reviews | by Shani Gilchrist | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Are you Doing Enough to Save your Kids From Skin Cancer?

If you want to make using sunscreen on your kids a good daily habit, you need a lot of it. This giant pump dispenser of sunscreen from Dr. T's Supergoop is the perfect thing to leave out on a bathroom counter, on your boat or poolside. You're less likely to forget with the visual reminder and less likely to run out with the large size. Plus it's really great quality stuff. Read about the formula and how you can protect your kids at the Dr T's Supergoop Site.

May 19, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink |